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  31. <title>When technology can read your brain waves, who owns your thoughts?</title>
  32. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/brain-data-privacy/</link>
  33. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mack DeGeurin]]></dc:creator>
  34. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
  35. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  36. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611495</guid>
  37.  
  38. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  39.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/data-brain.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Researchers have shown its possible to “decode” data from brain scans and translate it into written text. " decoding="async" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Researchers have shown its possible to “decode” data from brain scans and translate it into written text. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/emergence-mind-series-background-human-head-silhouettes-number-grids-subject-448420206.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>New law could limit the ways neurotechnology companies collect and share sensitive brain data.</p>
  40. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/brain-data-privacy/">When technology can read your brain waves, who owns your thoughts?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  41. ]]></description>
  42. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  43.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/data-brain.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Researchers have shown its possible to “decode” data from brain scans and translate it into written text. " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Researchers have shown its possible to “decode” data from brain scans and translate it into written text. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/emergence-mind-series-background-human-head-silhouettes-number-grids-subject-448420206.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  44. <p>Brain Computer Interface (BCI) companies are charging ahead with devices and services attempting to understand and manipulate human neural pathways. Some medical focused neurotechnology companies like Synchron are using surgically implanted devices to send signals to paralyzed patients’ brains in order to help them regain function of limbs. Other consumer focused firms are using <a target="_blank" href="https://symbyxbiome.com/products/symbyx-neuro">chunky helmets</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.neurable.io/">relatively normal looking smart headphones</a> to measure their users’ brain signals.&nbsp;</p>
  45.  
  46.  
  47.  
  48. <p><strong>[ Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/neuralink-first-human-video/"><strong>Neuralink shows first human patient using brain implant to play online chess</strong></a><strong> ]</strong></p>
  49.  
  50.  
  51.  
  52. <p>Though the technology like this is still relatively nascent, neural rights activists and cornered lawmakers want to be ready for when it is more widespread. Critics warn companies may already possess the ability to “decode” consumers’ data presented in brain scans and translate that into written text.&nbsp;</p>
  53.  
  54.  
  55.  
  56. <p>That decoded data can reveal highly sensitive details about an individual’s mental and physical wellness or their cognitive states. Researchers have already shown they can use AI models to read the brain data of patients watching videos and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140717-i-can-read-your-mind">roughly reproduce the scenes those patients saw</a>. This decoding process could become far easier, and more accurate, with the deployment of ever more powerful generative AI models.&nbsp;</p>
  57.  
  58.  
  59.  
  60. <p>There’s also little preventing current neurotechnology companies from misusing or selling that data to the highest bidder. All but one (96%) of the neurotechnology companies analyzed in a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.perseus-strategies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FINAL_Consumer_Neurotechnology_Report_Neurorights_Foundation_April-1.pdf">report </a>by the Neurorights Foundation appear to have had access to consumers’ neural data, which can include signals from an individual’s brain or spine. The Foundation claims those companies provide meaningful limitations to neural data access. More than half (66.7%) of the companies explicitly mention sharing consumer’s data with third parties.&nbsp;</p>
  61.  
  62.  
  63.  
  64. <p>A first-of-its kind US law passed in Colorado this week could shift that dynamic by offering stricter, consumer-focused protections for all neural data sucked up by companies. The law, which gives consumers much greater control over how neurotechnology companies collect and share neural data, could add momentum to other similar bills making their way through state legislatures. Lawmakers, both in the US and abroad, are in the middle of a race to set meaningful standards around neural input data before these technologies enter the mainstream.&nbsp;</p>
  65.  
  66.  
  67.  
  68. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-personal-neural-data-private"><strong>Keeping personal neural data private</strong></h2>
  69.  
  70.  
  71.  
  72. <p>Colorado law, <a target="_blank" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024A/bills/2024a_1058_rer.pdf">officially dubbed HB 24-1058</a> will expand the term “sensitive data” in Colorado&#8217;s Privacy Act to include neural data. Neural data here refers to inputs created by the brain, spine, or highway of nerves flowing through the body. In this context, neurotechnology companies typically access this data through a wearable or implantable device. These can range from relatively <a target="_blank" href="https://hypebeast.com/2023/12/master-and-dynamic-mw75-neuro-headphones#">standard looking headphones</a> to wires jacked directly into a patient’s central nervous system. The expanded definition will apply the same protection to this as is currently afforded to fingerprints, face scans, and other biometrics data. Like with biometric data, businesses will now need to obtain consent before collecting neural data and take steps to limit the amount of unnecessary information they scoop up. </p>
  73.  
  74.  
  75.  
  76. <p>Coloradans, thanks to the law, will have the right to&nbsp; access, correct, or have their neural data. They also opt out of the sale of that data. Those provisions are essential, the bill’s authors write due to large amounts of unintentional or unnecessary neural data likely collected&nbsp; through neurotechnology services. Only 16 of the 30 companies surveyed in the Neurorights Foundation report said consumers can withdraw their consent to data processing under certain conditions.&nbsp;</p>
  77.  
  78.  
  79.  
  80. <p>“The collection of neural data always involves involuntary disclosure of information,” the Colorado bill reads. “Even if individuals consent to the collection&nbsp; and processing of their data for a narrow use, they are unlikely to be fully aware of the content or quantity of information they are sharing.”&nbsp;</p>
  81.  
  82.  
  83.  
  84. <p>Supporters of stricter neural data protections, like Neurorights Foundation Medical Director Sean Pauzauskie praised Colorado&#8217;s action during a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/17/science/colorado-brain-data-privacy.html">interview</a> with <em>The New York Times</em>.&nbsp;</p>
  85.  
  86.  
  87.  
  88. <p>“We’ve never seen anything with this power before—to identify, codify people and bias against people based on their brain waves and other neural information,” Pauzauskie said.&nbsp;</p>
  89.  
  90.  
  91.  
  92. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-else-protects-neural-data"><strong>Who else protects neural data? </strong></h2>
  93.  
  94.  
  95.  
  96. <p>Colorado’s law could set the standard for other states to follow. On the national level the US currently lacks any federal legislation limiting how consumer companies access or use neural data. Outside of the The Centennial State, similar bills are under consideration in <a target="_blank" href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/brain-scanning-technology-spurs-state-moves-on-neural-privacy#">Minnesota</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/brain-scanning-privacy-protections-get-california-consideration">California</a>. The California legislation stands since many of the biggest names exploring brain computer interfaces, like Neuralink and Meta, are headquartered within that jurisdiction. Other countries have stepped ahead of the US on neural data regulation. In 2021, Chile became the first country to include language legally protecting neural rights after it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.latercera.com/que-pasa/noticia/en-historica-votacion-aprueban-proyecto-del-ley-que-regulara-los-neuroderechos-en-chile/4IAQJIVHM5F75GRLAR2GQ27V24/">added them to its national constitution</a>. Since then Brazil, Spain, Mexico and Uruguay, have also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N3AH6D6/">passed their own legislation.</a></p>
  97.  
  98.  
  99.  
  100. <p>All of this simmering regulatory interest may seem unusual for an industry that still appears relatively nascent. BCI users likely won’t be telepathically messaging their thoughts to friends any time soon and medical applications for paralyzed or other injured peoples remain reserved to a select few. But supporters of these relatively early emerging neural regulations hope these preemptive efforts can help set standards and potentially help model the growing neurotechnology industry towards a more privacy-conscious future. And if recent <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/lawsuit-utah-teen-social-media-curfew/">debates over social media regulations</a> are any guide, it’s often easier said than done to try and retroactively apply new regulations to products and services once they’ve already become staples of modern life. When it comes to dystopian tinged mind-reading tech, Pandora’s Box is still mostly closed, but it’s beginning to crack open.</p>
  101. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/brain-data-privacy/">When technology can read your brain waves, who owns your thoughts?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  102. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  103. </item>
  104. <item>
  105. <title>For the first time in one billion years, two lifeforms truly merged into one organism</title>
  106. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/two-lifeforms-merged-into-one/</link>
  107. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  108. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:20:18 +0000</pubDate>
  109. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  110. <category><![CDATA[Evolution]]></category>
  111. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  112. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611486</guid>
  113.  
  114. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  115.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/evo-event.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a cyllinder shaped new organelle called a nitroplast under a microscope" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">A light microscopy image shows the marine algae Braarudosphaera bigelowii, which is a potentially large evolutionary step.  This algae absorbed a bacterium called UCYN-A and formed a new organelle called a nitroplast. The black arrow is pointing to the nitroplast. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Tyler Coale</span></figcaption></figure><p>It is a discovery that’s 'one for the textbooks.'</p>
  116. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/two-lifeforms-merged-into-one/">For the first time in one billion years, two lifeforms truly merged into one organism</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  117. ]]></description>
  118. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  119.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/evo-event.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a cyllinder shaped new organelle called a nitroplast under a microscope" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">A light microscopy image shows the marine algae Braarudosphaera bigelowii, which is a potentially large evolutionary step.  This algae absorbed a bacterium called UCYN-A and formed a new organelle called a nitroplast. The black arrow is pointing to the nitroplast. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Tyler Coale</span></figcaption></figure>
  120. <p>Evolution is quite a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/animal-evolution-photos/">wondrous and lengthy process</a>, with some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/earliest-animal-communities-fossils/">random bursts of activity</a> that are responsible for the diversity of life on our planet today. These can happen on large scales like with the evolution of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/shoulder-evolution-primates/">more efficient limbs</a>. They also occur at <a target="_blank" href="https://newatlas.com/biology/life-merger-evolution-symbiosis-organelle/#:~:text=The%20phenomenon%20is%20called%20primary,it%20like%20an%20internal%20organ">microscopic cellular level</a>, such as when different <a href="https://www.popsci.com/see-inside-cell-in-whole-new-way/">parts of the cell</a> were first formed.&nbsp;</p>
  121.  
  122.  
  123.  
  124. <p>Now, a team of scientists have detected a sign of a major life event that has likely not occurred for at least one billion years. They’ve observed <a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34018613/">primary endosymbiosis</a>–two lifeforms merging into one organism. This incredibly rare event occurred between a type of abundant marine algae and a bacterium was observed in a lab setting. For perspective, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/charles-darwin-garden/">plants</a> first began to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/worlds-oldest-plant-like-fossil/">dot our planet</a> the last time this happened. The results are described in two papers recently published in the journals <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(24)00182-X.pdf"><em>Cell</em></a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk1075"><em>Science</em></a>. </p>
  125.  
  126.  
  127.  
  128. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-powerhouse-of-the-cell-and-chloroplasts-come-from"><strong>Where the ‘powerhouse of the cell’ and chloroplasts</strong> <strong>come from</strong></h2>
  129.  
  130.  
  131.  
  132. <p>Primary endosymbiosis happens when <a target="_blank" href="https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2024/04/17/scientists-discover-first-nitrogen-fixing-organelle/">one microbial organism engulfs another</a>. It then begins to use the swallowed organisms as an internal organ. The host provides the organism–now called an endosymbiont–several benefits including nutrients, energy, and protection. When it can no longer survive on its own, the engulfed endosymbiont becomes an organ for the host called an organelle.</p>
  133.  
  134.  
  135.  
  136. <p>“It’s very rare that organelles arise from these types of things,” Tyler Coale, a co-author of the <em>Cell</em> study and a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Santa Cruz <a target="_blank" href="https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2024/04/17/scientists-discover-first-nitrogen-fixing-organelle/">said in a statement</a>. “The first time we think it happened, it gave rise to all complex life.”</p>
  137.  
  138.  
  139.  
  140. <p>Endosymbiosis where the host life form becomes fundamental to another organism&#8217;s function has only happened three known times. All of these instances were a major breakthroughs for evolution, since merging with their hosts became fundamental for the endosymbionts very existence.  </p>
  141.  
  142.  
  143.  
  144. <p>The first event was roughly 2.2 billion years ago. This is when a single-celled organism called archaea swallowed up a bacterium that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mitochondria">eventually became the mitochondria</a>. This specialized organelle is what <a target="_blank" href="https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/mitochondrial-function-beyond-serving-as-the-powerhouse-of-the-cell/">every biology student learns is the “powerhouse of the cell”</a> and its formation allowed for complex organisms to evolve.&nbsp;</p>
  145.  
  146.  
  147.  
  148. <p>“Everything more complicated than a bacterial cell owes its existence to that event,” said Coale. “A billion years ago or so, it happened again with the chloroplast, and that gave us plants,” Coale said.</p>
  149.  
  150.  
  151.  
  152. <p>This second event occurred when more advanced cells absorbed <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/water-filter-cyanobacteria-3d-print/">cyanobacteria</a>. Cyanobacteria can harvest energy from sunlight and they eventually become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/5623/structure-and-function-of-chloroplasts/magazine">organelles called chloroplasts</a> that can harvest energy from sunlight. The chloroplasts gave us another core principle of&nbsp;biology–<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26819/#:~:text=In%20plants%20and%20algae%2C%20which,to%20produce%20many%20organic%20molecules.">green plants</a> that can <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/ultrafast-spectroscopy-photosynthesis/">make food from the sun</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  153.  
  154.  
  155.  
  156. <p>With this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2426468-a-bacterium-has-evolved-into-a-new-cellular-structure-inside-algae/">latest endosymbiosis event</a>, it&#8217;s possible that the algae is converting nitrogen from the atmosphere into ammonia that it can use for other cellular processes.  However, it needs the help of a bacterium. </p>
  157.  
  158.  
  159.  
  160. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-organelle"><strong>A new organelle?</strong></h2>
  161.  
  162.  
  163.  
  164. <p>In the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(24)00182-X.pdf">paper published in <em>Cell</em></a><em>, </em>a team of scientists show that this process is occurring yet again. They looked at a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&amp;id=235922">species of algae called <em>Braarudosphaera bigelowii</em></a>. The algae engulfed a cyanobacterium gives it a bit of a plant superpower. It can <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nitrogen-fixing-bacteria/">“fix” nitrogen straight from the air and combine it with other elements</a> to form more useful compounds. This is something that plants normally can’t do.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  165.  
  166.  
  167.  
  168. <p>Nitrogen is a <a target="_blank" href="https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/wq259">very important nutrient</a> for life to exist and plants normally get it through mutual relationships with the bacteria that remain separate from the plant or algae. The team first thought that the <em>B. bigelowii</em> algae had this kind of symbiotic relationship with a bacterium called UCYN-A. The relationship had actually gotten much more close and serious.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  169.  
  170.  
  171.  
  172. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nitrogen-fixing-bacteria/"><strong>You have no idea how much you need these bacteria</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  173.  
  174.  
  175.  
  176. <p>They found that the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(24)00182-X.pdf">size ratio between the algae and UCYN-A bacterium</a> remains similar across different species related to the <em>B. bigelowii </em>algae. The growth appears to be controlled by an exchange of key nutrients, linking up their metabolisms. This synchronization of growth rates led the researchers to call UCYN-A organelle-like.</p>
  177.  
  178.  
  179.  
  180. <p>“That’s exactly what happens with organelles,” study co-author and UC Santa Cruz microbial oceanographer Jonathan Zehr <a target="_blank" href="https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2024/04/17/scientists-discover-first-nitrogen-fixing-organelle/">said in a statement</a>. “If you look at the mitochondria and the chloroplast, it’s the same thing: they scale with the cell.”</p>
  181.  
  182.  
  183.  
  184. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-the-nitroplast"><strong>Introducing the nitroplast</strong></h2>
  185.  
  186.  
  187.  
  188. <p>To look for more lines of evidence that this bactrium is an organelle, they needed to take a deeper look inside. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk1075">study published in the journal <em>Science</em></a> used advanced X-ray imaging to get a look at the interior of the living <em>B. bigelowii </em>algae cells. It revealed that the replication and cell division was synchronized between both the host algae and the UCYN-A bacterium. It provided even more evidence of this organism merging process of primary endosymbiosis at work.</p>
  189.  
  190.  
  191.  
  192. <p>“Until this paper, there was still a question of is this still an ‘endosymbiont’, or has it become a true organelle?” Carolyn Larabell, a study co-author and faculty scientist at Berkeley Lab’s Biosciences Area and Director of the National Center for X-Ray Tomography, <a target="_blank" href="https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2024/04/17/scientists-discover-first-nitrogen-fixing-organelle/">said in a statement</a>. “We showed with X-ray imaging that the process of replication and division of the algal host and endosymbiont is synchronized, which provided the first strong evidence.”</p>
  193.  
  194.  
  195.  
  196. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1683" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/organelle-merge.jpg" alt="These images, generated by soft X-ray tomography performed by Berkeley Lab scientists, show the algae at different stages of cell division. UCYN-A, the nitrogen-fixing entity now considered an organelle, is cyan; the algal nucleus is depicted in blue, mitochondria are green, and chloroplasts are lilac." class="wp-image-611487"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>These images, generated by soft X-ray tomography performed by Berkeley Lab scientists, show the algae at different stages of cell division. UCYN-A, the nitrogen-fixing entity now considered an organelle, is cyan; the algal nucleus is depicted in blue, mitochondria are green, and chloroplasts are lilac. CREDIT: Valentina Loconte/Berkeley Lab</em></figcaption></figure>
  197.  
  198.  
  199.  
  200. <p>They also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk1075">compared the proteins of isolated UCYN-A bacteria to the proteins inside of the algae</a>&nbsp; cells. The team found that the isolated bacterium can only make roughly half of the proteins it needs. It needs its algal host to provide it with the rest of the proteins necessary for living.&nbsp;</p>
  201.  
  202.  
  203.  
  204. <p>“That’s one of the hallmarks of something moving from an endosymbiont to an organelle,” said Zehr. “They start throwing away pieces of DNA, and their genomes get smaller and smaller, and they start depending on the mother cell for those gene products–or the protein itself–to be transported into the cell.”</p>
  205.  
  206.  
  207.  
  208. <p>The team believes that this indicates that UCYN-A can be considered a full organelle. They <a target="_blank" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk1075">gave it the name “nitroplast,”</a> and it potentially began to evolve around 100 million years ago. While that sounds long to our human sense of time, it’s a mere millisecond in evolutionary time when compared with mitochondria and chloroplasts.</p>
  209.  
  210.  
  211.  
  212. <p>Plenty of other questions about UCYN-A and its algal host remain unanswered and the team also plans to figure out UCYN-A and the alga operate and study different strains. Further study of nitroplasts could also determine if they are present in other cells and what their benefits may be. For example, it could have <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/wastewater-sustainable-fertilizer/">wide applications in agriculture</a>.</p>
  213.  
  214.  
  215.  
  216. <p>“This system is a new perspective on nitrogen fixation, and it might provide clues into how such an organelle could be engineered into crop plants,” said Coale.</p>
  217.  
  218.  
  219.  
  220. <p>According to Zehr, scientists will likely find other organisms that have similar evolutionary stories as UCYN-A, but this discovery is “one for the textbooks.”</p>
  221. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/two-lifeforms-merged-into-one/">For the first time in one billion years, two lifeforms truly merged into one organism</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  222. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  223. </item>
  224. <item>
  225. <title>Save $100 on the Sony ZV-E10 camera kit (its cheapest price ever) and start your career as an influencer</title>
  226. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/sony-zv-e10-camera-deal-amazon-best-buy/</link>
  227. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stan Horaczek]]></dc:creator>
  228. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:17:13 +0000</pubDate>
  229. <category><![CDATA[Cameras]]></category>
  230. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  231. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  232. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  233. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611485</guid>
  234.  
  235. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  236.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/sony-zv-e10-camera-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Sony ZV-E10- cameras arranged on a plain background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stan Horaczek</span></figcaption></figure><p>Whether you're shooting stills or 4K video, this tiny camera does everything you need for just $699 right now at Best Buy and Amazon.</p>
  237. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/sony-zv-e10-camera-deal-amazon-best-buy/">Save $100 on the Sony ZV-E10 camera kit (its cheapest price ever) and start your career as an influencer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  238. ]]></description>
  239. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  240.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/sony-zv-e10-camera-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Sony ZV-E10- cameras arranged on a plain background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stan Horaczek</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  241. </div>
  242. <p>Smartphone cameras have gotten exceptionally great in recent years, but hardcore content creators still rely on a dedicated camera to crank up their production value. Right now, Amazon and Best Buy have Sony&#8217;s excellent little ZV-E10 mirrorless camera setup for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-ZV-E10-Interchangeable-Mirrorless/dp/B09BBLH4SG/?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611485O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">just $699</a>, which is $100 cheaper than the lowest price I&#8217;ve ever seen on it. If you&#8217;re looking to become a YouTube sensation, this camera is your first step (and also maybe some talent).</p>
  243.  
  244.  
  245.  
  246. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sony-alpha-zv-e10-kit-mirrorless-vlog-camera-with-16-50mm-lens-699-was-799"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-ZV-E10-Interchangeable-Mirrorless/dp/B09BBLH4SG/?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611485O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong>Sony &#8211; Alpha ZV-E10 Kit Mirrorless Vlog Camera with 16-50mm Lens</strong></a> $699 (was $799)</h3>
  247.  
  248.  
  249. <div
  250.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  251.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  252. >
  253.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  254.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-ZV-E10-Interchangeable-Mirrorless/dp/B09BBLH4SG/?tag=ps-deals-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000611485O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611485O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  255.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  256.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/sony-zv-e10-camera-card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/sony-zv-e10-camera-card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Sony ZV-E10 camera with the screen flipped around and a person's picture on the screen">
  257.                      </figure>
  258.                  </a>
  259.            </div>
  260.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  261.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  262.        <p><em>Sony</em></p>
  263.  
  264.      </figcaption>
  265.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  266.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-ZV-E10-Interchangeable-Mirrorless/dp/B09BBLH4SG/?tag=ps-deals-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000611485O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611485O0000000020240418170000"
  267.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  268.      </p>
  269.      </div>
  270. </div>
  271.  
  272.  
  273.  
  274. <p>This is a full-fledged system camera, which means you can detach the included lens and swap it for higher-end glass as you up your influencer game. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor inside that&#8217;s much bigger than the chip you&#8217;ll find in a smartphone. That translates into better low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth-of-field effect in which your subject (probably your face) is sharp and the background is blurry. It captures 4K footage with image stabilization and has a powerful built-in microphone for capturing impressive audio. Plus, the screen flips all the way around so you can see what you&#8217;re shooting as you&#8217;re shooting it. Phones require you to use the lousy front camera if you want that feature. This is a very capable little camera that leaves you room to grow along with your skill and follower count.</p>
  275.  
  276.  
  277.  
  278. <p>It&#8217;s also available for the same price at <a href="https://howl.me/cl4wE2ODnwQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Best Buy</a>.</p>
  279.  
  280.  
  281.  
  282. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-camera-and-creator-deals"><strong>More camera and creator deals:</strong></h3>
  283.  
  284.  
  285.  
  286. <ul>
  287. <li><a href="https://howl.me/cl4wJdEcy7q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fujifilm Instax 12 Mini Camera Pink</a> $69 (was $79)</li>
  288.  
  289.  
  290.  
  291. <li><a href="https://howl.me/cl4wLi0TViQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sunpak &#8211; Premium Series 18 Inch Bi-Color Ring Light Kit with BOYA Wireless Microphone and Bluetooth Remote</a> $94 (was $179)</li>
  292. </ul>
  293. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/sony-zv-e10-camera-deal-amazon-best-buy/">Save $100 on the Sony ZV-E10 camera kit (its cheapest price ever) and start your career as an influencer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  294. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  295. </item>
  296. <item>
  297. <title>Enormous snake in ancient India was longer than a school bus</title>
  298. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-snake-india-fossil/</link>
  299. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lauren Leffer]]></dc:creator>
  300. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  301. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  302. <category><![CDATA[Archaeology]]></category>
  303. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  304. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  305. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611363</guid>
  306.  
  307. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  308.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/giant-snake-2.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Anterior trunk vertebrae of Vasuki indicus." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Anterior trunk vertebrae of Vasuki indicus. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">IITR/VPL/SB</span></figcaption></figure><p>'The past is full of giant snakes.'</p>
  309. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-snake-india-fossil/">Enormous snake in ancient India was longer than a school bus</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  310. ]]></description>
  311. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  312.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/giant-snake-2.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Anterior trunk vertebrae of Vasuki indicus." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Anterior trunk vertebrae of Vasuki indicus. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">IITR/VPL/SB</span></figcaption></figure>
  313. <p>Another day in science, another massive, ancient snake discovery. Paleontologists in India have unearthed fossilized vertebrae from a snake that slithered around the sub-continent about 47 million years ago and may have grown as long as nearly 50 feet. The newly discovered, extinct species is named <em>Vasuki inidicus</em>, after the mythical serpent coiled around the neck of the Hindu god Shiva, and is described for the first time in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58377-0">a study</a> published April 18 in the journal <em>Scientific Reports</em>.&nbsp;</p>
  314.  
  315.  
  316.  
  317. <p>“<em>Vasuki </em>is an important piece of an ancient puzzle. It contributes to our understanding of this extinct group, and also to our understanding of large, apex, top-of-the-foodchain snakes in general,” says <a target="_blank" href="https://thekemplab.com/people/jjjiii">John Jacisin III</a>, a paleontologist at the University of Texas at Austin who researches reptiles but was uninvolved in the new study. Beyond reptiles, the fossil find carries broader clues to India’s climate tens of millions of years ago. “It’s also just a cool snake because it was so big,” he says, comparing its length to longer than that of a yellow school bus. </p>
  318.  
  319.  
  320.  
  321. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://es.iitr.ac.in/~ES/sunilfes">Sunil Bajpai</a>, co-author of the study and a vertebrate paleontologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, first discovered the fossilized snake remains in 2005 at a coal mine in western India. Over the course of a slow and careful excavation, 27 vertebrates–all likely to be from the same individual–were uncovered. By analyzing the size ratios of various parts of the vertebrae and the fossils unique shapes and protrusions, Bajpai and his co-researcher established the remains were that of a new species in the extinct family of Madtsoiidae, which were primitive snakes similar to boas and pythons.&nbsp;</p>
  322.  
  323.  
  324.  
  325. <p>The fist-sized fossils are second only in girth and width to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature07671">those of <em>Tintanoboa</em></a>, another giant snake estimated to have lived about 58 million years ago in what is now present-day Colombia. Based on the age of the rock the newly described vertebrae were found in, the researchers date <em>Vasuki </em>to about 47 million years ago, just a few million years after the Indian tectonic plate began colliding with Eurasia. According to the new study, the timing supports the idea that Madtsoiids originated in India, and later moved to North Africa and southern Eurasia, where other, later fossil specimens have been found.&nbsp;</p>
  326.  
  327.  
  328.  
  329. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="square"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="1200" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/other-snake-smaller-1.jpg" alt="Animals photo" class="wp-image-611420"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Titanoboa snake tail. This predatory carnivorous Titanoboa snake lived during the Paleocene Period of Columbia, South America. <em>Credit: Stocktrek Images/Getty</em></figcaption></figure>
  330.  
  331.  
  332.  
  333. <p>It’s a challenge to accurately deduce total species body size from a single individual’s incomplete skeleton. But using model equations incorporating data on current, living snakes and the known fossil record, Bajpai and his colleague, <a target="_blank" href="https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=pHNcM7wAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">Debajit Datta</a>–another vertebrate paleontologist at the same institution, estimate that <em>V. indicus </em>was somewhere between about 36 and and 49.9 feet (10.9 and 15.2 meters) long. The only known snake of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-02/largest-snake-earth-uncovered/">comparable size was <em>Titanoboa</em></a>, currently the record-holder for the largest snake to have ever lived. <em>Titanoboa</em> clocked in at an estimated 35 to 50 feet long, with the mean estimate around 42 feet in length. The relative vertebrate sizes indicate that <em>Titanoboa</em> was a heavier, thicker-bodied snake than <em>V. indicus, </em>yet it’s impossible to know exactly which snake species would’ve won the measuring contest.&nbsp;</p>
  334.  
  335.  
  336.  
  337. <p>“Based on the data at hand <em>Vasuki </em>was only slightly smaller in length than <em>Titanoboa</em>,” Bajpai and Datta write in a joint email to <em>PopSci</em>. “However, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of <em>Vasuki</em> being slightly larger than <em>Titanoboa</em>, because the fossil vertebrae in our collection may not have come from the largest individual of <em>Vasuki</em>. The same, however, can also be said for <em>Titanoboa</em>. Since neither of these snakes are known from complete skeletons, we cannot say with certainty whether one was longer or wider than the other.”</p>
  338.  
  339.  
  340.  
  341. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p> “It’s a running joke [in paleontology], everyone always finds the biggest thing.”</p></blockquote></figure>
  342.  
  343.  
  344.  
  345. <p>Exact size estimates are liable to change as more fossils are found and more analysis is done. “Everything shrinks when the tape measure comes out,” says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-howard-281088108/">Alexandra Howard</a>, a paleobiologist and herpetologist at Texas A&amp;M University who was not involved in the new research. “It’s a running joke [in paleontology], everyone always finds the biggest thing,” she adds–and with more discovery and scrutiny the biggest size estimates tend to scale down. Nonetheless, Howard says the new discovery includes some very well-preserved fossils and is an interesting addition to our knowledge of ancient reptiles. “The past was full of giant snakes. That’s really cool,” she says.</p>
  346.  
  347.  
  348.  
  349. <p><br>And, either way, second place in size isn’t so bad, especially when you’re separated from your closest competitor by about 10 million years. <em>Vasuki</em> was probably a slow-slithering ambush predator that constricted its prey like a python, according to Bajpai and Datta. Based on morphology and the location it was found in, the researchers believe the monstrous snake was either terrestrial or semi-aquatic–living in marsh or coastal swamp. It was found in rock that also contains fossils of rays, sharks, bony fish, turtles, crocodiles, and primitive whales, Bajpai and Datta note–though what it ate is unclear.&nbsp;</p>
  350.  
  351.  
  352.  
  353. <p>Beyond its massive size, the new paleontological discovery is notable for what it can tell us about our planet 47-50 million years ago. “It’s an important discovery because it shows us another example of extreme gigantism in snakes… and because you can use snakes as a thermometer to reconstruct climates of the past,” says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/directory/dr-jason-head">Jason Head</a>, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Cambridge in England who was one of the primary researchers involved in discovering <em>Titanoboa</em>.&nbsp;</p>
  354.  
  355.  
  356.  
  357. <p>We know from geological and paleontological research that the time period, part of the Eocene Epoch, was warm, but <em>Vasuki</em> offers another data point indicating exactly what the climate may have been like where it was found. Snakes are ectotherms (commonly known as “cold-blooded”), so their body temperature and size is closely linked with the ambient temperature. The larger a snake is, the slower its metabolic rate, and so the warmer the climate must be for it to survive, Head explains. Estimates from modeling equations indicate that <em>Vasuki</em>’s<em> </em>habitat averaged around 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), which is slightly warmer than the average annual temperature in the same region today.&nbsp;</p>
  358.  
  359.  
  360.  
  361. <p>The ancient climate data can aid in understanding the present and where we’re headed under current climate change, says Head. “Those are the hottest latitudes and the hottest intervals, that’s going to tell us a lot about what those places might be like in the future.”</p>
  362.  
  363.  
  364.  
  365. <p>As paleontologists continue to dig into the past, predictions of the future may become clearer. And also, massive, ancient snakes are liable to keep appearing. “We understand so little about the past diversity of life on Earth,” Head notes. “I think there are probably more giant snakes to come.”</p>
  366. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-snake-india-fossil/">Enormous snake in ancient India was longer than a school bus</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  367. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  368. </item>
  369. <item>
  370. <title>Where do all those colors in space telescope images come from?</title>
  371. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/telescope-images/</link>
  372. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Briley Lewis]]></dc:creator>
  373. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:28:10 +0000</pubDate>
  374. <category><![CDATA[Deep Space]]></category>
  375. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  376. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  377. <category><![CDATA[Space Telescope]]></category>
  378. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611438</guid>
  379.  
  380. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  381.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/lead-why-telescope-images-are-those-colors.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a supernova remnant located about 11,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia. It spans approximately 10 light-years. This image uses data from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reveal Cas A in a new light. This image combines various filters with the color red assigned to 25.5 microns (F2550W), orange-red to 21 microns (F2100W), orange to 18 microns (F1800W), yellow to 12.8 microns (F1280W), green to 11.3 microns (F1130W), cyan to 10 microns (F1000W), light blue to 7.7 microns (F770W), and blue to 5.6 microns (F560W). " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a supernova remnant located about 11,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia. It spans approximately 10 light-years. This image uses data from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reveal Cas A in a new light. This image combines various filters with the color red assigned to 25.5 microns (F2550W), orange-red to 21 microns (F2100W), orange to 18 microns (F1800W), yellow to 12.8 microns (F1280W), green to 11.3 microns (F1130W), cyan to 10 microns (F1000W), light blue to 7.7 microns (F770W), and blue to 5.6 microns (F560W). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA, ESA, CSA, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Tea Temim (Princeton University), Ilse De Looze (UGent) / Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)</span></figcaption></figure><p>How scientists make vibrant spectacles out of grayscale blobs.</p>
  382. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/telescope-images/">Where do all those colors in space telescope images come from?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  383. ]]></description>
  384. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  385.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/lead-why-telescope-images-are-those-colors.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a supernova remnant located about 11,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia. It spans approximately 10 light-years. This image uses data from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reveal Cas A in a new light. This image combines various filters with the color red assigned to 25.5 microns (F2550W), orange-red to 21 microns (F2100W), orange to 18 microns (F1800W), yellow to 12.8 microns (F1280W), green to 11.3 microns (F1130W), cyan to 10 microns (F1000W), light blue to 7.7 microns (F770W), and blue to 5.6 microns (F560W). " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is a supernova remnant located about 11,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia. It spans approximately 10 light-years. This image uses data from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reveal Cas A in a new light. This image combines various filters with the color red assigned to 25.5 microns (F2550W), orange-red to 21 microns (F2100W), orange to 18 microns (F1800W), yellow to 12.8 microns (F1280W), green to 11.3 microns (F1130W), cyan to 10 microns (F1000W), light blue to 7.7 microns (F770W), and blue to 5.6 microns (F560W). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA, ESA, CSA, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Tea Temim (Princeton University), Ilse De Looze (UGent) / Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)</span></figcaption></figure>
  386. <p>We’ve all seen beautiful images of outer space, with vivid swirls and bright stars resting on a black abyss. With how quick it is to snap a color photo on an iPhone, you might think that sophisticated space telescopes churn out color photos automatically, too.&nbsp;</p>
  387.  
  388.  
  389.  
  390. <p>However, all digital cameras—from your phone to the James Webb Space Telescope—can’t actually see in color. Digital cameras record images as a bunch of ones and zeros, counting the amount of light hitting their sensors. Each pixel has a colored filter over it (either red, green, or blue), which only allows specific wavelengths of light to go through. The filters are arranged in a specific pattern (typically a four-pixel repeating square known as the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/bayer-pattern">Bayer pattern</a>), which allows the camera&#8217;s computing hardware to combine the captured data into a full-colored image. Some digital cameras spread the colored filters out across three individual sensors, the data from which can similarly combine into a full-color image. Telescope cameras, however, have to take images with one filter at a time, such that they have to be combined by experts later into a composite image.</p>
  391.  
  392.  
  393.  
  394. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Processing scientific data into beautiful color images is actually a full-time job.</p></blockquote></figure>
  395.  
  396.  
  397.  
  398. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="757" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/insert1.jpg" alt="Approximate outlines help to define the features in the Sagittarius C (Sgr C) region. Astronomers are studying data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to understand the relationship between these features, as well as other influences in the chaotic galaxy center. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Samuel Crowe (UVA)" class="wp-image-611445"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Approximate outlines help to define the features in the Sagittarius C (Sgr C) region. Astronomers are studying data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to understand the relationship between these features, as well as other influences in the chaotic galaxy center. <em>Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Samuel Crowe (UVA)</em></figcaption></figure>
  399.  
  400.  
  401.  
  402. <p>In our smartphones, the combination of layers happens incredibly fast—but telescopes are complicated scientific behemoths, and it takes a bit more effort to get the stunning results we know and love. Plus, when we’re looking at the cosmos, astronomers use wavelengths of light that our eyes can’t even see (e.g. infrared and X-rays), so those also need to be represented with colors in the rainbow. There are lots of decisions to be made about how to colorize space images, which begs the question: who is making these images, and how do they make them?</p>
  403.  
  404.  
  405.  
  406. <p>For the spectacular results we’ve been seeing from JWST, processing scientific data into beautiful color images is actually a full-time job. <a target="_blank" href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/articles/how-are-webbs-full-color-images-made">Science visualization specialists at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore</a> stack images together and stitch observations from different instruments on the telescope. They also remove artifacts, or things in the image that aren’t actually real, but instead just results of the telescope equipment and how digital data is processed. These could be streaks from stray cosmic rays, oversaturation of the brightest stars, or noise from the detector itself. </p>
  407.  
  408.  
  409.  
  410. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-and-white-to-color"><strong>Black and white to color</strong></h2>
  411.  
  412.  
  413.  
  414. <p>Before they even think about color, these specialists need to balance out the dark and light values in the image. Scientific cameras are meant to record a wide range of brightnesses beyond what our eyes can pick up on. This means that the raw images from telescopes often look very dark to our eyes, and you have to brighten up the image to see anything.</p>
  415.  
  416.  
  417.  
  418. <p>Once they have black and white images where the details are visible, they start adding color. “Different telescopes have filters that are made to be sensitive to only certain wavelengths of light, and the colorful space images we see are combinations of separate exposures taken in these different filters” similar to the earlier description of a phone camera, explains <a target="_blank" href="https://lsa.umich.edu/astro/people/graduate-students/kgozman.html">Katya Gozman, an astronomer at the University of Michigan</a>. “We can assign each filter to a separate color channel—red, green or blue, the primary colors of visible light. When stacked on top of each other, we get the spectacular textbook color image that we&#8217;re used to seeing in the media,” she adds.</p>
  419.  
  420.  
  421.  
  422. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>This is where it becomes a bit of an art, choosing colors based on not only scientific accuracy, but also what looks best. For JWST and Hubble, the usual routine is to use blue for the shortest wavelengths, green for in between, and red for the longest wavelengths.</p></blockquote></figure>
  423.  
  424.  
  425.  
  426. <p>The end result, of course, also depends on what kind of data the image specialists have to work with in the first place. The team often chooses different colors to highlight the fact that NIRCam and MIRI—two of Webb’s infrared cameras—are looking at different wavelengths (near-infrared and mid-infrared, respectively), and therefore different physical structures. For example, in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant, JWST’s observations revealed a bubble of <em>something</em> emitting a specific wavelength of light, colored as green in the MIRI image and resultantly known as the “Green Monster.” Without this visualization, astronomers may not have noticed such a curious feature that provides insight into how giant stars die—and after some investigation, they figured out <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasa-telescopes-chase-down-green-monster-in-stars-debris/">the Green Monster is a region of debris disturbed by the huge blast from the supernova explosion</a>.</p>
  427.  
  428.  
  429.  
  430. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="673" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/insert2.jpg" alt="This image provides a side-by-side comparison of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A) as captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Ilse De Looze (UGent), Tea Temim (Princeton University)" class="wp-image-611449"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image provides a side-by-side comparison of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A) as captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). <em>Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Ilse De Looze (UGent), Tea Temim (Princeton University)</em></figcaption></figure>
  431.  
  432.  
  433.  
  434. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Invisible to visible</strong></h2>
  435.  
  436.  
  437.  
  438. <p>Generally, image specialists try to keep things as close to reality as possible. For example, if a telescope is observing in visible light, wavelengths can directly map to colors we’re used to seeing. But for those parts of the spectrum invisible to our eyes, they have to make choices about which visible colors to use. This is where it becomes a bit of an art, choosing colors based on not only scientific accuracy, but also what looks best. For JWST and Hubble, the usual <a target="_blank" href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/articles/how-are-webbs-full-color-images-made">routine is to use blue for the shortest wavelengths, green for in between, and red for the longest wavelengths</a>. If there are more than three different filters to choose from (as is often the case with JWST, especially when using more than one of its high tech instruments), sometimes they’ll add in purple, teal, and orange for other wavelengths in between the red, green, and blue.</p>
  439.  
  440.  
  441.  
  442. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="700" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/insert3.jpg" alt="d" class="wp-image-611453"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Webb’s raw telescope images initially appear almost completely black (left). They are initially transformed by image processors into crisp black-and-white images (center) and then full-color composites (right). <em>Credit: <a target="_blank" href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/articles/how-are-webbs-full-color-images-made">JWST</a></em></figcaption></figure>
  443.  
  444.  
  445.  
  446. <p>Color images are far more than a pretty picture, though—they’re actually quite useful for science. The human brain is excellent at picking up patterns in color, such as parsing a map with color-coded subway lines or recognizing that “a red light is stop, green is go,” says <a target="_blank" href="https://markpopinchalk.com/">Mark Popinchalk, an astronomer at the American Museum of Natural History</a>. “These are daily examples where societal information is presented and processed quickly through color. Scientists want to use the same tool,” he adds. “But instead of societal information, it&#8217;s scientific. If X-rays are red, and ultraviolet is blue, we can very quickly interpret energetic light beyond what humans are capable of.” The result is a visual representation of an intense amount of data–much more than can be processed with the naked eye, or in black and white alone.&nbsp;</p>
  447.  
  448.  
  449.  
  450. <p>For example, Gozman describes how images have helped recognize “where different physical processes are happening in an object, such as seeing where star formation is happening in a galaxy or where different elements are located around a nebula.” Color images with light beyond the visible spectrum have even revealed dark matter around galaxies, such as in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2007/07/The_Bullet_Cluster2">bullet cluster</a>.</p>
  451.  
  452.  
  453.  
  454. <p><strong>[ Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/uranus-neptune-really-look-like/"><strong>This is what Uranus and Neptune may really look like</strong></a><strong> ]</strong></p>
  455.  
  456.  
  457.  
  458. <p>Another particularly recent and interesting example of image coloration is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/05/1222906151/dont-look-so-blue-neptune-now-astronomers-know-this-planets-true-color#:~:text=In%201989%2C%20Voyager%202%20became,also%20visited%20by%20Voyager%202.">the case of Neptune</a>. The dark blue photo of the icy world from the Voyager mission doesn’t actually reflect its true color, as if we were looking at it with our own eyes—instead, it’s more similar to the pale face of Uranus. “Back in the 80s, astronomers actually stretched and modified the images of Neptune to bring out more contrast in some of its fainter features, leading it to have that deep blue hue which made it look very different compared to Uranus,” explains Gozman. “Though astronomers were aware of this, the public was not. This is one good example of how reprocessing the same data in different ways can lead to completely different representations.”</p>
  459.  
  460.  
  461.  
  462. <p>Image analysis is, and always has been, a huge part of astronomy, finding ways to see the cosmos beyond the limitations of our very limited human eyes. You can even try your own hand at it—JWST data is available to the public from NASA, and they even run <a target="_blank" href="https://www.universe-of-learning.org/resources/projects/nasas-astrophoto-challenge">an astrophotography challenge open to anyone</a>. Now, when you see a beautiful image of space, perhaps you can think of it as a wonderful melding of science and art.</p>
  463.  
  464.  
  465.  
  466. <p></p>
  467. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/telescope-images/">Where do all those colors in space telescope images come from?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  468. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  469. </item>
  470. <item>
  471. <title>Match the color of any surface to existing paint shades with this $60 gadget</title>
  472. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/nix-mini-color-matching-sensor-sponsored-april-deal/</link>
  473. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  474. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
  475. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  476. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  477. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  478. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  479. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  480. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611432</guid>
  481.  
  482. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  483.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/image.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A person using a color sensor on to find the exact color match of brick." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>This scanner matches images with a deep database of colors to find your perfect match, and it is $60 off for a limited time.</p>
  484. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/nix-mini-color-matching-sensor-sponsored-april-deal/">Match the color of any surface to existing paint shades with this $60 gadget</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  485. ]]></description>
  486. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  487.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/image.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A person using a color sensor on to find the exact color match of brick." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  488. </div>
  489. <p>We all dream of having superpowers, whether it’s being able to fly or having x-ray vision, but what if we told you that modern technology is making those fantasies become a reality?</p>
  490.  
  491.  
  492.  
  493. <p>Meet the Nix Mini 2, a gadget that gives you the power to <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/nix-mini-color-sensor-v2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=nix-mini-color-sensor-v2&amp;utm_term=scsf-594365&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECEIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">scan any color from the real world and turn it into a matching paint shade</a> or digital color code. Normally $99, it’s on sale for $59.97 right now through April 21.</p>
  494.  
  495.  
  496.  
  497. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tiny-gadget-with-super-powerful-capabilities"><strong>A tiny gadget with super-powerful capabilities</strong> </h3>
  498.  
  499.  
  500.  
  501. <p>The Nix Mini 2 uses a highly calibrated LED to evenly illuminate surfaces while blocking out excess light, helping you get precise matches even in direct sunlight or low light conditions.</p>
  502.  
  503.  
  504.  
  505. <p>Rated 4.8/5 stars on average, the Nix Mini 2 <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/nix-mini-color-sensor-v2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=nix-mini-color-sensor-v2&amp;utm_term=scsf-594365&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECEIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">works on surfaces like painted walls, vinyl, leather, plastic, and fabric</a>, but you could experiment with others and discover a whole new world of creativity. That’s the true beauty of this gadget.</p>
  506.  
  507.  
  508.  
  509. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  510. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Nix Mini 2" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5FJlXFuSJkY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  511. </div></figure>
  512.  
  513.  
  514.  
  515. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turn-real-world-colors-into-paint-shades-and-digital-color-codes"><strong>Turn real-world colors into paint shades and digital color codes</strong></h3>
  516.  
  517.  
  518.  
  519. <p>Here’s exactly how you’ll use the Nix Mini 2 for your next paint touch-up or DIY project:</p>
  520.  
  521.  
  522.  
  523. <ol>
  524. <li>Pair the gadget with the Nix Toolkit app on your iPhone or Android.</li>
  525.  
  526.  
  527.  
  528. <li>Scan the real-world surface you want to color-match.</li>
  529.  
  530.  
  531.  
  532. <li>View matching name-brand paint shades on your smartphone and browse sRBG HEX, CMYK, and LAB color codes.</li>
  533. </ol>
  534.  
  535.  
  536.  
  537. <p>The Nix Toolkit app even allows you to save and organize color palettes for future reference. That’s handy if you’re working on a graphic design or home renovation project with this handy color-matching tool in your pocket.</p>
  538.  
  539.  
  540.  
  541. <p>Gain a creative superpower with the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/nix-mini-color-sensor-v2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=nix-mini-color-sensor-v2&amp;utm_term=scsf-594365&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECEIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Nix Mini 2 Color-Matching Sensor on sale for $59.97</a> (reg. $99) through April 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, no coupon is needed.</p>
  542.  
  543.  
  544.  
  545. <p><em><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StackSocial</a> prices subject to change.</em></p>
  546. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/nix-mini-color-matching-sensor-sponsored-april-deal/">Match the color of any surface to existing paint shades with this $60 gadget</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  547. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  548. </item>
  549. <item>
  550. <title>Plunge into an immersive IMAX movie featuring the James Webb Space Telescope</title>
  551. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-imax/</link>
  552. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  553. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:22:11 +0000</pubDate>
  554. <category><![CDATA[Deep Space]]></category>
  555. <category><![CDATA[NASA]]></category>
  556. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  557. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  558. <category><![CDATA[Space Telescope]]></category>
  559. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611355</guid>
  560.  
  561. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  562.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/imax-jwst-hourglass.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a galaxy that looks like an hourglass pinched at the center with a shining protostar" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An image of a protostar within the dark cloud L1527, taken with JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam). It is embedded within a cloud of material feeding its growth. Ejections from the star have cleared out cavities above and below it, whose boundaries glow orange and blue in this infrared view. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA/ESA/CSA</span></figcaption></figure><p>In 'Deep Sky,' JWST comes to the really big screen with an abundance of data and no shortage of tears.</p>
  563. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-imax/">Plunge into an immersive IMAX movie featuring the James Webb Space Telescope</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  564. ]]></description>
  565. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  566.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/imax-jwst-hourglass.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a galaxy that looks like an hourglass pinched at the center with a shining protostar" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An image of a protostar within the dark cloud L1527, taken with JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam). It is embedded within a cloud of material feeding its growth. Ejections from the star have cleared out cavities above and below it, whose boundaries glow orange and blue in this infrared view. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA/ESA/CSA</span></figcaption></figure>
  567. <p>In the new IMAX film <em>Deep Sky,</em> a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jwst-protostar/">protostar shines from the center of a dark cloud</a>, the phantom galaxy swirls, and the dusty space clouds of the Cosmic Cliffs of Carina tower like <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/james-webb-telescope-images/">mountain peaks</a>. Also, scientists cry. The film centers on the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/universe-expansion-jwst-hubble-constant/">James Webb Space Telescope</a>’s visual legacy and the people behind it. At one point, <a target="_blank" href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/meetTheTeam/people/straughn.html">NASA astrophysicist Amber Straughn</a> gets to the heart of why seeing the Cosmic Cliffs of Carina is such an emotional journey.<em> </em>“This has always been there. It’s always been out there, but we’re just now able to see it. We now have this new telescope that’s opened up our eyes to let us see something we haven’t seen before.”</p>
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="416" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/jwst-imax-cosmic-cliffs.jpg" alt="dusty space clouds with shining stars at the clouds peaks " class="wp-image-611356"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Astronomers using JWST combined the capabilities of the telescope’s two cameras to</em><br><em>create a never-before-seen view of a star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. Captured in infrared light by the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), this combined image reveals previously invisible areas of star birth. CREDIT: NASA/ESA/CSA</em><br></figcaption></figure>
  572.  
  573.  
  574.  
  575. <p>While not quite as challenging as building a space telescope, making <em>Deep Sky</em> posed a novel challenge to the filmmakers, Nathaniel Kahn noted: “&#8230;Every time we’d start to get close to finishing, NASA would release a new amazing image, and we’d have to find a way to work that in!” As the film’s writer, director, and producer, Kahn and team were finishing the project in September of 2023, combining digital cinematography by NASA, ESA, and commercial satellite launch company Arianespace with animations and graphics created specifically for IMAX. If you want to see the stereotypes of the stoic scientists challenged and bask in the glory of space, you can catch the IMAX experience starting Friday, April 19.&nbsp;</p>
  576.  
  577.  
  578.  
  579. <p>The drive to uncover the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jwst-star-factory-nebula/">secrets of the cosmos</a> propels this new telling of JWST’s unfolding story. Here’s what it took to get there.</p>
  580.  
  581.  
  582.  
  583. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-was-waving-goodbye"><strong>‘It was waving goodbye’</strong></h2>
  584.  
  585.  
  586.  
  587. <p>In the almost two years since those <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/first-james-webb-space-telescope-images/">first images were beamed back to planet Earth</a>, it’s easy for casual observers to forget how improbable it was. JWST was initially supposed to launch in 2011 and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/12245-james-webb-telescope-cancellation-scientist-reactions.html">congress even tried to cancel it</a> that same year over budget concerns. It ultimately took 10,000 people from 14 countries, $10 billion, and 20 years to complete.</p>
  588.  
  589.  
  590.  
  591. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jwst-new-spiral-galaxies/"><strong>JWST images show off the swirling arms of 19 spiral galaxies</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  592.  
  593.  
  594.  
  595. <p>“I&#8217;ve worked on JWST for 15 years and I&#8217;m sort of one of the younger ones working on this telescope,” Straughn tells <em>PopSci</em>. “We faced a lot of challenges along the way and it was an audacious mission. We had to build this enormous telescope that had to be cold and that had to unfold in space. When you describe it, it sounds impossible.”</p>
  596.  
  597.  
  598.  
  599. <p>Multiple <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/best-of-whats-new-2022/">technologies needed to be invented</a> to get this game-changer off the ground, including a critical <a target="_blank" href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/sunshield.html">sunshield</a>. Since JWST primarily observes infrared light from faint and very far away objects. It must be kept extremely cold, at about -370 degrees Fahrenheit, to detect these faint signals of heat. The team constructed a <a target="_blank" href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/sunshield.html">five-layer sunshield about the size of a tennis court</a> that protects it from other heat sources like the Earth, sun, and various moons. In the documentary, Amy Lo, the Deputy Director for Vehicle Engineering on JWST for Northrop Grumman, described it as being “SPF one million,” in order to keep it so cold and protected. She noted that there was no “second shot of doing this.”</p>
  600.  
  601.  
  602.  
  603. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/jwst-diagram.jpeg" alt="a diagram of JWST's science instruments" class="wp-image-611357"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The JWST has a cool side, which faces away from the sun, and a hot side, which faces the sun. CREDIT: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joyce Kang (STScI).</em></figcaption></figure>
  604.  
  605.  
  606.  
  607. <p>During its <a href="https://www.popsci.com/space/james-webb-space-telescope-launch/">launch on Christmas Day 2021</a>, JWST completed over 40 crucial deployments of its various instruments and overcame <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-deployment-points-of-failure">344 “single point failures.”</a> If any one of those single points had failed, the entire mission would have ended.</p>
  608.  
  609.  
  610.  
  611. <p>The mission overcame all 344 single point failures and even got an added surprise. About 45 seconds into the launch, they caught the telescope&#8217;s power source called the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/nasas-webb-powerhouse-solar-array-reconnects-to-the-telescope/">solar array</a> open up. This proved JWST officially had power and the deployment was not something the team planned to be able to see with their own eyes during the launch. Through tears, NASA JWST Program Scientist Eric Smith said, “It was waving goodbye,” in the documentary.&nbsp;</p>
  612.  
  613.  
  614.  
  615. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Back to the big bang</strong></h2>
  616.  
  617.  
  618.  
  619. <p>By several accounts, JWST is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-status-update-october-2022">performing better than expected</a>. It’s standing up against the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-hit-micrometeoroid/">micrometeoroids</a>–tiny pieces of space dust that can build up on the telescope’s mirrors. The team had a good idea of how frequently the dust would hit the mirrors, but the size of the impacts was more surprising.</p>
  620.  
  621.  
  622.  
  623. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jwst-jupiter-jet-stream/"><strong>Why a 3,000-mile-long jet stream on Jupiter surprised NASA scientists</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  624.  
  625.  
  626.  
  627. <p>“What we&#8217;ve been able to do to help mitigate this is essentially change the way we&#8217;re operating so that as the telescope is facing away from the direction that the micrometeoroids are coming from when we think we could have higher impacts,” Straughn tells <em>PopSci</em>.&nbsp;</p>
  628.  
  629.  
  630.  
  631. <p>It has also proven to be more stable and more efficient overall. According to Straughn, JWST has delivered more data in even less time than the team anticipated, revealing some of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jwst-spots-two-of-the-most-distant-galaxies-astronomers-have-ever-seen/">most distant galaxies</a> in the universe. These are galaxies that were born just after the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/big-bang-galaxy-formation-james-webb-space-telescope/">big bang about 13.8 billion years ago</a>. JWST has revealed that many are brighter, bigger, and more numerous than astrophysicists previously thought and their black holes are also growing incredibly fast.&nbsp;</p>
  632.  
  633.  
  634.  
  635. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="746" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/18/jwst-imax-phantom-galaxy.jpg" alt="a swirling galaxy" class="wp-image-611358"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>M74 shines at its brightest in this combined optical/mid-infrared image, featuring data from both the Hubble Telescope and JWST. CREDIT: NASA/ESA/CSA</em>.</figcaption></figure>
  636.  
  637.  
  638.  
  639. <p>“There&#8217;s an overarching new mystery that&#8217;s arisen of why galaxies are growing so big,” says Straughn. “When we find something that we don&#8217;t expect, that&#8217;s a new problem to solve that will help increase our knowledge about how the universe works.”</p>
  640.  
  641.  
  642.  
  643. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Towards the future</strong></h2>
  644.  
  645.  
  646.  
  647. <p>JWST built on the success of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nasa-hubble-string-of-pearls/">Hubble Space Telescope</a> and other observational projects are on our horizon. Scheduled to launch in 2027, the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/roman-space-telescope-spy-satellite/">Nancy Grace Roman Telescope</a> will explore exoplanets and dark matter. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/habex/">Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx)</a> is also in the early stages of development and will be specifically designed to discover life on other planets.&nbsp;</p>
  648.  
  649.  
  650.  
  651. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/roman-space-telescope-nasa-video-game/"><strong>In NASA’s new video game, you are a telescope hunting for dark matter</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  652.  
  653.  
  654.  
  655. <p>“I think that this telescope launch and these images came along at a perfect time to present a contrast to the bad things that are going on in the world,” says Straughn. “It really is an example of something that&#8217;s good, of what we humans can do when we put our hearts and our minds into something that&#8217;s for a bigger purpose.”</p>
  656.  
  657.  
  658.  
  659. <p><em>Deep Sky</em> releases in IMAX theaters nationwide on Friday, April 19.</p>
  660. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/james-webb-space-telescope-imax/">Plunge into an immersive IMAX movie featuring the James Webb Space Telescope</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  661. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  662. </item>
  663. <item>
  664. <title>Geothermal power heats up</title>
  665. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/geothermal-power-news/</link>
  666. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Katarina Zimmer / Knowable Magazine]]></dc:creator>
  667. <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  668. <category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
  669. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  670. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611251</guid>
  671.  
  672. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  673.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/geothermal-update-500x288-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station. Geothermal power has long been popular in volcanic countries like Iceland, where hot water bubbles from the ground." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station. Geothermal power has long been popular in volcanic countries like Iceland, where hot water bubbles from the ground. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">GRETAR ÍVARSSON / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS</span></figcaption></figure><p>Long confined to regions with volcanic activity, geothermal promises to become a much more versatile energy source thanks to new technologies.</p>
  674. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/geothermal-power-news/">Geothermal power heats up</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  675. ]]></description>
  676. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  677.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/geothermal-update-500x288-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station. Geothermal power has long been popular in volcanic countries like Iceland, where hot water bubbles from the ground." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station. Geothermal power has long been popular in volcanic countries like Iceland, where hot water bubbles from the ground. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">GRETAR ÍVARSSON / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS</span></figcaption></figure>
  678. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/technology/2024/geothermal-power-heats-up-new-technologies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knowable Magazine</a>.</p>
  679.  
  680.  
  681.  
  682. <p class="has-drop-cap">Glistening in the dry expanses of the Nevada desert is an unusual kind of power plant that harnesses energy not from the sun or wind, but from the Earth itself.</p>
  683.  
  684.  
  685.  
  686. <p>Known as Project Red, it pumps water thousands of feet into the ground, down where rocks are hot enough to roast a turkey. Around the clock, the plant sucks the heated water back up to power generators. Since last November, this carbon-free, Earth-borne power has been flowing onto a local grid in Nevada.</p>
  687.  
  688.  
  689.  
  690. <p>Geothermal energy, though it’s continuously radiating from Earth’s super-hot core, has long been a relatively niche source of electricity, largely limited to volcanic regions like Iceland where hot springs bubble from the ground. But geothermal enthusiasts have dreamed of sourcing Earth power in places without such specific geological conditions—like Project Red’s Nevada site, developed by energy startup Fervo Energy.</p>
  691.  
  692.  
  693.  
  694. <p>Such next-generation geothermal systems have been in the works for decades, but they’ve proved expensive and technologically difficult, and have sometimes even triggered earthquakes. Some experts hope that newer efforts like Project Red may now, finally, signal a turning point, by leveraging techniques that were honed in oil and gas extraction to improve reliability and cost-efficiency.</p>
  695.  
  696.  
  697.  
  698. <p>The advances have garnered hopes that with enough time and money, geothermal power—which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.irena.org/Publications/2023/Feb/Global-geothermal-market-and-technology-assessment">currently generates less than 1 percent of the world’s electricity</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&amp;t=3">0.4 percent of electricity in the United States</a>—could become a mainstream energy source. Some posit that geothermal could be a valuable tool in transitioning the energy system off of fossil fuels, because it can provide a continuous backup to intermittent energy sources like <a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/technology/2021/the-dazzling-history-solar-power">solar</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/technology/2023/how-wind-turbines-could-coexist-peacefully-bats-and-birds">wind</a>. “It’s been, to me, the most promising energy source for a long time,” says energy engineer<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/roland-horne"> Roland Horne</a> of Stanford University. “But now that we’re moving towards a carbon-free grid, geothermal is very important.”</p>
  699.  
  700.  
  701.  
  702. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rocky-start"><strong>A rocky start</strong></h2>
  703.  
  704.  
  705.  
  706. <p>Geothermal energy works best with two things: heat, plus rock that is permeable enough to carry water. In places where molten rock sizzles close to the surface, water will seep through porous volcanic rock, warm up and bubble upward as hot water, steam or both.</p>
  707.  
  708.  
  709.  
  710. <p>If the water or steam is hot enough—ideally at least around 300 degrees Fahrenheit—it can be extracted from the ground and used to power generators for electricity. In Kenya, nearly 50 percent of electricity generated comes from geothermal. Iceland gets 25 percent of its electricity from this source, while New Zealand gets about 18 percent and the state of California, 6 percent.</p>
  711.  
  712.  
  713.  
  714. <p>Some natural geothermal resources are still untapped, such as in the western United States, says geologist<a target="_blank" href="https://newenergyevents.com/geolac2021/speakers/ann-robertson-tait/"> Ann Robertson-Tait</a>, president of GeothermEx, a geothermal energy consulting division at the oilfield services company SLB. But by and large, we’re running out of natural, high-quality geothermal resources, pushing experts to consider ways of extracting geothermal energy from areas where the energy is much harder to access. “There’s so much heat in the Earth,” Robertson-Tait says. But, she adds, “much of it is locked inside rock that isn’t permeable.”</p>
  715.  
  716.  
  717.  
  718. <p>Tapping that heat requires deep drilling and creating cracks in these non-volcanic, dense rocks to allow water to flow through them. Since 1970, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0375650515001091">engineers have been developing “enhanced geothermal systems” (EGS)</a> that do just that, applying methods similar to the hydraulic fracturing—or fracking—used to suck oil and gas out of deep rocks. Water is pumped at high pressure into wells, up to several miles deep, to blast cracks into the rocks. The cracked rock and water create an underground radiator where water heats before rising to the surface through a second well. Dozens of such EGS installations have been built in the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan—most of them experimental and government-funded—with mixed success.</p>
  719.  
  720.  
  721.  
  722. <p>Famously, one EGS plant in South Korea was abruptly <a target="_blank" href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/news/lessons-pohang-solving-geothermal-energys-earthquake-problem">shuttered in 2017 after having probably caused a 5.5 magnitude earthquake</a>; fracking of any kind can add pressure to nearby tectonic faults. Other issues were technological—some plants didn’t create enough fractures for good heat exchange, or fractures traveled in the wrong direction and failed to connect the two wells.</p>
  723.  
  724.  
  725.  
  726. <p>Some efforts, however, turned into viable power plants, including several German and French systems built between 1987 and 2012 in the Rhine Valley. There, engineers made use of existing fractures in the rock.</p>
  727.  
  728.  
  729.  
  730. <p>But overall, there just hasn’t been enough interest to develop EGS into a more reliable and lucrative technology, says geophysicist<a target="_blank" href="https://publica.fraunhofer.de/items/3ba56715-c21d-405a-b614-6c64472e9134"> Dimitra Teza</a> of the energy research institute Fraunhofer IEG in Karlsruhe, Germany, who helped develop some of the Rhine Valley EGS systems. “It has been quite tough for the industry.”</p>
  731.  
  732.  
  733.  
  734. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1300" height="2949" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/g-geothermal-energy-types-1.png" alt="Geothermal electricity has long been limited to volcanic regions where underground heat is easily accessible. But new kinds of power plants are making it possible to derive geothermal heat elsewhere in the world. Credit: Knowable Magazine" class="wp-image-611268"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Geothermal electricity has long been limited to volcanic regions where underground heat is easily accessible. But new kinds of power plants are making it possible to derive geothermal heat elsewhere in the world. <em>Credit: Knowable Magazine</em></figcaption></figure>
  735.  
  736.  
  737.  
  738. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New momentum</strong></h2>
  739.  
  740.  
  741.  
  742. <p>Solutions exist for both safety and technological problems. There are, in fact,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/articles/protocol-addressing-induced-seismicity-associated-enhanced-geothermal">robust protocols for avoiding earthquakes</a>, such as by not drilling near active faults. Long-term monitoring of the operating EGS plants in France and Germany has documented only minor tremors, building confidence in the safety of the technology. Importantly, drilling and fracking methodology has improved by leaps and bounds, thanks to the boom in oil and gas extraction from shale rocks that began in the 2010s. “Since then, we’ve seen a renewed interest in EGS as a concept, because the techniques that are central to EGS were perfected and brought down significantly in cost during that time,” says<a target="_blank" href="https://cpree.princeton.edu/people/wilson-ricks">&nbsp;Wilson Ricks</a>, an energy systems researcher at Princeton University.</p>
  743.  
  744.  
  745.  
  746. <p>In 2015, for instance, the US Department of Energy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://utahforge.com/">launched a research site in Utah dedicated to advancing EGS technologies</a>. Several new North American startups, including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/geothermal/this-texas-geothermal-startup-is-storing-energy-in-the-ground">Sage Geosystems</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://e2eenergysolutions.com/projects">E2E Energy Solutions</a>, are developing new EGS systems in Texas and Canada, respectively. The most advanced is Fervo Energy, which has applied several techniques from the shale industry at its Nevada plant, which now supplies a local grid that includes energy-sucking data storage centers owned by Google. (Google partnered with Fervo to develop the plant.)</p>
  747.  
  748.  
  749.  
  750. <p>Engineers drilled almost 8,000 feet downward into the Nevada rock, reaching temperatures of nearly 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and then, at the bottom, drilled another 3,250-foot horizontal well to expand the area of hot rock that the system touches—a technique used in oil and gas extraction in order to maximize yield. The company also fractured the surrounding rock at several sites along the horizontal well to create a more extensive web of cracks for water to trickle through. Technologically speaking, compared to earlier EGS efforts, “they are, in fact, a big step forward,” says Horne, who is on Fervo’s scientific advisory board.</p>
  751.  
  752.  
  753.  
  754. <p>It remains to be seen how these new EGS systems perform in the long term. One advantage of systems like Fervo’s is that they <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-023-01437-y">can be made more profitable by taking advantage of energy price fluctuations</a>, according to recent research by Ricks, a Princeton colleague and several experts at Fervo Energy. Operators could plug the exit wells, causing water to accumulate inside the system, building up pressure and heat. Then the energy could be extracted during times when it is most valuable—such as during cloudy or windless periods when solar or wind aren’t working.</p>
  755.  
  756.  
  757.  
  758. <p>Still, such systems would have to be significantly scaled up to be commercially viable, Ricks says. Although Project Red <a target="_blank" href="https://fervoenergy.com/fervo-energy-announces-technology-breakthrough-in-next-generation-geothermal/">claims a larger capacity than any other EGS plant</a>—3.5 megawatts, enough to power more than 2,500 homes—it’s still relatively small; a nuclear or coal plant can easily have an output of 1,000 megawatts, while large solar or traditional geothermal plants often produce several hundred megawatts.</p>
  759.  
  760.  
  761.  
  762. <p>What the EGS field needs right now, Ricks says, is the funding to build and test more such systems to inspire investor confidence. “This all needs to be very well proven, out to the point where the perceived risk is low,” he says.</p>
  763.  
  764.  
  765.  
  766. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A turning point for geothermal?</strong></h2>
  767.  
  768.  
  769.  
  770. <p>To that end, the US Department of Energy recently<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-invests-60-million-expand-clean-renewable-geothermal-energy"> awarded $60 million in funding</a> to three demonstration projects for EGS and related technologies as part of a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/enhanced-geothermal-shot"> broader initiative to speed up EGS development</a>. One 2019 report from the agency estimated that, with advances in EGS, geothermal power could represent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2019/06/f63/GeoVision-full-report-opt.pdf">around 60 gigawatts (60,000 megawatts) of installed capacity in the United States by 2050</a>, generating 8.5 percent of the country’s electricity—a more-than-20-fold increase from today.</p>
  771.  
  772.  
  773.  
  774. <p>Even an increase of a few percent could aid in a global energy transition that’s aiming to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “If in fifteen, twenty years, EGS is viable, I think it could play a huge part,” says<a target="_blank" href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/nils-angliviel-de-la-beaumelle">&nbsp;Nils Angliviel de La Beaumelle</a>, who recently coauthored an article on the global outlook for renewable energy in the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-environ-112321-091140">&nbsp;<em>Annual Review of Environment and Resources</em></a>.</p>
  775.  
  776.  
  777.  
  778. <p>Other geothermal technologies may also help. Some companies are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.quaise.energy/">exploring the feasibility of “super hot rock” geothermal</a>—essentially, a young, extreme variant of EGS that involves drilling down even deeper into Earth’s crust, to a depth where water reaches a “supercritical” vapor-like state that allows it to carry much more energy than either steam or liquid. In southern Germany, the energy company Eavor is <a target="_blank" href="https://eavor-geretsried.de/en/">building the world’s first “closed-loop” geothermal system</a>: Once pipes funnel water into the deep rock, the system fans out into a network of parallel boreholes, without water ever penetrating the rock. That’s a more predictable—albeit less efficient—way of warming water, as it doesn’t involve uncertainties around fracturing the rock in the right way, Teza says. “I’m really excited to see that there’s investment into these technologies,” she says. “I think it can only help.”</p>
  779.  
  780.  
  781.  
  782. <p>On the whole, it’s an important moment for geothermal energy—and not just for providing carbon-free electricity, Robertson-Tait says. Geothermal brines hauled out of the Earth are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germany-could-use-geothermal-wells-cover-part-lithium-needs-researchers">rich in lithium and other critical minerals</a> that can be used to build green technologies like solar panels and EV batteries. There’s a growing push to use direct geothermal heat to warm buildings, either through <a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/technology/2023/heat-pumps-becoming-technology-future">shallow heat pumps for residential buildings</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germanys-geothermal-sector-struggling-take">larger systems designed for entire districts</a>—like Paris and Munich already have.</p>
  783.  
  784.  
  785.  
  786. <p>Some oil and gas companies, recognizing that a change is coming, are increasingly interested in building geothermal systems of various kinds, says Robertson-Tait. “Our Earth is geothermal,” she says, “and so I think we owe it to ourselves to do everything we can to use it.”</p>
  787.  
  788.  
  789.  
  790. <p><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.knowablemagazine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knowable Magazine</a>, an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Sign up for the <a href="https://www.knowablemagazine.org/page/newsletter-signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newsletter</a>.</em></p>
  791. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/geothermal-power-news/">Geothermal power heats up</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  792. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  793. </item>
  794. <item>
  795. <title>Our favorite cannabis vape and accessory brands are offering 20% off sitewide for 4/20</title>
  796. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/420-exclusive-deals-sales-2024/</link>
  797. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  798. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:13:21 +0000</pubDate>
  799. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  800. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  801. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  802. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611289</guid>
  803.  
  804. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  805.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="959" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/cannabis-accessory-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=959.76" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A PAX vaporizer in a pattern on a plain background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Amanda Reed</span></figcaption></figure><p>Save some green while you smoke your green with help from Pax, Higher Standards, Session Goods, and more.  </p>
  806. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/420-exclusive-deals-sales-2024/">Our favorite cannabis vape and accessory brands are offering 20% off sitewide for 4/20</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  807. ]]></description>
  808. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  809.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="959" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/cannabis-accessory-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=959.76" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A PAX vaporizer in a pattern on a plain background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Amanda Reed</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  810. </div>
  811. <p>4/20 is an unofficial holiday celebrating cannabis. You won&#8217;t find it on a calendar like you would Earth Day or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/underrated-national-parks/">National Park Week</a> (celebrations of a different kind of green that happen around the same time). But you <em>will</em> find people at your local parks sitting in a circle <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3EwCjXgyhHq7oPNQehPefO?si=d35952f58eb54f04" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">playing &#8217;70s hazy rock</a>. Are the sunglasses they&#8217;re wearing shielding their eyes from the sun, or are they meant to hide bloodshot, glassy eyes? We may never know, but also, who cares?!? Whatever helps you commune with nature, responsibly, is your business. And our business is sharing some great news: If you&#8217;re looking for some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/cannabis-accessories-guide/">cannabis accessories</a> to celebrate 4/20, many of our favorite brands are offering 20% off their entire site right now.</p>
  812.  
  813.  
  814.  
  815. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pax-plus-vaporizer-160-was-200"><strong><a href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PAX Plus Vaporizer</a></strong> $160 (Was $200)</h3>
  816.  
  817.  
  818. <div
  819.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  820.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  821. >
  822.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  823.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  824.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  825.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Pax Plus cannabis vaporizer on a rolling tray with some oregano seasoning">
  826.                      </figure>
  827.                  </a>
  828.            </div>
  829.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  830.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  831.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  832.  
  833.      </figcaption>
  834.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  835.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus"
  836.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  837.      </p>
  838.      </div>
  839. </div>
  840.  
  841.  
  842.  
  843. <p>By far, this is our favorite vaporizer on the market and is essential to have in your stoner arsenal. Smoking from a joint, waterpipe, or bowl is not great for your lungs. Vaporizers, however, use the magic of conduction to release the THC in the flower, giving you fast results without hacking up a lung. You can use the Pax Plus with concentrates or flower, and it comes with raised and flat mouthpieces, a maintenance kit, half-pack oven lid, concentrate adaptor, and a multi-tool for packing and removing material. It&#8217;s an investment, but you definitely get your money&#8217;s worth out of it. </p>
  844.  
  845.  
  846.  
  847. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-4-20-cannabis-vape-and-accessory-deals"><strong>More 4/20 cannabis vape and accessory deals:</strong></h3>
  848.  
  849.  
  850.  
  851. <ul>
  852. <li><a href="https://higher-standard.pxf.io/c/2536217/898898/12394?subId1=-&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fhigherstandards.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Higher Standards: 20% off sitewide</a></li>
  853.  
  854.  
  855.  
  856. <li><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=147762&amp;afftrack=PS-DL&amp;urllink=www.omura.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Omura: 20% off sitewide</a></li>
  857.  
  858.  
  859.  
  860. <li><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95333&amp;afftrack=PS-DL&amp;urllink=sessiongoods.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Session Goods: Up to 50% off</a></li>
  861.  
  862.  
  863.  
  864. <li><a href="https://marleynatural.pxf.io/c/2536217/1292017/15828?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marleynaturalshop.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Marley Natural: 20% off sitewide</a></li>
  865.  
  866.  
  867.  
  868. <li><a href="https://www.smokehonest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honest Smokeware: 20% off sitewide</a></li>
  869.  
  870.  
  871.  
  872. <li><a href="https://www.storz-bickel.com/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storz &amp; Bickel: Up to 40% off</a></li>
  873.  
  874.  
  875.  
  876. <li><a href="https://www.snugbox.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snugbox: 25% off every with code 420SALE</a></li>
  877.  
  878.  
  879.  
  880. <li><a href="https://www.vesselbrand.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel: 30% off sitewide</a></li>
  881. </ul>
  882. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/420-exclusive-deals-sales-2024/">Our favorite cannabis vape and accessory brands are offering 20% off sitewide for 4/20</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  883. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  884. </item>
  885. <item>
  886. <title>The best cannabis essentials for 2024, tested and reviewed</title>
  887. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-cannabis-essentials/</link>
  888. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  889. <pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
  890. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  891. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  892. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  893. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  894. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  895. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  896. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  897. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=534082</guid>
  898.  
  899. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  900.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/cannabis-essentials-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A lineup of cannabis essentials on a white background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Amanda Reed</div></figure><p>Ditch your bar cart for a cannabis cabinet—and pack it with these essentials. </p>
  901. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-cannabis-essentials/">The best cannabis essentials for 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  902. ]]></description>
  903. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  904.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/cannabis-essentials-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A lineup of cannabis essentials on a white background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Amanda Reed</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  905. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  906.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  907.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  908.      <tbody>
  909.              <tr
  910.          class="ProductTable-product"
  911.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  912.        >
  913.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  914.            Best grinder
  915.          </td>
  916.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  917.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A Santa Cruz Shredder grinder on a blue and white background" class="wp-image-534085" width="264" height="165">
  918.          </td>
  919.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  920.            Santa Cruz Shredder
  921.          </td>
  922.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  923.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  924.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  925.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
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  927.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  928.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  929.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 93%">
  930.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  931.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  932.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  933.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  934.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  935.                                  </div>
  936.                          </div>
  937.          </td>
  938.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  939.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  940.                <span>
  941.                  SEE IT
  942.                </span>
  943.            </a>
  944.          </td>
  945.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  946.              <p>This aircraft-grade aluminum grinder granulates the stickiest of the icky.</p>
  947.  
  948.            </td>
  949.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  950.        </tr>
  951.              <tr
  952.          class="ProductTable-product"
  953.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  954.        >
  955.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  956.            Best infuser system
  957.          </td>
  958.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  959.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="LEVO C" class="wp-image-534489" width="264" height="165">
  960.          </td>
  961.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  962.            Levo C
  963.          </td>
  964.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  965.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  966.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  967.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  968.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  969.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  970.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  971.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 97%">
  972.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  973.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  974.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  975.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  976.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  977.                                  </div>
  978.                          </div>
  979.          </td>
  980.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  981.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  982.                <span>
  983.                  SEE IT
  984.                </span>
  985.            </a>
  986.          </td>
  987.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  988.              <p>Create cannabis-rich oils for homemade edibles in an easy and low-key process.</p>
  989.  
  990.            </td>
  991.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  992.        </tr>
  993.              <tr
  994.          class="ProductTable-product"
  995.          data-href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus"
  996.        >
  997.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  998.            Best handheld vaporizer
  999.          </td>
  1000.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  1001.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A Pax Plus cannabis vaporizer on a rolling tray with some oregano seasoning" class="wp-image-592593" width="264" height="165">
  1002.          </td>
  1003.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  1004.            Pax Plus
  1005.          </td>
  1006.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  1007.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  1008.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1009.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1010.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1011.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1012.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1013.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 97%">
  1014.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1015.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1016.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1017.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1018.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  1019.                                  </div>
  1020.                          </div>
  1021.          </td>
  1022.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  1023.            <a href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  1024.                <span>
  1025.                  SEE IT
  1026.                </span>
  1027.            </a>
  1028.          </td>
  1029.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  1030.              <p>An intuitive ingestion device that&#8217;s discreet and direct.</p>
  1031.  
  1032.            </td>
  1033.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  1034.        </tr>
  1035.            </tbody>
  1036.    </table>
  1037.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  1038.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  1039.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  1040.    </div>
  1041.  </div>
  1042. </div>
  1043.  
  1044.  
  1045.  
  1046. <p>So you want to smoke weed—either for medicinal or recreational purposes—and you’re looking for a place to start. Sure, you could walk into that headshop down the street, but they most definitely sell counterfeit Puff Bars, and you feel a little claustrophobic surrounded by all that expensive glass. Plus, the college kid behind the counter is a little bit too close in age to your own kid. Thankfully, we at <em>Popular Science</em> share how science shows up in our everyday life, and cannabis and its extracts are <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/health/cbd-effects-pain-anxiety-evidence/">quite scientific</a>. Consider this an essentials list of what you’ll want to keep on hand for your next sesh, or what to buy to get started. Move over bar cart, cannabis cabinet has entered the chat! </p>
  1047.  
  1048.  
  1049.  
  1050. <p>Remember that every state has different laws regarding cannabis use, so <a href="https://disa.com/maps/marijuana-legality-by-state" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">check them out</a>&nbsp;before using. Once you can hit &#8220;Add To Cart&#8221; with confidence, we&#8217;ve cultivated Spotify playlist for both <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3EwCjXgyhHq7oPNQehPefO?si=3c622ab0076b44b9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sativa</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wo6lpIddiInf9tCuj3GIp?si=1eecd7485ae144d3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indica</a> strains to help make sure every hit is a hit. </p>
  1051.  
  1052.  
  1053.  
  1054. <ul>
  1055. <li><strong>Best rolling tray: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Rolling-Filling/dp/B09PSKY8KM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Santa Cruz Shredder Hemp Rolling Tray with Spout</a></li>
  1056.  
  1057.  
  1058.  
  1059. <li><strong>Best rolling papers: </strong><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=116036&amp;afftrack=PS-SN&amp;urllink=blazysusan.com%2Fshop%2Frolling-papers%2Fpink-rolling-papers%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Blazy Susan Rolling Papers</a></li>
  1060.  
  1061.  
  1062.  
  1063. <li><strong>Best cones: </strong><a href="https://edie-parker.com/collections/smoking-accessories-by-edie-parker/products/crush-cones-in-mint-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Edie Parker Crush Cones in Excite Mint</a></li>
  1064.  
  1065.  
  1066.  
  1067. <li><strong>Best handheld vaporizer: </strong><a href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PAX Plus</a></li>
  1068.  
  1069.  
  1070.  
  1071. <li><strong>Best for concentrates: </strong><a href="https://www.puffco.com/products/the-peak-pro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Puffco Peak Pro</a></li>
  1072.  
  1073.  
  1074.  
  1075. <li><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.storz-bickel.com/en-us/catalog/product/view/id/574" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Storz &amp; Bickel Volcano Hybrid</a></li>
  1076.  
  1077.  
  1078.  
  1079. <li><strong>Best waterpipe: </strong><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95333&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=sessiongoods.com%2Fcollections%2Fall%2Fproducts%2Felegant-glass-bong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Session Goods Bong</a></li>
  1080.  
  1081.  
  1082.  
  1083. <li><strong>Best pipe: </strong><a href="https://laundryday.net/collections/all/products/p-007-tanjun-pipe?variant=43342014906600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Laundry Day Tanjun pipe</a></li>
  1084.  
  1085.  
  1086.  
  1087. <li><strong>Best hemp wick: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Bee-Organic-Natural-Standard/dp/B01D9DWYU8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Twisted Bee 100% Organic Hemp Wick</a></li>
  1088.  
  1089.  
  1090.  
  1091. <li><strong>Best lighter: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clipper-Lighter-Lighters-Refillable-Assorted/dp/B0BWL81C7K?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Clipper Lighter</a></li>
  1092.  
  1093.  
  1094.  
  1095. <li><strong>Best joint holder: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joint-Case-Portable-Cigarette-attaches/dp/B08DRCM4LV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Clinger</a></li>
  1096.  
  1097.  
  1098.  
  1099. <li><strong>Best grinder: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Santa Cruz Shredder</a></li>
  1100.  
  1101.  
  1102.  
  1103. <li><strong>Best cleaner: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-MASTER-SMOKE-bundle-Cleaner/dp/B01MF4T0BG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Grand Master Smoke</a></li>
  1104.  
  1105.  
  1106.  
  1107. <li><strong>Best 510 battery: </strong><a href="https://www.oozelife.com/products/ooz-1187-grn-battery-twist-slim-pen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ooze Twist Slim Pen 2.0</a></li>
  1108.  
  1109.  
  1110.  
  1111. <li><strong><strong>Best infuser system:</strong> </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Levo C</a></li>
  1112. </ul>
  1113.  
  1114.  
  1115.  
  1116. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-rolling-tray-santa-cruz-shredder-hemp-rolling-tray-with-spout"><strong>Best rolling tray: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Rolling-Filling/dp/B09PSKY8KM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Santa Cruz Shredder Hemp Rolling Tray with Spout</a></h3>
  1117.  
  1118.  
  1119. <div
  1120.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1121.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1122. >
  1123.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1124.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Rolling-Filling/dp/B09PSKY8KM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1125.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1126.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-rolling-tray-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-rolling-tray-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A blue Santa Cruz Shredder Rolling Tray on a blue and white background">
  1127.                      </figure>
  1128.                  </a>
  1129.            </div>
  1130.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1131.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1132.        <p><em>Santa Cruz Shredder</em></p>
  1133.  
  1134.      </figcaption>
  1135.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1136.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Rolling-Filling/dp/B09PSKY8KM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1137.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1138.      </p>
  1139.      </div>
  1140. </div>
  1141.  
  1142.  
  1143.  
  1144. <p><a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-roll-a-joint/">Learning how to roll a joint</a> is a journey all its own, but procuring a solid rolling tray is an essential first step. You can use it as a surface to stuff your cones and pack handheld vaporizers or bowls without getting cannabis everywhere, thanks to high curved edges that prevent mess. A spout makes it easy to put any leftover ground cannabis back into your grinder or storage container. We like this one from Santa Cruz Shredder that has both, and is made of biodegradable hemp. If you’re looking for rolling tray that doubles as decor, we love this glass <a href="https://higherstandards.com/collections/k-haring-glass-collection/products/k-haring-tray?variant=31513135317050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Keith Haring rolling tray from Higher Standards</a> that could pass as a catch-all plate in your foyer.&nbsp;</p>
  1145.  
  1146.  
  1147.  
  1148. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best rolling papers: </strong><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=116036&amp;afftrack=PS-SN&amp;urllink=blazysusan.com%2Fshop%2Frolling-papers%2Fpink-rolling-papers%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Blazy Susan Rolling Papers</a></h3>
  1149.  
  1150.  
  1151. <div
  1152.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1153.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1154. >
  1155.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1156.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=116036&#038;afftrack=PS-SN&#038;urllink=blazysusan.com%2Fshop%2Frolling-papers%2Fpink-rolling-papers%2F" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1157.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1158.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-rolling-papers-blazy-susan.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-rolling-papers-blazy-susan.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A booklet of pink Blazy Susan rolling papers on a blue and white background">
  1159.                      </figure>
  1160.                  </a>
  1161.            </div>
  1162.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1163.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1164.        <p><em>Blazy Susan</em></p>
  1165.  
  1166.      </figcaption>
  1167.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1168.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=116036&#038;afftrack=PS-SN&#038;urllink=blazysusan.com%2Fshop%2Frolling-papers%2Fpink-rolling-papers%2F"
  1169.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1170.      </p>
  1171.      </div>
  1172. </div>
  1173.  
  1174.  
  1175.  
  1176. <p>The Blazy Susan rolling papers are fun to look at, thanks to their bright pink hue, but they’re also some of the best rolling papers on the market. They’re vegan, non-GMO, and made from high-quality wood pulp. They also burn slowly and evenly, which prevents canoeing. We recommend starting with 1 ¼-inch papers if you’re new to rolling (and we won&#8217;t judge you if you <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=116036&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=blazysusan.com%2Fproduct-category%2Fpre-rolled-cones%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">pick up some pre-rolled cones</a>, in case of difficulties or time constraints). And if you are inviting like-minded friends over for a social smoke, grab one of <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=116036&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=blazysusan.com%2Fproduct-category%2Fblazy-susans%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the company&#8217;s namesake spinning rolling trays</a> (available in colorful plastic and limited edition woods), with its specialized inserts and cuts for every manner of supplies, accessories, and end products.</p>
  1177.  
  1178.  
  1179.  
  1180. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best cones: </strong><a href="https://edie-parker.com/collections/smoking-accessories-by-edie-parker/products/crush-cones-in-mint-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Edie Parker Crush Cones in Excite Mint</a></h3>
  1181.  
  1182.  
  1183. <div
  1184.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1185.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1186. >
  1187.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1188.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://edie-parker.com/collections/smoking-accessories-by-edie-parker/products/crush-cones-in-mint-1" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1189.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1190.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/edie-parker-flower-cones.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/edie-parker-flower-cones.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Edie Parker Flower cones on a book.">
  1191.                      </figure>
  1192.                  </a>
  1193.            </div>
  1194.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1195.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1196.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1197.  
  1198.      </figcaption>
  1199.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1200.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://edie-parker.com/collections/smoking-accessories-by-edie-parker/products/crush-cones-in-mint-1"
  1201.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1202.      </p>
  1203.      </div>
  1204. </div>
  1205.  
  1206.  
  1207.  
  1208. <p>These aren’t your average cones. These cones from Edie Parker come in a variety of flavors, including peach, grape, strawberry, and banana. We’re personally huge fans of the mint flavor for a cool fresh taste while taking a hit. Simply pack your ground cannabis into the cone, ignite, find the flavor pearl in the filter tip, crush, and inhale. They also are great to pull out and pass around at a party.<strong> </strong>Of course, if you don’t need a fun flavor with your joint, we love Blazy Susan’s cones. We’re fans of the <a href="https://blazysusan.com/shop/pre-rolled-cones/shorty-pink-pre-rolled-cones-50-count/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Shorty</a> size, which makes for a perfect joint for yourself when you’re seshing alone.&nbsp;</p>
  1209.  
  1210.  
  1211.  
  1212. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best handheld vaporizer: </strong><a href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PAX Plus</a></h3>
  1213.  
  1214.  
  1215. <div
  1216.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1217.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1218. >
  1219.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1220.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1221.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1222.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/27/pax-plus-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Pax Plus cannabis vaporizer on a rolling tray with some oregano seasoning">
  1223.                      </figure>
  1224.                  </a>
  1225.            </div>
  1226.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1227.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1228.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1229.  
  1230.      </figcaption>
  1231.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1232.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-DL&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fvapes%2Fpax-plus"
  1233.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1234.      </p>
  1235.      </div>
  1236. </div>
  1237.  
  1238.  
  1239.  
  1240. <p>There are many benefits to vaporizing cannabis compared to igniting it. Vaporizers use convection, conduction, and sometimes even both to heat your weed to release those sweet terpenes and cannabinoids. The result is better for your lungs and provides a more consistent flavor and aroma. It’s also less stinky than other means of ingestion. You can use the already vaped bud (ABV) in edibles since the vaporizing process decarboxylates, or decarbs, the cannabis. The PAX Mini is our favorite handheld vaporizer and one of the easiest to use (and it&#8217;s often <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/420-exclusive-deals-sales-2024/">on sale around a certain time in April</a>). Simply click the top once, wait until the purple light turns green, and inhale. You won’t have to worry about temperature either—the PAX Mini will cool down when not in use and heat up when it’s picked back up. Concentrates might not be your jam (yet!), but the <a href="https://paxvapor.jfki2j.net/c/2536217/408831/7371?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pax.com%2Fproducts%2Fpax-plus%3Fvariant%3D41004164120687" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PAX Plus</a> comes with a concentrate chamber to enjoy the wax, shatter, or budder of your choice. Speaking of …</p>
  1241.  
  1242.  
  1243.  
  1244. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for concentrates: </strong><a href="https://www.puffco.com/products/the-peak-pro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Puffco Peak Pro</a></h3>
  1245.  
  1246.  
  1247. <div
  1248.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1249.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1250. >
  1251.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1252.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.puffco.com/products/the-peak-pro" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1253.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1254.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/puffco-peak-pro.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/puffco-peak-pro.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Puffco Peak Pro sitting on a pile of books.">
  1255.                      </figure>
  1256.                  </a>
  1257.            </div>
  1258.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1259.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1260.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1261.  
  1262.      </figcaption>
  1263.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1264.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.puffco.com/products/the-peak-pro"
  1265.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1266.      </p>
  1267.      </div>
  1268. </div>
  1269.  
  1270.  
  1271.  
  1272. <p>Dabbing is cool because it involves torches and fire, but it’s also dangerous for just that reason. The Puffco Peak Pro solves that by ditching the fire, making for a more approachable and beginner-friendly device. The <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0319/5549/files/Peak_Pro_Instruction_Manual_ForWeb.pdf?v=1603907326" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">instruction manual</a> is easy to read and follow—you don’t have to be a dabbing expert to use the Peak Pro. It’s also Bluetooth-app enabled for customized temperature and color settings. If you’re looking for something more handheld that’s less expensive, the company’s <a href="https://www.puffco.com/products/proxy-travel-pipe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proxy Travel Pipe</a> is for you. Its silicone body is shatterproof and comes with a pocket for tools, like a loading tool or a cotton swab for cleaning.&nbsp;</p>
  1273.  
  1274.  
  1275.  
  1276. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.storz-bickel.com/en-us/catalog/product/view/id/574" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Storz &amp; Bickel Volcano Hybrid</a></h3>
  1277.  
  1278.  
  1279. <div
  1280.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1281.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1282. >
  1283.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1284.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.storz-bickel.com/en-us/catalog/product/view/id/574" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1285.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1286.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/volcano-hybrid.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/volcano-hybrid.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Volcano hybrid sitting on a pile of books">
  1287.                      </figure>
  1288.                  </a>
  1289.            </div>
  1290.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1291.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1292.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1293.  
  1294.      </figcaption>
  1295.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1296.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.storz-bickel.com/en-us/catalog/product/view/id/574"
  1297.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1298.      </p>
  1299.      </div>
  1300. </div>
  1301.  
  1302.  
  1303.  
  1304. <p>The Rolls Royce of tabletop vaporizers, the Storz &amp; Bickel Volcano Hybrid is absolutely worth its almost $700 price tag, thanks to its high-quality materials and workmanship that gives you a long service life. The <a href="https://www.storz-bickel.com/en-us/volcanoclassic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Volcano Classic</a> is cheaper (and just as good), but the temperature dial doesn’t list the actual temperature. The Hybrid changes that, letting you know exactly when it’s warm enough for use. You can choose to ingest via the included Tube Kit (which is a hookah-type hose) or the classic Valve Balloon. If you have an Android phone, you can control the Volcano Hybrid with your phone using the S&amp;B app. We personally only bring out the Volcano Hybrid on special occasions, and it definitely makes for a conversation starter among stoners.&nbsp;</p>
  1305.  
  1306.  
  1307.  
  1308. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best waterpipe: </strong><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95333&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=sessiongoods.com%2Fcollections%2Fall%2Fproducts%2Felegant-glass-bong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Session Goods Bong</a></h3>
  1309.  
  1310.  
  1311. <div
  1312.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1313.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1314. >
  1315.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1316.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=95333&#038;afftrack=PS-RU&#038;urllink=sessiongoods.com%2Fcollections%2Fall%2Fproducts%2Felegant-glass-bong" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1317.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1318.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-waterpipe-session-goods.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-waterpipe-session-goods.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Session Goods waterpipe on a blue and white background">
  1319.                      </figure>
  1320.                  </a>
  1321.            </div>
  1322.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1323.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1324.        <p><em>Session Goods</em></p>
  1325.  
  1326.      </figcaption>
  1327.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1328.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=95333&#038;afftrack=PS-RU&#038;urllink=sessiongoods.com%2Fcollections%2Fall%2Fproducts%2Felegant-glass-bong"
  1329.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1330.      </p>
  1331.      </div>
  1332. </div>
  1333.  
  1334.  
  1335.  
  1336. <p>Waterpipes are usually … kind of ugly. Not the Session Goods Bong, which is modern, durable, and easy to clean. The included cleaning caps and mouth cover prevent spills when you’re cleaning—just fill it with some isopropyl alcohol and a little salt, shake, and you’re all good. The bong itself is made of sturdy borosilicate glass, and a silicon foot cover hides your nasty bong water, acts as a water line, and protects your piece. Two included bowls—small and large—let you choose how much you want to consume. Plus, nine colors will help you coordinate your bong with your living room color story. And who doesn’t love color coordination?</p>
  1337.  
  1338.  
  1339.  
  1340. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best pipe: </strong><a href="https://laundryday.net/collections/all/products/p-007-tanjun-pipe?variant=43342014906600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Laundry Day Tanjun pipe</a></h3>
  1341.  
  1342.  
  1343. <div
  1344.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1345.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1346. >
  1347.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1348.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://laundryday.net/collections/all/products/p-007-tanjun-pipe?variant=43342014906600" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1349.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1350.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/laundry-day-tanjun-pipe.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/laundry-day-tanjun-pipe.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pink Laundry Day Tanjun pipe on a pile of books.">
  1351.                      </figure>
  1352.                  </a>
  1353.            </div>
  1354.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1355.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1356.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1357.  
  1358.      </figcaption>
  1359.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1360.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://laundryday.net/collections/all/products/p-007-tanjun-pipe?variant=43342014906600"
  1361.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1362.      </p>
  1363.      </div>
  1364. </div>
  1365.  
  1366.  
  1367.  
  1368. <p>Pipes are a great introductory tool for beginners but aren’t always the prettiest. Laundry Day’s Tanjun—and the company&#8217;s other collection of smokeware—is meant to be displayed on your coffee table and ogled when passed among friends. It has all the pipe basics—bowl, carb, mouthpiece—and is made of borosilicate glass for toughness. Use the pipe as an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Folkulture-Incense-Sticks-Insenses-Positive/dp/B09ZF16Z9T?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">incense holder</a> when it’s not in use. </p>
  1369.  
  1370.  
  1371.  
  1372. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best hemp wick: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Bee-Organic-Natural-Standard/dp/B01D9DWYU8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Twisted Bee 100% Organic Hemp Wick</a></h3>
  1373.  
  1374.  
  1375. <div
  1376.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1377.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1378. >
  1379.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1380.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Bee-Organic-Natural-Standard/dp/B01D9DWYU8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1381.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1382.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-hemp-wick-twisted-bee.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-hemp-wick-twisted-bee.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Twisted Bee hemp wick on a blue and white background">
  1383.                      </figure>
  1384.                  </a>
  1385.            </div>
  1386.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1387.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1388.        <p><em>Twisted Bee</em></p>
  1389.  
  1390.      </figcaption>
  1391.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1392.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Bee-Organic-Natural-Standard/dp/B01D9DWYU8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1393.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1394.      </p>
  1395.      </div>
  1396. </div>
  1397.  
  1398.  
  1399.  
  1400. <p>It’s fine to light a bowl with a lighter, but sometimes you don’t want to breathe in the butane it emits. The smoke is much hotter when using a lighter and burns off more cannabinoids and terpenes. Hemp wicks solve this problem by being a flame conduit, which creates a cleaner flavor and a more flavorful hit. This one from Twisted Bee uses organic hemp with a natural beeswax coating that doesn’t interfere with your flower’s flavor. You can even use it for crafting. Since you get 200 feet of it, you won’t have to worry about running out. </p>
  1401.  
  1402.  
  1403.  
  1404. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best lighter: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Clipper-Lighter-Lighters-Refillable-Assorted/dp/B0BWL81C7K?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Clipper Lighter</a></h3>
  1405.  
  1406.  
  1407. <div
  1408.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1409.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1410. >
  1411.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1412.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Clipper-Lighter-Lighters-Refillable-Assorted/dp/B0BWL81C7K?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1413.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1414.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/clipper-lighter.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/clipper-lighter.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pink and white Clipper lighter sitting in a dish on top of a pile of books.">
  1415.                      </figure>
  1416.                  </a>
  1417.            </div>
  1418.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1419.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1420.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1421.  
  1422.      </figcaption>
  1423.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1424.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Clipper-Lighter-Lighters-Refillable-Assorted/dp/B0BWL81C7K?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1425.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1426.      </p>
  1427.      </div>
  1428. </div>
  1429.  
  1430.  
  1431.  
  1432. <p>Sure, everyone is familiar with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BIC-Classic-Lighter-Fashion-Assorted/dp/B086R3LFBW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">BIC lighter</a> for ignition needs. Step up to a Clipper, which is windproof, water-resistant, and refillable, making it more friendly to the Earth compared to its lighter brethren. You can also replace the flint, and there’s a poking tool for packing down hand-rolled cigarettes. Plus, the Clipper wheel is easier to strike compared to BIC lighters.  </p>
  1433.  
  1434.  
  1435.  
  1436. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best joint holder: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joint-Case-Portable-Cigarette-attaches/dp/B08DRCM4LV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The Clinger</a></h3>
  1437.  
  1438.  
  1439. <div
  1440.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1441.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1442. >
  1443.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1444.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Joint-Case-Portable-Cigarette-attaches/dp/B08DRCM4LV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1445.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1446.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/the-clipper-best-joint-holder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/the-clipper-best-joint-holder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Clinger joint holder on a blue and white background">
  1447.                      </figure>
  1448.                  </a>
  1449.            </div>
  1450.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1451.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1452.        <p><em>The Clinger</em></p>
  1453.  
  1454.      </figcaption>
  1455.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1456.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Joint-Case-Portable-Cigarette-attaches/dp/B08DRCM4LV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1457.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1458.      </p>
  1459.      </div>
  1460. </div>
  1461.  
  1462.  
  1463.  
  1464. <p>I personally have dug into my ludicrously capacious bag, the eyes of the group on me, searching for a lighter that is evading my clutches. It’s a humbling experience—one that you don’t have to go through with The Clinger, which is smell-proof, crush-proof, holds a king-sized joint, and hugs your lighter like it’s their friend. It can hold a BIC or a Clipper lighter and fits easily in your pocket. You won’t have to worry about digging for a lighter or accidentally smashing a joint ever again.</p>
  1465.  
  1466.  
  1467.  
  1468. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best grinder: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Santa Cruz Shredder</a></h3>
  1469.  
  1470.  
  1471. <div
  1472.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1473.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1474. >
  1475.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1476.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1477.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1478.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-grinder-santa-cruz-shredder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Santa Cruz Shredder grinder on a blue and white background">
  1479.                      </figure>
  1480.                  </a>
  1481.            </div>
  1482.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1483.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1484.        <p><em>Santa Cruz Shredder</em></p>
  1485.  
  1486.      </figcaption>
  1487.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1488.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Cruz-Shredder-Grinder-Crusher/dp/B00VQJ5XE2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1489.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1490.      </p>
  1491.      </div>
  1492. </div>
  1493.  
  1494.  
  1495.  
  1496. <p>This grinder is made of solid aircraft-grade aluminum and has a scratch-free finish for long-lasting use. Thirty-two diamond-shaped sharp teeth pulverize even the stickiest cannabis to make a fluffy and even grind. We recommend a three-piece grinder that separates the flower from the kief, the potent trichomes that have broken away and separated from the flower. You can use those the add a little zhuzh to your joints and bowls. A magnetic lock system protects your cannabis from moisture and spillage, meaning you can take it to and fro without any worries. It’s a pricey grinder, but it’s absolutely worth it.</p>
  1497.  
  1498.  
  1499.  
  1500. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best cleaner: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-MASTER-SMOKE-bundle-Cleaner/dp/B01MF4T0BG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Grand Master Smoke</a></h3>
  1501.  
  1502.  
  1503. <div
  1504.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1505.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1506. >
  1507.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1508.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-MASTER-SMOKE-bundle-Cleaner/dp/B01MF4T0BG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1509.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1510.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/grandmaster-smoke-cleaner.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/grandmaster-smoke-cleaner.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A bottle of Grandmaster Smoke sitting on a pile of books.">
  1511.                      </figure>
  1512.                  </a>
  1513.            </div>
  1514.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1515.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1516.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  1517.  
  1518.      </figcaption>
  1519.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1520.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/GRAND-MASTER-SMOKE-bundle-Cleaner/dp/B01MF4T0BG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1521.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1522.      </p>
  1523.      </div>
  1524. </div>
  1525.  
  1526.  
  1527.  
  1528. <p>You can use isopropyl alcohol and a little salt to clean your pieces. However, we’re also fond of Grand Master Smoke. This cleaner has taken the crustiest bongs and turned them as good as new. Simply pour the liquid into a large container or leakproof bag, add your piece, wait 1-3 hours (try soaking overnight for heavily used pieces), drain out the excess liquid from the piece, rinse with warm water, and you’re done! It also helps deodorize your pieces so they aren’t so stinky. And no one wants to hit from a stinky bong!</p>
  1529.  
  1530.  
  1531.  
  1532. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best 510 battery: </strong><a href="https://www.oozelife.com/products/ooz-1187-grn-battery-twist-slim-pen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ooze Twist Slim Pen 2.0</a></h3>
  1533.  
  1534.  
  1535. <div
  1536.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1537.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1538. >
  1539.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1540.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oozelife.com/products/ooz-1187-grn-battery-twist-slim-pen" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1541.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1542.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-510-battery-ooze.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/13/best-510-battery-ooze.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A blue Ooze 510 battery on a blue and white background">
  1543.                      </figure>
  1544.                  </a>
  1545.            </div>
  1546.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1547.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1548.        <p><em>Ooze</em></p>
  1549.  
  1550.      </figcaption>
  1551.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1552.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.oozelife.com/products/ooz-1187-grn-battery-twist-slim-pen"
  1553.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1554.      </p>
  1555.      </div>
  1556. </div>
  1557.  
  1558.  
  1559.  
  1560. <p>I’ve certainly used 510 batteries that work but aren’t made of quality materials. And who keeps track of that proprietary charger that they all come with? The Ooze Slim Pen can be charged using this proprietary charger, but you can also use a micro USB cable. (Which you probably have a million of around your house.) You can draw the pen in two ways: by pressing the button down and inhaling, or just by inhaling, thanks to auto draw. It shuts off after 12 minutes of inactivity, saving you battery in the long run. And you can adjust the voltage for a customized experience</p>
  1561.  
  1562.  
  1563.  
  1564. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best infuser system:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Levo C</a></h3>
  1565.  
  1566.  
  1567. <div
  1568.    id="levo-c"
  1569.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  1570.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  1571. >
  1572.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  1573.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  1574.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  1575.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/17/LEVO-C.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="LEVO C">
  1576.                      </figure>
  1577.                  </a>
  1578.            </div>
  1579.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  1580.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  1581.        <p><em>Brandt Ranj / Popular Science</em></p>
  1582.  
  1583.      </figcaption>
  1584.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  1585.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEVO-Botanical-Extractor-Decarboxylator-Tinctures/dp/B0B3Y6V6CL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000534082O0000000020240418170000"
  1586.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  1587.      </p>
  1588.      </div>
  1589. </div>
  1590.  
  1591.  
  1592.  
  1593. <p>One of the knocks against making homemade edibles—beyond the ever-growing number of high-quality premade options—is infusing oil or butter with your flower, which can be a smelly operation. Levo&#8217;s C is a countertop appliance that makes the process easy. All you need to do is fill its herb pod with bud (up to one ounce) and the glass basin with oil or butter (up to one liter). Once your ingredients are set, you place the glass basin onto the Levo C&#8217;s heating pad, select a time and temperature, and wait for the infusion to complete. Making infused oil or butter using this method won&#8217;t be quicker than a traditional method, but the results will be more consistent since the temperature will be regulated. Additionally, you won&#8217;t have to worry about standing around and stirring the flower constantly to ensure a proper result.</p>
  1594.  
  1595.  
  1596.  
  1597. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  1598.  
  1599.  
  1600.  
  1601. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  1602.  
  1603.  
  1604.  
  1605. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  1606. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-cannabis-essentials/">The best cannabis essentials for 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1607. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  1608. </item>
  1609. <item>
  1610. <title>New species of extinct marine reptile found with help from 11-year-old child</title>
  1611. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-fossil-giant-marine-reptile/</link>
  1612. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  1613. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1614. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  1615. <category><![CDATA[Dinosaurs]]></category>
  1616. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  1617. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  1618. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  1619. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611291</guid>
  1620.  
  1621. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1622.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/beached-ichthyosaur-illustration.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an illustration of a large marine reptile beached on the sand, surrounded by two two-legged dinosaurs and several flying dinosaurs" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An illustration of a washed-up Ichthyotitan severnensis carcass on the beach. The fossilized remains of this newly named ichthyosaur species was uncovered on a beach in England. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Sergey Krasovskiy</span></figcaption></figure><p>This 82-feet-long titan swam while dinosaurs walked.</p>
  1623. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-fossil-giant-marine-reptile/">New species of extinct marine reptile found with help from 11-year-old child</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1624. ]]></description>
  1625. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1626.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/beached-ichthyosaur-illustration.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an illustration of a large marine reptile beached on the sand, surrounded by two two-legged dinosaurs and several flying dinosaurs" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An illustration of a washed-up Ichthyotitan severnensis carcass on the beach. The fossilized remains of this newly named ichthyosaur species was uncovered on a beach in England. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Sergey Krasovskiy</span></figcaption></figure>
  1627. <p>Paleontologists already know that the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/giant-ichthyosaur-evolution/">extinct marine reptile ichthyosaurs </a>were enormous. Some newly described jawbone fossils uncovered in England represent a new ichthyosaur species. The bones indicate that the ocean titan may have been over 82 feet long, and even pushed the possible limits of vertebrate size. The new find is detailed in a <a target="_blank" href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300289">study published April 17 in the open-access journal <em>PLOS ONE</em></a>.</p>
  1628.  
  1629.  
  1630.  
  1631. <p>“This research has been ongoing for almost eight years. It is quite remarkable to think that gigantic, blue whale-sized ichthyosaurs were swimming in the oceans around what was the UK during the Triassic Period,” study co-author and University of Manchester paleontologist Dean Lomax <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040925">said in a statement</a>. “These jawbones provide tantalizing evidence that perhaps one day a complete skull or skeleton of one of these giants might be found. You never know.”</p>
  1632.  
  1633.  
  1634.  
  1635. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-ichthyosaurs"><strong>Meet the ichthyosaurs</strong></h2>
  1636.  
  1637.  
  1638.  
  1639. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/ichthyosaur">Ichthyosaurs</a> are an extinct group of reptiles that are distant relatives of today’s lizards and snakes. They had long fins and were potentially ambush predators like today’s <a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/great-white-shark-attack-reason/">great white sharks</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/animals/how-wolves-hunt/">wolves</a>, feeding on fish and other marine dwellers. Ichthyosaurs also may have followed migration patterns that are similar to today’s whales.&nbsp;</p>
  1640.  
  1641.  
  1642.  
  1643. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/giant-ichthyosaur-fossil/"><strong>These ancient, swimming reptiles may have been the biggest animals of all time</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  1644.  
  1645.  
  1646.  
  1647. <p>They lived 228 to 112 million years ago and they were most abundant during the Triassic and Jurassic eras. There are over 100 known ichthyosaur species. Their remains have been found in parts of Asia, North America, and Europe. A fossil deposit in present day Nevada may have even been an <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/ichthyosaurs-whale-birthing-ground/">ichthyosaur birthing ground.</a>&nbsp;</p>
  1648.  
  1649.  
  1650.  
  1651. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-a-prehistoric-jigsaw-puzzle"><strong>Solving a prehistoric jigsaw puzzle </strong></h2>
  1652.  
  1653.  
  1654.  
  1655. <p>Over several years, a team from The University of Manchester has discovered and pieced together<a href="https://www.popsci.com/giant-ichthyosaur-fossil/"> individual fragments of an ichthyosaur jawbone</a>. A jawbone uncovered in 2016 at the Westbury Mudstone Formation in Somerset was similar to one collected from the same rock formation just a few miles away. The team believe that both of these jawbones belong to a previously undescribed species of ichthyosaur.</p>
  1656.  
  1657.  
  1658.  
  1659. <p>In 2020, a father and daughter from Devon named Justin and Ruby Reynolds found the first pieces of the second jawbone to be found in May 2020. Ruby was 11 years-old at the time and found the first chunk of giant bone before searching for more pieces. The family contacted Lomax and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/giant-ichthyosaur-fossil/">fossil collector and study co-author Paul de la Salle, who found the first jawbone in 2016</a>. </p>
  1660.  
  1661.  
  1662.  
  1663. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="1558" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/jaw-bone-fossil.jpg" alt="The nearly complete giant jawbone, along with a comparison with the 2018 bone (middle and bottom) found by Paul de la Salle. " class="wp-image-611292"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The nearly complete giant jawbone, along with a comparison with the 2018 bone (middle and bottom) found by Paul de la Salle. CREDIT: Dean Lomax</em></figcaption></figure>
  1664.  
  1665.  
  1666.  
  1667. <p>“I was amazed by the find. In 2018, my team studied and described Paul’s giant jawbone and we had hoped that one day another would come to light,” said Lomax. “This new specimen is more complete, better preserved, and shows that we now have two of these giant bones–called a surangular–that have a unique shape and structure. I became very excited, to say the least.”</p>
  1668.  
  1669.  
  1670.  
  1671. <p>Over time, several members of the Reynolds family, Paul, and Lomax’s research team visited the site to hunt for more pieces of this rare discovery. They found more pieces of the same jaw which happened to fit together perfectly.</p>
  1672.  
  1673.  
  1674.  
  1675. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/why-kids-make-the-best-amateur-fossil-hunters/"><strong>Why kids make the best amateur fossil hunters</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  1676.  
  1677.  
  1678.  
  1679. <p>“It was so cool to discover part of this gigantic ichthyosaur. I am very proud to have played a part in a scientific discovery like this,” Ruby Reynolds said in a statement. Ruby and her father are both listed as co-authors of the <a target="_blank" href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300289">new study</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  1680.  
  1681.  
  1682.  
  1683. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A new ichthyosaur species</strong></h2>
  1684.  
  1685.  
  1686.  
  1687. <p>The final piece of bone was recovered in October 2022. The research team found that the jaw bones belong to a <a target="_blank" href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300289">new species of giant ichthyosaur they named <em>Ichthyotitan severnensis</em></a>, or “giant fish lizard of the Severn.” It was likely the size of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/blue-whales-upwelling-food-sounds/">blue whale</a>–today’s largest living organism. Comparing the two examples of the same bone with the same unique features from the same geologic time zone helps support the idea that it is a new species. </p>
  1688.  
  1689.  
  1690.  
  1691. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/swimming-ichthyosaur.jpg" alt="an illustration two reptiles called ichthyosaur swimming with mountains in the distance" class="wp-image-611294"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An illustration showing a pair of swimming </em>Ichthyotitan severnensis’<em>. CREDIT: Gabriel Ugueto/</em> <i>Gabriel Ugueto</i></figcaption></figure>
  1692.  
  1693.  
  1694.  
  1695. <p>The bones are about 202 million years old and date back to the end of the Triassic Period called the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/rhaetian">Rhaetian</a>. During the Rhaetian, gigantic ichthyosaurs swam while dinosaurs walked on land. However, this was when ichthyosaurs’ time on Earth came to a close. They went extinct during the Late Triassic <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/mass-extinction-uv-radiation/">global mass extinction</a> event some 200 million years ago and these bones represent the very last of their kind. Dinosaurs would not go on to live another 134 million years.&nbsp;</p>
  1696.  
  1697.  
  1698.  
  1699. <p>While this new discovery is not the first giant ichthyosaur, these findings are unique among those known to science. These two bones appear about 13 million years after their <a target="_blank" href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300289">latest geologic relatives</a>. These include <em>Shonisaurus sikanniensis</em> from British Columbia, Canada, and <em>Himalayasaurus tibetensis</em> from Tibet, China. A closer examination of the bones’ internal structures also confirmed that the animal was likely still growing at its time of death.</p>
  1700.  
  1701.  
  1702.  
  1703. <p>“The anomalous periosteal growth of these bones hints at yet to be understood bone developmental strategies, now lost in the deep time, that likely allowed late Triassic ichthyosaurs to reach the known biological limits of vertebrates in terms of size,” Marcello Perillo, a study co-author and a paleobiology master’s student at the University of Bonn in Germany, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040925">said in a statement</a>. “So much about these giants is still shrouded by mystery, but one fossil at a time we will be able to unravel their secret.”</p>
  1704.  
  1705.  
  1706.  
  1707. <p>The ichthyosaur bones will soon be on display at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.</p>
  1708. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-fossil-giant-marine-reptile/">New species of extinct marine reptile found with help from 11-year-old child</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1709. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  1710. </item>
  1711. <item>
  1712. <title>Daddy long-legs-inspired robot could one day squirm through Martian caves</title>
  1713. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/spider-robot/</link>
  1714. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mack DeGeurin]]></dc:creator>
  1715. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1716. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  1717. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  1718. <category><![CDATA[Mars]]></category>
  1719. <category><![CDATA[Moons]]></category>
  1720. <category><![CDATA[Robots]]></category>
  1721. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  1722. <category><![CDATA[Solar System]]></category>
  1723. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  1724. <category><![CDATA[Spiders]]></category>
  1725. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  1726. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  1727. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611312</guid>
  1728.  
  1729. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1730.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/spider-robot.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Close-up photos of ReachBot." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Close-up photos of ReachBot. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">BDML Stanford University</span></figcaption></figure><p>The spiderbot's extendable legs can grasp onto uneven rock surfaces and propel it forward.</p>
  1731. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/spider-robot/">Daddy long-legs-inspired robot could one day squirm through Martian caves</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1732. ]]></description>
  1733. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1734.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/spider-robot.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Close-up photos of ReachBot." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Close-up photos of ReachBot. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">BDML Stanford University</span></figcaption></figure>
  1735. <p>Robotic engineers are no stranger to turning to nature for inspiration. In recent years, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/winged-bird-robot-perch-landing/">birds</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/parkour-robot/">dogs</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/category/robots/page/2/">extinct sea creatures</a>, and even humans themselves have all served as jumping off point for new mechanical designs. Now, researchers from Stanford are citing the Harvestman spider, better known as a daddy long-legs as inspiration for a new robot design they believe could be better equipped at navigating uneven rocky caverns and lava tubes. One day, they hope this spider-like design could even help robots navigate the icy caverns of the moon and Mars. </p>
  1736.  
  1737.  
  1738.  
  1739. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-the-spider-robot-work"><strong>How does the spider robot work?</strong></h2>
  1740.  
  1741.  
  1742.  
  1743. <p>The researchers introduced their new machine called the “ReachBot” in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adi9762?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D79531610571844886470779923236426942892%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1713373705">a paper published today in the journal <em>Science Robotics</em></a>. ReachBot features multiple extendable boom limbs which it can use to reach out for rocks and propel itself forward. Each limb comes attached with a three finger gripper that grabs onto the rocks and uses them as anchor points. The long-legged design means the robot&#8217;s limbs can potentially access the floor, ceiling, and walls of a lava tube or cave, which in turn provide increased leverage. This unique positioning, the researchers write, lets the ReachBot “assume a wide variety of possible configurations, bracing stances, and force application options.”</p>
  1744.  
  1745.  
  1746.  
  1747. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1300" height="866" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/daddy-long-legs.jpg" alt='Harvestman spider, better known as a “daddy long-legs."' class="wp-image-611325"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Harvestman spider, better known as a daddy long-legs. <i><a target="_blank" href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/harvestman-5443713.html">DepositPhotos</a></i></figcaption></figure>
  1748.  
  1749.  
  1750.  
  1751. <p>ReachBot attempts to fill in a form-factor gap among existing exploration robots. Small robots, the researchers argue, are useful for navigating through tight corridors but typically have limited reach. Larger robots, by contrast, might be able to reach more area but can get bogged down by their heft mass and mechanical complexity. ReachBot offers a compromise by relying on a small main body with limbs that can expand and reach out if necessary.&nbsp;</p>
  1752.  
  1753.  
  1754.  
  1755. <p>The robot utilizes a set of onboard sensors to scale the area ahead of it and look for concave rocks or other signs suggestive of a graspable area. Like a physical spider. ReachBot doesn&#8217;t immediately assume rock surfaces are flat, but instead seeks “rounded features that the gripper can partially enclose.” Researchers say they tested the robot in simulation to help it improve its ability to correctly identify grippable surface areas and aid in footstep planning. Following the simulation, ReachBot was tested in the real-world in an unmanned lava tube near Pisgah crater in Mojave Desert.&nbsp;</p>
  1756.  
  1757.  
  1758.  
  1759. <p>“Results from the field test confirm the predictions of maximum grasp forces and underscore the importance of identifying and steering toward convex rock features that provide a strong grip,” the researchers write. “They also highlight a characteristic of grasp planning with ReachBot, which is that identifying, aiming for, and extending booms involves a higher level of commitment than grasping objects in manufacturing scenarios.”</p>
  1760.  
  1761.  
  1762.  
  1763. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reachbot-could-help-researchers-explore-deep-caves-and-caverns-on-other-planets"><strong>ReachBot could help researchers explore deep caves and caverns on other planets</strong></h2>
  1764.  
  1765.  
  1766.  
  1767. <p>Researchers believe ReachBot’s arachnid design could have extraterrestrial applications. Lava tubes like in the Mojave Desert where the robot was tested removes some of the area on the surface of the moon and Mars. In the latter example, researchers say ancient subsurface environments on the Red Planet remain relatively unchanged the time when some believe the planet may have been habitable. These sheltered cavern areas, they write, “could provide sites for future human habitation.”&nbsp;</p>
  1768.  
  1769.  
  1770.  
  1771. <p>In theory, future exploratory space robots could use a design like ReachBot’s to explore deeper into areas contemporary robots could find inaccessible. Elsewhere, researchers are <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/spacehopper-zero-gravity/">exploring how three-legged jumping machines</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/parkour-robot/">four-legged, dog inspired robots</a> could similarly help scientists learn more about undiscovered areas of our solar system neighbors.&nbsp;</p>
  1772. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/spider-robot/">Daddy long-legs-inspired robot could one day squirm through Martian caves</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1773. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  1774. </item>
  1775. <item>
  1776. <title>RIP Atlas, the world’s beefiest humanoid robot</title>
  1777. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/rip-atlas-robot/</link>
  1778. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mack DeGeurin]]></dc:creator>
  1779. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:07:22 +0000</pubDate>
  1780. <category><![CDATA[Robots]]></category>
  1781. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  1782. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611248</guid>
  1783.  
  1784. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1785.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/beefy-robot.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="atlas robot goodbye" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The Atlas humanoid robot previously showed off its ability to perform impressive acrobatics and choreographed dance routines. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9EM5_VFlt8">YouTube/Boston Dynamics</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>After 11 years, Boston Dynamics is retiring its iconic 330-pound bipedal robot and replacing it with a lighter, all electric little sibling.</p>
  1786. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/rip-atlas-robot/">RIP Atlas, the world’s beefiest humanoid robot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1787. ]]></description>
  1788. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1789.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/beefy-robot.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="atlas robot goodbye" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The Atlas humanoid robot previously showed off its ability to perform impressive acrobatics and choreographed dance routines. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9EM5_VFlt8">YouTube/Boston Dynamics</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  1790. <p>Atlas, the hulking 330-pound acrobatic Boston Dynamics robot (that filled us with equal parts awe and horror) is officially going into retirement. The 11-year-old iconic bi-pedal giant will be replaced by a much lighter, all electric successor. The transition marks an end of an era for Boston Dynamics as consumer and investor interest turns increasingly toward <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/openai-wants-to-make-a-walking-talking-humanoid-robot-smarter/">smaller, scalable humanoid robots</a> capable of performing manufacturing tasks.</p>
  1791.  
  1792.  
  1793.  
  1794. <p>Boston Dynamics commemorated the original “hydraulic Atlas,” with a <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/-9EM5_VFlt8?si=og7OLCVpJlC04C7x">farwell video</a> this week. The video shows Atlas sprinting through an obstacle course before clumsily crashing to the ground. What follows is a collection of some of Atlas’ greatest hits over its 11-year-lifespan. Video clips show the robot evolving over the years from a rigid, slow hunk of metal to a powerful robotic athlete capable of performing backflips and hurling large objects with seemingly superhuman strengths. Of course, the video also shows Boston Dynamics engineers mercilessly showing, attacking, and tripping Atlas throughout the years to test its capabilities.&nbsp;</p>
  1795.  
  1796.  
  1797. <div><lite-youtube videoid="-9EM5_VFlt8" style="background-image: none;">
  1798.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-9EM5_VFlt8/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Robots photo">
  1799.            </lite-youtube>
  1800.            
  1801.            <noscript>
  1802. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  1803. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Farewell to HD Atlas" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-9EM5_VFlt8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  1804. </div></figure>
  1805. </noscript></div>
  1806.  
  1807.  
  1808. <p>Atlas was originally <a target="_blank" href="https://www.darpa.mil/about-us/timeline/debut-atlas-robot">produced in&nbsp; 2013</a> for the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Agency. At the time, DARPA hearladed Atlas as “one of the most advanced humanoid robots ever built.” The impressive and often imposing machine went viral on the internet with a collection of eye-grabbing videos showing it engaging in everything from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a37338791/boston-dynamics-atlas-parkour-robot-video/">wild acrobatics</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/fn3KWM1kuAw?si=eFADhyEpuU89aVmb">synchronized dance routines</a> to <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/-e1_QhJ1EhQ?si=7fgnjot-splwhIDd">over-the-top construction site work</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  1809.  
  1810.  
  1811. <div><lite-youtube videoid="fn3KWM1kuAw" style="background-image: none;">
  1812.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fn3KWM1kuAw/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Robots photo">
  1813.            </lite-youtube>
  1814.            
  1815.            <noscript>
  1816. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  1817. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Do You Love Me?" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fn3KWM1kuAw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  1818. </div></figure>
  1819. </noscript></div>
  1820.  
  1821. <div><lite-youtube videoid="tF4DML7FIWk" style="background-image: none;">
  1822.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tF4DML7FIWk/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Robots photo">
  1823.            </lite-youtube>
  1824.            
  1825.            <noscript>
  1826. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  1827. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Atlas | Partners in Parkour" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tF4DML7FIWk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  1828. </div></figure>
  1829. </noscript></div>
  1830.  
  1831.  
  1832. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boston-dynamics-pivots-to-lighter-more-commercial-humanoid-robots"><strong>Boston Dynamics pivots to lighter, more commercial humanoid robots&nbsp;</strong></h2>
  1833.  
  1834.  
  1835.  
  1836. <p>In a surprise announcement Wednesday, Boston Dynamics revealed Atlas’ name will actually live on, though in a much different form factor. The company <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/29ECwExc-_M?si=yr2jumXuYoIpAPVQ">released a brief video</a> showing off what looks like a match for a smaller, bipedal robot with a circular head lying on a test room floor.</p>
  1837.  
  1838.  
  1839. <div><lite-youtube videoid="29ECwExc-_M" style="background-image: none;">
  1840.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/29ECwExc-_M/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Robots photo">
  1841.            </lite-youtube>
  1842.            
  1843.            <noscript>
  1844. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  1845. <iframe loading="lazy" title="All New Atlas | Boston Dynamics" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/29ECwExc-_M?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  1846. </div></figure>
  1847. </noscript></div>
  1848.  
  1849.  
  1850. <p>In a <a target="_blank" href="https://bostondynamics.com/blog/electric-new-era-for-atlas/">blog post</a>, the company described this new successor as a “fully electric Atlas robot designed for real-world applications.” The company says the new Atlas will have a broader range of motion than its predecessor. Hyundai, which <a target="_blank" href="https://bostondynamics.com/news/hyundai-motor-group-completes-acquisition-of-boston-dynamics-from-softbank/">acquired Boston Dynamics in 2021</a>, will begin testing the new Atlas in its factories in the coming months, according to the blog post.&nbsp;</p>
  1851.  
  1852.  
  1853.  
  1854. <p>Long-term commercialization and scalability appear to have been primary factors driving the old Atlas’ into retirement. Since the Hyundai question, Boston Dynamics has pushed to widely sell other, more affordable products like its “Spot” quadruped and its “Stretch” warehouse robot. The old Atlas, by contrast, was never sold commercially and may have simply cost too much for any manufacturer to justify buying it. Boston Dynamics hinted towards its commercial plans for the new Atlas in its most recent press release.</p>
  1855.  
  1856.  
  1857.  
  1858. <p>“Given our track record of successful commercialization, we are confident in our plan to not just create an impressive R&amp;D project, but to deliver a valuable solution,” the company said.&nbsp;</p>
  1859.  
  1860.  
  1861.  
  1862. <p>Despite being primarily an R&amp;D tool, the original Atlas still played an important symbolic role, acting as a technical ceiling for what other bipedal robots could achieve. Its prominence helped usher in a new wave of human-like robots from startups like Figure and Agility Robotics, which are looking to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/openai-wants-to-make-a-walking-talking-humanoid-robot-smarter/">combine robotics with large language models</a> to make them more useful at completing tasks in the real world. Ironically, it’s looking like the new Atlas will now compete against the upstarts its predecessor inspired.&nbsp;</p>
  1863.  
  1864.  
  1865.  
  1866. <p><strong>[ Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/openai-wants-to-make-a-walking-talking-humanoid-robot-smarter/"><strong>OpenAI wants to make a walking, talking humanoid robot smarter</strong></a><strong> ]</strong></p>
  1867. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/rip-atlas-robot/">RIP Atlas, the world’s beefiest humanoid robot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1868. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  1869. </item>
  1870. <item>
  1871. <title>This butterfly hybrid thrived against evolutionary odds</title>
  1872. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/butterfly-hybrid-evolution/</link>
  1873. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  1874. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1875. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  1876. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  1877. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  1878. <category><![CDATA[Evolution]]></category>
  1879. <category><![CDATA[Insects]]></category>
  1880. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  1881. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  1882. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611231</guid>
  1883.  
  1884. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1885.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/butterfly-heliconius-pardalinus.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an orange and black butterfly lands on a green leaf with purple flowers" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">A parent butterfly species called Heliconius pardalinus. These insects are found throughout Central and South America and are known for the variety of wing patterns within the genus. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Andrew Neild</span></figcaption></figure><p>It throws a wrench into old ideas about what it means to be a species.</p>
  1886. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/butterfly-hybrid-evolution/">This butterfly hybrid thrived against evolutionary odds</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1887. ]]></description>
  1888. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  1889.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/butterfly-heliconius-pardalinus.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an orange and black butterfly lands on a green leaf with purple flowers" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">A parent butterfly species called Heliconius pardalinus. These insects are found throughout Central and South America and are known for the variety of wing patterns within the genus. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Andrew Neild</span></figcaption></figure>
  1890. <p>Life may <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jurassic-park-dino-discoveries/">“find a way,”</a> but how <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/why-we-dont-have-tails/">living things evolve</a> is not a neat and orderly process. Instead of a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/crocodile-family-tree/">tidy family tree</a> with straight lines added for each new generation, the birth of a new species is much more tangled in reality. New research into one butterfly genus found in the Amazon shows just how entangled those evolutionary lines may be. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/hummingbird-feather-genetics/">Hybrids</a> between some species can produce new butterfly species that are genetically distinct from both parent species and their earlier ancestors. The findings are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07263-w">study published April 17 in the journal <em>Nature</em></a>. </p>
  1891.  
  1892.  
  1893.  
  1894. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-third-hybrid"><strong>A third hybrid</strong></h2>
  1895.  
  1896.  
  1897.  
  1898. <p>In the study, the team focused on the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/heliconius-butterfly-spatial-learning/">brightly colored <em>Heliconius</em> genus of butterflies</a> found in Central and South America. They are a common model for studying how butterfly wing patterns evolved due to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/100-years/object/heliconius-butterflies/">wide variety of wings within the group</a>. In an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/henry-walter-bates-amazon-butterflies.html">1861 letter to Charles Darwin</a>, naturalist Henry Walter Bates referred to the <em>Heliconius </em>butterflies found in the Amazon as “a glimpse into the laboratory where Nature manufactures her new species.”</p>
  1899.  
  1900.  
  1901.  
  1902. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/hybrid-speciation-diagram.jpg" alt="a speciation tree diagram that shows how three butterfly species emerged" class="wp-image-611232" width="924" height="585"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A family tree of the parent butterfly species, showing the main hybridization events. CREDIT: Neil Rosser</em></figcaption></figure>
  1903.  
  1904.  
  1905.  
  1906. <p>For a deeper look into <em>Heliconius’ </em>evolution, the team on this new <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07263-w">study harnessed</a> the power of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/pulsenet/pathogens/wgs.html#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20the%20sequence,an%20organism%20in%20one%20process.">whole-genome sequencing</a>. All living organisms have DNA that is made of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/content/the-four-bases-atcg-6491969/#:~:text=Adenine%2C%20thymine%2C%20cytosine%20and%20guanine,four%20nucleotides%20found%20in%20DNA.">four nucleotide bases</a>–adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. If you know the sequence of bases, you can identify the organism&#8217;s unique DNA fingerprint called a pattern. Sequencing determines these patterns and whole genome sequencing in a lab can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/pulsenet/pathogens/wgs.html#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20the%20sequence,an%20organism%20in%20one%20process.">determine the orders of these bases in one process</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  1907.  
  1908.  
  1909.  
  1910. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/sea-lampreys-humans/"><strong>You might have more in common with the sea lamprey than you realize</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  1911.  
  1912.  
  1913.  
  1914. <p>The whole-genome sequencing indicated that a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/hybridization-and-gene-flow-34546/">hybridization event</a> occurred about 180,000 years ago between <em>Heliconius melpomen</em>e and the ancestor of today’s <em>Heliconius pardalinus</em> butterflies. This event produced a third hybrid species called <em>Heliconius elevatus</em>. While it is descended from hybrids, <em>H. elevatus</em> is also a <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07263-w">distinct butterfly species and has its own individual traits</a>. These include color pattern, wing shape, flight characteristics, how they choose mates, and more. All three of these distinct species now fly together across a wide area of Amazon and indicate more evidence that hybrids are not always sterile as sometimes previously thought.&nbsp;</p>
  1915.  
  1916.  
  1917.  
  1918. <p>“Historically, hybridization was thought of as a bad thing that was not particularly important when it came to evolution,” study co-author and Harvard University biologist Neil Rosser <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040990?">said in a statement</a>. “But what genomic data have shown is that, actually, hybridization among species is widespread. Over the last 10 or 15 years, there&#8217;s been a paradigm shift in terms of the importance of hybridization and evolution.”</p>
  1919.  
  1920.  
  1921.  
  1922. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>An evolutionary surprise</strong></h2>
  1923.  
  1924.  
  1925.  
  1926. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040990?">According to the team</a>, this may alter how we view species and speciation. Scientists had generally believed that hybridization inhibited the generation of new species. Hybrid organisms are often born unhealthy or sterile and can’t reproduce, particularly when they are born with <a target="_blank" href="https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/11/why-are-hybrid-animals-sterile/#:~:text=When%20animals%20of%20two%20different,inherit%20two%20different%20sex%20chromosomes.">two different sex chromosomes</a>. Most species are not perfectly intact tight units, but instead exchange a lot of DNA and can be considered “quite leaky.” The species that are evolving are actually exchanging genes constantly and it can trigger the evolution of new lineages.&nbsp;</p>
  1927.  
  1928.  
  1929.  
  1930. <p>“Normally, species are thought to be reproductively isolated. They can’t produce hybrids that are reproductively fertile,” study co-author and Harvard University biologist James Mallet <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040990?">said in a statement</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  1931.  
  1932.  
  1933.  
  1934. <p>This is a different case for <em>Heliconius</em>&nbsp; butterflies. They show that <a target="_blank" href="https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2019.00113">hybridization</a> is not only occurring, but has driven the evolution of a new species in itself. While there is now evidence of hybridization between species, confirming if hybridization is involved in speciation has been difficult.&nbsp;</p>
  1935.  
  1936.  
  1937.  
  1938. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/heliconius-butterfly-spatial-learning/"><strong>Butterflies can remember specific flower foraging routes</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  1939.  
  1940.  
  1941.  
  1942. <p>“The question is: How can you collapse two species together and get a third species out of that collapse?” said Mallet.</p>
  1943.  
  1944.  
  1945.  
  1946. <p>This new research provides scientists with a next step in understanding how hybridization and speciation work in evolution. It could also help play a role in the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/biodiversity-loss-ecology-climate-change/">planet’s biodiversity crisis</a>, since fully understanding the question of what we really mean by “species” on a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/new-genetic-tools-have-dramatically-changed-wildlife-conservation/">genetic level is important for conservation</a>. It may also help in understanding the carriers of certain diseases. Multiple species of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/malaria-us-florida-texas-cdc/">mosquitoes carry malaria</a>, and while they are closely related, we still do not know how they interact or create new hybrids the way <em>Heliconius</em> butterflies do.&nbsp;</p>
  1947.  
  1948.  
  1949.  
  1950. <p>As with evolution itself, this area of study will only continue to untangle as biologists learn more about what really makes a species a species.&nbsp;</p>
  1951. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/butterfly-hybrid-evolution/">This butterfly hybrid thrived against evolutionary odds</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1952. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  1953. </item>
  1954. <item>
  1955. <title>The best budget Bluetooth speakers in 2024</title>
  1956. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers/</link>
  1957. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Carsen Joenk]]></dc:creator>
  1958. <pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2022 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  1959. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  1960. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  1961. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  1962. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  1963. <category><![CDATA[Speakers]]></category>
  1964. <category><![CDATA[bluetooth]]></category>
  1965. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  1966. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  1967. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  1968. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  1969. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=423525</guid>
  1970.  
  1971. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  1972.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1000" height="626" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers.jpg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best budget Bluetooth speakers on a white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers.jpg 1000w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers-300x188.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers-768x481.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div></figure><p>Get affordable audio for all with the best budget Bluetooth speakers. </p>
  1973. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers/">The best budget Bluetooth speakers in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  1974. ]]></description>
  1975. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  1976.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1000" height="626" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers.jpg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best budget Bluetooth speakers on a white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers.jpg 1000w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers-300x188.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers-768x481.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
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  1980.      <tbody>
  1981.              <tr
  1982.          class="ProductTable-product"
  1983.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  1984.        >
  1985.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  1986.            Best overall
  1987.          </td>
  1988.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  1989.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Anker Soundcore 3 on a white background" class="wp-image-423533" width="264" height="165">
  1990.          </td>
  1991.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  1992.            Anker Soundcore 3
  1993.          </td>
  1994.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  1995.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  1996.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
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  2009.          </td>
  2010.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  2011.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  2012.                <span>
  2013.                  SEE IT
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  2016.          </td>
  2017.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  2018.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A well-rounded speaker with a solid build that won’t break the bank.</span></p>
  2019.  
  2020.            </td>
  2021.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
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  2024.          class="ProductTable-product"
  2025.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  2026.        >
  2027.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  2028.            Best for a party
  2029.          </td>
  2030.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  2031.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/tribit-outdoor-portable-speaker.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/tribit-outdoor-portable-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/tribit-outdoor-portable-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/tribit-outdoor-portable-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/tribit-outdoor-portable-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/tribit-outdoor-portable-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Tribit Outdoor Portable Speaker on a white background" class="wp-image-423536" width="264" height="165">
  2032.          </td>
  2033.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  2034.            Tribit XSound Mega
  2035.          </td>
  2036.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  2037.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
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  2047.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2048.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2049.                                  </div>
  2050.                          </div>
  2051.          </td>
  2052.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  2053.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  2054.                <span>
  2055.                  SEE IT
  2056.                </span>
  2057.            </a>
  2058.          </td>
  2059.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  2060.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A speaker equipped with flashy features for a fraction of the price.</span></p>
  2061.  
  2062.            </td>
  2063.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  2064.        </tr>
  2065.              <tr
  2066.          class="ProductTable-product"
  2067.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  2068.        >
  2069.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  2070.            Best for travel
  2071.          </td>
  2072.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  2073.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="JBL Clip 4" class="wp-image-575108" width="264" height="165">
  2074.          </td>
  2075.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  2076.            JBL Clip 4
  2077.          </td>
  2078.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  2079.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  2080.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2081.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2082.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2083.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2084.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2085.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 75%">
  2086.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2087.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2088.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2089.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2090.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  2091.                                  </div>
  2092.                          </div>
  2093.          </td>
  2094.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  2095.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  2096.                <span>
  2097.                  SEE IT
  2098.                </span>
  2099.            </a>
  2100.          </td>
  2101.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  2102.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A super portable speaker  designed to move with you thanks to its carabiner-like design.</span></p>
  2103.  
  2104.            </td>
  2105.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  2106.        </tr>
  2107.            </tbody>
  2108.    </table>
  2109.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  2110.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  2111.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  2112.    </div>
  2113.  </div>
  2114. </div>
  2115.  
  2116.  
  2117.  
  2118. <p>There is no shortage of Bluetooth speakers under $100, even $50, which can make choosing the right one for your listening needs particularly difficult. While you’d think a less expensive option might not boast outstanding audio quality or unbeatable battery life, there are many models that are going to deliver exactly what you need when it comes to wire-free listening. Hone in on your top priorities and search accordingly. Do you need something waterproof? A speaker that will clip onto a backpack? Or maybe something extra bass to bump at a party? When it comes to the best budget Bluetooth speakers, it’s okay to focus on one or two central features so you get the most bang for your buck. Here are picks for speakers that can fit your needs and your budget.</p>
  2119.  
  2120.  
  2121.  
  2122. <ul>
  2123. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Soundcore 3</a></li>
  2124.  
  2125.  
  2126.  
  2127. <li><strong>Best for bass: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Lightweight-Super-Compact-Extra-Durable-Waterproof/dp/B0C29CMM4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony SRS-XB100</a></li>
  2128.  
  2129.  
  2130.  
  2131. <li><strong>Best waterproof:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ULTIMATE-EARS-WONDERBOOM-Radical-Red/dp/B07NFP6D7Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/WONDERBOOM-Bluetooth-360-Degree-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B09KX2M2RS?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3</a></a></li>
  2132.  
  2133.  
  2134.  
  2135. <li><strong>Best for travel:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Clip 4</a></li>
  2136.  
  2137.  
  2138.  
  2139. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Oontz Angle 3</a></li>
  2140.  
  2141.  
  2142.  
  2143. <li><strong>Best party speaker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Mega</a></li>
  2144.  
  2145.  
  2146.  
  2147. <li><strong>Best for (viewing) parties:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-EarFun-Portable-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">EarFun UBOOM L</a></li>
  2148.  
  2149.  
  2150.  
  2151. <li><strong>Best smart speaker:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-4th-Gen-Twilight-Blue/dp/B085HK4KL6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Amazon Echo (4th Gen.)</a></li>
  2152. </ul>
  2153.  
  2154.  
  2155.  
  2156. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How we chose the best budget Bluetooth speakers</strong></h2>
  2157.  
  2158.  
  2159.  
  2160. <p>Many of the speakers recommended here have been personally tested by myself or our team, which is why we confidently recommend this selection. We retested some of our personal favorites and compared them to new units from other reputable brands with a focus on sound quality. While smaller portable speakers can’t deliver audio that’s as precise as premium stereo or multi-channel models, we made sure to pick products that preserve the integrity of our favorite albums. To further pare down the list, we only looked at speakers that currently retail for under $115, primarily focusing on those around $50, while paying particular attention to durability, portability, and battery life. Then, we considered special features like onboard controls, EQ customization, and connectivity to bring you the best of the best when it comes to affordable Bluetooth speakers. </p>
  2161.  
  2162.  
  2163.  
  2164. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-budget-bluetooth-speakers-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best budget Bluetooth speakers: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  2165.  
  2166.  
  2167.  
  2168. <p>If you visit my apartment, you will immediately see <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-bluetooth-speaker/">a veritable wall of Bluetooth speakers, large and small</a>. I have what some may call a deep enthusiasm for portable sound that doesn&#8217;t require equally deep pockets or corners. And I&#8217;ve found that the best cheap Bluetooth speakers don’t have to sound dinky. In fact, many options provide solid sound for less. While shopping, consider your top priorities for your budget-friendly speaker. Do you emphasize battery life, portability, water resistance, or sound quality? Once you can answer this question, you can pick out an excellent speaker from our picks without spending a fortune.</p>
  2169.  
  2170.  
  2171.  
  2172. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Soundcore 3</a></h3>
  2173.  
  2174.  
  2175. <div
  2176.    id="stellar-all-around"
  2177.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2178.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2179. >
  2180.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2181.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2182.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2183.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/anker-soundcore-3.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Anker Soundcore 3 on a white background">
  2184.                      </figure>
  2185.                  </a>
  2186.            </div>
  2187.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2188.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2189.        <p><em>Anker</em></p>
  2190.  
  2191.      </figcaption>
  2192.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2193.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2194.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2195.      </p>
  2196.      </div>
  2197. </div>
  2198.  
  2199.  
  2200.  
  2201. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The Soundcore 3 is a well-rounded, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with an impressive 24 hours of battery life and the option to boost the bass without distortion.&nbsp;</p>
  2202.  
  2203.  
  2204.  
  2205. <p><strong>Specs&nbsp;</strong></p>
  2206.  
  2207.  
  2208.  
  2209. <ul>
  2210. <li><strong>Battery Life:</strong> 24 hours&nbsp;</li>
  2211.  
  2212.  
  2213.  
  2214. <li><strong>Bluetooth Range:</strong> Up to 66 feet</li>
  2215.  
  2216.  
  2217.  
  2218. <li><strong>IP Rating:</strong> IPX7</li>
  2219.  
  2220.  
  2221.  
  2222. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 6.9 x 2.4 x 2.2 inches &nbsp;</li>
  2223. </ul>
  2224.  
  2225.  
  2226.  
  2227. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  2228.  
  2229.  
  2230.  
  2231. <ul>
  2232. <li>Excellent Battery Life&nbsp;</li>
  2233.  
  2234.  
  2235.  
  2236. <li>Sound Quality&nbsp;</li>
  2237.  
  2238.  
  2239.  
  2240. <li>Bass Up technology&nbsp;</li>
  2241.  
  2242.  
  2243.  
  2244. <li>Customizable EQ&nbsp;</li>
  2245. </ul>
  2246.  
  2247.  
  2248.  
  2249. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  2250.  
  2251.  
  2252.  
  2253. <ul>
  2254. <li>Simplistic design</li>
  2255.  
  2256.  
  2257.  
  2258. <li>Voice assistant capability is lacking</li>
  2259. </ul>
  2260.  
  2261.  
  2262.  
  2263. <p>The Soundcore 3 is a robust, portable Bluetooth speaker that won’t cost an arm and a leg, making it the best budget Bluetooth speaker overall. Available in four colors, this powerful unit utilizes 16 watts of power to push dual 1.5-inch drivers with titanium diaphragms. Meanwhile, dual passive radiators combine with improved BassUp technology to analyze music in real-time and work to punch up the low-end during your favorite bass-driven songs. Alongside BassUp, there are three additional preset EQs you can choose from, or customize your own using the Soundcore app. The treble on the Soundcore 3 stretches all the way up to 40kHz. Bluetooth 5.0 offers a consistently stable connection and PartyCast compatibility means you can link up to 100 Soundcore speakers for a truly impressive array of sound. To get a full battery faster, this speaker charges via USB-C, and the 24-hour battery life beats more expensive models. While $55 isn’t the steepest cost if you needed a replacement, an IPX7 rating means you won’t have to worry about water damage if you get caught in the rain or drop it in the pool. And if you&#8217;re definitely planning to fill a patio with friends, there&#8217;s also the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Customizable-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0CFDLM2TH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Soundcore Glow Mini</a>, an outdoor-friendly speaker that offers 360-degree sound, a pulsing LED halo, and IPX7—all for less than $50.</p>
  2264.  
  2265.  
  2266.  
  2267. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for bass: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Lightweight-Super-Compact-Extra-Durable-Waterproof/dp/B0C29CMM4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony SRS-XB100</a></h3>
  2268.  
  2269.  
  2270. <div
  2271.    id="pool-proof"
  2272.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2273.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2274. >
  2275.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2276.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Lightweight-Super-Compact-Extra-Durable-Waterproof/dp/B0C29CMM4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2277.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2278.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/sony-srs-xb13.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/sony-srs-xb13.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Sony XRS-XB13 on a white background">
  2279.                      </figure>
  2280.                  </a>
  2281.            </div>
  2282.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2283.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2284.        <p><em>Sony</em></p>
  2285.  
  2286.      </figcaption>
  2287.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2288.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Lightweight-Super-Compact-Extra-Durable-Waterproof/dp/B0C29CMM4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2289.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2290.      </p>
  2291.      </div>
  2292. </div>
  2293.  
  2294.  
  2295.  
  2296. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The SRS-XB100 is a compact, portable waterproof speaker that automatically boosts the bass for party-worthy sound wherever you are. </p>
  2297.  
  2298.  
  2299.  
  2300. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  2301.  
  2302.  
  2303.  
  2304. <ul>
  2305. <li><strong>Battery Life:</strong> 16 hours&nbsp;</li>
  2306.  
  2307.  
  2308.  
  2309. <li><strong>Bluetooth Range:</strong> Up to 32 feet</li>
  2310.  
  2311.  
  2312.  
  2313. <li><strong>IP Rating:</strong> IP67</li>
  2314.  
  2315.  
  2316.  
  2317. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches&nbsp;</li>
  2318. </ul>
  2319.  
  2320.  
  2321.  
  2322. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  2323.  
  2324.  
  2325.  
  2326. <ul>
  2327. <li>Removable strap</li>
  2328.  
  2329.  
  2330.  
  2331. <li>UV coating&nbsp;</li>
  2332.  
  2333.  
  2334.  
  2335. <li>Five cool colorways</li>
  2336.  
  2337.  
  2338.  
  2339. <li>Extra Bass&nbsp;</li>
  2340. </ul>
  2341.  
  2342.  
  2343.  
  2344. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  2345.  
  2346.  
  2347.  
  2348. <ul>
  2349. <li>Extra bass isn’t adjustable&nbsp;</li>
  2350. </ul>
  2351.  
  2352.  
  2353.  
  2354. <p>If you’re looking for a compact speaker that weighs less than 1 pound and costs less than $50 but doesn’t sacrifice bass-booming sound, then the SRS-XB100 is the best bass Bluetooth speaker for you. With a 20Hz &#8211; 20kHz frequency response and a dedicated passive radiator to reinforce low-end, your music won’t be found lacking when it comes to heart-thumping beats. An IP67 rating means it’s protected from water and debris, so you can toss it into your beach bag without worrying about sand getting into the speaker grill. Available in five modern colors, each unit comes with a matching multiway strap, so you can easily carry the speaker if you run out of room in your backpack, or hang it up for easy access at a pool party. With an extra XB100 speaker, you can enable stereo mode, and a USB-C port means you can charge quickly to keep the party going all night long. And the integrated microphone means you can have a conference call from the campfire.</p>
  2355.  
  2356.  
  2357.  
  2358. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-waterproof-ultimate-ears-wonderboom-3"><strong>Best waterproof:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WONDERBOOM-Bluetooth-360-Degree-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B09KX2M2RS?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3</a></h3>
  2359.  
  2360.  
  2361. <div
  2362.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2363.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2364. >
  2365.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2366.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/WONDERBOOM-Bluetooth-360-Degree-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B09KX2M2RS?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2367.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2368.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/04/25/WonderBoom3_1-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/04/25/WonderBoom3_1-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Wonderbom 3 on bathroom counter in front of Mr. Mittens">
  2369.                      </figure>
  2370.                  </a>
  2371.            </div>
  2372.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2373.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2374.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  2375.  
  2376.      </figcaption>
  2377.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2378.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/WONDERBOOM-Bluetooth-360-Degree-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B09KX2M2RS?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2379.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2380.      </p>
  2381.      </div>
  2382. </div>
  2383.  
  2384.  
  2385.  
  2386. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  2387.  
  2388.  
  2389.  
  2390. <ul>
  2391. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>14 hours</li>
  2392.  
  2393.  
  2394.  
  2395. <li><strong>Bluetooth range: </strong>131 feet</li>
  2396.  
  2397.  
  2398.  
  2399. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IP67</li>
  2400.  
  2401.  
  2402.  
  2403. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 3.68 x 3.68 x 4.02 inches</li>
  2404. </ul>
  2405.  
  2406.  
  2407.  
  2408. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  2409.  
  2410.  
  2411.  
  2412. <ul>
  2413. <li>Easily portable&nbsp;</li>
  2414.  
  2415.  
  2416.  
  2417. <li>Can be submerged for up to 30 minutes&nbsp;</li>
  2418.  
  2419.  
  2420.  
  2421. <li>Impressive volume&nbsp;</li>
  2422. </ul>
  2423.  
  2424.  
  2425.  
  2426. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  2427.  
  2428.  
  2429.  
  2430. <ul>
  2431. <li>No microphone&nbsp;</li>
  2432.  
  2433.  
  2434.  
  2435. <li>No USB-C charging</li>
  2436. </ul>
  2437.  
  2438.  
  2439.  
  2440. <p>The WONDERBOOM 3 from Ultimate Ears is a great option for any listener who needs <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-shower-speakers/">the perfect shower speaker</a> or pool-party pal. The unique design is an immediate eye-catcher, and the sound quality is genuinely impressive for its size. Power by two active drivers and two passive radiators, coverage is pretty great with solid reproduction across the lows, mids, and highs. Granted, it doesn’t have the heart-pounding bass a larger speaker would, but will certainly do for poolside, lakefront, or river raft listening.&nbsp; Plus, it can be paired with a second WONDERBOOM for even better stereo sound. An Outdoor Boost button at the bottom of the speaker adjusts the sound to suit your environment better.</p>
  2441.  
  2442.  
  2443.  
  2444. <p>If you’ve ever seen a picture before of the WONDERBOOM 3, chances are it’s bobbing around in a pool or being sprayed with water from a rogue splash. This is, yes, because of target ads, but also because this tiny but mighty speaker is genuinely well-suited for “aquatic” listening. The IP67 rating means it’s essentially waterproof. Specifically, you can submerge this model in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s okay to accidentally drop this speaker in the pool, bathtub, or ocean. This rating also means it’s also protected from dust and debris.&nbsp;</p>
  2445.  
  2446.  
  2447.  
  2448. <p>Build-wise, you get a stable rubber loop at the top of the speaker that can easily clip to a backpack or make for easier carrying. You’ll also get large, easy-to-use onboard controls, so you won’t have to get your pruney wet fingers all over your smartphone just to change the volume or skip a song. The WONDERBOOM 3 comes in four fun colors, including “Hot Pink” and “Performance Blue.” (And, if you dig the aesthetic and budget becomes less of a concern, the new, admittedly much more expensive <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Ears-984-001862-PUCCINI-Black/dp/B0BPC7K89B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">EPICBOOM</a> brings a <em>lot</em> more bass and even more battery to the party, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw3pCQHuurn/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while remaining floatable</a>.) </p>
  2449.  
  2450.  
  2451.  
  2452. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for travel:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Clip 4</a></h3>
  2453.  
  2454.  
  2455. <div
  2456.    id="jbl-clip-4"
  2457.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2458.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2459. >
  2460.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2461.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2462.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2463.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/27/JBL-Clip-4.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="JBL Clip 4">
  2464.                      </figure>
  2465.                  </a>
  2466.            </div>
  2467.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2468.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2469.        <p><em>JBL</em></p>
  2470.  
  2471.      </figcaption>
  2472.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2473.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2474.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2475.      </p>
  2476.      </div>
  2477. </div>
  2478.  
  2479.  
  2480.  
  2481. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  2482.  
  2483.  
  2484.  
  2485. <ul>
  2486. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>10 hours</li>
  2487.  
  2488.  
  2489.  
  2490. <li><strong>Bluetooth range: </strong>32 feet</li>
  2491.  
  2492.  
  2493.  
  2494. <li><strong>IP rating: </strong>IP67</li>
  2495. </ul>
  2496.  
  2497.  
  2498.  
  2499. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  2500.  
  2501.  
  2502.  
  2503. <ul>
  2504. <li>Excellent design</li>
  2505.  
  2506.  
  2507.  
  2508. <li>USB-C charging</li>
  2509.  
  2510.  
  2511.  
  2512. <li>Good volume</li>
  2513. </ul>
  2514.  
  2515.  
  2516.  
  2517. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  2518.  
  2519.  
  2520.  
  2521. <ul>
  2522. <li>No fast charge&nbsp;</li>
  2523.  
  2524.  
  2525.  
  2526. <li>No wired connectivity</li>
  2527. </ul>
  2528.  
  2529.  
  2530.  
  2531. <p>The JBL Clip 4 is a small speaker designed to keep you connected wherever your travels take you. Weighing just over half a pound, with an integrated carabiner clip, you can attach this speaker to your backpack, suitcase, bike handle, lunch box, belt loop, etc. There are rubberized grips on the speaker&#8217;s backside to increase stability, and the textured wrap covering most of the speaker is easy to hold onto. All in all, this is the easiest speaker to grab and go if you&#8217;re hiking or cycling; plus, it has an IP67 rating, so you can even attach it to your shower rod, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-beach-tent/">beach tent</a>, or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/oru-beach-lt-sport-kayak-review/">foldable kayak</a> (yes, it&#8217;s a thing).</p>
  2532.  
  2533.  
  2534.  
  2535. <p>Sound quality is pretty solid for such a small unit thanks to an impressive dynamic driver; plus, it can get <em>loud</em> for a 5-watt output (JBL knows how to build <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-party-speakers/">a potent party speaker</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-waterproof-speakers/">sensational shower speaker</a>). Yes, it’s a little lacking in low-end, but that’s par for the course. Overall, this little guy sounds great. Sound can be controlled by five onboard buttons and charges via USB-C. </p>
  2536.  
  2537.  
  2538.  
  2539. <p>If you don’t want to play the $80 market price for the Clip 4,&nbsp;check out early models, like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Black-Noise-Cancelling-Speakerphone/dp/B07Q6ZWMLR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Clip 3</a>, which are still available for just under $50.</p>
  2540.  
  2541.  
  2542.  
  2543. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Oontz Angle 3</a></h3>
  2544.  
  2545.  
  2546. <div
  2547.    id="the-nice-price"
  2548.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2549.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2550. >
  2551.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2552.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2553.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2554.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/OontZ_Bluetooth_speaker_product_card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/OontZ_Bluetooth_speaker_product_card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="OontZ Bluetooth speaker product image">
  2555.                      </figure>
  2556.                  </a>
  2557.            </div>
  2558.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2559.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2560.        <p><em>OontZ</em></p>
  2561.  
  2562.      </figcaption>
  2563.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2564.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2565.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2566.      </p>
  2567.      </div>
  2568. </div>
  2569.  
  2570.  
  2571.  
  2572. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: With an impressive connectivity range, solid battery life, and thousands of positive user reviews, the Oontz Angle 3 is one of the best budget Bluetooth speakers for those looking to spend less than $35.</p>
  2573.  
  2574.  
  2575.  
  2576. <p><strong>Specs&nbsp;</strong></p>
  2577.  
  2578.  
  2579.  
  2580. <ul>
  2581. <li><strong>Battery Life:</strong> 14 hours&nbsp;</li>
  2582.  
  2583.  
  2584.  
  2585. <li><strong>Bluetooth Range:</strong> Approx. 100 feet&nbsp;</li>
  2586.  
  2587.  
  2588.  
  2589. <li><strong>IP Rating:</strong> IPX5</li>
  2590.  
  2591.  
  2592.  
  2593. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 5.3 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches</li>
  2594. </ul>
  2595.  
  2596.  
  2597.  
  2598. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  2599.  
  2600.  
  2601.  
  2602. <ul>
  2603. <li>Extended Connectivity Range</li>
  2604.  
  2605.  
  2606.  
  2607. <li>Price</li>
  2608.  
  2609.  
  2610.  
  2611. <li>Stereo Drivers</li>
  2612. </ul>
  2613.  
  2614.  
  2615.  
  2616. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  2617.  
  2618.  
  2619.  
  2620. <ul>
  2621. <li>Not fully environment-proof </li>
  2622.  
  2623.  
  2624.  
  2625. <li>Limited onboard controls&nbsp;</li>
  2626.  
  2627.  
  2628.  
  2629. <li>Sound quality is just okay</li>
  2630. </ul>
  2631.  
  2632.  
  2633.  
  2634. <p>While the Angle 3 isn’t touting many bells and whistles, it will have what you need to take tunes with you on the go. It&#8217;s got 10 watts that power acoustic stereo drivers, as well as a passive radiator—all wrapped up in 10 different colorways. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, this wedge-like speaker delivers a strong connection across 100 feet and is compatible with most current devices. With its IPX5 rating, you won’t want to toss this model into the pool, but you don’t need to worry about a few splashes or drops of rain. While the volume is certainly there, don’t expect a lot when it comes to wide stereo, booming bass, or true clarity across mids and highs. It’ll do the trick for lite listening on the go, but it won’t necessarily stand up to other, more expensive models. That being said, if you just need something that&#8217;s far preferable to silence, the Angle 3 should do the trick.</p>
  2635.  
  2636.  
  2637.  
  2638. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best party speaker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Mega</a></h3>
  2639.  
  2640.  
  2641. <div
  2642.    id="booming-volume"
  2643.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2644.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2645. >
  2646.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2647.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2648.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2649.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/Tribit_XSound_Mega_product_card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/Tribit_XSound_Mega_product_card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Tribit Speaker on a wooden table.">
  2650.                      </figure>
  2651.                  </a>
  2652.            </div>
  2653.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2654.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2655.        <p><em>Carsen Joenk</em></p>
  2656.  
  2657.      </figcaption>
  2658.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2659.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2660.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2661.      </p>
  2662.      </div>
  2663. </div>
  2664.  
  2665.  
  2666.  
  2667. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: Boosted bass, additional EQ presents, and a veritable light show deliver a high-end listening experience at a reasonable price.&nbsp;</p>
  2668.  
  2669.  
  2670.  
  2671. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  2672.  
  2673.  
  2674.  
  2675. <ul>
  2676. <li><strong>Battery Life:</strong> 20 hours&nbsp;</li>
  2677.  
  2678.  
  2679.  
  2680. <li><strong>Bluetooth Range:</strong> Up to 98 feet</li>
  2681.  
  2682.  
  2683.  
  2684. <li><strong>IP Rating:</strong> IPX7</li>
  2685.  
  2686.  
  2687.  
  2688. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 10.66 x 3.42 x 3.14 inches&nbsp;</li>
  2689. </ul>
  2690.  
  2691.  
  2692.  
  2693. <p><strong>Pros:&nbsp;</strong></p>
  2694.  
  2695.  
  2696.  
  2697. <ul>
  2698. <li>3 listening modes&nbsp;</li>
  2699.  
  2700.  
  2701.  
  2702. <li>Dual charging/powerbank ports&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  2703.  
  2704.  
  2705.  
  2706. <li>Music-activated lighting&nbsp;</li>
  2707.  
  2708.  
  2709.  
  2710. <li>Carrying strap&nbsp;</li>
  2711. </ul>
  2712.  
  2713.  
  2714.  
  2715. <p><strong>Cons:&nbsp;</strong></p>
  2716.  
  2717.  
  2718.  
  2719. <ul>
  2720. <li>Some distortion at high volumes&nbsp;</li>
  2721.  
  2722.  
  2723.  
  2724. <li>Pricier</li>
  2725. </ul>
  2726.  
  2727.  
  2728.  
  2729. <p>If you’re having a gathering with more people you’re going to want more sound, and that may mean spending a little more, so here’s the best Bluetooth party speaker if your budget can stretch slightly above $100. The Tribit XSound Mega, released in early January, follows the waterproof, outdoor-friendly, ultraportable <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-XSound-Bluetooth-Speakers-Built/dp/B07594HZ6Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">XSound Go</a> models with a similar form factor but significant upgrades when it comes to sound quality and visual appeal. </p>
  2730.  
  2731.  
  2732.  
  2733. <p>Right out of the box, the Mega feels sleeker than some of its contemporaries with a texturized rubber surface that’s easy to grip, a black speaker grill, a discrete brand label, and smooth, integrated onboard controls. These seven intuitive buttons control power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, volume down, volume up, light adjustment, and EQ adjustment. Directly underneath the EQ Mode button are three indicators that will tell you which mode has been triggered: options include XBass, Music, and Audiobooks. At the back of the speaker is a rubber panel housing USB-A and USB-C ports for charging/using the 8000mAh battery as a powerbank to top off other devices, plus an AUX input. The included carrying strap is black and grey with silver hardware and two small carabiners easily clip onto the discrete embedded handles, which certainly helps shoulder the speaker’s 2.2 pounds. The visual pièce de résistance is the frame of LEDs that surrounds the front face of the speaker—a rainbow gradient of light that slowly cycles through colors while you pair your device.&nbsp;</p>
  2734.  
  2735.  
  2736.  
  2737. <p>Bluetooth 5.0 pairing is simple and easy, following the standard protocol of most speakers. The Mega is also equipped with NFC (Near-Field Communication), this is the same technology that allows you to tap your phone at a point-of-purchase to use ApplePay or Android Pay. NFC eliminates the need to push buttons and scroll through settings by allowing you to simply tap your speaker and phone together to establish a secure connection. Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t equipped any of their phones with controllable NFC modes, so you can only take advantage of this function if you have an Android or another device running Windows 10 or higher. The final pairing option you can consider is Broadcast Mode, which will allow you to link more than 100 XSound Megas together for a boost in volume or stereo playback.&nbsp;</p>
  2738.  
  2739.  
  2740.  
  2741. <p>When it comes to sound quality, this Tribit speaker has the thump if not exactly the clarity and soundstage of comparable models, like the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/jbl-charge-5-review/">JBL Charge 5</a>. An impressive 30 watts power a driver with a pure titanium diaphragm, which combines with two passive radiators to reproduce low frequencies to 45Hz and high frequencies up to 14kHz. Audiobook mode successfully isolates the dulcet tones of Jim Dale, who you might recognize as the reader of the <em>Harry Potter</em> series, though the audio can get a little muddy if you are listening to a music- or sound design-heavy podcast. However, Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan’s sultry vocals and staccato keys on “Come Undone” are smooth and clear when Music mode is triggered. The low-end on Subtrakt’s “Wildfire” is big and bold when XBass is engaged, delivering a party-appropriate level of “thump” to get things going without overpowering the vocals. The volume can reach over 100 dB but some distortion does occur when pushed to its max, though that is to be expected from a speaker of this size. </p>
  2742.  
  2743.  
  2744.  
  2745. <p>One of our favorite features is the light display, which flashes in time with the beat of whatever you are playing. You can select from different options: a continuous oval of rainbow lacing glowing around the speaker grill&#8217;s perimeter; colors pulsing rhythmically in a symmetrical left/right or top/bottom pair, almost mimicking the metering you’d see on a recording studio console or DAW; or a circuit traveling the display track changing color, speeding up and slowing down in time with the beat. You can also forgo the light display altogether, but a 20-hour battery life keeps all that flair from fading fast.</p>
  2746.  
  2747.  
  2748.  
  2749. <p>While this model is a bit more expensive than other budget-friendly models, you will certainly get what you pay for when it comes to audio quality and special features.</p>
  2750.  
  2751.  
  2752.  
  2753. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Best for (viewing) parties:</strong> </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Kilburn-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B07H7CZ6BZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-EarFun-Portable-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">EarFun UBOOM L</a></h3>
  2754.  
  2755.  
  2756. <div
  2757.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2758.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2759. >
  2760.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2761.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-EarFun-Portable-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2762.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2763.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/01/29/image1-3.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/01/29/image1-3.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="EarFun UBOOM L speaker from the side">
  2764.                      </figure>
  2765.                  </a>
  2766.            </div>
  2767.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2768.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  2769.        <p><em>Carsen Joenk</em></p>
  2770.  
  2771.      </figcaption>
  2772.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2773.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-EarFun-Portable-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2774.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2775.      </p>
  2776.      </div>
  2777. </div>
  2778.  
  2779.  
  2780.  
  2781. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> Its wide, rich sound, surprising for a speaker this size, delivers a powerful listening experience at a reasonable price. </p>
  2782.  
  2783.  
  2784.  
  2785. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  2786.  
  2787.  
  2788.  
  2789. <ul>
  2790. <li><strong>Battery Life:</strong> 16 hours </li>
  2791.  
  2792.  
  2793.  
  2794. <li><strong>Bluetooth Range: </strong>up to 50 feet</li>
  2795.  
  2796.  
  2797.  
  2798. <li><strong>IP Rating:</strong> IP67</li>
  2799.  
  2800.  
  2801.  
  2802. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 8.27 x 3.07 x 2.83 inches </li>
  2803. </ul>
  2804.  
  2805.  
  2806.  
  2807. <p><strong>Pros&nbsp;</strong></p>
  2808.  
  2809.  
  2810.  
  2811. <ul>
  2812. <li>Video mode&nbsp;</li>
  2813.  
  2814.  
  2815.  
  2816. <li>Aux connection available&nbsp;</li>
  2817.  
  2818.  
  2819.  
  2820. <li>Stereo Pairing</li>
  2821. </ul>
  2822.  
  2823.  
  2824.  
  2825. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  2826.  
  2827.  
  2828.  
  2829. <ul>
  2830. <li>Short charging cable&nbsp;</li>
  2831.  
  2832.  
  2833.  
  2834. <li>Only available in black</li>
  2835. </ul>
  2836.  
  2837.  
  2838.  
  2839. <p>The UBOOM L from EarFun is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly impressive sound. While the texturized black grill, rubber trim, and raised buttons resemble its predecessors and contemporaries (like the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/treblab-hd77-review/">Treblab HD77</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/jbl-flip-5-review/">JBL Flip 5</a>), its price:performance helps this compact speaker stand out in the sub-$100 crowd.&nbsp;Two 14-watt, 55mm drivers and dual passive radiators support potent but balanced playback across the full frequency range. Bluetooth 5.0 supports a stable connection for up to 100 feet of distance. Multiple devices can connect to the UBOOM L, so you can easily pass along the party playlist responsibilities; to really kick things up a notch, you can easily create a stereo pair using two UBOOM Ls, widening coverage and essentially doubling volume (great for gatherings). Three listening modes are available: Indoor, Outdoor, and Video—the most unique of the bunch. Using digital signal processing (DSP) technology, Indoor mode focuses on sonic clarity and depth, while Outdoor mode boosts volume and low-end bump. Video mode supports low-latency playback with lag reduced to 150ms, making it an excellent solution to greatly improve sound when watching movies and TV shows from a laptop or other device with smaller internal speakers. A built-in microphone makes hands-free calls an option, and an IP67 rating means the appropriately portable speaker is protected from dirt and water damage when you take it to the pool or on a trek.</p>
  2840.  
  2841.  
  2842.  
  2843. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best smart speaker:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-4th-Gen-Twilight-Blue/dp/B085HK4KL6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Amazon Echo (4th Gen.)</a></h3>
  2844.  
  2845.  
  2846. <div
  2847.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  2848.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  2849. >
  2850.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  2851.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-4th-Gen-Twilight-Blue/dp/B085HK4KL6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  2852.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  2853.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/01/19/amazon-ech-fourth-gen.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/01/19/amazon-ech-fourth-gen.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Amazon Echo is the best smart speaker for under $100">
  2854.                      </figure>
  2855.                  </a>
  2856.            </div>
  2857.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  2858.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  2859.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-4th-Gen-Twilight-Blue/dp/B085HK4KL6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000"
  2860.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  2861.      </p>
  2862.      </div>
  2863. </div>
  2864.  
  2865.  
  2866.  
  2867. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>For under $100, the 4th-gen. Amazon Echo is the perfect at-home speaker with a built-in microphone, impressive sound quality, and multiple connectivity options.&nbsp;</p>
  2868.  
  2869.  
  2870.  
  2871. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  2872.  
  2873.  
  2874.  
  2875. <ul>
  2876. <li><strong>Battery Life:</strong> Not rechargeable </li>
  2877.  
  2878.  
  2879.  
  2880. <li><strong>Bluetooth Range:</strong> 30 feet</li>
  2881.  
  2882.  
  2883.  
  2884. <li><strong>IP Rating:</strong> None</li>
  2885.  
  2886.  
  2887.  
  2888. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches</li>
  2889. </ul>
  2890.  
  2891.  
  2892.  
  2893. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  2894.  
  2895.  
  2896.  
  2897. <ul>
  2898. <li>Sound quality&nbsp;</li>
  2899.  
  2900.  
  2901.  
  2902. <li>Auxiliary port&nbsp;</li>
  2903.  
  2904.  
  2905.  
  2906. <li>Built-in mic&nbsp;</li>
  2907. </ul>
  2908.  
  2909.  
  2910.  
  2911. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  2912.  
  2913.  
  2914.  
  2915. <ul>
  2916. <li>Not portable&nbsp;</li>
  2917.  
  2918.  
  2919.  
  2920. <li>Not waterproof&nbsp;</li>
  2921. </ul>
  2922.  
  2923.  
  2924.  
  2925. <p>While the Amazon Echo is not a speaker you can take with you on the go, it is the best option for indoor listening if you&#8217;re assembling <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-smart-home-devices/">a smart-home system</a> around Alexa. Like its Echo predecessors, the 4th-generation model is easy to use and compatible with many smart devices, doubling as a smart home hub for those who have smart lights, switches, doorbells, locks, and more. Even without the extra fixtures, Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa can help you set up timers, reminders, check the weather, call your family and friends, or call up your favorite playlists. The built-in microphone and speaker capabilities make for streamlined, hands-free communication. Installing more than one Echo in your home means you can program and sync multiroom music.</p>
  2926.  
  2927.  
  2928.  
  2929. <p>Available in three sleek colorways, the Echo will not only look good but sound good, with dual front-firing 0.8-inch tweeters and surprising bass thanks to a 3.0-inch neodymium woofer. These three drivers combine to deliver a satisfying thump and improved clarity, plus they support Dolby Audio (but not <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-dolby-atmos-soundbars/">Dolby Atmos</a>). Wi-Fi enabled, you can cast music from your phone if you’re on the same network or let it take direct advantage of connected services like Amazon Music HD, Audible, or Spotify Connect if you want to reserve your Bluetooth for another device.  </p>
  2930.  
  2931.  
  2932.  
  2933. <p>The Echo orb is equipped with onboard controls that will allow you to control volume, mute the microphone, or skip tracks. An LED ring at the base of the speakers will illuminate when Alexa has been activated and glow red when the microphone is muted. At the back of the speaker, you’ll find a power input port and an aux port for analog connections. The Echo is not a portable speaker, so it will need to stay plugged in at all times, though the Bluetooth 5.0 connection means you can play from just about any smart device in your home (and most rooms, depending on the layout of your walls).</p>
  2934.  
  2935.  
  2936.  
  2937. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-other-product-recommendations-strong-"><strong><strong>Here are other options we think sound like a good investment:</strong></strong></h2>
  2938.  
  2939.  
  2940.  
  2941. <ul>
  2942. <li><strong>Best battery life: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-XSound-Bluetooth-Speakers-Built/dp/B07594HZ6Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Go</a></li>
  2943.  
  2944.  
  2945.  
  2946. <li><strong>Best ultraportable:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Bluetooth-Built-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B08KW1KR5H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL GO 3</a></li>
  2947.  
  2948.  
  2949.  
  2950. <li><strong>Best compact connected speaker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-New-release-Smart-speaker-Charcoal/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Echo Dot (5th Gen)</a></li>
  2951.  
  2952.  
  2953.  
  2954. <li><strong>Best to strap on a bike:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-StormBox-Portable-Speaker-Built/dp/B09Q59321N?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit StormBox Micro 2</a></li>
  2955.  
  2956.  
  2957.  
  2958. <li><strong>Best with RGB lights:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TREBLAB-HD-Mini-Bluetooth-Playtime-Waterproof/dp/B0BWYW4SVV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TREBLAB HD-Mini</a></li>
  2959. </ul>
  2960.  
  2961.  
  2962.  
  2963. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Things to consider before buying the best budget Bluetooth speakers</strong></h2>
  2964.  
  2965.  
  2966.  
  2967. <p>In order to find the best budget Bluetooth speaker for you, think about what features will be a defining factor in your final decision. Are you prioritizing battery life? Volume? Portability? When it comes to inexpensive speakers, you might not have all the fancy features of a high-end model at your fingertips, but as long as you know what you want to focus on, you’ll be satisfied.&nbsp;</p>
  2968.  
  2969.  
  2970.  
  2971. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What should a budget Bluetooth speaker sound like?&nbsp;</h3>
  2972.  
  2973.  
  2974.  
  2975. <p>Sound quality is typically a top priority, no matter what <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-makes-up-a-speaker/">kind of speaker</a> you’re looking at. While we cannot expect a 6-inch speaker to carry the same sonic weight as a set of premium monitors, you can still make smart choices if you value sound above the rest. </p>
  2976.  
  2977.  
  2978.  
  2979. <p>First and foremost, if you want better sound you’ll have to sacrifice a little bit of portability. That’s because larger units are generally more equipped to maintain consistent, distortion-free audio even as you turn the volume up (a common critique of compact speakers is that though they can get pretty loud, the audio quality significantly degrades with each decibel). Bigger speakers also have more room for well-designed subwoofers, which provide an accurate low end that won’t totally overpower the mids and highs, making for a more satisfying mix.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  2980.  
  2981.  
  2982.  
  2983. <p>If you really want booming bass but can’t upgrade when it comes to size, many smaller units now come equipped with “bass boosting” technology that uses digital signal processing to put an emphasis on low-end frequencies that bumps without any rattle. While this can be a major pro for parties or at-home workout playlists, beware of speakers that use these boosts to overcompensate for a lack of clarity throughout other frequencies.&nbsp;</p>
  2984.  
  2985.  
  2986.  
  2987. <p>To learn more about where your new speaker will succeed or fall short when it comes to audio quality, look at the frequency response. Measured in hertz and kilohertz, this range lets you know the range of frequencies (lows, mids, and highs) the speaker will support. More often than not, you’ll see a response range from 20Hz &#8211; 20kHz, which are the limits of human hearing for both highs and lows. This is certainly an ideal range; however, just because the model boasts a wide range doesn’t mean it won’t suffer from dips and peaks around specific frequencies. For a really in-depth understanding of the speaker’s success at accurately reproducing audio, you can take a look at a frequency response graph for the product, often created with audio testing by a third party.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  2988.  
  2989.  
  2990.  
  2991. <p>For more information about volume, check out the speaker’s specs to find a maximum decibel level, notated as dB. If you are primarily playing music inside, you won’t need to go over 100 dB and we don’t even recommend listening at that level, as it’s akin to listening to a jackhammer at close range. On the other hand, if you’re hosting an outdoor party with many people in attendance, you could think about increasing the volume to 115 dB, which is concert-level; music at this volume will cover a large area, but you wouldn’t want anyone standing too close. Generally speaking, we are satisfied with Bluetooth speakers that maintain good sound quality at 85 dB for larger gatherings. As I write, I am happily listening to music at 74 dB and really don’t require any more volume.&nbsp;</p>
  2992.  
  2993.  
  2994.  
  2995. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What’s the deal with codecs and connectivity?</h3>
  2996.  
  2997.  
  2998.  
  2999. <p>While options can be limited when it comes to budget speakers, we recommend looking for gear that supports the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">most recent version of Bluetooth</a> you can find (at the moment that’s anything in the 5.0 range). A Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2 and especially 5.3 or 5.4 speaker will have a more stable connection, which makes it easier to support brand-specific features like allowing more than one person to connect and control the speaker at a time. Bluetooth 4.0 will still function just fine with most devices, but you may miss out on some range, stability, and special features like multiuser pairing. </p>
  3000.  
  3001.  
  3002.  
  3003. <p>A Bluetooth codec describes the way in which your digital audio data is encoded and decoded from a source device to your speaker or headphones. To get the most from these high-speed transfers both your receiver and transmitter need to be equipped with the same codecs. The most common codec to see is SBC, which is supported by every Bluetooth speaker. While not the highest quality codec, it’s a virtually universal, reliable way to transfer data. If you’re an iOS user looking for higher quality, consider a speaker with AAC, or <a href="https://mpeg.chiariglione.org/standards/mpeg-2/advanced-audio-coding" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Audio Coding</a>. If you have an Android smartdevice, select a speaker with aptX/aptX HD/aptX Adaptive (or LDAC) support for faster transfer rates that preserve more data.&nbsp;</p>
  3004.  
