The Wirecutter Show

The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

  1. Are Robot Mops Actually Good?

    5 hr ago

    Are Robot Mops Actually Good?

    The iconic robot vacuum—the autonomous bot that can roam your home sucking up pet hair and Cheerios–is evolving. Manufacturers are shifting almost entirely to combo robot vac-mops. The question, for our vacuum tester, is whether they’re any good and if they’re worth the very steep prices (upwards of $1,600 for top-of-the-line models).   Wirecutter writer Evan Dent joins us to explain how the new vac-mops handle everyday messes, the homes they’re best suited for, and what you should know about storing and repairing them.   If you’re looking for a deal on a robot vac or vac-mop combo, he also shares the prices to watch for during Amazon’s upcoming Prime Day sale (or any deals event).    This episode covers: Why robot vacuums are disappearing: Basic robot vacuums have reached a profit ceiling, so manufacturers are phasing them out. Instead, they can charge a premium for the added features of vac-mops. These new bots are only decent cleaners: The mop function isn't great for tough stains, and the mop pad actually makes them sit higher off the ground, which slightly reduces their vacuuming power. But they serve just fine as maintenance cleaners. The ideal home for a vac-mop: They work best on hard flooring on a single level of a  home (they can’t really  handle stairs). While carpet detection has improved, it still isn't flawless. The realities of bulky docks and limited repairability: Newer models rely on large docking stations that take up a significant amount of floor space. Plus, the added mopping components mean there are more parts that can break. When to buy and what to spend: Wait for major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, or look for deals when newly updated models are released. A good price to look for on a mid-range combo vac-mop like our pick is around $600 or below.   Products we recommend:  A great vacuum-only robot: Roborock Q7 M5+Roborock Q7 M5+ A decent $200-ish vacuum-only bot: Tapo RV30 Max Plus A solid entry-level robot vac-mop: Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25   Additional reading: Even Robots Don’t Want to Vacuum  The Best Robot Vacuums of 2026 The 4 Best Robot Mop-Vac Combos of 2026  We Tested 16 Newfangled Robot Vacuum-Mop Combos. Don’t Buy One.   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min
  2. 2 days ago

    Tell Us About Your Work Bag Woes!

    The Wirecutter Show LOVES to hear from our listeners. And the next topic we want your help with is work bags.  We know it can be a pain to find a bag that fits all your needs and matches your style. But we've got the perfect experts on staff to give recommendations about the best bags for you—whether you commute to the office, have to travel for work, or simply need to haul your computer to the nearest cafe..  So email us. Tell us: What are you looking for in the perfect bag? What's wrong with what you've tried?  What do you need to haul?  What's your style?  We may give you a personalized recommendation on a future episode of the show!   Send your question to thewirecuttershow@wirecutter.com. Thanks!  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 min
  3. Is This the End of Affordable Tech?

    3 days ago

    Is This the End of Affordable Tech?

    Consumer tech is getting more expensive just as laptops and phones have become more essential than ever. In this episode, Rosie leads a roundtable discussion with Wirecutter’s senior editor Caitlin McGarry, supervising editor Arthur Gies and senior staff writer Kimber Streams, about why the era of truly cheap computers is ending. They discuss how AI is reshaping the hardware supply chain and what you can do if you need a new device right now.   This episode covers: Why RAM and storage costs are spiking. AI companies are buying up much of the supply of RAM and storage, increasing the price for these tech essentials. Consumer tech companies that make our laptops and phones are struggling to compete. How price hikes are showing up across devices. From Chromebooks and Windows laptops to flagship phones, microSD cards, and video game consoles, 2026 has brought record price increases. What to prioritize in a new computer today. If you need a new computer, look for models with enough RAM and storage, even if that means refurbished models from manufacturers or third party retailers. Guidance on when it makes sense to buy. While the landscape of truly affordable computers is shrinking, there are great options like the MacBook Neo available now. We may see summer sales on other models, but consider purchasing your “back-to-school” tech early for the best prices.   Products we recommend:  A surprisingly great budget laptop: Apple MacBook Neo   Additional reading: The Death of the Cheap Laptop Is Coming  The Best Cheap Laptops Under $500 for 2026 MacBook Neo Review: A Surprisingly Great Budget MacBook  The 6 Best Laptops for College Students in 2026  Tech Prices Are Skyrocketing. Nintendo’s Switch 2 Might Be Next.   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
  4. Real Dads on the Best Father’s Day Gifts They’ve Ever Received

