Gear / Buying Guides

We tested and recommend all of the heart rate monitors below, which do a pretty impeccable job. But what does this data mean? Heart rate zones: If someone tells you they’ve been doing 80/20 training, they’ve been doing heart rate zone-based workouts. Heart rate zones are an easy way to …

Other Options Photograph: Scott Gilbertson Insta360 X3 for $270: You’ll have to settle for 5.7K footage here, and that’s on a 1/2-inch sensor, which is only 1080p when you crop to a rectangular video format. Still, you get nearly the same form factor as the X4, and you can use …

For many listeners, bookshelf speakers (aka stand-mount speakers) provide the quintessential audio experience, blending a potent cocktail of performance, value, and convenience. These pint-size blocks play a key role in nearly every corner of the audio spectrum, and they can be the answer to all your sonic needs, from TV …

Others We Tested EcoFlow Wave 2 for $1,299: Lisa Wood Shapiro tested the newest model for this update. The EcoFlow Wave 1 has cooled down my wife’s office for more than a year just fine—we can’t use a window AC there because it would block the fire escape. Lo and …

This model from Petcube attempts to combine popular laser toys that cats go crazy for with a pet security cam, to mixed results. Like many other cameras from the brand’s lineup, it has crystal clear color and night vision, an extrawide view, two-way audio, and fun features available with the …

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for a new sleeping pad. When backpacking, we suggest sticking with inflatable pads or self-inflating pads (though these are generally heavier), which offer the best insulation and cushioning to size and weight. Whatever you specific needs, your goal is …

Why do we golf? We may never get good at it, and even when we cross some self-imposed pinnacle of proficiency we face near-infinite new challenges and a better-than-average chance of the dreaded backslide. Yet once you catch the bug, driven by the euphoria of the perfect shot and the …

Therabox is a self-care box geared toward women. My personal therapist is always telling me about how intentional self-care can help my mental state, but it can be difficult to figure out how to prioritize oneself if you’re constantly stressed out. Therabox makes it easy to calm down and take …

Shopping for the best gifts for travelers? Our guide features top picks that frequent fliers will truly appreciate.

The short answer is price, performance, and usability. Most regular folks who ask me about a new TV are looking for something around $500 or less. Jumping up a few hundred dollars can often get you a lot more performance value, but I understand that may not be in the …