  3005.  
  3006.  
  3007. <p>One final thing to keep in mind when considering connectivity is Bluetooth range. This describes how far you can wander away from your device before the sound starts to get fuzzy and eventually you get disconnected. If you plan to never leave your speaker’s side, you’ll probably be fine with a connectivity range under 30 feet. However, if you’re listening to music outdoors, need to go inside, and you don’t want to leave your phone unattended, then look for a speaker with a range above 35 feet.&nbsp;</p>
  3008.  
  3009.  
  3010.  
  3011. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What kind of special features should you look for?</h3>
  3012.  
  3013.  
  3014.  
  3015. <p>Typically, the best budget Bluetooth speakers lack high-flying special features, though this isn’t always the case. If a Bluetooth speaker provides custom EQ options via an app or onboard control, that is a major win. Custom equalization will give you way more control over your sound and is particularly helpful if you are listening to various types of media—as you certainly won’t need to boost the bass when you’re listening to Terry Gross on “Fresh Air.” Some inexpensive models are starting to roll out visual features first employed by higher-end models, like bold colorways or LED panels that pulse to the beat.&nbsp;</p>
  3016.  
  3017.  
  3018.  
  3019. <p>Another prime feature to look for is the elusive onboard microphone that will let you conduct phone calls or speak to voice assistants like Siri or Alexa without having to pick up your device.&nbsp;</p>
  3020.  
  3021.  
  3022.  
  3023. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What is the bare minimum when it comes to battery life?<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>
  3024.  
  3025.  
  3026.  
  3027. <p>Luckily, one of the things budget Bluetooth speakers rarely sacrifice is battery life. Even at a lower price, it’s unlikely you’ll come across a model that has less than a 10-hour charge and many can do even better. For infrequent listening at moderate volume, 10 hours of playback could last you up to a week; however, the louder you play your music, the faster battery life will be depleted. If a speaker boasts 13 hours of consistent playback, you may get something closer to 7-10 hours if you&#8217;re blasting EDM all night long. Party throwers and party-goers should look for a model that boasts a battery that can last over 12 hours. </p>
  3028.  
  3029.  
  3030.  
  3031. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">How do you know if your budget Bluetooth speaker is actually waterproof?<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>
  3032.  
  3033.  
  3034.  
  3035. <p>The only way to guarantee your speaker is waterproof (or dustproof) is to look at its IP rating. If you’ve ever purchased a portable speaker before or checked out one of our other reviews, you’ll know that IP rating is one of the most important specs to check out before buying. This is especially true if you know you want to prioritize outdoor use. If you want a speaker to safely take you to the beach or into the shower—make sure you investigate how well it’s already protected from the elements.</p>
  3036.  
  3037.  
  3038.  
  3039. <p>IP stands for “Ingress Protection,” which tells you just how fortified an electronic device is against dirt, dust, and water. These ratings are typically composed of two numbers, or one number and an X. We often cite the Wonderboom 2, a tried-and-true favorite, when it comes to durability. The Wonderboom 2 has an IP67 rating. The first digit describes particle protection, the second liquid. The “6” indicates it can keep out most dust and dirt particles, while the “7” means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes before any damage occurs, making it a great option for poolside tunes. The higher the number, the more protected your speakers will be from debris and water. This is why you can often find the Wonderboom poolside, or hanging off a showerhead.&nbsp;</p>
  3040.  
  3041.  
  3042.  
  3043. <p>You may find an IP that replaces particle protection with an “X,” written as IPX7, for example. An “X” in place of any number means no data is available for that substance, or rather that the unit is not protected from that substance.&nbsp;</p>
  3044.  
  3045.  
  3046.  
  3047. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  3048.  
  3049.  
  3050.  
  3051. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1713359037047"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can cheap speakers sound good?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, cheap speakers can sound good. Of course, the more you can invest, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-bluetooth-speakers/">the more options you’ll have</a> when it comes to special features, more powerful drivers, better frequency response, etc., but you don’t necessarily have to spend thousands to get good sound quality. Generally speaking, smaller speakers can’t carry the sonic load a larger speaker can (hence why portable Bluetooth speakers often lack low-end), but this doesn’t mean you can’t find something inexpensive that will suit your listening tastes. Of course, if you’re an audiophile a cheap Bluetooth speaker isn’t going to live up to your standards. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1643919215063"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What&#8217;s the best Bluetooth speaker brand?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The best Bluetooth speaker brand is widely debated and will certainly depend on your unique needs and preferences. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bang%20&Olufsen_Bluetooth_speaker=&crid=2PAO01JAXWHR7&sprefix=bang%20&olufsen_bluetooth_speaker%2Caps%2C51=&ref=nb_sb_noss%3Ftag%3Dcamdenxpsc-20&tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bang &amp; Olufsen</a> are known for turning out high-end products with excellent sound quality. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sonos%20Bluetooth%20speaker&crid=250B1ABO8K2TK&sprefix=sonos%20bluetooth%20speaker%2Caps%2C54&ref=nb_sb_noss%3Ftag%3Dcamdenxpsc-20&tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sonos</a> continues to top the charts when it comes to in-home connectivity. For more rugged, portable models our favorite brands have to be <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=UE%20Bluetooth%20speaker&crid=1YZRZMD970W8U&sprefix=ue%20bluetooth%20speaker%2Caps%2C111&ref=nb_sb_noss%3Ftag%3Dcamdenxpsc-20&tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ultimate Ears</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=JBL%20Bluetooth%20speaker&crid=37B00H51AKX23&sprefix=jbl%20bluetooth%20speaker%2Caps%2C77&ref=nb_sb_noss%3Ftag%3Dcamdenxpsc-20&tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL</a>, both of which have products that claimed top spots in this article. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1643919222473"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Which speaker is best, JBL or Sony?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">When it comes to finding the best budget Bluetooth speakers, JBL is going to give you more variety. They have a diverse range of budget-friendly options in various sizes, with distinctive features, including the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Clip 4</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Bluetooth-Built-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B08KW1KR5H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Go 3</a>. These JBL models are compact, travel-friendly units designed to move with you. Currently, Sony only has one Bluetooth speaker under $90, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Lightweight-Super-Compact-Extra-Durable-Waterproof/dp/B0C29CMM4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony SRS-XB100</a>—a model we love, but you might be better off searching elsewhere for inexpensive speakers. Return to Sony if your budget gets a bit higher, or if you start the search for other techy treats, like a new television or game console. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1643919229866"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Which is better, JBL or Bose Bluetooth speaker?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Similar to the JBL versus Sony debate above, JBL continues to come out on top when it comes to affordable options. Bose does not currently have a model, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-SoundLink-Micro-Bluetooth-speaker/dp/B0748NCPRR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SoundLink Micro</a>, that regularly retails for under $119. However, if you plan on looking for a high-end speaker, soundbar, or home system in the future, Bose is certainly a brand worth investigating. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1713359082679"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How can I improve my Bluetooth battery life?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">There are a few things you can do to improve the battery life of your Bluetooth speaker. While you can’t magically make it extend its absolute maximum playtime, you can try to prevent an early battery death. The first thing to do is to lower the volume. If you are listening at max volume all day, your speaker is going to die significantly faster. Second, when you’re not using the speaker, ensure it’s off. Some units power down automatically after a certain period of time when nothing is playing; others need to be manually shut off. </p> </div> </div>
  3052.  
  3053.  
  3054.  
  3055. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final thoughts on selecting the best budget Bluetooth speakers</strong></h2>
  3056.  
  3057.  
  3058.  
  3059. <ul>
  3060. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Diaphragm-Technology-Waterproof/dp/B09945ST5F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Soundcore 3</a></li>
  3061.  
  3062.  
  3063.  
  3064. <li><strong>Best for bass: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Lightweight-Super-Compact-Extra-Durable-Waterproof/dp/B0C29CMM4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony SRS-XB100</a></li>
  3065.  
  3066.  
  3067.  
  3068. <li><strong>Best waterproof:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ULTIMATE-EARS-WONDERBOOM-Radical-Red/dp/B07NFP6D7Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/WONDERBOOM-Bluetooth-360-Degree-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B09KX2M2RS?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3</a></li>
  3069.  
  3070.  
  3071.  
  3072. <li><strong>Best for travel:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Clip-Built-Waterproof-JBLCLIP4BLKAM/dp/B08PJ7JMQM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Clip 4</a></li>
  3073.  
  3074.  
  3075.  
  3076. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Oontz Angle 3</a></li>
  3077.  
  3078.  
  3079.  
  3080. <li><strong>Best party speaker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Mega</a></li>
  3081.  
  3082.  
  3083.  
  3084. <li><strong>Best for (viewing) parties:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-EarFun-Portable-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">EarFun UBOOM L</a></li>
  3085.  
  3086.  
  3087.  
  3088. <li><strong>Best smart speaker:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-New-release-Smart-speaker-Charcoal/dp/B09B8V1LZ3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-4th-Gen-Twilight-Blue/dp/B085HK4KL6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000423525O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Amazon Echo (4th Gen.)</a></a></li>
  3089. </ul>
  3090.  
  3091.  
  3092.  
  3093. <p>You don’t need to go above and beyond your means to find the best budget Bluetooth speakers that will satisfy your sonic needs. There are plenty of options out there that you can take with you to the park, beach, or nearest house party without breaking the bank. Generally speaking, an inexpensive speaker won’t have all the bells and whistles a fancier model might, but you can still tune into your favorite audiobooks, podcasts, and playlists—which, at the end of the day, is all a Bluetooth speaker is designed to do.</p>
  3094.  
  3095.  
  3096.  
  3097. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  3098.  
  3099.  
  3100.  
  3101. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  3102.  
  3103.  
  3104.  
  3105. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  3106. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers/">The best budget Bluetooth speakers in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3107. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  3108. </item>
  3109. <item>
  3110. <title>Beep beep: Fiat charms city drivers with revived all-electric 500e</title>
  3111. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/fiat-500e-ev/</link>
  3112. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kristin Shaw]]></dc:creator>
  3113. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:02:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3114. <category><![CDATA[Electric Vehicles]]></category>
  3115. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  3116. <category><![CDATA[Vehicles]]></category>
  3117. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611156</guid>
  3118.  
  3119. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  3120.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/After_four_years_of_success_in_Europe__the_new_500e_is_back_in_North_America.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="small red car sits in front of a pink wall covered in art" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">After four years of success in Europe, the new 500e is back in North America. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Kristin Shaw/PopSci</span></figcaption></figure><p>Now with a 149-mile range, the tiny car is ready for urban driving, if America will have it. </p>
  3121. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/fiat-500e-ev/">Beep beep: Fiat charms city drivers with revived all-electric 500e</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3122. ]]></description>
  3123. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  3124.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/After_four_years_of_success_in_Europe__the_new_500e_is_back_in_North_America.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="small red car sits in front of a pink wall covered in art" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">After four years of success in Europe, the new 500e is back in North America. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Kristin Shaw/PopSci</span></figcaption></figure>
  3125. <p>In 2013, Italian automaker Fiat launched its first EV, the 500e. The car was sold only in California and Oregon and discontinued in 2019. Going back to the drawing board for a European-spec 2000 model, Fiat built a new EV-only platform for its next generation. The small EV has reached American shores once again with a renewed commitment and a slightly larger package; the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/fiat-500e-north-america/">2024 Fiat 500e</a> is 2.2 inches wider and 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor.</p>
  3126.  
  3127.  
  3128.  
  3129. <p>While the 2024 model is bigger, Fiat managed to trim 50 pounds from the overall weight for a total of 2,952 pounds. EVs tend to be heavier, like the 4,861-pound <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/hyundai-ioniq-5-bidrectional-charging/">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a> or 4,000-pound <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/volvo-ex-30/">Volvo EX30</a>, so the 500e is noticeably light on its feet. Maxing out at 149 miles of range, Fiat’s new EV is made for city driving, and it’s right at home in Europe. But can it fit into the American lifestyle? We drove it on the city streets of Miami’s Wynwood art district to find out.</p>
  3130.  
  3131.  
  3132.  
  3133. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-package-big-hopes"><strong>Small package, big hopes</strong></h2>
  3134.  
  3135.  
  3136.  
  3137. <p>In 1957, American cars were getting bigger and bigger. Creased metal adorned the back end of sedans like the Chevrolet Bel Air in the form of stylish fins, and trunks were massive. That wasn’t the case in Italy, where Fiat launched its 500–a tiny, rounded car that seemed to barely encase its occupants.</p>
  3138.  
  3139.  
  3140.  
  3141. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/A-1961-Fiat-500-next-to-the-new-500e.jpg" alt="older blue fiat in front of a new golden brown fiat on a stage" class="wp-image-611200"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 1961 Fiat 500 next to the new 500e. Image: Kristin Shaw/PopSci</figcaption></figure>
  3142.  
  3143.  
  3144.  
  3145. <p>When the first 500e launched in 2013, EVs weren’t on the fast track they are today. The experiment was carefully controlled, and retracted before the pandemic turned the world upside-down in 2020. When it launched in 2013, the range was considered good; not so much anymore.&nbsp;</p>
  3146.  
  3147.  
  3148.  
  3149. <p>“The 500e boasts an EPA-estimated range of 87 miles, an above-average number for an EV,” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edmunds.com/fiat/500e/2013/review/"><em>Edmunds </em>reported in 2013</a>. “Further, Fiat says its EV hatchback can fully charge in less than four hours from a 240-volt outlet, also a good figure for this class.”&nbsp;</p>
  3150.  
  3151.  
  3152.  
  3153. <p>Things have changed a lot in 10 years, and 87 miles is no longer impressive. Fiat relaunched its 500e in 2020 in Europe with a new platform and more than doubled its range to 199 miles on the European testing cycle. Seeing the diminutive 500e’s success across the pond, Fiat’s hopes were high for the car’s American rebirth.</p>
  3154.  
  3155.  
  3156.  
  3157. <p>“We realized we had magic in a very small package,” Fiat North America Aamir Ahmed says. “When we’re talking electrification, many [cars] lose their character. And now we take an electric battery and power this car that’s filled with charisma.”</p>
  3158.  
  3159.  
  3160.  
  3161. <p>This is a very different message than the one offered by Fiat maestro and chief executive Sergio Macchione a decade ago. Frustrated by federal and state mandates that encourage automakers to build EVs, Marchionne rebelled against the status quo.</p>
  3162.  
  3163.  
  3164.  
  3165. <p>&#8220;I hope you don&#8217;t buy it because every time I sell one it costs me $14,000,&#8221; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1N0O71MS/">he told the audience at the Brookings Institution in 2014</a>. &#8220;I&#8217;m honest enough to tell you that.&#8221;</p>
  3166.  
  3167.  
  3168.  
  3169. <p>Today’s 500e is primed for the current EV appetites, and it’s designed to be a city car for those who drive the average (<a target="_blank" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2023/09/american-driving-survey/">according to AAA</a>) 30 miles a day. At that rate, one could go nearly a week between charges, and as charging infrastructure ramps up, it could be as easy as charging up at the coffee shop. With 85 kW of DC fast charging capability, the 500e can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in 35 minutes, Fiat says.</p>
  3170.  
  3171.  
  3172.  
  3173. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-engineering-and-andrea-bocelli-influenced-acoustics"><strong>Fresh engineering and Andrea Bocelli-influenced acoustics</strong></h2>
  3174.  
  3175.  
  3176.  
  3177. <p>Chief engineer Paolo Gribaldi has been working on the 500e for the last two years, and he says the time frame was the most challenging piece of this project; it had to be finished in 22 months. The 500e (cinquecento, in Italian) was designed on a purpose-built platform, the first created for EVs. It’s fitted with the same power source as its older cousin in Europe, a 42 kilowatt-hour nickel manganese cobalt battery.&nbsp;</p>
  3178.  
  3179.  
  3180.  
  3181. <p>Sporting 17-inch wheels and lower-profile tires, the previous model’s 15-inch wheels look way too small when compared side by side. Slide behind the wheel, and there is no need for a “start” button. It starts up when it detects the key fob, much like Volkswagen’s ID.4. The flush door handles are lifted from its sibling company Maserati, also owned by Stellantis, which helps with both aerodynamics and economies of scale. Other enhancements are under the surface.</p>
  3182.  
  3183.  
  3184.  
  3185. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/The-500e-is-equipped-with-a-10.25-inch-screen.jpg" alt="black and red interior of a fiat, showing two front seats, steering wheel, and screen" class="wp-image-611203"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 500e is equipped with a 10.25-inch screen. Image: Kristin Shaw/PopSci</figcaption></figure>
  3186.  
  3187.  
  3188.  
  3189. <p>“The suspension uses a wider track than the previous generation to fit the larger battery,” Garibaldi explains. “Then there were improvements to the brake system.”&nbsp;</p>
  3190.  
  3191.  
  3192.  
  3193. <p>Also cribbed from the European version is the set of drive modes, which Fiat calls Normal, Range, and Sherpa. Normal mode offers low regenerative braking and a driving experience that feels “normal” to those used to combustion-engine vehicles. Range mode tweaks the regen for typical-EV one-pedal driving, slowing the car to a stop when lifting your foot from the accelerator. Lastly, Sherpa mode optimizes range by reducing power from 117 horsepower to 90 horsepower and turning off the heating and cooling system. Equivalent to what others call “Eco” mode, the maximum speed is set to about 50 miles per hour, which is fine for urban driving.&nbsp;</p>
  3194.  
  3195.  
  3196.  
  3197. <p>I tried it in each mode, and I can say that driving in Miami (or anywhere it’s warm, really) in Sherpa mode is not pleasant with the air conditioning off. Opening the windows is an option, but then you’re altering the aerodynamics and thus, range. I can see how it could be helpful if you’re limping home or into a charging station and need to stretch the miles as far as possible. Most gas-powered car fans will appreciate the seamless transition to EV in Normal range, which feels familiar, and Range mode is handy in stop-and-go traffic.&nbsp;</p>
  3198.  
  3199.  
  3200.  
  3201. <p>Fiat isn’t above having a little fun with its new EV, and it tapped one of the most famous Italian musicians–tenor Andrea Bocelli–to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZJjoA-Ibno">create concert hall-level sound inside</a> its “Inspired by Music” limited edition model. Once the car reaches 20 miles per hour for the first time after starting up, the 500e’s pedestrian alert “sings” a tune called “The Sound of 500” composed by Flavio Ibba and Marco Gualdi. It’s just another way to communicate its unmistakable Italianness to passersby.&nbsp;</p>
  3202.  
  3203.  
  3204.  
  3205. <p>This car is iconic and fun to drive, and it fits perfectly into a city environment. It’s not perfect, nor is any car, but it’s worth a look for those seeking a compact, adorable EV with the ability to park just about anywhere. And it doesn’t hurt that it includes Maserati parts, either: a city car with big aspirations.&nbsp;</p>
  3206.  
  3207.  
  3208.  
  3209. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1537" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/fiat_500e_miami-scaled.jpg" alt="small red car in front of blue building and palm trees" class="wp-image-611197"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">More range and a bigger body. Image: Kristin Shaw/PopSci</figcaption></figure>
  3210. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/fiat-500e-ev/">Beep beep: Fiat charms city drivers with revived all-electric 500e</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3211. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  3212. </item>
  3213. <item>
  3214. <title>Add this Amazon&#8217;s Choice elite radio to your emergency kit and save $100</title>
  3215. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/emergency-elite-worldwide-radio-deal/</link>
  3216. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  3217. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3218. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  3219. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  3220. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  3221. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  3222. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  3223. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610913</guid>
  3224.  
  3225. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  3226.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-4.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An emergency radio on a plain background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Stay connected during inclement weather and pay only $150.</p>
  3227. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/emergency-elite-worldwide-radio-deal/">Add this Amazon&#8217;s Choice elite radio to your emergency kit and save $100</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3228. ]]></description>
  3229. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  3230.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-4.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An emergency radio on a plain background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  3231. </div>
  3232. <p>A dependable communication tool is priceless in emergencies. Unpredictable natural disasters and unexpected incidents can compromise our primary means of communication, accentuating the importance of a reliable alternative. The Elite Executive radio provides an alternate way of staying connected, boasting outstanding features that ensure you <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/elite-execute-radio?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=elite-execute-radio&amp;utm_term=scsf-594368&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECHIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">stay informed and ready, particularly in times of crisis or adverse weather conditions</a>.</p>
  3233.  
  3234.  
  3235.  
  3236. <p>Integrating the Radio Data System (RDS) is a vital feature of the Elite Executive&#8217;s functionality. <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/elite-execute-radio?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=elite-execute-radio&amp;utm_term=scsf-594368&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECHIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Equipped with RDS</a>, the Eton Elite Executive offers digital details about the current broadcasts, improving the user experience even in challenging circumstances. Moreover, its ability to capture Single Side Band (SSB) signals expands the range of available frequencies, including those utilized by ham radio enthusiasts. This feature is crucial for maintaining communication when conventional networks fail during natural disasters or other emergencies.</p>
  3237.  
  3238.  
  3239.  
  3240. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  3241. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Get the World on Speed Dial with the Elite Executive from Eton" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/De2eSbgOvMU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  3242. </div></figure>
  3243.  
  3244.  
  3245.  
  3246. <p>With a <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/elite-execute-radio?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=elite-execute-radio&amp;utm_term=scsf-594368&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECHIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">4.3 out of 5-star rating on Amazon</a>, this top radio provides access to worldwide stations through AM/FM/LW/SW bands. It has multiple tuning options: manual, automatic, memory-based, and auto-tuning storage. It is an excellent option for<a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/elite-execute-radio?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=elite-execute-radio&amp;utm_term=scsf-594368&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECHIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"> keeping abreast of current affairs and receiving updates regardless of location</a>. With a built-in antenna for clear AM reception and an extendable one for enhanced FM and SW signal clarity, the radio allows you to fine-tune its orientation based on your whereabouts for optimal reception.</p>
  3247.  
  3248.  
  3249.  
  3250. <p>The radio also packs effortlessly with its compact construction, so you can nester it neatly into any travel bag. Even better, it comes with a beautifully crafted leather case for safekeeping and <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/elite-execute-radio?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=elite-execute-radio&amp;utm_term=scsf-594368&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECHIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">easy carrying while on the go</a>, so you can easily be prepared for unexpected emergencies. </p>
  3251.  
  3252.  
  3253.  
  3254. <p>You can snag the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/elite-execute-radio?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=elite-execute-radio&amp;utm_term=scsf-594368&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000pECHIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Eton Elite Executive AM/FM/Aircraft Band/SSB/Shortwave Radio with RDS and Custom Leather Carry Cover</a> for $149.99 (reg. $249).</p>
  3255.  
  3256.  
  3257.  
  3258. <p><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.   </em></p>
  3259. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/emergency-elite-worldwide-radio-deal/">Add this Amazon&#8217;s Choice elite radio to your emergency kit and save $100</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3260. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  3261. </item>
  3262. <item>
  3263. <title>Low-frequency noise is pervasive. Does that matter?</title>
  3264. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/low-frequency-noise-health/</link>
  3265. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lourdes Medrano/Undark]]></dc:creator>
  3266. <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3267. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  3268. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611213</guid>
  3269.  
  3270. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  3271.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/sound-waves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Even sounds that aren’t audible to everyone have inspired complaints of headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep troubles. And some question whether such symptoms are physiological or psychological. " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Even sounds that aren’t audible to everyone have inspired complaints of headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep troubles. And some question whether such symptoms are physiological or psychological. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/abstract-wave-musical-sounds-smooth-information-transfer-651910920.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Sounds that are lower pitched are less studied than other types. Some say it’s a health hazard. Others have doubts.</p>
  3272. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/low-frequency-noise-health/">Low-frequency noise is pervasive. Does that matter?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3273. ]]></description>
  3274. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  3275.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/sound-waves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Even sounds that aren’t audible to everyone have inspired complaints of headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep troubles. And some question whether such symptoms are physiological or psychological. " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Even sounds that aren’t audible to everyone have inspired complaints of headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep troubles. And some question whether such symptoms are physiological or psychological. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/abstract-wave-musical-sounds-smooth-information-transfer-651910920.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  3276. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://undark.org/2024/04/15/low-frequency-noise-health/">Undark</a>.</p>
  3277.  
  3278.  
  3279.  
  3280. <p class="has-drop-cap">For two years,<strong> </strong>Erica Walker routinely wore ear plugs to dampen the sound of stomping footsteps penetrating her basement apartment ceiling. Still, the noise from her upstairs neighbors, undetected by sound level meters, rumbled in her chest day and night.</p>
  3281.  
  3282.  
  3283.  
  3284. <p>“The funny thing about it was that the noise wasn’t loud,” she said. But it bothered her, this unwelcome sensation she couldn’t control.</p>
  3285.  
  3286.  
  3287.  
  3288. <p>The pleasant and unpalatable sounds that envelop daily life travel through the air in different frequencies perceived as pitch. In bustling cities, the high-pitched sounds of chirping birds, and emergency sirens mix with the low-pitched thrum of traffic and hum of fans in the still of night.</p>
  3289.  
  3290.  
  3291.  
  3292. <p>Low-frequency, or low-pitched noise, like what Walker experienced, is among the most elusive: Traditional measurement tools don’t capture it well, and it’s mostly absent from official consideration outside occupational contexts. Unlike high-frequency sounds, low frequency waves can penetrate walls more easily and carry farther distances, which is why a neighbor might only hear the heavy bass from a party down the street.</p>
  3293.  
  3294.  
  3295.  
  3296. <p>But even sounds that aren’t audible to everyone have inspired complaints of headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep troubles. And some question whether such symptoms are physiological or psychological. One thing is clear: Low-frequency noise is less studied and less understood than other sounds. And exactly what effects it may—or may not—have on humans is far from settled.</p>
  3297.  
  3298.  
  3299.  
  3300. <p>“We’re not at the point yet where we can make causal inferences about how it’s impacted our health,” said Walker, whose experience with her neighbors—which she said contributed to stress, increased blood pressure, and stomach problems—helped inspire her to research noise, now as an assistant professor of epidemiology and founder of the Community Noise Lab at Brown University. But, she added, scientists need to learn how to measure it and “look at its associations with individual and community health.”</p>
  3301.  
  3302.  
  3303.  
  3304. <p>Most cities and towns have ordinances that regulate noise under nuisance standards focusing on time-of-day violations, such as the blasting music from a neighbor’s late-night party. In instances when noise is measured, a challenge lies with the most common standard used, which fails to fully capture the low-frequency noise that the World Health Organization has identified as an environmental problem.</p>
  3305.  
  3306.  
  3307.  
  3308. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"></blockquote>
  3309.  
  3310.  
  3311.  
  3312. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Low-frequency noise is less studied and less understood than other sounds. And exactly what effects it may—or may not—have on humans is far from settled.</p></blockquote></figure>
  3313.  
  3314.  
  3315.  
  3316. <p>In fact, much of the noise that people encounter in their everyday world is concentrated in the lower pitched frequencies, said René Gifford, a professor of hearing and speech sciences at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. If lower frequency noise is negatively affecting a critical mass of people, said Walker, then it is worth deciphering its complexities.</p>
  3317.  
  3318.  
  3319.  
  3320. <p>Meanwhile, “by definition, noise is called unwanted sound,” Walker said. “And so that unwanted definition in sound is very much subjective.” While low-frequency noise may bother some people, the same sound can lull others to sleep.</p>
  3321.  
  3322.  
  3323.  
  3324. <p>“It just depends on the individual,” she said. “But I know that there are communities that are inundated with low-frequency sound, and it’s something that we as a country haven’t really grappled with yet.”</p>
  3325.  
  3326.  
  3327.  
  3328. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  3329.  
  3330.  
  3331.  
  3332. <p class="has-drop-cap">Sound ripples from its source like a wave, and its effect depends on various factors: frequency, duration, the environment in which the sound is heard, and the human ear’s subjective perception of its intensity.</p>
  3333.  
  3334.  
  3335.  
  3336. <p>Frequency refers to how many times that wave of sound repeats itself over a particular time, and it “gives you the character of the sound that is a little bit different than how loud it is,” Walker said. “So low frequency and high frequency noises can be very loud or they can be very quiet.” (Decibels, meanwhile, measure loudness; most city noise ordinances are based on decibels.)</p>
  3337.  
  3338.  
  3339.  
  3340. <p>Low-frequency noise is typically perceived as a low-throbbing or deep rumble. When a freight train moves, for example, it produces vibrations that travel through the ground, moving long distances until they are perceived as both a shaking sensation and low pitch. And then there is infrasound, which is usually set below the human hearing threshold.</p>
  3341.  
  3342.  
  3343.  
  3344. <p>In those lower frequencies, the normal variations in human hearing mean that this type of noise can be perceived as vibrations. “The vibratory effects can still impact various physiologic systems within our body,” Gifford said. “It’s just that we’re not processing them through our hearing mechanism.”</p>
  3345.  
  3346.  
  3347.  
  3348. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“We’re not at the point yet where we can make causal inferences about how it’s impacted our health.”</p></blockquote></figure>
  3349.  
  3350.  
  3351.  
  3352. <p>The deep rumbling sound of thunder from a distant lightning bolt, for example, can cause vibrations in the chest and throughout the body as the frequency changes from high to low while traveling. “That would be a combination of the feeling that you feel, and you also have the auditory stimulation,” she said.</p>
  3353.  
  3354.  
  3355.  
  3356. <p>Infrasound generally doesn’t even audibly register. For example, some of the sound produced by natural events, such as earthquakes, avalanches, and tsunamis, along with human inventions such as distant aircraft and machinery, can be below the human hearing threshold. But some evidence suggests that those extremely low pitches can still be felt in the body.</p>
  3357.  
  3358.  
  3359.  
  3360. <p>“Prior to an earthquake, there tends to be infrasound that some research has shown some people can actually feel it or start feeling a little strange, off balance, maybe even nauseated,” Gifford said.</p>
  3361.  
  3362.  
  3363.  
  3364. <p>David Woolworth, an acoustic engineer in Oxford, Mississippi, hears a lot of complaints about booming music, often&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://undark.org/2017/12/27/highway-noise-barrier-science/">emitting from cars</a>. The advent of inexpensive, low-frequency amplification has changed the sound of music that spills into the environment since The Beatles first performed in 1960s New York, Woolworth said. “They had a tiny little system,” he said of the legendary English rock band. “The people were louder than the band.” Since then, “low frequency amplification became much more efficient, and the amplifiers became lighter and smaller. And now you can have cars driving around that shake a whole neighborhood.”</p>
  3365.  
  3366.  
  3367.  
  3368. <p>And while barriers can filter out middle and higher frequencies, those in the lower ranges in general have “thresholds at which windows, walls, and floor ceiling assemblies start to vibrate,” he said.</p>
  3369.  
  3370.  
  3371.  
  3372. <p>Meanwhile, the standard way to measure for environmental noise is through a system known as the A-weighted decibel metric, which de-emphasizes low frequencies over higher frequencies, making it harder to measure. Other variables also can interfere in the lower frequencies, both audible and inaudible. “The sound waves propagate further, penetrate building envelopes more easily, and other factors such as topography, wind, location and the sensor you are using can come into play,” Woolworth said.</p>
  3373.  
  3374.  
  3375.  
  3376. <p>Various studies, some using animals as subjects, suggest a link between frequencies at the lower end of the spectrum and a negative impact on health. But many of those studies include a limited number of participants. And after many years, much of the research on how and to what extent harm can occur continues. “It’s just that the magnitude of the effects is quite varied across studies,” Gifford said.</p>
  3377.  
  3378.  
  3379.  
  3380. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  3381.  
  3382.  
  3383.  
  3384. <p class="has-drop-cap">Research on the health impact of noise, mostly focused on occupational exposure, dates to the early 20th century. But it wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that scientists trained their collective lens on the health impact of environmental noise; low-frequency noise didn’t emerge as a focal point until the ’90s and early aughts, when a number of studies emerged on its impact on quality of sleep. Later research focused exclusively on low-frequency noise have linked it to discomfort, stress, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.</p>
  3385.  
  3386.  
  3387.  
  3388. <p>In one of Walker’s early <a target="_blank" href="https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003641/">experiments</a>, for example, ten healthy men were exposed to short-term, low-frequency and high-frequency noise in an acoustics laboratory and then had their acute cardiovascular and stress responses measured. The results showed decreases in heart rate variability, the variation in time intervals between beats, with exposure to low-frequency rate, in particular. A lowered heart rate variability is associated with the body’s reduced ability to cope with stress.</p>
  3389.  
  3390.  
  3391.  
  3392. <p>One of the most notorious sources of low-frequency noise that stirs health-related complaints are electricity-generating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/wind-turbines-effects-health/">wind farms</a>. Researchers have investigated whether exposure to the giant, three-pronged turbine blades rotating contributes to sleep disturbances, dizziness, high blood pressure, and chronic health conditions, such as heart disease. And even though wind farms and their potential connection to health harm are among the most studied in the field, results are inconclusive.</p>
  3393.  
  3394.  
  3395.  
  3396. <p>Wind turbines produce a combination of some audible noise and infrasound that some people may be more sensitive to than others, Gifford said. “That’s probably why—and again, this is speculation because we just don’t know why—some people are experiencing issues and reported problems and others don’t,” she said.</p>
  3397.  
  3398.  
  3399.  
  3400. <p>Indeed, some studies point to an association between wind turbine noise that puts people who live nearby at higher risk for ill health, like insomnia and nausea. One couple in France even sued for—and won—more than 100,000 euros for symptoms they said were caused by living near a windfarm. But such claims are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/06/wind-turbine-syndrome/530694/">contentious</a>, and other <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/why-a-dedicated-research-fund-for-wind-farms-and-health-37469">research</a> suggests that there is no connection.</p>
  3401.  
  3402.  
  3403.  
  3404. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"></blockquote>
  3405.  
  3406.  
  3407.  
  3408. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Research focused exclusively on low-frequency noise has linked it to discomfort, stress, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.</p></blockquote></figure>
  3409.  
  3410.  
  3411.  
  3412. <p>Robert McCunney, a physician and environmental health expert in Boston, is among those who have concluded that the evidence doesn’t support claims that the low-frequency noise component of wind farms cause direct health effects. He is the main author of a 2014&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25376420/">review</a>&nbsp;of scientific literature on wind turbines and health that found low-frequency noise was more related to annoyance than unique health risks. “As far as I’m aware, the conclusions we drew in that paper are applicable today,” said McCunney, who teaches at Harvard Medical School.</p>
  3413.  
  3414.  
  3415.  
  3416. <p>McCunney’s findings were echoed in another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/everyday-things-emit-radiation/wind-turbine-noise/wind-turbine-noise-health-study-summary-results.html">study</a>&nbsp;that the Canadian government published in 2014 on the safety of wind farms. The research, which involved residents living in more than 1,000 dwellings near turbines, found that noise exposure annoyed people but was not associated with sleep disruption, stress, and self-reported health effects.</p>
  3417.  
  3418.  
  3419.  
  3420. <p>Gas-powered leaf blowers—which operate at a lower frequency than their electrical counterparts—are another common nuisance. In several communities, their sound has become so undesirable that their use is being restricted or outright banned. In a 2017 <a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31448365/">analysis</a> of leaf blowers, Walker found that the noise the lawn equipment produces can persist at high intensity levels up to 800 feet away.</p>
  3421.  
  3422.  
  3423.  
  3424. <p>“The thing about low-frequency noise is that it travels very long distances, it’s hard to abate, and it can penetrate through walls and structures,” she said. “So not only is it ubiquitous, it is insidious.”</p>
  3425.  
  3426.  
  3427.  
  3428. <p>However, controversy persists over the sources of low-frequency sounds and whether they actually harm health. A 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9999102">review</a>&nbsp;of the literature found that some people who are chronically exposed to low-frequency noise can develop significant health conditions. Research on chronic exposure, including in aircraft technicians, has found effects such as changes in the inner ear, depression, mental health disfunction, cellular and tissue damage, and numerous health complications linked to the circulatory system.</p>
  3429.  
  3430.  
  3431.  
  3432. <p>In other studies, exposure to low-frequency noise from different sources has shown some effects on the health of both animals and humans. In a 2017 study, researchers put nearly 100 rats into chambers where some were exposed to short sessions of low-frequency sound for 13 weeks below 250 hertz and sound pressure levels of up to 150 decibels. Its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5437756/">findings</a>&nbsp;suggested that low frequency noise “may have possible mutagenic effects and cause massive cell death.”</p>
  3433.  
  3434.  
  3435.  
  3436. <p>Meanwhile, <a target="_blank" href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.140166">a 2014 study</a> involving humans exposed 21 volunteers with normal hearing to 90 seconds of deep, vibrating sound of about 30 hertz in a sound booth. Afterward, fluctuations that recordings captured from the faint sounds flowing from their healthy ears—known as otoacoustic emissions—suggested that the very low frequency sound could be damaging, but reversible, in the short term. It did not show evidence of permanent damage.</p>
  3437.  
  3438.  
  3439.  
  3440. <p>A more recent systematic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-17593-5">review</a>&nbsp;of studies published in January explored low-frequency noise exposure and cognitive function, which allows thinking, learning, and remembering, found no evidence that low frequency noise affected memory or attention levels. However, the findings suggested that it may reduce “higher-order cognitive functions” such as logical reasoning and mathematical calculations.</p>
  3441.  
  3442.  
  3443.  
  3444. <p>Despite the lack of scientific consensus, complaints about low-frequency noises persist. And the most contested of such sounds might be what’s known commonly as the “Worldwide Hum”: For decades, people from North America to Europe and Australia have heard a mysterious, low-pitched noise they describe as a hum, low rumble, or vibration that can annoy them, keep them up at night or induce ill feelings.</p>
  3445.  
  3446.  
  3447.  
  3448. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"></blockquote>
  3449.  
  3450.  
  3451.  
  3452. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“There’s a level at which noise can become excessive and harmful, and that’s what we’re concerned with.”</p></blockquote></figure>
  3453.  
  3454.  
  3455.  
  3456. <p>In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-taos-hum-new-mexicos-unexplained-acoustic-phenomenon/">Taos</a>, New Mexico, low-frequency noise has frustrated a small part of the population for years. Theories about the origin of the hum range from industrial equipment to seismic activity and even outer space phenomena. But some speculate that the answer lies within the complexity of the human hearing system. A 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.brummton.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PDF-Dokument-Franz-G.Frosch-2022-Tinnitus-Journal-.pdf">study</a>&nbsp;that builds on previous research linked the hum to tinnitus, a condition that fills the ears with ringing, roaring, or buzzing sounds heard only by the sufferer.</p>
  3457.  
  3458.  
  3459.  
  3460. <p>Glen MacPherson, a high school science teacher who said he first heard the hum in the spring of 2012 while living in the British Columbia coast of Canada, doesn’t buy the study’s findings. “I’ve got a big problem with that,” he said.</p>
  3461.  
  3462.  
  3463.  
  3464. <p>MacPherson, who was the only member of his family to hear the hum, created the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehum.info/">World Hum Map and Database Project</a> to document the phenomenon. He has tracked numerous reports from people who are able to hear it—an estimated 2 to 4 percent of the world population. Among them are those with tinnitus who also hear the hum, he wrote in an article, and they have described both as distinct sounds.</p>
  3465.  
  3466.  
  3467.  
  3468. <p>While the impact of low-frequency noise from various sources need further exploration, it’s long been well known that prolonged exposure to certain&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html#:~:text=Noise%20above%2070%20dB%20over,immediate%20harm%20to%20your%20ears.">noises</a>, such as leaf blowers, can be hazardous to health, said Jamie Banks, the president of the nonprofit advocacy Quiet Communities.</p>
  3469.  
  3470.  
  3471.  
  3472. <p>“There’s a level at which noise can become excessive and harmful, and that’s what we’re concerned with,” Banks said. “We’re concerned with noise at the point where it becomes harmful to health.”</p>
  3473.  
  3474.  
  3475.  
  3476. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
  3477.  
  3478.  
  3479.  
  3480. <p class="has-drop-cap">Noise pollution, particularly low-frequency noise, has long received far less attention than air or water pollution. The task of regulating environmental noise is largely left to states and local governments, which set limits that often go unenforced.</p>
  3481.  
  3482.  
  3483.  
  3484. <p>A growing movement against the ever-increasing noise of all types in daily life is pushing for the federal government to declare it a public health problem. In June 2023, Quiet Communities filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., over the lack of noise pollution regulation.</p>
  3485.  
  3486.  
  3487.  
  3488. <p>Banks said communities are overwhelmed by low-frequency noise and noise in general. The job of ensuring noise stays within healthy levels belongs to the EPA, she said.</p>
  3489.  
  3490.  
  3491.  
  3492. <p>“The EPA has basically turned its back on an entire set of public health problems,” she said. “There are people suffering from noise. Noise is a public health problem and it’s an environmental problem.”</p>
  3493.  
  3494.  
  3495.  
  3496. <p>And while it’s known that low-frequency noise may affect health, she said, it’s vital that its long-term implications be fully explored. “It’s chronic noise that can affect non-auditory health.”</p>
  3497.  
  3498.  
  3499.  
  3500. <p>Woolworth, the acoustic engineer, said it also would take resources—and time—for communities to incorporate additional metrics that capture a wider range of frequencies. The current technique downplays low-frequency sounds over higher frequencies.</p>
  3501.  
  3502.  
  3503.  
  3504. <p>People who are affected by low-frequency noise may not so easily dismiss those unwanted sounds. Even noise-induced annoyance is a factor that “can and does” set up a stress reaction known as the “fight-or-flight” response, Walker said. “If that stress response is constantly being stimulated, can we honestly say it doesn’t cause harm to health?”</p>
  3505.  
  3506.  
  3507.  
  3508. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"></blockquote>
  3509.  
  3510.  
  3511.  
  3512. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“The EPA has basically turned its back on an entire set of public health problems.”</p></blockquote></figure>
  3513.  
  3514.  
  3515.  
  3516. <p>And without regulation, Walker said communities are left to handle noise and raise awareness about how people can shield themselves from the impact of low-frequency noise. Her own experience living with the incessant muffled sounds from her upstairs neighbors and finding few resources to deal with the situation, was the catalyst that changed her career path. Now, through her work, she helps communities find ways to manage noise that is affecting their lives.</p>
  3517.  
  3518.  
  3519.  
  3520. <p>“As a researcher, if somebody tells me that noise is bothering them, I’m not going to take it lightly,” she said. “That is information that needs to be investigated.”</p>
  3521. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/low-frequency-noise-health/">Low-frequency noise is pervasive. Does that matter?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3522. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  3523. </item>
  3524. <item>
  3525. <title>The best coffee machines for offices in 2024</title>
  3526. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-coffee-machines-for-offices/</link>
  3527. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Terri Williams]]></dc:creator>
  3528. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  3529. <category><![CDATA[Appliances]]></category>
  3530. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  3531. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  3532. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  3533. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  3534. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  3535. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  3536. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  3537. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610989</guid>
  3538.  
  3539. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  3540.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/The-best-coffee-machines-for-offices-in-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best coffee machines for offices in 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><p>From single-serve to automatic espresso, these are the six best coffee makers for quickly filling a mug and seizing the day.  </p>
  3541. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-coffee-machines-for-offices/">The best coffee machines for offices in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  3542. ]]></description>
  3543. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  3544.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/The-best-coffee-machines-for-offices-in-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best coffee machines for offices in 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  3545. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  3546.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  3547.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  3548.      <tbody>
  3549.              <tr
  3550.          class="ProductTable-product"
  3551.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  3552.        >
  3553.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  3554.            Best overall
  3555.          </td>
  3556.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  3557.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Breville-Precision-Brewer on a countertop." class="wp-image-611004" width="264" height="165">
  3558.          </td>
  3559.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  3560.            Breville Precision Brewer
  3561.          </td>
  3562.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  3563.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  3564.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3565.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3566.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3567.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3568.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3569.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  3570.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3571.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3572.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3573.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3574.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3575.                                  </div>
  3576.                          </div>
  3577.          </td>
  3578.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  3579.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  3580.                <span>
  3581.                  SEE IT
  3582.                </span>
  3583.            </a>
  3584.          </td>
  3585.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  3586.              <p>The large-capacity coffee maker is durable, easy to use, and looks good in any space.</p>
  3587.  
  3588.            </td>
  3589.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  3590.        </tr>
  3591.              <tr
  3592.          class="ProductTable-product"
  3593.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  3594.        >
  3595.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  3596.            Best single-serve coffee maker
  3597.          </td>
  3598.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  3599.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker on a countertop." class="wp-image-611006" width="264" height="165">
  3600.          </td>
  3601.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  3602.            L’OR Barista 
  3603.          </td>
  3604.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  3605.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  3606.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3607.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3608.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3609.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3610.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3611.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  3612.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3613.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3614.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3615.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3616.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3617.                                  </div>
  3618.                          </div>
  3619.          </td>
  3620.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  3621.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  3622.                <span>
  3623.                  SEE IT
  3624.                </span>
  3625.            </a>
  3626.          </td>
  3627.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  3628.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It uses two capsule sizes and works with Nespresso Original capsules.</span></p>
  3629.  
  3630.            </td>
  3631.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  3632.        </tr>
  3633.              <tr
  3634.          class="ProductTable-product"
  3635.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  3636.        >
  3637.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  3638.            Best value
  3639.          </td>
  3640.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  3641.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Cuisinart Auto Grind and Brew on a countertop." class="wp-image-611007" width="264" height="165">
  3642.          </td>
  3643.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  3644.            Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew 
  3645.          </td>
  3646.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  3647.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  3648.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3649.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3650.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3651.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3652.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3653.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  3654.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3655.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3656.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3657.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3658.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  3659.                                  </div>
  3660.                          </div>
  3661.          </td>
  3662.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  3663.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  3664.                <span>
  3665.                  SEE IT
  3666.                </span>
  3667.            </a>
  3668.          </td>
  3669.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  3670.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enjoy freshly ground beans each day with the coffee maker’s automatic burr grinder.</span></p>
  3671.  
  3672.            </td>
  3673.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  3674.        </tr>
  3675.            </tbody>
  3676.    </table>
  3677.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  3678.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  3679.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  3680.    </div>
  3681.  </div>
  3682. </div>
  3683.  
  3684.  
  3685.  
  3686. <p>You&#8217;re not alone if you like to jump-start your day at the coffee machine. According to a <a href="https://www.ncausa.org/Newsroom/Celebrate-National-Coffee-Day-with-latest-data-on-Americas-favorite-beverage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by the National Coffee Association (NCA), 63% of Americans drink coffee daily, making it the most consumed beverage—even more popular than water. The report also reveals that 36% of Americans say they have an in-office coffee station.</p>
  3687.  
  3688.  
  3689.  
  3690. <p>In the past, many offices were limited to commercial coffee brewers with warming plates. However, those models often resulted in bland and/or burnt coffee that didn’t get any better from sitting on a hot plate for too long. These days, however, coffee-maker manufacturers make affordable retail models with many of the bells and whistles you’d find in commercial coffee makers. The best coffee makers for offices can cater to cubicle coworkers&#8217; and C-suite executives&#8217; tastes alike without exceeding space or budget restrictions.&nbsp;</p>
  3691.  
  3692.  
  3693.  
  3694. <ul>
  3695. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Breville Precision Brewer</a></li>
  3696.  
  3697.  
  3698.  
  3699. <li><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Barista-Impress-Espresso-BES881BSS/dp/B0C1T4W797?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Breville the Barista Touch Impress</a>&nbsp;</li>
  3700.  
  3701.  
  3702.  
  3703. <li><strong>Best for large groups: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BUNN-04275-0031-Pourover-Commercial-Warmers/dp/B000BN7W8O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bunn 12-Cup Commercial Coffee Brewer</a></li>
  3704.  
  3705.  
  3706.  
  3707. <li><strong>Best single-serve coffee maker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">L’OR Barista</a>&nbsp;</li>
  3708.  
  3709.  
  3710.  
  3711. <li><strong>Best French Press: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Espro-Coffee-Insulated-Polished-Stainless/dp/B011WTWIPW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Espro P7 French Press</a></li>
  3712.  
  3713.  
  3714.  
  3715. <li><strong>Best value: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew</a>&nbsp;</li>
  3716. </ul>
  3717.  
  3718.  
  3719.  
  3720. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-coffee-machines-for-offices"><strong>How we chose the best coffee machines for offices</strong></h2>
  3721.  
  3722.  
  3723.  
  3724. <p>As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications including <em>Forbes,</em> <em>CNN Underscored</em>, <em>NBC News Select</em>, <em>Popular Mechanics</em>, <em>Architectural Digest</em>, <em>Tom’s Guide</em>, <em>The Daily Beast</em>, <em>USA Today’s Reviewed</em>, <em>TechRadar</em>, <em>Better Homes &amp; Gardens</em>, <em>Bob Vila</em>, and, of course, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/authors/terri-williams/"><em>PopSci</em></a>. I’ve tested and written several dozen coffee makers and combined this experience alongside interviews with several coffee experts for tips on choosing the best coffee maker(s) for this type of setting.&nbsp;</p>
  3725.  
  3726.  
  3727.  
  3728. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-coffee-machines-for-offices-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best coffee machines for offices: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  3729.  
  3730.  
  3731.  
  3732. <p>Giorgio Milos, master barista for <a href="https://www.illy.com/en-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">illy</a>, tells us, “Good and well-prepared coffee at offices is a thing that should be available all the time and independently of who&#8217;s making the coffee.” He admits, however, that people are not born with the skills to make it right; some knowledge and training are necessary to make coffee properly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  3733.  
  3734.  
  3735.  
  3736. <p>“Filter coffee is easy to prepare and maintain with very little training and knowledge, but making espresso-based drinks properly requires extensive training, practice, and passion,” he says. “On the other hand, single-serve pods or capsules are made to avoid the requirement of skills.”&nbsp;</p>
  3737.  
  3738.  
  3739.  
  3740. <p>For office managers in the market to purchase a coffee maker, these are some NCA stats to keep in mind: Among people who drink coffee, the most popular preparation method is drip coffee (40%), followed by single-cup brewers (27%), cold brewing (16%), and espresso machines (11%). In addition, the most popular espresso-based beverages are lattes (18%), espressos (16%), and cappuccinos (15%). Based on testing, our experience with coffee makers in office settings, and the factors explained by our experts at the end of this roundup, here are the best coffee machines for offices that offer all types of extraction and allow you to leave behind <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-coffee-travel-mugs/">that travel mug</a> of homebrew without regrets.</p>
  3741.  
  3742.  
  3743.  
  3744. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-breville-precision-brewer"><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Breville Precision Brewer</a></h3>
  3745.  
  3746.  
  3747. <div
  3748.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  3749.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  3750. >
  3751.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  3752.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  3753.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  3754.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Precision-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Breville-Precision-Brewer on a countertop.">
  3755.                      </figure>
  3756.                  </a>
  3757.            </div>
  3758.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  3759.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  3760.        <p><em>Terri Williams</em></p>
  3761.  
  3762.      </figcaption>
  3763.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  3764.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000"
  3765.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  3766.      </p>
  3767.      </div>
  3768. </div>
  3769.  
  3770.  
  3771.  
  3772. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The large-capacity coffee maker is durable, easy to use, and looks good in any space.</p>
  3773.  
  3774.  
  3775.  
  3776. <p><strong>Specs&nbsp;</strong></p>
  3777.  
  3778.  
  3779.  
  3780. <ul>
  3781. <li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>14” x 9” x 16”</li>
  3782.  
  3783.  
  3784.  
  3785. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>3.15 pounds</li>
  3786.  
  3787.  
  3788.  
  3789. <li><strong>Brewing capacity</strong>: 60 ounces</li>
  3790. </ul>
  3791.  
  3792.  
  3793.  
  3794. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  3795.  
  3796.  
  3797.  
  3798. <ul>
  3799. <li>Six brewing presets, including fast, strong, and cold brew</li>
  3800.  
  3801.  
  3802.  
  3803. <li>Programmable</li>
  3804.  
  3805.  
  3806.  
  3807. <li>SGA Gold Cup standard certification</li>
  3808.  
  3809.  
  3810.  
  3811. <li>Thermal carafe</li>
  3812.  
  3813.  
  3814.  
  3815. <li>Easy to use</li>
  3816.  
  3817.  
  3818.  
  3819. <li>60-ounce capacity</li>
  3820. </ul>
  3821.  
  3822.  
  3823.  
  3824. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  3825.  
  3826.  
  3827.  
  3828. <ul>
  3829. <li>Adapter kit for pour-over option sold separately</li>
  3830. </ul>
  3831.  
  3832.  
  3833.  
  3834. <p>The Breville Precision Brewer leads our list of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-drip-coffee-makers/">best drip coffee makers</a> and is also our top pick for the best office coffee machines. The Breville Precision Brewer can brew 60 ounces (12 cups) of coffee. However, it also has a small cup detection feature for office workers who want to brew a single-serve volume. In addition, the coffee maker has several settings, including SCA Gold Cup, Fast, Strong Brew, Ice Coffee, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker/">Cold Brew</a>. <a href="https://sca.coffee/heritage-coffee-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Gold Cup certification</a> is only awarded to a handful of coffee makers, and certification is determined by various factors, including brew basket volume, temperature, uniformity of extraction and performance, holding receptacle and temperature.&nbsp;</p>
  3835.  
  3836.  
  3837.  
  3838. <p>It&#8217;s easy to use, another reason this is a great coffee machine for office use. After pressing the start/cancel button, there’s a select dial, and the selection shows on the display panel. The coffee maker also has a “time since brewed” feature, so anyone walking up to the machine can see how fresh the coffee is.</p>
  3839.  
  3840.  
  3841.  
  3842. <p>It&#8217;s a durable coffee maker made of brushed stainless steel with a thermal carafe. I like thermal carafes because they can keep coffee hot without using a warming plate. In an office setting, a thermal carafe is also a heavy-duty option that won’t break if it’s accidentally dropped on the floor, unlike fragile glass carafes. Also, more manually minded caffiends can use the Breville Precision Brewer with a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-pour-over-coffee-maker/">pour-over</a> dripper.</p>
  3843.  
  3844.  
  3845.  
  3846. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-splurge-breville-the-barista-touch-impress-espresso-machine-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Barista-Impress-Espresso-BES881BSS/dp/B0C1T4W797?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Breville the Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
  3847.  
  3848.  
  3849. <div
  3850.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  3851.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  3852. >
  3853.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  3854.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Barista-Impress-Espresso-BES881BSS/dp/B0C1T4W797?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  3855.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  3856.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Barista-Touch-Impress-Espresso-Machine-with-Grinder_2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Breville-Barista-Touch-Impress-Espresso-Machine-with-Grinder_2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Breville-Barista-Touch-Impress-Espresso-Machine-with-Grinder on a countertop.">
  3857.                      </figure>
  3858.                  </a>
  3859.            </div>
  3860.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  3861.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  3862.        <p><em>Tony Ware / Popular Science</em></p>
  3863.  
  3864.      </figcaption>
  3865.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  3866.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Barista-Impress-Espresso-BES881BSS/dp/B0C1T4W797?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000"
  3867.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  3868.      </p>
  3869.      </div>
  3870. </div>
  3871.  
  3872.  
  3873.  
  3874. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The step-by-step instructions make this great for beginner baristas.</p>
  3875.  
  3876.  
  3877.  
  3878. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  3879.  
  3880.  
  3881.  
  3882. <ul>
  3883. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 14.2” x 13.4” x 16.3”</li>
  3884.  
  3885.  
  3886.  
  3887. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>22 pounds</li>
  3888.  
  3889.  
  3890.  
  3891. <li><strong>Brewing capacity: </strong>12 ounces</li>
  3892. </ul>
  3893.  
  3894.  
  3895.  
  3896. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  3897.  
  3898.  
  3899.  
  3900. <ul>
  3901. <li>Onscreen guidance</li>
  3902.  
  3903.  
  3904.  
  3905. <li>9 bar extraction pressure</li>
  3906.  
  3907.  
  3908.  
  3909. <li>Hands-free milk texturing</li>
  3910. </ul>
  3911.  
  3912.  
  3913.  
  3914. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  3915.  
  3916.  
  3917.  
  3918. <ul>
  3919. <li>Expensive</li>
  3920. </ul>
  3921.  
  3922.  
  3923.  
  3924. <p>Don’t underestimate your officemates’ ability to use and appreciate high-end coffee makers. Many of them may have high-end espresso machines at home, and others, especially those who visit their favorite barista every day, may be willing to learn how to recreate their favorite drinks at work. Having a proper <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-latte-machines/">latte machine</a> at the office saves them time and money and can help create a sense of camaraderie in the office. And the Breville Barista Touch Impress is actually a beginner-friendly automatic espresso machine with settings for flat white, latte, cappuccino, long black, babyccino, hot chocolate, tea, and more.</p>
  3925.  
  3926.  
  3927.  
  3928. <p>The 12-ounce bean hopper holds whole beans until you want the integrated burr grinder to transform them into ground coffee. Also, the generous 67.6-ounce water tank eliminates having to refill it continuously. The Thermojet heating system heats up quickly, and the automatic steam wand provides a silky microfoam layer on top of the coffee that beats a simple <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-milk-frother/">milk frother</a>. In addition, settings for alternative milk types (almond, oat, soy) can also be selected for latte-based drinks.</p>
  3929.  
  3930.  
  3931.  
  3932. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-large-groups-bunn-12-cup-commercial-coffee-brewer"><strong>Best for large groups: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BUNN-04275-0031-Pourover-Commercial-Warmers/dp/B000BN7W8O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bunn 12-Cup Commercial Coffee Brewer</a></h3>
  3933.  
  3934.  
  3935. <div
  3936.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  3937.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  3938. >
  3939.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  3940.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/BUNN-04275-0031-Pourover-Commercial-Warmers/dp/B000BN7W8O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  3941.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  3942.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Bunn-12-Cup-Commercial-Coffee-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Bunn-12-Cup-Commercial-Coffee-Brewer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Bunn 12-Cup Commercial Coffee Brewer on a plain white background.">
  3943.                      </figure>
  3944.                  </a>
  3945.            </div>
  3946.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  3947.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  3948.        <p><em>Bunn</em></p>
  3949.  
  3950.      </figcaption>
  3951.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  3952.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/BUNN-04275-0031-Pourover-Commercial-Warmers/dp/B000BN7W8O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000"
  3953.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  3954.      </p>
  3955.      </div>
  3956. </div>
  3957.  
  3958.  
  3959.  
  3960. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  3961.  
  3962.  
  3963.  
  3964. <ul>
  3965. <li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>8” x 23” x 19.2H</li>
  3966.  
  3967.  
  3968.  
  3969. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>25.6 pounds</li>
  3970.  
  3971.  
  3972.  
  3973. <li><strong>Brewing capacity: </strong>12 cups</li>
  3974. </ul>
  3975.  
  3976.  
  3977.  
  3978. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  3979.  
  3980.  
  3981.  
  3982. <ul>
  3983. <li>Three warming stations can keep 36 cups of coffee warm</li>
  3984.  
  3985.  
  3986.  
  3987. <li>Can designate regular or decaf decanters</li>
  3988.  
  3989.  
  3990.  
  3991. <li>Simple, easy-to-use buttons</li>
  3992. </ul>
  3993.  
  3994.  
  3995.  
  3996. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  3997.  
  3998.  
  3999.  
  4000. <ul>
  4001. <li>Temperature recovery period</li>
  4002. </ul>
  4003.  
  4004.  
  4005.  
  4006. <p>If you need to make coffee for many people, the Bunn 12-Cup Commercial Coffee Brewer lets you brew up to three carafes (or decanters) of coffee and keep them hot on the three warming stations. The warming stations are each separately controlled. And for large events, like meetings and office parties, you can continue to brew coffee rapidly. In fact, this stainless-steel, easy-to-use commercial brewer makes 3.8 gallons of coffee per hour.</p>
  4007.  
  4008.  
  4009.  
  4010. <p>There’s another advantage to such commercial coffee machines. A Bunn allows you to brew fully leaded and decaf coffee simultaneously and keep them in carafes with a color-coded handle. This allows you to accommodate those who may be trying to cut down on their caffeine consumption. You can brew two carafes of coffee back-to-back, but then there’s a temperature-recovery period before the third carafe can be brewed.</p>
  4011.  
  4012.  
  4013.  
  4014. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-single-serve-coffee-maker-l-or-barista-system-coffee-and-espresso-machine-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Best single-serve coffee maker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">L’OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
  4015.  
  4016.  
  4017. <div
  4018.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  4019.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  4020. >
  4021.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  4022.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  4023.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  4024.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="LOR-Barista-single-serve-coffee-maker on a countertop.">
  4025.                      </figure>
  4026.                  </a>
  4027.            </div>
  4028.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  4029.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  4030.        <p><em>Terri Williams</em></p>
  4031.  
  4032.      </figcaption>
  4033.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  4034.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000"
  4035.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  4036.      </p>
  4037.      </div>
  4038. </div>
  4039.  
  4040.  
  4041.  
  4042. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  4043.  
  4044.  
  4045.  
  4046. <ul>
  4047. <li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>16” x 7” x 11”</li>
  4048.  
  4049.  
  4050.  
  4051. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>11.02 pounds</li>
  4052.  
  4053.  
  4054.  
  4055. <li><strong>Brewing capacity: </strong>12 ounces</li>
  4056. </ul>
  4057.  
  4058.  
  4059.  
  4060. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  4061.  
  4062.  
  4063.  
  4064. <ul>
  4065. <li>Uses a variety of coffee and espresso capsules</li>
  4066.  
  4067.  
  4068.  
  4069. <li>Heats quickly</li>
  4070.  
  4071.  
  4072.  
  4073. <li>40-ounce detachable water tank</li>
  4074. </ul>
  4075.  
  4076.  
  4077.  
  4078. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  4079.  
  4080.  
  4081.  
  4082. <ul>
  4083. <li>Single-serve use only</li>
  4084. </ul>
  4085.  
  4086.  
  4087.  
  4088. <p>If you have a small office that enjoys single-serve coffee, they can customize each cup with the L’OR Barista System Coffee and Espresso Machine—a fully automatic machine that is quite easy to use. After pressing the Power button, just press the Small icon for a 5-ounce coffee or a 1.4-ounce espresso. The Medium icon produces 8 ounces of coffee or 2.7 ounces of espresso. The Large button is used for 12 ounces of coffee or 3.7 ounces of espresso.</p>
  4089.  
  4090.  
  4091.  
  4092. <p>The L’OR Barista can accept both large coffee capsules and small espresso capsules, producing a velvety layer of crema on top every time. Some coffee blends offered include Vanilla Flavored Blend, Bonjour Blend, Chateau Blend, Provocateur Blend, Le Tigre Blend, and Decaf Medium Roast. Some of the espresso capsules include Ristretto, Colombia, Ristretto Decaffeinato, Onyx, Profondo, Estremo, Forza, Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, and Papua New Guinea. L’OR single-serve coffee makers are also compatible with Peet’s Coffee capsules and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-nespresso-machines/">Nespresso Original machine</a> capsules (another popular style of office-friendly coffee maker).</p>
  4093.  
  4094.  
  4095.  
  4096. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-french-press-espro-p7-french-press"><strong>Best French Press: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Espro-Coffee-Insulated-Polished-Stainless/dp/B011WTWIPW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Espro P7 French Press</a></h3>
  4097.  
  4098.  
  4099. <div
  4100.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  4101.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  4102. >
  4103.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  4104.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Espro-Coffee-Insulated-Polished-Stainless/dp/B011WTWIPW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  4105.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  4106.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Espro-P7-French-Press.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Espro-P7-French-Press.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Espro P7 French Press on a countertop.">
  4107.                      </figure>
  4108.                  </a>
  4109.            </div>
  4110.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  4111.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  4112.        <p><em>Tony Ware / Popular Science</em></p>
  4113.  
  4114.      </figcaption>
  4115.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  4116.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Espro-Coffee-Insulated-Polished-Stainless/dp/B011WTWIPW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000"
  4117.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  4118.      </p>
  4119.      </div>
  4120. </div>
  4121.  
  4122.  
  4123.  
  4124. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  4125.  
  4126.  
  4127.  
  4128. <ul>
  4129. <li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>3.5” x 4.2” x 9.5”</li>
  4130.  
  4131.  
  4132.  
  4133. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>1.5 pounds</li>
  4134.  
  4135.  
  4136.  
  4137. <li><strong>Brewing capacity: </strong>32 ounces</li>
  4138. </ul>
  4139.  
  4140.  
  4141.  
  4142. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  4143.  
  4144.  
  4145.  
  4146. <ul>
  4147. <li>Makes good, strong coffee</li>
  4148.  
  4149.  
  4150.  
  4151. <li>Double filter keeps coffee sediment-free</li>
  4152.  
  4153.  
  4154.  
  4155. <li>Gorgeous, space-saving design</li>
  4156. </ul>
  4157.  
  4158.  
  4159.  
  4160. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  4161.  
  4162.  
  4163.  
  4164. <ul>
  4165. <li>Plunger can be tricky</li>
  4166. </ul>
  4167.  
  4168.  
  4169.  
  4170. <p>It’s been said that no coffee tastes better than properly prepared <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-french-press-coffee-makers/">French Press coffee</a>. If there are a few coffee snobs in your office, the Espro P7 French Press can provide the level of flavor that they’re unlikely to get from another brewing method. That’s because you can fully control the brewing process (using the plunger) in a way you can’t with most other types of brewing processes. The Espro P7 has a double micro-filter to ensure that no grit or sludge can make it into your cup—and it brews coffee in 4 minutes. In addition, since the stainless-steel French press has double-walled insulation, it keeps coffee (or tea) hot for hours with no degradation of taste.</p>
  4171.  
  4172.  
  4173.  
  4174. <p>The Espro P7 is available in 18- and 32-ounce sizes. It’s also available in several colors, including matte black, matte white, Aegean blue, cranberry, brushed stainless steel, and polished stainless steel. Of course, you’ll need a good source of hot water for a French Press, like the temperature-controlled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fellow-Electric-Pour-over-Temperature-Stopwatch/dp/B0BSVQGR71?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Stagg EKG Pro Studio Electric Gooseneck Kettle</a>—one of our top gift suggestions for the hot beverage-obsessed.</p>
  4175.  
  4176.  
  4177.  
  4178. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-value-cuisinart-automatic-grind-and-brew-nbsp"><strong>Best value: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  4179.  
  4180.  
  4181. <div
  4182.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  4183.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  4184. >
  4185.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  4186.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  4187.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  4188.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Cuisinart-Auto-Grind-and-Brew.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Cuisinart Auto Grind and Brew on a countertop.">
  4189.                      </figure>
  4190.                  </a>
  4191.            </div>
  4192.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  4193.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  4194.        <p><em>Terri Williams</em></p>
  4195.  
  4196.      </figcaption>
  4197.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  4198.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000"
  4199.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  4200.      </p>
  4201.      </div>
  4202. </div>
  4203.  
  4204.  
  4205.  
  4206. <p>&nbsp;<strong>Specs</strong></p>
  4207.  
  4208.  
  4209.  
  4210. <ul>
  4211. <li><strong>Dimensions: </strong>8.74’ x 16.34” x 11.96”</li>
  4212.  
  4213.  
  4214.  
  4215. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>15 pounds</li>
  4216.  
  4217.  
  4218.  
  4219. <li><strong>Brewing capacity: </strong>12 cups</li>
  4220. </ul>
  4221.  
  4222.  
  4223.  
  4224. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  4225.  
  4226.  
  4227.  
  4228. <ul>
  4229. <li>12-cup carafe</li>
  4230.  
  4231.  
  4232.  
  4233. <li>Programmable</li>
  4234.  
  4235.  
  4236.  
  4237. <li>Bean hopper/grinder</li>
  4238.  
  4239.  
  4240.  
  4241. <li>Grind-off feature</li>
  4242. </ul>
  4243.  
  4244.  
  4245.  
  4246. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  4247.  
  4248.  
  4249.  
  4250. <ul>
  4251. <li>Glass carafe</li>
  4252. </ul>
  4253.  
  4254.  
  4255.  
  4256. <p>Nothing tastes better than freshly ground coffee beans, and the Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew can save you the space and expense of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-coffee-grinder/">a dedicated grinder</a>. The bean hopper, which holds half a pound of coffee beans, has a lid to keep the beans fresh, and the built-in burr grinder has a grind control knob to make the ground finer or coarser, as desired. However, there’s also a Grind-Off feature when using pre-ground coffee.</p>
  4257.  
  4258.  
  4259.  
  4260. <p>The coffee maker also has several other convenience features. For example, it can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance so that officemates can arrive to freshly brewed coffee each day. In addition, the brew strength can be controlled, and there’s a Brew Pause feature if someone wants to cheat and grab a cup of coffee before the carafe has finished. (I strongly advise against that since it weakens the remaining coffee.) The 12-cup carafe has a dripless spout. However, the carafe is made of glass, which doesn’t retain heat as well as a thermal carafe. But considering that it’s a 12-cup coffee maker with a built-in grinder, we also consider this the best value when looking for a coffee maker for the office.</p>
  4261.  
  4262.  
  4263.  
  4264. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-buying-coffee-makers-for-an-office"><strong>What to consider when buying coffee makers for an office</strong></h2>
  4265.  
  4266.  
  4267.  
  4268. <p>There are many factors to consider when deciding which coffee maker for an office is right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide.  </p>
  4269.  
  4270.  
  4271.  
  4272. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-type">Machine type</h3>
  4273.  
  4274.  
  4275.  
  4276. <p>The type of<strong> </strong>machine you purchase is the most important decision, and our experts had the most comments on this particular topic. “Consider your available budget, the number of employees that will be brewing coffee, the machine’s durability, and the counter space available in your office kitchen,” says Dr. Christina Rahm, founder and CEO at <a href="https://www.rahmroast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rahm Roast Coffee</a> in Franklin, Tenn.</p>
  4277.  
  4278.  
  4279.  
  4280. <p>She notes that single-brew coffee machines are popular because they tend to be cost-efficient, require minimal countertop space, and are easy to clean. “Utilizing a pour-over or French press, which is what we use in our office, is undoubtedly one of the finest ways to achieve a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee,” Rahm explains. “In a smaller office setting, this is a great option to consider.”</p>
  4281.  
  4282.  
  4283.  
  4284. <p>Caroline Bell, founder and CEO of <a href="https://cafegrumpy.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cafe Grumpy</a>, agrees you want something easy to use. “However, you also want something that produces a good cup of coffee, so your team will want to take their coffee break in the office,” she says. “After establishing your budget, consider how many people will be using the machine and whether or not you want to have something that allows people to brew one cup at a time or a pot of coffee to share.”</p>
  4285.  
  4286.  
  4287.  
  4288. <p>And Bell recommends just <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/science/coffee-brewing-science/">the right amount of fresh ground coffee</a>. “Although pods allow you to offer different types of coffee one cup at a time, having fresh ground coffee will give your team a better coffee experience, including those nice aromas.”</p>
  4289.  
  4290.  
  4291.  
  4292. <p>If you’re in a small office, Bell says investing in a coffee grinder and some pour-over equipment might be a good idea so people can brew individual cups and try different coffees. “On the other hand, if you have a big budget and a large team, you might want to splurge on an automatic espresso machine,” she says.</p>
  4293.  
  4294.  
  4295.  
  4296. <p>According to Shonali Paul, founder of <a href="https://pauljohncaffeine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Paul John Indian Caffeine Company</a>, “The ideal solution for offices would be an automatic machine that brews at least three different coffees: an espresso, an Americano, and a latte,” she says. “That way, the possibilities are endless and will cater to all your employees&#8217; likes.”</p>
  4297.  
  4298.  
  4299.  
  4300. <p>Paul is also a fan of machines with built-in bean grinders (pro tip: keep a small spray bottle of water handy <a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/chemists-and-volcanologists-want-you-to-make-a-better-espresso/">to cut down on static and stray grinds</a>). “This also gives you the option to try many different roasts and blends—while grinding them on demand, so they stay fresh for longer.”</p>
  4301.  
  4302.  
  4303.  
  4304. <p>If there’s no coffee professional in charge, Milos (master barista for illy) recommends a system that avoids most potential errors in preparation. “Filter coffee is much easier to manage, and it can be set in offices regardless of the skills of the users,” he says. “Assuming all preparation variables are set—water temp, ratio coffee/water, grind size, and more—the two main rules are maximum two hours of consumption time, and the equipment must be cleaned every day.”</p>
  4305.  
  4306.  
  4307.  
  4308. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-settings-nbsp-nbsp">Settings&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
  4309.  
  4310.  
  4311.  
  4312. <p>When making your choice, consider which coffee machines provide ease and functionality. “Look for coffee makers with settings such as cup size, brew strength, a timer feature, and whether the machine can brew espresso shots or provide hot water for other beverages [don’t forget the tea drinkers in your company],” Rahm says. “Not all settings are created equal, so focus on the settings that would best benefit your team members.”</p>
  4313.  
  4314.  
  4315.  
  4316. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capacity">Capacity</h3>
  4317.  
  4318.  
  4319.  
  4320. <p>Capacity is an important factor, depending on the number of people in your office.<strong> “</strong>Keep in mind the number of employees in your office, and regardless of what you choose, make sure it can provide enough fresh coffee for the number of employees working,” Rahm says.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  4321.  
  4322.  
  4323.  
  4324. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-friendly-interface">User-friendly interface</h3>
  4325.  
  4326.  
  4327.  
  4328. <p>Next to the type of machine, Rahm says the second-most important decision to consider is the interface.<strong> </strong>“The last thing anyone wants to do when they want to brew a cup of joe is read an instruction manual,” she says. “Digital interfaces can offer a multitude of settings at a click, while traditional knobs or buttons are more straightforward but still effective at getting the job done.”</p>
  4329.  
  4330.  
  4331.  
  4332. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-tips">Additional tips</h3>
  4333.  
  4334.  
  4335.  
  4336. <p>Whatever you decide, Bell recommends making the coffee station a fun place where people can add their own touches, with options like alternative milks, cinnamon and/or cocoa, fun mugs, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-coffee-gifts/">other accessories like the ones you would want to give or get</a>.</p>
  4337.  
  4338.  
  4339.  
  4340. <p>Paul agrees and recommends getting creative. “For example, provide even more of a variety of coffee flavors by having different syrups to add,” she says. “Giving employees the chance to savor different flavors in the workplace can really change their coffee experience throughout the day.”</p>
  4341.  
  4342.  
  4343.  
  4344. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  4345.  
  4346.  
  4347.  
  4348. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1713206502978"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Why are coffee makers important in an office?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Most Americans drink coffee and many expect companies to provide coffee makers in an office setting. In-office coffee makers provide convenience for employers who don’t have time to stop by a coffee shop during their morning commute. It can also help them save money. Lastly, gathering around the coffee maker provides an opportunity for workers to socialize temporarily.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1713206507328"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are expensive espresso machines better?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It depends. We provided a variety of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-coffee-maker/">coffee makers</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-home-espresso-machines/">espresso machines</a>, realizing that people have different tastes. However, I have noticed in numerous office settings that when a high-quality espresso machine is available, people tend to flock toward it and suddenly start drinking espresso-based drinks. Some eventually purchase an espresso machine for their home. However, if, for example, you only have two or three people interested in a high-end espresso machine, it may not be worth the investment.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1713206513248"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Which coffee maker is better: automatic or manual?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">An automatic coffee maker is easier for most office workers to operate. However, just as companies expect office workers to learn new processes and technology, they can also quickly learn how to use coffee makers. Employees are at work for eight hours a day, and the desire to create the perfect coffee is a task they’re more than up to tackling.</p> </div> </div>
  4349.  
  4350.  
  4351.  
  4352. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-coffee-machines-for-offices"><strong>Final thoughts on the best coffee machines for offices</strong></h2>
  4353.  
  4354.  
  4355.  
  4356. <ul>
  4357. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Precision-Temperature-Control-Thermal/dp/B07FTXJR4R?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Breville Precision Brewer</a></li>
  4358.  
  4359.  
  4360.  
  4361. <li><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Barista-Impress-Espresso-BES881BSS/dp/B0C1T4W797?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Breville the Barista Touch Impress</a>&nbsp;</li>
  4362.  
  4363.  
  4364.  
  4365. <li><strong>Best for large groups: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BUNN-04275-0031-Pourover-Commercial-Warmers/dp/B000BN7W8O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bunn 12-Cup Commercial Coffee Brewer</a></li>
  4366.  
  4367.  
  4368.  
  4369. <li><strong>Best single-serve coffee maker: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LOR-Barista-Espresso-Machine-Philips/dp/B0BDGG5N8W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">L’OR Barista</a>&nbsp;</li>
  4370.  
  4371.  
  4372.  
  4373. <li><strong>Best French Press: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Espro-Coffee-Insulated-Polished-Stainless/dp/B011WTWIPW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Espro P7 French Press</a></li>
  4374.  
  4375.  
  4376.  
  4377. <li><strong>Best value: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-800-Grind-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B079NM2ZYN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610989O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew</a>&nbsp;</li>
  4378. </ul>
  4379.  
  4380.  
  4381.  
  4382. <p>When considering the best coffee machine for an office, the 12-cup Breville Precision Brewer is durable and easy to use. It’s a drip coffee maker that can also be used to make pour-over coffee. However, there are a variety of other coffee makers, some with grinders and others with espresso features, that may also appeal to various team members. If you have the budget for it, consider creating a coffee bar that includes two or three different types of coffee machines.</p>
  4383.  
  4384.  
  4385.  
  4386. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  4387.  
  4388.  
  4389.  
  4390. <p>Popular Science<em> started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  4391.  
  4392.  
  4393.  
  4394. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  4395. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-coffee-machines-for-offices/">The best coffee machines for offices in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4396. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  4397. </item>
  4398. <item>
  4399. <title>Yes, a chunk of the space station crashed into a house in Florida</title>
  4400. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/space-junk-crash-florida/</link>
  4401. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Harri Weber]]></dc:creator>
  4402. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:29:11 +0000</pubDate>
  4403. <category><![CDATA[International Space Station]]></category>
  4404. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  4405. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  4406. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611173</guid>
  4407.  
  4408. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4409.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/iss.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="ISS" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">March 11, 2021 - An external pallet packed with old nickel-hydrogen batteries is released from the Canadarm2 robotic arm as the International Space Station orbited 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean west of Central America. Mission controllers in Houston commanded the Canadarm2 to release the external pallet into space where it will orbit Earth between two to four years before burning up harmlessly in the atmosphere. The batteries were removed during previous spacewalks and replaced with newer lithium-ion batteries to continue powering the station's systems. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA</span></figcaption></figure><p>NASA confirmed the origins of the orbital junk that left a homeowner shaken ‘in disbelief.’</p>
  4410. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/space-junk-crash-florida/">Yes, a chunk of the space station crashed into a house in Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4411. ]]></description>
  4412. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4413.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/iss.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="ISS" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">March 11, 2021 - An external pallet packed with old nickel-hydrogen batteries is released from the Canadarm2 robotic arm as the International Space Station orbited 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean west of Central America. Mission controllers in Houston commanded the Canadarm2 to release the external pallet into space where it will orbit Earth between two to four years before burning up harmlessly in the atmosphere. The batteries were removed during previous spacewalks and replaced with newer lithium-ion batteries to continue powering the station's systems. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA</span></figcaption></figure>
  4414. <p>The “object from the sky” that pierced through a home in Naples, FL. last month wasn’t a meteorite after all.</p>
  4415.  
  4416.  
  4417.  
  4418. <p>On April 15, NASA <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2024/04/15/nasa-completes-analysis-of-recovered-space-object/">said</a> the mysterious metallic cylinder—which tore through homeowner Alejandro Otero’s ceiling and floor—was actually part of a cargo pallet that contained “aging nickel hydride batteries.” The agency jettisoned the pallet from the International Space Station back in 2021, after installing new lithium-ion batteries on the artificial satellite.&nbsp;</p>
  4419.  
  4420.  
  4421.  
  4422. <p>NASA expected the hardware to “fully burn up during entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024,” yet things turned out quite differently for the Otero family.<br>“It was a tremendous sound, and it almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all,” Otero told Florida broadcaster <a target="_blank" href="https://winknews.com/2024/03/15/object-crashes-through-naples-ceiling-floor/">WINK News</a>. After prying the object out from between mangled floorboards, Otero said he suspected it was a meteorite.</p>
  4423.  
  4424.  
  4425.  
  4426. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="900" height="600" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/space-debris.jpg" alt="space debris" class="wp-image-611179"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Recovered stanchion from the NASA flight support equipment used to mount International Space Station batteries on a cargo pallet. The stanchion survived re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024, and impacted a home in Naples, Florida.<em> Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>
  4427.  
  4428.  
  4429.  
  4430. <p>According to NASA, the debris was actually made of a nickel- and chromium-based superalloy called Inconel. The object originally functioned as part of a battery mount; after hitting Otero’s home, the surviving cylinder clocked in at 1.6 pounds, 4 inches tall and 1.6 inches in diameter.</p>
  4431.  
  4432.  
  4433.  
  4434. <p>In 2021, NASA <a target="_blank" href="https://images.nasa.gov/details/iss064e041512">anticipated</a> the pallet would “orbit Earth between two to four years before burning up harmlessly in the atmosphere.” This week, NASA said the ISS will investigate the incident to “determine the cause of the debris survival,” adding that it’s “committed to responsibly operating in low Earth orbit, and mitigating as much risk as possible to protect people on Earth when space hardware must be released.”</p>
  4435.  
  4436.  
  4437.  
  4438. <p>While a space-junk crisis may sound like science fiction, debris left by humans in low-Earth orbit is rapidly piling up. The European Space Agency estimates there are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/Space_debris_by_the_numbers">36,500 debris objects</a> greater than 10 cm in Earth’s orbit. The agency reports that the total mass of all known space objects exceeds 11,500 metric tons (or more than 25 million pounds). Such junk includes everything from paint flecks and bolts to dead satellites and spent rocket boosters. Much of this stuff originates from governmental space programs, but it also comes from private companies, such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellites.html#">Elon Musk’s Starlink</a>.</p>
  4439.  
  4440.  
  4441.  
  4442. <p>Around a dozen objects reenter the atmosphere on a daily basis, Moriba Jah, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, said in a call with <em>PopSci</em>. “It’s not uncommon for these things to survive and make it to the surface,” explained Jah, though typically they crash into the ocean. However, as satellite launches rapidly increase, the professor cautioned that “statistically, [falling debris] will kill somebody at some point.”&nbsp;</p>
  4443.  
  4444.  
  4445.  
  4446. <p>According to Professor Jah, solving this problem will require more reusable and recyclable tech. Today, “we have a linear space economy where the end state of any given satellite is to become junk.” Governments need to embrace a circular approach and “mandate that satellites can&#8217;t be launched if they&#8217;re going to be single use,” Jah argued.</p>
  4447.  
  4448.  
  4449.  
  4450. <p>In a separate call, John L. Crassidis—a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the State University of New York—argued to <em>PopSci</em> that readers shouldn’t be too worried, for now, about death by space junk. “I think I&#8217;d be a lot more concerned about getting struck by lightning than having a piece of space debris fall on me,” said Crassidis. However, the professor said the risk will grow in the coming decades. The more space junk we have, the greater the chance that “somebody&#8217;s going to be eventually hurt.”</p>
  4451.  
  4452.  
  4453.  
  4454. <p>According to estimates by the nonprofit <a target="_blank" href="https://aerospace.org/article/space-debris-101#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20to%20be,What%20are%20debris%20clouds%3F">Aerospace Corporation</a>, the likelihood of space debris injuring a particular person is less than one in a trillion. However, a 2022 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-022-01718-8?utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=commission_junction&amp;utm_campaign=CONR_PF018_ECOM_GL_PHSS_ALWYS_DEEPLINK&amp;utm_content=textlink&amp;utm_term=PID100052171&amp;CJEVENT=a8752f53fc2511ee80211f6d0a1cb829">University of British Columbia study</a> predicts there’s a 10% chance that falling space debris will result in “one or more casualties” by 2032.</p>
  4455.  
  4456.  
  4457.  
  4458. <p><strong>[ Related: <a href="https://www.popsci.com/space/space-garbage-clean-up/">How harpoons, magnets, and ion blasts could help us clean up space junk</a></strong> <strong>]</strong></p>
  4459.  
  4460.  
  4461.  
  4462. <p>To mitigate worst-case scenarios, Crassidis pointed to the need for “hard international treaties” that require space-faring nations to follow UN space debris guidelines. “No matter what anybody tells you, we do not have the technology to take out space debris right now,” argued Crassidis, who acknowledged that Europe has some “nice experiments” in the works.&nbsp;</p>
  4463.  
  4464.  
  4465.  
  4466. <p>In the coming decades, “if our technology can’t catch up to the point of making that reality, and if we keep doing what we&#8217;re doing, then we&#8217;re for sure they are well on our way to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/The_Kessler_Effect_and_how_to_stop_it">Kessler syndrome</a>,” Crassidis said, referring to a worst-case scenario in which space-junk collisions become so likely that they render low-Earth orbit useless for generations.</p>
  4467. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/space-junk-crash-florida/">Yes, a chunk of the space station crashed into a house in Florida</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4468. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  4469. </item>
  4470. <item>
  4471. <title>How super resilient tardigrades can fix their radiation-damaged DNA</title>
  4472. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/tardigrades-water-bears-radiation/</link>
  4473. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  4474. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:10:28 +0000</pubDate>
  4475. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  4476. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  4477. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  4478. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  4479. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  4480. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611163</guid>
  4481.  
  4482. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4483.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/water-bear.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a tardigrade floating around" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Tardigrades were first discovered in the Eighteenth Century and are known to survive in some of Earth’s most inhospitable environments. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Science Photo Library/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Scientists piece together new clues about how ‘water bears’ survive extreme conditions.</p>
  4484. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/tardigrades-water-bears-radiation/">How super resilient tardigrades can fix their radiation-damaged DNA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4485. ]]></description>
  4486. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4487.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/water-bear.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a tardigrade floating around" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Tardigrades were first discovered in the Eighteenth Century and are known to survive in some of Earth’s most inhospitable environments. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Science Photo Library/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure>
  4488. <p>Microscopic <a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/tardigrades-move-slime/">tardigrades</a> have fascinated scientists for their incredible toughness since they were <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5705745/#:~:text=Water%20bears%20(Tardigrada)%2C%20discovered,deepest%20oceans%20to%20mountain%20tops).">first discovered back in 1773</a>. They can <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/tardigrades-water-bears-extreme-environments/">sense when it’s time to go dormant and enter a tun state</a> under harsh conditions. Tardigrades can even withstand dangerous levels of radiation and a surprising mechanism in the DNA may be why. The process to repair DNA goes into overtime when exposed to the deadly radiation to fix the damaged DNA. The findings are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)00316-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224003166%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">study published April 12 in the journal <em>Current Biology</em></a>.</p>
  4489.  
  4490.  
  4491.  
  4492. <p>“What we saw surprised us,” study co-author and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill biologist Bob Goldstein <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041321#:~:text=UNC%2DChapel%20Hill%20researchers%20discover%20new%20clues%20to,tardigrades%20can%20survive%20intense%20radiation&amp;text=University%20of%20North%20Carolina%20at%20Chapel%20Hill%20researchers%20have%20discovered,an%20unusual%20response%20to%20radiation.">said in a statement.</a> “The tardigrades are doing something we hadn’t expected.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  4493.  
  4494.  
  4495.  
  4496. <p>Among the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/survive-nuclear-radiation/">many dangers of excessive radiation exposure</a> is its ability to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-03/fyi-how-does-nuclear-radiation-do-its-damage/">damage DNA</a>. In humans, the DNA damage from excessive radiation is linked to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-health-effects">diseases including various cancers and cardiovascular disease</a>. Tardigrade aka “water bears” can withstand an incredible amount of radiation. In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/4606494">1963</a>, researchers first discovered that they can survive 1,400 times more intense radiation than humans are known to live through. Now, scientists are getting a glimpse into how their bodies correct the radiation damage in DNA.&nbsp;</p>
  4497.  
  4498.  
  4499.  
  4500. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/tardigrade-gun-survival/"><strong>What you need to know about the tardigrade cannon</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  4501.  
  4502.  
  4503.  
  4504. <p>In this new study, a team at UNC Chapel Hill used lab methods developed over the past 25 years to identify the internal genetic mechanisms tardigrades use to survive radiation exposure. They looked at a <a target="_blank" href="https://cshprotocols.cshlp.org/content/2018/11/pdb.emo102301.full">species of tardigrade called <em>Hypsibius exemplaris</em></a><em> </em>that are not immune to DNA damage from radiation. Instead, they can repair this type of extensive damage. When they are exposed to radiation, tardigrade cells harness the power of hundreds of genes to create new proteins used to repair DNA. These proteins then ramp up the level of DNA repair to levels <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/science/tardigrades-moss-piglets.html#:~:text=In%201963%2C%20a%20team%20of,required%20to%20kill%20a%20person.">study co-author and biologist Courtney Clark-Hachtel called “ridiculous.”</a></p>
  4505.  
  4506.  
  4507.  
  4508. <p>“These animals are mounting an incredible response to radiation, and that seems to be a secret to their extreme survival abilities,” Clark-Hachtel <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041321#:~:text=UNC%2DChapel%20Hill%20researchers%20discover%20new%20clues%20to,tardigrades%20can%20survive%20intense%20radiation&amp;text=University%20of%20North%20Carolina%20at%20Chapel%20Hill%20researchers%20have%20discovered,an%20unusual%20response%20to%20radiation.">said in a statement</a>. “What we are learning about how tardigrades overcome radiation stress can lead to new ideas about how we might try to protect other animals and microorganisms from damaging radiation.”</p>
  4509.  
  4510.  
  4511.  
  4512. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/tardigrades-walk-like-insects/"><strong>We’ve seen how tardigrades walk, and it’s mesmerizing</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  4513.  
  4514.  
  4515.  
  4516. <p>As the UNC-Chapel Hill scientists completed the work, a team from France found similar results in their experiments. Museum of Natural History Paris researchers Jean-Paul Concordet and Anne de Cian and their colleagues found that while <a target="_blank" href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/92621">gamma rays shattered the DNA</a> of the tardigrades, it didn’t kill them. They also discovered a new tardigrade protein called TRD1 that protects DNA. When it is put into human cells, the protein seems to help them withstand the damage. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/science/tardigrades-moss-piglets.html#:~:text=In%201963%2C%20a%20team%20of,required%20to%20kill%20a%20person.">Concordet told <em>The New York Times</em></a> that TRD1 may grab onto the chromosomes and keep them in their correct shape, even as the chromosome strands start to fray. Understanding proteins like these can potentially lead to new treatments for cancer and other medical disorders where DNA is damaged.&nbsp;</p>
  4517.  
  4518.  
  4519.  
  4520. <p>“Any tricks they use we might benefit from,” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/12/science/tardigrades-moss-piglets.html#:~:text=In%201963%2C%20a%20team%20of,required%20to%20kill%20a%20person.">said Concordet</a>. Concordet’s&nbsp; findings were <a target="_blank" href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/92621">published as a reviewed preprint in the journal <em>eLife</em></a> in January.&nbsp;</p>
  4521. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/tardigrades-water-bears-radiation/">How super resilient tardigrades can fix their radiation-damaged DNA</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4522. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  4523. </item>
  4524. <item>
  4525. <title>The 12 most underrated national parks in the US</title>
  4526. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/underrated-national-parks/</link>
  4527. <dc:creator><![CDATA[PopSci Staff]]></dc:creator>
  4528. <pubDate>Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4529. <category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
  4530. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  4531. <category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>
  4532. <category><![CDATA[public lands]]></category>
  4533. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=536909</guid>
  4534.  
  4535. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4536.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="809" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/16/petrified_national_park.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=809.28" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="the moon over the red plateaus of the Petrified Forest National Park" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NPS/Hallie Larsen</span></figcaption></figure><p>How many have you visited?</p>
  4537. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/underrated-national-parks/">The 12 most underrated national parks in the US</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4538. ]]></description>
  4539. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4540.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="809" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/16/petrified_national_park.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=809.28" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="the moon over the red plateaus of the Petrified Forest National Park" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NPS/Hallie Larsen</span></figcaption></figure>
  4541. <p>Ever worry that you will run out of places to explore in America? Lucky for you, there are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/national-park-system.htm">63 national parks and 429 national park sites</a> across the country—it will take a long time to work your way through the 85 millions acres they encompass. And with additional sites being earmarked for conservation (West Virginia&#8217;s <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/new-river-gorge-national-park-recreation-visit/">New River Gorge was just designated as a national park</a> in 2021, for example), the list of destinations keeps growing and growing.</p>
  4542.  
  4543.  
  4544.  
  4545. <p>Remember, it <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/national-park-guide/">takes some planning to visit the national parks</a>, though the journey you make of it will be worthwhile. One way to optimize the experience is by targeting the lesser-known parks. Avoid the snaking lines at the Grand Canyon and take in the wrinkly sandstone at Capitol Reef. Skip the tortuous campsite-booking system at Acadia and sleep on the sands of Indiana Dunes. Smaller parks might mean fewer amenities and tour outfitters, but that&#8217;s where the real beauty of wilderness shines through. </p>
  4546.  
  4547.  
  4548.  
  4549. <p>In 2024, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm">National Park Week</a> runs April 20 to April 28. On April 20, entrance fees will be waived to kick off this year&#8217;s celebration and encourage people to sign off of screens and visit a national park in person.</p>
  4550.  
  4551.  
  4552.  
  4553. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voyageurs-national-park-minnesota"><strong>Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota</strong></h2>
  4554.  
  4555.  
  4556.  
  4557. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/Voyageurs-National-Park-1-1.jpeg" alt="Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is abundant with lakes and wetlands." class="wp-image-536913"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voyageurs National Park in Northern Minnesota has been home to Native Americans, fur traders, homesteaders, miners, and fishermen. Today it’s a 218,054-acre national park with four large lakes and 26 smaller interior lakes. On clear nights, lucky visitors have the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights, from the park. Skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in the winter, while summer campers can charter a tour boat. <em>Image</em>: <em>USGS</em></figcaption></figure>
  4558.  
  4559.  
  4560.  
  4561. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guadalupe-mountains-national-park-texas"><strong>Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas</strong></h2>
  4562.  
  4563.  
  4564.  
  4565. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/Guadalupe-Mountains-National-Park-1.jpg" alt="Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in Texas" class="wp-image-536918"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guadalupe Mountains is home to the four highest points in Texas and the bright-white Salt Basin. During the Pleistocene Epoch, this Salt Basin was covered by a shallow lake but today it’s dry most of the year. This photo captures one of the rare times when there’s water—this usually happens in the summer. While the Basin is covered in gypsum and salt, the nearby dunes consist of pale red quartz grains. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4566.  
  4567.  
  4568.  
  4569. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-cascades-national-park-washington"><strong>North Cascades National Park, Washington</strong></h2>
  4570.  
  4571.  
  4572.  
  4573. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/North-Cascades-National-Park-1.jpg" alt="North Cascades National Park in Washington is known as the American Alps with purple wildflowers" class="wp-image-536921"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There are more than 300 glaciers in North Cascades National Park. Known for its rugged beauty, this park—just three hours from Seattle, Washington—has earned the reputation of being the American Alps. With over 400 miles of trails, visitors can explore forested valleys, birdwatch, and keep an eye out for grizzly bears. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4574.  
  4575.  
  4576.  
  4577. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lassen-volcanic-national-park-california"><strong>Lassen Volcanic National Park, California</strong></h2>
  4578.  
  4579.  
  4580.  
  4581. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/Lassen-Volcanic-National-Park-1.jpg" alt="Lassen National Park in California is where you'll find boiling springs and steam vents." class="wp-image-536927"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The park’s Bumpass Hell Trail will lead to you boiling springs and steam vents. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4582.  
  4583.  
  4584.  
  4585. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capitol-reef-national-park-utah"><strong>Capitol Reef National Park, Utah</strong></h2>
  4586.  
  4587.  
  4588.  
  4589. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/Captiol-Reef-National-Park-1.jpg" alt="The red canyons of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah." class="wp-image-536933"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">When you visit Capitol Reef you can see canyons, sandstone structures, and ancient petroglyphs. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service </em></figcaption></figure>
  4590.  
  4591.  
  4592.  
  4593. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biscayne-national-park-florida"><strong>Biscayne National Park, Florida</strong></h2>
  4594.  
  4595.  
  4596.  
  4597. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/biscayne-national-park.jpg" alt="clear waters and small islands" class="wp-image-611143"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Not all national parks are located in remote areas. Biscayne Bay National Park sits not far from Miami on Florida&#8217;s southeast coast and measures 172,971 acres, 95 percent of which is water. The aquamarine waters are home to a large coral reef and a history lesson. Evidence suggests that humans lived in the area 10,000 years ago.  <em>Image: <a target="_blank" href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/boca-chita-key-in-biscayne-national-park-in-florida-united-states-256677948.html">DepositPhotos</a></em></figcaption></figure>
  4598.  
  4599.  
  4600.  
  4601. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-congaree-national-park-south-carolina"><strong>Congaree National Park, South Carolina</strong></h2>
  4602.  
  4603.  
  4604.  
  4605. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/Congagree-National-Park-1.jpg" alt="Congaree National Park in South Carolina protects an ancient forest." class="wp-image-536935"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Here you’ll find the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States. <em>Image</em>: <em>Paul Angelo/National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4606.  
  4607.  
  4608.  
  4609. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-bay-national-park-alaska"><strong>Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska</strong></h2>
  4610.  
  4611.  
  4612.  
  4613. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2160" height="1440" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/adams-inlet-glacier-bay.jpg" alt="Conservation photo" class="wp-image-611130"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glacier Bay&#8217;s 3.3 million acres include jaw-dropping mountains, glaciers, rainforests, coastlines, and fjords. The park was named for its vast number of tidewater and terrestrial glaciers, totaling 1,045. An abundance of wildlife call Glacier Bay home, including black and brown bears, moose, red fox, marmot, beaver, otter, bald eagle, osprey, orca, minke whale, humpback whale, wolverine, coyote, falcon, and more. Birdwatchers can delight in trying to spot some of the 274 species sighted in the park. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4614.  
  4615.  
  4616.  
  4617. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve-west-virginia"><strong>New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia</strong></h2>
  4618.  
  4619.  
  4620.  
  4621. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/new-river-gorge-national-park-west-virginia-visit.jpg" alt="A purple Catawba rhododendron blooming in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia." class="wp-image-536939"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">From 1,400 feet above the river at Grandview Main Overlook, visitors are rewarded with one of the most outstanding views in the park. On a clear day you can see directly into the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including seven miles of the New River and its watershed. From Main Overlook visitors can also get a glimpse of some of the gorge&#8217;s unique cultural history. From here you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873. Grandview is a great place to see the spectacular displays of Catawba rhododendrons that bloom here every spring. The purple Catawba rhododendrons bloom in mid-May, while the white great rhododendrons bloom in July. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4622.  
  4623.  
  4624.  
  4625. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indiana-dunes-national-park-indiana"><strong>Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana</strong></h2>
  4626.  
  4627.  
  4628.  
  4629. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/indiana-dunes-national-park-visit.jpg" alt="Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana is a refuge of sand dunes, wetlands, and woodlands. Canoes are welcome on the shores too." class="wp-image-536942"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">While the Indiana Dunes maintain a legacy of modern scientific inquiry that began towards the end of the 19th century, this landscape had already been studied by Native Americans for thousands of years. Their vast knowledge of the region reveals an intimate past of research.<em> </em>Indiana Dunes National Park is one of nine parks that are within the federal government&#8217;s Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network. National parks within the boundaries of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are monitored and studied for wildlife and plant populations, changes in the landscape, and effects of pollution on the environment. Great Lakes Network scientists use the parks for science and use the science to make management decisions to help the parks. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4630.  
  4631.  
  4632.  
  4633. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haleakala-national-park-maui-hawaii"><strong>Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawaii</strong></h2>
  4634.  
  4635.  
  4636.  
  4637. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2250" height="1500" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/Haleakala-National-Park-1.jpg" alt="HaleakalÄ\x81 National Park in Hawaii is where you'll find a dormant volcano." class="wp-image-536944"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Haleakalā National Park holds more endangered species than any other US national park. <em>Image</em>: <em>National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4638.  
  4639.  
  4640.  
  4641. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2-petrified-forest-national-park-arizona"><strong>Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona</strong></h2>
  4642.  
  4643.  
  4644.  
  4645. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/04/26/petrified-wood.jpg" alt="Closeup of petrified wood in the Crystal Forest in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona." class="wp-image-536954"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A slice of the Crystal Forest Trail in the Petrified Forest National Park. It was originally called First Forest as it was the first large accumulation of petrified wood reached from Adamana, Arizona. The petrified log segments continue to erode from the 216-million-year-old bed, which caps the exposures in the area, including Blue Mesa, Agate Bridge, and Crystal Forest. The historic access point built in the 1930s was closed in 1965 to reduce illegal petrified wood removal. <em>Image: Hallie Larsen/National Park Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4646.  
  4647.  
  4648.  
  4649. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonus-national-lakeshore-picture-rocks-michigan"><strong>Bonus National Lakeshore: Picture Rocks, Michigan</strong></h2>
  4650.  
  4651.  
  4652.  
  4653. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/lake-superior-cliffs-scaled.jpg" alt="sandstone cliffs above blue water" class="wp-image-611136"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Located in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan, Picture Rocks National Lakeshore is most known for its stunning namesake cliffs that rise from Lake Superior. These towering chunks of sandstone get their color from minerals in the groundwater that leak from the cliffs&#8217; surface.<em> Image: National Parks Service</em></figcaption></figure>
  4654.  
  4655.  
  4656.  
  4657. <p><em>This story was originally published in 2023 and updated in 2024.</em></p>
  4658. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/underrated-national-parks/">The 12 most underrated national parks in the US</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4659. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  4660. </item>
  4661. <item>
  4662. <title>Stay powered on your adventures with up to 57% off Anker charging accessories</title>
  4663. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/anker-charging-accessories-spring-amazon-deal/</link>
  4664. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  4665. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:46:11 +0000</pubDate>
  4666. <category><![CDATA[Computers]]></category>
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  4670. <category><![CDATA[Tablets]]></category>
  4671. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  4672. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  4673. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611114</guid>
  4674.  
  4675. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4676.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="959" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/anker-charger-amazon-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=959.76" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An Anker portable charger in a pattern on a blank background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Amanda Reed</span></figcaption></figure><p>Don't let your phone die when you're far from an outlet with these Anker charging accessory deals at Amazon.</p>
  4677. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/anker-charging-accessories-spring-amazon-deal/">Stay powered on your adventures with up to 57% off Anker charging accessories</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4678. ]]></description>
  4679. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4680.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="959" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/anker-charger-amazon-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=959.76" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An Anker portable charger in a pattern on a blank background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Amanda Reed</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  4681. </div>
  4682. <p>Warmer weather means frolicking in the great outdoors and soaking up all the sun-derived serotonin. However, all-day high jinks can leave your phone juiceless, between using your favorite GPS apps to find the perfect picnic spot and streaming your favorite hangout album on your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-bluetooth-speaker/">portable Bluetooth speaker</a>. Don&#8217;t even get us started on <a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/6-phone-battery-hacks-thatll-save-you-a-panic-attack-when-youre-seeing-red" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures draining your phone battery</a>! Thankfully, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C812422R?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ&linkCode=tr1&tag=ps-deals-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ_1713286036299&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker&#8217;s charging accessories are on sale at Amazon</a>, meaning you can have enough power to get home after your adventure.</p>
  4683.  
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  4686. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anker-prime-power-bank-104-99-with-coupon-was-129-99"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C812422R?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ&linkCode=tr1&tag=ps-deals-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ_1713286036299&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Prime Power Bank</a></strong> $104.99 with coupon (Was $129.99)</h3>
  4687.  
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  4694.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C812422R?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&038%3BcampaignId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ&linkCode=tr1&tag=ps-deals-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ_1713286036299&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  4695.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  4696.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/anker-prime-power-bank.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/anker-prime-power-bank.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="An Anker Prime power bank on a plain background.">
  4697.                      </figure>
  4698.                  </a>
  4699.            </div>
  4700.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  4701.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  4702.        <p><em>Anker</em></p>
  4703.  
  4704.      </figcaption>
  4705.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  4706.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C812422R?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&038%3BcampaignId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ&linkCode=tr1&tag=ps-deals-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3SU6JI04LB2MZ_1713286036299&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  4707.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
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  4711.  
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  4714. <p>Charge your laptop, phone, portable speaker, and more with this powerful <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-portable-chargers/">portable charger</a> that packs 20,000mAh of extra juice. That equates to charging a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM5BL45N?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">16-inch MacBook Pro</a> to 50 percent in 40 minutes. A smart digital display helps you keep tabs on your remaining charge, input, and output. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, so you&#8217;ll have to find a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Lightning-Certified-Charging-Included/dp/B0BQQDS3KX?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">USB-C to Lightning cable</a> if you still live that previous-gen iPhone life. </p>
  4715.  
  4716.  
  4717.  
  4718. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-here-are-more-anker-deals-to-keep-you-charged-all-day-long"><strong>Here are more Anker deals to keep you charged all day long:</strong></h3>
  4719.  
  4720.  
  4721.  
  4722. <ul>
  4723. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charging-Portable-Charger-Compatible/dp/B0BYNZJ5VV?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) with 100W Charging Base</a> $164.49 (Was $234.99)</li>
  4724.  
  4725.  
  4726.  
  4727. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Delivery-Ethernet-microSD-MacBook/dp/B0BMXQXXMW?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker 552 [USB]-[C] [Hub] (9-in-1) with 100W Power Delivery</a> $29.99 (Was $69.99)</li>
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  4731. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charging-iphone13-Extension-Accessory/dp/B0B3HWJNW5?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker 7-in-1 65W USB-C Power Strip and Charging Station</a> $45.99 (Was $65.99)</li>
  4732.  
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  4735. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charging-GaNPrime-Detachable-Extension/dp/B09SG31NPT?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker 727 Charging Station (GaNPrime 100W)</a> $65.95 (Was $99.99)</li>
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  4739. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerPort-Charger-Ultra-Powerful-Included/dp/B09B33D76V?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MacBook Pro Charger, Anker 100W Fast Charger</a> $29.99 (Was $45.99)</li>
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  4743. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-Charging-Portable-Foldable/dp/B0CFKSJMVJ?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Power Bank USB C Charger Block</a> $29.99 (Was $39.99)</li>
  4744.  
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  4746.  
  4747. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Lightning-Connector-Certified-Compatible/dp/B0BV66TQ3G?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000611114O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Anker Nano Portable Charger for iPhone</a> $17.99 (Was $25.99)</li>
  4748. </ul>
  4749. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/anker-charging-accessories-spring-amazon-deal/">Stay powered on your adventures with up to 57% off Anker charging accessories</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4750. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  4751. </item>
  4752. <item>
  4753. <title>This gnarly fungus makes cicadas hypersexual</title>
  4754. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-fungus/</link>
  4755. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  4756. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:54:54 +0000</pubDate>
  4757. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  4758. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  4759. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  4760. <category><![CDATA[Insects]]></category>
  4761. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  4762. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  4763. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611122</guid>
  4764.  
  4765. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4766.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/infected-cicada.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an infected periodical cicada with a white fungal plug on its abdomen" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">White fungal plugs that look like gumdrops covered in chalk dust are a telltale sign of a Massospora cicadina infection. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Matt Kasson</span></figcaption></figure><p>'We probably wouldn’t attempt to mate. We would just feel awful, lay down, and die.'</p>
  4767. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-fungus/">This gnarly fungus makes cicadas hypersexual</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4768. ]]></description>
  4769. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  4770.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/infected-cicada.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an infected periodical cicada with a white fungal plug on its abdomen" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">White fungal plugs that look like gumdrops covered in chalk dust are a telltale sign of a Massospora cicadina infection. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Matt Kasson</span></figcaption></figure>
  4771. <p>As we wait for this <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-facts-2024/#:~:text=Cicadas%20come%20up%20to%20mate,the%20whole%20process%20over%20again.">spring and summer’s “cicadapocalypse,”</a> when trillions will emerge across the Southern and Midwestern United States, some of the bugs may face a predicament that sounds <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/unconventional-computing-lab-mushroom/">straight out of science fiction</a>. A sexually transmitted fungal pathogen exclusive to these periodical insects called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-19813-0"><em>Massospora cicadina</em></a> can control them like “a puppet master.” It causes the infected cicadas to act hypersexual and infect other bugs before they eventually die.</p>
  4772.  
  4773.  
  4774.  
  4775. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abdomens-pierced-open-by-a-fungus"><strong>Abdomens pierced open by a fungus</strong></h2>
  4776.  
  4777.  
  4778.  
  4779. <p><em>Massospora cicadina </em>can affect both broods of periodical cicadas set to emerge in the coming weeks and months. <a target="_blank" href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/brood_13/">Brood XIII</a>–the Northern Illinois Brood–will emerge for the first time since 2007 and stretches across parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and northern Illinois. Some of <a target="_blank" href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/brood_19/">Brood XIX</a>–the Great Southern Brood–will overlap with Brood XIII. The Great Southern Brood last emerged in 2011 and is primarily located in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, George, North Carolina, South Carolina, and southern Illinois.</p>
  4780.  
  4781.  
  4782.  
  4783. <p>When they emerge, the cicadas <a target="_blank" href="https://askabiologist.asu.edu/cicada-life-cycle">molt into adults</a>. Within a week to 10 days, this fungus opens up the backs of their abdomens. Scientists are still not sure when in their life cycle cicadas can initially become infected with <em>Massospora cicadina</em>, but the prevailing hypothesis is that they are infected on their way up from the ground.&nbsp;</p>
  4784.  
  4785.  
  4786.  
  4787. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/zombie-fungus-real-life-diseases/"><strong>This parasite deploys mucus slime balls to make ‘zombie ants.’</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p>
  4788.  
  4789.  
  4790.  
  4791. <p>According to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.davis.wvu.edu/faculty-staff/directory/matthew-kasson">West Virginia University mycologist Matt Kasson</a>, the infected cicadas look like they have “a gumdrop that’s gotten wet and dropped in chalk dust,” on them.</p>
  4792.  
  4793.  
  4794.  
  4795. <p>“If you look at a fungus infected cicada, you’ll see that basically, the backside of the body has been replaced by this chalky white fungal plug,” Kasson tells <em>PopSci</em>. “Now, if you or I had our abdomens pierced open by a fungus or a third of our body was replaced by some parasite, we probably wouldn’t feel well. We probably wouldn’t attempt to mate. We would just feel awful, lay down, and die.”</p>
  4796.  
  4797.  
  4798.  
  4799. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1165" height="1801" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/infected-cicada-underside.jpeg" alt="infected cicada with a chalky white fungal plug on its abdomen" class="wp-image-611124"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An infected Brood X 17-year cicada collected in Woodbridge, Virginia in 2021. CREDIT: Matt Kasson.</em></figcaption></figure>
  4800.  
  4801.  
  4802.  
  4803. <p>However, infected cicadas continue to fly around as if nothing is wrong with them even as their genitalia have been consumed by a fungus. They can do this because the fungus has sent them into a period of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746809422000519#:~:text=Acute%20sleep%20deprivation%2C%20defined%20as,%5D%2C%20%5B11%5D%5D.">prolonged wakefulness–a time of increased stamina</a>.</p>
  4804.  
  4805.  
  4806.  
  4807. <p>“A <a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31768192/">hypothesis for that prolonged wakefulness</a> is that the fungus is producing an amphetamine called <a target="_blank" href="https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/synthetic-cathinones/">cathinone</a>,” says Kasson. Kasson says it is similar to one of the synthetic stimulants commonly found in “illegal bath salts that were banned because of the aggressiveness that [they] would cause.”&nbsp;</p>
  4808.  
  4809.  
  4810.  
  4811. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A quiet fungal ‘puppet master’</strong></h2>
  4812.  
  4813.  
  4814.  
  4815. <p>It makes the cicadas act hypersexualized, where males will continue to try to unsuccessfully mate with females and also mimic female behaviors to attract other males to mate with them. This then doubles the number of cicadas that will eventually become infected and is why it can be considered sexually transmitted.&nbsp;</p>
  4816.  
  4817.  
  4818.  
  4819. <p><em>Massospora cicadina’s </em>ability to keep the host alive long to maximize the number of cicadas infected makes it a biotroph. It does not work like the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3204140/#:~:text=Ophiocordyceps%20unilateralis%20(Ascomycota%3A%20Hypocreales),predominantly%20in%20tropical%20forest%20ecosystems."><em>Ophiocordyceps unilateralis</em> fungus</a> that <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/mind-controlling-zombie-parasites-are-real/">takes over ants and makes them act like zombies</a> or the fictional <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/zombie-fungus-real-life-diseases/">fungi from the television show and video game <em>The Last of Us</em></a><em> </em>that pops out in a dramatic fashion.&nbsp;</p>
  4820.  
  4821.  
  4822.  
  4823. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-facts-2024/#:~:text=Cicadas%20come%20up%20to%20mate,the%20whole%20process%20over%20again."><strong>The Cicadapocalypse is nigh. 7 cicada facts to know before it hits</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  4824.  
  4825.  
  4826.  
  4827. <p>“It&#8217;s a trick of the fungus and it’s like a puppet master,” says Kasson. “It&#8217;s pulling the strings to maximize its own survival.”</p>
  4828.  
  4829.  
  4830.  
  4831. <p>Infection rates can reach 20 percent of a cicada if the environmental conditions are perfect, but some older studies suggest that it affects about five percent of cicadas in a given brood.&nbsp;</p>
  4832.  
  4833.  
  4834.  
  4835. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Optimizing its genome</strong></h2>
  4836.  
  4837.  
  4838.  
  4839. <p><em>Massospora cicadina </em>was first discovered in the <a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31768192/">mid to late 1800’s</a>. Since periodical cicadas only emerge every 13 or 17 years, studying this fungus is difficult. It also can’t be cultured on a petri dish, so mycologists have a limited window to study them and are still not really sure where it comes from.&nbsp;</p>
  4840.  
  4841.  
  4842.  
  4843. <p>In 2016, <a target="_blank" href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/brood_05/">Brood V</a> emerged near Kasson’s office in West Virginia and some of his graduate students suggested they look for signs of this fungus. They were able to <a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31768192/">sequence parts of its genome </a>to see what makes it special. What they found was the largest genome ever sequenced for a fungus at about 1.5 billion bases.</p>
  4844.  
  4845.  
  4846.  
  4847. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1300" height="866" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/infected-cicada-outside-1.jpg" alt="a periodical cicada standing on a leaf. the bug has a white fungal plug showing it is infected" class="wp-image-611125"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A periodical cicada infected with the fungal pathogen </em>Massospora cicadina. <em>CREDIT: Matt Kasson.</em></figcaption></figure>
  4848.  
  4849.  
  4850.  
  4851. <p>“It’s about 20 times bigger than the average human genome and it&#8217;s mostly filled with these repetitive sequences called transposable elements,” says Kasson.</p>
  4852.  
  4853.  
  4854.  
  4855. <p>They indicate that <em>Massospora cicadina </em>has essentially spent millions of years <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/pangenome-human-diversity-dna/">optimizing its genome</a> right alongside the cicada. The fungus and insect appear to have coevolved so that it can manipulate its host in a specific way to not kill it, but ensure its own survival. According to Kasson, their data on this coevolution hasn’t been published yet, but shows some interesting evolutionary dynamics.&nbsp;</p>
  4856.  
  4857.  
  4858.  
  4859. <p>“What we see is a pattern where basically cicadas evolved in parallel to the fungus all together,” says Kasson.&nbsp;</p>
  4860.  
  4861.  
  4862.  
  4863. <p><em>Massospora cicadina </em>is not transmissible to humans, but&nbsp; it would be smart to avoid <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/cicada-cooking-guide/">eating</a> any cicadas that have the white, chalky plugs on their abdomens. The infected bugs will not come with any sort of high or buzz, but do have several toxins that could be dangerous if eaten.&nbsp;</p>
  4864.  
  4865.  
  4866.  
  4867. <p>“We found 1,000 other chemical compounds, some of which are known mycotoxins,” says Kasson. “So proceed with caution if you&#8217;re thinking about consuming one of these cicada fungi.”</p>
  4868. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-fungus/">This gnarly fungus makes cicadas hypersexual</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4869. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  4870. </item>
  4871. <item>
  4872. <title>The best turntable accessories for Record Store Day 2024</title>
  4873. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-turntable-accessories/</link>
  4874. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandt Ranj]]></dc:creator>
  4875. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
  4876. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  4877. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  4878. <category><![CDATA[Gift Guides]]></category>
  4879. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  4880. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  4881. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  4882. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  4883. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  4884. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  4885. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610821</guid>
  4886.  
  4887. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  4888.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/The-best-turntable-accessories-of-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best turntable accessories of 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><p>Planning to pick up some fresh wax this Record Store Day? Augment your turntable with accessories to keep your vinyl clean and system finely tuned.</p>
  4889. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-turntable-accessories/">The best turntable accessories for Record Store Day 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  4890. ]]></description>
  4891. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  4892.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/The-best-turntable-accessories-of-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best turntable accessories of 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  4893. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  4894.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  4895.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  4896.      <tbody>
  4897.              <tr
  4898.          class="ProductTable-product"
  4899.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  4900.        >
  4901.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  4902.            Best powered speakers
  4903.          </td>
  4904.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  4905.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/Klipsch-The-Nines.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/Klipsch-The-Nines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/Klipsch-The-Nines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/Klipsch-The-Nines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/Klipsch-The-Nines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/Klipsch-The-Nines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Audio photo" class="wp-image-609861" width="264" height="165">
  4906.          </td>
  4907.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  4908.            Klipsch The Nines
  4909.          </td>
  4910.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  4911.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  4912.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4913.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4914.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4915.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4916.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4917.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  4918.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4919.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4920.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4921.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4922.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4923.                                  </div>
  4924.                          </div>
  4925.          </td>
  4926.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  4927.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  4928.                <span>
  4929.                  SEE IT
  4930.                </span>
  4931.            </a>
  4932.          </td>
  4933.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  4934.              <p>Uncompromised sound from a set of powered speakers perfect for both analog and digital music listening.</p>
  4935.  
  4936.            </td>
  4937.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  4938.        </tr>
  4939.              <tr
  4940.          class="ProductTable-product"
  4941.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  4942.        >
  4943.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  4944.            Best record brush
  4945.          </td>
  4946.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  4947.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Anti-Static Record Brush on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610847" width="264" height="165">
  4948.          </td>
  4949.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  4950.            Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush
  4951.          </td>
  4952.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  4953.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  4954.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4955.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4956.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4957.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4958.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4959.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  4960.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4961.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4962.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4963.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4964.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4965.                                  </div>
  4966.                          </div>
  4967.          </td>
  4968.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  4969.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  4970.                <span>
  4971.                  SEE IT
  4972.                </span>
  4973.            </a>
  4974.          </td>
  4975.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  4976.              <p>This brush keeps your vinyl&#8217;s grooves free from hair, dust, and static.</p>
  4977.  
  4978.            </td>
  4979.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  4980.        </tr>
  4981.              <tr
  4982.          class="ProductTable-product"
  4983.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  4984.        >
  4985.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  4986.            Best turntable cartridge
  4987.          </td>
  4988.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  4989.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610860" width="264" height="165">
  4990.          </td>
  4991.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  4992.            Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge
  4993.          </td>
  4994.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  4995.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  4996.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4997.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4998.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  4999.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5000.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5001.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  5002.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5003.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5004.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5005.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5006.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5007.                                  </div>
  5008.                          </div>
  5009.          </td>
  5010.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  5011.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  5012.                <span>
  5013.                  SEE IT
  5014.                </span>
  5015.            </a>
  5016.          </td>
  5017.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  5018.              <p>Ortofon&#8217;s 2M Bronze was designed from diamond-tip to tail to extract the best sound from your albums.</p>
  5019.  
  5020.            </td>
  5021.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  5022.        </tr>
  5023.            </tbody>
  5024.    </table>
  5025.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  5026.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  5027.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  5028.    </div>
  5029.  </div>
  5030. </div>
  5031.  
  5032.  
  5033.  
  5034. <ul>
  5035. <li><strong>Best powered speakers:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Klipsch the Nines</a></li>
  5036.  
  5037.  
  5038.  
  5039. <li><strong>Best preamp:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Moving-Magnet-Preamplifier/dp/B0793363RG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cambridge Audio Alva Solo</a></li>
  5040.  
  5041.  
  5042.  
  5043. <li><strong>Best record weight:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Andover-Audio-AAMD1WGTWN01NA-Record-Damping/dp/B0BNNYSLV4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Andover Record Damping Weight</a></li>
  5044.  
  5045.  
  5046.  
  5047. <li><strong>Best record cleaner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-MKII-Complete/dp/B002UKSZUU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit</a></li>
  5048.  
  5049.  
  5050.  
  5051. <li><strong>Best turntable slipmat:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Spin-Precision-Technology-Turntable-Audiophile/dp/B07912DZK7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat</a></li>
  5052.  
  5053.  
  5054.  
  5055. <li><strong>Best record brush:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush</a></li>
  5056.  
  5057.  
  5058.  
  5059. <li><strong>Best turntable cartridge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge</a></li>
  5060.  
  5061.  
  5062.  
  5063. <li><strong>Best power conditioner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AC-Power-Filter-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B08QZ8ZXF7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner</a></li>
  5064.  
  5065.  
  5066.  
  5067. <li><strong>Best vinyl subscription:</strong> <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=145354&amp;afftrack=-&amp;urllink=www.vinylmeplease.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Vinyl Me, Please</a></li>
  5068. </ul>
  5069.  
  5070.  
  5071.  
  5072. <p><a href="https://recordstoreday.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Record Store Day 2024</a> is this coming Saturday, April 20, and to enjoy your limited-edition slabs of wax to their fullest, you&#8217;ll need a few accessories. (If you need help finding the right turntable, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-turntables-under-500/">we have recommendations</a>, too.) Add-ons for your record player typically fall into a couple of categories: maintenance and audio fidelity improvements. The former will keep your treasured grooves in tip-top shape to avoid creating scratches that can result in unwanted clicks and pops. The latter are components to add to your analog audio system to help your albums sound their best. Having a few turntable accessories from both categories will ensure your vinyl gives you maximum enjoyment for a lifetime—if not multiple lifetimes.</p>
  5073.  
  5074.  
  5075.  
  5076. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-powered-speakers-klipsch-the-nines"><strong>Best powered speakers:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Klipsch the Nines</a></h3>
  5077.  
  5078.  
  5079. <div
  5080.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5081.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5082. >
  5083.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5084.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5085.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5086.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/05/01/Klipsch-TheNines-Outdoors-Pair.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/05/01/Klipsch-TheNines-Outdoors-Pair.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Klipsch The Nines powered speakers outside on a table in the sun">
  5087.                      </figure>
  5088.                  </a>
  5089.            </div>
  5090.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5091.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5092.        <p><em>Sarah Jones</em></p>
  5093.  
  5094.      </figcaption>
  5095.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5096.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Heritage-Inspired-Powered-Speakers/dp/B0BBWJLYR7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5097.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5098.      </p>
  5099.      </div>
  5100. </div>
  5101.  
  5102.  
  5103.  
  5104. <p>The Nines topped our list of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-turntable-speakers/">best turntable speakers</a>, and they&#8217;re an incredible upgrade for turntable owners looking for an audiophile-grade all-in-one system. In our <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/klipsch-the-nines-powered-speakers-review/">full review</a>, our author praised The Nines for the presence of an internal preamp, which will allow you to quickly plug any turntable with a moving magnet cartridge into it. Many modern turntables come with a built-in preamp, but older models and lots of high-end record players don&#8217;t. Using an external preamp will always yield better results, but it&#8217;s nice to be able to use The Nines with a turntable out of the box. Additionally, The Nines have a grounding peg for your turntable&#8217;s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Golden-Gate-Turntable-1-5m/dp/B09VCPZ4JJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">RCA cables</a>.</p>
  5105.  
  5106.  
  5107.  
  5108. <p>The Nines are stacked on the audio hardware side: Each <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-makes-up-a-speaker/">speaker</a> has an eight-inch long-throw woofer, one-inch tweeter, custom DSP, and an amp that delivers up to 480 watts of power. In addition to a turntable function, The Nines supports native playback of 24-bit digital audio files up to 192kHz when connected to a source using its optical audio or USB port. Yes, you can connect The Nines directly to a computer using the included USB-B to USB-A cable or optionally pick up a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Printer-Braided-Compatible-Printers/dp/B086ZGYK6K?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">USB-B to USB-C</a> cable, depending on your computer&#8217;s ports. The Nines also sport an HDMI port to use them as home theater speakers with a television. </p>
  5109.  
  5110.  
  5111.  
  5112. <p>This versatility makes The NInes&#8217; $1,499 price tag easier to justify. You can use them as a pair of incredible speakers for your turntable while pulling double or even triple duty as the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">Bluetooth</a> wireless audio system and home theater setup in a living room. Just make sure you have enough space for the speakers because at 19 inches tall and 13.38 inches wide, you&#8217;ll need a fairly large entertainment center. </p>
  5113.  
  5114.  
  5115.  
  5116. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-preamp-cambridge-audio-alva-solo"><strong>Best preamp:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Moving-Magnet-Preamplifier/dp/B0793363RG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cambridge Audio Alva Solo</a></h3>
  5117.  
  5118.  
  5119. <div
  5120.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5121.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5122. >
  5123.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5124.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Moving-Magnet-Preamplifier/dp/B0793363RG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5125.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5126.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Cambridge-Audio-Alva-Solo-Phono-Preamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Cambridge-Audio-Alva-Solo-Phono-Preamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Cambridge Audio Alva Solo on a plain white background.">
  5127.                      </figure>
  5128.                  </a>
  5129.            </div>
  5130.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5131.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5132.        <p><em>Cambridge Audio</em></p>
  5133.  
  5134.      </figcaption>
  5135.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5136.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Moving-Magnet-Preamplifier/dp/B0793363RG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5137.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5138.      </p>
  5139.      </div>
  5140. </div>
  5141.  
  5142.  
  5143.  
  5144. <p>A phono preamp sits between your turntable and amplifier (or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">powered speakers</a>) and boosts its signal so that you&#8217;ll be able to actually hear your music. Cambridge Audio&#8217;s Alva Solo works with turntables outfitted with moving magnet cartridges, and we like it for both its understated look and powerful features. Its all-aluminum enclosure houses a 10-watt preamp with 39dB of gain, <a href="https://sessionville.com/articles/what-is-the-riaa-curve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIAA equalization</a>, and a built-in subsonic filter that can reduce the sound of some subtle sonic imperfections from your albums. Critically, the Alva Solo&#8217;s power supply is built inside its relatively svelte box, so you can connect it to the wall with a single clean cable. The preamp&#8217;s relatively small footprint (just under seven inches wide and two inches tall) means it&#8217;ll fit in any turntable setup, either beside or below your deck. Our favorite touch is that Cambridge Audio labeled each input and output above and below the RCA jacks, so you can easily identify them if you&#8217;re looking at them upside down (aka from in front of the equipment).</p>
  5145.  
  5146.  
  5147.  
  5148. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-record-weight-andover-record-damping-weight"><strong>Best record weight:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Andover-Audio-AAMD1WGTWN01NA-Record-Damping/dp/B0BNNYSLV4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Andover Record Damping Weight</a></h3>
  5149.  
  5150.  
  5151. <div
  5152.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5153.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5154. >
  5155.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5156.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Andover-Audio-AAMD1WGTWN01NA-Record-Damping/dp/B0BNNYSLV4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5157.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5158.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Andover-Record-Damping-Weight.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Andover-Record-Damping-Weight.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Andover Record Damping Weight on a plain white background.">
  5159.                      </figure>
  5160.                  </a>
  5161.            </div>
  5162.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5163.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5164.        <p><em>Andover Audio</em></p>
  5165.  
  5166.      </figcaption>
  5167.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5168.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Andover-Audio-AAMD1WGTWN01NA-Record-Damping/dp/B0BNNYSLV4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5169.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5170.      </p>
  5171.      </div>
  5172. </div>
  5173.  
  5174.  
  5175.  
  5176. <p>The purpose of a record weight is to help keep vinyl from moving vertically as it spins around; even a visually imperceptible amount of movement can cause distortion. Andover&#8217;s Record Damping Weight weighs 9.35 ounces and fits right on top of your vinyl&#8217;s label, with a cutout that fits over the turntable&#8217;s spindle. The company says using this weight can result in less distortion, improved dynamics, righter bass, and a deeper sound stage, among other benefits. </p>
  5177.  
  5178.  
  5179.  
  5180. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-record-cleaner-spin-clean-record-washer-complete-kit"><strong>Best record cleaner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-MKII-Complete/dp/B002UKSZUU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit</a></h3>
  5181.  
  5182.  
  5183. <div
  5184.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5185.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5186. >
  5187.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5188.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-MKII-Complete/dp/B002UKSZUU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5189.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5190.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-Complete-Kit.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-Complete-Kit.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit on a plain white background.">
  5191.                      </figure>
  5192.                  </a>
  5193.            </div>
  5194.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5195.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5196.        <p><em>Spin Clean</em></p>
  5197.  
  5198.      </figcaption>
  5199.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5200.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-MKII-Complete/dp/B002UKSZUU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5201.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5202.      </p>
  5203.      </div>
  5204. </div>
  5205.  
  5206.  
  5207.  
  5208. <p>If we could only recommend one vinyl maintenance tool, it&#8217;d be this record-washing kit from Spin Clean. Here&#8217;s how it works: the spin clean&#8217;s basin gets filled with a mixture of water and the included record cleaning solution, at which point you submerge your album inside. The water only gets high enough to reach the innermost groove, so your vinyl&#8217;s label won&#8217;t get damaged. Once it&#8217;s submerged, you&#8217;ll physically rotate the vinyl clockwise a few times. Soft brushes on the inside of the spin clean will get the gunk out of your record&#8217;s grooves, which can reduce the album&#8217;s surface noise and the number of clicks and pops you&#8217;ll hear. Once it&#8217;s been cleaned, wipe off your album with the included cleaning cloth. It won&#8217;t turn your VG- mono copy of <em>The Kinks Are the&nbsp;<em>Village Green Preservation Society</em></em> into an NM-sounding album, but the difference will be noticeable. </p>
  5209.  
  5210.  
  5211.  
  5212. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-turntable-slipmat-pro-spin-cork-turntable-mat"><strong>Best turntable slipmat:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Spin-Precision-Technology-Turntable-Audiophile/dp/B07912DZK7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat</a></h3>
  5213.  
  5214.  
  5215. <div
  5216.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5217.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5218. >
  5219.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5220.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Spin-Precision-Technology-Turntable-Audiophile/dp/B07912DZK7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5221.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5222.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Pro-Spin-Cork-Turntable-Mat.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Pro-Spin-Cork-Turntable-Mat.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat on a plain white background.">
  5223.                      </figure>
  5224.                  </a>
  5225.            </div>
  5226.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5227.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5228.        <p><em>Pro Spin</em></p>
  5229.  
  5230.      </figcaption>
  5231.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5232.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Spin-Precision-Technology-Turntable-Audiophile/dp/B07912DZK7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5233.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5234.      </p>
  5235.      </div>
  5236. </div>
  5237.  
  5238.  
  5239.  
  5240. <p>Static buildup is one of the reasons you&#8217;ll hear clicks and pops on your albums, but you can eliminate this issue by switching to a cork turntable mat instead of using the felt mat that comes with most record players. There&#8217;s no increased risk of scratching your albums using a cork mat, and you&#8217;ll ensure the grooves of your records won&#8217;t accumulate stray stands of felt in them. This cork turntable mat from Pro Spin was designed to fit both 12-inch and 7-inch vinyl and is thick enough to absorb a few stray vibrations to reduce overall distortion. </p>
  5241.  
  5242.  
  5243.  
  5244. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-record-brush-mobile-fidelity-sound-labs-anti-static-record-brush"><strong>Best record brush:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush</a></h3>
  5245.  
  5246.  
  5247. <div
  5248.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5249.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5250. >
  5251.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5252.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5253.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5254.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static-Record-Brush.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Anti-Static Record Brush on a plain white background.">
  5255.                      </figure>
  5256.                  </a>
  5257.            </div>
  5258.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5259.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5260.        <p><em>Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab</em></p>
  5261.  
  5262.      </figcaption>
  5263.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5264.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Lab-Anti-Static/dp/B0BY218JCJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5265.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5266.      </p>
  5267.      </div>
  5268. </div>
  5269.  
  5270.  
  5271.  
  5272. <p>Another way to reduce static clicks and pops from your albums is using an anti-static brush like this one from Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs each time you play a record. Its fine plastic bristles will clean your album&#8217;s grooves while removing static simultaneously. To use this brush most effectively, start your turntable and gently place the brush&#8217;s bristles over your spinning record. Repeat this process each time you flip the album for the best results. </p>
  5273.  
  5274.  
  5275.  
  5276. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-turntable-cartridge-ortofon-2m-bronze-moving-magnet-cartridge"><strong>Best turntable cartridge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge</a></h3>
  5277.  
  5278.  
  5279. <div
  5280.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5281.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5282. >
  5283.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5284.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5285.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5286.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge on a plain white background.">
  5287.                      </figure>
  5288.                  </a>
  5289.            </div>
  5290.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5291.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5292.        <p><em>Orofon</em></p>
  5293.  
  5294.      </figcaption>
  5295.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5296.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B002SDY2OC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5297.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5298.      </p>
  5299.      </div>
  5300. </div>
  5301.  
  5302.  
  5303.  
  5304. <p>If you&#8217;re using a turntable that lets you upgrade its cartridge, we highly recommend stepping up to the Ortofon 2M Bronze <a href="https://ortofon.com/pages/what-is-moving-magnet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moving magnet cartridge</a> to get the most out of your record collection. It&#8217;s a level up from the already excellent Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Blue (found on excellent turntables like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the Fluance RT85</a>, which <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fluance-rt85-review/">our reviewer loved</a>). Its Nude fine line diamond-tipped stylus was specifically cut to a profile optimized to stay inside the groove of a record even if it&#8217;s wobbling a little bit, and it uses split pole technology to send a clean signal from the needle to the tone arm using a copper wire. The Dutch-made cartridge we&#8217;re recommending has been premounted, which means it can plug directly into the tone arm of a record player rather than requiring you to futz with removing and replacing an entire needle. A turntable&#8217;s needle is the literal point of contact between your vinyl and the rest of your audio system. A weak or lackluster signal cannot be improved as it moves through your chain, so having a strong piece of hardware right up front is the best way to ensure you get the best possible sound from your albums.</p>
  5305.  
  5306.  
  5307.  
  5308. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-power-conditioner-waudio-ac-power-filter-power-conditioner"><strong>Best power conditioner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AC-Power-Filter-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B08QZ8ZXF7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner</a></h3>
  5309.  
  5310.  
  5311. <div
  5312.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5313.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5314. >
  5315.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5316.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/AC-Power-Filter-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B08QZ8ZXF7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5317.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5318.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/WAudio-AC-Power-Filter-Power-Conditioner.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/WAudio-AC-Power-Filter-Power-Conditioner.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner on a plain white background.">
  5319.                      </figure>
  5320.                  </a>
  5321.            </div>
  5322.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5323.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5324.        <p><em>WAudio</em></p>
  5325.  
  5326.      </figcaption>
  5327.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5328.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/AC-Power-Filter-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B08QZ8ZXF7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610821O0000000020240418170000"
  5329.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5330.      </p>
  5331.      </div>
  5332. </div>
  5333.  
  5334.  
  5335.  
  5336. <p>If you&#8217;re incredibly sensitive to any noise when listening to a new or mint album, turn to WAudio&#8217;s AC Power Filter Power Conditioner. The truth is that some noise can come from the quality of the electricity coming from your wall due to old or low gauge wiring. You can eliminate this by plugging your turntable (and other audio accessories) into a power conditioner, which will pick up and eliminate this noise before it hits your system. WAudio says its power conditioner can restrain interference above 1kHz and will up to 10dB of digital noise between 2MHz and 100MHz. This power conditioner has 10 outlets—six of which are filtered—and also provides overload and voltage protection to avoid electrical spikes from damaging your equipment. </p>
  5337.  
  5338.  
  5339.  
  5340. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-vinyl-subscription-vinyl-me-please"><strong>Best vinyl subscription:</strong> <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=145354&amp;afftrack=-&amp;urllink=www.vinylmeplease.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Vinyl Me, Please</a></h3>
  5341.  
  5342.  
  5343. <div
  5344.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  5345.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  5346. >
  5347.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  5348.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=145354&#038;afftrack=-&#038;urllink=www.vinylmeplease.com%2Fpages%2Fjoin-the-club" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  5349.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  5350.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Vinyl-Me-Please-Subscription.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/Vinyl-Me-Please-Subscription.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A copy of Harry Nilsson's Pussy Cats on a turntable.">
  5351.                      </figure>
  5352.                  </a>
  5353.            </div>
  5354.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  5355.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  5356.        <p><em>Vinyl Me, Please</em></p>
  5357.  
  5358.      </figcaption>
  5359.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  5360.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=145354&#038;afftrack=-&#038;urllink=www.vinylmeplease.com%2Fpages%2Fjoin-the-club"
  5361.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  5362.      </p>
  5363.      </div>
  5364. </div>
  5365.  
  5366.  
  5367.  
  5368. <p>So, you got the taste for premium pressings of classic albums but don&#8217;t want to wait till the next RSD to flesh out your collection. Well, look no further than Vinyl Me, Please. The site allows you to join a &#8220;club&#8221; and will send you one LP per month. Clubs are broken down by genre (country, hip-hop, rock) plus essentials (covering soul, blues, and jazz) and a generalist essentials option for listeners who want a little bit of everything. A subscription costs $46 per month, with discounts if you subscribe for three, six, or 12 months. Albums and box sets are also available a la carte for varying prices. Finding original pressings of albums in near-mint quality can be difficult, and Vinyl Me, Please takes the hassle out of crate digging with the hopes of striking gold.</p>
  5369. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-turntable-accessories/">The best turntable accessories for Record Store Day 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5370. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  5371. </item>
  5372. <item>
  5373. <title>How YOU can prevent wildfires</title>
  5374. <link>https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-prevent-wildfires/</link>
  5375. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Alisha McDarris]]></dc:creator>
  5376. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:02:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5377. <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
  5378. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  5379. <category><![CDATA[Life Skills]]></category>
  5380. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611043</guid>
  5381.  
  5382. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5383.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="811" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/wildfire.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=811.84592296148" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="smoke from a fire in front of the sun and over forests" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Wildfire in Montana. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/stunning-view-montana-national-forests-fire-giant-smoke-going-sky-532794044.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>On his 80th birthday, Smokey Bear is still urging fire safety.</p>
  5384. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-prevent-wildfires/">How YOU can prevent wildfires</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5385. ]]></description>
  5386. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5387.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="811" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/wildfire.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=811.84592296148" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="smoke from a fire in front of the sun and over forests" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Wildfire in Montana. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/stunning-view-montana-national-forests-fire-giant-smoke-going-sky-532794044.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  5388. <p><em>Only you can prevent <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/wildfire-home-safety-plan/">wildfires</a></em>. It’s a phrase nearly everyone who grew up in the U.S. is familiar with, uttered by a friendly shirtless bruin in blue jeans and a ranger hat: <a target="_blank" href="https://smokeybear.com/">Smokey Bear</a>, who celebrates his 80th birthday this year.</p>
  5389.  
  5390.  
  5391.  
  5392. <p>It’s the longest-running PSA campaign in U.S. history, but even after 80 years, “Smokey’s focused prevention message always remains incredibly relevant and important,” says Tracy Danicich, vice president and campaign director at Ad Council. That’s the national nonprofit—in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters (NASF)—that helped bring Smokey to life in the 1940s to educate and raise awareness about wildfire prevention.</p>
  5393.  
  5394.  
  5395. <div><lite-youtube videoid="sR3U_JB_jDE" style="background-image: none;">
  5396.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sR3U_JB_jDE/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Life Skills photo">
  5397.            </lite-youtube>
  5398.            
  5399.            <noscript>
  5400. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  5401. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Smokey Bear- Bambi and Smokey (1982)" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sR3U_JB_jDE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  5402. </div></figure>
  5403. </noscript></div>
  5404.  
  5405.  
  5406. <p>Here are a few often overlooked ways to be fire safe and help prevent human-caused forest fires this season. Do Smokey proud this year.&nbsp;</p>
  5407.  
  5408.  
  5409.  
  5410. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-facts"><strong>Wildfire facts</strong></h2>
  5411.  
  5412.  
  5413.  
  5414. <p>While wildfires can be devastating, it’s important to understand that some fire is beneficial for many landscapes. In fact, many areas around the country implement <a target="_blank" href="https://smokeybear.com/en/about-wildland-fire/benefits-of-fire">prescribed burns in parks or natural areas</a> to maintain the health of native plant species, promote biological diversity, and curb the disastrous effects of uncontrolled and unplanned wildfires. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/forest-service-prescribed-burns-wildfires/">Prescribed burns</a> also help eliminate excess downed wood and leaf litter, which not only make for excellent fuel for wildfires, but can make it difficult for healthy forests to flourish.</p>
  5415.  
  5416.  
  5417.  
  5418. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2047" height="1365" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/prescribed-fire.jpg" alt="smoke and flames seen above trees" class="wp-image-611069"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prescribed fire at Fishlake National Forest, Utah. <em>Image: Forest Service/John Smith</em></figcaption></figure>
  5419.  
  5420.  
  5421.  
  5422. <p>When these <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/how-why-prescribed-burns-work/">prescribed burns</a> aren’t implemented, if a wildfire does start, often catastrophic loss of entire swaths of forest, homes, and lives can be suffered, and woodland can take decades to recover.</p>
  5423.  
  5424.  
  5425.  
  5426. <p>In the U.S. in 2023, there were <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nifc.gov/sites/default/files/NICC/2-Predictive%20Services/Intelligence/Annual%20Reports/2023/annual_report_2023_0.pdf">3,036 individual homes destroyed by wildfire</a>, an annual average of 7.7 million acres burned over the last 5 years, of which 8 out of 10 were caused by humans. And while year-to-year numbers may fluctuate, <a target="_blank" href="https://science.nasa.gov/earth/natural-disasters/wildfires/a-drier-future-sets-the-stage-for-more-wildfires/">climate change leads to longer</a>, drier weather patterns, which in turn open the door for longer and more severe wildfire seasons and more fire-prone wilderness areas.</p>
  5427.  
  5428.  
  5429.  
  5430. <p>Fortunately, agencies like the forest service and state foresters are getting better about predicting when and where fires will start that are caused by natural events like lightning, but human-caused occurrences are impossible to predict. What’s more, “It’s surprising how quickly and unintentionally they can happen,” says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.westernforesters.org/blog/meet-forester-kacey-kc">Kacey KC</a>, Nevada state forester, NASF fire committee vice chair and former NASF president. Fortunately, many are preventable with an extra dose of caution.</p>
  5431.  
  5432.  
  5433.  
  5434. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-campfires-under-control"><strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/build-put-out-campfire-guide/">Keep campfires under control</a></strong></h2>
  5435.  
  5436.  
  5437.  
  5438. <p>Wildfires are often the result of improperly managed <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/build-the-ultimate-campfire/">campfires</a>. So when starting a blaze at the campground to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-make-smores/">roast marshmallows for s’mores</a>, do so carefully. And if there’s a burn ban in effect, follow posted rules and do without.</p>
  5439.  
  5440.  
  5441.  
  5442. <p>If you are allowed to build a fire, clear an area at least 10-feet in diameter around the fire pit of excess debris like leaf litter, twigs, and wood. Have enough water on hand to fully drown the fire and any stray embers, then ensure there are no low-hanging branches that could catch. Store flammable items away from open flame, and keep your blaze to no more than a few feet high.</p>
  5443.  
  5444.  
  5445.  
  5446. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="square"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="640" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/DrownStirDrown.jpg" alt="infographinc showing how to properly put out a campfire" class="wp-image-611220"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image: Ad Council</em></figcaption></figure>
  5447.  
  5448.  
  5449.  
  5450. <p>After it’s lit, never leave a fire unattended. And when you’re ready to turn in for the night or are heading away from the campsite for the day, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/how-to-leave-no-trace-outdoors/">Leave No Trace</a> principles dictate that you should thoroughly extinguish the fire so that the coals are soupy and cool to the touch. “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave,” Danicich says, repeating Smokey’s sage advice. KC agrees: “Even the tiniest ember can start a fire.”</p>
  5451.  
  5452.  
  5453.  
  5454. <p>If you don’t have enough water, bury what’s left of the embers under a thick layer of dirt. Neglecting to do so could result in one warm coal easily reigniting and starting the fire back up or sending up rogue embers, which can travel up to five miles if caught by the wind.</p>
  5455.  
  5456.  
  5457.  
  5458. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-careful-when-you-burn-backyard-debris"><strong>Be careful when you burn backyard debris</strong></h2>
  5459.  
  5460.  
  5461.  
  5462. <p>If you live in a place that permits the backyard burning of yard waste and natural debris like leaves and vegetation, check to see if you need a permit before doing so. If you’re allowed, proceed with your burn on a non-windy day, preferably not long after a rain when the landscape won’t be dried to a crisp, making it more likely to ignite with your burn pile. Select a spot—ideally on a durable surface like gravel—far from power lines, tree limbs, vehicles and other equipment where there’s at least three times the clearance of the pile on all sides, including above.</p>
  5463.  
  5464.  
  5465.  
  5466. <p>Then clear the immediate area of other flammable debris and loose vegetation and have plenty of water or a garden hose within reach. Water, in conjunction with a shovel for burying the remaining coals and ashes later, helps ensure no embers will reignite the fire. As with campfires, don’t leave your debris pile unattended while it’s burning.</p>
  5467.  
  5468.  
  5469.  
  5470. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grill-smart"><strong>Grill smart</strong></h2>
  5471.  
  5472.  
  5473.  
  5474. <p>One lesser known wildfire cause: improper disposal of hot coals. If you’re <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gas-grills-under-1000/">grilling</a> with charcoal briquets, when the cookout is over, don’t throw them in the garbage can right away. Drown the briquets in enough water to fully cover them, then let them soak for several minutes to ensure they’re completely cool before you dispose of them.</p>
  5475.  
  5476.  
  5477.  
  5478. <p>Similarly, if placing hot ash or coals from your living room fireplace outside, wait to do so until they’re completely cool to the touch.</p>
  5479.  
  5480.  
  5481.  
  5482. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-careful-where-you-put-your-butt"><strong>Be careful where you put your butt</strong></h2>
  5483.  
  5484.  
  5485.  
  5486. <p>Smokers should be cautious when smoking outdoors or disposing of smoked cigarettes, tobacco, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-roll-a-joint/">joints</a>. Use an ashtray or bare dirt, not dry grass or logs, to put out smoking butts and never toss a lit cigarette into the grass or out a car window. Even the act of smoking while hiking or camping can result in an errant ember catching the wind, landing on dry debris, and igniting.&nbsp;</p>
  5487.  
  5488.  
  5489.  
  5490. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-caution-with-equipment-and-maintenance"><strong>Use caution with equipment and maintenance</strong></h2>
  5491.  
  5492.  
  5493.  
  5494. <p>There are plenty of ways heavy equipment, machinery, and maintenance tools can cause wildfires. Sparks can easily fly from dragging tow chains, hot exhaust pipes can catch dry grass on fire, and lawn mower blades that hit rocks can do the same.</p>
  5495.  
  5496.  
  5497.  
  5498. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="square"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="843" height="843" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/17/TowChains.jpg" alt="an illustration of chains towing a trailer with a crossed out 'no' sign" class="wp-image-611223"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Check your tow chains and avoid mowing when it&#8217;s hot and dry. <em>Image: Ad Council</em></figcaption></figure>
  5499.  
  5500.  
  5501.  
  5502. <p>So make sure nothing metal is dragging from your car while driving; avoid mowing when it’s excessively hot, dry, and windy; and if using grinding or welding equipment or other tools that send sparks flying, it’s a good idea—and sometimes required—to have at least 10 feet of clearance between you and anything flammable. Also avoid parking a vehicle with a hot exhaust pipe on dry grass or foliage.</p>
  5503.  
  5504.  
  5505.  
  5506. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-it-to-an-indoor-range"><strong>Take it to an indoor range</strong></h2>
  5507.  
  5508.  
  5509.  
  5510. <p>According to KC, target shooting was one of the biggest causes of accidental fires in 2023. They’re often caused when bullets hit metal or ricochet and cause sparks near dry foliage. So when it’s dry, take it to an indoor range instead.</p>
  5511.  
  5512.  
  5513.  
  5514. <p>However you’re enjoying the outdoors as fire season approaches, recreate responsibly, and do your part to prevent forest fires. Call it a birthday present for Smokey.</p>
  5515.  
  5516.  
  5517. <div><lite-youtube videoid="xgFruhmjy7s" style="background-image: none;">
  5518.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xgFruhmjy7s/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Life Skills photo">
  5519.            </lite-youtube>
  5520.            
  5521.            <noscript>
  5522. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  5523. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Smokey Bear Says (1995)" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xgFruhmjy7s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  5524. </div></figure>
  5525. </noscript></div><p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-prevent-wildfires/">How YOU can prevent wildfires</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5526. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  5527. </item>
  5528. <item>
  5529. <title>Humongous stellar-mass black hole is the biggest ever found in Milky Way</title>
  5530. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/biggest-stellar-mass-black-hole/</link>
  5531. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  5532. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:27:33 +0000</pubDate>
  5533. <category><![CDATA[Black Holes]]></category>
  5534. <category><![CDATA[Deep Space]]></category>
  5535. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  5536. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  5537. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611103</guid>
  5538.  
  5539. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5540.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/stellar-mass-black-hole.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an illustration of a black hole with a companion star. the star is bright with a blue line indicating where the black hole is." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An artist’s impression of the largest stellar black hole in the Milky Way galaxy. The illustration shows the orbits of both the star and the black hole around their common center of mass. The stellar-mass black hole was found due to the wobbling motion it induces on a companion star. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">ESO/L. Calçada</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gaia-BH3's mass is 33 times bigger than our sun and it's only 2,000 light years from Earth.</p>
  5541. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/biggest-stellar-mass-black-hole/">Humongous stellar-mass black hole is the biggest ever found in Milky Way</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5542. ]]></description>
  5543. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5544.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/stellar-mass-black-hole.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an illustration of a black hole with a companion star. the star is bright with a blue line indicating where the black hole is." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An artist’s impression of the largest stellar black hole in the Milky Way galaxy. The illustration shows the orbits of both the star and the black hole around their common center of mass. The stellar-mass black hole was found due to the wobbling motion it induces on a companion star. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">ESO/L. Calçada</span></figcaption></figure>
  5545. <p>Scientists have discovered an enormous stellar-mass <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/very-far-black-hole/">black hole</a> in our <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/youth-stealing-stars-could-explain-missing-giants-at-the-milky-ways-center/">Milky Way galaxy</a> that’s roughly 33 times more massive than our sun. This black hole designated as Gaia-BH3 was observed with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/gaia-esa-data-release-3/">Gaia space telescope</a> and is pretty close to Earth in space-terms at only 2,000 light years away. It is described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aanda.org/component/article?access=doi&amp;doi=10.1051/0004-6361/202449763">paper presented April 16 in the journal <em>Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</em></a>.</p>
  5546.  
  5547.  
  5548.  
  5549. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-stellar-mass-black-hole"><strong>What is a stellar-mass black hole?</strong></h2>
  5550.  
  5551.  
  5552.  
  5553. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/types/">Stellar-mass black holes</a> like Gaia-BH3 are formed when a large star runs out of gas and then collapses. They are generally about 10 times as massive as our sun. Data from the European Southern Observatory’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/">Very Large Telescope</a> and other ground-based observatories verified its large mass of 33 times bigger than the sun. The stellar-mass black hole <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cygnus-X-1">Cygnus X-1</a> is only 21 solar masses, making Gaia-BH3 “exceptional.”</p>
  5554.  
  5555.  
  5556.  
  5557. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/black-hole-comparison.jpg" alt="This artistâ\x80\x99s impression compares side-by-side three stellar black holes in our galaxy: Gaia BH1, Cygnus X-1, and Gaia BH3, whose masses are 10, 21, and 33 times that of the sun respectively. Gaia BH3 is the most massive stellar black hole found to date in the Milky Way. The radii of the black holes are directly proportional to their masses, but note that the black holes themselves have not been directly imaged. CREDIT: ESO/M. Kornmesser" class="wp-image-611104"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This artist’s impression compares side-by-side three stellar black holes in our galaxy: Gaia BH1, Cygnus X-1, and Gaia BH3, whose masses are 10, 21, and 33 times that of the sun respectively. Gaia BH3 is the most massive stellar black hole found to date in the Milky Way. The radii of the black holes are directly proportional to their masses, but note that the black holes themselves have not been directly imaged. CREDIT: ESO/M. Kornmesser</em></figcaption></figure>
  5558.  
  5559.  
  5560.  
  5561. <p>However, both are considered small compared with the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/black-hole-milky-way-center/">supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy–Sagittarius A*</a>. Its mass is 4.2 million times that of the sun. Enormous black holes like Sagittarius A* are created by <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/m87-black-hole-jets/">progressively larger and larger black holes merging together,</a> and not by the death of large stars.&nbsp;</p>
  5562.  
  5563.  
  5564.  
  5565. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A landmark discovery</strong></h2>
  5566.  
  5567.  
  5568.  
  5569. <p>This new discovery is considered a landmark by scientists because it’s the first time that a large black hole with this kind of origin story has been found so close to Earth. One of the clues that tipped off the Gaia mission team was an odd ‘wobbling’ motion occurring on the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/types-of-stars/">companion star orbiting the black hole</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  5570.  
  5571.  
  5572.  
  5573. <p>Gaia-BH3 is 2,000 light-years away in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/constellation-aquila">constellation Aquila</a> and is Earth’s second-closest known black hole. It was also an unexpected find while an international team of scientists were reviewing Gaia observations ahead of a full data drop planned for next year.</p>
  5574.  
  5575.  
  5576.  
  5577. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/fastest-growing-brightest-black-hole/"><strong>Fastest-growing black hole eats the equivalent of one sun a day</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  5578.  
  5579.  
  5580.  
  5581. <p>“No one was expecting to find a high-mass black hole lurking nearby, undetected so far,” Pasquale Panuzzo, an astronomer at the Observatoire de Paris, part of France&#8217;s National Centre for Scientific Research and Gaia collaboration member, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041090">said in a statement</a>. &#8220;This is the kind of discovery you make once in your research life.&#8221;</p>
  5582.  
  5583.  
  5584.  
  5585. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mass rich, metal-poor</strong></h2>
  5586.  
  5587.  
  5588.  
  5589. <p>Astronomers have found similarly large black holes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041090">outside of the Milky Way galaxy</a>. The prevailing theory is that they may form from the collapse of stars that do not have many <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/milky-way-galaxy-insights/">elements heavier than helium and hydrogen</a> in their <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/study-reveals-metal-atoms-in-motion/">chemical makeup</a>. These stars are considered “metal-poor” and are believed to lose less mass over their lifetimes, so they have more material left over to produce these high-mass black holes after they die. Evidence directly linking metal-poor stars to high-mass black holes has been lacking until these new observations.&nbsp;</p>
  5590.  
  5591.  
  5592.  
  5593. <p>Stars that come in pairs tend to have similar chemical compositions, so Gaia BH3’s companion star holds some important clues to how the star collapsed to create this giant black hole. Data from the Very Large Telescope’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/vlt-instr/uves/">Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph</a> instrument showed that the companion star was very metal-poor. This means that the star that collapsed to form Gaia BH3 was also metal-poor, as the theories predicted. </p>
  5594.  
  5595.  
  5596.  
  5597. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/black-hole-ringdown-simulations/"><strong>Black hole collisions could possibly send waves cresting through space-time</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  5598.  
  5599.  
  5600.  
  5601. <p>“We took the exceptional step of publishing this paper based on preliminary data ahead of the forthcoming Gaia release because of the unique nature of the discovery,” astronomer Elisabetta Caffau, a study co-author from the CNRS Observatoire de Paris also a Gaia collaboration member, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041090">said in a statement</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  5602.  
  5603.  
  5604.  
  5605. <p>According to the team, making this data available early will allow other astronomers to study Gaia BH3 immediately without waiting for the complete Gaia data release. The full release from the space telescope is planned for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041090">late 2025 at the earliest</a> and additional observations could reveal more about the black hole’s history.</p>
  5606. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/biggest-stellar-mass-black-hole/">Humongous stellar-mass black hole is the biggest ever found in Milky Way</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5607. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  5608. </item>
  5609. <item>
  5610. <title>This $40 inkless and wireless printer fits in your pocket</title>
  5611. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/inkless-wireless-pocket-printer-deal/</link>
  5612. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  5613. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5614. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  5615. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  5616. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  5617. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  5618. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  5619. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610907</guid>
  5620.  
  5621. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5622.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="1080" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-3.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=1080" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A PoooliPrint inkless and wireless printer." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>It measures just 3.25 by 3.25 by 1.5 inches.</p>
  5623. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/inkless-wireless-pocket-printer-deal/">This $40 inkless and wireless printer fits in your pocket</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5624. ]]></description>
  5625. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5626.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="1080" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-3.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=1080" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A PoooliPrint inkless and wireless printer." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  5627. </div>
  5628. <p>It’s hard to believe that we went from printing presses taking up half a room to office printers occupying half a desk, and now we just found <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/poooliprinter-inkless-pocket-printer-yellow-l1-classic-non-hd-200-dpi?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=poooliprinter-inkless-pocket-printer-yellow-l1-classic-non-hd-200-dpi&amp;utm_term=scsf-594170&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25yIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">a printer that literally fits in your pocket</a>.</p>
  5629.  
  5630.  
  5631.  
  5632. <p>It’s called the PoooliPrint Pocket Printer and it doesn’t even use ink since it’s a thermal printer. You can get one here for $39.99, normally $99.90.</p>
  5633.  
  5634.  
  5635.  
  5636. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionize-the-way-you-print">Revolutionize the way you print</h3>
  5637.  
  5638.  
  5639.  
  5640. <p>This mini printer has a 200 dpi resolution and a 1.9-inch printing width. It also doesn’t require batteries, instead running on a micro-USB charge for up to 24 hours of use. At this price point, those specs are rather impressive.&nbsp;</p>
  5641.  
  5642.  
  5643.  
  5644. <p>The PoooliPrint measures 3.25 by 3.25 by 1.5 inches—that’s <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/poooliprinter-inkless-pocket-printer-yellow-l1-classic-non-hd-200-dpi?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=poooliprinter-inkless-pocket-printer-yellow-l1-classic-non-hd-200-dpi&amp;utm_term=scsf-594170&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25yIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">about the size of a compact wallet or cardholder</a>. Stick it in your pocket, work bag, or suitcase so you can easily print receipts, labels, photos, notes, and anything else on the go.</p>
  5645.  
  5646.  
  5647.  
  5648. <p>Start printing by opening the Poooli app on your iPhone or Android, pairing to the printer via Bluetooth, and loading in the white paper roll. The Poooli app also allows you to edit images, to-do lists, and more, if you need to quickly create materials on the fly.</p>
  5649.  
  5650.  
  5651. <div><lite-youtube videoid="9n3_yGgJAxg" style="background-image: none;">
  5652.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9n3_yGgJAxg/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="This $40 inkless and wireless printer fits in your pocket">
  5653.            </lite-youtube>
  5654.            
  5655.            <noscript>
  5656. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  5657. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Poooliprint® Thermal Pocket Printer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9n3_yGgJAxg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  5658. </div></figure>
  5659. </noscript></div>
  5660.  
  5661.  
  5662. <p>The amount of thermal paper included with your purchase is enough to print around 100 images, depending on their exact dimensions. Once the paper eventually runs out, you can replace it with the brand’s rolls that come with varying and customizable colors, transparency, and stickiness.&nbsp;</p>
  5663.  
  5664.  
  5665.  
  5666. <p>Snatch your <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/poooliprinter-inkless-pocket-printer-yellow-l1-classic-non-hd-200-dpi?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=poooliprinter-inkless-pocket-printer-yellow-l1-classic-non-hd-200-dpi&amp;utm_term=scsf-594170&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25yIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PoooliPrint Inkless Pocket Printer here for $39.99</a> (reg. $99.90) and save 59 percent before this limited-time opportunity slips away. </p>
  5667.  
  5668.  
  5669.  
  5670. <p><em><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StackSocial</a> prices subject to change.</em></p>
  5671. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/inkless-wireless-pocket-printer-deal/">This $40 inkless and wireless printer fits in your pocket</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5672. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  5673. </item>
  5674. <item>
  5675. <title>Why do some people always get lost?</title>
  5676. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/why-do-some-people-always-get-lost/</link>
  5677. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bob Holmes / Knowable Magazine]]></dc:creator>
  5678. <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5679. <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
  5680. <category><![CDATA[Psychology]]></category>
  5681. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  5682. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611081</guid>
  5683.  
  5684. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5685.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/differences-in-navigation-500x288-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="getting lost" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Scientists are homing in on how navigation skills develop. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Knowable Magazine</span></figcaption></figure><p>Research suggests that experience may matter more than innate ability when it comes to a sense of direction.</p>
  5686. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/why-do-some-people-always-get-lost/">Why do some people always get lost?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5687. ]]></description>
  5688. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  5689.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/differences-in-navigation-500x288-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="getting lost" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Scientists are homing in on how navigation skills develop. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Knowable Magazine</span></figcaption></figure>
  5690. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/society/2024/why-do-some-people-always-get-lost-but-others-dont" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knowable Magazine</a>.</p>
  5691.  
  5692.  
  5693.  
  5694. <p>Like many of the researchers who study how people find their way from place to place, David Uttal is a poor navigator. “When I was 13 years old, I got lost on a Boy Scout hike, and I was lost for two and a half days,” recalls the Northwestern University cognitive scientist. And he’s still bad at finding his way around.</p>
  5695.  
  5696.  
  5697.  
  5698. <p>The world is full of people like Uttal—and their opposites, the folks who always seem to know exactly where they are and how to get where they want to go. Scientists sometimes measure navigational ability by asking someone to point toward an out-of-sight location—or, more challenging, to imagine they are someplace else and point in the direction of a third location—and it’s immediately obvious that some people are better at it than others.</p>
  5699.  
  5700.  
  5701.  
  5702. <p>“People are never perfect, but they can be as accurate as single-digit degrees off, which is incredibly accurate,” says Nora Newcombe, a cognitive psychologist at Temple University who coauthored a look at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-devpsych-121020-031846">how navigational ability develops</a> in the 2022 <em>Annual Review of Developmental Psychology</em>. But others, when asked to indicate the target’s direction, seem to point at random. “They have literally no idea where it is.”</p>
  5703.  
  5704.  
  5705.  
  5706. <p>While it’s easy to show that people differ in navigational ability, it has proved much harder for scientists to explain why. There’s new excitement brewing in the navigation research world, though. By leveraging technologies such as virtual reality and GPS tracking, scientists have been able to watch hundreds, sometimes even millions, of people trying to find their way through complex spaces, and to measure how well they do. Though there’s still much to learn, the research suggests that to some extent, navigation skills are shaped by upbringing.</p>
  5707.  
  5708.  
  5709.  
  5710. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurturing-navigation-skills"><strong>Nurturing navigation skills</strong></h2>
  5711.  
  5712.  
  5713.  
  5714. <p>The importance of a person’s environment is underscored by a recent look at the role of genetics in navigation. In 2020, Margherita Malanchini, a developmental psychologist at Queen Mary University of London, and her colleagues compared the performance of more than 2,600 identical and nonidentical twins as they navigated through a virtual environment, to test <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-020-0067-8">whether navigational ability runs in families</a>. It does, they found—but only modestly. Instead, the biggest contributor to people’s performance was what geneticists call the “nonshared environment”—that is, the unique experiences each person accumulates as their life unfolds. Good navigators, it appears, are mostly made, not born.</p>
  5715.  
  5716.  
  5717.  
  5718. <p>A remarkable, large-scale experiment led by Hugo Spiers, a cognitive neuroscientist at University College London, gave researchers a glimpse at how experience and other cultural factors might influence wayfinding skills. Spiers and his colleagues, in collaboration with the telecom company T-Mobile, developed a game for cellphones and tablets,&nbsp;<em>Sea Hero Quest</em>, in which players navigate by boat through a virtual environment to locate a series of checkpoints. The game app asked participants to provide basic demographic data, and nearly 4 million worldwide did so. (The app is no longer accepting new participants except by invitation of researchers.)</p>
  5719.  
  5720.  
  5721.  
  5722. <p>Through the app, the researchers were able to measure wayfinding ability by the total distance each player traveled to reach all the checkpoints. After completing some levels of the game, players also had to shoot a flare back toward their point of origin—a dead-reckoning test analogous to the pointing-to-out-of-sight-locations task. Then Spiers and his colleagues could compare players’ performance to the demographic data.</p>
  5723.  
  5724.  
  5725.  
  5726. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tops.12590">Several cultural factors were associated with wayfinding skills</a>, they found. People from Nordic countries tended to be slightly better navigators, perhaps because the sport of orienteering, which combines cross-country running and navigation, is popular in those countries. Country folk did better, on average, than people from cities. And among city-dwellers, those from cities with more chaotic street networks such as those in the older parts of European cities did better than those from cities like Chicago, where the streets form a regular grid, perhaps because residents of grid cities don’t need to build such complex mental maps.</p>
  5727.  
  5728.  
  5729.  
  5730. <p>Results like these suggest that an individual’s life experience may be one of the biggest determinants of how well they navigate. Indeed, experience may even underlie one of the most consistent findings—and clichés—in navigation: that men tend to perform better than women. Turns out this gender gap is more a question of culture and experience than of innate ability.</p>
  5731.  
  5732.  
  5733.  
  5734. <p>Nordic countries, for example, where gender equality is greatest, show almost no gender difference in navigation. In contrast, men far outperform women in places where women face cultural restrictions on exploring their environment on their own, such as Middle Eastern countries.</p>
  5735.  
  5736.  
  5737.  
  5738. <p>This cultural aspect, and the importance of experience, are also supported by studies of the Tsimane, a traditional Indigenous community in the Bolivian Amazon. Anthropologist Helen Elizabeth Davis of Arizona State University and her colleagues put GPS trackers on 305 Tsimane adults to measure their daily movements over a three-day period, and found no difference in the distance moved by men and women. <a target="_blank" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tops.12602">Men and women also were equally adept at pointing to out-of-sight locations</a>, they reported in <em>Topics in Cognitive Science</em>. Even children performed extremely well at this navigation task—a result, Davis thinks, of growing up in a culture that encourages children to range widely and explore the forest.</p>
  5739.  
  5740.  
  5741.  
  5742. <p>Most cultures aren’t like the Tsimane, though, and women and girls tend to be more cautious about exploring, for good reasons of personal safety. Not only do they gather less experience at navigating, but nervousness about security or getting lost also has a direct effect on navigation. “Anxiety gets in the way of good navigation, so if you’re worried about your personal safety, you’re a poor navigator,” says Newcombe.</p>
  5743.  
  5744.  
  5745.  
  5746. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1240" height="1826" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/16/g-sense-of-direction-quiz-1.png" alt="The Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale is widely used in navigation research. Studies suggest that people are fairly accurate at evaluating their own sense of direction. Credit: Knowable Magazine" class="wp-image-611090"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale is widely used in navigation research. Studies suggest that people are fairly accurate at evaluating their own sense of direction. <em>Credit: Knowable Magazine</em></figcaption></figure>
  5747.  
  5748.  
  5749.  
  5750. <p>Personality, too, appears to play a role in developing navigational ability. “To get good at navigating, you have to be willing to explore,” says Uttal. “Some people do not enjoy the experience of wandering, and others enjoy it very much.”</p>
  5751.  
  5752.  
  5753.  
  5754. <p>Indeed, people who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, tend to have a better sense of direction, notes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hegarty-lab.psych.ucsb.edu/people/mary-hegarty">Mary Hegarty</a>, a cognitive psychologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara. So do people who play a lot of video games, many of which involve exploring virtual spaces.</p>
  5755.  
  5756.  
  5757.  
  5758. <p>To Uttal, this accumulating evidence suggests that inclination and early experience nudge some people toward activities that involve navigation, while those who are temperamentally less inclined to explore, who have less opportunity to wander or who have an initial bad experience may be less likely to engage in activities that require exploration. It all snowballs from there, Uttal speculates. “I think a combination of personality and ability pushes you in certain directions. It’s a developmental cascade.”</p>
  5759.  
  5760.  
  5761.  
  5762. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mental mappers</strong></h2>
  5763.  
  5764.  
  5765.  
  5766. <p>That cascade presumably influences acquisition of the specific skills that are hallmarks of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/society/2021/reading-pacific-navigators-mysterious-map">good navigators</a>. These include the ability to estimate how far you’ve traveled, to read and remember maps (both printed and mental), to learn routes based on a sequence of landmarks and to understand where points are relative to one another.</p>
  5767.  
  5768.  
  5769.  
  5770. <p>Much of the research, though, has focused on two specific subskills: route-following by using landmarks—for example, turn left at the gas station, then go three blocks and turn right just past the red house—and what’s often termed “survey knowledge,” the ability to build and consult a mental map of a place.</p>
  5771.  
  5772.  
  5773.  
  5774. <p>Of the two, route following is by far the easier task, and most people do pretty well at it once they’ve taken a route a few times, says&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.geog.ucsb.edu/people/faculty/dan-montello">Dan Montello</a>, a geographer and psychologist also at UC Santa Barbara. In a classic experiment from almost two decades ago, Montello’s student Toru Ishikawa drove 24 volunteers, once a week for 10 weeks, on two twisting routes in a tony residential area of Santa Barbara that they’d never visited before.</p>
  5775.  
  5776.  
  5777.  
  5778. <p>Later, almost every person could accurately state the order of landmarks along each route and roughly estimate the distance travelled between them. But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010028505000733">they varied widely in their ability</a> to identify shortcuts between the two routes, point to landmarks not visible from where they stood, or sketch a map of the routes. Those who couldn’t identify shortcuts or find landmarks may suffer from an inability to create accurate mental maps, the researchers think.</p>
  5779.  
  5780.  
  5781.  
  5782. <p>Research by Newcombe and her then graduate student Steven Weisberg underscores the importance of such mental maps in navigation. They asked 294 volunteers to use a mouse and computer screen to navigate along two routes through a virtual town. Once the volunteers had learned the routes and the landmarks they contained, the researchers asked them to stand at one landmark and point to others on both routes.</p>
  5783.  
  5784.  
  5785.  
  5786. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0963721417744521">People fell into three classes</a>, the researchers reported in 2018 in&nbsp;<em>Current Directions in Psychological Science</em>. Some people had formed a good mental map: They could point accurately to landmarks on both the same and different routes. Others had good route knowledge but struggled to create an integrated map: They were good at pointing within a route, but poor between routes. A third group was poor at all the pointing tasks.</p>
  5787.  
  5788.  
  5789.  
  5790. <p>That ability to build and refer to a mental map—a person’s survey knowledge—goes a long way toward explaining why they’re better navigators, Montello says. “When the only skill you have is the ability to think in terms of routes, you can’t be creative to get around barriers.” Survey knowledge gives the ability to navigate creatively, he says. “That’s a pretty stunning difference.”</p>
  5791.  
  5792.  
  5793.  
  5794. <p>Not surprisingly, better navigators may also be better at switching modes and choosing the most appropriate navigational strategy for the situation they find themselves in, says cognitive neuroscientist Weisberg, now at the University of Florida. This could mean using landmarks when they are obvious and mental maps when more sophisticated calculations are needed.</p>
  5795.  
  5796.  
  5797.  
  5798. <p>“I’ve moved toward thinking that our better navigators are also using a lot of alternate strategies,” Weisberg says. “And they’re doing so in a much more flexible way that affords different kinds of navigation, so that when they find themselves in a new situation, they’re better able to find their way.”</p>
  5799.  
  5800.  
  5801.  
  5802. <p>When Weisberg moves around Gainesville where he lives now, for example, he keeps track of north, because that works well in a city with a regular street grid; when he goes home to the winding streets of Philadelphia, he relies more on other cues to stay oriented.</p>
  5803.  
  5804.  
  5805.  
  5806. <p>Researchers do not yet know whether every bad navigator is simply poor at survey knowledge, or whether some of the lost might be failing at other navigational subskills instead, such as remembering landmarks or estimating distance traveled. Either way, what can poor navigators do to improve? That’s still an open question. “We all have our pet theories,” says&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cnlm.uci.edu/chrastil/">Elizabeth Chrastil</a>, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine, “but they haven’t reached the level of testing yet.”</p>
  5807.  
  5808.  
  5809.  
  5810. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Pros and cons of GPS</strong></h2>
  5811.  
  5812.  
  5813.  
  5814. <p>Simply practicing seems like it should work—and, indeed, it does in lab experiments. “We can improve people’s navigational abilities in virtual environments,” says Arne Ekstrom, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Arizona. It takes about two weeks to show fairly dramatic gains—but it’s not yet clear whether people are really becoming better navigators or just getting better at finding their way through the particular virtual environments used in the experiments.</p>
  5815.  
  5816.  
  5817.  
  5818. <p>Support for the notion that people might improve with practice also comes from studies of what happens when people&nbsp;<em>stop</em>&nbsp;using their navigation skills. In a 2020 study published in&nbsp;<em>Scientific Reports</em>, for example, neuroscientists Louisa Dahmani and Véronique Bohbot of McGill University in Montreal recruited 50 young adults and questioned them about their lifetime experience of driving with GPS. Then they tested the volunteers in a virtual world that required them to navigate without GPS. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62877-0">heaviest GPS users did worse</a>, they found.</p>
  5819.  
  5820.  
  5821.  
  5822. <p>A follow-up with 13 of the volunteers three years later revealed that those who had used&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/physical-world/2019/gps-going-places">GPS</a>&nbsp;the most during the intervening period experienced greater declines in their ability to navigate without GPS, strongly suggesting that GPS reliance causes diminished skills, rather than poor skills leading to greater GPS use.</p>
  5823.  
  5824.  
  5825.  
  5826. <p>Experts also suggest that struggling navigators like Uttal could try paying closer attention to compass directions or prominent landmarks as a way to integrate their movements into a mental map. For Weisberg, the only way he learns spaces in an integrated way is by paying attention to major cardinal directions or prominent landmarks like the ocean. “The more attention I pay, the better I can link things to the map in my head.” He recommends that struggling navigators ask themselves which way is north 10 times a day, referring to a map if necessary. This, he suggests, could help them move beyond mere route knowledge.</p>
  5827.  
  5828.  
  5829.  
  5830. <p>There’s another option for those who don’t really care about improving their skills as long as they just don’t get lost, Weisberg notes: Just make sure your GPS is handy.</p>
  5831.  
  5832.  
  5833.  
  5834. <p><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.knowablemagazine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knowable Magazine</a>, an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Sign up for the <a href="https://www.knowablemagazine.org/page/newsletter-signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newsletter</a>.</em></p>
  5835. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/why-do-some-people-always-get-lost/">Why do some people always get lost?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5836. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  5837. </item>
  5838. <item>
  5839. <title>The best portable blenders in 2024</title>
  5840. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-blenders/</link>
  5841. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandt Ranj]]></dc:creator>
  5842. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  5843. <category><![CDATA[Appliances]]></category>
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  5845. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
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  5851. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=609904</guid>
  5852.  
  5853. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  5854.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/The-best-portable-blenders-of-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best portable blenders of 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj</div></figure><p>A portable blender can help you smooth out a soup, whip up a smoothie, or even indulge in a frozen margarita wherever you go. </p>
  5855. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-blenders/">The best portable blenders in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  5856. ]]></description>
  5857. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  5858.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/The-best-portable-blenders-of-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best portable blenders of 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  5859. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  5860.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  5861.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  5862.      <tbody>
  5863.              <tr
  5864.          class="ProductTable-product"
  5865.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  5866.        >
  5867.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  5868.            Best overall
  5869.          </td>
  5870.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  5871.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A Cuisinart RPB-100 portable blender on a plain background." class="wp-image-610110" width="264" height="165">
  5872.          </td>
  5873.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  5874.            Cuisinart RPB-100
  5875.          </td>
  5876.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  5877.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
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  5890.                          </div>
  5891.          </td>
  5892.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  5893.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  5894.                <span>
  5895.                  SEE IT
  5896.                </span>
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  5898.          </td>
  5899.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  5900.              <p>Make big smoothies on the go with the biggest, most powerful battery-powered blender.</p>
  5901.  
  5902.            </td>
  5903.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  5904.        </tr>
  5905.              <tr
  5906.          class="ProductTable-product"
  5907.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  5908.        >
  5909.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  5910.            Best splurge
  5911.          </td>
  5912.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  5913.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Beast Blender on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610111" width="264" height="165">
  5914.          </td>
  5915.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  5916.            Beast Blender
  5917.          </td>
  5918.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  5919.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  5920.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5921.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5922.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5923.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5924.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5925.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  5926.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5927.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5928.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5929.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5930.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5931.                                  </div>
  5932.                          </div>
  5933.          </td>
  5934.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  5935.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  5936.                <span>
  5937.                  SEE IT
  5938.                </span>
  5939.            </a>
  5940.          </td>
  5941.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  5942.              <p>A modern design and ample power help this portable blender stand out.</p>
  5943.  
  5944.            </td>
  5945.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  5946.        </tr>
  5947.              <tr
  5948.          class="ProductTable-product"
  5949.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  5950.        >
  5951.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  5952.            Best budget
  5953.          </td>
  5954.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  5955.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A Hamilton Beach Portable Blender on a plain background." class="wp-image-610114" width="264" height="165">
  5956.          </td>
  5957.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  5958.            Hamilton Beach Portable Blender
  5959.          </td>
  5960.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  5961.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  5962.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5963.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5964.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5965.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5966.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5967.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  5968.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5969.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5970.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5971.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5972.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  5973.                                  </div>
  5974.                          </div>
  5975.          </td>
  5976.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  5977.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  5978.                <span>
  5979.                  SEE IT
  5980.                </span>
  5981.            </a>
  5982.          </td>
  5983.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  5984.              <p>For under $20, Hamilton Beach&#8217;s portable blender goes above and beyond for its price.</p>
  5985.  