    12 Jun

    Real Dads on the Best Father’s Day Gifts They’ve Ever Received

    Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and if you're stuck for ideas, Wirecutter’s dads and gift experts are here to help. We asked the dads on our staff to share the gifts they actually loved receiving—including custom socks, a backyard fire pit, and sweet handmade crafts.   Our experts also open up about the meaningful gifts they’ve given their own fathers that sparked deeper appreciation and a closer family connection.   Products we recommend:  Funny and comfortable custom socks: DivvyUp Custom Socks A lightweight smokeless fire pit: Solo Stove Classic Bonfire Fire Pit   Additional reading: The 48 Best Gifts for Dads of 2026  The 41 Absolute Best, Wirecutter-Approved Father's Day Gifts Under $50 The Best Personalized Photo Gifts Why I Love (Safely) Using My Backyard Fire Pit   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    13 min
  5. Your Headphone Questions, Answered

    9 Jun

    Your Headphone Questions, Answered

    If you've ever tried shopping for headphones, you know there’s an overwhelming selection to choose from.  We asked listeners to send us their most pressing headphone questions and brought in Wirecutter audio expert Lauren Dragan to answer them.    From earbuds that stay put in small ears to the best headphones for sleeping, Lauren shares practical advice from years of testing more than 2,000 pairs. She also addresses concerns about Bluetooth safety, hearing loss, and how to keep your headphones clean and working properly.   We had too many great questions to address in the episode alone, so we’ve included an added selection of listener questions and Lauren’s answers on our website.    Products Lauren recommend:  The best built in microphone: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro The best earbuds with a hook over the ear (for small ear canals): Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 The best earbuds with a stabilizing wing (for small ear canals): Sony LinkBuds Fit The best over-ear headphones for wearing with glasses:  Sony WH-1000XM6 An example of a third party tether you can add to most earbuds The best bone-conduction headphones for running: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 The best bone-conduction headphones for swimming: H2O Audio Tri 2 Another option for non-bluetooth streaming while swimming is the Mighty Wave Great options for sensory issues: soft headband-style earmuffs and Quiet Sense hoodies The best headphones for sleeping, if you dislike wearing earplugs or earbuds: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless The best earbuds for sleeping:  Soundcore Sleep A20 The best earbuds that adapt to your hearing: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Better sounding open earbuds:  EarFun OpenJump A tool for cleaning earbuds The best packable headphones for travel: Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM6 The best budget packable headphones: Soundcore Space One The best sounding wired earbuds: TinHiFi T3 Plus Retro-looking wired earbuds: Sivga M260 Earbuds with hearing protection: Elgin Rebel A more affordable earbud if you like the Apple AirPods: EarFun Clip Durable headphones for kids: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus and the Puro Basic The best bluetooth transmitter: 1Mii ML300 Noise cancelling earmuffs: 3M Pro-Grade Earmuffs Lauren loves: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker   Additional reading: The Best Bone-Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones The Best Sleep Headphones How to Clean AirPods, Earbuds, and Headphones How Good Are the AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids? We Tested Them to Find Out. The Best Headphones   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
  6. What We Learned from Testing 40 Canned Cocktails