  5986.            </td>
  5987.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  5988.        </tr>
  5989.            </tbody>
  5990.    </table>
  5991.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  5992.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  5993.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  5994.    </div>
  5995.  </div>
  5996. </div>
  5997.  
  5998.  
  5999.  
  6000. <p>Portable blenders are an essential tool for home cooks with small kitchens, creative car campers, or travelers who want to ensure they have all their essential kitchen tools during a long stay at an Airbnb. While smaller than their full-sized countertop contemporaries, portable blenders are still powerful enough to crush up fresh roots and roughage to make pastes, smoothies, and sauces. Once you&#8217;re done, these blenders can be easily cleaned with a little dish soap and water, then stored inside a cabinet or drawer until the next time you&#8217;d like to use them. Many of our recommendations run on battery power, allowing you to take and use them out of your home. The best portable blenders will allow you to enjoy your smoothies, crushed ice, or other diced-up delights on the go.</p>
  6001.  
  6002.  
  6003.  
  6004. <ul>
  6005. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cuisinart RPB-100</a></li>
  6006.  
  6007.  
  6008.  
  6009. <li><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Beast Blender</a></li>
  6010.  
  6011.  
  6012.  
  6013. <li><strong>Best all-in-one:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-BC151NV-Smoothies-Rechargeable-Dishwasher/dp/B0C2FF74J6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender</a></li>
  6014.  
  6015.  
  6016.  
  6017. <li><strong>Best set:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-Blender/dp/B007TIE0GQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System</a></li>
  6018.  
  6019.  
  6020.  
  6021. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hamilton Beach Portable Blender</a></li>
  6022. </ul>
  6023.  
  6024.  
  6025.  
  6026. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-portable-blenders"><strong>How we chose the best portable blenders</strong></h2>
  6027.  
  6028.  
  6029.  
  6030. <p>Choosing the best portable blenders meant finding the models that balanced power, size, and cost. All of our recommendations are powerful enough for common tasks, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/discover/homemade-erewhon-smoothie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">like making Erewhon smoothies at home</a>, but don&#8217;t expect to use them to make hot soup like a full-sized model can. We also made sure to include smaller blenders—ones that require an AC outlet but are nonetheless small enough to store or take from place to place easily—and battery-powered models that are truly portable. Our recommendations also cover a wide price range, so you can find a portable blender that is well within your budget.</p>
  6031.  
  6032.  
  6033.  
  6034. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-portable-blenders-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best portable blenders: Reviews &amp; Recommendations </strong></h2>
  6035.  
  6036.  
  6037.  
  6038. <p>Ready to make a milkshake <em>from</em> your yard? We can teach you, and we won&#8217;t charge. The best portable blenders are accessible appliances for anyone who wants to reduce chopping and other manual kitchen tasks but can&#8217;t commit the space or budget to a larger, more powerful model.</p>
  6039.  
  6040.  
  6041.  
  6042. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-cuisinart-rpb-100"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cuisinart RPB-100</a></h3>
  6043.  
  6044.  
  6045. <div
  6046.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6047.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6048. >
  6049.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6050.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6051.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6052.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Cuisinart-RPB-100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Cuisinart RPB-100 portable blender on a plain background.">
  6053.                      </figure>
  6054.                  </a>
  6055.            </div>
  6056.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6057.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6058.        <p><em>Cuisinart</em></p>
  6059.  
  6060.      </figcaption>
  6061.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6062.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000"
  6063.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6064.      </p>
  6065.      </div>
  6066. </div>
  6067.  
  6068.  
  6069.  
  6070. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6071.  
  6072.  
  6073.  
  6074. <ul>
  6075. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 3.5 x 3.9 x 11.69 inches</li>
  6076.  
  6077.  
  6078.  
  6079. <li><strong>Capacity:</strong> 16 ounces</li>
  6080.  
  6081.  
  6082.  
  6083. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery</li>
  6084.  
  6085.  
  6086.  
  6087. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $79</li>
  6088. </ul>
  6089.  
  6090.  
  6091.  
  6092. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6093.  
  6094.  
  6095.  
  6096. <ul>
  6097. <li>20 minute runtime on battery</li>
  6098.  
  6099.  
  6100.  
  6101. <li>Bowl can be used as a drink container</li>
  6102.  
  6103.  
  6104.  
  6105. <li>Quick charging</li>
  6106. </ul>
  6107.  
  6108.  
  6109.  
  6110. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6111.  
  6112.  
  6113.  
  6114. <ul>
  6115. <li>Larger than other battery-powered models</li>
  6116. </ul>
  6117.  
  6118.  
  6119.  
  6120. <p>Cuisinart&#8217;s RPB-100 is the largest, most powerful battery-powered blender we&#8217;ve found, so it&#8217;s nabbed the top spot here. Yes, you&#8217;ll need to dedicate more space on your countertop or in a bag to take it with you, but you&#8217;ll be rewarded for making the space. You can easily make a large smoothie with a single touch thanks to the blender&#8217;s 16-ounce container and one-button design. Hitting the power button will automatically start the blender at its maximum power level, so you don&#8217;t need to futz around with speed settings. The RPB-100&#8217;s container doubles as a drinking glass, too; simply turn the blender over when you&#8217;re done using it and pop on the included lid. The lid has a flip-top design to ensure your smoothie won&#8217;t get everywhere if you stash it in a bag or it accidentally tips over. </p>
  6121.  
  6122.  
  6123.  
  6124. <p>Cuisinart says the RPB-100 can run for up to 20 minutes per charge, which is more than enough time to make multiple smoothies or crush a few pounds of ice before being topped up. It&#8217;ll take about two hours to fully recharge the blender, which is plenty of time if you plug it in before going to sleep or heading out to work. Each part of the blender is also dishwasher safe, so you won&#8217;t have to hand wash it after every use. If you&#8217;re looking to make homemade dressings or smooth out sauces on the go, Cuisinart&#8217;s RPB-100 is the portable blender to get.</p>
  6125.  
  6126.  
  6127.  
  6128. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-splurge-beast-blender"><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Beast Blender</a></h3>
  6129.  
  6130.  
  6131. <div
  6132.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6133.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6134. >
  6135.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6136.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6137.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6138.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Beast-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Beast Blender on a plain white background.">
  6139.                      </figure>
  6140.                  </a>
  6141.            </div>
  6142.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6143.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6144.        <p><em>Beast</em></p>
  6145.  
  6146.      </figcaption>
  6147.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6148.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000"
  6149.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6150.      </p>
  6151.      </div>
  6152. </div>
  6153.  
  6154.  
  6155.  
  6156. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6157.  
  6158.  
  6159.  
  6160. <ul>
  6161. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 4.92 x 4.92 x 15.75 inches</li>
  6162.  
  6163.  
  6164.  
  6165. <li><strong>Capacity:</strong> 33.81 ounces</li>
  6166.  
  6167.  
  6168.  
  6169. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> AC</li>
  6170.  
  6171.  
  6172.  
  6173. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $164.95</li>
  6174. </ul>
  6175.  
  6176.  
  6177.  
  6178. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6179.  
  6180.  
  6181.  
  6182. <ul>
  6183. <li>Large capacity</li>
  6184.  
  6185.  
  6186.  
  6187. <li>Svelte design</li>
  6188.  
  6189.  
  6190.  
  6191. <li>More powerful</li>
  6192. </ul>
  6193.  
  6194.  
  6195.  
  6196. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6197.  
  6198.  
  6199.  
  6200. <ul>
  6201. <li>Price</li>
  6202. </ul>
  6203.  
  6204.  
  6205.  
  6206. <p>If you don&#8217;t mind being tethered to an outlet, the Beast Blender is a sleek-looking, ultra-powerful 1000W blender still small enough to keep in a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-travel-backpacks/">backpack when traveling</a>. It also features a single-button design and a removable container that can be used as a 33-ounce drinking vessel when you&#8217;re done making a smoothie. However, Beast went the extra mile to include both a screw-on lid and straws (although nothing is stopping you from using your own <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-reusable-straws/">reusable straw</a>). A big part of the Beast Blender&#8217;s appeal is its eye-catching hourglass shape, with ridges on its container that are aesthetically pleasing while making it easier to hold. The blender is also available in multiple colors, so you can find one that suits your aesthetic.</p>
  6207.  
  6208.  
  6209.  
  6210. <p>Beast built a powerful motor into its blender since it didn&#8217;t have to worry about managing battery life, which is a significant feature if you&#8217;re looking for an ultra-smooth blend. The company says its blade will automatically adjust itself to maintain a set speed during its one-minute runtime and is designed to sense and avoid overheating. Beast says you can use its blender to make dips, dressings, cocktails, spreads, smoothies, sauces, frozen desserts, and even smooth out some soups. And it fits neatly in the cabinet or car (right next to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-generators/">a portable generator</a> to power it). Don&#8217;t skip this one if you&#8217;ve wanted a powerful portable blender but thought you couldn&#8217;t justify the counter space.</p>
  6211.  
  6212.  
  6213.  
  6214. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-all-in-one-ninja-bc51nv-blast-portable-blender"><strong>Best all-in-one:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-BC151NV-Smoothies-Rechargeable-Dishwasher/dp/B0C2FF74J6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender</a></h3>
  6215.  
  6216.  
  6217. <div
  6218.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6219.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6220. >
  6221.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6222.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-BC151NV-Smoothies-Rechargeable-Dishwasher/dp/B0C2FF74J6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6223.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6224.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Ninja-BC51NV-Blast-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Ninja-BC51NV-Blast-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender on a plain background.">
  6225.                      </figure>
  6226.                  </a>
  6227.            </div>
  6228.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6229.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6230.        <p><em>Ninja</em></p>
  6231.  
  6232.      </figcaption>
  6233.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6234.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-BC151NV-Smoothies-Rechargeable-Dishwasher/dp/B0C2FF74J6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000"
  6235.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6236.      </p>
  6237.      </div>
  6238. </div>
  6239.  
  6240.  
  6241.  
  6242. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6243.  
  6244.  
  6245.  
  6246. <ul>
  6247. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 3.54 x 3.54 x 10.71 inches</li>
  6248.  
  6249.  
  6250.  
  6251. <li><strong>Capacity:</strong> 18 ounces</li>
  6252.  
  6253.  
  6254.  
  6255. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery</li>
  6256.  
  6257.  
  6258.  
  6259. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $59.99</li>
  6260. </ul>
  6261.  
  6262.  
  6263.  
  6264. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6265.  
  6266.  
  6267.  
  6268. <ul>
  6269. <li>Battery powered</li>
  6270.  
  6271.  
  6272.  
  6273. <li>Leak-proof design</li>
  6274.  
  6275.  
  6276.  
  6277. <li>Large capacity for a battery-powered blender</li>
  6278. </ul>
  6279.  
  6280.  
  6281.  
  6282. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6283.  
  6284.  
  6285.  
  6286. <ul>
  6287. <li>Requires charging</li>
  6288. </ul>
  6289.  
  6290.  
  6291.  
  6292. <p>Ninja&#8217;s BC51NV Blast is a modern-looking battery-powered portable blender that was designed to be used and taken with you everywhere. The blender is perfect for smoothies and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-vegan-protein-powder/">protein shakes</a>. When you&#8217;re done making them, you can drink directly from its container without detaching it from its base. Yes, the blender&#8217;s top is actually a flip-up sipping lid with a handle that makes it easy to carry when you&#8217;re not drinking. Every part of this portable blender is dishwasher-safe, ready for the next day&#8217;s smoothie. A single-button design makes the BC51NV Blast easy to use, too, and its BlastBlade has blades pointed upward and downward to ensure you get a proper blend. </p>
  6293.  
  6294.  
  6295.  
  6296. <p>Ninja doesn&#8217;t state its portable blender&#8217;s runtime, but you can recharge it using a USB-C power adapter. This portable blender has a truly grab-and-go design and is a powerful all-in-one solution. Blending a beverage and immediately drinking it without having to attach a separate lid or pour it into another glass is very helpful when you&#8217;re making it in a hurry before heading out for the day.</p>
  6297.  
  6298.  
  6299.  
  6300. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-set-nutribullet-nbr-1201-12-piece-high-speed-blender-mixer-system"><strong>Best set:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-Blender/dp/B007TIE0GQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System</a></h3>
  6301.  
  6302.  
  6303. <div
  6304.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6305.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6306. >
  6307.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6308.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-Blender/dp/B007TIE0GQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6309.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6310.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-BlenderMixer-System.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-BlenderMixer-System.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System on a plain background.">
  6311.                      </figure>
  6312.                  </a>
  6313.            </div>
  6314.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6315.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6316.        <p><em>NutriBullet</em></p>
  6317.  
  6318.      </figcaption>
  6319.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6320.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-Blender/dp/B007TIE0GQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000"
  6321.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6322.      </p>
  6323.      </div>
  6324. </div>
  6325.  
  6326.  
  6327.  
  6328. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6329.  
  6330.  
  6331.  
  6332. <ul>
  6333. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 7.4 x 17.8 x 14.25 inches</li>
  6334.  
  6335.  
  6336.  
  6337. <li><strong>Capacity:</strong> 24 fluid ounces</li>
  6338.  
  6339.  
  6340.  
  6341. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> AC</li>
  6342.  
  6343.  
  6344.  
  6345. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $69.87</li>
  6346. </ul>
  6347.  
  6348.  
  6349.  
  6350. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6351.  
  6352.  
  6353.  
  6354. <ul>
  6355. <li>Powerful for a portable blender</li>
  6356.  
  6357.  
  6358.  
  6359. <li>Includes two blades</li>
  6360.  
  6361.  
  6362.  
  6363. <li>Comes with two mugs</li>
  6364. </ul>
  6365.  
  6366.  
  6367.  
  6368. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6369.  
  6370.  
  6371.  
  6372. <ul>
  6373. <li>Larger size</li>
  6374. </ul>
  6375.  
  6376.  
  6377.  
  6378. <p>Nutribullet&#8217;s NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System is the most comprehensive solution to any portable blending problems—but it&#8217;s also the largest model we&#8217;re recommending and requires an AC outlet. Neither of those attributes are dealbreakers, as this is still smaller than a typical full-sized blender, but they&#8217;re worth keeping in mind. As is suggested by its name, this is a 12-piece set that includes a blender, multiple blades, two 18-ounce glasses, and a pair of lids. Thanks to the size of its vessel, you can make two medium-sized smoothies simultaneously, then pop it off and pour it directly into Nutribullet&#8217;s included cups to take them on the go. </p>
  6379.  
  6380.  
  6381.  
  6382. <p>The inclusion of an &#8220;extraction blade,&#8221; where multiple blades are pointed upward and downward, is especially helpful when making smoothies as it&#8217;s designed especially for finely pulverizing. The separate flat blade can be used to crush ice or smooth sauces. We understand that the appeal of a portable blender is to take it anywhere, but feel the accessories included with the NBR-1201 make it the best value and will earn their keep in your cabinets or on top of your counter before being packed away for a trip.</p>
  6383.  
  6384.  
  6385.  
  6386. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-hamilton-beach-portable-blender"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hamilton Beach Portable Blender</a></h3>
  6387.  
  6388.  
  6389. <div
  6390.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6391.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6392. >
  6393.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6394.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6395.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6396.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Hamilton-Beach-Portable-Blender.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Hamilton Beach Portable Blender on a plain background.">
  6397.                      </figure>
  6398.                  </a>
  6399.            </div>
  6400.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6401.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6402.        <p><em>Hamilton Beach</em></p>
  6403.  
  6404.      </figcaption>
  6405.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6406.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000"
  6407.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6408.      </p>
  6409.      </div>
  6410. </div>
  6411.  
  6412.  
  6413.  
  6414. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6415.  
  6416.  
  6417.  
  6418. <ul>
  6419. <li><strong>Size:</strong> 3.9 x 3.9 x 11.9 inches</li>
  6420.  
  6421.  
  6422.  
  6423. <li><strong>Capacity:</strong> 14 fluid ounces</li>
  6424.  
  6425.  
  6426.  
  6427. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> AC</li>
  6428.  
  6429.  
  6430.  
  6431. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $20.85</li>
  6432. </ul>
  6433.  
  6434.  
  6435.  
  6436. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6437.  
  6438.  
  6439.  
  6440. <ul>
  6441. <li>Battery-powered</li>
  6442.  
  6443.  
  6444.  
  6445. <li>Designed to fit in a cup holder</li>
  6446.  
  6447.  
  6448.  
  6449. <li>Price</li>
  6450. </ul>
  6451.  
  6452.  
  6453.  
  6454. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6455.  
  6456.  
  6457.  
  6458. <ul>
  6459. <li>Smaller container capacity</li>
  6460. </ul>
  6461.  
  6462.  
  6463.  
  6464. <p>Hamilton Beach has you covered if you&#8217;d like an ultra-compact portable blender that won&#8217;t break the bank. Its single-button portable blender comes with a screw-on flip-top sipping lid, so you can sip directly from it after making a drink. The blender and vessel have a concave shape, making it easier to grab and hold in one hand. The vessel is a little smaller than the ones found in other portable blenders we&#8217;re recommending, but it&#8217;s not immediately noticeable. What does stand out is this portable blender&#8217;s $21 price tag. </p>
  6465.  
  6466.  
  6467.  
  6468. <p>This is an AC-powered blender, but its power cord can be neatly tucked away inside a cutout around its base, so you won&#8217;t have a cord dangling around in a bag. This design choice also makes Hamilton Beach&#8217;s Portable Blender a solid choice for those who want a blend-grab-and-go style solution. If you&#8217;re eyeing a portable blender on a budget, you won&#8217;t find a better choice than this one from Hamilton Beach.</p>
  6469.  
  6470.  
  6471.  
  6472. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-shopping-for-the-best-portable-blenders"><strong>What to consider when shopping for the best portable blenders</strong></h2>
  6473.  
  6474.  
  6475.  
  6476. <p>There are many factors to consider when deciding which portable blender is right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide.  </p>
  6477.  
  6478.  
  6479.  
  6480. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>
  6481.  
  6482.  
  6483.  
  6484. <p>Size is the chief characteristic of a portable blender, and we had strict requirements when deciding which models made the cut. None of our recommendations are over 18 inches tall, and most fall below 12 inches. This means you&#8217;ll be able to stash them easily into a backpack or duffel while traveling and may even be able to keep them on your kitchen counter indefinitely without taking up too much room. </p>
  6485.  
  6486.  
  6487.  
  6488. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-container-capacity">Container capacity</h3>
  6489.  
  6490.  
  6491.  
  6492. <p>One of the tradeoffs when choosing a portable blender is that it can hold fewer ingredients than a full-sized model, so in most cases, you&#8217;ll be making <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/recipes/comments/44mmbr/i_finally_bought_a_singleserving_blender_whats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-serving smoothies</a> rather than a multi-person batch. Our recommendations can hold between 14 and 33 fluid ounces of material, so be mindful of how many people you typically cook for before choosing.</p>
  6493.  
  6494.  
  6495.  
  6496. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-source">Power source</h3>
  6497.  
  6498.  
  6499.  
  6500. <p>Our portable blender recommendations run on either AC power (which means they need to be plugged into an outlet) or a built-in battery. Battery-powered blenders are more portable but aren&#8217;t as powerful and will wear down more quickly. AC-powered blenders can draw more power but can&#8217;t be used in as many places. There&#8217;s no wrong answer, but seriously consider where you&#8217;re going to be using your portable blender before deciding which one to get.</p>
  6501.  
  6502.  
  6503.  
  6504. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  6505.  
  6506.  
  6507.  
  6508. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712676523346"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can portable blenders crush ice?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes. Portable blenders are powerful enough to crush ice. If you&#8217;re trying to make a frozen margarita or smoothie with frozen fruit, you generally won&#8217;t have a problem doing so with a portable blender. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712676538148"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can portable blenders blend vegetables?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes. Portable blenders can blend vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, and viscous liquids. If the aforementioned viscous liquid happens to be a hot soup, check with the manufacturer to ensure its cups can handle higher temperatures. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712676563953"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What are the disadvantages of portable blenders?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The disadvantages of a portable blender can vary by model. Some may be too large to comfortably carry around, while others may not have a large enough capacity to make as many smoothies or icy frozen treats as you&#8217;d like in a single batch. Battery-powered models are ultra-portable, but you must remember to charge them frequently. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712676572883"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How long do portable blenders last?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">If you keep your portable blender clean and don&#8217;t overload it, you&#8217;ll be able to keep it in top shape for five years or more. Battery-powered models will begin to lose their ability to hold a charge over time and may need to be replaced more frequently. </p> </div> </div>
  6509.  
  6510.  
  6511.  
  6512. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-portable-blenders"><strong>Final thoughts on the best portable blenders</strong></h2>
  6513.  
  6514.  
  6515.  
  6516. <ul>
  6517. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-RPB-100-EvolutionX-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B08KKB855B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Cuisinart RPB-100</a></li>
  6518.  
  6519.  
  6520.  
  6521. <li><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Smoothies-Kitchen-Countertop-Reusable/dp/B0CP9QTY8Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Beast Blender</a></li>
  6522.  
  6523.  
  6524.  
  6525. <li><strong>Best all-in-one:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ninja-BC151NV-Smoothies-Rechargeable-Dishwasher/dp/B0C2FF74J6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ninja BC51NV Blast Portable Blender</a></li>
  6526.  
  6527.  
  6528.  
  6529. <li><strong>Best set:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NutriBullet-NBR-1201-12-Piece-High-Speed-Blender/dp/B007TIE0GQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System</a></li>
  6530.  
  6531.  
  6532.  
  6533. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Personal-Blender-51132/dp/B00QNUCRW0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000609904O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hamilton Beach Portable Blender</a></li>
  6534. </ul>
  6535.  
  6536.  
  6537.  
  6538. <p>Portable blenders—especially battery-powered models—have become a viable option for anyone looking to work more smoothies into their diet on a tight schedule. A small blender will be powerful enough to make thousands of recipes you can find online in a minute or less. Many portable blenders allow you to drink either directly from their vessel or from glasses that are included as part of a set. A blender is a very helpful multi-use tool in the kitchen, and these smaller models are great if you don&#8217;t have a lot of room on your counter or want to take a battery-powered model anywhere. </p>
  6539.  
  6540.  
  6541.  
  6542. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  6543.  
  6544.  
  6545.  
  6546. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  6547.  
  6548.  
  6549.  
  6550. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  6551. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-blenders/">The best portable blenders in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  6552. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  6553. </item>
  6554. <item>
  6555. <title>NASA wants to measure moonquakes with laser-powered fiber optic cables</title>
  6556. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/moonquake-laser-fiber-optic/</link>
  6557. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  6558. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:57:18 +0000</pubDate>
  6559. <category><![CDATA[Moons]]></category>
  6560. <category><![CDATA[NASA]]></category>
  6561. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  6562. <category><![CDATA[Solar System]]></category>
  6563. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  6564. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  6565. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  6566. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=611037</guid>
  6567.  
  6568. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  6569.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/PIA13532orig.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Moon surface" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Although the moon lacks tectonic plates, it still generates quakes from a variety of other factors. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University</span></figcaption></figure><p>The moon’s seismic activity requires extremely sensitive tools to cut through the lunar dust.</p>
  6570. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/moonquake-laser-fiber-optic/">NASA wants to measure moonquakes with laser-powered fiber optic cables</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  6571. ]]></description>
  6572. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  6573.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/PIA13532orig.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Moon surface" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Although the moon lacks tectonic plates, it still generates quakes from a variety of other factors. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University</span></figcaption></figure>
  6574. <p>Even without any known active tectonic movement, the moon can still rumble. Its dramatic thermal changes, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/moon-shrinking/">miniscule contractions</a> from cooling, and even the influences of Earth’s gravity have all contributed to noticeable seismic activity. And just like on Earth, detecting these potentially powerful <a href="https://www.popsci.com/moonquake-moon-shrinking/">moonquakes</a> will be important for the safety of any future equipment, buildings, and people atop the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>
  6575.  
  6576.  
  6577.  
  6578. <p>But instead of traditional seismometers, NASA hopes <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/artemis-moon-rover-finalists/">Artemis astronauts</a> will be able to deploy laser-powered <a href="https://www.popsci.com/?p=608782&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=608783">fiber optic cables</a>.</p>
  6579.  
  6580.  
  6581.  
  6582. <p>In a recent study published in <a target="_blank" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118695"><em>Earth and Planetary Science Letters</em></a>, researchers at Caltech made the case for the promising capabilities of a new, high-tech seismological tool known as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). Unlike traditional seismometers, DAS equipment measures the extremely tiny tremors detected in laser light as it travels through fiber optic cables. According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/california-supervolcano-is-cooling-off-but-may-still-cause-quakes">separate paper</a> from last year, a roughly 62-mile DAS cable line could hypothetically do the job of 10,000 individual seismometers.</p>
  6583.  
  6584.  
  6585.  
  6586. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/fiber-optic-wavelength-record/?_thumbnail_id=608783"><strong>Researchers unlock fiber optic connection 1.2 million times faster than broadband</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  6587.  
  6588.  
  6589.  
  6590. <p>This is particularly crucial given just how difficult it’s been to measure lunar seismic activity in the past. Apollo astronauts installed multiple seismometers on the lunar surface during the 1970’s, which managed to record quakes as intense as a magnitude 5. But those readings weren’t particularly precise, due to what’s known as scattering—when seismic waves are muddied from passing through layers of extremely fine, powdery regalith dust.</p>
  6591.  
  6592.  
  6593.  
  6594. <p>Researchers believe using fiber optic DAS setups could potentially solve this problem by averaging thousands of sensor points, and the data to back it up. According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/a-new-type-of-seismic-sensor-to-detect-moonquakes">recent Caltech profile</a>, the team of geophysicists deployed a similar cable system near Antarctica’s South Pole, the closest environment on Earth to our natural satellite’s surface due to its remote, harsh surroundings. Subsequent tests successfully detected subtle seismic activity such as cracking and shifting ice, while holding up against the harsh surroundings.</p>
  6595.  
  6596.  
  6597.  
  6598. <p>Of course, the moon’s brutal surface makes Antarctica look almost pleasant by comparison. Aside from the dust, temperature fluctuations routinely vary between 130 and -334 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lack of atmosphere means regular bombardment by solar radiation. All that said, Caltech researchers believe fiber optic cabling could easily be designed to withstand these factors. With additional work, including further optimizing its energy efficiency, the team believes DAS equipment could arrive alongside Artemis astronauts in the near future, ready to measure any moonquakes that come its way.</p>
  6599. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/moonquake-laser-fiber-optic/">NASA wants to measure moonquakes with laser-powered fiber optic cables</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  6600. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  6601. </item>
  6602. <item>
  6603. <title>The best turntables under $500 (and one that isn&#8217;t) in 2024</title>
  6604. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-turntables-under-500/</link>
  6605. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Levine]]></dc:creator>
  6606. <pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2022 20:10:55 +0000</pubDate>
  6607. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  6608. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  6609. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  6610. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  6611. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  6612. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  6613. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=432151</guid>
  6614.  
  6615. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  6616.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best turntables under $500 header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500.jpg 2000w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-768x499.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-1536x998.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Here's our spin on five of the best affordable turntables for a great-sounding starter system.</p>
  6617. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-turntables-under-500/">The best turntables under $500 (and one that isn&#8217;t) in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  6618. ]]></description>
  6619. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  6620.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best turntables under $500 header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500.jpg 2000w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-768x499.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/turntables-under-500-1536x998.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  6621. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  6622.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  6623.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  6624.      <tbody>
  6625.              <tr
  6626.          class="ProductTable-product"
  6627.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  6628.        >
  6629.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  6630.            Best overall
  6631.          </td>
  6632.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  6633.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT85-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT85-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT85-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT85-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT85-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT85-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Fluance RT85 is the best overall turntable under $500." class="wp-image-432161" width="264" height="165">
  6634.          </td>
  6635.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  6636.            Fluance RT85
  6637.          </td>
  6638.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  6639.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  6640.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6641.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6642.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6643.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6644.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6645.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 96%">
  6646.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6647.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6648.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6649.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6650.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6651.                                  </div>
  6652.                          </div>
  6653.          </td>
  6654.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  6655.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  6656.                <span>
  6657.                  SEE IT
  6658.                </span>
  6659.            </a>
  6660.          </td>
  6661.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  6662.              <p>The RT85 offers clear sound, a wide stereo image, and whisper-quiet operation.</p>
  6663.  
  6664.            </td>
  6665.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  6666.        </tr>
  6667.              <tr
  6668.          class="ProductTable-product"
  6669.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  6670.        >
  6671.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  6672.            Best Bluetooth
  6673.          </td>
  6674.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  6675.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is the best Bluetooth turntable under $500." class="wp-image-432163" width="264" height="165">
  6676.          </td>
  6677.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  6678.            Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
  6679.          </td>
  6680.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  6681.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  6682.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6683.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6684.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6685.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6686.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6687.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 88%">
  6688.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6689.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6690.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6691.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6692.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6693.                                  </div>
  6694.                          </div>
  6695.          </td>
  6696.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  6697.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  6698.                <span>
  6699.                  SEE IT
  6700.                </span>
  6701.            </a>
  6702.          </td>
  6703.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  6704.              <p>The AT-LP120XBT-USB will appeal to wire-averse music listeners and even entry-level DJs.</p>
  6705.  
  6706.            </td>
  6707.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  6708.        </tr>
  6709.              <tr
  6710.          class="ProductTable-product"
  6711.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  6712.        >
  6713.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  6714.            Best for DJs
  6715.          </td>
  6716.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  6717.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Reloop 4000 MK2 is the best DJ turntable under $500." class="wp-image-432168" width="264" height="165">
  6718.          </td>
  6719.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  6720.            Reloop 4000 MK2
  6721.          </td>
  6722.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  6723.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  6724.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6725.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6726.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6727.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6728.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6729.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 88%">
  6730.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6731.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6732.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6733.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6734.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  6735.                                  </div>
  6736.                          </div>
  6737.          </td>
  6738.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  6739.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  6740.                <span>
  6741.                  SEE IT
  6742.                </span>
  6743.            </a>
  6744.          </td>
  6745.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  6746.              <p>The RP-4000 MK2 features robust construction and new shock-absorbing feet to limit vibrations from dancing people and massive speakers.</p>
  6747.  
  6748.            </td>
  6749.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  6750.        </tr>
  6751.            </tbody>
  6752.    </table>
  6753.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  6754.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  6755.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  6756.    </div>
  6757.  </div>
  6758. </div>
  6759.  
  6760.  
  6761.  
  6762. <p>You could have the sweetest vinyl collection around but it won’t do you much good without a reliable turntable to play them on. The turntable and its needle, which translates the grooves of a record into an audio signal, is arguably the most critical component in your analog sound system. Even if you have a quality amplifier or receiver and excellent speakers further down your sound system’s signal chain, they’ll only serve to accurately reproduce a subpar signal if you’re using a low-quality source. With that in mind, we’re recommending a selection of the best turntables under $500 here that you can feel assured will translate those grooves so that your system plays the music the way it was intended to sound.</p>
  6763.  
  6764.  
  6765.  
  6766. <ul>
  6767. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fluance RT85</a></li>
  6768.  
  6769.  
  6770.  
  6771. <li><strong>Best Bluetooth: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB</a>&nbsp;</li>
  6772.  
  6773.  
  6774.  
  6775. <li><strong>Best for DJs: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Reloop 4000 MK2</a></li>
  6776.  
  6777.  
  6778.  
  6779. <li><strong>Best for beginners: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N47JXML?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW</a></li>
  6780.  
  6781.  
  6782.  
  6783. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Turntable-Cartridge-Adjustable-Counterweight/dp/B01F2EXIFM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fluance RT81</a>&nbsp;</li>
  6784.  
  6785.  
  6786.  
  6787. <li><strong>Best for audiophiles: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FRLTV8X/ref=twister_B08GCKDPCG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo</a></li>
  6788. </ul>
  6789.  
  6790.  
  6791.  
  6792. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-selected-the-best-turntables-under-500-nbsp"><strong>How we selected the best turntables under $500&nbsp;</strong></h2>
  6793.  
  6794.  
  6795.  
  6796. <p>The turntable contains a vast array of options, ranging from cheap beginner models to uber-expensive devices built for audiophiles. Here, we chose to focus on what you might characterize as the lower midrange of the market. We capped the prices at around $500 because you can get an excellent model to provide the foundation for your sound system. And while that mark may not sound budget, it’s still relatively low compared to the $1,000 and higher turntables in the hard-core audiophile market. We also left out sub-$100 turntables to keep the quality level at the bottom of the list in a respectable place. We considered dozens of models, relying on personal experience and spec comparisons, peer recommendations, user feedback, and trusted editorial reviews to narrow our list of record players we&#8217;d love to plug into some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-turntable-speakers/">turntable-friendly speakers</a>. </p>
  6797.  
  6798.  
  6799.  
  6800. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-turntables-under-500-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best turntables under $500: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  6801.  
  6802.  
  6803.  
  6804. <p>Once you understand the differences between different turntable types and features and you factor those in with your budget, making a turntable buying decision shouldn’t be too difficult. We hope our list of the best turntables under $500 will simplify your decision-making process.</p>
  6805.  
  6806.  
  6807.  
  6808. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-fluance-rt85"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fluance RT85</a></h3>
  6809.  
  6810.  
  6811. <div
  6812.    id="the-best-overall"
  6813.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6814.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6815. >
  6816.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6817.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6818.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6819.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/13/IMG_7469-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/13/IMG_7469-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Fluance RT85 turntable on a stand">
  6820.                      </figure>
  6821.                  </a>
  6822.            </div>
  6823.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6824.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6825.        <p><em>Jay Cabrera</em></p>
  6826.  
  6827.      </figcaption>
  6828.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6829.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KGL56XJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000"
  6830.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6831.      </p>
  6832.      </div>
  6833. </div>
  6834.  
  6835.  
  6836.  
  6837. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The RT85 offers excellent design, build quality, components, and sound. It’s a deal at this price.</p>
  6838.  
  6839.  
  6840.  
  6841. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6842.  
  6843.  
  6844.  
  6845. <ul>
  6846. <li><strong>Turntable operation:</strong> Semi-automatic</li>
  6847.  
  6848.  
  6849.  
  6850. <li><strong>Cartridge Type/Model:</strong> Moving magnet/Ortofon: 2M Blue</li>
  6851.  
  6852.  
  6853.  
  6854. <li><strong>Phono preamp:</strong> No</li>
  6855.  
  6856.  
  6857.  
  6858. <li><strong>Speeds:</strong> 33-1/3 and 45 RPM</li>
  6859.  
  6860.  
  6861.  
  6862. <li><strong>Drive Method:</strong> Belt</li>
  6863. </ul>
  6864.  
  6865.  
  6866.  
  6867. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6868.  
  6869.  
  6870.  
  6871. <ul>
  6872. <li>“Reference-quality” sound</li>
  6873.  
  6874.  
  6875.  
  6876. <li>Heavy-duty plinth and platter keep vibrations at bay</li>
  6877.  
  6878.  
  6879.  
  6880. <li>Nude-diamond cartridge for accurate pickup</li>
  6881. </ul>
  6882.  
  6883.  
  6884.  
  6885. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6886.  
  6887.  
  6888.  
  6889. <ul>
  6890. <li>Requires some assembly</li>
  6891.  
  6892.  
  6893.  
  6894. <li>Larger and heavier than average</li>
  6895. </ul>
  6896.  
  6897.  
  6898.  
  6899. <p>Our top pick comes in right under the cutoff for the best turntables under $500, and it&#8217;s worth every penny. The RT85 is an example of Fluance’s talent for designing and building gear that can go toe-to-toe with higher-priced models from its competitors. Available in white, walnut, and bamboo finishes, it looks expensive. More importantly, though, it sounds fantastic, particularly when paired with other quality components. Bigger and heavier than your average turntable, its MDF wooden plinth features three large, adjustable rubber feet, which, along with the weight and density of the plinth, help limit external vibrations. Fluance outfitted the two-speed, belt-driven unit with a heavy, translucent acrylic platter. Its mass and density help keep the speed consistent.</p>
  6900.  
  6901.  
  6902.  
  6903. <p>Like most high-quality turntables, the RT85 doesn’t have a built-in preamp. You’ll need to pair it with an outboard phono preamp or a receiver with a phono input. But the results are worth it. Its Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge features a “nude” diamond stylus for the most accurate tracking. The RT85 offers clear sound, a wide stereo image, and a whisper-quiet operation. Our reviewer used the term “reference experience” to describe listening to records on the RT85 and you can <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fluance-rt85-review/">read more comprehensive hands-on impressions</a> of its features, sound, and user experience.</p>
  6904.  
  6905.  
  6906.  
  6907. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-bluetooth-audio-technica-at-lp120xbt-usb"><strong>Best Bluetooth: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB</a></h3>
  6908.  
  6909.  
  6910. <div
  6911.    id="impressive-performance-whether-digital-or-analog"
  6912.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  6913.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  6914. >
  6915.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  6916.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  6917.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  6918.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-best-bluetooth-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is the best Bluetooth turntable under $500.">
  6919.                      </figure>
  6920.                  </a>
  6921.            </div>
  6922.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  6923.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  6924.        <p><em>Audio-Technica</em></p>
  6925.  
  6926.      </figcaption>
  6927.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  6928.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK-Wireless-Direct-Drive-Turntable/dp/B089T77WK2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000"
  6929.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  6930.      </p>
  6931.      </div>
  6932. </div>
  6933.  
  6934.  
  6935.  
  6936. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The AT-LP120XBT-USB offers not only excellent Bluetooth implementation and A/D conversion to USB but line and phono analog outputs, too.</p>
  6937.  
  6938.  
  6939.  
  6940. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  6941.  
  6942.  
  6943.  
  6944. <ul>
  6945. <li><strong>Turntable operation:</strong> Manual</li>
  6946.  
  6947.  
  6948.  
  6949. <li><strong>Cartridge Type/Model:</strong> Dual moving magnet/Audio-Technica AT-VM95e</li>
  6950.  
  6951.  
  6952.  
  6953. <li><strong>Phono preamp:</strong> Yes</li>
  6954.  
  6955.  
  6956.  
  6957. <li><strong>Speeds:</strong> 33-1/3, 45, and 78RPM</li>
  6958.  
  6959.  
  6960.  
  6961. <li><strong>Drive Method:</strong> Direct</li>
  6962. </ul>
  6963.  
  6964.  
  6965.  
  6966. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  6967.  
  6968.  
  6969.  
  6970. <ul>
  6971. <li>Digital and analog connection options</li>
  6972.  
  6973.  
  6974.  
  6975. <li>USB port for copying albums</li>
  6976.  
  6977.  
  6978.  
  6979. <li>Line or phono analog outputs</li>
  6980. </ul>
  6981.  
  6982.  
  6983.  
  6984. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  6985.  
  6986.  
  6987.  
  6988. <ul>
  6989. <li>Dust cover vulnerable to scratches</li>
  6990. </ul>
  6991.  
  6992.  
  6993.  
  6994. <p>The AT-LP120XBT-USB is compatible with virtually any music system, thanks to its variety of outputs, both digital and analog. On the digital side, you can pair the unit with Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to enjoy your music wirelessly. Listeners can also use the USB port for copying your albums digitally to a computer. In the analog domain, the built-in preamp allows you to connect the turntable to line-level inputs on a preamp or receiver. You can also bypass the preamp to connect to an external unit. Thanks to its multiplicity of output types, the AT-LP120XBT-USB is a turntable you can hold onto for a long time, even if you completely change the sound system around it.</p>
  6995.  
  6996.  
  6997.  
  6998. <p>More dusty than digital? The AT-LP120XBT-USB will appeal to music listeners and entry-level DJs. Not only is its vibe reminiscent of classic DJ turntables (think <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Technics-SL1210MK2-SL-1210MK2-Professional-Turntable/dp/B000A0BUEU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the Technics SL-1210mk2</a>), but it’s also got many of the features DJs want, such as a quartz-controlled +/-10% pitch control, a start/stop button, stroboscopic platter, and a direct-drive design.&nbsp;</p>
  6999.  
  7000.  
  7001.  
  7002. <p>If you&#8217;re more concerned with budget than rocking beats, Audio-Technica also offers a more affordable belt-driven Bluetooth option, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP60XBT-BK-Belt-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Resonance/dp/B07N3RFXRL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AT-LP60XBT-BK</a>. </p>
  7003.  
  7004.  
  7005.  
  7006. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-djs-reloop-4000-mk2"><strong>Best for DJs: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Reloop 4000 MK2</a></h3>
  7007.  
  7008.  
  7009. <div
  7010.    id="dj-aok"
  7011.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  7012.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  7013. >
  7014.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  7015.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  7016.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  7017.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Reloop-4000-MK2-best-turntable-under-500-for-DJs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Reloop 4000 MK2 is the best DJ turntable under $500.">
  7018.                      </figure>
  7019.                  </a>
  7020.            </div>
  7021.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  7022.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  7023.        <p><em>Reloop</em></p>
  7024.  
  7025.      </figcaption>
  7026.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  7027.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000"
  7028.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  7029.      </p>
  7030.      </div>
  7031. </div>
  7032.  
  7033.  
  7034.  
  7035. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> It’s solidly built, offers all the critical DJ features, and costs under $400.</p>
  7036.  
  7037.  
  7038.  
  7039. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  7040.  
  7041.  
  7042.  
  7043. <ul>
  7044. <li><strong>Turntable operation:</strong> Manual</li>
  7045.  
  7046.  
  7047.  
  7048. <li><strong>Cartridge Type/Model:</strong> Dual moving magnet/Ortofon OM Black&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  7049.  
  7050.  
  7051.  
  7052. <li><strong>Phono preamp:</strong> Yes</li>
  7053.  
  7054.  
  7055.  
  7056. <li><strong>Speeds:</strong> 33-1/3, 45, and 78RPM</li>
  7057.  
  7058.  
  7059.  
  7060. <li><strong>Drive Method:</strong> Direct</li>
  7061. </ul>
  7062.  
  7063.  
  7064.  
  7065. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  7066.  
  7067.  
  7068.  
  7069. <ul>
  7070. <li>High-torque motor for faster speed changes</li>
  7071.  
  7072.  
  7073.  
  7074. <li>Reverse and pitch reset features added</li>
  7075.  
  7076.  
  7077.  
  7078. <li>Shock-absorbing feet increase isolation</li>
  7079.  
  7080.  
  7081.  
  7082. <li>Improved needle illumination</li>
  7083. </ul>
  7084.  
  7085.  
  7086.  
  7087. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  7088.  
  7089.  
  7090.  
  7091. <ul>
  7092. <li>Sound damping could be better</li>
  7093. </ul>
  7094.  
  7095.  
  7096.  
  7097. <p>This quartz-driven, high-torque, direct-drive turntable is purpose-built for DJs who need meticulous accuracy for matching tracks. Reloop improved the MK2 version with capabilities like quartz-lock tempo reset and reverse play. The onboard pitch control allows for +/-8-percent and +/-16-percent changes. The higher torque in the direct-drive motor helps the turntable get back up to speed faster and more cleanly.</p>
  7098.  
  7099.  
  7100.  
  7101. <p>Reloop redesigned the top panel and equipped it with tactile buttons. It also added extendible needle illumination, which allows you to use the aluminum target light to see the needle position when you’re in a dark environment. The RP-4000 MK2 features robust construction and new shock-absorbing feet, which help limit vibrations—a helpful feature when you’re working in a club full of dancing people and massive speakers. The tonearm on the RP-4000 MK2 is statically balanced and includes a hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism.</p>
  7102.  
  7103.  
  7104.  
  7105. <p>With its extensive feature set and solid build quality, the RP-4000 MK2 is a capable DJ turntable at an affordable price point. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Reloop’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-7000-MK2-Direct-Turntable/dp/B076S9VFKV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">RP-7000 MK2</a><strong> </strong>offers even more capabilities while still being a bargain compared to the top-tier <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Technics-SL1210MK2-SL-1210MK2-Professional-Turntable/dp/B000A0BUEU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Technics SL-1210mk2</a>.</p>
  7106.  
  7107.  
  7108.  
  7109. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-beginners-audio-technical-at-lp60x-bw"><strong>Best for beginners: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N47JXML?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW</a></h3>
  7110.  
  7111.  
  7112. <div
  7113.    id="gateway-to-vinyl"
  7114.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  7115.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  7116. >
  7117.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  7118.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N47JXML?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  7119.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  7120.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technical-AT-LP60X-BW-best-turntable-under-500-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Audio-Technical-AT-LP60X-BW-best-turntable-under-500-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Audio-Technical AT-LP60X-BW is the best beginner turntable under $500.">
  7121.                      </figure>
  7122.                  </a>
  7123.            </div>
  7124.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  7125.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  7126.        <p><em>Audio-Technica </em></p>
  7127.  
  7128.      </figcaption>
  7129.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  7130.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N47JXML?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000"
  7131.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  7132.      </p>
  7133.      </div>
  7134. </div>
  7135.  
  7136.  
  7137.  
  7138. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> It outperforms everything in its price range.</p>
  7139.  
  7140.  
  7141.  
  7142. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  7143.  
  7144.  
  7145.  
  7146. <ul>
  7147. <li><strong>Turntable operation:</strong> Automatic</li>
  7148.  
  7149.  
  7150.  
  7151. <li><strong>Cartridge Type/Model:</strong> Dual moving magnet/ATN3600L</li>
  7152.  
  7153.  
  7154.  
  7155. <li><strong>Phono preamp:</strong> Yes</li>
  7156.  
  7157.  
  7158.  
  7159. <li><strong>Speeds:</strong> 33-1/3, 45 RPM</li>
  7160.  
  7161.  
  7162.  
  7163. <li><strong>Drive Method:</strong> Belt</li>
  7164. </ul>
  7165.  
  7166.  
  7167.  
  7168. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  7169.  
  7170.  
  7171.  
  7172. <ul>
  7173. <li>Best entry-level deck on the market</li>
  7174.  
  7175.  
  7176.  
  7177. <li>Excellent value.</li>
  7178.  
  7179.  
  7180.  
  7181. <li>Defeatable preamp</li>
  7182. </ul>
  7183.  
  7184.  
  7185.  
  7186. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  7187.  
  7188.  
  7189.  
  7190. <ul>
  7191. <li>No Bluetooth output</li>
  7192. </ul>
  7193.  
  7194.  
  7195.  
  7196. <p>An updated version of the AT-LP60, this belt-drive turntable is easy to set up and operate and can more than hold its own with similarly priced or even higher-priced competitors. The AT-LP60X-BW features an onboard phono preamp, so you can connect it to sound systems that have no phono inputs available. If you don’t need the preamp, you can switch it off.</p>
  7197.  
  7198.  
  7199.  
  7200. <p>One area where you can see how A-T kept the price down is connectivity: It only offers a single stereo 3.5mm output. However, the turntable comes with an RCA breakout cable for connecting to other components in your system.</p>
  7201.  
  7202.  
  7203.  
  7204. <p>The most significant changes in this updated version include a newly designed tonearm base and headshell, which Audio-Technica says will improve tracking and decrease resonance. A-T externalized the power supply, which reduces the chance for electrical interference getting into the audio signal. In the cartridge department, A-T offers one of its own, the dual-moving magnet ATN3600L. If you’re new to vinyl or just looking for a quality turntable at a low price, you won’t go wrong with the AT-LP60X-BW.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  7205.  
  7206.  
  7207.  
  7208. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-fluance-rt81"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Turntable-Cartridge-Adjustable-Counterweight/dp/B01F2EXIFM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fluance RT81</a></h3>
  7209.  
  7210.  
  7211. <div
  7212.    id="easy-setup-and-great-sound"
  7213.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  7214.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  7215. >
  7216.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  7217.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Turntable-Cartridge-Adjustable-Counterweight/dp/B01F2EXIFM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  7218.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  7219.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT81-best-budget-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Fluance-RT81-best-budget-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Fluance RT81 is the best budget turntable under $500.">
  7220.                      </figure>
  7221.                  </a>
  7222.            </div>
  7223.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  7224.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  7225.        <p><em>Fluance</em></p>
  7226.  
  7227.      </figcaption>
  7228.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  7229.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Turntable-Cartridge-Adjustable-Counterweight/dp/B01F2EXIFM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000"
  7230.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  7231.      </p>
  7232.      </div>
  7233. </div>
  7234.  
  7235.  
  7236.  
  7237. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> A lot of turntable for the money.</p>
  7238.  
  7239.  
  7240.  
  7241. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  7242.  
  7243.  
  7244.  
  7245. <ul>
  7246. <li><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Turntable operation:</strong> Auto Stop and Start</li>
  7247.  
  7248.  
  7249.  
  7250. <li><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Cartridge Type/Model:</strong> Dual moving magnet/ATN95E</li>
  7251.  
  7252.  
  7253.  
  7254. <li><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Phono preamp:</strong> Yes</li>
  7255.  
  7256.  
  7257.  
  7258. <li><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Speeds:</strong> 33-1/3, 45 RPM</li>
  7259.  
  7260.  
  7261.  
  7262. <li><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Drive Method:</strong> Belt</li>
  7263. </ul>
  7264.  
  7265.  
  7266.  
  7267. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  7268.  
  7269.  
  7270.  
  7271. <ul>
  7272. <li>&nbsp;Quality AT95E cartridge</li>
  7273.  
  7274.  
  7275.  
  7276. <li>&nbsp;Phono and line output</li>
  7277.  
  7278.  
  7279.  
  7280. <li>&nbsp;Solid wood plinth</li>
  7281. </ul>
  7282.  
  7283.  
  7284.  
  7285. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  7286.  
  7287.  
  7288.  
  7289. <ul>
  7290. <li>No automatic return</li>
  7291.  
  7292.  
  7293.  
  7294. <li>Plastic tonearm</li>
  7295.  
  7296.  
  7297.  
  7298. <li>No Bluetooth</li>
  7299. </ul>
  7300.  
  7301.  
  7302.  
  7303. <p>This unit is an excellent choice if you want a low-priced option as a step up from a beginner model. The unit features an onboard preamp that you can switch on and off, giving you the flexibility to connect with various components. Fluance equipped it with an Audio-Technica ATN95E cartridge, which offers solid sonics. If you want to up the quality at some point, you can replace it with a higher-end cartridge.</p>
  7304.  
  7305.  
  7306.  
  7307. <p>The RT81’s plinth is solid wood with a spiffy-looking walnut finish. It’s relatively heavy, which helps it withstand vibrations. On the downside, its tonearm is plastic. Although the turntable doesn’t offer fully automatic operation, it features auto-start and -stop. The turntable starts when you lift the tonearm and move it over the record. When a record reaches the end, it stops (although you still must put the tonearm back manually). These are just some of the features that make this our best value for vinyl.</p>
  7308.  
  7309.  
  7310.  
  7311. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-audiophiles-pro-ject-debut-carbon-evo"><strong>Best for audiophiles: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FRLTV8X/ref=twister_B08GCKDPCG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO</a></h3>
  7312.  
  7313.  
  7314. <div
  7315.    id="ooh-that-sound"
  7316.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  7317.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  7318. >
  7319.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  7320.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FRLTV8X/ref=twister_B08GCKDPCG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  7321.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  7322.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Pro-Ject-Debut-Carbon-Evo-best-upgrade-for-audiophiles-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/Pro-Ject-Debut-Carbon-Evo-best-upgrade-for-audiophiles-turntable-under-500.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is the best audiophile turntable under $500.">
  7323.                      </figure>
  7324.                  </a>
  7325.            </div>
  7326.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  7327.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  7328.        <p><em>Pro-Ject Audio Systems</em></p>
  7329.  
  7330.      </figcaption>
  7331.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  7332.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FRLTV8X/ref=twister_B08GCKDPCG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000"
  7333.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  7334.      </p>
  7335.      </div>
  7336. </div>
  7337.  
  7338.  
  7339.  
  7340. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Yes, we went slightly over our price point for this turntable, but it was the clear choice near this category. Hey, we made the rules, so we can bend them a little.</p>
  7341.  
  7342.  
  7343.  
  7344. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  7345.  
  7346.  
  7347.  
  7348. <ul>
  7349. <li><strong>Turntable Operation:</strong> Manual</li>
  7350.  
  7351.  
  7352.  
  7353. <li><strong>Cartridge Type/Model:</strong> Moving Magnet/Sumiko Ranier</li>
  7354.  
  7355.  
  7356.  
  7357. <li><strong>Phono Preamp:</strong> No way</li>
  7358.  
  7359.  
  7360.  
  7361. <li><strong>Speeds:</strong> 33-1/3, 45, and 78RPM&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  7362. </ul>
  7363.  
  7364.  
  7365.  
  7366. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  7367.  
  7368.  
  7369.  
  7370. <ul>
  7371. <li>Exceptional sound quality for the money</li>
  7372.  
  7373.  
  7374.  
  7375. <li>Additional isolation of platter helps reduce vibrations even more</li>
  7376.  
  7377.  
  7378.  
  7379. <li>Electronic 3-speed switching</li>
  7380.  
  7381.  
  7382.  
  7383. <li>Lots of color choices</li>
  7384. </ul>
  7385.  
  7386.  
  7387.  
  7388. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  7389.  
  7390.  
  7391.  
  7392. <ul>
  7393. <li>Relatively pricey&nbsp;</li>
  7394. </ul>
  7395.  
  7396.  
  7397.  
  7398. <p>Pro-Ject&#8217;s first new Debut model in 10 years, this turntable offers a stripped-down design aesthetic and a dedicated focus on excellent sound quality. Hand-built in the Czech Republic, the belt-driven Carbon Evo features a heavier platter than its predecessors, with extra internal damping to isolate it from the surface on which it rests.</p>
  7399.  
  7400.  
  7401.  
  7402. <p>The company designed the Carbon Evo with height-adjustable metal feet for precise leveling and to further reduce vibrations. Unlike previous Debut models, the Carbon Evo has a switch for changing speeds—it used to require removing and changing the belt. What’s more, the company has also added a 78RPM setting. Listeners can choose from nine different hand-painted finishes.</p>
  7403.  
  7404.  
  7405.  
  7406. <p>But the sound is the driving factor in the design of this turntable. Thanks to its heavy plinth, improved motor suspension, Sumiko Ranier cartridge (models outside the US may get an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge instead), and a one-piece carbon-fiber tonearm, the Debut Carbon Evo delivers it, big time. It provides generous bass, an exceptionally warm midrange, and plenty of high-end. You’ll have to supply your own preamp, but, hey, that’s the way any audiophile would want it. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a sale on this unit sometime soon, so it actually qualifies as one of the best turntables <em>under</em> $500. Until then, it&#8217;s the top pick around that price.</p>
  7407.  
  7408.  
  7409.  
  7410. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-shopping-for-the-best-turntables-under-500"><strong>What to consider when shopping for the best turntables under $500</strong></h2>
  7411.  
  7412.  
  7413.  
  7414. <p>You’ve got several decisions beyond price to make when buying one of the best turntables under $500—or any turntable, for that matter. Do you want a belt-drive or direct-drive operation? A phono, line-level, USB, or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">Bluetooth</a> output—or a combination thereof? Automatic or manual operation? Do you want it to integrate into your existing stereo system or are you building from scratch? Do you plan to DJ with your turntable? We’ll get into specifics on those issues here.</p>
  7415.  
  7416.  
  7417.  
  7418. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-significant-parts-of-a-turntable">What are the significant parts of a turntable?</h3>
  7419.  
  7420.  
  7421.  
  7422. <p>The base of a turntable is called the plinth. An ideal plinth is made of wood and is dense enough to reduce the vibrations it picks up from the surface on which it’s sitting. The motor and other circuitry typically reside inside the base. A spinning cylinder called the platter sits on top of the base and provides a platform for the record.&nbsp;</p>
  7423.  
  7424.  
  7425.  
  7426. <p>The tonearm attached to the base houses the cartridge and the stylus. The stylus is the needle that vibrates as it travels through a record’s grooves. The tonearm may or may not have a cue lever, which raises and lowers it remotely. If there is no cue lever, the cartridge will have a small handle which you lift the tonearm on and off the record.</p>
  7427.  
  7428.  
  7429.  
  7430. <p>When the stylus touches the grooves of a spinning record, it creates vibrations that travel to the cartridge, which amplifies them into an electrical signal. In a turntable with no preamp, that electrical signal travels to the turntable outputs and will require an external preamp (either standalone or in a receiver) to bring it up to line level. With a built-in preamp, the signal goes from the cartridge into the preamp, and the turntable outputs it at line level.</p>
  7431.  
  7432.  
  7433.  
  7434. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-true-that-built-in-phono-preamps-are-inferior-to-external-ones">Is it true that built-in phono preamps are inferior to external ones?</h3>
  7435.  
  7436.  
  7437.  
  7438. <p>For the most part, you’ll get better quality by using a separate <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-phono-preamps/">phono preamp</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-av-receivers/">an A/V receiver</a> that includes one rather than a built-in preamp. Turntables with built-in preamps tend to be cheaper than those without. A built-in preamp typically indicates cheaper components across the board. No self-respecting audiophile would come near a turntable with a built-in preamp, but typical listeners may find them totally fine.</p>
  7439.  
  7440.  
  7441.  
  7442. <p>Built-in preamps make it possible to use a smaller system—for example, just a turntable and a pair of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">powered speakers</a> (such as the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/klipsch-the-nines-powered-speakers-review/">Klipsch the Nines</a>). They’re also necessary on certain kinds of turntables, such as ones with digital outputs (which require line-level signals) or models built for DJs. As a result, four of the six turntables in this roundup have preamps built-in, although most offer options to bypass them.</p>
  7443.  
  7444.  
  7445.  
  7446. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-difference-between-belt-drive-and-direct-drive-turntables">What’s the difference between belt-drive and direct-drive turntables?</h3>
  7447.  
  7448.  
  7449.  
  7450. <p>A belt-drive turntable has a motor adjacent to the platter. The motor has a belt attached that goes around the circumference of the platter and back. When the motor turns, the belt moves, causing the platter to spin. Depending on the turntable&#8217;s design, the motor and belt may be visible or hidden inside the base.</p>
  7451.  
  7452.  
  7453.  
  7454. <p>On a direct-drive turntable, the motor is located under and attached to the center of the platter. When the motor spins, the platter does, as well.</p>
  7455.  
  7456.  
  7457.  
  7458. <p>The most significant advantage to a belt-drive turntable is that the motor is isolated from the platter. As a result, the cartridge is less likely to pick up machine noise than on a direct drive model where the motor is underneath the center of the record.</p>
  7459.  
  7460.  
  7461.  
  7462. <p>However, direct-drive turntables can provide more precision when it comes to speed. Many have a quartz-lock feature that controls platter speed with a quartz-crystal oscillator to ensure the record plays at the correct, consistent speed. Two of the turntables we’re covering here, the <a href="https://shop-links.co/cgQIyQSdA78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB</a><strong> </strong>and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reloop-RP-4000-MK2-Torque-Turntable/dp/B07CRMD2ZT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000432151O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Reloop 4000 MK2</a>, are direct-drive models, and both offer quartz-lock features.</p>
  7463.  
  7464.  
  7465.  
  7466. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  7467.  
  7468.  
  7469.  
  7470. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1647632921390"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do expensive turntables sound better?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Turntables are like wine or cars—you get what you pay for, at least in many cases. Generally speaking, the more expensive the turntable, the better the quality of its components and thus the better the sound. One of the most important parts is the cartridge. As you get higher in price, the cartridge’s quality, and therefore the overall sound quality improves significantly. The ability of the plinth and platter to limit vibrations is also essential. Then there’s the accuracy of the turntable from a speed standpoint. Inexpensive belt-drive turntables sometimes run slightly off-speed when they get worn out. Some companies do better than others at economizing while keeping quality relatively high.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1647632940224"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do turntables need speakers?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">You certainly don’t need a turntable with built-in speakers, as those are usually of low quality. But unless the turntable has a Bluetooth output and you’re listening on headphones, you will need the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-speakers-for-music/">best speakers for music</a> within your budget. If your turntable has a line output or Bluetooth output, you can connect it directly to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">powered speakers</a> (I&#8217;m a fan of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fluance-ai41-review/">Fluance Ai41</a> if you&#8217;re on a budget). The most common configuration, however, is to connect your turntable into a receiver with phono inputs or through a standalone preamp and then a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-av-receivers/">receiver</a> or amplifier. The amplified signal is then routed to your passive speakers from the amp or receiver where it’s turned into audio waves.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1647632956291"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Is a turntable better than a CD player?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It depends on how you define “better.” Technically speaking, the 16-bit, 44.1kHz digital audio that a CD player produces has a superior dynamic range (distance between the quietest and loudest possible sound), better stereo separation, and less distortion than vinyl. But listening to music is much more subjective than that and many listeners feel that vinyl just sounds “warmer,&#8221; more organic and lifelike. Ironically, that warmth comes from vinyl’s imperfections and the CD’s “sterility” from its more accurate and quieter reproduction.</p> </div> </div>
  7471.  
  7472.  
  7473.  
  7474. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-turntables-under-500"><strong>Final thoughts on the best turntables under $500</strong></h2>
  7475.  
  7476.  
  7477.  
  7478. <p>If you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a turntable—whether it’s for the first time or you’re moving back to vinyl after many years with CDs—we’re confident you’ll be able to find a model that works for your needs from the best turntables under $500 we’ve recommended here. These six turntables offer a range of prices and capabilities and should satisfy any listener except perhaps hard-core audiophiles.</p>
  7479.  
  7480.  
  7481.  
  7482. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  7483.  
  7484.  
  7485.  
  7486. <p>Popular Science<em> started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  7487.  
  7488.  
  7489.  
  7490. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  7491. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-turntables-under-500/">The best turntables under $500 (and one that isn&#8217;t) in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7492. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  7493. </item>
  7494. <item>
  7495. <title>Get Greenworks battery-powered lawnmowers and tools for their cheapest prices ever at Amazon</title>
  7496. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-lawnmower-garden-tool-sale-amazon/</link>
  7497. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stan Horaczek]]></dc:creator>
  7498. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
  7499. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  7500. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  7501. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  7502. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  7503. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610966</guid>
  7504.  
  7505. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7506.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/greenworks-lawnmower-sale-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Greenworks lawnmowers arranged on a plain background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stan Horaczek</span></figcaption></figure><p>Don't wait until yard work season is in full swing to get a new lawnmower, blower, string trimmer, or other Greenworks tools.</p>
  7507. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-lawnmower-garden-tool-sale-amazon/">Get Greenworks battery-powered lawnmowers and tools for their cheapest prices ever at Amazon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7508. ]]></description>
  7509. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7510.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/greenworks-lawnmower-sale-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Greenworks lawnmowers arranged on a plain background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stan Horaczek</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  7511. </div>
  7512. <p>April showers have been fairly relentless lately, at least here at PopSci HQ. That means we&#8217;ll soon be neck-deep in yard work. Luckily, Amazon has <a href="https://www.amazon.com/deal/dde34888?showVariations=true%3Ftag%3Dcamdenxpsc-20&tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks battery-powered tools</a> for some of the lowest prices we&#8217;ve seen right now before the season starts. The sales include common yard tools like lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers, but it also extends to more traditional tools like saws and heat guns. There are a ton of options and they&#8217;re all part of the integrated Greenworks system, so you don&#8217;t have to worry about compatibility. </p>
  7513.  
  7514.  
  7515.  
  7516. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenworks-2-x-24v-21-brushless-cordless-self-propelled-lawn-mower-blower-320-cfm-12-string-trimmer-2-5-0ah-batteries-and-charger-included-486-was-609"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Batteries-Compatible/dp/B0CT3TB8SH?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong>Greenworks 2 x 24V 21&#8243; Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower + Blower (320 CFM) + 12&#8243; String Trimmer, (2) 5.0Ah Batteries and Charger Included</strong></a> $486 (was $609)</h3>
  7517.  
  7518.  
  7519. <div
  7520.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  7521.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  7522. >
  7523.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  7524.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Batteries-Compatible/dp/B0CT3TB8SH?tag=ps-deals-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  7525.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  7526.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/greenworks-electric-yard-tool-kit.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/greenworks-electric-yard-tool-kit.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Greenworks electric lawn tool kit on a plain background">
  7527.                      </figure>
  7528.                  </a>
  7529.            </div>
  7530.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  7531.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  7532.        <p><em>Greenworks</em></p>
  7533.  
  7534.      </figcaption>
  7535.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  7536.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Batteries-Compatible/dp/B0CT3TB8SH?tag=ps-deals-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000"
  7537.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  7538.      </p>
  7539.      </div>
  7540. </div>
  7541.  
  7542.  
  7543.  
  7544. <p>This package is a great way to revamp your entire yard tool arsenal in one handy package. It includes a self-propelled lawnmower, a blower, a string trimmer, two batteries, and a charger. It&#8217;s great to have a second backup battery and you don&#8217;t really need much else to handle your basic yard maintenance. Plus the batteries work across the Greenworks ecosystem, so you can add tools a la carte as you go.</p>
  7545.  
  7546.  
  7547.  
  7548. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenworks-lawnmower-deals"><strong>Greenworks lawnmower deals</strong></h3>
  7549.  
  7550.  
  7551.  
  7552. <ul>
  7553. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Cordless-Compatible/dp/B0CKGGK8VM?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless (Self-Propelled) Cordless Electric Lawn Mower + (580 CFM) Axial Leaf Blower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and 60 Minute Rapid Charger</a> $552 (was $833)</li>
  7554.  
  7555.  
  7556.  
  7557. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-TruBrushlessTM-Cordless-Minutes-Included/dp/B0BNTCJZD1?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 16&#8243; Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $224 (was $299)</li>
  7558.  
  7559.  
  7560.  
  7561. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-16-Inch-Cordless-Variable-Included/dp/B07J2JGY1W?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 16&#8243; Cordless Electric Lawn Mower + 40V Sweeper (150 MPH), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included </a>$287 (was $358)</li>
  7562.  
  7563.  
  7564.  
  7565. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Cordless-Self-Propelled-Headlight/dp/B0CLSBV8LJ?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 25&#8243; Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Dual Blade Lawn Mower (LED Headlight + Aluminum Handles), 4.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger Included</a> $679 (was $799)</li>
  7566.  
  7567.  
  7568.  
  7569. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Batteries-Included-GLM801601/dp/B01CA4Q2QY?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 21&#8243; Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and 30 Minute Rapid Charger Included</a> $384 (was $499)</li>
  7570.  
  7571.  
  7572.  
  7573. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Included/dp/B07MG7M2BM?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 21&#8243; Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $382 (was $449)</li>
  7574.  
  7575.  
  7576.  
  7577. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Blade-Mower-4-0Ah-Battery/dp/B00GX9WNP2?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 20&#8243; Twin Blade Mower, 4.0Ah + 2.0Ah Battery</a> $322 (was $435)</li>
  7578. </ul>
  7579.  
  7580.  
  7581.  
  7582. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenworks-pressure-washer-deals"><strong>Greenworks pressure washer deals</strong></h3>
  7583.  
  7584.  
  7585.  
  7586. <ul>
  7587. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Electric-Pressure-Washer-GPW2000-1RG/dp/B097R1MCMX?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">Greenworks 2000 PSI (13 Amp) Electric Pressure Washer</a> $161 (was $189)</li>
  7588.  
  7589.  
  7590.  
  7591. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Pressure-Washer-Upright-Hand-Carry/dp/B09LCGQNQK?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 1600 PSI (1.2 GPM) Electric Pressure Washer</a> $93 (was $109)</li>
  7592.  
  7593.  
  7594.  
  7595. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-3000-Pressure-Washer-Cannon/dp/B0CLTXH5R7?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 3000 PSI Pressure Washer (2.0 GPM Max) with Foam Cannon</a> $424 (was $499)</li>
  7596.  
  7597.  
  7598.  
  7599. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Portable-Cleaner-Battery-Included/dp/B09KTGB553?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">Greenworks 24V (600 PSI) Portable Power Cleaner, 4.0Ah USB Battery and Charger Included</a> $149 (was $189)</li>
  7600.  
  7601.  
  7602.  
  7603. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Portable-Cleaner-Battery-Included/dp/B09KTGB553?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">Greenworks 24V (600 PSI) Portable Power Cleaner, 4.0Ah USB Battery and Charger Included</a> $149 (was $189)</li>
  7604. </ul>
  7605.  
  7606.  
  7607.  
  7608. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenworks-chainsaw-and-cutting-tool-deals"><strong>Greenworks chainsaw and cutting tool deals</strong></h3>
  7609.  
  7610.  
  7611.  
  7612. <ul>
  7613. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Chainsaw-Included-GCS80420/dp/B00R6Z4R42?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 18&#8243; Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (Great For Tree Felling, Limbing, Pruning, and Firewood) / 75+ Compatible Tools), 2.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger Included</a> $274 (was $349)</li>
  7614.  
  7615.  
  7616.  
  7617. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Chainsaw-Cordless-Handheld/dp/B0BML4QZQJ?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V 6&#8243; Brushless Mini Chainsaw, Small Cordless Handheld Saw (Great For Tree Branches, Pruning, and Camping), 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $139 (was $159)</li>
  7618.  
  7619.  
  7620.  
  7621. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Polesaw-Hedge-2-0Ah-Battery/dp/B01ID88KUW?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 8&#8243; Polesaw + Pole Hedge, 2.0Ah Battery (Gen 1)</a> $175 (was $219)</li>
  7622.  
  7623.  
  7624.  
  7625. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Cordless-Chainsaw-Compatible/dp/B0CLSFKCS1?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 16&#8243; Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (Great For Tree Felling, Limbing, Pruning, and Firewood), 75+ Compatible Tools, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $280 (was $329)</li>
  7626.  
  7627.  
  7628.  
  7629. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Chainsaw-2-0Ah-Battery-Charger/dp/B09WWQSDXZ?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V 10&#8243; Cordless Compact Chainsaw (Great For Storm Clean-Up, Pruning, and Firewood / 125+ Compatible Tools), 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $104 (was $139)</li>
  7630.  
  7631.  
  7632.  
  7633. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Battery-Included-20672/dp/B00AW72WR0?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 8&#8243; Pole Saw, 2.0Ah Battery (Gen 1)</a> $168 (was $229)</li>
  7634.  
  7635.  
  7636.  
  7637. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Compact-Circular-Tool/dp/B0C5X1TPHC?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V Brushless 4-1/2&#8243; Compact Circular Saw (6,500 RPM). Tool Only</a> $84 (was $99)</li>
  7638.  
  7639.  
  7640.  
  7641. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-20-Inch-Cordless-Trimmer-PH80B210/dp/B07MKR7FWW?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks Pro 80V 20&#8243; Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $254 (was $299)</li>
  7642.  
  7643.  
  7644.  
  7645. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-22-Inch-Cordless-Included-PH40B210/dp/B01ID88JTO?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 20&#8243; Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $159 (was $199)</li>
  7646.  
  7647.  
  7648.  
  7649. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Compact-Reciprocating-Included/dp/B0BRMFBMW5?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V Brushless 1&#8243; Compact Reciprocating Saw (3,000 SPM), 2.0Ah Battery and Compact Charger Included</a> $101 (was $119)</li>
  7650.  
  7651.  
  7652.  
  7653. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-20-Inch-Cordless-Trimmer-PH80B210/dp/B07MKR7FWW?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks Pro 80V 20&#8243; Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $254 (was $299)</li>
  7654. </ul>
  7655.  
  7656.  
  7657.  
  7658. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-greenworks-tool-deals"><strong>More Greenworks tool deals</strong></h3>
  7659.  
  7660.  
  7661.  
  7662. <ul>
  7663. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Battery-Charger-Included/dp/B09VY7G6KM?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 8&#8243; Brushless Edger, 4.0Ah USB Battery and Charger Included</a> $223 (was $279)</li>
  7664.  
  7665.  
  7666.  
  7667. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-12-Inch-Cordless-Included-2101602/dp/B01GEW1AJC?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 12&#8243; Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $113 (was $138)</li>
  7668.  
  7669.  
  7670.  
  7671. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Trimmer-Included-STBA80L210/dp/B01ID9G9OU?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Brushless String Trimmer + Leaf Blower Combo, 2Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $299 (was $399)</li>
  7672.  
  7673.  
  7674.  
  7675. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Backpack-Battery-Included/dp/B0BRNYDPV7?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V (165 MPH / 660 CFM / 75+ Compatible Tools) Cordless Brushless Backpack Leaf Blower, 8.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $297 (was $349)</li>
  7676.  
  7677.  
  7678.  
  7679. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Battery-Charger-Included/dp/B0BRNY6HKH?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V (160 MPH / 700 CFM / 75+ Compatible Tools) Cordless Brushless Axial Leaf Blower, 8.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $223 (was $279)</li>
  7680.  
  7681.  
  7682.  
  7683. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-3-Gallon-Battery-Included-WDV40B00/dp/B091GY9849?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V (3 Gallon) Cordless Wet / Dry Shop Vacuum + Accessories, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $159 (was $199)</li>
  7684.  
  7685.  
  7686.  
  7687. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Compressor-Motorcycle-Inflatables/dp/B0BYZ3G5KJ?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V Cordless Tire Inflator, 160 PSI Portable Air Compressor, 2 Power Sources, Auto Shut Off, for Car, Bicycle, Motorcycle, Air Boat, Inflatables, Tool Only</a> $89 (was $109)</li>
  7688.  
  7689.  
  7690.  
  7691. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Deflector-Nozzle%E3%80%81Concentrator-Temperature/dp/B09NSJ9R4R?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V Cordless Heat Gun, Deflector Nozzle、Concentrator Nozzle And Flat Nozzle High Temperature Of 1000℉, Bare Tool</a> $67 (was $79)</li>
  7692.  
  7693.  
  7694.  
  7695. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Spot-Light-Battery-Charger/dp/B09NZQLBXR?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V LED Spot Light Kit with 2Ah Battery and Charger</a> $79 (was $99)</li>
  7696.  
  7697.  
  7698.  
  7699. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Cordless-Batteries-Charger/dp/B09J1WTS7M?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610966O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V MAX Cordless Brushless Drill + Impact Combo Kit, (2) 2.0Ah Batteries, (1) Charger, and Bag Included</a> $101 (was $149)</li>
  7700. </ul>
  7701. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-lawnmower-garden-tool-sale-amazon/">Get Greenworks battery-powered lawnmowers and tools for their cheapest prices ever at Amazon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7702. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  7703. </item>
  7704. <item>
  7705. <title>How fruit-eating birds could help regrow tropical forests</title>
  7706. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/toucan-regrow-tropical-forests/</link>
  7707. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  7708. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:10:03 +0000</pubDate>
  7709. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  7710. <category><![CDATA[Birds]]></category>
  7711. <category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
  7712. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  7713. <category><![CDATA[Land]]></category>
  7714. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  7715. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  7716. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610960</guid>
  7717.  
  7718. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7719.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/toucan.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a toucan with an orange beak and black and white plumage sits in a tree with its mouth open" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Between 70 to 90 percent of tropical tree species need seeds dispersed by animals like the toco toucan to grow and function. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/toco-toucan-ramphastos-toco-also-known-common-toucan-giant-toucan-627064532.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>These flying frugivores can disperse seeds and increase carbon storage, according to one new study.</p>
  7720. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/toucan-regrow-tropical-forests/">How fruit-eating birds could help regrow tropical forests</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7721. ]]></description>
  7722. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7723.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/toucan.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a toucan with an orange beak and black and white plumage sits in a tree with its mouth open" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Between 70 to 90 percent of tropical tree species need seeds dispersed by animals like the toco toucan to grow and function. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/toco-toucan-ramphastos-toco-also-known-common-toucan-giant-toucan-627064532.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  7724. <p>Tropical <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/captive-parrot-ptsd/">fruit-eating birds</a> are so much more than just eye candy. These <a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/tropical-birds-more-colorful/">wildly colored avians</a> are also a vital part of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/tropical-forests-lose-enchanted-mist/">regenerating tropical forests</a>. Data gathered on the ground in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/atlantic-forest/">Atlantic Forest of Brazil</a> indicates that if birds like the red-legged honeycreeper, palm tanager, and toco toucan can move around more freely, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/blue-carbon-climate-solution/">carbon storage</a> can increase by up to 38 percent. The findings are detailed in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-01989-1">study published April 15 in the journal <em>Nature Climate Change</em></a>. </p>
  7725.  
  7726.  
  7727.  
  7728. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-crucial-but-fragmented-landscape"><strong>A crucial, but fragmented landscape</strong></h2>
  7729.  
  7730.  
  7731.  
  7732. <p>The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. It’s home to nearly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/places/atlantic-forest#:~:text=It%20ranks%20among%20the%20world's,role%20in%20mitigating%20climate%20change.">seven percent of the world’s plant species</a> and five percent of all vertebrates. This region is also one of Earth’s most fragmented tropical forests, due to deforestation, agriculture, and other human activities. Roughly 88 percent of its vegetation has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/atlantic-forest/">lost in the last 500 years</a>, with only 12 percent of the original forest remaining in a patchwork of micro-forests. Many of these widely scattered forests are too far apart from one another to support bird movement.</p>
  7733.  
  7734.  
  7735.  
  7736. <p>Wild birds that eat a variety of fruits–or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/science/frugivore">frugivores</a>–can play a vital role in forest ecosystems by eating, excreting, and spreading seeds as they move around. Between 70 to 90 percent of the tree species living in tropical forests <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-01989-1">depend on seed dispersal from animals</a>, as it allows the forests to grow and function.  </p>
  7737.  
  7738.  
  7739.  
  7740. <p>To combat this, 12 million hectares of land are targeted for restoration and natural recovery under the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wwf.org.br/?84380/Atlantic-Forest-is-declared-UN-World-Restoration-Flagship">Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact</a>. New data from this study is helpful for determining how to proceed.&nbsp;</p>
  7741.  
  7742.  
  7743.  
  7744. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/rainforest-alliance-congo-brazil-indonesia/"><strong>Three nations pledge to reverse decades of destruction in the rainforest</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  7745.  
  7746.  
  7747.  
  7748. <p>&#8220;This crucial information enables us to pinpoint active restoration efforts–like tree planting–in landscapes falling below this forest cover threshold, where assisted restoration is most urgent and effective,&#8221; Daisy Dent, a study co-author and naturalist at ETH Zurich, a public research university in Switzerland, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040922">said in a statement</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  7749.  
  7750.  
  7751.  
  7752. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-birds-bigger-seeds"><strong>Bigger birds, bigger seeds</strong></h2>
  7753.  
  7754.  
  7755.  
  7756. <p>In the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-01989-1">study</a>, the team compared the carbon storage potential that could be recovered in landscapes with limited forest fragmentation to the more splintered landscapes. They found that the&nbsp; more fragmented landscapes restricted the bird’s movement and more tree cover was needed.</p>
  7757.  
  7758.  
  7759.  
  7760. <p>According to the team, a minimum of 40 percent forest cover is critical across the Atlantic Forest region for species diversity and also maintain and restore ecosystem services needed to maximize forest restoration efforts. These ecosystem services include carbon storage and seed dispersal.</p>
  7761.  
  7762.  
  7763.  
  7764. <p>Different bird species also have differing impacts in terms of seed dispersal.&nbsp;</p>
  7765.  
  7766.  
  7767.  
  7768. <p>The smaller birds can spread more seeds around, but they can only carry the smaller seeds that have lower carbon storage potential.&nbsp;</p>
  7769.  
  7770.  
  7771.  
  7772. <p>Larger larger birds like the <a target="_blank" href="https://ebird.org/species/toctou1">toco toucan</a> or the <a target="_blank" href="https://ebird.org/species/cucjay1">curl-crested jay</a> can disperse the seeds of bigger trees with a higher carbon storage potential. However, the larger birds are less likely to move across more highly fragmented landscapes.</p>
  7773.  
  7774.  
  7775.  
  7776. <p>“Allowing larger frugivores to move freely across forest landscapes is critical for healthy tropical forest recovery,” study co-author and ETH Zurich ecologist and biologist Carolina Bello <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040922">said in a statement</a>. “This study demonstrates that especially in tropical ecosystems seed dispersal mediated by birds plays a fundamental role in determining the species that can regenerate.”</p>
  7777.  
  7778.  
  7779.  
  7780. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done"><strong>What can be done</strong></h2>
  7781.  
  7782.  
  7783.  
  7784. <p>Preventing the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.birdlife.org/projects/tackling-illegal-trade-inc-songbirds/">poaching of tropical birds</a> is one strategy, as more birds flying around can translate into more trees.</p>
  7785.  
  7786.  
  7787.  
  7788. <p>“We have always known that birds are essential, but it is remarkable to discover the scale of those effects,” study co-author and ETH Zurich ecologist Thomas Crowther <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040922">said in a statement</a>. “If we can recover the complexity of life within these forests, their carbon storage potential would increase significantly.”</p>
  7789.  
  7790.  
  7791.  
  7792. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/tropical-birds-more-colorful/"><strong>Songbirds near the equator really are hotter, color-wise</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  7793.  
  7794.  
  7795.  
  7796. <p>Earlier studies suggest that <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/forest-restoration-success/">recovering these forests</a> could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-01989-1">capture more than 2.3 billion tonnes of carbon</a>. Natural regeneration could also be more cost-effective than planting more trees, but both should be done. This enhances animal movement in the areas where a more passive restoration is more likely. In highly fragmented landscapes, active restoration like planting more trees is necessary. In order for these tree planting methods to be <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/when-planting-trees-is-bad-for-the-planet/">ecologically effective</a>, ensuring that the trees actually belong in the area and not are not being planted in grasslands is important.&nbsp;</p>
  7797.  
  7798.  
  7799.  
  7800. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/when-planting-trees-is-bad-for-the-planet/"><strong>When planting trees is bad for the planet</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p>
  7801.  
  7802.  
  7803.  
  7804. <p>&#8220;By identifying the thresholds of forest cover in the surrounding landscape that allow seed dispersal, we can identify areas where natural regeneration is possible, as well as areas where we need to actively plant trees, allowing us to maximize the cost-effectiveness of forest restoration,” study co-author and nature based solutions project manager Danielle Ramos, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040922">said in a statement</a>. Ramos is affiliated with the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and the Universidade Estadual Paulista, in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.</p>
  7805. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/toucan-regrow-tropical-forests/">How fruit-eating birds could help regrow tropical forests</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7806. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  7807. </item>
  7808. <item>
  7809. <title>Startup pitches a paintball-armed, AI-powered home security camera</title>
  7810. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/paintball-armed-ai-home-security-camera/</link>
  7811. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  7812. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:51:01 +0000</pubDate>
  7813. <category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
  7814. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  7815. <category><![CDATA[Robots]]></category>
  7816. <category><![CDATA[Security]]></category>
  7817. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  7818. <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
  7819. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  7820. <category><![CDATA[privacy]]></category>
  7821. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610934</guid>
  7822.  
  7823. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7824.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/EVA_render.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="PaintCam Eve shooting paintballs at home" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">PaintCam Eve supposedly will guard your home using the threat of volatile ammunition. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Credit: PaintCam</span></figcaption></figure><p>PaintCam Eve also offers a teargas pellet upgrade.</p>
  7825. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/paintball-armed-ai-home-security-camera/">Startup pitches a paintball-armed, AI-powered home security camera</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7826. ]]></description>
  7827. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7828.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/EVA_render.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="PaintCam Eve shooting paintballs at home" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">PaintCam Eve supposedly will guard your home using the threat of volatile ammunition. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Credit: PaintCam</span></figcaption></figure>
  7829. <p>It’s a bold pitch for homeowners: What if you let a small tech startup’s crowdfunded <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/amazon-ring-camera-gig-workers/">AI surveillance system</a> dispense vigilante justice for you?</p>
  7830.  
  7831.  
  7832.  
  7833. <p>A Slovenia-based company called OZ-IT recently announced <a target="_blank" href="https://paintcam.eu/">PaintCam Eve</a>, a line of autonomous property monitoring devices that will utilize motion detection and facial recognition to guard against supposed intruders. In the company’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0thc4ADhZgQ&amp;ab_channel=PaintCam">zany promo video</a>, a voiceover promises Eve will protect owners from burglars, unwanted animal guests, and any hapless passersby who fail to heed its “zero compliance, zero tolerance” warning.</p>
  7834.  
  7835.  
  7836.  
  7837. <p>The consequences for shrugging off Eve’s threats: Getting blasted with paintballs, or perhaps even teargas pellets.</p>
  7838.  
  7839.  
  7840.  
  7841. <p>“Experience ultimate peace of mind,” <a target="_blank" href="https://paintcam.eu/">PaintCam’s website</a> declares, as Eve will offer owners a “perfect fusion of video security and physical presence” thanks to its “unintrusive [sic] design that stands as a beacon of safety.”</p>
  7842.  
  7843.  
  7844. <div><lite-youtube videoid="0thc4ADhZgQ" style="background-image: none;">
  7845.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0thc4ADhZgQ/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="AI photo">
  7846.            </lite-youtube>
  7847.            
  7848.            <noscript>
  7849. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  7850. <iframe loading="lazy" title="PaintCam: Face recognition &amp; Paintball firing security system" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0thc4ADhZgQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  7851. </div></figure>
  7852. </noscript></div>
  7853.  
  7854.  
  7855. <p>And to the naysayers worried Eve could indiscriminately bombard a neighbor’s child with a bruising paintball volley, or accidentally hock riot control chemicals at an unsuspecting Amazon Prime delivery driver? Have no fear—the robot’s “EVA” AI system will leverage live video streaming to a user’s app, as well as employ facial recognition technology system that would allow designated people to pass by unscathed.</p>
  7856.  
  7857.  
  7858.  
  7859. <p>In the company’s promotional video, there appears to be a combination of automatic and manual screening capabilities. At one point, Eve is shown issuing a verbal warning to an intruder, offering them a five-second countdown to leave its designated perimeter. When the stranger fails to comply, Eve automatically fires a paintball at his chest. Later, a man watches from his PaintCam app’s livestream as his frantic daughter waves at Eve’s camera to spare her boyfriend, which her father allows.</p>
  7860.  
  7861.  
  7862.  
  7863. <p>“If an unknown face appears next to someone known—perhaps your daughter’s new boyfriend—PaintCam defers to your instructions,” reads a portion of <a target="_blank" href="https://paintcam.eu/">product’s website</a>.</p>
  7864.  
  7865.  
  7866.  
  7867. <p>Presumably, determining pre-authorized visitors would involve them allowing 3D facial scans to store in Eve’s system for future reference. (Because <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/facial-recognition-not-legal-proof/">facial recognition AI</a> has such an accurate track record <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/racial-bias-artificial-intelligence-buolamwini/">devoid</a> of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-white-human-bias/">racial bias</a>.) At the very least, require owners to clear each unknown newcomer. Either way, the details are sparse on PaintCam’s website.</p>
  7868.  
  7869.  
  7870.  
  7871. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/FaceRecognition-ezgif.com-optimize-1.gif" alt="Gif of PaintCam scanning boyfriend" class="wp-image-610940" width="1000"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>What true peace of mind looks like. Credit: PaintCam</em></figcaption></figure>
  7872.  
  7873.  
  7874.  
  7875. <p>But as <a target="_blank" href="https://newatlas.com/technology/paintball-security-paintcam-eve/"><em>New Atlas</em></a> points out, there aren’t exactly a bunch of detailed specs or price ranges available just yet, beyond the allure of suburban crowd control gadgetry. OZ-IT vows Eve will include all the smart home security basics like live monitoring, night vision, object tracking, movement detection, night vision, as well as video storage and playback capabilities.</p>
  7876.  
  7877.  
  7878.  
  7879. <p>There are apparently “Standard,” “Advanced,” and “Elite” versions of PaintCam Eve in the works. The basic tier only gets owners “smart security” and “app on/off” capabilities, while Eve+ also offers animal detection. Eve Pro apparently is the only one to include facial recognition, which implies the other two models could be a tad more… indiscriminate in their surveillance methodologies. It’s unclear how much extra you’ll need to shell out for the teargas tier, too.</p>
  7880.  
  7881.  
  7882.  
  7883. <p>PaintCam’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paintcam/paintcam-face-recognition-and-paintball-firing-security-system">Kickstarter</a> is set to go live on April 23. No word on release date for now, but whenever it arrives, Eve’s makers promise a “safer, more colorful future” for everyone. That’s certainly one way of describing it.</p>
  7884. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/paintball-armed-ai-home-security-camera/">Startup pitches a paintball-armed, AI-powered home security camera</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7885. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  7886. </item>
  7887. <item>
  7888. <title>How to break up with the streaming services you&#8217;re not watching</title>
  7889. <link>https://www.popsci.com/diy/unsubscribe-app-streaming-services/</link>
  7890. <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Nield]]></dc:creator>
  7891. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
  7892. <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
  7893. <category><![CDATA[Tech Hacks]]></category>
  7894. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610891</guid>
  7895.  
  7896. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7897.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/streaming_apps_remote.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810.4052026013" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="hand holding a tv remote" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Save some money by subscription hopping. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/man-holding-remote-control-smart-television-screen-background-some-blurry-648084786.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Stop scrolling, start saving money.</p>
  7898. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/unsubscribe-app-streaming-services/">How to break up with the streaming services you&#8217;re not watching</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7899. ]]></description>
  7900. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7901.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/streaming_apps_remote.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810.4052026013" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="hand holding a tv remote" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Save some money by subscription hopping. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/man-holding-remote-control-smart-television-screen-background-some-blurry-648084786.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  7902. <p>The streaming landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. There are now more platforms, movies, and shows to keep up with than ever, and that means more money heading out of your bank account every month if you&#8217;re keen on catching everything you want to see.</p>
  7903.  
  7904.  
  7905.  
  7906. <p>It also means an opportunity for apps that collect information on everything playing across <a href="https://www.popsci.com/watch-movies-and-tv-on-your-phone/">streaming services</a> because it can be a challenge to figure out what&#8217;s showing where, and which app you need to watch what you want.</p>
  7907.  
  7908.  
  7909.  
  7910. <p>These apps can also help you decide which <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-live-tv-streaming-services/">streaming services</a> you might want to unsubscribe from, at least temporarily. You don&#8217;t have to sign up for every one every single month, and we&#8217;ve included three apps below that will tell you which streaming platforms are currently worth your while.</p>
  7911.  
  7912.  
  7913.  
  7914. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watchworthy"><strong>Watchworthy</strong></h2>
  7915.  
  7916.  
  7917.  
  7918. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/01-watchworthy.jpg" alt="Tech Hacks photo" class="wp-image-610895"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Watchworthy shows which services your tastes are most compatible with. <em>Screenshot: Watchworthy</em></figcaption></figure>
  7919.  
  7920.  
  7921.  
  7922. <p>You can sign up for Watchworthy for free through the apps for <a target="_blank" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.watchworthy.twa">Android</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/watchworthy-what-to-watch/id1460284733">iOS</a>. During the setup process, you&#8217;re asked which streaming services you&#8217;ve already signed up for, and prompted to rate a few movies and shows so that Watchworthy can get an idea of the sort of content you&#8217;re interested in.</p>
  7923.  
  7924.  
  7925.  
  7926. <p>As time goes on, you can continue to add ratings. The primary goal of Watchworthy is to direct you towards films and TV shows that it thinks are worth your time, based on what you&#8217;ve previously liked. Head to the Worthy tab in the app to see a list, to get more details on a movie or show, and to see why it&#8217;s been recommended to you.</p>
  7927.  
  7928.  
  7929.  
  7930. <p>Over on the main <strong>Home</strong> tab, you get a list of titles that you&#8217;ve queued up to watch next, together with selected highlights of what&#8217;s proving popular with other people, and what&#8217;s just arrived and is now available to view across multiple streaming services. You can also tell the app what you&#8217;re in the mood for watching right now.</p>
  7931.  
  7932.  
  7933.  
  7934. <p>Most importantly for this article, if you tap on Discover, you&#8217;ll see a link for <strong>Recommended Services</strong>: If you tap on <strong>Find Out Now</strong>, Watchworthy then tells you which streaming services are best for you, based on your recommendations and watchlist. Tap <strong>Customize</strong> to change the selection based on everything that&#8217;s ever aired on a service, or what&#8217;s been made available to stream recently.</p>
  7935.  
  7936.  
  7937.  
  7938. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-queue"><strong>Queue</strong></h2>
  7939.  
  7940.  
  7941.  
  7942. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/02-queue.jpg" alt="Tech Hacks photo" class="wp-image-610897"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Queue splits up shows and movies by streaming platform for you. <em>Screenshot: Queue</em></figcaption></figure>
  7943.  
  7944.  
  7945.  
  7946. <p>Queue for <a target="_blank" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.queue.app">Android</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/queue-find-movies-shows/id1554132853">iOS</a> is first and foremost a recommendation service for films and shows, and the idea is that you&#8217;re never stuck for something to watch in your queue—no matter which streaming services you&#8217;re already signed up for. To get the app&#8217;s algorithms started, you&#8217;ll be asked to add a few titles you&#8217;ve already seen when you sign up.</p>
  7947.  
  7948.  
  7949.  
  7950. <p>You&#8217;ve then got a few options for finding new content to watch, across the various taps in the app. If you go to <strong>My Queue</strong> and then tap <strong>Spinner</strong>, for example, you&#8217;re able to &#8216;spin the wheel&#8217; to get something to queue up next—you can set all kinds of criteria before spinning too, such as the streaming services to include, and the genre you&#8217;re in the mood for.</p>
  7951.  
  7952.  
  7953.  
  7954. <p>The <strong>Updates</strong> tab gives you a constantly updated feed of movies and TV shows that are recommended for you, and in each case you can see more details about the recommendation, add it to your queue, or give it a rating if it&#8217;s something you&#8217;ve already seen. As you would expect, the more ratings you add, the better the recommendations get.</p>
  7955.  
  7956.  
  7957.  
  7958. <p>When it comes to weighing which streaming services you should actually be signed up for, it&#8217;s the <strong>Discover</strong> tab that&#8217;s the most useful. You can view recommended movies and shows split up by streaming service, so you can see at a glance which has the most compelling offerings, and the options along the top of the screen let you have a look at what&#8217;s just been released and what&#8217;s coming soon.</p>
  7959.  
  7960.  
  7961.  
  7962. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-justwatch"><strong>JustWatch</strong></h2>
  7963.  
  7964.  
  7965.  
  7966. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/03-justwatch.jpg" alt="Tech Hacks photo" class="wp-image-610898"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tell JustWatch what you&#8217;re signed up for to see what&#8217;s available. Screenshot: JustWatch</figcaption></figure>
  7967.  
  7968.  
  7969.  
  7970. <p>JustWatch is one of the best resources out there for finding out which movies and TV shows are on which streaming services—and so it&#8217;s also very useful for deciding which streaming services you should be signed up to. You can sign up for a free account with JustWatch <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justwatch.com/">on the web</a>, or in the apps for <a target="_blank" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.justwatch.justwatch">Android</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/justwatch-movies-tv-shows/id979227482">iOS</a>.</p>
  7971.  
  7972.  
  7973.  
  7974. <p>You&#8217;ll be asked to tell JustWatch about the streaming services you&#8217;re currently subscribed to, and the films and TV shows you&#8217;ve already watched. Anything you&#8217;ve already watched can be rated too, which then feeds into your recommendations about what you should be watching next—most of these recommendations are on the <strong>Home</strong> tab in the app.</p>
  7975.  
  7976.  
  7977.  
  7978. <p>In terms of comparing streaming services against one another, you can use the search tool from any tab by tapping the magnifying glass icon up in the top right corner. You&#8217;ll be told which platform a particular title is streaming on (or available to buy or rent), so you can see what&#8217;s on where and which services are most useful to you.</p>
  7979.  
  7980.  
  7981.  
  7982. <p>Head to the <strong>New</strong> tab in the JustWatch app and you get a useful breakdown of the movies and shows that are newly added, coming soon, and leaving soon, across all the major streaming networks. This is another useful screen to refer to, because you can make sure you don&#8217;t unsubscribe to a streaming platform right before it adds something you&#8217;re interested in watching.</p>
  7983. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/unsubscribe-app-streaming-services/">How to break up with the streaming services you&#8217;re not watching</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  7984. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  7985. </item>
  7986. <item>
  7987. <title>Achieve one-stop shopping with a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card</title>
  7988. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/costco-one-year-gold-star-membership-gift-card-bundle/</link>
  7989. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  7990. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
  7991. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  7992. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  7993. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  7994. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  7995. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  7996. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610903</guid>
  7997.  
  7998. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  7999.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image.jpeg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A family leaving Costco" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>This $60 Costco membership gets you exclusive offers. </p>
  8000. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/costco-one-year-gold-star-membership-gift-card-bundle/">Achieve one-stop shopping with a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8001. ]]></description>
  8002. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8003.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image.jpeg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A family leaving Costco" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  8004. </div>
  8005. <p>Have you been interested in Costco membership but haven&#8217;t found the right moment to enroll? For a limited time, a digital $60 12-month Gold Star Membership is currently available with a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card*—complete with plenty of year-round perks. </p>
  8006.  
  8007.  
  8008.  
  8009. <p>Celebrated for its superior-quality products, Costco brings <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card&amp;utm_term=scsf-594171&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25zIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">a broad selection of products that satisfy any shopping list</a>, making it an ideal choice for any occasion with its range of groceries, electronics, appliances, clothing, and more. Furthermore, organizing your vacations via Costco Travel allows you to access online benefits and stretch your budget further with discounts on hotels, cruises, and various travel necessities.</p>
  8010.  
  8011.  
  8012.  
  8013. <figure class="wp-block-image" data-dimension="landscape"><a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card&amp;utm_term=scsf-585850&amp;utm_content=a0xRn0000004GfmIAE&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.imgur.com/R84faZz.jpeg" alt="Achieve one-stop shopping with a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card"></a></figure>
  8014.  
  8015.  
  8016.  
  8017. <p>Moreover, members can take advantage of Costco Pharmacies, Costco Optical, and Costco Hearing Aid Centers, where they can enjoy discounts on prescription medications and various other services. Featuring more than 500 locations across the United States, Costco offers a wide range of services and products from renowned brands such as KitchenAid, Dyson, and Kirkland Signature.</p>
  8018.  
  8019.  
  8020.  
  8021. <p>With its spectacular reviews by certified users, which <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card&amp;utm_term=scsf-594171&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25zIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">average 4.6/5 stars</a>, Costco sweetens the deal by including a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card* with its membership purchase. This digital bonus provides members the convenience of exploring and shopping from home. As verified buyer Anantha K. puts it, this is &#8220;a great offer! With this membership, I was able to purchase a lot of essentials and gadgets [at] unbelievable prices at Costco. Overall, I loved it!&#8221;</p>
  8022.  
  8023.  
  8024.  
  8025. <p>Get a <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=costco-1-year-gold-star-membership-a-40-digital-costco-shop-card&amp;utm_term=scsf-594171&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25zIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card</a> for $60 today. No coupon is required, and the offer is valid while supplies last. </p>
  8026.  
  8027.  
  8028.  
  8029. <p><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.</em></p>
  8030.  
  8031.  
  8032.  
  8033. <p><em>*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.</em></p>
  8034.  
  8035.  
  8036.  
  8037. <p><em>*Services are provided to Costco members by third parties. </em>  </p>
  8038. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/costco-one-year-gold-star-membership-gift-card-bundle/">Achieve one-stop shopping with a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8039. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8040. </item>
  8041. <item>
  8042. <title>Get weather predictions in your pocket for $39.99 with this weather radar app</title>
  8043. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/pocket-weather-predictions-weather-radar-app/</link>
  8044. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  8045. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8046. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  8047. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  8048. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  8049. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  8050. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  8051. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610896</guid>
  8052.  
  8053. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8054.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-2.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A person holding a phone with a weather radar app pulled up." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Prepare for anything.</p>
  8055. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/pocket-weather-predictions-weather-radar-app/">Get weather predictions in your pocket for $39.99 with this weather radar app</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8056. ]]></description>
  8057. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8058.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-2.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A person holding a phone with a weather radar app pulled up." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  8059. </div>
  8060. <p>The sun may be smiling, the birds may be chirping, and the flowers may be blooming, but wait until you get that first wave of spring storms. The weather may be ideal now, but spring means you also have to brace yourself for heavy winds, lightning, hail, and even flash flooding. Don&#8217;t want to come unprepared? There&#8217;s an app for that.</p>
  8061.  
  8062.  
  8063.  
  8064. <p>While Al Roker does a fine job of telling you what to expect of the day&#8217;s weather, you ought to have a more detailed look at what&#8217;s in store. <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription&amp;utm_term=scsf-593643&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA2IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Weather Hi-Def Storm Watch Plus</a> is a powerful weather radar data app that delivers real-time and future-animated weather radar images along with crucial weather information, so you can figure out whether that beach picnic is a go or a no. For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime subscription to the app for over $100 off.</p>
  8065.  
  8066.  
  8067.  
  8068. <p>Weather Hi-Def Storm Watch Plus is rated 5/5 stars on Sensor Tower partially because its comprehensive platform lets you keep tabs on <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription&amp;utm_term=scsf-593643&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA2IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">10-day weather patterns</a> of anything from temperatures, rainfall, and flooding to snowfall, winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more.</p>
  8069.  
  8070.  
  8071.  
  8072. <p>You&#8217;ll be the first to be in the know of critical weather information like how icy roads might be, if there&#8217;s a threat of a tropical storm looming, if there&#8217;s an active wildfire nearby, or whether or not you slept through an earthquake.</p>
  8073.  
  8074.  
  8075.  
  8076. <p>You can turn on <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription&amp;utm_term=scsf-593643&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA2IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">alerts for various situations</a>, like when precipitation falls or when lightning strikes. Marine and coastal alerts and winter storm watches and warnings are also available, as do tornado and thunderstorm watches and warnings.</p>
  8077.  
  8078.  
  8079.  
  8080. <p>If you&#8217;re a certified nomad, you can save multiple locations on the app for quick access to weather forecasts and detailed weather information on those locales. And if you want a quick look at the weather outside, you can view the hourly weather right on your lock screen or via your widgets.</p>
  8081.  
  8082.  
  8083.  
  8084. <p>Say goodbye to weather surprises with <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=weather-hi-def-radar-lifetime-subscription&amp;utm_term=scsf-593643&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA2IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Weather Hi-Def Storm Watch Plus</a>. It usually goes for $149, but you can grab it on sale for $39.99 for a limited time.</p>
  8085.  
  8086.  
  8087.  
  8088. <p><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.</em></p>
  8089. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/pocket-weather-predictions-weather-radar-app/">Get weather predictions in your pocket for $39.99 with this weather radar app</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8090. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8091. </item>
  8092. <item>
  8093. <title>Grab a 2-pack of this top-rated charging cable for nearly $50 off</title>
  8094. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/charging-cable-half-off-april-deal/</link>
  8095. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  8096. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8097. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  8098. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  8099. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  8100. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  8101. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  8102. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610888</guid>
  8103.  
  8104. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8105.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-1.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A charging cable on a grey background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Say hello to seamless charging.</p>
  8106. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/charging-cable-half-off-april-deal/">Grab a 2-pack of this top-rated charging cable for nearly $50 off</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8107. ]]></description>
  8108. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8109.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image-1.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A charging cable on a grey background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  8110. </div>
  8111. <p>No matter how advanced your charger is, it&#8217;s practically reduced to a useless brick if you don&#8217;t have a durable cable in tow. Sure, wireless charging, but when is that ever efficient? </p>
  8112.  
  8113.  
  8114.  
  8115. <p>Until wireless charging pulls itself together, you&#8217;d have to stick with cables. <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack&amp;utm_term=scsf-593644&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA3IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">InCharge X Max</a> is one of those cords that deserve the investment, as it boasts a 6-in-1 design that lets it cater to virtually any mobile device, may it be an iPhone, an iPad, a laptop, or even a gaming console. Through April 16, you can score not just one, but two of these cables for 59 percent off with the code ENJOY20.</p>
  8116.  
  8117.  
  8118.  
  8119. <p>This all-in-one cable can accommodate your charging needs whether you&#8217;re at home, at work, or on the move.</p>
  8120.  
  8121.  
  8122.  
  8123. <p>It <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack&amp;utm_term=scsf-593644&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA3IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">clocks in at five feet or 1.5 meters</a>, allowing you to charge from a considerable distance from the power source. This way, you won&#8217;t have to park yourself near a socket should you need to use your device while it charges.</p>
  8124.  
  8125.  
  8126.  
  8127. <p>When it comes to speed, the X Max doesn&#8217;t disappoint. It offers <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack&amp;utm_term=scsf-593644&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA3IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ultra-fast charging up to 100W</a> for USB-C to USB-C and iPhone fast charging up to 18W. Data transfer is pretty speedy, too, delivering up to 470 Mbps of speed, making it great for dealing with large files.</p>
  8128.  
  8129.  
  8130.  
  8131. <p>This is all made possible by the 200 braided copper wires that allow for faster current flow. It also packs adequate ports to cater to a wide range of devices: USB-A to USB-C, USB-A to Lightning, USB-A to Micro-USB, USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-C to Micro-USB.</p>
  8132.  
  8133.  
  8134.  
  8135. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  8136. <iframe loading="lazy" title="inCharge® X - Swiss Army Knife of Cables" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2VWzruXxCPk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  8137. </div></figure>
  8138.  
  8139.  
  8140.  
  8141. <p>You also don&#8217;t have to worry about this cable conking out fast. It&#8217;s designed to last for years, featuring aramid fiber for increased thermal, chemical, and bending resistance, as well as TPU cable guards and nylon reinforcement for enhanced strength.</p>
  8142.  
  8143.  
  8144.  
  8145. <p>As one verified purchaser noted, &#8220;Well made. They will last for a long time. Glad to have them in my bag of tricks. Price is right.&#8221;</p>
  8146.  
  8147.  
  8148.  
  8149. <p>Upgrade your charging experience with <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=incharge-x-max-100w-6-in-1-charging-cable-2-pack&amp;utm_term=scsf-593644&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA3IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">InCharge X Max</a>. Snag a 2-pack on sale for $31.99 with the code ENJOY20 at checkout.</p>
  8150.  
  8151.  
  8152.  
  8153. <p><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change.</em></p>
  8154. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/charging-cable-half-off-april-deal/">Grab a 2-pack of this top-rated charging cable for nearly $50 off</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8155. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8156. </item>
  8157. <item>
  8158. <title>Unlock your coding potential with this Microsoft Visual Studio + premium course bundle, now $51.99</title>
  8159. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-learn-to-code-certification-bundle/</link>
  8160. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  8161. <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8162. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  8163. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  8164. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  8165. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  8166. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  8167. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610878</guid>
  8168.  
  8169. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8170.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A laptop with Microsoft Visual Studio pulled up." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hurry, this offer ends on April 16.</p>
  8171. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-learn-to-code-certification-bundle/">Unlock your coding potential with this Microsoft Visual Studio + premium course bundle, now $51.99</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8172. ]]></description>
  8173. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8174.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/image.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A laptop with Microsoft Visual Studio pulled up." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  8175. </div>
  8176. <p>The path to becoming a developer might seem daunting. Still, the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle helps you <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&amp;utm_term=scsf-593645&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUDFIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">achieve your professional goals</a> one step at a time. Saving you over $1,500 through April 16, the duo helps you work smarter, not harder, and enables you to hone in on your craft or start a new career.</p>
  8177.  
  8178.  
  8179.  
  8180. <p>With lifetime access to Microsoft&#8217;s Visual Studio Professional 2022, a platform that helps developers make it more manageable to work through complex workloads, you&#8217;ll learn how to leverage a workshop overflowing with high-tech tools to <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&amp;utm_term=scsf-593645&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUDFIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">streamline your coding journey</a>. Its debugging features easily sniff out errors, while a built-in Git integration seamlessly manages your code versions, saving you valuable time while you work.</p>
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  8182.  
  8183.  
  8184. <p>Boasting <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&amp;utm_term=scsf-593645&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUDFIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">4.7 out of 5-star ratings from verified buyers</a>, it&#8217;s no wonder the software is gaining traction. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned developer or a coding newbie, Visual Studio&#8217;s intuitive interface and robust features will allow you to write cleaner, faster code in no time.</p>
  8185.  
  8186.  
  8187.  
  8188. <p>Also included in the bundle is the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle, serving as your guide to coding and enhancing your Visual Studio experience. This bundle offers 15 comprehensive online courses to reinforce your budding coding abilities. Dive into <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&amp;utm_term=scsf-593645&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUDFIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Python, Java, and C++ basics</a> and venture into web development, data science, ethical hacking, and more. Designed by industry experts, each course includes captivating video tutorials, practical projects, and quizzes to ensure a deep and lasting comprehension.</p>
  8189.  
  8190.  
  8191.  
  8192. <p>Unlock your coding journey and enhance your skills with this powerful duo.</p>
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  8196. <p>Get the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsoft-visual-studio-professional-2022-the-2024-premium-learn-to-code-certification-bundle-4&amp;utm_term=scsf-593645&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUDFIA2&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle</a> for $51.99 (reg. $1,999) with code <strong>ENJOY20</strong> through April 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT.</p>
  8197.  
  8198.  
  8199.  
  8200. <p><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change. </em></p>
  8201. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/microsoft-visual-studio-professional-learn-to-code-certification-bundle/">Unlock your coding potential with this Microsoft Visual Studio + premium course bundle, now $51.99</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8202. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8203. </item>
  8204. <item>
  8205. <title>The Cicadapocalypse is nigh. 7 cicada facts to know before it hits.</title>
  8206. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-facts-2024/</link>
  8207. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  8208. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 13:26:55 +0000</pubDate>
  8209. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  8210. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  8211. <category><![CDATA[Insects]]></category>
  8212. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  8213. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610873</guid>
  8214.  
  8215. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8216.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/cicada.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a cicada with red eyes and large wings sits in a leaf" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Two broods of periodical cicadas are set to emerge from underground for the first time since 2007 and 2011. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/close-macro-portrait-periodical-cicada-perching-slender-plant-meadow-eastern-479702004.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge.</p>
  8217. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-facts-2024/">The Cicadapocalypse is nigh. 7 cicada facts to know before it hits.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8218. ]]></description>
  8219. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8220.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/15/cicada.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a cicada with red eyes and large wings sits in a leaf" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Two broods of periodical cicadas are set to emerge from underground for the first time since 2007 and 2011. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/close-macro-portrait-periodical-cicada-perching-slender-plant-meadow-eastern-479702004.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  8221. <p>Get ready. Trillions of chirpy, red-eyed <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicadas-2021-summer/">periodical cicadas</a> are getting ready to emerge from underground in a rare double emergence event. These <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-05/why-do-cicadas-invade-such-crazy-numbers/">specific types of cicadas</a> crawl out from below the ground every 13 or 17 years and can <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/mskvarla36/status/1395204435815579649">make as much noise as a jet engine</a>.</p>
  8222.  
  8223.  
  8224.  
  8225. <p>While there are <a target="_blank" href="https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=46576">3,400 known species of cicadas</a>, only nine of them have the tendency to disappear underground then reemerge all at the same time. Seven of these nine periodical cicada spears are found in the United States. Even though it is not happening all across North America, it is still a huge natural event that’s worth keeping an eye on. </p>
  8226.  
  8227.  
  8228.  
  8229. <p><strong>[Related: <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-fungus/">This gnarly fungus makes cicadas hypersexual</a>.]</strong></p>
  8230.  
  8231.  
  8232.  
  8233. <p>“I would put the periodical cicadas as a natural phenomenon in the same category as April’s total solar eclipse,” Penn State University entomologist <a target="_blank" href="https://iee.psu.edu/people/michael-skvarla">Michael Skvarla</a> tells <em>PopSci</em>.</p>
  8234.  
  8235.  
  8236.  
  8237. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-brood-of-cicadas"><strong>What is a brood of cicadas?</strong></h2>
  8238.  
  8239.  
  8240.  
  8241. <p>A brood is another term for a <a target="_blank" href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/broods/">group of periodical cicadas</a> that emerge every 13 or 17 years. Scientists use roman numerals to differentiate between various broods in North America. This year, <a target="_blank" href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/brood_13/">Brood XIII</a> (aka the Northern Illinois Brood) and <a target="_blank" href="https://cicadas.uconn.edu/brood_19/">Brood XIX</a> (the Great Southern Brood) will emerge at the same time.&nbsp;</p>
  8242.  
  8243.  
  8244.  
  8245. <p>The Northern Illinois Brood is a 17 year group and stretches across parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and northern Illinois. The Great Southern Brood emerges every 13 years and is primarily located in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, George, North Carolina, South Carolina, and importantly, southern Illinois.</p>
  8246.  
  8247.  
  8248.  
  8249. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicadas-pee-in-jet-streams/"><strong>Cicadas pee in jet streams like bigger animals</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  8250.  
  8251.  
  8252.  
  8253. <p>“This year is kind of special because we have the emergence of two broods,” says Skvarla<em>.</em> “ We have one 13 year brood and one 17 year brood emerging. Because they&#8217;re coming out every 13 or 17 years, they don&#8217;t sync up very frequently.”</p>
  8254.  
  8255.  
  8256.  
  8257. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-will-they-emerge"><strong>When will they emerge?</strong></h2>
  8258.  
  8259.  
  8260.  
  8261. <p>They will start to emerge as soon as the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/noisy-cicadas-are-emerging-earlier/">surrounding soil has reached 64 degrees Fahrenheit</a>. That usually occurs anytime between late April and June and the cicadas will stay around through July.</p>
  8262.  
  8263.  
  8264.  
  8265. <p>These cicadas hatched from eggs that were laid in 2011 and 2007. They fell from the trees as newborns and burrowed into the ground where they hunkered down and fed on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/xylem-sap">xylem sap</a> and tree roots as they grew.&nbsp;</p>
  8266.  
  8267.  
  8268.  
  8269. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-will-the-broods-overlap"><strong>Where will the broods overlap?</strong></h2>
  8270.  
  8271.  
  8272.  
  8273. <p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/10/world/cicadas-2024-broods-xix-xiii-scn/index.html">real “cicadapocalypse”</a> will primarily affect the unlucky few in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/13/illinois-cicadas/">parts of Illinois where both broods will emerge simultaneously</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  8274.  
  8275.  
  8276.  
  8277. <p>Even though it is not happening all across North America, it is still a huge natural event. “I would put the periodical cicadas as a natural phenomenon in the same category as April’s total solar eclipse,” says Skvarla.</p>
  8278.  
  8279.  
  8280.  
  8281. <p>This type of overlap is also incredibly rare and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/wide-swath-us-will-get-buggy-two-cicada-broods-intrude-2024-04-02/">has not occurred since 1803</a>, when Thomas Jefferson was president and had just purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.</p>
  8282.  
  8283.  
  8284.  
  8285. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/fiber-optic-cables-cicadas/"><strong>Fiber optic cables can pick up cicadas’ droning din</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  8286.  
  8287.  
  8288.  
  8289. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-they-do-when-they-emerge"><strong>What do they do when they emerge?</strong></h2>
  8290.  
  8291.  
  8292.  
  8293. <p>Cicadas come up to mate for several weeks and then die. The males send out their mating song by vibrating the <a target="_blank" href="https://e360.yale.edu/digest/cicada-broods-2024">small flaps on their abdomen called tymbals.</a> Females will respond by flicking their wings. Eggs will be laid in trees and the hatchlings will burrow under the ground, beginning the whole process over again.&nbsp;</p>
  8294.  
  8295.  
  8296.  
  8297. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-cicadas-emerge-on-these-strict-schedules"><strong>Why do cicadas emerge on these strict schedules?</strong></h2>
  8298.  
  8299.  
  8300.  
  8301. <p>“The 13 and 17 year lifecycle is interesting, because both are prime numbers. We aren’t really sure why they’ve hit upon these prime number years,” says Skvarla. “There&#8217;s speculation that it might be because it&#8217;s harder for the broods to sync up the way that they&#8217;re doing this year.”</p>
  8302.  
  8303.  
  8304.  
  8305. <p>More synching up between broods could lead to less genetic diversity if interrelated bugs are mating with one another. Since they don’t emerge very often, it is difficult for scientists to study their peculiar calendars.</p>
  8306.  
  8307.  
  8308.  
  8309. <p>“You can spend your entire career and only see the same brood emerge two or three times,” said Sklarva.&nbsp;</p>
  8310.  
  8311.  
  8312.  
  8313. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/animals/brood-x-cicadas-back-underground/"><strong>Baby Brood X cicadas are headed underground. What lies ahead is still a mystery.</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p>
  8314.  
  8315.  
  8316.  
  8317. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-cicadas-eat"><strong>What do cicadas eat?</strong></h2>
  8318.  
  8319.  
  8320.  
  8321. <p>They spend their time underground munching on tree roots. They will <a target="_blank" href="https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/12-2021/are-periodical-cicadas-threat-field-crops">not be destroying plants or crops</a> when they emerge.&nbsp;</p>
  8322.  
  8323.  
  8324.  
  8325. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-you-eat-cicadas"><strong>Can you eat cicadas?</strong></h2>
  8326.  
  8327.  
  8328.  
  8329. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-cicadas-safe-to-eat">Yes,</a> and there are <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/cicada-cooking-guide/">several recipes</a> that you can try.</p>
  8330.  
  8331.  
  8332.  
  8333. <p>“Cicadas kind of taste like shellfish like shrimp or lobster. It’s got kind of a crunchy, shrimpy flavor,” says Skvarla. “It doesn&#8217;t have the same consistency because cicadas have more shell and most recipes typically fry up the shell. With lobster or shrimp, you typically take the shell off.”</p>
  8334.  
  8335.  
  8336.  
  8337. <p>It is also not dangerous if your <a target="_blank" href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dogs-eating-cicadas-tasty-treat-or-trouble/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIn%20most%20cases%2C%20your%20dog,and%20can%20suffer%20serious%20consequences.%E2%80%9D">dog eats a few of them</a> while out on a walk.&nbsp;</p>
  8338. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/cicada-facts-2024/">The Cicadapocalypse is nigh. 7 cicada facts to know before it hits.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8339. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8340. </item>
  8341. <item>
  8342. <title>Can green hydrogen production help bring oceanic dead zones back to life?</title>
  8343. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/green-hydrogen-dead-zones/</link>
  8344. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian Owens / Hakai Magazine]]></dc:creator>
  8345. <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8346. <category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
  8347. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  8348. <category><![CDATA[Ocean]]></category>
  8349. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610640</guid>
  8350.  
  8351. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8352.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/water-bubbles.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="air bubbles" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">So-called green hydrogen is made by using renewable energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/many-air-bubbles-rise-bottom-sea-185521210.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Green hydrogen production makes a lot of extra oxygen. Could we put it to work revitalizing the ocean?</p>
  8353. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/green-hydrogen-dead-zones/">Can green hydrogen production help bring oceanic dead zones back to life?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8354. ]]></description>
  8355. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8356.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/water-bubbles.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="air bubbles" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">So-called green hydrogen is made by using renewable energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/many-air-bubbles-rise-bottom-sea-185521210.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  8357. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a href="https://hakaimagazine.com/news/can-green-hydrogen-production-help-bring-oceanic-dead-zones-back-to-life/?utm_campaign=reprint&amp;utm_source=PopSci" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hakai Magazine</a>,<em> an online publication about science and society in coastal ecosystems. Read more stories like this at <a href="https://hakaimagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hakaimagazine.com</a>.</em></p>
  8358.  
  8359.  
  8360.  
  8361. <p>Douglas Wallace was on a research ship in the middle of Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence when he heard the news: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had met with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, in nearby Stephenville, Newfoundland. At their meeting in August 2022, the two leaders locked in Canada’s commitment to supply Germany with hydrogen gas. They chose to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/canada-germany-hydrogen-partnership-nl-1.6559787">declare the “Canada-Germany hydrogen alliance”</a>&nbsp;in Stephenville because the town is the site of the proposed World Energy GH2 project, a facility that will use wind power to produce hydrogen gas.</p>
  8362.  
  8363.  
  8364.  
  8365. <p>The announcement allowed the world leaders to demonstrate the shared goals of increasing the availability of so-called green hydrogen and of reducing Germany’s reliance on Russian oil. But for Wallace, the news triggered a different idea.</p>
  8366.  
  8367.  
  8368.  
  8369. <p>At sea, Wallace, an oceanographer at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, was tracking how dissolved oxygen moves from the Atlantic Ocean through the gulf into the St. Lawrence River, and how the dearth of oxygen in some places can lead to the development of low-oxygen dead zones. In particular, he was concerned with one extra big and persistent dead zone that had taken up residence near Rimouski, Quebec, along the outlet of the St. Lawrence River. So when he heard that Canada was set to ramp up hydrogen production—achieved by electrically splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen—he wondered: could all of that spare oxygen help bring the dead zone back to life?</p>
  8370.  
  8371.  
  8372.  
  8373. <p>For those who live on land, it’s easy to take abundant oxygen for granted. But underwater, persistent patches of low oxygen are “a fundamental control on habitat,” says Wallace.</p>
  8374.  
  8375.  
  8376.  
  8377. <p>As the world warms, the oceans are losing their oxygen. Since the 1950s, they’ve already lost about two percent—a figure that could hit four percent by the end of this century. The loss can be caused by excess nutrient runoff, as with the vast dead zone at the mouth of the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico, and by changes in ocean circulation driven by climate change—the likely culprit in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.</p>
  8378.  
  8379.  
  8380.  
  8381. <p>Too little oxygen in the water can reduce the diversity of marine life as animals either leave the area or die. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence—where the size of the dead zone has grown nearly sevenfold since 2003 to encompass roughly 9,000 square kilometers—dropping oxygen levels are already affecting many commercially important and at-risk species, such as cod, halibut, and northern shrimp, Wallace says. “About 15 percent of the deeper parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are getting close to the threshold where a lot of marine animals will struggle to live,” he says.</p>
  8382.  
  8383.  
  8384.  
  8385. <p>Currently, scientists can do little to fix oceanic dead zones. In smaller bodies of water, such as lakes and reservoirs, managers can pump oxygen-rich water from the surface into oxygen-poor deep areas. But the ocean is way too big to be artificially churned. Maybe, thought Wallace, he could take the oxygen created during hydrogen production and somehow pump it into the gulf.</p>
  8386.  
  8387.  
  8388.  
  8389. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11027-023-10094-1">His calculations suggest that it could work</a>. The proposed Stephenville plant would produce more than enough oxygen to replace what the gulf loses each year. And Wallace’s experiments tracking how oxygen moves through the region show that oxygen pumped into the gulf near Stephenville would reach the Rimouski dead zone several hundred kilometers away within a few years.</p>
  8390.  
  8391.  
  8392.  
  8393. <p>Sean Leet, CEO of World Energy GH2, says the company is actively investigating uses for the&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;produced by the hydrogen plant and that he’s met with Wallace to discuss the idea. The company would support further research and discussions around how it might work in practice, he says.</p>
  8394.  
  8395.  
  8396.  
  8397. <p>Even with Leet’s interest, however, the viability of Wallace’s oxygenation scheme is far from certain.</p>
  8398.  
  8399.  
  8400.  
  8401. <p>For starters, Wallace’s plan relies on the existence of large-scale hydrogen production.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-wind-hydrogen-project-traction-1.7129862">While the Stephenville plant seems to be on track</a>&nbsp;to be built, Mark Winfield, who studies sustainable energy and climate change at York University in Ontario, says that, in general, the hydrogen market has an iffy future. The market “is smaller than some think, and the transition to hydrogen will be harder than they think,” he says.</p>
  8402.  
  8403.  
  8404.  
  8405. <p>Hydrogen fuel cells are still extremely expensive, Winfield says, and in many ways—such as the rush to decarbonize transportation—hydrogen has already lost the race. Hydrogen as a fuel makes the most sense for large industrial applications that cannot easily be electrified such as cement and steel production. But at present, no hydrogen-powered steel plants have been built. “The market is not at all mature, and there has been no increase in demand,” says Winfield.</p>
  8406.  
  8407.  
  8408.  
  8409. <p>In many cases, he says, rather than using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, it’s probably better to just send that power to the grid.</p>
  8410.  
  8411.  
  8412.  
  8413. <p>Leet, however, counters that there is potentially a big market for hydrogen in Europe—particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium—with applications in steel manufacturing, heavy industry, aviation, and marine fueling. “Their demand for clean fuels far exceeds what Canada and other countries will be able to supply,” he says.</p>
  8414.  
  8415.  
  8416.  
  8417. <p>Beyond the big questions about the future of hydrogen manufacturing, pumping dead zones full of oxygen would also require overcoming many lingering engineering challenges and environmental concerns, says Wallace. This includes figuring out how exactly to capture the oxygen and deliver it to the deep ocean. But Wallace says these are not insurmountable challenges;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10402381.2019.1599087">companies already do something similar in lakes on a much smaller scale</a>.</p>
  8418.  
  8419.  
  8420.  
  8421. <p>Wallace also wants to determine what effect pumping large amounts of oxygen into the water would have on the local ecosystem and figure out how to fine-tune a process with a years-long lag between adding the oxygen and having it arrive at the dead zone. “We’d really want to do a small, controlled pilot before rushing in,” says Wallace.</p>
  8422.  
  8423.  
  8424.  
  8425. <p>And while the companies producing hydrogen would likely welcome a market for oxygen, a potentially valuable byproduct with no clear buyers, it’s unclear how it could generate revenue for them. Wallace suggests some form of credit, similar to carbon credits, but all the details would need to be worked out.</p>
  8426.  
  8427.  
  8428.  
  8429. <p>Despite the uncertainty, Wallace thinks it’s an avenue worth pursuing. “There are risks, but there are also risks to parts of the ocean becoming uninhabitable,” he says. “These are difficult questions, but we can’t avoid asking them, especially if there is a chance we can do something about it.”</p>
  8430.  
  8431.  
  8432.  
  8433. <p><em>This article first appeared in <a href="http://hakaimagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hakai Magazine</a> and is republished here with permission.</em></p>
  8434. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/green-hydrogen-dead-zones/">Can green hydrogen production help bring oceanic dead zones back to life?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8435. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8436. </item>
  8437. <item>
  8438. <title>Super-muscular 374-pound kangaroos once thumped around Australia and New Guinea</title>
  8439. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-kangaroo-fossils/</link>
  8440. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  8441. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8442. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  8443. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  8444. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  8445. <category><![CDATA[Evolution]]></category>
  8446. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  8447. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  8448. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610664</guid>
  8449.  
  8450. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8451.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/pleistocene-epoch-fauna.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An artist’s impression of southeastern South Australia during the Pleistocene epoch showing various plants and animals that lived there alongside Protemnodon. The almost one-tonne Zygomaturus trilobus in the bottom right. None of the kangaroos shown is a Protemnodon, but there are two short-faced kangaroos in the center-right. One wallaby is also being attacked by a Tasmanian tiger (top left)." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An artist’s impression of southeastern South Australia during the Pleistocene epoch showing various plants and animals that lived there alongside Protemnodon. The almost one-tonne Zygomaturus trilobus in the bottom right. None of the kangaroos shown is a Protemnodon, but there are two short-faced kangaroos in the center-right. One wallaby is also being attacked by a  Tasmanian tiger (top left). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Peter Schouten</span></figcaption></figure><p>Three new species of gigantic kangaroos are described in a new study.</p>
  8452. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-kangaroo-fossils/">Super-muscular 374-pound kangaroos once thumped around Australia and New Guinea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8453. ]]></description>
  8454. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8455.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/pleistocene-epoch-fauna.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An artist’s impression of southeastern South Australia during the Pleistocene epoch showing various plants and animals that lived there alongside Protemnodon. The almost one-tonne Zygomaturus trilobus in the bottom right. None of the kangaroos shown is a Protemnodon, but there are two short-faced kangaroos in the center-right. One wallaby is also being attacked by a Tasmanian tiger (top left)." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An artist’s impression of southeastern South Australia during the Pleistocene epoch showing various plants and animals that lived there alongside Protemnodon. The almost one-tonne Zygomaturus trilobus in the bottom right. None of the kangaroos shown is a Protemnodon, but there are two short-faced kangaroos in the center-right. One wallaby is also being attacked by a  Tasmanian tiger (top left). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Peter Schouten</span></figcaption></figure>
  8456. <p>Earth used to be absolutely crawling with more megafauna. The fossil record is full of enormous <a href="https://www.popsci.com/three-foot-tall-giant-parrot-new-zealand/">birds</a> like New Zealand’s <em>Heracles inexpectatus</em>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/madagascar-megafauna-humans/">giant lemurs</a> from Madagascar, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/giant-ichthyosaur-evolution/">large marine reptiles</a> that would put today’s sea snakes to shame. Paleontologists have now found evidence of three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo in present day Australia and New Guinea. The creatures are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.00.0.0">study published April 14 in the journal <em>Megataxa</em></a> and indicate that these species were likely much more diverse in terms of shape, range of habitat, and hopping method.&nbsp;</p>
  8457.  
  8458.  
  8459.  
  8460. <p>“Living kangaroos are already such remarkable animals, so it’s amazing to think what these peculiar giant kangaroos could have been getting up to,” study co-author and Flinders University PhD student Isaac Kerr <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040899">said in a statement</a>.</p>
  8461.  
  8462.  
  8463.  
  8464. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1920" height="882" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/kangaroo-size-comparison.jpg" alt="An artistâ\x80\x99s impression of the newly described fossil species Protemnodon viator and its relative Protemnodon anak, compared at scale to the living red kangaroo and eastern gray kangaroo. CREDIT: Traci Klarenbeek, 2024." class="wp-image-610665"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An artist’s impression of the newly described fossil species </em>Protemnodon viator<em> and its relative </em>Protemnodon anak<em>, compared at scale to the living red kangaroo and eastern gray kangaroo. CREDIT: Traci Klarenbeek, 2024.</em></figcaption></figure>
  8465.  
  8466.  
  8467.  
  8468. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-giant-kangaroos"><strong>Meet the giant kangaroos</strong></h2>
  8469.  
  8470.  
  8471.  
  8472. <p>The three new species belong to an <a target="_blank" href="https://enhm.com.au/museum/megafauna/protemnodon/">extinct genus of giant kangaroos called <em>Protemnodon</em></a> that lived from five million to about 40,000 years ago. They would have looked somewhat similar to <a target="_blank" href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/eastern-grey-kangaroo/">modern gray kangaroos</a>, but were generally more squat and muscular. Some species were roughly 110 pounds, but others were up to twice as large as today’s biggest living kangaroos.</p>
  8473.  
  8474.  
  8475.  
  8476. <p><em>Protemnodon </em>fossils are <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.00.0.0">fairly common across Australia</a>, but they have historically been found as individual bones instead of in complete skeletons. This has made it difficult for scientists to determine just how many species there were and how they differed in geographic range, movement, and size.&nbsp;</p>
  8477.  
  8478.  
  8479.  
  8480. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/prehistoric-poop-fungi-megafauna-biodiversity/"><strong>What prehistoric poop reveals about extinct giant animals</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  8481.  
  8482.  
  8483.  
  8484. <p>“The fossils of this genus are widespread and they’re found regularly, but more often than not you have no way of being certain which species you’re looking at,” study co-author and Flinders University paleontologist Gavin Prideaux <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040899">said in a statement</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  8485.  
  8486.  
  8487.  
  8488. <p>For this <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.00.0.0">study,</a> the team was able to use multiple complete fossilized kangaroo skeletons from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Australia">Lake Callabonna in South Australia</a>, which may help give scientists a more clear picture of these giant kangaroos. Researchers also reviewed all known species of <em>Protemnodon</em> and found that they were all quite different from one another. The animals also adapted to live in different environments and even had different methods of hopping.&nbsp;</p>
  8489.  
  8490.  
  8491.  
  8492. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-very-heavy-wayfaring-kangaroo"><strong>One very heavy, wayfaring kangaroo</strong></h2>
  8493.  
  8494.  
  8495.  
  8496. <p>One of the new species is named <em>Protemnodon viator</em>. The word <em>viator </em>means<em> </em>‘traveler’ or ‘wayfarer’ in Latin. This wandering marsupial was also <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.00.0.0">much bigger than other known giant kangaroos</a> at weighing up to 374 pounds. According to the team, this is roughly twice as much as the largest living male <a target="_blank" href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/red-kangaroo/">red kangaroos</a>.&nbsp;<br></p>
  8497.  
  8498.  
  8499.  
  8500. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Protemnodon-viator-skeleton.jpg" alt="A near-complete fossil skeleton of the extinct giant kangaroo Protemnodon viator from Lake Callabonna, missing just a few bones from the hand, foot, and tail. CREDIT: Isaac A. R. Kerr" class="wp-image-610682" width="967" height="859"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A near-complete fossil skeleton of the extinct giant kangaroo </em>Protemnodon viator<em> from Lake Callabonna, missing just a few bones from the hand, foot, and tail. CREDIT: Isaac A. R. Kerr</em></figcaption></figure>
  8501.  
  8502.  
  8503.  
  8504. <p><em>Protemnodon viator</em> was also likely well-adapted to its arid central Australian habitat. It lived in a smaller geographic area than the red kangaroos of today. It was also long-limbed and could hop quickly and efficiently.&nbsp;</p>
  8505.  
  8506.  
  8507.  
  8508. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A ‘robust’ creature and a swamp wallaby-like kangaroo</strong></h2>
  8509.  
  8510.  
  8511.  
  8512. <p>Another of the new species is named <em>Protemnodon mamkurra</em> and it connects the paleontologists of today with a famous scientist of the past. British <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Popular_Science_Monthly/Volume_51/June_1897/Richard_Owen">paleontologist and naturalist Sir Richard Owen</a> famously coined the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-dinosaurs-got-their-name.html">term ‘dinosaur’ in 1842</a>, but also described the first species of <em>Protemnodon</em> in 1874.</p>
  8513.  
  8514.  
  8515.  
  8516. <p>When he first found these giant kangaroo fossils, he followed a common scientific approach at the time. He mainly focused on fossilized teeth, seeing slight differences between the teeth of his specimens. He ultimately described six species of <em>Protemnodon</em> and further study chipped away at some of Owen’s early descriptions. He also suggested that some or all <em>Protemnodon </em>have four legs, While not all of them do, this study agrees that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?lvl=0&amp;amp;id=2493643">one of his species–<em>Protemnodon anak–</em></a>likely did have four legs.&nbsp;</p>
  8517.  
  8518.  
  8519.  
  8520. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/madagascar-megafauna-humans/"><strong>Giant beasts once roamed Madagascar. What happened to them?</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p>
  8521.  
  8522.  
  8523.  
  8524. <p>“However, our study suggests that this is true of only three or four species of Protemnodon, which may have moved something like a quokka or potoroo–that is bounding on four legs at times, and hopping on two legs at others,” Kerr said. “The newly described <em>Protemnodon mamkurra</em> is likely one of these. A large but thick-boned and robust kangaroo, it was probably fairly slow-moving and inefficient. It may have hopped only rarely, perhaps just when startled.”</p>
  8525.  
  8526.  
  8527.  
  8528. <p>The best of these fossil species comes from the Green Waterhole Cave in southeastern Australia, on the land of the <a target="_blank" href="https://discovermountgambier.com.au/experience/culture-history/#:~:text=The%20Boandik%20people%20%E2%80%93%20are%20the,language%20of%20the%20Boandik%20people.">Boandik people</a>. The species name <em>mamkurra</em>, means ‘great kangaroo’ and was chosen by Boandik elders and language experts in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.burrandies.org/">Burrandies Corporation</a>.</p>
  8529.  
  8530.  
  8531.  
  8532. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="600" height="548" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Protemnodon-anak-and-Protemnodon-tumbuna.webp" alt="An artistâ\x80\x99s reconstruction of the extinct kangaroos Protemnodon anak (upper) and Protemnodon tumbuna (lower). Despite being closely related, the two were quite different animals in terms of their habitat and their method of hopping.CREDIT: Peter Schouten (year unknown)." class="wp-image-610673"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An artist’s reconstruction of the extinct kangaroos </em>Protemnodon anak <em>(upper) and </em>Protemnodon tumbuna<em> (lower). Despite being closely related, the two were quite different animals in terms of their habitat and their method of hopping. CREDIT: Peter Schouten (year unknown).</em></figcaption></figure>
  8533.  
  8534.  
  8535.  
  8536. <p>According to Kerr, it is unusual for a single genus of kangaroo to live in such varied environments. “For example, the different species of <em>Protemnodon</em> are now known to have inhabited a broad range of habitats, from arid central Australia into the high-rainfall, forested mountains of Tasmania and New Guinea.”</p>
  8537.  
  8538.  
  8539.  
  8540. <p>The third new species is named <em>Protemnodon dawsonae.</em> It is known from fewer fossils than the other two, so it is more of a mystery. The team believes it was likely a moderate speed hopper and potentially similar to the <a target="_blank" href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/swamp-wallaby/">living swamp wallaby.</a> It was named in honor of Australian paleontologist <a target="_blank" href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/860605-lyndall-dawson">Lyndall Dawson</a>.</p>
  8541.  
  8542.  
  8543.  
  8544. <p>While most species became extinct about 40,000 years ago on mainland Australia, they <a target="_blank" href="https://dx.doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.00.0.0">potentially lived longer in New Guinea and Tasmania</a>. Future studies could shed more light on their extinction, as it is still an enduring paleontological mystery.&nbsp;</p>
  8545. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-kangaroo-fossils/">Super-muscular 374-pound kangaroos once thumped around Australia and New Guinea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8546. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8547. </item>
  8548. <item>
  8549. <title>Are you wearing the right sunglasses? How to prevent eye sunburn.</title>
  8550. <link>https://www.popsci.com/diy/eye-sunburn/</link>
  8551. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jocelyn Solis-Moreira]]></dc:creator>
  8552. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8553. <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
  8554. <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
  8555. <category><![CDATA[Life Skills]]></category>
  8556. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610803</guid>
  8557.  
  8558. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8559.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="809" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/dog_sunglasses.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=809.28" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Dog sitting in nature in sunglasses" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Start with proper eyewear. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/dog-mops-73858531.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Optometrists share expert tips for avoiding sunburned eyes this summer.</p>
  8560. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/eye-sunburn/">Are you wearing the right sunglasses? How to prevent eye sunburn.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8561. ]]></description>
  8562. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8563.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="809" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/14/dog_sunglasses.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=809.28" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Dog sitting in nature in sunglasses" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Start with proper eyewear. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/dog-mops-73858531.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  8564. <p>As a child, you were probably told not to stare directly at the sun. If you weren’t told or refused to listen, you may have learned the hard way. The <a href="https://www.popsci.com/human-eye-can-see-individual-particles-light/">human eye</a> is one of the most sensitive structures in the body. Even a few seconds of direct sun exposure can dry out the eyes and temporarily blind you. That said, just because you’re not staring directly doesn’t mean you’re immune to the sun’s <a href="https://www.popsci.com/dress-to-protect-yourself-from-UV-rays/">UV rays</a>. It is entirely possible to get a sunburn on your eyes.&nbsp;</p>
  8565.  
  8566.  
  8567.  
  8568. <p>You should always take some precautionary measures when venturing outside, especially as we approach summer’s longer days and more intense sunshine. We asked optometrists to break down how to best protect your eyes from the sun.</p>
  8569.  
  8570.  
  8571.  
  8572. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-the-eyes-sunburn-easily"><strong>Why do the eyes sunburn easily?</strong></h2>
  8573.  
  8574.  
  8575.  
  8576. <p>The sun can damage your eyes in two different ways. The most common is a sunburn to the front part of the eye, also known as <a target="_blank" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15763-photokeratitis">photokeratitis</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.highpoint.edu/faculty-staff/optometry/catherine-heyman-dr/">Catherine Heyman</a>, the founding dean at the High Point University School of Optometry in North Carolina, says photokeratitis happens when the sun’s UV rays damage the cornea. This clear, thin layer covers your iris and pupil. Excessive exposure to the sun also temporarily injures the conjunctiva, a mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye.&nbsp;</p>
  8577.  
  8578.  
  8579.  
  8580. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1975" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/13/eye-anatomy.jpg" alt="illustration of eyeball anatomy" class="wp-image-610804"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diagram of human eye anatomy. Image: <a target="_blank" href="https://depositphotos.com/vector/diagram-human-eye-anatomy-label-illustration-444925342.html">DepositPhotos</a></figcaption></figure>
  8581.  
  8582.  
  8583.  
  8584. <p>People with photokeratitis usually experience pain that’s akin to the feeling of having sand in your eye. They also frequently report redness, sensitivity to bright light, and blurry vision. Additionally, the eyelids appear swollen. While discomforting, the symptoms are temporary. Heyman says the cornea heals fast, with symptoms resolving in about 24 hours.</p>
  8585.  
  8586.  
  8587.  
  8588. <p>Another way the sun can hurt your eyes is when UV rays damage the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of your eye that catches light throughout the day, which is then converted into electrical signals for your brain to process vision. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smarteyecare.com/eye-doctors-in-maine">Jessilin Quint</a>, a member of the American Optometric Association and co-owner of Smart Eye Care in Maine, explains that the UV light from the sun is intense. When it is too concentrated, the UV rays can cause extensive damage to light-sensitive cells housed in the retina. “The UV rays change how those cells behave and when they are not behaving properly, that can permanently cause tissue damage and trigger inflammation.”&nbsp;</p>
  8589.  
  8590.  
  8591.  
  8592. <p>Also known as <a target="_blank" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/solar-retinopathy">solar retinopathy</a>, retinal damage occurs when a person stares directly at the sun. Quint explains that damaged light-sensitive cells in the retina tend to be in an area called the macula. The macula handles central vision, allowing people to see clear shapes and colors. A person with retinal damage commonly reports distorted vision or vision loss.&nbsp;</p>
  8593.  
  8594.  
  8595.  
  8596. <p>Depending on how much eye protection a person had on or how long they were sungazing, Quint says there is a small chance for some cells to regenerate, but usually, retinal damage is permanent. This is because the retina does not carry pain receptors. People may not realize they are hurting their eyes at the moment and continue to sungaze for a few seconds to a few minutes. The aftereffects occur hours after the time of injury or after a couple of days.</p>
  8597.  
  8598.  
  8599.  
  8600. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-protect-the-eyes-from-the-sun-s-uv-rays"><strong>How to protect the eyes from the sun’s UV rays</strong></h2>
  8601.  
  8602.  
  8603.  
  8604. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purchase-uv-blocking-sunglasses"><strong>Purchase UV-blocking sunglasses</strong></h3>
  8605.  
  8606.  
  8607.  
  8608. <p>To avoid sunburn, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-sunglasses/">buy a pair of sunglasses</a> that 100 percent block UVA and UVB rays. Both ultraviolet rays are linked to skin burning. Heyman says you’re going to want to have sunglasses on whenever you’re outside in the daytime. Additionally, you’ll want to have your shades on for activities such as surfing, boating, and skiing, as the water and snow reflect the sun’s UV radiation. If you’re going to be in the sun for long periods of time, wraparound sunglasses are another option for protecting the entire face from the sun’s glare.&nbsp;</p>
  8609.  
  8610.  
  8611.  
  8612. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“Putting on sunglasses without UV protection is worse than not having any glasses at all.”</p></blockquote></figure>
  8613.  
  8614.  
  8615.  
  8616. <p>Not all sunglasses have the same protection against UV rays. Quint says many over-the-counter sunglasses are not regulated and do a poor job of properly filtering light. These sunglasses enlarge your pupils when it is dark, allowing more light to enter and potentially hurting your retina. “It’s like when you have your eyes dilated at the optometrist,” adds Heyman. “Putting on sunglasses without UV protection is worse than not having any glasses at all.”</p>
  8617.  
  8618.  
  8619.  
  8620. <p>While polarized sunglasses do a better job of shielding the eyes from the sun, the best sunglasses are the ones that can completely block out UVA and UVB rays. You can order prescription sunglasses or check for stickers on over-the-counter sunglasses that specifically say they block both UV rays. If you’re unsure or have an old pair at home, you can take them to your local optometrist, who can assess if they cover UV radiation or not.</p>
  8621.  
  8622.  
  8623.  
  8624. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-in-the-shade"><strong>Stay in the shade</strong></h3>
  8625.  
  8626.  
  8627.  
  8628. <p>Another precaution to take is staying in the shade as much as possible. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 in the morning and four in the afternoon. Even when it’s cloudy outside, Heyman says UV rays can penetrate through and cause a minor sunburn.</p>
  8629.  
  8630.  
  8631.  
  8632. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apply-sunscreen-to-the-eyelids"><strong>Apply sunscreen to the eyelids</strong></h3>
  8633.  
  8634.  
  8635.  
  8636. <p>If you’re outside in the sun, apply <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-sunscreen/">sunscreen</a> to your eyelids. “If you look at the percentages of skin cancer that happen throughout the body, despite the eyelids having such little surface area compared to the skin of the entire body, it has a much higher percentage of skin cancer,” says Quint. While you want to avoid sunscreen in the eye, cover the entire eyelid with sunscreen, including sunscreen in the narrow corners. You’ll want to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours and much more often if you are doing an activity such as swimming.</p>
  8637.  
  8638.  
  8639.  
  8640. <p>There are certain things to look for when purchasing&nbsp;sunscreen. First is using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The<a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/upf-sun-protection/"> sun protection factor (SPF) number</a> on sunscreen only measures how much it protects against UVB rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen guards you from UVA and UVB rays. The second is to choose a mineral-based sunscreen, rather than a chemical sunscreen. Quint says some ingredients in chemical sunscreens are harmful to the eyes and can trigger ocular inflammation or dry eye.&nbsp;</p>
  8641.  
  8642.  
  8643.  
  8644. <p>Some makeup brands include sunscreen in their products, but Quint says this does not give enough coverage. “Makeup products will say it has an SPF of a certain amount, and while it’s better than having no SPF, it’s not giving the person the full protection that’s needed.” She recommends starting with a broad-spectrum sunscreen at the base, adding SPF-included makeup or moisturizer, and reapplying sunscreen every few hours.&nbsp;</p>
  8645.  
  8646.  
  8647.  
  8648. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-do-when-you-have-sunburned-eyes"><strong>What to do when you have sunburned eyes</strong></h2>
  8649.  
  8650.  
  8651.  
  8652. <p>Pain from a minor sunburn to the eyes can be managed with acetaminophen or other over-the-counter pain relievers. You’ll also want to rest your eyes, which can look like being indoors and keeping your eyes closed or staying in a darkened room. Heyman says that over-the-counter, non-preserved artificial tears can help with dryness and irritation. Additionally, adding a cold compress to the eyes can reduce inflammation and help you avoid rubbing the eyes. If you need to go out, you’ll want to wear sunglasses to avoid worsening symptoms.&nbsp;</p>
  8653.  
  8654.  
  8655.  
  8656. <p>If your eye sunburn persists for more than 24 hours, visit your optometrist for medical attention.</p>
  8657. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/eye-sunburn/">Are you wearing the right sunglasses? How to prevent eye sunburn.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8658. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8659. </item>
  8660. <item>
  8661. <title>Do ‘griefbots’ help mourners deal with loss?</title>
  8662. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-dead-loved-ones/</link>
  8663. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Reinboth / Undark]]></dc:creator>
  8664. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8665. <category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
  8666. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  8667. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610631</guid>
  8668.  
  8669. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8670.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/grave-flowers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="grave with flowers on it" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An approach to grief that focuses on continuing bonds with the deceased loved one suggests that finding closure is about more than letting the person go. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/red-roses-on-black-granite-tombstone-outdoors-space-for-text-f-327952896.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Bereaved people should temper their expectations when chatting with AI-driven simulations of their lost loved ones.</p>
  8671. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-dead-loved-ones/">Do ‘griefbots’ help mourners deal with loss?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8672. ]]></description>
  8673. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8674.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/grave-flowers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="grave with flowers on it" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An approach to grief that focuses on continuing bonds with the deceased loved one suggests that finding closure is about more than letting the person go. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/red-roses-on-black-granite-tombstone-outdoors-space-for-text-f-327952896.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  8675. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://undark.org/2024/04/04/opinion-griefbots-lack-evidence/">Undark</a>. </p>
  8676.  
  8677.  
  8678.  
  8679. <p class="has-drop-cap">Various commercial products known as “<a target="_blank" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12124-022-09679-3">griefbots</a>” create a simulation of a lost loved one. Built on artificial intelligence that makes use of large language models, or LLMs, the bots imitate the particular way the deceased person talked by using their emails, text messages, voice recordings, and more. The technology is supposed to help the bereaved deal with grief by letting them chat with the bot as if they were talking to the person. But we’re missing evidence that this technology actually helps the bereaved cope with loss.</p>
  8680.  
  8681.  
  8682.  
  8683. <p>Humans have used technology to deal with feelings of loss for more than a century. Post-mortem photographs, for example, gave 19th century Victorians a likeness of their dead to remember them by, when they couldn’t afford a painted portrait. Recent studies have provided evidence that having a drawing or picture as a keepsake helps some survivors to grieve. Yet researchers are still learning&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://undark.org/2022/07/21/the-hidden-dangers-of-pathologizing-grief/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw_LOwBhBFEiwAmSEQARdByTzzruRLf2WeggjegHyWujH9QkUAMM_dgrGOtYqY19TjPpIU_xoCRQQQAvD_BwE">how people grieve</a>&nbsp;and what kinds of things help the bereaved to deal with loss.</p>
  8684.  
  8685.  
  8686.  
  8687. <p>An approach to grief that focuses on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07481180600848090">continuing bonds</a>&nbsp;with the deceased loved one suggests that finding closure is about more than letting the person go. Research and clinical practice show that renewing the bond with someone they’ve lost can help mourners deal with their passing. That means griefbots might help the bereaved by letting them transform their relationship to their deceased loved one. But a strong continuing bond only helps the bereaved when they can make sense of their loss. And the imitation loved ones could make it harder for people to do that and accept that their loved one is gone.</p>
  8688.  
  8689.  
  8690.  
  8691. <p>Carla Sofka, a professor of social work at Siena College in New York state, is an expert on technology and grief. As the internet grew in the mid-1990s, she coined the term “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/074811897201778">thanatechnology</a>” to describe any technology—including digital or social media—that helps someone deal with death, grief, and loss, such as families and friends posting together on the social media profile of a deceased loved one or creating a website in their memory. Other survivors like rereading emails from the deceased or listening to their recorded voice messages. Some people may do this for years as they come to terms with the intense emotions of loss.</p>
  8692.  
  8693.  
  8694.  
  8695. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>Griefbots could give the bereaved a new tool to cope with grief, or they could create the illusion that the loved one isn’t gone.</p></blockquote></figure>
  8696.  
  8697.  
  8698.  
  8699. <p>If companies are going to build <a target="_blank" href="https://undark.org/2023/07/14/interview-the-ethical-puzzle-of-sentient-ai/">AI simulations</a> of the deceased, then “they have to talk to the people who think they want this technology” to better create something that meets their needs, Sofka said. Current commercial griefbots target different groups. Seance AI’s griefbot, for example, is intended for short-term use to provide a sense of <a target="_blank" href="https://futurism.com/ai-seance">closure</a>, while the company You, Only Virtual—or YOV—promises to keep someone’s loved one with them forever, so they “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.myyov.com/index.html">never have to say goodbye</a>.”</p>
  8700.  
  8701.  
  8702.  
  8703. <p>But if companies can create convincing simulations of people who died, Sofka said it’s possible that could change the whole reality of the person being gone. Though we can only speculate, it might affect the way people who knew them grieve. As Sofka wrote in an email, “everyone is different in how they process grief.” Griefbots could give the bereaved a new tool to cope with grief, or they could create the illusion that the loved one isn’t gone and force mourners to confront a second death if they want to stop using the bot.</p>
  8704.  
  8705.  
  8706.  
  8707. <p>Public health and technology experts, such as Linnea Laestadius of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, are concerned griefbots could trap mourners in secluded online conversations, unable to move on with their lives. Her work on chatbots suggests people can form strong&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14614448221142007">emotional ties</a>&nbsp;to virtual personas that make them dependent on the program for emotional support. Given how hard it is to predict how such chatbots will affect the way people grieve, Sofka wrote in an email, “it’s challenging for social scientists to develop research questions that capture all possible reactions to this new technology.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  8708.  
  8709.  
  8710.  
  8711. <p>That hasn’t stopped companies from releasing their products. But to develop griefbots responsibly, it’s not just about knowing how to make an authentic bot and then doing it, said Wan-Jou She, an assistant professor at the Kyoto Institute of Technology.</p>
  8712.  
  8713.  
  8714.  
  8715. <p>She collaborated with Anna Xygkou, a doctoral student at the University of Kent, and other coauthors on a <a target="_blank" href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/full/10.1145/3544548.3581154">research project</a> to see how chatbot technologies can be used to support grief. They interviewed 10 people who were using virtual characters created by various apps to cope with the loss of a loved one. Five of their participants chatted with a simulation of the person they lost, while the others used chatbots that took on different roles, such as a friend. Xygkou said that the majority of them talked to the characters for less than a year. “Most of them used it as a transitional stage to overcome grief, in the first stage” she said, “when grief is so intense you cannot cope with the loss.” Left to themselves, these mourners chose a short-term tool to help them deal with loss. They did not want to recreate a loved one to keep them at their side for life. While this study suggests that griefbots can be helpful to some bereaved people, more studies will be needed to show that the technology doesn’t harm them—and that it helps beyond this small group.</p>
  8716.  
  8717.  
  8718.  
  8719. <p>What’s more, the griefbots didn’t need to convince anyone they were human. The users interviewed knew they were talking to a chatbot, and they did not mind. They suspended their disbelief, Xygkou said, to chat with the bot as though they were talking to their loved ones. As anyone who has used LLM-driven chatbots knows, it’s easy to feel like there’s a real person on the other side of the screen. During the emotional upheaval of losing a loved one, indulging this fantasy could be especially problematic. That’s why simulations must make clear that they’re not a person, Xygkou said.</p>
  8720.  
  8721.  
  8722.  
  8723. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"></blockquote>
  8724.  
  8725.  
  8726.  
  8727. <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>People may become more comfortable talking to computers, or poor oversight might mean that many people won’t know they are talking to a computer.</p></blockquote></figure>
  8728.  
  8729.  
  8730.  
  8731. <p>Critically, according to She, chatbots are currently not under any regulation, and without that, it’s hard to get companies to prove their products help users to deal with loss. Lax lawmaking has encouraged other chatbot apps to claim they can help improve mental health without providing any evidence. As long as these apps categorize themselves as wellness rather than therapy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will not enforce its requirements, including that apps prove they do more good than harm. Though it’s unclear which regulatory body will be ultimately responsible, it is possible that the Federal Trade Commission could handle false or unqualified claims made by such products.</p>
  8732.  
  8733.  
  8734.  
  8735. <p>Without much evidence, it’s uncertain how griefbots will affect the way we deal with loss. Usage data doesn’t appear to be public, but She and Xygkou had so much trouble finding participants for their study that Xygkou thinks not many mourners currently use the technology. But that could change as AI continues to proliferate through our lives. Maybe more people will use griefbots as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.201700344">shortage</a>&nbsp;of qualified mental professionals worsens. People may become more comfortable talking to computers, or poor oversight might mean that many people won’t know they are talking to a computer in the first place. So far, neither questionable ethics nor tremendous cost have prevented companies from trying to use AI any chance they get.</p>
  8736.  
  8737.  
  8738.  
  8739. <p>But no matter what comfort a bereaved person finds in bot, by no means should they trust them, She said. When a LLM is talking to someone, “it’s just predicting: what is the next word.”</p>
  8740. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-dead-loved-ones/">Do ‘griefbots’ help mourners deal with loss?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8741. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8742. </item>
  8743. <item>
  8744. <title>7 computer maintenance tasks you should do every month</title>
  8745. <link>https://www.popsci.com/diy/computer-maintenance-tips/</link>
  8746. <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Nield]]></dc:creator>
  8747. <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 12:03:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8748. <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
  8749. <category><![CDATA[Tech Hacks]]></category>
  8750. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610662</guid>
  8751.  
  8752. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8753.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/old_computer_maintanence.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="old-style computer on a wooden table with green wall" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Look after your computer and it should last you for longer. Well, maybe not *this* long. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/old-computer-on-a-table-119345480.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Keep your desktop or laptop in good health.</p>
  8754. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/computer-maintenance-tips/">7 computer maintenance tasks you should do every month</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8755. ]]></description>
  8756. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8757.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/old_computer_maintanence.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="old-style computer on a wooden table with green wall" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Look after your computer and it should last you for longer. Well, maybe not *this* long. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/old-computer-on-a-table-119345480.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  8758. <p>Whether it&#8217;s your bathroom, bike, car, or garden, a little bit of regular maintenance makes a big difference—and this applies to your desktop or laptop computer too. Put in a few minutes every week or every month to attend to a few small jobs, and you should get yourself a computer that runs more smoothly for a longer time in return.</p>
  8759.  
  8760.  
  8761.  
  8762. <p>We&#8217;ve collected seven of the most important computer maintenance tips, and they apply to both <a href="https://www.popsci.com/hidden-windows-settings/">Windows</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/hidden-macos-settings/">macOS</a>. They&#8217;re not difficult to do and shouldn&#8217;t take you too long either. And don&#8217;t worry if you&#8217;ve never done any of them before—you can start now and enjoy the benefits right away.</p>
  8763.  
  8764.  
  8765.  
  8766. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-delete-files-you-don-t-need"><strong>1. Delete files you don&#8217;t need</strong></h2>
  8767.  
  8768.  
  8769.  
  8770. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/01-clean.jpg" alt="screenshot of system storage on microsoft" class="wp-image-610686"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Windows can clean up certain files for you. <em>Screenshot: Microsoft</em></figcaption></figure>
  8771.  
  8772.  
  8773.  
  8774. <p>Computers are happier and run faster when there&#8217;s plenty of storage space available. Otherwise they have to work harder—and you might start seeing error messages when space starts to run out completely. You want to get ahead of the problem well before that happens.</p>
  8775.  
  8776.  
  8777.  
  8778. <p>In terms of manual steps, be sure to delete files you&#8217;re done with (such as downloads from the web). It’s helpful to create a desktop folder for temporary files that you don&#8217;t need long-term, which you can then empty on a regular basis—doing an audit once a month or so should be enough.</p>
  8779.  
  8780.  
  8781.  
  8782. <p>On Windows, you can choose <strong>System</strong> and <strong>Storage</strong> from Settings to see what&#8217;s taking up room, and get at the <strong>Storage Sense</strong> feature that cleans up some temporary files for you. On macOS, select <strong>General</strong>, then <strong>Storage</strong> from System Settings to see what&#8217;s taking up most room, and access some useful automatic optimization options. You can choose options like <strong>Empty Trash Automatically</strong> or <strong>Optimize Storage</strong>.</p>
  8783.  
  8784.  
  8785.  
  8786. <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained" tagname="div" columns_desktop="3" gap_desktop="30" columns_tablet="2" gap_tablet="20" columns_mobile="1" gap_mobile="16"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container">
  8787. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-clean-your-hardware"><strong>2. Clean your hardware</strong></h2>
  8788.  
  8789.  
  8790.  
  8791. <p>Whether it&#8217;s dust in the fans or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/clean-your-keyboard-without-breaking-it/">crumbs in the keyboard</a>, a dirty computer is an inefficient one, and can mean components running hotter and under more stress. All you really need for this job, done about once a month, is a lint-free cloth, a bit of water, and perhaps a can of compressed air. <a target="_blank" href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/103258">Apple also has some good tips for cleaning</a>.</p>
  8792.  
  8793.  
  8794.  
  8795. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/best-way-clean-laptop-screen/"><strong>How to clean a computer screen without destroying it</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p>
  8796. </div></div>
  8797.  
  8798.  
  8799.  
  8800. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-update-your-software"><strong>3. Update your software</strong></h2>
  8801.  
  8802.  
  8803.  
  8804. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/03-update.jpg" alt="screenshot of windows update menu" class="wp-image-610688"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Install updates at your earliest opportunity. <em>Screenshot: Microsoft</em></figcaption></figure>
  8805.  
  8806.  
  8807.  
  8808. <p>Update your operating system, browser, and apps regularly—in most cases, you&#8217;re going to be pushed to do this anyway, but it&#8217;s worth double checking. It means you&#8217;re always going to have the latest bug fixes and security patches installed, as well as the newest features Windows or macOS has to offer.</p>
  8809.  
  8810.  
  8811.  
  8812. <p>When it comes to Windows, you can check for updates from Microsoft by opening up Settings then clicking <strong>Windows Update</strong>. Over on macOS, open System Settings then head to the <strong>General</strong> tab and select <strong>Software Update</strong>. In both cases you can check for updates as well as making sure that available updates are automatically installed.</p>
  8813.  
  8814.  
  8815.  
  8816. <p>Don&#8217;t neglect smaller updates like graphics drivers either. If you have an Nvidia or AMD graphics card installed in your system, use the utilities bundled with the GPU to see if any updates have been pushed out for your hardware. Again, these updates should squash bugs while improving performance.</p>
  8817.  
  8818.  
  8819.  
  8820. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-run-a-privacy-check"><strong>4. Run a privacy check</strong></h2>
  8821.  
  8822.  
  8823.  
  8824. <p>Windows and macOS both handle security and privacy pretty well, but it&#8217;s worth checking the permissions that apps have every month or so. Go to <strong>Privacy &amp; security</strong> in Windows Settings to see these permissions, or <strong>Privacy &amp; Security</strong> in macOS System Settings. Pay particular attention to programs that can get at the camera and mic, and see your location.</p>
  8825.  
  8826.  
  8827.  
  8828. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-tidy-up-your-browser"><strong>5. Tidy up your browser</strong></h2>
  8829.  
  8830.  
  8831.  
  8832. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/05-firefox-1.jpg" alt='screenshot of firefox "clear data" options' class="wp-image-610719"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Clearing your browser&#8217;s cache can free up some room. <em>Screenshot: Mozilla Firefox</em></figcaption></figure>
  8833.  
  8834.  
  8835.  
  8836. <p>Many of us do a lot of our computing inside a browser nowadays, and with that in mind it&#8217;s important to make sure your browser&#8217;s well maintained too. Part of it is <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-speed-up-your-web-browser/">keeping your browser software up to date</a>, as we&#8217;ve already mentioned: All modern browsers will give you a notification when there&#8217;s a new version ready and waiting.</p>
  8837.  
  8838.  
  8839.  
  8840. <p>You might also want to clear out the cache of temporary data accumulated by your browser, which may be taking up room unnecessarily. Most browsers have the feature somewhere in their settings: It&#8217;s under <strong>Privacy and security</strong> in Google Chrome, for example, and under <strong>Privacy &amp; Security</strong> in Mozilla Firefox.</p>
  8841.  
  8842.  
  8843.  
  8844. <p>Then there are browser extensions: Stick to the ones you&#8217;re actually using, and that you absolutely trust. Keeping the number of add-ons you have installed down to a minimum means less of a strain on your browser, fewer potential security vulnerabilities, and a more lightweight browsing experience in general. In Google Chrome, you can access your extensions by clicking <strong>Window</strong> and <strong>Extensions</strong>, or by clicking the puzzle piece icon next to the address bar.&nbsp;</p>
  8845.  
  8846.  
  8847.  
  8848. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-remove-unused-apps"><strong>6. Remove unused apps</strong></h2>
  8849.  
  8850.  
  8851.  
  8852. <p>Clearing out apps you&#8217;re not using can free up storage space and keep the operating system less cluttered. On Windows, head to <strong>Apps</strong> and <strong>Installed apps</strong> to choose apps to remove; on macOS, open the <strong>Applications</strong> tab in Finder, then use the uninstall utility included with an app, or simply drag the app down to the trash can on the dock.</p>
  8853.  
  8854.  
  8855.  
  8856. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-backup-your-files"><strong>7. Backup your files</strong></h2>
  8857.  
  8858.  
  8859.  
  8860. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/07-backup-1.jpg" alt="screenshot of Apple's time machine menu" class="wp-image-610690"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You&#8217;ve got lots of options when it comes to backups. <em>Screenshot: Apple</em></figcaption></figure>
  8861.  
  8862.  
  8863.  
  8864. <p>If you only take on board one idea from this article, make sure it&#8217;s this one:<a href="https://www.popsci.com/how-to-use-onedrive-google-drive-icloud-dropbox/"> Backup your files</a> so that if something happens to your computer, your data isn&#8217;t lost. You should really do this at least once a week, and make sure you have a couple of backups in place, in case something happens to one of them.</p>
  8865.  
  8866.  
  8867.  
  8868. <p>There are lots of ways to do this: We won&#8217;t go into all of them in detail, but they range from using an <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-external-hard-drives/">external hard drive</a> (most external drives come bundled with their own backup software), to sending your files to the cloud via a service such as OneDrive (built into Windows), iCloud (built into macOS), Google Drive, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/essential-dropbox-tools/">or Dropbox</a>.<br>You&#8217;ve got backup tools built into the operating system as well. Look for <strong>Windows Back Up</strong> on the Windows Start menu, or <strong>Time Machine</strong> under the General tab on macOS System Settings. Both of these tools let you pick the folders and files you want to create backups of, and can handle the data transfer in the background while you keep working.</p>
  8869. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/computer-maintenance-tips/">7 computer maintenance tasks you should do every month</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8870. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8871. </item>
  8872. <item>
  8873. <title>The history-altering medical mystery of an astronaut who fell in the bathroom</title>
  8874. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/john-glenn-health-mystery/</link>
  8875. <dc:creator><![CDATA[PopSci Staff]]></dc:creator>
  8876. <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2024 17:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8877. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  8878. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  8879. <category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
  8880. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610769</guid>
  8881.  
  8882. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8883.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="864" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/john_glenn.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=864.75" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a man looks into the ear of a man with thick glasses on" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">John Glenn's balance mechanism is tested by running cool water into his ear and measuring effect on eye motions (1962). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA</span></figcaption></figure><p>What really caused the debilitating illnesses?</p>
  8884. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/john-glenn-health-mystery/">The history-altering medical mystery of an astronaut who fell in the bathroom</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8885. ]]></description>
  8886. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8887.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="864" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/john_glenn.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=864.75" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a man looks into the ear of a man with thick glasses on" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">John Glenn's balance mechanism is tested by running cool water into his ear and measuring effect on eye motions (1962). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA</span></figcaption></figure>
  8888. <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained" tagname="div" columns_desktop="3" gap_desktop="30" columns_tablet="2" gap_tablet="20" columns_mobile="1" gap_mobile="16"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container">
  8889. <p>On February 26, 1964, a 40-year-old man slipped in a hotel bathroom and clocked his head on the tub. The painful tumble would end up altering how the entire world approached space exploration. Why? Because that man was <a href="https://www.popsci.com/john-glenn-first-american-to-orbit-earth-dies-at-95/">John Glenn</a>, the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/how-john-glenn-landed-after-becoming-first-man-to-orbit-earth/">first American to orbit the Earth</a>, and that fall triggered a medical mystery that pushed to the forefront research into what spaceflight might do to the human body.</p>
  8890.  
  8891.  
  8892.  
  8893. <p>In the latest <em>Popular Science</em> video, we dig into the intriguing backstory of Glenn&#8217;s bathroom spill.</p>
  8894.  
  8895.  
  8896. <div><lite-youtube videoid="yZ0IepsDw48" style="background-image: none;">
  8897.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yZ0IepsDw48/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Space photo">
  8898.            </lite-youtube>
  8899.            
  8900.            <noscript>
  8901. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  8902. <iframe loading="lazy" title="The Astronaut Who Crashed In The Bathroom" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yZ0IepsDw48?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  8903. </div></figure>
  8904. </noscript></div></div></div>
  8905.  
  8906.  
  8907.  
  8908. <p>Want more <em>Popular Science</em> videos? Learn about <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/buried-papers-space-race/">the buried treasure that helped take us to the moon</a>. And remember to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@popularscience">subscribe on YouTube</a> for a new video every week.</p>
  8909. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/john-glenn-health-mystery/">The history-altering medical mystery of an astronaut who fell in the bathroom</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8910. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  8911. </item>
  8912. <item>
  8913. <title>Why are there so many different kinds of batteries?</title>
  8914. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/why-so-many-batteries/</link>
  8915. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wesley Chang / The Conversation]]></dc:creator>
  8916. <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  8917. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  8918. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610519</guid>
  8919.  
  8920. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8921.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/pile-of-batteries.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Batteries are made in certain sizes and shapes for reasons of cost and manufacturability, but in other cases because of legacy manufacturing processes. " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Batteries are made in certain sizes and shapes for reasons of cost and manufacturability, but in other cases because of legacy manufacturing processes. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/editorial/color-batteries-of-different-sizes-on-a-white-background-isolate-95809544.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>To understand why batteries come in various sizes and shapes, we must first look to the past. </p>
  8922. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/why-so-many-batteries/">Why are there so many different kinds of batteries?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  8923. ]]></description>
  8924. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  8925.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/pile-of-batteries.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Batteries are made in certain sizes and shapes for reasons of cost and manufacturability, but in other cases because of legacy manufacturing processes. " decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Batteries are made in certain sizes and shapes for reasons of cost and manufacturability, but in other cases because of legacy manufacturing processes. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/editorial/color-batteries-of-different-sizes-on-a-white-background-isolate-95809544.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  8926. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/why-batteries-come-in-so-many-sizes-and-shapes-225325">The Conversation</a>.</p>
  8927.  
  8928.  
  8929.  
  8930. <p>If you’ve looked in your utility drawer lately, you may have noticed the various shapes, sizes and types of batteries that power your electronic devices. First, there are the round, non-rechargeable button cells for your watches and small items. There’s also the popular AA and AAA cylindrical batteries for calculators, clocks and remotes. Then you have the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in your laptops and phones. And don’t forget about the lead-acid battery in your car.</p>
  8931.  
  8932.  
  8933.  
  8934. <p>I’m a professor who <a target="_blank" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&amp;user=HTB3a4sAAAAJ&amp;view_op=list_works&amp;sortby=pubdate">studies batteries and electrochemistry</a>. To understand why batteries come in many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hotdiskinstruments.com/content/uploads/2020/07/4-shapes-of-batteries-resized.png">different sizes and shapes</a>–and serve many purposes–look to the past, at how batteries originated and how they have developed over the years.</p>
  8935.  
  8936.  
  8937.  
  8938. <p>The first batteries were made in the 1800s, and they were quite simple. One of the first demonstrations was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_703289">series of metal discs soaked in brine</a>, which Italian scientist Alessandro Volta found created an electric current. The first lead-acid battery was made of a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-academy/history-of-electricity-magnetism/museum/plante-battery-1859/">few pieces of lead in a jar of sulfuric acid</a>. The modern versions are not that different. They’re just easier to manufacture and contain various additives to improve performance.</p>
  8939.  
  8940.  
  8941.  
  8942. <p>In all cases, batteries perform in the same manner: a voltage difference between two dissimilar electrodes produces an electric current, which can be discharged to power a device. Rechargeable batteries can then reverse this current to charge back up. Inside the battery, the electric current is accompanied by the flow of ions through a liquid, the electrolyte.</p>
  8943.  
  8944.  
  8945.  
  8946. <p>The passage of each electron in the current is accompanied by the transport of one ion through the electrolyte. Electrodes that can store more ions lead to batteries that can hold more charge and therefore last longer on a single charge. Electrodes that are engineered for faster ion storage lead to batteries that can discharge faster, for high-power applications. Lastly, being able to charge and discharge many times without degrading leads to batteries with long lifetimes.</p>
  8947.  
  8948.  
  8949.  
  8950. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lead-acid-batteries"><strong>Lead-acid batteries</strong></h2>
  8951.  
  8952.  
  8953.  
  8954. <p>The lead-acid battery was the first rechargeable battery invented back in 1859 by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nationalmaglab.org/magnet-academy/history-of-electricity-magnetism/museum/plante-battery-1859/">Gaston Plante</a>, who experimented with lead plates in an acidic solution and found that the flow and storage of electric current could be reversed.</p>
  8955.  
  8956.  
  8957.  
  8958. <p>A lead-acid battery has to be big enough to provide enough charge to start a car. It also has to be usable in cold climates and last many years. Since the electrolyte is a corrosive acid, the external casing has to be tough to protect people and car parts from any possible harm. Knowing all this, it makes sense that modern lead-acid batteries are blocky and heavy.</p>
  8959.  
  8960.  
  8961.  
  8962. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alkaline-batteries"><strong>Alkaline batteries</strong></h2>
  8963.  
  8964.  
  8965.  
  8966. <p>On the other hand, household devices like calculators and digital scales can afford to use smaller batteries because they don’t require a lot of charge. These are primarily non-rechargeable alkaline batteries that have been used for decades. The standardized cell sizes are AAAA, AAA, AA, C and D, as well as button and coin cells and many others. The sizes are related to how much charge they store – the bigger the battery, the more it holds–and the sizes of the devices they power.</p>
  8967.  
  8968.  
  8969.  
  8970. <p>Sometimes, you may find alkaline batteries sold in rectangular shapes, like common 9-volt batteries, but <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/L8nThJum77Q?si=n1aRXQ5-f6dQvffd">open the outer casing</a> and you’ll find that they are simply a few cylindrical cells connected together inside. Cylindrical batteries have been around so long and used so widely that it just doesn’t make sense for the companies to manufacture anything different–it would require an investment to change their manufacturing facilities, something they’d rather not do.</p>
  8971.  
  8972.  
  8973. <div><lite-youtube videoid="L8nThJum77Q" style="background-image: none;">
  8974.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L8nThJum77Q/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Why are there so many different kinds of batteries?">
  8975.            </lite-youtube>
  8976.            
  8977.            <noscript>
  8978. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  8979. <iframe loading="lazy" title="WHAT’S inside a 9 volt (9 V) battery" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L8nThJum77Q?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  8980. </div></figure>
  8981. </noscript></div>
  8982.  
  8983.  
  8984. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lithium ion batteries</strong></h2>
  8985.  
  8986.  
  8987.  
  8988. <p>Nickel-cadmium batteries were the first widely used rechargeable batteries for household electronics and were popular through the end of the 20th century. But they had their pitfalls. Cadmium is very toxic, and the batteries suffered from a “memory effect,” which decreased their lifetime.</p>
  8989.  
  8990.  
  8991.  
  8992. <p>For many decades, lithium was studied for potential use in rechargeable batteries because of its unique properties as a lightweight metal that stores a lot of energy. Sony first&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.batterydesign.net/sony-lithium-ion-batteries-worlds-first-commercialized-lib-1991/">commercialized the lithium-ion battery</a>&nbsp;in 1991.</p>
  8993.  
  8994.  
  8995.  
  8996. <p>The company made cylindrical cells because these were the easiest to manufacture. In the 1990s, Sony was making lots of camcorders and tapes, and thus had lots of equipment for <a target="_blank" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119163824.ch1">roll-to-roll manufacturing</a>. It was natural to repurpose this equipment to produce rolls of battery electrodes, which are made by casting films on sheets of copper or aluminum and then rolling them up into a “jelly roll” cylinder.</p>
  8997.  
  8998.  
  8999.  
  9000. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1300" height="825" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/CNX_Chem_17_05_NiCd.png" alt="j" class="wp-image-610524"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cylindrical batteries are made of many thin layers rolled up like a jelly roll. <em>Credit</em>: <em><a target="_blank" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CNX_Chem_17_05_NiCd.png">OpenStax/Wikimedia</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></em></figcaption></figure>
  9001.  
  9002.  
  9003.  
  9004. <p>The thick casing of these&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-301a-types-of-battery-cells">cylindrical cells</a>&nbsp;is mechanically strong, and to add another layer of safety they have a pressure relief valve. Very quickly, these early lithium-ion cells took over the portable electronics market, especially for laptops and cellphones, because they stored more energy and lasted longer than the nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries.</p>
  9005.  
  9006.  
  9007.  
  9008. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Factors that shape batteries</strong></h2>
  9009.  
  9010.  
  9011.  
  9012. <p>Batteries are made in certain sizes and shapes for reasons of cost and manufacturability, but in other cases because of legacy manufacturing processes. Market demand also plays a role.</p>
  9013.  
  9014.  
  9015.  
  9016. <p>For example, electric vehicles didn’t take off until Tesla started making cars using cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells rather than the rectangular pouch or prismatic cells other EV makers have used. Pouch and prismatic cells can be packed closely together, but because cylindrical cells were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insideevs.com/news/587455/batteries-tesla-using-electric-cars/">already being mass-produced</a>&nbsp;for portable electronics, Tesla was able to make lower-cost EVs in the 2010s.</p>
  9017.  
  9018.  
  9019.  
  9020. <p>What shapes and sizes batteries will take in the future depends not only on how much energy they store, but also on market economics – how easy it is to make each type of cell, how much it costs to make them and what they’re used for. And those factors are a mix of innovation and history.</p>
  9021.  
  9022.  
  9023.  
  9024. <p><em>Disclosure: Wesley Chang receives funding from SolidEnergy Systems and the Electric Power Research Institute.</em></p>
  9025.  
  9026.  
  9027.  
  9028. <iframe loading="lazy" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225325/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
  9029.  
  9030. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/why-so-many-batteries/">Why are there so many different kinds of batteries?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9031. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  9032. </item>
  9033. <item>
  9034. <title>12 awe-inspiring landscape photos showing off Earth&#8217;s beauty</title>
  9035. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/landscape-photos-sony-world-photography-awards-2024/</link>
  9036. <dc:creator><![CDATA[PopSci Staff]]></dc:creator>
  9037. <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2024 12:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
  9038. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  9039. <category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>
  9040. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  9041. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610537</guid>
  9042.  
  9043. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  9044.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="809" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2135_5959_MarcinZajac_Poland_Open_Landscape_2024-1.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=809.28" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a rock juts out under the pink sky during sunset" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">"Spire." A strange spire juts out of the barren landscape of the Utah Badlands, bathing in the golden light of the setting sun. Standing 25 metres tall, its otherworldly appearance is more reminiscent of a Star Wars film than anything you would expect to see on Earth. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Marcin Zajac, Poland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</span></figcaption></figure><p>We're biased, but our planet is seriously beautiful.</p>
  9045. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/landscape-photos-sony-world-photography-awards-2024/">12 awe-inspiring landscape photos showing off Earth&#8217;s beauty</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9046. ]]></description>
  9047. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  9048.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="809" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2135_5959_MarcinZajac_Poland_Open_Landscape_2024-1.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=809.28" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a rock juts out under the pink sky during sunset" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">"Spire." A strange spire juts out of the barren landscape of the Utah Badlands, bathing in the golden light of the setting sun. Standing 25 metres tall, its otherworldly appearance is more reminiscent of a Star Wars film than anything you would expect to see on Earth. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Marcin Zajac, Poland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</span></figcaption></figure>
  9049. <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained" tagname="div" columns_desktop="3" gap_desktop="30" columns_tablet="2" gap_tablet="20" columns_mobile="1" gap_mobile="16"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container">
  9050. <p>The black sands of Iceland, snow-packed peaks of Chile, and burnt-orange sand dunes of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/namibian-cave-art-animals-stone-age/">Namibia</a>: The natural scenery images from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.worldphoto.org/2024-open-competition-winners-shortlist">2024 Sony World Photography Awards</a> document the wild, extraordinary, and intimidating beauty of Earth. </p>
  9051.  
  9052.  
  9053.  
  9054. <p> Photographer Liam Man nabbed top honors in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards/winners-galleries/2024/open/winners/landscape/landscape">landscape category</a> for an otherworldly <a href="https://www.popsci.com/category/drones/">drone</a>-lit shot snapped in the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The photo (seen below) required precise timing and coordination to pull off. &#8220;Blizzards howled for the majority of the night,&#8221; Man said, &#8220;leaving mere minutes to execute this photograph before the moon became too bright.&#8221;</p>
  9055.  
  9056.  
  9057.  
  9058. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1333" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2161_5985_LiamMan_UnitedKingdom_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="sharp, snow-covered rocks jut out the side of a mountain as four drone lights shine down. the sun sets in the background" class="wp-image-610556"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Moonrise Sprites over Storr&#8221;<br>As a moonrise burns across the horizon, lights dance above the Old Man of Storr in Scotland. This iconic rock formation was illuminated with powerful lights attached to drones, which cut through the darkness to reveal the icy landscape. <br><strong>Image: © Liam Man, United Kingdom, Winner, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9059. </div></div>
  9060.  
  9061.  
  9062.  
  9063. <p>The overall winner from all categories will be announced on April 18 in London. More than 395,000 images from photographers around the globe were submitted as part of this year’s competition.</p>
  9064.  
  9065.  
  9066.  
  9067. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1000" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2159_5983_JuanLopezRuiz_Spain_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="a glacier between mountains feeds into a lake and river below" class="wp-image-610555"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Sunrise on the Glacier&#8221;<br>A panoramic view across Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland.<br><strong>Image: © Juan Lopez Ruiz, Spain, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9068.  
  9069.  
  9070.  
  9071. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1333" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2137_5961_BarryCrosthwaite_UnitedStates_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="a tree in front of a large, rippled sand dune" class="wp-image-610540"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>&#8220;Dune Ribs&#8221;</em><br>A lone camel thorn tree is dwarfed by a massive sand dune in Sossusvlei, Namibia.<br><strong>Image: © Barry Crosthwaite, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9072.  
  9073.  
  9074.  
  9075. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1366" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2141_5965_LiJun_ChinaMainland_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="trees frame a photo of a glacier and mountains on a cloudy day" class="wp-image-610542"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>&#8220;Dead wood on Yalong Glacier&#8221;</em><br>The cliff above Yalong Glacier in Tibet is covered with ancient trees of various shapes. I used the branches of these trees to frame the distant glacier and snow-capped mountains.<br><strong>Image: © Li Jun, China Mainland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9076.  
  9077.  
  9078.  
  9079. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1256" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2143_5967_MarcoCapitanio_Italy_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="a green mountain stands by itself on black sand" class="wp-image-610545"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Maelifell&#8221;<br>After years of dreaming about it, I managed to visit one of the most incredible places I have ever seen: Maelifell volcano in Iceland.<br><strong>Copyright: © Marco Capitanio, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9080.  
  9081.  
  9082.  
  9083. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2147_5971_CharlesJanson_UnitedStates_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="five brown and white llamas stand in the snow in front of mountain peeks " class="wp-image-610548"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Winter Drama&#8221;<br>It was a very cold morning when I set up to photograph the iconic Torres del Paine mountains in southern Chile, with frozen fog filling the valleys and shrouding the mountain. A small herd of llamas entered the scene and I decided to include them – they were, after all, a part of the landscape as well.<br><strong>Copyright: © Charles Janson, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9084.  
  9085.  
  9086.  
  9087. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1334" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2145_5969_FilipHrebenda_Slovakia_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="red and black volcanic craters form circular shapes in black sand " class="wp-image-610546"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Flying Over the Moon&#8221;<br>The highlands of Iceland are an extraordinary area full of places that make you feel you are on another planet. There are numerous mountain roads (F roads) that run through the highlands, passing interestingly coloured volcanic craters that look stunning when viewed from above.<br><strong>Image: © Filip Hrebenda, Slovakia, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9088.  
  9089.  
  9090.  
  9091. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="938" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2151_5975_GarrettDavis_UnitedStates_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="rocky formations look like mushrooms" class="wp-image-610550"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Life on Mars&#8221;<br>Sunset on hoodoos in northern New Mexico.<br><strong>Image: © Garrett Davis, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9092.  
  9093.  
  9094.  
  9095. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1333" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2149_5973_VladimirTadic_BosniaAndHerzegovina_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="hikers walk on snow-covered mountains " class="wp-image-610549"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;White Desert&#8221;<br>This photograph was taken during a backcountry skiing trip to Visočica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I took this shot using a drone, hoping to capture the thrill of the adventure. Although I snapped numerous photos that day, the standout moment was a frame extracted from a video, which showcased the unparalleled beauty of the snowy landscape.<br><strong>Image: © Vladimir Tadic, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9096.  
  9097.  
  9098.  
  9099. <p></p>
  9100.  
  9101.  
  9102.  
  9103. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1294" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2139_5963_IvanPadovani_Malta_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="the moon shines over a field where the crops are covered in plastic " class="wp-image-610541"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>&#8220;Pawlu’s Field&#8221;</em><br>Moonrise over strawberry seedlings in rural Bidnija, Malta. I took a shortcut through this field the previous evening and was struck by its serene beauty. I returned the following night, hoping the conditions would be right to photograph it.<br><strong>Image: © Ivan Padovani, Malta, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9104.  
  9105.  
  9106.  
  9107. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1127" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/2163_5987_LisaKKuhn_UnitedStates_Open_Landscape_2024.png" alt="a large circular cloud covers the top of a mountain " class="wp-image-610557"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;Lenticular Cloud Over Mount Shasta&#8221;<br>Located in northern California, Mount Shasta is a four-peaked stratovolcano with an elevation of just over 4,300 metres. Lenticular clouds form over the mountain throughout the year, and I took this particular photograph in spring. I wanted to capture the overall grandeur of the mountain, but also peek beneath the cloud where the mountaintops were hiding.<br><strong>Image: © Lisa K. Kuhn, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2024</strong></figcaption></figure>
  9108. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/landscape-photos-sony-world-photography-awards-2024/">12 awe-inspiring landscape photos showing off Earth&#8217;s beauty</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9109. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  9110. </item>
  9111. <item>
  9112. <title>Carry extra power anywhere you go with this keychain charger, only $15.19</title>
  9113. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/wireless-keychain-charger-apple-deal/</link>
  9114. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  9115. <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  9116. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  9117. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  9118. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  9119. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  9120. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  9121. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=609881</guid>
  9122.  
  9123. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  9124.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-5.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A wireless charger charging an iPhone and Apple Watch." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Charge your iPhone and any Apple Watch at the same time. </p>
  9125. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/wireless-keychain-charger-apple-deal/">Carry extra power anywhere you go with this keychain charger, only $15.19</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9126. ]]></description>
  9127. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  9128.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-5.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A wireless charger charging an iPhone and Apple Watch." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  9129. </div>
  9130. <p>A low battery is a frustration you can end up dealing with anywhere. Your Apple Watch may hold a charge for days, but that&#8217;s only if you actually remember to charge it in the first place. Finding an outlet while you&#8217;re busy working or travelling might not be an option, but it doesn&#8217;t need to be if you have your own portable charger in your pocket. </p>
  9131.  
  9132.  
  9133.  
  9134. <p>The 2-in-1 Keychain Wireless Charger is a pocket-sized<a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/2-in-1-keychain-wireless-charger-black?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=2-in-1-keychain-wireless-charger-black&amp;utm_term=scsf-594169&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25xIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"> wireless charger</a> that you can use with your iPhone or any Apple Watch, and it can even power both of them at the same time. Plus, instead of paying the full $25 price, you can get this keychain charger for only $15.19 for a few days more. </p>
  9135.  
  9136.  
  9137.  
  9138. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recharge-wherever-you-go"><strong>Recharge wherever you go</strong></h3>
  9139.  
  9140.  
  9141.  
  9142. <p>iOS devices may have long-lasting batteries, but using more demanding apps might burn through your battery quicker. And if you forgot to charge your devices before, all the battery capacity in the world won&#8217;t matter. However, if you have a charger in your pocket, you don&#8217;t need to waste time searching for an outlet.&nbsp;</p>
  9143.  
  9144.  
  9145.  
  9146. <p>This smart little keychain is hiding a 2,500mAh battery. Pop any Apple Watch onto the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/2-in-1-keychain-wireless-charger-black?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=2-in-1-keychain-wireless-charger-black&amp;utm_term=scsf-594169&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25xIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">magnetic charging</a> surface, or use the USB-C port to power up other devices like your iPhone, iPad, or AirPods. You can recharge up to two devices at the same time, and that USB-C port is also how you refill your charger when it gets low. Just check the LED display to see how much battery is remaining. </p>
  9147.  
  9148.  
  9149.  
  9150. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-save-on-a-portable-apple-watch-charger"><strong>Save on a portable Apple Watch charger</strong></h3>
  9151.  
  9152.  
  9153.  
  9154. <p>No need to stress over low batteries during a long day. You have until April 16 at 11:59 p.m. to get the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/2-in-1-keychain-wireless-charger-black?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=2-in-1-keychain-wireless-charger-black&amp;utm_term=scsf-594169&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000m25xIAA&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Two-in-One Keychain Wireless Charger for iPhone and Apple Watch</a> for $15.19 with code ENJOY20. </p>
  9155.  
  9156.  
  9157.  
  9158. <p><em><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StackSocial</a> prices subject to change. </em></p>
  9159. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/wireless-keychain-charger-apple-deal/">Carry extra power anywhere you go with this keychain charger, only $15.19</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9160. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  9161. </item>
  9162. <item>
  9163. <title>The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2024</title>
  9164. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-laptops-under-1000/</link>
  9165. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon Russell]]></dc:creator>
  9166. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  9167. <category><![CDATA[Computers]]></category>
  9168. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  9169. <category><![CDATA[Laptops]]></category>
  9170. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  9171. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  9172. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  9173. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  9174. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  9175. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610240</guid>
  9176.  
  9177. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  9178.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/The-best-gaming-laptops-under-1000.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best gaming laptops under $1,000 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><p>These approachable laptops offer the best balance of performance, features, and price.</p>
  9179. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-laptops-under-1000/">The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9180. ]]></description>
  9181. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  9182.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/The-best-gaming-laptops-under-1000.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best gaming laptops under $1,000 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  9183. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  9184.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  9185.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  9186.      <tbody>
  9187.              <tr
  9188.          class="ProductTable-product"
  9189.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  9190.        >
  9191.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  9192.            Best overall
  9193.          </td>
  9194.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  9195.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="ASUS TUF Gaming F15 on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610246" width="264" height="165">
  9196.          </td>
  9197.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  9198.            ASUS TUF Gaming F15
  9199.          </td>
  9200.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  9201.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  9202.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9203.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9204.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9205.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9206.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9207.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  9208.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9209.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9210.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9211.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9212.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9213.                                  </div>
  9214.                          </div>
  9215.          </td>
  9216.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  9217.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  9218.                <span>
  9219.                  SEE IT
  9220.                </span>
  9221.            </a>
  9222.          </td>
  9223.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  9224.              <p>With an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5 under the hood, you&#8217;ll be all set for smooth HD PC gaming on the go.</p>
  9225.  
  9226.            </td>
  9227.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  9228.        </tr>
  9229.              <tr
  9230.          class="ProductTable-product"
  9231.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  9232.        >
  9233.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  9234.            Best Mac
  9235.          </td>
  9236.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  9237.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The MacBook Air M3 on its homescreen with a blurry background" class="wp-image-606163" width="264" height="165">
  9238.          </td>
  9239.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  9240.            MacBook Air M3
  9241.          </td>
  9242.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  9243.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  9244.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9245.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9246.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9247.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9248.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9249.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  9250.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9251.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9252.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9253.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9254.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9255.                                  </div>
  9256.                          </div>
  9257.          </td>
  9258.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  9259.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  9260.                <span>
  9261.                  SEE IT
  9262.                </span>
  9263.            </a>
  9264.          </td>
  9265.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  9266.              <p>Apple&#8217;s latest ultra-light laptop is a competent gaming machine—if you want to play titles that have been ported for MacOS.</p>
  9267.  
  9268.            </td>
  9269.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  9270.        </tr>
  9271.              <tr
  9272.          class="ProductTable-product"
  9273.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  9274.        >
  9275.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  9276.            Best budget
  9277.          </td>
  9278.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  9279.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="MSI GF63 Thin on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610247" width="264" height="165">
  9280.          </td>
  9281.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  9282.            MSI GF63 Thin
  9283.          </td>
  9284.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  9285.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  9286.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9287.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9288.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9289.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9290.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9291.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  9292.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9293.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9294.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9295.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9296.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  9297.                                  </div>
  9298.                          </div>
  9299.          </td>
  9300.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  9301.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  9302.                <span>
  9303.                  SEE IT
  9304.                </span>
  9305.            </a>
  9306.          </td>
  9307.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  9308.              <p>MSI&#8217;s ultra budget-friendly gaming laptop is equipped with an ultra high refresh rate display and surprisingly good specs.</p>
  9309.  
  9310.            </td>
  9311.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  9312.        </tr>
  9313.            </tbody>
  9314.    </table>
  9315.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  9316.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  9317.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  9318.    </div>
  9319.  </div>
  9320. </div>
  9321.  
  9322.  
  9323.  
  9324. <p>In an ideal world, we’d all have enough money to buy the most expensive, top-of-the-line gaming laptops. These machines boast the most powerful processors and graphics cards, churning out silky smooth frame rates and breathtaking visuals for games like <em>Baldur’s Gate 3</em>, <em>Helldivers 2</em>, and <em>Call of Duty: Warzone</em>. Who wouldn’t want one? Unfortunately, the reality is many of us are on a budget. That’s where sub-$1,000 gaming laptops come in. They may not be able to crank the settings to the max on every title, but these budget gaming laptops can still play the latest games at decent settings and are affordable. The good news is that there are many options. These are the best gaming laptops under $1,000 and what to consider before purchasing.</p>
  9325.  
  9326.  
  9327.  
  9328. <ul>
  9329. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ASUS TUF Gaming F15</a></li>
  9330.  
  9331.  
  9332.  
  9333. <li><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://howl.me/cl0PkkPZ3uy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Lenovo Legion Slim 5</a></li>
  9334.  
  9335.  
  9336.  
  9337. <li><strong>Best battery life:</strong> <a href="https://howl.me/cl0Pk76hkRY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gigabyte Aorus 15</a></li>
  9338.  
  9339.  
  9340.  
  9341. <li><strong>Best Mac:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MacBook Air M3</a></li>
  9342.  
  9343.  
  9344.  
  9345. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MSI GF63 Thin</a></li>
  9346. </ul>
  9347.  
  9348.  
  9349.  
  9350. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-gaming-laptops-under-1-000"><strong>How we chose the best gaming laptops under $1,000</strong></h2>
  9351.  
  9352.  
  9353.  
  9354. <p>I’ve been gaming on PC since I was a kid (when DOS titles were still a thing) and have written about <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-14-inch-laptops/">laptops</a> for gaming and productivity for over a decade on sites like <a href="https://www.popsci.com/authors/brandon-russell/"><em>Popular Science</em></a>, <em>Best Products</em>, and <em>Esquire</em>. During that time, I’ve tested everything from <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-pcs/">desktops</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-mouse-for-mac/">peripherals</a> to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-oled-monitors/">monitors</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-usb-microphones/">USB microphones</a>, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-cheap-gaming-mouse/">gaming mice</a>. To find the best gaming laptops under $1,000, I tapped into previous <em>Popular Science</em> coverage and researched models across the major retail sites. I then analyzed user and expert reviews before finalizing the best picks in each product category.</p>
  9355.  
  9356.  
  9357.  
  9358. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-gaming-laptops-under-1-000-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best gaming laptops under $1,000: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  9359.  
  9360.  
  9361.  
  9362. <p>Gaming laptops under $1,000 generally prioritize affordability over cutting-edge performance, but you can still play most titles with settings that will provide a smooth, stutter-free experience. These good gaming laptops are great for casual gamers or those looking to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank. And that extra money you saved? You can put it toward other essentials, like a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-office-chair/">comfortable chair</a>, an <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hdr-monitors/">external monitor</a>, or new <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-wired-headphones/">gaming headphones</a>.</p>
  9363.  
  9364.  
  9365.  
  9366. <p>There are so many different configurations out there that some of the options may be just above the $1,000 threshold. It may also be worthwhile to look at older <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-gaming-laptop/">flagship models</a>, allowing you to save while still benefiting from great (albeit slightly outdated) specs. As you look through our picks, weigh the features we highlight, like CPU, GPU, RAM, display, storage, and battery life.</p>
  9367.  
  9368.  
  9369.  
  9370. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-asus-tuf-gaming-f15"><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ASUS TUF Gaming F15</a></h3>
  9371.  
  9372.  
  9373. <div
  9374.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  9375.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  9376. >
  9377.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  9378.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  9379.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  9380.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ASUS-TUF-Gaming-F15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="ASUS TUF Gaming F15 on a plain white background.">
  9381.                      </figure>
  9382.                  </a>
  9383.            </div>
  9384.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  9385.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  9386.        <p><em>ASUS</em></p>
  9387.  
  9388.      </figcaption>
  9389.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  9390.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000"
  9391.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  9392.      </p>
  9393.      </div>
  9394. </div>
  9395.  
  9396.  
  9397.  
  9398. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  9399.  
  9400.  
  9401.  
  9402. <ul>
  9403. <li><strong>Processor:</strong> Intel Core i5-13500H&nbsp;</li>
  9404.  
  9405.  
  9406.  
  9407. <li><strong>GPU: </strong>Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050</li>
  9408.  
  9409.  
  9410.  
  9411. <li><strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB</li>
  9412.  
  9413.  
  9414.  
  9415. <li><strong>Storage:</strong> 512GB SSD</li>
  9416.  
  9417.  
  9418.  
  9419. <li><strong>Display:</strong> 15.6-inch FHD, 144Hz</li>
  9420.  
  9421.  
  9422.  
  9423. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 13.94 x 9.88 x 0.98 inches (WDH)</li>
  9424.  
  9425.  
  9426.  
  9427. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 4.85 pounds</li>
  9428.  
  9429.  
  9430.  
  9431. <li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm headphone jack</li>
  9432. </ul>
  9433.  
  9434.  
  9435.  
  9436. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  9437.  
  9438.  
  9439.  
  9440. <ul>
  9441. <li>Excellent battery life</li>
  9442.  
  9443.  
  9444.  
  9445. <li>Powerful performance</li>
  9446.  
  9447.  
  9448.  
  9449. <li>Strong, durable design</li>
  9450. </ul>
  9451.  
  9452.  
  9453.  
  9454. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  9455.  
  9456.  
  9457.  
  9458. <ul>
  9459. <li>Heavy</li>
  9460. </ul>
  9461.  
  9462.  
  9463.  
  9464. <p>The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 ticks all the right boxes, offering a great balance of performance, battery life, and more. It features a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. Under the hood, it offers an Intel Core i5 processor with four performance cores and eight efficiency cores. The max turbo boost clock speed is 4.7GHz, giving you plenty of power for everyday tasks and gaming.&nbsp;</p>
  9465.  
  9466.  
  9467.  
  9468. <p>Meanwhile, the laptop has an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, making it capable of running even the latest games in 1080p at moderate settings. You also get 16GB of RAM for fast multitasking and a 512GB SSD to keep load times to a minimum. The 15.6-inch display offers a 144Hz refresh rate with 100% sRGB color for exceptional visuals. It also supports adaptive sync technology for smooth and tear-free gameplay.</p>
  9469.  
  9470.  
  9471.  
  9472. <p>Everything is packed into a design that meets the military-grade MIL-STD-810H standards for durability. To sweeten the deal, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 comes with a free 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, so you can start streaming your favorite games right away. All in all, the laptop is a solid pick that gives you a lot at an affordable price.</p>
  9473.  
  9474.  
  9475.  
  9476. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-design-lenovo-legion-slim-5"><strong>Best design: </strong><a href="https://howl.me/cl0PkkPZ3uy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Lenovo Legion Slim 5</a></h3>
  9477.  
  9478.  
  9479. <div
  9480.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  9481.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  9482. >
  9483.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  9484.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://howl.me/cl0PkkPZ3uy" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  9485.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  9486.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Lenovo-Legion-Slim-5.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Lenovo-Legion-Slim-5.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Lenovo Legion Slim 5 on a plain white background.">
  9487.                      </figure>
  9488.                  </a>
  9489.            </div>
  9490.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  9491.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  9492.        <p><em>Lenovo</em></p>
  9493.  
  9494.      </figcaption>
  9495.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  9496.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://howl.me/cl0PkkPZ3uy"
  9497.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  9498.      </p>
  9499.      </div>
  9500. </div>
  9501.  
  9502.  
  9503.  
  9504. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  9505.  
  9506.  
  9507.  
  9508. <ul>
  9509. <li><strong>Processor:</strong> Ryzen 7 7840HS</li>
  9510.  
  9511.  
  9512.  
  9513. <li><strong>GPU:</strong> Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060</li>
  9514.  
  9515.  
  9516.  
  9517. <li><strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB</li>
  9518.  
  9519.  
  9520.  
  9521. <li><strong>Storage:</strong> 1TB</li>
  9522.  
  9523.  
  9524.  
  9525. <li><strong>Display:</strong> 14.5 OLED, 120Hz</li>
  9526.  
  9527.  
  9528.  
  9529. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 12.89 x 9.87 x 0.84 (WDH)</li>
  9530.  
  9531.  
  9532.  
  9533. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 3.85 pounds</li>
  9534.  
  9535.  
  9536.  
  9537. <li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, 2x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, 4-in-1 SD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack</li>
  9538. </ul>
  9539.  
  9540.  
  9541.  
  9542. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  9543.  
  9544.  
  9545.  
  9546. <ul>
  9547. <li>Beautiful OLED display</li>
  9548.  
  9549.  
  9550.  
  9551. <li>Sleek, portable design</li>
  9552.  
  9553.  
  9554.  
  9555. <li>Ample ports</li>
  9556. </ul>
  9557.  
  9558.  
  9559.  
  9560. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  9561.  
  9562.  
  9563.  
  9564. <ul>
  9565. <li>So-so battery life</li>
  9566. </ul>
  9567.  
  9568.  
  9569.  
  9570. <p>A good design can elevate a product and enhance the overall user experience. Case in point: The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 features a sleek flat-edge design that looks incredibly modern and worthy as our best splurge. The good news is it’s still relatively affordable (although just outside the $1,000 threshold). And it still offers decent specs that will provide you with an excellent gaming experience.</p>
  9571.  
  9572.  
  9573.  
  9574. <p>It features a 14.5-inch 120Hz <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/qled-vs-oled-vs-mini-led/">OLED display</a>, perfect for experiencing games with vibrant colors and smooth visuals. Under the hood, a Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU deliver a high-end gaming experience. The laptop also utilizes a cutting-edge cooling system that combines phase-change thermal compounds, hybrid copper heat pipes, and a 12V dual liquid crystal polymer fan. The combination works together to dissipate heat and minimize fan noise, so your laptop stays quiet when things get intense.</p>
  9575.  
  9576.  
  9577.  
  9578. <p>It’s worth noting that this particular Lenovo model may not fit under our $1,000 criteria at all times throughout the year. That said, if you see it on sale (and we have seen it discounted regularly), we suggest picking it up if you want a premium design.</p>
  9579.  
  9580.  
  9581.  
  9582. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-battery-life-gigabyte-aorus-15"><strong>Best for battery life: </strong><a href="https://howl.me/cl0Pk76hkRY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gigabyte Aorus 15</a></h3>
  9583.  
  9584.  
  9585. <div
  9586.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  9587.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  9588. >
  9589.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  9590.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://howl.me/cl0Pk76hkRY" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  9591.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  9592.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Gigabyte-Aorus-15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Gigabyte-Aorus-15.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Gigabyte Aorus 15 on a plain white background.">
  9593.                      </figure>
  9594.                  </a>
  9595.            </div>
  9596.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  9597.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  9598.        <p><em>Gigabyte</em></p>
  9599.  
  9600.      </figcaption>
  9601.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  9602.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://howl.me/cl0Pk76hkRY"
  9603.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  9604.      </p>
  9605.      </div>
  9606. </div>
  9607.  
  9608.  
  9609.  
  9610. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  9611.  
  9612.  
  9613.  
  9614. <ul>
  9615. <li><strong>Processor:</strong> Intel Core i5-13500H</li>
  9616.  
  9617.  
  9618.  
  9619. <li><strong>GPU:</strong> Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050</li>
  9620.  
  9621.  
  9622.  
  9623. <li><strong>RAM:</strong> 8GB</li>
  9624.  
  9625.  
  9626.  
  9627. <li><strong>Storage:</strong> 512GB</li>
  9628.  
  9629.  
  9630.  
  9631. <li><strong>Display:</strong> 15.6 144Hz FHD</li>
  9632.  
  9633.  
  9634.  
  9635. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 14.2 x 10.7 x 0.82 (WDH)</li>
  9636.  
  9637.  
  9638.  
  9639. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 5 pounds</li>
  9640.  
  9641.  
  9642.  
  9643. <li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, 3x USB-A 3.1, USB-C 3.2</li>
  9644. </ul>
  9645.  
  9646.  
  9647.  
  9648. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  9649.  
  9650.  
  9651.  
  9652. <ul>
  9653. <li>Excellent battery life</li>
  9654.  
  9655.  
  9656.  
  9657. <li>Upgradeable</li>
  9658.  
  9659.  
  9660.  
  9661. <li>Great performance</li>
  9662. </ul>
  9663.  
  9664.  
  9665.  
  9666. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  9667.  
  9668.  
  9669.  
  9670. <ul>
  9671. <li>8GB of RAM standard</li>
  9672. </ul>
  9673.  
  9674.  
  9675.  
  9676. <p>It’s no secret that gaming laptops prioritize performance over extended battery life. Even high-end models struggle to last a full workday while running demanding games. The Gigabyte Auros 15 stands out by offering a good balance between performance and battery life. You can expect to enjoy several hours of gameplay at medium or high settings without needing to be tethered to an outlet. The laptop also features a well-designed cooling system that keeps thermals in check without overly loud fan noise, ensuring a comfortable gaming experience.</p>
  9677.  
  9678.  
  9679.  
  9680. <p>This configuration packs a punch with a 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD display for smooth visuals, an Intel i5-13500H processor, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. You also get 512GB of storage to house your favorite games. While it comes with only 8GB of RAM—enough to run today’s games—it might not be ideal for future-proofing or heavy multitasking. The good news is that you can easily upgrade the RAM to 16GB for a relatively small cost, making this laptop a great long-term investment.</p>
  9681.  
  9682.  
  9683.  
  9684. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-mac-macbook-air-m3"><strong>Best Mac: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MacBook Air M3</a></h3>
  9685.  
  9686.  
  9687. <div
  9688.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  9689.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  9690. >
  9691.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  9692.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  9693.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  9694.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/03/11/1J3A4860.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The MacBook Air M3 on its homescreen with a blurry background">
  9695.                      </figure>
  9696.                  </a>
  9697.            </div>
  9698.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  9699.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  9700.        <p><em>Stan Horaczek</em></p>
  9701.  
  9702.      </figcaption>
  9703.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  9704.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000"
  9705.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  9706.      </p>
  9707.      </div>
  9708. </div>
  9709.  
  9710.  
  9711.  
  9712. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  9713.  
  9714.  
  9715.  
  9716. <ul>
  9717. <li><strong>Processor:</strong> M3</li>
  9718.  
  9719.  
  9720.  
  9721. <li><strong>RAM:</strong> 8GB</li>
  9722.  
  9723.  
  9724.  
  9725. <li><strong>Storage:</strong> 256GB</li>
  9726.  
  9727.  
  9728.  
  9729. <li><strong>Display:</strong> 13-inch (2560&#215;1664), 60Hz</li>
  9730.  
  9731.  
  9732.  
  9733. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 (WDH)</li>
  9734.  
  9735.  
  9736.  
  9737. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 2.7 pounds</li>
  9738.  
  9739.  
  9740.  
  9741. <li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> MagSafe 3, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm headphone jack</li>
  9742. </ul>
  9743.  
  9744.  
  9745.  
  9746. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  9747.  
  9748.  
  9749.  
  9750. <ul>
  9751. <li>Excellent battery life</li>
  9752.  
  9753.  
  9754.  
  9755. <li>Slim, lightweight design</li>
  9756.  
  9757.  
  9758.  
  9759. <li>Excellent performance</li>
  9760. </ul>
  9761.  
  9762.  
  9763.  
  9764. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  9765.  
  9766.  
  9767.  
  9768. <ul>
  9769. <li>8GB of RAM standard</li>
  9770. </ul>
  9771.  
  9772.  
  9773.  
  9774. <p>While Apple computers haven’t traditionally been known for gaming, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/apple-macbook-air-m3-13-inch-2024-review/">the latest MacBook Air with the M3 chip</a> is surprisingly adept at handling casual gaming. The M3 chip offers a significant performance boost, making it suitable for playing older titles like <em>Shadow of the Tomb Raider</em> and <em>Death Stranding</em>. It’s important to note that achieving the smoothest gameplay will likely require adjusting graphics settings to medium or lower. That being said, for users who enjoy occasional gaming sessions and prioritize tasks like photo and video editing, the new MacBook Air presents a compelling option.</p>
  9775.  
  9776.  
  9777.  
  9778. <p>The base model MacBook Air comes equipped with an M3 chip, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. While 8GB is sufficient for many tasks, it might not be ideal for long-term use, especially if you plan on multitasking heavily or running demanding apps. Unlike some other laptops, Apple doesn’t allow component upgrades after purchase, so you’re stuck with your choice. However, the MacBook Air with M3 chip is still a great choice for casual gamers who don’t want to step up to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-macbooks/">Apple’s Pro-level MacBooks</a>. You’ll just need to be aware that the selection of compatible games may be somewhat limited, and you might need to adjust settings to achieve optimal performance.</p>
  9779.  
  9780.  
  9781.  
  9782. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-msi-gf63-thin"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MSI GF63 Thin</a></h3>
  9783.  
  9784.  
  9785. <div
  9786.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  9787.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  9788. >
  9789.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  9790.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  9791.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  9792.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/MSI-GF63-Thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="MSI GF63 Thin on a plain white background.">
  9793.                      </figure>
  9794.                  </a>
  9795.            </div>
  9796.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  9797.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  9798.        <p><em>MSI</em></p>
  9799.  
  9800.      </figcaption>
  9801.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  9802.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000"
  9803.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  9804.      </p>
  9805.      </div>
  9806. </div>
  9807.  
  9808.  
  9809.  
  9810. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  9811.  
  9812.  
  9813.  
  9814. <ul>
  9815. <li><strong>Processor:</strong> Intel Core i5-11400H</li>
  9816.  
  9817.  
  9818.  
  9819. <li><strong>GPU:</strong> Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050</li>
  9820.  
  9821.  
  9822.  
  9823. <li><strong>RAM:</strong> 16GB</li>
  9824.  
  9825.  
  9826.  
  9827. <li><strong>Storage:</strong> 512GB</li>
  9828.  
  9829.  
  9830.  
  9831. <li><strong>Display:</strong> 15.6-inch Full HD, 144Hz</li>
  9832.  
  9833.  
  9834.  
  9835. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 14.13 x 9.99 x 0.85 inches (WDH)</li>
  9836.  
  9837.  
  9838.  
  9839. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 4.1 pounds</li>
  9840.  
  9841.  
  9842.  
  9843. <li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> HDMI, USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm headphone jack, Ethernet</li>
  9844. </ul>
  9845.  
  9846.  
  9847.  
  9848. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  9849.  
  9850.  
  9851.  
  9852. <ul>
  9853. <li>Thin, lightweight design</li>
  9854.  
  9855.  
  9856.  
  9857. <li>1TB of storage</li>
  9858.  
  9859.  
  9860.  
  9861. <li>Great battery life</li>
  9862. </ul>
  9863.  
  9864.  
  9865.  
  9866. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  9867.  
  9868.  
  9869.  
  9870. <ul>
  9871. <li>Underpowered GPU</li>
  9872. </ul>
  9873.  
  9874.  
  9875.  
  9876. <p>If you’re looking for a balance between affordability and performance, the MSI GF63 Thin is the perfect solution for gamers on a budget. It costs a few hundred dollars under $1,000 but still offers an excellent gaming experience, thanks to its Intel Core i5-12450H processor, GeForce RTX 2050, and 1TB of storage. Sure, it’s not quite enough to play <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AAA_(video_game_industry)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the latest AAA titles</a> at max settings, but it will still perform well and definitely beats out <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-laptops-under-500/">an ultra-budget choice under $500</a>.</p>
  9877.  
  9878.  
  9879.  
  9880. <p>Of course, there are trade-offs to consider at this price point. This particular configuration of the MSI GF63 Thin hit the scene in 2022, so it features some older specs. That said, it can still play the latest titles, but you will have to play them at lower settings. This means it may not offer the same future-proofing as newer laptops with the latest hardware, but it remains a compelling option for budget-minded gamers who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge performance.</p>
  9881.  
  9882.  
  9883.  
  9884. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-buying-a-gaming-laptop-under-1-000"><strong>What to consider when buying a gaming laptop under $1,000</strong></h2>
  9885.  
  9886.  
  9887.  
  9888. <p>Like we said, the market for affordable gaming laptops is vast, with some options well under the $1,000 threshold. It’s worth noting that there are also many excellent gaming laptops for just a few hundred dollars over $1,000 if your budget can stretch a bit further. These might offer more powerful components or higher-quality displays. Whether you’re a casual gamer who plays occasionally or someone who craves the latest titles with the highest settings, here’s what to look for in the best gaming laptops under $1,000.</p>
  9889.  
  9890.  
  9891.  
  9892. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processor">Processor</h3>
  9893.  
  9894.  
  9895.  
  9896. <p>The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of your gaming laptop, handling everything from running the operating system to complex in-game calculations. When searching for a gaming laptop under $1,000, the two main CPU contenders are Intel and AMD. Look for processors like the Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5. These processors typically have at least four cores and eight threads, offering a good balance for performance in this price range.</p>
  9897.  
  9898.  
  9899.  
  9900. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-graphics">Graphics</h3>
  9901.  
  9902.  
  9903.  
  9904. <p>The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is an essential component and directly affects how well your laptop runs games. At this price point, it’s important to set your expectations. Luckily, top-of-the-line options aren’t necessary for decent performance. These laptops prioritize smooth gameplay with features like high refresh rate displays, so expect to play most current games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings. For example, the GTX 1650 is a budget-friendly option that handles 1080p gaming well. However, expect slightly lower frame rates on newer games. The key is finding a balance between visuals and frame rates for the most enjoyable gameplay experience.</p>
  9905.  
  9906.  
  9907.  
  9908. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory">Memory</h3>
  9909.  
  9910.  
  9911.  
  9912. <p>Even for sub-$1,000, we recommend 16GB of RAM whenever possible. Think of RAM like your laptop’s short-term memory—it temporarily stores data and accesses it again if necessary. While you can save money upfront with 8GB of RAM, you might run into performance limitations down the line, especially with newer games. Upgrading RAM after the fact is possible in some laptops, but others use soldered RAM, meaning it’s permanently attached to the motherboard and cannot be replaced. For a smoother gaming experience and future-proofing, investing in 16GB of RAM is a wise choice.</p>
  9913.  
  9914.  
  9915.  
  9916. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-display">Display</h3>
  9917.  
  9918.  
  9919.  
  9920. <p>Ideally, you want a display that strikes a balance between size, resolution, and refresh rate. The sweet spot for size and resolution is 15 inches and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/4k-vs-1080p/">Full HD (1080p)</a>, respectively. Full HD is widely supported by games, offers good pixel density for <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-15-inch-laptops/">15-inch screens</a>, and helps maintain strong frame rates. While higher resolutions <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-1440p-144hz-monitors/">like 1440p</a> are tempting, they can strain the GPU and lead to sluggish gameplay. Meanwhile, a higher refresh rate like 144Hz is especially important in fast-paced games, providing smoother visuals while reducing motion blur. Of course, if you plan on spending more time gaming at a desk, you can always connect an external gaming monitor.</p>
  9921.  
  9922.  
  9923.  
  9924. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storage">Storage</h3>
  9925.  
  9926.  
  9927.  
  9928. <p>Today’s games are larger than ever, making storage space a critical part of your setup. You should aim for at least 512GB of storage. This will provide enough space to store three to five AAA titles, along with your operating system and other applications. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-ssds-for-gaming/">solid-state drives (SDD)</a> are a must-have for a smooth gaming experience. Compared to traditional hard drives (HDDs), SSDs significantly reduce game load times and make your entire system feel faster and more responsive. Some laptops will offer a combination of storage options. They might have a smaller, faster SSD for the OS and key games, and a larger, slower HDD for additional storage. You can also add external storage later with the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-ssds/">best portable SSDs</a>.</p>
  9929.  
  9930.  
  9931.  
  9932. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battery-life">Battery life</h3>
  9933.  
  9934.  
  9935.  
  9936. <p>Gaming laptops offer the freedom to play anywhere, but battery life can limit that freedom. The reality is, gaming laptops prioritize performance over battery efficiency. Even the most expensive models won’t last a full day of intense use. In general, you want to ensure you’re near an outlet for serious gaming sessions, as you’ll likely only get 4-6 hours of battery life depending on the game and settings.</p>
  9937.  
  9938.  
  9939.  
  9940. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  9941.  
  9942.  
  9943.  
  9944. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712725370445"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How long does a $1,000 gaming laptop last?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Even with mid-range components, a gaming laptop under $1,000 should last 3-5 years with moderate use and proper care. Of course, your mileage may vary. While multiple factors determine its lifespan, two primary considerations are most important. Laptops boasting newer components, like faster processors, ample RAM, and more powerful graphics cards, will theoretically last longer. <br/><br/>However, your gaming habits also play a role. Regularly pushing your laptop to its limits by playing the latest games at high settings for extended periods can lead to faster wear and tear. Fortunately, there are ways to maximize your laptop’s longevity. Keeping your software up-to-date, including the operating system, drivers, and games, optimizes performance, security, and even how your hardware runs certain tasks.<br/>By understanding these factors, you can better choose how to use your computer best and extend its life.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712725375385"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much RAM do I need for gaming?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It really depends on the types of games you play, your multitasking needs, and how long you plan to keep your gaming laptop. For light gaming at low or medium settings, 8GB of RAM should be sufficient. However, for a smoother experience, especially with newer titles, 16GB is quickly becoming the new standard and the amount we recommend. That said, if you’re a heavy multitasker who wants to push their machine, then 32GB of RAM is the minimum you want to aim for, as this will provide the most headroom for demanding tasks.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712725381112"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What are the minimum laptop requirements for gaming?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">For a good starting point for casual gamers, consider aiming for an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 graphics card, and at least 256GB of storage. This setup will allow you to play most modern games at playable frame rates with moderate graphics settings. The easiest way to determine if your laptop will be able to handle a game you want to play is to check its minimum requirements set by the developer. As games get bigger and become more visually impressive, the hardware needed to run them smoothly also increases. This means a computer that barely meets the minimum requirements for today’s games might struggle to play new releases just a year or so down the line.</p> </div> </div>
  9945.  
  9946.  
  9947.  
  9948. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-gaming-laptops-under-1-000"><strong>Final thoughts on the best gaming laptops under $1,000</strong></h2>
  9949.  
  9950.  
  9951.  
  9952. <ul>
  9953. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Display-GeForce-i5-13500H-FX507VU-ES53/dp/B0C4Q977TD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ASUS TUF Gaming F15</a></li>
  9954.  
  9955.  
  9956.  
  9957. <li><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://howl.me/cl0PkkPZ3uy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Lenovo Legion Slim 5</a></li>
  9958.  
  9959.  
  9960.  
  9961. <li><strong>Best battery life:</strong> <a href="https://howl.me/cl0Pk76hkRY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gigabyte Aorus 15</a></li>
  9962.  
  9963.  
  9964.  
  9965. <li><strong>Best Mac:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX23V2ZK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MacBook Air M3</a></li>
  9966.  
  9967.  
  9968.  
  9969. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GF63-i5-11400H-Windows-Aluminum/dp/B0B7D19CDC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610240O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MSI GF63 Thin</a></li>
  9970. </ul>
  9971.  
  9972.  
  9973.  
  9974. <p>Finding good laptops for gaming under $1,000 is a balancing act, and even some of our recommendations here push that limit slightly. This highlights the challenge of getting a future-proof machine while staying in the realm of affordability. However, compromises are unavoidable at this budget, from an underpowered processor to an older GPU or limited RAM. On your search, prioritize what matters most to you. Consider factors like battery life for everyday use and performance for gaming. Ultimately, for most budget-minded gamers, focusing on the processor and graphics card will deliver the smoothest and most visually impressive gaming experience.</p>
  9975.  
  9976.  
  9977.  
  9978. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  9979.  
  9980.  
  9981.  
  9982. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  9983.  
  9984.  
  9985.  
  9986. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  9987. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-laptops-under-1000/">The best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  9988. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  9989. </item>
  9990. <item>
  9991. <title>CT scans look inside a California condor egg</title>
  9992. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/california-condor-ct-scan/</link>
  9993. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  9994. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:16:24 +0000</pubDate>
  9995. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  9996. <category><![CDATA[Birds]]></category>
  9997. <category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
  9998. <category><![CDATA[Endangered Species]]></category>
  9999. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  10000. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  10001. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  10002. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  10003. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610773</guid>
  10004.  
  10005. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10006.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Condor-Egg-CT.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="CT scan of California condor egg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Conservationists initially worried Emaay's egg resulted in a malposition. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/PR/condor-250">San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Emaay is the 250th chick born as part of ongoing California Condor Recovery Program.</p>
  10007. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/california-condor-ct-scan/">CT scans look inside a California condor egg</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10008. ]]></description>
  10009. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10010.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Condor-Egg-CT.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="CT scan of California condor egg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Conservationists initially worried Emaay's egg resulted in a malposition. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/PR/condor-250">San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  10011. <p>For a moment, things weren’t looking great for the newest <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/california-condor-chick-hatched/">California condor</a> chick. But thanks to some quick thinking and CT scanning technology, the San Diego Zoo welcomed its 250th hatchling in conservationists’ ongoing species recovery program. To celebrate, the wildlife park has <a target="_blank" href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/PR/condor-250">released images and video</a> of the moments leading up to the arrival of Emaay (pronounced “eh-my”), including a fascinating look within the egg itself.</p>
  10012.  
  10013.  
  10014. <div><lite-youtube videoid="3NYbMh71lyA" style="background-image: none;">
  10015.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3NYbMh71lyA/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Birds photo">
  10016.            </lite-youtube>
  10017.            
  10018.            <noscript>
  10019. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  10020. <iframe loading="lazy" title="CT Scan of California Condor" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3NYbMh71lyA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  10021. </div></figure>
  10022. </noscript></div>
  10023.  
  10024.  
  10025. <p>When the California Condor Recovery Program began in 1982, only 22 of the critically endangered birds could be located. Since then, that number has grown over 560, with more than half of all California condors living in the wild. A big part of that success is thanks to the recovery program’s first adoptee, a three-month-old abandoned male named Xol-Xol (pronounced “hole-hole”). Xol-Xol, now 42, has fathered 41 chicks over his life, but his latest addition needed some extra care.</p>
  10026.  
  10027.  
  10028.  
  10029. <p>Zoologists placed the egg of the new chick in an incubator ahead of hatching, but noticed what appeared to be a malposition—a bodily angle that could have produced complications. The condor egg was then moved to the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center and placed in a computed tomography (CT) imaging machine.</p>
  10030.  
  10031.  
  10032.  
  10033. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Egg-CT-Scan.jpg" alt="California condor egg in CT scanner" class="wp-image-610775"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The CT scanner provided a 3D double-check of Emaay&#8217;s egg. Credit: San Diego Wildlife Alliance</em></figcaption></figure>
  10034.  
  10035.  
  10036.  
  10037. <p>CT scanning takes a series of X-ray readings of an object from different angles, combining them through computer programming to create “slices,” or cross-sectional scans. The scans allow for far more detailed results than a basic X-ray image. Thankfully, subsequent CT scans of the condor egg confirmed a false alarm, allowing the team to return it to its incubator.&nbsp;</p>
  10038.  
  10039.  
  10040.  
  10041. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/california-condor-chick-hatched/"><strong>California condor hatches after bird flu deaths</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  10042.  
  10043.  
  10044.  
  10045. <p>Upon pipping (a chick’s initial cracking of its shell), conservationists transferred the egg into the nest of Xol-Xol and his partner, Mexwe, who helped complete the hatching process. On March 16, Emaay greeted the world, with Xol-Xol and Mexwe caring for it ever since.</p>
  10046.  
  10047.  
  10048.  
  10049. <p>Emaay is one of about 50 California condor hatchlings now birthed every year—around 12-15 of which occur in the wild. But as San Diego Zoo’s 250th newcomer—and whose father was the program’s first adoptee—Emaay is particularly special to the team.</p>
  10050.  
  10051.  
  10052.  
  10053. <p>“Reaching this milestone feels incredible,” Nora Willis, <a target="_blank" href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/PR/condor-250">senior wildlife care specialist at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said</a>. “There’s still a long way to go but being part of this and helping the species recover is life changing.”</p>
  10054. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/california-condor-ct-scan/">CT scans look inside a California condor egg</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10055. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  10056. </item>
  10057. <item>
  10058. <title>Let this astronaut show you around the International Space Station</title>
  10059. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/iss-video-tour/</link>
  10060. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  10061. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  10062. <category><![CDATA[International Space Station]]></category>
  10063. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  10064. <category><![CDATA[NASA]]></category>
  10065. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  10066. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  10067. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  10068. <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
  10069. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  10070. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610687</guid>
  10071.  
  10072. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10073.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Screenshot-2024-04-12-at-11.51.19 AM.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Astronaut Andreas Mogensen aboard the ISS" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Astronaut Andreas Mogensen spent over six months aboard the ISS. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/04/A_tour_of_the_International_Space_Station_with_Andreas_Mogensen">ESA/NASA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen made a ‘keepsake’ tour video before returning to Earth.</p>
  10074. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/iss-video-tour/">Let this astronaut show you around the International Space Station</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10075. ]]></description>
  10076. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10077.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/Screenshot-2024-04-12-at-11.51.19 AM.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Astronaut Andreas Mogensen aboard the ISS" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Astronaut Andreas Mogensen spent over six months aboard the ISS. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/04/A_tour_of_the_International_Space_Station_with_Andreas_Mogensen">ESA/NASA</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  10078. <p>Andreas Mogensen returned to Earth in mid-March after a six-and-a-half month stint aboard the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/category/international-space-station/">International Space Station</a>. To mark his tenure as part of NASA’s Crew-7 mission, the Danish European Space Agency (ESA) <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nasa-astronaut-application-open/">astronaut</a> has shared his souvenir from undock day—a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/04/A_tour_of_the_International_Space_Station_with_Andreas_Mogensen">guided video tour</a> of the ISS.</p>
  10079.  
  10080.  
  10081.  
  10082. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s been a month now since I left the International <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>.<br><br>One of the very last things that I did on undock day, was film a tour of the Space Station. It is as much a keepsake for me as it is a way for me to share the wonder of the International Space Station with you.… <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/oFR0VXR06A">pic.twitter.com/oFR0VXR06A</a></p>&mdash; Andreas Mogensen (@Astro_Andreas) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Andreas/status/1778696040712929602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
  10083.  
  10084.  
  10085.  
  10086. <p>“It’s been a month now since I left the [ISS],” Mogensen <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Andreas/status/1778696040712929602">posted to X</a> early Friday morning. “&#8230; It is as much a keepsake for me as it is a way for me to share the wonder of the International Space Station with you. Whenever I will miss my time onboard ISS, and especially my crewmates, I will have this video to look at.”</p>
  10087.  
  10088.  
  10089.  
  10090. <p>Mogensen began his show-and-tell in the space station’s front end, above which a docked SpaceX Dragon craft awaited to take him home on March 12. On his left is the roughly 114-by-22-foot Columbus module—a science laboratory provided by the ESA back in 2008. Across from the lab is the smaller Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), nicknamed Kibō, which arrived not long after Columbus.</p>
  10091.  
  10092.  
  10093.  
  10094. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="550" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/ISS-Astronauts-Wave.png" alt="Astronauts waving in ISS" class="wp-image-610760"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Fellow astronauts wave to Mogensen aboard the ISS. Credit: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/04/A_tour_of_the_International_Space_Station_with_Andreas_Mogensen">ESA/NASA</a></em></figcaption></figure>
  10095.  
  10096.  
  10097.  
  10098. <p>From there, Mogensen provides a first-person look at various other ISS facilities, including workstations, storage units, bathrooms, gym equipment, multiple docking nodes, and even the station kitchen. Of course, given the delicate environment, that module looks more like another lab than an actual place to cook meals—presumably because, well, no one is actually cooking anything up there.</p>
  10099.  
  10100.  
  10101.  
  10102. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/51710869257_e57bca45a6_k.jpg" alt="International Space Station orbiting above Earth" class="wp-image-610695"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The International Space Station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during a fly around of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on Nov. 8, 2021. <i><a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/51710869257/in/album-72157720187084178/">NASA</a></i></figcaption></figure>
  10103.  
  10104.  
  10105.  
  10106. <p>But the most stunning area in the entire ISS is undoubtedly the cupola, which provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Earth, as well as a decent look at the space station’s overall size.</p>
  10107.  
  10108.  
  10109.  
  10110. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/eclipse-from-space/"><strong>What a total eclipse looks like from the ISS</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  10111.  
  10112.  
  10113.  
  10114. <p>Speaking of which, Mogenen’s video also does a great job showcasing just how comparatively small the ISS really is, even after over 25 years of module and equipment additions. At 356-feet-long, it’s just one yard shy of the length of a football field, but any given module or transit space is only a few feet wide. Factor in the copious amounts of cargo, equipment, supplies, experiment materials, as well as the over <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/space-station-facts-and-figures/">8-miles of cabling</a> that wire its electrical systems, and it makes for pretty tight living conditions. Near the end of Mogensen’s tour, it only takes him a little over a minute to glide through most of the entire station back to his original starting point.</p>
  10115.  
  10116.  
  10117.  
  10118. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="560" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/ISS-Cupola-View.png" alt="View of Earth from ISS cupola" class="wp-image-610741"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Andrea Mogensen&#8217;s view of Earth from inside the ISS cupola. Credit: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/04/A_tour_of_the_International_Space_Station_with_Andreas_Mogensen">ESA/NASA</a></em></figcaption></figure>
  10119.  
  10120.  
  10121.  
  10122. <p>Of course, none of that undercuts one of humanity’s most monumental achievements in space exploration. Although the ISS is nearing the end of its tenure (it’s <a href="https://www.popsci.com/space/international-space-station-retire-ocean-life/">scheduled for decommission in 2031</a>), Mogensen’s keepsake is a great document of what life is like aboard the habitat. But for those now looking for an even more detailed tour, there’s always NASA’s <a href="https://www.popsci.com/space/international-space-station-retire-ocean-life/">virtual walkthrough</a>.</p>
  10123. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/iss-video-tour/">Let this astronaut show you around the International Space Station</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10124. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  10125. </item>
  10126. <item>
  10127. <title>Boeing supplier defends using dish soap as lubricant: ‘This is actually an innovative approach’</title>
  10128. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/boeing-soap-lubricant/</link>
  10129. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mack DeGeurin]]></dc:creator>
  10130. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:01:11 +0000</pubDate>
  10131. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  10132. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610602</guid>
  10133.  
  10134. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10135.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/dish-soap.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="washing dishes" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">A Spirit AeroSpaces spokesperson claims Dawn dish soap was chosen for its particulate chemical properties. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/close-up-hands-of-woman-washing-dishes-in-kitchen-81616892.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Cornstarch, Vaseline, and talcum powder were also explored.</p>
  10136. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/boeing-soap-lubricant/">Boeing supplier defends using dish soap as lubricant: ‘This is actually an innovative approach’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10137. ]]></description>
  10138. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10139.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/dish-soap.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="washing dishes" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">A Spirit AeroSpaces spokesperson claims Dawn dish soap was chosen for its particulate chemical properties. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/close-up-hands-of-woman-washing-dishes-in-kitchen-81616892.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  10140. <p>Boeing 737 Max supplier Spirit AeroSystems is defending its <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/boeing-faa-audit/">controversial decision to use Dawn dish soap</a> as a lubricant for the aircraft’s door seals. Spirit’s use of soap and other odd, everyday objects like hotel key cards and wet cheesecloths to perform maintenance drew immediate public scrutiny last month. Now, Spirit claims both the dish soap and key card use cases were not only justified, but innovative.</p>
  10141.  
  10142.  
  10143.  
  10144. <p><strong>[ Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/boeing-faa-audit/"><strong>Dish soap, hotel key cards, and confusion: Boeing FAA audit unearths dozens of issues</strong></a><strong> ]</strong></p>
  10145.  
  10146.  
  10147.  
  10148. <p>During its <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/boeing-door-plug-faa/">six-week audit</a>, an FAA investigator claimed they saw Spirit mechanics apply Dawn dish soap (yes, the kind sitting in household kitchens) to a 737 Max door seal to act as a lubricant. Separately, the investigator also witnessed a Spirit mechanic using a generic hotel key card to check a door seal. Spirit defended both of those practices in a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/11/us/politics/spirit-aerosystems-boeing-737-max.html">interview with <em>The New York Times</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
  10149.  
  10150.  
  10151.  
  10152. <p>Speaking with the <em>Times</em>, a Spirit spokesperson claims the company opted to use the dish soap because its particular chemical properties would not degrade the door seal’s materials over time. Once applied, the soap was intended to help prevent tears or bulges from occurring during the seal’s installation. It turns out dish soap wasn’t the first household product Spirit considered for the job either. </p>
  10153.  
  10154.  
  10155.  
  10156. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  10157. <p>“Spirit workers did not land on the dish soap on the first try. [The Spirit spokesperson] said that other common products had been used in the past — including Vaseline, cornstarch and talcum powder — but that they ran the risk of degrading the seal over time.”</p>
  10158. </blockquote>
  10159.  
  10160.  
  10161.  
  10162. <p>Spirit similarly defended its use of the key card, claiming it was used to measure the gap between the seal and the door plug. The company claims mechanics tried to use other tools first but discovered they weren’t flexible enough to measure the gap without damaging the seal. The key card was.&nbsp;</p>
  10163.  
  10164.  
  10165.  
  10166. <p>Spirit claims it has since developed its own in-house tools that function like the key card which it calls a “door rigger seal tool.” Each of these use cases, Spirit claims, authorized by engineers at Boeing as appropriate “shop aids.”&nbsp;</p>
  10167.  
  10168.  
  10169.  
  10170. <p>“People look at the hotel key card or Dawn soap and think this is sloppy,” Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino said during a recent interview with the <em>Times</em>. “This is actually an innovative approach to solving for an efficient shop aid.”&nbsp;</p>
  10171.  
  10172.  
  10173.  
  10174. <p>A Boeing spokesperson told the <em>Times</em> the company had indeed approved both the soap and key card-like tool as shop aids. When reached for comment, Boeing confirmed the <em>Times’</em> reporting but declined to comment further.  An FAA spokesperson told <em>PopSci </em>it could not comment on the audit because it is part of an ongoing investigation into the two companies. </p>
  10175.  
  10176.  
  10177.  
  10178. <p>The FAA began its investigation into the two companies after a door plug blew off a 737 Max plane during an Alaskan Airlines flight in January. Since then, passengers onboard Boeing aircraft have endured a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/03/15/boeing-787-nosedive-latam-cockpit-incident/">sudden nose-dive</a>, a <a target="_blank" href="https://abc7news.com/flight-emergency-sfo-tire-falls-from-united-airlines-to-osaka-35/14500843/">mid-air wheel detachment</a>, and, most recently, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/faa-says-southwest-plane-with-boeing-engine-cowling-fell-off-during-takeoff-2024-04-07/">frightening loss of an engine cover</a>. The repeated safety incidents have sparked multiple federal investigations. Dave Calhoun, the company&#8217;s former CEO since January 2020, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-ceo-dave-calhoun-to-step-down-in-leadership-shake-up/#:~:text=Calhoun%20became%20Boeing%20CEO%20in,aftermath%20of%20the%20MAX%20crashes.">resigned last month</a>.</p>
  10179. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/boeing-soap-lubricant/">Boeing supplier defends using dish soap as lubricant: ‘This is actually an innovative approach’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10180. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  10181. </item>
  10182. <item>
  10183. <title>‘Peaceful’ bonobos bite and push each other, actually</title>
  10184. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/bonobos-aggressive/</link>
  10185. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  10186. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  10187. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  10188. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  10189. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  10190. <category><![CDATA[Evolution]]></category>
  10191. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  10192. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  10193. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610601</guid>
  10194.  
  10195. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10196.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/bonobo-yell.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="one bonobo yells at another bonobo in a tree" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Male bonobos were observed being particularly aggressive with other males, but not females. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/the-swearing-and-aggressive-bonobo-72893425.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>New research challenges what we know about male bonobos and chimpanzees.</p>
  10197. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/bonobos-aggressive/">‘Peaceful’ bonobos bite and push each other, actually</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10198. ]]></description>
  10199. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10200.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/bonobo-yell.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="one bonobo yells at another bonobo in a tree" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Male bonobos were observed being particularly aggressive with other males, but not females. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/the-swearing-and-aggressive-bonobo-72893425.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  10201. <p>From a human perspective, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/chimpanzee-teens-behavior/">chimpanzees</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/bonobo-ladies-get-to-choose-their-mate-and-they-do-not-choose-you/">bonobos</a> often represent two sides of our very nature. Chimpanzees are seen as <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/chimpanzee-personality-bully-evolution/">more conflict ready</a>. Bonobos are considered more peaceful, even demonstrating <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/bonobos-cooperations/">cooperation between groups</a>. Some new research into both great ape species paints a more nuanced picture of both species and their behavior. Bonobos appear to be actually more aggressive than researchers previously thought within their own communities. The findings are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">study published April 12 in the journal <em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>
  10202.  
  10203.  
  10204.  
  10205. <p>“Chimpanzees and bonobos use aggression in different ways for specific reasons,” study co-author and Boston University anthropologist Maud Mouginot <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040107?">said in a statement</a>. “The idea is not to invalidate the image of bonobos being peaceful—the idea is that there is a lot more complexity in both species.”</p>
  10206.  
  10207.  
  10208.  
  10209. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-biting-and-chasing"><strong>Pushing, biting, and chasing</strong></h2>
  10210.  
  10211.  
  10212.  
  10213. <p>In the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">study</a>, the team focused in male aggression, which is often tied to reproduction. They analyzed three bonobo communities at the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo and two chimpanzee communities at Gombe National Park in Tanzania. Researchers observed the behavior of 12 bonobos and 14 chimpanzees with a method called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269726427_A_comparison_of_survey_and_focal_follow_methods_for_estimating_individual_activity_budgets_of_cetaceans">focal follows</a>. This involves tracking one individual animal’s behavior for an entire day and noting how often the animal engaged in aggressive interactions, who they acted aggressively with, and whether or not they were physical. In <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/great-apes-spinning-mind-altering/">great apes</a>, these physical engagements included pushing, biting, or chasing an adversary.&nbsp;</p>
  10214.  
  10215.  
  10216.  
  10217. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/chimpanzee-social-custom-handclasp/"><strong>Popular chimpanzees set hand-holding trends for the whole group</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  10218.  
  10219.  
  10220.  
  10221. <p>“You go to their nests and wait for them to wake up and then you just follow them the entire day—from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep at night—and record everything they do,” said Mouginot.</p>
  10222.  
  10223.  
  10224.  
  10225. <p>They found that the male bonobos aggressive more frequently than chimpanzees. Overall, bonobos engaged in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">2.8 times more aggressive interactions and three times as many physical aggressions</a> than chimpanzees.</p>
  10226.  
  10227.  
  10228.  
  10229. <p>Bonobo males were also almost exclusively aggressive towards other males, while chimpanzees were more likely to be aggressive towards females. Chimpanzees were also more likely to use “coalitions” of males, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">13.2 percent of chimpanzee aggression and only one percent of bonobo aggressions</a> featuring these groupings.&nbsp;</p>
  10230.  
  10231.  
  10232.  
  10233. <p>The altercations involving groups of males can also cause <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">more injuries and community infighting</a> can potentially weaken the group’s ability to fight off different groups of chimpanzees. Bonobos do not appear to have this issue since most of their disputes are one on one. They have never been observed to kill one another and are not believed to be territorial, which leaves their communities more free to fight amongst themselves instead of outsiders.&nbsp;</p>
  10234.  
  10235.  
  10236.  
  10237. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-coalitions"><strong>Male ‘coalitions’</strong></h2>
  10238.  
  10239.  
  10240.  
  10241. <p>The more aggressive males in both species also had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">greater mating success</a>. The team was surprised to see this in bonobos because they have a co-dominant <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/science/survival-of-the-friendliest/">social dynamic</a> where females often outrank males and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/bonobo-ladies-get-to-choose-their-mate-and-they-do-not-choose-you/">can be more decisive with mates</a>. Chimpanzees have male-dominated hierarchies, where these male coalitions coerce the females into mating.</p>
  10242.  
  10243.  
  10244.  
  10245. <p>“Male bonobos that are more aggressive obtain more copulations with females, which is something that we would not expect,” said Mouginot. “It means that females do not necessarily go for nicer males.”</p>
  10246.  
  10247.  
  10248.  
  10249. <p>The team notes that female bonobos and chimpanzees are not exactly passive, but that female aggression <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040107?">warrants its own future research</a>.</p>
  10250.  
  10251.  
  10252.  
  10253. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-self-domestication-hypothesis"><strong>The self-domestication hypothesis</strong></h2>
  10254.  
  10255.  
  10256.  
  10257. <p>These new findings of higher rates of male-male aggression in bonobos contradict a prevailing hypothesis in primate behavior called the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/elephant-self-domestication/">self-domestication hypothesis</a>. This idea that goes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7477284/#:~:text=The%20human%20self%2Ddomestication%20hypothesis%20builds%20on%20the%20finding%20that,also%20observed%20in%20domesticated%20animals.">back as far as Charles Darwin</a> posits that evolution has selected against aggression in bonobos and humans, but not chimpanzees.&nbsp;</p>
  10258.  
  10259.  
  10260.  
  10261. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/silly-apes/"><strong>Primates have been teasing each other for 13 million years</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  10262.  
  10263.  
  10264.  
  10265. <p>Some of the findings do support some parts of the self-domestication hypothesis, specifically related to aggression towards females. Compared to chimpanzees, male bonobos direct less aggression towards females. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00253-7">According to the team</a>, this aligns with earlier findings that male bonobos rarely use coercive mating strategies, even if they are physically larger.</p>
  10266.  
  10267.  
  10268.  
  10269. <p>The team could not assess the severity of aggressive interactions in terms of whether they caused wounds or injuries. They hope to collect this type of data in the future, along with comparing aggressive behavior that varies between communities and subspecies.</p>
  10270.  
  10271.  
  10272.  
  10273. <p>“I&#8217;d love to have the study complemented with comparable data from other field sites so we can get a broader understanding of variation within and between species,” said Mouginot.</p>
  10274. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/bonobos-aggressive/">‘Peaceful’ bonobos bite and push each other, actually</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10275. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  10276. </item>
  10277. <item>
  10278. <title>Watch a tripod robot test its asteroid leaping skills</title>
  10279. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/spacehopper-zero-gravity/</link>
  10280. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  10281. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:35:48 +0000</pubDate>
  10282. <category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
  10283. <category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
  10284. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  10285. <category><![CDATA[Private Space Flight]]></category>
  10286. <category><![CDATA[Robots]]></category>
  10287. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  10288. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  10289. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  10290. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  10291. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610621</guid>
  10292.  
  10293. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10294.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/4850_NICO_NC.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="SpaceHopper robot in midair during parabolic flight test" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">SpaceHopper is designed to harness an asteroid's microgravity to leap across its surface. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Credit: ETH Zurich / Nicolas Courtioux</span></figcaption></figure><p>SpaceHopper maneuvered in zero gravity aboard a parabolic flight.</p>
  10295. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/spacehopper-zero-gravity/">Watch a tripod robot test its asteroid leaping skills</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10296. ]]></description>
  10297. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10298.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/12/4850_NICO_NC.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="SpaceHopper robot in midair during parabolic flight test" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">SpaceHopper is designed to harness an asteroid's microgravity to leap across its surface. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Credit: ETH Zurich / Nicolas Courtioux</span></figcaption></figure>
  10299. <p>Before astronauts leave Earth’s gravity for days, weeks, or even months at a time, they practice aboard <a href="https://www.popsci.com/i-flew-in-zero-g/">NASA’s famous parabolic flights</a>. During these intense rides in modified passenger jets, trainees experience a series of stomach-churning ups and downs as the aircraft’s steep up-and-down movements create zero-g environments. Recently, however, a robot received similar education as their human counterparts—potentially ahead of its own journeys to space.</p>
  10300.  
  10301.  
  10302.  
  10303. <p>A couple years back, eight students at ETH Zürich in Switzerland helped design the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.spacehopper.ethz.ch/">SpaceHopper</a>. Engineered specifically to handle low-gravity environments like asteroids, the small, three-legged bot is meant to (you guessed it) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ax9m5znrHw&amp;ab_channel=SpaceHopper">hop across its surroundings</a>. Using a neural network trained in simulations with deep reinforcement learning, SpaceHopper is built to jump, coast along by leveraging an asteroid’s low-gravity, then orient and stabilize itself mid-air before safely landing on the ground. From there, it repeats this process to efficiently span large distances.</p>
  10304.  
  10305.  
  10306.  
  10307. <p>But it’s one thing to design a machine that theoretically works in computer simulations—it’s another thing to build and test it in the real-world.</p>
  10308.  
  10309.  
  10310. <div><lite-youtube videoid="8I4fe9VaQQg" style="background-image: none;">
  10311.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8I4fe9VaQQg/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Private Space Flight photo">
  10312.            </lite-youtube>
  10313.            
  10314.            <noscript>
  10315. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  10316. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Using a hopping robot for asteroid exploration" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8I4fe9VaQQg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  10317. </div></figure>
  10318. </noscript></div>
  10319.  
  10320.  
  10321. <p>Sending SpaceHopper to the nearest asteroid isn’t exactly a cost-effective or simple way to conduct a trial run. But thanks to the European Space Agency and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.airzerog.com/">Novespace</a>, a company specializing in zero-g plane rides, the <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/8I4fe9VaQQg">robot could test out its moves</a> in the next best thing.</p>
  10322.  
  10323.  
  10324.  
  10325. <p>Over the course of a recent 30 minute parabolic flight, researchers let SpaceHopper perform in a small enclosure aboard Novespace’s Airbus A310 for upwards of 30 zero-g simulations, each lasting between 20-25 seconds. In one experiment, handlers released the robot in the middle of the air once the plane hit zero gravity, then observed it resituate itself to specific orientations using only its leg movements. In a second test, the team programmed SpaceHopper to leap off the ground and reorient itself before gently colliding with a nearby safety net.</p>
  10326.  
  10327.  
  10328.  
  10329. <p>Because a parabolic flight creates completely zero-g environments, SpaceHopper actually made its debut in less gravity than it would on a hypothetical asteroid. Because of this, the robot couldn’t “land” as it would in a microgravity situation, but demonstrating its ability to orient and adjust in real-time was still a major step forward for researchers.&nbsp;</p>
  10330.  
  10331.  
  10332.  
  10333. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/osiris-rex-bennu-asteroid-sample-return-utah/"><strong>NASA’s OSIRIS mission delivered asteroid samples to Earth</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  10334.  
  10335.  
  10336.  
  10337. <p>“Until that moment, we had no idea how well this would work, and what the robot would actually do,” SpaceHopper team member Fabio Bühler said in ETH Zürich’s <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/8I4fe9VaQQg">recent highlight video</a>. “That’s why we were so excited when we saw it worked. It was a massive weight off of our shoulders.”</p>
  10338.  
  10339.  
  10340.  
  10341. <p>SpaceHopper’s creators believe deploying their jumpy bot to an asteroid one day could help astronomers gain new insights into the universe’s history, as well as provide information into our solar system’s earliest eras. Additionally, many asteroids are filled with valuable rare earth metals—resources that could provide a huge benefit across numerous industries back at home.</p>
  10342. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/spacehopper-zero-gravity/">Watch a tripod robot test its asteroid leaping skills</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10343. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  10344. </item>
  10345. <item>
  10346. <title>Build your own palm-sized robot dog with this Kickstarter-funded kit, on sale through April 16</title>
  10347. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/small-robot-dog-kickstarter-kit-deal/</link>
  10348. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  10349. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  10350. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  10351. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  10352. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  10353. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  10354. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  10355. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=609877</guid>
  10356.  
  10357. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10358.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-4.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A person controlling a palm-sized robot dog with their cellphone." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Improve programming skills while having fun.</p>
  10359. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/small-robot-dog-kickstarter-kit-deal/">Build your own palm-sized robot dog with this Kickstarter-funded kit, on sale through April 16</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10360. ]]></description>
  10361. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10362.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-4.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A person controlling a palm-sized robot dog with their cellphone." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  10363. </div>
  10364. <p>In recent years, robotics has made extraordinary progress, opening up new opportunities for industries and individuals to delve into novel possibilities and integrate automation into their operations. Designed as <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593640&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5CIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">a versatile STEM kit</a>, the Petoi Bittle: Palm-Sized Robot Dog offers plenty of options to get started in innovative learning while providing an adorable companion that won&#8217;t bite. An excellent project for educators, students, and engineers alike, it&#8217;s now $66 off through April 16 with code <strong>ENJOY20</strong>. </p>
  10365.  
  10366.  
  10367.  
  10368. <p><a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593640&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5CIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Successfully funded on Kickstarter</a>, the complete kit brings on the challenge with its puzzle-like frame, emerging as an advanced four-legged robot pet—a perfect companion for those who can&#8217;t have live animals at home. Using popular and accessible coding languages such as Scratch, C++, and Python, Brittle soon becomes an engaging ally capable of running, jumping, walking, and even performing tricks while simultaneously teaching you new skills.</p>
  10369.  
  10370.  
  10371.  
  10372. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  10373. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Petoi Robot Dog Bittle: Open Source Robot Kit" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MEhJzbhxm8A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  10374. </div></figure>
  10375.  
  10376.  
  10377.  
  10378. <p>Based on the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593640&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5CIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OpenCat software</a>, Bittle allows for ultimate customization and innovation. Users can tweak its code, add functionalities, and even integrate new hardware components to make the robot their own. This feature makes the robot more interactive than ever and lets users explore concepts in robotics, coding, and STEM at whatever level they choose.</p>
  10379.  
  10380.  
  10381.  
  10382. <p>Brittle can also seamlessly <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593640&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5CIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">integrate with Raspberry Pi and Arduino</a> ecosystems, further extending its functionality and features. Users can add sensors, modify the robot&#8217;s behavior, and even add new features that can run for up to an hour on a single battery charge. Suitable for ages 14 and up, robotic enthusiasts of all stages of life can enjoy assembling and programming this educational and innovative sidekick, sure to entertain them for hours to come.</p>
  10383.  
  10384.  
  10385.  
  10386. <p>Build your own robot companion with the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=petoi-bittle-a-palm-sized-robot-dog-for-stem-and-fun-base-construction-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593640&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5CIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Petoi Bittle: Palm-Sized Robot Dog</a> and pay $263.20 (reg. $329) through April 16 at 11:59 p.m. with code <strong>ENJOY20</strong> at checkout. </p>
  10387.  
  10388.  
  10389.  
  10390. <p><em><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StackSocial</a> prices subject to change.</em></p>
  10391. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/small-robot-dog-kickstarter-kit-deal/">Build your own palm-sized robot dog with this Kickstarter-funded kit, on sale through April 16</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10392. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  10393. </item>
  10394. <item>
  10395. <title>How to control chronic wasting disease</title>
  10396. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-to-control-chronic-wasting-disease/</link>
  10397. <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Gaines / Knowable Magazine]]></dc:creator>
  10398. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  10399. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  10400. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  10401. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610493</guid>
  10402.  
  10403. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10404.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/chronic-wasting-disease-deer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Chronic wasting disease in deer" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Chronic wasting disease, which has stricken deer, moose and elk, is caused by a misfolded protein. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Knowable Magazine</span></figcaption></figure><p>A prion sickness similar to mad cow is spreading rapidly through North America’s deer and elk populations. A veterinary microbiologist discusses the options for keeping it in check.</p>
  10405. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-to-control-chronic-wasting-disease/">How to control chronic wasting disease</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10406. ]]></description>
  10407. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  10408.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/chronic-wasting-disease-deer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Chronic wasting disease in deer" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Chronic wasting disease, which has stricken deer, moose and elk, is caused by a misfolded protein. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Knowable Magazine</span></figcaption></figure>
  10409. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/living-world/2024/chronic-wasting-disease-how-to-control-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knowable Magazine</a>.</p>
  10410.  
  10411.  
  10412.  
  10413. <p class="has-drop-cap">Alethal, incurable malady similar to mad cow disease is sweeping across deer species in North America and starting to spread around the world. First identified in a single herd of captive mule deer in Colorado in 1967, chronic wasting disease—CWD—has now been found in captive and wild mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and reindeer. It’s been found in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/distribution-chronic-wasting-disease-north-america-0">32 states</a> and has crossed international boundaries into <a target="_blank" href="https://www.alberta.ca/chronic-wasting-disease-wildlife-management">Canada</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jvms/75/1/75_12-0077/_article/-char/ja/">South Korea</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://veterinaryresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13567-016-0375-4">Norway</a>, among other countries.</p>
  10414.  
  10415.  
  10416.  
  10417. <p>The disease—caused by a rogue protein known as a prion—has not yet been shown to infect humans, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/12/12/1454">though fears remain</a>. But even if that never happens, CWD could kill off large numbers of deer and possibly wipe out individual populations. Wildlife management agencies may, in turn, introduce stricter hunting rules, and the fear of contaminated meat could scare away potential hunters, affecting the United States’ roughly $23 billion deer hunting industry.</p>
  10418.  
  10419.  
  10420.  
  10421. <p>Since CWD’s emergence, scientists have been working to understand the disease and how it might be brought under control. Over the years, three potential mitigation strategies have emerged, but each has significant challenges. Nicholas Haley, a veterinary microbiologist at Midwestern University in Arizona, coauthored&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-animal-022114-111001">an overview of chronic wasting disease</a>&nbsp;in the 2015&nbsp;<em>Annual Review of Animal Biosciences</em>&nbsp;and has been working on the problem ever since.&nbsp;<em>Knowable Magazine</em>&nbsp;spoke with Haley about the options and whether we can ever contain the disease.</p>
  10422.  
  10423.  
  10424.  
  10425. <p>This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.</p>
  10426.  
  10427.  
  10428.  
  10429. <p><strong>What’s a prion disease?</strong></p>
  10430.  
  10431.  
  10432.  
  10433. <p>CWD isn’t caused by a bacterium or virus, but by a naturally occurring protein in our cells twisting out of shape.</p>
  10434.  
  10435.  
  10436.  
  10437. <p>The Kurt Vonnegut novel&nbsp;<em>Cat’s Cradle</em>&nbsp;describes the discovery of a new form of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/physical-world/2020/ice-core-vault">ice</a>, ice-nine, which is solid even at room temperature. In the book, when ice-nine touches water, it forces all the other water to crystalize in the same way, until all the water on Earth is frozen. That’s kind of what’s happening in the body. An animal gets exposed to the prion, usually through ingesting it, and anywhere in the body that the prion encounters the normal version of itself, the abnormal protein convinces the normal protein to take this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/health-disease/2023/seeking-treatments-for-amyloidosis">misfolded shape</a>.</p>
  10438.  
  10439.  
  10440.  
  10441. <p>This is particularly dangerous in the central nervous system, because these proteins can build up into plaques that kill the cell. Eventually, enough cells die that you get nervous system disorders. The animal begins to behave oddly and eventually dies.</p>
  10442.  
  10443.  
  10444.  
  10445. <p>In the meantime, the sick animal can spread the prions to other animals through things like its saliva, urine or feces. The prions are very hardy and can stick around on plants or in the soil until another animal comes along and eats them.</p>
  10446.  
  10447.  
  10448.  
  10449. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1240" height="906" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/g-how-prion-diseases-spread-v2.png" alt="Credit: Knowable Magazine" class="wp-image-610500"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Prion diseases such as chronic wasting disease spread when a misfolded protein helps others to misfold as well. Here’s how it happens: <strong>A:</strong> A misfolded copy of the prion protein (green square) enters a cell<strong> </strong>or tissue; <strong>B:</strong> A normally folded copy of the same protein (blue circle) encounters the misfolded one; <strong>C:</strong> The misfolded protein causes the normal one to misfold as well, causing such proteins to accumulate; <strong>D:</strong> The harmful proteins go on to induce still more proteins to change shape; <strong>E:</strong> Misfolded proteins can be shed and go on to infect other tissues and other animals. <em>Credit: Knowable Magazine</em></figcaption></figure>
  10450.  
  10451.  
  10452.  
  10453. <p><strong>Could we just kill all the sick animals before they can spread the disease further?</strong></p>
  10454.  
  10455.  
  10456.  
  10457. <p>Unfortunately, that only really works if it’s done early enough. It’s like a wildfire—the sooner you can put it out, the more chance you have of keeping it from spreading. But if you let CWD fester for any length of time, then culling probably won’t work.</p>
  10458.  
  10459.  
  10460.  
  10461. <p>New York State, for example, did a huge culling operation in Oneida County back in 2005 after they identified five or six CWD-positive deer for the first time. That seems to have worked, and the state still tests animals for the disease to try to catch those outbreaks early.</p>
  10462.  
  10463.  
  10464.  
  10465. <p>But when wildlife managers tried localized culling in Colorado, it didn’t seem to affect CWD over the long term, possibly because the infectious protein had been in the area for so long that it essentially became baked into the landscape. The protein is incredibly stable and can exist in the soil for years. Or new, sick deer may have moved into the now vacant area from nearby populations. Deer aren’t symptomatic until the later stages of the disease, but they’re likely shedding the prion into the environment some time before then.</p>
  10466.  
  10467.  
  10468.  
  10469. <p><strong>So if culling is really effective only early on, are there other strategies that can help in places where CWD is already “baked in”?</strong></p>
  10470.  
  10471.  
  10472.  
  10473. <p>My work is largely focused on breeding CWD-resistant animals—not curing the disease, but trying to find animals that don’t get sick as easily. We’re working with a deer farm used for hunting. They have a few properties, representing about 600 to 800 deer, where CWD has become common. We first identified CWD there in 2014, and within a few years a deer on one of those properties had about a 60 to 70 percent chance to be positive for CWD.</p>
  10474.  
  10475.  
  10476.  
  10477. <p>We also did genetic testing on the animals. We found that something like 80 to 90 percent of the deer had one particular genetic variant, or allele, of the prion protein that seems incredibly susceptible to infection. But that’s only one allele out of about five possible ones in deer. And it seems like some alleles are more resistant to CWD than others.</p>
  10478.  
  10479.  
  10480.  
  10481. <p><strong>Why?</strong></p>
  10482.  
  10483.  
  10484.  
  10485. <p>It’s like a lock and key. The infectious CWD prion is a very good key for that one really common lock, but with different alleles, the lock is subtly different, and the key doesn’t work as well. We’re still learning exactly how it all interacts, though.</p>
  10486.  
  10487.  
  10488.  
  10489. <p>Over time, we started to focus on two different “good” alleles. I think our end goal is to use artificial insemination and other breeding practices until we have a population of animals with just the good alleles, eliminating the one we know is terrible.</p>
  10490.  
  10491.  
  10492.  
  10493. <p><strong>Would having only animals with good alleles stop the spread?</strong></p>
  10494.  
  10495.  
  10496.  
  10497. <p>It could make it manageable. The animals with those good gene variants are significantly less likely to get CWD, but they’re likely not completely immune. We’ve been putting more of the animals with good variants out into the farm and can see that fewer of them seem to be getting infected by the time they’re hunted—on one property where we’ve introduced a lot of selectively bred deer, we haven’t found a positive case in the past two, if not three, years.</p>
  10498.  
  10499.  
  10500.  
  10501. <p>So selective breeding might work like the Covid vaccine: It’s still possible to get a breakthrough infection, but it’s had a huge impact on slowing the disease down and minimizing transmission. And at that point, there may be management tools we could use to keep it at essentially zero. If it takes these highly resistant animals five years to get sick, but they’re all being hunted by the age of three, then eventually we won’t have any CWD, for example.</p>
  10502.  
  10503.  
  10504.  
  10505. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1540" height="1338" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/g-chronic-wasting-disease-distribution.png" alt="Once restricted to a handful of counties in Colorado and Wyoming, chronic wasting disease has spread to 32 states and several Canadian provinces, where it affects both wild and farmed deer populations. Credit: Knowable Magazine" class="wp-image-610502"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Once restricted to a handful of counties in Colorado and Wyoming, chronic wasting disease has spread to 32 states and several Canadian provinces, where it affects both wild and farmed deer populations. <em>Credit: Knowable Magazine</em></figcaption></figure>
  10506.  
  10507.  
  10508.  
  10509. <p><strong>Could selective breeding work for wild animals as well, not just captive ones?</strong></p>
  10510.  
  10511.  
  10512.  
  10513. <p>That’s a really good question. This kind of selection is happening naturally in wildlife—natural selection will favor resistant animals over time—but it’s much slower. I could see the release of captive-raised animals happening in controlled situations, such as where CWD has completely wiped out a local population. But just putting one or two bucks out onto the landscape—their genes would get diluted pretty quick.</p>
  10514.  
  10515.  
  10516.  
  10517. <p>And while there <em>are</em> precedents for breeding animals on a farm and releasing them into the wild, a lot of wildlife professionals are heavily against that. They want to keep wild populations wild. To introduce farm deer would taint it, in a way. And it’s something you can’t walk back. I understand that perspective. A lot of wild animal folks are putting more hope into vaccine research instead.</p>
  10518.  
  10519.  
  10520.  
  10521. <p><strong>I know we have vaccines against viruses, but is it possible to make a vaccine against a protein?</strong></p>
  10522.  
  10523.  
  10524.  
  10525. <p>We already do. The Covid vaccine is specifically against the spike protein of the Covid-19 virus, for example, not the virus as a whole. And prions are just other proteins. So a vaccine could theoretically work, creating antibodies that can bind to the prion protein, helping the body recognize and eliminate it.</p>
  10526.  
  10527.  
  10528.  
  10529. <p>But the problem with chronic wasting disease is that, unlike Covid, a healthy version of the problem protein already exists naturally inside our bodies. Trying to develop a vaccine that can target the unhealthy version of the protein while not attacking your healthy cells, that’s the challenge.</p>
  10530.  
  10531.  
  10532.  
  10533. <p>The way the disease works in the body might also make creating a vaccine harder. Researchers in Wyoming did some vaccine trials and found that when elk were injected with a particular experimental vaccine,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30414779/">they got sick faster</a>.</p>
  10534.  
  10535.  
  10536.  
  10537. <p>What we think might have happened was this: White blood cells will naturally kill invaders and take the remains back to lymph nodes to teach the body what they saw, and activate defenses. Getting a vaccine can speed up this process by making the white blood cells better at detecting and picking up invaders.</p>
  10538.  
  10539.  
  10540.  
  10541. <p>But the problem is, in this case, that the white blood cells couldn’t destroy the prion after they picked it up. It was still infectious. So all they did was more quickly bring the prion to somewhere where it could spread, like ants bringing poison back to the nest and spreading it to others.</p>
  10542.  
  10543.  
  10544.  
  10545. <p>That isn’t to say it’d be impossible for vaccines to work, and there are groups working on the problem. I want to be optimistic. I just have reservations about it.</p>
  10546.  
  10547.  
  10548.  
  10549. <p>Also, even if we get an effective vaccine, we’d also need to figure out a good way to distribute it. It’d be impractical to use an injection on wild animals. There is a baited rabies vaccine that’s been used in the eastern United States <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/programs/nrmp/CT_Rabies_vaccine_info">that can be dropped out of a plane</a>. Hypothetically, something like that could work for CWD. But there’s a lot of things that we’d have to overcome.</p>
  10550.  
  10551.  
  10552.  
  10553. <p><strong>So overall, what do you see as the outlook in terms of managing and containing CWD?</strong></p>
  10554.  
  10555.  
  10556.  
  10557. <p>It depends a lot on how people react. Unfortunately, states’ responses have been varied. Some take it very seriously, but some states try to sweep things under the rug. I’m expecting that, within our lifetime, it’ll be in every state in the United States except for Hawaii.</p>
  10558.  
  10559.  
  10560.  
  10561. <p><strong>And then what? Do you think this will eventually go away? Or are we just going to have to live with it?</strong></p>
  10562.  
  10563.  
  10564.  
  10565. <p>I think it’ll be like Covid. It won’t ever go away. It may not be as big of a deal in 100 years, but it’ll still be there.</p>
  10566.  
  10567.  
  10568.  
  10569. <p><strong>And fingers crossed it never jumps into humans?</strong></p>
  10570.  
  10571.  
  10572.  
  10573. <p>Yeah, well, cross your fingers harder.</p>
  10574.  
  10575.  
  10576.  
  10577. <p><em>This article originally appeared in <a href="https://www.knowablemagazine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knowable Magazine</a>, an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Sign up for the <a href="https://www.knowablemagazine.org/page/newsletter-signup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newsletter</a>.</em></p>
  10578. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-to-control-chronic-wasting-disease/">How to control chronic wasting disease</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
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  10580. </item>
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  10582. <title>Help your pet thrive with this 20-in-1 dog wellness test kit, now price-dropped through April 16</title>
  10583. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/checkpup-dog-wellness-test-kit-deal/</link>
  10584. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  10585. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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  10594.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-3.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A Checkpup test and online portal pulled up on a laptop." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Get comprehensive insights and care for your pup.</p>
  10595. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/checkpup-dog-wellness-test-kit-deal/">Help your pet thrive with this 20-in-1 dog wellness test kit, now price-dropped through April 16</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
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  10598.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-3.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A Checkpup test and online portal pulled up on a laptop." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  10599. </div>
  10600. <p>While our beloved dogs can&#8217;t talk to us, there are ways to learn more about them. This innovative veterinarian-developed Dog Wellness Test Kit helps you discover your dog&#8217;s unique health analysis and is now available at a limited-time <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/dog-wellness-test-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=dog-wellness-test-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593642&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA1IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">best-on-web price</a> with code <strong>ENJOY20</strong>.</p>
  10601.  
  10602.  
  10603.  
  10604. <p>This kit isn&#8217;t your ordinary pet health assessment tool; it <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/dog-wellness-test-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=dog-wellness-test-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593642&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA1IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">evaluates 20 different aspects of a dog&#8217;s functional and nutritional health using just a hair sample</a> (that&#8217;s right, no saliva or urine samples needed). This unique approach, currently the only one on the market, offers a comprehensive month-long analysis that reveals a three-month snapshot of a dog&#8217;s well-being, including blood sugar management, thyroid function, energy levels, inflammation, adrenal stress, and more.</p>
  10605.  
  10606.  
  10607.  
  10608. <p>The significance of this test kit is emphasized by Dr. Ava Frick, a veterinarian with decades of research in hair analysis for dogs since 1974. Dr. Frick elaborates on the common issues Checkpup has unveiled, from allergies and liver problems to anxiety, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. &#8220;It empowers caretakers on what is going on with their dog&#8217;s health so that they can be more informed and ask better questions,&#8221; Dr. Frick explains.&nbsp;</p>
  10609.  
  10610.  
  10611.  
  10612. <p>The kit doesn&#8217;t just identify problems; it also <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/dog-wellness-test-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=dog-wellness-test-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593642&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA1IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">offers actionable steps for caretakers</a>. That includes dietary changes, specific supplementation recommendations, strategies for reducing exposure to toxic heavy metals, and more. </p>
  10613.  
  10614.  
  10615.  
  10616. <p>With comprehensive reports, you&#8217;ll learn how to best care for your pup and examine its health holistically. The kit delivers much data beyond typically gathered during a traditional vet visit. Regular follow-up tests, recommended every 3-4 months, allow for timely adjustments to the dog&#8217;s care regimen, ensuring optimal health outcomes.</p>
  10617.  
  10618.  
  10619.  
  10620. <p>Help your pet live a happier and healthier life with <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/dog-wellness-test-kit?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=dog-wellness-test-kit&amp;utm_term=scsf-593642&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jUA1IAM&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Checkpup&#8217;s Dog Wellness Test</a>, now $119.99 (reg. $149.99) with code <strong>ENJOY20</strong> through April 16 at 11:29 p.m.</p>
  10621.  
  10622.  
  10623.  
  10624. <p><em><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StackSocial</a> prices subject to change. </em></p>
  10625. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/checkpup-dog-wellness-test-kit-deal/">Help your pet thrive with this 20-in-1 dog wellness test kit, now price-dropped through April 16</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
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  10628. <item>
  10629. <title>The best seat cushions for office chairs in 2024, tested and reviewed</title>
  10630. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs/</link>
  10631. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Terri Williams]]></dc:creator>
  10632. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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  10641.  
  10642. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  10643.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/The-best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs-in-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best seat cushions for office chairs in 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><p>Stop sitting around wondering how you can alleviate your office aches and invest in some chair cushions that do the job.</p>
  10644. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs/">The best seat cushions for office chairs in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  10645. ]]></description>
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  10647.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/The-best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs-in-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best seat cushions for office chairs in 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  10648. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  10649.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  10650.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  10651.      <tbody>
  10652.              <tr
  10653.          class="ProductTable-product"
  10654.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  10655.        >
  10656.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  10657.            Best overall
  10658.          </td>
  10659.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  10660.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="ComfiLife contoured seat cushion cross-section showing grey exterior and blue interior gel" class="wp-image-610285" width="264" height="165">
  10661.          </td>
  10662.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  10663.            ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
  10664.          </td>
  10665.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  10666.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  10667.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
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  10679.                          </div>
  10680.          </td>
  10681.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  10682.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  10683.                <span>
  10684.                  SEE IT
  10685.                </span>
  10686.            </a>
  10687.          </td>
  10688.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  10689.              <p>This memory foam seat cushion was comfortable to sit on and its gel technology regulated its temperature to keep things cool.</p>
  10690.  
  10691.            </td>
  10692.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  10693.        </tr>
  10694.              <tr
  10695.          class="ProductTable-product"
  10696.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  10697.        >
  10698.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  10699.            Best splurge
  10700.          </td>
  10701.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  10702.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Purple Ultimate best splurge seat cushion for office chairs showing its gel grid interior" class="wp-image-610286" width="264" height="165">
  10703.          </td>
  10704.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  10705.            Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion
  10706.          </td>
  10707.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  10708.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  10709.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10710.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10711.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10712.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10713.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10714.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  10715.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10716.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10717.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10718.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10719.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10720.                                  </div>
  10721.                          </div>
  10722.          </td>
  10723.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  10724.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  10725.                <span>
  10726.                  SEE IT
  10727.                </span>
  10728.            </a>
  10729.          </td>
  10730.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  10731.              <p>This luxe office chair cushion helped us maintain proper posture, and its porous design kept us from overheating.</p>
  10732.  
  10733.            </td>
  10734.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  10735.        </tr>
  10736.              <tr
  10737.          class="ProductTable-product"
  10738.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  10739.        >
  10740.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  10741.            Best budget
  10742.          </td>
  10743.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  10744.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610232" width="264" height="165">
  10745.          </td>
  10746.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  10747.            Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support  
  10748.          </td>
  10749.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  10750.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  10751.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10752.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10753.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10754.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10755.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10756.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  10757.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10758.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10759.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10760.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10761.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  10762.                                  </div>
  10763.                          </div>
  10764.          </td>
  10765.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  10766.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  10767.                <span>
  10768.                  SEE IT
  10769.                </span>
  10770.            </a>
  10771.          </td>
  10772.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  10773.              <p>This two-cushion bundle provides support for your office chair&#8217;s seat and back for under $30.</p>
  10774.  
  10775.            </td>
  10776.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  10777.        </tr>
  10778.            </tbody>
  10779.    </table>
  10780.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  10781.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  10782.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  10783.    </div>
  10784.  </div>
  10785. </div>
  10786.  
  10787.  
  10788.  
  10789. <p>If you work in an office, even a home office, you’re probably sitting in a chair for eight or more hours a day—a potentially tiring scenario, but the right seat cushion can make it more comfortable. To be clear, sitting for prolonged periods of time is detrimental to your health. Heart disease, lower back and spine issues, obesity, and blood clots are some of the issues caused by sitting for so long. So, in addition to recommending the best seat cushions for your office chair, we recommend that you stop every 30 minutes to stand up and walk around. In addition, try to exercise at least 150 minutes a week, which can be broken down into 30 minutes a day/5 days a week, per the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> CDC’s guidelines</a> for physical activity. But when you must sit in your chair, the right cushion can help provide support, and these are the best seat cushions for office chairs we’ve found.</p>
  10790.  
  10791.  
  10792.  
  10793. <ul>
  10794. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion</a></li>
  10795.  
  10796.  
  10797.  
  10798. <li><strong>Best cooling: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sutera-Superior-Underneath-Shifting-17-7x16x4-3/dp/B0BHF7N3QK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sutera Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  10799.  
  10800.  
  10801.  
  10802. <li><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  10803.  
  10804.  
  10805.  
  10806. <li><strong>Best non-slip bottom:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aylio-Cushion-Tailbone-Sciatica-Washable/dp/B00AE9V3WQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Aylio Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  10807.  
  10808.  
  10809.  
  10810. <li><strong>Best back cushion: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP19U?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Purple Back Cushion</a></li>
  10811.  
  10812.  
  10813.  
  10814. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  10815. </ul>
  10816.  
  10817.  
  10818.  
  10819. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs"><strong>How we chose the best seat cushions for office chairs</strong></h2>
  10820.  
  10821.  
  10822.  
  10823. <p>We conducted extensive research, contacted experts, and did plenty of first-hand testing to compile this list of the best chair cushions for offices. Most of the selections on this list have been tested. We also considered peer recommendations and consumer reviews.</p>
  10824.  
  10825.  
  10826.  
  10827. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best seat cushions for office chairs: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  10828.  
  10829.  
  10830.  
  10831. <p>I work from home, and I love the ability to control my work hours. However, I often find myself falling into a writing groove, and before I know it, I’ve been <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-ergonomic-desk/">at my desk</a> for hours. I tend to scoot a new desk chair <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-chair-mats/">onto the mat</a> every few months just to switch things up—it helps that I test them professionally—and I recommend a new ergonomic <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-office-chair/">office chair</a> if you don’t already have one). Still, even though most of my chairs are quite comfortable, I’ve found that an office chair cushion can provide an even better experience. When compiling this list, most of the recommendations are office chair cushions that I’ve actually tested, and I also tried to provide a variety of types at various price points.</p>
  10832.  
  10833.  
  10834.  
  10835. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-comfilife-gel-enhanced-seat-cushion"><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion</a></h3>
  10836.  
  10837.  
  10838. <div
  10839.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  10840.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  10841. >
  10842.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  10843.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  10844.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  10845.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/ComfiLife-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion on a seat.">
  10846.                      </figure>
  10847.                  </a>
  10848.            </div>
  10849.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  10850.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  10851.        <p><em>Terri Williams / Popular Science</em></p>
  10852.  
  10853.      </figcaption>
  10854.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  10855.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000"
  10856.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  10857.      </p>
  10858.      </div>
  10859. </div>
  10860.  
  10861.  
  10862.  
  10863. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  10864.  
  10865.  
  10866.  
  10867. <ul>
  10868. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 17.5 x 13.7 x 2.8 inches</li>
  10869.  
  10870.  
  10871.  
  10872. <li><strong>Fill Material:</strong> High-density memory foam with gel layer</li>
  10873.  
  10874.  
  10875.  
  10876. <li><strong>Cover:</strong> Velour</li>
  10877. </ul>
  10878.  
  10879.  
  10880.  
  10881. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  10882.  
  10883.  
  10884.  
  10885. <ul>
  10886. <li>Memory foam for support</li>
  10887.  
  10888.  
  10889.  
  10890. <li>Cooling gel layer</li>
  10891.  
  10892.  
  10893.  
  10894. <li>Built-in handle</li>
  10895.  
  10896.  
  10897.  
  10898. <li>Washable cover</li>
  10899.  
  10900.  
  10901.  
  10902. <li>Three color choices</li>
  10903. </ul>
  10904.  
  10905.  
  10906.  
  10907. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  10908.  
  10909.  
  10910.  
  10911. <ul>
  10912. <li>May be too firm for some people</li>
  10913. </ul>
  10914.  
  10915.  
  10916.  
  10917. <p>The ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion is our top pick—a thick, plush seat cushion made of high-density memory foam, designed to provide support and relieve pressure on the tailbone/coccyx area. The seat cushion also has a layer of gel technology on top. The gel provides additional comfort and keeps the cushion (and what it cushions) cool.</p>
  10918.  
  10919.  
  10920.  
  10921. <p>This is important because the cover is velvety material that I initially thought would make the seat cushion hot. However, the gel regulates the temperature well to keep the cushion nice and cool. The cover is available in black, grey, and navy blue. It also has a handle on the side, which makes the pillow easy to carry. In addition, the back side of the cushion has super-grippy dots to keep the cushion from sliding around or falling off the chair. I also like that the zippable cover can be removed and laundered in the washing machine in cold water and then tossed in the dryer.</p>
  10922.  
  10923.  
  10924.  
  10925. <p>Honestly, the first time I sat on the ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion, I found it firmer than I expected or preferred. It took a few times to get used to that level of firmness, but now I consider it the best overall choice if you’re looking for a seat cushion, thanks to feel and price. In terms of getting the best bang for your buck, the ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion delivers the best value.</p>
  10926.  
  10927.  
  10928.  
  10929. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-cooling-sutera-seat-cushion-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Best cooling: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sutera-Superior-Underneath-Shifting-17-7x16x4-3/dp/B0BHF7N3QK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sutera Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
  10930.  
  10931.  
  10932. <div
  10933.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  10934.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  10935. >
  10936.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  10937.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sutera-Superior-Underneath-Shifting-17-7x16x4-3/dp/B0BHF7N3QK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  10938.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  10939.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Sutera-Seat-Cushion-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Sutera-Seat-Cushion-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Sutera Seat Cushion on a chair.">
  10940.                      </figure>
  10941.                  </a>
  10942.            </div>
  10943.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  10944.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  10945.        <p><em>Terri Williams / Popular Science</em></p>
  10946.  
  10947.      </figcaption>
  10948.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  10949.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sutera-Superior-Underneath-Shifting-17-7x16x4-3/dp/B0BHF7N3QK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000"
  10950.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  10951.      </p>
  10952.      </div>
  10953. </div>
  10954.  
  10955.  
  10956.  
  10957. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  10958.  
  10959.  
  10960.  
  10961. <ul>
  10962. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 17.7 x 16 x 4.3 inches</li>
  10963.  
  10964.  
  10965.  
  10966. <li><strong>Fill Material:</strong> Bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam</li>
  10967.  
  10968.  
  10969.  
  10970. <li><strong>Cover:</strong> 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex</li>
  10971. </ul>
  10972.  
  10973.  
  10974.  
  10975. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  10976.  
  10977.  
  10978.  
  10979. <ul>
  10980. <li>Memory foam is 4.3 inches deep</li>
  10981.  
  10982.  
  10983.  
  10984. <li>Contours to the shape of legs and posterior</li>
  10985.  
  10986.  
  10987.  
  10988. <li>Bamboo provides cooling airflow</li>
  10989.  
  10990.  
  10991.  
  10992. <li>Cushion remains fresh</li>
  10993.  
  10994.  
  10995.  
  10996. <li>Grips keep cushion in place</li>
  10997. </ul>
  10998.  
  10999.  
  11000.  
  11001. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11002.  
  11003.  
  11004.  
  11005. <ul>
  11006. <li>May be too thick or hard for some</li>
  11007. </ul>
  11008.  
  11009.  
  11010.  
  11011. <p>Runner-up for the best overall seat cushion for office chairs, the Sutera Seat Cushion is 4.3 inches in depth and makes a good choice if you want a thick option. The memory foam provides support and relief—and the pillow is also ergonomically shaped to support various body parts. For example, since it’s so thick, the seat cushion elevates the hips, and the thighs are also slightly elevated (but if this is uncomfortable, you can lower your chair so your feet are on the floor).</p>
  11012.  
  11013.  
  11014.  
  11015. <p>In addition to memory foam, the seat cushion includes bamboo charcoal-infused material. This breathable material provides a cooling effect by keeping heat from getting trapped in the cushion. In addition, the charcoal-infused bamboo keeps the seat cushion fresh. The cover, which is made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, can be removed and machine-washed in cold water and then air-dried. The cover&#8217;s back side (bottom) also has rubber grips to keep the cushion in place.</p>
  11016.  
  11017.  
  11018.  
  11019. <p>The first time I tried the Sutera Seat Cushion, I found it so stiff that my legs actually hurt (and I’m 5’8”, so it’s not like my legs were too short). However, after using it several times, I grew to appreciate the level of support it provides. Sometimes, seat cushions can be so soft that they’re like sitting on a bed pillow (which does not provide enough support to sit in an office chair all day). Now, I thoroughly enjoy sitting on this seat cushion, and I appreciate that it hasn’t started sagging after continuous use.</p>
  11020.  
  11021.  
  11022.  
  11023. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-splurge-purple-ultimate-seat-cushion-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
  11024.  
  11025.  
  11026. <div
  11027.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11028.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11029. >
  11030.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11031.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11032.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11033.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion on a chair.">
  11034.                      </figure>
  11035.                  </a>
  11036.            </div>
  11037.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11038.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11039.        <p><em>Terri Williams / Popular Science</em></p>
  11040.  
  11041.      </figcaption>
  11042.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11043.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000"
  11044.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11045.      </p>
  11046.      </div>
  11047. </div>
  11048.  
  11049.  
  11050.  
  11051. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11052.  
  11053.  
  11054.  
  11055. <ul>
  11056. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 21.75 x 18 x 2.5 inches</li>
  11057.  
  11058.  
  11059.  
  11060. <li><strong>Fill Material:</strong> Hyper-Elastic Polymer</li>
  11061.  
  11062.  
  11063.  
  11064. <li><strong>Cover:</strong> Polyester</li>
  11065. </ul>
  11066.  
  11067.  
  11068.  
  11069. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11070.  
  11071.  
  11072.  
  11073. <ul>
  11074. <li>Gel grid is squishy, soft, and supportive</li>
  11075.  
  11076.  
  11077.  
  11078. <li>Both cover and cushion are washable</li>
  11079.  
  11080.  
  11081.  
  11082. <li>Air channels keep the cushion cool</li>
  11083.  
  11084.  
  11085.  
  11086. <li>Grippy bottom keeps seat cushion from moving</li>
  11087. </ul>
  11088.  
  11089.  
  11090.  
  11091. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11092.  
  11093.  
  11094.  
  11095. <ul>
  11096. <li>Expensive</li>
  11097. </ul>
  11098.  
  11099.  
  11100.  
  11101. <p>I’ve tested dozens of high-end pillows and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Harmony-Pillow-Grid-Standard/dp/B07ZWHGZBK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the Purple Harmony Pillow</a> is one of the very best pillows on the market. So, it’s no surprise that Purple would also make one of the best seat cushions. The company actually makes a variety of seat cushion options, but the Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion is designed for <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-big-and-tall-office-chairs/">larger chairs</a>. As with its pillow, this seat cushion is also more expensive than many (if not most) competitors, but it’s worth it.</p>
  11102.  
  11103.  
  11104.  
  11105. <p>The seat cushion is made of a purple grid (I unzipped the cover so you can see it). The grid is squishy and soft, yet it can provide support without pressure. The cushion cradles the tailbone and cushions the other body parts, and the contoured groove is designed to ensure the right posture. Also, there are hundreds of air channels that help to ensure the cushion is temperature-neutral so I can avoid getting hot and sweaty while seated. The Purple Harmony Pillow offers undoubtedly the best design of the desk chair cushions I’ve tried.</p>
  11106.  
  11107.  
  11108.  
  11109. <p>If you have a hard chair, this will definitely make it softer. However, remember it’s bigger than the average seat cushion, so measure your chair to ensure the right fit. The cover can be removed, washed in the machine, and dried on a low setting. In addition, the actual cushion can also be hand-washed in cold water and a gentle detergent.</p>
  11110.  
  11111.  
  11112.  
  11113. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-non-slip-bottom-aylio-seat-cushion-nbsp-nbsp"><strong>Best non-slip bottom:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aylio-Cushion-Tailbone-Sciatica-Washable/dp/B00AE9V3WQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Aylio Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
  11114.  
  11115.  
  11116. <div
  11117.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11118.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11119. >
  11120.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11121.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Aylio-Cushion-Tailbone-Sciatica-Washable/dp/B00AE9V3WQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11122.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11123.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Aylio-Seat-Cushion-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Aylio-Seat-Cushion-scaled.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Aylio Seat Cushion on a chair.">
  11124.                      </figure>
  11125.                  </a>
  11126.            </div>
  11127.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11128.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11129.        <p><em>Terri Williams / Popular Science</em></p>
  11130.  
  11131.      </figcaption>
  11132.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11133.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Aylio-Cushion-Tailbone-Sciatica-Washable/dp/B00AE9V3WQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000"
  11134.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11135.      </p>
  11136.      </div>
  11137. </div>
  11138.  
  11139.  
  11140.  
  11141. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11142.  
  11143.  
  11144.  
  11145. <ul>
  11146. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 18” x 14” x 2.5 inches</li>
  11147.  
  11148.  
  11149.  
  11150. <li><strong>Fill Material:</strong> High-density foam</li>
  11151.  
  11152.  
  11153.  
  11154. <li><strong>Cover:</strong> Velvet</li>
  11155. </ul>
  11156.  
  11157.  
  11158.  
  11159. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11160.  
  11161.  
  11162.  
  11163. <ul>
  11164. <li>Carrying handle</li>
  11165.  
  11166.  
  11167.  
  11168. <li>Washable cover</li>
  11169.  
  11170.  
  11171.  
  11172. <li>Nonslip microgrip</li>
  11173.  
  11174.  
  11175.  
  11176. <li>Soft</li>
  11177. </ul>
  11178.  
  11179.  
  11180.  
  11181. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11182.  
  11183.  
  11184.  
  11185. <ul>
  11186. <li>May be too soft for some people</li>
  11187. </ul>
  11188.  
  11189.  
  11190.  
  11191. <p>I first tested the Aylio Seat Cushion in 2020, and the fact that I still have it says something about the quality and durability of this product. It’s slightly firm—enough to be supportive—but not firm enough to be uncomfortable or hard. The cushion leans more toward the soft side and is quite comfy yet supportive. And there was no “break-in” period. From day one, it was nice and cushy.</p>
  11192.  
  11193.  
  11194.  
  11195. <p>The U-shape design eliminates the numbness that sometimes comes from sitting for long periods and takes the pressure off the coccyx, legs, and other areas. In addition, the cover, which has a carrying strap, can be removed and machine-washed to keep it hygienic. Although the cover is made of velvet, it doesn’t generate heat.</p>
  11196.  
  11197.  
  11198.  
  11199. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-back-cushion-purple-back-cushion"><strong>Best back cushion: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP19U?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Purple Back Cushion</a></h3>
  11200.  
  11201.  
  11202. <div
  11203.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11204.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11205. >
  11206.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11207.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP19U?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11208.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11209.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Back-Cushion.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Purple-Back-Cushion.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Purple Back Cushion on a plain white background.">
  11210.                      </figure>
  11211.                  </a>
  11212.            </div>
  11213.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11214.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11215.        <p><em>Purple</em></p>
  11216.  
  11217.      </figcaption>
  11218.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11219.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP19U?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000"
  11220.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11221.      </p>
  11222.      </div>
  11223. </div>
  11224.  
  11225.  
  11226.  
  11227. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11228.  
  11229.  
  11230.  
  11231. <ul>
  11232. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 15.75 x 9.25 x 2.5 inches</li>
  11233.  
  11234.  
  11235.  
  11236. <li><strong>Fill Material:</strong> Hyper-Elastic Polymer</li>
  11237.  
  11238.  
  11239.  
  11240. <li><strong>Cover:</strong> Polyester</li>
  11241. </ul>
  11242.  
  11243.  
  11244.  
  11245. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11246.  
  11247.  
  11248.  
  11249. <ul>
  11250. <li>Adjustable strap keeps it in place</li>
  11251.  
  11252.  
  11253.  
  11254. <li>Provides lumbar support</li>
  11255.  
  11256.  
  11257.  
  11258. <li>Cool</li>
  11259.  
  11260.  
  11261.  
  11262. <li>Machine washable cover</li>
  11263. </ul>
  11264.  
  11265.  
  11266.  
  11267. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11268.  
  11269.  
  11270.  
  11271. <ul>
  11272. <li>Expensive</li>
  11273. </ul>
  11274.  
  11275.  
  11276.  
  11277. <p>The Purple Back Support Cushion is large enough for any chair with a backrest. The hyper-elastic polymer (elastic gel) provides a squishy level of comfort that is also supportive. It’s designed to adjust to your body shape, and the adjustable strap keeps it in place so the cushion can provide lumbar support. The gel also has hundreds of tiny airways to ensure that the cushion does not trap heat but, instead, keeps you cool.</p>
  11278.  
  11279.  
  11280.  
  11281. <p>The zippered cover can be removed and tossed into the washing machine. In addition, the cushion itself can be cleaned with soap and water to keep it hygienic.</p>
  11282.  
  11283.  
  11284.  
  11285. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-qutool-orthopedic-memory-foam-seat-cushion-and-lumbar-support"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support</a></h3>
  11286.  
  11287.  
  11288. <div
  11289.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11290.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11291. >
  11292.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11293.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11294.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11295.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Qutool-Orthopedic-Memory-Foam-Seat-Cushion-and-Lumbar-Support.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support on a plain white background.">
  11296.                      </figure>
  11297.                  </a>
  11298.            </div>
  11299.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11300.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11301.        <p><em>Qutool</em></p>
  11302.  
  11303.      </figcaption>
  11304.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11305.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000"
  11306.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11307.      </p>
  11308.      </div>
  11309. </div>
  11310.  
  11311.  
  11312.  
  11313. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11314.  
  11315.  
  11316.  
  11317. <ul>
  11318. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> Cushion: 18 x 14 x 3 inches: Lumbar Pillow: 14 x 13 x 4 inches</li>
  11319.  
  11320.  
  11321.  
  11322. <li><strong>Fill Material:</strong> Memory foam</li>
  11323.  
  11324.  
  11325.  
  11326. <li><strong>Cover:</strong> Velvet</li>
  11327. </ul>
  11328.  
  11329.  
  11330.  
  11331. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11332.  
  11333.  
  11334.  
  11335. <ul>
  11336. <li>Great price</li>
  11337.  
  11338.  
  11339.  
  11340. <li>Seat cushion and lumbar pillow</li>
  11341.  
  11342.  
  11343.  
  11344. <li>Machine washable cover</li>
  11345.  
  11346.  
  11347.  
  11348. <li>Choice of colors&nbsp;</li>
  11349. </ul>
  11350.  
  11351.  
  11352.  
  11353. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11354.  
  11355.  
  11356.  
  11357. <ul>
  11358. <li>Back cushion may not fit right for some</li>
  11359. </ul>
  11360.  
  11361.  
  11362.  
  11363. <p>The Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support Pillow is a great option for those considering <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-office-chairs-for-back-support/">an office chair for back support</a> but shopping on a budget. It’s a fabulous deal because it’s a combo that comes with two separate cushions: one for the seat and one for the back. The memory foam material is soft to the touch yet supportive, and the lumbar support pillow includes two straps to secure it to the back of the chair.</p>
  11364.  
  11365.  
  11366.  
  11367. <p>Keep in mind that if your chair already has a lumbar option, the lumbar support pillow will fit rather awkwardly. But if your chair doesn’t have a lumbar feature, the pillow should fit fine. The velvet cover zips off to launder in the machine, and the set is available in black and grey.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  11368.  
  11369.  
  11370.  
  11371. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-shopping-for-the-best-seat-cushion-for-office-chairs"><strong>What to consider when shopping for the best seat cushion for office chairs</strong></h2>
  11372.  
  11373.  
  11374.  
  11375. <p>There are several factors to remember to ensure you get the right seat cushion for your office chair:&nbsp;</p>
  11376.  
  11377.  
  11378.  
  11379. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-material">Material</h3>
  11380.  
  11381.  
  11382.  
  11383. <p><strong>Memory foam</strong></p>
  11384.  
  11385.  
  11386.  
  11387. <p>“Memory foam cushions help contour the back and offer spinal support,” Dr. Allen Conrad, owner of the <a href="https://montcochiro.com/personal-choice-ppo-chiropractor-northwales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montgomery County Chiropractic Center</a> in North Wales, Penn., says. “Similar to a memory foam bed, the material will conform to your back and offer support.” However, he tells us there’s a downside: Like a memory foam bed, Conrad says, it will sag over time and lose its elasticity. Also, he warns that memory foam tends to retain heat and says it may not be the best choice if you tend to sweat a lot.</p>
  11388.  
  11389.  
  11390.  
  11391. <p>Dr. Sapna Sriram, chiropractor and injury expert at <a href="http://www.integrahealth.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integra Health</a> in Toronto, agrees that the cushion’s material plays a significant role in providing both comfort and support. “Memory foam cushions are popular due to their ability to contour to the shape of the body, offering personalized support,” she says. “Additionally, materials like mesh or breathable fabrics can enhance airflow and prevent sweating, especially during warmer months.”</p>
  11392.  
  11393.  
  11394.  
  11395. <p><strong>Liquid gel&nbsp;</strong></p>
  11396.  
  11397.  
  11398.  
  11399. <p>“Liquid gel and silicone gel offer the combination of support of a memory foam cushion,” Conrad says. “They also have individual cells, which allow circulation which helps you from overheating like a regular memory foam cushion tends to do.” He notes that these are very popular materials, especially for those looking for a combination of temperature control and comfort.&nbsp;</p>
  11400.  
  11401.  
  11402.  
  11403. <p>Sriram adds, “Gel-infused cushions provide excellent pressure relief and help in dissipating heat, which can be beneficial for prolonged sitting.”</p>
  11404.  
  11405.  
  11406.  
  11407. <p><strong>Inflatable</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  11408.  
  11409.  
  11410.  
  11411. <p>While we didn’t include them on our list, some seat cushions can be inflated with air, reveals Conrad. “These are convenient for people that need something lightweight, but something they can travel with—for example, you use it at your desk at work and want to take the seat cushion home each day.” However, most options on our list have a carrying handle for easy transport. We didn’t include inflatables because they don’t provide the same level of support as the other two materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  11412.  
  11413.  
  11414.  
  11415. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exterior-materials">Exterior materials</h3>
  11416.  
  11417.  
  11418.  
  11419. <p>“The covering of an office seat cushion mostly focuses on personal taste, durability, and temperature control,” Conrad says. While some materials, like suede or leather, look nice, he warns that they may show wear and tear after only a few weeks. In addition, he says a wool or canvas material may also retain heat, compared with a cotton or polyester material.&nbsp;</p>
  11420.  
  11421.  
  11422.  
  11423. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firmness-nbsp">Firmness&nbsp;</h3>
  11424.  
  11425.  
  11426.  
  11427. <p>Sriram notes that the ideal firmness of the cushion will vary depending on your individual preferences and specific needs. “Generally, a cushion with medium firmness strikes a balance between comfort and support, ensuring that it adequately supports the body while alleviating pressure points,” she explains. However, she says some individuals may prefer firmer cushions for additional support, while others may find softer cushions more comfortable</p>
  11428.  
  11429.  
  11430.  
  11431. <p>If you don’t have any serious back conditions, Conrad says you may like a softer type; however, if you have a history of degenerative arthritis, for example, he says the firmer, the better. “When you get a degenerative spine condition, the ligaments of your spine lose their structural support,” Conrad explains. “As a result, you need the additional firm pressure while sitting to help reduce spasms and inflammation of the lumbar spine.”&nbsp;</p>
  11432.  
  11433.  
  11434.  
  11435. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-shape">Size and shape</h3>
  11436.  
  11437.  
  11438.  
  11439. <p>“The size and shape of the cushion should complement the dimensions of your office chair and provide ample support for your body,” Sriram says. “Look for cushions that are large enough to support your entire seating area and promote proper alignment of the spine.” In addition, she recommends an ergonomic design that contours to the natural curves of your body since it can help alleviate lower back pressure while also promoting a healthy posture.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  11440.  
  11441.  
  11442.  
  11443. <p>“You will need to measure the width and depth of your office chair to see the dimensions that will fit,” says Conrad. “If the cushion is too narrow, for example, it will tend to move and slide around. This will become uncomfortable and defeat the whole purpose.”&nbsp;</p>
  11444.  
  11445.  
  11446.  
  11447. <p>Most people can use a flat style, Conrad continues, but for those with herniated discs or degenerative arthritis, the contoured type is preferred. “Contoured cushions will follow the lordotic curve of your lumbar spinal vertebrae,” he explains. “This provides additional reinforcement along your lower back to act as extra pressure right on your spine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  11448.  
  11449.  
  11450.  
  11451. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-regulation">Temperature regulation</h3>
  11452.  
  11453.  
  11454.  
  11455. <p>Sriram says it’s important to maintain a comfortable temperature -especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk. “Opt for cushions with temperature-regulating features, such as gel-infused or ventilated designs, which help dissipate heat and promote airflow to prevent discomfort caused by excessive sweating or overheating,” she says.</p>
  11456.  
  11457.  
  11458.  
  11459. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-features">Additional features</h3>
  11460.  
  11461.  
  11462.  
  11463. <p>Depending on your preferences and specific needs, Sriram says you may want to consider additional features that can enhance comfort and functionality. “This may include built-in lumbar support for extra back support, non-slip bottoms to prevent the cushion from sliding on the chair, and removable, washable covers for easy maintenance and hygiene.”<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
  11464.  
  11465.  
  11466.  
  11467. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  11468.  
  11469.  
  11470.  
  11471. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712723487213"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Is gel or memory foam better for a seat cushion?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It depends on your preferences and needs. Memory foam can contour to the shape of your body and provide personalized support. Cushions infused with gel can provide pressure relief and dissipate heat.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712723491677"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can a seat cushion for an office chair relieve pain?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, a seat cushion for office chairs can relieve pain in your lower back, hips, and joints. It also reduces fatigue by improving circulation. In addition, the seat cushion can support your legs and hips and promote proper posture.  </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712723496786"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What is the difference between a chair pad and a chair cushion?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">A chair pad is typically a flat seat cushion for outdoor chairs, kitchen and dining room chairs, and other scenarios. Some models include fabric ties to keep them secure. They provide a more comfortable experience but usually don’t have the ergonomic effects you’d find in a dedicated seat cushion for an office chair.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712723500184"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can a seat cushion for an office chair be used in other environments?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, a seat cushion for an office chair can be used in your car, while sitting on the sofa, in a wheelchair, and pretty much anywhere you sit down.</p> </div> </div>
  11472.  
  11473.  
  11474.  
  11475. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs"><strong>Final thoughts on the best seat cushions for office chairs</strong></h2>
  11476.  
  11477.  
  11478.  
  11479. <ul>
  11480. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Gel-Enhanced-Seat-Cushion/dp/B014F18ZGU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion</a></li>
  11481.  
  11482.  
  11483.  
  11484. <li><strong>Best cooling: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sutera-Superior-Underneath-Shifting-17-7x16x4-3/dp/B0BHF7N3QK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sutera Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  11485.  
  11486.  
  11487.  
  11488. <li><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP21W?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Purple Ultimate Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  11489.  
  11490.  
  11491.  
  11492. <li><strong>Best non-slip bottom:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aylio-Cushion-Tailbone-Sciatica-Washable/dp/B00AE9V3WQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Aylio Seat Cushion</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  11493.  
  11494.  
  11495.  
  11496. <li><strong>Best back cushion: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ultimate-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP19U?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Purple Back Cushion</a></li>
  11497.  
  11498.  
  11499.  
  11500. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074CV2HQC?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610218O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Qutool Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  11501. </ul>
  11502.  
  11503.  
  11504.  
  11505. <p>If you sit at your desk for an extended period, your body can start to ache. But one of the best seat cushions for office chairs can help alleviate these pains. Whether you prefer memory foam, gel, or a combination, there’s a seat cushion that meets your needs and can make it easier for you to focus and work comfortably.</p>
  11506.  
  11507.  
  11508.  
  11509. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  11510.  
  11511.  
  11512.  
  11513. <p>Popular Science<em> started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  11514.  
  11515.  
  11516.  
  11517. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  11518. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-seat-cushions-for-office-chairs/">The best seat cushions for office chairs in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  11519. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  11520. </item>
  11521. <item>
  11522. <title>The best label printers for home offices and small businesses in 2024</title>
  11523. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-label-printers/</link>
  11524. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stan Horaczek]]></dc:creator>
  11525. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  11526. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  11527. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  11528. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  11529. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  11530. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  11531. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  11532. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  11533. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=403350</guid>
  11534.  
  11535. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  11536.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="960" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=960.3" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Rollo label printer in front of plants being held in a hand" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Make shipping and organizing much easier with these compact, efficient printers.</p>
  11537. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-label-printers/">The best label printers for home offices and small businesses in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  11538. ]]></description>
  11539. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  11540.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="960" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=960.3" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Rollo label printer in front of plants being held in a hand" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  11541. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  11542.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  11543.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  11544.      <tbody>
  11545.              <tr
  11546.          class="ProductTable-product"
  11547.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  11548.        >
  11549.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  11550.            Best overall
  11551.          </td>
  11552.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  11553.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Rollo label printer in front of plants being held in a hand" class="wp-image-610558" width="264" height="165">
  11554.          </td>
  11555.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  11556.            Rollo Wireless Label Printer
  11557.          </td>
  11558.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  11559.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  11560.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11561.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11562.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11563.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11564.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11565.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  11566.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11567.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11568.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11569.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11570.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11571.                                  </div>
  11572.                          </div>
  11573.          </td>
  11574.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  11575.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  11576.                <span>
  11577.                  SEE IT
  11578.                </span>
  11579.            </a>
  11580.          </td>
  11581.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  11582.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The easiest way to print shipping labels.</span></p>
  11583.  
  11584.            </td>
  11585.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  11586.        </tr>
  11587.              <tr
  11588.          class="ProductTable-product"
  11589.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  11590.        >
  11591.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  11592.            Best for small business
  11593.          </td>
  11594.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  11595.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Dymo XL is the best label printer for small business." class="wp-image-403355" width="264" height="165">
  11596.          </td>
  11597.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  11598.            Dymo 4XL
  11599.          </td>
  11600.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  11601.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  11602.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11603.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11604.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11605.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11606.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11607.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  11608.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11609.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11610.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11611.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11612.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11613.                                  </div>
  11614.                          </div>
  11615.          </td>
  11616.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  11617.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  11618.                <span>
  11619.                  SEE IT
  11620.                </span>
  11621.            </a>
  11622.          </td>
  11623.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  11624.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A super-compact printer with a wide range of features</span></p>
  11625.  
  11626.            </td>
  11627.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  11628.        </tr>
  11629.              <tr
  11630.          class="ProductTable-product"
  11631.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Leoity-Shipping-Connected-Commercial-Compatible/dp/B08ZYQ63VJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  11632.        >
  11633.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  11634.            Best value
  11635.          </td>
  11636.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  11637.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Leoity-Thermal-Label-Printer-best-value.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Leoity-Thermal-Label-Printer-best-value.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Leoity-Thermal-Label-Printer-best-value.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Leoity-Thermal-Label-Printer-best-value.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Leoity-Thermal-Label-Printer-best-value.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Leoity-Thermal-Label-Printer-best-value.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Leoity is the best label printer." class="wp-image-403353" width="264" height="165">
  11638.          </td>
  11639.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  11640.            Leoity Thermal Label Printer
  11641.          </td>
  11642.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  11643.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  11644.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11645.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11646.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11647.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11648.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11649.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  11650.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11651.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11652.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11653.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11654.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  11655.                                  </div>
  11656.                          </div>
  11657.          </td>
  11658.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  11659.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leoity-Shipping-Connected-Commercial-Compatible/dp/B08ZYQ63VJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  11660.                <span>
  11661.                  SEE IT
  11662.                </span>
  11663.            </a>
  11664.          </td>
  11665.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  11666.              <p>This affordable option prints as fast as many competitors.</p>
  11667.  
  11668.            </td>
  11669.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Leoity-Shipping-Connected-Commercial-Compatible/dp/B08ZYQ63VJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  11670.        </tr>
  11671.            </tbody>
  11672.    </table>
  11673.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  11674.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  11675.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  11676.    </div>
  11677.  </div>
  11678. </div>
  11679.  
  11680.  
  11681.  
  11682. <p>You don&#8217;t have to be a true type-A person for a label printer to change the way you work. Whether you’re running a high-volume online store or just trying to keep track of where all your stuff is, a great label machine can make the process much simpler. The best label printers are typically much more efficient than trying to wrestle with an unreliable all-in-one inkjet printer that tries to do everything and succeeds at almost nothing. These purpose-built printers can make the shipping process a lot easier and a<em> whole lot</em> cheaper. Just be sure you know what you’re looking for before taking the plunge and picking up one of the best label printers. </p>
  11683.  
  11684.  
  11685.  
  11686. <ul>
  11687. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rollo Label Printer</a></li>
  11688.  
  11689.  
  11690.  
  11691. <li><strong>Best with wireless:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PT-D460BT-Business-Connected-Bluetooth%C2%AE/dp/B0B1KZQ1HM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother P-Touch PT-D460BT Business Expert Connected Label Maker </a></li>
  11692.  
  11693.  
  11694.  
  11695. <li><strong>Best color label printer:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Wireless-Networking/dp/B07KWW7RH6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother VC-500W Versatile Compact Color Label and Photo Printer&nbsp;</a></li>
  11696.  
  11697.  
  11698.  
  11699. <li><strong>Best for small businesses: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dymo 4XL</a></li>
  11700.  
  11701.  
  11702.  
  11703. <li><strong>Best for organizing: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PTH110-Portable-Lightweight-One-Touch/dp/B01J3WQ360?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother P-Touch</a></li>
  11704. </ul>
  11705.  
  11706.  
  11707.  
  11708. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-label-printers"><strong>How we chose the best label printers</strong></h2>
  11709.  
  11710.  
  11711.  
  11712. <p>Here at <em>PopSci</em> HQ, we have gadgets and other products coming in and out all the time. I&#8217;m also a frequent online seller with an established vintage clothing business, so this is essential equipment for me. I can look at a shipping box and tell you the correct dimensions at this point. Our regular delivery service workers gave <em>us</em> a holiday gift last year. We do a lot of shipping. At the same time, we also do a lot of organizing. Keeping track of everything can be a grind if we’re constantly sorting through identical boxes. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-label-makers/">Label makers</a> can make a huge difference. </p>
  11713.  
  11714.  
  11715.  
  11716. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-label-printers-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best label printers: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  11717.  
  11718.  
  11719.  
  11720. <p>For this guide, we surveyed dozens of models but focused on the most reliable and revered brands with the best reputation. We considered ease of use and even design, which is important when you have to stare at these things all day.</p>
  11721.  
  11722.  
  11723.  
  11724. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-rollo-wireless-label-printer"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rollo Wireless Label Printer</a></h3>
  11725.  
  11726.  
  11727. <div
  11728.    id="ship-to-be-rectangle"
  11729.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11730.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11731. >
  11732.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11733.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11734.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11735.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/11/rollo-label-printer.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Rollo label printer in front of plants being held in a hand">
  11736.                      </figure>
  11737.                  </a>
  11738.            </div>
  11739.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11740.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11741.        <p><em>Stan Horaczek</em></p>
  11742.  
  11743.      </figcaption>
  11744.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11745.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000"
  11746.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11747.      </p>
  11748.      </div>
  11749. </div>
  11750.  
  11751.  
  11752.  
  11753. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11754.  
  11755.  
  11756.  
  11757. <ul>
  11758. <li>Thermal printing</li>
  11759.  
  11760.  
  11761.  
  11762. <li>Up to 4-inch x 6-inch prints</li>
  11763.  
  11764.  
  11765.  
  11766. <li>Works with all the major shipping companies</li>
  11767.  
  11768.  
  11769.  
  11770. <li>Prints one label per second</li>
  11771. </ul>
  11772.  
  11773.  
  11774.  
  11775. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11776.  
  11777.  
  11778.  
  11779. <ul>
  11780. <li>Fast</li>
  11781.  
  11782.  
  11783.  
  11784. <li>No toner or ink to buy</li>
  11785.  
  11786.  
  11787.  
  11788. <li>Works with all major shippiers</li>
  11789.  
  11790.  
  11791.  
  11792. <li>Automatically recognizes labels</li>
  11793.  
  11794.  
  11795.  
  11796. <li>Connects wirelessly</li>
  11797. </ul>
  11798.  
  11799.  
  11800.  
  11801. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11802.  
  11803.  
  11804.  
  11805. <ul>
  11806. <li>Pricey unless you’re doing high-volume</li>
  11807.  
  11808.  
  11809.  
  11810. <li>No color&nbsp;</li>
  11811. </ul>
  11812.  
  11813.  
  11814.  
  11815. <p>Put a stack or roll of labels behind the Rollo label printer, and it can start pumping out ready-to-roll labels at a rate of one per second. It uses thermal-printing tech, which means it prints with heat onto thermal-compatible labels, which means there’s no ink or toner to buy as there would be with your inkjet.&nbsp;</p>
  11816.  
  11817.  
  11818.  
  11819. <p>The Rollo has built-in sensors that can automatically detect what type of label it’s printing on to keep everything in the correct spot without a user having to dig into its settings.&nbsp;</p>
  11820.  
  11821.  
  11822.  
  11823. <p>In many cases, you can get the Thermal Direct labels from the shippers for free, which means the cost of the printer and the small amount of electricity it takes to run it is all you’re spending on labels.&nbsp;</p>
  11824.  
  11825.  
  11826.  
  11827. <p>As the best label printer overall, it works with <a href="https://www.usps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USPS</a>, <a href="https://www.ups.com/us/en/Home.page" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UPS</a>, and <a href="https://www.fedex.com/en-us/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FedEx</a>, and the whole thing is rugged and portable, so you can take it with you if you want to get some work done at a separate location. </p>
  11828.  
  11829.  
  11830.  
  11831. <p>If you don&#8217;t need wireless capabilities, you can get the USB-only version <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA3EYC5/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">for $199</a>, though the wireless connectivity is extremely handy. Rollo also sells <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Shipping-Scale-Capacity-commece/dp/B0BJT9XD98/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">a scale</a> specifically for online sellers in case you want the matching kit.</p>
  11832.  
  11833.  
  11834.  
  11835. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best with wireless:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PT-D460BT-Business-Connected-Bluetooth%C2%AE/dp/B0B1KZQ1HM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother P-Touch PT-D460BT Business Expert Connected Label Maker </a></h3>
  11836.  
  11837.  
  11838. <div
  11839.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11840.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11841. >
  11842.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11843.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PT-D460BT-Business-Connected-Bluetooth%C2%AE/dp/B0B1KZQ1HM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11844.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11845.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/12/brother-ptouch-460bt.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/12/brother-ptouch-460bt.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Brother PTouch 460bt label printer on a tile background">
  11846.                      </figure>
  11847.                  </a>
  11848.            </div>
  11849.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11850.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11851.        <p><em>Stan Horaczek</em></p>
  11852.  
  11853.      </figcaption>
  11854.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11855.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PT-D460BT-Business-Connected-Bluetooth%C2%AE/dp/B0B1KZQ1HM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000"
  11856.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11857.      </p>
  11858.      </div>
  11859. </div>
  11860.  
  11861.  
  11862.  
  11863. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11864.  
  11865.  
  11866.  
  11867. <ul>
  11868. <li>Memory holds up to 70 labels</li>
  11869.  
  11870.  
  11871.  
  11872. <li>30mm per second print speed</li>
  11873.  
  11874.  
  11875.  
  11876. <li>Bluetooth or wired connectivity</li>
  11877.  
  11878.  
  11879.  
  11880. <li>Five lines per label</li>
  11881.  
  11882.  
  11883.  
  11884. <li>Manual tape cutter</li>
  11885. </ul>
  11886.  
  11887.  
  11888.  
  11889. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11890.  
  11891.  
  11892.  
  11893. <ul>
  11894. <li>Easily stores frequently used labels for quick printing</li>
  11895.  
  11896.  
  11897.  
  11898. <li>Crisp, clear print quality</li>
  11899.  
  11900.  
  11901.  
  11902. <li>Keyboard is easy to type on</li>
  11903.  
  11904.  
  11905.  
  11906. <li>Quick</li>
  11907.  
  11908.  
  11909.  
  11910. <li>Screen is roomy and easy to red</li>
  11911.  
  11912.  
  11913.  
  11914. <li>Wireless connectivity is handy</li>
  11915. </ul>
  11916.  
  11917.  
  11918.  
  11919. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  11920.  
  11921.  
  11922.  
  11923. <ul>
  11924. <li>Requires proprietary materials</li>
  11925. </ul>
  11926.  
  11927.  
  11928.  
  11929. <p>This Bluetooth-enabled printer can churn out prints at up to 30mm per second on 0.75-inch wide tape. You&#8217;ll have to use the proprietary Brother tape, but that&#8217;s common for models like this. The P-Touch 460BT can store up to 70 different label templates in its memory, making them easy to quickly print if you use them frequently. Brother&#8217;s print quality and clarity are excellent. Even small print is simple to make out, thanks to the sharp, clear letters. You can connect this printer to a computer via Bluetooth or a cord, which makes it one of the most versatile models we&#8217;ve tried. It&#8217;s a great way to label things in storage or add QR codes to inventory that you&#8217;re trying to keep track of in automated systems. Plus, if you&#8217;re using it at home, you have many formatting options that are easily accessible through the keyboard. With 16 different fonts, 800 symbols, and 140 frame styles, you can personalize the look of the labels. If you&#8217;re looking for a traditional model, go check out our list of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-bluetooth-printers/">best Bluetooth printers</a>.</p>
  11930.  
  11931.  
  11932.  
  11933. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-color-label-printer-brother-vc-500w-versatile-compact-color-label-and-photo-printer"><strong>Best color label printer:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Wireless-Networking/dp/B07KWW7RH6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother VC-500W Versatile Compact Color Label and Photo Printer</a></h3>
  11934.  
  11935.  
  11936. <div
  11937.    id="strike-the-right-tone"
  11938.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  11939.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  11940. >
  11941.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  11942.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Wireless-Networking/dp/B07KWW7RH6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  11943.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  11944.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Compact-Color-Labels-and-Photo-Printer-best-color-label-printer-.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Compact-Color-Labels-and-Photo-Printer-best-color-label-printer-.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Brother VC Compact Labels and Color Printer is the best label printer.">
  11945.                      </figure>
  11946.                  </a>
  11947.            </div>
  11948.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  11949.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  11950.        <p><em>Brother</em></p>
  11951.  
  11952.      </figcaption>
  11953.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  11954.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Wireless-Networking/dp/B07KWW7RH6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000"
  11955.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  11956.      </p>
  11957.      </div>
  11958. </div>
  11959.  
  11960.  
  11961.  
  11962. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  11963.  
  11964.  
  11965.  
  11966. <ul>
  11967. <li>ZINK thermal printing technology</li>
  11968.  
  11969.  
  11970.  
  11971. <li>Prints in color and black-and-white</li>
  11972.  
  11973.  
  11974.  
  11975. <li>WiFi connectivity</li>
  11976. </ul>
  11977.  
  11978.  
  11979.  
  11980. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  11981.  
  11982.  
  11983.  
  11984. <ul>
  11985. <li>Full-color printing without ink to buy</li>
  11986.  
  11987.  
  11988.  
  11989. <li>Can make prints up to 17 inches long</li>
  11990.  
  11991.  
  11992.  
  11993. <li>Small</li>
  11994.  
  11995.  
  11996.  
  11997. <li>Wireless connectivity</li>
  11998.  
  11999.  
  12000.  
  12001. <li>Lots of printing substrate options, including stickers</li>
  12002. </ul>
  12003.  
  12004.  
  12005.  
  12006. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  12007.  
  12008.  
  12009.  
  12010. <ul>
  12011. <li>Width maxes out at two inches</li>
  12012.  
  12013.  
  12014.  
  12015. <li>Pricey paper refills</li>
  12016. </ul>
  12017.  
  12018.  
  12019.  
  12020. <p>This printer can churn out full-color print jobs but doesn’t require ink. Instead, it relies on Zero Ink technology (sometimes called ZINK). The required colors exist inside the special paper or sticker refills before entering the printer. Heat activates them to create images.</p>
  12021.  
  12022.  
  12023.  
  12024. <p>These labels aren’t as big as typical shipping labels—they max out at two inches wide. It can print images up to 17 inches long, however.&nbsp;</p>
  12025.  
  12026.  
  12027.  
  12028. <p>Built-in wireless connectivity makes connecting via <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-wifi-6/">WiFi</a> or even a smartphone’s wireless connection easy. While this isn’t ideal for people in most business settings, it can be the best color label printer for a teacher or other professional that can benefit from the occasional splash of color.&nbsp;</p>
  12029.  
  12030.  
  12031.  
  12032. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-small-businesses-dymo-4xl"><strong>Best for small businesses: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dymo 4XL</a></h3>
  12033.  
  12034.  
  12035. <div
  12036.    id="major-label"
  12037.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  12038.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  12039. >
  12040.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  12041.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  12042.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  12043.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Dymo-4XL-Best-label-printers-for-small-business.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Dymo XL is the best label printer for small business.">
  12044.                      </figure>
  12045.                  </a>
  12046.            </div>
  12047.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  12048.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  12049.        <p><em>Dymo</em></p>
  12050.  
  12051.      </figcaption>
  12052.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  12053.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000"
  12054.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  12055.      </p>
  12056.      </div>
  12057. </div>
  12058.  
  12059.  
  12060.  
  12061. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  12062.  
  12063.  
  12064.  
  12065. <ul>
  12066. <li>Prints up to 4 inches by 6 inches</li>
  12067.  
  12068.  
  12069.  
  12070. <li>60 custom templates to choose from</li>
  12071.  
  12072.  
  12073.  
  12074. <li>Prints up to 129 labels per minute</li>
  12075.  
  12076.  
  12077.  
  12078. <li>Works with major selling and shipping platforms</li>
  12079. </ul>
  12080.  
  12081.  
  12082.  
  12083. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  12084.  
  12085.  
  12086.  
  12087. <ul>
  12088. <li>Super-fast printing</li>
  12089.  
  12090.  
  12091.  
  12092. <li>Very small footprint</li>
  12093.  
  12094.  
  12095.  
  12096. <li>Super crisp, high-res text</li>
  12097.  
  12098.  
  12099.  
  12100. <li>Woks with shipping labels from major companies</li>
  12101. </ul>
  12102.  
  12103.  
  12104.  
  12105. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  12106.  
  12107.  
  12108.  
  12109. <ul>
  12110. <li>Expensive</li>
  12111.  
  12112.  
  12113.  
  12114. <li>Works best with on-brand labels</li>
  12115. </ul>
  12116.  
  12117.  
  12118.  
  12119. <p>Small business label printing goes beyond shipping. This 300-dpi printer can churn out super-crisp barcodes, QR codes, and other business-specific labels easily read with a machine or your eyeballs. If you’re mostly shipping, this printer works with labels from major shippers like FedEx, USPS, and UPS. With 60 built-in printing templates, the Dymo can automatically print labels from popular services like eBay and Etsy to streamline shipping.&nbsp;</p>
  12120.  
  12121.  
  12122.  
  12123. <p>Like other label printers, it maxes out at four inches by six inches, which should be plenty big for the most common tasks. Dymo offers a litany of different first-party papers and substrates to match your exact printing requirements.&nbsp;</p>
  12124.  
  12125.  
  12126.  
  12127. <p>Like other thermal printers, it doesn’t require ink or toner cartridge replacements, which keeps costs way down over inkjets making this the best label printer for small businesses. If you&#8217;re looking for the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-printers-for-small-businesses/">best printer for small businesses</a> over all, go check out our buying guide.</p>
  12128.  
  12129.  
  12130.  
  12131. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-organizing-brother-p-touch"><strong>Best for organizing:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PTH110-Portable-Lightweight-One-Touch/dp/B01J3WQ360?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother P-Touch</a></h3>
  12132.  
  12133.  
  12134. <div
  12135.    id="keep-em-separated"
  12136.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  12137.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  12138. >
  12139.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  12140.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PTH110-Portable-Lightweight-One-Touch/dp/B01J3WQ360?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  12141.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  12142.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Brother-P-Touch-Best-label-printer-for-organizing.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/10/15/Brother-P-Touch-Best-label-printer-for-organizing.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Brother P Touch is the best label printer for organizing.">
  12143.                      </figure>
  12144.                  </a>
  12145.            </div>
  12146.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  12147.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  12148.        <p><em>Brother</em></p>
  12149.  
  12150.      </figcaption>
  12151.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  12152.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PTH110-Portable-Lightweight-One-Touch/dp/B01J3WQ360?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000"
  12153.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  12154.      </p>
  12155.      </div>
  12156. </div>
  12157.  
  12158.  
  12159.  
  12160. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  12161.  
  12162.  
  12163.  
  12164. <ul>
  12165. <li>Full QWERTY keyboard</li>
  12166.  
  12167.  
  12168.  
  12169. <li>Battery powered</li>
  12170.  
  12171.  
  12172.  
  12173. <li>Prints to half-inch tape</li>
  12174.  
  12175.  
  12176.  
  12177. <li>Three font choices</li>
  12178. </ul>
  12179.  
  12180.  
  12181.  
  12182. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  12183.  
  12184.  
  12185.  
  12186. <ul>
  12187. <li>Cheap</li>
  12188.  
  12189.  
  12190.  
  12191. <li>Built-in keyboard</li>
  12192.  
  12193.  
  12194.  
  12195. <li>Portable</li>
  12196.  
  12197.  
  12198.  
  12199. <li>Prints quickly</li>
  12200. </ul>
  12201.  
  12202.  
  12203.  
  12204. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  12205.  
  12206.  
  12207.  
  12208. <ul>
  12209. <li>Very small print material</li>
  12210. </ul>
  12211.  
  12212.  
  12213.  
  12214. <p>If you don’t need to print barcodes or shipping labels and just need the best label printer for organizing, this portable unit can come in very handy. Load a roll of half-inch tape inside and choose one of three fonts. Then type into the onboard QWERTY keyboard, and the machine spits out your label in just a few seconds. It allows for borders and special characters like fire if you want to point out that something is flammable.&nbsp;</p>
  12215.  
  12216.  
  12217.  
  12218. <p>This model can save 15 labels to its built-in memory, so if you’re constantly making the same one, you don’t have to create it every time you turn the machine on. Brother sells a whole line of compatible tape for printing, including various colors and types. The printing process is quick and quiet so that you can make fast work of an entire room or space. The <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-small-printers/">best small printers</a> can make a big difference in your workflow.</p>
  12219.  
  12220.  
  12221.  
  12222. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-consider-when-buying-the-best-label-printers"><strong>Things to consider when buying the best label printers</strong></h2>
  12223.  
  12224.  
  12225.  
  12226. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paper-size">Paper size</h3>
  12227.  
  12228.  
  12229.  
  12230. <p>The major shipping companies have standardized their label sizes, so it’s fairly easy to know whether the labels you need to use will fit. Anything capable of pumping out 4-inch by 6-inch labels is enough to cover USP, USPS, FedEx, and any other big names.&nbsp;</p>
  12231.  
  12232.  
  12233.  
  12234. <p>Smaller <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-label-makers/">label makers</a> and quirky label printers often use much smaller material, which won’t work for shipping purposes.</p>
  12235.  
  12236.  
  12237.  
  12238. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-printing-technology">Printing technology</h3>
  12239.  
  12240.  
  12241.  
  12242. <p>Most shipping label printers use True Thermal technology. There’s no ink involved. Instead, the printer uses heat to reveal black substrate from behind a top white layer. This process requires special paper or labels to work, but it doesn&#8217;t require ink cartridges or toner, which is typically much more expensive.&nbsp;</p>
  12243.  
  12244.  
  12245.  
  12246. <p>If you want color, you’re better off with inkjet or Zero Ink (ZINK), which uses the same thermal printing tech but includes color in the paper.</p>
  12247.  
  12248.  
  12249.  
  12250. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-print-speed">Print speed</h3>
  12251.  
  12252.  
  12253.  
  12254. <p>You’ll sometimes see this expressed differently depending on the model. Some thermal printers will describe their speed by the number of mm per second it can churn out. For instance, you might see 150mm/s listed in a product description. Higher numbers mean faster printing. Other printers will tell you exactly how many labels you can print out per second or per minute. Expect 0.5 to 2 labels per second, depending on the content and the printer.</p>
  12255.  
  12256.  
  12257.  
  12258. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  12259.  
  12260.  
  12261.  
  12262. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1634257689805"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do label printers need ink?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Thermal printers like the Dymo don’t rely on ink to make prints. Instead, they utilize special paper or labels that react with heat to reveal black material that makes up the print itself. So, there are no ink cartridges or toner cartridges to replace.<br/><br/>If you’re using a more traditional printer to print labels, however, you will need to replace those cartridges.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1634257737747"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What should I look for in a label printer?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">As with any electronic, I suggest figuring out what the most important aspect of the device is to you and focusing on that. In the case of label printers, speed is likely a concern if you’re dealing with high volume. You want something that can churn out a lot of labels in a little bit of time. <br/><br/>Size is also a consideration. If you only need labels to mark bins, boxes, binders, or other things that need organizing, pick something that gives you more text options and a portable form factor.<br/></p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1634257769386"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How long do label makers last?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Heat and gadgets do not typically get along. Most label makers use heat for their thermal printing process. Good models have robust cooling solutions that blow hot air out to keep delicate electronics from overheating. Still, you’ll know your label printer is starting to go when prints get inconsistent and spotty.</p> </div> </div>
  12263.  
  12264.  
  12265.  
  12266. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-label-printers"><strong>Final thoughts on the best label printers</strong></h2>
  12267.  
  12268.  
  12269.  
  12270. <ul>
  12271. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rollo-Wireless-Shipping-Label-Printer/dp/B09VF4Z2WQ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rollo Label Printer</a></li>
  12272.  
  12273.  
  12274.  
  12275. <li><strong>Best with wireless:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PT-D460BT-Business-Connected-Bluetooth%C2%AE/dp/B0B1KZQ1HM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother P-Touch PT-D460BT Business Expert Connected Label Maker </a></li>
  12276.  
  12277.  
  12278.  
  12279. <li><strong>Best color label printer:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-VC-500W-Versatile-Wireless-Networking/dp/B07KWW7RH6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother VC-500W Versatile Compact Color Label and Photo Printer&nbsp;</a></li>
  12280.  
  12281.  
  12282.  
  12283. <li><strong>Best for small businesses: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Printer-1755120/dp/B002M1LGJ4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dymo 4XL</a></li>
  12284.  
  12285.  
  12286.  
  12287. <li><strong>Best for organizing: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PTH110-Portable-Lightweight-One-Touch/dp/B01J3WQ360?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000403350O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Brother P-Touch</a></li>
  12288. </ul>
  12289.  
  12290.  
  12291.  
  12292. <p>Shipping is a huge part of starting many small businesses; the best label printers can make short work of it. Of course, they also have utility beyond shipping. They can print barcodes, stickers, and other things to make your life easier and more organized. Just make sure you get the right model for you.</p>
  12293.  
  12294.  
  12295.  
  12296. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  12297.  
  12298.  
  12299.  
  12300. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  12301.  
  12302.  
  12303.  
  12304. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  12305. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-label-printers/">The best label printers for home offices and small businesses in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12306. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12307. </item>
  12308. <item>
  12309. <title>Ready or not, AI is in our schools</title>
  12310. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-in-schools/</link>
  12311. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mack DeGeurin]]></dc:creator>
  12312. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:24:32 +0000</pubDate>
  12313. <category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
  12314. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  12315. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610551</guid>
  12316.  
  12317. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12318.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/students-using-AI.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="students using AI in class" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Around one in five highschool aged teens who’ve heard about ChatGPT say they have already used the tools on classwork, according to a recent Pew Research survey. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>(We’re not ready.)</p>
  12319. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-in-schools/">Ready or not, AI is in our schools</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12320. ]]></description>
  12321. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12322.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/students-using-AI.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="students using AI in class" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Around one in five highschool aged teens who’ve heard about ChatGPT say they have already used the tools on classwork, according to a recent Pew Research survey. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure>
  12323. <p>Students worldwide are using generative AI tools to write papers and complete assignments. Teachers are using similar tools to grade tests. What exactly is going on here? Where is all of this heading? Can education return to a world before artificial intelligence?&nbsp;</p>
  12324.  
  12325.  
  12326.  
  12327. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-students-are-using-generative-ai-in-school"><strong>How many students are using generative AI in school?  </strong></h2>
  12328.  
  12329.  
  12330.  
  12331. <p>Many high school and college-age students embraced popular <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/generative-ai-lawsuits/">generative AI</a> writing tools like <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/how-do-chatbots-work/">OpenAI’s ChatGPT</a> almost as soon as they started gaining international attention in 2022. The incentive was pretty clear. With just a few simple prompts, large language models (LLMs) at the time could scour their <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/openai-copyright-fair-use/">vast databases of articles, books, and archives</a> and spit out relatively coherent short-form essay or question responses in seconds. The language wasn’t perfect and the models were <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/chatgpt-human-inaccurate/">prone to fabricating facts</a>, but they were good enough to skirt past some educators, who, at the time, weren’t primed to spot <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eastcentral.edu/free/ai-faculty-resources/detecting-ai-generated-text/">tell-tell signs of AI manipulation</a>.</p>
  12332.  
  12333.  
  12334.  
  12335. <p>The trend caught on like wildfire. Around one in five highschool aged teens who’ve heard about ChatGPT say they have already used the tools on classwork, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/16/about-1-in-5-us-teens-whove-heard-of-chatgpt-have-used-it-for-schoolwork/">according to</a> a recent Pew Research survey. A separate <a target="_blank" href="https://leadershipblog.act.org/2023/12/students-ai-research.html">report</a> from ACT, which creates one of the two most popular standardized exams for college admission, claims nearly half (46%) of high school students have used AI to complete assignments. Similar trends are playing out in higher education. More than a third of US college students (37%) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.intelligent.com/4-in-10-college-students-are-using-chatgpt-on-assignments/#:~:text=ChatGPT%20most%20commonly%20used%20for,know%20what%20the%20tool%20is.">surveyed</a> by the online education magazine Intelligent.com say they&#8217;ve used ChatGPT either to generate ideas, write papers, or both.</p>
  12336.  
  12337.  
  12338.  
  12339. <p>Those AI tools are finding their way onto graded papers. Turnitin, a prominent plagiarism detection company used by educators, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wired.com/story/student-papers-generative-ai-turnitin/">recently told <em>Wired</em></a> it found evidence of AI manipulation in 22 million college and high school papers submitted through its service last year. Out of 200 million papers submitted in 2023, Turnitin claims 11% had more than 20% of its content allegedly composed using AI-generated material. And even though generative AI usage generally has <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/booming-traffic-openais-chatgpt-posts-first-ever-monthly-dip-june-similarweb-2023-07-05/#:~:text=Worldwide%20desktop%20and%20mobile%20traffic,8.5%,%20the%20data%20shows.">cooled off among the general public</a>, students aren’t showing signs of letting up.&nbsp;</p>
  12340.  
  12341.  
  12342.  
  12343. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educators-turn-to-imperfect-ai-detection-tools"><strong>Educators turn to imperfect AI detection tools </strong></h2>
  12344.  
  12345.  
  12346.  
  12347. <p>Almost immediately after students started using AI writing tools, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edweek.org/technology/more-teachers-are-using-ai-detection-tools-heres-why-that-might-be-a-problem/2024/04">teachers turned to other AI models to try and stop them</a>. As of writing, <a target="_blank" href="https://guides.library.ttu.edu/artificialintelligencetools/detection">dozens of tech firms and startups</a> currently claim to have developed software capable of detecting signs of AI-generated text. Teachers and professors around the country are already relying on these to various degrees. But critics say AI detection tools, even years after ChatGPT became popular, remain far from perfect.</p>
  12348.  
  12349.  
  12350.  
  12351. <p>A <a target="_blank" href="https://edintegrity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z#Sec4%20https://edintegrity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z#Sec4">recent analysis</a> of 18 different AI detection tools in the <em>International Journal for Educational Integrity </em>highlights a lack of comprehensive accuracy. None of the models studied accurately differentiated AI generated material from human writing. Worse still, only five of the models achieved an accuracy above 70%. Detection could get even more difficult as AI writing models improve over time.&nbsp;</p>
  12352.  
  12353.  
  12354.  
  12355. <p>Accuracy issues aren&#8217;t the only problem with limiting AI detection tools effectiveness. An overreliance on these still developing detection systems risks punishing students who might use otherwise helpful AI software that, in other contexts, would be permitted. That exact scenario played out recently with a University of North Georgia student named Marley Stevens who claims an AI detection tool <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91074029/can-using-grammarly-set-off-ai-detection-software">interpreted her use of the popular spelling and writing aid Grammarly as cheating</a>. Stevens claims she received a zero on that essay, making her ineligible for a scholarship she was pursuing.</p>
  12356.  
  12357.  
  12358.  
  12359. <p>“I talked to the teacher, the department head, and the dean, and [they said] I was ‘unintentionally cheating,’” Stevens <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@m.stevens03/video/7309581079327853866?lang=en">alleged in a TikTok post</a>. The University of North Georgia did not immediately respond to <em>PopSci’s </em>request for comment.&nbsp;</p>
  12360.  
  12361.  
  12362.  
  12363. <p>There’s evidence current AI detection tools also mistakenly confuse genuine human writing for AI content. In addition to general false positives, Stanford researchers warn detection tools may <a target="_blank" href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.02819">disproportionately penalize writing from non-native speakers</a>. More than half (61.2%) of essays written by US-born, non-native speaking eighth graders included in the research were classified as AI generated. 97% of the essays from non-native speakers were flagged as AI generated by at least one of the seven different AI detection tools tested in the research. Widely rolled out detection tools could put more pressure on non-native speakers who are already tasked with overcoming language barriers.&nbsp;</p>
  12364.  
  12365.  
  12366.  
  12367. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-are-schools-responding-to-the-rise-in-ai"><strong>How are schools responding to the rise in AI?</strong></h2>
  12368.  
  12369.  
  12370.  
  12371. <p>Educators are scrambling to find a solution to the influx of AI writing. Some major school districts in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/chatgpt-banned-in-new-york-city-public-schools-over-concerns-about-cheating-learning-development-11673024059">New York</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/school-districts-blocking-chatgpt-amid-fears-of-cheating-educators-weigh-in-on-ai#">Los Angeles</a> have opted to ban use of the ChatGPT and related tools entirely. Professors in universities around the country have begun <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2024/02/09/professors-proceed-caution-using-ai">begrudgingly using AI detection software</a> despite recognizing its known accuracy shortcomings. One of those educators, Michigan Technological University Professor of Composition, described these detectors as a “tool that could be beneficial while recognizing it’s flawed and may penalize some students,” during an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intelligence/2024/02/09/professors-proceed-caution-using-ai">interview with <em>Inside Higher Ed</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
  12372.  
  12373.  
  12374.  
  12375. <p>Others, meanwhile, are taking the opposite approach and leaning into AI education tools with more open arms. In Texas, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/09/staar-artificial-intelligence-computer-grading-texas/">according to</a> <em>The Texas Tribune</em>, the state’s Education Agency just this week moved to replace several thousand human standardized test grades with an “automated scoring system.” The agency claims its new system, which will score open-ended written responses included in the state’s public exam, could save the state $15-20 million per year. It will also leave an estimated 2,000 temporary graders out of a job. Elsewhere in the state, an elementary school is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/texas-school-hires-ai-teachers-teach-kids-core-subjects/HA5DYOLFCVG5BAGLXWE4P72WAY/">reportedly experimenting</a> with using AI learning modules to teach children basic core curriculums and then supplementing that with human teachers.&nbsp;</p>
  12376.  
  12377.  
  12378.  
  12379. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-in-education-a-new-normal"><strong>AI in education: A new normal </strong></h2>
  12380.  
  12381.  
  12382.  
  12383. <p>While its possible AI writing detection tools could evolve to increase accuracy and reduce false positives, it’s unlikely they alone will transport education back to a time prior to ChatGPT. Rather than fight the new normal, some scholars argue educators should instead <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/07/embracing-artificial-intelligence-classroom">embrace AI tools in classrooms and lecture halls</a> and instruct students how to use them effectively. In a <a target="_blank" href="https://mitsloanedtech.mit.edu/ai/teach/ai-detectors-dont-work/">blog post</a>, researchers at MIT Sloan argue professors and teachers can still limit use of certain tools, but note they should do so through clearly written rules explaining their reasoning. Students, they write, should feel comfortable approaching teachers to ask when AI tools are and aren’t appropriate.</p>
  12384.  
  12385.  
  12386.  
  12387. <p>Others, like former Elon University professor C.W. Howell argue explicitly and intentionally exposing students to AI generated writing in a classroom setting may actually make them less likely to use it. Asking students to grade an AI-generated essay, Howell <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wired.com/story/dont-want-students-to-rely-on-chatgpt-have-them-use-it/">writes in <em>Wired</em></a><em>, </em>can give students first hand experience noticing the way AI often fabricates sources or hallucinate quotes from an imaginary ether. AI generated essays, when looked at through a new lens, can actually <em>improve</em> education.</p>
  12388.  
  12389.  
  12390.  
  12391. <p>“Showing my students just how flawed ChatGPT is helped restore confidence in their own minds and abilities,” Howell writes. </p>
  12392.  
  12393.  
  12394.  
  12395. <p>Then again, if AI does fundamentally alter the economic landscape as some <a target="_blank" href="https://time.com/6266923/ai-eliezer-yudkowsky-open-letter-not-enough/">doomsday enthusiasts believe</a>, students could always spend their days learning how to engineer prompts to train AI and contribute to the architecture of their new AI-dominated future.</p>
  12396. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/ai-in-schools/">Ready or not, AI is in our schools</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12397. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12398. </item>
  12399. <item>
  12400. <title>A new solution proposed for drought-stricken Panama Canal goes around it</title>
  12401. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/panama-canal-drought/</link>
  12402. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  12403. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 17:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
  12404. <category><![CDATA[Climate Change]]></category>
  12405. <category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
  12406. <category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
  12407. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  12408. <category><![CDATA[Global Warming]]></category>
  12409. <category><![CDATA[Ocean]]></category>
  12410. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  12411. <category><![CDATA[Weather]]></category>
  12412. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  12413. <category><![CDATA[ships]]></category>
  12414. <category><![CDATA[transportation]]></category>
  12415. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610512</guid>
  12416.  
  12417. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12418.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/Depositphotos_7304591_L.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Cargo Ship in Panama Canal" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Several freighters, assisted by tugboats, are entering the Panama Canal at Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photos/panama-canal.html?filter=all&qview=7304591">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Some trade routes will need to detour over land.</p>
  12419. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/panama-canal-drought/">A new solution proposed for drought-stricken Panama Canal goes around it</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12420. ]]></description>
  12421. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12422.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/Depositphotos_7304591_L.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Cargo Ship in Panama Canal" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Several freighters, assisted by tugboats, are entering the Panama Canal at Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photos/panama-canal.html?filter=all&qview=7304591">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  12423. <p>As droughts continue to deplete the Panama Canal’s water levels, the maritime trading hub’s operators are planning a workaround. On Wednesday, <a target="_blank" href="https://phys.org/news/2024-04-panama-dry-alternative-drought-canal.html">Panama officials announced</a> a new Multimodal Dry Canal project that will begin transporting international cargo across a “special customs jurisdiction” near the 110-year-old waterway.</p>
  12424.  
  12425.  
  12426.  
  12427. <p>The Panama Canal, which connects Atlantic and Pacific trading routes, has been in dire straits for some time. To function, ocean vessels pass through a series of above-sea-level “locks” filled with freshwater provided by nearby Lake Gatún and Lake Alajuela. Older Panamax locks require about 50 million gallons of freshwater per ship, while a small number of “<a href="https://www.popsci.com/panama-canals-massive-upgrade-could-transform-global-shipping-again/">Neo-Panamax locks</a>” built in 2016 only require around 30 million gallons.</p>
  12428.  
  12429.  
  12430.  
  12431. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/pacific-ocean-weather-patterns-climate-change/"><strong>When climate change throws the Pacific off balance, the world’s weather follows</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  12432.  
  12433.  
  12434.  
  12435. <p>But the canal’s upgrades can’t keep up with climate change’s cascading effects. Lake Gatún and Lake Alajuela are replenished with rainwater, and a lingering drought compounded by El Niño has resulted in the second-driest year in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68467529">Panama Canal’s existence</a>. To compensate, the daily average number of ships allowed to pass through the lock system has been reduced from 38 to 27, while each vessel is also now required to carry less cargo. <a target="_blank" href="https://phys.org/news/2024-03-panama-canal-averts-crisis.html">Operators hope to soon raise</a> that average to pre-drought levels, but likely at a cost to local marine ecosystem health and local drinking water supplies. Meanwhile, as the <a target="_blank" href="https://phys.org/news/2024-04-panama-dry-alternative-drought-canal.html"><em>AFP</em></a> reports, marine traffic jams routinely see over 100 ships waiting to pass through the 50-mile passage.</p>
  12436.  
  12437.  
  12438.  
  12439. <p>The new Multimodal Dry Canal project announced this week will attempt to further alleviate a global trade problem that particularly affects the Panama Canal’s most frequent users—the US, China, Japan, and South Korea.</p>
  12440.  
  12441.  
  12442.  
  12443. <p>Ship crews shouldn’t need to wait for a yearslong engineering process before seeing some relief to the passage’s congestion. During a presentation of project plans this week, Panamanian representatives said no additional investment or construction is needed. Instead, the dry thoroughfare will function as a complement to the canal by employing “existing roads, railways, port facilities, airports and duty-free zones,” according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://phys.org/news/2024-04-panama-dry-alternative-drought-canal.html"><em>AFP</em></a> on Wednesday.</p>
  12444.  
  12445.  
  12446.  
  12447. <p>Speaking with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68467529"><em>BBC</em></a><em> </em>earlier this month (before the dry canal’s reveal), a shipping company general manager said such landbased detour routes could be costly—expenses that are “usually passed onto the consumer.”</p>
  12448. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/panama-canal-drought/">A new solution proposed for drought-stricken Panama Canal goes around it</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12449. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12450. </item>
  12451. <item>
  12452. <title>Why counting octopus &#8216;rings&#8217; is crucial</title>
  12453. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-to-age-an-octopushow-old-octopus/</link>
  12454. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  12455. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:59:53 +0000</pubDate>
  12456. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  12457. <category><![CDATA[Conservation]]></category>
  12458. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  12459. <category><![CDATA[Ocean]]></category>
  12460. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  12461. <category><![CDATA[Sustainability]]></category>
  12462. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  12463. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610490</guid>
  12464.  
  12465. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12466.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/octopus-age.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a close-up of an octopus eye" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">There are at least 300 known species of octopuses. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">DeAgostini/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>New guidelines offer scientists and fisheries a way to tell the age of an octopus.</p>
  12467. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-to-age-an-octopushow-old-octopus/">Why counting octopus &#8216;rings&#8217; is crucial</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12468. ]]></description>
  12469. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12470.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/octopus-age.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a close-up of an octopus eye" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">There are at least 300 known species of octopuses. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">DeAgostini/Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure>
  12471. <p>The <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-octopus-species/">Earth’s octopuses</a> have been around for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/mar/08/octopuses-were-around-before-dinosaurs-fossil-find-suggests#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20found%20the%20oldest,before%20the%20era%20of%20dinosaurs.">at least 330 million years</a>. While they evolved before <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/why-were-dinosaurs-so-big/">dinosaurs roamed the planet</a>, their present day descendents don’t live for very long. They generally die soon after <a href="https://www.popsci.com/male-octopus-thousands-babies/">mating or laying eggs</a>, with some octopus species living <a target="_blank" href="https://www.livescience.com/55478-octopus-facts.html">only six months</a> and the average living about two to three years. Some species like the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=giantpacificoctopus.printerfriendly#:~:text=The%20adult%20Giant%20Pacific%20Octopus,the%20rest%20of%20the%20body).">giant Pacific octopus</a> can live up to five years at most.&nbsp;</p>
  12472.  
  12473.  
  12474.  
  12475. <p>To keep fish populations sustainable, fisheries must ensure that enough breeding individuals are either <a target="_blank" href="https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/general#:~:text=Any%20fish%20an%20angler%20catches,immediately%20returned%20to%20the%20water.">left alone or released back</a> into the wild. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/science-data/age-and-growth">Government agencies can enforce</a> catch laws, while scientists can inform laws by understanding the breeding lives of various fish. For <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/octopuses-throwing-shells-debris/">octopuses</a>, their short lifespans have been okay on an evolutionary level. However, as human taste for these cephalopods grows, it’s become a problem to meet demand.&nbsp;</p>
  12476.  
  12477.  
  12478.  
  12479. <p>In an effort to protect the longevity of this <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/octopus-brain-evolution/">incredibly old and smart sea creature</a> while ensuring that octopus fisheries remain sustainable, a team of scientists in Australia have created the first known step-by-step guide for determining the age of an octopus. The guide is detailed in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/mf/Fulltext/MF23159">paper published April 11 in the <em>Marine and Freshwater Research Journal</em></a> and offers a first step in creating guidelines for fishers to follow and ensure that they are catching octopuses that are not of breeding age.</p>
  12480.  
  12481.  
  12482.  
  12483. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized" data-dimension="square"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/octopus-berrima-scaled.jpeg" alt="an octopus hatchling" class="wp-image-610491" width="777" height="777"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An </em>Octopus berrima<em> hatchling, which was one of the species used to help develop the guide. CREDIT: Erica Durante.</em></figcaption></figure>
  12484.  
  12485.  
  12486.  
  12487. <p>There are a few ways to tell how old an organism is–a process called aging. Trees famously have <a href="https://www.popsci.com/tree-rings-forest-climate/">rings that indicate how many years they have been living</a>. Examining <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf">teeth and bone structure</a> in mammals also can reveal similar information about age. That process has been a little bit tricky for octopuses. In the new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/mf/Fulltext/MF23159#R23">paper</a>, the team looked at their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mesa.edu.au/molluscs/molluscs_06.asp">beaks and stylets</a>–internal shells located near their gills. They pinpointed the growth rings similar to tree’s are located here and are a useful tool to validate the age of an octopus.</p>
  12488.  
  12489.  
  12490.  
  12491. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/octopuses-rna-dna-gene-editing-neuroscience/"><strong>Octopuses rewrite their own RNA to survive freezing temperatures</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  12492.  
  12493.  
  12494.  
  12495. <p>“Over the past 30 years, various studies have explored different methods to age octopus, but only a small number of researchers worldwide have the hands-on knowledge to execute these methods in the laboratory,” study co-author and University of South Australia marine ecologist Zoe Doubleday <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/scientists-create-octopus-survival-guide-to-minimise-impacts-of-fishing/">said in a statement</a>. “It’s critical that we don’t lose this practical scientific knowledge because by determining their age, we can understand the impact of different rates of fishing on the population.”</p>
  12496.  
  12497.  
  12498.  
  12499. <p>The team explains how scientists can examine an <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mesa.edu.au/molluscs/molluscs_06.asp">octopus’ beak, stylets, and growth rings</a> in the lab to determine how old the animal is. In the future, these methods could then be applied in the wild to get a sense of how old octopuses living in the ocean are.</p>
  12500.  
  12501.  
  12502.  
  12503. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized" data-dimension="square"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/octopus-hatchlings-scaled.jpeg" alt="a southern keeled octopus mother and her clutch of eggs" class="wp-image-610492" width="833" height="833"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A southern keeled octopus mother and her clutch of eggs. CREDIT: Erica Durante.</em></figcaption></figure>
  12504.  
  12505.  
  12506.  
  12507. <p>“Understanding an octopus’s age helps to keep fisheries sustainable,” study co-author and University of South Australia PhD student Erica Durante <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/scientists-create-octopus-survival-guide-to-minimise-impacts-of-fishing/">said in a statement</a>. “If you know a species’ age, you can estimate how fast they grow and reproduce and how much you can catch to keep a fishery sustainable.”</p>
  12508.  
  12509.  
  12510.  
  12511. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/fish-red-meat-sustainability-diet/#:~:text=In%201974%2C%20about%2010%20percent,and%2034%20percent%20in%202020."><strong>Eating seafood can be more sustainable and healthy than red meat</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  12512.  
  12513.  
  12514.  
  12515. <p>Age data can also tell scientists <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/evolutionary-theory-shrinking-animals/">how long it takes for an animal to mature</a>. This way, octopuses that have not matured enough to breed can be avoided when fishing. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/scientists-create-octopus-survival-guide-to-minimise-impacts-of-fishing/">According to Durante</a>, age is important for the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/climate-change-fisheries-stock/">general conservation and management of a species</a>, whether or not it is commercially fished.&nbsp;</p>
  12516.  
  12517.  
  12518.  
  12519. <p>One tricky part is that while growth rings on trees represent years, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/mf/Fulltext/MF23159#R23">growth rings on octopus represent days</a>. According to the team, these methods will need to be customized for each of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/octopus-facts#:~:text=There%20are%20around%20300%20species,crabs%2C%20shrimp%2C%20and%20mollusks.">roughly 300 known species of octopus</a>. The team also acknowledges that these guidelines will continue to evolve as we learn more about the lives of these multi-legged creatures.</p>
  12520. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-to-age-an-octopushow-old-octopus/">Why counting octopus &#8216;rings&#8217; is crucial</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12521. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12522. </item>
  12523. <item>
  12524. <title>Japan and NASA plan a historic lunar RV roadtrip together</title>
  12525. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/japan-lunar-rv/</link>
  12526. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  12527. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:00:12 +0000</pubDate>
  12528. <category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
  12529. <category><![CDATA[Moons]]></category>
  12530. <category><![CDATA[NASA]]></category>
  12531. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  12532. <category><![CDATA[Solar System]]></category>
  12533. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  12534. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  12535. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  12536. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610467</guid>
  12537.  
  12538. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12539.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/toyotanews_1039_1280_720.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Toyota concept art for lunar RV" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Japan is working alongside Toyota and Hyundai to develop a massive lunar RV. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://toyotatimes.jp/en/toyota_news/1039.html">Toyota / JAXA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>It would be the first time a non-American lands on the moon.</p>
  12540. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/japan-lunar-rv/">Japan and NASA plan a historic lunar RV roadtrip together</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12541. ]]></description>
  12542. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12543.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/toyotanews_1039_1280_720.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Toyota concept art for lunar RV" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Japan is working alongside Toyota and Hyundai to develop a massive lunar RV. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://toyotatimes.jp/en/toyota_news/1039.html">Toyota / JAXA</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  12544. <p>Japan has offered to provide the United States with a pressurized moon rover—in exchange for a reserved seat on the lunar van. Per <a target="_blank" href="http://nasa">NASA</a>, the two nations have themselves a deal.&nbsp;</p>
  12545.  
  12546.  
  12547.  
  12548. <p>According to a new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-japan-advance-space-cooperation-sign-agreement-for-lunar-rover/">signed agreement</a> between NASA and Japan’s government, the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/slim-reboot-again/">Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency</a> (JAXA) will “design, develop, and operate” a sealed vehicle for both crewed and uncrewed moon excursions. NASA will then oversee the launch and delivery, while Japanese astronauts will join two surface exploration missions in the vehicle. </p>
  12549.  
  12550.  
  12551.  
  12552. <p><strong>[ Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/slim-moon-lander-reboot/"><strong>SLIM lives! Japan’s upside-down lander is online after a brutal lunar night</strong></a><strong> ]</strong></p>
  12553.  
  12554.  
  12555.  
  12556. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-mobile-habitat"><strong>&#8216;A mobile habitat&#8217;</strong></h2>
  12557.  
  12558.  
  12559.  
  12560. <p>Japan’s pressurized RV will mark a significant step forward for lunar missions. According to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.space.com/japan-astronauts-moon-rover-artemis-agreement"><em>Space.com</em></a>, the nation has spent the past few years working to develop such a vehicle alongside Toyota and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. <a target="_blank" href="https://toyotatimes.jp/en/toyota_news/1039.html">Toyota offered initial specs</a> for the RV last year—at nearly 20-feet-long, 17-feet-wide, and 12.5-feet-tall, the rover will be about as large as two minibusses parked side-by-side. The cabin itself will provide “comfortable accommodation” for two astronauts, although four can apparently cram in, should an emergency arise.</p>
  12561.  
  12562.  
  12563.  
  12564. <p>Like an RV cruising across the country, the rover is meant to provide its inhabitants with everything they could need for as long as 30 days at a time. While inside, astronauts will even be able to remove their bulky (and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nasa-new-spacesuit-pictures/">fashionable</a>) getups and move about normally—albeit in about 16.6 percent the gravity as on Earth. Last week, NASA announced it had narrowed the search for its new Artemis <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/artemis-moon-rover-finalists/">Lunar Terrain Vehicle</a> (LTV) to three companies, but unlike Japan’s vehicle, that one will be unpressurized.</p>
  12565.  
  12566.  
  12567.  
  12568. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/artemis-moon-rover-finalists/"><strong>It’s on! Three finalists will design a lunar rover for Artemis</strong></a><strong> ]&nbsp;</strong></p>
  12569.  
  12570.  
  12571.  
  12572. <p>“It&#8217;s a mobile habitat,&#8221; NASA Administrator Nelson said during <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/xCUJibmQHpE">yesterday’s press conference</a> alongside Minister Moriyama, describing it as “a lunar lab, a lunar home, and a lunar explorer… a place where astronauts can live, work, and navigate the lunar surface.”</p>
  12573.  
  12574.  
  12575. <div><lite-youtube videoid="xCUJibmQHpE" style="background-image: none;">
  12576.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xCUJibmQHpE/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Moons photo">
  12577.            </lite-youtube>
  12578.            
  12579.            <noscript>
  12580. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  12581. <iframe loading="lazy" title="NASA, Japan Sign Agreement for Artemis Lunar Surface Exploration" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xCUJibmQHpE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  12582. </div></figure>
  12583. </noscript></div>
  12584.  
  12585.  
  12586. <p>Similar to the forthcoming Lunar Terrain Vehicle, the Japanese RV can be remotely controlled if astronauts aren’t around, and will remain in operation for 10 years following its delivery.</p>
  12587.  
  12588.  
  12589.  
  12590. <p>“The quest for the stars is led by nations that explore the cosmos openly, in peace, and together… America no longer will walk on the moon alone,” Nelson added.</p>
  12591.  
  12592.  
  12593.  
  12594. <p>A total of 12 astronauts—all American men—have walked across the moon’s surface. When the U.S. returns to the moon with NASA’s Artemis missions, it will also be the first time a woman and a person of color will land on the moon. </p>
  12595.  
  12596.  
  12597.  
  12598. <p>After some rescheduling, NASA currently intends to send its Artemis II astronauts on a trip around the moon in late 2025. Artemis III will see the first two humans touchdown in over 50 years in either late 2026 or early 2027. The Artemis IV mission is currently intended to occur no earlier than 2030. Meanwhile, <a target="_blank" href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/04/japan-will-be-first-among-nasas-partners-to-have-an-astronaut-on-the-moon/">China is trying to land its own astronauts on the lunar surface in 2030</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  12599. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/japan-lunar-rv/">Japan and NASA plan a historic lunar RV roadtrip together</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12600. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12601. </item>
  12602. <item>
  12603. <title>Save $90 on a DEWALT drill and bit driver set at Amazon</title>
  12604. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/dewalt-drill-bit-driver-amazon-spring-deal/</link>
  12605. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandt Ranj]]></dc:creator>
  12606. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 14:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
  12607. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  12608. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  12609. <category><![CDATA[amazon]]></category>
  12610. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  12611. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  12612. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610452</guid>
  12613.  
  12614. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12615.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/DEWALT-DCD771C2-20V-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Compact-DrillDriver-Kit-with-DW2166-45-Piece-Screwdriving-Set-Bundle-Deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill:Driver Kit with DW2166 45-Piece Screwdriving Set Bundle Deal tiles." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </span></figcaption></figure><p>The power tool is bundled with a 45-bit driver set.</p>
  12616. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/dewalt-drill-bit-driver-amazon-spring-deal/">Save $90 on a DEWALT drill and bit driver set at Amazon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12617. ]]></description>
  12618. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12619.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/DEWALT-DCD771C2-20V-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Compact-DrillDriver-Kit-with-DW2166-45-Piece-Screwdriving-Set-Bundle-Deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill:Driver Kit with DW2166 45-Piece Screwdriving Set Bundle Deal tiles." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  12620. </div>
  12621. <p>Spring is here, and with it comes longer days ripe for tackling DIY projects that have dodged you all winter. Thankfully, DEWALT is offering a $90 discount on its latest drill and driver set, which will cut your work time down significantly. The power tool can rotate up to 1,500 times per minute, has a built-in light that lights up during use to help you work in darker areas, and has a lightweight design that makes it easy to hold and use with one hand.</p>
  12622.  
  12623.  
  12624.  
  12625. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dewalt-compact-drill-driver-kit-with-45-piece-screwdriving-set-113-69-was-203-49"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD771C2-Lithium-Ion-45-Piece-Screwdriving/dp/B01EXQ0ZV0?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong>DEWALT Compact Drill/Driver Kit with 45-Piece Screwdriving Set</strong></a> $113.69 (Was $203.49)</h3>
  12626.  
  12627.  