    5 Jun

    What We Learned from Testing 40 Canned Cocktails

    Gone are the days when canned alcoholic drinks meant only hard seltzers and tailgate beverages. Today’s ready-to-drink cocktails include everything from espresso martinis and old-fashioneds to gin- and soju-based spritzes.    Wirecutter kitchen writer, Antara Sinha, joins us to explain how she tested 40 canned cocktails, what separates a great canned drink from a mediocre one, and which ones are actually worth bringing to your next picnic, barbecue, or dinner party. Plus, we conduct a live taste test in the studio.   This episode covers: Why canned cocktails have become a legitimate alternative to bar drinks. Antara explains how the category has evolved from hard seltzers and tailgate beverages into a market full of carefully crafted cocktails made with premium spirits, higher alcohol content, and recipes designed to mimic what you'd order at a cocktail bar. How to identify a great canned cocktail before you buy it. After tasting 40 different drinks, Antara found that the best brands are transparent about their ingredients and feature high quality spirits. How to choose the right canned cocktail for your tastes and occasion. Antara suggests using canned cocktails as a low-commitment way to explore drinks you might not otherwise make at home, whether that's a negroni, espresso martini, or old fashioned.   Products we recommend:  A citrusy, soju-based cocktail: Jumo Soju Cocktail (Mango, Yuja, Citrus Mint) Bold, rich, and complex: Tip Top Old Fashioned Botanical, light, and crushable: The Original Southside Indulgent, luxe, and seasonal: Cutwater White Russian   Additional reading: The 9 Best Canned Cocktails of 2026  21 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2026 Wirecutter’s Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe’s   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min
  7. The Beginner’s Guide To Retinol Products

    2 Jun

    The Beginner’s Guide To Retinol Products

    A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.    In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, of Spring Street Dermatology, explains how retinoids work and how to decide between using over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-strength products. Wirecutter editor Rory Evans shares the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing.    This episode covers: What retinoids can do for your skin: Helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help with hyperpigmentation, protect the skin against sun damage, and thicken skin that’s starting to thin with age. The difference between prescription-strength and OTC retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids are generally more powerful and can also be more irritating to the skin. Some, such as tretinoin, are already in their active form, retinoic acid, while others bind directly to retinoid receptors in the skin. OTC retinol products, by contrast, are generally less potent and often less irritating because they must be converted by the skin into active retinoic acid before exerting their effects. The difference between OTC ingredients: Although OTC products are often referred to as retinols, they feature a range of active ingredients. Retinal (short for retinaldehyde), requires one conversion step to become retinoic acid. Retinol needs two conversion steps, while retinyl palmitate requires three. Adapalene doesn't convert to retinoic acid and interacts differently with skin to limit oil production and minimize inflammation (which is why it’s mostly used in acne treatment). Tips for using retinol products: Dr. Dhingra recommends starting with a pea-sized amount only a few times a week. To reduce irritation, you can also use the sandwich method—apply moisturizer, layer your retinol product, and top it with moisturizer again to safely dilute the product. OTC retinol products, by skin type: Rory walks us through the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing.   Products we recommend:  Best for mature skin: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 Best for adjustable potency: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Best for sensitive skin: Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum Best for dry skin: LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Best adapalene for acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Best value: Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum Best drugstore retinol: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Rory loves: Wander Sports Sun Visor   Additional reading: The 7 Best Retinol Products of 2026  The Best Face Sunscreens and SPF Moisturizers The 7 Best Moisturizers of 2026  Simple and Affordable Skin-Care   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  8. Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It?

    27 May

    Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It?

    If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.   In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty companies, and the very few instances when paying for extra coverage might actually be worth it.   This episode covers:  The difference between manufacturer and extended warranties: A manufacturer's warranty is automatically included for free as a promise against defects (usually for 30 days to a year). An extended warranty, on the other hand, is an optional, extra-cost protection plan that you have to actively choose to buy. Why you probably won’t use an extended warranty: People tend to overestimate the failure rate of most products. And the likelihood that the product will fail during the extended warranty period is quite low. How extended warranties mainly benefit warranty companies: Extended warranty companies generally only pay out around 25% of what they take in, keeping 75% of the money. By comparison, health insurance companies generally pay out 80% to 90% to policy holders. When it’s worth getting an extended warranty anyway: Sometimes it’s worth getting one of these warranties, even if you’ll likely lose money. It could make sense if it offers you peace of mind, the product has a bad reliability reputation, or you’re buying something for an accident-prone kid.   Additional reading: That Extended Warranty Is Almost Never Worth the Money. This Is Why You Fall for It Anyway. Is That Extended Warranty Worth It? Take Our Quiz.    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirecutter LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/   The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min

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The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

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