  12628. <div
  12629.    id="dewalt-compact-drill-driver-kit-with-45-piece-screwdriving-set"
  12630.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  12631.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  12632. >
  12633.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  12634.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD771C2-Lithium-Ion-45-Piece-Screwdriving/dp/B01EXQ0ZV0?tag=ps-deals-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  12635.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  12636.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/DEWALT-DCD771C2-20V-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Compact-DrillDriver-Kit-with-DW2166-45-Piece-Screwdriving-Set-Bundle.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/DEWALT-DCD771C2-20V-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Compact-DrillDriver-Kit-with-DW2166-45-Piece-Screwdriving-Set-Bundle.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill:Driver Kit with DW2166 45-Piece Screwdriving Set Bundle on a plain white background.">
  12637.                      </figure>
  12638.                  </a>
  12639.            </div>
  12640.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  12641.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  12642.        <p><em>DEWALT</em></p>
  12643.  
  12644.      </figcaption>
  12645.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  12646.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD771C2-Lithium-Ion-45-Piece-Screwdriving/dp/B01EXQ0ZV0?tag=ps-deals-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000"
  12647.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  12648.      </p>
  12649.      </div>
  12650. </div>
  12651.  
  12652.  
  12653.  
  12654. <p>We&#8217;re pleased to see this deep discount on a bundle that also includes the company&#8217;s 45-piece screwdriving set. This bit set includes an assortment of flat and Phillips head screwdriver bits at different lengths and thicknesses. More specialty bits for bolts or star-shaped screws are also included. DEWALT&#8217;s bundle comes with a battery and charger for its drill, and more critically, a carrying case that can hold the power tool and all of its accessories. This is a one-click solution for anyone starting their DIY journey, or who wants to upgrade from an older drill or screwdriver.</p>
  12655.  
  12656.  
  12657.  
  12658. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-dewalt-tool-deals-worth-your-dollar"><strong>Other DEWALT Tool deals worth your dollar:</strong></h3>
  12659.  
  12660.  
  12661.  
  12662. <ul>
  12663. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCS356B-Variable-Oscillating-Multi-Tool/dp/B07VBB55X5?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool</a> $99 (Was $179)</li>
  12664.  
  12665.  
  12666.  
  12667. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-Impact-Brushless-3-Speed-DCF845B/dp/B0BQCWH5KF?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver</a> $96.59 (Was $149)</li>
  12668.  
  12669.  
  12670.  
  12671. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCW600B-Compact-Router-Tool/dp/B07KSRTDML?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V Max XR Cordless Router</a> $135 (Was $239)</li>
  12672.  
  12673.  
  12674.  
  12675. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCE100B-Compact-Jobsite-Blower/dp/B016NZGL9O?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX Blower</a> $88.44 (Was $169)</li>
  12676.  
  12677.  
  12678.  
  12679. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCH273B-Brushless-Rotary-Hammer/dp/B00YDZI9BA?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill</a> $262.60 (Was $349)</li>
  12680.  
  12681.  
  12682.  
  12683. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCL050-Hand-Held-Light/dp/B00KWRM78E?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light</a> $56.80 (Was $94.99)</li>
  12684.  
  12685.  
  12686.  
  12687. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCL040-20-Volt-MAX-Flashlight/dp/B0052MILZM?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light/Flashlight</a> $38.35 (Was $84)</li>
  12688.  
  12689.  
  12690.  
  12691. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-Powerstack-Battery-Rechargeable-Lithium/dp/B0BPK4RBNZ?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX Battery</a> $89.99 (Was $229)</li>
  12692.  
  12693.  
  12694.  
  12695. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCW210B-Brushless-Orbital-Sander/dp/B07JQM7C28?tag=ps-deals-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610452O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander</a> $103.85 (Was $179)</li>
  12696. </ul>
  12697. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/dewalt-drill-bit-driver-amazon-spring-deal/">Save $90 on a DEWALT drill and bit driver set at Amazon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12698. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12699. </item>
  12700. <item>
  12701. <title>Grab this grade &#8220;A&#8221; refurbished Apple iPad Air 2nd Gen + Beats Flex bundle for under $150</title>
  12702. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/refurbished-apple-ipad-air-beats-flex-bundle-deal/</link>
  12703. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  12704. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  12705. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  12706. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  12707. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  12708. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  12709. <category><![CDATA[sponsored]]></category>
  12710. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=609856</guid>
  12711.  
  12712. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12713.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-2.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An refurbished iPad Air and pair of Beats Flex headphones on a plain background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Upgrade your tech without breaking the bank. </p>
  12714. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/refurbished-apple-ipad-air-beats-flex-bundle-deal/">Grab this grade &#8220;A&#8221; refurbished Apple iPad Air 2nd Gen + Beats Flex bundle for under $150</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12715. ]]></description>
  12716. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12717.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-2.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An refurbished iPad Air and pair of Beats Flex headphones on a plain background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  12718. </div>
  12719. <p>With spring in full bloom, it&#8217;s the perfect time to <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished&amp;utm_term=scsf-593634&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jTykIAE&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">refresh your tech arsenal</a>. Embrace the season with a grade &#8220;A&#8221; refurbished Apple iPad Air (2014) bundle, complete with Beats Flex Headphones—now saving you $90.</p>
  12720.  
  12721.  
  12722.  
  12723. <p>With its sleek 9.7-inch Retina display, 16GB of storage, and dual cameras, the Apple iPad Air 2 continues to impress. It delivers vibrant colors and sharp details suitable for various activities, from leisurely browsing and reading to multimedia consumption and movie binging. Powered by <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished&amp;utm_term=scsf-593634&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jTykIAE&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple&#8217;s A8X chip with 64-bit architecture</a>, the iPad Air 2 adeptly handles multitasking and demanding applications, facilitated by its Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless internet access.</p>
  12724.  
  12725.  
  12726.  
  12727. <p>The iPad Air also comes with various accessories, such as a stylus and screen protector, making the package even sweeter. Best yet, its grade &#8220;A&#8221; refurbishment means that this device has undergone rigorous testing and certification, ensuring it meets high functional standards and <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished&amp;utm_term=scsf-593634&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jTykIAE&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">exhibits minimal to no signs of wear</a>. </p>
  12728.  
  12729.  
  12730.  
  12731. <p>Accompanying the iPad are the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished&amp;utm_term=scsf-593634&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jTykIAE&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">renewed Beats Flex Headphones (2020)</a>, which offer a seamless auditory experience that complements the iPad&#8217;s visual prowess. Whether immersing yourself in the vibrant sounds of your latest Spotify playlist or catching up on audiobooks and podcasts, these headphones deliver clear, balanced sound that enriches every audio encounter. Designed for comfort and flexibility, they&#8217;re perfect for all-day wear, from your morning jog to a relaxing evening unwind. They also are designed to be tangle-free with their seamless magnetic design.</p>
  12732.  
  12733.  
  12734.  
  12735. <p>Choosing this excellent refurbished tech bundle can be a wise financial decision that minimizes the environmental impact in the long run.&nbsp;</p>
  12736.  
  12737.  
  12738.  
  12739. <p>Get a tech refresh today with the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=apple-ipad-air-2-wifi-16gb-bundle-w-beats-flex-headphones-refurbished&amp;utm_term=scsf-593634&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jTykIAE&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple iPad Air 2nd Gen (2014) Space Gray (Refurbished: Wi-Fi Only) + Beats Flex Headphones Bundle</a> for $139.99 (reg. $229) with no coupon code required. </p>
  12740.  
  12741.  
  12742.  
  12743. <p><em><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StackSocial</a> prices subject to change. </em></p>
  12744. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/refurbished-apple-ipad-air-beats-flex-bundle-deal/">Grab this grade &#8220;A&#8221; refurbished Apple iPad Air 2nd Gen + Beats Flex bundle for under $150</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12745. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12746. </item>
  12747. <item>
  12748. <title>Baby stars release gassy ‘sneezes’ while forming</title>
  12749. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/baby-star-sneeze/</link>
  12750. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  12751. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:45:53 +0000</pubDate>
  12752. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  12753. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  12754. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610435</guid>
  12755.  
  12756. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12757.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/star-sneeze.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an illustration of a shiny baby star surrounded by lines indicating magnetic fields" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The baby star at the center is surrounded by a bright disk called a protostellar disk. Spikes of magnetic flux, gas, and dust in blue. Researchers found that the protostellar disk will expel magnetic flux, gas, and dust—much like a sneeze—during a star's formation. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The disk that surrounds newly forming stars shoots out material that could impact its future development.</p>
  12758. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/baby-star-sneeze/">Baby stars release gassy ‘sneezes’ while forming</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12759. ]]></description>
  12760. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12761.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/star-sneeze.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="an illustration of a shiny baby star surrounded by lines indicating magnetic fields" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The baby star at the center is surrounded by a bright disk called a protostellar disk. Spikes of magnetic flux, gas, and dust in blue. Researchers found that the protostellar disk will expel magnetic flux, gas, and dust—much like a sneeze—during a star's formation. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)</span></figcaption></figure>
  12762. <p>Our bodies can sometimes forcefully expel <a href="https://www.popsci.com/your-sneeze-looks-like-sheets-and-drops-fluid/">dust</a> in our noses in the form of a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sneeze-sleep/">sneeze</a>. A similar phenomenon may be happening in <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/types-of-stars/">baby stars</a>. Some new observations of the protostellar disk that surrounds a baby star offer a closer look at how the disk releases plumes of gas, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/earth-magnetic-field-sounds/">electromagnetic energy</a>, and dust. The team from Kyushu University in Japan describes these “sneezes” as a release of magnetic flux or energy that could be a vital part of star formation. The findings are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad2f9a">study published April 11 in <em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a>.</p>
  12763.  
  12764.  
  12765.  
  12766. <p>All stars develop in <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/newborn-star-cloud-nasa-hubble/">stellar nurseries</a>, but star formation is a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/star-bursts-cosmic-dawn/">complex process</a> that we still do not fully understand. These large areas of space that are full of the raw materials needed to create stars–gas, dust, and energy. Stellar nurseries with large concentrations of dust and gas eventually condense, forming a stellar core or baby star. Over time, the stellar cores will accumulate more material and grow in mass. As this growth unfolds, dust and gas form a ring around the new star astronomers call the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/jwst-protostar/">protostellar disk</a>.</p>
  12767.  
  12768.  
  12769.  
  12770. <p>&#8220;These structures are perpetually penetrated by magnetic fields, which brings with it magnetic flux,” study co-author and Kyushu University radio astronomer Kazuki Tokuda <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040078">said in a statement</a>. “However, if all this magnetic flux were retained as the star developed, it would generate magnetic fields many orders of magnitude stronger than those observed in any known protostar.”</p>
  12771.  
  12772.  
  12773.  
  12774. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/space/stellar-nursery-found-in-milky-way/"><strong>The biggest gaseous structure in our galaxy is filled with baby star factories</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  12775.  
  12776.  
  12777.  
  12778. <p>Scientists have hypothesized that some mechanism during star development removes the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/stellarator-fusion-reactor/">magnetic flux</a>. One theory is that the magnetic field gradually weakens over time as the cloud is gradually pulled into the stellar core.</p>
  12779.  
  12780.  
  12781.  
  12782. <p>In this new study, the team set their sights on a stellar nursery called MC 27. This stellar nursery is <a target="_blank" href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad2f9a">about 450 light-years away from Earth</a>. They observed MC 27 using the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/">ALMA Array,</a> a collection of 66 high-precision radio telescopes in northern Chile.</p>
  12783.  
  12784.  
  12785.  
  12786. <p>&#8220;As we analyzed our data, we found something quite unexpected,” said Tokuda. “There were these &#8216;spike-like&#8217; structures extending a few astronomical units from the protostellar disk. As we dug in deeper, we found that these were spikes of expelled magnetic flux, dust, and gas.”</p>
  12787.  
  12788.  
  12789.  
  12790. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040078">According to the team</a>, this phenomenon is called <a target="_blank" href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1993A%26A...271..167B/abstract">interchange instability</a>. This occurs when instabilities in the magnetic field react with different amounts of gas in the protostellar disk surrounding the baby star. The result is the expulsion of magnetic flux.</p>
  12791.  
  12792.  
  12793.  
  12794. <p>&#8220;We dubbed this a baby star&#8217;s &#8216;sneeze&#8217; as it reminded us of when we expel dust and air at high speeds,” said Tokuda.</p>
  12795.  
  12796.  
  12797.  
  12798. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/star-bursts-cosmic-dawn/"><strong>Bursting stars could explain why it was so bright after the big bang</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  12799.  
  12800.  
  12801.  
  12802. <p>They also observed <a target="_blank" href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad2f9a">other spikes of energy thousands of astronomical units away</a> from the protostellar disk. The team believes that these extra spikes could be the remnants of past stellar sneezes.</p>
  12803.  
  12804.  
  12805.  
  12806. <p>The team hopes that their findings will improve astronomer&#8217;s understanding of the detailed <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/space/oldest-photo-universe-big-bang/">processes that shape the universe</a>.</p>
  12807.  
  12808.  
  12809.  
  12810. <p>&#8220;Similar spike-like structures have been observed in other young stars, and it&#8217;s becoming a more common astronomical discovery,&#8221; said Tokuda. &#8220;By investigating the conditions that lead to these &#8216;sneezes&#8217; we hope to expand our understanding of how stars and planets are formed.&#8221;</p>
  12811. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/baby-star-sneeze/">Baby stars release gassy ‘sneezes’ while forming</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12812. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12813. </item>
  12814. <item>
  12815. <title>US experienced staggering growth in solar and wind power over the last decade</title>
  12816. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/solar-wind-energy-growth/</link>
  12817. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Syris Valentine / Grist]]></dc:creator>
  12818. <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:18:35 +0000</pubDate>
  12819. <category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
  12820. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  12821. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610423</guid>
  12822.  
  12823. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12824.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/wind-turbines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="wind farm" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The sun and the wind have been the country’s fastest growing sources of energy over the past decade. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/wind-turbine-farm-at-sunset-4224453.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Nearly a quarter of the nation's grid now runs on renewables, bringing the country closer to its climate goals.</p>
  12825. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/solar-wind-energy-growth/">US experienced staggering growth in solar and wind power over the last decade</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12826. ]]></description>
  12827. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12828.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/11/wind-turbines.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="wind farm" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The sun and the wind have been the country’s fastest growing sources of energy over the past decade. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/wind-turbine-farm-at-sunset-4224453.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  12829. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://grist.org/energy/wind-solar-account-for-more-of-the-us-energy-mix-than-ever-before/">Grist</a>. </p>
  12830.  
  12831.  
  12832.  
  12833. <p>When you live far from the sprawling fields befitting utility-scale solar and wind farms, it’s easy to feel like clean energy isn’t coming online fast enough. But renewables have grown at a staggering rate since 2014 and now account for 22 percent of the nation’s electricity. Solar alone has grown an impressive eightfold in 10 years.</p>
  12834.  
  12835.  
  12836.  
  12837. <p>The sun and the wind have been the country’s fastest growing sources of energy over the past decade, according to a report released by the nonprofit Climate Central on Wednesday. Meanwhile, coal power has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61242" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">declined sharply</a>, and the use of&nbsp;methane&nbsp;to generate electricity has all but leveled off. With the Inflation Reduction Act poised to kick that growth curve higher with expanded tax credits for manufacturing and installing photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, the most optimistic projections suggest that the country is getting ever closer to achieving its 2030 and 2035 clean energy goals.</p>
  12838.  
  12839.  
  12840.  
  12841. <p>“I think the rate at which renewables have been able to grow is just something that most people don’t recognize,” said Amanda Levin, director of policy analysis at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who was not involved in preparing the report.</p>
  12842.  
  12843.  
  12844.  
  12845. <p>In the decade analyzed by Climate Central, solar went from generating less than half a percent of the nation’s electricity to producing nearly 4 percent. In that same period, wind grew from 4 percent to roughly 10. Once hydropower, geothermal, and biomass are accounted for, nearly a quarter of the nation’s grid was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61242" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powered by renewable electricity in 2023</a>, with the share only expected to rise thanks to the continued surge in solar.</p>
  12846.  
  12847.  
  12848.  
  12849. <p>The vast majority of the nation’s solar capacity comes from utility-scale installations with at least one megawatt of capacity (enough to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seia.org/initiatives/whats-megawatt" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">power over a hundred homes</a>, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association). But panels installed on rooftops, parking lots, and other comparatively small sites contributed a combined 48,000 megawatts across the country.</p>
  12850.  
  12851.  
  12852.  
  12853. <p>“One thing that surprised a lot of different people who’ve read the report in our office was the strength of small-scale solar,” said Jen Brady, the lead analyst on the Climate Central report.</p>
  12854.  
  12855.  
  12856.  
  12857. <p>With residential and other small arrays accounting for 34 percent of the nation’s available capacity, “it lets you know that maybe you could do something in your community, in your home that can help contribute to it,” Brady said.</p>
  12858.  
  12859.  
  12860.  
  12861. <p>Still, the buildout of utility-scale solar farms continues to set the pace for how rapidly renewable energy can feed the country’s grid. According to Sam Ricketts, a clean energy consultant and former climate policy advisor to Washington Governor Jay Inslee, solar’s growth was driven by production and investment tax credits that&nbsp;<a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/12/17/big-win-clean-energy-and-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">President Barack Obama extended in 2015</a>&nbsp;and President Joe Biden expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/summary-inflation-reduction-act-provisions-related-renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">through the Inflation Reduction Act</a>, or IRA. Beyond these federal incentives that allow energy developers to claim tax credits equivalent to 30 percent of the installation cost of renewables, state policies that proactively drive clean energy or promote a competitive market in which the dwindling price of renewables allow them to outshine fossil fuels have been critical to ratcheting up growth. Yet, even with the accelerating expansion seen in the last decade, more investments and incentives are needed.</p>
  12862.  
  12863.  
  12864.  
  12865. <p>“As rapid as that growth has been, how do we make it all go that much faster?” Ricketts asked. “Because we need to be building renewables and electricity at about three times the speed that we have been over the last few years.”</p>
  12866.  
  12867.  
  12868.  
  12869. <p>Achieving that rate of buildout is critical for achieving two of President Biden’s climate goals: cutting emissions economy-wide by at least half by 2030 and achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035.&nbsp;</p>
  12870.  
  12871.  
  12872.  
  12873. <p>To realize those goals, the nation must reach 80 percent clean energy by 2030. “I dare say it’s even more important, for the time being, than 100 percent clean by 2035,” Ricketts said. Hitting that benchmark, he said, will require more federal and state policy pushes. Levin agrees.</p>
  12874.  
  12875.  
  12876.  
  12877. <p>“The IRA does a lot,” she said, “but it is not likely to do everything.”</p>
  12878.  
  12879.  
  12880.  
  12881. <p>The IRA has the ability to push renewable energy from roughly 40 percent of the nation’s energy mix, when nuclear is included,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergreenaction.com/policy-hub/Powering-Towards-100-Clean-Power.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">to more than 60 percent</a>&nbsp;— or, in the most optimistic of scenarios,&nbsp;<a href="https://repeatproject.org/docs/REPEAT_Climate_Progress_and_the_117th_Congress.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">77 percent</a>.</p>
  12882.  
  12883.  
  12884.  
  12885. <p>But for the growth in capacity to be integrated into the system and utilized, the grid needs to be able to transmit electrons from far-off solar fields and wind farms to the places where they’re needed. While the transmission conversation most often revolves around building new lines and transmission towers, Levin notes that&nbsp;<a href="https://haas.berkeley.edu/energy-institute/research/abstracts/wp-343/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">recent technology advances</a>&nbsp;have made it possible to address half of these transmission needs simply by stringing new, advanced power lines on existing infrastructure that can handle bigger loads with fewer losses, in a process called “<a href="https://heatmap.news/climate/clean-energy-grid-reconductoring" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reconductoring</a>.”</p>
  12886.  
  12887.  
  12888.  
  12889. <p>The other challenge that comes with building out clean energy is learning how to handle the way wind speeds and sunshine fluctuate. While this is often levied as an argument against their reliability, Levin points out that a host of solutions exist—from expanding battery storage to adjusting loads when demand spikes—to ensure they’re reliable. The challenge is adopting them.</p>
  12890.  
  12891.  
  12892.  
  12893. <p>“Utilities are risk averse,” she said, “and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://grist.org/georgia-psc/want-clean-electricity-these-overlooked-elected-officials-get-to-decide/">their commissions</a>&nbsp;can also be risk averse. And so it’s getting them to be comfortable with thinking about the way that they provide electricity and the way that they manage their system a little differently.”</p>
  12894.  
  12895.  
  12896.  
  12897. <p><strong><em>Editor’s note:</em></strong><em>&nbsp;The Natural Resources Defense Council is an advertiser with Grist. Advertisers have no role in Grist’s editorial decisions.</em></p>
  12898.  
  12899.  
  12900.  
  12901. <i><p>This article originally appeared in <a target="_blank" href="https://grist.org/">Grist</a> at <a target="_blank" href="https://grist.org/energy/wind-solar-account-for-more-of-the-us-energy-mix-than-ever-before/">https://grist.org/energy/wind-solar-account-for-more-of-the-us-energy-mix-than-ever-before/</a>.</p>
  12902.                  <link href="https://grist.org/energy/wind-solar-account-for-more-of-the-us-energy-mix-than-ever-before/" rel="canonical"/>
  12903.                  <p>Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at <a target="_blank" href="https://grist.org/">Grist.org</a></p>
  12904.                  <script id="grist-syndication-pixel" async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=GTM-TG2PKBX" data-source="repub" data-canonical="https://grist.org/energy/wind-solar-account-for-more-of-the-us-energy-mix-than-ever-before/" data-title="US experienced staggering growth in solar and wind power over the last decade" crossorigin="anonymous"/></i>
  12905. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/solar-wind-energy-growth/">US experienced staggering growth in solar and wind power over the last decade</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12906. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12907. </item>
  12908. <item>
  12909. <title>The revolutionary toy technology of &#8216;Captain Power&#8217; that time forgot</title>
  12910. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/captain-power-documentary/</link>
  12911. <dc:creator><![CDATA[PopSci Staff]]></dc:creator>
  12912. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:32:13 +0000</pubDate>
  12913. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  12914. <category><![CDATA[toys]]></category>
  12915. <category><![CDATA[Videos]]></category>
  12916. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610398</guid>
  12917.  
  12918. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12919.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/CaptainPowerThumb2-1-1.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810.24" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a spaceships breaks through an old tv with glass flying" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">'Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future' would not only present a futuristic drama, but also allow the kids to participate in real-time with interactive toys. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Popular Science</span></figcaption></figure><p>We enter a world of retro gaming, '80s toys, and television lore.</p>
  12920. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/captain-power-documentary/">The revolutionary toy technology of &#8216;Captain Power&#8217; that time forgot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12921. ]]></description>
  12922. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  12923.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/CaptainPowerThumb2-1-1.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810.24" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a spaceships breaks through an old tv with glass flying" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">'Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future' would not only present a futuristic drama, but also allow the kids to participate in real-time with interactive toys. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Popular Science</span></figcaption></figure>
  12924. <div class="wp-block-group is-layout-constrained" tagname="div" columns_desktop="3" gap_desktop="30" columns_tablet="2" gap_tablet="20" columns_mobile="1" gap_mobile="16"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container">
  12925. <p>Hey ‘80s kids, do you remember <em>Captain Power</em>? If you do, awesome. And if no, it’s not totally surprising. </p>
  12926.  
  12927.  
  12928.  
  12929. <p>Action figures and toys tied to kids’ entertainment thrived in the 1980s–Thundercats, GI Joe, He-Man all dominated our toy boxes and our <a href="https://www.popsci.com/category/televisions">televisions</a>. So how did a Gene Siskel-approved sci-fi show with a complementary ground-breaking toy <a href="https://www.popsci.com/category/technology/">technology</a> fail so miserably? In the latest video for <em>Popular Science</em>, Kevin Lieber dissects the most monumental disconnect in TV history. </p>
  12930.  
  12931.  
  12932. <div><lite-youtube videoid="ZWVru0DdEpU" style="background-image: none;">
  12933.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZWVru0DdEpU/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="The revolutionary toy technology of &amp;#8216;Captain Power&amp;#8217; that time forgot">
  12934.            </lite-youtube>
  12935.            
  12936.            <noscript>
  12937. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  12938. <iframe loading="lazy" title="The Futuristic Toy Moms HATED (Captain Power)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZWVru0DdEpU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  12939. </div></figure>
  12940. </noscript></div></div></div>
  12941.  
  12942.  
  12943.  
  12944. <p><em>Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future </em>ran for a single season from 1987 to 1988. The 22 episodes followed Captain Jonathan Power (Timothy Dunigan) and a small team of specialized soldiers wearing power suits to battle the robot army of Lord Dread. The show featured interactive elements that kids could “shoot” using a toy XT-7 jet that was manufactured by Mattel. Sounds kind of cool, right? Well, not to thousands of parents who rallied against the show for blurring the lines between kids show, warfare, and toy commercials.&nbsp;</p>
  12945.  
  12946.  
  12947.  
  12948. <p>The whole &#8220;shooting your TV&#8221; thing wasn’t the only problem <em>Captain Power</em> faced. The show’s writers insisted they weren’t writing for a child audience and instead wove complex stories with dramatic themes that appealed more to adults. They wanted to make a show for grownups to sell toys to kids, and that doesn’t quite work. </p>
  12949.  
  12950.  
  12951.  
  12952. <p>Despite the show and toy&#8217;s failure, <em>Captain Power</em> proved to have a lasting influence. It was the first show to use CG-modeled characters as part of the main cast, may have inspired one of the most infamous villains on <em>Star Trek</em>, and the team responsible for the show went on to help define sci-fi entertainment for a generation.</p>
  12953.  
  12954.  
  12955.  
  12956. <p>The entire story of <em>Captain Power</em> is a fascinating study of the great impacts of failure.  <br><br>Want more videos? You definitely do because you can learn about the Siri and Alexa predecessor called <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/butler-in-a-box-video/">Butler in a Box</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/trepanning-history-video/">drilling holes in our heads</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@popularscience">Subscribe to <em>Popular Science</em> on YouTube</a>.</p>
  12957. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/captain-power-documentary/">The revolutionary toy technology of &#8216;Captain Power&#8217; that time forgot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12958. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  12959. </item>
  12960. <item>
  12961. <title>The best microscopes for students in 2024</title>
  12962. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-microscopes-for-students/</link>
  12963. <dc:creator><![CDATA[John Alexander]]></dc:creator>
  12964. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  12965. <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
  12966. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  12967. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  12968. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  12969. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  12970. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  12971. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  12972. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  12973. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  12974. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610048</guid>
  12975.  
  12976. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  12977.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/The-best-microphones-for-students-in-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best microphones for students in 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><p>Seeing the small world up close gives students a clearer picture of the larger world around us. Here are the microscopes to help them get started.</p>
  12978. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-microscopes-for-students/">The best microscopes for students in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  12979. ]]></description>
  12980. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  12981.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/The-best-microphones-for-students-in-2024.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best microphones for students in 2024 on a plain white background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  12982. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  12983.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  12984.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  12985.      <tbody>
  12986.              <tr
  12987.          class="ProductTable-product"
  12988.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  12989.        >
  12990.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  12991.            Best overall
  12992.          </td>
  12993.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  12994.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="AmScope M150C-I on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610062" width="264" height="165">
  12995.          </td>
  12996.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  12997.            AmScope M150C-I
  12998.          </td>
  12999.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  13000.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  13001.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13002.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13003.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13004.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13005.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13006.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  13007.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13008.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13009.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13010.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13011.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13012.                                  </div>
  13013.                          </div>
  13014.          </td>
  13015.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  13016.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  13017.                <span>
  13018.                  SEE IT
  13019.                </span>
  13020.            </a>
  13021.          </td>
  13022.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  13023.              <p>This classic microscope is made with students’ needs in mind.</p>
  13024.  
  13025.            </td>
  13026.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  13027.        </tr>
  13028.              <tr
  13029.          class="ProductTable-product"
  13030.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  13031.        >
  13032.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  13033.            Best for groups
  13034.          </td>
  13035.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  13036.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="OMAX-MD82ES10 on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610063" width="264" height="165">
  13037.          </td>
  13038.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  13039.            OMAX-MD82ES10
  13040.          </td>
  13041.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  13042.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  13043.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13044.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13045.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13046.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13047.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13048.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  13049.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13050.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13051.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13052.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13053.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13054.                                  </div>
  13055.                          </div>
  13056.          </td>
  13057.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  13058.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  13059.                <span>
  13060.                  SEE IT
  13061.                </span>
  13062.            </a>
  13063.          </td>
  13064.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  13065.              <p>It can connect to a laptop or other screen for group viewing, helping large groups explore the microverse together.</p>
  13066.  
  13067.            </td>
  13068.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  13069.        </tr>
  13070.              <tr
  13071.          class="ProductTable-product"
  13072.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  13073.        >
  13074.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  13075.            Best budget
  13076.          </td>
  13077.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  13078.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Microscope for Kids on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610066" width="264" height="165">
  13079.          </td>
  13080.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  13081.            National Geographic STEM Kit
  13082.          </td>
  13083.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  13084.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  13085.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13086.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13087.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13088.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13089.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13090.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  13091.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13092.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13093.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13094.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13095.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  13096.                                  </div>
  13097.                          </div>
  13098.          </td>
  13099.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  13100.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  13101.                <span>
  13102.                  SEE IT
  13103.                </span>
  13104.            </a>
  13105.          </td>
  13106.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  13107.              <p>This scope has brightfield and darkfield for enhanced viewing and a “student-proof” design for longevity.</p>
  13108.  
  13109.            </td>
  13110.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  13111.        </tr>
  13112.            </tbody>
  13113.    </table>
  13114.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  13115.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  13116.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  13117.    </div>
  13118.  </div>
  13119. </div>
  13120.  
  13121.  
  13122.  
  13123. <p>There&#8217;s a wide world full of shapes, colors, and things for the inquisitive to observe, but only with microscopes for students can the scientifically inclined investigate the world within the world—the world of the tiny. From the fine scratches on the top of a worn penny to the cilia of microbial life, a lot is going on that the naked eye cannot see. But what constitutes a great microscope is not always clear. Depending on the level of the student, they may need almost literal hand-holding through the operation of the scope, with interesting slides pre-prepared. Situations may call for less intense magnification and simpler devices that even young students can use if guided properly. In other scenarios, some microscopes connect with high-quality displays, letting a group work together, seeing and documenting what they find simultaneously. No matter your needs, these are the best microscopes for students, and one will likely fit your needs.</p>
  13124.  
  13125.  
  13126.  
  13127. <ul>
  13128. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AmScope M150C-I</a></li>
  13129.  
  13130.  
  13131.  
  13132. <li><strong>Best for groups: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OMAX-MD82ES10</a>&nbsp;</li>
  13133.  
  13134.  
  13135.  
  13136. <li><strong>Best for active students:</strong> <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/2536217/565706/9383?veh=aff&amp;sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FAmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope-10X-20X-30X-60X%2F39548349&amp;subId1=PS-RU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AmScope Student Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope</a></li>
  13137.  
  13138.  
  13139.  
  13140. <li><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF-Brightfield-Darkfield-Microscope/dp/B0CPZN2X8L?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Accu-Scope EXM-150-MS-DF</a></li>
  13141.  
  13142.  
  13143.  
  13144. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">National Geographic STEM Kit</a></li>
  13145. </ul>
  13146.  
  13147.  
  13148.  
  13149. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-selected-the-best-microscopes-for-students"><strong>How we selected the best microscopes for students</strong></h2>
  13150.  
  13151.  
  13152.  
  13153. <p>It can be hard to believe that your friendly neighborhood article writer came from anywhere but a cramped library, surrounded by books and manuscripts. This one, however, came from cramped (and sometimes quite spacious) laboratories. One period of several months spent counting pollen for hours and hours a day—when, at 22 or so, I was hardly beyond being a student myself—stands out particularly in my mind as a period of learning and understanding the intricacies of microscope usage.</p>
  13154.  
  13155.  
  13156.  
  13157. <p>Of course, the microscopes presented below will be good for students, both young and old, with various capabilities depending on the age group. While no microscope is indestructible, they’re universally quite fragile at the lens, we are aiming for microscopes that can withstand (or safeguard against) beginner follies and common pitfalls. Two other features that give a big boost to a microscope’s suitability for students are easy ways to view and share what’s being seen, as well as supplied activities and guidance.</p>
  13158.  
  13159.  
  13160.  
  13161. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-microscopes-for-students-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best microscopes for students: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  13162.  
  13163.  
  13164.  
  13165. <p>The following microscopes were all picked to satisfy your student at home or, as the case may be, in a group at your school, club, or other location. Check out each one to compare and contrast it to your needs. Also, while there will definitely be some overlap with the microscopes on this list, you should check out our listing of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-microscopes-for-kids/">best microscopes for kids</a>. This goes doubly so if you feel that the microscopes and activities listed here are too difficult or challenging for the student you have in mind.</p>
  13166.  
  13167.  
  13168.  
  13169. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-amscope-m150c-i"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AmScope M150C-I</a></h3>
  13170.  
  13171.  
  13172. <div
  13173.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  13174.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  13175. >
  13176.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  13177.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  13178.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  13179.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-M150C-I.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="AmScope M150C-I on a plain white background.">
  13180.                      </figure>
  13181.                  </a>
  13182.            </div>
  13183.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  13184.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  13185.        <p><em>AmScope</em></p>
  13186.  
  13187.      </figcaption>
  13188.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  13189.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000"
  13190.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  13191.      </p>
  13192.      </div>
  13193. </div>
  13194.  
  13195.  
  13196.  
  13197. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  13198.  
  13199.  
  13200.  
  13201. <ul>
  13202. <li><strong>Style: </strong>Compound</li>
  13203.  
  13204.  
  13205.  
  13206. <li><strong>Magnification: </strong>40X &#8211; 1000X</li>
  13207.  
  13208.  
  13209.  
  13210. <li><strong>Included activities: </strong>No</li>
  13211. </ul>
  13212.  
  13213.  
  13214.  
  13215. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  13216.  
  13217.  
  13218.  
  13219. <ul>
  13220. <li>Classic style used in real labs and universities</li>
  13221.  
  13222.  
  13223.  
  13224. <li>Wide magnification range good for most activities</li>
  13225.  
  13226.  
  13227.  
  13228. <li>Teaches real microscope skills</li>
  13229.  
  13230.  
  13231.  
  13232. <li>Affordable for most</li>
  13233. </ul>
  13234.  
  13235.  
  13236.  
  13237. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  13238.  
  13239.  
  13240.  
  13241. <ul>
  13242. <li>No included investigation kit</li>
  13243.  
  13244.  
  13245.  
  13246. <li>Not ideal for youngest learners</li>
  13247. </ul>
  13248.  
  13249.  
  13250.  
  13251. <p>The AmScope M150C-I resembles many other microscopes but comes in at $100, within a serious student’s budget, and affordable enough multiples can be purchased for a group of learners. This microscope will teach real responsibility with a microscope, including proper handling, as well as give students a chance to see the smallest parts of the world properly. It uses a proper compound style, has an easily graspable fine coarse control, and an adjustable light source that can be powered either via batteries or an outlet.</p>
  13252.  
  13253.  
  13254.  
  13255. <p>This microscope has an incredible range of magnifications that you can use it at, as well. The world at 40X and 1000X, the two extremes this microscope has to offer, will appear almost completely different and will allow for different activities. At a low magnification, look at the exterior of a bug or plant “skins” up close. Then, at 1000X, take a look at the cells themselves. With all of these factors combined, you should expect your students to be able to learn a wide variety of lessons with this scope, making it a best value.</p>
  13256.  
  13257.  
  13258.  
  13259. <p>What gives us pause about this microscope is that it does not come with activities and may not be suitable for fast-moving and excitable youngsters. If you are the creative type and have equally curious and motivated students, these issues can be circumvented, however. Setting up scenes for young students to look at—without adjusting the scope themselves—can certainly help. Consider looking at <a href="https://www.popsci.com/article/science/feast-your-eyes-best-microscope-images-year/">award-winning microscope imagery</a> and other <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nikon-small-world-microscope-winners/">outstanding microscope shots</a> to spur creative impulses.</p>
  13260.  
  13261.  
  13262.  
  13263. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-groups-omax-md82es10-nbsp"><strong>Best for groups: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OMAX-MD82ES10</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  13264.  
  13265.  
  13266. <div
  13267.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  13268.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  13269. >
  13270.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  13271.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  13272.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  13273.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/OMAX-MD82ES10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="OMAX-MD82ES10 on a plain white background.">
  13274.                      </figure>
  13275.                  </a>
  13276.            </div>
  13277.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  13278.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  13279.        <p><em>OMAX</em></p>
  13280.  
  13281.      </figcaption>
  13282.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  13283.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000"
  13284.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  13285.      </p>
  13286.      </div>
  13287. </div>
  13288.  
  13289.  
  13290.  
  13291. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  13292.  
  13293.  
  13294.  
  13295. <ul>
  13296. <li><strong>Style: </strong>Compound</li>
  13297.  
  13298.  
  13299.  
  13300. <li><strong>Magnification: </strong>40X &#8211; 2000X</li>
  13301.  
  13302.  
  13303.  
  13304. <li><strong>Included activities: </strong>No</li>
  13305. </ul>
  13306.  
  13307.  
  13308.  
  13309. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  13310.  
  13311.  
  13312.  
  13313. <ul>
  13314. <li>Built-in 1.3MP USB camera</li>
  13315.  
  13316.  
  13317.  
  13318. <li>Easy to connect software</li>
  13319.  
  13320.  
  13321.  
  13322. <li>Very solid slide grip</li>
  13323.  
  13324.  
  13325.  
  13326. <li>High longevity in use cases</li>
  13327. </ul>
  13328.  
  13329.  
  13330.  
  13331. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  13332.  
  13333.  
  13334.  
  13335. <ul>
  13336. <li>Optional oil immersion capabilities are complex</li>
  13337. </ul>
  13338.  
  13339.  
  13340.  
  13341. <p>The OMAX-MD82ES10 is a bi-focal compound microscope with a secondary viewing pattern—accessible through the 1.3MP camera that exports imagery through USB. This gives large groups of students of all capabilities a chance to simultaneously look at the same field of view. That can mean trusted students taking turns finding things in a microscope and being able to share what they see with each other in real-time or a teacher-led activity that lets students of all capabilities share in on the excitement. Furthermore, individual students can copy and save imagery and videos on the secondary view, allowing them to share their findings with the world.</p>
  13342.  
  13343.  
  13344.  
  13345. <p>Another point about this microscope is its build and construction. Take its slide-holding mechanism, with squared-off edges that grip and secure slides snuggly. Compared to less form-fitting mechanisms, there will be considerably fewer fears of slides <em>popping</em> up and tapping the lens, as well as less frustration when changing slides. You’ll also appreciate dual-sided fine focusing, maximizing comfort for right- and left-handed users.</p>
  13346.  
  13347.  
  13348.  
  13349. <p>We do think that for many students (and even teachers), the thought of using <a href="https://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/methods/microscopy/oilimm.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil immersion microscopy</a>—a very advanced technique and a capability included on this scope—may be rightfully intimidating. The good news is that getting quality shots <em>does not</em> require its usage, and the capability is there for you when (and if) you eventually want to try it.</p>
  13350.  
  13351.  
  13352.  
  13353. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-active-students-amscope-student-forward-binocular-stereo-microscope"><strong>Best for active students:</strong> <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/2536217/565706/9383?veh=aff&amp;sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FAmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope-10X-20X-30X-60X%2F39548349&amp;subId1=PS-RU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AmScope Student Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope</a></h3>
  13354.  
  13355.  
  13356. <div
  13357.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  13358.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  13359. >
  13360.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  13361.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/2536217/565706/9383?veh=aff&#038;sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FAmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope-10X-20X-30X-60X%2F39548349&#038;subId1=PS-RU" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  13362.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  13363.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/AmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="AmScope Student Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope on a plain white background.">
  13364.                      </figure>
  13365.                  </a>
  13366.            </div>
  13367.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  13368.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  13369.        <p><em>AmScope</em></p>
  13370.  
  13371.      </figcaption>
  13372.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  13373.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/2536217/565706/9383?veh=aff&#038;sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FAmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope-10X-20X-30X-60X%2F39548349&#038;subId1=PS-RU"
  13374.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  13375.      </p>
  13376.      </div>
  13377. </div>
  13378.  
  13379.  
  13380.  
  13381. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  13382.  
  13383.  
  13384.  
  13385. <ul>
  13386. <li><strong>Style: </strong>Stereo</li>
  13387.  
  13388.  
  13389.  
  13390. <li><strong>Magnification: </strong>10X &#8211; 60X</li>
  13391.  
  13392.  
  13393.  
  13394. <li><strong>Included activities: </strong>No</li>
  13395. </ul>
  13396.  
  13397.  
  13398.  
  13399. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  13400.  
  13401.  
  13402.  
  13403. <ul>
  13404. <li>Stereo microscope usable by younger students</li>
  13405.  
  13406.  
  13407.  
  13408. <li>Higher magnification than many stereo scopes</li>
  13409.  
  13410.  
  13411.  
  13412. <li>Easy-to-use design</li>
  13413. </ul>
  13414.  
  13415.  
  13416.  
  13417. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  13418.  
  13419.  
  13420.  
  13421. <ul>
  13422. <li>Cannot see cells, etc.</li>
  13423. </ul>
  13424.  
  13425.  
  13426.  
  13427. <p>When we think of microscopes, we often think of compound microscopes, which can be problematic for students. Their lenses are very close to the subject, so small mistakes can ruin them easily. It can also be very difficult to find interesting things with them.</p>
  13428.  
  13429.  
  13430.  
  13431. <p>Enter the stereo microscope. These microscopes are designed for looking up close and seeing new details on full objects. Typically only getting about 50X magnification, max, these microscopes are great for revealing the finer details of rocks, bugs, and more. This AmScope student stereo microscope can get up to 60X zoom, quite better than others. It also has a lengthy distance from subject to lens, meaning an excited or shaky student is unlikely to damage the lens while putting something into frame.</p>
  13432.  
  13433.  
  13434.  
  13435. <p>We highly recommend a microscope like this for examining specimens from nature hikes, studying plants, and more biological research. The binocular eyepiece setup will also allow students to lean into the microscope more—holding your head properly at a microscope is more difficult than you might expect—without hiring their faces.</p>
  13436.  
  13437.  
  13438.  
  13439. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-splurge-accu-scope-exm-150-ms-df"><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF-Brightfield-Darkfield-Microscope/dp/B0CPZN2X8L?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Accu-Scope EXM-150-MS-DF</a></h3>
  13440.  
  13441.  
  13442. <div
  13443.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  13444.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  13445. >
  13446.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  13447.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF-Brightfield-Darkfield-Microscope/dp/B0CPZN2X8L?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  13448.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  13449.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Home photo">
  13450.                      </figure>
  13451.                  </a>
  13452.            </div>
  13453.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  13454.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  13455.        <p><em>Accu-Scope</em></p>
  13456.  
  13457.      </figcaption>
  13458.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  13459.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF-Brightfield-Darkfield-Microscope/dp/B0CPZN2X8L?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000"
  13460.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  13461.      </p>
  13462.      </div>
  13463. </div>
  13464.  
  13465.  
  13466.  
  13467. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  13468.  
  13469.  
  13470.  
  13471. <ul>
  13472. <li><strong>Style: </strong>Compound</li>
  13473.  
  13474.  
  13475.  
  13476. <li><strong>Magnification: </strong>Up to 400X</li>
  13477.  
  13478.  
  13479.  
  13480. <li><strong>Included activities: </strong>No</li>
  13481. </ul>
  13482.  
  13483.  
  13484.  
  13485. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  13486.  
  13487.  
  13488.  
  13489. <ul>
  13490. <li>Student-proof design protects lenses</li>
  13491.  
  13492.  
  13493.  
  13494. <li>Darkfield option increases visibility</li>
  13495.  
  13496.  
  13497.  
  13498. <li>Cordless LED lighting</li>
  13499. </ul>
  13500.  
  13501.  
  13502.  
  13503. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  13504.  
  13505.  
  13506.  
  13507. <ul>
  13508. <li>Expensive</li>
  13509. </ul>
  13510.  
  13511.  
  13512.  
  13513. <p>One of the biggest fears surrounding finding the best microscopes for students is the possibility of them messing up the lenses. It happens to fully trained adults in absent-minded moments of haphazardly switching from far to near focus, so imagine the possibilities for error in our youngest scientists!</p>
  13514.  
  13515.  
  13516.  
  13517. <p>This Accu-Scope microscope helps prevent this issue by including a pre-set focus stop to help students avoid hitting the lens. Of course, it won’t completely prevent the problem, and students should still be properly trained in how to increase focus—both for the sake of this scope and potential future ones they encounter—but the added safety barrier certainly helps.</p>
  13518.  
  13519.  
  13520.  
  13521. <p>Another feature that makes this our premium pick (its main downside is that, at $400, it is expensive) is the darkfield switch. This method of microscope usage greatly increases contrast on the edges of cells and other objects, making it easier to see boundaries.</p>
  13522.  
  13523.  
  13524.  
  13525. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-national-geographic-stem-kit"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">National Geographic STEM Kit</a></h3>
  13526.  
  13527.  
  13528. <div
  13529.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  13530.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  13531. >
  13532.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  13533.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  13534.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  13535.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-for-Kids.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Microscope for Kids on a plain white background.">
  13536.                      </figure>
  13537.                  </a>
  13538.            </div>
  13539.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  13540.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  13541.        <p><em>National Geographic</em></p>
  13542.  
  13543.      </figcaption>
  13544.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  13545.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000"
  13546.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  13547.      </p>
  13548.      </div>
  13549. </div>
  13550.  
  13551.  
  13552.  
  13553. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  13554.  
  13555.  
  13556.  
  13557. <ul>
  13558. <li><strong>Style: </strong>Compound</li>
  13559.  
  13560.  
  13561.  
  13562. <li><strong>Magnification: </strong>40X &#8211; 400X</li>
  13563.  
  13564.  
  13565.  
  13566. <li><strong>Included activities: </strong>Yes</li>
  13567. </ul>
  13568.  
  13569.  
  13570.  
  13571. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  13572.  
  13573.  
  13574.  
  13575. <ul>
  13576. <li>Has a great included kit</li>
  13577.  
  13578.  
  13579.  
  13580. <li>Very affordable</li>
  13581.  
  13582.  
  13583.  
  13584. <li>Entertaining presentation</li>
  13585. </ul>
  13586.  
  13587.  
  13588.  
  13589. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  13590.  
  13591.  
  13592.  
  13593. <ul>
  13594. <li>Cheap construction</li>
  13595. </ul>
  13596.  
  13597.  
  13598.  
  13599. <p>Not all students are ready for an intense simulation of the laboratory. Additionally, not all students will dedicate serious time to the art of using the scope. For the science-interested but not dedicated, this kit is what you want. It&#8217;s the right price for a weekend or even a fun week. If your student continues with it, that’s great. If they don’t, it’s no harm, no foul. You know where your student lies on this spectrum.</p>
  13600.  
  13601.  
  13602.  
  13603. <p>It’s got a great kit with included activities and a fun, lighthearted guide to go with it. The construction of the microscope is similarly simple and non-intimidating. It’s brightly colored, soft, and forgoes a lot of the complexities of other scopes on the list. While its plastic construction won’t exactly give it the longevity to make it a hand-me-down, it will be easy for young people to <em>use</em>, even heavily, without fears of trouble. This is a microscope that young (but still responsible) individuals can use and make their own without excessive family worry over damaging expensive lenses. In other words, it is perfect as a gift for the budding scientist near you.</p>
  13604.  
  13605.  
  13606.  
  13607. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-before-buying-microscopes-for-students"><strong>What to consider before buying microscopes for students</strong></h2>
  13608.  
  13609.  
  13610.  
  13611. <p>Microscopes are complex. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Here’s a guide on what you should expect and how to choose a reasonable microscope for students:</p>
  13612.  
  13613.  
  13614.  
  13615. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-suitability">Age suitability</h3>
  13616.  
  13617.  
  13618.  
  13619. <p>In many ways, this comes at your discretion before buying a microscope. Not all students (or even parents) have the patience to use a highly detailed microscope with the care it requires. Finding interesting things, even in pond water at 400X+ zoom, takes patience and a careful hand.</p>
  13620.  
  13621.  
  13622.  
  13623. <p>Throughout the above, we’ve attempted to give you a glimpse at what you and your student child (or student group, should you be a teacher) might be able to accomplish with a given microscope. If the activities supplied seem outside the scope of what the student or student group can accomplish on a fundamental level, that microscope can be put in your “pass” pile.</p>
  13624.  
  13625.  
  13626.  
  13627. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnification-level">Magnification level</h3>
  13628.  
  13629.  
  13630.  
  13631. <p>The first thing to know about microscope magnification is that a higher magnification level is not always better. This goes doubly for students who—if given proper guidance—can find excitement at all magnification levels. Avoid the temptation to summarize microscopes as “cell viewing devices” only. A student envisioning a world of gladiatorial amoeba battles will become instantly disappointed with anything less.</p>
  13632.  
  13633.  
  13634.  
  13635. <p>Here is what to expect at various microscope levels, as well as target tasks that you can expect to accomplish reasonably:</p>
  13636.  
  13637.  
  13638.  
  13639. <p><strong>Under 50X</strong>, we will begin to see things just beyond the border of what the eye can normally see. Here, your students can understand the surface of normal objects better. Great investigations here include looking at printed text, looking at the veins and stomata of a leaf up close, and seeing insects clearly up close.</p>
  13640.  
  13641.  
  13642.  
  13643. <p>By <strong>100X</strong>, individual cells and pollen can be seen, though it will definitely feel like a “bird’s eye view” of sorts. Here, you can observe how many cells are in a small area of one pond’s water to another. Do you expect there to be a higher density of cells observable in a spot of pond water or tap water left out overnight? Can you find cells in your saliva? <a href="https://www.luc.edu/biology/111lab/3-microscopyandcellulardiversity/photos/onionepidermis100x/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Onion cells</a> look particularly good at this level.</p>
  13644.  
  13645.  
  13646.  
  13647. <p>If you get to <strong>400X</strong>, you can observe cells up close and even see their insides. What structures can you observe, and how can they move? This is the stage where you can <a href="https://marcperkins.photoshelter.com/image/I00005alc70vXAy8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see amoeba</a>, though you should be warned that observed cells will likely be dead or die quickly after being observed in a slide under the heat of a microscope’s lamp.</p>
  13648.  
  13649.  
  13650.  
  13651. <p>Of course, you can get magnifications beyond these, but these three levels are fairly standard for student microscopes. Remember, there is no best magnification level; there are just different magnification levels that are best for different jobs. For example, you wouldn’t want the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/highest-microscope-resolution-individual-atoms/">highest resolution microscope</a>, which can see atoms, for looking at cells.</p>
  13652.  
  13653.  
  13654.  
  13655. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microscope-types-and-control">Microscope types and control</h3>
  13656.  
  13657.  
  13658.  
  13659. <p>One of the first choices in your microscope-picking journey will be the type of microscope. There are many types of professionally used microscopes, but for the purposes of student microscopes, you can broadly separate them into two categories: stereo microscopes and compound microscopes.</p>
  13660.  
  13661.  
  13662.  
  13663. <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stereo microscopes</span> are an oft-overlooked style of microscope that are particularly suitable for students who lack refined motor skills and advanced self-control. They feature a single, wide lens that towers far above the subject. Control often involves moving the subject and adjusting the (usually below 50X) zoom level, with little else. Since the lens stays far above the subject, the odds of damaging it are much lower, and reasonably well-behaved students can be trusted with the microscope after adult preparation and instruction.</p>
  13664.  
  13665.  
  13666.  
  13667. <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Compound microscopes</span> and other microscopes with a dual-lens approach are invariably <em>cooler</em> to use. They allow for higher magnifications, after all. Unfortunately, they also require more complex skills to use, with the lens approaching the subject directly. Should the lens become scratched, it can become completely ruined. This can occur by switching a shorter lens to a longer lens without pulling away from the subject first or accidentally moving the quick-moving coarse adjustment when you meant to use the fine-adjustment knob or even panning. In schools—including college classrooms—it isn’t uncommon to make students pass an easy test to verify their knowledge of a compound microscope before using it.</p>
  13668.  
  13669.  
  13670.  
  13671. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-price">Price</h3>
  13672.  
  13673.  
  13674.  
  13675. <p>Given enough technology, your journey to peer into the world of microcosms can stretch to infinitesimally small places. Much the same, it seems that more and more microscope technologies can bring with them infinitely high prices.</p>
  13676.  
  13677.  
  13678.  
  13679. <p>For student microscopes, this isn’t the way.</p>
  13680.  
  13681.  
  13682.  
  13683. <p>While price points you&#8217;re willing to pay are personal, you should be able to find the best student microscope for your family or small group for the price of any other modern tech gadget, such as a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-budget-3d-printers/">3D printer</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-macbook-for-college/">laptop computer</a>.</p>
  13684.  
  13685.  
  13686.  
  13687. <p>The prices of the student microscopes above vary widely. If you’re a family buying a microscope for an individual student, gauge their level of interest and stick-to-it-iveness and buy accordingly.</p>
  13688.  
  13689.  
  13690.  
  13691. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  13692.  
  13693.  
  13694.  
  13695. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712672801843"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much does a microscope for students cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">A microscope for students can cost anywhere from about $60 to over $300 or $400. What you are willing to spend on this scale will largely depend on the number of students who will be using a single scope, your budgeting, and the overall purpose of the microscope. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712672807671"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What type of microscope is used the most by students?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Younger students tend to mostly use stereo microscopes, while older students will use a mixture of both stereo and compound microscopes. Neither is the “best” type of microscope—they have different applications—but stereo microscopes are usable with less experience and training than compound microscopes.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712672821443"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What is a student microscope?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Ultimately, there is no designation for a “student microscope” in the world of scientists. With the exception of cheaper plastic models that are clearly made for children, you’re either using a microscope or you aren’t. Instead, we can think of a student microscope as one that more easily enables students to learn about the world and fits their needs more than others. In this way, multi-thousand-dollar microscopes with complex operations and niche uses are <em>not</em> student microscopes.</p> </div> </div>
  13696.  
  13697.  
  13698.  
  13699. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-microscopes-for-students"><strong>Final thoughts on the best microscopes for students</strong></h2>
  13700.  
  13701.  
  13702.  
  13703. <ul>
  13704. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AmScope M150C-I</a></li>
  13705.  
  13706.  
  13707.  
  13708. <li><strong>Best for groups: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Microscope-Mechanical-Compatible/dp/B006MX03Q0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OMAX-MD82ES10</a>&nbsp;</li>
  13709.  
  13710.  
  13711.  
  13712. <li><strong>Best for active students:</strong> <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/2536217/565706/9383?veh=aff&amp;sourceid=imp_000011112222333344&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FAmScope-Student-Forward-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope-10X-20X-30X-60X%2F39548349&amp;subId1=PS-RU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">AmScope Student Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope</a></li>
  13713.  
  13714.  
  13715.  
  13716. <li><strong>Best splurge: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Scope-EXM-150-MS-DF-Brightfield-Darkfield-Microscope/dp/B0CPZN2X8L?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Accu-Scope EXM-150-MS-DF</a></li>
  13717.  
  13718.  
  13719.  
  13720. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Microscope-Kids-Easy/dp/B09B83233H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610048O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">National Geographic STEM Kit</a></li>
  13721. </ul>
  13722.  
  13723.  
  13724.  
  13725. <p>The preceding microscopes will be able to help your individual student or student group on their first explorations into the world of the microscopic (and potentially beyond). They are designed to encourage creativity and promote skill in the reasonable exercises that most entering scientists will need in a career in microscopy. Toss in one of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/best-telescopes-for-kids/">the best telescopes for kids</a> and you’ll have both ends of the curiosity spectrum covered, equipping your student with a broader understanding of the world(s)!</p>
  13726.  
  13727.  
  13728.  
  13729. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  13730.  
  13731.  
  13732.  
  13733. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  13734.  
  13735.  
  13736.  
  13737. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  13738. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-microscopes-for-students/">The best microscopes for students in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13739. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  13740. </item>
  13741. <item>
  13742. <title>Watch two tiny, AI-powered robots play soccer</title>
  13743. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/deepmind-robot-soccer/</link>
  13744. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  13745. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  13746. <category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
  13747. <category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
  13748. <category><![CDATA[Robots]]></category>
  13749. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  13750. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  13751. <category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
  13752. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610317</guid>
  13753.  
  13754. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13755.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/robot-soccer.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Two robots playing soccer" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Deep reinforcement learning allowed a pair of robots to play against one another. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Credit: Google DeepMind / Tuomas Haarnoja</span></figcaption></figure><p>Google DeepMind's bipedal bots go head-to-head after years of prep.</p>
  13756. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/deepmind-robot-soccer/">Watch two tiny, AI-powered robots play soccer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13757. ]]></description>
  13758. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13759.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/robot-soccer.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Two robots playing soccer" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Deep reinforcement learning allowed a pair of robots to play against one another. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Credit: Google DeepMind / Tuomas Haarnoja</span></figcaption></figure>
  13760. <p>Google DeepMind is now able to train tiny, off-the-shelf robots to square off on the soccer field. In a new paper published today in <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adi8022?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D53255295311168548021296445301337154232%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1712760788">Science Robotics</a></em>, researchers detail their recent efforts to adapt a machine learning subset known as deep reinforcement learning (deep RL) to teach bipedal bots a simplified version of the sport. The team notes that while similar experiments created extremely agile quadrupedal robots (see: <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/dribblebot-mit-soccer/">Boston Dynamics Spot</a>) in the past, much less work has been conducted for two-legged, humanoid machines. But new footage of the bots dribbling, defending, and shooting goals shows off just how good a coach deep reinforcement learning could be for humanoid machines.</p>
  13761.  
  13762.  
  13763.  
  13764. <p>While ultimately meant for massive tasks like <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/ai-weather-forecast-graphcast/">climate forecasting</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/11/29/1084061/deepmind-ai-tool-for-new-materials-discovery/">materials engineering</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/google-deepminds-algorithm-can-now-explore-3d-mazes/">Google DeepMind</a> can also absolutely obliterate human competitors in games like <a target="_blank" href="https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/alphazero-shedding-new-light-on-chess-shogi-and-go/">chess</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/google-deepminds-alphago-finishes-final-tournament-match-with-win/">go</a>, and even <a href="https://www.popsci.com/blizzard-opens-up-starcraft-to-googles-deepmind-ai/"><em>Starcraft II</em></a>. But all those strategic maneuvers don’t require complex physical movement and coordination. So while DeepMind can study <a target="_blank" href="https://www.robocup.org/news/121">simulated soccer movements</a>, it hasn’t been able to translate to a physical playing field—but that’s quickly changing.</p>
  13765.  
  13766.  
  13767. <div><lite-youtube videoid="lrlhi1l16Nk" style="background-image: none;">
  13768.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lrlhi1l16Nk/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="AI photo">
  13769.            </lite-youtube>
  13770.            
  13771.            <noscript>
  13772. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  13773. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Google DeepMind Trained Robots Playing Soccer, Part 1" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lrlhi1l16Nk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  13774. </div></figure>
  13775. </noscript></div>
  13776.  
  13777.  
  13778. <p>To make the miniature Messi’s, engineers first developed and trained two deep RL skill sets in computer simulations—the ability to get up from the ground and how to score goals against an untrained opponent. From there, they virtually trained their system to play a full one-on-one soccer matchup by combining these skill sets, then randomly pairing them against partially trained copies of themselves.</p>
  13779.  
  13780.  
  13781.  
  13782. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/ai-weather-forecast-graphcast/"><strong>Google DeepMind’s AI forecasting is outperforming the ‘gold standard’ model</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  13783.  
  13784.  
  13785.  
  13786. <p>“Thus, in the second stage, the agent learned to combine previously learned skills, refine them to the full soccer task, and predict and anticipate the opponent’s behavior,” researchers wrote in their paper introduction, later noting that, “During play, the agents transitioned between all of these behaviors fluidly.”</p>
  13787.  
  13788.  
  13789. <div><lite-youtube videoid="MauNtcHQsvQ" style="background-image: none;">
  13790.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MauNtcHQsvQ/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="AI photo">
  13791.            </lite-youtube>
  13792.            
  13793.            <noscript>
  13794. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  13795. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Google DeepMind Trained Robots Playing Soccer, Part 2" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MauNtcHQsvQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  13796. </div></figure>
  13797. </noscript></div>
  13798.  
  13799.  
  13800. <p>Thanks to the deep RL framework, DeepMind-powered agents soon learned to improve on existing abilities, including how to kick and shoot the soccer ball, block shots, and even defend their own goal against an attacking opponent by using its body as a shield.</p>
  13801.  
  13802.  
  13803.  
  13804. <p>During a series of one-on-one matches using robots utilizing the deep RL training, the two mechanical athletes walked, turned, kicked, and uprighted themselves faster than if engineers simply supplied them a scripted baseline of skills. These weren’t miniscule improvements, either—compared to a non-adaptable scripted baseline, the robots walked 181 percent faster, turned 302 percent faster, kicked 34 percent faster, and took 63 percent less time to get up after falling. What’s more, the deep RL-trained robots also showed new, emergent behaviors like pivoting on their feet and spinning. Such actions would be extremely challenging to pre-script otherwise.</p>
  13805.  
  13806.  
  13807.  
  13808. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1109" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/adi8022_Figure_fig3_seq3_v1.png" alt="Screenshots of robots playing soccer" class="wp-image-610328"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Credit: Google DeepMind</em></figcaption></figure>
  13809.  
  13810.  
  13811.  
  13812. <p>There’s still some work to do before DeepMind-powered robots make it to the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/dribblebot-mit-soccer/">RoboCup</a>. For these initial tests, researchers completely relied on simulation-based deep RL training before transferring that information to physical robots. In the future, engineers want to combine both virtual and real-time reinforcement training for their bots. They also hope to scale up their robots, but that will require much more experimentation and fine-tuning.</p>
  13813.  
  13814.  
  13815.  
  13816. <p>The team believes that utilizing similar deep RL approaches for soccer, as well as many other tasks, could further improve bipedal robots movements and real-time adaptation capabilities. Still, it’s unlikely you’ll need to worry about DeepMind humanoid robots on full-sized soccer fields—or in the labor market—just yet. At the same time, given their continuous improvements, it’s probably not a bad idea to get ready to blow the whistle on them.</p>
  13817. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/deepmind-robot-soccer/">Watch two tiny, AI-powered robots play soccer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13818. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  13819. </item>
  13820. <item>
  13821. <title>Swing over to Amazon for 20% off a PlayStation 5 console</title>
  13822. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/playstation-5-spider-man-bundle-amazon-deal/</link>
  13823. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  13824. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
  13825. <category><![CDATA[Console Gaming]]></category>
  13826. <category><![CDATA[Gaming]]></category>
  13827. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  13828. <category><![CDATA[amazon]]></category>
  13829. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  13830. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  13831. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610338</guid>
  13832.  
  13833. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13834.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="960" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=960.75" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="PlayStation 5 ps5 storage" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM.jpg 2560w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stan Horaczek </span></figcaption></figure><p>The PlayStation 5 is a console that's made to be displayed and played, and right now it's on sale with a free download of Marvel's "Spider-Man 2."  </p>
  13835. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/playstation-5-spider-man-bundle-amazon-deal/">Swing over to Amazon for 20% off a PlayStation 5 console</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13836. ]]></description>
  13837. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13838.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="960" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=960.75" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="PlayStation 5 ps5 storage" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM.jpg 2560w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2020/11/09/UP2E3ZO6WNCKPKIBE7FDTKCCMM-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stan Horaczek </span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  13839. </div>
  13840. <p>The PlayStation 5 is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwqEkb3uJ0k/?igsh=cHlrZ203ZGxuMWN2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of our favorite consoles</a> here at the <em>PopSci</em> Goods testing lab. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/playstation-5-ps5-review/">We love our respective PS5s</a> for their beefy hardware, backward compatibility, and stunning exclusives. Although it&#8217;s been four years since the PS5&#8217;s debuted, it feels shorter, thanks to mass shortages that made the console almost impossible to get early in its release. Now, however, that shortage is over, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVMcjxW68Bc&amp;t=3423s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to the company</a>. If you&#8217;ve waited for one, consider this the perfect time: You can get a PlayStation 5 console with Marvel&#8217;s <em>Spider-Man 2</em> for just $449 at Amazon.</p>
  13841.  
  13842.  
  13843.  
  13844. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playstation-5-console-marvel-s-spider-man-2-bundle-slim-449-was-559-99"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKZGY5B6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610338O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PlayStation 5 Console &#8211; Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle (slim)</a></strong> $449 (Was $559.99)</h3>
  13845.  
  13846.  
  13847. <div
  13848.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  13849.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  13850. >
  13851.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  13852.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKZGY5B6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610338O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610338O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  13853.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  13854.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Ps5-spider-man-bundle.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Ps5-spider-man-bundle.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A PlayStaion5 Spider-Man game and console bundle">
  13855.                      </figure>
  13856.                  </a>
  13857.            </div>
  13858.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  13859.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  13860.        <p><em>Sony</em></p>
  13861.  
  13862.      </figcaption>
  13863.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  13864.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKZGY5B6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610338O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610338O0000000020240418170000"
  13865.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  13866.      </p>
  13867.      </div>
  13868. </div>
  13869.  
  13870.  
  13871.  
  13872. <p>The PlayStation 5 is sleek and futuristic, inside and out. Its wedge-shaped chassis fits in all sorts of placements, both horizontal and vertical, and demands to be shown off. Mine personally blends in seamlessly on its side with my modern-style TV stand. Inside, you get a custom CPU, GPU, and 1 TB SSD for lightning speed—I&#8217;ve only had to wait a few minutes for a game to update or download, even with my normie basic Wi-Fi. </p>
  13873.  
  13874.  
  13875.  
  13876. <p>The controller&#8217;s haptic feedback that uses pinpointed vibrations to mimic on-screen action is extremely impressive. Additionally, the adaptive triggers and actuation points add a luxe user experience—even flipping through the radial menus of <em>Baldur&#8217;s Gate 3</em> feels weighty, like your actions truly matter. Plus, it&#8217;s fun to see your spells and conditions light the controller up in purple, red, and poisonous lime green. Backward compatibility means you can enjoy old games you&#8217;ve purchased via the PlayStation platform on this newer console. I&#8217;ve only recently come into my gamer girl status, and I&#8217;m glad I can explore the complete dork canon without having to wait for a remastered version for the PS5. You&#8217;re itching to use that tax refund for something, right?</p>
  13877. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/playstation-5-spider-man-bundle-amazon-deal/">Swing over to Amazon for 20% off a PlayStation 5 console</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13878. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  13879. </item>
  13880. <item>
  13881. <title>Internet providers finally forced to reveal all hidden fees on ‘nutrition’ label</title>
  13882. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/broadband-nutriotion-labels/</link>
  13883. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mack DeGeurin]]></dc:creator>
  13884. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:53:35 +0000</pubDate>
  13885. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  13886. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  13887. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610378</guid>
  13888.  
  13889. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13890.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/broadband-nutrition-facts.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="New broadband nutrition labels will force internet providers to disclose when they add router fees and other additional charges to monthly broadband bills." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">New broadband nutrition labels will force internet providers to disclose when they add router fees and other additional charges to monthly broadband bills. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/selective-focus-plugged-router-businessman-writing-notebook-310724240.html">DepositPhotos</a>, FCC</span></figcaption></figure><p>'Junk fees' beware.</p>
  13891. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/broadband-nutriotion-labels/">Internet providers finally forced to reveal all hidden fees on ‘nutrition’ label</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13892. ]]></description>
  13893. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13894.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/broadband-nutrition-facts.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="New broadband nutrition labels will force internet providers to disclose when they add router fees and other additional charges to monthly broadband bills." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">New broadband nutrition labels will force internet providers to disclose when they add router fees and other additional charges to monthly broadband bills. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/selective-focus-plugged-router-businessman-writing-notebook-310724240.html">DepositPhotos</a>, FCC</span></figcaption></figure>
  13895. <p>Starting this week, Americans looking to purchase a new internet line will encounter a familiar looking box. Today, Internet service providers (ISP) and mobile broadband carriers began showing potential customers a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) mandated “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandlabels">broadband consumer label</a>” that clearly explains how much they will have to pay for services and the estimated internet speeds they should expect to receive. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/fcc-proposes-nutrition-labels-internet-providers/">Modeled after the ubiquitous nutrition labels in grocery stores</a>, the FCC hopes these new labels could cut down on opaque hidden service fees and provide needed transparency to consumers trying to save money on broadband access. </p>
  13896.  
  13897.  
  13898.  
  13899. <p>Internet providers are required to show the label anytime a consumer tries to purchase home or mobile broadband, be that online or in-person. The label must include a plan’s total monthly cost and note if there is a discounted introductory rate. Provides will also have to clearly list other additional costs like modem or router rentals, government taxes, and early termination fees. ISPs will have to provide estimated download and upload speeds as well as the total amount of data included in monthly plans where applicable.</p>
  13900.  
  13901.  
  13902.  
  13903. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1575" height="4092" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/Broadband-Facts-Label-Blank-Template.png" alt="Internet photo" class="wp-image-610381"></figure>
  13904.  
  13905.  
  13906.  
  13907. <p>Most importantly, the labels force providers to clearly list any separate, previously hidden fees they may charge in addition to the base line price. Critics have long argued these opaque additional charges, sometimes referred to as “junk fees” are needlessly confusing and lead consumers to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.switchful.com/report/junk-fees">pay more than they initially expect</a>. Though most of the information included in the broadband labels is already publicly accessible, the FCC believes these prominent and easy to parse labels will give consumers more power to confidently understand what they are paying for and potentially give them the confidence to shop around for better deals.&nbsp;</p>
  13908.  
  13909.  
  13910.  
  13911. <p>ISPs found in violation of the new measures could face penalties from the Federal Communication Commission under Section 503 of the Communications Act. While most broadband providers have until April 10 to implement the labels, ISPs with fewer than 100,000 lines have until October 10th of this year to do so. Several large providers like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/new-broadband-labels-everything-you-need-to-know">T-Mobile</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/verizon-is-first-major-isp-to-roll-out-broadband-nutrition-labels#:~:text=Verizon%20is%20now%20rolling%20out,should%20expect%20from%20their%20ISPs.">Verizon</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://cordcuttersnews.com/google-rolls-out-broadband-nutrition-label-way-before-2024-deadline/">Google Fiber</a> have already released their labels.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  13912.  
  13913.  
  13914.  
  13915. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-fees-make-it-harder-for-some-americans-to-access-affordable-high-speed-broadband"><strong>Hidden fees make it harder for some Americans to access affordable high-speed broadband </strong></h2>
  13916.  
  13917.  
  13918.  
  13919. <p>Despite being increasingly necessary to operate in a digital first economy, access to fast, reliable internet in the US <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/">remains far from ubiquitous</a>. A recent report from the FCC claims 24 million US residents <a target="_blank" href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-401205A1.pdf">currently lack access to high-speed broadband</a>. Though a slew of economic and geographical factors contribute to that unequal access, the Biden administration has argued confusing, difficulty to parse “junk fees” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/11/biden-harris-administration-announces-broad-new-actions-to-protect-consumers-from-billions-in-junk-fees/#:~:text=Today,%20the%20Biden-Harris%20Administration,the%20full%20price%20up%20front.">make the problem worse</a>. The administration <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w25186">cited recent research</a> claiming hidden fees tacked on to broadband plans jacked-up overall plan prices by around 20%.&nbsp;</p>
  13920.  
  13921.  
  13922.  
  13923. <p>“Junk fees cost American families tens of billions of dollars each year and inhibit competition, hurting consumers, workers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs,” the White House wrote in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/11/biden-harris-administration-announces-broad-new-actions-to-protect-consumers-from-billions-in-junk-fees/">statement</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  13924.  
  13925.  
  13926.  
  13927. <p>Other <a target="_blank" href="https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/fight-for-fair-internet-consumer-reports-white-paper-on-broadband-pricing/">studies</a> suggest “bundling,” the practice of combining TV, internet and phone services together under one bill, similarly make it difficult for consumers to know how much they&#8217;re paying for internet services on their own. The broadband nutrition labels, which must be shown whenever a consumer wants to purchase a new line, could bring some clarity to that notoriously opaque market. Consumer advocacy groups like Free Press and Consumer Reports have championed the labels and pushed for their implementation since 2009.</p>
  13928.  
  13929.  
  13930.  
  13931. <p>“Consumers are all too familiar with broadband bills that bury junk fees and service terms in the fine print.” Free Press Policy Director Joshua Stager said in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.freepress.net/news/press-releases/free-press-welcomes-broadband-nutrition-label-urges-further-fcc-action-make">statement</a>. “People deserve to know what they’re paying for, and this label will help.</p>
  13932.  
  13933.  
  13934.  
  13935. <p>ISPs, on the other hand, haven’t welcomed the labels with open arms. Trade groups representing some of the nation’s largest broadband providers have spent years <a target="_blank" href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/08/isps-complain-that-listing-every-fee-is-too-hard-urge-fcc-to-scrap-new-rule/">lobbying to gut or remove the label requirement altogether</a>. More recently, these groups <a target="_blank" href="https://www.freepress.net/news/press-releases/no-more-isp-junk-fees-groups-urge-fcc-make-internet-billing-transparent-and">fought the FCC</a> over requirements forcing them to make the label clearly visible on consumers&#8217; monthly billing statements.&nbsp;</p>
  13936.  
  13937.  
  13938.  
  13939. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporters-hope-broadband-labels-can-mimic-food-industry-success"><strong>Supporters hope broadband labels can mimic food industry success </strong></h2>
  13940.  
  13941.  
  13942.  
  13943. <p>FCC Bureau Chief for Consumer and Government Affairs Alejandro Roark <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/10/tech/fcc-mandatory-nutrition-labels-internet-providers/index.html">reportedly</a> told CNN this week the agency “borrowed” the label idea from figures already seen adorned on food packaging throughout the US. The Federal Drug Administration officially mandated food labels in 1990 following the passage of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act in order to standardize food nutrition reporting. Studies suggest those labels could drive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(18)32357-2/abstract">improved</a> public health outcomes. </p>
  13944.  
  13945.  
  13946.  
  13947. <p>The new labels are part of a broader set of efforts by the federal government to push back on onerous, non-transparent fees throughout the economy. Regulators recently released policy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/credit-card-late-fees-cfpb-biden-strike-force/#:~:text=The%20Biden%20administration%20announced%20a,average%20late%20fee%20of%20$32.">capping credit card late fees</a> and have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2023/10/11/1205164556/junk-fees-biden-white-house-rules">proposed penalizing concert ticket sellers and hotels</a> that don’t clearly list the cost of their products up front to consumers.&nbsp;</p>
  13948.  
  13949.  
  13950.  
  13951. <p>Most internet users in the US should expect to see the legal beginning this week. Consumers can file a complaint with the FCC if they believe they notice a company out of compliance.</p>
  13952. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/broadband-nutriotion-labels/">Internet providers finally forced to reveal all hidden fees on ‘nutrition’ label</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13953. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  13954. </item>
  13955. <item>
  13956. <title>Myrtle the Turtle &#8216;in robust condition&#8217; at age 95</title>
  13957. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/myrtle-the-turtle/</link>
  13958. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  13959. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:43:51 +0000</pubDate>
  13960. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  13961. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  13962. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  13963. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  13964. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610324</guid>
  13965.  
  13966. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13967.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/myrtle-turtle.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a green sea turtle swims in a large aquarium tank." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Myrtle arrived at the New England Aquarium in Boston in 1970 and has been seen by roughly 50 million people. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Vanessa Khan </span></figcaption></figure><p>The 500-plus pound reptile did well at her most recent check-up at the New England Aquarium.</p>
  13968. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/myrtle-the-turtle/">Myrtle the Turtle &#8216;in robust condition&#8217; at age 95</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  13969. ]]></description>
  13970. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  13971.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/myrtle-turtle.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a green sea turtle swims in a large aquarium tank." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Myrtle arrived at the New England Aquarium in Boston in 1970 and has been seen by roughly 50 million people. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Vanessa Khan </span></figcaption></figure>
  13972. <p>A <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/endangered-sea-turtles-successful-nesting-season-2023/">green sea turtle</a> believed to be up to 95 years young was given a clean bill of health this week. <a target="_blank" href="https://neaq.org/animal/green-sea-turtle/">Myrtle the ancient green sea turtle</a> has been at Boston’s New England Aquarium for more than 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down, despite being in the upper levels of her life expectancy.</p>
  13973.  
  13974.  
  13975.  
  13976. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/endangered-sea-turtles-successful-nesting-season-2023/"><strong>Endangered sea turtles build hundreds of nests on the Outer Banks</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  13977.  
  13978.  
  13979.  
  13980. <p>Turtles and tortoises are well known for their longevity. Depending on the species, they can live anywhere from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/turtle-reptile/Longevity">25 to 200 years</a>. In December 2023, a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/jonathan-tortoise-190-birthday/">tortoise named Jonathan</a> celebrated his <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-worlds-oldest-living-land-animal-a-tortoise-named-jonathan-turns-191-180983392/">191st birthday</a> and is currently the oldest known tortoise. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2022/1/190-year-old-jonathan-becomes-worlds-oldest-tortoise-ever-688683">According to Guinness World Records</a>, the previous oldest known tortoise was a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/42906170">radiated tortoise named Tu’i Malila</a>. British explorer Captain James Cook presented Tu’i Malila to the royal family of Tonga sometime around around 1777. Tu’i Malila died in 1965 at the estimated age of 188.</p>
  13981.  
  13982.  
  13983.  
  13984. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/myrtle-turtle-1.jpg" alt="a turtle swimming in an aquarium tank" class="wp-image-610364"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Myrtle swims in the New England Aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank. CREDIT: Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images</em></figcaption></figure>
  13985.  
  13986.  
  13987.  
  13988. <p>Myrtle still has a ways to go to live up to the standards set by Jonathan and Tu’i Malila, so physical exams like this one can <a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/respiratory-illness-dogs/">help veterinarians</a> keep her healthy. To perform this semi-annual reptilian check-up, veterinarians first had to get Myrtle into an underwater crate and <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sea-turtle-medical-exam-boston-7c2bc1ac35a575ac9644f0782ca65e29">hoist all 500-plus pounds of her from her home in the aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank</a>. Once she was safely removed from the tank, a team of trained veterinarians, vet technicians, and aquarists drew blood, checked her flippers, and made sure her mouth, nose, and eyes were all working properly. She then received an ultrasound, hopped on the scale, and was returned to her tank.&nbsp;</p>
  13989.  
  13990.  
  13991.  
  13992. <p>All of this was done while the aquarium was open to visitors, who assured onlookers that the veterinarians were trained professionals safe from Myrtle’s powerful jaws. Her serrated teeth are&nbsp; likely strong enough to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098113003961#:~:text=Green%20turtles%20possessed%20a%20bite,body%20size%20and%20head%20size.">crush grass and some small hard shelled organisms</a>.</p>
  13993.  
  13994.  
  13995. <div><lite-youtube videoid="bzrPnlsi3Rc" style="background-image: none;">
  13996.                <img decoding="async" class="lty-image-thumbnail" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bzrPnlsi3Rc/hqdefault.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Animals photo">
  13997.            </lite-youtube>
  13998.            
  13999.            <noscript>
  14000. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  14001. <iframe loading="lazy" title="#WorldTurtleDay w/ Myrtle the Turtle!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bzrPnlsi3Rc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  14002. </div></figure>
  14003. </noscript></div>
  14004.  
  14005.  
  14006. <p>According to ocean tank manager Mike O’Neill, she is “in robust condition,” despite her age.&nbsp;Myrtle is thought to be up to 95 years old, which would place her just beyond the upper boundaries of the species’ longevity.&nbsp;</p>
  14007.  
  14008.  
  14009.  
  14010. <p>“There’s every reason to believe Myrtle will stick around for years to come,” <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/sea-turtle-medical-exam-boston-7c2bc1ac35a575ac9644f0782ca65e29">O’Neill told the <em>Associated Press</em></a>. “She is iconic. One of the really special things we see is parents with their kids who say, ‘This is Myrtle, she has been here since when I was a kid.’ She has this multigenerational impact, which is really special.”</p>
  14011.  
  14012.  
  14013.  
  14014. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1118" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/myrtle-turtle-2.jpg" alt="two divers give a sea turtle a celebratory meal of squid" class="wp-image-610365"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Divers Katarina Peterson (L) and Jen Makela (R) present Myrtle with a vegetable birthday cake topped with raw squid in celebration of her 63rd birthday on March 14, 2003. The vegetarian is said to enjoy a little calamari now and then, according to her handlers. CREDIT: William B. Plowman/Getty Images.</em></figcaption></figure>
  14015.  
  14016.  
  14017.  
  14018. <p>Since first arriving from an aquarium in Provincetown, Massachusetts in 1970, Myrtle has been visited by roughly 50 million patrons. <a target="_blank" href="https://neaq.org/animal/green-sea-turtle/">According to the New England Aquarium</a>, she has gotten quite used to humans in that time and enjoyed having her schell scratched and eats up to six and a half pounds of food per day. She currently shares her space with tankmates Carolina and Retreat. These <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/endangered-sea-turtles-successful-nesting-season-2023/">loggerhead sea turtles</a> are about half her age and size. The loggerheads also received physicals and are also doing well, according to O’Neill.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  14019.  
  14020.  
  14021.  
  14022. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/protect-sea-turtles-beach/"><strong>Safely share the beach with endangered sea turtles this summer</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  14023.  
  14024.  
  14025.  
  14026. <p>The second-largest species of sea turtle, green sea turtles live in <a target="_blank" href="https://neaq.org/animal/green-sea-turtle/">tropical and subtropical oceans all over the world</a>. The United States is home to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/sea-turtles">six species of native sea turtles</a>–green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley. They primarily feast upon algae and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/green-sea-turtles-sea-grass-3000-years/">seagrass</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  14027.  
  14028.  
  14029.  
  14030. <p>All six sea turtle species in the US are protected by the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/endangered-species-act-science/">Endangered Species Act</a>, with green sea turtles <a target="_blank" href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/sea-turtles/green-sea-turtle/#:~:text=The%20green%20sea%20turtle%20is%20protected%20as%20an%20Endangered%20species,(379.2431%2C%20Florida%20Statutes).">listed as endangered and decreasing in population</a> by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/what-can-you-do-save-sea-turtles#:~:text=Keep%20nesting%20beaches%20dark%20and,turtles%2C%20nests%2C%20or%20hatchlings.">The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends</a> reducing marine debris, not releasing balloons that often end up polluting the ocean, leaving turtle nests alone, and keeping these areas dark at night as some small steps to better protect sea turtles.&nbsp;</p>
  14031. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/myrtle-the-turtle/">Myrtle the Turtle &#8216;in robust condition&#8217; at age 95</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14032. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  14033. </item>
  14034. <item>
  14035. <title>Youth-stealing stars could explain ‘missing giants’ at the Milky Way&#8217;s center</title>
  14036. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/youth-stealing-stars-could-explain-missing-giants-at-the-milky-ways-center/</link>
  14037. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Briley Lewis]]></dc:creator>
  14038. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:22:17 +0000</pubDate>
  14039. <category><![CDATA[Deep Space]]></category>
  14040. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  14041. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  14042. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610279</guid>
  14043.  
  14044. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14045.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/core-milky-way.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An image of the core of our Milky Way galaxy. This view combines the sharp imaging of Hubble’s Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) with color imagery from a previous Spitzer Space Telescope survey done with its Infrared Astronomy Camera (IRAC)." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An image of the core of our Milky Way galaxy. This view combines the sharp imaging of Hubble’s Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) with color imagery from a previous Spitzer Space Telescope survey done with its Infrared Astronomy Camera (IRAC). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA</span></figcaption></figure><p>The densely populated area at the center of our galaxy is home to epic cosmic collisions and mysterious phenomena.</p>
  14046. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/youth-stealing-stars-could-explain-missing-giants-at-the-milky-ways-center/">Youth-stealing stars could explain ‘missing giants’ at the Milky Way&#8217;s center</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14047. ]]></description>
  14048. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14049.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/core-milky-way.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An image of the core of our Milky Way galaxy. This view combines the sharp imaging of Hubble’s Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) with color imagery from a previous Spitzer Space Telescope survey done with its Infrared Astronomy Camera (IRAC)." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">An image of the core of our Milky Way galaxy. This view combines the sharp imaging of Hubble’s Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) with color imagery from a previous Spitzer Space Telescope survey done with its Infrared Astronomy Camera (IRAC). <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">NASA</span></figcaption></figure>
  14050. <p>Our planet is in the Milky Way’s suburbs—think of a quaint town in New Jersey, with the heart of Manhattan as the galactic center. However, instead of Central Park, the main attraction of the Milky Way is a supermassive black hole known as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/supermassive-black-hole-sagittarius/">Sagittarius A*</a>. This black hole is so large that it weighs a few million times our sun&#8217;s mass. In that galactic center, stars are packed much closer together than in the sun’s neighborhood, similar to rush hour commuters in the Big Apple, flinging about in their speedy orbits around the black hole.&nbsp;</p>
  14051.  
  14052.  
  14053.  
  14054. <p>These stars are packed so tightly that they sometimes collide—an event that simply doesn’t happen in our more spacious part of the galaxy. New research <a target="_blank" href="https://meetings.aps.org/Meeting/APR24/Session/G03.9">presented this month at the American Physical Society’s annual meeting</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.10569">submitted to <em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a> uses computer simulations to show that these collisions are actually key to explaining some of the more mysterious phenomena of the galactic center.</p>
  14055.  
  14056.  
  14057.  
  14058. <p>Since the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2020/press-release/">Nobel-prize-winning discovery of our galaxy’s black hole</a> in 2020, astronomers have been studying the center of our galaxy as a way to understand galaxies across the universe.</p>
  14059.  
  14060.  
  14061.  
  14062. <p>“The centers of other galaxies are too far away for us to observe in detail, but we can learn about these environments by studying the center of the Milky Way,” explains Sanaea Rose, lead author and astronomer at Northwestern University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics.</p>
  14063.  
  14064.  
  14065.  
  14066. <p>So far, astronomers have often been surprised by what they find at the center of the galaxy. For example, there is a population of particularly young, bright stars there that shouldn’t exist. The forces from the black hole are simply too strong for new stars to be born in that environment. On the other hand, there <em>should</em><strong><em> </em></strong>be a bunch of older red giant stars in the galactic center, but they’re mysteriously missing. Plus, there are weird, yet-unexplained “puffy balls of dust and gas” as Rose describes them, known as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.keckobservatory.org/g-objects-2/">G objects</a>. “What we try to do is explain these unusual findings with stellar interactions, which are common in the dense star cluster,” she adds.</p>
  14067.  
  14068.  
  14069.  
  14070. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1731" height="1733" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/assets_img_high-resolution_plot_central_image_2020_hires.png" alt="The orbits of stars within the central 1.0 X 1.0 arcseconds of our Galaxy. In the background, the central portion of a diffraction-limited image taken in 2015 is displayed. While every star in this image has been seen to move over the past 20 years, estimates of orbital parameters are best constrained for stars that have been observed through at least one turning point of their orbit. The annual average positions for these stars are plotted as colored dots, which have increasing color saturation with time. Also plotted are the best fitting simultaneous orbital solutions. (This image was created by Prof. Andrea Ghez and her research team at UCLA and are from data sets obtained with the W. M. Keck Telescopes.)" class="wp-image-610298"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The orbits of stars within the central 1.0 X 1.0 arcseconds of our Galaxy. In the background, the central portion of a diffraction-limited image taken in 2015 is displayed. While every star in this image has been seen to move over the past 20 years, estimates of orbital parameters are best constrained for stars that have been observed through at least one turning point of their orbit. The annual average positions for these stars are plotted as colored dots, which have increasing color saturation with time. Also plotted are the best fitting simultaneous orbital solutions. <em>(This image was created by Prof. Andrea Ghez and her research team at UCLA and are from data sets obtained with the W. M. Keck Telescopes.)</em> <em>Credit: UCLA Galactic Center Group &#8211; W.M. Keck Observatory Laser Team.</em></figcaption></figure>
  14071.  
  14072.  
  14073.  
  14074. <p>“Very close to the supermassive black hole, collisions of stars are so common that they become one of the strongest forces shaping the lives of stars,” says Morgan MacLeod, a co-author&nbsp;of this research and astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.&nbsp;</p>
  14075.  
  14076.  
  14077.  
  14078. <p>These stars move at extremely high speeds: thousands of kilometers each second, compared to the leisurely 30 km/s our un trots through the galaxy. When two speeding stars run into each other head-on, they can destroy each other in the process like a car crash.</p>
  14079.  
  14080.  
  14081.  
  14082. <p>But, there are even stranger things that can happen according to Rose’s simulations. Some stars in the very closest regions—about ⅓ of a light year from Sagittarius A*—lose only their outer layers in these collisions, creating a population of strange, lower-mass stars at the galactic center and destroying most of the red giant stars astronomers expected to see. Ohio State University astronomer Alexander Stephan, who is not affiliated with the research team, noted that this work therefore explains the “crucial issue of the ‘missing giants’ in the galactic center.” These collisions might also be responsible for the mysterious G objects, their work suggests.</p>
  14083.  
  14084.  
  14085.  
  14086. <p>Outside of the closest ⅓ of a light year, the collisions aren’t quite so catastrophic. Two stars can actually merge together to make a huge star that “can masquerade as young-looking stars, even though they formed from an older population,” explains Rose. “Collisions may therefore explain the presence of young-seeming, massive stars very near the supermassive black hole.”</p>
  14087.  
  14088.  
  14089.  
  14090. <p>This bizarre part of the galaxy is certainly nothing like our Goldilocks-perfect home on Earth, but work like this brings us closer to understanding how invigorating collisions might explain some of the strange things we see in&nbsp; exotic environment of the galactic center.</p>
  14091. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/youth-stealing-stars-could-explain-missing-giants-at-the-milky-ways-center/">Youth-stealing stars could explain ‘missing giants’ at the Milky Way&#8217;s center</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14092. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  14093. </item>
  14094. <item>
  14095. <title>This lifetime e-learning bundle, ft. Rosetta Stone, is now available at an even lower price</title>
  14096. <link>https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/rosetta-stone-stackskills-e-learning-bundle-sale/</link>
  14097. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stack Commerce]]></dc:creator>
  14098. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  14099. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  14100. <category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
  14101. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
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  14106. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14107.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-1.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Rosetta Stone and StackSkills pulled up on a tablet and laptop." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><p>Achieve unlimited online learning and save through April 16.</p>
  14108. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/rosetta-stone-stackskills-e-learning-bundle-sale/">This lifetime e-learning bundle, ft. Rosetta Stone, is now available at an even lower price</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14109. ]]></description>
  14110. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14111.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1067" height="800" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/08/image-1.png?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Rosetta Stone and StackSkills pulled up on a tablet and laptop." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Stack Commerce</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  14112. </div>
  14113. <p>Learning a new language might seem daunting initially, but it opens up opportunities. Rosetta Stone offers an effective method for learning languages, helping users quickly understand and master their selected language. Use the promo code <strong>ENJOY20</strong> to enjoy lifetime access to this acclaimed language-learning software and various e-learning courses at a one-time payment of $151.99.</p>
  14114.  
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  14116.  
  14117. <p>Rosetta Stone has been honored with various awards since its establishment in 1992, such as the esteemed PC Magazine Editors&#8217; Choice Award for Best Language-Learning Software for five straight years. Whether it be Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, or Mandarin Chinese, you&#8217;ll get an <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2&amp;utm_term=scsf-593641&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5DIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">unlimited subscription to 25 languages</a> and learn to read, write, and speak in your chosen language (or languages).</p>
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  14121. <p>By replicating real-life situations, the app enables users to develop practical language skills that adapt to individual learners&#8217; needs and proficiency levels in bite-size increments that fit into any lifestyle. It&#8217;s also equipped with TruAccent, the world&#8217;s&nbsp;leading speech recognition technology, and has been trusted for 27 years by top organizations such as NASA.</p>
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  14125. <p>Additionally, the package grants lifetime access to <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2&amp;utm_term=scsf-593641&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5DIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">StackSkills Unlimited</a>, a premier online learning platform. With courses led by foremost experts across multiple fields and boasting a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, its extensive catalog features over 1,000 courses covering Python, IT security, design, business, writing, and beyond.</p>
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  14129. <p>PCWorld has praised it, stating, &#8220;StackSkills Unlimited offers a lifetime of professional training at a singular, low cost.&#8221; With <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2&amp;utm_term=scsf-593641&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5DIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">over 50 new courses added each month</a>, it provides unlimited opportunities for learning directly on your device.</p>
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  14133. <p>Grab the <a href="https://shop.popsci.com/sales/the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2?utm_source=popsci.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=the-unlimited-lifetime-learning-subscription-bundle-ft-rosetta-stone-2&amp;utm_term=scsf-593641&amp;utm_content=a0xRn000000jU5DIAU&amp;scsonar=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle ft. Rosetta Stone</a> for $151.99 (reg. $849) with code <strong>ENJOY20</strong> at checkout. Hurry, this offer ends April 16 at 11:59 p.m.</p>
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  14137. <p><a href="https://www.stacksocial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>StackSocial</em></a><em> prices subject to change. </em></p>
  14138. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/sponsored-content/rosetta-stone-stackskills-e-learning-bundle-sale/">This lifetime e-learning bundle, ft. Rosetta Stone, is now available at an even lower price</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14139. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  14140. </item>
  14141. <item>
  14142. <title>ADHD may have evolved to give us foraging superpowers</title>
  14143. <link>https://www.popsci.com/science/weirdest-thing-adhd/</link>
  14144. <dc:creator><![CDATA[PopSci Staff]]></dc:creator>
  14145. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  14146. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  14147. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  14148. <category><![CDATA[Insects]]></category>
  14149. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  14150. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  14151. <category><![CDATA[The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week]]></category>
  14152. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610266</guid>
  14153.  
  14154. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14155.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/foraging-berries.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Researchers analyzed data from 457 adults who played an online foraging game." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Researchers analyzed data from 457 adults who played an online foraging game. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/woman-collects-organic-blueberries-in-the-forest-female-hands-collect-blueberries-in-the-summer-forest-407654682.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Plus other weird things we learned this week.</p>
  14156. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/weirdest-thing-adhd/">ADHD may have evolved to give us foraging superpowers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14157. ]]></description>
  14158. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14159.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/foraging-berries.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Researchers analyzed data from 457 adults who played an online foraging game." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Researchers analyzed data from 457 adults who played an online foraging game. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/woman-collects-organic-blueberries-in-the-forest-female-hands-collect-blueberries-in-the-summer-forest-407654682.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  14160. <p>What’s the weirdest thing you learned this week? Well, whatever it is, we promise you’ll have an even weirder answer if you listen to <em>PopSci</em>’s hit <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-02/best-science-podcasts/">podcast</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Weirdest_Thing/"><em>The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week</em></a> hits <a target="_blank" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weirdest-thing-i-learned-this-week/id1377843908/">Apple</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1l3aIVJ1FVrHSixsgrJ1f4?si=1bdd51aa57de4aa0">Spotify</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/BJky1USM3Ig">YouTube</a>, and everywhere else you listen to podcasts every-other Wednesday morning. It’s your new favorite source for the strangest science-adjacent facts, figures, and Wikipedia spirals the editors of <em>Popular Science</em> can muster. If you like the stories in this post, we guarantee you’ll love the show.</p>
  14161.  
  14162.  
  14163.  
  14164. <p>Heads up: The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week has been <a target="_blank" href="https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/shows/science-education">nominated for a Webby!</a> You can vote to help us win the Webby People’s Voice Award. <a target="_blank" href="https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/shows/science-education">Click here to vote by April 18</a>! </p>
  14165.  
  14166.  
  14167.  
  14168. <iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5KfuwppYzlNzO0ZbcXiSgl?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
  14169.  
  14170.  
  14171.  
  14172. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fact-adhd-may-have-evolved-to-make-us-better-at-picking-berries"><strong>FACT: ADHD may have evolved to make us better at picking berries </strong></h2>
  14173.  
  14174.  
  14175.  
  14176. <p><em>By </em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/RachelFeltman"><em>Rachel Feltman</em></a></p>
  14177.  
  14178.  
  14179.  
  14180. <p>Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania recently released <a target="_blank" href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2022.2584">a study on the potential evolutionary benefits of ADHD</a>. They analyzed data from 457 adults who played an online foraging game, where the objective was to collect as many berries as possible within an eight minute span.</p>
  14181.  
  14182.  
  14183.  
  14184. <p>Players could choose to either keep collecting berries from the bushes in their original location, or move to a new patch. (By the way, this sounds an awful lot like a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jellyneo.net/?go=pick_your_own">game I used to play on Neopets</a>!) Moving would cost them a brief time out, and there was no guarantee that the patch would have as many berries as their current location, but the number of berries you could get from each bush went down each time you foraged it again.&nbsp;</p>
  14185.  
  14186.  
  14187.  
  14188. <p>Along with the game, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/feb/21/adhd-may-have-been-an-evolutionary-advantage-research-suggests">subjects also took a survey designed to assess whether they had symptoms of ADHD</a>. This didn’t constitute a full or formal diagnosis, but it screened for traits like having difficulty concentrating.&nbsp;</p>
  14189.  
  14190.  
  14191.  
  14192. <p>When the researchers compared the survey results with the game play stats, they found that people with ADHD symptoms played differently—and more effectively—than their peers. They were more likely to move on to another bush, and collected an average of 602 berries compared with 521.&nbsp;</p>
  14193.  
  14194.  
  14195.  
  14196. <p>I probably don’t need to tell you that this isn’t exactly a perfect model for actual foraging. The researchers do hope to do a similar experiment in the future involving in-person foraging, where they’d use people with formal ADHD diagnoses as their experimental subjects, but that would obviously be a much more complicated experiment to run.&nbsp;</p>
  14197.  
  14198.  
  14199.  
  14200. <p>But this isn’t the first research to suggest that ADHD traits and other types of neurodiversity might have evolved to help our ancestors survive. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46761-0">Other studies have examined the differences in how people with ADHD</a> search for information or objects and found that we spend more time in the “explore” phase of foraging versus the “exploit” phase. There’s even ongoing research to <a target="_blank" href="https://rcc.harvard.edu/event/new-insights-understanding-visual-attention-children-how-visual-search-foraging-and">suggest that kids with ADHD are less susceptible</a> to <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inattentional_blindness#:~:text=Inattentional%20blindness%20or%20perceptual%20blindness,any%20vision%20defects%20or%20deficits.">inattention bias</a>.</p>
  14201.  
  14202.  
  14203.  
  14204. <p>In 2008, researchers found that members of a nomadic group in Kenya who had gene mutations associated with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2008/06/ariaaltribe.html">ADHD were in better health than average</a>, while those same mutations were associated with malnourishment in closely related people who lived as farmers. There’s a broad idea known as the <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_versus_farmer_hypothesis">hunter versus farmer hypothesis</a> that covers this phenomenon. The idea is that the hyperfocus associated with ADHD was actually a really useful trait back when humans spent their days hunting and foraging. It’s much less useful useful in agrarian and industrialized life. <a target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9621734/">One 1998 study found that adults with self-reported ADHD</a> were much better able to postpone eating, sleeping, and other personal needs to absorb themselves in an urgent task, like a last-minute deadline. That’s a mindset that would have come in handy for unpredictable food acquisition, like the sudden appearance of a herd of mammoths or an unexpected bounty of berries.</p>
  14205.  
  14206.  
  14207.  
  14208. <p>Some researchers have even suggested that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-sugar-fructose-study/">sugar can trigger hyperactivity symptoms</a> because the fructose makes our brains think we’ve come across a foraging bounty and should search for more berries.</p>
  14209.  
  14210.  
  14211.  
  14212. <p>While there’s a lot more research to be done on this subject, this study is an important reminder that our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/evolution#History-of-ADHD">current sense of what’s “good” and what’s “normal” is pretty arbitrary</a>—and that reframing these ideas can unlock really cool insights into why humans actually are the way they are. <a target="_blank" href="https://foragers-association.org/News/13233306">And at least according to some foragers, these findings are no surprise at all</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  14213.  
  14214.  
  14215.  
  14216. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fact-venus-is-earth-s-evil-twin"><strong>FACT: Venus is Earth’s evil twin</strong></h2>
  14217.  
  14218.  
  14219.  
  14220. <p><em>By </em><a target="_blank" href="https://knimbley.carrd.co"><em>Knimbley</em></a></p>
  14221.  
  14222.  
  14223.  
  14224. <p>Join me as I embark on a fascinating journey into the depths of Venus&#8217;s mysteries. From Elden Ring&#8217;s DLC to Venus&#8217;s mythological allure and its longstanding status as a scientific enigma, my contribution to this week’s episode dances between realms of curious tangents, genderfluid anatomy, and fantasy. As we explore Venus&#8217;s dual nature and delve into the origins of stories both factual and fictional, listeners are invited to ponder the cosmic wonders that await us beyond Earth&#8217;s confines (and hopefully are unveiled within the Shadow of the Erdtree). With warmth and perhaps too much matcha, we navigate the intersection of myth and science, embracing the magic of exploration.</p>
  14225.  
  14226.  
  14227.  
  14228. <p>If you’re hungry for some more Venus-related science after this week’s episode, check out NASA’s content on the subject:</p>
  14229.  
  14230.  
  14231.  
  14232. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  14233. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Why is Venus Called Earth’s Evil Twin? We Asked a NASA Scientist" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z8HB8jlWai8?list=PL2aBZuCeDwlQiDSAaW1y0mOU8FC2f8v3g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
  14234. </div></figure>
  14235.  
  14236.  
  14237.  
  14238. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fact-people-think-this-lotion-attracts-spiders-en-masse-but-the-truth-is-more-complicated-than-that"><strong>FACT: People think this lotion attracts spiders en masse—but the truth is more complicated than that </strong></h2>
  14239.  
  14240.  
  14241.  
  14242. <p><em>By </em><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JessicaBoddy"><em>Jess Boddy</em></a></p>
  14243.  
  14244.  
  14245.  
  14246. <p>At the end of last year, people were all in a tizzy because of the lotion spiders. Yes, the lotion spiders. Someone left a review on Sephora’s website about a specific kind of lotion: the Delícia Drench body butter made by the company Sol de Janeiro. Here&#8217;s that review.</p>
  14247.  
  14248.  
  14249.  
  14250. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="portrait"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="790" height="1434" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/sephora-review.png" alt="Insects photo" class="wp-image-610267"></figure>
  14251.  
  14252.  
  14253.  
  14254. <p>This wasn&#8217;t the only review that said this lotion attracted spiders—there were a handful. And then, the unspeakable happened&#8230; People posted the reviews to Reddit. Word of lotion spiders spread like wildfire. Folks started doing their own home &#8220;experiments,&#8221; putting the lotion on tissues and watching to see if spiders appeared. Pretty much everyone came to the same conclusion: this lotion attracts wolf spiders.&nbsp;</p>
  14255.  
  14256.  
  14257.  
  14258. <p>However, scientists aren&#8217;t so sure. Listen to this week&#8217;s episode to find out the scientific truth about this potentially spider-attracting beauty product—and if there are others to avoid if you have a fear of arachnids. (Spoiler: It&#8217;s complicated.)</p>
  14259. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/weirdest-thing-adhd/">ADHD may have evolved to give us foraging superpowers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14260. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  14261. </item>
  14262. <item>
  14263. <title>3 marketing myths the supplement industry wants you to swallow</title>
  14264. <link>https://www.popsci.com/health/3-marketing-myths-the-supplement-industry-wants-you-to-swallow/</link>
  14265. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Katie Suleta / The Conversation]]></dc:creator>
  14266. <pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
  14267. <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
  14268. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610257</guid>
  14269.  
  14270. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14271.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/supplements-spoon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="supplements on a spoon" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">They act kind of like drugs, but they aren’t regulated like them. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/spoon-with-dietary-supplements-on-fruits-background-51286275.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The supplement industry likes to capitalize on the idea that ‘doing something is better than doing nothing’ when it comes to your health.</p>
  14272. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/3-marketing-myths-the-supplement-industry-wants-you-to-swallow/">3 marketing myths the supplement industry wants you to swallow</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14273. ]]></description>
  14274. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  14275.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/10/supplements-spoon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="supplements on a spoon" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">They act kind of like drugs, but they aren’t regulated like them. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/spoon-with-dietary-supplements-on-fruits-background-51286275.html">DepositPhotos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  14276. <p><em>This article was originally featured on </em><a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/a-natural-deception-3-marketing-myths-the-supplement-industry-wants-you-to-swallow-226304">The Conversation</a>. </p>
  14277.  
  14278.  
  14279.  
  14280. <p>Americans seem to have quite a positive view of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements">dietary supplements</a>. According to a 2023 survey, 74% of U.S. adults take&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/three-quarters-americans-take-dietary-supplements-most-users-agree-they-are-essential">vitamins, prebiotics and the like</a>.</p>
  14281.  
  14282.  
  14283.  
  14284. <p>The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/vitamin-supplement-manufacturing-united-states/">business of supplements is booming</a>, and with all the hype around them, it’s easy to forget what they actually are: substances that can powerfully affect the body and your health, yet aren’t regulated like drugs are. They’re regulated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://doi.org/10.1001/amajethics.2022.396">more like food</a>.</p>
  14285.  
  14286.  
  14287.  
  14288. <p>Thanks in large part to a 1994 law, the Food and Drug Administration is essentially toothless when it comes to supplements. As&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/questions-and-answers-dietary-supplements">the agency acknowledges</a>: “FDA does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed. Companies can sell supplements without going through any sort of approval process, or even having to share safety evidence.”</p>
  14289.  
  14290.  
  14291.  
  14292. <p>As a research faculty member in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9Riuj5IAAAAJ&amp;hl=en">graduate medical education</a>, I’m responsible for teaching resident physicians how to understand and critically engage with health research. I also write&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.acsh.org/news/2024/02/28/armra-colostrum-questionable-blend-science-washing-and-wellness-hype-17677">about health</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.acsh.org/news/2023/12/11/functional-blood-chemistry-analysis-cheap-ploy-expensive-habit-17510">wellness</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/dietary-supplements-and-protein-powders-fall-under-a-wild-west-of-products-that-necessitate-caveats-and-caution-220536">and supplements</a>&nbsp;for a broader audience. As a result, I spend a lot of time thinking about supplements.</p>
  14293.  
  14294.  
  14295.  
  14296. <p>It’s important to consider why so many people believe supplements can help them lead a healthier life. While there are many reasons, how supplements are marketed is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v7n3p171">undeniably an important one</a>. In my years following the industry, I’ve found that three mistaken assumptions appear over and over in supplement marketing.</p>
  14297.  
  14298.  
  14299.  
  14300. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-the-appeal-to-nature-fallacy"><strong>1. The appeal to nature fallacy</strong></h2>
  14301.  
  14302.  
  14303.  
  14304. <p>The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/appeal-to-nature">appeal to nature fallacy</a>&nbsp;occurs when you assume that because something is “natural” it must be good. The word natural is used a lot in the marketing of supplements. In the context of health, it often feels right to want natural medicine, remedies, prevention techniques and so forth.</p>
  14305.  
  14306.  
  14307.  
  14308. <p>For example, if I say “vitamin C,” what do you immediately think of? Probably oranges or citrus in general and flu prevention. But if I say “the flu shot,” what immediately comes to mind? Probably doctor’s offices, a little bit of pain and pharmaceutical companies. One of these is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm">clinically proven</a>&nbsp;to prevent flu infections and lessen the severity of illness. The other&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emergenc.com/our-ingredients/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA3JCvBhA8EiwA4kujZv-SZfzuCWyC2knbNekOFwg0CL392w4IVRcfYi4avarz8OZ80WA2BhoCZgUQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds#antioxidants">has been marketed</a>&nbsp;as though it does those same things, but&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-natural-products-for-the-flu-and-colds-what-does-the-science-say">there’s no clinical evidence</a>&nbsp;to support this.</p>
  14309.  
  14310.  
  14311.  
  14312. <p>The supplement industry is awash with brand names that incorporate the word “nature,” invoking the appeal to nature fallacy. Also, look at websites and advertisements that urge customers to forgo “artificial” products in favor of “pure” and “natural nutrition.” Using the word artificial to describe other products and natural to describe a specific supplement is intended to make you feel like that product will be superior to the competition and that you need it to be healthy.</p>
  14313.  
  14314.  
  14315.  
  14316. <p>To be clear, “natural” does not equate to “better,” but that’s what the marketing wants you to think.</p>
  14317.  
  14318.  
  14319.  
  14320. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-the-belief-that-more-of-a-good-thing-is-always-better"><strong>2. The belief that more of a good thing is always better</strong></h2>
  14321.  
  14322.  
  14323.  
  14324. <p>There’s another assumption that piggybacks on the appeal to nature fallacy: If something is natural, it must be good, and more of it must also always be better. If a little vitamin C is good for us, then a lot of it must be great!</p>
  14325.  
  14326.  
  14327.  
  14328. <p>The truth is that our bodies tightly regulate levels of the vitamins and minerals we consume. If you don’t have a deficiency, consuming more of a particular vitamin or mineral through a supplement won’t necessarily lead to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/fat-vs-water-soluble-998218#">health benefits</a>. That’s why supplement skeptics sometimes say, “You’re just paying for expensive pee”–since your body will excrete the excess.</p>
  14329.  
  14330.  
  14331.  
  14332. <p>For an example of the more-is-better myth, look at basically any&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.emergenc.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzN-vBhAkEiwAYiO7oFTZA-RKxYsnfVPwUEOjwdx9qk1Jb8PD3By36pbWYGgK0N9t2nauCxoCi3AQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">vitamin C supplement</a>. The packaging often prominently displays dosages that can reach 750 or 1,000 milligrams. But adults need only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-c/faq-20058030#">about 75 to 120 milligrams of vitamin C per day</a>. Similarly, look at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturemade.com/collections/vitamin-d">vitamin D supplements</a>&nbsp;that can come in dosages of 5,000 IU, or international units–a fact also often prominently displayed on packaging. But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#h16">adults should have no more than 4,000 IU daily</a>. Again, it’s easy to exceed what we need.</p>
  14333.  
  14334.  
  14335.  
  14336. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3. The action bias</strong></h2>
  14337.  
  14338.  
  14339.  
  14340. <p>Finally, the supplement industry likes to capitalize on the idea that doing something is better than doing nothing. This is the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/action-bias">action bias</a>. Taking action makes people feel like they have more control of a situation, which is especially powerful when it comes to health. “Even if I don’t need the extra vitamin C,” they might think, “I’ll take it just to be sure. What’s the harm?”</p>
  14341.  
  14342.  
  14343.  
  14344. <p>The examples in the last section show that supplements often contain many times the recommended daily intake of a particular vitamin or mineral. This assumes that taking that much of any of those particular substances is safe.</p>
  14345.  
  14346.  
  14347.  
  14348. <p>It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Too much vitamin C can lead to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/#">diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and more</a>. Too much vitamin D can lead to conditions including&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/#">nausea, vomiting and kidney stones</a>. Supplements can also interact with prescribed medications. For example, St. John’s wort is famous for interacting with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-st-johns-wort/art-20362212">contraceptives, immunosuppressive drugs, statins and chemotherapy</a>&nbsp;by exacerbating or dulling their effects. When it comes to supplements, taking them isn’t necessarily better than not.</p>
  14349.  
  14350.  
  14351.  
  14352. <p>Be on the lookout for these marketing messages–they aren’t necessarily correct or good for your health. And talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.</p>
  14353.  
  14354.  
  14355.  
  14356. <iframe loading="lazy" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226304/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
  14357. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/health/3-marketing-myths-the-supplement-industry-wants-you-to-swallow/">3 marketing myths the supplement industry wants you to swallow</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14358. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  14359. </item>
  14360. <item>
  14361. <title>The best powered speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed</title>
  14362. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/</link>
  14363. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Jones]]></dc:creator>
  14364. <pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2022 17:22:20 +0000</pubDate>
  14365. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  14366. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  14367. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  14368. <category><![CDATA[Speakers]]></category>
  14369. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  14370. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  14371. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  14372. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  14373. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  14374. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=430842</guid>
  14375.  
  14376. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  14377.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best powered speakers composited" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers.jpg 2000w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-768x499.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-1536x998.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Fill your space with sound, not extra components, when you plug in and bliss out to these top-tier powered speakers.</p>
  14378. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">The best powered speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  14379. ]]></description>
  14380. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  14381.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best powered speakers composited" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers.jpg 2000w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-768x499.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/powered-speakers-1536x998.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  14382. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  14383.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  14384.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  14385.      <tbody>
  14386.              <tr
  14387.          class="ProductTable-product"
  14388.          data-href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4"
  14389.        >
  14390.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  14391.            Best overall
  14392.          </td>
  14393.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  14394.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_SafeandSoundHq.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_SafeandSoundHq.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_SafeandSoundHq.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_SafeandSoundHq.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_SafeandSoundHq.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_SafeandSoundHq.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="JBL 4305P" class="wp-image-430854" width="264" height="165">
  14395.          </td>
  14396.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  14397.            JBL 4305P
  14398.          </td>
  14399.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  14400.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  14401.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14402.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14403.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14404.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14405.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14406.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  14407.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14408.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14409.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14410.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14411.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14412.                                  </div>
  14413.                          </div>
  14414.          </td>
  14415.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  14416.            <a href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  14417.                <span>
  14418.                  SEE IT
  14419.                </span>
  14420.            </a>
  14421.          </td>
  14422.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  14423.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prosumer connectivity and hi-res streaming meets precision tuning in a premium speaker ideal for both pro and casual listening.</span></p>
  14424.  
  14425.            </td>
  14426.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  14427.        </tr>
  14428.              <tr
  14429.          class="ProductTable-product"
  14430.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Carbon-Black/dp/B08JQPPB9F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  14431.        >
  14432.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  14433.            Best for the bookshelf
  14434.          </td>
  14435.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  14436.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_KEF.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_KEF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_KEF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_KEF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_KEF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_KEF.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="KEF LS50 Wireless II " class="wp-image-430855" width="264" height="165">
  14437.          </td>
  14438.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  14439.            KEF LS50 Wireless II
  14440.          </td>
  14441.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  14442.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  14443.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14444.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14445.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14446.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14447.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14448.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  14449.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14450.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14451.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14452.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14453.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14454.                                  </div>
  14455.                          </div>
  14456.          </td>
  14457.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  14458.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Carbon-Black/dp/B08JQPPB9F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  14459.                <span>
  14460.                  SEE IT
  14461.                </span>
  14462.            </a>
  14463.          </td>
  14464.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  14465.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This beloved powered bookshelf doubles as a full-featured hi-fi wireless hub.</span></p>
  14466.  
  14467.            </td>
  14468.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Carbon-Black/dp/B08JQPPB9F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  14469.        </tr>
  14470.              <tr
  14471.          class="ProductTable-product"
  14472.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  14473.        >
  14474.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  14475.            Best PA speakers
  14476.          </td>
  14477.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  14478.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Bose L1 Pro8" class="wp-image-430861" width="264" height="165">
  14479.          </td>
  14480.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  14481.            Bose L1 Pro8
  14482.          </td>
  14483.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  14484.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  14485.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14486.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14487.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14488.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14489.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14490.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  14491.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14492.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14493.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14494.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14495.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  14496.                                  </div>
  14497.                          </div>
  14498.          </td>
  14499.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  14500.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  14501.                <span>
  14502.                  SEE IT
  14503.                </span>
  14504.            </a>
  14505.          </td>
  14506.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  14507.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Power performances and parties with an ultra-portable all-in-one PA you can carry in one hand.</span></p>
  14508.  
  14509.            </td>
  14510.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  14511.        </tr>
  14512.            </tbody>
  14513.    </table>
  14514.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  14515.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  14516.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  14517.    </div>
  14518.  </div>
  14519. </div>
  14520.  
  14521.  
  14522.  
  14523. <p>Powered speakers are a minimalist’s dream. Because they feature built-in amplification, there’s no power-matching, no racks of components, and cable clutter is essentially nonexistent: Just plug the speakers into wall power, connect your sound source, and you’re in business. Increasingly, powered speakers are being marketed as all-in-one sound hubs, combining the convenience of built-in power with wireless connectivity and smart assistants. But powered speakers aren’t just designed to spark joy in your less-is-more living space; they often offer sonic advantages over passive models. Read on to learn what&#8217;s great about the best powered speakers and how to start your journey into the maximized minimalism of a sweet new self-contained sound system.</p>
  14524.  
  14525.  
  14526.  
  14527. <ul>
  14528. <li><strong>Best overall</strong>: <a href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL 4305P</a></li>
  14529.  
  14530.  
  14531.  
  14532. <li><strong>Best bookshelf</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Carbon-Black/dp/B08JQPPB9F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF LS50 Wireless II</a></li>
  14533.  
  14534.  
  14535.  
  14536. <li><strong>Best for computers: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Audiophile-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B09NL64VM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Edifier S1000W</a></li>
  14537.  
  14538.  
  14539.  
  14540. <li><strong>Best for turntables</strong>: <a href="https://shop-links.co/1804936286172529173?u1=PS-RU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Kanto YU6</a></li>
  14541.  
  14542.  
  14543.  
  14544. <li><strong>Best PA speakers</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bose L1 Pro8</a></li>
  14545.  
  14546.  
  14547.  
  14548. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Klipsch R-15PM</a></li>
  14549. </ul>
  14550.  
  14551.  
  14552.  
  14553. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-powered-speakers"><strong>How we chose the best powered speakers</strong></h2>
  14554.  
  14555.  
  14556.  
  14557. <p>We explored hundreds of products in our pursuit of the best powered speakers: We concentrated mainly on companies with a lot of experience designing powered models. While we considered a range of listening applications, we prioritized speakers that offer convenience and connectivity features but focus on fidelity first. Our in-house hi-fi heads and active producers debated our favorite models, solicited input from respected peers, and collected user impressions and critical perspectives, performing listening tests whenever possible as we narrowed down the contenders.</p>
  14558.  
  14559.  
  14560.  
  14561. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The best powered speakers: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  14562.  
  14563.  
  14564.  
  14565. <p>As more speaker makers add powered models to their lineups, wading through the choices can get pretty overwhelming. We’ve made things a little easier with our top choices for a range of listening scenarios, from best-loved bookshelf speakers to all-in-one PA systems to power your next pool party or jam sesh. With models here starting below $200, you’ll land on the best powered speakers for your budget and lifestyle.</p>
  14566.  
  14567.  
  14568.  
  14569. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL 4305P</a></h3>
  14570.  
  14571.  
  14572. <div
  14573.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  14574.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  14575. >
  14576.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  14577.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  14578.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  14579.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/JBL-4305P-studio-monitor.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/JBL-4305P-studio-monitor.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="JBL 4305P Studio Monitor in fron tof a window">
  14580.                      </figure>
  14581.                  </a>
  14582.            </div>
  14583.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  14584.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  14585.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  14586.  
  14587.      </figcaption>
  14588.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  14589.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4"
  14590.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  14591.      </p>
  14592.      </div>
  14593. </div>
  14594.  
  14595.  
  14596.  
  14597. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Advanced transducer designs, hi-res streaming, and prosumer connectivity make this powerhouse speaker well-suited for both pro monitoring and casual listening.</p>
  14598.  
  14599.  
  14600.  
  14601. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  14602.  
  14603.  
  14604.  
  14605. <ul>
  14606. <li><strong>Driver complement:</strong> 2 (one 1-inch compression driver, one 5 ¼-inch composite woofer)</li>
  14607.  
  14608.  
  14609.  
  14610. <li><strong>Amplification:</strong> 300 W rms</li>
  14611.  
  14612.  
  14613.  
  14614. <li><strong>Frequency response:</strong> 45 Hz &#8211; 25 kHz</li>
  14615.  
  14616.  
  14617.  
  14618. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 13.2 x 8.3 x 8.8 inches (H x W x D)</li>
  14619. </ul>
  14620.  
  14621.  
  14622.  
  14623. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  14624.  
  14625.  
  14626.  
  14627. <ul>
  14628. <li>Inputs support both consumer and pro devices</li>
  14629.  
  14630.  
  14631.  
  14632. <li>24-bit/96 kHz converters preserve hi-res audio</li>
  14633.  
  14634.  
  14635.  
  14636. <li>Optimize sound with room-correction EQ</li>
  14637. </ul>
  14638.  
  14639.  
  14640.  
  14641. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  14642.  
  14643.  
  14644.  
  14645. <ul>
  14646. <li>Pro sound comes with a premium price</li>
  14647. </ul>
  14648.  
  14649.  
  14650.  
  14651. <p>JBL is no newcomer to powerful speakers, introducing some of the first models as far back as the 1960s. The company’s brand-new 4305P ($2,200/pair) is the first powered model in its consumer Studio Monitor series, which pay homage to the brand&#8217;s &#8217;70s-style speakers. This fully loaded speaker features built-in Class D amplification, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and six audio inputs that can connect to a huge range of digital and analog sources to provide comprehensive, hi-res wired and wireless connectivity.&nbsp;</p>
  14652.  
  14653.  
  14654.  
  14655. <p>The 4305P (shown in walnut above with its grille removed) aims to deliver the presence and power of a floorstanding speaker in a standmount form factor, using patented JBL transducer technologies: each speaker features a 2410H-2 1-inch compression driver mated to a High-Definition Imaging horn for crystal-clear highs and lifelike dynamics. A 5.25-inch cast-frame, fiber-composite cone woofer operates in a bass-reflex configuration with dual front-firing tuned ports. An onboard Class D amp delivers 25W to each compression driver and 125W to each woofer for a total system power of 300W rms. Other features include a bass contour control to compensate for acoustic issues introduced by speaker placement close to walls, plus a signal-sensing line-level subwoofer out (which applies a high-pass 80Hz filter when in use to give the cabinets more headroom). </p>
  14656.  
  14657.  
  14658.  
  14659. <p>The result is the lively dynamics expected from a horn-guided tweeter presented with punchy authority, especially in its beefy midrange—not surprising for a company with heritage firmly entrenched in both control rooms and live sound reinforcement. Imaging is impressively wide, though the darting transients can get bright. Thankfully, this is accompanied by bass that&#8217;s well-etched and impactful, maybe not the deepest, but capable of keeping things balanced. (A powered subwoofer—such as the aesthetically and aurally compatible <a href="https://news.harman.com/releases/harman-luxury-audio-debuts-jbl-l10cs-classic-series-10-inch-powered-subwoofer-at-harman-explore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L10cs</a>, with a 10-inch down-firing polycellulose cone driven by a 250W RMS/500W dynamic built-in amplifier—is needed to <em>really</em> warm things up.) What stands out most about the 4305P&#8217;s innate character, perhaps, is the overall speedy response, which never loses its footing at any pace or pressure. The 4305P isn&#8217;t a laidback analytical listen and can play far louder (with minimized distortion) than you&#8217;d expect from speakers this size. </p>
  14660.  
  14661.  
  14662.  
  14663. <p>When it comes to high-res streaming, the 4305P takes quality to the next level thanks to an integrated streaming engine that provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast Built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.1. A high-resolution digital-to-analog converter preserves 24-bit/96 kHz resolution when the speakers connect wirelessly; when they are tethered with the included 2m Digital Link cable, resolution can be extended to 192 kHz. The 4305P can render MQA files (the musical equivalent of a ZIP file, a way to encode and distribute full-spectrum audio in a compressed container) and is set to be <a href="https://roonlabs.com/howroonworks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roon Ready</a>, giving you access to a compatible music server while on your local network. As a bonus, JBL has thrown in a 90-day Qobuz trial membership that includes a curated playlist of songs that showcase the speaker’s audio capabilities.</p>
  14664.  
  14665.  
  14666.  
  14667. <p>Analog ins include combo XLR and ¼-inch TRS phono connectors and a selectable input-sensitivity switch. This configuration provides the option for balanced XLR and ¼-inch TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) or unbalanced TS (tip/sleeve) connections, which cover both pro and consumer gear. Other I/Os include asynchronous USB and optical digital inputs and a 3.5mm analog in. In addition to front-panel controls, the 4305P includes a Bluetooth handheld remote and can be controlled as part of a Google Home or Apple AirPlay ecosystem.</p>
  14668.  
  14669.  
  14670.  
  14671. <p>The 4305P’s enclosure is constructed from 3⁄4-inch MDF with internal bracing. It is finished in wood veneer, styled in Natural Walnut with a blue grille or Black Walnut with a black grille (shown above in Natural Walnut with the grille off). With its pedigree and presence, the 4305P can look as at home flanking a mix console as it does facing your comfiest listening chair. Crave more kick? <a href="https://news.harman.com/releases/releases-20230103-6886205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 4329P</a>, which debuted at CES 2023 and will ship in Q2, is a similarly self-contained, amplified system that increases the size of the woofer to a JW200P-4 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone, with 250W delivered there and 50W to the step-up JBL 2409H 1-inch compression driver. That comprehensive connectivity/high-res rendering engine remains intact while receiving a specs bump to Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive audio. Of course, larger model means larger price, so expect these to hit the market around $4,500/pair.</p>
  14672.  
  14673.  
  14674.  
  14675. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best bookshelf:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Mineral-White/dp/B08JQRFMHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF LS50 Wireless II</a></h3>
  14676.  
  14677.  
  14678. <div
  14679.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  14680.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  14681. >
  14682.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  14683.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Mineral-White/dp/B08JQRFMHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  14684.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  14685.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/KEF-LS50-Wireless-II-Tony.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/18/KEF-LS50-Wireless-II-Tony.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers flanking Tony's TV">
  14686.                      </figure>
  14687.                  </a>
  14688.            </div>
  14689.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  14690.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  14691.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  14692.  
  14693.      </figcaption>
  14694.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  14695.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Mineral-White/dp/B08JQRFMHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000"
  14696.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  14697.      </p>
  14698.      </div>
  14699. </div>
  14700.  
  14701.  
  14702.  
  14703. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Built-in amplification, hi-res audio support, acoustic upgrades, and futureproof connectivity add up to a full-featured audiophile-grade wireless hub.</p>
  14704.  
  14705.  
  14706.  
  14707. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  14708.  
  14709.  
  14710.  
  14711. <ul>
  14712. <li><strong>Drivers:</strong> 2 (one 1”, one 5 ¼”)</li>
  14713.  
  14714.  
  14715.  
  14716. <li><strong>Amplification:</strong> 380W per speaker</li>
  14717.  
  14718.  
  14719.  
  14720. <li><strong>Frequency response: </strong>45 Hz – 28 kHz</li>
  14721.  
  14722.  
  14723.  
  14724. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 12 x 7.9 x 12.2 inches (H x W x D)</li>
  14725. </ul>
  14726.  
  14727.  
  14728.  
  14729. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  14730.  
  14731.  
  14732.  
  14733. <ul>
  14734. <li>Set up a whole-home system with Chromecast</li>
  14735.  
  14736.  
  14737.  
  14738. <li>Robust wired and wireless connectivity</li>
  14739.  
  14740.  
  14741.  
  14742. <li>Future-proof app tech</li>
  14743. </ul>
  14744.  
  14745.  
  14746.  
  14747. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  14748.  
  14749.  
  14750.  
  14751. <ul>
  14752. <li>Speakers and stands are very pricey</li>
  14753. </ul>
  14754.  
  14755.  
  14756.  
  14757. <p>In 2016, KEF debuted the LS50 Wireless, a successor to its classic LS50 bookshelf speaker that added built-in amplification and streaming. The next-gen LS50 Wireless II boasts refinements to acoustics, connectivity, and the KEF Connect control app. </p>
  14758.  
  14759.  
  14760.  
  14761. <p>As at home stand-mounted (shown above) or on a desktop as it is tucked in a nook, the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a &#8220;bookshelf speaker&#8221; in the classic audiophile sense, an effortlessly integrated component capable of bringing a wide sweet spot to a small room. Inside each speaker, custom amps deliver 280 watts of power to each woofer and 100 watts to each tweeter for big, clean, distortion-free sound at any volume. Digital processing lets you fine-tune the sound to fit your speaker placement and space, either on-speaker or via the free KEF Connect app.</p>
  14762.  
  14763.  
  14764.  
  14765. <p>The LS50 Wireless II is available in signature KEF Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White (pictured), and Crimson Red finishes, with optional <a href="https://www.amazon.com/S2-Speaker-Stand-Carbon-Black/dp/B08G4G5WHP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">matching stands</a>. KEF’s striking, copper-hued Uni-Q driver orients a 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter in the acoustic center of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone to create a wide listening sweet spot; a bass-reflex cabinet with elliptical rear ports is designed to maximize accurate, musical low end. And Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) behind the proprietary 12th-generation drivers takes in unwanted reflections and reduces distortion. Much like the JBL 4305P (above) is detailed and dynamic, the LS50 Wireless II is spacious and gripping; one will sweep you up in every track while the other will let you float away. Your preference when it comes to these equally adept two-way challengers may come down to whether your listening leans nimble/bright versus natural/rounded. </p>
  14766.  
  14767.  
  14768.  
  14769. <p>The LS50 Wireless II supports <a href="https://edifier-online.com/au/en/blog/what-is-certified-hi-res-audio-and-why-does-it-matter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hi-Res Audio</a>; network file support is 24-bit/384 kHz; a wireless setup supports 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution or connect the speakers with the supplied CAT 6 cable for 24-bit/192 kHz support. Stream music directly over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, or through the KEF Connect app, which supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Deezer. In addition, you can use the LS50 Wireless II as an endpoint if you set up <a href="https://roonlabs.com/r/BD6zHhslvEy06LRtbOt0dw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Roon music library</a> on your local network. Wired connections include HDMI eARC, Ethernet, coaxial and optical inputs, a subwoofer out, and 3.5mm aux-ins.</p>
  14770.  
  14771.  
  14772.  
  14773. <p>The LS50 Wireless II is pricey, typically retailing for $2,799/pair, plus $449 for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/S2-Speaker-Stand-Carbon-Black/dp/B08G4G5WHP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">optional S2 floor stands</a>. (Willing to sacrifice some features to save some money? KEF also makes a baby-in-size-not-sound brother speaker system, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Wireless-Speaker-System-Carbon/dp/B0B4TDP1CV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the Wi-Fi-connected LSX II</a>, or you can opt for just Bluetooth connectivity and pick up the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dynaudio-Xeo-Wireless-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B074W72HBZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dynaudio Xeo 2s</a> at $679/pair.) But if you crave a highly resolving, engaging experience and your budget supports it, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Carbon-Black/dp/B08JQPPB9F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">LS50 Wireless II&#8217;s</a> versatile connectivity options and potent sound make it an ideal all-in-one listening system. And they&#8217;re a &#8220;bargain&#8221;—even if you toss in the sonically and aesthetically complementary <a href="https://howl.me/ciQPiD6CsWQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF KC62 subwoofer</a>—considering stepping up to the richly evocative, surprisingly slimline <a href="https://howl.me/ciQPgrs9ibL" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF LS60</a> floorstanding powered speakers are $6,999!</p>
  14774.  
  14775.  
  14776.  
  14777. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for computers: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Audiophile-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B09NL64VM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Edifier S1000W</a></h3>
  14778.  
  14779.  
  14780. <div
  14781.    id="edifier-s1000w"
  14782.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  14783.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  14784. >
  14785.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  14786.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Audiophile-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B09NL64VM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  14787.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  14788.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/19/Edifier-S1000W.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/19/Edifier-S1000W.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Edifier S1000W">
  14789.                      </figure>
  14790.                  </a>
  14791.            </div>
  14792.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  14793.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  14794.        <p><em>Brandt Ranj</em></p>
  14795.  
  14796.      </figcaption>
  14797.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  14798.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Audiophile-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B09NL64VM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000"
  14799.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  14800.      </p>
  14801.      </div>
  14802. </div>
  14803.  
  14804.  
  14805.  
  14806. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The Edifier S1000W&#8217;s sound, size, connectivity, and price are in perfect alignment for computer users looking at an audio upgrade.</p>
  14807.  
  14808.  
  14809.  
  14810. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  14811.  
  14812.  
  14813.  
  14814. <ul>
  14815. <li><strong>Driver complement:</strong> 2 (one 1-inch tweeter, one 5.5-inch woofer)</li>
  14816.  
  14817.  
  14818.  
  14819. <li><strong>Amplification:</strong> 120W rms</li>
  14820.  
  14821.  
  14822.  
  14823. <li><strong>Frequency response: </strong>45 Hz &#8211; 40 kHhz</li>
  14824.  
  14825.  
  14826.  
  14827. <li><strong>Dimensions</strong>: 13.6in x 7.8in x 11.6in (H x W x D)</li>
  14828. </ul>
  14829.  
  14830.  
  14831.  
  14832. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  14833.  
  14834.  
  14835.  
  14836. <ul>
  14837. <li>Well balanced sound</li>
  14838.  
  14839.  
  14840.  
  14841. <li>Great mix of inputs</li>
  14842.  
  14843.  
  14844.  
  14845. <li>High-resolution audio support</li>
  14846.  
  14847.  
  14848.  
  14849. <li>Amazon Alexa support</li>
  14850.  
  14851.  
  14852.  
  14853. <li>Intuitive app</li>
  14854. </ul>
  14855.  
  14856.  
  14857.  
  14858. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  14859.  
  14860.  
  14861.  
  14862. <ul>
  14863. <li>No USB port</li>
  14864. </ul>
  14865.  
  14866.  
  14867.  
  14868. <p>Edifier is a company known for its ability to cram a lot of performance into audio gear with surprisingly low prices. Its S1000W powered speakers, which were released late in 2021, continue that trend, but their $550 price tag allowed Edifier to reach beyond the technical sacrifices necessary to make its most budget gear. Although these speakers can be used in multiple applications, we found they&#8217;re particularly great with a computer due to their slim, acoustically angled design and clarity at a reasonable volume.</p>
  14869.  
  14870.  
  14871.  
  14872. <p>On paper, the speakers are pretty stacked: They&#8217;re powered by a 120W Class-D amplifier, can natively play 24-bit/192kHz audio, and use a digital signal processor to control their crossovers dynamically, so optimized frequency division always reaches the titamium-dome tweeter and aluminum woofer. These features are present in other speakers in this guide, but both of those pairs cost roughly four times as much as the S1000Ws. We wouldn&#8217;t go so far as to say these speakers can stand toe-to-toe with speakers that cost over $2,000, but after spending time with the S1000W at home we can say they certainly give any pair under $1,000 a run for their money.</p>
  14873.  
  14874.  
  14875.  
  14876. <p>Midrange-heavy genres like live and acoustic music sounded superb, with plenty of detail and a wide soundstage when the speakers sat 3 feet away from one another. We connected them to a computer for use more as nearfield monitors (more on that in a little bit), but we could see how listening to live music would become even more immersive and engaging if the S1000Ws were spread further apart. And, thanks to well-handed treble reproduction, distorted guitars and crashing cymbals in lo-fi and punk songs sounded clear without requiring us to reach for the volume knob to protect our ears.</p>
  14877.  
  14878.  
  14879.  
  14880. <p>Similarly, we didn&#8217;t hear any sibilance across the board. The S1000Ws didn&#8217;t have quite as much bass as we would have liked out of the box, though hip-hop and R&amp;B sounded serviceable. Once we tweaked the response, though, we got closer to our ideal while never pushing the woofer to the point of distortion, even at the very least low frequencies. While our experience was positive, yours will vary based on the music you listen to, how it was mastered, and even its bitrate. In general, though, you should expect to hear quite a lot of detail without much futzing.</p>
  14881.  
  14882.  
  14883.  
  14884. <p>Beyond their sound, the S1000Ws are easy to recommend because they have many of the trademark features that have endeared Edifier to price-conscious audiophiles. The speakers have physical EQ knobs on a side panel, so you can adjust their sound to your exact preference. And if you prefer digital customization, Edifier&#8217;s app is surprisingly intuitive to use and walks you through the step-by-step process of hooking them up to your Wi-Fi network without frustrating you. While the S1000Ws don&#8217;t connect to each other wirelessly, the cable that&#8217;s provided to connect one speaker to the other is long enough that you can set the S1000Ws up on a desk with your computer, or on top of a media center flanking your television.</p>
  14885.  
  14886.  
  14887.  
  14888. <p>The speakers support both Bluetooth 5.0 and Apple&#8217;s AirPlay 2, wireless protocols that complement the pair of RCA inputs, coaxial input, and optical audio input on their backside. The speakers lack a USB port, but in this day and age it&#8217;s hard to imagine your computer, your whole house, isn&#8217;t on Wi-Fi so you can stream whatever you desire directly from your laptop. In addition, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are supported, so once you pick a playlist on your phone you can offload the streaming directly to the speakers. If you&#8217;ve set up a smart home, you can connect Edifier&#8217;s speakers to your Amazon Echo and tell it to play music through your streaming service of choice using Alexa. Even the S1000W&#8217;s remote is good, with input and media control buttons that depress with a satisfying click and work instantly (as well as another way to adjust EQ). All of these smaller quality-of-life decisions add up and help the speaker become greater than the sum of its parts.</p>
  14889.  
  14890.  
  14891.  
  14892. <p>If you spend a lot of time listening to music at your work desk, you owe it to yourself to check out Edifier&#8217;s S1000W speakers, especially if you&#8217;ve been making do with tinny sound coming from the built-in drivers in your computer or monitor.</p>
  14893.  
  14894.  
  14895.  
  14896. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for turntables:</strong> <a href="https://shop-links.co/1804936286172529173?u1=PS-RU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Kanto YU6</a></h3>
  14897.  
  14898.  
  14899. <div
  14900.    id="best-for-record-players"
  14901.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  14902.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  14903. >
  14904.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  14905.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://shop-links.co/1804936286172529173?u1=PS-RU" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  14906.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  14907.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Kanto.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Kanto.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Kanto YU6">
  14908.                      </figure>
  14909.                  </a>
  14910.            </div>
  14911.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  14912.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  14913.        <p><em>Kanto </em></p>
  14914.  
  14915.      </figcaption>
  14916.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  14917.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://shop-links.co/1804936286172529173?u1=PS-RU"
  14918.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  14919.      </p>
  14920.      </div>
  14921. </div>
  14922.  
  14923.  
  14924.  
  14925. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Connect all of your digital and analog gear to these stylish speakers, available in seven stunning finishes.</p>
  14926.  
  14927.  
  14928.  
  14929. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  14930.  
  14931.  
  14932.  
  14933. <ul>
  14934. <li><strong>Driver complement:</strong> 2 (one 1” silk-dome tweeter, one 5.25-inch Kevlar cone woofer)</li>
  14935.  
  14936.  
  14937.  
  14938. <li><strong>Amplification:</strong> 100W rms</li>
  14939.  
  14940.  
  14941.  
  14942. <li><strong>Frequency response: </strong>50 Hz – 20 kHz</li>
  14943.  
  14944.  
  14945.  
  14946. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 13.98 x 6.89 x 10.71 inches (H x W x D)</li>
  14947. </ul>
  14948.  
  14949.  
  14950.  
  14951. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  14952.  
  14953.  
  14954.  
  14955. <ul>
  14956. <li>Versatile inputs support turntables</li>
  14957.  
  14958.  
  14959.  
  14960. <li>Well-balanced sound with respectable bass</li>
  14961.  
  14962.  
  14963.  
  14964. <li>Seven gorgeous finishes elevate any décor</li>
  14965. </ul>
  14966.  
  14967.  
  14968.  
  14969. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  14970.  
  14971.  
  14972.  
  14973. <ul>
  14974. <li>USB connection is underutilized</li>
  14975. </ul>
  14976.  
  14977.  
  14978.  
  14979. <p>People often ask if powered speakers are good for vinyl and we can conclusively say that if you enjoy listening to both analog and digital sound, the Kanto YU6 ($379/pair) has you covered. It&#8217;s highly capable thanks to analog RCA and 3.5mm mini-jack ins, a switchable phono preamp/line-in, optical TOSLINK inputs, and Bluetooth 4.0 streaming with aptX support.</p>
  14980.  
  14981.  
  14982.  
  14983. <p>This versatile powered speaker features 1-inch silk-dome tweeters and 5.25-inch Kevlar cone woofers, powered by built-in Class D amps (50W rms per channel); it’s all housed in rear-ported fiberboard cabinets that come in a spectrum of bold finishes, including matte black, matte white, gloss black, gloss white, gloss red, bamboo, and walnut. (Available <a href="https://www.kantoaudio.com/speaker-stands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">stands</a> support a range of desktop and home theater scenarios.)</p>
  14984.  
  14985.  
  14986.  
  14987. <p>Vinyl fans will gravitate right to the YU6’s rear-panel RCA stereo input, which is switchable between moving magnet phono preamp-in and analog line-in. Optical ins connect TV, CD player, or game console digital audio. A USB jack charges devices and a subwoofer output with 200 Hz lowpass filter provides the ability to extend the low end with a standalone sub.</p>
  14988.  
  14989.  
  14990.  
  14991. <p>One note: If you’re using the YU6 speakers for a turntable playback system, it’s best to position your turntable and cabinets on separate furniture or stands or add a turntable platform to control vibration. (Just getting started on your vinyl journey? Fluance makes some great options to consider when it comes to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/fluance-rt85-review/">turntables we like</a>, such as the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Turntable-Cartridge-Adjustable-Counterweight/dp/B01F2EXIFM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">RT81</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Reference-Turntable-Cartridge-Vibration/dp/B07KKK8ZB4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">RT85</a>.)</p>
  14992.  
  14993.  
  14994.  
  14995. <p>A front-panel control knob provides simple access to volume and input adjustments: Twist the knob to adjust volume, press it to cycle through inputs. The included remote control handles power, volume, mute, EQ, source input, and Bluetooth pairing. Rubber feet are supplied but not attached.</p>
  14996.  
  14997.  
  14998.  
  14999. <p>Looking for a step up from the YU6? Kanto’s premium <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kanto-Speakers-Headphone-Dedicated-Bluetooth/dp/B07WL7X9ZM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TUK</a> powered speakers ($779) feature onboard DSP, high-performance AMT tweeters and 5.25-inch aluminum drivers, active crossovers, plus dedicated phono, RCA, and Optical TOSLINK inputs, onboard USB DAC and headphone amp, and Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD and AAC codecs.</p>
  15000.  
  15001.  
  15002.  
  15003. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best PA speakers:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bose L1 Pro8</a></h3>
  15004.  
  15005.  
  15006. <div
  15007.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15008.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15009. >
  15010.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15011.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15012.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15013.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Bose.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Bose L1 Pro8">
  15014.                      </figure>
  15015.                  </a>
  15016.            </div>
  15017.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15018.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15019.        <p><em>Bose </em></p>
  15020.  
  15021.      </figcaption>
  15022.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15023.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000"
  15024.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15025.      </p>
  15026.      </div>
  15027. </div>
  15028.  
  15029.  
  15030.  
  15031. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>This all-in-one sound system packs up tight to go from vehicle to venue in a single trip.</p>
  15032.  
  15033.  
  15034.  
  15035. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15036.  
  15037.  
  15038.  
  15039. <ul>
  15040. <li><strong>Driver complement:</strong> 8 2” neodymium drivers, 1 7&#215;13” subwoofer</li>
  15041.  
  15042.  
  15043.  
  15044. <li><strong>Amplification:</strong> 60W (driver array), 280W (subwoofer)</li>
  15045.  
  15046.  
  15047.  
  15048. <li><strong>Frequency response:</strong> 45 Hz – 16 kHz</li>
  15049.  
  15050.  
  15051.  
  15052. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 78.94 x 17.32 x 38.92 inches (H x W x D) assembled</li>
  15053. </ul>
  15054.  
  15055.  
  15056.  
  15057. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15058.  
  15059.  
  15060.  
  15061. <ul>
  15062. <li>Eight-speaker array provides broad coverage</li>
  15063.  
  15064.  
  15065.  
  15066. <li>Control mixes from your mobile device</li>
  15067.  
  15068.  
  15069.  
  15070. <li>Two phantom power inputs</li>
  15071. </ul>
  15072.  
  15073.  
  15074.  
  15075. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15076.  
  15077.  
  15078.  
  15079. <ul>
  15080. <li>Assembled system can feel unstable in windy conditions</li>
  15081. </ul>
  15082.  
  15083.  
  15084.  
  15085. <p>Whether you’re a singer/songwriter, band, DJ, or just looking for a plug-and-play-simple way to transform your next BBQ into an impromptu dance party, a portable powered <a href="https://www.itctech.com.cn/news/index/art/3088.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public address system</a> is the perfect all-in-one sound solution. Powered PA systems are serious multitaskers, delivering pro-quality sound reinforcement with built-in amps, mixers, audio effects, Bluetooth streaming, and tons of I/Os, in self-contained systems you can schlep in one hand while you carry your guitar (or beer) in the other.</p>
  15086.  
  15087.  
  15088.  
  15089. <p>Nearly 20 years ago, Bose introduced the shockingly portable L1 PA, which became a go-to gig staple for indie artists thanks to its premium sound and built-in amplification, mixer, effects, and subwoofer. The series has been updated over the years and the L1 Pro line debuted in 2021, in driver configurations up to 32 speakers.</p>
  15090.  
  15091.  
  15092.  
  15093. <p>The L1 Pro8 ($1,199), the most portable array in the Pro series, is ideal for singer/songwriters and best for DJs. Inside, a C-shape 8-driver array that provides 40 degrees of vertical coverage and 180 degrees of horizontal coverage, with an integrated subwoofer that features an elongated RaceTrack driver, which Bose says delivers low-end performance that rivals a conventional 12-inch woofer in a slimmer footprint. All L1 Pro models feature a built-in 3-channel mixer: Channels 1 and 2 can receive signal from combo XLR/TRS jacks (with phantom power), while Channel 3 can receive signal from either a 1/8-inch headphone jack, a ¼-inch TRS jack, or via Bluetooth streaming.</p>
  15094.  
  15095.  
  15096.  
  15097. <p>This system sets up fast, is easy to operate, and packs a sonic punch, powering the speaker array with 60 watts of Class D amplification and the subwoofer with 240 watts, for 118 dB peak SPL.</p>
  15098.  
  15099.  
  15100.  
  15101. <p>Use the Bose L1 Mix App to adjust mixes and effects settings (including Bose’s ToneMatch library of custom EQ presets) from anywhere in the room. The system weighs just 35 pounds and disassembles into three pieces that pack into the base unit for effortless transport in the included travel bag.</p>
  15102.  
  15103.  
  15104.  
  15105. <p>Thinking of cutting the cord entirely? Check out Bose’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Bluetooth-Speaker-System-Battery/dp/B07BLZX73S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">S1 Pro</a> portable Bluetooth speaker, which has three 2 1/4-inch high-frequency drivers and a 6-inch low-frequency woofer and provides up to 11 hours of play time. Or keep all the features (and, admittedly, the price) and get the rechargeable 1,500W <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-Rechargeable-Column-Speaker-BL-EONONEMK2-NA/dp/B0921T6VL2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL EON ONE MK2 column PA</a>, with 8 2-inch tweeters, built-in 10-inch woofer, and a 5-channel mixer that can run off a 6-hour battery.</p>
  15106.  
  15107.  
  15108.  
  15109. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Klipsch R-15PM</a></h3>
  15110.  
  15111.  
  15112. <div
  15113.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15114.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15115. >
  15116.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15117.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15118.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15119.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Klipsch.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/14/Best_Powered_Speakers_Klipsch.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Klipsch R-15PM">
  15120.                      </figure>
  15121.                  </a>
  15122.            </div>
  15123.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15124.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15125.        <p><em>Klipsch </em></p>
  15126.  
  15127.      </figcaption>
  15128.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15129.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000"
  15130.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15131.      </p>
  15132.      </div>
  15133. </div>
  15134.  
  15135.  
  15136.  
  15137. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> When it comes to price/performance ratio, these feature-packed budget beauties punch way above their class.</p>
  15138.  
  15139.  
  15140.  
  15141. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15142.  
  15143.  
  15144.  
  15145. <ul>
  15146. <li><strong>Driver complement:</strong> 2 (one 1”, one 5 ¼”)</li>
  15147.  
  15148.  
  15149.  
  15150. <li><strong>Power rating:</strong> 50 WPC</li>
  15151.  
  15152.  
  15153.  
  15154. <li><strong>Frequency response:</strong> 62 Hz – 24 kHz</li>
  15155.  
  15156.  
  15157.  
  15158. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 12.5 x 7 x 8.11 in (H x W x D)</li>
  15159. </ul>
  15160.  
  15161.  
  15162.  
  15163. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15164.  
  15165.  
  15166.  
  15167. <ul>
  15168. <li>Diverse I/O set handles a range of sound sources</li>
  15169.  
  15170.  
  15171.  
  15172. <li>Onboard phono amp</li>
  15173.  
  15174.  
  15175.  
  15176. <li>Convenient remote</li>
  15177. </ul>
  15178.  
  15179.  
  15180.  
  15181. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15182.  
  15183.  
  15184.  
  15185. <ul>
  15186. <li>Difficult to conceal cables when using stands</li>
  15187. </ul>
  15188.  
  15189.  
  15190.  
  15191. <p>The Klipsch R-15PM small powered speakers boast 50 watts per channel of amplification, for room-filling sound in a super-compact footprint. Each speaker features a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver that’s integrated with Klipsch&#8217;s square Tractrix horn, which Klipsch says delivers wider dispersion and cleaner, clearer highs; a distinctive, 5-¼-inch spun copper woofer provides solid midrange, and a rear-firing port beefs up bass response. It’s all housed in resonance-deadening MDF cabinets for smooth, distortion-free response.</p>
  15192.  
  15193.  
  15194.  
  15195. <p>These speakers, which retail for an affordable $275/pair, offer an incredible array of features on top of their solid sound performance. Setup is plug-and-play easy: Connect directly to a range of sound sources, from your tablet to your TV, thanks to an onboard phono preamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of analog and optical digital inputs, plus a USB Type B input. A remote lets you adjust volume and change inputs from the convenience of your couch. A mono subwoofer output connects an optional powered sub; consider Klipsch’s wireless <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-R-10SW-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B00MH42BBI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Reference R-10SWi</a>.</p>
  15196.  
  15197.  
  15198.  
  15199. <p>For an alternative at the same price point, check out the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Wireless-Bluetooth-Amplifier/dp/B07MYV2527?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Audioengine A2+</a> wireless Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, or if you’re hoping to keep your purchase below $200, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Edifier R1700BT</a>, at $159, is a worthy contender.</p>
  15200.  
  15201.  
  15202.  
  15203. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Things to consider before buying powered speakers</strong></h2>
  15204.  
  15205.  
  15206.  
  15207. <p>Buying powered speakers is a personal process, weighing subjective factors like sonic preferences along with objective benchmarks like power output, number of inputs and outputs, and convenience features. Many factors influence a powered speaker’s sound, including driver and cabinet size, type of amplification, and build quality. The size of your listening space plays a major role. Your sound sources will also inform your decision: If you’re planning to connect <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-turntables-under-500/">a turntable</a>, for example, you’ll need phono inputs. If you want to stream music, you’ll need <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">Bluetooth</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-wifi-6/">Wi-Fi</a>. </p>
  15208.  
  15209.  
  15210.  
  15211. <p>One drawback of powered speakers is the inability to mix and match or upgrade components, such as the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-av-receivers/">best AV receivers</a>. But a pro is that, because amplification is built into a powered speaker, it’s perfectly optimized for its specific <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-makes-up-a-speaker/">speaker driver(s)</a> needs. Amps sit right inside the cabinet, so there’s no need to connect long lengths of wire between drivers and amplifiers, which takes cable-induced distortion and signal loss out of the picture. In addition, integrated crossover design gives the designer more control over the frequency response. [Note that not every speaker manufacturer designs its own amplifiers, sometimes relying on OEM parts. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but be sure the technologies are well implemented for the best sonic performance.]</p>
  15212.  
  15213.  
  15214.  
  15215. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What size powered speakers should I get?</h3>
  15216.  
  15217.  
  15218.  
  15219. <p>Powered speakers are available in a vast array of sizes, from <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-smart-speakers/">smart speakers</a> you can fit in the palm of your hand to towers that top 6 feet in height. In general, the bigger the speaker, the more power it can put out, and the deeper the bass it can produce. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that more is better. Speakers should be small enough to efficiently produce space-filling sound; if they’re too powerful for the size of the room, they can’t be operated at their ideal performance levels and can end up sounding boomy. On the other hand, they must be powerful enough to easily reproduce the most dynamic music, movie, and game content. Generally, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-bookshelf-speakers/">bookshelf speakers</a> with <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-stereo-speakers/">5- or 6-inch drivers</a> are good matches for offices, dens, and other small rooms, while <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-speakers-for-music/">larger bookshelf speakers and floorstanding models</a> with 8-inch drivers are more appropriate for bigger rooms, like home theatres.</p>
  15220.  
  15221.  
  15222.  
  15223. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What kind of features should I look for in powered speakers?</h3>
  15224.  
  15225.  
  15226.  
  15227. <p>Increasingly, powered speakers offer more features than their passive counterparts, evolving into all-in-one entertainment hubs for minimalists who don’t want to navigate a sea of components and cabling. If you’re in the less-is-more camp, you’ll appreciate features like digital and analog inputs and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, in addition to built-in amplification.</p>
  15228.  
  15229.  
  15230.  
  15231. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Should I add a subwoofer?</h3>
  15232.  
  15233.  
  15234.  
  15235. <p>You should add a subwoofer if you want to extend your system’s low-end energy and bring more visceral impact to your listening experience, whether you’re watching the latest action flick, crushing your favorite videogame, or transforming the living room into a dance floor. You can mix and match speakers and subs, but many products profiled here are designed to pair perfectly with available companion subwoofers. For instance, there is a setting within the KEF app to automatically integrate and optimize the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Mineral-White/dp/B08JQRFMHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF LS50 Wireless II</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-KC62W-KC62-Subwoofer-White/dp/B098R6PBJ8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF KC62 subwoofer</a>, allowing them to wake together and produce an amazingly musical, muscular response down to 11 Hz. Remember that you can always start small and add a sub later if you’re not feeling enough room-rocking thunder.</p>
  15236.  
  15237.  
  15238.  
  15239. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  15240.  
  15241.  
  15242.  
  15243. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1647225188634"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What’s the difference between passive speakers and powered?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Powered, or active, speakers have built-in amplification, while passive speakers need to be powered by an external amplifier, such as a stereo receiver or integrated power amp. Powered speaker setups are pretty turnkey, requiring fewer components and annoying cables—but more importantly, your speakers are already perfectly matched to the right amplifier. Passive speakers are often preferred by audiophiles because they offer the flexibility of mixing and matching components, for more control over system sound. And, unlike powered speakers, passive speakers don’t have to plug into a power outlet, which provides more placement options in some spaces.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1647225193033"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are powered speakers better than passive speakers?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Powered speakers, by design, offer some sonic benefits: By incorporating precisely matched drivers, amps and crossovers, they can deliver cohesive sound that’s harder to achieve with discrete components. And, you never have to worry about underpowering or overpowering your speakers—no matter how loud you crank it up.<br/> <br/>Traditionally, passive speakers have been sought out by hi-fi fans, because they provide opportunities to swap out and upgrade components. But these days, you’ll find a vast range of great-sounding options in both passive and powered categories.<br/></p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1647225206676"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do powered speaker need an amplifier or receiver? </h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Do not connect powered speakers to an amplifier unless you want to blow up your gear. Technically, it’s possible to connect powered speakers to an amplifier, and there are some niche cases where it might make sense, such as using speakers with bypassable built-in amplification. But really, we don’t recommend it. There’s a reason why the Golden Rule of Sound is: “Power + Power = Disaster”!</p> </div> </div>
  15244.  
  15245.  
  15246.  
  15247. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final thoughts on choosing the best powered speakers</strong></h2>
  15248.  
  15249.  
  15250.  
  15251. <ul>
  15252. <li><strong>Best overall</strong>: <a href="https://howl.me/ciwUalrabp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL 4305P</a></li>
  15253.  
  15254.  
  15255.  
  15256. <li><strong>Best bookshelf</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KEF-LS50-Wireless-Carbon-Black/dp/B08JQPPB9F?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KEF LS50 Wireless II</a></li>
  15257.  
  15258.  
  15259.  
  15260. <li><strong>Best for computers: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Audiophile-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B09NL64VM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Edifier S1000W</a></li>
  15261.  
  15262.  
  15263.  
  15264. <li><strong>Best for turntables</strong>: <a href="https://shop-links.co/1804936286172529173?u1=PS-RU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Kanto YU6</a></li>
  15265.  
  15266.  
  15267.  
  15268. <li><strong>Best PA speakers</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Pro8-Integrated-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B08JZK1R9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bose L1 Pro8</a></li>
  15269.  
  15270.  
  15271.  
  15272. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000430842O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Klipsch R-15PM</a></li>
  15273. </ul>
  15274.  
  15275.  
  15276.  
  15277. <p>If you strive for a simple, minimalist setup, and don’t want to deal with connecting racks of audio components and yards of cables, powered speakers just might be perfect for you. Anytime you’re shopping for speakers, fidelity comes first. That said, we’ve spotlighted versatile products that excel in a range of scenarios. If you choose any of the speakers above, you won’t be disappointed.</p>
  15278.  
  15279.  
  15280.  
  15281. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  15282.  
  15283.  
  15284.  
  15285. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  15286.  
  15287.  
  15288.  
  15289. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  15290. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">The best powered speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  15291. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  15292. </item>
  15293. <item>
  15294. <title>The best headphones for working out in 2024, tested and reviewed</title>
  15295. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-headphones-for-working-out/</link>
  15296. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julian Vittorio]]></dc:creator>
  15297. <pubDate>Fri, 17 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  15298. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  15299. <category><![CDATA[Earbuds]]></category>
  15300. <category><![CDATA[Fitness & Exercise]]></category>
  15301. <category><![CDATA[Fitness Gear]]></category>
  15302. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  15303. <category><![CDATA[Headphones]]></category>
  15304. <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
  15305. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  15306. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  15307. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  15308. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  15309. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  15310. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=519976</guid>
  15311.  
  15312. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  15313.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-headphones-for-working-out-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A lineup of the best headphones for working out on a white background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Amanda Reed</div></figure><p>Throw on some of these high-performance audio accessories and load up your perfect soundtrack to take workouts to the next level.</p>
  15314. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-headphones-for-working-out/">The best headphones for working out in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  15315. ]]></description>
  15316. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  15317.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-headphones-for-working-out-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A lineup of the best headphones for working out on a white background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Amanda Reed</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  15318. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  15319.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  15320.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  15321.      <tbody>
  15322.              <tr
  15323.          class="ProductTable-product"
  15324.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  15325.        >
  15326.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  15327.            Best overall
  15328.          </td>
  15329.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  15330.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/09/beats-fit-pro-deal.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/09/beats-fit-pro-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/09/beats-fit-pro-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/09/beats-fit-pro-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/09/beats-fit-pro-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/09/beats-fit-pro-deal.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Beats fit pro amazon deal earbuds" class="wp-image-504111" width="264" height="165">
  15331.          </td>
  15332.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  15333.            Apple Beats Fit Pro
  15334.          </td>
  15335.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  15336.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  15337.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15338.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15339.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15340.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15341.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15342.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 95%">
  15343.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15344.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15345.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15346.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15347.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15348.                                  </div>
  15349.                          </div>
  15350.          </td>
  15351.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  15352.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  15353.                <span>
  15354.                  SEE IT
  15355.                </span>
  15356.            </a>
  15357.          </td>
  15358.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  15359.              <p>A snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity make these easy to add to any workout routine.</p>
  15360.  
  15361.            </td>
  15362.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  15363.        </tr>
  15364.              <tr
  15365.          class="ProductTable-product"
  15366.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  15367.        >
  15368.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  15369.            Best battery life
  15370.          </td>
  15371.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  15372.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Dark Grey Jabra Elite 8 Active best battery life earbuds for workouts" class="wp-image-608097" width="264" height="165">
  15373.          </td>
  15374.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  15375.            Jabra Elite 8 Active
  15376.          </td>
  15377.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  15378.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  15379.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15380.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15381.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15382.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15383.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15384.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 85%">
  15385.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15386.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15387.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15388.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15389.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15390.                                  </div>
  15391.                          </div>
  15392.          </td>
  15393.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  15394.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  15395.                <span>
  15396.                  SEE IT
  15397.                </span>
  15398.            </a>
  15399.          </td>
  15400.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  15401.              <p>These earbuds are extremely impervious to dust and water and feature an amazing combination of ANC performance and battery life.</p>
  15402.  
  15403.            </td>
  15404.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  15405.        </tr>
  15406.              <tr
  15407.          class="ProductTable-product"
  15408.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  15409.        >
  15410.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  15411.            Best budget
  15412.          </td>
  15413.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  15414.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-budget-anker.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-budget-anker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-budget-anker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-budget-anker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-budget-anker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-budget-anker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A pair of Anker Sport headphones on a blue and white background" class="wp-image-520336" width="264" height="165">
  15415.          </td>
  15416.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  15417.            soundcore by Anker Sport X10
  15418.          </td>
  15419.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  15420.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  15421.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15422.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15423.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15424.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15425.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15426.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 70%">
  15427.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15428.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15429.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15430.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15431.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  15432.                                  </div>
  15433.                          </div>
  15434.          </td>
  15435.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  15436.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  15437.                <span>
  15438.                  SEE IT
  15439.                </span>
  15440.            </a>
  15441.          </td>
  15442.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  15443.              <p>The soundcore by Anker Sport X10 headphones are great for runners on a budget.</p>
  15444.  
  15445.            </td>
  15446.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  15447.        </tr>
  15448.            </tbody>
  15449.    </table>
  15450.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  15451.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  15452.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  15453.    </div>
  15454.  </div>
  15455. </div>
  15456.  
  15457.  
  15458.  
  15459. <p>Using headphones for working out can transform your frame of reference and put you in the mood to grind like nothing else. Of course, exercise can be strenuous and involve tons of movement, so it’s essential to find a pair that leaves you unencumbered by wires and fit securely enough that they won’t be flung to the ground every time you move your head. In this list, we’ll break down the best headphones for working out and optimizing your circuit(s) with your favorite music and podcasts.</p>
  15460.  
  15461.  
  15462.  
  15463. <ul>
  15464. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple Beats Fit Pro</a></li>
  15465.  
  15466.  
  15467.  
  15468. <li><strong>Best on-ear:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Live-670NC-Ear-Lightweight/dp/B0CQ1CVW3Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Live 670NC</a></li>
  15469.  
  15470.  
  15471.  
  15472. <li><strong>Best bone conduction:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shokz-OpenRun-Conduction-Headphones-Built/dp/B09BW1QVVT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SHOKZ OpenRun</a></li>
  15473.  
  15474.  
  15475.  
  15476. <li><strong>Best earbuds</strong> <strong>for running or cycling:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Earbuds-OpenAudio-Technology-Wireless/dp/B0CPFV77W4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bose Ultra Open Earbuds</a></li>
  15477.  
  15478.  
  15479.  
  15480. <li><strong>Best battery life:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jabra Elite 8 Active</a></li>
  15481.  
  15482.  
  15483.  
  15484. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">soundcore by Anker Sport X10</a></li>
  15485. </ul>
  15486.  
  15487.  
  15488.  
  15489. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-headphones-for-working-out"><strong>How we chose the best headphones for working out</strong></h2>
  15490.  
  15491.  
  15492.  
  15493. <p>The best headphones for working out are wireless, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">Bluetooth</a> requires power. And, in all honesty, the best headphones for working out are earphones, which is why they make up the majority of our selections. We picked pairs that offer at least five hours of single-charge battery life, and all of the earbuds include charging cases. Considering the battery life of your audio device is extremely important for keeping the flow going—you wouldn’t want the music to stop mid-workout. All of the selections on our list fit securely around the head or in the ear to ensure that they move very little or not at all during workouts. Everyday headphones made for walking or when you&#8217;re stationary aren’t typically designed with extreme movement in mind. </p>
  15494.  
  15495.  
  15496.  
  15497. <p>Sound quality was also a big factor in considering headphones for this list, and many of the earbuds we picked either come with a full and balanced sound profile or offer the option to adjust their sound via an app.&nbsp;Staying aware of the activity around you is always important while wearing headphones, especially if you’re on the go. For our list, we picked headphones/earphones that either feature a transparency mode or are completely open-ear.</p>
  15498.  
  15499.  
  15500.  
  15501. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-headphones-for-working-out-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best headphones for working out: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  15502.  
  15503.  
  15504.  
  15505. <p>Prepping for a workout is all about getting your mind and body in the right place, and apart from stretching, putting on the right clothes, and making sure you have a favorite <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-insulated-water-bottles/">water bottle</a> and your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-fitness-tracker/">fitness tracker</a>, pumping up the jams properly can pump you up for a regular training run. One of our choices is sure to put a spring in your step the next time you go for a jog or lift weights. </p>
  15506.  
  15507.  
  15508.  
  15509. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-apple-beats-fit-pro"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple Beats Fit Pro</a></h3>
  15510.  
  15511.  
  15512. <div
  15513.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15514.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15515. >
  15516.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15517.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15518.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15519.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/02/03/377A6811.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/02/03/377A6811.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Beats Fit Pro review in the case in hand">
  15520.                      </figure>
  15521.                  </a>
  15522.            </div>
  15523.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15524.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15525.        <p><em>Stan Horaczek</em></p>
  15526.  
  15527.      </figcaption>
  15528.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15529.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000"
  15530.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15531.      </p>
  15532.      </div>
  15533. </div>
  15534.  
  15535.  
  15536.  
  15537. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Apple Beats Fit Pro features a snug fit, balanced sound, and seamless iOS connectivity that make them easy to add to any workout routine.</p>
  15538.  
  15539.  
  15540.  
  15541. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15542.  
  15543.  
  15544.  
  15545. <ul>
  15546. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 0.2 ounces/earbud; 2.3 ounces with case</li>
  15547.  
  15548.  
  15549.  
  15550. <li><strong>IP rating: </strong>IPX4 (splash-resistant)</li>
  15551.  
  15552.  
  15553.  
  15554. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> 6 hours single-charge; 24 hours with case</li>
  15555. </ul>
  15556.  
  15557.  
  15558.  
  15559. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15560.  
  15561.  
  15562.  
  15563. <ul>
  15564. <li>High-performance active noise canceling in a compact earbud design</li>
  15565.  
  15566.  
  15567.  
  15568. <li>Secure design stays in ear when running or working out</li>
  15569.  
  15570.  
  15571.  
  15572. <li>Compatible with dynamic head tracking on iOS devices</li>
  15573.  
  15574.  
  15575.  
  15576. <li>Includes pocket-sized travel case and three eartip options</li>
  15577. </ul>
  15578.  
  15579.  
  15580.  
  15581. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15582.  
  15583.  
  15584.  
  15585. <ul>
  15586. <li>No wireless charging</li>
  15587.  
  15588.  
  15589.  
  15590. <li>iOS device required for full functionality</li>
  15591.  
  15592.  
  15593.  
  15594. <li>Not protected against water immersion</li>
  15595.  
  15596.  
  15597.  
  15598. <li>No multipoint pairing</li>
  15599. </ul>
  15600.  
  15601.  
  15602.  
  15603. <p>We’ve thoroughly <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/beats-fit-pro-earbud-review/">reviewed the Apple Beats Fit Pro</a>, and they take the best overall award on this list thanks to their sound quality, workout-friendly design, and fantastic iOS compatibility. They contain the same proprietary H1 chip found in Apple’s AirPods, which enables near-instantaneous pairing and steady, reliable connections to iOS devices along with battery life optimization. Like AirPods, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are also fully compatible with iOS head-tracking and spatial audio features for simulated surround sound and immersive media listening. Their inclusion of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-active-noise-canceling/">active noise cancellation (ANC)</a> and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. We also love the range of colors these buds come in.</p>
  15604.  
  15605.  
  15606.  
  15607. <p>The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are designed to sit securely in your ears using small rubber wings that rest comfortably against your outer ear along with three sets of variously sized ear tips. A quick optional setup step uses the earbuds’ onboard microphones to test your fit for sound leaks. Once your optimal fit is achieved, the Beats Fit Pro can endure almost every exercise imaginable, including <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-rowing-machine/">rowing</a>, without budging. They&#8217;re some of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-running-headphones/">best running headphones</a> around. The earbuds’ conveniently pocked-sized charging case brings their total battery life to around 24 hours. While it would be nice to see wireless charging in a product with this price tag, we appreciate that the case is chargeable via USB-C rather than Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.</p>
  15608.  
  15609.  
  15610.  
  15611. <p>While the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are unmistakably great for iPhone users, it’s unfortunate that the instant pairing and steady connectivity of the earbuds’ H1 chip aren&#8217;t extended to Android users. For their price, it would also be nice to see features like multipoint pairing and more robust weatherproofing rather than the same IPX4 rating found in standard AirPods. Still, if you work out regularly and are an iPhone user, you’d be seriously hard-pressed to find a better in-ear option. If you’re sold on the Beats features but are looking for an option with earhooks, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Powerbeats-Pro-Totally-Wireless-Earphones/dp/B07R5QD598?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Powerbeats Pro</a> earbuds are also a solid choice.</p>
  15612.  
  15613.  
  15614.  
  15615. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-on-ear-jbl-live-670nc"><strong>Best on-ear:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Live-670NC-Ear-Lightweight/dp/B0CQ1CVW3Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Live 670NC</a></h2>
  15616.  
  15617.  
  15618. <div
  15619.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15620.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15621. >
  15622.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15623.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Live-670NC-Ear-Lightweight/dp/B0CQ1CVW3Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15624.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15625.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/JBL-Live-670NC-ANC-headphones-for-working-out.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/JBL-Live-670NC-ANC-headphones-for-working-out.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Black-JBL Live 670NC ANC on-ear headphones for working out">
  15626.                      </figure>
  15627.                  </a>
  15628.            </div>
  15629.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15630.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15631.        <p><em>JBL</em></p>
  15632.  
  15633.      </figcaption>
  15634.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15635.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Live-670NC-Ear-Lightweight/dp/B0CQ1CVW3Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000"
  15636.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15637.      </p>
  15638.      </div>
  15639. </div>
  15640.  
  15641.  
  15642.  
  15643. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The JBL Live 670NC boasts full, energetic sound with up to a 65-hour battery life, making them perfect for spur-of-the-moment workouts.</p>
  15644.  
  15645.  
  15646.  
  15647. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15648.  
  15649.  
  15650.  
  15651. <ul>
  15652. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 9.3 ounces</li>
  15653.  
  15654.  
  15655.  
  15656. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> N/A</li>
  15657.  
  15658.  
  15659.  
  15660. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> Up to 65 hours (50 with ANC)</li>
  15661. </ul>
  15662.  
  15663.  
  15664.  
  15665. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15666.  
  15667.  
  15668.  
  15669. <ul>
  15670. <li>Long-lasting 65-hour battery life</li>
  15671.  
  15672.  
  15673.  
  15674. <li>Quick charge gives 4 hours operation in 5 minutes</li>
  15675.  
  15676.  
  15677.  
  15678. <li>Adaptive noise cancelling</li>
  15679.  
  15680.  
  15681.  
  15682. <li>JBL app offers EQ and other advanced features</li>
  15683. </ul>
  15684.  
  15685.  
  15686.  
  15687. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15688.  
  15689.  
  15690.  
  15691. <ul>
  15692. <li>Variable fit affects noise cancellation performance</li>
  15693.  
  15694.  
  15695.  
  15696. <li>Integrated voice assistant button is easy to press accidentally</li>
  15697.  
  15698.  
  15699.  
  15700. <li>No IP rating</li>
  15701. </ul>
  15702.  
  15703.  
  15704.  
  15705. <p>If you prefer the fit and look of over-ear headphones for working out, the JBL Live 670NC’s are worth considering, thanks to their snug fit and battery life. They offer up to 65 hours of operation on a single charge (50 with ANC, but aided by auto play/pause), a full recharge in two hours, and a burst charge for four hours of operation in 5 minutes, so they’re almost always ready to go on a moment’s notice. The 670NC’s also feature noise-canceling and ambient-aware modes fed by four noise-sensing mics, making them equally suitable for use in noisy gyms and on busy streets. We had inconsistent results with their noise-canceling abilities due to the on-ear earcups sealing differently on different peoples’ heads, so if the best noise-canceling is an absolute must in your book, you’ll want to consider noise-canceling over-ears or earbuds instead. But the 670NC is easy to pull off if you need situational awareness (or you can keep them on with Smart Ambient activated).</p>
  15706.  
  15707.  
  15708.  
  15709. <p>Thanks to their 40mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.3, the sound of the JBL 670NC is energetic and immersive with a pronounced &#8220;Pure Bass&#8221; response that makes them great for listening to pop, dance, and other beat-heavy music while working out. The JBL Headphones app offers further sculpting of the 670NC’s’ sound with EQ (including Personi-Fi 2.0 custom sound profile) and ambient-aware level adjustments, as well as access to battery life indicators and more. The headphones also feature their own onboard suite of control buttons. Still, they require a bit of studying to master, and the voice assistant button that covers the entirety of the left earcup is easy to press accidentally.</p>
  15710.  
  15711.  
  15712.  
  15713. <p>Lastly, the 670NCs have no official IP rating, and while we didn’t experience any technical issues from getting them a little sweaty, you’ll still want to be mindful of using them in heavy rain or other settings where they might get doused. If you absolutely need to work out with water-resistant over-ear headphones, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TREBLAB-Headphones-Cancelling-Microphone-Auriculare/dp/B0778V7RVR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the Treblab Z2 headphones</a> are a uniquely light, comfy option with IPX4 and a long battery life that makes them great for taking on a run.</p>
  15714.  
  15715.  
  15716.  
  15717. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-bone-conduction-shokz-openrun"><strong>Best bone-conduction:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shokz-OpenRun-Conduction-Headphones-Built/dp/B09BW1QVVT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SHOKZ OpenRun</a></h3>
  15718.  
  15719.  
  15720. <div
  15721.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15722.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15723. >
  15724.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15725.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Shokz-OpenRun-Conduction-Headphones-Built/dp/B09BW1QVVT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15726.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15727.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-bone-conduction-shokz.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/16/best-bone-conduction-shokz.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones on a blue and white background">
  15728.                      </figure>
  15729.                  </a>
  15730.            </div>
  15731.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15732.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15733.        <p><em>SHOKZ</em></p>
  15734.  
  15735.      </figcaption>
  15736.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15737.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Shokz-OpenRun-Conduction-Headphones-Built/dp/B09BW1QVVT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000"
  15738.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15739.      </p>
  15740.      </div>
  15741. </div>
  15742.  
  15743.  
  15744.  
  15745. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The unique design of the SHOKZ OpenRun keeps your ears fully open, so you can stay aware of your surroundings.</p>
  15746.  
  15747.  
  15748.  
  15749. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15750.  
  15751.  
  15752.  
  15753. <ul>
  15754. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 0.92 ounces</li>
  15755.  
  15756.  
  15757.  
  15758. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IP67 (dustproof, waterproof for 30 minutes)</li>
  15759.  
  15760.  
  15761.  
  15762. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> 8 hours</li>
  15763. </ul>
  15764.  
  15765.  
  15766.  
  15767. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15768.  
  15769.  
  15770.  
  15771. <ul>
  15772. <li>Fully sweatproof and weatherproof for high-impact workouts</li>
  15773.  
  15774.  
  15775.  
  15776. <li>Open-ear bone conduction design for improved situational awareness</li>
  15777.  
  15778.  
  15779.  
  15780. <li>Long battery life with quick charge function</li>
  15781. </ul>
  15782.  
  15783.  
  15784.  
  15785. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15786.  
  15787.  
  15788.  
  15789. <ul>
  15790. <li>Lacks bass response</li>
  15791.  
  15792.  
  15793.  
  15794. <li>Proprietary magnetic charger isn’t interchangeable</li>
  15795.  
  15796.  
  15797.  
  15798. <li>Not silent—others can hear what you’re listening to</li>
  15799. </ul>
  15800.  
  15801.  
  15802.  
  15803. <p>The SHOKZ OpenRun is one of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-bone-conduction-headphones/">best bone-conduction headphones</a> on the market, boasting a unique open-ear design that allows you to listen to music and podcasts while maintaining full situational awareness. Unlike traditional headphone designs, bone conduction headphones employ a clever hack of human anatomy to transfer sounds directly to the inner ear by gently vibrating your facial bones from the outside in, leaving the entire ear canal unobstructed. The drawbacks to this design include that they provide no passive or active noise cancellation, and the vibrations can be audible to others, so they’re not the best choice for quiet environments or taking public transit. Bone conduction headphones also produce markedly less bass frequencies than traditional designs, making them less ideal for immersive music listening.</p>
  15804.  
  15805.  
  15806.  
  15807. <p>On the functionality side of things, the SHOKZ OpenRun packs about eight hours of battery life on a single charge and boasts a substantial IP67 rating, making them completely impervious to dust ingress and fully waterproof for up to 30 minutes. They have a comfy and lightweight headband design with easy-to-use control buttons that makes them particularly suited for running and cycling on roads and trails. While there’s no way to adjust the headband’s fit, the OpenRun does come in two different sizes. Another minor design gripe is that the OpenRun uses a proprietary magnetic charger instead of USB-C, making it more of a hassle to replace if it breaks or goes missing.</p>
  15808.  
  15809.  
  15810.  
  15811. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-running-or-cycling-bose-ultra-open-earbuds"><strong>Best for running or cycling: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Earbuds-OpenAudio-Technology-Wireless/dp/B0CPFV77W4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bose Ultra Open Earbuds</a></h3>
  15812.  
  15813.  
  15814. <div
  15815.    id="bose-ultra-open-earbuds"
  15816.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15817.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15818. >
  15819.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15820.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Earbuds-OpenAudio-Technology-Wireless/dp/B0CPFV77W4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15821.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15822.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/15/Black-Bose-Ultra-Open-earbuds-in-my-palm-holding-their-open-case.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/15/Black-Bose-Ultra-Open-earbuds-in-my-palm-holding-their-open-case.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Black Bose Ultra Open earbuds in my palm holding their open case">
  15823.                      </figure>
  15824.                  </a>
  15825.            </div>
  15826.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15827.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15828.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  15829.  
  15830.      </figcaption>
  15831.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15832.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Earbuds-OpenAudio-Technology-Wireless/dp/B0CPFV77W4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000"
  15833.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15834.      </p>
  15835.      </div>
  15836. </div>
  15837.  
  15838.  
  15839.  
  15840. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15841.  
  15842.  
  15843.  
  15844. <ul>
  15845. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 0.2 ounces/earbud</li>
  15846.  
  15847.  
  15848.  
  15849. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IPX4</li>
  15850.  
  15851.  
  15852.  
  15853. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> 7.5 hours (4.5 hours with Immersive Audio enabled)</li>
  15854. </ul>
  15855.  
  15856.  
  15857.  
  15858. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15859.  
  15860.  
  15861.  
  15862. <ul>
  15863. <li>Situational awareness of the world around you</li>
  15864.  
  15865.  
  15866.  
  15867. <li>Guaranteed to fit</li>
  15868.  
  15869.  
  15870.  
  15871. <li>Surprisingly good bass</li>
  15872. </ul>
  15873.  
  15874.  
  15875.  
  15876. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15877.  
  15878.  
  15879.  
  15880. <ul>
  15881. <li>Absolutely no isolation or ANC</li>
  15882. </ul>
  15883.  
  15884.  
  15885.  
  15886. <p>It may come as a surprise that Bose, so well-known for industry-leading noise cancellation that shuts the world out, is also responsible for earbuds on this list that are purpose-built to do the exact opposite. Its new Ultra Open Earbuds have a unique design; instead of inserting buds into your ear canal, you wrap it cuff-like around the helix (the edge) of your ear, then settle the speaker end into the concha right above the ear canal. This lets the earbud play into your ear while leaving it exposed to outside noise, which is practical when running or biking or when you need to hear an instructor&#8217;s directions/motivation. You&#8217;ll be able to hear obstacles like cars or other runners/cyclists coming behind you. And, unlike with bone-conduction headphones, there is ample bass response and a convincing Immersive Audio mode, so the sound appears far more outside your head. </p>
  15887.  
  15888.  
  15889.  
  15890. <p>Getting the hang of how to properly wear the Ultra Open Earbuds takes a couple of tries. The buds are very flexible as you clip them on. This curled design ensures they can fit behind virtually any sized ear comfortably. There&#8217;s no worrying about which eartips will create a proper seal or whether they&#8217;ll fall out of your ear, which allows you to grab and go and focus on whatever you&#8217;re listening to or doing with your body. Once settled, the control buttons sit atop the body held securely behind the ear, allowing you push patterns to pause/play, skip/repeat a track, answer calls, toggle the Immersion mode, and adjust volume. And the polished exterior doesn&#8217;t interfere with the style or fit of your jewelry, glasses, hats, etc. They grip snugly around our ears even during jogs without indicating they&#8217;d slip or fall off. That said, it never felt like the earbuds were pinching our ears or irritating them in any other way.</p>
  15891.  
  15892.  
  15893.  
  15894. <p>Musically, Bose&#8217;s Ultra Open Earbuds are a great addition to the company&#8217;s lineup. They support Bluetooth 5.3 (including AAC for iPhones) and, surprisingly, delivered a lot of bass, which we didn&#8217;t think would be possible from earbuds that created no seal around our ears. Perhaps even more surprisingly, there was very little sound bleed; the directional drivers do an excellent job of beaming sound into the canal so that you could feel comfortable wearing these without worrying about disturbing someone doing their set next to you. But really where they excel is when you&#8217;re actively exercising outdoors and want to enjoy that perfect playlist without sacrificing safety.</p>
  15895.  
  15896.  
  15897.  
  15898. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-battery-life-jabra-elite-8-active"><strong>Best battery life:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jabra Elite 8 Active</a></h3>
  15899.  
  15900.  
  15901. <div
  15902.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  15903.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  15904. >
  15905.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  15906.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  15907.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  15908.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/26/Dark-Grey-Jabra-Elite-8-Active-best-battery-life-earbuds-for-workouts.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Dark Grey Jabra Elite 8 Active best battery life earbuds for workouts">
  15909.                      </figure>
  15910.                  </a>
  15911.            </div>
  15912.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  15913.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  15914.        <p><em>Jabra</em></p>
  15915.  
  15916.      </figcaption>
  15917.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  15918.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000"
  15919.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  15920.      </p>
  15921.      </div>
  15922. </div>
  15923.  
  15924.  
  15925.  
  15926. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are highly resistant to dust and water and feature the best combination of ANC performance and battery life we’ve encountered in a pair of workout headphones.</p>
  15927.  
  15928.  
  15929.  
  15930. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  15931.  
  15932.  
  15933.  
  15934. <ul>
  15935. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 0.2 ounces/earbud; 1.8 ounces with case</li>
  15936.  
  15937.  
  15938.  
  15939. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IP68 (dust-tight, waterproof against extended submersion)</li>
  15940.  
  15941.  
  15942.  
  15943. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> 8 hours single-charge w/ ANC; 32 hours with case</li>
  15944. </ul>
  15945.  
  15946.  
  15947.  
  15948. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  15949.  
  15950.  
  15951.  
  15952. <ul>
  15953. <li>Very long battery life for frequent use without charging</li>
  15954.  
  15955.  
  15956.  
  15957. <li>Snug and secure fit with three eartip sizes</li>
  15958.  
  15959.  
  15960.  
  15961. <li>Balanced sound profile with customizable EQ via app</li>
  15962.  
  15963.  
  15964.  
  15965. <li>Multipoint pairing</li>
  15966.  
  15967.  
  15968.  
  15969. <li>Military Standard (MIL-STD-810h) durability</li>
  15970. </ul>
  15971.  
  15972.  
  15973.  
  15974. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  15975.  
  15976.  
  15977.  
  15978. <ul>
  15979. <li>Case can be tough to open</li>
  15980.  
  15981.  
  15982.  
  15983. <li>Low-frequency noise cancellation could be improved</li>
  15984.  
  15985.  
  15986.  
  15987. <li>Hit-and-miss phone call quality in loud environments</li>
  15988. </ul>
  15989.  
  15990.  
  15991.  
  15992. <p>If you often find yourself in situations where you forget to charge your headphones—maybe you&#8217;re an endurance athlete, parent, or every overworked person in the modern world—the Jabra Elite 8 Active, much like <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/jabra-elite-7-active-earbuds/">the Elite 7 before it</a>, is a great-sounding and reliable option to add to your workout routine. The low-profile design of the Elite 8 Active is utilitarian and doesn&#8217;t belie the wealth of tech and battery life within the military-grade, liquid silicone rubber-covered shells—available in dark grey, caramel, or navy. Despite weighing only 0.2 ounces per bud, the Elite 8 Active can run up to 8 hours with ANC on (14 hours with ANC off) and up to 32/56 hours when used with their charging case, making them great for infrequent charging and ideal for stowing in a gym bag or glove compartment.  </p>
  15993.  
  15994.  
  15995.  
  15996. <p>The Elite 8 Active&#8217;s Adaptive Hybrid ANC is also very good in the midrange and high-frequency ranges where human conversation and music from speakers live. However, they didn&#8217;t beat our top picks when dealing with car engines, rumble from inside an airplane, and other very loud low-frequency information. This can be mitigated somewhat by selecting the best-fitting &#8220;EarGels&#8221; (aka tips) from the three pairs included with the buds. Still, if you’re using them for a workout or to listen to podcasts while your kid burns through some energy, the ANC might not be your first concern, as you’ll probably want to stay aware of your surroundings and use the earbuds’ HearThrough mode anyway (which benefits from upgrades to its wind noise detection and suppression technology).</p>
  15997.  
  15998.  
  15999.  
  16000. <p>Music sounds great on the Elite 8 Active earbuds thanks to their stable Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC) connection and flat and balanced sound profile, which you can sculpt further using the EQ settings in the Jabra Sound+ app. The app can also toggle Dolby Audio (spatial sound) and offers battery life indicators, pairing options, and firmware updates, among other features. Call quality through the buds is quite good, with six built-in mics sometimes to discern your own voice from ambient chatter when taking public transit or in other loud environments. The sleek charging case is also a great size and shape for keeping in a pocket during your workouts, but if you’ve worked up a sweat, its shape and smooth finish can make it difficult to open. Still, the ShakeGrip coating and drop resistance ensure these earbuds stay secure throughout strenuous exercises and survive in the unlikely event of a slip.</p>
  16001.  
  16002.  
  16003.  
  16004. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-soundcore-by-anker-sport-x10"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">soundcore by Anker Sport X10</a></h3>
  16005.  
  16006.  
  16007. <div
  16008.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16009.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16010. >
  16011.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16012.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16013.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16014.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/02/Anker-Soundcore-Sport-X10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/02/Anker-Soundcore-Sport-X10.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="soundcore by Anker Sport X10 earbuds with a running hat">
  16015.                      </figure>
  16016.                  </a>
  16017.            </div>
  16018.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16019.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16020.        <p><em>Jen McCaffery</em></p>
  16021.  
  16022.      </figcaption>
  16023.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16024.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000"
  16025.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16026.      </p>
  16027.      </div>
  16028. </div>
  16029.  
  16030.  
  16031.  
  16032. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 offers an incredibly secure fit and long battery life for runners on a budget.</p>
  16033.  
  16034.  
  16035.  
  16036. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16037.  
  16038.  
  16039.  
  16040. <ul>
  16041. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 0.2 ounces/earbud; 1.9 ounces with case</li>
  16042.  
  16043.  
  16044.  
  16045. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes, not dustproof)</li>
  16046.  
  16047.  
  16048.  
  16049. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> 8 hours single-charge; 32 hours with case</li>
  16050. </ul>
  16051.  
  16052.  
  16053.  
  16054. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  16055.  
  16056.  
  16057.  
  16058. <ul>
  16059. <li>Very secure swiveling ear hook design</li>
  16060.  
  16061.  
  16062.  
  16063. <li>Controls customizable via a smartphone app</li>
  16064.  
  16065.  
  16066.  
  16067. <li>Transparency mode enhances situational awareness</li>
  16068. </ul>
  16069.  
  16070.  
  16071.  
  16072. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16073.  
  16074.  
  16075.  
  16076. <ul>
  16077. <li>No multipoint connection</li>
  16078.  
  16079.  
  16080.  
  16081. <li>ANC performance is lacking in loud environments</li>
  16082.  
  16083.  
  16084.  
  16085. <li>Multi-press controls are confusing and uncomfortable</li>
  16086. </ul>
  16087.  
  16088.  
  16089.  
  16090. <p>If you’re less concerned about noise cancellation performance, the Anker Soundcore Sport X10s are a great budget option for working out thanks to their secure fit and long battery life. They have a unique swiveling ear hook design that folds into a compact shape for storage in their charging case and unfolds to loop securely around the front of your earlobe, keeping them snug during even the most vigorous exercise routines. The Sport X10s also features a six-microphone array that provides relatively good phone call quality and an effective transparency mode. Still, their ANC performance falls short of quieting most common midrange sounds like speech, engines, and other urban noise.</p>
  16091.  
  16092.  
  16093.  
  16094. <p>The Sport X10’s sound profile is a bit muddy and heavy in the low-mids, but this can be adjusted using the EQ settings within the Soundcore app, which includes several presets to choose from. The app also allows you to rebind custom functions to the earbuds’ onboard control buttons, which are clicky and provide some nice feedback but tend to shift the earbud around with minor discomfort. You also don’t get multipoint pairing with the Sport X10, but at their price point, that’s understandable.</p>
  16095.  
  16096.  
  16097.  
  16098. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-before-buying-the-best-headphones-for-working-out"><strong>What to consider before buying the best headphones for working out</strong></h2>
  16099.  
  16100.  
  16101.  
  16102. <p>You could take the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-headphones/">best headphones</a> to the gym, but you would probably have very sweaty ears and potentially ruin your precious investment. Heck, even some of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-noise-cancelling-earbuds/">best Bluetooth earbuds</a> might not be suited for more than a brisk stroll. So here is what to think about before clicking &#8220;add to cart&#8221; on the best headphones for working out and going all in on that next set:</p>
  16103.  
  16104.  
  16105.  
  16106. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sweat level</h3>
  16107.  
  16108.  
  16109.  
  16110. <p>Sweating is a normal part of any workout, but if you tend to sweat more than the average person while you exercise, you should consider a pair of headphones with an <a href="https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ingress Protection rating</a> of at least IPX7. Most of the headphones on our list are designed with that level of waterproofing, including the Jabra Elite 8 Active and SHOKZ OpenRun. If you sweat a lot, you’ll probably also want to steer clear of over-ear designs, which can heat up your ears and exacerbate the problem.</p>
  16111.  
  16112.  
  16113.  
  16114. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Workout intensity</h3>
  16115.  
  16116.  
  16117.  
  16118. <p>If you do CrossFit or other forms of intense workouts, choose earbuds that use an ear hook or another type of external fastener to ensure that they don’t go flying. We like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Powerbeats-Pro-Totally-Wireless-Earphones/dp/B07R5QD598?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Powerbeats Pro</a> earbuds for heavy exertion, though the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">soundcore by Anker Sport X10</a> is an inexpensive alternative.</p>
  16119.  
  16120.  
  16121.  
  16122. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Charging capacity</h3>
  16123.  
  16124.  
  16125.  
  16126. <p>If you use your headphones frequently, have limited access to charging capabilities, or just find yourself constantly running devices on low battery, picking a set of headphones with a high battery capacity can increase the likelihood that they’ll be ready come workout time. The 8-hour single charge and 30-hour charging case with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Bluetooth-Earbuds/dp/B09D15G8PG?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jabra Elite 8 Active</a> are the best we’ve tested in the battery life department, though our budget pick, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">soundcore by Anker Sport X10</a>, also performs well.</p>
  16127.  
  16128.  
  16129.  
  16130. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Situational awareness</h3>
  16131.  
  16132.  
  16133.  
  16134. <p>If you spend lots of time exercising near traffic or in busy locations, it’s important to maintain a good level of situational awareness for your own safety. Many headphones include a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings in addition to your music, including the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple Beats Fit Pro</a> and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jabra Elite 8 Active</a>. For maximum situational awareness, nothing beats the open-ear design of bone-conduction headphones, and we prefer the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shokz-OpenRun-Conduction-Headphones-Built/dp/B09BW1QVVT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SHOKZ OpenRun</a>.</p>
  16135.  
  16136.  
  16137.  
  16138. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  16139.  
  16140.  
  16141.  
  16142. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1678997937759"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much do headphones for working out cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Headphones for working out cost between $70 and $200, depending on features. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1678997939935"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Is it OK to sweat with headphones?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It’s generally OK to sweat with headphones as long as they were designed with some measure of waterproofing. The easiest way to tell if your headphones are waterproof is by looking for an IP rating in their specs—anything above IPX4 should be just fine for everyday workouts. If you sweat a bit more than average, it might be safer to choose something around IPX7 or higher. All of the picks on our list, except for the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Live-670NC-Ear-Lightweight/dp/B0CQ1CVW3Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Live 670NC</a>, are water-resistant to fully waterproof.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1678997941871"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are bone-conduction headphones good for working out?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Bone conduction headphones are very good for working out thanks to their open-ear design that keeps you fully in touch with your surroundings. Runners and cyclists are particularly good candidates for using bone-conduction headphones due to their proximity to road traffic, though anyone can benefit from the increased situational awareness that these designs provide.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1678997946797"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do noise-canceling headphones work in the gym?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Noise-canceling headphones work in the gym to an extent, but not every pair of ANC headphones is created equal. The best headphones for canceling out human conversation and ambient music that we’ve tested include the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple Beats Fit Pro</a> and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jabra Elite 8 Active</a>, both of which are aided by their secure earplug designs to deliver passive and active noise canceling at the same time.</p> </div> </div>
  16143.  
  16144.  
  16145.  
  16146. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-headphones-for-working-out"><strong>Final thoughts on the best headphones for working out</strong></h2>
  16147.  
  16148.  
  16149.  
  16150. <ul>
  16151. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beats-Fit-Pro-Cancelling-Built/dp/B09JL41N9C?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Apple Beats Fit Pro</a></li>
  16152.  
  16153.  
  16154.  
  16155. <li><strong>Best on-ear:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Live-670NC-Ear-Lightweight/dp/B0CQ1CVW3Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Live 670NC</a></li>
  16156.  
  16157.  
  16158.  
  16159. <li><strong>Best bone conduction:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shokz-OpenRun-Conduction-Headphones-Built/dp/B09BW1QVVT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SHOKZ OpenRun</a></li>
  16160.  
  16161.  
  16162.  
  16163. <li><strong>Best earbuds for running or cycling: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Earbuds-OpenAudio-Technology-Wireless/dp/B0CPFV77W4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bose Ultra Open Earbuds</a></li>
  16164.  
  16165.  
  16166.  
  16167. <li><strong>Best battery life:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Elite-Active-Comfortable-Cancellation/dp/B0CB9563MB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jabra Elite 8 Active</a></li>
  16168.  
  16169.  
  16170.  
  16171. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Bluetooth-Headphones-Waterproof-Sweatproof/dp/B09WMJCQRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000519976O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">soundcore by Anker Sport X10</a></li>
  16172. </ul>
  16173.  
  16174.  
  16175.  
  16176. <p>The best headphones for working out will fit securely in your ears or on your head while delivering great sound and a good level of situational awareness. We love the Apple Beats Fit Pro for its overall sound quality and secure fit. If you need the longest and most reliable battery performance, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and JBL 670NC are the best earbuds and over-ears for working out, respectively. And if you want the best situational awareness possible while cycling and running, the SHOKZ OpenRun bone conduction headphones and the surprisingly immersive Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have our vote.</p>
  16177.  
  16178.  
  16179.  
  16180. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  16181.  
  16182.  
  16183.  
  16184. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  16185.  
  16186.  
  16187.  
  16188. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  16189. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-headphones-for-working-out/">The best headphones for working out in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  16190. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  16191. </item>
  16192. <item>
  16193. <title>The best HDMI splitters for managing multiple monitors</title>
  16194. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors/</link>
  16195. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Don Melanson]]></dc:creator>
  16196. <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2022 19:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
  16197. <category><![CDATA[Computers]]></category>
  16198. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  16199. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  16200. <category><![CDATA[Peripherals]]></category>
  16201. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  16202. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  16203. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  16204. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  16205. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  16206. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=453700</guid>
  16207.  
  16208. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  16209.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/best-hdmi-splitters.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best HDMI splitters sliced header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Put your PC, cable box, or console on many screens at once!</p>
  16210. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors/">The best HDMI splitters for managing multiple monitors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  16211. ]]></description>
  16212. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  16213.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/best-hdmi-splitters.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best HDMI splitters sliced header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  16214. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  16215.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  16216.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  16217.      <tbody>
  16218.              <tr
  16219.          class="ProductTable-product"
  16220.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  16221.        >
  16222.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  16223.            Best overall
  16224.          </td>
  16225.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  16226.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter" class="wp-image-453769" width="264" height="165">
  16227.          </td>
  16228.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  16229.            OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter
  16230.          </td>
  16231.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  16232.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  16233.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16234.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16235.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16236.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16237.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16238.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  16239.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16240.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16241.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16242.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16243.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16244.                                  </div>
  16245.                          </div>
  16246.          </td>
  16247.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  16248.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  16249.                <span>
  16250.                  SEE IT
  16251.                </span>
  16252.            </a>
  16253.          </td>
  16254.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  16255.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter is the perfect choice when you need to show one image on two screens.</span></p>
  16256.  
  16257.            </td>
  16258.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  16259.        </tr>
  16260.              <tr
  16261.          class="ProductTable-product"
  16262.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  16263.        >
  16264.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  16265.            Best USB-C-to-HDMI splitter
  16266.          </td>
  16267.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  16268.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station" class="wp-image-453792" width="264" height="165">
  16269.          </td>
  16270.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  16271.            Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station
  16272.          </td>
  16273.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  16274.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  16275.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16276.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16277.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16278.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16279.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16280.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  16281.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16282.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16283.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16284.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16285.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16286.                                  </div>
  16287.                          </div>
  16288.          </td>
  16289.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  16290.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  16291.                <span>
  16292.                  SEE IT
  16293.                </span>
  16294.            </a>
  16295.          </td>
  16296.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  16297.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Power two displays and a whole bunch of ports from a single USB-C port with this portable hub from Targus.</span></p>
  16298.  
  16299.            </td>
  16300.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  16301.        </tr>
  16302.              <tr
  16303.          class="ProductTable-product"
  16304.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  16305.        >
  16306.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  16307.            Best budget
  16308.          </td>
  16309.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  16310.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Avedio Links HDMI Splitter" class="wp-image-453794" width="264" height="165">
  16311.          </td>
  16312.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  16313.            Avedio Links HDMI Splitter
  16314.          </td>
  16315.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  16316.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  16317.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16318.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16319.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16320.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16321.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16322.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  16323.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16324.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16325.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16326.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16327.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  16328.                                  </div>
  16329.                          </div>
  16330.          </td>
  16331.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  16332.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  16333.                <span>
  16334.                  SEE IT
  16335.                </span>
  16336.            </a>
  16337.          </td>
  16338.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  16339.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Avedio LInks HDMI Splitter is extremely affordable solution for those with modest needs.</span></p>
  16340.  
  16341.            </td>
  16342.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  16343.        </tr>
  16344.            </tbody>
  16345.    </table>
  16346.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  16347.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  16348.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  16349.    </div>
  16350.  </div>
  16351. </div>
  16352.  
  16353.  
  16354.  
  16355. <p>Unifying video and audio connections in a single HDMI cable may have simplified home theater setups for the majority of people, but some of us home theater enthusiasts and PC power users still find ways to complicate things, and require an HDMI splitter for dual monitors. For example, suppose you want to send a single video source to multiple TVs or monitors. In that case, you’ll need to use an HDMI splitter, which duplicates or “mirrors” from a single HDMI “in” connection, and provides multiple HDMI “out” ports so you can plug in many displays. </p>
  16356.  
  16357.  
  16358.  
  16359. <p>Of course, HDMI splitters can cost as little as a few dollars or run into the hundreds. They can offer a wide range of different capabilities depending on your needs. A quick search on your favorite shopping site will also reveal that there are <em>a lot </em>of them to choose from, which can make it tricky and frustrating to find a good one. We’ve collected some of the best HDMI splitters for dual monitors and more currently available, so you don’t need to guess which one will work well.</p>
  16360.  
  16361.  
  16362.  
  16363. <ul>
  16364. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  16365.  
  16366.  
  16367.  
  16368. <li><strong>Best 4-out:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Splitter-Duplicater-OREI-dp-B0891WY8SF/dp/B0891WY8SF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI UHDPRO-104 4K 1&#215;4 HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  16369.  
  16370.  
  16371.  
  16372. <li><strong>Best 8-out: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Splitter-8-Port-2-EDID-Management/dp/B07X37BW54?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tripp Lite 8-Port HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  16373.  
  16374.  
  16375.  
  16376. <li><strong>Best 16-out:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-Splitter-Ports-Supports-Control/dp/B0725G6L3T/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI 1&#215;16 HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  16377.  
  16378.  
  16379.  
  16380. <li><strong>Best USB-C-to-HDMI splitter: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station</a></li>
  16381.  
  16382.  
  16383.  
  16384. <li><strong>Best Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI splitter:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/C2G-54292-DisplayPort-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B07S5LXHPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">C2G Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Monitor Splitter</a></li>
  16385.  
  16386.  
  16387.  
  16388. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Avedio Links HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  16389. </ul>
  16390.  
  16391.  
  16392.  
  16393. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-selected-the-best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors"><strong>How we selected the best HDMI splitters for dual monitors</strong></h2>
  16394.  
  16395.  
  16396.  
  16397. <p>Unlike <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-4k-tvs/">4K TVs</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-gaming-monitor/">gaming monitors</a>, there isn’t a library of in-depth professional reviews on HDMI splitters for dual monitors that you can quickly turn to for trusted recommendations. Luckily, I’ve covered A/V gear for publications like <em>Engadget</em>, <em>Popular Mechanics</em>, and <em>Reviewed</em>, so I can step in and make some recommendations based on personal experience and hands-on time using them. In addition to my own testing, I turned to user impressions from comment sections and feedback in enthusiast forums so I could learn more about the quirks of each individual product.</p>
  16398.  
  16399.  
  16400.  
  16401. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-the-best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors-reviews-amp-recommendations-strong-"><strong>The best HDMI splitters for dual monitors: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  16402.  
  16403.  
  16404.  
  16405. <p>Our recommendations for the best HDMI splitters range from basic and inexpensive options to pricier, more capable devices for advanced home theaters or commercial setups. Whether you’re looking to feed video to two displays or eight, you’re sure to find a solution here to meet your needs and make sure the equipment mounted (perhaps on the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-dual-monitor-stands/">best dual-monitor stands</a>) on your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-desks-for-dual-monitors/">sturdy workstation</a> works its best.</p>
  16406.  
  16407.  
  16408.  
  16409. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-overall-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-orei-hdmi-duplicator-splitter-orei-dp-b0891l7xdh-dp-b0891l7xdh-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-orei-uhd-pro102-hdmi-splitter-a-"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter</a></h3>
  16410.  
  16411.  
  16412. <div
  16413.    id="high-fidelity"
  16414.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16415.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16416. >
  16417.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16418.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16419.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16420.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI-e1694709311783.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter">
  16421.                      </figure>
  16422.                  </a>
  16423.            </div>
  16424.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16425.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16426.        <p><em>OREI </em></p>
  16427.  
  16428.      </figcaption>
  16429.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16430.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16431.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16432.      </p>
  16433.      </div>
  16434. </div>
  16435.  
  16436.  
  16437.  
  16438. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=OREI+UHD-PRO102+HDMI+Splitter&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  16439.  
  16440.  
  16441.  
  16442. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>OREI’s UHD-PRO102 does almost everything we want in an HDMI splitter,&nbsp;supporting high resolutions and scaling automatically in a compact, affordable package.&nbsp;</p>
  16443.  
  16444.  
  16445.  
  16446. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16447.  
  16448.  
  16449.  
  16450. <ul>
  16451. <li><strong>Number of outputs:</strong> 2</li>
  16452.  
  16453.  
  16454.  
  16455. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate:</strong> 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16456.  
  16457.  
  16458.  
  16459. <li><strong>Power: </strong>Micro USB (wall adapter included)</li>
  16460. </ul>
  16461.  
  16462.  
  16463.  
  16464. <p><strong>Pros&nbsp;</strong></p>
  16465.  
  16466.  
  16467.  
  16468. <ul>
  16469. <li>Support for 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16470.  
  16471.  
  16472.  
  16473. <li>Built-in scaler will match the TV’s resolution</li>
  16474.  
  16475.  
  16476.  
  16477. <li>Affordable</li>
  16478. </ul>
  16479.  
  16480.  
  16481.  
  16482. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16483.  
  16484.  
  16485.  
  16486. <ul>
  16487. <li>May cause issues with Dolby Atmos</li>
  16488. </ul>
  16489.  
  16490.  
  16491.  
  16492. <p>It costs a little more than a basic HDMI splitter, but the OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter is still fairly inexpensive and offers just about all of the capabilities you’ll need if you’re simply looking for a splitter with two HDMI outs. It supports resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz and automatically scales your video source to match the resolution of each screen. It requires independent power via Micro USB, and OREI does include a wall adapter, which isn’t a given with some of the cheapest splitters.&nbsp;</p>
  16493.  
  16494.  
  16495.  
  16496. <p>One small caveat: Some customer reviews report that video quality takes a hit when you try to pass Dolby Atmos through the splitter. It doesn’t officially support Atmos, though, so that’s to be expected. On the bright side, it does offer full support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD.</p>
  16497.  
  16498.  
  16499.  
  16500. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-4-out-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-orei-hdmi-splitter-duplicater-orei-dp-b0891wy8sf-dp-b0891wy8sf-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-orei-uhdpro-104-4k-1x4-hdmi-splitter-a-"><strong>Best 4-out:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Splitter-Duplicater-OREI-dp-B0891WY8SF/dp/B0891WY8SF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI UHDPRO-104 4K 1&#215;4 HDMI Splitter</a></h3>
  16501.  
  16502.  
  16503. <div
  16504.    id="spread-it-out"
  16505.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16506.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16507. >
  16508.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16509.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Splitter-Duplicater-OREI-dp-B0891WY8SF/dp/B0891WY8SF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16510.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16511.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI_2-e1694709332880.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_OREI_2-e1694709332880.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="OREI UHDPRO-104 4K 1x4 HDMI Splitter">
  16512.                      </figure>
  16513.                  </a>
  16514.            </div>
  16515.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16516.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16517.        <p><em>OREI </em></p>
  16518.  
  16519.      </figcaption>
  16520.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16521.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Splitter-Duplicater-OREI-dp-B0891WY8SF/dp/B0891WY8SF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16522.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16523.      </p>
  16524.      </div>
  16525. </div>
  16526.  
  16527.  
  16528.  
  16529. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> An upgraded version of our top overall pick, the OREI UHDPRO-104 matches does all the same things right, while adding support for two more displays.</p>
  16530.  
  16531.  
  16532.  
  16533. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16534.  
  16535.  
  16536.  
  16537. <ul>
  16538. <li><strong>Number of outputs:</strong> 4</li>
  16539.  
  16540.  
  16541.  
  16542. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate:</strong> 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16543.  
  16544.  
  16545.  
  16546. <li><strong>Power: </strong>Micro USB (wall adapter included)</li>
  16547. </ul>
  16548.  
  16549.  
  16550.  
  16551. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  16552.  
  16553.  
  16554.  
  16555. <ul>
  16556. <li>Support for 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16557.  
  16558.  
  16559.  
  16560. <li>Automatic video scaling&nbsp;</li>
  16561.  
  16562.  
  16563.  
  16564. <li>Compact design</li>
  16565. </ul>
  16566.  
  16567.  
  16568.  
  16569. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16570.  
  16571.  
  16572.  
  16573. <ul>
  16574. <li>Doesn’t fully support Atmos</li>
  16575. </ul>
  16576.  
  16577.  
  16578.  
  16579. <p>If you need to mirror more than two displays, OREI also makes an equally effective 4-output version of our top overall pick. The OREI UHDPRO-104 offers all of the same key specs as the dual HDMI-out version, including support for 4K at 60Hz along with automatic scaling to match your TV’s resolution and, just like the OREI UHD-PRO102, it’s powered via Micro USB with a wall adapter included in the package. As you’d expect, this one is larger than the two-out model, but it is about as compact as a 4-output splitter can be, and you shouldn’t have any trouble tucking it away out of sight. It’s also substantially more expensive, but, again, you’ll be able to mirror twice as many displays.</p>
  16580.  
  16581.  
  16582.  
  16583. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-8-out-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-hdmi-splitter-8-port-2-edid-management-dp-b07x37bw54-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-tripp-lite-8-port-hdmi-splitter-a-"><strong>Best 8-out: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Splitter-8-Port-2-EDID-Management/dp/B07X37BW54/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tripp Lite 8-Port HDMI Splitter</a></h3>
  16584.  
  16585.  
  16586. <div
  16587.    id="now-everyone-can-see"
  16588.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16589.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16590. >
  16591.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16592.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Splitter-8-Port-2-EDID-Management/dp/B07X37BW54/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16593.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16594.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Tripp_Lite-e1694709347113.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Tripp_Lite-e1694709347113.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Tripp Lite 8-Port HDMI Splitter">
  16595.                      </figure>
  16596.                  </a>
  16597.            </div>
  16598.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16599.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16600.        <p><em> Tripp Lite </em></p>
  16601.  
  16602.      </figcaption>
  16603.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16604.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Splitter-8-Port-2-EDID-Management/dp/B07X37BW54/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16605.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16606.      </p>
  16607.      </div>
  16608. </div>
  16609.  
  16610.  
  16611.  
  16612. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Tripp Lite’s 8-port HDMI Splitter may be pricey, but it will easily handle the most demanding multi-display setups thrown at it.</p>
  16613.  
  16614.  
  16615.  
  16616. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16617.  
  16618.  
  16619.  
  16620. <ul>
  16621. <li><strong>Number of outputs:</strong> 8</li>
  16622.  
  16623.  
  16624.  
  16625. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate: </strong>4K at 60Hz</li>
  16626.  
  16627.  
  16628.  
  16629. <li><strong>Power: </strong>AC power supply</li>
  16630. </ul>
  16631.  
  16632.  
  16633.  
  16634. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  16635.  
  16636.  
  16637.  
  16638. <ul>
  16639. <li>Support for 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16640.  
  16641.  
  16642.  
  16643. <li>Solid, all-metal construction</li>
  16644.  
  16645.  
  16646.  
  16647. <li>Three-year warranty</li>
  16648. </ul>
  16649.  
  16650.  
  16651.  
  16652. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16653.  
  16654.  
  16655.  
  16656. <ul>
  16657. <li>Expensive</li>
  16658. </ul>
  16659.  
  16660.  
  16661.  
  16662. <p>If you need to split your image among eight displays, Tripp Lite makes the splitter for the job. It’s considerably more expensive than the others but it’s also capable of outputting a video source to eight screens in 4K at up to 60Hz. It’s a suitably heavy-duty unit with all-metal construction, and it even comes with mounting hardware if you want to attach it to a wall or a desktop.&nbsp;</p>
  16663.  
  16664.  
  16665.  
  16666. <p>One small issue, considering the expense: Tripp Lite recommends you keep the HDMI cables to no longer than 15 feet to ensure the best performance. Even with that issue, though, it’s a small compromise to make if you want to get your image on eight screens at once.</p>
  16667.  
  16668.  
  16669.  
  16670. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-16-out-orei-1x16-hdmi-splitter"><strong>Best 16-out: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-Splitter-Ports-Supports-Control/dp/B0725G6L3T/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI 1&#215;16 HDMI Splitter</a></h3>
  16671.  
  16672.  
  16673. <div
  16674.    id="orei-1x16-hdmi-splitter"
  16675.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16676.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16677. >
  16678.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16679.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-Splitter-Ports-Supports-Control/dp/B0725G6L3T/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16680.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16681.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/14/image-overlay_2-28-17-Recovered-Recovered-1-Recovered-copy-1-e1694709297791.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/14/image-overlay_2-28-17-Recovered-Recovered-1-Recovered-copy-1-e1694709297791.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="OREI 1x16 HDMI Splitter best 16-out">
  16682.                      </figure>
  16683.                  </a>
  16684.            </div>
  16685.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16686.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16687.        <p><em>OREI</em></p>
  16688.  
  16689.      </figcaption>
  16690.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16691.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-Splitter-Ports-Supports-Control/dp/B0725G6L3T/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16692.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16693.      </p>
  16694.      </div>
  16695. </div>
  16696.  
  16697.  
  16698.  
  16699. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> This plug-and-play splitter can send a single HDMI source to 16 different monitors, making it a cost-effective option for personal and commercial applications alike.</p>
  16700.  
  16701.  
  16702.  
  16703. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16704.  
  16705.  
  16706.  
  16707. <ul>
  16708. <li><strong>Number of outputs: </strong>16</li>
  16709.  
  16710.  
  16711.  
  16712. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate:</strong> 1080p at 60Hz</li>
  16713.  
  16714.  
  16715.  
  16716. <li><strong>Power:</strong> 12 DC adapter (included)</li>
  16717. </ul>
  16718.  
  16719.  
  16720.  
  16721. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  16722.  
  16723.  
  16724.  
  16725. <ul>
  16726. <li>Durable metal chassis</li>
  16727.  
  16728.  
  16729.  
  16730. <li>Sends 1080p and 3D video channels to 16 HDMI outputs</li>
  16731.  
  16732.  
  16733.  
  16734. <li>Supports Dolby True HD audio</li>
  16735. </ul>
  16736.  
  16737.  
  16738.  
  16739. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16740.  
  16741.  
  16742.  
  16743. <ul>
  16744. <li>No 4K support</li>
  16745. </ul>
  16746.  
  16747.  
  16748.  
  16749. <p>In cases where eight outputs just won’t cut it, the OREI 1&#215;16 HDMI Splitter is a fantastic option for sending a single HDMI signal to 16 output devices simultaneously. It’s built into a durable metal chassis that’d be welcome in any media center or mobile A/V rig and comes with its own 12-volt DC wall wart for power. While this splitter only supports a maximum output resolution of 1080p, it can do so at a refresh rate of 60 Hz, making it a solid option for enjoying games and other high-frame rate content on multiple monitors or TVs. This splitter also supports 3D video as well as DSD, DTS-HD, and Dolby TrueHD audio. If you’re looking for a 1-to-16 HDMI splitter that supports higher resolutions, OREI also offers a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/OREI-Out-HDMI-Splitter-Distributor/dp/B08ZWVPWJJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">4K 1&#215;16 HDMI splitter</a> that costs a bit more.</p>
  16750.  
  16751.  
  16752.  
  16753. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-usb-c-to-hdmi-splitter-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-targus-usb-c-docking-station-pass-thru-dp-b09rfx5gyf-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-targus-usb-c-dual-hdmi-4k-docking-station-a-"><strong>Best USB-C-to-HDMI splitter:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station</a></h3>
  16754.  
  16755.  
  16756. <div
  16757.    id="hdmi-more"
  16758.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16759.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16760. >
  16761.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16762.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16763.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16764.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_Targus-e1694709393175.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station">
  16765.                      </figure>
  16766.                  </a>
  16767.            </div>
  16768.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16769.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16770.        <p><em>Targus </em></p>
  16771.  
  16772.      </figcaption>
  16773.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16774.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16775.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16776.      </p>
  16777.      </div>
  16778. </div>
  16779.  
  16780.  
  16781.  
  16782. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>While there are plenty of simple USB-C-to-HDMI adapters out there, Targus’ USB-C delivers the best possible HDMI splitter performance and throws in plenty of ports to match.</p>
  16783.  
  16784.  
  16785.  
  16786. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16787.  
  16788.  
  16789.  
  16790. <ul>
  16791. <li><strong>Number of outputs:</strong> 2</li>
  16792.  
  16793.  
  16794.  
  16795. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate:</strong> 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16796.  
  16797.  
  16798.  
  16799. <li><strong>Power: </strong>USB-C powered</li>
  16800. </ul>
  16801.  
  16802.  
  16803.  
  16804. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  16805.  
  16806.  
  16807.  
  16808. <ul>
  16809. <li>Supports 4K at 60Hz</li>
  16810.  
  16811.  
  16812.  
  16813. <li>Mac and Windows compatible</li>
  16814.  
  16815.  
  16816.  
  16817. <li>Functions as a full-fledged docking station</li>
  16818. </ul>
  16819.  
  16820.  
  16821.  
  16822. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16823.  
  16824.  
  16825.  
  16826. <ul>
  16827. <li>Only one of the USB ports supports fast charging</li>
  16828. </ul>
  16829.  
  16830.  
  16831.  
  16832. <p>While it may feel like overkill, Targus’ USB-C Dual 4K HDMI adapter is a stellar, relatively affordable USB hub that can both mirror your laptop display or “extend” it across multiple monitors. There are plenty of dedicated USB-C-to-HDMI adapters out there, but many of them come with caveats: Some either limit 4K playback to 30Hz. Others only support Windows. Meanwhile, Targus’ portable hub turns a single video-enabled USB-C port into two HDMI ports that support 4K at 60Hz, plus two standard USB 3.1 ports, an Ethernet port, and both SD and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-micro-sd-cards/">Micro SD</a> card readers. Only one of the USB ports supports fast-charging, which is annoying because you’ll need to remember which one, but you’re adding a ton of functionality to your laptop, and it only costs a little bit more than a simple USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.</p>
  16833.  
  16834.  
  16835.  
  16836. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-splitter-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-c2g-54292-displayport-monitor-splitter-dp-b07s5lxhpr-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-c2g-mini-displayport-to-hdmi-monitor-splitter-a-"><strong>Best Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI splitter:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/C2G-54292-DisplayPort-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B07S5LXHPR/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">C2G Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Monitor Splitter</a></h3>
  16837.  
  16838.  
  16839. <div
  16840.    id="mobile-minded"
  16841.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16842.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16843. >
  16844.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16845.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/C2G-54292-DisplayPort-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B07S5LXHPR/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16846.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16847.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_C2G-e1694709449122.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_C2G-e1694709449122.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="C2G Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Monitor Splitter">
  16848.                      </figure>
  16849.                  </a>
  16850.            </div>
  16851.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16852.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16853.        <p><em>C2G </em></p>
  16854.  
  16855.      </figcaption>
  16856.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16857.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/C2G-54292-DisplayPort-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B07S5LXHPR/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16858.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16859.      </p>
  16860.      </div>
  16861. </div>
  16862.  
  16863.  
  16864.  
  16865. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>While it has a few drawbacks, this adapter from C2G is a better option than standard USB adapters for Mini DisplayPort-enabled devices.</p>
  16866.  
  16867.  
  16868.  
  16869. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16870.  
  16871.  
  16872.  
  16873. <ul>
  16874. <li><strong>Number of outputs: </strong>2</li>
  16875.  
  16876.  
  16877.  
  16878. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate: </strong>4K at 30Hz</li>
  16879.  
  16880.  
  16881.  
  16882. <li><strong>Power:</strong> Micro USB (required in some instances)</li>
  16883. </ul>
  16884.  
  16885.  
  16886.  
  16887. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  16888.  
  16889.  
  16890.  
  16891. <ul>
  16892. <li>Portable solution for Mini DisplayPort-enabled devices</li>
  16893.  
  16894.  
  16895.  
  16896. <li>Mirrors or extends displays with Windows</li>
  16897.  
  16898.  
  16899.  
  16900. <li>Three-year warranty</li>
  16901. </ul>
  16902.  
  16903.  
  16904.  
  16905. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  16906.  
  16907.  
  16908.  
  16909. <ul>
  16910. <li>Will only mirror, not extend display on Mac</li>
  16911.  
  16912.  
  16913.  
  16914. <li>May require power from USB port in some instances</li>
  16915. </ul>
  16916.  
  16917.  
  16918.  
  16919. <p>Have a laptop with a Mini DisplayPort but no video-capable USB-C port? This adapter from C2G will let you easily mirror or extend your display and should give you better performance than an adapter that simply relies on standard USB. Unfortunately, while it supports mirroring across all laptops, it can only output extended displays on Windows systems. The company also notes that the adapter may require external power by plugging it into a spare USB port on your computer “in some instances.”</p>
  16920.  
  16921.  
  16922.  
  16923. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-budget-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-splitter-links-amplifier-source-displays-dp-b0732md43p-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-avedio-links-hdmi-splitter-a-"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Avedio Links HDMI Splitter</a></h3>
  16924.  
  16925.  
  16926. <div
  16927.    id="back-to-basics"
  16928.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  16929.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  16930. >
  16931.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  16932.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  16933.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  16934.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/30/Best_HDMI_Splitters_avedio_links-e1694709435100.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Avedio Links HDMI Splitter">
  16935.                      </figure>
  16936.                  </a>
  16937.            </div>
  16938.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  16939.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  16940.        <p><em>avedio links </em></p>
  16941.  
  16942.      </figcaption>
  16943.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  16944.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  16945.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  16946.      </p>
  16947.      </div>
  16948. </div>
  16949.  
  16950.  
  16951.  
  16952. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Avedio Links HDMI Splitter gets high marks from customers and will be more than adequate for most setups, especially if you’re only concerned with 1080p video.&nbsp;</p>
  16953.  
  16954.  
  16955.  
  16956. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  16957.  
  16958.  
  16959.  
  16960. <ul>
  16961. <li><strong>Number of outputs:</strong> 2</li>
  16962.  
  16963.  
  16964.  
  16965. <li><strong>Max resolution/refresh rate: </strong>4K at 30Hz</li>
  16966.  
  16967.  
  16968.  
  16969. <li><strong>Power: </strong>Micro USB (wall adapter not included)</li>
  16970. </ul>
  16971.  
  16972.  
  16973.  
  16974. <p><strong>Pros&nbsp;</strong></p>
  16975.  
  16976.  
  16977.  
  16978. <ul>
  16979. <li>Very affordable</li>
  16980.  
  16981.  
  16982.  
  16983. <li>Compact&nbsp;</li>
  16984.  
  16985.  
  16986.  
  16987. <li>USB-powered</li>
  16988. </ul>
  16989.  
  16990.  
  16991.  
  16992. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  16993.  
  16994.  
  16995.  
  16996. <ul>
  16997. <li>4K limited to 30Hz</li>
  16998.  
  16999.  
  17000.  
  17001. <li>USB wall adapter not included</li>
  17002. </ul>
  17003.  
  17004.  
  17005.  
  17006. <p>The Avedio Links HDMI Splitter might be inexpensive, but it will easily get the job done for anyone that doesn’t have especially demanding needs. It’s small enough to easily be tucked away, and it’s USB-powered, which means you can use either a wall adapter (which isn’t included) or a spare USB port if you have one. The two HDMI outs will handle video up to 4K, although the splitter only supports 30Hz at that resolution—you’ll need to drop down to 1080p for 60Hz.</p>
  17007.  
  17008.  
  17009.  
  17010. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-also-worth-a-look-plugable-4k-displayport-and-hdmi-dual-monitor-adapter">Also worth a look: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-DisplayPort-Monitor-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B08F2SZQYX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Plugable 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter</a></h3>
  17011.  
  17012.  
  17013. <div
  17014.    id="plugable-4k-displayport-and-hdmi-dual-monitor-adapter"
  17015.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17016.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17017. >
  17018.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17019.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-DisplayPort-Monitor-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B08F2SZQYX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17020.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17021.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Plugable-4K-DisplayPort-and-HDMI-Dual-Monitor-Adapter.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Plugable-4K-DisplayPort-and-HDMI-Dual-Monitor-Adapter.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Plugable 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter on a plain white background.">
  17022.                      </figure>
  17023.                  </a>
  17024.            </div>
  17025.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17026.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17027.        <p><em>Plugable</em></p>
  17028.  
  17029.      </figcaption>
  17030.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17031.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-DisplayPort-Monitor-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B08F2SZQYX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000"
  17032.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17033.      </p>
  17034.      </div>
  17035. </div>
  17036.  
  17037.  
  17038.  
  17039. <p>Plugable&#8217;s HDMI splitter is just as compact as some of the other models we&#8217;ve recommended, but has two DisplayPort outputs too, which makes it a great choice in a mixed-monitor or TV setup. All four ports can send a 4K video signal at 60Hz, which is perfect for every application except for playing video games. The adapter terminates into a USB-C connector, which is built into the splitter so it can never get lost, but Plugable also includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box. Both the adapter and cable can be tucked away neatly beneath the underside of the adapter for easier storage. Plugable says its adapter is compatible with computers running Windows or MacOS, but not ChromeOS. If you&#8217;re running HDMI-equipped monitors now, but want an adapter that&#8217;ll remain useful even if you switch over to one with DisplayPort inputs, this is the one to get. </p>
  17040.  
  17041.  
  17042.  
  17043. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-what-to-consider-before-buying-the-strong-best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors-strong-strong-"><strong>What to consider before buying the <strong>best HDMI splitters for dual monitors</strong></strong></h2>
  17044.  
  17045.  
  17046.  
  17047. <p>Before you buy an HDMI splitter for dual monitors, you should have a plan. This is a specific little accessory that does a very specific thing. If you don’t have a device, like a game console, cable box, or PC, that you want to show on multiple monitors simultaneously, you should hold off on buying this until such a need arises.</p>
  17048.  
  17049.  
  17050.  
  17051. <p>If you are looking for a device that allows you to plug multiple devices into a single <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hdmi.org/spec/index">HDMI port</a>, you’re actually looking for an HDMI switcher, rather than a splitter. There’s also a wide range of HDMI adapters that convert signals to different kinds of ports. We totally understand if you got mixed up: Terms like splitter, switch, or adapter are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to completely different things. It certainly doesn’t help that HDMI switchers often come up in search results for HDMI splitters, and vice versa.</p>
  17052.  
  17053.  
  17054.  
  17055. <p>Considering how complicated it gets just talking about whether or not you need an HDMI splitter, we’re going to walk through some basic information we think everyone should know before buying one.</p>
  17056.  
  17057.  
  17058.  
  17059. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-hdmi-adapters-and-hdmi-splitters">HDMI adapters and HDMI splitters</h3>
  17060.  
  17061.  
  17062.  
  17063. <p>Like we said, a lot of people, including manufacturers and retailers, play it fast and loose with A/V terms like “HDMI splitters.” Technically, HDMI splitters turn one HDMI signal into many identical HDMI signals. It’s HDMI end-to-end, and all they can do is mirror the screen.</p>
  17064.  
  17065.  
  17066.  
  17067. <p>That said, there is also a category of HDMI <em>adapters </em>that can plug into a laptop via USB Type-A, USB-C, or Mini DisplayPort, and output to two monitors. These adapters <em>will </em>give you a more robust set of display options, including an extended desktop across multiple displays. (They can also mirror your laptop across multiple displays.) Usually, these accessories will be called adapters, because they take one connection type and convert it into another. In some cases, they will also be called HDMI splitters, either because that’s what people expect them to be called, or because they want to make our lives harder.</p>
  17068.  
  17069.  
  17070.  
  17071. <p>We realize that there is a very real possibility that you’re actually looking for an HDMI adapter that can serve as a splitter so you can plug your laptop into a dual-monitor setup. Rest assured: We have recommendations for both conventional HDMI splitters and various adapters that output video to two HDMI ports.</p>
  17072.  
  17073.  
  17074.  
  17075. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-picking-the-right-splitter">Picking the right splitter</h3>
  17076.  
  17077.  
  17078.  
  17079. <p>HDMI splitters are fairly simple devices, but they don’t all have the same capabilities. First and foremost, figure out how many video-out ports you need. Personally, I’d suggest mapping out your exact setup, including the positions of each monitor or TV and the video source, as well as a cable management plan for your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-hdmi-cables/">HDMI cables</a>.</p>
  17080.  
  17081.  
  17082.  
  17083. <p>You’ll also want to pay attention to the maximum resolution and refresh rates that the HDMI splitter supports. Many splitters, particularly affordable ones, will only support 1080p at 60Hz. If you’re using 4K monitors with high refresh rates, make sure their specs are supported. Increasing a splitter’s bandwidth can be just as expensive as buying a larger splitter with extra ports.&nbsp;</p>
  17084.  
  17085.  
  17086.  
  17087. <p>Lastly, you’ll find that some HDMI splitters require an independent power source, while others feature internal power. The latter can be more convenient and may be sufficient in some cases, but we recommend using a splitter with a dedicated power source, as they generally work more reliably.</p>
  17088.  
  17089.  
  17090.  
  17091. <p>All of this also applies to HDMI adapters that can output dual-HDMI signals. Most adapters will not be able to handle the same bandwidth as a direct <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-hdmi-2-1/">HDMI 2.1</a> or DisplayPort 1.4 connection. Refresh rates, in particular, will likely take a pretty serious hit going through an adapter. On the plus side, most HDMI adapters we’re aware of will take power from your laptop, so there’s no need to plug them in independently.</p>
  17092.  
  17093.  
  17094.  
  17095. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-faqs-strong-"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  17096.  
  17097.  
  17098.  
  17099. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1656610417552"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong><strong>Q: What HDMI splitter do I need for dual monitors?</h3></strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Any HDMI splitter will let you use two monitors, but it will only mirror the image on both displays. To “extend” your display, or expand your desktop to span two monitors, you will need to use an adapter or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-usb-c-hub/">USB-C hub</a> that converts video out from a compatible port, such as a Thunderbolt or DP Alt Mode-enabled USB-C port, or Mini DisplayPort, to a dual-HDMI connection.<br/><br/>Depending on your computer, you may also simply be able to connect two monitors using two separate ports. Most desktops, particularly gaming PCs, support multiple DisplayPort and HDMI connections. Some laptops may feature a single HDMI and a video-capable USB-C port.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1656610432269"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong><strong>Q: Does an HDMI splitter reduce quality?</h3></strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">At this point, most HDMI splitters (or adapters) can output your PC to multiple screens at up to 4K resolution, so you shouldn’t lose any visual fidelity. That said, most splitters and adapters will cap and reduce your PC’s refresh rate to 30 or 60Hz, which may be well below your PC and monitors’ capabilities.<br/><br/>Splitters and adapters may also introduce lag, which would be more noticeable in gaming than in other uses, and you may run into problems with longer lengths of HDMI cables, especially when using a non-powered splitter. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1656610443405"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong><strong>Q: What is the difference between an HDMI splitter and a switch?</h3></strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Though the terms are often used interchangeably, HDMI splitters and switches are literal opposites.<br/><br/>An HDMI splitter takes the signal from a single source (like a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-streaming-devices/">streaming device</a>, game console, or 4K Blu-ray player) and sends it to TVs or monitors, so you can watch the same image on many screens at once.<br/><br/>An HDMI switcher lets you plug multiple video sources into a single HDMI port on your TV or monitor, then switch between them, which can be handy if you have more game consoles, streaming devices, and computers than HDMI ports. If you’re having this problem, you might also consider buying an <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-av-receivers/">AV receiver</a>, which can provide more HDMI ports and can improve audio fidelity if you have a surround sound system.</p> </div> </div>
  17100.  
  17101.  
  17102.  
  17103. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-final-thoughts-on-the-best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors-strong-"><strong>Final thoughts on the best HDMI splitters for dual monitors</strong></h2>
  17104.  
  17105.  
  17106.  
  17107. <ul>
  17108. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Duplicator-Splitter-OREI-dp-B0891L7XDH/dp/B0891L7XDH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI UHD-PRO102 HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  17109.  
  17110.  
  17111.  
  17112. <li><strong>Best 4-out:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-HDMI-Splitter-Duplicater-OREI-dp-B0891WY8SF/dp/B0891WY8SF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI UHDPRO-104 4K 1&#215;4 HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  17113.  
  17114.  
  17115.  
  17116. <li><strong>Best 8-out: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Splitter-8-Port-2-EDID-Management/dp/B07X37BW54/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tripp Lite 8-Port HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  17117.  
  17118.  
  17119.  
  17120. <li><strong>Best 16-out:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orei-Splitter-Ports-Supports-Control/dp/B0725G6L3T/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">OREI 1&#215;16 HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  17121.  
  17122.  
  17123.  
  17124. <li><strong>Best USB-C-to-HDMI splitter: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Targus-USB-C-Docking-Station-Pass-Thru/dp/B09RFX5GYF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station</a></li>
  17125.  
  17126.  
  17127.  
  17128. <li><strong>Best Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI splitter:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/C2G-54292-DisplayPort-Monitor-Splitter/dp/B07S5LXHPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">C2G Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Monitor Splitter</a></li>
  17129.  
  17130.  
  17131.  
  17132. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000453700O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Avedio Links HDMI Splitter</a></li>
  17133. </ul>
  17134.  
  17135.  
  17136.  
  17137. <p>Clearly, HDMI splitters can be a very confusing topic, but sometimes you just need one. Whether you’re actually looking for a proper HDMI splitter or an adapter to create a dual-monitor setup with a compatible laptop, make sure you figure out exactly what you want before you buy anything. It is especially easy to buy the wrong thing and get discouraged or frustrated, so we hope our guide to HDMI splitters for dual monitors has helped clear the confusion.</p>
  17138.  
  17139.  
  17140.  
  17141. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  17142.  
  17143.  
  17144.  
  17145. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  17146.  
  17147.  
  17148.  
  17149. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  17150. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hdmi-splitters-for-dual-monitors/">The best HDMI splitters for managing multiple monitors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  17151. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  17152. </item>
  17153. <item>
  17154. <title>The best heated gloves in 2024</title>
  17155. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-heated-gloves/</link>
  17156. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vanessa Nirode]]></dc:creator>
  17157. <pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  17158. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  17159. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  17160. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  17161. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  17162. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  17163. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  17164. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  17165. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=461459</guid>
  17166.  
  17167. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  17168.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/best-heated-gloves-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best heated gloves sliced header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Tony Ware</div></figure><p>Don’t let frozen fingers spoil your fun.</p>
  17169. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-heated-gloves/">The best heated gloves in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  17170. ]]></description>
  17171. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  17172.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/best-heated-gloves-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best heated gloves sliced header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Tony Ware</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  17173. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  17174.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  17175.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  17176.      <tbody>
  17177.              <tr
  17178.          class="ProductTable-product"
  17179.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ5BKQKV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  17180.        >
  17181.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  17182.            Best overall
  17183.          </td>
  17184.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  17185.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A black pair of Gordini Forge Heated Gloves laying in the snow." class="wp-image-599721" width="264" height="165">
  17186.          </td>
  17187.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  17188.            Gordini Forge Heated Glove
  17189.          </td>
  17190.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  17191.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  17192.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17193.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17194.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17195.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17196.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17197.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  17198.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17199.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17200.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17201.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17202.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17203.                                  </div>
  17204.                          </div>
  17205.          </td>
  17206.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  17207.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ5BKQKV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  17208.                <span>
  17209.                  SEE IT
  17210.                </span>
  17211.            </a>
  17212.          </td>
  17213.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  17214.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gordini&#8217;s heated leather gloves bring the heat, along with touchscreen-friendly fingertips and a removable battery.</span></p>
  17215.  
  17216.            </td>
  17217.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ5BKQKV?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  17218.        </tr>
  17219.              <tr
  17220.          class="ProductTable-product"
  17221.          data-href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=23209&amp;pw=281805&amp;ctc=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove"
  17222.        >
  17223.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  17224.            Best for cycling
  17225.          </td>
  17226.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  17227.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A pair of Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Cycling Gloves on a plain background" class="wp-image-461596" width="264" height="165">
  17228.          </td>
  17229.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  17230.            Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Cycle Glove
  17231.          </td>
  17232.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  17233.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  17234.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17235.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17236.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17237.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17238.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17239.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 85%">
  17240.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17241.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17242.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17243.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17244.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17245.                                  </div>
  17246.                          </div>
  17247.          </td>
  17248.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  17249.            <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=23209&amp;pw=281805&amp;ctc=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  17250.                <span>
  17251.                  SEE IT
  17252.                </span>
  17253.            </a>
  17254.          </td>
  17255.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  17256.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Sealskinz heated cycle glove offers maximum protection from the elements.</span></p>
  17257.  
  17258.            </td>
  17259.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=23209&amp;pw=281805&amp;ctc=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  17260.        </tr>
  17261.              <tr
  17262.          class="ProductTable-product"
  17263.          data-href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves"
  17264.        >
  17265.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  17266.            Best for work
  17267.          </td>
  17268.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  17269.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A pair of yellow Volt Resistance Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves on a plain blue background." class="wp-image-461482" width="264" height="165">
  17270.          </td>
  17271.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  17272.            Volt Resistance Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves
  17273.          </td>
  17274.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  17275.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  17276.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17277.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17278.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17279.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17280.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17281.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 85%">
  17282.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17283.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17284.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17285.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17286.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  17287.                                  </div>
  17288.                          </div>
  17289.          </td>
  17290.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  17291.            <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  17292.                <span>
  17293.                  SEE IT
  17294.                </span>
  17295.            </a>
  17296.          </td>
  17297.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  17298.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Volt Resistance’s Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves have extra padding and cold-weather protection.</span></p>
  17299.  
  17300.            </td>
  17301.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  17302.        </tr>
  17303.            </tbody>
  17304.    </table>
  17305.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  17306.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  17307.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  17308.    </div>
  17309.  </div>
  17310. </div>
  17311.  
  17312.  
  17313.  
  17314. <p>If you, like me, still enjoy spending time outdoors in below-freezing temperatures, you’ve probably considered purchasing heated gloves. I resisted for years, relying instead on chemical hand warmers and plastic bags. But, since winters seem to be getting colder and I start feeling the chill in my bones quicker than ever, I finally decided to see what all the hubbub was about. In the dead of winter, you want to keep your fingers toasty for a long time, whether you’re working up a sweat or just trekking out to the store. The best heated gloves are comfortable without impeding manual dexterity in your fingers, so you can ski, cycle, or do whatever you want in the freezing cold.</p>
  17315.  
  17316.  
  17317.  
  17318. <ul>
  17319. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ59K7X4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gordini Forge Heated Gloves</a></li>
  17320.  
  17321.  
  17322.  
  17323. <li><strong>Best for cycling:</strong> <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=23209&amp;pw=281805&amp;ctc=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Cycle Glove</a></li>
  17324.  
  17325.  
  17326.  
  17327. <li><strong>Best for motorcycling</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Motorcycle-Handwarmer-Waterproof/dp/B07ZJ8L7MJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Kemimoto Heated Gloves</a></li>
  17328.  
  17329.  
  17330.  
  17331. <li><strong>Best for work:</strong> <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Volt Resistance Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves</a></li>
  17332.  
  17333.  
  17334.  
  17335. <li><strong>Best for fingertips</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAVIOR-HEAT-Mittens-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B08NXGXMFT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Savior Thick Electric Heated Mittens</a></li>
  17336.  
  17337.  
  17338.  
  17339. <li><strong>Best for skiing:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AKASO-Insulation-Rechargeable-Battery-Overheating-Protection/dp/B08CXL8576?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Akaso Heated Ski Gloves</a></li>
  17340.  
  17341.  
  17342.  
  17343. <li><strong>Best thin:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Snowboarding-Arthritis-Raynauds/dp/B07VJLL9L6/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sun Will Heated Glove Liners</a></li>
  17344.  
  17345.  
  17346.  
  17347. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YXGWXM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hot Hands Heated Fleece Glove/Mittens</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></li>
  17348. </ul>
  17349.  
  17350.  
  17351.  
  17352. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-heated-gloves"><strong>How we chose the best heated gloves</strong></h2>
  17353.  
  17354.  
  17355.  
  17356. <p>Living in New York City, I do not own a car, and while I have nothing against the city’s subway system, I prefer my bicycle as my mode of transportation. I ride/commute all year long, even through the winter. The only thing that keeps me off the bike is an active blizzard. I’ve also been lucky enough to spend months at a time cycling or trekking in remote mountain environments, like the <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/pamir-mountains-natural-wonders-of-asia.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pamirs</a> in Tajikistan and the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Karakoram-Range" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karakorum</a> in northern Pakistan. I’ve been testing and writing about outdoor gear for over a decade for a variety of outlets, including <em>HuffPost</em>, <em>BBC Travel</em>, and <em>Adventure Cycling</em>. I am on a perpetual quest for cold-weather gear that works well and makes me forget that I’m even wearing it.</p>
  17357.  
  17358.  
  17359.  
  17360. <p>I tested these battery-operated heated gloves by using them like any other pair: taking them out on a bike ride or two. Cycling actively tests a glove’s grip, warmth, and wind resistance. You get to know a pair of gloves very well when you have a sustained stream of frigid wind blowing on your hands. I specifically noted how easy it was for me to operate my bike, the glove’s flexibility, and, when appropriate, their water resistance.</p>
  17361.  
  17362.  
  17363.  
  17364. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-heated-gloves-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best heated gloves: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  17365.  
  17366.  
  17367.  
  17368. <p>As an outdoor and adventure lover whose hands and feet get cold easily, I feel as if I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time (and money) trying out a wide range of gear and techniques. While I admit to occasionally resorting to the wool socks and plastic bags on my feet method of combating freezing temperatures (I should try <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-heated-socks/">heated socks</a>), my glove choices trend toward the more high-tech, as maintaining mobility and grippiness is almost as important as keeping warm. Here are some of the best heated gloves we’ve found for a variety of outdoor activities, and they&#8217;re a big step up from basic <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-hand-warmers/">hand warmers</a> in your mittens.</p>
  17369.  
  17370.  
  17371.  
  17372. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-gordini-forge-heated-gloves"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ59K7X4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gordini Forge Heated Gloves</a></h3>
  17373.  
  17374.  
  17375. <div
  17376.    id="saving-frozen-fingers"
  17377.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17378.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17379. >
  17380.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17381.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ59K7X4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17382.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17383.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/22/gordini-forge-heated-gloves.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A black pair of Gordini Forge Heated Gloves laying in the snow.">
  17384.                      </figure>
  17385.                  </a>
  17386.            </div>
  17387.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17388.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17389.        <p><em>Emily Reed</em></p>
  17390.  
  17391.      </figcaption>
  17392.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17393.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ59K7X4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000"
  17394.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17395.      </p>
  17396.      </div>
  17397. </div>
  17398.  
  17399.  
  17400.  
  17401. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: These Gordini gloves are made for warmth and have all the features we could want for a cold day out.</p>
  17402.  
  17403.  
  17404.  
  17405. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  17406.  
  17407.  
  17408.  
  17409. <ul>
  17410. <li><strong>Heating elements: &nbsp;</strong>Far-infrared fiber</li>
  17411.  
  17412.  
  17413.  
  17414. <li><strong>Temperature range: </strong>113°F (low) &#8211; 150°F (high)</li>
  17415.  
  17416.  
  17417.  
  17418. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>7.4-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries</li>
  17419.  
  17420.  
  17421.  
  17422. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>2200 mAh</li>
  17423.  
  17424.  
  17425.  
  17426. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Polyester</li>
  17427.  
  17428.  
  17429.  
  17430. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Touchscreen-sensitive index finger and thumb, synthetic leather on palms</li>
  17431.  
  17432.  
  17433.  
  17434. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>M/L, L/XL</li>
  17435. </ul>
  17436.  
  17437.  
  17438.  
  17439. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  17440.  
  17441.  
  17442.  
  17443. <ul>
  17444. <li>Soft and flexible</li>
  17445.  
  17446.  
  17447.  
  17448. <li>Anti-slip</li>
  17449.  
  17450.  
  17451.  
  17452. <li>Versatile</li>
  17453.  
  17454.  
  17455.  
  17456. <li>Warm even without heating element turned on</li>
  17457. </ul>
  17458.  
  17459.  
  17460.  
  17461. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  17462.  
  17463.  
  17464.  
  17465. <ul>
  17466. <li>Expensive</li>
  17467. </ul>
  17468.  
  17469.  
  17470.  
  17471. <p>Gordini&#8217;s rechargeable heated gloves provide the best, most versatile protection from the cold that we’ve felt in a pair of gloves. The company has been in the outdoor biz since 1956, meaning they have the track record to back up their performance.</p>
  17472.  
  17473.  
  17474.  
  17475. <p>In a field full of very similar products from companies with little reputation, they serve as a good example of what to look for in a pair of heated gloves. First and foremost, they’re quite warm with or without the heat turned on. They have three temperature settings, water-resistance and windproofing, heating elements that cover the back of your hand and fingertips, and touchscreen-sensitive material. Meanwhile, a leather palm ensures you won’t lose your grip when you need it the most. You can also connect it to the clim8 app (for <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clim8/id1269634462" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myclim8.clim8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android</a>) to track battery life and customize your gloves&#8217; temperature. </p>
  17476.  
  17477.  
  17478.  
  17479. <p>They’re a bit on the thick side but still flexible enough for shifting gears on a bicycle or holding ski poles.  Gordini also sells the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Womens-Forge-Heated-Medium/dp/B0BZ5DVSFQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Forge in women&#8217;s</a> so everyone can have warm hands while traversing the snow. </p>
  17480.  
  17481.  
  17482.  
  17483. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-cycling-sealskinz-waterproof-heated-cycle-glove"><strong>Best for cycling:</strong> <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=23209&amp;pw=281805&amp;ctc=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Cycle Glove</a></h3>
  17484.  
  17485.  
  17486. <div
  17487.    id="snow-ride"
  17488.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17489.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17490. >
  17491.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17492.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&#038;mi=23209&#038;pw=281805&#038;ctc=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17493.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17494.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/10/sealskinz-heated-cycling-glove-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Cycling Gloves on a plain background">
  17495.                      </figure>
  17496.                  </a>
  17497.            </div>
  17498.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17499.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17500.        <p><em>Sealskinz</em></p>
  17501.  
  17502.      </figcaption>
  17503.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17504.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&#038;mi=23209&#038;pw=281805&#038;ctc=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove"
  17505.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17506.      </p>
  17507.      </div>
  17508. </div>
  17509.  
  17510.  
  17511.  
  17512. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=Sealskinz+Waterproof+Heated+Cycle+Glove&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  17513.  
  17514.  
  17515.  
  17516. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: Made specifically for cycling, the Sealskinz waterproof heated cycle gloves keep your hands dry like no other.</p>
  17517.  
  17518.  
  17519.  
  17520. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  17521.  
  17522.  
  17523.  
  17524. <ul>
  17525. <li><strong>Heating elements: </strong>Carbon fiber</li>
  17526.  
  17527.  
  17528.  
  17529. <li><strong>Temperature range: </strong>N/A</li>
  17530.  
  17531.  
  17532.  
  17533. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>4-volt polymer rechargeable batteries</li>
  17534.  
  17535.  
  17536.  
  17537. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>2200mAh</li>
  17538.  
  17539.  
  17540.  
  17541. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Soft goatskin leather and polyester, Primaloft synthetic insulation</li>
  17542.  
  17543.  
  17544.  
  17545. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Waterproof, reflective details</li>
  17546.  
  17547.  
  17548.  
  17549. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>XS-XXL</li>
  17550. </ul>
  17551.  
  17552.  
  17553.  
  17554. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  17555.  
  17556.  
  17557.  
  17558. <ul>
  17559. <li>Lifetime product and waterproof guarantee</li>
  17560.  
  17561.  
  17562.  
  17563. <li>Designed specifically for cycling</li>
  17564.  
  17565.  
  17566.  
  17567. <li>Lightweight</li>
  17568. </ul>
  17569.  
  17570.  
  17571.  
  17572. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  17573.  
  17574.  
  17575.  
  17576. <ul>
  17577. <li>Expensive</li>
  17578.  
  17579.  
  17580.  
  17581. <li>Sizing runs small so make sure to purchase a size larger than normal</li>
  17582. </ul>
  17583.  
  17584.  
  17585.  
  17586. <p>I first learned about Sealskinz products on an uncharacteristically cold, windy, and rainy group bicycle ride across the French countryside. Of the fifteen of us on the ride, all but one of us ended up with painful frozen fingers. The one guy whose hands were fine had a pair of Sealskinz waterproof gloves. I bought my own pair soon thereafter.</p>
  17587.  
  17588.  
  17589.  
  17590. <p>Many cold-weather cycling gloves do remain waterproof under sustained wet conditions, but Sealskinz’s cycling gloves keep your hands dry no matter how long you stay out. I have biked through rain, snow, and sleet storms (driving, relentless sleet for up to an hour), and very little moisture permeated the three-layer bonded construction. It features an insulation layer and a reflective layer that directs the body heat you’re generating back into the glove, keeping you extra warm. The integrated heating element produces heat for up to six hours.</p>
  17591.  
  17592.  
  17593.  
  17594. <p>A properly heated cycling glove is, in general, a rare find. Most heated gloves, while plenty warm, are often too bulky for gear-shifting and make braking cumbersome. They may also make it hard to grip your handlebars long-term properly. Sealskinz’s cycling gloves have a cycling-friendly design with a leather palm, enabling a better grip, and plenty of reflective details. (You can never have too many when commuting on dark, winter mornings.) In so many ways, it is the perfect winter cycling glove.</p>
  17595.  
  17596.  
  17597.  
  17598. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-motorcycling-kemimoto-heated-gloves"><strong>Best for motorcycling:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Motorcycle-Handwarmer-Waterproof/dp/B07ZJ8L7MJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Motorcycle-Handwarmer-Waterproof/dp/B07ZJ8L7MJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Kemimoto Heated Gloves</a></h3>
  17599.  
  17600.  
  17601. <div
  17602.    id="thick-and-cozy"
  17603.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17604.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17605. >
  17606.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17607.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Motorcycle-Handwarmer-Waterproof/dp/B07ZJ8L7MJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17608.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17609.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/14/Kemimoto-Heated-Gloves-best-for-motorcycle.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/14/Kemimoto-Heated-Gloves-best-for-motorcycle.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Kemimoto Heated motorcycle Gloves on a plain background">
  17610.                      </figure>
  17611.                  </a>
  17612.            </div>
  17613.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17614.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17615.        <p><em>Kemimoto</em></p>
  17616.  
  17617.      </figcaption>
  17618.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17619.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Motorcycle-Handwarmer-Waterproof/dp/B07ZJ8L7MJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000"
  17620.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17621.      </p>
  17622.      </div>
  17623. </div>
  17624.  
  17625.  
  17626.  
  17627. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JCWKCRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"></a>Kemimoto&#8217;s heated gloves are very warm and durable, making them an excellent choice for motorcycle rides in the blustery cold.</p>
  17628.  
  17629.  
  17630.  
  17631. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  17632.  
  17633.  
  17634.  
  17635. <ul>
  17636. <li><strong>Heating elements: </strong>Thin wires woven into fabric</li>
  17637.  
  17638.  
  17639.  
  17640. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>7.4V rechargeable lithium-ion batteries</li>
  17641.  
  17642.  
  17643.  
  17644. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>2500mAh&nbsp;</li>
  17645.  
  17646.  
  17647.  
  17648. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Faux leather</li>
  17649.  
  17650.  
  17651.  
  17652. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Touchscreen-sensitive fingertips, waterproof</li>
  17653.  
  17654.  
  17655.  
  17656. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>S-XL</li>
  17657. </ul>
  17658.  
  17659.  
  17660.  
  17661. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  17662.  
  17663.  
  17664.  
  17665. <ul>
  17666. <li>Long-lasting heat—up to 9 hours on lowest setting</li>
  17667.  
  17668.  
  17669.  
  17670. <li>3 heating levels</li>
  17671.  
  17672.  
  17673.  
  17674. <li>Good price</li>
  17675. </ul>
  17676.  
  17677.  
  17678.  
  17679. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  17680.  
  17681.  
  17682.  
  17683. <ul>
  17684. <li>Thick</li>
  17685. </ul>
  17686.  
  17687.  
  17688.  
  17689. <p>Kemimoto&#8217;s heated gloves really emphasize the “heated” facet of the heated glove. They feature 2,500MaH batteries that can last up to nine hours on the lowest setting. Kemimoto gloves offer three heating levels.</p>
  17690.  
  17691.  
  17692.  
  17693. <p>Looking at the glove itself, it features a water- and windproof outer layer. The wrist buckle and velcro closure at the cuff allow for a secure fit that will block out a cold wind no matter how fast you’re going. These feature an anti-grip palm and have protective knuckle guards and reflective coating.</p>
  17694.  
  17695.  
  17696.  
  17697. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-work-volt-resistance-work-7v-leather-heated-gloves"><strong>Best for work:</strong> <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Volt Resistance Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves</a></h3>
  17698.  
  17699.  
  17700. <div
  17701.    id="get-stuff-done"
  17702.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17703.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17704. >
  17705.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17706.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=95275&#038;afftrack=PS-RU&#038;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17707.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17708.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Volt-Resistance-Work-7v-Leather-Heated-Gloves-best-for-work.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of yellow Volt Resistance Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves on a plain blue background.">
  17709.                      </figure>
  17710.                  </a>
  17711.            </div>
  17712.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17713.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17714.        <p><em>Volt Resistance</em></p>
  17715.  
  17716.      </figcaption>
  17717.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17718.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&#038;u=1507094&#038;m=95275&#038;afftrack=PS-RU&#038;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves"
  17719.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17720.      </p>
  17721.      </div>
  17722. </div>
  17723.  
  17724.  
  17725.  
  17726. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: Volt Resistance’s 7v Work gloves are much more durable and made for working outside in extreme cold.</p>
  17727.  
  17728.  
  17729.  
  17730. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  17731.  
  17732.  
  17733.  
  17734. <ul>
  17735. <li><strong>Heating elements: </strong><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fpages%2Ftechnology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">“Zero layer” heat system</a>: Thin wires bonded to the lining fabric</li>
  17736.  
  17737.  
  17738.  
  17739. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>7.4-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries</li>
  17740.  
  17741.  
  17742.  
  17743. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>2500 mAh</li>
  17744.  
  17745.  
  17746.  
  17747. <li><strong>Heat settings: </strong>4</li>
  17748.  
  17749.  
  17750.  
  17751. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Leather, tricot lining</li>
  17752.  
  17753.  
  17754.  
  17755. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Extra leather on palm for durability</li>
  17756.  
  17757.  
  17758.  
  17759. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>S-XXL</li>
  17760. </ul>
  17761.  
  17762.  
  17763.  
  17764. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  17765.  
  17766.  
  17767.  
  17768. <ul>
  17769. <li>Extremely durable</li>
  17770.  
  17771.  
  17772.  
  17773. <li>Padded palms for added comfort</li>
  17774.  
  17775.  
  17776.  
  17777. <li>Heats entire hand</li>
  17778. </ul>
  17779.  
  17780.  
  17781.  
  17782. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  17783.  
  17784.  
  17785.  
  17786. <ul>
  17787. <li>A bit bulky around the fingers</li>
  17788. </ul>
  17789.  
  17790.  
  17791.  
  17792. <p>I grew up in northern Ohio near Lake Erie. My dad did a lot of work outside, including many wood-cutting expeditions to my Grandparents’ woods to procure fuel for our wood-burning stove. He had this amazing pair of yellow leather, fleece-lined work gloves that he’d wear on these trips. I liked to wear them around the house because I was fascinated with how they’d molded themselves into the exact shape of his hands and with how small my own hands felt inside them.</p>
  17793.  
  17794.  
  17795.  
  17796. <p>Constructed from durable yellow-stained leather with padded, reinforced palms, these heated work gloves from Volt Resistance remind me of the ones my dad wore. Heating wires extend through the entire glove, including the fingers, thumbs, and palms to provide full coverage across your hand. There’s a clear window on the back of the glove near the wrist that clearly shows how much power remains in the batteries.&nbsp;</p>
  17797.  
  17798.  
  17799.  
  17800. <p>I bought a pair for my dad last Christmas. His review: “Wow, what will they think of next? You know, back in the day, we just put plastic bags on our hands under our gloves. These are definitely way better than that.”</p>
  17801.  
  17802.  
  17803.  
  17804. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-fingertips-savior-thick-electric-heated-mittens"><strong>Best for fingertips:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAVIOR-HEAT-Mittens-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B08NXGXMFT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Savior Thick Electric Heated Mittens</a></h3>
  17805.  
  17806.  
  17807. <div
  17808.    id="huddle-your-fingers-for-warmth"
  17809.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17810.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17811. >
  17812.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17813.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/SAVIOR-HEAT-Mittens-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B08NXGXMFT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17814.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17815.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Savior-Thick-Electric-Heated-Mittens-best-for-fingertips.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Savior-Thick-Electric-Heated-Mittens-best-for-fingertips.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of black Savior Thick Electric Heated Mittens on a plain background">
  17816.                      </figure>
  17817.                  </a>
  17818.            </div>
  17819.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17820.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17821.        <p><em>SAVIOR HEAT</em></p>
  17822.  
  17823.      </figcaption>
  17824.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17825.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/SAVIOR-HEAT-Mittens-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B08NXGXMFT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000"
  17826.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17827.      </p>
  17828.      </div>
  17829. </div>
  17830.  
  17831.  
  17832.  
  17833. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: If you&#8217;re a mitten person, this heated version from Savior is the warmest pair we’ve found.&nbsp;</p>
  17834.  
  17835.  
  17836.  
  17837. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  17838.  
  17839.  
  17840.  
  17841. <ul>
  17842. <li><strong>Heating elements:&nbsp; </strong>Far infrared fiber heating wires</li>
  17843.  
  17844.  
  17845.  
  17846. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>7.4-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries</li>
  17847.  
  17848.  
  17849.  
  17850. <li><strong>Battery life:</strong> 2200 mAh</li>
  17851.  
  17852.  
  17853.  
  17854. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Polyester, neoprene, cotton</li>
  17855.  
  17856.  
  17857.  
  17858. <li><strong>Special Features: </strong>Touchscreen-sensitive fingertips</li>
  17859.  
  17860.  
  17861.  
  17862. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>XXS-XXL</li>
  17863. </ul>
  17864.  
  17865.  
  17866.  
  17867. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  17868.  
  17869.  
  17870.  
  17871. <ul>
  17872. <li>Great for winter sports</li>
  17873.  
  17874.  
  17875.  
  17876. <li>Soft and flexible</li>
  17877.  
  17878.  
  17879.  
  17880. <li>Lightweight</li>
  17881. </ul>
  17882.  
  17883.  
  17884.  
  17885. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  17886.  
  17887.  
  17888.  
  17889. <ul>
  17890. <li>Battery is bulky at the base</li>
  17891. </ul>
  17892.  
  17893.  
  17894.  
  17895. <p>This updated version of Savior’s heated mittens has double the heated wires and elements in the thumb area as the previous model. My thumbs are always the first of my digits to be affected by the cold, but these kept me warm during an ice canyon tour and skating on Mildred Lake in Jasper, Alberta, in February.</p>
  17896.  
  17897.  
  17898.  
  17899. <p>I wouldn’t use these for cycling or any other activity where flexibility and dexterity are super important. Still, they’re cozier than most gloves and a perfect fit for low-key outdoor events.</p>
  17900.  
  17901.  
  17902.  
  17903. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-skiing-akaso-heated-gloves"><strong>Best for skiing:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AKASO-Insulation-Rechargeable-Battery-Overheating-Protection/dp/B08CXL8576?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Akaso Heated Gloves</a></h3>
  17904.  
  17905.  
  17906. <div
  17907.    id="for-running-hot-in-cold-weather"
  17908.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  17909.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  17910. >
  17911.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  17912.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/AKASO-Insulation-Rechargeable-Battery-Overheating-Protection/dp/B08CXL8576?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  17913.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  17914.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Akaso-Heated-Gloves-best-for-ski.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Akaso-Heated-Gloves-best-for-ski.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of black Akaso Heated Gloves on a plain background.">
  17915.                      </figure>
  17916.                  </a>
  17917.            </div>
  17918.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  17919.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  17920.        <p><em>AKASO</em></p>
  17921.  
  17922.      </figcaption>
  17923.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  17924.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/AKASO-Insulation-Rechargeable-Battery-Overheating-Protection/dp/B08CXL8576?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000"
  17925.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  17926.      </p>
  17927.      </div>
  17928. </div>
  17929.  
  17930.  
  17931.  
  17932. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The anti-slip surface of these splashproof and breathable Akaso gloves makes them perfect for gripping ski poles.</p>
  17933.  
  17934.  
  17935.  
  17936. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  17937.  
  17938.  
  17939.  
  17940. <ul>
  17941. <li><strong>Heating elements: </strong>Carbon fiber heating panels</li>
  17942.  
  17943.  
  17944.  
  17945. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>7.4V rechargeable lithium-ion batteries</li>
  17946.  
  17947.  
  17948.  
  17949. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>3200mAh&nbsp;</li>
  17950.  
  17951.  
  17952.  
  17953. <li><strong>Heating levels: </strong>3</li>
  17954.  
  17955.  
  17956.  
  17957. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Faux leather, cotton</li>
  17958.  
  17959.  
  17960.  
  17961. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Touchscreen-sensitive fingertips, waterproof</li>
  17962.  
  17963.  
  17964.  
  17965. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>S-XL</li>
  17966. </ul>
  17967.  
  17968.  
  17969.  
  17970. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  17971.  
  17972.  
  17973.  
  17974. <ul>
  17975. <li>Splash proof</li>
  17976.  
  17977.  
  17978.  
  17979. <li>Breathable</li>
  17980.  
  17981.  
  17982.  
  17983. <li>Reflective strip</li>
  17984.  
  17985.  
  17986.  
  17987. <li>Warm up quickly</li>
  17988. </ul>
  17989.  
  17990.  
  17991.  
  17992. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  17993.  
  17994.  
  17995.  
  17996. <ul>
  17997. <li>Limited long-term waterproofing</li>
  17998. </ul>
  17999.  
  18000.  
  18001.  
  18002. <p>Featuring a layer of<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/thinsulate-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 3M Thinsulate material</a> that retains heat 1.5 times better than down, anti-slip gripping material on the palms, and a cuff drawstring to secure them around your wrist, these Akaso heated gloves offer the right kind of protection for skiers and snowboarders.</p>
  18003.  
  18004.  
  18005.  
  18006. <p>Carbon fiber heating panels cover the back of the hand, fingers, and thumb (not the palm). The heating elements are covered by water-repellent nylon and the 3M Thinsulate, which keeps your hands warm with or without the electric heat on. They’re warm and comfortable in good weather but don’t fare as well in the rain or snow. With a steady stream of precipitation, you will eventually feel moisture penetrate the outer layer and start to pool inside the glove. That said, they’re perfect for clear, sunny, ski days.</p>
  18007.  
  18008.  
  18009.  
  18010. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-thin-sun-will-heated-glove-liners"><strong>Best thin:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Snowboarding-Arthritis-Raynauds/dp/B07VJLL9L6/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sun Will Heated Glove Liners</a></h3>
  18011.  
  18012.  
  18013. <div
  18014.    id="thin-light-and-warm"
  18015.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18016.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18017. >
  18018.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18019.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Snowboarding-Arthritis-Raynauds/dp/B07VJLL9L6/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18020.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18021.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Sun-Will-Heated-Glove-Liners-best-thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Sun-Will-Heated-Glove-Liners-best-thin.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of black Sun Will Heated Glove Liners on a plain blue background">
  18022.                      </figure>
  18023.                  </a>
  18024.            </div>
  18025.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18026.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18027.        <p><em>Sun Will</em></p>
  18028.  
  18029.      </figcaption>
  18030.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18031.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Snowboarding-Arthritis-Raynauds/dp/B07VJLL9L6/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000"
  18032.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18033.      </p>
  18034.      </div>
  18035. </div>
  18036.  
  18037.  
  18038.  
  18039. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: These heated glove liners from Sun Will are so light you’ll almost forget you have them on.</p>
  18040.  
  18041.  
  18042.  
  18043. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18044.  
  18045.  
  18046.  
  18047. <ul>
  18048. <li><strong>Heating elements: </strong>Far infrared fiber heating wires</li>
  18049.  
  18050.  
  18051.  
  18052. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>7.4-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries</li>
  18053.  
  18054.  
  18055.  
  18056. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>2200 mAh</li>
  18057.  
  18058.  
  18059.  
  18060. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Polyester, lycra, fleece</li>
  18061.  
  18062.  
  18063.  
  18064. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Touchscreen-sensitive fingertips</li>
  18065.  
  18066.  
  18067.  
  18068. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>XXS-XXL</li>
  18069. </ul>
  18070.  
  18071.  
  18072.  
  18073. <p><strong>Pros:</strong></p>
  18074.  
  18075.  
  18076.  
  18077. <ul>
  18078. <li>Thin and light</li>
  18079.  
  18080.  
  18081.  
  18082. <li>Soft</li>
  18083.  
  18084.  
  18085.  
  18086. <li>Can wear under another pair of gloves</li>
  18087.  
  18088.  
  18089.  
  18090. <li>Great for arthritis and blood circulation</li>
  18091. </ul>
  18092.  
  18093.  
  18094.  
  18095. <p><strong>Cons:</strong></p>
  18096.  
  18097.  
  18098.  
  18099. <ul>
  18100. <li>Not as durable as thicker, bulkier gloves</li>
  18101. </ul>
  18102.  
  18103.  
  18104.  
  18105. <p>Made from lycra and fleece, these gloves are intended to fit close to your hand and be worn under a waterproof glove shell when needed. If you already have a favorite pair of waterproof gloves you wear while hiking or skiing, add these as an underlayer on particularly blustery days. You can, of course, also wear them on their own.&nbsp;</p>
  18106.  
  18107.  
  18108.  
  18109. <p>Thin heated gloves are also especially useful if you suffer from chronically cold hands, even when indoors. They’re excellent for stimulating blood circulation, whether you need to warm up from the cold or need help with symptoms caused by arthritis or <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raynaud’s Syndrome</a>.</p>
  18110.  
  18111.  
  18112.  
  18113. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-hot-hands-heated-fleece-glove-mittens"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YXGWXM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hot Hands Heated Fleece Glove/Mittens</a></h3>
  18114.  
  18115.  
  18116. <div
  18117.    id="glove-warmers"
  18118.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18119.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18120. >
  18121.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18122.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YXGWXM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18123.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18124.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Hot-Hands-Heated-Fleece-Glove-Mittens-best-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/09/Hot-Hands-Heated-Fleece-Glove-Mittens-best-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of orange and black Hot Hands Heated Fleece Glove/Mittens on a plain background">
  18125.                      </figure>
  18126.                  </a>
  18127.            </div>
  18128.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18129.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18130.        <p><em>HotHands</em></p>
  18131.  
  18132.      </figcaption>
  18133.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18134.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YXGWXM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000"
  18135.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18136.      </p>
  18137.      </div>
  18138. </div>
  18139.  
  18140.  
  18141.  
  18142. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: If you want to keep your hands warm without spending much money, a pair of cheap gloves and hand warmers will do the trick.</p>
  18143.  
  18144.  
  18145.  
  18146. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18147.  
  18148.  
  18149.  
  18150. <ul>
  18151. <li><strong>Heating elements: </strong><a href="https://cen.acs.org/articles/88/i4/Hand-Warmers.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iron powder, salt, water, activated carbon</a>. Oxygen reacts with the iron and salt to form iron oxide, which releases heat</li>
  18152.  
  18153.  
  18154.  
  18155. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Chemical air-activated hand warmers</li>
  18156.  
  18157.  
  18158.  
  18159. <li><strong>Battery life: </strong>N/A</li>
  18160.  
  18161.  
  18162.  
  18163. <li><strong>Heating levels: </strong>N/A</li>
  18164.  
  18165.  
  18166.  
  18167. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Fleece, leather palm</li>
  18168.  
  18169.  
  18170.  
  18171. <li><strong>Special features: </strong>Touchscreen-sensitive fingertips</li>
  18172.  
  18173.  
  18174.  
  18175. <li><strong>Sizes: </strong>M/L-L/XL</li>
  18176. </ul>
  18177.  
  18178.  
  18179.  
  18180. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  18181.  
  18182.  
  18183.  
  18184. <ul>
  18185. <li>No batteries or charging required</li>
  18186.  
  18187.  
  18188.  
  18189. <li>Inexpensive</li>
  18190.  
  18191.  
  18192.  
  18193. <li>TSA approved</li>
  18194.  
  18195.  
  18196.  
  18197. <li>Made in USA</li>
  18198. </ul>
  18199.  
  18200.  
  18201.  
  18202. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  18203.  
  18204.  
  18205.  
  18206. <ul>
  18207. <li>Not very breathable</li>
  18208.  
  18209.  
  18210.  
  18211. <li>Not waterproof</li>
  18212. </ul>
  18213.  
  18214.  
  18215.  
  18216. <p>Chemical hand warmers are the original, low-tech way to keep your hands (and feet) warm while out in adverse conditions. Working on outdoor TV productions in cold weather, we buy them <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Hand-Warmers-Odorless-Activated/dp/B0007ZF4OA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">in bulk</a> and dole them out to cast and crew like candy. Any actor you see filming outside on a blustery day very likely has a hand warmer shoved into each of their pockets.</p>
  18217.  
  18218.  
  18219.  
  18220. <p>These fleece hybrid glove/mittens from Hot Hands, one of the biggest names in hand warmers, have a handy pocket to insert a warmer and hold them in place. Each individually sealed warmer is air-activated when removed from its package and stays warm for 10 hours. That’s as long as you’ll get from any battery-powered heated glove. On the other hand, you’ll have to buy more hand warmers after using the single pair that comes with the gloves. A box of 40 additional warmers <a href="https://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Hand-Warmers-Odorless-Activated/dp/B0007ZF4OA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">costs about $22.00</a>, though, so you’re still spending less than you would on our top pick.</p>
  18221.  
  18222.  
  18223.  
  18224. <p>The gloves themselves are the kind with fingers and a foldable mitten you can pull over your fingers when needed. They’re made from toasty warm fleece with a TruGrip leather palm. Are they as warm as our other picks? No. Do they offer the same wind and water resistance? Not really. But they’re very affordable, and those hand warmers will keep you warm in a pinch.</p>
  18225.  
  18226.  
  18227.  
  18228. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-buying-heated-gloves"><strong>What to consider when buying heated gloves</strong></h2>
  18229.  
  18230.  
  18231.  
  18232. <p>While the majority of heated gloves available offer similar features, each one feels slightly different than the others and performs differently when worn out in the elements. Everyone also has their own personal criteria when evaluating apparel. I personally look for a pair of gloves that I don&#8217;t have to think about too much while I’m out in the cold. With that in mind, here are some things you should look for when buying your next pair of heated gloves.</p>
  18233.  
  18234.  
  18235.  
  18236. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-heated-gloves-work">How do heated gloves work?</h3>
  18237.  
  18238.  
  18239.  
  18240. <p>Heated clothing has ultra-thin metal wires or fibers built into it that warm up when electricity passes through them. These wires or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/infrared-fiber" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far-infrared fibers</a>, most commonly made from carbon or a metal composite, are woven or fused directly into or onto an internal fabric layer. The voltage of batteries used in heating clothing like the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-heated-slippers/">best heated slippers</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-heated-insoles/">best heated insoles</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-heated-vest/">best heated vests</a> is low enough that there is no chance of electrical shock.</p>
  18241.  
  18242.  
  18243.  
  18244. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fit-and-size">Fit and size</h3>
  18245.  
  18246.  
  18247.  
  18248. <p>To ensure your glove provides maximum warmth without restricting manual dexterity, you should measure your hand and make sure you get the right size. Gloves are not one-size-fits-all. Moreover, the measurements for each size vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so that you may require a medium from one brand and a large one from another.</p>
  18249.  
  18250.  
  18251.  
  18252. <p>In a properly fitted glove, your fingertips should reach just shy of the end of the glove—about a ¼ to 3/8 of an inch—so you have a full range of movement. The wrist portion of the glove should run far enough up your arm to tuck into or extend over a jacket sleeve, preventing cold air from getting under it.</p>
  18253.  
  18254.  
  18255.  
  18256. <p>Most manufacturers will have a <a href="https://saviorgloves.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/thin_heated_gloves_size_1024x1024.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">size chart</a> on their websites, showing you how to measure your hand and find the right size with each brand.</p>
  18257.  
  18258.  
  18259.  
  18260. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waterproofing">Waterproofing</h3>
  18261.  
  18262.  
  18263.  
  18264. <p>To waterproof or not to waterproof? That is the question. Waterproofing measures generally make clothing less breathable so that body sweat will get trapped inside. In other words, your waterproof gloves may soak up sweat and start to smell more quickly than a less water-resistant pair. On the other hand, you don’t want to get completely soaked and end up with gloves full of water.&nbsp;</p>
  18265.  
  18266.  
  18267.  
  18268. <p>Many heated gloves have a waterproof fabric on the outside part of the glove and something breathable on the palm area, giving you the best of both options (kind of like how <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-packable-rain-jackets/">packable rain jackets</a> sometimes have strategically more breathable panels). Breathable fabric on the underside of your hand reduces the chances of sweat building up in your palms, which could affect your ability to grip a ski pole or climbing rope. Having waterproof fabric on the outside of your gloves—the part that is most often exposed directly to snow and rain—means excess water won’t be able to penetrate the glove. As a general rule, if you’re likely to find yourself outside when it’s actively snowing or raining, go with a waterproof option.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  18269.  
  18270.  
  18271.  
  18272. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battery-life">Battery life</h3>
  18273.  
  18274.  
  18275.  
  18276. <p>Most heated gloves are powered by 7.4-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which usually last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the temperature setting and other factors. Rather than presenting battery life estimates, which can vary quite a bit, we recommend looking at the raw battery capacity, measured in milliamp hours (mAh), which should give you a general idea of how long it should last compared to other gloves.</p>
  18277.  
  18278.  
  18279.  
  18280. <p>Some, but not all, heated gloves feature removable, replaceable battery packs. If you plan on being outside for extended periods of time, we recommend choosing gloves with replaceable batteries so you can swap them out as needed.</p>
  18281.  
  18282.  
  18283.  
  18284. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-touchscreen-capability-nbsp">Touchscreen capability&nbsp;</h3>
  18285.  
  18286.  
  18287.  
  18288. <p>Gloves and smartphones don’t always get along. Between the padding and materials, capacitive touchscreens don’t pick up taps and swipes as easily when your fingers are covered. Having to take a glove off while in inclement weather in order to use your phone is annoying at best, and excruciating in extreme cold.</p>
  18289.  
  18290.  
  18291.  
  18292. <p>Some gloves have an outer layer over your fingertips with a special material made from copper fiber conductive yarn, making it easier to use a touchscreen without removing your gloves. Essentially, the copper in the fabric allows the gloves to interact with the electrical current produced by touchscreens. Most commonly, the material is used only on the tips of one or two fingers in a small enough area that overall warmth isn’t really affected.&nbsp;</p>
  18293.  
  18294.  
  18295.  
  18296. <p>At this point, these features are fairly common, but you should check for them when picking a cheaper glove or something from a less technical brand.</p>
  18297.  
  18298.  
  18299.  
  18300. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  18301.  
  18302.  
  18303.  
  18304. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660081205042"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much do heated gloves cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Most of our favorite heated gloves cost around $100. There are alternatives, like our budget pick, which cost considerably less. That said, there isn’t too much variation between major and minor brands, so you should expect to spend $100 or more for high-quality heated gloves.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660081215374"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Where do I recycle my heated gloves?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Recycle heated gloves anywhere that takes clothing and textiles as long as you remove the batteries beforehand. To recycle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries <a href="https://www.popsci.com/energy/lithium-ion-batteries-recycling-fire/#:~:text=As%20a%20rule%2C%20once%20you,can%20safely%20handle%20hazardous%20materials.">properly</a>, you will need to find a local recycling center that’s certified in handling electronic waste. Check with your <a href="https://greencitizen.com/green-directory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local recycling and waste disposal service</a> to find out where.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660081227415"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are heated gloves or mittens better?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It’s largely a matter of personal preference. Gloves are the obvious choice if you’re doing something where you need your fingers to move individually. If you’re doing nothing, literally standing still, mittens may be better because your fingers keep each other warm. That said, the materials and design in modern technical gloves and mittens both keep your hands very warm.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660081242294"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are heated gloves worth it?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Heated gloves are definitely worth it if your fingers are always cold and you enjoy outdoor activities in the winter months. Frozen, stiff fingers will spoil the fun every time—and could be potentially dangerous. Heated gloves don’t really cost more than conventional <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-winter-gloves/">winter gloves</a> without a heating element, and are more convenient to carry around than <a target="_blank" href="http://com">a heated blanket</a>. </p> </div> </div>
  18305.  
  18306.  
  18307.  
  18308. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-heated-gloves"><strong>Final thoughts on the best heated gloves</strong></h2>
  18309.  
  18310.  
  18311.  
  18312. <ul>
  18313. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gordini-Forge-Heated-Glove-Medium/dp/B0BZ59K7X4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gordini Forge Heated Gloves</a></li>
  18314.  
  18315.  
  18316.  
  18317. <li><strong>Best for cycling:</strong> <a href="https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=23209&amp;pw=281805&amp;ctc=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealskinzusa.com%2Fproducts%2Fwaterproof-heated-cycle-glove" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sealskinz Waterproof Heated Cycle Glove</a></li>
  18318.  
  18319.  
  18320.  
  18321. <li><strong>Best for motorcycling</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Motorcycle-Handwarmer-Waterproof/dp/B07ZJ8L7MJ/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Kemimoto Heated Gloves</a></li>
  18322.  
  18323.  
  18324.  
  18325. <li><strong>Best for work:</strong> <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1507094&amp;m=95275&amp;afftrack=PS-RU&amp;urllink=voltheat.com%2Fcollections%2Fheated-gloves%2Fproducts%2Fwork-men-s-7v-leather-heated-work-gloves" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Volt Resistance Work 7v Leather Heated Gloves</a></li>
  18326.  
  18327.  
  18328.  
  18329. <li><strong>Best for fingertips</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAVIOR-HEAT-Mittens-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B08NXGXMFT?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Savior Thick Electric Heated Mittens</a></li>
  18330.  
  18331.  
  18332.  
  18333. <li><strong>Best for skiing:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AKASO-Insulation-Rechargeable-Battery-Overheating-Protection/dp/B08CXL8576?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Akaso Heated Ski Gloves</a></li>
  18334.  
  18335.  
  18336.  
  18337. <li><strong>Best thin:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Electric-Snowboarding-Arthritis-Raynauds/dp/B07VJLL9L6/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sun Will Heated Glove Liners</a></li>
  18338.  
  18339.  
  18340.  
  18341. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YXGWXM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000461459O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hot Hands Heated Fleece Glove/Mittens</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></li>
  18342. </ul>
  18343.  
  18344.  
  18345.  
  18346. <p>Heated gloves are great when you need to work or want to play out in extremely cold weather. By giving these naturally warm gloves a nice, battery-powered boost, you can keep your hands toasty for hours on end. There are plenty of extra warm gloves out there, though, so you have tons of options.</p>
  18347.  
  18348.  
  18349.  
  18350. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  18351.  
  18352.  
  18353.  
  18354. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  18355.  
  18356.  
  18357.  
  18358. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  18359. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-heated-gloves/">The best heated gloves in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  18360. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  18361. </item>
  18362. <item>
  18363. <title>The best portable generators in 2024, tested and reviewed</title>
  18364. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-generators/</link>
  18365. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Nick Hilden]]></dc:creator>
  18366. <pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  18367. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  18368. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  18369. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  18370. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  18371. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  18372. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  18373. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  18374. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  18375. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=585466</guid>
  18376.  
  18377. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  18378.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/best-portable-generators-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best portable generators composited into a header image with four images" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Portable generators come in many shapes and sizes, but we'll help you pick the best one for your specific power needs.</p>
  18379. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-generators/">The best portable generators in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  18380. ]]></description>
  18381. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  18382.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/best-portable-generators-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best portable generators composited into a header image with four images" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  18383. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  18384.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  18385.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  18386.      <tbody>
  18387.              <tr
  18388.          class="ProductTable-product"
  18389.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  18390.        >
  18391.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  18392.            Best overall
  18393.          </td>
  18394.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  18395.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Generator on a plain background" class="wp-image-585479" width="264" height="165">
  18396.          </td>
  18397.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  18398.            Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Generator
  18399.          </td>
  18400.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  18401.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  18402.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18403.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18404.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18405.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18406.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18407.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  18408.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18409.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18410.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18411.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18412.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18413.                                  </div>
  18414.                          </div>
  18415.          </td>
  18416.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  18417.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  18418.                <span>
  18419.                  SEE IT
  18420.                </span>
  18421.            </a>
  18422.          </td>
  18423.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  18424.              <p>This 46-pound generator provides plenty of power and runs quietly.</p>
  18425.  
  18426.            </td>
  18427.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  18428.        </tr>
  18429.              <tr
  18430.          class="ProductTable-product"
  18431.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  18432.        >
  18433.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  18434.            Best high-capacity
  18435.          </td>
  18436.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  18437.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Generac 7706 GP18000EFI Portable Generator on a plain background" class="wp-image-585478" width="264" height="165">
  18438.          </td>
  18439.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  18440.            Generac 7706 GP18000EFI Portable Generator
  18441.          </td>
  18442.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  18443.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  18444.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18445.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18446.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18447.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18448.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18449.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  18450.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18451.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18452.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18453.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18454.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  18455.                                  </div>
  18456.                          </div>
  18457.          </td>
  18458.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  18459.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  18460.                <span>
  18461.                  SEE IT
  18462.                </span>
  18463.            </a>
  18464.          </td>
  18465.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  18466.              <p>A five-gallon fuel tank gives it a nine-hour run time at half capacity.</p>
  18467.  
  18468.            </td>
  18469.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  18470.        </tr>
  18471.              <tr
  18472.          class="ProductTable-product"
  18473.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  18474.        >
  18475.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  18476.            Best solar
  18477.          </td>
  18478.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  18479.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Jackery-1000-Plus-Solar-Generator.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Jackery-1000-Plus-Solar-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Jackery-1000-Plus-Solar-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Jackery-1000-Plus-Solar-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Jackery-1000-Plus-Solar-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Jackery-1000-Plus-Solar-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator on a plain background" class="wp-image-585477" width="264" height="165">
  18480.          </td>
  18481.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  18482.            Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator
  18483.          </td>
  18484.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  18485.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  18486.                          </div>
  18487.          </td>
  18488.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  18489.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  18490.                <span>
  18491.                  SEE IT
  18492.                </span>
  18493.            </a>
  18494.          </td>
  18495.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  18496.              <p>A pair of solar panels make this an ideal solution for true off-grid experiences.</p>
  18497.  
  18498.            </td>
  18499.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  18500.        </tr>
  18501.            </tbody>
  18502.    </table>
  18503.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  18504.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  18505.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  18506.    </div>
  18507.  </div>
  18508. </div>
  18509.  
  18510.  
  18511.  
  18512. <p>A portable generator is useful in a wide variety of situations. For camping, it can help keep your RV or van conversion fully juiced and your devices topped off. At home, it’s easy to move into place when the utility power goes out. It provides the electricity necessary to use power tools at off-grid worksites. And it’s generally essential whenever and wherever you need power but don’t have access to a plug. Portable generators come in various forms, ranging from very small portable power stations to exceptionally large (yet still mobile) gas generators. Whatever the case, the best portable generators are relatively easy to move, durable, and dependable, and we’ve tested a bunch of them to determine which are your top picks for various purposes.</p>
  18513.  
  18514.  
  18515.  
  18516. <ul>
  18517. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Generator</a></li>
  18518.  
  18519.  
  18520.  
  18521. <li><strong>Best high capacity:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Generac 7706 GP18000EFI Portable Generator</a></li>
  18522.  
  18523.  
  18524.  
  18525. <li><strong>Best solar:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator</a></li>
  18526.  
  18527.  
  18528.  
  18529. <li><strong>Best for RVs:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B08L9R5YC5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator</a></li>
  18530.  
  18531.  
  18532.  
  18533. <li><strong>Best for home backup:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N80F68E?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Westinghouse 9500 Portable Generator</a></li>
  18534.  
  18535.  
  18536.  
  18537. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-C0010020-200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B07P5XRQPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Craftsman C0010020 2,200 Watt Portable Generator</a></li>
  18538.  
  18539.  
  18540.  
  18541. <li><strong>Best dual fuel:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z452V9?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DuroMax XP 13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator</a></li>
  18542.  
  18543.  
  18544.  
  18545. <li><strong>Most portable:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-AC180-Generator-Off-grid/dp/B0C1SMJTDT/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bluetti AC180 Portable Power Station</a></li>
  18546. </ul>
  18547.  
  18548.  
  18549.  
  18550. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-portable-generators"><strong>How we chose the best portable generators</strong></h2>
  18551.  
  18552.  
  18553.  
  18554. <p>I am what is commonly referred to as a “gear junkie” in that I am borderline obsessive about testing a wide range of tech tools, particularly those relevant to the outdoors and varying home DIY projects. Portable power generators not only rank among those tech tools in and of themselves but have also been essential to charging all the other electricity-hungry items like phones, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-macbooks/">the best MacBooks</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-generators/">the best travel drones</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-power-drills/">power tools</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-electric-bikes/">the best electric bikes</a>, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-winterize-a-camper/">my trusty van conversion</a>, not to mention an RV or home when the lights go out. I&#8217;ve also written guides about the best <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-inverter-generators/" rel="sponsored nofollow">solar generators</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-inverter-generators/">inverter generators</a> for <em>PopSci</em>.  </p>
  18555.  
  18556.  
  18557.  
  18558. <p>That being the case, I&#8217;ve had the opportunity to test out generators of every variety, and I&#8217;ve combined that experience with insight from other <em>PopSci</em> writers who have tried everything from <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-portable-power-stations/">small, straightforward power stations</a> the size of a shoebox to big, feature-rich behemoths designed to power a small army. Accordingly, I know which generators provide plenty of juice and which fizzle out under a full power load. Armed with this knowledge, I have spent over a decade reviewing generators and other equipment for outlets like <em>Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, the Daily Beast, Thrillist, </em>and more. Occasionally, I’ve arrived at split decisions for certain categories, so to break the tie, I’ve looked to input from my fellow experts as well as reviews from real-world buyers.&nbsp;</p>
  18559.  
  18560.  
  18561.  
  18562. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-portable-generators-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best portable generators: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  18563.  
  18564.  
  18565.  
  18566. <p>The picks below span a range of sizes, intended uses, and budgets. Some are small and lightweight and designed for appropriately smaller power demands, while others are big on both size and output. All, however, are portable in some capacity, whether because they’re compact and easy to carry or equipped with mobility aids like wheels and handles.&nbsp;</p>
  18567.  
  18568.  
  18569.  
  18570. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-honda-eu2200i-companion-portable-generator"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Generator</a></h3>
  18571.  
  18572.  
  18573. <div
  18574.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18575.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18576. >
  18577.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18578.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18579.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18580.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Honda-EU2200i-Companion-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Generator on a plain background">
  18581.                      </figure>
  18582.                  </a>
  18583.            </div>
  18584.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18585.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18586.        <p><em>Honda</em></p>
  18587.  
  18588.      </figcaption>
  18589.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18590.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  18591.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18592.      </p>
  18593.      </div>
  18594. </div>
  18595.  
  18596.  
  18597.  
  18598. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Super portable, durable, and intuitive to use, this is an outstandingly versatile, go-anywhere generator.&nbsp;</p>
  18599.  
  18600.  
  18601.  
  18602. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18603.  
  18604.  
  18605.  
  18606. <ul>
  18607. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>2,200 peak/1,800 running</li>
  18608.  
  18609.  
  18610.  
  18611. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Gas</li>
  18612.  
  18613.  
  18614.  
  18615. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>46.5 pounds</li>
  18616.  
  18617.  
  18618.  
  18619. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$1,299</li>
  18620. </ul>
  18621.  
  18622.  
  18623.  
  18624. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  18625.  
  18626.  
  18627.  
  18628. <ul>
  18629. <li>Highly portable</li>
  18630.  
  18631.  
  18632.  
  18633. <li>Rugged durability</li>
  18634.  
  18635.  
  18636.  
  18637. <li>Very quiet</li>
  18638. </ul>
  18639.  
  18640.  
  18641.  
  18642. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  18643.  
  18644.  
  18645.  
  18646. <ul>
  18647. <li>Only moderate power output</li>
  18648. </ul>
  18649.  
  18650.  
  18651.  
  18652. <p>It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Honda has topped our list. The company has been making outstanding generators for a long time, and the EU2200i is the perfect representation of how the brand manages to do a little bit of everything just right.&nbsp;</p>
  18653.  
  18654.  
  18655.  
  18656. <p>Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry thanks to its sturdy handle, this is about as portable as generators can get. While its 2,200W output isn’t exactly going to replace an electrical line, it’s still a solid amount to keep an RV air conditioner going, power the hungriest of power tools, or keep your fridge and a few other essentials going during a blackout. The 20- and 30-amp outlets allow you to use a typical AC plug or larger RV plug, and it’s equipped with an array of safety features to make sure nothing goes awry.&nbsp;</p>
  18657.  
  18658.  
  18659.  
  18660. <p>It’s also incredibly durable. I’ve hauled mine along through many camping trips, and I’m not exactly gentle with my outdoor gear. And thanks to its quiet operation, you can enjoy electrification in peace.&nbsp;</p>
  18661.  
  18662.  
  18663.  
  18664. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-high-capacity-generac-7706-gp18000efi-portable-generator"><strong>Best high-capacity:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Generac 7706 GP18000EFI Portable Generator</a></h3>
  18665.  
  18666.  
  18667. <div
  18668.    id="generac-7706-gp18000efi-portable-generator"
  18669.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18670.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18671. >
  18672.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18673.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18674.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18675.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/07/Orange-and-grey-Generac-18000EFI-portable-generator-on-wheels-in-a-parking-lot.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/07/Orange-and-grey-Generac-18000EFI-portable-generator-on-wheels-in-a-parking-lot.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Orange and grey Generac 18000EFI portable generator on wheels in a parking lot">
  18676.                      </figure>
  18677.                  </a>
  18678.            </div>
  18679.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18680.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18681.        <p><em>Nick Hilden</em></p>
  18682.  
  18683.      </figcaption>
  18684.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18685.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  18686.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18687.      </p>
  18688.      </div>
  18689. </div>
  18690.  
  18691.  
  18692.  
  18693. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>With its exceptionally high wattage and reliable operation, it will handle whatever job you throw at it.</p>
  18694.  
  18695.  
  18696.  
  18697. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18698.  
  18699.  
  18700.  
  18701. <ul>
  18702. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>25,000 peak<strong>/</strong>18,000 running</li>
  18703.  
  18704.  
  18705.  
  18706. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Gas</li>
  18707.  
  18708.  
  18709.  
  18710. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>439 pounds</li>
  18711.  
  18712.  
  18713.  
  18714. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$3,999</li>
  18715. </ul>
  18716.  
  18717.  
  18718.  
  18719. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  18720.  
  18721.  
  18722.  
  18723. <ul>
  18724. <li>Super high power output</li>
  18725.  
  18726.  
  18727.  
  18728. <li>Reliable operation</li>
  18729.  
  18730.  
  18731.  
  18732. <li>Sturdy handle and wheels</li>
  18733. </ul>
  18734.  
  18735.  
  18736.  
  18737. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  18738.  
  18739.  
  18740.  
  18741. <ul>
  18742. <li>Extremely heavy</li>
  18743. </ul>
  18744.  
  18745.  
  18746.  
  18747. <p>When only the utmost power will suffice, look no further than the Generac 18000EFI. With its massive 18,000W running output, this monster will easily power a whole house, large-scale job worksite, or multiple RVs. Admittedly, its 439-pound heft takes a lot of liberty with the “portable” distinction, but its sturdy handle and wheels and well-balanced weight make it fairly easy to maneuver around.&nbsp;</p>
  18748.  
  18749.  
  18750.  
  18751. <p>With its massive 5-gallon fuel tank, it will run for up to 9 hours on a 50 percent load, and an hour meter tracks usage and displays how much operating time it has left. Seven outlets spanning 20-50 amps provide plenty of high power port options, and it’s equipped with circuit breakers and other essential safety features. Powerful and reliable, this generator will deliver on pretty much any and all power needs.&nbsp;</p>
  18752.  
  18753.  
  18754.  
  18755. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-solar-jackery-1000-plus-solar-generator"><strong>Best solar:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator</a></h3>
  18756.  
  18757.  
  18758. <div
  18759.    id="jackery-1000-plus-solar-generator"
  18760.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18761.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18762. >
  18763.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18764.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18765.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18766.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/07/Orange-and-grey-rectangular-Jackery-1000-Plus-portable-generator-on-a-patio.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/07/Orange-and-grey-rectangular-Jackery-1000-Plus-portable-generator-on-a-patio.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Orange and grey rectangular Jackery 1000 Plus portable generator on a patio">
  18767.                      </figure>
  18768.                  </a>
  18769.            </div>
  18770.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18771.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18772.        <p><em>Nick Hilden</em></p>
  18773.  
  18774.      </figcaption>
  18775.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18776.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  18777.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18778.      </p>
  18779.      </div>
  18780. </div>
  18781.  
  18782.  
  18783.  
  18784. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Great portability, solid capacity, and lightning-fast charging make this the best mid-sized solar generator on the market.&nbsp;</p>
  18785.  
  18786.  
  18787.  
  18788. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18789.  
  18790.  
  18791.  
  18792. <ul>
  18793. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>4,000 peak/2,000 running</li>
  18794.  
  18795.  
  18796.  
  18797. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Solar or wall</li>
  18798.  
  18799.  
  18800.  
  18801. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>9.92 lbs</li>
  18802.  
  18803.  
  18804.  
  18805. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$1,249</li>
  18806. </ul>
  18807.  
  18808.  
  18809.  
  18810. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  18811.  
  18812.  
  18813.  
  18814. <ul>
  18815. <li>Supremely portable</li>
  18816.  
  18817.  
  18818.  
  18819. <li>Extremely fast charging</li>
  18820.  
  18821.  
  18822.  
  18823. <li>Plenty of ports</li>
  18824. </ul>
  18825.  
  18826.  
  18827.  
  18828. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  18829.  
  18830.  
  18831.  
  18832. <ul>
  18833. <li>Not intended for rugged use</li>
  18834. </ul>
  18835.  
  18836.  
  18837.  
  18838. <p>Solar power generators have become a big hit as of late with the van life crowd in particular, and we&#8217;re <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/jackery-explorer-3000-pro-solar-generator-review/">a fan of Jackery</a>. The Jackery 1000 Plus is the best mid-sized option out there thanks to its perfect fusion of input/output capability, paramount portability, and generally well-considered design elements. With 1,264 watt-hour capacity and 2,000W output, it’s the perfect choice for packing along on a camping trip or placing at the heart of your van conversion. Capable of charging in under two hours via a wall outlet or solar panel array, it has one of the fastest charge speeds around.</p>
  18839.  
  18840.  
  18841.  
  18842. <p>A number of smart design choices elevates its portability. Lightweight, perfectly squared, with a fold-flat handle, it’s easy to move, store, or build into a van conversion. It’s also expandable thanks to Jackery’s new add-on batteries, which essentially means you can bring along as much or as little power as you need. Jackery has also added the ability to monitor and adjust settings via an app, which makes it easier to use in general.&nbsp;</p>
  18843.  
  18844.  
  18845.  
  18846. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-rvs-champion-power-equipment-200988-4500-watt-dual-fuel-portable-generator"><strong>Best for RVs:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B08L9R5YC5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500 Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator</a></h3>
  18847.  
  18848.  
  18849. <div
  18850.    id="champion-power-equipment-200988-4500-watt-dual-fuel-portable-generator"
  18851.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18852.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18853. >
  18854.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18855.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B08L9R5YC5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18856.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18857.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt-Dual-Fuel-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt-Dual-Fuel-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator on a plain background">
  18858.                      </figure>
  18859.                  </a>
  18860.            </div>
  18861.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18862.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18863.        <p><em>Champion</em></p>
  18864.  
  18865.      </figcaption>
  18866.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18867.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B08L9R5YC5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  18868.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18869.      </p>
  18870.      </div>
  18871. </div>
  18872.  
  18873.  
  18874.  
  18875. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>High portability, high power output, quiet operation, and dual fuel functionality make this a must for avid RVers.&nbsp;</p>
  18876.  
  18877.  
  18878.  
  18879. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18880.  
  18881.  
  18882.  
  18883. <ul>
  18884. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>4,500 peak/3,150 running</li>
  18885.  
  18886.  
  18887.  
  18888. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Gas or propane</li>
  18889.  
  18890.  
  18891.  
  18892. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>97 pounds</li>
  18893.  
  18894.  
  18895.  
  18896. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$1,359</li>
  18897. </ul>
  18898.  
  18899.  
  18900.  
  18901. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  18902.  
  18903.  
  18904.  
  18905. <ul>
  18906. <li>Dual fuel versatility</li>
  18907.  
  18908.  
  18909.  
  18910. <li>Higher-end wattage</li>
  18911.  
  18912.  
  18913.  
  18914. <li>Quiet operation</li>
  18915. </ul>
  18916.  
  18917.  
  18918.  
  18919. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  18920.  
  18921.  
  18922.  
  18923. <ul>
  18924. <li>Somewhat heavy</li>
  18925. </ul>
  18926.  
  18927.  
  18928.  
  18929. <p>The Champion 200988 hits the sweet spot for RV generators by pretty much every metric. It runs on both <a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> and <a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/propane_basics.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">propane</a>, making it easy to find fuel when out in the wild. Its 4,500W output is more than enough to power almost any RV—even with the air conditioner turned on. It’s relatively quiet, so it won’t ruin the outdoorsy mood. And it offers straightforward, intuitive operation.&nbsp;</p>
  18930.  
  18931.  
  18932.  
  18933. <p>What’s more, it’s exceedingly rare to find a generator that delivers so much wattage in such a portable package. Compact, squared off for easy packing, and equipped with sturdy handles and wheels, it’s easy to bring along in the RV. While its weight is just under 100 pounds, not exactly featherlight, it’s also not unmanageably heavy. And while I prefer the dual-fuel version, there are also single-fuel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B08HGPR7BD?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">gas</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B09HN452NS?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">propane</a> options that feature a remote start, allowing you to switch it on or off without leaving the comfort of your camper.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  18934.  
  18935.  
  18936.  
  18937. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-home-backup-westinghouse-9500-portable-generator"><strong>Best for home backup:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N80F68E?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Westinghouse 9500 Portable Generator</a></h3>
  18938.  
  18939.  
  18940. <div
  18941.    id="westinghouse-9500-portable-generator"
  18942.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  18943.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  18944. >
  18945.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  18946.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N80F68E?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  18947.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  18948.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Westinghouse-9500-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Westinghouse-9500-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Westinghouse 9500 Portable Generator on a plain background">
  18949.                      </figure>
  18950.                  </a>
  18951.            </div>
  18952.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  18953.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  18954.        <p><em>Westinghouse</em></p>
  18955.  
  18956.      </figcaption>
  18957.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  18958.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N80F68E?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  18959.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  18960.      </p>
  18961.      </div>
  18962. </div>
  18963.  
  18964.  
  18965.  
  18966. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Powerful, remote starting, and relatively mobile, this is the perfect generator to wheel into place when the power goes out.</p>
  18967.  
  18968.  
  18969.  
  18970. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  18971.  
  18972.  
  18973.  
  18974. <ul>
  18975. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>9,500 peak/7,500 running</li>
  18976.  
  18977.  
  18978.  
  18979. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Gas&nbsp;</li>
  18980.  
  18981.  
  18982.  
  18983. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>196 pounds</li>
  18984.  
  18985.  
  18986.  
  18987. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$899</li>
  18988. </ul>
  18989.  
  18990.  
  18991.  
  18992. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  18993.  
  18994.  
  18995.  
  18996. <ul>
  18997. <li>High wattage</li>
  18998.  
  18999.  
  19000.  
  19001. <li>Remote starting</li>
  19002.  
  19003.  
  19004.  
  19005. <li>Long lifespan</li>
  19006. </ul>
  19007.  
  19008.  
  19009.  
  19010. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19011.  
  19012.  
  19013.  
  19014. <ul>
  19015. <li>Pretty heavy</li>
  19016. </ul>
  19017.  
  19018.  
  19019.  
  19020. <p>When the lights go out at home, the Westinghouse 9500 is a solid backup in every way you could want it to be. It’s certainly not light, but its handles and wheels make it easy to maneuver into place—my 70-year-old mother carts hers around with no problems. Its above-average wattage is plenty strong for most household demands, and its 6.6-gallon tank allows for an admirable 11-hour runtime. A remote starter allows you to switch it on without braving the storm. And Westinghouse generators are built solid, typically lasting through many years of use without issue.</p>
  19021.  
  19022.  
  19023.  
  19024. <p>It’s also equipped with plenty of smart safety features. Circuit breakers, low-oil auto shutdown, and rubber covers over the plugs reduce the potential for various risks. A (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-ST-Switch-Alternative-Refrigerators/dp/B082BWF6CH/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">sold separately</a>) smart switch allows it to switch on automatically when utility power goes out. And it’s relatively quiet, producing roughly the same decibels as a vacuum cleaner. For all practical purposes, it’s exactly what you want from a home backup generator.&nbsp;</p>
  19025.  
  19026.  
  19027.  
  19028. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-craftsman-c0010020-2-200-watt-portable-generator"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-C0010020-200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B07P5XRQPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Craftsman C0010020 2,200 Watt Portable Generator</a></h3>
  19029.  
  19030.  
  19031. <div
  19032.    id="craftsman-c0010020-2200-watt-portable-generator"
  19033.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19034.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19035. >
  19036.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19037.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-C0010020-200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B07P5XRQPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19038.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19039.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Craftsman-C0010020-2200-Watt-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/01/Craftsman-C0010020-2200-Watt-Portable-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Craftsman C0010020 2,200 Watt Portable Generator on a plain background">
  19040.                      </figure>
  19041.                  </a>
  19042.            </div>
  19043.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19044.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19045.        <p><em>Craftsman</em></p>
  19046.  
  19047.      </figcaption>
  19048.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19049.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-C0010020-200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B07P5XRQPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  19050.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19051.      </p>
  19052.      </div>
  19053. </div>
  19054.  
  19055.  
  19056.  
  19057. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Good specs and great portability in a low-cost package make this an outstanding budget pick.</p>
  19058.  
  19059.  
  19060.  
  19061. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19062.  
  19063.  
  19064.  
  19065. <ul>
  19066. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>2,200 peak/1,700 running</li>
  19067.  
  19068.  
  19069.  
  19070. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Gas&nbsp;</li>
  19071.  
  19072.  
  19073.  
  19074. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>46.3 pounds</li>
  19075.  
  19076.  
  19077.  
  19078. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$510</li>
  19079. </ul>
  19080.  
  19081.  
  19082.  
  19083. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19084.  
  19085.  
  19086.  
  19087. <ul>
  19088. <li>Very portable</li>
  19089.  
  19090.  
  19091.  
  19092. <li>Parallel capable</li>
  19093.  
  19094.  
  19095.  
  19096. <li>Quiet operation</li>
  19097. </ul>
  19098.  
  19099.  
  19100.  
  19101. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19102.  
  19103.  
  19104.  
  19105. <ul>
  19106. <li>Not for high-power use</li>
  19107. </ul>
  19108.  
  19109.  
  19110.  
  19111. <p>The great thing about the Craftsman C0010020 is that it does a little bit of everything right, and it does it without breaking the bank. While its modest wattage probably isn’t going to keep an entire house or RV going, it’s plenty to keep a few essentials like the fridge, lights, and key devices powered—or even a lower-draw air conditioner. It’s parallel capable, meaning you can chain it to a second generator to double the output when you need more juice. It’s also lightweight, quiet, and dependably built.&nbsp;</p>
  19112.  
  19113.  
  19114.  
  19115. <p>There are other generators out there in the $500 neighborhood, but if they deliver on all the promises above, I haven’t seen them.</p>
  19116.  
  19117.  
  19118.  
  19119. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-dual-fuel-duromax-xp-13000hx-dual-fuel-portable-generator"><strong>Best dual-fuel:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z452V9?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DuroMax XP 13000HX Dual-Fuel Portable Generator</a></h3>
  19120.  
  19121.  
  19122. <div
  19123.    id="duromax-xp-13000hx-dual-fuel-portable-generator"
  19124.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19125.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19126. >
  19127.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19128.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z452V9?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19129.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19130.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/08/Black-and-Blue-DuroMax-HP13000HX-dual-fuel-generator-running-next-to-a-house.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/08/Black-and-Blue-DuroMax-HP13000HX-dual-fuel-generator-running-next-to-a-house.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Black and Blue DuroMax HP13000HX dual-fuel generator running outdoors next to a house">
  19131.                      </figure>
  19132.                  </a>
  19133.            </div>
  19134.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19135.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19136.        <p><em>Nick Hilden</em></p>
  19137.  
  19138.      </figcaption>
  19139.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19140.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z452V9?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  19141.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19142.      </p>
  19143.      </div>
  19144. </div>
  19145.  
  19146.  
  19147.  
  19148. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>High power output, intuitive operation, and relative mobility translate into dual-fuel excellence.</p>
  19149.  
  19150.  
  19151.  
  19152. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19153.  
  19154.  
  19155.  
  19156. <ul>
  19157. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>13,000 peak/10,500 running on gas &#8211; 12,350 peak/9,975 running on propane</li>
  19158.  
  19159.  
  19160.  
  19161. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Gas and propane</li>
  19162.  
  19163.  
  19164.  
  19165. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>240 pounds</li>
  19166.  
  19167.  
  19168.  
  19169. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$1,599</li>
  19170. </ul>
  19171.  
  19172.  
  19173.  
  19174. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19175.  
  19176.  
  19177.  
  19178. <ul>
  19179. <li>Dual fuel versatility</li>
  19180.  
  19181.  
  19182.  
  19183. <li>Very high power output</li>
  19184.  
  19185.  
  19186.  
  19187. <li>Helpful data display</li>
  19188. </ul>
  19189.  
  19190.  
  19191.  
  19192. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19193.  
  19194.  
  19195.  
  19196. <ul>
  19197. <li>Very heavy</li>
  19198. </ul>
  19199.  
  19200.  
  19201.  
  19202. <p>The main benefit of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-dual-fuel-generators/">a dual-fuel generator</a> is in the name: the availability of two fuel options, which can be essential in an emergency situation. The DuroMax XP 13000HX delivers that versatility along with outstanding power output, intuitive operation, and reliable, long-lasting durability. I’m also a big fan of the data display, which provides useful information like voltage, hours of operation, and even a countdown to the recommended maintenance. A CO2 safety switch also detects carbon monoxide and then shuts the generator down if the levels become dangerous.&nbsp;</p>
  19203.  
  19204.  
  19205.  
  19206. <p>This is definitely one of the heavier generators on the list, but it’s equipped with strong handles and smooth-rolling wheels that make it easy to move around. It also boasts a super-heavy duty 50 amp outlet, so in other words, this thing is a true beast.&nbsp;</p>
  19207.  
  19208.  
  19209.  
  19210. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-portable-bluetti-ac180-portable-power-station"><strong>Most portable:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-AC180-Generator-Off-grid/dp/B0C1SMJTDT/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bluetti AC180 Portable Power Station</a></h3>
  19211.  
  19212.  
  19213. <div
  19214.    id="bluetti-ac180-portable-power-station"
  19215.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19216.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19217. >
  19218.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19219.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-AC180-Generator-Off-grid/dp/B0C1SMJTDT/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19220.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19221.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/07/Grey-square-Bluetti-AC180-portable-power-generator-sitting-in-a-garage.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/11/07/Grey-square-Bluetti-AC180-portable-power-generator-sitting-in-a-garage.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Grey square Bluetti AC180 portable power generator sitting in a garage">
  19222.                      </figure>
  19223.                  </a>
  19224.            </div>
  19225.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19226.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19227.        <p><em>Nick Hilden</em></p>
  19228.  
  19229.      </figcaption>
  19230.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19231.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-AC180-Generator-Off-grid/dp/B0C1SMJTDT/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000"
  19232.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19233.      </p>
  19234.      </div>
  19235. </div>
  19236.  
  19237.  
  19238.  
  19239. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>As portable as they come with great stats all around, this is the definition of go-anywhere power.&nbsp;</p>
  19240.  
  19241.  
  19242.  
  19243. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19244.  
  19245.  
  19246.  
  19247. <ul>
  19248. <li><strong>Wattage: </strong>2,700 peak/1,800 running</li>
  19249.  
  19250.  
  19251.  
  19252. <li><strong>Power source: </strong>Solar or wall plug</li>
  19253.  
  19254.  
  19255.  
  19256. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>37.4 pounds</li>
  19257.  
  19258.  
  19259.  
  19260. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$599</li>
  19261. </ul>
  19262.  
  19263.  
  19264.  
  19265. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19266.  
  19267.  
  19268.  
  19269. <ul>
  19270. <li>Extremely portable</li>
  19271.  
  19272.  
  19273.  
  19274. <li>Solid power stats</li>
  19275.  
  19276.  
  19277.  
  19278. <li>Plenty of outlets</li>
  19279. </ul>
  19280.  
  19281.  
  19282.  
  19283. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19284.  
  19285.  
  19286.  
  19287. <ul>
  19288. <li>Dual solar inputs would be nice</li>
  19289. </ul>
  19290.  
  19291.  
  19292.  
  19293. <p>If you’re looking for an ultra-portable box of on-the-go power, the Bluetti AC180 is it. The lightest and most compact on our list, it still has solid power chops thanks to its 1,152Wh capacity and ability to temporarily crank up its power output as high as 2,700W via the brand’s app. That capacity can be expanded via <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Expandable-AC200MAX-Generator-Emergency/dp/B09T5PRL8V/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bluetti’s new add-on batteries</a>, and it can be fully charged within an hour.&nbsp;</p>
  19294.  
  19295.  
  19296.  
  19297. <p>While adding a second solar input wouldn’t hurt, if you’re looking for a reliable box of power that you can bring along pretty much anywhere with ease, you’ve found it.</p>
  19298.  
  19299.  
  19300.  
  19301. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-shopping-for-the-best-portable-generators"><strong>What to consider when shopping for the best portable generators</strong></h2>
  19302.  
  19303.  
  19304.  
  19305. <p>A portable generator tends to be a pretty big investment not only financially but in that it’s a piece of equipment that you plan to rely on—potentially in emergency situations—for many years to come. This being the case, there are several key considerations to remember when choosing the right one for your needs:&nbsp;</p>
  19306.  
  19307.  
  19308.  
  19309. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-output">Power output</h3>
  19310.  
  19311.  
  19312.  
  19313. <p>First and foremost, you need a generator that will meet your electricity needs. When shopping for generators, you’ll typically see output expressed via two numbers, both of which are measured in watts (W). “Running” or “rated” output is the typical amount of watts produced at any given time, while “Peak” output is the amount it can produce in momentary surges, while switching on a power tool or air conditioner, for example. Read the wattage requirements for the various things you expect to power, total them up, and then look for a generator that delivers the appropriate output. Generally speaking, if you’re just looking to keep a few devices charged, 2,000W is the most you’ll need. For power tools, RVs, or a refrigerator, you should aim toward 4,000W. If you expect to be powering a full home, however, you will want at least 7,500W.</p>
  19314.  
  19315.  
  19316.  
  19317. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-type-and-capacity">Fuel type and capacity</h3>
  19318.  
  19319.  
  19320.  
  19321. <p>Generators almost always run on either gas, solar power, or, in the case of dual-fuel models, a combination of gas and propane. Which is right for you depends on considerations like access and the environment. Gas is typically the most convenient option as it can be acquired pretty much anywhere, though it pollutes more and tends to deliver louder operation. Adding the propane option provides greater versatility, which can be helpful if you’re out in the wild or in the event of an emergency, and it also produces less harmful emissions. (We love it <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-propane-grills/">in our grills</a>, so why not our generators?) Solar is an environmentally friendly, nearly silent fuel, but it relies on the availability of sunshine and can’t deliver the same level of wattage as fossil fuels.</p>
  19322.  
  19323.  
  19324.  
  19325. <p>Next you need to consider capacity. The larger the fuel tank or battery capacity, the longer a generator will provide power, but it also increases the weight. If you plan on using your generator at home, a larger model that can be wheeled around is a fine choice. If you’ll be packing your generator along on camping trips, however, you’ll probably need to compromise some capacity in favor of lighter portability.&nbsp;</p>
  19326.  
  19327.  
  19328.  
  19329. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starting-type">Starting type</h3>
  19330.  
  19331.  
  19332.  
  19333. <p>With gas or propane-fueled generators, you’ll almost always have the option to use a recoil cord and an electric starter, as it’s fairly standard for generators to come with both these days. The cord requires a lot of physical effort but will allow you to start the generator under any condition, while the electric start fires things up at the push of a button, though it won’t work if the internal battery is drained. Some models offer remote starters that you can fire up from the comfort of your home or RV. This isn’t really a consideration with solar generators as they tend to be plug-and-play.</p>
  19334.  
  19335.  
  19336.  
  19337. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-operating-noise">Operating noise</h3>
  19338.  
  19339.  
  19340.  
  19341. <p>Generators can be extremely loud, so volume should be a consideration if you don’t want to bother the neighbors at home or disrupt the peace and quiet while camping. While there are exceptions, typically speaking, the larger and more powerful a generator is, the louder it gets. The best portable generators tend to boast heavy shielding to reduce noise, though this only helps up to a point.&nbsp;</p>
  19342.  
  19343.  
  19344.  
  19345. <p>If noise isn’t much of a concern, then go big and go loud. But if you want to minimize the racket, choose a smaller model, a dual-fuel that uses propane (which is somewhat quieter than gas), or the near-silence of solar.</p>
  19346.  
  19347.  
  19348.  
  19349. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plugs">Plugs</h3>
  19350.  
  19351.  
  19352.  
  19353. <p>If a particular model doesn’t have the plugs you need, then it’s not much use to you. Most mid-large-sized generators come with AC outlets of 20-amp and 30-amp ratings, which will allow you to plug in most devices and RVs. Smaller units, especially solar, frequently don’t include a 30 amp port, so they might not work for your RV needs. If you’re looking for true max power output, you’ll need one of the few and far between generators with a 50-amp plug.&nbsp;</p>
  19354.  
  19355.  
  19356.  
  19357. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  19358.  
  19359.  
  19360.  
  19361. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1698874745776"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can I use my portable generator indoors?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Absolutely not! This can kill anyone indoors with the generator very quickly. Carbon monoxide can build up even in partially enclosed areas like barns or garages, so be sure to run them outdoors and away from windows. Solar generators, however, do not pose this risk as they produce no harmful gasses. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1698874784765"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are portable generators a fire hazard?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">As with anything involving gas or propane, fire and explosion are a risk. To prevent the danger of fire, ensure you never over-fill the tank, clean up any fuel that spills, and never fill a generator while it’s hot from running. Here again, solar generators avoid this danger. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1698874793096"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can a portable generator operate in the rain or snow?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">A generator should not be run while wet, as it can lead to damage or electrocution. Be sure to position it out of the weather or protect it with a cover of some sort.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1698874800543"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What happens if I overload my generator?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Overloading can cause the generator to overheat and become damaged, leading to serious damage to the electronic equipment being powered. If your generator isn’t rated to power everything you want it to, prioritize your needs to stay within its limits or get a bigger generator.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1698874809949"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How long can a generator run continuously?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">That depends on the specific model and its fuel capacity, though it can range anywhere from 5 to 15 hours. Read all manufacturer recommendations carefully to ensure you stay within its operating time and avoid the risk of damage. </p> </div> </div>
  19362.  
  19363.  
  19364.  
  19365. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-portable-generators"><strong>Final thoughts on the best portable generators</strong></h2>
  19366.  
  19367.  
  19368.  
  19369. <ul>
  19370. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honda-EU2200IC-2200-Watt-Companion-Generator/dp/B079YTM9D4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Generator</a></li>
  19371.  
  19372.  
  19373.  
  19374. <li><strong>Best high capacity:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Generac-7706-GP18000EFI-Gas-Powered-Electric-Start/dp/B0BY9MDXNY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Generac 7706 GP18000EFI Portable Generator</a></li>
  19375.  
  19376.  
  19377.  
  19378. <li><strong>Best solar:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Generator-2xSolarSaga-Expandable-Exploration/dp/B0CFVDCTRM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator</a></li>
  19379.  
  19380.  
  19381.  
  19382. <li><strong>Best for RVs:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-200988-4500-Watt/dp/B08L9R5YC5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator</a></li>
  19383.  
  19384.  
  19385.  
  19386. <li><strong>Best for home backup:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N80F68E?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Westinghouse 9500 Portable Generator</a></li>
  19387.  
  19388.  
  19389.  
  19390. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-C0010020-200-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B07P5XRQPR?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Craftsman C0010020 2,200 Watt Portable Generator</a></li>
  19391.  
  19392.  
  19393.  
  19394. <li><strong>Best dual fuel:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z452V9?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DuroMax XP 13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator</a></li>
  19395.  
  19396.  
  19397.  
  19398. <li><strong>Most portable:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-AC180-Generator-Off-grid/dp/B0C1SMJTDT/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000585466O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Bluetti AC180 Portable Power Station</a></li>
  19399. </ul>
  19400.  
  19401.  
  19402.  
  19403. <p>A good portable generator can not only be useful <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-power-bank-for-camping/">when camping</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/choose-van-life-vehicle/">off-grid</a>, but it can be vital and even life-saving in an emergency. While theoretically, you want as big a generator as possible, you also want one that’s actually portable, so get a model suited to your needs rather than the largest you can find. Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to mobility. Try to strike the balance between the two appropriate to your circumstances.&nbsp;</p>
  19404.  
  19405.  
  19406.  
  19407. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  19408.  
  19409.  
  19410.  
  19411. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  19412.  
  19413.  
  19414.  
  19415. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  19416. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-generators/">The best portable generators in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  19417. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  19418. </item>
  19419. <item>
  19420. <title>The best party speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed</title>
  19421. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-party-speakers/</link>
  19422. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandt Ranj, Tony Ware, and Billy Cadden]]></dc:creator>
  19423. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 21:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
  19424. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  19425. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  19426. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  19427. <category><![CDATA[Speakers]]></category>
  19428. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  19429. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  19430. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  19431. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  19432. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  19433. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=522656</guid>
  19434.  
  19435. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  19436.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/best-party-speakers-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best party speakers sliced header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Tony Ware</div></figure><p>Bring the funk, noise, and everything in between with party speakers that aren't a cheap trick (but are made to play some).</p>
  19437. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-party-speakers/">The best party speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  19438. ]]></description>
  19439. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  19440.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/best-party-speakers-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best party speakers sliced header" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Tony Ware</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  19441. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  19442.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  19443.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  19444.      <tbody>
  19445.              <tr
  19446.          class="ProductTable-product"
  19447.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  19448.        >
  19449.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  19450.            Best Overall
  19451.          </td>
  19452.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  19453.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/27/JBL-boombox-3-product-image.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/27/JBL-boombox-3-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/27/JBL-boombox-3-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/27/JBL-boombox-3-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/27/JBL-boombox-3-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/03/27/JBL-boombox-3-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Boombox 3 JBL speaker comparison portable party speaker in black" class="wp-image-502231" width="264" height="165">
  19454.          </td>
  19455.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  19456.            JBL Boombox 3
  19457.          </td>
  19458.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  19459.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  19460.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19461.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19462.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19463.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19464.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19465.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 95%">
  19466.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19467.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19468.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19469.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19470.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19471.                                  </div>
  19472.                          </div>
  19473.          </td>
  19474.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  19475.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  19476.                <span>
  19477.                  SEE IT
  19478.                </span>
  19479.            </a>
  19480.          </td>
  19481.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  19482.              <p>JBL&#8217;s Boombox 3 hits the sweet spot between portability, battery life, additional features, and cost.</p>
  19483.  
  19484.            </td>
  19485.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  19486.        </tr>
  19487.              <tr
  19488.          class="ProductTable-product"
  19489.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  19490.        >
  19491.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  19492.            Best With Lights
  19493.          </td>
  19494.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  19495.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Party-Box-110-party-speakers-with-lights-product-image.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Party-Box-110-party-speakers-with-lights-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Party-Box-110-party-speakers-with-lights-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Party-Box-110-party-speakers-with-lights-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Party-Box-110-party-speakers-with-lights-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Party-Box-110-party-speakers-with-lights-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="JBL PartyBox 110 Bluetooth party speaker with lights product image" class="wp-image-523630" width="264" height="165">
  19496.          </td>
  19497.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  19498.            JBL PartyBox 110
  19499.          </td>
  19500.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  19501.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  19502.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19503.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19504.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19505.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19506.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19507.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 85%">
  19508.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19509.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19510.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19511.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19512.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19513.                                  </div>
  19514.                          </div>
  19515.          </td>
  19516.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  19517.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  19518.                <span>
  19519.                  SEE IT
  19520.                </span>
  19521.            </a>
  19522.          </td>
  19523.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  19524.              <p>JBL&#8217;s PartyBox 110 is a big, bass-thumping speaker with lights that impress as much as its sound.</p>
  19525.  
  19526.            </td>
  19527.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  19528.        </tr>
  19529.              <tr
  19530.          class="ProductTable-product"
  19531.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  19532.        >
  19533.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  19534.            Best Budget:
  19535.          </td>
  19536.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  19537.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/Tribit-XSound-Mega-budget-party-speaker.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/Tribit-XSound-Mega-budget-party-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/Tribit-XSound-Mega-budget-party-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/Tribit-XSound-Mega-budget-party-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/Tribit-XSound-Mega-budget-party-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/Tribit-XSound-Mega-budget-party-speaker.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Tribit XSound Mega budget Bluetooth party speaker product image" class="wp-image-523631" width="264" height="165">
  19538.          </td>
  19539.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  19540.            Tribit XSound Mega
  19541.          </td>
  19542.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  19543.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  19544.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19545.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19546.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19547.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19548.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19549.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 65%">
  19550.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19551.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19552.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19553.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19554.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  19555.                                  </div>
  19556.                          </div>
  19557.          </td>
  19558.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  19559.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  19560.                <span>
  19561.                  SEE IT
  19562.                </span>
  19563.            </a>
  19564.          </td>
  19565.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  19566.              <p>The Tribit XSound Mega shares many of the features as some other picks but at a way lower cost.</p>
  19567.  
  19568.            </td>
  19569.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  19570.        </tr>
  19571.            </tbody>
  19572.    </table>
  19573.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  19574.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  19575.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  19576.    </div>
  19577.  </div>
  19578. </div>
  19579.  
  19580.  
  19581.  
  19582. <p>Party speakers may be the most misunderstood mainstream category in the audio world. Contrary to popular belief, party speakers aren&#8217;t limited to bass-heavy Bluetooth models. Of course, there&#8217;s nothing wrong with bassy Bluetooth speakers. Don&#8217;t worry, we&#8217;re going to recommend you some how-low-can-you-go options. However, a party speaker, to us at least, can be an all-in-one PA system, a practice amp that doubles as a speaker, a speaker that lights up the room just with dance music or that adds in equally kinetic LEDs. The best party speakers can be a concert for one or for everyone, and they can be found in selections for every type of celebration.</p>
  19583.  
  19584.  
  19585.  
  19586. <ul>
  19587. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Boombox 3</a></li>
  19588.  
  19589.  
  19590.  
  19591. <li><strong>Best portable:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Bluetooth-Party-Speaker-Hour-Battery-Retractable/dp/B0B43Y8GHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony SRS-XG300</a></li>
  19592.  
  19593.  
  19594.  
  19595. <li><strong>Best with lights:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL PartyBox 110</a></li>
  19596.  
  19597.  
  19598.  
  19599. <li><strong>Best for outdoor party:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocksteady-Stadium-Portable-Bluetooth-Subwoofer/dp/B0B7FQX35S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo</a>&nbsp;</li>
  19600.  
  19601.  
  19602.  
  19603. <li><strong>Best for house party performances:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-EON-ONE-Compact/dp/B07Y2LYV34/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA</a></li>
  19604.  
  19605.  
  19606.  
  19607. <li><strong>Best for guitarists:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09V2RHF96?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Positive Grid Spark MINI</a></li>
  19608.  
  19609.  
  19610.  
  19611. <li><strong>Best for gamers:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GF6Q28N?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">GravaStar Mars Pro</a></li>
  19612.  
  19613.  
  19614.  
  19615. <li><strong>Best Wi-Fi speaker:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://howl.me/ck8LndSUeJK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sonos Move 2</a>&nbsp;</li>
  19616.  
  19617.  
  19618.  
  19619. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Mega</a></li>
  19620. </ul>
  19621.  
  19622.  
  19623.  
  19624. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-how-we-chose-the-best-party-speakers-strong-"><strong>How we chose the best party speakers</strong></h2>
  19625.  
  19626.  
  19627.  
  19628. <p>This speaker category is extremely broad, so we took a fairly granular approach when choosing our recommendations. A mix of hands-on testing and research lead us to a list of speakers that range from pint-sized to powerful, covering common and niche needs. Special attention was paid to bass performance, connectivity options, durability, expandability, and portability. The right party speaker for you will depend on whether you&#8217;re throwing backyard cookouts or basement ragers, are looking for something that sits on a desk or a deck, need something to provide a solo gaming soundtrack or that might require guests <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-earplugs-for-concerts/">to wear earplugs</a>. We don&#8217;t judge. Well, we do judge some things, like audio quality and connectivity. But parties aren&#8217;t the time for critical listening, so what we recommend by the pool or for a DJ is very different than what we&#8217;d look for in our <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">best powered speakers</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-bookshelf-speakers/">best bookshelf speakers</a> for <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-speakers-for-music/">music lovers</a>. We&#8217;ve also been mindful of how much these speakers cost, with recommendations ranging from under $60 to $530.</p>
  19629.  
  19630.  
  19631.  
  19632. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-the-best-party-speakers-reviews-amp-recommendations-strong-"><strong>The best party speakers: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  19633.  
  19634.  
  19635.  
  19636. <p>We&#8217;ve cut through the noise to present speakers to suit everybody&#8217;s needs. You saw our overall methodology above and can find more information on our key considerations later in this story. Now, let&#8217;s get the party started.</p>
  19637.  
  19638.  
  19639.  
  19640. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-jbl-boombox-3"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Boombox 3</a></h3>
  19641.  
  19642.  
  19643. <div
  19644.    id="jbl-boombox-3"
  19645.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19646.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19647. >
  19648.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19649.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19650.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19651.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Boombox-3-party-speakers-outdoors.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-Boombox-3-party-speakers-outdoors.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="JBL Boombox 3 party speaker on a soccer field">
  19652.                      </figure>
  19653.                  </a>
  19654.            </div>
  19655.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19656.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19657.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  19658.  
  19659.      </figcaption>
  19660.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19661.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  19662.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19663.      </p>
  19664.      </div>
  19665. </div>
  19666.  
  19667.  
  19668.  
  19669. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19670.  
  19671.  
  19672.  
  19673. <ul>
  19674. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 8.6 inches</li>
  19675.  
  19676.  
  19677.  
  19678. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery power (up to 24 hours)</li>
  19679.  
  19680.  
  19681.  
  19682. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  19683.  
  19684.  
  19685.  
  19686. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth</li>
  19687.  
  19688.  
  19689.  
  19690. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IP67</li>
  19691. </ul>
  19692.  
  19693.  
  19694.  
  19695. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19696.  
  19697.  
  19698.  
  19699. <ul>
  19700. <li>Massive bass driver </li>
  19701.  
  19702.  
  19703.  
  19704. <li>Can be connected with up to 99 other JBL speakers</li>
  19705.  
  19706.  
  19707.  
  19708. <li>Excellent battery life </li>
  19709. </ul>
  19710.  
  19711.  
  19712.  
  19713. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19714.  
  19715.  
  19716.  
  19717. <ul>
  19718. <li>Big and heavy for a portable speaker</li>
  19719. </ul>
  19720.  
  19721.  
  19722.  
  19723. <p>JBL&#8217;s Boombox 3 pushes the limits of what you can expect from a portable Bluetooth speaker. The subwoofer in its three-way speaker configuration is larger than the ones you&#8217;ll find on some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-desktop-speakers/">desktop speakers</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-studio-monitors/">compact monitors</a>, so you should expect loud, thunderous sound. You won&#8217;t just hear the drop on EDM tracks, you&#8217;ll literally <em>feel </em>it radiate down to 40Hz if the speaker&#8217;s 160 watts are cranked all the way up. In fact, the only way you&#8217;ll get a louder, bigger bass around the same size is by picking up something like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL&#8217;s PartyBox 110</a>, which we&#8217;ll introduce in more detail below. </p>
  19724.  
  19725.  
  19726.  
  19727. <p>The Boombox 3&#8217;s large size comes with one big pro—beyond great sound, of course—and a necessary con. In the plus column, this speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge, easily enough time to get you through a proper rager. JBL says the amount of battery life you&#8217;ll get ultimately depends on your listening volume, which is true, but the Boombox 3 should still last all night (literally) even when it&#8217;s being maxed out. That said, a big battery and large drivers contribute to this speaker&#8217;s 22-inch width and nearly 15-pound weight. This speaker is portable, but it&#8217;ll need someone willing to lug it around—luckily, it&#8217;s equipped with a sturdy molded handle. </p>
  19728.  
  19729.  
  19730.  
  19731. <p>JBL has gotten around this by designing the Boombox 3 with support for its PartyBoost feature, which allows you to link it with up to 99 other JBL speakers. Several <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/jbl-speaker-comparison/">JBL speakers</a> support this feature, so you could use the Boombox 3 as your main party speaker, then spread a couple of smaller models around the periphery of your party space to blanket more ground (for example, you could put several <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-lava-lamps/">lava-lamp-like</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Pulse-Portable-Bluetooth-Dazzling/dp/B0BQPVNJFN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Pulse 5 speakers</a> around to visualize the vibe). We can&#8217;t think of a room—or entire floor, frankly—that this speaker wouldn&#8217;t blanket in loud sound on its own, however.</p>
  19732.  
  19733.  
  19734.  
  19735. <p>If your parties take place outdoors, the JBL Boombox 3 is a great choice thanks to its IP67 rating (for a detailed explanation of IP, check out our considerations at the bottom of this feature). This Boombox 3 can get splashed, rained on, spilled on, or even dunked underneath the water for several minutes without skipping a beat. And it can stand up to dust or sand. Durability is definitely not an issue. The speaker shown above has taken a licking and kept on kicking &#8230; or maybe that&#8217;s taken a kicking and kept on ticking, as it got hit by a soccer ball while providing the soundtrack to a high-intensity practice on the field pictured. If its size and weight (and $449 price) don&#8217;t intimidate you, the JBL Boombox 3&#8217;s bass performance, battery life, and durability are a pretty unbeatable combination.</p>
  19736.  
  19737.  
  19738.  
  19739. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-portable-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-sony-portable-bluetooth-party-speaker-hour-battery-retractable-dp-b0b43y8ghz-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sony-srs-xg300-a-"><strong>Best portable:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Bluetooth-Party-Speaker-Hour-Battery-Retractable/dp/B0B43Y8GHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sony SRS-XG300</a></h3>
  19740.  
  19741.  
  19742. <div
  19743.    id="sony-srs-xg300"
  19744.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19745.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19746. >
  19747.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19748.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Bluetooth-Party-Speaker-Hour-Battery-Retractable/dp/B0B43Y8GHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19749.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19750.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/04/18/Sony-SRS-XG300.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/04/18/Sony-SRS-XG300.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Sony SRS-XG300">
  19751.                      </figure>
  19752.                  </a>
  19753.            </div>
  19754.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19755.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19756.        <p><em>Brandt Ranj</em></p>
  19757.  
  19758.      </figcaption>
  19759.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19760.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Bluetooth-Party-Speaker-Hour-Battery-Retractable/dp/B0B43Y8GHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  19761.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19762.      </p>
  19763.      </div>
  19764. </div>
  19765.  
  19766.  
  19767.  
  19768. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19769.  
  19770.  
  19771.  
  19772. <ul>
  19773. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 2.7 inches (2x)</li>
  19774.  
  19775.  
  19776.  
  19777. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (up to 25 hours)</li>
  19778.  
  19779.  
  19780.  
  19781. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  19782.  
  19783.  
  19784.  
  19785. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth</li>
  19786.  
  19787.  
  19788.  
  19789. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IP67</li>
  19790. </ul>
  19791.  
  19792.  
  19793.  
  19794. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19795.  
  19796.  
  19797.  
  19798. <ul>
  19799. <li>Mega Bass button for even more low end</li>
  19800.  
  19801.  
  19802.  
  19803. <li>Exceptional audio quality</li>
  19804.  
  19805.  
  19806.  
  19807. <li>Best battery life for a portable party speaker</li>
  19808. </ul>
  19809.  
  19810.  
  19811.  
  19812. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19813.  
  19814.  
  19815.  
  19816. <ul>
  19817. <li>Very few devices can take full advantage of this speaker&#8217;s audio potential</li>
  19818. </ul>
  19819.  
  19820.  
  19821.  
  19822. <p>Sony has been making party speakers for half a decade, but the SRS-XG300 is the first time it seems to take this category very seriously. It&#8217;s completely overhauled the look of its party speakers, with a mesh covering that screams sophistication, with LED rings that surround its pair of 2.7-inch bass drivers with a subtle glow rather than a garish one. And the unobtrusive handle conveniently slides in and out of the top, an aesthetically pleasing marriage of form and function. Put simply, the SRS-XG300 speaker looks sophisticated during the day but a little more fun at night. The LEDs can be turned off using Sony&#8217;s app or a button on the backside of this party speaker so you can ignore them entirely. </p>
  19823.  
  19824.  
  19825.  
  19826. <p>That may be a good idea if you plan on stretching the SRS-XG300&#8217;s battery to its 25-hour maximum. Sony is so confident in this portable Bluetooth speaker&#8217;s battery capacity that it built a USB-A port into it, so it doubles as a power bank. In our tests, this speaker could put out a tremendous amount of bass, but it never distorted, even at high volumes. If you want a little more oomph, the speaker&#8217;s Mega Bass button boosts low-end frequencies, but never to the point that the midrange and treble get completely drowned out. If your playlist is full of bass-heavy music, turning on this setting to see how you like it won&#8217;t hurt. </p>
  19827.  
  19828.  
  19829.  
  19830. <p>The SRS-XG300 supports a Sony feature called Party Connect, which allows you to pair up to 100 speakers to play music simultaneously. This was one of our favorite features of JBL&#8217;s Boombox 3, and it remains impressive here. We can&#8217;t see any reason you&#8217;d need more than one of these speakers to fuel your beach, backyard, or basement party, but it&#8217;s nice to have the option.</p>
  19831.  
  19832.  
  19833.  
  19834. <p>You can connect any smartphone, tablet, or computer to the SRS-XG300 wirelessly over Bluetooth, but to get the most out of it, you&#8217;ll need a device that supports the LDAC codec, which allows you to stream music at a very high—nearly CD quality—bitrate. This isn&#8217;t necessarily important at a party unless you host audiophiles exclusively. Still, it&#8217;s worth pointing out since Sony&#8217;s speaker is one of the few Bluetooth models that support this feature. But it&#8217;s also worth pointing out that only select <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-daps/">digital audio players</a> and smartphones support this protocol (nothing Apple, which is why we lean toward this being the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-portable-bluetooth-speaker/">best portable Bluetooth speaker for Android users</a>). You can use <em>any</em> Bluetooth-enabled device to connect via more traditional lossy codecs, and you also have the option to connect a device using a 3.5mm cable, thanks to its AUX input.</p>
  19835.  
  19836.  
  19837.  
  19838. <p>If the most important part of your party is taking top-notch tunes conveniently from one place to another without hitting pause, Sony&#8217;s SRS-XG300 is the clear choice.</p>
  19839.  
  19840.  
  19841.  
  19842. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-with-lights-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-jbl-partybox-110-portable-built-dp-b094dpxr4x-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-jbl-partybox-110-a-"><strong>Best with lights:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL PartyBox 110</a></h3>
  19843.  
  19844.  
  19845. <div
  19846.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19847.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19848. >
  19849.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19850.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19851.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19852.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/09/13/JBL-PartyBox-110-lifestyle-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/09/13/JBL-PartyBox-110-lifestyle-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="JBL PartyBox 110 rooftop">
  19853.                      </figure>
  19854.                  </a>
  19855.            </div>
  19856.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19857.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19858.        <p><em>Markkus Rovito</em></p>
  19859.  
  19860.      </figcaption>
  19861.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19862.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  19863.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19864.      </p>
  19865.      </div>
  19866. </div>
  19867.  
  19868.  
  19869.  
  19870. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19871.  
  19872.  
  19873.  
  19874. <ul>
  19875. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 5.25-inches (2x)</li>
  19876.  
  19877.  
  19878.  
  19879. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (up to 12 hours)</li>
  19880.  
  19881.  
  19882.  
  19883. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  19884.  
  19885.  
  19886.  
  19887. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch inputs (2x)</li>
  19888.  
  19889.  
  19890.  
  19891. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IPX4</li>
  19892. </ul>
  19893.  
  19894.  
  19895.  
  19896. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19897.  
  19898.  
  19899.  
  19900. <ul>
  19901. <li>Massive</li>
  19902.  
  19903.  
  19904.  
  19905. <li>Doubles as a dual-input PA system</li>
  19906.  
  19907.  
  19908.  
  19909. <li>Can be used portably in a pinch</li>
  19910. </ul>
  19911.  
  19912.  
  19913.  
  19914. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  19915.  
  19916.  
  19917.  
  19918. <ul>
  19919. <li>Overkill in most cases</li>
  19920. </ul>
  19921.  
  19922.  
  19923.  
  19924. <p>There&#8217;s no getting around the fact that the JBL PartyBox 110 is a big party speaker, but if you have enough space and need to entertain a large crew with live music or a pre-made mix, it&#8217;s the ideal choice. You can read more about this large speaker in <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/jbl-partybox-110/">our full review</a>, but it&#8217;s ultimately a treat for both the eyes and ears. The PartyBox 110 occupies an interesting place in JBL&#8217;s party speaker lineup, sitting between our <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/jbl-partybox-encore-essential-speaker-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">approved entry-level PartyBox</a>, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Partybox-Encore-Essential-Built/dp/B09VMPBBY5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Encore Essential</a>, and the much larger <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-Premium-Wireless-Bluetooth/dp/B07TJXHG14?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PartyBox 1000</a> (<a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/jbl-partybox-1000-review/">a behemoth of a speaker</a> we&#8217;ve auditioned and enjoyed). It&#8217;s also much more than a typical Bluetooth speaker, party-friendly or otherwise. </p>
  19925.  
  19926.  
  19927.  
  19928. <p>The big LEDs surrounding the PartyBox 110&#8217;s pair of bass drivers turn the front of this speaker into a big figure eight. These lights can be programmed to a handful of patterns—including synced to the beat—or turned off entirely to preserve battery life. Yes, despite the amount of air it&#8217;s pushing and the show it bestows, the PartyBox 110 can run for up to 12 hours without being plugged into an outlet. It&#8217;s also one of the only speakers in its size class to have an IP4X rating, which means it can be splashed with water without incident. </p>
  19929.  
  19930.  
  19931.  
  19932. <p>It may not support JBL&#8217;s PartyBoost, but two of these speakers can be paired together wirelessly. This makes sense when you realize the PartyBox 110 has a pair of 1/4-inch audio inputs designed for a microphone and instrument. Connecting these speakers together will double the number of inputs, giving you greater flexibility when setting up come competitive karaoke. </p>
  19933.  
  19934.  
  19935.  
  19936. <p>If you only plan on using this speaker with prerecorded music, you&#8217;ll be treated to loud, room-shaking sound at the highest volume levels. PA-style party speakers are known for their bass performance, but JBL built a Bass Boost button onto the top of the PartyBox 110 to really drive the point home for lovers of lower frequencies. Let&#8217;s face it, the PartyBox 110 isn&#8217;t necessary for the average cocktail party or even cookout, but having the extra power in your back pocket won&#8217;t hurt if it becomes necessary.</p>
  19937.  
  19938.  
  19939.  
  19940. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-for-outdoor-patio-party-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-rocksteady-stadium-portable-bluetooth-subwoofer-dp-b0b7fqx35s-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-rocksteady-stadium-travel-combo-a-nbsp-"><strong>Best for outdoor patio party:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocksteady-Stadium-Portable-Bluetooth-Subwoofer/dp/B0B7FQX35S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  19941.  
  19942.  
  19943. <div
  19944.    id="rocksteady-stadium-travel-combo"
  19945.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  19946.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  19947. >
  19948.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  19949.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocksteady-Stadium-Portable-Bluetooth-Subwoofer/dp/B0B7FQX35S?ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  19950.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  19951.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/29/Rocksteady-Stadium-outdoors-party-speaker-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/29/Rocksteady-Stadium-outdoors-party-speaker-product-image.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Rocksteady Stadium outdoors party speakers with subwoofer">
  19952.                      </figure>
  19953.                  </a>
  19954.            </div>
  19955.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  19956.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  19957.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  19958.  
  19959.      </figcaption>
  19960.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  19961.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocksteady-Stadium-Portable-Bluetooth-Subwoofer/dp/B0B7FQX35S?ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  19962.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  19963.      </p>
  19964.      </div>
  19965. </div>
  19966.  
  19967.  
  19968.  
  19969. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  19970.  
  19971.  
  19972.  
  19973. <ul>
  19974. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 5.1-inches</li>
  19975.  
  19976.  
  19977.  
  19978. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (Up to 16 hours)</li>
  19979.  
  19980.  
  19981.  
  19982. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  19983.  
  19984.  
  19985.  
  19986. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth, 2.5mm</li>
  19987.  
  19988.  
  19989.  
  19990. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> N/A</li>
  19991. </ul>
  19992.  
  19993.  
  19994.  
  19995. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  19996.  
  19997.  
  19998.  
  19999. <ul>
  20000. <li>Modular assignable-channel speaker system</li>
  20001.  
  20002.  
  20003.  
  20004. <li>Discrete dedicated subwoofer</li>
  20005.  
  20006.  
  20007.  
  20008. <li>Unlimited speakers can be connected</li>
  20009.  
  20010.  
  20011.  
  20012. <li>Portability</li>
  20013. </ul>
  20014.  
  20015.  
  20016.  
  20017. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20018.  
  20019.  
  20020.  
  20021. <ul>
  20022. <li>You have to keep track of/charge multiple speakers</li>
  20023. </ul>
  20024.  
  20025.  
  20026.  
  20027. <p>By now, most people are familiar with a 2.1 speaker system in a home theater environment, which indicates Left and Right speakers paired with a dedicated subwoofer to push the lows higher. Now the Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo lets you take it into the great outdoors. All three touch-controlled speakers connect to one another via a Bluetooth 5.0 mesh network, which means you can place them anywhere you&#8217;d like so long as they&#8217;re within 100 feet of one another. This will allow you to cover a larger area without turning the volume knob to 11. Pick up four 6-inch-tall multidriver rectangles and turn your patio into a quadraphonic quarter. There&#8217;s a mid-bass driver and passive radiator paired with the tweeter in each. Still, for the deepest bass experience, you&#8217;ll want to keep the discrete front-firing subwoofer (or subwoofers) near a wall so the sound gets reinforced by reverberations. </p>
  20028.  
  20029.  
  20030.  
  20031. <p>Many party speakers we recommend can be chained to play simultaneously in mono, but Rocksteady designed its hardware exclusively to be immersive—letting you assign each as Left/Right/Dual channel. Because of that, you can pair an unlimited number of speakers in various multidirectional configurations, though hitting this theoretical limit—or lack thereof—probably won&#8217;t be necessary. We like the modularity of the Stadium Mode system, but it isn&#8217;t waterproof, which can be a problem if your outdoor area has a pool. If that&#8217;s the case, a cadre of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WONDERBOOM-Bluetooth-360-Degree-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B09KX27KGN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">UE&#8217;s WONDERBOOM 3</a> mini-speakers may be a better pick; these $99 floatable orbs produce surprisingly loud 360-degree sound, can be linked via PartyBoost and, being dustproof, are also one of the best speakers to take with you to the beach. </p>
  20032.  
  20033.  
  20034.  
  20035. <p>The only real downside to getting a multispeaker system is that you&#8217;ll need to monitor multiple pieces of audio hardware at all times. Every speaker needs to be charged separately, which can require some juggling if your place doesn&#8217;t have too many outlets. Luckily, battery life is rated at 16 hours, and the speakers are USB-C Quick Charge equipped. If that isn&#8217;t an issue, we can recommend taking Rocksteady&#8217;s Stadium Travel Combo&nbsp;to any outdoor party you&#8217;re hosting or attending.</p>
  20036.  
  20037.  
  20038.  
  20039. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-for-house-party-performances-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-jbl-professional-eon-one-compact-dp-b07y2lyv34-tag-camdnexpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-jbl-eon-one-compact-personal-pa-a-"><strong>Best for house party performances:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-EON-ONE-Compact/dp/B07Y2LYV34/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA</a></h3>
  20040.  
  20041.  
  20042. <div
  20043.    id="jbl-professional-eon-one"
  20044.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20045.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20046. >
  20047.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20048.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-EON-ONE-Compact/dp/B07Y2LYV34/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20049.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20050.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-EON-One-party-speaker-for-house-parties.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/JBL-EON-One-party-speaker-for-house-parties.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Speakers photo">
  20051.                      </figure>
  20052.                  </a>
  20053.            </div>
  20054.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20055.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20056.        <p><em>Billy Cadden</em></p>
  20057.  
  20058.      </figcaption>
  20059.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20060.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-EON-ONE-Compact/dp/B07Y2LYV34/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  20061.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20062.      </p>
  20063.      </div>
  20064. </div>
  20065.  
  20066.  
  20067.  
  20068. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  20069.  
  20070.  
  20071.  
  20072. <ul>
  20073. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 8-inch woofer</li>
  20074.  
  20075.  
  20076.  
  20077. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (Up to 12 hours)</li>
  20078.  
  20079.  
  20080.  
  20081. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  20082.  
  20083.  
  20084.  
  20085. <li><strong>Connectivity options: </strong>Bluetooth, AUX in, 1/4-inch input, mic/line input (2x)</li>
  20086.  
  20087.  
  20088.  
  20089. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> N/A</li>
  20090. </ul>
  20091.  
  20092.  
  20093.  
  20094. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  20095.  
  20096.  
  20097.  
  20098. <ul>
  20099. <li>Simple setup</li>
  20100.  
  20101.  
  20102.  
  20103. <li>Easy-to-use controls</li>
  20104.  
  20105.  
  20106.  
  20107. <li>Portable</li>
  20108.  
  20109.  
  20110.  
  20111. <li>On-unit 4-channel mixer with EQ and effects</li>
  20112.  
  20113.  
  20114.  
  20115. <li>Built-in microphone preamps</li>
  20116.  
  20117.  
  20118.  
  20119. <li>Phantom power</li>
  20120. </ul>
  20121.  
  20122.  
  20123.  
  20124. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20125.  
  20126.  
  20127.  
  20128. <ul>
  20129. <li>Can be too quiet for loud practices</li>
  20130.  
  20131.  
  20132.  
  20133. <li>Reverb effect is subtle for those looking for washed-out sound</li>
  20134. </ul>
  20135.  
  20136.  
  20137.  
  20138. <p>The JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA offers musicians and DJs an easy-to-setup audio solution for smaller performance situations. Weighing just under 18 pounds, packing a 12-hour swappable rechargeable battery, the speaker is light enough to carry to and from smaller gigs and fits easily in the trunk or backseat of most cars.&nbsp;</p>
  20139.  
  20140.  
  20141.  
  20142. <p>The onboard 4-channel mixer offers two XLR/TRS combo jacks, one 1/4-inch guitar input, and a 1/8-inch aux input for dialing in the mix. If you’re using a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-condenser-mic/">condenser microphone</a>, the unit also comes equipped with phantom power. The EON ONE Compact Personal PA’s four-channel configuration provides the flexibility to create a balanced mix of guitars, vocals, and backing tracks from the controls on the speaker itself or via the JBL app. Connect your phone via Bluetooth to access Lexicon and dbx-inspired 4-band EQ, reverb, chorus, and delay (with quick-recall presets), plus control the volume or stream music wirelessly.&nbsp;</p>
  20143.  
  20144.  
  20145.  
  20146. <p>The unit can sit vertically or horizontally and provides a built-in pole mount socket for elevated placements. This flexibility allows the system to thrive in various settings, as a monitor or for broadcast, even when space is tight. Two USB 3.0 ports let you high-speed charge tablets, phones, and bus-powered DJ devices—perfect if you mix digital formats. According to JBL, a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) passthrough lets you connect up to four speakers and extend your mix to larger crowds. [We only got one speaker, so we couldn’t try this out.]&nbsp;</p>
  20147.  
  20148.  
  20149.  
  20150. <p>The EON ONE Compact can reach 112 dB and the 8-inch bass driver hits 37.5 Hz, though it isn’t ideal for louder rock shows. However, it is a great option for solo and acoustic gigs and smaller gatherings where you want a bigger sound without a big hassle.</p>
  20151.  
  20152.  
  20153.  
  20154. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-for-guitarists-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-positive-grid-portable-bluetooth-speaker-dp-b09v2rhf96-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-positive-grid-spark-mini-a-"><strong>Best for guitarists:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09V2RHF96?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Positive Grid Spark MINI</a></h3>
  20155.  
  20156.  
  20157. <div
  20158.    id="positive-grid-spark-mini"
  20159.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20160.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20161. >
  20162.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20163.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09V2RHF96?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20164.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20165.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/positive-grid-spark-mini-best-party-speaker-for-guitarists.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/positive-grid-spark-mini-best-party-speaker-for-guitarists.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Positive Grid Spark Mini practice amp Bluetooth speaker on the floor next to a red guitar">
  20166.                      </figure>
  20167.                  </a>
  20168.            </div>
  20169.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20170.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20171.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  20172.  
  20173.      </figcaption>
  20174.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20175.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09V2RHF96?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  20176.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20177.      </p>
  20178.      </div>
  20179. </div>
  20180.  
  20181.  
  20182.  
  20183. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  20184.  
  20185.  
  20186.  
  20187. <ul>
  20188. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 2-inches (2x)</li>
  20189.  
  20190.  
  20191.  
  20192. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (Up to 8 hours)</li>
  20193.  
  20194.  
  20195.  
  20196. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> No</li>
  20197.  
  20198.  
  20199.  
  20200. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth, AUX input, 1/4-inch input</li>
  20201.  
  20202.  
  20203.  
  20204. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> N/A</li>
  20205. </ul>
  20206.  
  20207.  
  20208.  
  20209. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  20210.  
  20211.  
  20212.  
  20213. <ul>
  20214. <li>Ultra-portable guitar amp</li>
  20215.  
  20216.  
  20217.  
  20218. <li>Ability to switch between 10,000 tones</li>
  20219.  
  20220.  
  20221.  
  20222. <li>Smart Jam Live mode</li>
  20223. </ul>
  20224.  
  20225.  
  20226.  
  20227. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20228.  
  20229.  
  20230.  
  20231. <ul>
  20232. <li>Only worthwhile for musicians</li>
  20233. </ul>
  20234.  
  20235.  
  20236.  
  20237. <p>The Positive Grid Spark MINI was designed for musicians who don&#8217;t just want to attend a party; they want to amp up the entertainment at a party. However, its support for Bluetooth and the presence of an AUX input allow you to kick out other people&#8217;s jams too. As a 3.3-pound practice amp, the Spark MINI is surprisingly capable. Battery-powered and DSP-based, it has a single 1/4-inch input to plug in almost any electric instrument with a standard cable and get a far more robust tone than you might expect looking at the compact cube. You can add accompaniment (drums and bass) by pairing the speaker to your phone to play a backing track (or use your phone to learn with the Positive Grid app&#8217;s auto chords feature). Knobs on top of the Spark MINI let you independently adjust the volume of your music and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-electric-guitars/">that amazing new electric guitar you just picked up</a> till you get the right mix (though the MINI plays nicely with acoustic guitar and bass, as well). You can even select your tone from an online library of over 10,000 sculpted through Positive Grid&#8217;s BIAS tone engine and shared through its app. It&#8217;s like carrying a Marshall stack or AMPEG cabinet &#8230; in a backpack.</p>
  20238.  
  20239.  
  20240.  
  20241. <p>Suppose you&#8217;re a solo musician going to a small get-together. In that case, the Positive Grid Spark MINI is way more practical to lug around than the other PA-capable party speaker we recommend. And with its 8-hour battery life, it will satisfy all but the most out-there jam-band fans. With just two 2-inch drivers and a passive radiator, it won&#8217;t earn the party speaker seal of approval as just a Bluetooth speaker, but it&#8217;s nice to have a near-field option if you&#8217;re in a small space with a handful of friends. Just avoid water (or a spilled beer) with this one. However, none of these downsides are dealbreakers because the Spark MINI is capable of its main task. One of this party speaker&#8217;s underrated features is its Line Out, which allows you to connect the amp to a larger PA. If you like a specific guitar tone from Positive Grid&#8217;s library and show up to a party with a larger system, you can use your preferred effects with a lot of additional volume. </p>
  20242.  
  20243.  
  20244.  
  20245. <p>When you&#8217;re not entertaining guests, you can connect this amp directly to your computer using its USB-C port and use it as an interface to record your instrument with your own custom guitar tone using the PreSonus Studio One <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-daw/">digital audio workstation software</a> that comes with it. Everybody likes going to a party with live music, but bringing all the equipment necessary for it at the last minute is not always practical. With the Positive Grid Spark MINI, it&#8217;s possible to fit everything you need for a &#8220;gig&#8221; in the back seat of a small car, making it a lot more reasonable. </p>
  20246.  
  20247.  
  20248.  
  20249. <p>Willing to trade a little space for more physical tone controls and more room-filling sound? The &#8220;full-sized&#8221; 40W <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Amplifier-Electric-Acoustic/dp/B08HQCG79H?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Positive Grid Spark</a> is still plenty portable, whether you&#8217;re ascending a stairway to heaven, speeding down a highway to hell, or taking friends and family on any other number of musical detours.</p>
  20250.  
  20251.  
  20252.  
  20253. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-for-gamers-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-dp-b09gf6q28n-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-gravastar-mars-pro-a-"><strong>Best for gamers:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GF6Q28N?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">GravaStar Mars Pro</a></h3>
  20254.  
  20255.  
  20256. <div
  20257.    id="gravastar-mars-pro"
  20258.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20259.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20260. >
  20261.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20262.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GF6Q28N?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20263.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20264.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/GravaStar-Mars-Pro-Bluetooth-speaker-for-gamers-purplepink.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/03/28/GravaStar-Mars-Pro-Bluetooth-speaker-for-gamers-purplepink.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="GravaStar Mars Pro Bluetooth speaker on a gamer's desk with laptop and monitor">
  20265.                      </figure>
  20266.                  </a>
  20267.            </div>
  20268.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20269.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20270.        <p><em>Tony Ware</em></p>
  20271.  
  20272.      </figcaption>
  20273.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20274.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GF6Q28N?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  20275.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20276.      </p>
  20277.      </div>
  20278. </div>
  20279.  
  20280.  
  20281.  
  20282. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  20283.  
  20284.  
  20285.  
  20286. <ul>
  20287. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 2.76 inches (2x)</li>
  20288.  
  20289.  
  20290.  
  20291. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (Up to 15 hours)</li>
  20292.  
  20293.  
  20294.  
  20295. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  20296.  
  20297.  
  20298.  
  20299. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth</li>
  20300.  
  20301.  
  20302.  
  20303. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IPX7</li>
  20304. </ul>
  20305.  
  20306.  
  20307.  
  20308. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  20309.  
  20310.  
  20311.  
  20312. <ul>
  20313. <li>Intricate design</li>
  20314.  
  20315.  
  20316.  
  20317. <li>Stereo pairing support</li>
  20318.  
  20319.  
  20320.  
  20321. <li>Two subwoofers</li>
  20322. </ul>
  20323.  
  20324.  
  20325.  
  20326. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20327.  
  20328.  
  20329.  
  20330. <ul>
  20331. <li>Limited connectivity options</li>
  20332. </ul>
  20333.  
  20334.  
  20335.  
  20336. <p>GravaStar&#8217;s Mars Pro proves there ain&#8217;t no party like a LAN party. OK, most of our competitive gaming is done remotely, but we like listening to big beats and bouncy bands with our big broadband. This 7.5-inch-tall wireless party speaker is relatively small but has multiple drivers, a big bass radiator, and 25W to deliver lots of low-end. Its distinctive, futuristic look will fit into a party hosted in a game room or bring an out-of-this-world vibe anywhere with a rechargeable battery that lasts 15-20 hours. That&#8217;s doubly true if you put a pair next to one another and connect them to listen in true stereo. Still, you must applaud the industrial engineering in this speaker&#8217;s zinc alloy body. There are multiple designs and colorways, a touch-responsive volume strip, and it even has LED accents all over it that would make it eye-catching on a livestream as you blast competitors and tunes. </p>
  20337.  
  20338.  
  20339.  
  20340. <p>As far as features go, you can&#8217;t plug an instrument into it or connect it to dozens of speakers simultaneously (just the one other for true L/R channels). Still, none of those options are absolutely necessary. If anything, pairing them down allowed GravaStar to focus more on audio quality and aesthetics, including making the Mars Pro IPX7—or effectively waterproof. Our only disappointment is that the only way to connect devices to this speaker is over Bluetooth 5.0. To be fair, that&#8217;s the universal wireless connectivity standard for all of the best portable speakers. However, it would have been nice to see an AUX in jack as a backup, especially with something that sits nicely next to a computer. </p>
  20341.  
  20342.  
  20343.  
  20344. <p>If that doesn&#8217;t bother you, the GravaStar Mars Pro is an excellent party speaker for smaller rooms. If anything, your guests may spend a few seconds searching around for the sound source when you start to play music from what they might have thought was an extremely detailed model. That party trick alone may make the Mars Pro worth the price of admission.</p>
  20345.  
  20346.  
  20347.  
  20348. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-wi-fi-speaker-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-sonos-move-battery-powered-bluetooth-built-dp-b07w95rbzm-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-sonos-move-a-nbsp-"><strong>Best Wi-Fi speaker:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://howl.me/ck8LndSUeJK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sonos Move 2</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  20349.  
  20350.  
  20351. <div
  20352.    id="sonos-move-2"
  20353.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20354.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20355. >
  20356.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20357.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://howl.me/ck8LndSUeJK" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20358.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20359.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/15/Sonos-Move-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/09/15/Sonos-Move-2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Sonos Move 2">
  20360.                      </figure>
  20361.                  </a>
  20362.            </div>
  20363.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20364.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20365.        <p><em>Brandt Ranj / Popular Science </em></p>
  20366.  
  20367.      </figcaption>
  20368.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20369.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://howl.me/ck8LndSUeJK"
  20370.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20371.      </p>
  20372.      </div>
  20373. </div>
  20374.  
  20375.  
  20376.  
  20377. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  20378.  
  20379.  
  20380.  
  20381. <ul>
  20382. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 3.5-inches</li>
  20383.  
  20384.  
  20385.  
  20386. <li><strong>Power source:</strong> Battery (Up to 24 hours)</li>
  20387.  
  20388.  
  20389.  
  20390. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> Yes</li>
  20391.  
  20392.  
  20393.  
  20394. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth</li>
  20395.  
  20396.  
  20397.  
  20398. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IP65</li>
  20399. </ul>
  20400.  
  20401.  
  20402.  
  20403. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  20404.  
  20405.  
  20406.  
  20407. <ul>
  20408. <li>Sonos&#8217; ecosystem is strong</li>
  20409.  
  20410.  
  20411.  
  20412. <li>Excellent range</li>
  20413.  
  20414.  
  20415.  
  20416. <li>Amazon Alexa and Sonos Assistant compatible</li>
  20417. </ul>
  20418.  
  20419.  
  20420.  
  20421. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20422.  
  20423.  
  20424.  
  20425. <ul>
  20426. <li>Price</li>
  20427. </ul>
  20428.  
  20429.  
  20430.  
  20431. <p>The Sonos Move 2 comes hot on the heels of the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/sonos-era-100-speaker-review/">Era 100</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/sonos-era-300-speaker-review/">Era 300</a>, Sonos&#8217; next-generation connected speakers, and inherits many of the same great traits. One of the Move 2&#8217;s biggest selling points is its Wi-Fi connectivity, which has two distinct advantages over Bluetooth: Longer range and the ability to stream higher-resolution music files. If you have the option to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Move 2, that&#8217;s the connectivity option we recommend.</p>
  20432.  
  20433.  
  20434.  
  20435. <p>The Move 2 isn&#8217;t Sonos&#8217; only portable speaker, but the diminutive <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-ROAM1US1-Roam-Lunar-White/dp/B08Z1C8NM9?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Roam</a> is too small to be used as a party speaker—especially given its price. The Move 2 is a lot larger, but the extra volume allowed Sonos to use better audio hardware. Sonos&#8217; advancements in amp and driver technology shine through, as does the company&#8217;s tasteful use of EQ. Music never sounded too bassy or treble forward, it was, cliche as it sounds, just right. The Move 2 also supports TruePlay, a feature that allows it to automatically adjust its sound using its built-in microphone to determine the size and shape of the room it&#8217;s in.</p>
  20436.  
  20437.  
  20438.  
  20439. <p>This is the only party speaker we recommend in this roundup that supports Amazon Alexa, as well as the Sonos Assistant, allowing you to use it hands-free. Sonos allows you to link streaming services through its app, so you can call up playlists or make them up on the fly without touching your phone. This feature requires an active Wi-Fi connection, so consider that if you plan on bringing the Move 2 to a beach. On a related note, this speaker has an IP56 rating, so it can get splashed with water without incident, but don&#8217;t submerge it under water. </p>
  20440.  
  20441.  
  20442.  
  20443. <p>The Sonos Move s is an excellent portable wireless speaker for all occasions, but its bigger size and louder sound do make it especially useful for a party. The Move 2&#8217;s batter is also 13 hours <em>longer </em>than the first-generation, so it&#8217;ll keep the party going all night long. Taking a Sonos speaker by the pool or beach is extremely appealing. Our only concern with recommending the Sonos Move 2 is its $450 price, which is steep.</p>
  20444.  
  20445.  
  20446.  
  20447. <p>If you&#8217;re happy with the way Sonos speakers sound, the Move 2 is absolutely worthwhile, and it&#8217;s the best option if you&#8217;re looking for a party speaker with a Wi-Fi connection. Only planning to have people gather inside and want to fill an entire room with multidirectional music from one standalone speaker? <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-Era-300-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B0BW2LV57K?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">The new Era 300</a> has an <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/sonos-era-300-speaker-review/">original acoustic design</a> optimized for Dolby Atmos and the captivating gradients of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-apples-spatial-audio/">spatial audio</a>.</p>
  20448.  
  20449.  
  20450.  
  20451. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-budget-strong-nbsp-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-tribit-outdoor-portable-bluetooth-speaker-dp-b09dkgpst6-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-tribit-xsound-mega-a-"><strong>Best budget:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Mega</a></h3>
  20452.  
  20453.  
  20454. <div
  20455.    id="tribit-xsound-mega"
  20456.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20457.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20458. >
  20459.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20460.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20461.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20462.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/Tribit_XSound_Mega_product_card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/03/Tribit_XSound_Mega_product_card.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Tribit Speaker on a wooden table.">
  20463.                      </figure>
  20464.                  </a>
  20465.            </div>
  20466.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20467.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20468.        <p><em>Carsen Joenk</em></p>
  20469.  
  20470.      </figcaption>
  20471.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20472.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000"
  20473.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20474.      </p>
  20475.      </div>
  20476. </div>
  20477.  
  20478.  
  20479.  
  20480. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  20481.  
  20482.  
  20483.  
  20484. <ul>
  20485. <li><strong>Bass driver size:</strong> 1.5-inches (2x)</li>
  20486.  
  20487.  
  20488.  
  20489. <li><strong>Power source: Battery:</strong> (Up to 20 hours)</li>
  20490.  
  20491.  
  20492.  
  20493. <li><strong>Expandable:</strong> No</li>
  20494.  
  20495.  
  20496.  
  20497. <li><strong>Connectivity options:</strong> Bluetooth </li>
  20498.  
  20499.  
  20500.  
  20501. <li><strong>IP rating:</strong> IPX7</li>
  20502. </ul>
  20503.  
  20504.  
  20505.  
  20506. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  20507.  
  20508.  
  20509.  
  20510. <ul>
  20511. <li>Ultra-portable, with an included shoulder strap</li>
  20512.  
  20513.  
  20514.  
  20515. <li>Battery lasts a long time relative to its size</li>
  20516.  
  20517.  
  20518.  
  20519. <li>Price</li>
  20520. </ul>
  20521.  
  20522.  
  20523.  
  20524. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20525.  
  20526.  
  20527.  
  20528. <ul>
  20529. <li>Smaller speakers make less sound</li>
  20530. </ul>
  20531.  
  20532.  
  20533.  
  20534. <p>If you&#8217;ve spent your party budget on a venue, food, and drinks, there&#8217;s still bound to be enough in the bank for Tribit&#8217;s XSound Mega. The beach-bag-friendly speaker has two 1.5-inch bass drivers, which will pump out a reasonable amount of sound, given their size. If you&#8217;re hosting a small gathering at home or outdoors, it&#8217;ll be sufficient but don&#8217;t expect miracles at a big backyard bash. </p>
  20535.  
  20536.  
  20537.  
  20538. <p>We named this the top party pick in our guide to the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-budget-bluetooth-speakers/">best budget Bluetooth speakers</a> because of its battery life, multiple listening modes, built-in LEDs, and carrying strap. The fact that Tribit equipped it with a USB-A port, which allows you to use it as a power bank, was a welcome feature. We found the speaker&#8217;s XBass mode added an appreciable amount of low-frequency response but found the XSound Mega distorted a little at high volumes. It never ruined the song, but the distortion was present. Alternatively, the speaker&#8217;s LEDs were surprisingly sophisticated, pulsing rhythmically as the music played. </p>
  20539.  
  20540.  
  20541.  
  20542. <p>The Tribit XSound Mega is a little barebones compared to some of our other recommendations, but it also costs under $100. You&#8217;re getting a lot of value for your money with this party speaker, which has several of the same core features as our other recommendations in a smaller, less expensive package. </p>
  20543.  
  20544.  
  20545.  
  20546. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-what-to-consider-when-shopping-for-the-party-speakers-strong-"><strong>What to consider when shopping for the party speakers</strong></h2>
  20547.  
  20548.  
  20549.  
  20550. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-bass-driver">Bass driver</h3>
  20551.  
  20552.  
  20553.  
  20554. <p>Party music is typically all about that bass—though midrange and treble shouldn&#8217;t be dismissed!—so it makes sense to focus on a party speaker&#8217;s woofer, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-makes-up-a-speaker/">the driver</a> that determines how low (in the frequency range) you can go. The bigger the woofer, the more sound it can produce. The biggest impediment to bass performance is often size of the speaker itself, since a driver can only be as big as the case it&#8217;s in—though custom waveguides and well-implemented DSP can produce some surprising results. To ensure you get more bounce to the ounce, however, we&#8217;ve only chosen party speakers with larger bass drivers for this reason.</p>
  20555.  
  20556.  
  20557.  
  20558. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-power-source">Power source</h3>
  20559.  
  20560.  
  20561.  
  20562. <p>Some party speakers need to be connected to an outlet at all times because they consume too much power to run on a battery for a long period of time—if at all. The tradeoff between a smaller, less powerful party speaker and a large, high-powered one is real, but in many cases, the answer is clear. If you host large basement parties where there&#8217;s no chance of disturbing the neighbors, a plugged-in party speaker makes sense. For smaller get-togethers—especially those in the outdoors—a portable party speaker makes more sense.</p>
  20563.  
  20564.  
  20565.  
  20566. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-expandability">Expandability</h3>
  20567.  
  20568.  
  20569.  
  20570. <p>Some speaker makers allow you to daisy chain multiple speakers together, so you can play the same music in different places or listen in true stereo. In some cases, this feature is literally called PartyBoost mode. If the parties you throw take place indoors and outdoors, or you have to cover a lot of ground and don&#8217;t want a single huge speaker, expandability is key.</p>
  20571.  
  20572.  
  20573.  
  20574. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-connectivity">Connectivity</h3>
  20575.  
  20576.  
  20577.  
  20578. <p>All of the party speakers we&#8217;re recommending support <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">Bluetooth</a>, the universal wireless standard that allows you to connect your phone, tablet, or computer to countless tech accessories. But even a universal standard has variants, so you&#8217;ll want to make sure the Bluetooth version of your source and speaker are in line (Bluetooth 5.3 devices are the most current, but there are plenty of 4.x devices floating around that still function perfectly well). Some have the option of connecting to your device over <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-wifi-6/">Wi-Fi</a>, which offers a better range, a more stable signal, and higher-fidelity streaming. If you want to go old school, a 3.5mm AUX input will let you connect your source to the party speaker directly, which offers the highest level of fidelity—assuming you&#8217;re playing lossless music—but means your device is literally tethered to the speaker.</p>
  20579.  
  20580.  
  20581.  
  20582. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-ip-rating">IP rating</h3>
  20583.  
  20584.  
  20585.  
  20586. <p>A speaker&#8217;s IP (<a href="https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ingress Protection</a>) rating determines its durability against dust and water. Our recommendations range from having no IP rating to an IPX7 rating, which means they can be fully submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes without the risk of damage. This feature won&#8217;t matter if you keep your speaker indoors—so long as nobody spills a drink on it—but is extremely important if you host outdoor gatherings.</p>
  20587.  
  20588.  
  20589.  
  20590. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-faqs-strong-"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  20591.  
  20592.  
  20593.  
  20594. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1679663960038"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are 500 watts of power enough for a party speaker?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes. A 500-watt speaker is powerful enough to play music at a volume suitable for indoor and outdoor parties. In many cases, a 30-watt speaker will be sufficient if you&#8217;re hosting a party on a single floor of a house.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1679664025271"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Which is better for parties, passive speakers or active speakers?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Active—also known as powered—speakers are better for parties because they have an amplifier built into them. This design feature makes them more portable, which is helpful when hosting a party. Passive speakers are an okay choice if you&#8217;ve hooked up outdoor speakers connected to an amplifier in your home.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1679664043865"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do all party speakers come with a microphone?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">No. Some party speakers have a built-in microphone, but it&#8217;s not a requirement. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1679664228294"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are party speakers worth it?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">If you host many high-energy events or value features other than purely listening to music, a party speaker is worth it. If you&#8217;re just looking for a solo-session listening station, however, you can consider everything from <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-stereo-speakers/">traditional stereo speakers</a> to the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/sonos-era-300-speaker-review/">Sonos Era 300 smart speaker</a> for spatial audio.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1679664132437"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much does a party speaker cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">This depends on the speaker&#8217;s size, audio components, and additional features. Our lowest-cost recommendation costs $60, but you can pay upwards of $600.</p> </div> </div>
  20595.  
  20596.  
  20597.  
  20598. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-final-thoughts-on-choosing-the-best-party-speakers-strong-"><strong>Final thoughts on choosing the best party speakers</strong></h2>
  20599.  
  20600.  
  20601.  
  20602. <ul>
  20603. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL Boombox 3</a></li>
  20604.  
  20605.  
  20606.  
  20607. <li><strong>Best portable:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Bluetooth-Party-Speaker-Hour-Battery-Retractable/dp/B0B43Y8GHZ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony SRS-XG300</a></li>
  20608.  
  20609.  
  20610.  
  20611. <li><strong>Best with lights:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-PartyBox-110-Portable-Built/dp/B094DPXR4X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL PartyBox 110</a></li>
  20612.  
  20613.  
  20614.  
  20615. <li><strong>Best for outdoor party:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocksteady-Stadium-Portable-Bluetooth-Subwoofer/dp/B0B7FQX35S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Rocksteady Stadium Travel Combo</a>&nbsp;</li>
  20616.  
  20617.  
  20618.  
  20619. <li><strong>Best for house party performances:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-EON-ONE-Compact/dp/B07Y2LYV34/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">JBL EON ONE Compact Personal PA</a></li>
  20620.  
  20621.  
  20622.  
  20623. <li><strong>Best for guitarists:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Grid-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09V2RHF96?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Positive Grid Spark MINI</a></li>
  20624.  
  20625.  
  20626.  
  20627. <li><strong>Best for gamers:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GF6Q28N?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">GravaStar Mars Pro</a></li>
  20628.  
  20629.  
  20630.  
  20631. <li><strong>Best Wi-Fi speaker:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://howl.me/ck8LndSUeJK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sonos Move 2</a>&nbsp;</li>
  20632.  
  20633.  
  20634.  
  20635. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tribit-Outdoor-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B09DKGPST6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000522656O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tribit XSound Mega</a></li>
  20636. </ul>
  20637.  
  20638.  
  20639.  
  20640. <p>Whether you throw a couple of casual get-togethers yearly or host the weekly event friends look forward to throughout the week, having a party speaker is key to everyone having a good time. No party is complete without music; you can be the hero by providing it. We&#8217;re especially pleased that companies have begun taking this speaker style seriously rather than chalking it up as a gimmick and slapping unnecessary features onto previously available models that just blurt farty bass. Any of our speaker recommendations will get the job done; now it&#8217;s your task to create the perfect playlist.</p>
  20641.  
  20642.  
  20643.  
  20644. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--em-strong-why-trust-us-strong-em-"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  20645.  
  20646.  
  20647.  
  20648. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  20649.  
  20650.  
  20651.  
  20652. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  20653. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-party-speakers/">The best party speakers in 2024, tested and reviewed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  20654. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  20655. </item>
  20656. <item>
  20657. <title>The best gallon water bottles in 2024</title>
  20658. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gallon-water-bottles/</link>
  20659. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon Russell]]></dc:creator>
  20660. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  20661. <category><![CDATA[Fitness & Exercise]]></category>
  20662. <category><![CDATA[Fitness Gear]]></category>
  20663. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  20664. <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
  20665. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  20666. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  20667. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  20668. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  20669. <category><![CDATA[outdoors]]></category>
  20670. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  20671. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  20672. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=455945</guid>
  20673.  
  20674. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  20675.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/14/best-gallon-water-bottles.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best gallon water bottles" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Here’s one way to make sure you drink enough water every day.</p>
  20676. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gallon-water-bottles/">The best gallon water bottles in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  20677. ]]></description>
  20678. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  20679.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/14/best-gallon-water-bottles.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Best gallon water bottles" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  20680. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  20681.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  20682.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  20683.      <tbody>
  20684.              <tr
  20685.          class="ProductTable-product"
  20686.          data-href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html"
  20687.        >
  20688.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  20689.            Best overall
  20690.          </td>
  20691.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  20692.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Yeti Rambler Gallon Jug is the best gallon water bottle overall." class="wp-image-455957" width="264" height="165">
  20693.          </td>
  20694.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  20695.            Yeti Gallon Jug
  20696.          </td>
  20697.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  20698.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  20699.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20700.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20701.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20702.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20703.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20704.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 96%">
  20705.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20706.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20707.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20708.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20709.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20710.                                  </div>
  20711.                          </div>
  20712.          </td>
  20713.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  20714.            <a href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  20715.                <span>
  20716.                  SEE IT
  20717.                </span>
  20718.            </a>
  20719.          </td>
  20720.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  20721.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yeti’s stainless steel gallon water jug is rugged and cleverly designed.</span></p>
  20722.  
  20723.            </td>
  20724.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  20725.        </tr>
  20726.              <tr
  20727.          class="ProductTable-product"
  20728.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  20729.        >
  20730.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  20731.            Best insulated
  20732.          </td>
  20733.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  20734.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Hydro Flask Oasis is the best insulated gallon water bottle." class="wp-image-455960" width="264" height="165">
  20735.          </td>
  20736.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  20737.            Hydro Flask Oasis
  20738.          </td>
  20739.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  20740.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  20741.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20742.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20743.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20744.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20745.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20746.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  20747.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20748.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20749.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20750.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20751.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20752.                                  </div>
  20753.                          </div>
  20754.          </td>
  20755.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  20756.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  20757.                <span>
  20758.                  SEE IT
  20759.                </span>
  20760.            </a>
  20761.          </td>
  20762.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  20763.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hydro Flask’s 1-gallon Oasis can quench a big thirst after a long day.</span></p>
  20764.  
  20765.            </td>
  20766.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  20767.        </tr>
  20768.              <tr
  20769.          class="ProductTable-product"
  20770.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  20771.        >
  20772.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  20773.            Best motivational
  20774.          </td>
  20775.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  20776.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Fidus Motivational Water Bottle is the best motivational gallon water bottle." class="wp-image-455964" width="264" height="165">
  20777.          </td>
  20778.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  20779.            Fidus Motivational Water Bottle
  20780.          </td>
  20781.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  20782.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  20783.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20784.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20785.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20786.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20787.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20788.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 86%">
  20789.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20790.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20791.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20792.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20793.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  20794.                                  </div>
  20795.                          </div>
  20796.          </td>
  20797.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  20798.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  20799.                <span>
  20800.                  SEE IT
  20801.                </span>
  20802.            </a>
  20803.          </td>
  20804.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  20805.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Fidus motivational water bottle has markings to help you hit your hydration goals.</span></p>
  20806.  
  20807.            </td>
  20808.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  20809.        </tr>
  20810.            </tbody>
  20811.    </table>
  20812.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  20813.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  20814.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  20815.    </div>
  20816.  </div>
  20817. </div>
  20818.  
  20819.  
  20820.  
  20821. <p>The gallon water bottle is the ultimate hydration vessel. Carrying 128 ounces of liquid, these giant vessels are the perfect companion for balmy beach days, backcountry hikes, and sweaty gym sessions. They’ve also recently grown popular as a way to push yourself to drink more water every day. If your average 40-ounce water bottle just isn’t cutting it, an absolutely immense gallon bottle will ensure you never feel parched again. Chances are, you’ll have plenty left over to share with your friends and family after you absolutely crush those hydration goals. Here are the best gallon water bottles for aspirational drinkers, fitness obsessives, and anyone who wants to catch the big water bottle wave.</p>
  20822.  
  20823.  
  20824.  
  20825. <ul>
  20826. <li><strong>Best overall</strong>: <a href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yeti Gallon Jug</a></li>
  20827.  
  20828.  
  20829.  
  20830. <li><strong>Best insulated</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hydro Flask Oasis</a></li>
  20831.  
  20832.  
  20833.  
  20834. <li><strong>Best for the gym</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3000000739-Beverage-Cooler/dp/B00363V3LI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Coleman One Gallon Beverage Cooler</a></li>
  20835.  
  20836.  
  20837.  
  20838. <li><strong>Best motivational</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fidus Motivational Water Bottle</a></li>
  20839.  
  20840.  
  20841.  
  20842. <li><strong>Best budget</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Plastic-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C92RVRP/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Simple Modern Gallon Water Bottle</a></li>
  20843. </ul>
  20844.  
  20845.  
  20846.  
  20847. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-gallon-water-bottles"><strong>How we chose the best gallon water bottles</strong></h2>
  20848.  
  20849.  
  20850.  
  20851. <p>I consider myself an outdoorsy guy, so I spend a lot of time at the beach, in the mountains, and far away from clean running water. I was particularly excited to look into gallon water bottles since I’ve been thinking about picking one up myself. To make our selections, I performed hands-on testing and did hours of research, surveying critical viewpoints from <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-smart-water-bottles/">water-obsessed coworkers</a> alongside user impressions before settling on our picks.</p>
  20852.  
  20853.  
  20854.  
  20855. <p>At <em>Popular Science</em>, I cover a little bit of everything. I’ve researched all kinds of products, from the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-energy-efficient-air-conditioners/">best energy-efficient air conditioners</a> to the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-smoke-detectors/">best smoke detectors</a>. Before <em>PopSci</em>, I wrote about and reviewed gadgets for over 10 years for sites like <em>iMore</em>, <em>XDA Developers</em>, and <em>CNN Underscored</em>.&nbsp;</p>
  20856.  
  20857.  
  20858.  
  20859. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-gallon-water-bottles-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best gallon water bottles: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  20860.  
  20861.  
  20862.  
  20863. <p>The type of gallon water bottle you buy depends on how you plan to use it. If you want to keep liquids hot or cold, a stainless steel bottle that’s vacuum insulated is your best option. Otherwise, plastic bottles tend to be more affordable and weigh less. Since there aren’t that many trustworthy brands making gallon water bottles, we feel confident that one of these picks is the best option for you.</p>
  20864.  
  20865.  
  20866.  
  20867. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-yeti-rambler-gallon-jug"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yeti Rambler Gallon Jug</a></h3>
  20868.  
  20869.  
  20870. <div
  20871.    id="satiate-your-thirst"
  20872.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20873.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20874. >
  20875.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20876.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20877.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20878.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Yeti-Rambler-Gallon-Jug-best-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Yeti Rambler Gallon Jug is the best gallon water bottle overall.">
  20879.                      </figure>
  20880.                  </a>
  20881.            </div>
  20882.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20883.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20884.        <p><em>YETI</em></p>
  20885.  
  20886.      </figcaption>
  20887.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20888.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&#038;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html"
  20889.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20890.      </p>
  20891.      </div>
  20892. </div>
  20893.  
  20894.  
  20895.  
  20896. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The Yeti Gallon Jug features tough stainless steel construction and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks icy cold all day long.</p>
  20897.  
  20898.  
  20899.  
  20900. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  20901.  
  20902.  
  20903.  
  20904. <ul>
  20905. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Stainless steel</li>
  20906.  
  20907.  
  20908.  
  20909. <li><strong>Height: </strong>15 inches</li>
  20910.  
  20911.  
  20912.  
  20913. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>4.5 pounds</li>
  20914.  
  20915.  
  20916.  
  20917. <li><strong>Dishwasher safe</strong>: Yes</li>
  20918.  
  20919.  
  20920.  
  20921. <li><strong>BPA Free</strong>: Yes</li>
  20922. </ul>
  20923.  
  20924.  
  20925.  
  20926. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  20927.  
  20928.  
  20929.  
  20930. <ul>
  20931. <li>Clever magnetic lid to store spout cap</li>
  20932.  
  20933.  
  20934.  
  20935. <li>Double-wall insulation</li>
  20936.  
  20937.  
  20938.  
  20939. <li>Sturdy handle</li>
  20940. </ul>
  20941.  
  20942.  
  20943.  
  20944. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  20945.  
  20946.  
  20947.  
  20948. <ul>
  20949. <li>Expensive</li>
  20950.  
  20951.  
  20952.  
  20953. <li>Heavy</li>
  20954. </ul>
  20955.  
  20956.  
  20957.  
  20958. <p>The Yeti Gallon Jug will keep your water cold if you’re out in the field and away from refills. It’s made of durable stainless steel and features vacuum insulation so that it will keep liquids hot or cold for several hours. It also keeps your bottle from sweating, so surfaces are safe from condensation.</p>
  20959.  
  20960.  
  20961.  
  20962. <p>The Gallon Jug’s lid features a sturdy metal handle with soft grip padding, making it easier to carry on long hauls. The lid also contains a neat magnetic design, so users can store the cap when the spout is open. You can also screw the entire lid off for easy cleaning and refills. It’s a clever design that reinforces Yeti’s attention to the small details.</p>
  20963.  
  20964.  
  20965.  
  20966. <p>Like all Yeti’s other stainless steel bottles, the Gallon Jug is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. It weighs 4.5 pounds before putting water in it, or over 12 pounds full. That’s heavy on a hike. Still, it is far and away the nicest water bottle of this size.</p>
  20967.  
  20968.  
  20969.  
  20970. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-insulated-hydro-flask-oasis"><strong>Best insulated:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hydro Flask Oasis</a></h3>
  20971.  
  20972.  
  20973. <div
  20974.    id="a-portable-oasis"
  20975.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  20976.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  20977. >
  20978.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  20979.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  20980.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  20981.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Hydro-Flask-Oasis-best-insulated.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Hydro Flask Oasis is the best insulated gallon water bottle.">
  20982.                      </figure>
  20983.                  </a>
  20984.            </div>
  20985.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  20986.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  20987.        <p><em>Hydro Flask</em></p>
  20988.  
  20989.      </figcaption>
  20990.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  20991.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000"
  20992.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  20993.      </p>
  20994.      </div>
  20995. </div>
  20996.  
  20997.  
  20998.  
  20999. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The Hydro Flask Oasis is big and heavy, but it’ll keep your liquids cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours.</p>
  21000.  
  21001.  
  21002.  
  21003. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  21004.  
  21005.  
  21006.  
  21007. <ul>
  21008. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Stainless steel</li>
  21009.  
  21010.  
  21011.  
  21012. <li><strong>Height: </strong>14.8 inches</li>
  21013.  
  21014.  
  21015.  
  21016. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>4.96 pounds</li>
  21017.  
  21018.  
  21019.  
  21020. <li><strong>Dishwasher safe</strong>: Yes</li>
  21021.  
  21022.  
  21023.  
  21024. <li><strong>BPA Free</strong>: Yes</li>
  21025. </ul>
  21026.  
  21027.  
  21028.  
  21029. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  21030.  
  21031.  
  21032.  
  21033. <ul>
  21034. <li>Easy grip base</li>
  21035.  
  21036.  
  21037.  
  21038. <li>Double-wall insulation</li>
  21039.  
  21040.  
  21041.  
  21042. <li>Keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours</li>
  21043. </ul>
  21044.  
  21045.  
  21046.  
  21047. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  21048.  
  21049.  
  21050.  
  21051. <ul>
  21052. <li>Expensive</li>
  21053.  
  21054.  
  21055.  
  21056. <li>Heavy</li>
  21057. </ul>
  21058.  
  21059.  
  21060.  
  21061. <p>Like our top pick, the Hydro Flask Oasis is a large, heavy stainless steel bottle with double-wall vacuum insulation that ensures liquids stay cold. Hydro Flask claims water stays chilled in the Oasis for up to 24 hours, making it the perfect companion for the summer months. It’s also rated for hot liquids and keeps coffee, tea, or soup hot for up to 12 hours. It&#8217;s an excellent option for skiers who want a piping hot cup of joe after a long day on the slopes.</p>
  21062.  
  21063.  
  21064.  
  21065. <p>In addition to its superior insulation, we like the Oasis’ beveled base, which makes it easier to grab and pour. It&#8217;s a nice touch that you won’t find elsewhere. On the other hand, the Oasis’ lid doesn&#8217;t provide a place to store the spout cap, and the plastic handle isn&#8217;t as durable or easy to hold.</p>
  21066.  
  21067.  
  21068.  
  21069. <p>Like the Yeti Rambler, the Hydro Flask Oasis weighs nearly 5 pounds and pushes 13 pounds when filled with water. The weight isn&#8217;t a significant hurdle if you&#8217;re keeping hydrated at home, but the Oasis&#8217; weight could be an issue on a camping trip or climbing up a mountain when every ounce counts.</p>
  21070.  
  21071.  
  21072.  
  21073. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-the-gym-coleman-one-gallon-beverage-cooler"><strong>Best for the gym:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3000000739-Beverage-Cooler/dp/B00363V3LI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Coleman One-Gallon Beverage Cooler</a></h3>
  21074.  
  21075.  
  21076. <div
  21077.    id="classic-chill"
  21078.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  21079.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  21080. >
  21081.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  21082.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3000000739-Beverage-Cooler/dp/B00363V3LI/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  21083.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  21084.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Coleman-One-Gallon-Beverage-Cooler-best-for-the-gym.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Coleman-One-Gallon-Beverage-Cooler-best-for-the-gym.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Coleman One Gallon Beverage Cooler is the best for the gym.">
  21085.                      </figure>
  21086.                  </a>
  21087.            </div>
  21088.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  21089.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  21090.        <p><em>Coleman</em></p>
  21091.  
  21092.      </figcaption>
  21093.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  21094.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3000000739-Beverage-Cooler/dp/B00363V3LI/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000"
  21095.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  21096.      </p>
  21097.      </div>
  21098. </div>
  21099.  
  21100.  
  21101.  
  21102. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The Coleman One-Gallon Beverage Cooler features a simple flip-top spout, insulation, and a classic design you remember from childhood.</p>
  21103.  
  21104.  
  21105.  
  21106. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  21107.  
  21108.  
  21109.  
  21110. <ul>
  21111. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Plastic</li>
  21112.  
  21113.  
  21114.  
  21115. <li><strong>Height: </strong>12.8 inches</li>
  21116.  
  21117.  
  21118.  
  21119. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>N/A</li>
  21120.  
  21121.  
  21122.  
  21123. <li><strong>Dishwasher safe</strong>: No</li>
  21124.  
  21125.  
  21126.  
  21127. <li><strong>BPA Free</strong>: Yes</li>
  21128. </ul>
  21129.  
  21130.  
  21131.  
  21132. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  21133.  
  21134.  
  21135.  
  21136. <ul>
  21137. <li>Sturdy design</li>
  21138.  
  21139.  
  21140.  
  21141. <li>Insulation</li>
  21142.  
  21143.  
  21144.  
  21145. <li>Flip-top spout</li>
  21146. </ul>
  21147.  
  21148.  
  21149.  
  21150. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  21151.  
  21152.  
  21153.  
  21154. <ul>
  21155. <li>Not dishwasher safe</li>
  21156. </ul>
  21157.  
  21158.  
  21159.  
  21160. <p>If you played sports as a kid, you may remember the Coleman gallon jug. Your coach may have brought it along to keep your whole team hydrated, but now it’s just for you.</p>
  21161.  
  21162.  
  21163.  
  21164. <p>The fact of the matter is that Coleman still makes a great bottle, and it’s specifically the perfect option for the gym. It has a leakproof lid, flip-top spout, and insulation to keep liquids cold. It’s also incredibly durable and features a handle that makes the Coleman Chiller easy to carry. It’s a simple, classic design that will keep you hydrated through every workout step.</p>
  21165.  
  21166.  
  21167.  
  21168. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-motivational-fidus-motivational-water-bottle"><strong>Best motivational:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fidus Motivational Water Bottle</a></h3>
  21169.  
  21170.  
  21171. <div
  21172.    id="drink-more-water"
  21173.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  21174.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  21175. >
  21176.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  21177.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  21178.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  21179.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Fidus-Motivational-Water-Bottle-best-motivational.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Fidus Motivational Water Bottle is the best motivational gallon water bottle.">
  21180.                      </figure>
  21181.                  </a>
  21182.            </div>
  21183.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  21184.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  21185.        <p><em>Fidus</em></p>
  21186.  
  21187.      </figcaption>
  21188.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  21189.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000"
  21190.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  21191.      </p>
  21192.      </div>
  21193. </div>
  21194.  
  21195.  
  21196.  
  21197. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: For people buying a big water bottle to drink more water, the Fidus Motivational water bottle gives you regular hydration goals.</p>
  21198.  
  21199.  
  21200.  
  21201. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  21202.  
  21203.  
  21204.  
  21205. <ul>
  21206. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Plastic</li>
  21207.  
  21208.  
  21209.  
  21210. <li><strong>Height: </strong>13.8 inches</li>
  21211.  
  21212.  
  21213.  
  21214. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>0.83 pounds</li>
  21215.  
  21216.  
  21217.  
  21218. <li><strong>Dishwasher safe</strong>: Yes</li>
  21219.  
  21220.  
  21221.  
  21222. <li><strong>BPA Free</strong>: Yes</li>
  21223. </ul>
  21224.  
  21225.  
  21226.  
  21227. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  21228.  
  21229.  
  21230.  
  21231. <ul>
  21232. <li>Paracord handle</li>
  21233.  
  21234.  
  21235.  
  21236. <li>Button cap</li>
  21237.  
  21238.  
  21239.  
  21240. <li>Available in several colors</li>
  21241. </ul>
  21242.  
  21243.  
  21244.  
  21245. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  21246.  
  21247.  
  21248.  
  21249. <ul>
  21250. <li>No insulation</li>
  21251. </ul>
  21252.  
  21253.  
  21254.  
  21255. <p>Drinking a gallon of water in a single day is hard work. As we mentioned, you don’t actually need to do it to stay healthily hydrated. But if you <em>want </em>to, this water bottle from Fidus is a trendy Tritan plastic water bottle with markers and motivational quotes to keep you on track to hit that daily goal.&nbsp;</p>
  21256.  
  21257.  
  21258.  
  21259. <p>The 1-gallon water bottle from Fidus features eight motivational quotes to keep users focused and energized about hitting their water intake goals. It also features a cap that covers the spout and straw, so it’ll stay shielded from dust and particles throughout the day, and comes with a detachable paracord handle for easier carrying. Who doesn’t like a bit of encouragement?</p>
  21260.  
  21261.  
  21262.  
  21263. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-simple-modern-gallon-water-bottle"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Plastic-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C92RVRP/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Simple Modern Gallon Water Bottle</a></h3>
  21264.  
  21265.  
  21266. <div
  21267.    id="simple-hydration"
  21268.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  21269.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  21270. >
  21271.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  21272.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Plastic-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C92RVRP/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  21273.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  21274.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Simple-Modern-Gallon-Water-Bottle-best-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/07/12/Simple-Modern-Gallon-Water-Bottle-best-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Simple Modern Gallon Water Bottle is the best for the budget.">
  21275.                      </figure>
  21276.                  </a>
  21277.            </div>
  21278.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  21279.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  21280.        <p><em>Simple Modern</em></p>
  21281.  
  21282.      </figcaption>
  21283.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  21284.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Plastic-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C92RVRP/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000"
  21285.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  21286.      </p>
  21287.      </div>
  21288. </div>
  21289.  
  21290.  
  21291.  
  21292. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The Simple Modern Gallon Water Bottle offers a basic bottle at an affordable price.</p>
  21293.  
  21294.  
  21295.  
  21296. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  21297.  
  21298.  
  21299.  
  21300. <ul>
  21301. <li><strong>Material: </strong>Plastic</li>
  21302.  
  21303.  
  21304.  
  21305. <li><strong>Height: </strong>13.8 inches</li>
  21306.  
  21307.  
  21308.  
  21309. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>1.15 pounds</li>
  21310.  
  21311.  
  21312.  
  21313. <li><strong>Dishwasher safe</strong>: Yes</li>
  21314.  
  21315.  
  21316.  
  21317. <li><strong>BPA Free</strong>: Yes</li>
  21318. </ul>
  21319.  
  21320.  
  21321.  
  21322. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  21323.  
  21324.  
  21325.  
  21326. <ul>
  21327. <li>Silicone straw</li>
  21328.  
  21329.  
  21330.  
  21331. <li>Button cap</li>
  21332. </ul>
  21333.  
  21334.  
  21335.  
  21336. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  21337.  
  21338.  
  21339.  
  21340. <ul>
  21341. <li>No insulation</li>
  21342. </ul>
  21343.  
  21344.  
  21345.  
  21346. <p>The Simple Modern 1-gallon bottle is, just like the brand name implies, a simple gallon water bottle. The dishwasher-safe Tritan plastic bottle comes in a variety of colors, including some calming color gradients like the green-to-purple “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Water-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C92XPWN?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Tropical Seas</a>,” and warm coral-to-cyan “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Water-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C91C1ZP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Havana</a>.” The best part of the Simple Modern bottle is its lid, which features a silicone mouthpiece with a lockable cover to keep it from getting dirty between sips. Press, Flip, Hydrate. Simple!</p>
  21347.  
  21348.  
  21349.  
  21350. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-buying-the-best-gallon-water-bottles"><strong>What to consider when buying the best gallon water bottles</strong></h2>
  21351.  
  21352.  
  21353.  
  21354. <p>So let’s get one thing out of the way: You don’t actually need to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/how-much-water-should-you-drink-in-a-day/">drink 8 cups of water</a> every day. Giant water bottles have recently seen a surge in popularity, as people see them as a means of motivating themselves to drink more water. While you should never deny yourself water if you’re thirsty, it turns out that you don’t need to push yourself to drink <em>that </em>much.</p>
  21355.  
  21356.  
  21357.  
  21358. <p>That doesn’t mean there aren’t good reasons to carry around an absolutely gigantic jug of water. If you frequently go camping or spend long stretches of time away from a clean water source, it pays to bring a lot of water along.&nbsp;</p>
  21359.  
  21360.  
  21361.  
  21362. <p>There aren’t as many manufacturers making gallon water bottles as the standard 32-ounce and 40-ounce options, so there isn’t as much room to get picky about style and design. That said, it still pays to know the essentials of water bottle construction so you can tell the best gallon water bottles from the knockoffs. Once you know where to look—and what to look for—in a gallon water bottle, you’ll find options that offer excellent durability, insulation, and clever designs for comfortable transportation and enhanced hydration.</p>
  21363.  
  21364.  
  21365.  
  21366. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-material">Material</h3>
  21367.  
  21368.  
  21369.  
  21370. <p>Most water bottles, no matter the size, are made of durable plastic or stainless steel. You may also find gallon jars made from shatter-resistant glass, but it’s fairly uncommon among bottles made for daily drinking.</p>
  21371.  
  21372.  
  21373.  
  21374. <p>Stainless steel water bottles are popular because they’re light but durable. They’re usually made from 18/8 stainless steel, which refers to its elemental composition—18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is considered food safe and is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Many stainless steel bottles are also vacuum insulated (like the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-insulated-water-bottles/">best insulated water bottles</a>) or designed to create a sealed buffer between the liquid in the container and the environment outside the bottle, which reduces conduction and keeps liquids hot or cold for several hours. </p>
  21375.  
  21376.  
  21377.  
  21378. <p>Reusable plastic water bottles offer a great balance of durability and affordability. High-quality plastic bottles are arguably more resistant to superficial wear and tear, though they generally lack stainless steel’s insulation. There is far more variability among the material to make plastic water bottles than there is among stainless steel water bottles.&nbsp;</p>
  21379.  
  21380.  
  21381.  
  21382. <p>When buying plastic, make sure to get a plastic water bottle that’s made from BPA-free <a href="https://www.eastman.com/Markets/Tritan_Safe/Pages/Attributes.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tritan plastic</a>, which is light, ultra-durable, and safe. Some studies suggest that containers made from plastics with bisphenol A, or <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BPA</a>, can seep into what’s stored in the container and cause adverse health effects, so avoid plastic bottles unless the manufacturer specifies that they use a BPA-free material.</p>
  21383.  
  21384.  
  21385.  
  21386. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-durability">Durability</h3>
  21387.  
  21388.  
  21389.  
  21390. <p>The gallon water bottle you buy will likely be by your side day and night, so it needs to withstand the pitfalls of everyday use. Stainless steel can get dented and scratched, but it’s pretty resilient over the long run and should last for several years. Stainless steel can also handle sudden temperature changes, making them more versatile than other materials on this list.</p>
  21391.  
  21392.  
  21393.  
  21394. <p>Tritan plastic water bottles are generally more scratch-resistant and won’t ding, but are by no means indestructible. Both materials are strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, even hiking or running. However, if you’re likely to drop your bottle off a cliff (or off a car’s roof), maybe go with stainless steel.</p>
  21395.  
  21396.  
  21397.  
  21398. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight">Weight</h3>
  21399.  
  21400.  
  21401.  
  21402. <p>Here’s where things get a little tricky. There’s no way around the fact that our stainless steel picks are heavy. When filled up with water, they feel like small kettlebells. We don’t feel like their weight disqualifies them from consideration because, well … a gallon of water is always going to feel heavy. (Remember: A gallon of water weighs approximately 8 pounds.) That said, if you really want to minimize your bottle’s weight, a plastic bottle will generally weigh less than a stainless steel one.</p>
  21403.  
  21404.  
  21405.  
  21406. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  21407.  
  21408.  
  21409.  
  21410. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1668787912502"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much does a gallon water bottle cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Depending on the bottle material, a gallon water bottle can cost between $20-$130.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1657664409342"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How often should I clean a gallon water bottle?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer"><a href="https://www.delish.com/food-news/a33275086/wash-reusable-water-bottle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Some experts argue</a> that you should clean your water bottle once a day. That may not be feasible for everyone, especially if you’re using your gallon water bottle off the grid. We’d argue that cleaning it a few times per week is a more achievable goal.  What you don’t want to do is go several weeks without washing your reusable bottle. Even if it looks clean, water bottles can build up bacteria over time, so you should clean them often.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1657664422558"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can I put other liquids besides water in a gallon water bottle?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">You can put other liquids in your gallon water bottle besides water, but some things are safer than others. For example, you can put hot coffee in the Yeti Rambler, but the company says to avoid using the jug’s lid with carbonated beverages because of potential pressure build-up. For the plastic bottles on our list, you should stick to room temperature or cold water.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1657664433757"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How long is water good in a gallon jug?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/creating-storing-emergency-water-supply.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control</a> (CDC), you should replace stored water every six months. If you plan to keep water for an extended period, make sure it’s in an FDA-approved food-grade storage container. If you can’t find a food-grade water storage container, be sure the container has a top that can close tightly, is made of durable, unbreakable materials, and has a narrow neck for easy pouring.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1657664443154"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Is it safe to drink a gallon of water per day?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Drinking a gallon of water daily isn’t harmful but you probably don’t need to drink so much for optimal health. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/how-much-water-should-you-drink-in-a-day/">Optimal water intake</a> varies from person to person based on a variety of personal and environmental factors, including height, weight, their activity level, and the current temperature. Rather than aiming for “eight cups a day,” simply try and drink water whenever you feel thirsty. </p> </div> </div>
  21411.  
  21412.  
  21413.  
  21414. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-gallon-water-bottles"><strong>Final thoughts on the best gallon water bottles</strong></h2>
  21415.  
  21416.  
  21417.  
  21418. <ul>
  21419. <li><strong>Best overall</strong>: <a href="https://yetius.pxf.io/c/2536217/1026334/13394?subId1=PS-RU&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fdrinkware%2Fjugs%2Fjug-gallon.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yeti Gallon Jug</a></li>
  21420.  
  21421.  
  21422.  
  21423. <li><strong>Best insulated</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Flask-128-OASIS-RAIN/dp/B09BYZSSN4?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hydro Flask Oasis</a></li>
  21424.  
  21425.  
  21426.  
  21427. <li><strong>Best for the gym</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3000000739-Beverage-Cooler/dp/B00363V3LI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Coleman One Gallon Beverage Cooler</a></li>
  21428.  
  21429.  
  21430.  
  21431. <li><strong>Best motivational</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-Gallon-Motivational-Paracord-Removable/dp/B0878XXTST?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fidus Motivational Water Bottle</a></li>
  21432.  
  21433.  
  21434.  
  21435. <li><strong>Best budget</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Modern-Plastic-Bottle-Silicone/dp/B09C92RVRP/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000455945O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Simple Modern Gallon Water Bottle</a></li>
  21436. </ul>
  21437.  
  21438.  
  21439.  
  21440. <p>Gallon water bottles are for people who either won’t have access to a water source for a while or need to hit a specific intake goal. Otherwise, their size and weight make them too cumbersome for most people. If you want something easier to manage, you’re better off checking out our picks for the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-insulated-water-bottles/">best water bottles</a>. And if you&#8217;ve got young ones, there&#8217;s our guide to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-kids-water-bottles/">the best kids&#8217; water bottles</a>.</p>
  21441.  
  21442.  
  21443.  
  21444. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  21445.  
  21446.  
  21447.  
  21448. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  21449.  
  21450.  
  21451.  
  21452. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  21453. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gallon-water-bottles/">The best gallon water bottles in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  21454. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  21455. </item>
  21456. <item>
  21457. <title>QLED vs. OLED vs. Mini-LED: Understanding TV backlight tech</title>
  21458. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/qled-vs-oled-vs-mini-led/</link>
  21459. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Nicholas Ware]]></dc:creator>
  21460. <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  21461. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  21462. <category><![CDATA[Home Theater]]></category>
  21463. <category><![CDATA[Televisions]]></category>
  21464. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  21465. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  21466. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=385004</guid>
  21467.  
  21468. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  21469.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="800" height="400" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV.jpeg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Samsung has been using QLED for years." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV.jpeg 800w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV-300x150.jpeg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV-768x384.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Samsung</span></figcaption></figure><p>Check out this QLED vs. OLED vs. Mini-LED comparison. We screened the best TV technologies to help give you the big picture.</p>
  21470. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/qled-vs-oled-vs-mini-led/">QLED vs. OLED vs. Mini-LED: Understanding TV backlight tech</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  21471. ]]></description>
  21472. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  21473.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="800" height="400" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV.jpeg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Samsung has been using QLED for years." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV.jpeg 800w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV-300x150.jpeg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/06/QLED-TV-768x384.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Samsung</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  21474. </div>
  21475. <p>So many choices when it comes to television. It starts with the size and resolution, but there are competing backlight technologies to consider as well. So before you plunk down serious cash, make sure you’re getting the lighting style you want by understanding the differences in QLED vs. OLED vs. Mini-LED.</p>
  21476.  
  21477.  
  21478.  
  21479. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-led"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>What is LED?</strong></h2>
  21480.  
  21481.  
  21482.  
  21483. <p>LED is an acronym for &#8220;light-emitting diode.&#8221; You likely interact with LED tech in some form multiple times per day, including the screen in your phone, light bulbs, and many other sources of illumination. LEDs are the small elements of a television screen that light up in order to produce an entire image on the screen.&nbsp;</p>
  21484.  
  21485.  
  21486.  
  21487. <p>Basically, when an electrical signal runs through these cells, they emit light, and the television controls the electrical impulses in order to produce the image it wants to show. QLED, OLED, and Mini-LED are all variations of this basic technology, which was used in electronic devices as early as the 1960s and became popular in TV technology thanks to refinement and eventual adoption by Samsung in 2007.&nbsp;</p>
  21488.  
  21489.  
  21490.  
  21491. <p>LED replaced CCFL (cold-cathode fluorescent lighting), which typically illuminated the screen from the edges. Some LED TVs use this edge-lit formation, others have moved on to more sophisticated setups. LED arrays with many points of light behind the screen now offer manufacturers more meticulous control over how each segment of the screen is lit. In some cases, like with OLED, the black areas of the screen can go completely dark to give the picture more contrast and dynamic range.</p>
  21492.  
  21493.  
  21494.  
  21495. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-qled-tv"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>What is QLED TV?</strong></h2>
  21496.  
  21497.  
  21498.  
  21499. <p>QLED is a <a href="https://www.samsung.com/uk/tvs/tv-buying-guide/what-is-qled-tv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung technology</a> that builds on the typical LCD (liquid crystal display) television with LED backlighting. This is the same tech, many iterations over, which Samsung introduced in 2015. The Q in QLED stands for “Quantum Dot.” They are embedded directly into the stack of materials that make up the LCD display, such as in the flagship <meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://shop-links.co/cgDGx2GZ5Ls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Samsung QN90A NEO QLED</a>. When light hits them from the LED backlight, these dots emit their own light to enhance the image on-screen. The goal is to lessen one of the main weaknesses of LED technology, which is the “blooming” effect of brighter parts of an image slightly lighting the areas around the image, and color bleeding.&nbsp;</p>
  21500.  
  21501.  
  21502.  
  21503. <p>While QLED offers some improvement over traditional LED, it doesn’t always mitigate this blooming and the contrasts between light and dark are not as stark as with some other technologies.</p>
  21504.  
  21505.  
  21506.  
  21507. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What about color?</h3>
  21508.  
  21509.  
  21510.  
  21511. <p>When it comes to color, QLED is excellent. There is a tremendous amount of color variety available in QLED screens, with good color contrasts. QLED also tends to be cheaper at larger sizes than other backlighting techs, meaning that QLED is the best budget-conscious choice when it comes to a new higher-end TV. QLED also tends to result in screens that can reach a higher level of overall brightness, which may be desirable depending on your screen needs.</p>
  21512.  
  21513.  
  21514.  
  21515. <p>If you want to experience this type of screen, a strong budget 4K UHD option is Samsung’s 43-inch TU-8000 series from 2020. This Samsung QLED TV is a very cost-conscious choice that delivers 4K and is great for a dorm room, a child’s room, or as a second/third display. At only $379.99 MSRP, it’s about as cheap as you want to go. But if you’re looking to build a home theater set-up, or care about getting the best picture quality and options, this is not the television for you. QLED TVs can climb into the higher-end, and you can check out our recommendations for some of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-qled-tvs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best QLED TVs</a>, but they face stiff competition from OLED and now <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/ces-2023-best-gadgets-you-can-buy-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mini-LED</a>.</p>
  21516.  
  21517.  
  21518.  
  21519. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-oled-tv"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>What is OLED TV?</strong></h2>
  21520.  
  21521.  
  21522.  
  21523. <p>OLED is “organic” LED. An OLED consists of organic materials that produce similar effects when current runs through them. But OLED displays work fundamentally differently than typical LED-lit LCDs.&nbsp;</p>
  21524.  
  21525.  
  21526.  
  21527. <p>LCD TVs rely on a backlight to shine through a stack of display materials to create an image. This puts them in a category called transmissive screens. OLEDs, however, are different. OLED screens consist of many tiny diodes that emit their own light, which lands them in a category called emissive displays. When an OLED display wants an area of the screen to show black, it simply turns off the pixels in that area, which creates much darker tones without concern for light bleeding through from brighter surrounding areas.</p>
  21528.  
  21529.  
  21530.  
  21531. <p>When it comes to color, OLED can have some lifespan issues. While red and green OLED pixels have a pretty long lifespan (over 45,000 hours), blue OLED pixels tend to have one-third of that lifespan. This means that long-term, an OLED display may have issues with color accuracy as the blues start to die off. Displays inside businesses experience this even more often than sets in homes. Of course, for the average home user, the 15,000-hour lifespan of a blue OLED pixel may never become an issue.</p>
  21532.  
  21533.  
  21534.  
  21535. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">QLED vs. OLED: Other drawbacks</h3>
  21536.  
  21537.  
  21538.  
  21539. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/28/sony_master_tv-1024x682.jpg" alt="Sony master series OLED TV" class="wp-image-385173" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/28/sony_master_tv-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/28/sony_master_tv-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/28/sony_master_tv-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/28/sony_master_tv-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/07/28/sony_master_tv.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sony&#8217;s flagship OLED TVs cost thousands of dollars for top-end features. <i>Stan Horaczek</i></figcaption></figure>
  21540.  
  21541.  
  21542.  
  21543. <p>OLEDs are more expensive than QLEDs and are much more difficult to scale at size. The larger an OLED screen gets, the more you end up paying for the tech. OLED qualifies as a more “premium” technology and is featured in high-end products, such as the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.&nbsp;</p>
  21544.  
  21545.  
  21546.  
  21547. <p>Another drawback is power use. OLEDs display dark areas very easily, white or very light images can require up to three times the power that a traditional LED would consume. This often leads to OLED displays being overall more power-hungry.</p>
  21548.  
  21549.  
  21550.  
  21551. <p>If you’re going to spring for an OLED TV, you might as well get one of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-oled-tvs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best OLED TVs available</a>. The king of the current crop of OLEDs is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QXHYQFQ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000385004O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sony’s Bravia XR A90J</a> Master Series, available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 83-inch models and one of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-tvs-for-gaming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best gaming TVs</a> on the market. If you have a <a href="https://shop-links.co/cgDBg2yKIhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PS5</a> or <a href="https://shop-links.co/cgDBhmtnlVu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Xbox Series S</a>/<a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/xbox-series-x-review/">Xbox Series X</a> and can afford to throw down several thousand dollars on a new television, the Sony A90J will get the most out of those high-end consoles. The 55-inch has an MSRP of $2,799.99, 10 inches more will cost you $1,000 more, and the big boy, the 83-inch, runs $7,999.99 MSRP.</p>
  21552.  
  21553.  
  21554.  
  21555. <p>Another top-tier option among <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-tvs-for-ps5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best TVs for PS5</a>, etc., is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LG-OLED55C1PUB-Alexa-Built-Smart/dp/B08WG4HKKY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000385004O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">the LG C1</a>, assuming your budget still starts in the multi-thousands. If that price tag turns you off, consider VIZIO’s OLED H1 televisions, available in 55-inch and 65-inch models, which are about almost half the price but don’t offer quite the level of picture. It’s an acceptable compromise for a picture quality that can still be considered stunning.</p>
  21556.  
  21557.  
  21558.  
  21559. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-mini-led-tv"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>What is Mini-LED TV?</strong></h2>
  21560.  
  21561.  
  21562.  
  21563. <p>Mini-LED is similar to QLED, but the backlights get even smaller. These LEDs are so small they can be almost as small as a single pixel. QLEDs are significantly larger than one pixel, while OLEDs are the size of a single pixel.&nbsp;</p>
  21564.  
  21565.  
  21566.  
  21567. <p>Mini-LED represents the halfway point between QLED and OLED, taking the older tech and trying to approximate what the newer tech can do. Mini-LED offers noticeably better than QLED or typical LCD and it may be hard to discern a difference between the contrast on Mini-LED and OLED, as the Mini-LED diodes can get almost to the pixel level. The deep blacks that OLED promises are essentially available with Mini-LED.</p>
  21568.  
  21569.  
  21570.  
  21571. <p>You won’t be able to get the same pixel-level control over black levels as you would with OLED, but some Mini-LED TVs promise up to 3,000 backlight zones. It’s likely this difference is barely noticeable to the average consumer. Mini-LED scales to cost at a more expensive clip than QLED, and is essentially the “premium” version of that same base technology, at least for now until it becomes more widespread.</p>
  21572.  
  21573.  
  21574.  
  21575. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Still accessible</h3>
  21576.  
  21577.  
  21578.  
  21579. <p>Being the newest technology of the three, you’d think Mini-LED would have the highest price tag, but there’s actually an option that is a “best of both worlds” solution between price and quality. TCL’s <a href="https://shop-links.co/cgDAfwATBlG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">6-series Mini-LED televisions</a> (available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and, at some point, 85-inch variants) offer image quality that far surpasses the expectations for their price. The 55-inch 4K R635 slides in at just under $1,000 MSRP but has all the features even high-end users would look for. While it’s not the best television on the market overall, it may be the best television on the market dollar-for-dollar.</p>
  21580.  
  21581.  
  21582.  
  21583. <p>Expect to see some large variations in Mini-LED prices here at the beginning of its run in the TV world as companies try to nail down the sweet spot between price and performance when it comes to determining the number and type of backlight zones.</p>
  21584.  
  21585.  
  21586.  
  21587. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-mean-for-streaming-movies-and-gaming"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>What does this mean for streaming, movies, and gaming?</strong></h2>
  21588.  
  21589.  
  21590.  
  21591. <p>Backlight tech is just one of several things to consider when buying a TV. On the whole, OLED and Mini-LED TVs will produce attractive pictures, but there are some variables within the segments.&nbsp;</p>
  21592.  
  21593.  
  21594.  
  21595. <p>Contrast is important for deep black and low levels of light bleed, giving images a much more sharp and film-like image. When it comes to movies, where light is very important to set moods, contrast is extremely important. When looking for <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-tvs-for-gaming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best TVs for gaming</a>, certain genres (like horror games and games inspired by the “Dark Souls” series) really improve with great contrast, as you can get light and show without the “foggy” greys that you’d need to settle for on worse displays.</p>
  21596.  
  21597.  
  21598.  
  21599. <p>Brightness will matter depending on how much light pollution you have in your room. Mini-LED can produce a brighter picture than OLED, which comes into play if you get a lot of ambient light on your screen during the day. OLEDs really shine when you can control the environmental illumination. Anyone who buys a high-end screen wants rich colors in everything they watch, but to truly get rich colors you need media with rich colors. OLED excels in this arena, but Mini-LED has made the contest surprisingly close already.&nbsp;</p>
  21600.  
  21601.  
  21602.  
  21603. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-qled-vs-oled-what-kind-of-tv-technology-should-i-buy"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>QLED vs. OLED: What kind of TV technology should I buy?</strong></h2>
  21604.  
  21605.  
  21606.  
  21607. <p>For now, OLED and Mini-LED are premium technologies that will deliver the kind of images you want with a high-end system. OLED promises slightly better contrast, with the drawback of a possibly shorter lifespan. Mini-LED sits just below in terms of performance, but the technology itself is a little more reliable. In effect, they are both good choices. If you’re looking to get value, I’d recommend the TCL 6-series. If money is no object, go with the A90J Sony OLED.</p>
  21608.  
  21609.  
  21610.  
  21611. <p>But before you simply take those recommendations, it’s really going to come down to see for yourself. Even if you plan to buy online, you should visit some stores and look at OLED and Mini-LED displays to determine which one looks better to your eye. Don’t be afraid to ask at the store to fire up some different demos on the screen, so you can get a sense of what different media looks like. While I stand by the suggestions above, a price drop or sale could make the difference, as could an aesthetic that you enjoy more in your room when the television is turned off. Don’t be afraid to sleep on a decision like this, especially if you’re going to shell out a grand or more for the higher-end models.</p>
  21612.  
  21613.  
  21614.  
  21615. <p>Keep in mind that TV prices tend to fluctuate a bit more widely than a lot of other electronics, with the best deals coming around Black Friday in late November. Another great time to pick up a television is late January and early February, when the upcoming Super Bowl, combined with stores starting to try to open up shelf space for new models that get released in June.</p>
  21616.  
  21617.  
  21618.  
  21619. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-is-soon"><meta charset="utf-8"><strong>The future is soon</strong></h2>
  21620.  
  21621.  
  21622.  
  21623. <p>A new iteration of Mini-LED, called Micro LED, is available on some ultra-high-end models. Micro LED miniaturizes LED technology even further. Micro LED is considered by many to be even better than OLED, but it comes with a price tag that reflects that assessment, with televisions whose MSRPs start to match those of low-end cars.</p>
  21624.  
  21625.  
  21626.  
  21627. <p>No matter what technology you choose, know that, eventually, even the most advanced television will not hold that title for long. Today’s high-end is tomorrow’s standard model, and further in the future is a budget model. If you always want the biggest and the best, expect to replace your television within three to five years. That may be a consideration when it comes to how “futureproof” you want your purchase to be.</p>
  21628. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/qled-vs-oled-vs-mini-led/">QLED vs. OLED vs. Mini-LED: Understanding TV backlight tech</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  21629. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  21630. </item>
  21631. <item>
  21632. <title>The best dual-monitor stands for home and office in 2024</title>
  21633. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-dual-monitor-stands/</link>
  21634. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Eric Frederiksen]]></dc:creator>
  21635. <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  21636. <category><![CDATA[Computers]]></category>
  21637. <category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
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  21639. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  21640. <category><![CDATA[Peripherals]]></category>
  21641. <category><![CDATA[Tech Hacks]]></category>
  21642. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  21643. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
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  21645. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  21646. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  21647. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=449578</guid>
  21648.  
  21649. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  21650.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/28/best-dual-monitor-stands-ergotron.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810.24" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An Ergotron dual-monitor stand attached to a desk in a high-end office." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Ergotron</div></figure><p>Double the screens, double the fun, but take up less of the desk space with the best dual monitor stands.</p>
  21651. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-dual-monitor-stands/">The best dual-monitor stands for home and office in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  21652. ]]></description>
  21653. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  21654.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/28/best-dual-monitor-stands-ergotron.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810.24" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="An Ergotron dual-monitor stand attached to a desk in a high-end office." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Ergotron</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  21655. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  21656.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  21657.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  21658.      <tbody>
  21659.              <tr
  21660.          class="ProductTable-product"
  21661.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  21662.        >
  21663.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  21664.            Best overall
  21665.          </td>
  21666.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  21667.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm" class="wp-image-514757" width="264" height="165">
  21668.          </td>
  21669.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  21670.            Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm
  21671.          </td>
  21672.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  21673.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  21674.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21675.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21676.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21677.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21678.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21679.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  21680.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21681.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21682.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21683.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21684.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21685.                                  </div>
  21686.                          </div>
  21687.          </td>
  21688.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  21689.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  21690.                <span>
  21691.                  SEE IT
  21692.                </span>
  21693.            </a>
  21694.          </td>
  21695.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  21696.              <p>Full articulation and ease of use are what make this dual monitor arm stand out—especially if you don&#8217;t have a lot of desk space.</p>
  21697.  
  21698.            </td>
  21699.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  21700.        </tr>
  21701.              <tr
  21702.          class="ProductTable-product"
  21703.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  21704.        >
  21705.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  21706.            Best wall-mounted
  21707.          </td>
  21708.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  21709.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount conveys is a more affordable choice if youâ\x80\x99re okay installing a more permanent dual monitor setup." class="wp-image-449589" width="264" height="165">
  21710.          </td>
  21711.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  21712.            Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount
  21713.          </td>
  21714.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  21715.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  21716.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21717.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21718.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21719.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21720.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21721.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  21722.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21723.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21724.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21725.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21726.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21727.                                  </div>
  21728.                          </div>
  21729.          </td>
  21730.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  21731.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  21732.                <span>
  21733.                  SEE IT
  21734.                </span>
  21735.            </a>
  21736.          </td>
  21737.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  21738.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount conveys is a more affordable choice if you’re okay installing a more permanent dual monitor setup.</span></p>
  21739.  
  21740.            </td>
  21741.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  21742.        </tr>
  21743.              <tr
  21744.          class="ProductTable-product"
  21745.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  21746.        >
  21747.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  21748.            Best budget
  21749.          </td>
  21750.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  21751.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount" class="wp-image-514758" width="264" height="165">
  21752.          </td>
  21753.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  21754.            VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount
  21755.          </td>
  21756.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  21757.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  21758.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21759.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21760.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21761.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21762.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21763.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  21764.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21765.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21766.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21767.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21768.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  21769.                                  </div>
  21770.                          </div>
  21771.          </td>
  21772.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  21773.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  21774.                <span>
  21775.                  SEE IT
  21776.                </span>
  21777.            </a>
  21778.          </td>
  21779.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  21780.              <p>VIVO&#8217;s Dual Monitor Desk Mount has more features than its modest price suggests.</p>
  21781.  
  21782.            </td>
  21783.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  21784.        </tr>
  21785.            </tbody>
  21786.    </table>
  21787.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  21788.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  21789.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  21790.    </div>
  21791.  </div>
  21792. </div>
  21793.  
  21794.  
  21795.  
  21796. <p>Using a dual-monitor stand, whether it’s something you put on your desk, a mounted monitor arm, or a bracket you mount on your wall, gives you the freedom to place your screens as you please for both maximum comfort and efficiency. There are many ways to optimize your two-monitor setup: The best dual-monitor stands ensure maximum flexibility, regardless of your approach.</p>
  21797.  
  21798.  
  21799.  
  21800. <ul>
  21801. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm</a></li>
  21802.  
  21803.  
  21804.  
  21805. <li><strong>Best desk-mounted: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-Monitor-Monitors-Up-Inches-20-lbs-Each/dp/B07Q1NJ15Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm</a></li>
  21806.  
  21807.  
  21808.  
  21809. <li><strong>Best wall-mounted: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount</a></li>
  21810.  
  21811.  
  21812.  
  21813. <li><strong>Best freestanding: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ErGear-Freestanding-Computer-Tempered-Monitors/dp/B0BLH95LKH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand</a></li>
  21814.  
  21815.  
  21816.  
  21817. <li><strong>Best vertical: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-Free-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B082845XM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hemudu HT05B-002 Dual Monitor Stand</a></li>
  21818.  
  21819.  
  21820.  
  21821. <li><strong>Best premium: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-45-476-026-Polished-Aluminum-Monitors/dp/B01N6H9UR2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron HX Desk Dual Monitor Arm</a></li>
  21822.  
  21823.  
  21824.  
  21825. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount</a></li>
  21826. </ul>
  21827.  
  21828.  
  21829.  
  21830. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-dual-monitor-stands"><strong>How we chose the best dual-monitor stands</strong></h2>
  21831.  
  21832.  
  21833.  
  21834. <p>To make our selections, I paired my own personal testing and experience with professional reviews and consumer feedback on Amazon. Our favorite <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-monitor-arms/">monitor arms</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-computer-monitor-stand/">monitor stands</a> for dual-display setups provide a wide range of use cases, installation types, and prices. We also kept brand credibility in mind: Among monitor arm manufacturers, there are a handful of respected companies and many lesser-known brands that often offer cheap prices but without the reputation or warranty to back them up.</p>
  21835.  
  21836.  
  21837.  
  21838. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-best-dual-monitor-stands-reviews-amp-recommendations-strong-"><strong>Best dual-monitor stands: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  21839.  
  21840.  
  21841.  
  21842. <p>So you have <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-monitors-for-home-office/">two monitors</a>, and you want to put them up on a single adjustable stand. Now that you know the basics of what to look for, we have a few recommendations for the best dual-monitor stands, including <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-l-shaped-desk/">desk-mounted</a>, the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-tv-wall-mounts/">best TV wall mounts</a>, and freestanding options. No matter your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-business-laptops/">home office</a> or <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-pcs/">PC gaming</a> setup, there should be a decent option for you among these picks.</p>
  21843.  
  21844.  
  21845.  
  21846. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-strong-best-overall-strong-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-mount-monitor-adjustable-computer-screens-dp-b01f2siy02-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-mount-it-mi-1772-dual-monitor-arm-a-"><strong><strong>Best overall:</strong> </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm</a></h3>
  21847.  
  21848.  
  21849. <div
  21850.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  21851.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  21852. >
  21853.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  21854.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  21855.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  21856.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/Mount-It-MI-1772-Dual-Monitor-Arm.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm">
  21857.                      </figure>
  21858.                  </a>
  21859.            </div>
  21860.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  21861.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  21862.        <p><em>Mount-It!</em></p>
  21863.  
  21864.      </figcaption>
  21865.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  21866.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000"
  21867.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  21868.      </p>
  21869.      </div>
  21870. </div>
  21871.  
  21872.  
  21873.  
  21874. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=Mount-It%21+%28MI-1772%29+Dual+Monitor+Arm&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  21875.  
  21876.  
  21877.  
  21878. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> Mount-It&#8217;s monitor arm makes it very easy to maneuver two big displays without any friction. </p>
  21879.  
  21880.  
  21881.  
  21882. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  21883.  
  21884.  
  21885.  
  21886. <ul>
  21887. <li><strong>Mount type:</strong> Desk </li>
  21888.  
  21889.  
  21890.  
  21891. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes: </strong>75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm</li>
  21892.  
  21893.  
  21894.  
  21895. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism: </strong>Gas-spring mount/free moving</li>
  21896.  
  21897.  
  21898.  
  21899. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>20lb per arm</li>
  21900.  
  21901.  
  21902.  
  21903. <li><strong>Display size range: </strong>19-32 inches</li>
  21904.  
  21905.  
  21906.  
  21907. <li><strong>Available colors:</strong> Black, Silver</li>
  21908.  
  21909.  
  21910.  
  21911. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$121 </li>
  21912. </ul>
  21913.  
  21914.  
  21915.  
  21916. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  21917.  
  21918.  
  21919.  
  21920. <ul>
  21921. <li>Requires very little desk space</li>
  21922.  
  21923.  
  21924.  
  21925. <li>Offers fine-grain control over the monitors</li>
  21926.  
  21927.  
  21928.  
  21929. <li> Easy-to-move displays </li>
  21930. </ul>
  21931.  
  21932.  
  21933.  
  21934. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  21935.  
  21936.  
  21937.  
  21938. <ul>
  21939. <li>Price</li>
  21940. </ul>
  21941.  
  21942.  
  21943.  
  21944. <p>We&#8217;ve had great success in our tests of Mount-It!&#8217;s single monitor arms, and feel very comfortable recommending this dual-display version to anyone who needs a lot of extra digital real estate to work. The arms can hold large, heavy displays, and each one can be twisted, tilted, and turned in several directions. This level of control can accommodate many work styles: video editors who want to see how their color grading tweaks are affecting the look of footage in real time, office workers who want to dedicate a vertically oriented monitor to their e-mail or messaging client, or gamers who want to monitor their Twitch chat.</p>
  21945.  
  21946.  
  21947.  
  21948. <p>Two features that impressed us with Mount-It!&#8217;s other monitor stands apply to this one: The ease at which they allow you to control your monitor and how well their clamping mechanism keeps it firmly attached to your desk. We&#8217;ve had no issues moving a 27-inch monitor with one hand, and the ability to move your displays closer and further from your face comes in handy more frequently than you&#8217;d expect. If you don&#8217;t have a lot of physical desk space, this monitor&#8217;s clamp will be incredibly helpful. A monitor stand&#8217;s feet can take up a lot more room than you think, and having more area back for your go-to tech accessories is very useful.</p>
  21949.  
  21950.  
  21951.  
  21952. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-desk-mounted-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-ergotron-monitor-monitors-up-inches-20-lbs-each-dp-b07q1nj15q-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-ergotron-lx-dual-monitor-arm-a-"><strong>Best desk-mounted: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-Monitor-Monitors-Up-Inches-20-lbs-Each/dp/B07Q1NJ15Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm</a></h3>
  21953.  
  21954.  
  21955. <div
  21956.    id="fully-covered"
  21957.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  21958.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  21959. >
  21960.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  21961.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-Monitor-Monitors-Up-Inches-20-lbs-Each/dp/B07Q1NJ15Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  21962.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  21963.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/02/best-desk-mounted-ergotron.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/02/best-desk-mounted-ergotron.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="An Ergotron dual monitor stand on a blue and white background">
  21964.                      </figure>
  21965.                  </a>
  21966.            </div>
  21967.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  21968.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  21969.        <p><em>Ergotron</em></p>
  21970.  
  21971.      </figcaption>
  21972.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  21973.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-Monitor-Monitors-Up-Inches-20-lbs-Each/dp/B07Q1NJ15Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000"
  21974.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  21975.      </p>
  21976.      </div>
  21977. </div>
  21978.  
  21979.  
  21980.  
  21981. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm is a slick desk mount that balances great build quality and the price that comes with it.</p>
  21982.  
  21983.  
  21984.  
  21985. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  21986.  
  21987.  
  21988.  
  21989. <ul>
  21990. <li><strong>Mount type: </strong>Desk</li>
  21991.  
  21992.  
  21993.  
  21994. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes: </strong>75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm</li>
  21995.  
  21996.  
  21997.  
  21998. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism: </strong>Gas-spring mount/free moving</li>
  21999.  
  22000.  
  22001.  
  22002. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>7-20 lbs</li>
  22003.  
  22004.  
  22005.  
  22006. <li><strong>Display size range: </strong>27 inches</li>
  22007.  
  22008.  
  22009.  
  22010. <li><strong>Available colors: </strong>Black/white/silver</li>
  22011.  
  22012.  
  22013.  
  22014. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$297</li>
  22015. </ul>
  22016.  
  22017.  
  22018.  
  22019. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22020.  
  22021.  
  22022.  
  22023. <ul>
  22024. <li>Superior build quality</li>
  22025.  
  22026.  
  22027.  
  22028. <li>Plenty of ergonomic options</li>
  22029.  
  22030.  
  22031.  
  22032. <li>Easy to install</li>
  22033.  
  22034.  
  22035.  
  22036. <li>Lots of color options</li>
  22037. </ul>
  22038.  
  22039.  
  22040.  
  22041. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  22042.  
  22043.  
  22044.  
  22045. <ul>
  22046. <li>Expensive</li>
  22047. </ul>
  22048.  
  22049.  
  22050.  
  22051. <p>When you think of monitor mounts, free-moving gas-spring arms typically come to mind. They offer smooth action that allows you to move your screens with precision easily. Though it costs more than many other brands, Ergotron&#8217;s LX Dual Monitor Arm dual-monitor arm has a higher quality that justifies the price. Plus, it comes with a 10-year warranty, so you know the company stands behind its product. The Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm doesn’t do anything flashy. It just does the basics very well.</p>
  22052.  
  22053.  
  22054.  
  22055. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-wall-mounted-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-mountup-adjustable-polished-aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs-dp-b08xpywxsf-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-mountup-dual-monitor-wall-mount-a-"><strong>Best wall-mounted: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount</a></h3>
  22056.  
  22057.  
  22058. <div
  22059.    id="bolt-on-and-dial-in"
  22060.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  22061.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  22062. >
  22063.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  22064.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bth=1&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  22065.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  22066.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_MOUNTUP.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount conveys is a more affordable choice if youâ\x80\x99re okay installing a more permanent dual monitor setup.">
  22067.                      </figure>
  22068.                  </a>
  22069.            </div>
  22070.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  22071.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  22072.        <p><em>MOUNTUP </em></p>
  22073.  
  22074.      </figcaption>
  22075.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  22076.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bth=1&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  22077.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  22078.      </p>
  22079.      </div>
  22080. </div>
  22081.  
  22082.  
  22083.  
  22084. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a target="_blank" href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&amp;pub=2096412&amp;toolid=10001&amp;campid=null&amp;mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2334524.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3DMOUNTUP%2BDual%2BMonitor%2BWall%2BMount%26_sacat%3D0%26LH_TitleDesc%3D0%26_odkw%3Dfully%2Bjarvis%2Bdual%2Bmonitor%2Barm%26_osacat%3D0&amp;customid=PS-RU"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  22085.  
  22086.  
  22087.  
  22088. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount looks sharp, and strikes a balance between price and features.</p>
  22089.  
  22090.  
  22091.  
  22092. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  22093.  
  22094.  
  22095.  
  22096. <ul>
  22097. <li><strong>Mount type: </strong>Wall mount</li>
  22098.  
  22099.  
  22100.  
  22101. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes: </strong>75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm</li>
  22102.  
  22103.  
  22104.  
  22105. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism: </strong>Gas-spring arms/free moving</li>
  22106.  
  22107.  
  22108.  
  22109. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>3.3 &#8211; 17.6 lbs</li>
  22110.  
  22111.  
  22112.  
  22113. <li><strong>Display size range: </strong>Up to 32-inch</li>
  22114.  
  22115.  
  22116.  
  22117. <li><strong>Available colors: </strong>Chrome/Black</li>
  22118.  
  22119.  
  22120.  
  22121. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$49</li>
  22122. </ul>
  22123.  
  22124.  
  22125.  
  22126. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22127.  
  22128.  
  22129.  
  22130. <ul>
  22131. <li>Great price</li>
  22132.  
  22133.  
  22134.  
  22135. <li>Very adjustable</li>
  22136.  
  22137.  
  22138.  
  22139. <li>Detachable VESA plates</li>
  22140. </ul>
  22141.  
  22142.  
  22143.  
  22144. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  22145.  
  22146.  
  22147.  
  22148. <ul>
  22149. <li>Requires tools to install</li>
  22150.  
  22151.  
  22152.  
  22153. <li>Requires brick, concrete, or wood anchor</li>
  22154. </ul>
  22155.  
  22156.  
  22157.  
  22158. <p>If you’re ready to commit to a specific home, spot, and desk setup, you can save a lot of money on a really great dual-monitor arm with the Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount. It looks sharp, carries a lot of weight, and costs less than half as much as our desk-mounted pick. That said, this is a heavy dual-monitor arm. Not only do you need to attach it to the wall, the manufacturer specifically calls for you to anchor it on a brick, concrete, or wooden stud. Drywall alone may not hold it up. That&#8217;s a huge limitation, but if you have the right setup, this is arguably the most stable way to mount your monitors.</p>
  22159.  
  22160.  
  22161.  
  22162. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-freestanding-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-freestanding-adjustable-structure-supports-monitors-dp-b08hd5prmh-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-ergear-dual-monitor-stand-a-"><strong>Best freestanding: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ErGear-Freestanding-Computer-Tempered-Monitors/dp/B0BLH95LKH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand</a></h3>
  22163.  
  22164.  
  22165. <div
  22166.    id="no-installation-required"
  22167.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  22168.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  22169. >
  22170.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  22171.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/ErGear-Freestanding-Computer-Tempered-Monitors/dp/B0BLH95LKH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  22172.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  22173.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/04/ErGear-Freestanding-Dual-Monitor-Stand.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/04/ErGear-Freestanding-Dual-Monitor-Stand.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand">
  22174.                      </figure>
  22175.                  </a>
  22176.            </div>
  22177.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  22178.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  22179.        <p><em>ErGear</em></p>
  22180.  
  22181.      </figcaption>
  22182.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  22183.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/ErGear-Freestanding-Computer-Tempered-Monitors/dp/B0BLH95LKH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000"
  22184.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  22185.      </p>
  22186.      </div>
  22187. </div>
  22188.  
  22189.  
  22190.  
  22191. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=ErGear+dual+monitor+stand&amp;_sacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  22192.  
  22193.  
  22194.  
  22195. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> If you don’t want to mount your monitors on arms, ErGear makes a more conventional dual-monitor stand that’s sturdy and offers strong adjustability.</p>
  22196.  
  22197.  
  22198.  
  22199. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  22200.  
  22201.  
  22202.  
  22203. <ul>
  22204. <li><strong>Mount type: </strong>Desktop stand</li>
  22205.  
  22206.  
  22207.  
  22208. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes: </strong>75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm</li>
  22209.  
  22210.  
  22211.  
  22212. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism: </strong>Pole-adjusted height/static arm</li>
  22213.  
  22214.  
  22215.  
  22216. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>Up to 22 lbs</li>
  22217.  
  22218.  
  22219.  
  22220. <li><strong>Display size range: </strong>17-32 inches</li>
  22221.  
  22222.  
  22223.  
  22224. <li><strong>Available colors: </strong>Black</li>
  22225.  
  22226.  
  22227.  
  22228. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$55</li>
  22229. </ul>
  22230.  
  22231.  
  22232.  
  22233. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22234.  
  22235.  
  22236.  
  22237. <ul>
  22238. <li>Glass base</li>
  22239.  
  22240.  
  22241.  
  22242. <li>High weight tolerance</li>
  22243.  
  22244.  
  22245.  
  22246. <li>No &#8220;install&#8221; time</li>
  22247.  
  22248.  
  22249.  
  22250. <li>Price</li>
  22251. </ul>
  22252.  
  22253.  
  22254.  
  22255. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  22256.  
  22257.  
  22258.  
  22259. <ul>
  22260. <li>Fewer placement/ergonomic options</li>
  22261.  
  22262.  
  22263.  
  22264. <li>Base takes up space on your desk</li>
  22265. </ul>
  22266.  
  22267.  
  22268.  
  22269. <p>We often recommend desk-clamping or wall-mounted monitor arms for their great adjustability and their ability to free up desk space. However, not all of us can use those options: We can’t all drill holes in our walls, and some desks aren’t clamp-friendly. Whether your options are limited, or you simply don’t want to install anything, a desktop or “freestanding” monitor stand is the way to go. </p>
  22270.  
  22271.  
  22272.  
  22273. <p>ErGear&#8217;s Dual Monitor Stand features a static base column with adjustable spokes for both monitors. It is as adjustable as a dual-monitor arm, but you can still adjust height, tilt, swivel, and rotation to get very good, ergonomically mind positioning. It&#8217;s all held down by a large, sturdy black glass base that has enough room under it to route some cables. While it doesn’t free up as much space as a desk-mounted stand, putting both of your monitors on a single stand still opens up your workstation quite a bit.</p>
  22274.  
  22275.  
  22276.  
  22277. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-vertical-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-dual-monitor-stand-free-standing-adjustable-dp-b082845xm8-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-hemudu-ht05b-002-dual-monitor-stand-a-"><strong>Best vertical: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-Free-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B082845XM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hemudu HT05B-002 Dual Monitor Stand</a></h3>
  22278.  
  22279.  
  22280. <div
  22281.    id="no-twist-no-shout"
  22282.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  22283.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  22284. >
  22285.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  22286.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-Free-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B082845XM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  22287.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  22288.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_Hemudu.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_Hemudu.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="If you want to glance up to check your secondary monitor, the Hemudu offers a nice alternative to conventional, horizontally oriented dual monitor stands.">
  22289.                      </figure>
  22290.                  </a>
  22291.            </div>
  22292.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  22293.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  22294.        <p><em>Hemudu </em></p>
  22295.  
  22296.      </figcaption>
  22297.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  22298.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-Free-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B082845XM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000"
  22299.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  22300.      </p>
  22301.      </div>
  22302. </div>
  22303.  
  22304.  
  22305.  
  22306. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=Hemudu+HT05B-002&amp;_sacat=0&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_odkw=ErGear+dual+monitor+stand&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  22307.  
  22308.  
  22309.  
  22310. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The Hemudu HT05B-002 allows you to set up a vertical stacking configuration without sacrificing stability.</p>
  22311.  
  22312.  
  22313.  
  22314. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  22315.  
  22316.  
  22317.  
  22318. <ul>
  22319. <li><strong>Mount type: </strong>Desktop stand</li>
  22320.  
  22321.  
  22322.  
  22323. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes: </strong>50mm x 50mm, 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm</li>
  22324.  
  22325.  
  22326.  
  22327. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism: </strong>Static mount</li>
  22328.  
  22329.  
  22330.  
  22331. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>44 lbs per arm</li>
  22332.  
  22333.  
  22334.  
  22335. <li><strong>Display size range:</strong> 13-34 inches</li>
  22336.  
  22337.  
  22338.  
  22339. <li><strong>Available colors: </strong>Black</li>
  22340.  
  22341.  
  22342.  
  22343. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $42</li>
  22344. </ul>
  22345.  
  22346.  
  22347.  
  22348. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22349.  
  22350.  
  22351.  
  22352. <ul>
  22353. <li>Can handle very large and heavy displays</li>
  22354.  
  22355.  
  22356.  
  22357. <li>Has plenty of ergonomic options</li>
  22358.  
  22359.  
  22360.  
  22361. <li>Easy to move</li>
  22362. </ul>
  22363.  
  22364.  
  22365.  
  22366. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  22367.  
  22368.  
  22369.  
  22370. <ul>
  22371. <li>Fewer adjustment options compared to free-moving arms</li>
  22372.  
  22373.  
  22374.  
  22375. <li>Still takes up desk space</li>
  22376. </ul>
  22377.  
  22378.  
  22379.  
  22380. <p>Ergonomics are, ultimately, the core advantage of using a dual-monitor arm. Putting your displays on a single, adjustable mount allows you to position your displays to reduce the number of neck movements you have to do in your daily work. No matter what you do, though, putting two widescreen displays right next to each other ensures that you will need to turn your head to focus on one screen or the other. Suppose you are the kind of person who uses one display most of the time and only occasionally glances at screen number two. In that case, a stacking monitor stand, which mounts the two monitors in a single column, might be useful. Craning your neck to look up isn’t great, ergonomically speaking, but if you only look at that second monitor every once in a while, it may lead to a net reduction in strain.</p>
  22381.  
  22382.  
  22383.  
  22384. <p>If you want to set up a vertical stack, we recommend a desktop mount like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-Free-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B082845XM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hemudu HT05B-002</a>, rather than a desk-mounted one. With a vertical setup, you&#8217;re putting a lot more stress on the stand arm, and a flat stand handles that extra weight better. The HT05B-002 can handle two 34-inch, 44-lb. screens. It features removable VESA plates for easy installation as well. A wide base limits your desk real estate gains, but you can rest easy knowing that the stand will support your monitors’ weight(s). It&#8217;s a small consolation, but the feet under the base raise up enough to fit some of your other cabling underneath.</p>
  22385.  
  22386.  
  22387.  
  22388. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-premium-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-ergotron-45-476-026-polished-aluminum-monitors-dp-b01n6h9ur2-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-ergotron-hx-desk-dual-monitor-arm-a-"><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-45-476-026-Polished-Aluminum-Monitors/dp/B01N6H9UR2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron HX Desk Dual Monitor Arm</a></h3>
  22389.  
  22390.  
  22391. <div
  22392.    id="reliable-and-expensive"
  22393.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  22394.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  22395. >
  22396.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  22397.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-45-476-026-Polished-Aluminum-Monitors/dp/B01N6H9UR2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  22398.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  22399.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_Ergotron.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/10/Best_Dual_Monitor_Stands_Ergotron.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Ergotron is one of the oldest and most reliable names in monitor stands, and the HX is a very sturdy dual monitor arm.">
  22400.                      </figure>
  22401.                  </a>
  22402.            </div>
  22403.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  22404.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  22405.        <p><em>Ergotron</em></p>
  22406.  
  22407.      </figcaption>
  22408.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  22409.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-45-476-026-Polished-Aluminum-Monitors/dp/B01N6H9UR2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000"
  22410.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  22411.      </p>
  22412.      </div>
  22413. </div>
  22414.  
  22415.  
  22416.  
  22417. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=ergotron+hx+dual+monitor+mount&amp;_sacat=0&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_odkw=Hemudu+HT05B-002&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  22418.  
  22419.  
  22420.  
  22421. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> If you’re willing to pay a premium for a reliable brand, the Ergotron HX is as sturdy as they come.</p>
  22422.  
  22423.  
  22424.  
  22425. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  22426.  
  22427.  
  22428.  
  22429. <ul>
  22430. <li><strong>Mount type: </strong>Desk-mounted</li>
  22431.  
  22432.  
  22433.  
  22434. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes: </strong>75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm (More available with optional bracket adapter kit)</li>
  22435.  
  22436.  
  22437.  
  22438. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism: </strong>Gas-spring arms/free moving</li>
  22439.  
  22440.  
  22441.  
  22442. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>35 lbs per arm</li>
  22443.  
  22444.  
  22445.  
  22446. <li><strong>Display size range: </strong>Up to 32-inch</li>
  22447.  
  22448.  
  22449.  
  22450. <li><strong>Available colors: </strong>White, Silver, Black</li>
  22451.  
  22452.  
  22453.  
  22454. <li><strong>Price: </strong>$585</li>
  22455. </ul>
  22456.  
  22457.  
  22458.  
  22459. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22460.  
  22461.  
  22462.  
  22463. <ul>
  22464. <li>Killer looks</li>
  22465.  
  22466.  
  22467.  
  22468. <li>15-year warranty</li>
  22469.  
  22470.  
  22471.  
  22472. <li>A trusted name in ergonomics</li>
  22473. </ul>
  22474.  
  22475.  
  22476.  
  22477. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  22478.  
  22479.  
  22480.  
  22481. <ul>
  22482. <li>Very expensive</li>
  22483. </ul>
  22484.  
  22485.  
  22486.  
  22487. <p>It&#8217;s easy to find a monitor arm for under $100, but they’re almost always a gamble. You’re buying a relatively untested design from a brand with little to no reputation, which can be a risky proposition with a dual-monitor stand that holds and protects two pieces of equipment that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have a pair of very expensive displays, you may want to consider spending a similarly luxurious amount on your stand.&nbsp;</p>
  22488.  
  22489.  
  22490.  
  22491. <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-45-476-026-Polished-Aluminum-Monitors/dp/B01N6H9UR2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&th=1&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron</a> is one of the oldest and most reliable names in the monitor stand game, and its HX dual-monitor arm is a deluxe desk-mounted stand. It has some of the flourishes from our other top picks, including a 15-year warranty and detachable VESA mounts for easy mounting. It also features a unique handlebar beneath the screens that allows you to adjust both displays at once. Those things are all just gravy, though. In this case, you’re spending a lot of extra money on the peace of mind that comes with buying a trusted luxury brand.</p>
  22492.  
  22493.  
  22494.  
  22495. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-strong-strong-best-budget-strong-strong-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-vivo-monitor-adjustable-screens-stand-v002-dp-b009s750la-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-vivo-dual-monitor-desk-mount-a-"><strong><strong><strong>Best budget:</strong> </strong></strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount</a></h3>
  22496.  
  22497.  
  22498. <div
  22499.    id="vivo-dual-monitor-desk-mount"
  22500.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  22501.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  22502. >
  22503.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  22504.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  22505.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  22506.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/23/VIVO-Dual-Monitor-Desk-Mount.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount">
  22507.                      </figure>
  22508.                  </a>
  22509.            </div>
  22510.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  22511.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  22512.        <p><em>VIVO</em></p>
  22513.  
  22514.      </figcaption>
  22515.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  22516.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000"
  22517.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  22518.      </p>
  22519.      </div>
  22520. </div>
  22521.  
  22522.  
  22523.  
  22524. <p><strong><em>Buy it used or refurbished: </em></strong><a href="https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=VIVO+STAND-V002&amp;_sacat=0&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0&amp;_odkw=Mount-It%21+%28MI-1772%29+Dual+Monitor+Arm&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5338659539&amp;customid=PS-RU&amp;toolid=10001&amp;mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><strong><em>eBay</em></strong></a></p>
  22525.  
  22526.  
  22527.  
  22528. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> VIVO managed to make its dual-monitor stand comparable to more expensive models without many compromises. </p>
  22529.  
  22530.  
  22531.  
  22532. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  22533.  
  22534.  
  22535.  
  22536. <ul>
  22537. <li><strong>Mount type:</strong> Desk</li>
  22538.  
  22539.  
  22540.  
  22541. <li><strong>Compatible VESA mount sizes:  </strong>Gas-spring arms/free-moving</li>
  22542.  
  22543.  
  22544.  
  22545. <li><strong>Adjustment mechanism:  </strong>75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm</li>
  22546.  
  22547.  
  22548.  
  22549. <li><strong>Weight range: </strong>up to 22lb per arm</li>
  22550.  
  22551.  
  22552.  
  22553. <li><strong>Display size range: </strong>13-30 inches</li>
  22554.  
  22555.  
  22556.  
  22557. <li><strong>Available colors:</strong> Black, White</li>
  22558.  
  22559.  
  22560.  
  22561. <li><strong>Price:</strong> $28</li>
  22562. </ul>
  22563.  
  22564.  
  22565.  
  22566. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22567.  
  22568.  
  22569.  
  22570. <ul>
  22571. <li>Gives you a fair amount of control over your monitors</li>
  22572.  
  22573.  
  22574.  
  22575. <li>Won&#8217;t take up a lot of room on your desk</li>
  22576.  
  22577.  
  22578.  
  22579. <li>Price</li>
  22580. </ul>
  22581.  
  22582.  
  22583.  
  22584. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  22585.  
  22586.  
  22587.  
  22588. <ul>
  22589. <li> No automatic height adjustment</li>
  22590. </ul>
  22591.  
  22592.  
  22593.  
  22594. <p>If you&#8217;ve invested most of your home office improvement budget on your new displays, it makes sense to save a little bit on a dual-monitor stand. This model from VIVO has most of the features found in our best overall pick, but at a quarter of the price. Each monitor can be tilted and twisted individually, but you can only adjust their height by loosening and tightening a screw on the back. Both monitors have to be set at the same height, which may matter depending on the type of work you do. This stand works with monitors up to 30-inches wide, but VIVO offers a model that can handle displays up to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B0BNWDV6R7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">32 inches</a> if necessary.</p>
  22595.  
  22596.  
  22597.  
  22598. <p>We like monitor arms that can be clamped onto a desk rather than sit on top of it because of the space savings, which is why VIVO&#8217;s is especially appealing to us. We&#8217;re also impressed that it can control monitors up to 22 pounds, which means the arms on this stand are stronger than the ones on our best overall pick. If the lack of height adjustability isn&#8217;t a dealbreaker, there&#8217;s no reason to spend more money on a dual-monitor stand.</p>
  22599.  
  22600.  
  22601.  
  22602. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-things-to-consider-before-buying-one-of-the-best-dual-monitor-stands-strong-"><strong>Things to consider before buying one of the best dual-monitor stands</strong></h2>
  22603.  
  22604.  
  22605.  
  22606. <p>Even if you know exactly which dual-monitor stand or arm to buy, it helps to know a bit about the basic mechanics involved. Different stands require varying amounts of installation at setup, and not every monitor can be mounted on a third-party stand. Understanding these basics will help you pick the right stand for your displays, and ensure you’re ready to install your stand (or call someone who can.)</p>
  22607.  
  22608.  
  22609.  
  22610. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-why-should-i-use-a-dual-monitor-stand-">Why should I use a dual-monitor stand?</h3>
  22611.  
  22612.  
  22613.  
  22614. <p>There are many reasons to mount your monitors, ranging from purely cosmetic to enabling better ergonomics. The stands with PC monitors vary widely in construction quality, appearance, and features. Some stands take up tons of desk space without offering any additional utility. Others may not allow you to adjust them properly, forcing you to twist or crane your neck to look at them, which could lead to long-term strain. And some of them may just look ugly. When you buy a monitor for its great specs, which you should, it potentially opens the door for you to end up with a huge, ugly stand that gives you a sore neck. Luckily, most monitors allow you to remove the actual display from its stand and mount them on a third-party stand.&nbsp;</p>
  22615.  
  22616.  
  22617.  
  22618. <p>A monitor stand, whether it sits on your desk, clamps on at edge of it, or bolts onto the wall behind it, can solve all of these issues at once, giving you the ability to place your monitor <em>exactly</em> where you want it, reclaiming your desk space for more useful tools, and swapping out what may be garish design for something more subtle and clean.</p>
  22619.  
  22620.  
  22621.  
  22622. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-stand-clamp-or-wall-mount-">Stand, clamp, or wall mount?</h3>
  22623.  
  22624.  
  22625.  
  22626. <p>When moving to a dual-monitor stand, you must choose between a conventional desktop form factor, a clamping desk-mounted design, or a wall-mounted one. Often, picking one versus another comes down to what kind of desk you have, how important it is to reclaim desk space, and the likelihood that you’ll need to move your setup.</p>
  22627.  
  22628.  
  22629.  
  22630. <p>If you have a flat desk with an edge or lip, we like clamping monitor stands that clamp to the rear edge of your desk. They’re sturdy, highly adjustable, and easy to install or remove without damaging the desk. (Some offer an option to drill a hole into your desk as an anchor, but it isn’t necessarily mandatory.)</p>
  22631.  
  22632.  
  22633.  
  22634. <p>That said, if you have a glass desk, an <a href="https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-7356016-13311537?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crateandbarrel.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dexecutive%2Bdesk%26isLanded%3Dtrue%26isReadyToShipAvailabilityOn%3Dfalse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">executive-style desk</a>, or something with lots of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-cable-management-for-desks/">cable guides</a> built into the back, a clamp might not be a good fit. In most cases, there’s just no spot to install the clamp. With glass, it could literally shatter the desk. In those cases, a desktop stand makes more sense. Though you won’t get as much space back, a desktop with a dual-monitor stand still consolidates two screens onto a single stand, reclaiming some desk real estate. Also, desktop stands are very sturdy, so it makes sense to use them for larger, heavier screens.</p>
  22635.  
  22636.  
  22637.  
  22638. <p>Finally, there&#8217;s the wall mount. Whether you use a set of monitor arms or a bracket similar to what you’d use when mounting a TV, the wall mount is an extremely sturdy choice but requires serious installation. To install it, you’ll need to find a stud, drill some holes, and bolt your monitor stand to your wall. Once you install it, your monitor stand isn’t going anywhere, which means your desk setup isn’t going anywhere, either. That lack of flexibility makes it a very niche choice. You don&#8217;t want to have to spackle and repaint your walls every time you think your desk would look better over by the window.</p>
  22639.  
  22640.  
  22641.  
  22642. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-before-you-buy-make-sure-all-your-monitors-have-vesa-mounts">Before you buy: Make sure all your monitors have VESA mounts</h3>
  22643.  
  22644.  
  22645.  
  22646. <p>If you peek around the back of most computer monitors, you&#8217;ll notice that the stand for your display probably attaches via four screws in a square configuration. This is a standard configuration maintained by the <a href="https://vesa.org/resources/mounting-standard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Video Electronics Standards Association</a>, commonly known as VESA, meant to make stands as close to universal as possible so users can buy new stands easily.&nbsp;</p>
  22647.  
  22648.  
  22649.  
  22650. <p>VESA mounts can come in many sizes, but most PC monitors fall into one of two options, 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100 mm. That makes everyone’s life easier: All of our picks support both sizes, as should most third-party monitor stands of any shape and size. That said, you should still double-check your monitors’ specs to see VESA mount sizes you’ll need before buying a dual-monitor stand, if only to ensure your monitor can be mounted. Some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-gaming-monitors-under-200/">very cheap monitors</a> (and a few <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/apple-studio-display-review/">very expensive ones</a>) build their monitors permanently attached to their stands.</p>
  22651.  
  22652.  
  22653.  
  22654. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-double-check-the-weight-of-both-of-your-displays">Double-check the weight of both of your displays</h3>
  22655.  
  22656.  
  22657.  
  22658. <p>Monitors are heavy and expensive. Before mounting them, you should ensure your stand can support their weight. Make sure that your monitors are within the stands’ specified weight limit—don’t risk going above or below whatever limits the manufacturer sets. Most monitor manufacturers include the weight of the displays both with and without stands on their product pages. You have a little wiggle room on the size of the monitor, but consider the weight tolerances to be inviolable laws of nature in this case, or risk breaking hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of monitors.</p>
  22659.  
  22660.  
  22661.  
  22662. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-faqs-strong-"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  22663.  
  22664.  
  22665.  
  22666. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1654877732751"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Does a dual-monitor arm save space?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Desk- and wall-mounted monitor arms do double duty, clearing off desktop space and improving your PC setup’s ergonomics. With your monitor on a desk-mounted stand, you can remove the original stand from your desk, giving you back some desk space. You can leave that space open for a cleaner, more minimalist look, use it as a spot to store a laptop, or maybe take advantage of it as a home for some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-powered-speakers/">powered speakers</a>? The sky&#8217;s the limit.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1654877739593"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much weight can a dual-monitor stand hold?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The maximum weight your dual-monitor stand can hold will vary from stand to stand. The mounts we&#8217;ve selected for this list max out at anywhere from 17.6 lbs to 44 lbs per monitor, influenced by the build material, the type of arm, and mounting style. <br/><br/>This is one of the most important things to check out before picking out an arm. Do not buy a stand unless you are sure it can support your monitors’ weight.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1654877753115"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can you use a monitor arm on a glass desk?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">You can use some dual-monitor arms on a glass desk. Avoid using desk-mounted monitor stands, which apply a large amount of clamping force to your desk. A clamping monitor stand may very well crack or shatter the desk. So long as your desk can handle the weight of two monitors, a desktop monitor stand should work fine. If weight is also a concern, consider a wall-mounted stand.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1677165312051"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much should a dual-monitor stand cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">This will vary based on the features you need, but you shouldn&#8217;t have to spend over $50 on a monitor stand if your needs are modest.</p> </div> </div>
  22667.  
  22668.  
  22669.  
  22670. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-final-thoughts-on-the-best-dual-monitor-stands-strong-"><strong>Final thoughts on the best dual-monitor stands</strong></h2>
  22671.  
  22672.  
  22673.  
  22674. <ul>
  22675. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Monitor-Adjustable-Computer-Screens/dp/B01F2SIY02?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm</a></li>
  22676.  
  22677.  
  22678.  
  22679. <li><strong>Best desk-mounted: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-Monitor-Monitors-Up-Inches-20-lbs-Each/dp/B07Q1NJ15Q?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm</a></li>
  22680.  
  22681.  
  22682.  
  22683. <li><strong>Best wall-mounted: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MOUNTUP-Adjustable-Polished-Aluminium-3-3-17-6lbs/dp/B08XPYWXSF?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount</a></li>
  22684.  
  22685.  
  22686.  
  22687. <li><strong>Best freestanding: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ErGear-Freestanding-Computer-Tempered-Monitors/dp/B0BLH95LKH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand</a></li>
  22688.  
  22689.  
  22690.  
  22691. <li><strong>Best vertical: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-Free-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B082845XM8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hemudu HT05B-002 Dual Monitor Stand</a></li>
  22692.  
  22693.  
  22694.  
  22695. <li><strong>Best premium: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ergotron-45-476-026-Polished-Aluminum-Monitors/dp/B01N6H9UR2?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ergotron HX Desk Dual Monitor Arm</a></li>
  22696.  
  22697.  
  22698.  
  22699. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Screens-STAND-V002/dp/B009S750LA?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000449578O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount</a></li>
  22700. </ul>
  22701.  
  22702.  
  22703.  
  22704. <p>With so many options for mounting your monitors and such a wide range of prices, the best dual-monitor stands are a very affordable and useful upgrade for anyone using two monitors. Whether you&#8217;re rocking one display in landscape mode and one in <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/vertical-monitor-setup/">portrait mode</a>, pairing an <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-ultrawide-monitors/">ultrawide monitor</a> with a standard one, mounting to a desk or a wall, there are dynamic stands for every type of home setup.</p>
  22705.  
  22706.  
  22707.  
  22708. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  22709.  
  22710.  
  22711.  
  22712. <p>Popular Science<em> started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  22713.  
  22714.  
  22715.  
  22716. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  22717. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-dual-monitor-stands/">The best dual-monitor stands for home and office in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  22718. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  22719. </item>
  22720. <item>
  22721. <title>The best hydroelectric generators for 2023</title>
  22722. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hydroelectric-generators/</link>
  22723. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stan Horaczek]]></dc:creator>
  22724. <pubDate>Sat, 29 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  22725. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  22726. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  22727. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  22728. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  22729. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  22730. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  22731. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  22732. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  22733. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=559517</guid>
  22734.  
  22735. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  22736.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlilly-turbine.jpeg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Waterlilly turbine" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Waterlily</div></figure><p>These surprisingly powerful devices can turn the power of running water into current.</p>
  22737. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hydroelectric-generators/">The best hydroelectric generators for 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  22738. ]]></description>
  22739. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  22740.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlilly-turbine.jpeg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Waterlilly turbine" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Waterlily</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  22741. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  22742.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  22743.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  22744.      <tbody>
  22745.              <tr
  22746.          class="ProductTable-product"
  22747.          data-href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/"
  22748.        >
  22749.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  22750.            Best portable
  22751.          </td>
  22752.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  22753.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="waterlily turbine" class="wp-image-559692" width="264" height="165">
  22754.          </td>
  22755.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  22756.            WaterLily Turbine
  22757.          </td>
  22758.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  22759.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  22760.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22761.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22762.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22763.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22764.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22765.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  22766.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22767.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22768.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22769.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22770.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22771.                                  </div>
  22772.                          </div>
  22773.          </td>
  22774.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  22775.            <a href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  22776.                <span>
  22777.                  SEE IT
  22778.                </span>
  22779.            </a>
  22780.          </td>
  22781.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  22782.              <p>This model is small enough to carry with you into the wild.</p>
  22783.  
  22784.            </td>
  22785.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  22786.        </tr>
  22787.              <tr
  22788.          class="ProductTable-product"
  22789.          data-href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/"
  22790.        >
  22791.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  22792.            Best overall
  22793.          </td>
  22794.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  22795.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Scott Hydro 1500W Water Turbine" class="wp-image-559696" width="264" height="165">
  22796.          </td>
  22797.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  22798.            Scott Hydro 1500W Water Turbine
  22799.          </td>
  22800.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  22801.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  22802.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22803.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22804.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22805.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22806.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22807.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  22808.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22809.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22810.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22811.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22812.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22813.                                  </div>
  22814.                          </div>
  22815.          </td>
  22816.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  22817.            <a href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  22818.                <span>
  22819.                  SEE IT
  22820.                </span>
  22821.            </a>
  22822.          </td>
  22823.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  22824.              <p>This reliable model can power a small home all on its own.</p>
  22825.  
  22826.            </td>
  22827.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  22828.        </tr>
  22829.              <tr
  22830.          class="ProductTable-product"
  22831.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  22832.        >
  22833.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  22834.            Best budget
  22835.          </td>
  22836.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  22837.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator Water 12V DC 10W Micro Hydro Water Charging Tool" class="wp-image-559694" width="264" height="165">
  22838.          </td>
  22839.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  22840.            Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator
  22841.          </td>
  22842.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  22843.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  22844.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22845.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22846.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22847.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22848.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22849.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 70%">
  22850.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22851.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22852.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22853.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22854.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  22855.                                  </div>
  22856.                          </div>
  22857.          </td>
  22858.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  22859.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  22860.                <span>
  22861.                  SEE IT
  22862.                </span>
  22863.            </a>
  22864.          </td>
  22865.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  22866.              <p>Install it on your pipes and get up to 10W of power.</p>
  22867.  
  22868.            </td>
  22869.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  22870.        </tr>
  22871.            </tbody>
  22872.    </table>
  22873.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  22874.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  22875.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  22876.    </div>
  22877.  </div>
  22878. </div>
  22879.  
  22880.  
  22881.  
  22882. <p>Hydroelectric generators produce electricity by harnessing the force of running water. This may seem like a novelty or impractical for home use, but you&#8217;d be surprised. While hydropower—or the use of the kinetic energy of running water to generate power—has been in use since <a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/top-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-hydropower" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient times</a>, it is most associated these days with massive industrial damming projects, like the Oahe Dam and the Hoover Dam in the United States. But, hydropower can exist on an extremely small scale. </p>
  22883.  
  22884.  
  22885.  
  22886. <p>The benefits are obvious: you can generate power from an available resource—running water (with some models, even the water in your home’s pipes). In addition to possibly lowering your energy bills, allowing you to run additional electrical equipment, and potentially providing other benefits, utilizing hydro can take the pressure off the electricity grid, provide electricity if living off-the-grid, and offer backup power in the event of a blackout. Regarding sustainability, generating your own hydropower can reduce your use of fossil fuels and, consequently, your carbon footprint. According to the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-basics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Energy</a>, about 7 percent of the nation’s electricity (and 37 percent of its renewable electricity) comes from hydropower—but with your own generator, you may be able to help those numbers grow, even slightly. Better yet, unlike large-scale hydroelectric projects, which can be extremely <a href="https://theconversation.com/hydropower-dams-can-harm-coastal-areas-far-downstream-114171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">damaging to river ecology</a>, small-scale hydro has relatively minimal effects on the immediate environment. Here are our picks for the best hydroelectric generators.</p>
  22887.  
  22888.  
  22889.  
  22890. <ul>
  22891. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/">Scott Hydro 1500W Water Turbine</a></li>
  22892.  
  22893.  
  22894.  
  22895. <li><strong>Best value: </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://microhydropower.com/watter-buddy/">Energy Systems and Design Watter Buddy</a></li>
  22896.  
  22897.  
  22898.  
  22899. <li><strong>Best portable: </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/">WaterLily Turbine</a></li>
  22900.  
  22901.  
  22902.  
  22903. <li><strong>Best budget: ​​</strong><a rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000">Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator</a></li>
  22904.  
  22905.  
  22906.  
  22907. <li><strong>Best lightweight: </strong><a rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beduan-Turbine-Generator-Hydroelectric-Changeing/dp/B07PHR4K9Z/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000">Beduan Micro Water Turbine Generator&nbsp;</a></li>
  22908.  
  22909.  
  22910.  
  22911. <li><strong>Best off-grid: </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.powerspout.com/collections/turgo-trg/products/powerspout-trg-1?variant=12953943310391">PowerSpout TRG</a></li>
  22912.  
  22913.  
  22914.  
  22915. <li><strong>Best small: </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.micro-hydro-power.com/Micro-Hydro-Turbine-Power-Single-Nozzle-XJ18-0.5DCT4-Z.htm">Suneco 500W Hydro Turbine</a></li>
  22916. </ul>
  22917.  
  22918.  
  22919.  
  22920. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-hydroelectric-generators"><strong>How we chose the best hydroelectric generators</strong></h2>
  22921.  
  22922.  
  22923.  
  22924. <p>We looked through about a dozen models to find the top hydroelectric generators. Admittedly, there aren’t a ton of options in the middle. There are a few larger-scale, ultimately stationary models that require a good amount of flow but can usually power a home, as well as tiny models that are best for producing small amounts of power. But we did find a couple of relevant models that—while maybe not meeting all your power needs—can provide extra energy and are particularly useful in a camping or off-grid setting.&nbsp;</p>
  22925.  
  22926.  
  22927.  
  22928. <p>When purchasing a hydroelectric generator, sustainability is primarily in the concept: if you have running water near you, you can access a freely available resource to produce, potentially, a lot of electricity. Again, unlike with massive industrial hydro projects, effects near you should be minimal, and you can take pressure off the grid or other less sustainable energy sources. If you want to get deeply technical about it, you can <a href="https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/hydropower-d_1359.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculate hydropower that you produce</a>, and compare it to grid power, estimating both the relative cost and carbon impact of the energy you use.</p>
  22929.  
  22930.  
  22931.  
  22932. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2-the-best-hydroelectric-generators-recommendations-amp-reviews"><strong>The best hydroelectric generators: Recommendations &amp; Reviews</strong></h2>
  22933.  
  22934.  
  22935.  
  22936. <p>If you&#8217;re on this page, then you likely know exactly what you&#8217;re looking for because these are somewhat complex machines that require lots of infrastructure to go with them. We&#8217;ve selected the best to fit specific uses, but products always overlap. </p>
  22937.  
  22938.  
  22939.  
  22940. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-overall-strong-a-href-https-absak-com-product-scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine-scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine-a-"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Scott Hydro 1500W Water Turbine</a></h3>
  22941.  
  22942.  
  22943. <div
  22944.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  22945.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  22946. >
  22947.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  22948.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  22949.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  22950.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Scott-Hydro-1500W-Water-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Scott Hydro 1500W Water Turbine">
  22951.                      </figure>
  22952.                  </a>
  22953.            </div>
  22954.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  22955.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  22956.        <p><em>Scott Hydro</em></p>
  22957.  
  22958.      </figcaption>
  22959.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  22960.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/"
  22961.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  22962.      </p>
  22963.      </div>
  22964. </div>
  22965.  
  22966.  
  22967.  
  22968. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> This is an extremely well-built machine that—even with low head—can reliably power a small home with steady water flow.</p>
  22969.  
  22970.  
  22971.  
  22972. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  22973.  
  22974.  
  22975.  
  22976. <ul>
  22977. <li>Rated at 1500W output (but can reach 2000W)</li>
  22978.  
  22979.  
  22980.  
  22981. <li>Largely self-cleaning</li>
  22982.  
  22983.  
  22984.  
  22985. <li>Made in USA</li>
  22986. </ul>
  22987.  
  22988.  
  22989.  
  22990. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  22991.  
  22992.  
  22993.  
  22994. <ul>
  22995. <li>Provides ample power</li>
  22996.  
  22997.  
  22998.  
  22999. <li>Very sturdy</li>
  23000. </ul>
  23001.  
  23002.  
  23003.  
  23004. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23005.  
  23006.  
  23007.  
  23008. <ul>
  23009. <li>Expensive</li>
  23010.  
  23011.  
  23012.  
  23013. <li>Additional components required</li>
  23014. </ul>
  23015.  
  23016.  
  23017.  
  23018. <p>If you live near a decent, steady source of running water, this high-quality machine can, once installed, probably provide consistent power for your home year-round. Your electricity bills will be negligible, you will not have to worry about the weather (as you do for solar or wind power), and you can sustainably produce consistent electricity with limited environmental impact.</p>
  23019.  
  23020.  
  23021.  
  23022. <p>ABS Alaskan, the maker of this machine, has been making high-quality alternative energy devices for over 30 years, geared toward the conditions in Alaska—a state with <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=rivers.main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">over 12,000 rivers</a>—but applicable all over. The Scott Hydro Turbine, with a 1500-watt output, can almost certainly provide the energy you need for your home. While it requires a steady flow of water, it only needs a 20-foot drop in “head” (a term explained in our &#8220;Things to consider &#8230;&#8221; section near the bottom)—relatively small given the power provided. Once installed, it’s very easy to maintain—it is effectively self-cleaning, using the water flow, with only three rotating components.</p>
  23023.  
  23024.  
  23025.  
  23026. <p>On the con side, these units are pricey, and installation does take some work, requiring a relatively simple water diversion and a small shelter to protect the unit. You’ll also need an electric connection kit, not to mention batteries (if intending to store power). But once it’s up and running, it can provide lasting, sustainable power for years.</p>
  23027.  
  23028.  
  23029.  
  23030. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-value-strong-a-href-https-microhydropower-com-watter-buddy-energy-systems-and-design-watter-buddy-a-"><strong>Best value: </strong><a href="https://microhydropower.com/watter-buddy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Energy Systems and Design Watter Buddy</a></h3>
  23031.  
  23032.  
  23033. <div
  23034.    id="energy-systems-and-design-watter-buddy"
  23035.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23036.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23037. >
  23038.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23039.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://microhydropower.com/watter-buddy/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23040.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23041.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/watter-buddy.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/watter-buddy.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Energy Systems and Design Watter Buddy">
  23042.                      </figure>
  23043.                  </a>
  23044.            </div>
  23045.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23046.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23047.        <p><em>Energy Systems and Design</em></p>
  23048.  
  23049.      </figcaption>
  23050.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23051.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://microhydropower.com/watter-buddy/"
  23052.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23053.      </p>
  23054.      </div>
  23055. </div>
  23056.  
  23057.  
  23058.  
  23059. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> For a modest price and small size, the Watter Buddy can provide a non-insubstantial 200W of power.</p>
  23060.  
  23061.  
  23062.  
  23063. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23064.  
  23065.  
  23066.  
  23067. <ul>
  23068. <li><strong>Type:</strong> Generates DC power via rectifier</li>
  23069.  
  23070.  
  23071.  
  23072. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 8 lbs</li>
  23073. </ul>
  23074.  
  23075.  
  23076.  
  23077. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23078.  
  23079.  
  23080.  
  23081. <ul>
  23082. <li>Lightweight</li>
  23083.  
  23084.  
  23085.  
  23086. <li>Multiple nozzle sizes provided to match flow</li>
  23087. </ul>
  23088.  
  23089.  
  23090.  
  23091. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23092.  
  23093.  
  23094.  
  23095. <ul>
  23096. <li>Likely cannot provide all your power needs</li>
  23097. </ul>
  23098.  
  23099.  
  23100.  
  23101. <p>The Watter Buddy is an innovative machine from Energy Systems and Design, a Canadian company providing off-grid hydro solutions for four decades. While the company produces a couple of larger (and more expensive models), the Watter Buddy meets you in the middle. For a modest price, it can provide a considerable amount—though probably not all—of your power needs. But don’t discount 200W. Whether you need supplementary off-grid power, are looking for electricity for a small workshop, or have other relevant needs, with steady water flow, this machine can do a lot—potentially lessening your reliance on a traditional <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-electric-generator/">electric generator</a>. And you don’t have to be off-grid—this can even be effectively used with traditional household pipes.</p>
  23102.  
  23103.  
  23104.  
  23105. <p>This product is convenient in a few other ways. Multiple nozzle sizes allow you to match the flow you use to generate power easily. A built-in rectifier converts from AC to DC power, allowing electricity produced to be easily sent to batteries or compatible devices. Finally, its very small size allows you to move it around conveniently as needed.</p>
  23106.  
  23107.  
  23108.  
  23109. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-portable-strong-a-href-https-www-waterlilyturbine-com-waterlily-turbine-a-"><strong>Best portable: </strong><a href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WaterLily Turbine</a></h3>
  23110.  
  23111.  
  23112. <div
  23113.    id="waterlily-turbine"
  23114.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23115.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23116. >
  23117.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23118.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23119.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23120.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/waterlily-turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="waterlily turbine">
  23121.                      </figure>
  23122.                  </a>
  23123.            </div>
  23124.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23125.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23126.        <p><em>WaterLily</em></p>
  23127.  
  23128.      </figcaption>
  23129.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23130.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/"
  23131.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23132.      </p>
  23133.      </div>
  23134. </div>
  23135.  
  23136.  
  23137.  
  23138. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> The WaterLily Turbine is easy to set up and use anywhere you can access running water, providing charge capabilities for both 12V and USB devices.</p>
  23139.  
  23140.  
  23141.  
  23142. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23143.  
  23144.  
  23145.  
  23146. <ul>
  23147. <li>Produces up to 2A (on 12V output); or up to 3A (via USB output)</li>
  23148.  
  23149.  
  23150.  
  23151. <li>10 ft. charge cord</li>
  23152.  
  23153.  
  23154.  
  23155. <li>1 km/h minimum water flow required</li>
  23156. </ul>
  23157.  
  23158.  
  23159.  
  23160. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23161.  
  23162.  
  23163.  
  23164. <ul>
  23165. <li>Can charge cellphones, battery banks, lights, and more</li>
  23166.  
  23167.  
  23168.  
  23169. <li>Under 3 lbs.</li>
  23170. </ul>
  23171.  
  23172.  
  23173.  
  23174. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23175.  
  23176.  
  23177.  
  23178. <ul>
  23179. <li>Likely can’t provide for all power needs</li>
  23180. </ul>
  23181.  
  23182.  
  23183.  
  23184. <p>For something easily transportable but extremely reliable, check out the WaterLily Turbine. This innovative little device can be set up virtually anywhere you have running water, producing (at highest power) up to 15 W. With good flow, a small device (cellphone, camera, etc.) should charge at roughly the same rate as it would if plugged into a traditional wall outlet. The WaterLily also offers unique accessories, including its WindLily attachment, which allows you to convert the device to harvest wind energy, and its SolarLily panels, which allows for a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-solar-panels/">solar harvesting</a> component like the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hydroelectric-generators/">best solar generators</a>.</p>
  23185.  
  23186.  
  23187.  
  23188. <p>In terms of sustainability, again, a small hydroelectric generator has the virtue of harnessing natural flow with minimal ecological impacts. According to the company, using a WaterLily can provide the equivalent power of 50 AA batteries in a day. The company also looks to promote its values by <a href="https://get.waterlilyturbine.com/energy-anywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collaborating with organizations</a> that help deploy WaterLily turbines in the developing world.</p>
  23189.  
  23190.  
  23191.  
  23192. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-budget-pick-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-dp-b00zcbnnoc-https-www-amazon-com-dp-b00zcbnnoc-tag-camdenxpsc-20-yosoo-dc-water-turbine-generator-a-"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator</a></h3>
  23193.  
  23194.  
  23195. <div
  23196.    id="yosoo-dc-water-turbine-generator"
  23197.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23198.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23199. >
  23200.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23201.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23202.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23203.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Yosoo-DC-Water-Turbine-Generator-Water-12V-DC-10W-Micro-Hydro-Water-Charging-Tool.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator Water 12V DC 10W Micro Hydro Water Charging Tool">
  23204.                      </figure>
  23205.                  </a>
  23206.            </div>
  23207.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23208.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23209.        <p><em>Yosoo</em></p>
  23210.  
  23211.      </figcaption>
  23212.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23213.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000"
  23214.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23215.      </p>
  23216.      </div>
  23217. </div>
  23218.  
  23219.  
  23220.  
  23221. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> For a very affordable price, this small Yosoo generator reliably generates up to 10 W of power and can be used on your household pipes.</p>
  23222.  
  23223.  
  23224.  
  23225. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23226.  
  23227.  
  23228.  
  23229. <ul>
  23230. <li>12V, 10W output</li>
  23231.  
  23232.  
  23233.  
  23234. <li>3.2 oz</li>
  23235.  
  23236.  
  23237.  
  23238. <li>Made in China</li>
  23239. </ul>
  23240.  
  23241.  
  23242.  
  23243. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23244.  
  23245.  
  23246.  
  23247. <ul>
  23248. <li>Very affordable</li>
  23249.  
  23250.  
  23251.  
  23252. <li>Reliable, steady</li>
  23253. </ul>
  23254.  
  23255.  
  23256.  
  23257. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23258.  
  23259.  
  23260.  
  23261. <ul>
  23262. <li>Provides very limited power</li>
  23263. </ul>
  23264.  
  23265.  
  23266.  
  23267. <p>The Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator is a small, handy device that neatly hooks up to the pipes in your home. For an extremely affordable price, you can use water that, in most cases, should flow through your pipes anyway to generate a little extra electricity. It’s not useful for big devices, but it can provide additional capacity for lightning, charging for phones or other devices, or similar uses that require comparable power.</p>
  23268.  
  23269.  
  23270.  
  23271. <p>While this generator may not make a huge difference if you’re tied into the grid, it can be very handy if you live off-grid, where every little bit of power matters. Keep some lights on, charge up your phone or radio, or fulfill other needs based on existing water flow.&nbsp;</p>
  23272.  
  23273.  
  23274.  
  23275. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-lightweight-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-beduan-turbine-generator-hydroelectric-changeing-dp-b07phr4k9z-tag-camdenxpsc-20-beduan-micro-water-turbine-generator-a-"><strong>Best lightweight: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beduan-Turbine-Generator-Hydroelectric-Changeing/dp/B07PHR4K9Z/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Beduan Micro Water Turbine Generator</a></h3>
  23276.  
  23277.  
  23278. <div
  23279.    id="beduan-micro-water-turbine-generator"
  23280.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23281.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23282. >
  23283.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23284.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beduan-Turbine-Generator-Hydroelectric-Changeing/dp/B07PHR4K9Z/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23285.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23286.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Beduan-Micro-Water-Turbine-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Beduan-Micro-Water-Turbine-Generator.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Beduan Micro Water Turbine Generator">
  23287.                      </figure>
  23288.                  </a>
  23289.            </div>
  23290.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23291.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23292.        <p><em>Beduan</em></p>
  23293.  
  23294.      </figcaption>
  23295.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23296.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Beduan-Turbine-Generator-Hydroelectric-Changeing/dp/B07PHR4K9Z/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000"
  23297.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23298.      </p>
  23299.      </div>
  23300. </div>
  23301.  
  23302.  
  23303.  
  23304. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> This is another small, inexpensive, and simple option that can provide some extra power in your home.</p>
  23305.  
  23306.  
  23307.  
  23308. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23309.  
  23310.  
  23311.  
  23312. <ul>
  23313. <li>3.17 oz</li>
  23314.  
  23315.  
  23316.  
  23317. <li>12 V, 10 W</li>
  23318.  
  23319.  
  23320.  
  23321. <li>0.5” G thread</li>
  23322. </ul>
  23323.  
  23324.  
  23325.  
  23326. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23327.  
  23328.  
  23329.  
  23330. <ul>
  23331. <li>Very light</li>
  23332.  
  23333.  
  23334.  
  23335. <li>Affordable</li>
  23336.  
  23337.  
  23338.  
  23339. <li>Easy to install</li>
  23340. </ul>
  23341.  
  23342.  
  23343.  
  23344. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23345.  
  23346.  
  23347.  
  23348. <ul>
  23349. <li>Provides limited power</li>
  23350.  
  23351.  
  23352.  
  23353. <li>Can be noisy</li>
  23354. </ul>
  23355.  
  23356.  
  23357.  
  23358. <p>This small device from Beduan provides another handy way to generate a little extra power from water running through a pipe, like a shower or through a hose. Its recommended water flow for full power is about 26 L/min, and with 10 W, you can provide a little extra power to charge a small device or power a light. While that certainly won’t be enough to run your washing machine or fridge, it can still be helpful—again, especially in off-grid situations, where power may be limited.</p>
  23359.  
  23360.  
  23361.  
  23362. <p>In practice, this little device from Beduan can make a handy addendum to your stock of energy-efficient tech. It makes up for its limitations by being both extremely affordable, as well as lightweight and easy to install.</p>
  23363.  
  23364.  
  23365.  
  23366. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-off-grid-strong-a-href-https-www-powerspout-com-collections-turgo-trg-products-powerspout-trg-1-variant-12953943310391-powerspout-trg-a-"><strong>Best off-grid: </strong><a href="https://www.powerspout.com/collections/turgo-trg/products/powerspout-trg-1?variant=12953943310391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PowerSpout TRG</a></h3>
  23367.  
  23368.  
  23369. <div
  23370.    id="powersprout-trg"
  23371.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23372.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23373. >
  23374.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23375.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.powerspout.com/collections/turgo-trg/products/powerspout-trg-1?variant=12953943310391" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23376.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23377.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/PowerSpout-TRG.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/PowerSpout-TRG.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="PowerSpout-TRG">
  23378.                      </figure>
  23379.                  </a>
  23380.            </div>
  23381.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23382.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23383.        <p><em>PowerSprout</em></p>
  23384.  
  23385.      </figcaption>
  23386.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23387.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.powerspout.com/collections/turgo-trg/products/powerspout-trg-1?variant=12953943310391"
  23388.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23389.      </p>
  23390.      </div>
  23391. </div>
  23392.  
  23393.  
  23394.  
  23395. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> This is a high-caliber model that comes in high-head, medium-head, and low-head options, with the capacity to provide substantial off-grid power.</p>
  23396.  
  23397.  
  23398.  
  23399. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23400.  
  23401.  
  23402.  
  23403. <ul>
  23404. <li>Head range is 6.6 to 100 feet</li>
  23405.  
  23406.  
  23407.  
  23408. <li>Maximum flow 254 gpm</li>
  23409.  
  23410.  
  23411.  
  23412. <li>16.9&#215;16.1&#215;13.8”</li>
  23413. </ul>
  23414.  
  23415.  
  23416.  
  23417. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23418.  
  23419.  
  23420.  
  23421. <ul>
  23422. <li>Customizable to different types of flows</li>
  23423.  
  23424.  
  23425.  
  23426. <li>Relatively affordable given power provided</li>
  23427. </ul>
  23428.  
  23429.  
  23430.  
  23431. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23432.  
  23433.  
  23434.  
  23435. <ul>
  23436. <li>Can be challenging to set up</li>
  23437. </ul>
  23438.  
  23439.  
  23440.  
  23441. <p>PowerSpout is a New Zealand-based company that offers an assortment of hydroelectric generators. We’ve linked to their medium-head option here, but they also make a high-head and low-head model. This variety is great, allowing you to carefully select the right model for your given conditions. Bear in mind, though, that setup can be tricky, and it is best to buy from a dealer.</p>
  23442.  
  23443.  
  23444.  
  23445. <p>The PowerSpout TRG is a high-quality machine that—for a pretty modest price—can generate 1.6 kW daily with adequate flow. The company even notes that “stacking” units is an option for generating additional power. The turbine will come with pretty much everything you need for setup, and by ordering from a dealer, you can go over your system specs to be sure you are prepared to easily get it up and running. While these are ideal for off-grid setups, they can be ordered such that the system voltage can easily be tied into the grid. In short, a great model for all situations.</p>
  23446.  
  23447.  
  23448.  
  23449. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-small-strong-a-href-https-www-micro-hydro-power-com-micro-hydro-turbine-power-single-nozzle-xj18-0-5dct4-z-htm-suneco-500w-hydro-turbine-a-"><strong>Best small: </strong><a href="https://www.micro-hydro-power.com/Micro-Hydro-Turbine-Power-Single-Nozzle-XJ18-0.5DCT4-Z.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Suneco 500W Hydro Turbine</a></h3>
  23450.  
  23451.  
  23452. <div
  23453.    id="suneco-500w-hydro-turbine"
  23454.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23455.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23456. >
  23457.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23458.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.micro-hydro-power.com/Micro-Hydro-Turbine-Power-Single-Nozzle-XJ18-0.5DCT4-Z.htm" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23459.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23460.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Suneco-500W-Hydro-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/27/Suneco-500W-Hydro-Turbine.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Suneco 500W Hydro Turbine">
  23461.                      </figure>
  23462.                  </a>
  23463.            </div>
  23464.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23465.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23466.        <p><em>Suneco </em></p>
  23467.  
  23468.      </figcaption>
  23469.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23470.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.micro-hydro-power.com/Micro-Hydro-Turbine-Power-Single-Nozzle-XJ18-0.5DCT4-Z.htm"
  23471.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23472.      </p>
  23473.      </div>
  23474. </div>
  23475.  
  23476.  
  23477.  
  23478. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> If your water flow has decent head, this fairly small turbine can produce a decent amount of power that can cut down your electricity budget or provide extra off-grid power.</p>
  23479.  
  23480.  
  23481.  
  23482. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23483.  
  23484.  
  23485.  
  23486. <ul>
  23487. <li>Rated for 12-18 m. head</li>
  23488.  
  23489.  
  23490.  
  23491. <li><strong>Output:</strong> 500 W</li>
  23492.  
  23493.  
  23494.  
  23495. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> 27 kgs.</li>
  23496. </ul>
  23497.  
  23498.  
  23499.  
  23500. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23501.  
  23502.  
  23503.  
  23504. <ul>
  23505. <li>Consistent, fairly substantial power</li>
  23506.  
  23507.  
  23508.  
  23509. <li>Good safety protection</li>
  23510. </ul>
  23511.  
  23512.  
  23513.  
  23514. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  23515.  
  23516.  
  23517.  
  23518. <ul>
  23519. <li>Requires considerable head to generate power</li>
  23520. </ul>
  23521.  
  23522.  
  23523.  
  23524. <p>Suneco Hydro has been developing micro hydro turbines since 1991—and they have several options. The 500W hydro turbine is a modest size that slots in right in the middle; it’s not too large or expensive but is substantial enough to make a difference in terms of power provided.</p>
  23525.  
  23526.  
  23527.  
  23528. <p>This particular model, weighing in at 27 kgs., is small enough that you can most likely set it up yourself. While it requires a somewhat considerable 12 m. of head to generate power, if you have the setting for it, it can make a great option for an on or off-grid property. However, it should be noted that Suneco Hydro is based in China, which can mean longer shipping times, and may potentially involve more challenges when working with customer service.</p>
  23529.  
  23530.  
  23531.  
  23532. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-shopping-for-a-hydroelectric-generator"><strong>What to consider when shopping for a hydroelectric generator</strong></h2>
  23533.  
  23534.  
  23535.  
  23536. <p>Many factors go into choosing the ideal hydroelectric generator. How bulky is the generator? Is it portable? How much water does it require to run? How much power does it generate? Where can it be run? Can you set it up yourself? Depending on your needs—whether you want it for the home, a workshop, or for use when out in the backcountry—you will probably hone in on particular products.</p>
  23537.  
  23538.  
  23539.  
  23540. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-size">Size</h3>
  23541.  
  23542.  
  23543.  
  23544. <p>Hydropower comes in many sizes. According to the <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/faqs/powerfaq.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bureau of Reclamation</a>, for instance, the Hoover Dam generates 4 billion kilowatt-hours annually. On the far opposite end of the spectrum is <a href="https://www.picohydro.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pico</a> hydro, which can generate up to 5 kW of electricity. The next most substantial type of hydro is <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/microhydropower-systems" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micro</a> hydropower, which generates up to 100 kW of electricity. (Hydropower continues up in size after that—encompassing mini hydro, which produces 100 kW to 1 MW of electricity, small hydro, and so on—but virtually any system for use on an individual scale will fall into the micro or pico category.)&nbsp;</p>
  23545.  
  23546.  
  23547.  
  23548. <p>Keep your needs in mind. If you’re looking for something to use while camping, you’ll want to focus on the smallest and lightest end of the spectrum; if you want to power your house from the creek that runs through your property, you may need a sizable generator.&nbsp;</p>
  23549.  
  23550.  
  23551.  
  23552. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-water-source">Water source</h3>
  23553.  
  23554.  
  23555.  
  23556. <p>While hydropower is conventionally associated with large rivers, any flow of water can potentially produce hydropower. The output could possibly offer more power than you think. <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/planning-microhydropower-system" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two terms</a> are useful to know to understand how to calculate hydropower’s potential output. “Head” denotes the height gradient over which water moves from input to output; “flow” is the amount of water going through the system. These two numbers can be used to <a href="https://www.renewablesfirst.co.uk/hydropower/hydropower-learning-centre/how-much-power-could-i-generate-from-a-hydro-turbine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculate the rough power output</a> of a system.</p>
  23557.  
  23558.  
  23559.  
  23560. <p>How does the water source come in? Naturally, heavier running water over steeper terrain generates more power. If you have a substantial stream on your property, it’s very possible that you can generate a considerable amount of electricity from it. But hydropower can work even on a tiny scale. For instance, some systems are built to run off the water in your pipes. When looking for a personal hydro system, give consideration to the source of the water—and also consider seasonal factors, like whether a stream tends to dry up in the summer.</p>
  23561.  
  23562.  
  23563.  
  23564. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-generator-type">Generator type</h3>
  23565.  
  23566.  
  23567.  
  23568. <p>According to the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/types-hydropower-turbines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Energy</a>, “reaction” and “impulse” turbines are the two main classes of hydro turbines. Hydropower is not terribly complicated, but for the purposes of home use, you mainly need to determine what fits your particular setting.</p>
  23569.  
  23570.  
  23571.  
  23572. <p>The <a href="https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/29065.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">main difference</a> between the two is that reaction turbines generate energy based on water pressure, while impulse turbines generate energy based on water velocity. Impulse turbines are best with high head and low flow (while reaction turbines are the inverse). Impulse turbines are more common in microhydro settings, although propeller turbines are a type of reaction turbine that can be used for microhydro.</p>
  23573.  
  23574.  
  23575.  
  23576. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  23577.  
  23578.  
  23579.  
  23580. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1690483536047"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much do hydroelectric generators cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In a generator, the cost of a generator will be correlated with its power output. The most miniature, portable generators—which may produce only a few watts, can be reasonably priced. Larger generators surveyed, provided they have access to a steady water supply, may be able to power your home—and more. But these ones can cost several thousand dollars and may require supplementary equipment, like inverters, wiring, and batteries. Of course, you can always save and look for refurbished options on sites like eBay, Amazon Renewed, and others. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1690483548624"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What size hydroelectric generator do I need?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It all depends on your needs! If you want one that provides enough power to charge your phone, one of the smallest options above might be sufficient. If you want to generate most of your home’s electricity via a hydro generator, you may need one producing 1000W or more.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1690483557524"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can you power a house with a hydroelectric generator?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It depends on your power needs, the amount of water flow you can access, and the size of your generator. <a href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to ABS Alaskan</a>, the average American home without electric heat uses about 1000W consistently (less than the 1500 W put out by their Scott Hydro Turbine—meaning that device could power an average house). You can add up the wattage used by regularly running devices in your home—refrigerator, lights, washing machine, etc.—and compare them to the output of your generator.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1690483566647"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Will I need to purchase any additional equipment?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Sometimes. If you want to store power, you must purchase batteries, typically lead-acid or lithium. Both options are fairly expensive, but once purchased, they can usually last many years. Depending on the model, you may also need an inverter or other equipment to bring power from the generator to batteries or appliances. Be sure to check the specs on whichever generator you end up purchasing.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1690483577907"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What can I do with my hydro or old generator when it no longer works?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">With good care, your hydro generator should last many years. Because these units tend to be specialized and each model is unique, check with the dealer or manufacturer about cleaning and maintenance instructions to ensure the machine lasts as long as possible (some, like the Scott Hydro 1500 W Water Turbine, are largely self-cleaning once set up.)<br/><br/>If your new hydro generator will replace your gas generator, you may be looking for ways to recycle your old machine. <a href="https://goloadup.com/what-we-take/tools/generator-removal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LoadUp</a> is one company that can help recycle your old gas generate, salvaging as many valuable materials as possible. Some scrap companies, like <a href="https://rockawayrecycling.com/scrap-metal-pickups/cash-for-scrap-generators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rockaway Recycling</a>, may pay cash for old generators. Reaching out to scrap yards near you may suggest other ways to salvage usable materials from your generator.</p> </div> </div>
  23581.  
  23582.  
  23583.  
  23584. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-hydroelectric-generators"><strong>Final thoughts on the best hydroelectric generators</strong></h2>
  23585.  
  23586.  
  23587.  
  23588. <ul>
  23589. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://absak.com/product/scott-hydro-1500w-water-turbine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Scott Hydro 1500W Water Turbine</a></li>
  23590.  
  23591.  
  23592.  
  23593. <li><strong>Best value: </strong><a href="https://microhydropower.com/watter-buddy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Energy Systems and Design Watter Buddy</a></li>
  23594.  
  23595.  
  23596.  
  23597. <li><strong>Best portable: </strong><a href="https://www.waterlilyturbine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WaterLily Turbine</a></li>
  23598.  
  23599.  
  23600.  
  23601. <li><strong>Best budget: ​​</strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCBNNOC/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yosoo DC Water Turbine Generator</a></li>
  23602.  
  23603.  
  23604.  
  23605. <li><strong>Best lightweight: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beduan-Turbine-Generator-Hydroelectric-Changeing/dp/B07PHR4K9Z/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000559517O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Beduan Micro Water Turbine Generator&nbsp;</a></li>
  23606.  
  23607.  
  23608.  
  23609. <li><strong>Best off-grid: </strong><a href="https://www.powerspout.com/collections/turgo-trg/products/powerspout-trg-1?variant=12953943310391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PowerSpout TRG</a></li>
  23610.  
  23611.  
  23612.  
  23613. <li><strong>Best small: </strong><a href="https://www.micro-hydro-power.com/Micro-Hydro-Turbine-Power-Single-Nozzle-XJ18-0.5DCT4-Z.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Suneco 500W Hydro Turbine</a></li>
  23614. </ul>
  23615.  
  23616.  
  23617.  
  23618. <p>If you’re looking for a serious way to generate consistent hydropower from a decent amount of flowing water on your property, check out the Scott Hydro 1500 W Water Turbine. If you’re looking for a smaller and more portable option, the WaterLily Turbine is a great choice.</p>
  23619.  
  23620.  
  23621.  
  23622. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-why-trust-us-strong-"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  23623.  
  23624.  
  23625.  
  23626. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  23627.  
  23628.  
  23629.  
  23630. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  23631. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-hydroelectric-generators/">The best hydroelectric generators for 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  23632. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  23633. </item>
  23634. <item>
  23635. <title>The best routers for Spectrum of 2024</title>
  23636. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-routers-for-spectrum/</link>
  23637. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  23638. <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  23639. <category><![CDATA[Computers]]></category>
  23640. <category><![CDATA[Gaming]]></category>
  23641. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  23642. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  23643. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  23644. <category><![CDATA[PC Gaming]]></category>
  23645. <category><![CDATA[Peripherals]]></category>
  23646. <category><![CDATA[Smart Home]]></category>
  23647. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  23648. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  23649. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  23650. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  23651. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  23652. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  23653. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=452202</guid>
  23654.  
  23655. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  23656.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/best-routers-for-spectrum.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best routers for Spectrum" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>Make the most out of your internet by supplying your own router for your Spectrum service.</p>
  23657. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-routers-for-spectrum/">The best routers for Spectrum of 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  23658. ]]></description>
  23659. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  23660.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/best-routers-for-spectrum.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best routers for Spectrum" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  23661. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  23662.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  23663.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  23664.      <tbody>
  23665.              <tr
  23666.          class="ProductTable-product"
  23667.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  23668.        >
  23669.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  23670.            Best overall
  23671.          </td>
  23672.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  23673.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo" class="wp-image-452209" width="264" height="165">
  23674.          </td>
  23675.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  23676.            Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo
  23677.          </td>
  23678.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  23679.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  23680.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23681.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23682.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23683.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23684.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23685.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 86%">
  23686.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23687.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23688.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23689.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23690.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23691.                                  </div>
  23692.                          </div>
  23693.          </td>
  23694.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  23695.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  23696.                <span>
  23697.                  SEE IT
  23698.                </span>
  23699.            </a>
  23700.          </td>
  23701.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  23702.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This modem-router combination takes the guesswork out of Spectrum compatibilty.</span></p>
  23703.  
  23704.            </td>
  23705.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  23706.        </tr>
  23707.              <tr
  23708.          class="ProductTable-product"
  23709.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  23710.        >
  23711.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  23712.            Best cyber secure
  23713.          </td>
  23714.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  23715.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Gryphon AC3000" class="wp-image-452229" width="264" height="165">
  23716.          </td>
  23717.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  23718.            Gryphon AC3000
  23719.          </td>
  23720.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  23721.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  23722.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23723.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23724.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23725.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23726.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23727.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 84%">
  23728.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23729.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23730.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23731.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23732.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23733.                                  </div>
  23734.                          </div>
  23735.          </td>
  23736.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  23737.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  23738.                <span>
  23739.                  SEE IT
  23740.                </span>
  23741.            </a>
  23742.          </td>
  23743.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  23744.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hackers are no match for this protective router.</span></p>
  23745.  
  23746.            </td>
  23747.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  23748.        </tr>
  23749.              <tr
  23750.          class="ProductTable-product"
  23751.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  23752.        >
  23753.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  23754.            Best budget
  23755.          </td>
  23756.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  23757.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="TP-Link AC1750" class="wp-image-452234" width="264" height="165">
  23758.          </td>
  23759.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  23760.            TP-Link AC1750
  23761.          </td>
  23762.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  23763.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  23764.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23765.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23766.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23767.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23768.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23769.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 88%">
  23770.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23771.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23772.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23773.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23774.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  23775.                                  </div>
  23776.                          </div>
  23777.          </td>
  23778.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  23779.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  23780.                <span>
  23781.                  SEE IT
  23782.                </span>
  23783.            </a>
  23784.          </td>
  23785.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  23786.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lots of expensive features are packed into this budget-friendly router.</span></p>
  23787.  
  23788.            </td>
  23789.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  23790.        </tr>
  23791.            </tbody>
  23792.    </table>
  23793.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  23794.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  23795.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  23796.    </div>
  23797.  </div>
  23798. </div>
  23799.  
  23800.  
  23801.  
  23802. <p>If you work from home—and you’re a Charter Communications customer—you know there’s a huge difference between a bad router and a router that&#8217;s compatible with Spectrum internet. A bad router means long wait times talking to customer service, annoyingly slow load speeds, and a pixelated presence on work video calls. Choosing the best router for work, play, and just surfing the web makes life easier—and reduces the amount of low to no bandwidth-induced headaches you might get.&nbsp;</p>
  23803.  
  23804.  
  23805.  
  23806. <ul>
  23807. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo</a></li>
  23808.  
  23809.  
  23810.  
  23811. <li><strong>Best for gaming: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX86U-802-11ax-Lifetime-Internet/dp/B08BJHS3X7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router</a></li>
  23812.  
  23813.  
  23814.  
  23815. <li><strong>Best for streaming: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Networking-Wireless-Coverage-E8450/dp/B08LMQLG7X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Linksys &#8211; Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router</a></li>
  23816.  
  23817.  
  23818.  
  23819. <li><strong>Best mesh: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Whole-Tri-Band-System-RBK752/dp/B086HJXKJJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System</a></li>
  23820.  
  23821.  
  23822.  
  23823. <li><strong>Best cyber secure: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gryphon AC3000</a></li>
  23824.  
  23825.  
  23826.  
  23827. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TP-Link AC1750</a></li>
  23828. </ul>
  23829.  
  23830.  
  23831.  
  23832. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-routers-for-spectrum"><strong>How we chose the best routers for Spectrum</strong></h2>
  23833.  
  23834.  
  23835.  
  23836. <p>We know how important a strong Wi-Fi connection is to effortless, lag-free performance on <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-gaming-laptop/">the best gaming laptops</a> and streaming high-quality <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-smart-speakers/">lossless audio</a>. I personally have made the mistake of not doing my research before buying a router—would not recommend spending a few days Wi-Fi-less and with my own thoughts. To prevent you from facing a similar situation, we looked to personal testing, peer recommendations, critical reviews, and user impressions to find the best Spectrum routers.</p>
  23837.  
  23838.  
  23839.  
  23840. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The best routers for Spectrum: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  23841.  
  23842.  
  23843.  
  23844. <p>The best routers for Spectrum can handle everything, whether it’s a day full of video meetings, nights scrolling TikTok, intense gaming sessions, or streaming lengthy explainer videos on YouTube. These are our top picks.</p>
  23845.  
  23846.  
  23847.  
  23848. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo</a></h3>
  23849.  
  23850.  
  23851. <div
  23852.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23853.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23854. >
  23855.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23856.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23857.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23858.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo">
  23859.                      </figure>
  23860.                  </a>
  23861.            </div>
  23862.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23863.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23864.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000"
  23865.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23866.      </p>
  23867.      </div>
  23868. </div>
  23869.  
  23870.  
  23871.  
  23872. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>You don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate modem with this trusted combination device.</p>
  23873.  
  23874.  
  23875.  
  23876. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23877.  
  23878.  
  23879.  
  23880. <ul>
  23881. <li><strong>Data transfer rate: </strong>1,900 Mbps</li>
  23882.  
  23883.  
  23884.  
  23885. <li><strong>Coverage: </strong>1,800 square feet</li>
  23886.  
  23887.  
  23888.  
  23889. <li><strong>Plan speed compatibility:</strong> Up to 400 Mbps</li>
  23890.  
  23891.  
  23892.  
  23893. <li><strong>Parental controls:</strong> Yes</li>
  23894.  
  23895.  
  23896.  
  23897. <li><strong>Ports: </strong>Four 1-gigabit Ethernet ports; one USB 2.0 port</li>
  23898. </ul>
  23899.  
  23900.  
  23901.  
  23902. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23903.  
  23904.  
  23905.  
  23906. <ul>
  23907. <li>Easy installation</li>
  23908.  
  23909.  
  23910.  
  23911. <li>Independent channels for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz</li>
  23912.  
  23913.  
  23914.  
  23915. <li>Warrants fast, reliable internet.&nbsp;</li>
  23916. </ul>
  23917.  
  23918.  
  23919.  
  23920. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  23921.  
  23922.  
  23923.  
  23924. <ul>
  23925. <li>Slow return on investment</li>
  23926.  
  23927.  
  23928.  
  23929. <li>No support for Wi-Fi 6</li>
  23930. </ul>
  23931.  
  23932.  
  23933.  
  23934. <p>The Netgear Nighthawk proves that two is better than one: This router also features a built-in modem, meaning you don’t have to shop for a Spectrum-compatible modem. This router covers 1,800 square feet for up to 30 devices and is compatible with Spectrum speed plans up to 400 Mbps. It includes separate networks for 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, meaning you can organize your devices based on band level. You can plug in gaming consoles and computers to Ethernet thanks to four one-gigabit Ethernet ports, and can share storage with a connected device using the USB port. The router supports Wi-Fi 4 and 5 but does not support Wi-Fi 6. It features a WPA2-PSK security protocol, which is secure enough to protect your home without an enterprise authentication server—simply provide an 8- to 62-character-long passphrase to encrypt your network. However, it will take some time to see a return on your investment with the Nighthawk. Multiple reviews note that owners’ internet speed and performance were improved after setup, making the purchase worth it. Find more options for the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-netgear-routers/">best Netgear routers</a> here. </p>
  23935.  
  23936.  
  23937.  
  23938. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for gaming: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX86U-802-11ax-Lifetime-Internet/dp/B08BJHS3X7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router</a></h3>
  23939.  
  23940.  
  23941. <div
  23942.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  23943.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  23944. >
  23945.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  23946.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX86U-802-11ax-Lifetime-Internet/dp/B08BJHS3X7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  23947.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  23948.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_ASUS.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_ASUS.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router">
  23949.                      </figure>
  23950.                  </a>
  23951.            </div>
  23952.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  23953.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  23954.        <p><em>ASUS </em></p>
  23955.  
  23956.      </figcaption>
  23957.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  23958.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX86U-802-11ax-Lifetime-Internet/dp/B08BJHS3X7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000"
  23959.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  23960.      </p>
  23961.      </div>
  23962. </div>
  23963.  
  23964.  
  23965.  
  23966. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Reduced lag and latency are a tap away thanks to the router’s game mode and support for Wi-Fi 6.&nbsp;</p>
  23967.  
  23968.  
  23969.  
  23970. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  23971.  
  23972.  
  23973.  
  23974. <ul>
  23975. <li><strong>Data transfer rate: </strong>5700 Mbps</li>
  23976.  
  23977.  
  23978.  
  23979. <li><strong>Coverage: </strong>2,500 square feet</li>
  23980.  
  23981.  
  23982.  
  23983. <li><strong>Plan speed compatibility:</strong> 1 Gbps</li>
  23984.  
  23985.  
  23986.  
  23987. <li><strong>Parental controls:</strong> Yes</li>
  23988.  
  23989.  
  23990.  
  23991. <li><strong>Ports: </strong>two 3.2 USB ports; one 2.5 G WAN/LAN port; one WAN port; four Ethernet ports</li>
  23992. </ul>
  23993.  
  23994.  
  23995.  
  23996. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  23997.  
  23998.  
  23999.  
  24000. <ul>
  24001. <li>Fiber internet compatible</li>
  24002.  
  24003.  
  24004.  
  24005. <li>Easy installation</li>
  24006.  
  24007.  
  24008.  
  24009. <li>Plenty of LAN ports for devices if need be</li>
  24010. </ul>
  24011.  
  24012.  
  24013.  
  24014. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  24015.  
  24016.  
  24017.  
  24018. <ul>
  24019. <li>Upright design can hinder placement&nbsp;</li>
  24020. </ul>
  24021.  
  24022.  
  24023.  
  24024. <p>We are no strangers to the ASUS AX5700—we’ve previously named it the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-gaming-routers/">best all-purpose gaming router</a>. And it is compatible with Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan, which can handle up to 1 Gpbs, making it a perfect addition to this list. It’s Wi-Fi 6 compatible and includes MU-MIMO functionality for increased speed and security. Download the ASUS Router app to turn on the mobile game mode, which reduces lag and latency for back-to-back Victory Royales. AiMesh support allows you to bring seamless, interruption-free coverage to your home—and, considering the price of mesh routers, that makes this one a steal. Hackers will be KO’d thanks to free lifetime access to ASUS AiProtection Pro, which includes<strong> </strong>WPA3 protection—the latest Wi-Fi security protocol—powered by Trend Micro, a cyber security software company. However, you can only set the router vertically, which could pose a problem if you need a horizontal router.&nbsp;</p>
  24025.  
  24026.  
  24027.  
  24028. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best for streaming: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Networking-Wireless-Coverage-E8450/dp/B08LMQLG7X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Linksys &#8211; Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router</a></h3>
  24029.  
  24030.  
  24031. <div
  24032.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24033.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24034. >
  24035.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24036.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://howl.me/cimpcRbUrXq" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24037.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24038.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_bestbuy.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_bestbuy.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Linksys - Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router">
  24039.                      </figure>
  24040.                  </a>
  24041.            </div>
  24042.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24043.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24044.        <p><em>Linksys</em></p>
  24045.  
  24046.      </figcaption>
  24047.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24048.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://howl.me/cimpcRbUrXq"
  24049.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24050.      </p>
  24051.      </div>
  24052. </div>
  24053.  
  24054.  
  24055.  
  24056. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Between the wide coverage range, support for more than 30-plus devices, and splittable price, this router means the only thing your roommates will lag on is doing their dishes.&nbsp;</p>
  24057.  
  24058.  
  24059.  
  24060. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  24061.  
  24062.  
  24063.  
  24064. <ul>
  24065. <li><strong>Data transfer rate: </strong>5.4 Gbps</li>
  24066.  
  24067.  
  24068.  
  24069. <li><strong>Coverage: </strong>2,800 square feet</li>
  24070.  
  24071.  
  24072.  
  24073. <li><strong>Plan speed compatibility:</strong> 1 Gbps</li>
  24074.  
  24075.  
  24076.  
  24077. <li><strong>Parental controls:</strong> Yes</li>
  24078.  
  24079.  
  24080.  
  24081. <li><strong>Ports: </strong>4 Ethernet ports; 1 internet port; 1 USB port</li>
  24082. </ul>
  24083.  
  24084.  
  24085.  
  24086. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  24087.  
  24088.  
  24089.  
  24090. <ul>
  24091. <li>Easy setup</li>
  24092.  
  24093.  
  24094.  
  24095. <li>Separate guest access</li>
  24096.  
  24097.  
  24098.  
  24099. <li>Easy device connection thanks to a WPS button</li>
  24100. </ul>
  24101.  
  24102.  
  24103.  
  24104. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  24105.  
  24106.  
  24107.  
  24108. <ul>
  24109. <li>Reviews note trouble connecting the router to the Linksys app</li>
  24110. </ul>
  24111.  
  24112.  
  24113.  
  24114. <p>We’ve all had the problem of the internet slowing because it’s slogged down by everyone’s respective phone, laptop, and gaming system streaming at once. This problem is exacerbated if your roommates like Internet-of-Things smart devices that connect to the network. Expect the slog to stop with this dual-band router, which can connect to more than 30 devices. Additionally, this router is Wi-Fi 6 compatible, meaning it’s fast and futureproof. This router includes four Ethernet ports, one internet port to connect the router to the modem, and one USB port. Also, the router can create a guest access network so your roommates’ siblings or frequent callers don’t cause security problems or snag too much bandwidth when they add their binge-watching to what’s pulling down all the data. A WPS button makes device connection easy, and you can use your smartphone, tablet, or computer browser for quick set-up. The second biggest problem with this router is deciding who will take it at the end of the lease. The largest problem is connecting it to the Linksys app.</p>
  24115.  
  24116.  
  24117.  
  24118. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best mesh: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Whole-Tri-Band-System-RBK752/dp/B086HJXKJJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System</a></h3>
  24119.  
  24120.  
  24121. <div
  24122.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24123.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24124. >
  24125.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24126.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Whole-Tri-Band-System-RBK752/dp/B086HJXKJJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24127.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24128.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR_2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_NETGEAR_2.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System">
  24129.                      </figure>
  24130.                  </a>
  24131.            </div>
  24132.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24133.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24134.        <p><em>NETGEAR </em></p>
  24135.  
  24136.      </figcaption>
  24137.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24138.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Whole-Tri-Band-System-RBK752/dp/B086HJXKJJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000"
  24139.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24140.      </p>
  24141.      </div>
  24142. </div>
  24143.  
  24144.  
  24145.  
  24146. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>Up to 5,000 square feet of coverage and an included satellite extender means you can take meetings almost everywhere in your home without lag.</p>
  24147.  
  24148.  
  24149.  
  24150. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  24151.  
  24152.  
  24153.  
  24154. <ul>
  24155. <li><strong>Data transfer rate: </strong>4.2 Gbps</li>
  24156.  
  24157.  
  24158.  
  24159. <li><strong>Coverage: </strong>5,000 square feet</li>
  24160.  
  24161.  
  24162.  
  24163. <li><strong>Plan speed compatibility:</strong> 1 Gbps</li>
  24164.  
  24165.  
  24166.  
  24167. <li><strong>Parental controls:</strong> Yes</li>
  24168.  
  24169.  
  24170.  
  24171. <li><strong>Ports: </strong>1 Ethernet WAN port; 3 Ethernet ports; 2 Ethernet ports on satellite extender</li>
  24172. </ul>
  24173.  
  24174.  
  24175.  
  24176. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  24177.  
  24178.  
  24179.  
  24180. <ul>
  24181. <li>No dead zones</li>
  24182.  
  24183.  
  24184.  
  24185. <li>Wide coverage area</li>
  24186.  
  24187.  
  24188.  
  24189. <li>Tri-band Wi-Fi</li>
  24190. </ul>
  24191.  
  24192.  
  24193.  
  24194. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  24195.  
  24196.  
  24197.  
  24198. <ul>
  24199. <li>Must pay Netgear to service software issues</li>
  24200.  
  24201.  
  24202.  
  24203. <li>Expensive</li>
  24204.  
  24205.  
  24206.  
  24207. <li>App capabilities are only free for 30 days</li>
  24208. </ul>
  24209.  
  24210.  
  24211.  
  24212. <p>We’ve all experienced the pain of being laggy and pixelated on a video call, either from weak signals or dead spots in the home. Say goodbye to all that with the Netgear Orbi, which covers 5,000 square feet and includes a satellite extender for more reach. This router, our pick for working from home, can support up to 40 devices and has a crazy-fast data transfer rate of 4.2 Gbps, plus support for Wi-Fi 6 for futureproofing. Unlike other routers, this one supports a tri-band frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band for connecting your devices, and a separate 5 GHz band so the router and included satellite can communicate with each other. Netgear Armor Antivirus and data theft protection powered by Bitdefender means business secrets will stay secret. However, there is a catch: this capability, along with others in the Orbi app like parental controls, are only free for 30 days. Afterward, you’ll need a subscription. And you’ll have to pay Netgear for software troubleshooting—that can be a lot of money to spend after purchasing an already-expensive router.</p>
  24213.  
  24214.  
  24215.  
  24216. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best cyber secure:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gryphon AC3000</a></h3>
  24217.  
  24218.  
  24219. <div
  24220.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24221.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24222. >
  24223.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24224.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24225.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24226.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_Gryphon.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Gryphon AC3000">
  24227.                      </figure>
  24228.                  </a>
  24229.            </div>
  24230.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24231.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24232.        <p><em>Gryphon </em></p>
  24233.  
  24234.      </figcaption>
  24235.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24236.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000"
  24237.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24238.      </p>
  24239.      </div>
  24240. </div>
  24241.  
  24242.  
  24243.  
  24244. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>This router does not use a web browser for configuration, making it less likely that a hacker will jack your info.&nbsp;</p>
  24245.  
  24246.  
  24247.  
  24248. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  24249.  
  24250.  
  24251.  
  24252. <ul>
  24253. <li><strong>Data transfer rate: </strong>3 Gbps&nbsp;</li>
  24254.  
  24255.  
  24256.  
  24257. <li><strong>Coverage: </strong>3,000 square feet</li>
  24258.  
  24259.  
  24260.  
  24261. <li><strong>Plan speed compatibility:</strong> 1 Gbps</li>
  24262.  
  24263.  
  24264.  
  24265. <li><strong>Parental controls:</strong> Yes</li>
  24266.  
  24267.  
  24268.  
  24269. <li><strong>Ports: </strong>1 WAN port; 3 Ethernet ports with backhaul capabilities</li>
  24270. </ul>
  24271.  
  24272.  
  24273.  
  24274. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  24275.  
  24276.  
  24277.  
  24278. <ul>
  24279. <li>Easy installation with Gryphon app</li>
  24280.  
  24281.  
  24282.  
  24283. <li>Free intrusion detection in the first year</li>
  24284.  
  24285.  
  24286.  
  24287. <li>Responsive support team</li>
  24288. </ul>
  24289.  
  24290.  
  24291.  
  24292. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  24293.  
  24294.  
  24295.  
  24296. <ul>
  24297. <li>No advanced customization options</li>
  24298. </ul>
  24299.  
  24300.  
  24301.  
  24302. <p>You won’t need to worry about hackers and internet thieves with the Gryphon AC3000, which offers advanced security thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 functionality, vulnerability scans, and app configuration that prevents hackers from accessing your network via the web. It also secures connected devices and sends alerts when it detects vulnerabilities, weak passwords, or infected devices. The router has fantastic basic security and you also get one year of intrusion detection for free with purchase. Afterward, it’s $89 per year. It covers 3,000 square feet—an average 2-3 bedroom home—at lightning-fast speeds thanks to its 3 Gbps data transfer rate. If you purchase multiple Gryphon routers, you can create a mesh network for even stronger, wider coverage. The Gryphon Connect app includes robust parental controls, including content filtering, screen time, and usage monitoring. Its user interface is incredibly streamlined and simple. However, reviews note that there could be more advanced customization options, like more device categories and fields for categories that should be blocked.</p>
  24303.  
  24304.  
  24305.  
  24306. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TP-Link AC1750</a></h3>
  24307.  
  24308.  
  24309. <div
  24310.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24311.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24312. >
  24313.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24314.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24315.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24316.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/06/24/Best_Reuters_for_Spectrum_TP-Link.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="TP-Link AC1750">
  24317.                      </figure>
  24318.                  </a>
  24319.            </div>
  24320.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24321.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24322.        <p><em>TP-Link </em></p>
  24323.  
  24324.      </figcaption>
  24325.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24326.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000"
  24327.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24328.      </p>
  24329.      </div>
  24330. </div>
  24331.  
  24332.  
  24333.  
  24334. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The TP-Link AC1750 features high-end capabilities at a fraction of the cost.&nbsp;</p>
  24335.  
  24336.  
  24337.  
  24338. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  24339.  
  24340.  
  24341.  
  24342. <ul>
  24343. <li><strong>Data transfer rate: </strong>1750 Mbps</li>
  24344.  
  24345.  
  24346.  
  24347. <li><strong>Coverage: </strong>2,500 square feet</li>
  24348.  
  24349.  
  24350.  
  24351. <li><strong>Plan speed compatibility:</strong> 400 Mbps</li>
  24352.  
  24353.  
  24354.  
  24355. <li><strong>Parental controls:</strong> Yes</li>
  24356.  
  24357.  
  24358.  
  24359. <li><strong>Ports: </strong>1 USB port; 1 WAN port; 4 Ethernet ports</li>
  24360. </ul>
  24361.  
  24362.  
  24363.  
  24364. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  24365.  
  24366.  
  24367.  
  24368. <ul>
  24369. <li>VPN Server</li>
  24370.  
  24371.  
  24372.  
  24373. <li>Alexa compatibility</li>
  24374.  
  24375.  
  24376.  
  24377. <li>Bandwidth prioritization (QoS)</li>
  24378. </ul>
  24379.  
  24380.  
  24381.  
  24382. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  24383.  
  24384.  
  24385.  
  24386. <ul>
  24387. <li>Not compatible with Wi-Fi 6</li>
  24388. </ul>
  24389.  
  24390.  
  24391.  
  24392. <p>The TP-Link AC1750 tops Amazon’s list of computer routers for a reason: it includes a VPN server, bandwidth prioritization, parental controls, Alexa compatibility, and can connect up to 50 devices—all for under $100. A 2,500-square-foot range means you can take video calls outside and bandwidth prioritization allows you to assign devices to either of the dual bands to prevent congestion and slow internet speeds. Connect it to Alexa to turn the guest Wi-Fi on or off using your voice, or use the TP-Link Tether app to set up and manage your network. WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption keeps the entire family protected from hackers, and parental controls protect your kids from looking up mature content on the internet. The only downside of this router? It’s not Wi-Fi 6 compatible, which means it could become obsolete as new Wi-Fi protocols come out.</p>
  24393.  
  24394.  
  24395.  
  24396. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What to consider when buying the best routers for Spectrum</strong></h2>
  24397.  
  24398.  
  24399.  
  24400. <p>Routers are not one-size-fits-all. Here is what you need to know when shopping for the best routers for Spectrum:</p>
  24401.  
  24402.  
  24403.  
  24404. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Modem vs. router</h3>
  24405.  
  24406.  
  24407.  
  24408. <p>A modem connects you to a wide area network, or WAN—the internet that Spectrum provides. A router connects your devices to a local area network, or LAN—your own little piece of the internet that Spectrum provides. You can’t connect to a router without a modem. Spectrum customers are required to use an authorized modem, and the company provides a preconfigured Wi-Fi router for a monthly fee. However, that adds up, and purchasing your own can save money in the long run. If you buy your own router, you don’t have to give it back if you cancel your service—you can use it with your new internet provider.</p>
  24409.  
  24410.  
  24411.  
  24412. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Compatibility with Spectrum</h3>
  24413.  
  24414.  
  24415.  
  24416. <p>Make sure that the router your purchase is compatible with Spectrum. Otherwise, you’ll have to return it. You can find a list of Spectrum-compliant routers on <a href="https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/modems-routers-wireless-adapters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the company&#8217;s site</a>. Although buying the correct modem is more important, it never hurts to double-check. Also, the router can only run as fast as your internet plan provides. For example, if you have a router that can only reach speeds of 300 Mbps and have an internet plan for 200 Mbps, you’ll only max out at 200 Mbps.</p>
  24417.  
  24418.  
  24419.  
  24420. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wireless protocol</h3>
  24421.  
  24422.  
  24423.  
  24424. <p>The wireless protocol, or Wi-Fi standard, determines your router’s throughput and range. You can determine the protocol by finding the number 802.11 and a certain letter combination:</p>
  24425.  
  24426.  
  24427.  
  24428. <ul>
  24429. <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">11ax (Wi-Fi 6):</span> <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/what-is-wifi-6/">Wi-Fi 6</a> is the newest standard and delivers speeds up to 10 Gbps. However, not all devices and internet connections support Wi-Fi 6. You may not need to upgrade just yet, but switching to Wi-Fi 6 will help futureproof your internet connection. This standard is the fastest.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
  24430.  
  24431.  
  24432.  
  24433. <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">11ac (Wi-Fi 5):</span> This standard appears on most routers, and supports speeds up to 3.5 Gbps.&nbsp;</li>
  24434.  
  24435.  
  24436.  
  24437. <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">11n (Wi-Fi 4):</span> This standard supports speeds up to 600 Mbps and was the first to allow both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This standard, compared to Wi-Fi 5 and 6, is the slowest.&nbsp;</li>
  24438. </ul>
  24439.  
  24440.  
  24441.  
  24442. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Range and signal strength</h3>
  24443.  
  24444.  
  24445.  
  24446. <p>Wi-Fi range is determined by the kind of router you’re using, the wireless protocol the router follows, and the space you’re in. Wi-Fi signals have a harder time permeating through concrete, compared to wood, stucco, and other building materials. For example, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers can reach up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors and should be used if you’re looking for long-distance Wi-Fi. Routers running on 5 GHz bands can reach around one-third of these distances since it uses narrower wavelengths—because of this, you should choose a 5 GHz router for speed but only if your devices can be located nearer to your internet access point. Newer routers operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to reach greater distances <em>and</em> achieve maximum throughput for devices in closer proximity.</p>
  24447.  
  24448.  
  24449.  
  24450. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Budget</h3>
  24451.  
  24452.  
  24453.  
  24454. <p>The best routers range from $50 up to $500. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-wifi-extenders/">The best Wi-Fi extenders</a> can help with spotty internet, but <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/wifi-extenders/should-you-buy-a-wifi-range-extender/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consumer Reports</a> recommends using <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-mesh-wifi/">a mesh router system</a> that relies on multiple systems to spread strong Wi-Fi signals. However, a mesh router system can be pricey. On the flip side, Wi-Fi extenders are cheaper and can be a perfect solution if you’re looking for more reliable coverage in certain areas of your home. However, poor placement of your extender won’t help your Wi-Fi woes and can cause more connectivity problems if your Wi-Fi extender creates a separate network that your device has to switch between.</p>
  24455.  
  24456.  
  24457.  
  24458. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extra features</h3>
  24459.  
  24460.  
  24461.  
  24462. <p>Many newer routers are compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, have parental controls, and provide separate networks for guests. Built-in VPNs and routers with multi-user, multiple-input, and multiple-output technology—also known as MU-MIMO—can help with security and network speed, respectively. However, if you would not benefit from the bells and whistles—and the added costs associated with them—then there’s no shame in going for a basic router.</p>
  24463.  
  24464.  
  24465.  
  24466. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  24467.  
  24468.  
  24469.  
  24470. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1656086766426"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How do I use my own router with Spectrum?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Per Spectrum’s <a href="https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/connecting-your-own-router-to-your-computer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>, you should first connect the coax cable and power cord to the internet modem. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the modem. Plug the other end into the Internet, Uplink, WAN, or WLAN port on the router. Wait 2-3 minutes for the router to light up. You can then either connect an Ethernet cable from the router to a computer or laptop or open a browser and enter the IP address on the router to configure it. You can also configure your router using an app if the router has that feature. Contact the manufacturer if you have any problems with setup.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1656086786405"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Does any routers work with Spectrum?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Technically, yes. It’s really the modem that matters, as that will connect you to Spectrum’s internet. However, make sure the router is compatible with your plan. If you have a router that only reaches speeds up to 200 Mbps and a 1 Gbps internet plan, your devices will only be able to reach internet speeds of 200 Mbps.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1656086797574"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What’s the difference between a router and a modem for Spectrum?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">A router will not work without a modem. The modem is the entire pie that Spectrum has baked: A modem connects you to all the internet that Spectrum provides. Well, at least the slice of Spectrum’s pie you pay for. Your plan determines how large your slice is. The only way you can access that slice of pie is through a modem. Connecting a router to the modem lets you give bites of the pie you’ve bought to your phone, laptop, gaming console, and/or smart devices.</p> </div> </div>
  24471.  
  24472.  
  24473.  
  24474. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final thoughts on the best routers for Spectrum</strong></h2>
  24475.  
  24476.  
  24477.  
  24478. <ul>
  24479. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum/dp/B00ZUPOF7Y?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Netgear Nighthawk Cable Modem Wi-Fi Router Combo</a></li>
  24480.  
  24481.  
  24482.  
  24483. <li><strong>Best for gaming: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX86U-802-11ax-Lifetime-Internet/dp/B08BJHS3X7?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ASUS AX5700 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router</a></li>
  24484.  
  24485.  
  24486.  
  24487. <li><strong>Best for streaming: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Networking-Wireless-Coverage-E8450/dp/B08LMQLG7X?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Linksys &#8211; Dual-Band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router</a></li>
  24488.  
  24489.  
  24490.  
  24491. <li><strong>Best mesh: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Whole-Tri-Band-System-RBK752/dp/B086HJXKJJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System</a></li>
  24492.  
  24493.  
  24494.  
  24495. <li><strong>Best cyber secure: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z3PTJP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gryphon AC3000</a></li>
  24496.  
  24497.  
  24498.  
  24499. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000452202O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TP-Link AC1750</a></li>
  24500. </ul>
  24501.  
  24502.  
  24503.  
  24504. <p>Whether you decide on a router that helps you jumpstart your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-become-a-streamer/">streaming career</a>, keeps your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-cheap-gaming-pcs/">new battlestation</a> in sync with the rest of the squad, or feeds your <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-oled-tvs/">OLED TV</a> buttery-smooth 4K video, the best routers for Spectrum will be suited to your lifestyle and internet needs. It doesn’t matter if you go ham-handed on the features or keep it simple—the best routers will get you streaming, web surfing, online gaming, and working with ease.</p>
  24505.  
  24506.  
  24507.  
  24508. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  24509.  
  24510.  
  24511.  
  24512. <p>Popular Science<em> started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  24513.  
  24514.  
  24515.  
  24516. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  24517. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-routers-for-spectrum/">The best routers for Spectrum of 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  24518. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  24519. </item>
  24520. <item>
  24521. <title>The best star projectors for 2023</title>
  24522. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-star-projectors/</link>
  24523. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon Russell]]></dc:creator>
  24524. <pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  24525. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  24526. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  24527. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  24528. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  24529. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  24530. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  24531. <category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
  24532. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  24533. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  24534. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  24535. <category><![CDATA[toys]]></category>
  24536. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=463938</guid>
  24537.  
  24538. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  24539.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-star-projectors.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best star projectors" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><p>A light show billions of years in the making beams into your home.</p>
  24540. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-star-projectors/">The best star projectors for 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  24541. ]]></description>
  24542. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  24543.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-star-projectors.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best star projectors" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Stan Horaczek</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  24544. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  24545.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  24546.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  24547.      <tbody>
  24548.              <tr
  24549.          class="ProductTable-product"
  24550.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  24551.        >
  24552.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  24553.            Best overall
  24554.          </td>
  24555.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  24556.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Best overall star projector" class="wp-image-463963" width="264" height="165">
  24557.          </td>
  24558.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  24559.            Sega Toys Homestar Flux
  24560.          </td>
  24561.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  24562.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  24563.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24564.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24565.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24566.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24567.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24568.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  24569.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24570.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24571.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24572.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24573.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24574.                                  </div>
  24575.                          </div>
  24576.          </td>
  24577.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  24578.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  24579.                <span>
  24580.                  SEE IT
  24581.                </span>
  24582.            </a>
  24583.          </td>
  24584.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  24585.              <p>Get a scientifically accurate recreation of the night sky at home.</p>
  24586.  
  24587.            </td>
  24588.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  24589.        </tr>
  24590.              <tr
  24591.          class="ProductTable-product"
  24592.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  24593.        >
  24594.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  24595.            Best for adults
  24596.          </td>
  24597.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  24598.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="BlissLights Sky Lite" class="wp-image-524953" width="264" height="165">
  24599.          </td>
  24600.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  24601.            BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0
  24602.          </td>
  24603.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  24604.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  24605.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24606.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24607.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24608.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24609.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24610.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  24611.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24612.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24613.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24614.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24615.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24616.                                  </div>
  24617.                          </div>
  24618.          </td>
  24619.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  24620.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  24621.                <span>
  24622.                  SEE IT
  24623.                </span>
  24624.            </a>
  24625.          </td>
  24626.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  24627.              <p>Skip the kid stuff without breaking the bank.</p>
  24628.  
  24629.            </td>
  24630.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  24631.        </tr>
  24632.              <tr
  24633.          class="ProductTable-product"
  24634.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  24635.        >
  24636.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  24637.            Best budget
  24638.          </td>
  24639.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  24640.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/Infmetry-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/Infmetry-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/Infmetry-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/Infmetry-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/Infmetry-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/Infmetry-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Infmetry Star Projector" class="wp-image-524965" width="264" height="165">
  24641.          </td>
  24642.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  24643.            Infmetry Star Projector
  24644.          </td>
  24645.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  24646.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  24647.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24648.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24649.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24650.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24651.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24652.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  24653.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24654.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24655.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24656.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24657.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  24658.                                  </div>
  24659.                          </div>
  24660.          </td>
  24661.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  24662.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  24663.                <span>
  24664.                  SEE IT
  24665.                </span>
  24666.            </a>
  24667.          </td>
  24668.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  24669.              <p>This star light is designed ofor gaming rooms, home theaters,</p>
  24670.  
  24671.            </td>
  24672.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  24673.        </tr>
  24674.            </tbody>
  24675.    </table>
  24676.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  24677.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  24678.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  24679.    </div>
  24680.  </div>
  24681. </div>
  24682.  
  24683.  
  24684.  
  24685. <p>Beyond a few bright celestial objects, the rise of light pollution has made it difficult for most people to experience a genuinely starry night sky—and that’s where star projectors come in. If artificial lights have obscured your view of the Milky Way, these compact devices provide a fun and comfortable way to observe the cosmos. All you need is a dark room with a power outlet and you’re ready to bask in the wonders of the universe. Many also function as night lights or pattern projectors that can spruce up a room without the celestial theme. While nothing can replace the awe-inspiring feeling of seeing millions of stars in person, the best star projectors can still leave you transfixed.</p>
  24686.  
  24687.  
  24688.  
  24689. <ul>
  24690. <li><strong>Best scientifically accurate</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sega Toys Homestar Flux</a></li>
  24691.  
  24692.  
  24693.  
  24694. <li><strong>Best portable</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NEWSEE-Northern-Projector-Cordless-Bluetooth/dp/B0BRTWGLL3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NEWSEE Northern Lights Star Projector</a></li>
  24695.  
  24696.  
  24697.  
  24698. <li><strong>Best for adults</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">BlissLights Sky Lite</a></li>
  24699.  
  24700.  
  24701.  
  24702. <li><strong>Best for kids</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Control-Setting-Lighting-Effects/dp/B08MWKNTW8/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gdnzduts Galaxy Projector</a></li>
  24703.  
  24704.  
  24705.  
  24706. <li><strong>Best budget</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Infmetry Star Projector</a></li>
  24707. </ul>
  24708.  
  24709.  
  24710.  
  24711. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-star-projectors"><strong>How we chose the best star projectors</strong></h2>
  24712.  
  24713.  
  24714.  
  24715. <p>I’ve been fortunate to visit areas less affected by light pollution, so I know what it’s like to gaze upon the grandeur of our galaxy. As an editor at <em>TechnoBuffalo</em>, I visited <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab</a> in Pasadena, Calif., to learn about the Mars rover. I also took a guided tour of the <a href="https://www.gdscc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex</a>, where I saw enormous satellites used to communicate with faraway spacecraft. Over the last 10 years, I’ve written about gadgets and space for outlets like <em>CNN Underscored</em>, <em>TechnoBuffalo</em>, and <em>Popular Science</em>, and this guide, in a way, allows me to write about both. If you’re searching for a projector for movie night, you’re in the wrong place (though we do have a guide for the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-projector/">best projectors</a>, the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-home-theater-projectors/">best home theater projectors</a>, and the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-outdoor-projectors/">best outdoor projectors</a>). But if you enjoy the stars of the sky as much as you do the stars of the screen, read on.</p>
  24716.  
  24717.  
  24718.  
  24719. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-star-projectors-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best star projectors: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  24720.  
  24721.  
  24722.  
  24723. <p>Whether you’re looking to liven up your space with colorful lights or follow in the footsteps of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Sagan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carl Sagan</a>, a star projector is a novel way to explore the cosmos. When making our picks, we found a balance between fantastical projectors, options for kids and adults, and a more scientifically accurate model that’s great for those who love astronomy.</p>
  24724.  
  24725.  
  24726.  
  24727. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-sega-toys-homestar-flux"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sega Toys Homestar Flux</a></h3>
  24728.  
  24729.  
  24730. <div
  24731.    id="explore-the-galaxy"
  24732.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24733.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24734. >
  24735.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24736.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24737.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24738.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-overall-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Best overall star projector">
  24739.                      </figure>
  24740.                  </a>
  24741.            </div>
  24742.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24743.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24744.        <p><em>Sega</em></p>
  24745.  
  24746.      </figcaption>
  24747.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24748.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000"
  24749.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24750.      </p>
  24751.      </div>
  24752. </div>
  24753.  
  24754.  
  24755.  
  24756. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: Sega’s Homestar Flux features the most scientifically accurate images out of all the star projectors we picked.</p>
  24757.  
  24758.  
  24759.  
  24760. <p><strong>Specs</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24761.  
  24762.  
  24763.  
  24764. <ul>
  24765. <li><strong>Dimensions</strong>: 6.3 x 6.3 x 5.9 inches (LWH)</li>
  24766.  
  24767.  
  24768.  
  24769. <li><strong>Weight</strong>: 1.36 pounds</li>
  24770.  
  24771.  
  24772.  
  24773. <li><strong>Power</strong>: USB</li>
  24774. </ul>
  24775.  
  24776.  
  24777.  
  24778. <p><strong>Pros</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24779.  
  24780.  
  24781.  
  24782. <ul>
  24783. <li>Supports multiple discs</li>
  24784.  
  24785.  
  24786.  
  24787. <li>Projects up to 60,000 stars at once</li>
  24788.  
  24789.  
  24790.  
  24791. <li>Great educational tool</li>
  24792. </ul>
  24793.  
  24794.  
  24795.  
  24796. <p><strong>Cons</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24797.  
  24798.  
  24799.  
  24800. <ul>
  24801. <li>Expensive</li>
  24802. </ul>
  24803.  
  24804.  
  24805.  
  24806. <p>Sega&#8217;s Homestar Flux is the closest thing to a planetarium if you&#8217;re a fan of astronomy and intend to use your star projector as an educational tool. It can project up to 60,000 stars at once and covers a circle with a 106-inch diameter. Unlike the other star projectors on this list, Sega&#8217;s model supports interchangeable discs, allowing owners to explore different parts of the universe in incredible detail. The Homestar Flux comes with two discs, the Northern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere with constellation lines; it also supports additional discs that feature the Andromeda Galaxy, the southern hemisphere, and more.&nbsp;</p>
  24807.  
  24808.  
  24809.  
  24810. <p>These discs contain data from different missions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>), and the United States Naval Observatory (<a href="https://www.cnmoc.usff.navy.mil/usno/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USNO</a>). While Sega&#8217;s projector is pricey, it features the most scientifically accurate experience and is a must-have for would-be astronomers.</p>
  24811.  
  24812.  
  24813.  
  24814. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-portable-newsee-northern-lights-star-projector"><strong>Best portable</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NEWSEE-Northern-Projector-Cordless-Bluetooth/dp/B0BRTWGLL3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NEWSEE Northern Lights Star Projector</a></h3>
  24815.  
  24816.  
  24817. <div
  24818.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24819.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24820. >
  24821.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24822.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/NEWSEE-Northern-Projector-Cordless-Bluetooth/dp/B0BRTWGLL3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24823.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24824.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/12/NEWSEE-Northern-Lights-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/12/NEWSEE-Northern-Lights-Star-Projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="NEWSEE Northern Lights Star Projector">
  24825.                      </figure>
  24826.                  </a>
  24827.            </div>
  24828.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24829.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24830.        <p><em>NEWSEE</em></p>
  24831.  
  24832.      </figcaption>
  24833.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24834.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/NEWSEE-Northern-Projector-Cordless-Bluetooth/dp/B0BRTWGLL3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000"
  24835.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24836.      </p>
  24837.      </div>
  24838. </div>
  24839.  
  24840.  
  24841.  
  24842. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: NEWSEE&#8217;s Northern Lights Star Projector lets you take the magic of the stars with you everywhere.</p>
  24843.  
  24844.  
  24845.  
  24846. <p><strong>Specs</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24847.  
  24848.  
  24849.  
  24850. <ul>
  24851. <li><strong>Dimensions</strong>: 4.7 x 4.7 x 4.8 inches (LWH)</li>
  24852.  
  24853.  
  24854.  
  24855. <li><strong>Weight</strong>: 1.15 pounds</li>
  24856.  
  24857.  
  24858.  
  24859. <li><strong>Power</strong>: USB-C</li>
  24860. </ul>
  24861.  
  24862.  
  24863.  
  24864. <p><strong>Pros</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24865.  
  24866.  
  24867.  
  24868. <ul>
  24869. <li>Battery powered</li>
  24870.  
  24871.  
  24872.  
  24873. <li>360-degree projection</li>
  24874.  
  24875.  
  24876.  
  24877. <li>White noise mode</li>
  24878.  
  24879.  
  24880.  
  24881. <li>Bluetooth streaming</li>
  24882. </ul>
  24883.  
  24884.  
  24885.  
  24886. <p><strong>Cons</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24887.  
  24888.  
  24889.  
  24890. <ul>
  24891. <li>Don&#8217;t expect high-fidelity audio</li>
  24892. </ul>
  24893.  
  24894.  
  24895.  
  24896. <p>NEWSEE&#8217;s Northern Lights Star Projector is the only model we&#8217;re recommending that can be taken anywhere. The battery-powered projector can run for a couple of hours before needing to be recharged—though because it has a USB-C port, you can plug it into a portable charger to extend its life. The projector sits on a stand and can be rotated so that you can find the best angle for your room. This flexibility comes in handy because you may be using the projector in multiple rooms because of its portability. </p>
  24897.  
  24898.  
  24899.  
  24900. <p>You can program NEWSEE&#8217;s projector to display one of four different star patterns, and play five different white noises. This star projector can even be used as a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">Bluetooth</a> speaker for playing any music from your digital library. However, you shouldn&#8217;t get your hopes up where audio fidelity is concerned—consider this a fun bonus feature. If you want to take a star projector to a friend&#8217;s place or on vacation, this is the one to grab.</p>
  24901.  
  24902.  
  24903.  
  24904. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-adults-blisslights-sky-lite"><strong>Best for adults:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">BlissLights Sky Lite</a></h3>
  24905.  
  24906.  
  24907. <div
  24908.    id="celestial-bliss"
  24909.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24910.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24911. >
  24912.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24913.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24914.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24915.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/03/BlissLights-Sky-Lite.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="BlissLights Sky Lite">
  24916.                      </figure>
  24917.                  </a>
  24918.            </div>
  24919.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  24920.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  24921.        <p><em>BlissLights</em></p>
  24922.  
  24923.      </figcaption>
  24924.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  24925.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000"
  24926.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  24927.      </p>
  24928.      </div>
  24929. </div>
  24930.  
  24931.  
  24932.  
  24933. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: The Sky Lite from BlissLights will help you set the mood with the right lighting.</p>
  24934.  
  24935.  
  24936.  
  24937. <p><strong>Specs</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24938.  
  24939.  
  24940.  
  24941. <ul>
  24942. <li><strong>Dimensions</strong>: 5.95 x 2.91 x 5.95 (LWH)</li>
  24943.  
  24944.  
  24945.  
  24946. <li><strong>Weight</strong>: 1.68</li>
  24947.  
  24948.  
  24949.  
  24950. <li><strong>Power</strong>: AC adapter</li>
  24951. </ul>
  24952.  
  24953.  
  24954.  
  24955. <p><strong>Pros</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24956.  
  24957.  
  24958.  
  24959. <ul>
  24960. <li>Adjustable brightness</li>
  24961.  
  24962.  
  24963.  
  24964. <li>Tilting base</li>
  24965.  
  24966.  
  24967.  
  24968. <li>App controlled</li>
  24969. </ul>
  24970.  
  24971.  
  24972.  
  24973. <p><strong>Cons</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  24974.  
  24975.  
  24976.  
  24977. <ul>
  24978. <li>Projector design is easy to tip over</li>
  24979. </ul>
  24980.  
  24981.  
  24982.  
  24983. <p>The Sky Lite from BlissLights is an excellent option for adults because it offers brightness controls, and several lighting effects, making it easy to set the proper mood. While star projectors generally become the center of attention in whatever room they’re in, the Sky Lite is excellent as complementary lighting, casting colorful auroras during dinner, movie nights, and parties. Additionally, the Sky lite 2.0 supports a rotation feature and a shutoff timer so that you can have your magical night under the stars before nodding off to bed.&nbsp;</p>
  24984.  
  24985.  
  24986.  
  24987. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-kids-gdnzduts-galaxy-projector"><strong>Best for kids:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Control-Setting-Lighting-Effects/dp/B08MWKNTW8/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gdnzduts Galaxy Projector</a></h3>
  24988.  
  24989.  
  24990. <div
  24991.    id="do-it-all"
  24992.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  24993.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  24994. >
  24995.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  24996.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Control-Setting-Lighting-Effects/dp/B08MWKNTW8/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  24997.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  24998.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/gdzntus_projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/gdzntus_projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Gdnzduts galaxy projector">
  24999.                      </figure>
  25000.                  </a>
  25001.            </div>
  25002.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25003.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25004.        <p><em>Gdnzduts</em></p>
  25005.  
  25006.      </figcaption>
  25007.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25008.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Control-Setting-Lighting-Effects/dp/B08MWKNTW8/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000"
  25009.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25010.      </p>
  25011.      </div>
  25012. </div>
  25013.  
  25014.  
  25015.  
  25016. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: This galaxy projector features brightness controls and a shutoff timer, plus it doubles as a colorful night light.</p>
  25017.  
  25018.  
  25019.  
  25020. <p><strong>Specs</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  25021.  
  25022.  
  25023.  
  25024. <ul>
  25025. <li><strong>Dimensions</strong>: 6.45 x 6.45 x 4.92 (LWH)</li>
  25026.  
  25027.  
  25028.  
  25029. <li><strong>Weight</strong>: 0.61 pounds</li>
  25030.  
  25031.  
  25032.  
  25033. <li><strong>Power</strong>: USB</li>
  25034. </ul>
  25035.  
  25036.  
  25037.  
  25038. <p><strong>Pros</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  25039.  
  25040.  
  25041.  
  25042. <ul>
  25043. <li>Built-in speaker</li>
  25044.  
  25045.  
  25046.  
  25047. <li>Shutoff timer</li>
  25048.  
  25049.  
  25050.  
  25051. <li>Brightness controls</li>
  25052. </ul>
  25053.  
  25054.  
  25055.  
  25056. <p><strong>Cons</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  25057.  
  25058.  
  25059.  
  25060. <ul>
  25061. <li>Doesn’t show constellations</li>
  25062. </ul>
  25063.  
  25064.  
  25065.  
  25066. <p>This simple galaxy projector features 21 lighting effects, a shutoff timer, brightness controls, and doubles as a night light. That way, you can find the right effect you like, adjust the brightness, and set a timer before bed. You can also toggle the lasers on and off, turning off the stars and letting the nebula-like effect lull you to sleep. The Galaxy Projector also comes with a remote, making it easy for kids to operate. Whether you want to inspire your kid’s imagination or keep them feeling safe with a night light, the Galaxy Projector is an excellent choice.</p>
  25067.  
  25068.  
  25069.  
  25070. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-infmetry-star-projector"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Infmetry Star Projector</a></h3>
  25071.  
  25072.  
  25073. <div
  25074.    id="affordable-stargazing"
  25075.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25076.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25077. >
  25078.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25079.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25080.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25081.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-cheap-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/08/19/best-cheap-star-projector.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Home photo">
  25082.                      </figure>
  25083.                  </a>
  25084.            </div>
  25085.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25086.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25087.        <p><em>Amazon</em></p>
  25088.  
  25089.      </figcaption>
  25090.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25091.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000"
  25092.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25093.      </p>
  25094.      </div>
  25095. </div>
  25096.  
  25097.  
  25098.  
  25099. <p><strong>Why it made the cut</strong>: Infmetry’s Star Projector offers an array of features at an affordable price.</p>
  25100.  
  25101.  
  25102.  
  25103. <p><strong>Specs</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  25104.  
  25105.  
  25106.  
  25107. <ul>
  25108. <li><strong>Dimensions</strong>: 7.1 x 7.1 x 7.5 inches (LWH)</li>
  25109.  
  25110.  
  25111.  
  25112. <li><strong>Weight</strong>: 1.37 pounds</li>
  25113.  
  25114.  
  25115.  
  25116. <li><strong>Power</strong>: USB</li>
  25117. </ul>
  25118.  
  25119.  
  25120.  
  25121. <p><strong>Pros</strong>&nbsp;</p>
  25122.  
  25123.  
  25124.  
  25125. <ul>
  25126. <li>Affordable</li>
  25127.  
  25128.  
  25129.  
  25130. <li>Five brightness modes</li>
  25131.  
  25132.  
  25133.  
  25134. <li>Shutoff timer</li>
  25135. </ul>
  25136.  
  25137.  
  25138.  
  25139. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  25140.  
  25141.  
  25142.  
  25143. <ul>
  25144. <li>No nebula or aurora features</li>
  25145. </ul>
  25146.  
  25147.  
  25148.  
  25149. <p>Infantry’s Star Projector casts 360 degrees of light through a precut dome, creating a night sky-like effect. This model also supports five brightness modes, a breathing mode, and four colors (white, yellow, blue, and green). There’s also a shutoff timer, so you can fall asleep with the projector on and wake up with it off. It’s not nearly as captivating as the other options on this list, but for the price, it’s a fun way to introduce someone to the wonders of the universe.</p>
  25150.  
  25151.  
  25152.  
  25153. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-buying-the-best-star-projectors"><strong>What to consider when buying the best star projectors</strong></h2>
  25154.  
  25155.  
  25156.  
  25157. <p>Generally, cheap star projectors are novelties that emit a mix of colorful swirling LED lights and class 2 lasers, which are low-power visible lasers—the same type used in laser pointers. While most models aren’t scientifically accurate, they provide a fanciful escape and can offer a calming experience. However, if you’re serious about astronomy and willing to spend more, you can find a star projector that can turn your room into a personal planetarium.</p>
  25158.  
  25159.  
  25160.  
  25161. <p>Most models we researched offer features like brightness and color controls, image rotation, and an automatic shut-off timer. We found picking the right star projector is more about finding the experience that matches your mood. Are you looking for the cosmic color of nebulae? What about scientifically accurate constellations? Whatever you’re after, there’s a star projector for everyone.</p>
  25162.  
  25163.  
  25164.  
  25165. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projection-type">Projection type</h3>
  25166.  
  25167.  
  25168.  
  25169. <p>You’d think that a star projector only projects, well, stars. But many of them can cover the broad cosmic spectrum and mimic everything from nebulae to auroras to constellations. As we mentioned, picking the right one is about capturing your interest and imagination. A projector that can cast a nebula or aurora is an excellent choice if you want to create a calming environment before going to sleep. A star projector with more scientifically accurate images is ideal for studying and educational use.</p>
  25170.  
  25171.  
  25172.  
  25173. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-control">Brightness control</h3>
  25174.  
  25175.  
  25176.  
  25177. <p>A good star projector uses an LED bulb and offers multiple brightness settings. While star projectors are most effective in a dark room, the models that project nebula and aurora make for great complementary lighting, such as during a party or movie night. They also make for good night lights and can help create a calming environment that encourages rest.</p>
  25178.  
  25179.  
  25180.  
  25181. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-settings">Color settings</h3>
  25182.  
  25183.  
  25184.  
  25185. <p>In addition to adjusting brightness, most star projectors offer different color settings, similar to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-smart-light-bulbs/">smart light bulbs</a>. Users can create a scene that fits their mood through advanced color settings and change it with the press of a button. A green aurora may be suitable for calm and tranquility, while yellow may be ideal for happiness and optimism. Most star projectors allow color adjustments through a controller or smartphone app and support millions of color options.</p>
  25186.  
  25187.  
  25188.  
  25189. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-vs-rotating">Still vs. rotating</h3>
  25190.  
  25191.  
  25192.  
  25193. <p>Star projectors generally offer different viewing modes: still and rotating. A projector that operates in still mode will cast light onto a surface and remain static. A projector with a rotating feature will put on a more dynamic light show by slowly rotating the lights. Many of the models we looked at are capable of switching between still and rotating modes.</p>
  25194.  
  25195.  
  25196.  
  25197. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-features">Extra features</h3>
  25198.  
  25199.  
  25200.  
  25201. <p>Beyond simply projecting lights onto a wall, some star projectors include extra features like white noise, app support, and shutoff timers. Some models can even be synced with your music so that you can put on a cosmic light show. While these features aren’t necessary, they make specific models more appealing, especially if you intend to use a star projector in a child’s room, because it can act as a night light and white noise machine and then shut off after a few hours.</p>
  25202.  
  25203.  
  25204.  
  25205. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  25206.  
  25207.  
  25208.  
  25209. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1664306166073"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much do the best star projectors cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Star projectors can start at $10 and go up to the $150-$200 range, depending on quality and additional features. For example, something that provides a planetarium-like experience will be more expensive than one that has constellations etched into the cover. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660939203425"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can I use a star projector on any wall?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, you can use a star projector on any wall in your home. These projectors typically have a short throw, which essentially means they need to be relatively close to the surface they’re projecting onto (between 6-10 feet). We recommend pointing your star projector at a blank wall or ceiling so that you can enjoy the maximum effect of the colorful lights without distractions.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660939216533"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Where should a star projector be placed in a room?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">For an evenly lit ceiling, you should try to put the star projector in the center of your room. We realize that’s not ideal for most people, so any place you have an outlet is a good spot. There’s no wrong place to put a star projector, as long as it’s not too close to the surface it’s projecting onto. What works and looks best to you may not be the same for someone else.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660939238101"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are star projectors for kids and adults the same?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Star projectors are appropriate for any age and generally offer the same features or designs, whether for a kid or an adult. There are some variations if you do want one for a specific age group. For example, some models might come with imagery, such as an astronaut or spaceship, aimed at younger audiences. Meanwhile, projectors that offer scientifically accurate images might only appeal to adults or people who are enthusiastic about astronomy. If you’re purchasing a star projector for someone, you must consider their interests to get the most out of what you buy.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1660939251266"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are star projectors good to use as night lights?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">If the imagery and colors of a star projector make you feel more relaxed, then you should use it as a night light. While not their intended purpose, many models we researched feature brightness and timer settings, making them suited for bedtime use. Some also have built-in sound machines, which some people claim help them fall asleep and stay asleep.</p> </div> </div>
  25210.  
  25211.  
  25212.  
  25213. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-star-projectors"><strong>Final thoughts on the best star projectors</strong></h2>
  25214.  
  25215.  
  25216.  
  25217. <ul>
  25218. <li><strong>Best scientifically accurate</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sega-Homestar-Original-Black-Planetarium/dp/B016YBU4RW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sega Toys Homestar Flux</a></li>
  25219.  
  25220.  
  25221.  
  25222. <li><strong><strong>Best portable</strong>: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NEWSEE-Northern-Projector-Cordless-Bluetooth/dp/B0BRTWGLL3?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">NEWSEE Northern Lights Star Projector</a></li>
  25223.  
  25224.  
  25225.  
  25226. <li><strong>Best for adults</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DCF429/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">BlissLights Sky Lite</a></li>
  25227.  
  25228.  
  25229.  
  25230. <li><strong>Best for kids</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Control-Setting-Lighting-Effects/dp/B08MWKNTW8/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Gdnzduts Galaxy Projector</a></li>
  25231.  
  25232.  
  25233.  
  25234. <li><strong>Best budget</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Printed-Cover-Relaxing-Bedroom-Constellation/dp/B0BD4M8DP8?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000463938O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Infmetry Star Projector</a></li>
  25235. </ul>
  25236.  
  25237.  
  25238.  
  25239. <p>Star projectors are a fun and affordable way to add bright, colorful lights to your bedroom. That said, most are nothing more than novelties and put on light shows that vaguely resemble nebulae and auroras. If you’re searching for something with more scientifically accurate imagery, you can find some excellent options if you don’t mind spending more money. Better yet, we recommend traveling to a place unaffected by light pollution and experiencing the feeling of seeing millions of stars in person.</p>
  25240.  
  25241.  
  25242.  
  25243. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  25244.  
  25245.  
  25246.  
  25247. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  25248.  
  25249.  
  25250.  
  25251. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  25252. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-star-projectors/">The best star projectors for 2023</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  25253. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  25254. </item>
  25255. <item>
  25256. <title>The best compression socks of 2024</title>
  25257. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-compression-socks/</link>
  25258. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stacey L. Nash and Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  25259. <pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
  25260. <category><![CDATA[Fitness Gear]]></category>
  25261. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  25262. <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
  25263. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  25264. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  25265. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  25266. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  25267. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  25268. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=387909</guid>
  25269.  
  25270. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  25271.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/12/best-compression-socks-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A lineup of the best compression socks on a white background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Amanda Reed</div></figure><p>Give your circulation a boost—and your legs some love—with these supportive socks.</p>
  25272. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-compression-socks/">The best compression socks of 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  25273. ]]></description>
  25274. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  25275.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/12/best-compression-socks-header.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A lineup of the best compression socks on a white background" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Amanda Reed</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  25276. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  25277.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  25278.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  25279.      <tbody>
  25280.              <tr
  25281.          class="ProductTable-product"
  25282.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  25283.        >
  25284.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  25285.            Best overall
  25286.          </td>
  25287.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  25288.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Sockwell's Men Elevation Compression Socks are the best compression socks overall." class="wp-image-483112" width="264" height="165">
  25289.          </td>
  25290.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  25291.            Sockwell Firm Compression Socks
  25292.          </td>
  25293.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  25294.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  25295.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25296.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25297.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25298.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25299.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25300.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 92%">
  25301.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25302.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25303.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25304.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25305.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25306.                                  </div>
  25307.                          </div>
  25308.          </td>
  25309.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  25310.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  25311.                <span>
  25312.                  SEE IT
  25313.                </span>
  25314.            </a>
  25315.          </td>
  25316.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  25317.              <p>These all-around winners provide strong compression and reliable support for people who stand all day and look good to boot.</p>
  25318.  
  25319.            </td>
  25320.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  25321.        </tr>
  25322.              <tr
  25323.          class="ProductTable-product"
  25324.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B09DDGK85S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  25325.        >
  25326.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  25327.            Best ankle-length
  25328.          </td>
  25329.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  25330.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="A black pair of Comrad ankle compression socks on a wooden floor." class="wp-image-610172" width="264" height="165">
  25331.          </td>
  25332.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  25333.            Comrad Ankle Compression Socks
  25334.          </td>
  25335.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  25336.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  25337.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25338.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25339.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25340.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25341.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25342.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 88%">
  25343.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25344.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25345.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25346.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25347.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25348.                                  </div>
  25349.                          </div>
  25350.          </td>
  25351.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  25352.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B09DDGK85S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  25353.                <span>
  25354.                  SEE IT
  25355.                </span>
  25356.            </a>
  25357.          </td>
  25358.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  25359.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These ankle socks provide 15-20 mmHg compression to gently boost circulation and support the foot. </span></p>
  25360.  
  25361.            </td>
  25362.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B09DDGK85S?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  25363.        </tr>
  25364.              <tr
  25365.          class="ProductTable-product"
  25366.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H94ZYH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  25367.        >
  25368.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  25369.            Best budget
  25370.          </td>
  25371.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  25372.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women are the best budget compression socks." class="wp-image-387914" width="264" height="165">
  25373.          </td>
  25374.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  25375.            ACTINPUT Compression socks for Men &amp; Women
  25376.          </td>
  25377.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  25378.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  25379.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25380.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25381.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25382.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25383.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25384.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  25385.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25386.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25387.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25388.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25389.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  25390.                                  </div>
  25391.                          </div>
  25392.          </td>
  25393.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  25394.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H94ZYH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  25395.                <span>
  25396.                  SEE IT
  25397.                </span>
  25398.            </a>
  25399.          </td>
  25400.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  25401.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Light compression you can buy in bulk.</span></p>
  25402.  
  25403.            </td>
  25404.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075H94ZYH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  25405.        </tr>
  25406.            </tbody>
  25407.    </table>
  25408.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  25409.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  25410.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  25411.    </div>
  25412.  </div>
  25413. </div>
  25414.  
  25415.  
  25416.  
  25417. <p>Compression socks, also known as compression stockings or support stockings, gently squeeze and apply pressure to the legs to improve circulation while preventing and reducing swelling. These socks are a common part of post-injury or surgery recovery, but they’ve gained popularity among long-distance travelers and athletes for their recovery benefits, too. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from an injury, or in an occupation that keeps you on your feet all day, pressure socks encourage blood flow and help you stay comfortable. However, compression socks come in different pressures, lengths, and sizes that determine how well they’ll work for your particular issues. We’ve rounded up some of the best compression socks for swelling, athletics, and general use to get your feet back in working order. </p>
  25418.  
  25419.  
  25420.  
  25421. <ul>
  25422. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sockwell Firm Compression Socks</a></li>
  25423.  
  25424.  
  25425.  
  25426. <li><strong>Best for men: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Graduated-Maternity-Pregnancy-Circulation/dp/B01J4MF5UY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks</a></li>
  25427.  
  25428.  
  25429.  
  25430. <li><strong>Best for women: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graduated-Medical-Compression-20-30mmhg-Multicoloured/dp/B07YYWBMC6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks</a></li>
  25431.  
  25432.  
  25433.  
  25434. <li><strong>Best for running:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBZCFBL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">2XU Vector Cushion</a></li>
  25435.  
  25436.  
  25437.  
  25438. <li><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIM-VIGR-Graduated-Compression-Heathered/dp/B07VDMW3XL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">VIM &amp; VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Socks</a></li>
  25439.  
  25440.  
  25441.  
  25442. <li><strong>Best ankle-length: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B0C495L36Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Comrad Ankle Compression Socks</a></li>
  25443.  
  25444.  
  25445.  
  25446. <li><strong>Best toeless: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/SB-SOX-Compression-Sleeves-Women/dp/B01MFEBO3V?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Socks</a></li>
  25447.  
  25448.  
  25449.  
  25450. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Medical-Socks-Running-Fitness%EF%BC%8CPregnancy-Maternity-15-20mmHg/dp/B075H94ZYH/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women</a></li>
  25451. </ul>
  25452.  
  25453.  
  25454.  
  25455. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-compression-socks"><strong>How we chose the best compression socks</strong></h2>
  25456.  
  25457.  
  25458.  
  25459. <p>Pressure socks should not cause pain or uncomfortably pinch the skin. A sock that causes numbness, tingling, or discoloration is too tight. To inform our judging and avoid these shortcomings, we conducted user testing with feet of all sizes, conducted extensive research, and reviewed critical reviews. </p>
  25460.  
  25461.  
  25462.  
  25463. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-compression-socks-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best compression socks: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  25464.  
  25465.  
  25466.  
  25467. <p>We picked a range of socks for various needs, from socks that help runners with performance and recovery time to those that alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis, arch and heel pain, and <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Achilles tendonitis</a>. Any one of these picks should get your blood pumping and your feet jumpin&#8217;.</p>
  25468.  
  25469.  
  25470.  
  25471. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-sockwell-firm-compression-socks"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sockwell Firm Compression Socks</a></h3>
  25472.  
  25473.  
  25474. <div
  25475.    id="best-overall"
  25476.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25477.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25478. >
  25479.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25480.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25481.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25482.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/01/sockwells-men-elevation-best-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Sockwell's Men Elevation Compression Socks are the best compression socks overall.">
  25483.                      </figure>
  25484.                  </a>
  25485.            </div>
  25486.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25487.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25488.        <p><em>Sockwell</em></p>
  25489.  
  25490.      </figcaption>
  25491.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25492.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25493.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25494.      </p>
  25495.      </div>
  25496. </div>
  25497.  
  25498.  
  25499.  
  25500. <p><strong>Why they made the cut: </strong>Sockwell’s Firm Compression Socks provide plenty of support while you’re on the job and still look stylish.&nbsp;</p>
  25501.  
  25502.  
  25503.  
  25504. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  25505.  
  25506.  
  25507.  
  25508. <ul>
  25509. <li><strong>Materials: </strong>Merino wool, rayon, nylon, Spandex</li>
  25510.  
  25511.  
  25512.  
  25513. <li><strong>Compression:</strong> 20-30 mmHG</li>
  25514.  
  25515.  
  25516.  
  25517. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  25518. </ul>
  25519.  
  25520.  
  25521.  
  25522. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  25523.  
  25524.  
  25525.  
  25526. <ul>
  25527. <li>Designed with graduated compression to reduce swelling</li>
  25528.  
  25529.  
  25530.  
  25531. <li>Comes with arch support and cushioned sole</li>
  25532.  
  25533.  
  25534.  
  25535. <li>Provides moisture-wicking and odor-control</li>
  25536. </ul>
  25537.  
  25538.  
  25539.  
  25540. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  25541.  
  25542.  
  25543.  
  25544. <ul>
  25545. <li>Not designed for athletic performance</li>
  25546. </ul>
  25547.  
  25548.  
  25549.  
  25550. <p>If you’re looking for a compression sock you can wear all day, Sockwell’s Firm Compression Socks provide plenty of support while not looking like medical socks. Created to improve circulation in the legs of people who sit or stand all day, these socks are designed with graduated compression that minimizes swelling and cuts down on fatigue. They also wick away moisture and provide odor control thanks to the power of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-wool-socks/">merino wool</a>, and come in a range of colors from black to putty. </p>
  25551.  
  25552.  
  25553.  
  25554. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-for-men-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-compression-graduated-maternity-pregnancy-circulation-dp-b01j4mf5uy-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-physix-gear-sport-compression-socks-a-"><strong>Best for men: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Graduated-Maternity-Pregnancy-Circulation/dp/B01J4MF5UY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks</a></h3>
  25555.  
  25556.  
  25557. <div
  25558.    id="durable-breathable-construction"
  25559.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25560.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25561. >
  25562.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25563.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Graduated-Maternity-Pregnancy-Circulation/dp/B01J4MF5UY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25564.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25565.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/physix-gear-sport-compression-socks-best-compression-socks-for-men.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/physix-gear-sport-compression-socks-best-compression-socks-for-men.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are the best compression socks for men.">
  25566.                      </figure>
  25567.                  </a>
  25568.            </div>
  25569.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25570.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25571.        <p><em>Physix Gear Sport </em></p>
  25572.  
  25573.      </figcaption>
  25574.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25575.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Graduated-Maternity-Pregnancy-Circulation/dp/B01J4MF5UY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25576.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25577.      </p>
  25578.      </div>
  25579. </div>
  25580.  
  25581.  
  25582.  
  25583. <p><strong>Why they made the cut: </strong>These compression socks provide moderate pressure and come in a range of fun designs that will look great when working out. </p>
  25584.  
  25585.  
  25586.  
  25587. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  25588.  
  25589.  
  25590.  
  25591. <ul>
  25592. <li><strong>Materials: </strong>Lycra</li>
  25593.  
  25594.  
  25595.  
  25596. <li><strong>Compression:</strong> 20-30 mmHG</li>
  25597.  
  25598.  
  25599.  
  25600. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  25601. </ul>
  25602.  
  25603.  
  25604.  
  25605. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  25606.  
  25607.  
  25608.  
  25609. <ul>
  25610. <li>Great for extreme races</li>
  25611.  
  25612.  
  25613.  
  25614. <li>Ankle cuff stays put</li>
  25615.  
  25616.  
  25617.  
  25618. <li>Range of colors and designs</li>
  25619. </ul>
  25620.  
  25621.  
  25622.  
  25623. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  25624.  
  25625.  
  25626.  
  25627. <ul>
  25628. <li>Not particularly suited for the cold</li>
  25629. </ul>
  25630.  
  25631.  
  25632.  
  25633. <p>The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks provide 20-30 mmHg of pressure, which is adequate for running and other sports, as well as post-workout recovery. Their graduated pressure provides higher pressure through the feet and ankles and gradually decreases toward the top of the calf. These socks come in three sizes and include “stay put” cuffs to keep the sock in place. They also come in 12 colors.</p>
  25634.  
  25635.  
  25636.  
  25637. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-for-women-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-graduated-medical-compression-20-30mmhg-multicoloured-dp-b07yywbmc6-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-hi-clasmix-graduated-medical-compression-socks-a-"><strong>Best for women: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graduated-Medical-Compression-20-30mmhg-Multicoloured/dp/B07YYWBMC6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks</a></h3>
  25638.  
  25639.  
  25640. <div
  25641.    id="great-compression-fun-colors"
  25642.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25643.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25644. >
  25645.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25646.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Graduated-Medical-Compression-20-30mmhg-Multicoloured/dp/B07YYWBMC6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25647.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25648.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/hi-clasmix-graduated-medical-compression-socks-best-compression-socks-for-women.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/hi-clasmix-graduated-medical-compression-socks-best-compression-socks-for-women.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks are the best compression socks for women,">
  25649.                      </figure>
  25650.                  </a>
  25651.            </div>
  25652.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25653.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25654.        <p><em>Hi Clasmix </em></p>
  25655.  
  25656.      </figcaption>
  25657.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25658.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Graduated-Medical-Compression-20-30mmhg-Multicoloured/dp/B07YYWBMC6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25659.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25660.      </p>
  25661.      </div>
  25662. </div>
  25663.  
  25664.  
  25665.  
  25666. <p><strong>Why they made the cut:</strong> These socks are designed to promote blood flow, discourage blood clots after surgery, and are also great for people working on their feet all day.&nbsp;</p>
  25667.  
  25668.  
  25669.  
  25670. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  25671.  
  25672.  
  25673.  
  25674. <ul>
  25675. <li><strong>Materials:</strong> Nylon, polyester, copper fiber</li>
  25676.  
  25677.  
  25678.  
  25679. <li><strong>Compression:</strong> 20-30 mmHG</li>
  25680.  
  25681.  
  25682.  
  25683. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  25684. </ul>
  25685.  
  25686.  
  25687.  
  25688. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  25689.  
  25690.  
  25691.  
  25692. <ul>
  25693. <li>Comfortable for all-day wear</li>
  25694.  
  25695.  
  25696.  
  25697. <li>Encourages blood flow and circulation</li>
  25698.  
  25699.  
  25700.  
  25701. <li>Moisture-wicking and breathable fabric that eliminates odor</li>
  25702. </ul>
  25703.  
  25704.  
  25705.  
  25706. <p><strong>Cons&nbsp;</strong></p>
  25707.  
  25708.  
  25709.  
  25710. <ul>
  25711. <li>Striking design may not work with professional outfits</li>
  25712. </ul>
  25713.  
  25714.  
  25715.  
  25716. <p>The Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks are the best compression socks for women and fit shoe sizes 6 to 15.5. They feature graduated compression between 20-30 mmHg, enough for daily wear, athletics, or recovery. A copper-infused fabric helps prevent odors and wicks moisture for more comfortable wear.</p>
  25717.  
  25718.  
  25719.  
  25720. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-running-2xu-vector-cushion"><strong>Best for running: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBZCFBL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">2XU Vector Cushion</a></h3>
  25721.  
  25722.  
  25723. <div
  25724.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25725.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25726. >
  25727.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25728.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBZCFBL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25729.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25730.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/12/best-for-running-compression-socks-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/12/best-for-running-compression-socks-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of grey 2XU full-length compression socks on a blue and white background">
  25731.                      </figure>
  25732.                  </a>
  25733.            </div>
  25734.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25735.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25736.        <p><em>2XU</em></p>
  25737.  
  25738.      </figcaption>
  25739.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25740.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBZCFBL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25741.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25742.      </p>
  25743.      </div>
  25744. </div>
  25745.  
  25746.  
  25747.  
  25748. <p><strong>Why they made the cut: </strong>These athletic compression socks are specifically designed to improve runners’ performance with decreased recovery time and streamlined comfort.&nbsp;</p>
  25749.  
  25750.  
  25751.  
  25752. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  25753.  
  25754.  
  25755.  
  25756. <ul>
  25757. <li><strong>Materials: </strong>Nylon, Lycra</li>
  25758.  
  25759.  
  25760.  
  25761. <li><strong>Compression: </strong>15-20 mmHG at base of foot (20-30 mmHG at ankle)&nbsp;</li>
  25762.  
  25763.  
  25764.  
  25765. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  25766. </ul>
  25767.  
  25768.  
  25769.  
  25770. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  25771.  
  25772.  
  25773.  
  25774. <ul>
  25775. <li>Support feet and legs</li>
  25776.  
  25777.  
  25778.  
  25779. <li>Cushioning provides plantar fascia and arch support</li>
  25780.  
  25781.  
  25782.  
  25783. <li>Lock-in technology reduces blistering</li>
  25784. </ul>
  25785.  
  25786.  
  25787.  
  25788. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  25789.  
  25790.  
  25791.  
  25792. <ul>
  25793. <li>Expensive</li>
  25794. </ul>
  25795.  
  25796.  
  25797.  
  25798. <p>Runners, if you’re looking for compression socks to enhance performance without looking stodgy, the 2XU Vector Cushion Socks are a solid option. Designed with graduated compression, these <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-running-socks/">socks for running</a> increase circulation in your feet and legs to get more blood to your muscles. They come with arch and plantar fascia cushioning to absorb shocks and with technology that helps reduce blistering. That said, they’re an expensive pair of socks.&nbsp;</p>
  25799.  
  25800.  
  25801.  
  25802. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-design-vim-amp-vigr-cotton-graduated-compression-socks"><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIM-VIGR-Graduated-Compression-Heathered/dp/B07VDMW3XL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">VIM &amp; VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Socks</a></h3>
  25803.  
  25804.  
  25805. <div
  25806.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25807.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25808. >
  25809.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25810.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/VIM-VIGR-Graduated-Compression-Heathered/dp/B07VDMW3XL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25811.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25812.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/vim-and-vigr-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/vim-and-vigr-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A pair of VIM &amp; VIGR graduated compression socks on a wood floor.">
  25813.                      </figure>
  25814.                  </a>
  25815.            </div>
  25816.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25817.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25818.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  25819.  
  25820.      </figcaption>
  25821.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25822.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/VIM-VIGR-Graduated-Compression-Heathered/dp/B07VDMW3XL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25823.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25824.      </p>
  25825.      </div>
  25826. </div>
  25827.  
  25828.  
  25829.  
  25830. <p><strong>Why they made the cut:</strong> If boring socks aren&#8217;t your jam, the fun patterns and colors of VIM &amp; VIGR&#8217;s compression socks will fit right in with the rest of your color rainbow collection. </p>
  25831.  
  25832.  
  25833.  
  25834. <p><strong>Specs&nbsp;</strong></p>
  25835.  
  25836.  
  25837.  
  25838. <ul>
  25839. <li><strong>Materials:</strong> Cotton, nylon, spandex</li>
  25840.  
  25841.  
  25842.  
  25843. <li><strong>Compression: </strong>15-20 mmHg&nbsp;</li>
  25844.  
  25845.  
  25846.  
  25847. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  25848. </ul>
  25849.  
  25850.  
  25851.  
  25852. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  25853.  
  25854.  
  25855.  
  25856. <ul>
  25857. <li>Lots of sizes and colors available</li>
  25858.  
  25859.  
  25860.  
  25861. <li>Ideal for all-day wear</li>
  25862.  
  25863.  
  25864.  
  25865. <li>Cotton gives socks breathability</li>
  25866. </ul>
  25867.  
  25868.  
  25869.  
  25870. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  25871.  
  25872.  
  25873.  
  25874. <ul>
  25875. <li>Expensive</li>
  25876. </ul>
  25877.  
  25878.  
  25879.  
  25880. <p>Socks are one of the ways we can show our personality without dressing too loud. It&#8217;s also titillating to have your own little fun secret hidden by the hem of your pants, only shown once you sit down. VIM &amp; VIGR combines the whimsy of fun patterns like foxes, stripes, butterflies, and parasols with the practicality of compression. Its light compression—15-20 mmHg of it, to be exact—is perfect for traveling, exercising, sitting, standing, walking, and more. They&#8217;re soft, stretchy, and easy to put on. They&#8217;re also, at $38 per pair, expensive for this type of product. </p>
  25881.  
  25882.  
  25883.  
  25884. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-ankle-length-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-paplus-compression-running-fasciitis-athletic-dp-b07ny6r7yx-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-paplus-ankle-compression-socks-a-"><strong>Best ankle-length: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B0C495L36Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Comrad Ankle Compression Socks</a></h3>
  25885.  
  25886.  
  25887. <div
  25888.    id="light-compression-cool-design"
  25889.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25890.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25891. >
  25892.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25893.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B0C495L36Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25894.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25895.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/comrad-ankle-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A black pair of Comrad ankle compression socks on a wooden floor.">
  25896.                      </figure>
  25897.                  </a>
  25898.            </div>
  25899.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25900.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25901.        <p><em>Amanda Reed</em></p>
  25902.  
  25903.      </figcaption>
  25904.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25905.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B0C495L36Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25906.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25907.      </p>
  25908.      </div>
  25909. </div>
  25910.  
  25911.  
  25912.  
  25913. <p><strong>Why they made the cut: </strong>These ankle socks are designed with light compression and provide 360 degrees of support that cradle feet and aid recovery.</p>
  25914.  
  25915.  
  25916.  
  25917. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  25918.  
  25919.  
  25920.  
  25921. <ul>
  25922. <li><strong>Materials:</strong> Nylon, Spandex</li>
  25923.  
  25924.  
  25925.  
  25926. <li><strong>Compression:</strong> 15-20 mmHg&nbsp;</li>
  25927.  
  25928.  
  25929.  
  25930. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  25931. </ul>
  25932.  
  25933.  
  25934.  
  25935. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  25936.  
  25937.  
  25938.  
  25939. <ul>
  25940. <li>Designed with targeted compression zones</li>
  25941.  
  25942.  
  25943.  
  25944. <li>Moisture wicking&nbsp;</li>
  25945.  
  25946.  
  25947.  
  25948. <li>Comfortable</li>
  25949. </ul>
  25950.  
  25951.  
  25952.  
  25953. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  25954.  
  25955.  
  25956.  
  25957. <ul>
  25958. <li>Pill in the wash after a few wears</li>
  25959. </ul>
  25960.  
  25961.  
  25962.  
  25963. <p>The Comrad ankle compression socks feature light, 15-20 mmHg compression in a side-specific design. Compression provides progressive pressure throughout the foot and ankle. They’re made of a moisture-wicking fabric that improves breathability for more comfortable wear, and feature extra toe and heel padding. That said, they&#8217;re not the best for cold weather, so you may also want to check out some <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-heated-socks/">heated socks</a>. They feel just like a regular pair of socks, which is a plus for comfort. As you can see in the photo, the sock&#8217;s fabric pills after a few washes. It doesn&#8217;t affect their effectiveness, however. </p>
  25964.  
  25965.  
  25966.  
  25967. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-toeless-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-sb-sox-compression-sleeves-women-dp-b01mfebo3v-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-sb-sox-plantar-fasciitis-compression-socks-a-"><strong>Best toeless: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/SB-SOX-Compression-Sleeves-Women/dp/B01MFEBO3V?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks</a></h3>
  25968.  
  25969.  
  25970. <div
  25971.    id="gentle-arch-support"
  25972.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  25973.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  25974. >
  25975.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  25976.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/SB-SOX-Compression-Sleeves-Women/dp/B01MFEBO3V?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  25977.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  25978.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/sb-sox-plantar-fasciitis-compression-socks-best-toeless-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/sb-sox-plantar-fasciitis-compression-socks-best-toeless-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The SB Sox Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks are the best toeless compression socks.">
  25979.                      </figure>
  25980.                  </a>
  25981.            </div>
  25982.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  25983.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  25984.        <p><em>SB SOX </em></p>
  25985.  
  25986.      </figcaption>
  25987.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  25988.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/SB-SOX-Compression-Sleeves-Women/dp/B01MFEBO3V?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  25989.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  25990.      </p>
  25991.      </div>
  25992. </div>
  25993.  
  25994.  
  25995.  
  25996. <p><strong>Why they made the cut: </strong>These compression socks are designed to relieve pain and are created specifically for people with foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, arch and heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis.</p>
  25997.  
  25998.  
  25999.  
  26000. <p><strong>Specs&nbsp;</strong></p>
  26001.  
  26002.  
  26003.  
  26004. <ul>
  26005. <li><strong>Materials: </strong>Nylon, Spandex</li>
  26006.  
  26007.  
  26008.  
  26009. <li><strong>Compression:</strong> 15-20 mmHg&nbsp;</li>
  26010.  
  26011.  
  26012.  
  26013. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  26014. </ul>
  26015.  
  26016.  
  26017.  
  26018. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26019.  
  26020.  
  26021.  
  26022. <ul>
  26023. <li>Provides arch support</li>
  26024.  
  26025.  
  26026.  
  26027. <li>Moisture wicking&nbsp;</li>
  26028.  
  26029.  
  26030.  
  26031. <li>Comfortable</li>
  26032. </ul>
  26033.  
  26034.  
  26035.  
  26036. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26037.  
  26038.  
  26039.  
  26040. <ul>
  26041. <li>Not designed for cold weather</li>
  26042. </ul>
  26043.  
  26044.  
  26045.  
  26046. <p>SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks feature compression and ribbing designed to follow the foot arch. The ribbing through the arch mimics the natural movement of the foot’s ligaments to provide better support. A thin heel lets you fit it under your regular socks without changing the fit of your shoes. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps the SB SOX cool even under another pair of socks. They come in four sizes and nine colors.</p>
  26047.  
  26048.  
  26049.  
  26050. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3--strong-best-budget-strong-a-href-https-www-amazon-com-compression-medical-socks-running-fitness-ef-bc-8cpregnancy-maternity-15-20mmhg-dp-b075h94zyh-tag-camdenxpsc-20-target-_blank-rel-noreferrer-noopener-sponsored-nofollow-actinput-compression-socks-for-men-and-women-a-"><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Medical-Socks-Running-Fitness%EF%BC%8CPregnancy-Maternity-15-20mmHg/dp/B075H94ZYH/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women</a></h3>
  26051.  
  26052.  
  26053. <div
  26054.    id="light-compression-in-bulk"
  26055.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  26056.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  26057. >
  26058.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  26059.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Medical-Socks-Running-Fitness%EF%BC%8CPregnancy-Maternity-15-20mmHg/dp/B075H94ZYH/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  26060.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  26061.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/08/09/actinput-compression-socks-men-women-best-budget-compression-socks.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women are the best budget compression socks.">
  26062.                      </figure>
  26063.                  </a>
  26064.            </div>
  26065.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  26066.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  26067.        <p><em>ACTINPUT </em></p>
  26068.  
  26069.      </figcaption>
  26070.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  26071.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Medical-Socks-Running-Fitness%EF%BC%8CPregnancy-Maternity-15-20mmHg/dp/B075H94ZYH/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000"
  26072.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  26073.      </p>
  26074.      </div>
  26075. </div>
  26076.  
  26077.  
  26078.  
  26079. <p><strong>Why they made the cut:</strong> If you’re looking for light compression, this eight-pack of socks provides great value for everyday use for people who stand all day.</p>
  26080.  
  26081.  
  26082.  
  26083. <p><strong>Specs&nbsp;</strong></p>
  26084.  
  26085.  
  26086.  
  26087. <ul>
  26088. <li><strong>Materials:</strong> Nylon, polyester, elastane</li>
  26089.  
  26090.  
  26091.  
  26092. <li><strong>Compression: </strong>15-20 mmHg&nbsp;</li>
  26093.  
  26094.  
  26095.  
  26096. <li><strong>Machine washable:</strong> Yes</li>
  26097. </ul>
  26098.  
  26099.  
  26100.  
  26101. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26102.  
  26103.  
  26104.  
  26105. <ul>
  26106. <li>Comes in an eight-pack</li>
  26107.  
  26108.  
  26109.  
  26110. <li>Moisture wicking&nbsp;</li>
  26111.  
  26112.  
  26113.  
  26114. <li>Good value</li>
  26115. </ul>
  26116.  
  26117.  
  26118.  
  26119. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26120.  
  26121.  
  26122.  
  26123. <ul>
  26124. <li>Not designed for foot ailments</li>
  26125. </ul>
  26126.  
  26127.  
  26128.  
  26129. <p>The ACTINPUT Socks for Men and Women are made with 15-20 mmHG compression and come in eight-packs. These knee-high compression socks provide uniform pressure from toe to knee in two sizes. You get many options, from a pack of all black to nude, white, gray, and colorful patterned designs.</p>
  26130.  
  26131.  
  26132.  
  26133. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-when-buying-the-best-compression-socks"><strong>What to consider when buying the best compression socks </strong></h2>
  26134.  
  26135.  
  26136.  
  26137. <p>Let’s start with the most basic question—what are compression socks used for? Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the tissues beneath the skin of the legs. That extra pressure prevents fluid leakage and promotes fluid absorption. That generally means less swelling and further swelling prevention. </p>
  26138.  
  26139.  
  26140.  
  26141. <p>Pressure socks support vein and capillary walls, boosting weakening veins and valves. Even if your veins are perfectly healthy, blood can pool in your legs after long periods of sitting or time on your feet. Consequently, people who work while standing, walk all day, and travel for several hours at a time find relief from swelling with the added pressure of compression socks. </p>
  26142.  
  26143.  
  26144.  
  26145. <p>These socks come in different types and designs. For example, gradient or graduated compression socks apply higher pressure toward the toes, feet, and ankles, with less pressure through the calf. Ankle compression socks only apply pressure to the foot and ankle. Toeless designs make it easier to wear with regular socks for greater cushioning and comfort. </p>
  26146.  
  26147.  
  26148.  
  26149. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-levels">Pressure levels</h3>
  26150.  
  26151.  
  26152.  
  26153. <p>Compression socks also come in different pressure levels, with socks available to the average consumer having light to medium compression. Pressure is measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg). People with certain health issues may require a specific sock pressure level recommended by a doctor, while others can just choose a comfortable level from the following:</p>
  26154.  
  26155.  
  26156.  
  26157. <ul>
  26158. <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">15-20 mmHg (light compression):</span> Daily wear, general sports, and travel.</li>
  26159.  
  26160.  
  26161.  
  26162. <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">20-30 mmHg (medium compression):</span><strong> </strong>Daily wear (especially for varicose veins and swelling), mild symptoms of discomfort, sports recovery.</li>
  26163.  
  26164.  
  26165.  
  26166. <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">30-40 mmHg (strong compression):</span><strong> </strong>Often recommended for blood clot prevention, medical recovery, or post-surgery.</li>
  26167. </ul>
  26168.  
  26169.  
  26170.  
  26171. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-alleviating-ankle-swelling">Alleviating ankle swelling</h3>
  26172.  
  26173.  
  26174.  
  26175. <p>Pregnancy, poor circulation, temperature fluctuations, and fatigue are only a few of the reasons your feet and ankles may swell. Capillaries, the very small blood vessels, help carry blood to the arteries and veins and back again. Their thin walls are easily damaged, leading to fluid buildup and poor circulation.&nbsp;</p>
  26176.  
  26177.  
  26178.  
  26179. <p>Pressure socks gently squeeze the legs, helping fluids reabsorb and blood flow more easily. These pressure socks also decrease the diameter of veins, increasing the velocity of blood flow and its volume. In short, they keep the blood moving and fluid from pooling. If swelling plagues you during and after a long airplane, car ride, or a long shift on the job, these socks may help. </p>
  26180.  
  26181.  
  26182.  
  26183. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-potential-improved-running-performance">Potential improved running performance</h3>
  26184.  
  26185.  
  26186.  
  26187. <p>Here’s the deal: The jury is still out on the benefits of compression socks for running performance. Some studies have <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244018302615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found a correlation</a> between pressure socks and improved running performance and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-016-0546-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle fatigue</a>, while others have found <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jsr/28/7/article-p724.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no difference</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  26188.  
  26189.  
  26190.  
  26191. <p>It comes down to what you need and want the compression socks to do. If you have swelling when you run, which is pretty normal, pressure socks can definitely reduce fluid buildup in your feet and legs. That may or may not benefit your running time and recovery. Runners who <a href="https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/2019/02000/Effects_of_Sports_Compression_Socks_on.24.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel long distances</a> to <em>get</em> to their events, such as marathons or triathlons,&nbsp; may also reap the benefits of compression socks because they can reduce swelling due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing.</p>
  26192.  
  26193.  
  26194.  
  26195. <p>However, a fairly universal finding is that if the <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/12/5/article-p621.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wearer believes</a> the socks help, they report less fatigue, better circulation, and quicker recovery. The mental “race” can be just as difficult for runners as the actual race. If the socks work for you and help with recovery, you may want to consider a purchase.&nbsp;</p>
  26196.  
  26197.  
  26198.  
  26199. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h3-style-of-sock">Style of sock</h3>
  26200.  
  26201.  
  26202.  
  26203. <p>Something that goes to your knees or beyond is too much sock for the occasion. In other cases, you may only need compression and extra support in the arch, heel, or low ankle. Ankle socks may offer a solution to any of the aforementioned issues.&nbsp;</p>
  26204.  
  26205.  
  26206.  
  26207. <p>These socks sometimes rise above the ankle bone, but many stay below this visible landmark. They have similar pressure levels as taller socks. Some of these designs feature targeted pressure through the arches or heels to relieve plantar fasciitis or support foot injuries. These socks also cover less surface area, making them a cooler option when temperatures rise.</p>
  26208.  
  26209.  
  26210.  
  26211. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-faqs-strong-"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  26212.  
  26213.  
  26214.  
  26215. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1673558542717"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much do compression socks cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">A pair of socks costing $15 each or more can quickly get expensive! However, you can get comfortable compression for much less, but you do have to let go of a few things. First, budget compression socks usually have less pressure. They’re more likely to fall in the 15-20 mmHg range. The quality of the fabric may be lower compared to higher-priced socks. For example, you won’t find moisture-wicking fabric among the less expensive designs. The seams may come apart quicker, too. That said, you can buy several cheap pairs for the price of a single pair of pricier designs.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1628501145750"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What does 15-20 mmHg mean for compression socks?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The 15-20 mmHg means the socks provide 15-20 millimeters of Mercury in pressure. It’s a measure of the sock’s tightness. Socks range from 15-40 mmHg, with 15 being the lowest pressure offered. <br/></p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1628501162688"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Can compression socks lower your blood pressure?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Unfortunately, no, compression socks cannot lower or raise your blood pressure. They increase the velocity at which the blood moves in the lower limbs, but not enough to change your blood pressure measurements.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1628501179976"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What level of compression socks do I need?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The compression level depends on your activities, comfort level, and the socks’ purpose. To improve general circulation throughout daily activities, 15-20 mmHg socks usually do the trick. At 20-30 mmHg, athletes and those with medical issues like poor circulation or injury get more support. Socks at the 30-40 mmHg level are typically reserved for injury recovery. No matter the pressure level, the socks must be comfortable for you. They shouldn’t cut off circulation, cut into your skin, or cause skin discoloration. <br/></p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1667328196324"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How many hours per day should I wear compression socks?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">You can wear compression socks all day except when you&#8217;re showing or bathing. Then make sure to take them off at night, the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-long-should-i-wear-compression-stockings-to-improve-my-circulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Health Service recommends</a>. </p> </div> </div>
  26216.  
  26217.  
  26218.  
  26219. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-final-thoughts-on-the-best-compression-socks-strong-"><strong>Final thoughts on the best compression socks</strong></h2>
  26220.  
  26221.  
  26222.  
  26223. <ul>
  26224. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sockwell-Elevation-Graduated-Compression-X-Large/dp/B00832T080?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Sockwell Firm Compression Socks</a></li>
  26225.  
  26226.  
  26227.  
  26228. <li><strong>Best for men: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Graduated-Maternity-Pregnancy-Circulation/dp/B01J4MF5UY?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks</a></li>
  26229.  
  26230.  
  26231.  
  26232. <li><strong>Best for women: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Graduated-Medical-Compression-20-30mmhg-Multicoloured/dp/B07YYWBMC6?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Socks</a></li>
  26233.  
  26234.  
  26235.  
  26236. <li><strong>Best for running:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBZCFBL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">2XU Vector Cushion</a></li>
  26237.  
  26238.  
  26239.  
  26240. <li><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/VIM-VIGR-Graduated-Compression-Heathered/dp/B07VDMW3XL?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">VIM &amp; VIGR Cotton Graduated Compression Socks</a></li>
  26241.  
  26242.  
  26243.  
  26244. <li><strong>Best ankle-length: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comrad-Ankle-Compression-Socks-Pregnant-Women-Support/dp/B0C495L36Z?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Comrad Ankle Compression Socks</a></li>
  26245.  
  26246.  
  26247.  
  26248. <li><strong>Best toeless: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/SB-SOX-Compression-Sleeves-Women/dp/B01MFEBO3V?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SB SOX Plantar Fasciitis Socks</a></li>
  26249.  
  26250.  
  26251.  
  26252. <li><strong>Best budget: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compression-Medical-Socks-Running-Fitness%EF%BC%8CPregnancy-Maternity-15-20mmHg/dp/B075H94ZYH/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000387909O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ACTINPUT Compression Socks for Men and Women</a></li>
  26253. </ul>
  26254.  
  26255.  
  26256.  
  26257. <p>Keeping your tootsies happy can help you stay on the move when your feet start to get tired. The best compression socks allow your blood to flow and reduce swelling without pinching or cutting off circulation. They also make <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-sock-gifts/">great gifts</a>. You may need a sock without toes or an ankle compression sock to support your arch. If you have a medical condition that requires a compression sock, talk to your doctor to determine the right pressure and sock style. These socks can express your personality with bright colors and patterns or blend in with your natural skin tone. If you need a pair, there’s a design out there that will work for you.</p>
  26258.  
  26259.  
  26260.  
  26261. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  26262.  
  26263.  
  26264.  
  26265. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  26266.  
  26267.  
  26268.  
  26269. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  26270. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-compression-socks/">The best compression socks of 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
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  26272. </item>
  26273. <item>
  26274. <title>The best electric pianos for 2024</title>
  26275. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-electric-pianos/</link>
  26276. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Julian Vittorio]]></dc:creator>
  26277. <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  26278. <category><![CDATA[Audio]]></category>
  26279. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  26280. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  26281. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  26282. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  26283. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  26284. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  26285. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=507016</guid>
  26286.  
  26287. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  26288.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/best-electric-pianos.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best electric pianos for every level of musician." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div></figure><p>The right digital piano provides the, well, key(s) to learning how to play and perfect your skills.</p>
  26289. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-electric-pianos/">The best electric pianos for 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  26290. ]]></description>
  26291. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  26292.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="936" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/best-electric-pianos.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=936" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="The best electric pianos for every level of musician." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  26293. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  26294.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  26295.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  26296.      <tbody>
  26297.              <tr
  26298.          class="ProductTable-product"
  26299.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  26300.        >
  26301.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  26302.            Best overall
  26303.          </td>
  26304.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  26305.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Roland RD-2000 is the best electric piano overall." class="wp-image-507021" width="264" height="165">
  26306.          </td>
  26307.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  26308.            Roland RD-2000
  26309.          </td>
  26310.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  26311.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  26312.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26313.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26314.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26315.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26316.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26317.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 96%">
  26318.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26319.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26320.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26321.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26322.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26323.                                  </div>
  26324.                          </div>
  26325.          </td>
  26326.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  26327.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  26328.                <span>
  26329.                  SEE IT
  26330.                </span>
  26331.            </a>
  26332.          </td>
  26333.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  26334.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Abundant sound choices with an excellent feel.</span></p>
  26335.  
  26336.            </td>
  26337.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  26338.        </tr>
  26339.              <tr
  26340.          class="ProductTable-product"
  26341.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  26342.        >
  26343.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  26344.            Best budget
  26345.          </td>
  26346.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  26347.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Yamaha P71 is the best electric piano at a budget-friendly price." class="wp-image-507043" width="264" height="165">
  26348.          </td>
  26349.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  26350.            Yamaha P71
  26351.          </td>
  26352.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  26353.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  26354.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26355.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26356.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26357.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26358.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26359.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 96%">
  26360.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26361.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26362.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26363.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26364.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26365.                                  </div>
  26366.                          </div>
  26367.          </td>
  26368.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  26369.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  26370.                <span>
  26371.                  SEE IT
  26372.                </span>
  26373.            </a>
  26374.          </td>
  26375.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  26376.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Built for serious players on a budget.</span></p>
  26377.  
  26378.            </td>
  26379.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  26380.        </tr>
  26381.              <tr
  26382.          class="ProductTable-product"
  26383.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  26384.        >
  26385.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  26386.            Best for beginners
  26387.          </td>
  26388.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  26389.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="The Alesis Melody 61-Key Keyboard is the best electric piano for beginners." class="wp-image-507024" width="264" height="165">
  26390.          </td>
  26391.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  26392.            Alesis Melody 61
  26393.          </td>
  26394.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  26395.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  26396.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26397.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26398.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26399.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26400.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26401.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 92%">
  26402.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26403.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26404.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26405.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26406.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  26407.                                  </div>
  26408.                          </div>
  26409.          </td>
  26410.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  26411.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  26412.                <span>
  26413.                  SEE IT
  26414.                </span>
  26415.            </a>
  26416.          </td>
  26417.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  26418.              <p>Discover your inner tunesmith.</p>
  26419.  
  26420.            </td>
  26421.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  26422.        </tr>
  26423.            </tbody>
  26424.    </table>
  26425.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  26426.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  26427.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  26428.    </div>
  26429.  </div>
  26430. </div>
  26431.  
  26432.  
  26433.  
  26434. <p>Did you know that the predecessor to the electric piano, the acoustic piano (also known as the <em>pianoforte</em>), has been around since 1700? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolomeo_Cristofori" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bartolomeo Cristofori</a> of Padua, Italy, is credited for its design, which evolved from the harpsichord. You can still view one of his surviving models at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Playing a piano can feel like you have an entire orchestra at your fingertips, but the acoustic version has some serious drawbacks. These heavy and unwieldy instruments are notorious for being more expensive to move than their worth, and the trope of a falling piano endures in cartoons and sitcoms. Electric pianos are a welcome alternative for musicians across all genres who want to make music from anywhere and enhance their skills in ways that aren’t possible on a 500-pound baby grand. Here’s what to look for as you choose one of the best electric pianos for your lifestyle.</p>
  26435.  
  26436.  
  26437.  
  26438. <ul>
  26439. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Roland RD-2000</a></li>
  26440.  
  26441.  
  26442.  
  26443. <li><strong>Best for beginners:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Alesis Melody 61</a></li>
  26444.  
  26445.  
  26446.  
  26447. <li><strong>Best for stage: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nord-Electro-Semi-Weighted-Keyboard-Headphones/dp/B07XJYZ36B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Nord Electro 6D 61</a></li>
  26448.  
  26449.  
  26450.  
  26451. <li><strong>Best for songwriters and teachers:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX780-Digital-Stage/dp/B00BISVN54?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Casio PX-780 Privia</a></li>
  26452.  
  26453.  
  26454.  
  26455. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yamaha P71</a></li>
  26456. </ul>
  26457.  
  26458.  
  26459.  
  26460. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-electric-pianos"><strong>How we chose the best electric pianos</strong></h2>
  26461.  
  26462.  
  26463.  
  26464. <p><strong>Brand: </strong>I selected quality options from brands my colleagues and I trust to use on stage and in our home studios. I placed a high value on the top brands used by pros, even when selecting models more suitable for beginners.</p>
  26465.  
  26466.  
  26467.  
  26468. <p><strong>Value: </strong>For each model chosen, I evaluated use cases for prospective buyers. For example, a true beginner who will graduate to a larger keyboard or piano over time will have different parameters for what makes a good buy than would a pianist on a budget looking for an electric piano that sounds and feels like its acoustic counterpart.</p>
  26469.  
  26470.  
  26471.  
  26472. <p><strong>Size:</strong> For performers seeking a substitute for an acoustic piano in their home or home studio, I selected full-size 88-key instruments with less focus on their physical footprint. For performers who take their keyboard to gigs, I evaluated weight, versatility, and durability.</p>
  26473.  
  26474.  
  26475.  
  26476. <p><strong>Special features:</strong> I did not consider special features as a bonus or extra that would make one model preferable over another. Instead, for each special feature of a particular model, such as extensive sound libraries, play-along songs, or access to educational materials, I assessed their purpose and value to different kinds of musicians before making my choices.</p>
  26477.  
  26478.  
  26479.  
  26480. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-electric-pianos-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best electric pianos: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  26481.  
  26482.  
  26483.  
  26484. <p>As a professional musician, I&#8217;ve combined personal experience with the type of equipment my colleagues and I use, as well as research into brands and models carried by reputable stores, to identify the following electric pianos—a selection of digital pianos designed as instruments for creating art, as opposed to toys.</p>
  26485.  
  26486.  
  26487.  
  26488. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-roland-rd-2000"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Roland RD-2000</a></h3>
  26489.  
  26490.  
  26491. <div
  26492.    id="roland-rd-2000"
  26493.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  26494.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  26495. >
  26496.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  26497.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  26498.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  26499.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/roland-rd-2000-best-electric-pianos-overall.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Roland RD-2000 is the best electric piano overall.">
  26500.                      </figure>
  26501.                  </a>
  26502.            </div>
  26503.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  26504.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  26505.        <p><em>Roland</em></p>
  26506.  
  26507.      </figcaption>
  26508.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  26509.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000"
  26510.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  26511.      </p>
  26512.      </div>
  26513. </div>
  26514.  
  26515.  
  26516.  
  26517. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> We’re excited about the Roland RD-2000 because of its versatility in delivering weighted piano action along with hundreds of sounds and ample effects controls.</p>
  26518.  
  26519.  
  26520.  
  26521. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  26522.  
  26523.  
  26524.  
  26525. <ul>
  26526. <li><strong>Number of keys:</strong> 88</li>
  26527.  
  26528.  
  26529.  
  26530. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 55.6 by 14.5 by 5.6 inches</li>
  26531.  
  26532.  
  26533.  
  26534. <li><strong>Built-in speakers:</strong> No</li>
  26535. </ul>
  26536.  
  26537.  
  26538.  
  26539. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26540.  
  26541.  
  26542.  
  26543. <ul>
  26544. <li>Two sound engines (V-Piano Technology and SuperNATURAL)</li>
  26545.  
  26546.  
  26547.  
  26548. <li>Multiple controllers from sliders to a modulation wheel</li>
  26549.  
  26550.  
  26551.  
  26552. <li>Multiple connectors from MIDI to USB</li>
  26553.  
  26554.  
  26555.  
  26556. <li>Weighs just under 48 pounds</li>
  26557. </ul>
  26558.  
  26559.  
  26560.  
  26561. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26562.  
  26563.  
  26564.  
  26565. <ul>
  26566. <li>Must be connected to speakers or used with headphones</li>
  26567. </ul>
  26568.  
  26569.  
  26570.  
  26571. <p>Roland is known for designing and manufacturing pianos. The Roland RD-2000 launched in 2017 as the brand&#8217;s next-generation stage piano following the success of the RD-1000, which debuted in 1986.</p>
  26572.  
  26573.  
  26574.  
  26575. <p>Stage pianos are designed first for live performances where PA systems are the amplification method preferred over built-in speakers. However, we think that the overall combination of features in this model outweighs the small hassle of hooking the RD-2000 up to external speakers when you’re at home—<a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-mixing-headphones/">or just using it with headphones</a>.</p>
  26576.  
  26577.  
  26578.  
  26579. <p>Piano nerds will love that the two independent sound engines give you access to classic acoustic and electric Roland piano sounds (you can even go retro with the RD-1000 sound), plus hundreds of others. A zone-mapping feature makes it possible to play and control internal sounds of the piano at the same time as you control synth sounds in a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-music-production-software/">DAW (digital audio workstation)</a>.</p>
  26580.  
  26581.  
  26582.  
  26583. <p>There’s a bit of a learning curve to take advantage of all the customization tools, but the opportunities for personal expression are enormous. Expansion slots for additional sounds keep your gear relevant to current sonic trends and add longevity to your purchase.</p>
  26584.  
  26585.  
  26586.  
  26587. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-beginners-alesis-melody-61"><strong>Best for beginners:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Alesis Melody 61</a></h3>
  26588.  
  26589.  
  26590. <div
  26591.    id="alesis-melody-61"
  26592.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  26593.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  26594. >
  26595.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  26596.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  26597.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  26598.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/alesis-melody-61-key-keyboard-best-electric-piano-for-beginners.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Alesis Melody 61-Key Keyboard is the best electric piano for beginners.">
  26599.                      </figure>
  26600.                  </a>
  26601.            </div>
  26602.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  26603.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  26604.        <p><em>Alesis</em></p>
  26605.  
  26606.      </figcaption>
  26607.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  26608.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000"
  26609.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  26610.      </p>
  26611.      </div>
  26612. </div>
  26613.  
  26614.  
  26615.  
  26616. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The Alesis Melody 61 is a fantastic entry-level choice to develop your skills at playing and songwriting right out of the box without breaking your budget.</p>
  26617.  
  26618.  
  26619.  
  26620. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  26621.  
  26622.  
  26623.  
  26624. <ul>
  26625. <li><strong>Number of keys: </strong>61</li>
  26626.  
  26627.  
  26628.  
  26629. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 17 x 10.9 x 40 inches</li>
  26630.  
  26631.  
  26632.  
  26633. <li><strong>Built-in speakers:</strong> Yes</li>
  26634. </ul>
  26635.  
  26636.  
  26637.  
  26638. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26639.  
  26640.  
  26641.  
  26642. <ul>
  26643. <li>300 sounds from strings to brass</li>
  26644.  
  26645.  
  26646.  
  26647. <li>300 built-in rhythms for effortless accompaniment</li>
  26648.  
  26649.  
  26650.  
  26651. <li>Comes with a 3-month subscription to Skoove online piano courses</li>
  26652.  
  26653.  
  26654.  
  26655. <li>Includes essential accessories from a stand to a microphone</li>
  26656. </ul>
  26657.  
  26658.  
  26659.  
  26660. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26661.  
  26662.  
  26663.  
  26664. <ul>
  26665. <li>Non-weighted keys</li>
  26666.  
  26667.  
  26668.  
  26669. <li>No sustain pedal input</li>
  26670. </ul>
  26671.  
  26672.  
  26673.  
  26674. <p>Alesis is part of the inMusic portfolio of brands, which includes M-Audio and Akai. The Melody 61 is part of the company&#8217;s line of portable keyboards, which range from 32-key to 61-key models. Suppose you’re buying a digital piano solely to learn how to play and perform. We recommend investing in an 88-key piano with weighted keys instead (like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yamaha P71</a>, our budget pick below). However, for anyone who wants to get into the basics of music performance, songwriting, or arranging, this 61-key model offers a range of possibilities.</p>
  26675.  
  26676.  
  26677.  
  26678. <p>One of the biggest obstacles to starting a new hobby or sticking to a practice routine is the time it takes to get set up with the right gear. The Melody 61 already eliminates many barriers to getting started as it comes with a piano bench, stand, and microphone, plus access to Skoove’s online piano courses for three months (which include basic skill development and songs you can play along with).</p>
  26679.  
  26680.  
  26681.  
  26682. <p>We love that you can hear your piano playing <em>and</em> vocals through the built-in speakers when using the microphone, so once you learn a few basic chords, you are ready to compose an original song. You can also use the rhythmic accompaniment function to provide a beat to play along with and trigger the keyboard to play chords on those beats for a richer harmonic experience.</p>
  26683.  
  26684.  
  26685.  
  26686. <p>A record button allows you to play back your creations, although the save function lasts only while the piano is turned on. If you’re feeling shy or don’t want to disturb housemates or neighbors, plug in the included headphones to override the external speakers.</p>
  26687.  
  26688.  
  26689.  
  26690. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-stage-nord-electro-6d-61"><strong>Best for stage: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nord-Electro-Semi-Weighted-Keyboard-Headphones/dp/B07XJYZ36B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Nord Electro 6D 61</a></h3>
  26691.  
  26692.  
  26693. <div
  26694.    id="nord-electro-6d-61"
  26695.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  26696.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  26697. >
  26698.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  26699.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Nord-Electro-Semi-Weighted-Keyboard-Headphones/dp/B07XJYZ36B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  26700.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  26701.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/nord-electro-6d-61-best-electric-pianos-for-stage.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/nord-electro-6d-61-best-electric-pianos-for-stage.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Nord Electro 6D 61 is the best electric piano for stage.">
  26702.                      </figure>
  26703.                  </a>
  26704.            </div>
  26705.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  26706.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  26707.        <p><em>Nord</em></p>
  26708.  
  26709.      </figcaption>
  26710.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  26711.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Nord-Electro-Semi-Weighted-Keyboard-Headphones/dp/B07XJYZ36B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000"
  26712.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  26713.      </p>
  26714.      </div>
  26715. </div>
  26716.  
  26717.  
  26718.  
  26719. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>At just under 18 pounds, the Nord Electro 6D 61 is extra-portable and can transform you into a pianist, an organist, or a synth player depending on your mood.</p>
  26720.  
  26721.  
  26722.  
  26723. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  26724.  
  26725.  
  26726.  
  26727. <ul>
  26728. <li><strong>Number of keys:</strong> 61</li>
  26729.  
  26730.  
  26731.  
  26732. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 35.4 x 3.8 x 11.7 inches</li>
  26733.  
  26734.  
  26735.  
  26736. <li><strong>Built-in speakers:</strong> No</li>
  26737. </ul>
  26738.  
  26739.  
  26740.  
  26741. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26742.  
  26743.  
  26744.  
  26745. <ul>
  26746. <li>Semi-weighted keys with waterfall tips ideal for organ and synth techniques</li>
  26747.  
  26748.  
  26749.  
  26750. <li>512 MB memory for the Nord Sample Library</li>
  26751.  
  26752.  
  26753.  
  26754. <li>Iconic organ simulations from the Hammond B3 to the Farfisa</li>
  26755.  
  26756.  
  26757.  
  26758. <li>Vintage 122 Rotary Speaker simulation (aka a Leslie)</li>
  26759. </ul>
  26760.  
  26761.  
  26762.  
  26763. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26764.  
  26765.  
  26766.  
  26767. <ul>
  26768. <li>Lacks full 88 keys</li>
  26769.  
  26770.  
  26771.  
  26772. <li>Must be connected to speakers or used with headphones</li>
  26773. </ul>
  26774.  
  26775.  
  26776.  
  26777. <p>Handmade in Sweden by Clavia Digital Musical Instruments AB, the Nord keyboards&#8217; signature red color can be spotted on arena stages or in the dimly lit corner of your favorite underground music club. The first Nord Electro was released in 2001, and the Nord Electro 6 is the latest iteration. We chose the Nord Electro 6D 61 over the Nord Electro 6 HP 73-key model because of the waterfall tips on the keys, which are slightly rounded and well-suited to synth and organ techniques, and also because the slightly smaller keyboard size makes it even more portable.</p>
  26778.  
  26779.  
  26780.  
  26781. <p>Many digital pianos are designed as alternatives to acoustic pianos, with a range of sampled instrument sounds but few controls. In contrast, the Nord Electro 6D is like having a piano plus some of the most striking organ and synth sounds rolled into a single piece of equipment. The 6D (as opposed to the HP) also has physical drawbars (a type of slider) that mimic a real organ.</p>
  26782.  
  26783.  
  26784.  
  26785. <p>While there is <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-midi-keyboards/">a MIDI input/output</a>, the vast amount of built-in controls can keep you (and your audience) entertained without ever cracking open your laptop. In addition to panning, flanging, ring modulator, and chorusing effects, you can also control multiple reverb types to make it drier or wetter. Amp simulators allow you to manipulate drive and compression, and every Hammond B3 fan will delight in mimicking the unmistakable sounds of a Leslie speaker.</p>
  26786.  
  26787.  
  26788.  
  26789. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-songwriters-and-teachers-casio-px-780-privia"><strong>Best for songwriters and teachers:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX780-Digital-Stage/dp/B00BISVN54?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Casio PX-780 Privia</a></h3>
  26790.  
  26791.  
  26792. <div
  26793.    id="casio-px-780-privia"
  26794.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  26795.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  26796. >
  26797.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  26798.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX780-Digital-Stage/dp/B00BISVN54?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  26799.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  26800.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/casio-px-780-privia-best-electric-pianos-for-songwriters-and-teachers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/casio-px-780-privia-best-electric-pianos-for-songwriters-and-teachers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Casio PX 780 Privia is the best electric piano for songwriters and teachers.">
  26801.                      </figure>
  26802.                  </a>
  26803.            </div>
  26804.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  26805.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  26806.        <p><em>Casio</em></p>
  26807.  
  26808.      </figcaption>
  26809.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  26810.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX780-Digital-Stage/dp/B00BISVN54?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000"
  26811.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  26812.      </p>
  26813.      </div>
  26814. </div>
  26815.  
  26816.  
  26817.  
  26818. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> We chose the Casio PX-780 because of its nice balance between expressive qualities and special features that educators and composers will enjoy, all for less than a grand.</p>
  26819.  
  26820.  
  26821.  
  26822. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  26823.  
  26824.  
  26825.  
  26826. <ul>
  26827. <li><strong>Number of keys: </strong>88</li>
  26828.  
  26829.  
  26830.  
  26831. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 59 x 16 x 17 inches</li>
  26832.  
  26833.  
  26834.  
  26835. <li><strong>Built-in speakers:</strong> Yes</li>
  26836. </ul>
  26837.  
  26838.  
  26839.  
  26840. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26841.  
  26842.  
  26843.  
  26844. <ul>
  26845. <li>Tri-sensor scaled hammer action keyboard17-track recorder</li>
  26846.  
  26847.  
  26848.  
  26849. <li>Can be used as a MIDI controller for iPad with Apple’s Camera Connection Kit</li>
  26850.  
  26851.  
  26852.  
  26853. <li>Duet mode</li>
  26854. </ul>
  26855.  
  26856.  
  26857.  
  26858. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26859.  
  26860.  
  26861.  
  26862. <ul>
  26863. <li>At nearly 90 pounds, it’s not very portable</li>
  26864. </ul>
  26865.  
  26866.  
  26867.  
  26868. <p>Whether or not you grew up in the ’80s or are just vaguely familiar with the influential decade of hair bands and hanging out at the mall, you may associate Casio keyboards with quirky and cheesy digital sounds. You wouldn’t be wrong—the ’80s CK-200 was a combination piano and boom box—but, in the 21st century, the Japanese electronics company has many digital pianos suitable for serious musical artists.</p>
  26869.  
  26870.  
  26871.  
  26872. <p>To begin with, the PX-780 Privia has a full-size keyboard, and three built-in sensors capture how you strike each key to approximate the sound you would get if you were playing a grand piano with hammered strings. Coupled with Casio’s own AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) processor technology, players can get a nice amount of nuance and realism from the sound.</p>
  26873.  
  26874.  
  26875.  
  26876. <p>Songwriters can take advantage of 17-track recording to layer piano, strings, bass, drums, and more, with the ability to access your pre-recorded mixes live on stage. You can even punch in to re-record part of a track and record your song to a USB drive as a .WAV file.</p>
  26877.  
  26878.  
  26879.  
  26880. <p>Teachers of beginners will enjoy duet mode, where you can sit side by side and each access the same note range (a little more than one octave below middle C and a little more than two octaves above) as if the piano is two identical 44-key segments. Teachers may also enjoy introducing students to recording and production basics to create demos of their progress for family and friends.</p>
  26881.  
  26882.  
  26883.  
  26884. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-yamaha-p71"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yamaha P71</a></h3>
  26885.  
  26886.  
  26887. <div
  26888.    id="yamaha-p71"
  26889.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  26890.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  26891. >
  26892.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  26893.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  26894.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  26895.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/01/23/yamaha-p71-best-electric-pianos-budget.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="The Yamaha P71 is the best electric piano at a budget-friendly price.">
  26896.                      </figure>
  26897.                  </a>
  26898.            </div>
  26899.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  26900.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  26901.        <p><em>Yamaha</em></p>
  26902.  
  26903.      </figcaption>
  26904.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  26905.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000"
  26906.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  26907.      </p>
  26908.      </div>
  26909. </div>
  26910.  
  26911.  
  26912.  
  26913. <p><strong>Why it made the cut: </strong>The Yamaha P71 stands out in the market because of its no-frills focus on pianists who want a well-priced instrument that sounds and feels like an acoustic piano but can be used with headphones when the neighbors are home.</p>
  26914.  
  26915.  
  26916.  
  26917. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  26918.  
  26919.  
  26920.  
  26921. <ul>
  26922. <li><strong>Number of keys:</strong> 88</li>
  26923.  
  26924.  
  26925.  
  26926. <li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 52.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches</li>
  26927.  
  26928.  
  26929.  
  26930. <li><strong>Built-in speakers:</strong> Yes</li>
  26931. </ul>
  26932.  
  26933.  
  26934.  
  26935. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  26936.  
  26937.  
  26938.  
  26939. <ul>
  26940. <li>Fully weighted keys</li>
  26941.  
  26942.  
  26943.  
  26944. <li>Can combine two voices to play together when keys are struck</li>
  26945.  
  26946.  
  26947.  
  26948. <li>Metronome</li>
  26949.  
  26950.  
  26951.  
  26952. <li>Weighs just 25 pounds</li>
  26953. </ul>
  26954.  
  26955.  
  26956.  
  26957. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  26958.  
  26959.  
  26960.  
  26961. <ul>
  26962. <li>Only 10 sampled voices (i.e., grand piano or strings)</li>
  26963.  
  26964.  
  26965.  
  26966. <li>Does not store recordings</li>
  26967. </ul>
  26968.  
  26969.  
  26970.  
  26971. <p>Yamaha is a revered music company that has been around for more than 130 years, with a roster of famous artists who play their pianos that ranges from pop icon Burt Bacharach to singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and jazz star Gerald Clayton. The Yamaha P71 is an entry-level model for the company in terms of price. Still, their proprietary Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) technology means that pressing keys on the low end of this piano will have a heavier feel than pressing keys on the high end, like their acoustic counterpart.</p>
  26972.  
  26973.  
  26974.  
  26975. <p>As you might guess, Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sampling process uses Yamaha acoustic pianos to deliver high-quality sounds. Practice your technique at home with or without headphones, and then take advantage of the lightweight body and built-in speakers to take it to your live gig.</p>
  26976.  
  26977.  
  26978.  
  26979. <p>This piano has just 10 sampled sounds to play with (including harpsichord and vibraphone), does not have a built-in memory for recording, and doesn’t offer chord arpeggiation or rhythms for you to play along. However, a USB out port allows you to configure your MIDI to use the piano to record into a DAW or control virtual instruments and plug-ins.</p>
  26980.  
  26981.  
  26982.  
  26983. <p>It’s important to note that the P71 is a model exclusively available on Amazon, and according to Yamaha, it has no functional differences from their popular P-45 model. This means you may be able to get it at a better price than its twin sold elsewhere, but it’s smart to verify at the time of purchase.</p>
  26984.  
  26985.  
  26986.  
  26987. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-consider-before-buying-an-electric-piano"><strong>Things to consider before buying an electric piano</strong></h2>
  26988.  
  26989.  
  26990.  
  26991. <p>These important factors will help you quickly narrow down your options from the immensely wide range of digital pianos on the market:</p>
  26992.  
  26993.  
  26994.  
  26995. <p><strong>Space:</strong> When choosing an electric piano, you’ll definitely want to consider where you’re going to put it and whether or not you’ll want to move it regularly. A rectangular shape coupled with a lack of strings and hammers makes these pianos considerably easier to find room for in your home studio or living area than the average upright or baby grand. However, the weight and other dimensions of the piano itself are just a starting point. You should also factor in a piano stand to get your equipment to the right height, a piano bench set up at a distance that allows you to sit comfortably at the keys, and any extra lighting or other audio gear you’ll want to have at hand as you play.</p>
  26996.  
  26997.  
  26998.  
  26999. <p><strong>Musical focus</strong>: Your musical focus should be one of the first things you identify before selecting an electric piano. Are you a performer, composer, producer, accompanist, or all of the above? Do you play all styles of music, or are you in a live band where you’ll want access to a variety of piano, organ, and synth sounds in one instrument? An ideal choice will have a balance between essentials and special features you’ll want to use regularly.</p>
  27000.  
  27001.  
  27002.  
  27003. <p><strong>Feel: </strong>One of the most important questions to ask yourself about purchasing an electric piano is whether or not you are buying it primarily as an alternative to an acoustic piano. If so, you’ll want to select models with weighted keys and choose keyboards with a full 88 keys if you regularly use the full range of the piano in the music you write and play. Feel is subjective, so be aware that just because a favorite musician likes one model doesn’t mean it will be the right choice for you.</p>
  27004.  
  27005.  
  27006.  
  27007. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  27008.  
  27009.  
  27010.  
  27011. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1674492148395"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Do digital pianos sound like real pianos?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The sounds of a digital keyboard are created by sampling acoustic instruments. Acoustic “real” pianos vary greatly in tone among different models (i.e., grand vs. upright), and the technique and expression of individual performers also impact the sound on many levels. As a consequence, higher quality samples that capture the nuances of a key-triggered hammer striking a piano string will create a more realistic-sounding piano (i.e., how it sounds when a key is struck forcefully vs. a softer attack, or what a staccato or short strike sounds like vs. a full chord pressed down slowly). In addition to great samples, top-quality digital pianos will be able to calibrate each player’s individual approach to the corresponding acoustic piano samples, so your percussive left-hand comping action hits as hard through the speakers as you’re hitting the keys.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1674492182418"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Is it OK to learn on a digital piano?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Absolutely. However, you should know that the key weight and feel of different models, the key size, and the number of keys determine how effectively you can transfer your skills to an acoustic piano. Some musicians who use a digital piano to compose or play casually will never need to buy an acoustic piano to reach their musical goals. Other musicians using a digital piano to practice outside of an environment where they have access to an acoustic piano will want to ensure their digital piano has a full 88 keys and feels as close as possible to the pianos they play as a performer.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1674492205781"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How do I choose an electric piano?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Your musical background and skill level, stylistic preferences, and whether you’ll be using it at home or onstage are all important factors to consider. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach to purchasing this instrument, and you may find that your preference for different types of digital pianos changes over time.</p> </div> </div>
  27012.  
  27013.  
  27014.  
  27015. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-electric-pianos"><strong>Final thoughts on the best electric pianos</strong></h2>
  27016.  
  27017.  
  27018.  
  27019. <ul>
  27020. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Premium-88-Key-Digital-RD-2000/dp/B01MZDSWZE?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Roland RD-2000</a></li>
  27021.  
  27022.  
  27023.  
  27024. <li><strong>Best for beginners:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Alesis Melody 61</a></li>
  27025.  
  27026.  
  27027.  
  27028. <li><strong>Best for stage: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nord-Electro-Semi-Weighted-Keyboard-Headphones/dp/B07XJYZ36B?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Nord Electro 6D 61</a></li>
  27029.  
  27030.  
  27031.  
  27032. <li><strong>Best for songwriters and teachers:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Casio-Privia-PX780-Digital-Stage/dp/B00BISVN54?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Casio PX-780 Privia</a></li>
  27033.  
  27034.  
  27035.  
  27036. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Weighted-Digital-Sustain-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01LY8OUQW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Yamaha P71</a></li>
  27037. </ul>
  27038.  
  27039.  
  27040.  
  27041. <p>Taking your time to know what’s on the market and understand the benefits of various features makes a difference when choosing an instrument that can be a cathartic outlet for individual expression. We chose the Roland RD-2000 because it resonated with many of our criteria, from realistic sounds to portability and versatility. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you right now. Even a small investment in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-Melody-MKII-Built-Headphones/dp/B07987K4F5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000507016O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Alesis Melody 61</a> could be the perfect catalyst for an exciting journey as a songwriter or performer. The important thing is to keep making music.</p>
  27042.  
  27043.  
  27044.  
  27045. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  27046.  
  27047.  
  27048.  
  27049. <p>Popular Science&nbsp;<em>started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  27050.  
  27051.  
  27052.  
  27053. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  27054. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-electric-pianos/">The best electric pianos for 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  27055. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  27056. </item>
  27057. <item>
  27058. <title>The best retractable dog leashes of 2024</title>
  27059. <link>https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-retractable-dog-leashes/</link>
  27060. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chelsea Frank]]></dc:creator>
  27061. <pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  27062. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  27063. <category><![CDATA[Dogs]]></category>
  27064. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  27065. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  27066. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  27067. <category><![CDATA[Pets]]></category>
  27068. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  27069. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  27070. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  27071. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  27072. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  27073. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=426342</guid>
  27074.  
  27075. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  27076.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/12/19/IMG_9879-scaled-e1695084780345.jpg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="tug retractable dog leash and a dog on a sidewalk best overall retractable dog leash" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Billy Cadden</div></figure><p>These reliable retractable leashes are essential, easily packable equipment for adventures with your pooch.</p>
  27077. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-retractable-dog-leashes/">The best retractable dog leashes of 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  27078. ]]></description>
  27079. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  27080.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2021/12/19/IMG_9879-scaled-e1695084780345.jpg?auto=webp" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="tug retractable dog leash and a dog on a sidewalk best overall retractable dog leash" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Billy Cadden</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  27081. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  27082.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  27083.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  27084.      <tbody>
  27085.              <tr
  27086.          class="ProductTable-product"
  27087.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  27088.        >
  27089.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  27090.            Best overall
  27091.          </td>
  27092.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  27093.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Tug retractable dog leash with dog attached" class="wp-image-568016" width="264" height="165">
  27094.          </td>
  27095.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  27096.            TUG 360°
  27097.          </td>
  27098.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  27099.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  27100.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27101.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27102.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27103.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
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  27105.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 92%">
  27106.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27107.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27108.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27109.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27110.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27111.                                  </div>
  27112.                          </div>
  27113.          </td>
  27114.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  27115.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  27116.                <span>
  27117.                  SEE IT
  27118.                </span>
  27119.            </a>
  27120.          </td>
  27121.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  27122.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This leash offers a solid value with all the necessary features.</span></p>
  27123.  
  27124.            </td>
  27125.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  27126.        </tr>
  27127.              <tr
  27128.          class="ProductTable-product"
  27129.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  27130.        >
  27131.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  27132.            Best tape
  27133.          </td>
  27134.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  27135.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/flexi%C3%82%C2%AE-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-best-tape.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/flexi®-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-best-tape.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/flexi®-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-best-tape.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/flexi®-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-best-tape.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/flexi®-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-best-tape.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/flexi®-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash-best-tape.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="flexi® New Comfort Retractable Tape Dog Leash is the best tape." class="wp-image-426376" width="264" height="165">
  27136.          </td>
  27137.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  27138.            Flexi Comfort
  27139.          </td>
  27140.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  27141.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  27142.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27143.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27144.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27145.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27146.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27147.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 84%">
  27148.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27149.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27150.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27151.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27152.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27153.                                  </div>
  27154.                          </div>
  27155.          </td>
  27156.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  27157.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  27158.                <span>
  27159.                  SEE IT
  27160.                </span>
  27161.            </a>
  27162.          </td>
  27163.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  27164.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having more than one dog doesn&#8217;t have to mean lugging more gear, with two color-coded leashes in one.</span></p>
  27165.  
  27166.            </td>
  27167.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  27168.        </tr>
  27169.              <tr
  27170.          class="ProductTable-product"
  27171.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  27172.        >
  27173.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  27174.            Best for large dogs
  27175.          </td>
  27176.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  27177.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="KONG Ultimate Retractable Dog Leash is the best for large dogs." class="wp-image-426379" width="264" height="165">
  27178.          </td>
  27179.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  27180.            KONG Ultimate
  27181.          </td>
  27182.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  27183.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  27184.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27185.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27186.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27187.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27188.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27189.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  27190.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27191.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27192.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27193.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27194.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27195.                                  </div>
  27196.                          </div>
  27197.          </td>
  27198.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  27199.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  27200.                <span>
  27201.                  SEE IT
  27202.                </span>
  27203.            </a>
  27204.          </td>
  27205.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  27206.              <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For bigger breeds, this leash can support up to 150 pounds.</span></p>
  27207.  
  27208.            </td>
  27209.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  27210.        </tr>
  27211.            </tbody>
  27212.    </table>
  27213.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  27214.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  27215.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  27216.    </div>
  27217.  </div>
  27218. </div>
  27219.  
  27220.  
  27221.  
  27222. <p>There&#8217;s nothing quite like going on a jaunt with your pooch, and the right retractable dog leash can strike a perfect balance between security and freedom. A trusted lead maximizes the safety of your dog-walking experience. We curated this list of the best retractable dog leashes to help make the most of your adventures with the pooch and something durable, dependable, and comfortable in your hand.&nbsp;</p>
  27223.  
  27224.  
  27225.  
  27226. <p>We chose models popular because you can release your dog’s distance up to 26 feet in some cases (the most common length is about 16 feet). This allows your dog less confinement and more freedom of movement to sightsee as they get their daily steps in.&nbsp;However, because they allow more freedom, you must ensure the brake-and-lock system is up to par. A lock button on the handle controls how much of the leash is extended or retracted at any given time. Some even come with reflective stitching for low-light conditions. There are many leashes to choose from, but for those who love the freedom of a retractable design, here are five of the best retractable dog leashes to get the most out of your daily strolls.&nbsp;</p>
  27227.  
  27228.  
  27229.  
  27230. <ul>
  27231. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TUG 360°</a></li>
  27232.  
  27233.  
  27234.  
  27235. <li><strong>Best tape: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">flexi New Comfort</a></li>
  27236.  
  27237.  
  27238.  
  27239. <li><strong>Best chew-proof: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/PUPTECK-Retractable-Anti-Chewing-360%C2%B0Tangle-Free-Reflective/dp/B085ZG1FNW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PUPTECK Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Chewing Steel Wire</a></li>
  27240.  
  27241.  
  27242.  
  27243. <li><strong>Best for large dogs: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KONG Ultimate</a></li>
  27244. </ul>
  27245.  
  27246.  
  27247.  
  27248. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-how-we-chose-the-best-retractable-dog-leashes-strong-"><strong>How we chose the best retractable dog leashes</strong></h2>
  27249.  
  27250.  
  27251.  
  27252. <p>To find the best retractable dog leashes, we considered dozens of models from several manufacturers. We relied on research, published reviews, and some hands-on experience to find leashes that were both safe and reliable over a long period of time. We looked for models that have solid reputations above all else because failure out in the real world can be catastrophic for you and your pooch. We favored models that can accommodate many breeds with the necessary features for controlling a pup&#8217;s movements on the street. Added features like a hook for carrying bags provide nice touches to round out the offerings.</p>
  27253.  
  27254.  
  27255.  
  27256. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h2--strong-the-best-retractable-dog-leashes-reviews-amp-recommendations-strong-"><strong>The best retractable dog leashes: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  27257.  
  27258.  
  27259.  
  27260. <p>There are a lot of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-dog-leash/">dog leashes</a>, including these lengthy tethers, out there. And one thing is for sure: There’s nothing worse than a leash that snaps or breaks, so we&#8217;ve collected trusted brands known for their durable, long-lasting products. Beyond the actual retractable dog leashes being sturdy, our top picks ensure you get a burly handle that won’t fall apart if it’s dropped or bangs against a hard object.</p>
  27261.  
  27262.  
  27263.  
  27264. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-tug-360-tangle-free-retractable-dog-leash"><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TUG 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Leash</a></h3>
  27265.  
  27266.  
  27267. <div
  27268.    id="tug-360-degree-tangle-free-retractable-dog-leash"
  27269.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  27270.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  27271. >
  27272.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  27273.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  27274.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  27275.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/05/tug-retractable-dog-leash-with-dog.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Tug retractable dog leash with dog attached">
  27276.                      </figure>
  27277.                  </a>
  27278.            </div>
  27279.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  27280.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  27281.        <p><em>Billy Cadden</em></p>
  27282.  
  27283.      </figcaption>
  27284.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  27285.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000"
  27286.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  27287.      </p>
  27288.      </div>
  27289. </div>
  27290.  
  27291.  
  27292.  
  27293. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> This extremely durable retractable dog leash is both lightweight and strong for a wide range of dog sizes and strengths and clocks in at under $20, making it the best retractable dog leash overall.&nbsp;</p>
  27294.  
  27295.  
  27296.  
  27297. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  27298.  
  27299.  
  27300.  
  27301. <ul>
  27302. <li><strong>Length:</strong> 16 ft</li>
  27303.  
  27304.  
  27305.  
  27306. <li><strong>Sizes:</strong> Tiny, Small, Med, Large</li>
  27307.  
  27308.  
  27309.  
  27310. <li><strong>Tangle-free:</strong> Yes</li>
  27311. </ul>
  27312.  
  27313.  
  27314.  
  27315. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  27316.  
  27317.  
  27318.  
  27319. <ul>
  27320. <li>Lightweight yet extremely durable</li>
  27321.  
  27322.  
  27323.  
  27324. <li>Ergonomic grip handle</li>
  27325.  
  27326.  
  27327.  
  27328. <li>Consistent positive customer feedback</li>
  27329.  
  27330.  
  27331.  
  27332. <li>Safety features</li>
  27333.  
  27334.  
  27335.  
  27336. <li>Range of sizes</li>
  27337. </ul>
  27338.  
  27339.  
  27340.  
  27341. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  27342.  
  27343.  
  27344.  
  27345. <ul>
  27346. <li>Not chew-proof</li>
  27347. </ul>
  27348.  
  27349.  
  27350.  
  27351. <p>With tons of positive user reviews, a thoughtful set of features, and a very affordable price, the Tug Tangle-Free won us over for the best retractable dog leash overall. A 16-foot, tangle-free, 360-degree movement tape leash with their signature Quick Lock and Brake System ensures your dog follows your lead.&nbsp;</p>
  27352.  
  27353.  
  27354.  
  27355. <p>Reviewers note that the handle is comfortable and wide enough for larger hands, and the wider strap is more durable than previous models for pullers or hyperactive pups. Sizes range from Tiny to Large, for tiny dogs to hefty fur-babies.&nbsp;</p>
  27356.  
  27357.  
  27358.  
  27359. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-tape-flexi-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash"><strong>Best tape: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Flexi New Comfort Retractable Tape Dog Leash</a></h3>
  27360.  
  27361.  
  27362. <div
  27363.    id="flexi-new-comfort-retractable-tape-dog-leash"
  27364.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  27365.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  27366. >
  27367.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  27368.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  27369.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  27370.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/14/best-retractable-dog-leashes-flexi.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/14/best-retractable-dog-leashes-flexi.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Flexi makes one of the best retractable dog leashes that's tape.">
  27371.                      </figure>
  27372.                  </a>
  27373.            </div>
  27374.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  27375.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  27376.        <p><em>Flexi</em></p>
  27377.  
  27378.      </figcaption>
  27379.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  27380.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000"
  27381.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  27382.      </p>
  27383.      </div>
  27384. </div>
  27385.  
  27386.  
  27387.  
  27388. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> Flexi has been making a version of this leash for 50 years, which speaks to its success.</p>
  27389.  
  27390.  
  27391.  
  27392. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  27393.  
  27394.  
  27395.  
  27396. <ul>
  27397. <li><strong>Length:</strong> Up to 26 ft</li>
  27398.  
  27399.  
  27400.  
  27401. <li><strong>Sizes:</strong> XS-XL</li>
  27402.  
  27403.  
  27404.  
  27405. <li><strong>Tangle-free:</strong> Yes</li>
  27406. </ul>
  27407.  
  27408.  
  27409.  
  27410. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  27411.  
  27412.  
  27413.  
  27414. <ul>
  27415. <li>50-year history in dog leashes</li>
  27416.  
  27417.  
  27418.  
  27419. <li>Customizable (LED lighting, multi box, etc)</li>
  27420.  
  27421.  
  27422.  
  27423. <li>Safety features&nbsp;</li>
  27424.  
  27425.  
  27426.  
  27427. <li>Extra long tape that won’t jam</li>
  27428. </ul>
  27429.  
  27430.  
  27431.  
  27432. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  27433.  
  27434.  
  27435.  
  27436. <ul>
  27437. <li>Some reviewers report snapping</li>
  27438.  
  27439.  
  27440.  
  27441. <li>Not the cheapest option</li>
  27442. </ul>
  27443.  
  27444.  
  27445.  
  27446. <p>Looking for the best Petsmart dog leash for your next trip to the store? This Flexi leash is one of the best in the market for tape models, featuring an adjustable handle, brake and lock buttons, and an ergonomically designed handle for comfortable walking.&nbsp;</p>
  27447.  
  27448.  
  27449.  
  27450. <p>It can also be customized with its own LED Lighting System for added safety and protection in low light. Sixteen feet of tape is protected by the tape guidance system, which ensures that your tape won’t get jammed during walks or as it retracts.</p>
  27451.  
  27452.  
  27453.  
  27454. <p>One of the main reasons to choose a Flexi leash is the brand name itself. Flexi invented the retractable lead 50 years ago and has been refining it ever since.</p>
  27455.  
  27456.  
  27457.  
  27458. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-chew-proof-pupteck-retractable-dog-leash-with-anti-chewing-steel-wire"><strong>Best chew-proof: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/PUPTECK-Retractable-Anti-Chewing-360%C2%B0Tangle-Free-Reflective/dp/B085ZG1FNW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PUPTECK Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Chewing Steel Wire</a></h3>
  27459.  
  27460.  
  27461. <div
  27462.    id="pupteck-retractable-dog-leash-with-anti-chewing-steel-wire"
  27463.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  27464.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  27465. >
  27466.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  27467.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/PUPTECK-Retractable-Anti-Chewing-360%C2%B0Tangle-Free-Reflective/dp/B085ZG1FNW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  27468.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  27469.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/PUPTECK-retractable-dog-leash-with-anti-chewing-steel-wire-best-for-chewers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/PUPTECK-retractable-dog-leash-with-anti-chewing-steel-wire-best-for-chewers.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="PUPTECK Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Chewing Steel Wire is the best for chewers.">
  27470.                      </figure>
  27471.                  </a>
  27472.            </div>
  27473.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  27474.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  27475.        <p><em>PUPTECK</em></p>
  27476.  
  27477.      </figcaption>
  27478.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  27479.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/PUPTECK-Retractable-Anti-Chewing-360%C2%B0Tangle-Free-Reflective/dp/B085ZG1FNW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000"
  27480.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  27481.      </p>
  27482.      </div>
  27483. </div>
  27484.  
  27485.  
  27486.  
  27487. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> With 15 inches of chew-proof steel wire, this retractable dog leash promises to keep your munch-happy pups from chewing through their lead.</p>
  27488.  
  27489.  
  27490.  
  27491. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  27492.  
  27493.  
  27494.  
  27495. <ul>
  27496. <li><strong>Length: </strong>16 ft</li>
  27497.  
  27498.  
  27499.  
  27500. <li><strong>Chew-Proof:</strong> Yes</li>
  27501.  
  27502.  
  27503.  
  27504. <li><strong>Weight:</strong> Up to 110 lbs</li>
  27505. </ul>
  27506.  
  27507.  
  27508.  
  27509. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  27510.  
  27511.  
  27512.  
  27513. <ul>
  27514. <li>Lightweight chew-proof wire&nbsp;</li>
  27515.  
  27516.  
  27517.  
  27518. <li>Reflective strip for low visibility conditions</li>
  27519.  
  27520.  
  27521.  
  27522. <li>Can handle up to 110 lbs</li>
  27523.  
  27524.  
  27525.  
  27526. <li>Ergonomic handle</li>
  27527. </ul>
  27528.  
  27529.  
  27530.  
  27531. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  27532.  
  27533.  
  27534.  
  27535. <ul>
  27536. <li>Some reviewers wished for more wire coverage</li>
  27537.  
  27538.  
  27539.  
  27540. <li>Retraction mechanism is slow</li>
  27541. </ul>
  27542.  
  27543.  
  27544.  
  27545. <p>For dogs who will munch on anything, this 16-foot chew-proof retractable dog leash from Puptek features 15 inches of detachable chew-proof steel wire rope. Compared to alternative stainless steel rope, the wire design rope is overall lighter making it a more user-friendly experience when going for long walks and the best chew-proof retractable dog leash.</p>
  27546.  
  27547.  
  27548.  
  27549. <p>The tangle-free rope can bear up to 110 pounds and features black webbing with a reflective strip attached to it, so night walks are safer and more visible to passing cars. The only downside here is some reviewers wished the chew-proof steel covered more of the leash. This would, indeed, create a heavier lead but would ensure that your pup couldn’t chew through any part of the tape.&nbsp;</p>
  27550.  
  27551.  
  27552.  
  27553. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-for-large-dogs-kong-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash"><strong>Best for large dogs: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KONG Ultimate Retractable Dog Leash</a></h3>
  27554.  
  27555.  
  27556. <div
  27557.    id="kong-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash"
  27558.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  27559.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  27560. >
  27561.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  27562.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  27563.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  27564.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2022/02/18/KONG-ultimate-retractable-dog-leash-best-for-large-dogs.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="KONG Ultimate Retractable Dog Leash is the best for large dogs.">
  27565.                      </figure>
  27566.                  </a>
  27567.            </div>
  27568.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  27569.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  27570.        <p><em>Alcott</em></p>
  27571.  
  27572.      </figcaption>
  27573.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  27574.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000"
  27575.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  27576.      </p>
  27577.      </div>
  27578. </div>
  27579.  
  27580.  
  27581.  
  27582. <p><strong>Why it made the cut:</strong> Extra durable, extra rugged, and extra powerful dog leash for dogs up to 150 lbs, suitable for most large dog breeds like Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers.&nbsp;</p>
  27583.  
  27584.  
  27585.  
  27586. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  27587.  
  27588.  
  27589.  
  27590. <ul>
  27591. <li><strong>Length: </strong>16 ft</li>
  27592.  
  27593.  
  27594.  
  27595. <li><strong>Reflective: </strong>Yes</li>
  27596.  
  27597.  
  27598.  
  27599. <li><strong>Weight: </strong>Up to 150 lbs</li>
  27600. </ul>
  27601.  
  27602.  
  27603.  
  27604. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  27605.  
  27606.  
  27607.  
  27608. <ul>
  27609. <li>Very durable</li>
  27610.  
  27611.  
  27612.  
  27613. <li>Suitable for up to 150 lbs</li>
  27614.  
  27615.  
  27616.  
  27617. <li>Reflective stitching for safety</li>
  27618.  
  27619.  
  27620.  
  27621. <li>Dependable; long-lasting</li>
  27622. </ul>
  27623.  
  27624.  
  27625.  
  27626. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  27627.  
  27628.  
  27629.  
  27630. <ul>
  27631. <li>Some reviewers don’t like the forward placement of the lock button</li>
  27632.  
  27633.  
  27634.  
  27635. <li>More expensive end of models</li>
  27636.  
  27637.  
  27638.  
  27639. <li>No keyring slot or holder for poop bags</li>
  27640. </ul>
  27641.  
  27642.  
  27643.  
  27644. <p>You shouldn’t have to lift heavy weights to be able to walk your Pitbull or another strong breed. This dog leash is for those hefty pups that require super durable and extra-strength leashes. The Ultimate Kong leash—made by the trusted manufacturer of <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-kong-dog-toys/">some of our favorite dog toys</a>—may be rugged and sturdy, but the ergonomic and soft grip handle with added grip support keeps it easy and breezy for the pet owner to maintain total control of their large dog.&nbsp;</p>
  27645.  
  27646.  
  27647.  
  27648. <p>You can use this <a href="https://twitter.com/kongcompany?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kong</a> leash for dogs up to 150 pounds, comparable to a Mastiff, American bulldog, or Leonberger. It also comes color-coordinated with reflective stitching for added safety, which you’ll need with those heavy pullers in low-light conditions. We would have liked a keyring slot for a baggie holder, but that’s not a dealbreaker.</p>
  27649.  
  27650.  
  27651.  
  27652. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-look-for-in-the-best-retractable-dog-leashes"><strong>What to look for in the best retractable dog leashes</strong></h2>
  27653.  
  27654.  
  27655.  
  27656. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-nbsp">Type&nbsp;</h3>
  27657.  
  27658.  
  27659.  
  27660. <p>There are a few types of retractable dog leashes: nylon, tape, and chew-proof designs with steel wiring. It depends on your needs, but we don’t recommend nylon for tough or heavy dogs as they can more easily snap or break. Go for a chew-proof with wiring if your dog is prone to chewing.</p>
  27661.  
  27662.  
  27663.  
  27664. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brake-settings">Brake settings</h3>
  27665.  
  27666.  
  27667.  
  27668. <p>Ensure you can easily brake or lock to have optimal control over your dog while walking. Since the lead can be up to 26 feet, this is <em>supremely</em> important for safety. Plus, most leashes recommend you don’t let the dog hit the end of its range because that puts excess stress on the mechanism.</p>
  27669.  
  27670.  
  27671.  
  27672. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-limit">Weight limit</h3>
  27673.  
  27674.  
  27675.  
  27676. <p>This is very important so your leash doesn’t snap or break, especially with pullers. Be sure to read the product information to ensure your leash can handle your dog’s weight capacity.&nbsp; Most will offer a weight range that the product can withstand.&nbsp;</p>
  27677.  
  27678.  
  27679.  
  27680. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comfort">Comfort</h3>
  27681.  
  27682.  
  27683.  
  27684. <p>An ergonomic grip handle is important for your comfort, especially for long walks.&nbsp;</p>
  27685.  
  27686.  
  27687.  
  27688. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangle-free-design">Tangle-free design</h3>
  27689.  
  27690.  
  27691.  
  27692. <p>Most good brands will have tangle-free designs to ensure you’re not spending precious walking time untangling a lead. Leashes typically achieve this feat by shaping the opening through which the leash comes out of the mechanism and attaching to the dog’s collar with rotating hooks that spin freely.&nbsp;</p>
  27693.  
  27694.  
  27695.  
  27696. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  27697.  
  27698.  
  27699.  
  27700. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1645212326940"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are retractable leashes bad for big dogs?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">They are not bad for big dogs, but you’ll need to find leashes suitable for your dog’s weight. For example, our suggestion for the dual doggie leash can only handle dogs up to 50 pounds each, but our Kong leash works well for dogs up to 150 pounds!</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1645212351279"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How thick should a dog leash be?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It depends on the size of your dog. For smaller dogs, 3/8-inch-thick should suffice. For medium-sized and larger dogs, go with a 3/4-inch thick and up.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1693934550454"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How much does a retractable dog leash cost?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">On average, retractable dog leashes cost $20 &#8211; $30, but some heavy-duty and multi-dog models can venture closer to $40.</p> </div> </div>
  27701.  
  27702.  
  27703.  
  27704. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-about-the-best-retractable-dog-leashes"><strong>Final thoughts about the best retractable dog leashes</strong></h2>
  27705.  
  27706.  
  27707.  
  27708. <ul>
  27709. <li><strong>Best overall: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B07DDK9M6M/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">TUG 360°</a></li>
  27710.  
  27711.  
  27712.  
  27713. <li><strong>Best tape: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Comfort-Retractable-Leash-Large/dp/B01EV1SCPI?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">flexi New Comfort</a></li>
  27714.  
  27715.  
  27716.  
  27717. <li><strong>Best chew-proof: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/PUPTECK-Retractable-Anti-Chewing-360%C2%B0Tangle-Free-Reflective/dp/B085ZG1FNW/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PUPTECK Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Chewing Steel Wire</a></li>
  27718.  
  27719.  
  27720.  
  27721. <li><strong>Best dual leash: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/WIGZI-Doggie-Retractable-Leash-pounds/dp/B01M23ZP9M?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Wigzi Dual Doggie</a></li>
  27722.  
  27723.  
  27724.  
  27725. <li><strong>Best for large dogs: </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/KONG-Ultimate-Retractable-Leash-Extra/dp/B01MTELF9Y/?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000426342O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">KONG Ultimate</a></li>
  27726. </ul>
  27727.  
  27728.  
  27729.  
  27730. <p>Finding the best retractable dog leash for you depends on various factors: your dog’s weight, strength, and habits (like chewing through everything in their path). Choosing the wrong one can end in disaster, and your best friend deserves better than that. Plus, if you have a leash you and your pup enjoy, you’re more likely to get out there and have adventures.&nbsp;</p>
  27731.  
  27732.  
  27733.  
  27734. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><em><strong>Why trust us</strong></em></h2>
  27735.  
  27736.  
  27737.  
  27738. <p>Popular Science<em>&nbsp;started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  27739.  
  27740.  
  27741.  
  27742. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  27743. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-retractable-dog-leashes/">The best retractable dog leashes of 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  27744. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  27745. </item>
  27746. <item>
  27747. <title>Get the greenest grass in the neighborhood with Greenworks outdoor power equipment deals at Amazon</title>
  27748. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-spring-2024-amazon-deal/</link>
  27749. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amanda Reed]]></dc:creator>
  27750. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:02:32 +0000</pubDate>
  27751. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  27752. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Gear]]></category>
  27753. <category><![CDATA[amazon]]></category>
  27754. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  27755. <category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
  27756. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610107</guid>
  27757.  
  27758. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  27759.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="959" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/greenworks-spring-deal-blower-mower.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=959.76" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A pattern of Greenworks lawn mowers and leaf blowers on a plain background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Amanda Reed</span></figcaption></figure><p>If you're shopping for new landscaping gear, don't miss this major Greenworks deal happening at Amazon. </p>
  27760. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-spring-2024-amazon-deal/">Get the greenest grass in the neighborhood with Greenworks outdoor power equipment deals at Amazon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  27761. ]]></description>
  27762. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  27763.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="959" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/greenworks-spring-deal-blower-mower.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=959.76" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="A pattern of Greenworks lawn mowers and leaf blowers on a plain background." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption"><span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Amanda Reed</span></figcaption></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  27764. </div>
  27765. <p>The weather is (finally) warming up, and, if you&#8217;re on the East Coast, drying out after an entire weeks-worth of rain. That&#8217;s perfect if you&#8217;ve tried to get perfectly pruned lawns only to be thwarted by precipitation. If your plans for neighborhood glory require better equipment, consider hitting Amazon for these fresh deals from Greenworks.</p>
  27766.  
  27767.  
  27768.  
  27769. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenworks-80v-21-brushless-cordless-electric-lawn-mower-axial-leaf-blower-552-49-was-833-99"><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Cordless-Compatible/dp/B0CKGGK8VM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless Cordless Electric Lawn Mower + Axial Leaf Blower</a></strong> $552.49 (Was $833.99)</h3>
  27770.  
  27771.  
  27772. <div
  27773.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  27774.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  27775. >
  27776.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  27777.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Cordless-Compatible/dp/B0CKGGK8VM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  27778.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  27779.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/greenworks-cordless-mower-leafblower-deals.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/greenworks-cordless-mower-leafblower-deals.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="A Greenworks lawn mower and leaf blower bundle on a plain background.">
  27780.                      </figure>
  27781.                  </a>
  27782.            </div>
  27783.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  27784.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  27785.        <p><em>Greenworks</em></p>
  27786.  
  27787.      </figcaption>
  27788.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  27789.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Cordless-Compatible/dp/B0CKGGK8VM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000"
  27790.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  27791.      </p>
  27792.      </div>
  27793. </div>
  27794.  
  27795.  
  27796.  
  27797. <p>This combo kit comes with a four-year warranty and long runtimes on both the <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-push-mower/">push mower</a> and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-cordless-leaf-blowers/">leaf blower</a>. The cordless mower can be used to mulch, bag excess grass in the rear, or spit the clippings out on the side. The blower is powerful and can even assist in cleaning up leftover grass and leaves. You won&#8217;t want to miss this deal if you&#8217;re trying to upgrade your personal landscaping equipment. </p>
  27798.  
  27799.  
  27800.  
  27801. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-greenworks-tool-deals"><strong>More Greenworks tool deals:</strong></h3>
  27802.  
  27803.  
  27804.  
  27805. <ul>
  27806. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Battery-Charger-Included/dp/B0BRNY6HKH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V Cordless Brushless Axial Leaf Blower</a> $223.99 (Was $279.99)</li>
  27807.  
  27808.  
  27809.  
  27810. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Chainsaw-Included-GCS80420/dp/B00R6Z4R42?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 80V 18&#8243; Brushless Cordless Chainsaw</a> $279.99 (Was $349.99)</li>
  27811.  
  27812.  
  27813.  
  27814. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Included/dp/B07MG7M2BM?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 21&#8243; Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower</a> $382.46 (Was $449.95)</li>
  27815.  
  27816.  
  27817.  
  27818. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Lithium-Ion-Battery-Genuine-Compatible/dp/B00AW72Y2I?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery</a> $119 (Was $159.99)</li>
  27819.  
  27820.  
  27821.  
  27822. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Polesaw-Hedge-2-0Ah-Battery/dp/B01ID88KUW?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 8&#8243; Polesaw + Pole Hedge</a> $175.99 (Was $219.99) </li>
  27823.  
  27824.  
  27825.  
  27826. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Self-Propelled-Batteries-Compatible/dp/B0CT3TB8SH?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 2 x 24V 21&#8243; Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower + Blower + 12&#8243; String Trimmer</a> $486.99 (Was $609.99)</li>
  27827.  
  27828.  
  27829.  
  27830. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Battery-Included-20672/dp/B00AW72WR0?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V 8&#8243; Pole Saw, 2.0Ah Battery (Gen 1)</a> $168.52 (Was $229)</li>
  27831.  
  27832.  
  27833.  
  27834. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Cordless-Trimmer-Included-STBA80L210/dp/B01ID9G9OU?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Brushless String Trimmer + Leaf Blower Combo</a> $299.99 (Was $399)</li>
  27835.  
  27836.  
  27837.  
  27838. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-3-Gallon-Battery-Included-WDV40B00/dp/B091GY9849?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 40V (3 Gallon) Cordless Wet / Dry Shop Vacuum + Accessories, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included</a> $159.99 (Was $199.99)</li>
  27839.  
  27840.  
  27841.  
  27842. <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-Brushless-Chainsaw-Cordless-Handheld/dp/B0BML4QZQJ?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610107O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Greenworks 24V 6&#8243; Brushless Mini Chainsaw</a> $135.99 (Was $159.99)</li>
  27843. </ul>
  27844. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/greenworks-spring-2024-amazon-deal/">Get the greenest grass in the neighborhood with Greenworks outdoor power equipment deals at Amazon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  27845. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  27846. </item>
  27847. <item>
  27848. <title>The best floor lamps in 2024</title>
  27849. <link>https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-floor-lamps/</link>
  27850. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Curtis Silver]]></dc:creator>
  27851. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
  27852. <category><![CDATA[Gear]]></category>
  27853. <category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
  27854. <category><![CDATA[Commerce]]></category>
  27855. <category><![CDATA[evergreen]]></category>
  27856. <category><![CDATA[nota]]></category>
  27857. <category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>
  27858. <category><![CDATA[roundup]]></category>
  27859. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610002</guid>
  27860.  
  27861. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  27862.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/best-floor-lamps-heaeder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="One of the best floor lamps in a room with windows. The lamp is on." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Trent Austin Design</div></figure><p>If you have a space where the world's darkness, or at least the sun’s exposure, turns corners into infinite blackness, you need a nice modern floor lamp. </p>
  27863. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-floor-lamps/">The best floor lamps in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  27864. ]]></description>
  27865. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--productTable">
  27866.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/best-floor-lamps-heaeder.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="One of the best floor lamps in a room with windows. The lamp is on." decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><div class="orgnc-SingleImage-creditTop">Trent Austin Design</div></figure><div class="Article-disclosure"><p><em>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/affiliate-disclosure/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn more ›</span></a></em></p>
  27867. </div><div class="ProductTable ProductTable--slider">
  27868.  <div class="ProductTable-tableWrap">
  27869.    <table class="ProductTable-table">
  27870.      <tbody>
  27871.              <tr
  27872.          class="ProductTable-product"
  27873.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  27874.        >
  27875.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  27876.            Best overall
  27877.          </td>
  27878.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  27879.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="PESRAE Floor Lamp on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610019" width="264" height="165">
  27880.          </td>
  27881.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  27882.            PESRAE Floor Lamp
  27883.          </td>
  27884.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  27885.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  27886.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27887.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27888.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27889.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27890.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27891.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 100%">
  27892.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27893.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27894.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27895.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27896.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27897.                                  </div>
  27898.                          </div>
  27899.          </td>
  27900.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  27901.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  27902.                <span>
  27903.                  SEE IT
  27904.                </span>
  27905.            </a>
  27906.          </td>
  27907.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  27908.              <p>The PESRAE Floor Lamp is a classic floor lamp priced to move and compact enough for any room.</p>
  27909.  
  27910.            </td>
  27911.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  27912.        </tr>
  27913.              <tr
  27914.          class="ProductTable-product"
  27915.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  27916.        >
  27917.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  27918.            Best eco-friendly
  27919.          </td>
  27920.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  27921.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610025" width="264" height="165">
  27922.          </td>
  27923.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  27924.            SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp
  27925.          </td>
  27926.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  27927.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  27928.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27929.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27930.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27931.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27932.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27933.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 90%">
  27934.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27935.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27936.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27937.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27938.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27939.                                  </div>
  27940.                          </div>
  27941.          </td>
  27942.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  27943.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  27944.                <span>
  27945.                  SEE IT
  27946.                </span>
  27947.            </a>
  27948.          </td>
  27949.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  27950.              <p>The SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp uses energy-saving LED lights rather than energy-draining bulbs.</p>
  27951.  
  27952.            </td>
  27953.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  27954.        </tr>
  27955.              <tr
  27956.          class="ProductTable-product"
  27957.          data-href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed"
  27958.        >
  27959.          <td class="ProductTable-award">
  27960.            Best budget
  27961.          </td>
  27962.          <td class="ProductTable-image">
  27963.            <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp" srcset="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=330 330w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=360 360w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=382 382w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=800 800w,https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;optimize=high&amp;width=1440 1440w" alt="Addlon's Floor Lamp on a plain white background." class="wp-image-610040" width="264" height="165">
  27964.          </td>
  27965.                    <td class="ProductTable-title">
  27966.            Addlon Floor Lamp
  27967.          </td>
  27968.          <td class="ProductTable-ratingWrap">
  27969.            <div class="ProductTable-rating">
  27970.                                                <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27971.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27972.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27973.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27974.                                  <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27975.                                <div class="ProductTable-rating--inner" style="width: 80%">
  27976.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27977.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27978.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27979.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27980.                                      <span><i class="fa fa-star"></i></span>
  27981.                                  </div>
  27982.                          </div>
  27983.          </td>
  27984.          <td class="ProductTable-cta">
  27985.            <a href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer sponsored">
  27986.                <span>
  27987.                  SEE IT
  27988.                </span>
  27989.            </a>
  27990.          </td>
  27991.                      <td class="ProductTable-summary">
  27992.              <p>The Addlon floor lamp&#8217;s classy linen lampshade and consistently low price make it a top-notch budget buy.</p>
  27993.  
  27994.            </td>
  27995.                                        <a target="_blank" class="ProductTable-productUrl" href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer nofollow"></a>
  27996.        </tr>
  27997.            </tbody>
  27998.    </table>
  27999.    <div class="ProductTable-slideControlsWrap">
  28000.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-left"></i></button>
  28001.      <button><i class="fa fa-caret-right"></i></button>
  28002.    </div>
  28003.  </div>
  28004. </div>
  28005.  
  28006.  
  28007.  
  28008. <p>Floor lamps serve a specific purpose, usually occupying those dimmer corners of your house where the installed lights won&#8217;t reach. Thankfully, floor lamps are not a new technology, limited to a few super expensive items. There are tons of them. Whether you are after a nice energy-saving LED floor lamp, a dimmable floor lamp, or a unique floor lamp made from random metal scraps, these things will surely bring some light into your living room, bedroom, mudroom … your life in general. The best floor lamps are the ones that fit your space and budget and satisfy your need for illumination, and we&#8217;ve collected them below.</p>
  28009.  
  28010.  
  28011.  
  28012. <ul>
  28013. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PESRAE Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28014.  
  28015.  
  28016.  
  28017. <li><strong>Best value:</strong> <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Flark-manor-allensville-71-torchiere-floor-lamp-w007030624.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Lark Manor Allensville 71&#8243; Torchiere Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28018.  
  28019.  
  28020.  
  28021. <li><strong>Best eco-friendly:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28022.  
  28023.  
  28024.  
  28025. <li><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Febern-designs-615-mid-century-modern-tripod-floor-lamp-black-w005483060.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ebern Designs 61.5&#8243; Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28026.  
  28027.  
  28028.  
  28029. <li><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Ftrent-austin-design-richarson-755-taskreading-floor-lamp-w001030816.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Trent Austin Design Richarson 75.5&#8243; Task/Reading Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28030.  
  28031.  
  28032.  
  28033. <li><strong>Best smart:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Solarcycle-MorphTM-Floor-Light/dp/B0CK43V6QB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dyson Solarcycle Morph</a></li>
  28034.  
  28035.  
  28036.  
  28037. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Addlon Floor Lamp</a></li>
  28038. </ul>
  28039.  
  28040.  
  28041.  
  28042. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-chose-the-best-floor-lamps"><strong>How we chose the best floor lamps</strong></h2>
  28043.  
  28044.  
  28045.  
  28046. <p>Choosing the best floor lamp is like choosing the best flavor of Slurpee at 7-Eleven: There are multiple similarities between brands and styles of floor lamps and, at the core of it, they’re all refreshing. So, it really comes down to reviews and ratings. Considering the fluctuations in price and the multitude of floor lamps available, the best on this list comes from Amazon and Wayfair based on personal usage, peer recommendations, customer reviews, and purchase volume.</p>
  28047.  
  28048.  
  28049.  
  28050. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-floor-lamps-reviews-amp-recommendations"><strong>The best floor lamps: Reviews &amp; Recommendations</strong></h2>
  28051.  
  28052.  
  28053.  
  28054. <p>These are some of the most popular floor lamps for living rooms and beyond on the market, certainly found within a room you&#8217;ve walked into. If not, it&#8217;s only a matter of time. Modern floor lamps are easy to assemble, generally fair priced, and don&#8217;t require any electrical work besides plugging something in. While we didn&#8217;t take each of these floor lamps home to make shadow puppets, we are confident they are solid buys and will perform their requisite function of providing light.&nbsp;</p>
  28055.  
  28056.  
  28057.  
  28058. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-overall-pesrae-floor-lamp-nbsp"><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PESRAE Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  28059.  
  28060.  
  28061. <div
  28062.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28063.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28064. >
  28065.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28066.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28067.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28068.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/PESRAE-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="PESRAE Floor Lamp on a plain white background.">
  28069.                      </figure>
  28070.                  </a>
  28071.            </div>
  28072.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28073.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28074.        <p><em>PESRAE</em></p>
  28075.  
  28076.      </figcaption>
  28077.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28078.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000"
  28079.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28080.      </p>
  28081.      </div>
  28082. </div>
  28083.  
  28084.  
  28085.  
  28086. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28087.  
  28088.  
  28089.  
  28090. <ul>
  28091. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 70 inches</li>
  28092.  
  28093.  
  28094.  
  28095. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> Yes</li>
  28096.  
  28097.  
  28098.  
  28099. <li><strong>Remote control:</strong> Yes</li>
  28100.  
  28101.  
  28102.  
  28103. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> 3000-6000K</li>
  28104. </ul>
  28105.  
  28106.  
  28107.  
  28108. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28109.  
  28110.  
  28111.  
  28112. <ul>
  28113. <li>Stepless adjustment</li>
  28114.  
  28115.  
  28116.  
  28117. <li>Memory function</li>
  28118.  
  28119.  
  28120.  
  28121. <li>1-hour timer</li>
  28122.  
  28123.  
  28124.  
  28125. <li>Full range of brightness</li>
  28126. </ul>
  28127.  
  28128.  
  28129.  
  28130. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28131.  
  28132.  
  28133.  
  28134. <ul>
  28135. <li>No reading light</li>
  28136.  
  28137.  
  28138.  
  28139. <li>Remote isn&#8217;t great</li>
  28140. </ul>
  28141.  
  28142.  
  28143.  
  28144. <p>The PESRAE Floor Lamp is exactly what you&#8217;d think of when picturing a floor lamp. It might not have that mid-height reading light arm, but it is the top overall pick on Amazon, and that&#8217;s saying something when there are hundreds of these things to choose from. It is adjustable, dimmable, and comes with a sometimes-it-works remote control.&nbsp;</p>
  28145.  
  28146.  
  28147.  
  28148. <p>But the best part of this floor lamp is not its ability to bring some much-needed light to the cobwebs on your ceiling; rather, it’s the temperature range. With a proper bulb, you can adjust the temperature range from 3000K to 6000K, from middling light to bright as the sun. Plus, it&#8217;s generally on sale for half-off, which makes the PESRAE Floor Lamp a great overall buy.</p>
  28149.  
  28150.  
  28151.  
  28152. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-value-allensville-71-torchiere-floor-lamp"><strong>Best value:</strong> <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Flark-manor-allensville-71-torchiere-floor-lamp-w007030624.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Allensville 71&#8243; Torchiere Floor Lamp</a></h3>
  28153.  
  28154.  
  28155. <div
  28156.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28157.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28158. >
  28159.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28160.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Flark-manor-allensville-71-torchiere-floor-lamp-w007030624.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28161.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28162.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Allensville-7122-Torchiere-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Allensville-7122-Torchiere-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Allensville 71 Torchiere Floor Lamp on a plain white background.">
  28163.                      </figure>
  28164.                  </a>
  28165.            </div>
  28166.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28167.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28168.        <p><em>Allensville</em></p>
  28169.  
  28170.      </figcaption>
  28171.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28172.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Flark-manor-allensville-71-torchiere-floor-lamp-w007030624.html"
  28173.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28174.      </p>
  28175.      </div>
  28176. </div>
  28177.  
  28178.  
  28179.  
  28180. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28181.  
  28182.  
  28183.  
  28184. <ul>
  28185. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 71 inches</li>
  28186.  
  28187.  
  28188.  
  28189. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> Yes</li>
  28190.  
  28191.  
  28192.  
  28193. <li><strong>Remote control:</strong> No</li>
  28194.  
  28195.  
  28196.  
  28197. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> 2700K</li>
  28198. </ul>
  28199.  
  28200.  
  28201.  
  28202. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28203.  
  28204.  
  28205.  
  28206. <ul>
  28207. <li>Task light</li>
  28208.  
  28209.  
  28210.  
  28211. <li>Adjustable arm</li>
  28212.  
  28213.  
  28214.  
  28215. <li>Socket switch</li>
  28216. </ul>
  28217.  
  28218.  
  28219.  
  28220. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28221.  
  28222.  
  28223.  
  28224. <ul>
  28225. <li>Balance is iffy</li>
  28226.  
  28227.  
  28228.  
  28229. <li>Low wattage reading light</li>
  28230. </ul>
  28231.  
  28232.  
  28233.  
  28234. <p>The Allensville 71&#8243; Torchiere Floor Lamp brings value to the table with its built-in secondary reading or task light. That&#8217;s two lights for the price of one. The main light illuminates the room above your head, keeping the ghosts and ghouls at bay on those especially dark nights. While the reading or task light hangs over your shoulder as you peruse the Necronomicon or just the latest book to top the <em>New York Times</em> Best Seller list.</p>
  28235.  
  28236.  
  28237.  
  28238. <p>Like many floor lamps in this price range, there is a general stability issue. They tend to be slightly shaky on the stand, but it&#8217;s not too hard to readjust them into a more stable position. This lamp also comes with a socket switch style on/off knob, which is much more reliable than one of those tough lamps. With its adjustable reading light arm, the Allensville 71&#8243; Torchiere Floor Lamp is a multipurpose floor lamp that satisfies most light generation needs.</p>
  28239.  
  28240.  
  28241.  
  28242. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-eco-friendly-sibrille-tree-floor-lamp-nbsp"><strong>Best eco-friendly:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  28243.  
  28244.  
  28245. <div
  28246.    id="sibrille-tree-floor-lamp"
  28247.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28248.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28249. >
  28250.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28251.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28252.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28253.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/SIBRILLE-Tree-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp on a plain white background.">
  28254.                      </figure>
  28255.                  </a>
  28256.            </div>
  28257.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28258.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28259.        <p><em>SIBRILLE</em></p>
  28260.  
  28261.      </figcaption>
  28262.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28263.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000"
  28264.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28265.      </p>
  28266.      </div>
  28267. </div>
  28268.  
  28269.  
  28270.  
  28271. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28272.  
  28273.  
  28274.  
  28275. <ul>
  28276. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 68 inches</li>
  28277.  
  28278.  
  28279.  
  28280. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> Yes</li>
  28281.  
  28282.  
  28283.  
  28284. <li><strong>Remote control:</strong> Yes</li>
  28285.  
  28286.  
  28287.  
  28288. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> 2700-6500K</li>
  28289. </ul>
  28290.  
  28291.  
  28292.  
  28293. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28294.  
  28295.  
  28296.  
  28297. <ul>
  28298. <li>Adjustable light heads</li>
  28299.  
  28300.  
  28301.  
  28302. <li>Remote control</li>
  28303.  
  28304.  
  28305.  
  28306. <li>Touch control</li>
  28307.  
  28308.  
  28309.  
  28310. <li>Individual control</li>
  28311. </ul>
  28312.  
  28313.  
  28314.  
  28315. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28316.  
  28317.  
  28318.  
  28319. <ul>
  28320. <li>Remote range isn&#8217;t great</li>
  28321.  
  28322.  
  28323.  
  28324. <li>Cord gets stuck in bottom</li>
  28325. </ul>
  28326.  
  28327.  
  28328.  
  28329. <p>The SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp has three individual lights that rotate 350 degrees and vertically adjust up to 180 degrees. Each light has its own controls for temperature and brightness. It&#8217;s quite a stylish little lamp, but that&#8217;s not the main selling point. Though, it should be a consideration if you pride yourself in how you compose your living room.</p>
  28330.  
  28331.  
  28332.  
  28333. <p>The true selling point of this lamp is its eco-friendliness. It uses modern LED lights rather than bulbs, which translates 36W into the equivalent of 200W incandescent. Basically, you get temperature changes from warm white to daylight without paying extra for fancy bulbs at a fraction of the energy use. For that bit alone, the SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp is the most energy-efficient floor lamp on this list.&nbsp;</p>
  28334.  
  28335.  
  28336.  
  28337. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-design-ebern-designs-61-5-mid-century-modern-tripod-floor-lamp-nbsp"><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Febern-designs-615-mid-century-modern-tripod-floor-lamp-black-w005483060.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ebern Designs 61.5&#8243; Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  28338.  
  28339.  
  28340. <div
  28341.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28342.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28343. >
  28344.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28345.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Febern-designs-615-mid-century-modern-tripod-floor-lamp-black-w005483060.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28346.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28347.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Ebern-Designs-61.5-Inch-Mid-Century-Modern-Tripod-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Ebern-Designs-61.5-Inch-Mid-Century-Modern-Tripod-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Ebern Designs 61.5 Inch Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp on a plain white background.">
  28348.                      </figure>
  28349.                  </a>
  28350.            </div>
  28351.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28352.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28353.        <p><em>Ebern</em></p>
  28354.  
  28355.      </figcaption>
  28356.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28357.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Febern-designs-615-mid-century-modern-tripod-floor-lamp-black-w005483060.html"
  28358.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28359.      </p>
  28360.      </div>
  28361. </div>
  28362.  
  28363.  
  28364.  
  28365. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28366.  
  28367.  
  28368.  
  28369. <ul>
  28370. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 61.5 inches</li>
  28371.  
  28372.  
  28373.  
  28374. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> Yes</li>
  28375.  
  28376.  
  28377.  
  28378. <li><strong>Remote control: No</strong></li>
  28379.  
  28380.  
  28381.  
  28382. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> N/A</li>
  28383. </ul>
  28384.  
  28385.  
  28386.  
  28387. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28388.  
  28389.  
  28390.  
  28391. <ul>
  28392. <li>Linen shade</li>
  28393.  
  28394.  
  28395.  
  28396. <li>Rotary switch</li>
  28397.  
  28398.  
  28399.  
  28400. <li>Long cord</li>
  28401. </ul>
  28402.  
  28403.  
  28404.  
  28405. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28406.  
  28407.  
  28408.  
  28409. <ul>
  28410. <li>Legs are tough to assemble</li>
  28411.  
  28412.  
  28413.  
  28414. <li>Maximum 150W bulb</li>
  28415. </ul>
  28416.  
  28417.  
  28418.  
  28419. <p>The Ebern Designs 61.5&#8243; Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp is one of those lamps you buy when you are more concerned with aesthetics than true light. It&#8217;s a bit mid-range regarding available light, but it supports dimmable bulbs. But we&#8217;re not buying this for a reading lamp, not with those legs and the required floor space.</p>
  28420.  
  28421.  
  28422.  
  28423. <p>The legs can be a bit janky to set up based on how well the holes were bored. They just don&#8217;t make things like they used to. But whatever, it looks nice next to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/secondhand-furniture-guide/">your well-maintained Mid-century modern furnishing</a>, like whatever that thing is with the record player built-in. When it comes to style, you really can&#8217;t do much worse than the Ebern Designs 61.5&#8243; Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp.&nbsp;</p>
  28424.  
  28425.  
  28426.  
  28427. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-splurge-trent-austin-design-richarson-75-5-task-reading-floor-lamp-nbsp"><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Ftrent-austin-design-richarson-755-taskreading-floor-lamp-w001030816.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Trent Austin Design Richarson 75.5&#8243; Task/Reading Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</h3>
  28428.  
  28429.  
  28430. <div
  28431.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28432.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28433. >
  28434.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28435.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Ftrent-austin-design-richarson-755-taskreading-floor-lamp-w001030816.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28436.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28437.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Trent-Austin-Design-Richarson-75.522-TaskReading-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Trent-Austin-Design-Richarson-75.522-TaskReading-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Trent Austin Design Richarson 75.5 Task:Reading Floor Lamp on a plain white background.">
  28438.                      </figure>
  28439.                  </a>
  28440.            </div>
  28441.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28442.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28443.        <p><em>Trent Austin</em></p>
  28444.  
  28445.      </figcaption>
  28446.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28447.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Ftrent-austin-design-richarson-755-taskreading-floor-lamp-w001030816.html"
  28448.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28449.      </p>
  28450.      </div>
  28451. </div>
  28452.  
  28453.  
  28454.  
  28455. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28456.  
  28457.  
  28458.  
  28459. <ul>
  28460. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 75.5 inches</li>
  28461.  
  28462.  
  28463.  
  28464. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> No</li>
  28465.  
  28466.  
  28467.  
  28468. <li><strong>Remote control:</strong> No</li>
  28469.  
  28470.  
  28471.  
  28472. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> N/A</li>
  28473. </ul>
  28474.  
  28475.  
  28476.  
  28477. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28478.  
  28479.  
  28480.  
  28481. <ul>
  28482. <li>Cool industrial style</li>
  28483.  
  28484.  
  28485.  
  28486. <li>Adjustable height arm</li>
  28487.  
  28488.  
  28489.  
  28490. <li>Solid metal&nbsp;</li>
  28491. </ul>
  28492.  
  28493.  
  28494.  
  28495. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28496.  
  28497.  
  28498.  
  28499. <ul>
  28500. <li>100W maximum bulb</li>
  28501.  
  28502.  
  28503.  
  28504. <li>Pulley system can stress the cord</li>
  28505. </ul>
  28506.  
  28507.  
  28508.  
  28509. <p>The Richarson 75.5&#8243; Task/Reading Floor Lamp is a solid lamp at a premium price. But for that money, you get a sturdy lamp with a really unique industrial design. It has a pulley system holding the lamp itself, which can stress the cord a little bit, but only if you are bumping it a lot.&nbsp;</p>
  28510.  
  28511.  
  28512.  
  28513. <p>The one downside besides that is the bulb strength maxes out at 100W, but you don&#8217;t want a super bright bulb in this lamp anyway. You want one of those yellow diffused lights because this lamp creates ambiance in a space rather than just plainly lighting a room. For its sturdiness alone, the Richardson 75.5&#8243; Task/Reading Floor Lamp is definitely a splurge worth spending.</p>
  28514.  
  28515.  
  28516.  
  28517. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-smart-dyson-solarcycle-morph"><strong>Best smart:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Solarcycle-MorphTM-Floor-Light/dp/B0CK43V6QB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dyson Solarcycle Morph</a></h3>
  28518.  
  28519.  
  28520. <div
  28521.    id="dyson-solarcycle-morph"
  28522.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28523.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28524. >
  28525.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28526.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Solarcycle-MorphTM-Floor-Light/dp/B0CK43V6QB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28527.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28528.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Dyson-Solarcycle-Morph.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Dyson-Solarcycle-Morph.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Dyson Solarcycle Morph on a plain white background.">
  28529.                      </figure>
  28530.                  </a>
  28531.            </div>
  28532.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28533.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28534.        <p><em>Dyson</em></p>
  28535.  
  28536.      </figcaption>
  28537.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28538.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Solarcycle-MorphTM-Floor-Light/dp/B0CK43V6QB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000"
  28539.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28540.      </p>
  28541.      </div>
  28542. </div>
  28543.  
  28544.  
  28545.  
  28546. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28547.  
  28548.  
  28549.  
  28550. <ul>
  28551. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 49.2 inches</li>
  28552.  
  28553.  
  28554.  
  28555. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> Yes</li>
  28556.  
  28557.  
  28558.  
  28559. <li><strong>Remote control: </strong>Yes (via app)</li>
  28560.  
  28561.  
  28562.  
  28563. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> 1800-3400K (docked), 2700-6500K (undocked)</li>
  28564. </ul>
  28565.  
  28566.  
  28567.  
  28568. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28569.  
  28570.  
  28571.  
  28572. <ul>
  28573. <li>Motion sensor</li>
  28574.  
  28575.  
  28576.  
  28577. <li>3-points of rotation</li>
  28578.  
  28579.  
  28580.  
  28581. <li>Integrated USB charger</li>
  28582.  
  28583.  
  28584.  
  28585. <li>Slide touch controls</li>
  28586. </ul>
  28587.  
  28588.  
  28589.  
  28590. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28591.  
  28592.  
  28593.  
  28594. <ul>
  28595. <li>A bit short</li>
  28596.  
  28597.  
  28598.  
  28599. <li>Expensive</li>
  28600. </ul>
  28601.  
  28602.  
  28603.  
  28604. <p>The Dyson Solorcycle Morph isn&#8217;t as tall as most floor lamps, but that&#8217;s a minor issue for a premium lamp with high-tech features that tower over the competition. This <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-smart-home-devices/">smart-home</a> accessory features several very handy modes, all controlled <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/how-does-bluetooth-work/">via Bluetooth</a> through the Dyson smartphone companion app. Use it as a glare-controlled, low-optical flicker task light <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-ergonomic-desk/">at a desk</a> or reading/studying nook, or rotate the head for some indirect light. Want to highlight some treasured art, family portraits, architectural details, etc.? Revolve it further—it adjusts at the stem, elbow, and head—and increase the brightness for a feature light, or magnetically dock the optical head above the perforated stem to bask the room in a warm, relaxing ambient light with reduced blue light.</p>
  28605.  
  28606.  
  28607.  
  28608. <p>As for where the product’s name comes from, there&#8217;s a very calming wake-up mode, which brightens the light gradually as your day begins. So it&#8217;s right there with you as your coffee does the same thing with your brain. And the intelligent day tracking feature continues morphing the light in relation to available natural light. There are also slide-touch controls for color temperature and intensity, as well as an integrated USB charger. And if you don&#8217;t even want to remember you have a lamp and just want light to appear when you walk in a room (and turn off when you leave to conserve energy/the halogen bulb), the Dyson Solorcycle Morph has a built-in motion sensor. (And it comes in <a href="https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-desk-lamps/">a desk lamp</a> if that&#8217;s more your speed.)</p>
  28609.  
  28610.  
  28611.  
  28612. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-budget-addlon-floor-lamp"><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Addlon Floor Lamp</a></h3>
  28613.  
  28614.  
  28615. <div
  28616.    class="ProductCardSimple"
  28617.  data-id="ProductCardSimple"
  28618. >
  28619.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-image">
  28620.                          <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">
  28621.                    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
  28622.            <img decoding="async" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" data-image="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Addlon-Floor-Lamp.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=800&amp;crop=16:10,offset-x50" loading="lazy" width="800" height="auto" alt="Addlon's Floor Lamp on a plain white background.">
  28623.                      </figure>
  28624.                  </a>
  28625.            </div>
  28626.  <div class="ProductCardSimple-content">
  28627.          <figcaption class="ProductCardSimple-contentDescription">
  28628.        <p><em>Add;pm</em></p>
  28629.  
  28630.      </figcaption>
  28631.              <p class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtnWrap">
  28632.        <a class="ProductCardSimple-contentBtn btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&038%3Bascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000"
  28633.         target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer">SEE IT</a>
  28634.      </p>
  28635.      </div>
  28636. </div>
  28637.  
  28638.  
  28639.  
  28640. <p><strong>Specs</strong></p>
  28641.  
  28642.  
  28643.  
  28644. <ul>
  28645. <li><strong>Height:</strong> 64 inches</li>
  28646.  
  28647.  
  28648.  
  28649. <li><strong>Dimmable:</strong> Yes</li>
  28650.  
  28651.  
  28652.  
  28653. <li><strong>Remote control:</strong> No</li>
  28654.  
  28655.  
  28656.  
  28657. <li><strong>Temp range:</strong> 3000-6500K</li>
  28658. </ul>
  28659.  
  28660.  
  28661.  
  28662. <p><strong>Pros</strong></p>
  28663.  
  28664.  
  28665.  
  28666. <ul>
  28667. <li>Adjustable angle</li>
  28668.  
  28669.  
  28670.  
  28671. <li>Linen lampshade</li>
  28672.  
  28673.  
  28674.  
  28675. <li>Easy to assemble</li>
  28676. </ul>
  28677.  
  28678.  
  28679.  
  28680. <p><strong>Cons</strong></p>
  28681.  
  28682.  
  28683.  
  28684. <ul>
  28685. <li>No remote control</li>
  28686.  
  28687.  
  28688.  
  28689. <li>Questionable stability</li>
  28690. </ul>
  28691.  
  28692.  
  28693.  
  28694. <p>The Addlon Floor lamp has three color temperatures, from warm yellow to bright white, so it&#8217;s dimmable. It&#8217;s also quite cheap, even when not on sale. You can&#8217;t get more budget when it comes to floor lamps. And this one stands apart as it&#8217;s not a ceiling-focused bulb but rather a hanging bulb behind a linen lampshade.</p>
  28695.  
  28696.  
  28697.  
  28698. <p>The linen lampshade keeps the light, no matter the temperature, fairly tolerable. A lot of floor lamps suffer from being too bright, too in-your-face. But that linen lampshade keeps out the worst of it. Even if the frame of the Addlon Floor lamp is a bit shaky, it&#8217;s still a great budget buy.&nbsp;</p>
  28699.  
  28700.  
  28701.  
  28702. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-consider-before-buying-floor-lamps"><strong>What to consider before buying floor lamps</strong></h2>
  28703.  
  28704.  
  28705.  
  28706. <p>Since the purpose of a floor lamp is to provide one of the most basic human indoor needs, you&#8217;ll want to consider some very light-focused options before purchasing. Of course, it&#8217;s all based on your particular needs, but it&#8217;s wise to consider whether a lamp is dimmable, how bright it can get, and the type of compatible bulb.</p>
  28707.  
  28708.  
  28709.  
  28710. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dimmable">Dimmable </h3>
  28711.  
  28712.  
  28713.  
  28714. <p>Most floor lamps are dimmable when paired with a compatible bulb. Some aren&#8217;t, and if you prefer variable light ranges, you&#8217;ll want to skip those. Dimmable lamps offer users the ability to adjust the intensity of the light, which is handy as the sun goes down or your needs change from cleaning to reading.</p>
  28715.  
  28716.  
  28717.  
  28718. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kelvins">Kelvins</h3>
  28719.  
  28720.  
  28721.  
  28722. <p><a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/kelvin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Kelvin (K)</a> is a unit of absolute temperature, not just a starship in <a href="https://sto.fandom.com/wiki/Kelvin_Timeline" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the <em>Star Trek</em> universe</a>. Some lamps list the Kelvin range, while others don&#8217;t. But for those that do, it indicates the color temperature range of a particular lamp. From light yellow to bright white and daylight, the bigger the range, the more available lighting options you&#8217;ll have.&nbsp;</p>
  28723.  
  28724.  
  28725.  
  28726. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bulb-type">Bulb type </h3>
  28727.  
  28728.  
  28729.  
  28730. <p>Outside of color temperature, several types of bulbs work with different lamps. Some lamps are limited in available wattage, while others are made with LED bulbs that never need replacing. It&#8217;s smart to pay attention here so that you don&#8217;t purchase a lamp that doesn&#8217;t provide enough light, or the inverse.</p>
  28731.  
  28732.  
  28733.  
  28734. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faqs"><strong>FAQs</strong></h2>
  28735.  
  28736.  
  28737.  
  28738. <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712669811080"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: What style of lamp gives the most light?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Well, it&#8217;s less about the style and more about the color temperature range, as well as the bulb wattage. A lamp kicking out 6500K of light with a high-wattage bulb will deliver more light than a standard 100W bulb or a diffused bulb. The only thing the style of the lamp contributes to this is the direction of the light and whether the lampshade diffuses the light.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712669815727"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: Are floor lamps good for bedrooms?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Floor lamps are perfect for bedrooms, or any room without adequate built-in or overhead lighting. Bedroom floor lamps are usually fairly inexpensive, which makes them much more economical than hiring an electrician to wire in a fixture.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1712669822174"><h3 class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Q: How long do LED floor lamps last?</h3></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">LED floor lamps (equipped with <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-led-light-bulbs/">LED bulbs</a>) are extremely economical, lasting anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 hours. That&#8217;s roughly 1,041 days to 2,083 days. That&#8217;s 2.5 to 5 years in between bulb replacement. You really can&#8217;t ask for better longevity than with an LED bulb.</p> </div> </div>
  28739.  
  28740.  
  28741.  
  28742. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-on-the-best-floor-lamps"><strong>Final thoughts on the best floor lamps</strong></h2>
  28743.  
  28744.  
  28745.  
  28746. <ul>
  28747. <li><strong>Best overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Control-Temperatures-Torchiere-Standing-Included/dp/B08T1N86Q5?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">PESRAE Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28748.  
  28749.  
  28750.  
  28751. <li><strong>Best value:</strong> <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Flark-manor-allensville-71-torchiere-floor-lamp-w007030624.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Lark Manor Allensville 71&#8243; Torchiere Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28752.  
  28753.  
  28754.  
  28755. <li><strong>Best eco-friendly:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SIBRILLE-Upgraded-Dimmable-Temperatures-Rotatable/dp/B0BS14V9DX?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SIBRILLE Tree Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28756.  
  28757.  
  28758.  
  28759. <li><strong>Best design:</strong> <a href="https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Febern-designs-615-mid-century-modern-tripod-floor-lamp-black-w005483060.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Ebern Designs 61.5&#8243; Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28760.  
  28761.  
  28762.  
  28763. <li><strong>Best splurge:</strong> <a href="https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100256718-13720150?sid=PS-RU&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Flighting%2Fpdp%2Ftrent-austin-design-richarson-755-taskreading-floor-lamp-w001030816.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Trent Austin Design Richarson 75.5&#8243; Task/Reading Floor Lamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
  28764.  
  28765.  
  28766.  
  28767. <li><strong>Best smart:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Solarcycle-MorphTM-Floor-Light/dp/B0CK43V6QB?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Dyson Solarcycle Morph</a></li>
  28768.  
  28769.  
  28770.  
  28771. <li><strong>Best budget:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/addlon-Temperatures-Standing-Industrial-lampshade/dp/B083YT69MP?tag=camdenxpsc-20&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsci.com%2Ffeed&ascsubtag=0000PS0000610002O0000000020240418170000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Addlon Floor Lamp</a></li>
  28772. </ul>
  28773.  
  28774.  
  28775.  
  28776. <p>Like <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-light-therapy-lamps/">sunset lamps</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-light-therapy-lamps/">light-therapy lamps</a>, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-ring-lights/">ring lights</a>, floor lamps serve a specific purpose in your life, making them almost a standard buy-in homes across the country and throughout the world. They bring light to the corners of our homes where there is none. They are a great solution for lighting solutions when we don&#8217;t want to pay for expensive alterations to the current electrical setup in our homes. And floor lamps are generally inexpensive and extremely varied in style, color temperature, and utility to boot.</p>
  28777.  
  28778.  
  28779.  
  28780. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trust-us"><strong><em>Why trust us</em></strong></h2>
  28781.  
  28782.  
  28783.  
  28784. <p>Popular Science <em>started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.</em></p>
  28785.  
  28786.  
  28787.  
  28788. <p><em>Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.</em></p>
  28789. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/gear/best-floor-lamps/">The best floor lamps in 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28790. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  28791. </item>
  28792. <item>
  28793. <title>Internet use dipped in the eclipse&#8217;s path of totality</title>
  28794. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/eclipse-internet-drop/</link>
  28795. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  28796. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:16:12 +0000</pubDate>
  28797. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  28798. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  28799. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  28800. <category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
  28801. <category><![CDATA[Solar System]]></category>
  28802. <category><![CDATA[Space]]></category>
  28803. <category><![CDATA[Sun]]></category>
  28804. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  28805. <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
  28806. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  28807. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610142</guid>
  28808.  
  28809. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28810.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/watching-eclipse.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="People looking up at eclipse wearing protective glasses" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Internet usage dropped as much as 60 percent in some states while people watched the eclipse. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF</span></figcaption></figure><p>Data shows a lot of people logged off during the cosmic event.</p>
  28811. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/eclipse-internet-drop/">Internet use dipped in the eclipse&#8217;s path of totality</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28812. ]]></description>
  28813. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28814.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/watching-eclipse.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="People looking up at eclipse wearing protective glasses" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Internet usage dropped as much as 60 percent in some states while people watched the eclipse. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF</span></figcaption></figure>
  28815. <p>New data indicates a <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/why-do-solar-eclipses-happen/">once-in-a-generation eclipse</a> is a pretty surefire way to convince people to finally log off the internet—at least for a few minutes. According to estimates from cloud-computing provider <a target="_blank" href="https://blog.cloudflare.com/total-eclipse-internet-traffic-impacts-mexico-us-canada">Cloudflare</a>, yesterday’s online traffic dropped between 40-60 percent week-to-week within the April 8 eclipse’s path of totality. In aggregate terms for the US, “bytes delivered traffic dropped by 8 percent and request traffic by 12 percent as compared to the previous week” around 2:00pm EST.</p>
  28816.  
  28817.  
  28818.  
  28819. <p>According to <a target="_blank" href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/">NASA</a>, yesterday’s path of totality included a roughly 110-mile-wide stretch of land as it passed across Mazatlán, Mexico, through 13 states within the continental US, and finally over Montreal, Canada. In America alone, an estimated 52 million people lived within the eclipse’s path of totality. And it certainly seems like a lot of them put down their phones and laptops to go outside and have a look.</p>
  28820.  
  28821.  
  28822.  
  28823. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/eclipse-from-space/"><strong>What a total eclipse looks like from space</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  28824.  
  28825.  
  28826.  
  28827. <p>As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/business/internet-traffic-eclipse-cloudflare.html"><em>The New York Times</em></a> highlights, Vermont saw the largest mass log-off, with an estimated 60-percent drop in internet usage compared to the week prior. South Carolinians, meanwhile, appeared to be the least compelled to take a computer break, since their traffic only dipped by around four percent.</p>
  28828.  
  28829.  
  28830.  
  28831. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="689" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/Eclipse-US-2024-04-08-at-23.45.02-1.jpg" alt="Map of solar eclipse internet traffic change in US from Cloudflare" class="wp-image-610143"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Credit: Cloudflare</em></figcaption></figure>
  28832.  
  28833.  
  28834.  
  28835. <p>Interestingly, you can also glean a bit about weather conditions during the eclipse from taking a look at Cloudflare’s internet usage map of the US. While most of the states within the event’s trajectory showcase pretty sizable downturns, Texas only experienced a 15 percent reduction. But given a large part of the Lone Star State <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/08/world/2024-total-solar-eclipse-path-scn/index.html">endured severe weather conditions</a>, it’s likely many people remained inside—maybe even online to livestream the views of the eclipse elsewhere.</p>
  28836.  
  28837.  
  28838.  
  28839. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/eclipse-audi-convertible/"><strong>The full sensory experience of an eclipse totality, from inside a convertible in Texas</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  28840.  
  28841.  
  28842.  
  28843. <p>So what were people doing if they weren’t posting through the eclipse? Well, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nasa-eclipse-photo-tips/?_thumbnail_id=607944">snapping photos of the moment</a> is always pretty popular, while NASA oversaw <a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/nasa-smartphone-eclipse-app/">multiple volunteer</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/events/">research projects</a>.</p>
  28844.  
  28845.  
  28846.  
  28847. <p>Judging from Cloudflare’s data, it didn’t take long for people to log back online once the eclipse ended above them. Usage appeared to spike back to pretty standard levels almost exactly in time with the event’s ending in any given state. No doubt most people rushed to post their reactions, photos, and videos… but maybe yesterday will still serve as a nice reminder that there’s a lot more to see when you take a break and go outside for a bit.</p>
  28848. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/eclipse-internet-drop/">Internet use dipped in the eclipse&#8217;s path of totality</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28849. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  28850. </item>
  28851. <item>
  28852. <title>Toothed whales traded chewing for echolocation to evolve</title>
  28853. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/toothed-whales-echolocation-evolution/</link>
  28854. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  28855. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:02:18 +0000</pubDate>
  28856. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  28857. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  28858. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  28859. <category><![CDATA[Evolution]]></category>
  28860. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  28861. <category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
  28862. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  28863. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610123</guid>
  28864.  
  28865. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28866.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/beluga-whales.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="two white beluga whales at the surface of the water" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Belugas and other toothed whales use echolocation to see and sense the world around them. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/beluga-whales-surface-357432970.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure><p> ‘Chewing muscles were no longer needed.'</p>
  28867. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/toothed-whales-echolocation-evolution/">Toothed whales traded chewing for echolocation to evolve</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28868. ]]></description>
  28869. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28870.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/beluga-whales.png?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="two white beluga whales at the surface of the water" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Belugas and other toothed whales use echolocation to see and sense the world around them. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://depositphotos.com/photo/beluga-whales-surface-357432970.html">Deposit Photos</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  28871. <p>Dolphins and other <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-species-early-toothed-whale-dolphin/">toothed whales</a>–or Odontocetes–use their heads to create sounds that help them communicate, navigate, and hunt in their murky marine world. These sometimes <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/whales-vocal-fry/">vocal-fry-like sounds</a> reveal information about their murky marine world that is critical for survival. Some new genetic analysis suggests that the collections of fatty tissues that enable <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/robot-echolocation-bat/">echolocation</a> in toothed whales may have evolved from their skull muscles and bone marrow,changing how these animals eat and sense the world around them. The findings are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378111924000489?via%3Dihub">study published in the April 2024 issue of the journal <em>Gene</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
  28872.  
  28873.  
  28874.  
  28875. <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/toothed-whale">Toothed whales</a> include numerous <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/river-dolphin-fossil-skull/">dolphin species</a> as well as orcas, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/animals/sperm-whale-culture/">sperm whales</a>, belugas, and <a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/narwhal-tusk-secrets-diet-health/">narwhals</a>. Echolocation produced by a bulbous mass of fat tissue inside of their heads <a target="_blank" href="https://repository.si.edu/bitstream/handle/10088/19486/paleo_McKenna_et_al_2012_MMS.pdf?sequence=1&amp;isAllowed=y">called the melon</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  28876.  
  28877.  
  28878.  
  28879. <p>Alongside of the jawbone of dolphins and toothed whales is a group of sound producing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378111924000489?via%3Dihub">extramandibular fat bodies</a> (EMFB). Another set of acoustic fat deposits called the intramandibular fat bodies (IMFB) are located inside the jawbone. The evolution of the melon, the extramandibular, and intramandibular fat bodies was critical for echolocation to develop in these marine mammals. However, little is known about how these fatty tissues themselves originated genetically. </p>
  28880.  
  28881.  
  28882.  
  28883. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="700" height="312" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/toothed-whale-body-plan.jpeg" alt="Illustration of the body plan of a toothed whale, with a cross section of the head showing the melon (dark yellow) and the extramandibular fat bodies (light yellow) which are key organs for using sound such as echolocation." class="wp-image-610127"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Illustration of the body plan of a toothed whale, with a cross section of the head showing the melon (dark yellow) and the extramandibular fat bodies (light yellow) which are key organs for using sound such as echolocation. CREDIT Hayate Takeuchi et. al. 2024</em></figcaption></figure>
  28884.  
  28885.  
  28886.  
  28887. <p>“Toothed whales have undergone significant degenerations and adaptations to their aquatic lifestyle,” Hayate Takeuchi, a study co-author and PhD student at Hokkaido University in Japan,&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040411">said in a statement</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  28888.  
  28889.  
  28890.  
  28891. <p>One of these adaptations was the partial loss of their sense of smell and taste, alongside the gain of echolocation. To look closer at this and other adaptations at a genetic level, the team from Hokkaido University <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378111924000489?via%3Dihub">studied DNA sequences of genes that are expressed in these acoustic fat bodies</a>. They measured the gene expressions in harbor porpoises (<em>Phocoena phocoena</em>) and Pacific white-sided dolphins (<em>Lagenorhynchus obliquidens</em>).&nbsp;</p>
  28892.  
  28893.  
  28894.  
  28895. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-species-early-toothed-whale-dolphin/"><strong>This dolphin ancestor looked like a cross between Flipper and Moby Dick</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  28896.  
  28897.  
  28898.  
  28899. <p>They found that the genes which are normally <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8710720/#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20main%20genes,2)%20family%20(8).">associated with muscle function and development</a> were active in the melon and EMFB’s on the outside of the jawbone. There was also evidence of an evolutionary connection between this fat and a muscle called the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539869/">masseter muscle</a>. In humans, the masseter muscle connects the lower jawbone to the cheekbones and is one of the the key muscles used in chewing.</p>
  28900.  
  28901.  
  28902.  
  28903. <p>“This study has revealed that the evolutionary tradeoff of masticatory muscles for the EMFB—between auditory and feeding ecology—was crucial in the aquatic adaptation of toothed whales,” study co-author and genome scientist and evolutionary biologist Takashi Hayakawa <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040411">said in a statement</a>. “It was part of the evolutionary shift away from chewing to simply swallowing food, which meant the chewing muscles were no longer needed.”</p>
  28904.  
  28905.  
  28906.  
  28907. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/how-whales-make-noise/"><strong>We finally know how baleen whales make noise</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  28908.  
  28909.  
  28910.  
  28911. <p>When the team analyzed the gene expression in the intramandibular fat on the inside of the jawbone, they found active genes related to some elements of immune response and regulation of a group of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41577-020-0306-5">white blood cells that fight infection called T cells.</a> The team believes that this is due to its proximity to bone marrow–which helps produce T cells–and requires more study.</p>
  28912.  
  28913.  
  28914.  
  28915. <p>The team also credited the Stranding Network Hokkaido as another important aspect of the research, as the samples used in this study were collected by them. The organization has&nbsp; collected specimens of stranded whales along the seashore and river mouth in Hokkaido. Performing necropsies on <a href="https://www.popsci.com/false-killer-whales-stranded-florida-dead/">stranded marine mammals</a> have been critical for sampling and research to learn more about the potential causes of strandings and death, but also anatomy, physiology, and evolution.&nbsp;</p>
  28916. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/toothed-whales-echolocation-evolution/">Toothed whales traded chewing for echolocation to evolve</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28917. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  28918. </item>
  28919. <item>
  28920. <title>Smugglers melted and spray painted $10 million in gold to look like machine parts</title>
  28921. <link>https://www.popsci.com/technology/gold-smugglers-fake-parts-cargo-plane/</link>
  28922. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Paul]]></dc:creator>
  28923. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:19:37 +0000</pubDate>
  28924. <category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
  28925. <category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
  28926. <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
  28927. <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
  28928. <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
  28929. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610082</guid>
  28930.  
  28931. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28932.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/P2024040800425_photo_1269615.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Smuggled gold disguised as machine parts" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Hong Kong Customs on March 27 detected a suspected case of large-scale gold smuggling involving air freight, and seized about 146 kilograms of suspected gold with an estimated market value of about $84 million, at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows the suspected smuggled gold which was moulded and camouflaged as air compressor parts. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/customs-announcement/press-release/index_id_4147.html?p=1&y=&m=">Customs and Excise Department Hong Kong</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The suspicious plane cargo was flagged by the Hong Kong authorities.</p>
  28933. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/gold-smugglers-fake-parts-cargo-plane/">Smugglers melted and spray painted $10 million in gold to look like machine parts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28934. ]]></description>
  28935. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28936.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/P2024040800425_photo_1269615.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Smuggled gold disguised as machine parts" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">Hong Kong Customs on March 27 detected a suspected case of large-scale gold smuggling involving air freight, and seized about 146 kilograms of suspected gold with an estimated market value of about $84 million, at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows the suspected smuggled gold which was moulded and camouflaged as air compressor parts. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit"><a href="https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/customs-announcement/press-release/index_id_4147.html?p=1&y=&m=">Customs and Excise Department Hong Kong</a></span></figcaption></figure>
  28937. <p>It could have been the perfect crime, had they used better spray paint.</p>
  28938.  
  28939.  
  28940.  
  28941. <p>Recently, authorities have seized over 320 lbs worth of suspected smuggled gold during a cargo freight search at Hong Kong International Airport, according to yesterday’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/customs-announcement/press-release/index_id_4147.html?p=1&amp;y=&amp;m=">customs announcement</a>. Bound for Tokyo on March 27, investigators recovered the roughly $10.7 million haul from within two actual air compressors, the bureau’s largest ever in terms of overall gold value. But these weren’t goldbond bricks or stacks of doubloons stashed deep within the machinery—they were hunks of precious metal molded into the shapes of compressor parts, then camouflaged with silver-colored spray paint.</p>
  28942.  
  28943.  
  28944.  
  28945. <p>Customs agents first noticed something suspicious after running the 1,708 lbs pair of air compressors through a security X-ray late last month during a standard screening process. As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/10-million-gold-disguised-as-machinery-smuggled-plane-hong-kong-2024-4"><em>Business Insider</em></a> explains, similar air compressors are made from aluminum or iron, and usually intended for industrial and mining projects, as well as to fill divers’ gas cylinders.</p>
  28946.  
  28947.  
  28948.  
  28949. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full" data-dimension="landscape"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/P2024040800425_photo_1269614.jpg" alt="Air compressors seized by customs authorities containing gold parts" class="wp-image-610096"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The two air compressors seized by authorities. Credit: Customs and Excise Department Hong Kong</em></figcaption></figure>
  28950.  
  28951.  
  28952.  
  28953. <p>Speaking with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3258206/hong-kong-customs-seizes-precious-metal-disguised-machine-parts-worth-hk84-million-their-biggest"><em>South China Morning Post</em></a> (<em>SCMP</em>) on Monday, the assistant superintendent of Hong Kong International Airport’s customs air cargo division said technicians removed the motor casing and found a rotor “wrapped in a cord wheel which was tied to tape.”</p>
  28954.  
  28955.  
  28956.  
  28957. <p>“It was not similar to a normal motor,” he added.</p>
  28958.  
  28959.  
  28960.  
  28961. <p>After examining the rotor, authorities found traces of glue at both ends of the machinery part. Using a hammer, they then tapped the part and “noticed unevenness,” indicating the metal was far more malleable than it should have been. Scraping away at an outer layer of silver paint showed flecks of gold. At that point, the whole situation was pretty clear—these were dummy parts made of precious metal. Authorities believe the air compressor scheme was an attempt to evade Japan’s precious metals tariff that would have cost smugglers around $1.07 million, were they to go through official channels.</p>
  28962.  
  28963.  
  28964.  
  28965. <p><strong>[Related: <a href="https://www.popsci.com/?p=606435&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=606436">Montana traffickers illegally cloned Frankensheep hybrids for sport hunting</a>.]</strong></p>
  28966.  
  28967.  
  28968.  
  28969. <p>To create their industrial decoys, authorities believe smugglers must have first melted their gold down before pouring it into molds shaped to resemble motor rotors, screw shafts, and a gear piece. This probably was no easy feat, given that gold’s melting point is 1,948 degrees Fahrenheit.</p>
  28970.  
  28971.  
  28972.  
  28973. <p>According to Hong Kong Customs, police arrested the director of a local company on April 3 after finding his firm’s name listed as the shipment’s consignor. An initial investigation appears to show the company having no actual business dealings, potentially indicating it’s a shell outlet for smuggling. The investigation is still ongoing and the man has since been released on bail. Under Hong Kong’s Import and Export Ordinance, anyone found guilty of smuggling cargo could receive over $255,000 in fines alongside a maximum 7 year prison sentence.</p>
  28974. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/gold-smugglers-fake-parts-cargo-plane/">Smugglers melted and spray painted $10 million in gold to look like machine parts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28975. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
  28976. </item>
  28977. <item>
  28978. <title>Tiny worm with enormous eyes may have a &#8216;secret language&#8217;</title>
  28979. <link>https://www.popsci.com/environment/worm-enormous-eyes/</link>
  28980. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Baisas]]></dc:creator>
  28981. <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:31:40 +0000</pubDate>
  28982. <category><![CDATA[Animals]]></category>
  28983. <category><![CDATA[Biology]]></category>
  28984. <category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
  28985. <category><![CDATA[Evolution]]></category>
  28986. <category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
  28987. <category><![CDATA[Wildlife]]></category>
  28988. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.popsci.com/?p=610034</guid>
  28989.  
  28990. <description><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28991.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/bristle-worm-eyes.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a transparent marine worm with two large reddish-orange eyes on the top of its head" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The Vanadis bristle worm has an almost completely transparent body, except for giant eyes. Vanadis is a nickname for Freya, the Norse goddess of love. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Michael Bok</span></figcaption></figure><p>If human eyes were this big, we’d carry around about 220 more pounds.</p>
  28992. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/worm-enormous-eyes/">Tiny worm with enormous eyes may have a &#8216;secret language&#8217;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  28993. ]]></description>
  28994. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="Article-thumbnail orgnc-SingleImage orgnc-SingleImage--center orgnc-SingleImage--hasCaption">
  28995.                    <div class="orgnc-SingleImage-wrapper"><img width="1440" height="810" src="https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2024/04/09/bristle-worm-eyes.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=1440&amp;height=810" class="orgnc-SingleImage-image webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="a transparent marine worm with two large reddish-orange eyes on the top of its head" decoding="async" loading="lazy" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" data-dimension="landscape" /></div><figcaption class="orgnc-SingleImage-caption">The Vanadis bristle worm has an almost completely transparent body, except for giant eyes. Vanadis is a nickname for Freya, the Norse goddess of love. <span class="orgnc-SingleImage-credit">Michael Bok</span></figcaption></figure>
  28996. <p><a href="https://www.popsci.com/science/worms-science-secrets/">Worm bodies</a> might not seem all that interesting. However, a closer look can also reveal how some worms use extra appendages to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-deep-sea-worm/">move through the water like “magic carpets,</a>” while others <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/deatching-butt-sea-worm/">detach their butts to procreate</a>. Scientists have now discovered that a type of bristle worm is equipped with a complex vision system dominated by two really big eyes.</p>
  28997.  
  28998.  
  28999.  
  29000. <p>The Vanadis bristle worm’s eyes can potentially use ultraviolet (UV) light to communicate and find mates and/or food, which has not been well documented or studied in nature. The worms could also be among the only known bioluminescent animals that use UV light to glow. The findings are described in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00237-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224002379%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#secsectitle0010">study published April 8 in the journal <em>Current Biology</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>
  29001.  
  29002.  
  29003.  
  29004. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-vanadis-bristle-worms"><strong>Meet Vanadis bristle worms</strong></h2>
  29005.  
  29006.  
  29007.  
  29008. <p>The Vanadis bristle worms in this study are found around the island of Ponza, in the Mediterranean Sea west of Naples, Italy. It is a member of a family of large-eyed bristle worms called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&amp;id=883">polychaeta</a>. They are about six inches long and primarily eat plankton, algae, and bits of organic matter from dead organisms. As a pair, the worm’s eyes weigh about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00237-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224002379%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#secsectitle0010">20 times as much as the rest of the worm’s head</a>, and appear like two giant red orbs are strapped to its body. If human eyes are as proportionally large, we would need to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040455">carry around roughly 220 extra pounds</a>.&nbsp; Since the worms are nocturnal and disappear when the sun is out, scientists wondered what they do with their eyes after and what they are used for.</p>
  29009.  
  29010.  
  29011.  
  29012. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/animal-vision-facts/"><strong>How do animals see the world?</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p>
  29013.  
  29014.  
  29015.  
  29016. <p>In the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00237-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224002379%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#secsectitle0010">study</a>, a team from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, Lund University in Sweden, and Tuscia University in Italy examined three species of bristle worms that they collected by hand in shallow water. They brought them back to a lab, where they analyzed their eyes in close detail. The team found that Vanadis’ eyesight is better and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040455">more advanced than previously believed</a>. Its eyes can see very small objects and track their movements, despite having a more simple nervous system.</p>
  29017.  
  29018.  
  29019.  
  29020. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-secret-language-for-mating"><strong>A ‘secret language’–for mating</strong></h2>
  29021.  
  29022.  
  29023.  
  29024. <p>The team is still trying to figure out how they <a href="https://www.popsci.com/article/science/how-humans-and-squid-evolved-have-same-eyes/">evolved such sharp eyesight</a>. The worms’ bodies&nbsp; are transparent, except for their eyes that need to register light to work properly. This means that they can’t be inherently transparent, so their eyes becoming visible must come with some evolutionary trade-offs. Some aspects about having a transparent body with visible eyes must have had <a href="https://www.popsci.com/eyebrow-ridge-evolution-forehead/">evolutionary benefits</a> that outweigh the consequences.</p>
  29025.  
  29026.  
  29027.  
  29028. <p>What the worms gain remains unclear partially because they do not come out during the day, when eyes typically work best.&nbsp;</p>
  29029.  
  29030.  
  29031.  
  29032. <p>“No one has ever seen the worm during the day, so we don&#8217;t know where it hides. So, we cannot rule out that its eyes are used during the day as well,” University of Copenhagen marine and neurologist Anders Garm <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040455">said in a statement</a>. “What we do know is that its most important activities, like finding food and mating, occur at night. So, it is likely that this is when its eyes are important.”</p>
  29033.  
  29034.  
  29035.  
  29036. <p><strong>[Related: </strong><a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/bee-microscopic-worm-electric-field/"><strong>Microscopic worms use electricity to ride bumblebees like EVs</strong></a><strong>.]</strong></p>
  29037.  
  29038.  
  29039.  
  29040. <p>The team believes that part of the explanation is that these worms can see different wavelengths of light than humans can. Like many <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/animal-vision-facts/">birds</a>, <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/reindeer-eyes-uv-light/">reindeer</a>, and other more complex organisms, the worm’s vision can see UV light that is <a target="_blank" href="https://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight/">invisible to the human eye</a>. This could indicate that the purpose of the eyes is to see bioluminescent signals in the pitch-black night time sea. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/sea-cucumbers-bioluminescent/#:~:text=According%20to%20NOAA%2C%20the%20light,as%20a%20form%20of%20communication.">Bioluminescence</a> occurs when organisms can produce light on their own. <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/artificial-light-glow-worm-mating/">Glow-worms</a> are a famous example that use certain chemicals to produce light within their bodies.&nbsp;</p>
  29041.  
  29042.  
  29043.  
  29044. <p>&#8220;We have a theory that the worms themselves are bioluminescent and communicate with each other via light. If you use normal blue or green light as bioluminescence, you also risk attracting predators,” said Garm. “But if instead, the worm uses UV light, it will remain invisible to animals other than those of its own species. Therefore, our hypothesis is that they’ve developed sharp UV vision so as to have a secret language related to mating.”</p>
  29045.  
  29046.  
  29047.  
  29048. <p>The worms also may need to be on the lookout for UV bioluminescent prey. Regardless of what it is used for, the Vanadis worm could become the first animal proven to naturally create UV bioluminescence to communicate, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040455">according to Garm</a>.</p>
  29049.  
  29050.  
  29051.  
  29052. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robotics-research-and-evolutionary-debates"><strong>Robotics research and evolutionary debates</strong></h2>
  29053.  
  29054.  
  29055.  
  29056. <p>The team has begun working with robotics researchers from the University of Southern Denmark to investigate how to better understand the mechanism behind these eyes well enough to <a href="https://www.popsci.com/technology/cyborg-jellyfish-biorobot/">translate it into technology</a>.</p>
  29057.  
  29058.  
  29059.  
  29060. <p>&#8220;Together with the robotics researchers, we are working to understand how animals with brains as simple as these can process all of the information that such large eyes are likely able to collect,” said Garm. “This suggests that there are super smart ways to process information in their nervous system. And if we can detect these mechanisms mathematically, they could be integrated into computer chips and used to control robots.”</p>
  29061.  
  29062.  
  29063.  
  29064. <p>Beyond robotics, their eyes could also help settle a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/eye2015220">heavy debate around evolutionary theory</a>. Did eyes only evolve once into every form we know today or have they arisen several times in evolutionary history?</p>
  29065.  
  29066.  
  29067.  
  29068. <p>Vanadis has eyes that are built relatively simply, but have very advanced functions. They have simultaneously <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00237-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224002379%3Fshowall%3Dtrue#secsectitle0010">evolved in only a few million years</a>–a relatively short span of time in terms of evolution. These worm eyes likely developed independently of more complex eyes like humans, and could help prove that the development of vision is possible over a relatively short time.</p>
  29069. <p>The post <a href="https://www.popsci.com/environment/worm-enormous-eyes/">Tiny worm with enormous eyes may have a &#8216;secret language&#8217;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.popsci.com">Popular Science</a>.</p>
  29070. <p style="color: #444444; font-style: italic;"><em data-renderer-mark="true">Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
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