Electronics
More Electronics Posts
Step 4 to Simple Online Security: Encrypt Your Computer’s Storage
by Thorin Klosowski
Encrypting your computer’s storage drive is an easy way to safeguard your data. Here’s how to do it on your Windows or Mac computer.
Every Step to Simple Online Security
by Thorin Klosowski
Online security is for everyone. Our simple and affordable tips will show you how to drastically reduce your risks online.
Step 3 to Simple Online Security: Enable Automatic Updates Everywhere
by Thorin Klosowski
All modern operating systems have auto updates enabled by default, but it’s good to double-check that they’re happening. Here’s how.
Step 2 to Simple Online Security: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
by Thorin Klosowski
Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection to your most important online accounts. We don’t recommend disabling 2FA.
Step 1 to Simple Online Security: Always Use Strong Passwords
by Thorin Klosowski
Reusing passwords increases the likelihood of someone else accessing your accounts. Here are some tips for maintaining strong passwords.
Looking Back on a Year of Apple’s Privacy Labels and Tracking
by Thorin Klosowski
A year after Apple instituted new privacy features for ad tracking on its devices, we look at what’s changed, and what’s mostly stayed the same.
We Tested Headphones for Schoolkids. Some Were Worryingly Loud.
by Brent Butterworth and Lauren Dragan
Many headphones sold directly to schools are not volume-limited. This is probably not a concern in most cases, but it’s worth looking into for your kids.
In Celebration of Mar10 Day, Here Are 5 Deals on Nintendo Essentials
by Dan Kim
It’s-a Mario Day, and we’ve got some great deals on some of our favorite Mario games for the Nintendo Switch.
The Apple Mac Studio Looks Like a Mini, Performs Like a Pro
by Dave Gershgorn
Apple’s new desktop, the Mac Studio, includes the company’s latest processor and offered impressive performance in our tests.
6 Great Deals on Wirecutter’s Top Picks
by Jordan Thomas
Get the best for less. Here are six deals on Wirecutter-approved top picks.
The Things That Matter From Apple’s Spring 2022 Event
by Signe Brewster and Dave Gershgorn
In March 2022, Apple announced a new iPhone SE (3rd gen) and iPad Air (5th gen), plus a new desktop, the Mac Studio, and a matching monitor, the Studio Display.
4 Worthwhile Deals on Gaming Essentials
by Jordan Thomas
Here are some of the best prices we’ve seen on Wirecutter-recommended gaming essentials.
When’s the Best Time to Buy Apple Gadgets?
by Ignacia Fulcher
You don’t need to wait until mega-sales like Black Friday to take advantage of legit Apple discounts.
A Practical Guide to Securing Your Mac
by Thorin Klosowski
Macs are often seen as more secure than their PC counterparts, but there are still practical steps you can take to make sure your personal info stays safe.
Should I Be Playing Elden Ring?
by Thorin Klosowski
Elden Ring may turn out to be the best game of the year, but that doesn’t mean everyone will enjoy it.
A Practical Guide to Securing Your Windows PC
by Thorin Klosowski
The thought of making your Windows PC as secure as possible might be intimidating, but we’re here to help make it as painless as possible.
How to Use a Microfiber Cloth to Clean (Almost) Every Device in Your Life
by Kimber Streams
The humble microfiber cloth is one of the most essential and underrated cleaning supplies in anyone’s toolkit.
Trouble Hearing TV Dialogue? The Right Soundbar Can Help.
by Brent Butterworth
Many soundbars offer voice-enhancement modes to improve dialogue clarity, but do they really work? We asked six hard of hearing people to give them a try.
Why I Like Sunglasses With Speakers (Even Though the Audio Experts at Wirecutter Don’t)
by Elissa Sanci
Audio sunglasses let you hear music without blocking out your surroundings. Are they worth the price? Here’s what we think of these sound-producing spectacles.
These New Nintendo Games Will Be Our Escape From Reality in 2022
by Haley Perry
With so many new, expanded, and revived games announced for the Nintendo Switch in February 2022, we think most people will find a few to be excited about.
Nintendo Switch Sports Is Finally Coming—Here’s What to Know About the Wii Sports Sequel
by Christina Williams
With Nintendo Switch Sports, Wii Sports fans and newcomers are finally getting a modern follow-up to one of the best-selling games of all time.
12 Deals for the Perfect Watch Party
by Dan Kim
The Deals team sifted through thousands of discounts and found just 12 that’ll help you prep for the big game.
Paying More for Nano-Textured Glass (Probably) Isn’t Worth It
by Ellen Airhart
The technology behind nano-textured glass is impressive, but the steep price of displays means it’s not worth the investment for most people.
How to Securely Wipe Your Computer, Phone, or Tablet
by Thorin Klosowski
Your devices can hold plenty of sensitive data. We’ll help you make sure your laptops, phones, tablets and more are completely clean before you resell them.
The First Sony E-Mount Lenses You Should Buy
by Amadou Diallo and Phil Ryan
If you own a Sony mirrorless camera body and want to know which lenses you should get, read on for our suggestions for the first lenses you should consider.
Smart Home’s Biggest Problem Might Get Better. Here’s What You Need to Know About Matter.
by Jon Chase
A consortium of smart-home companies is launching Matter, a standard that should make smart-home devices work better and be more secure.
The Best iPhone Case for iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
by Nick Guy
Apple’s iPhone 13 models are here, and with them a deluge of new case options to keep them safe. These are our favorite cases for almost any scenario.
How Microsoft Buying Activision Blizzard Might Affect You
by Christina Williams
Microsoft has announced plans to purchase Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion. Here’s what to expect from the groundbreaking deal.
The Smart Home Starter Kit: 3 Things for Newbies
by Grant Clauser
The best smart-home devices are easy to use, inexpensive, and expandable. Here are our tried-and-true favorites to get started.
The Best of CES 2022: What We’re Most Looking Forward To
by Wirecutter Staff
Wirecutter’s expert staff found a few things to look forward to from CES 2022, including a smarter faucet and a projector that doubles as a portable speaker.
These Four Video Games Are Fun for the Whole Family
by Haley Perry
If you’re looking for a video game for your next family game night, these are the games we recommend for all ages and skill levels.
Set Up That Gaming Console Before You Wrap It
by Arthur Gies
Setting up a gaming console you plan to give someone for the holidays before you gift it will ensure that they can start playing the moment they unwrap it.
Wired Earbuds Are So Hot Right Now
by Lauren Dragan
After giving a pair of wireless earbuds a spin, you might regret cutting the cord. Here are the wired headphones we recommend if you’re committed to the wire.
How to Clean a Television and Home Theater Gear
by Chris Heinonen
Your AV gear doesn’t need to be cleaned that often. But it’s an important task to ensure the best performance.
How to Manage PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox Privacy Settings
by Thorin Klosowski
Your game console collects plenty of information, but with a few settings changes, you can limit how much data you share with strangers or companies.
If You Can’t Snag a PS5 or Xbox Series X on Black Friday, the Xbox Series S Is a Great Alternative
by Arthur Gies
Want a great way to play new games for years to come but can’t find a PS5 or Xbox Series X? Don’t write off Microsoft’s entry-level option: the Xbox Series S.
Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Stop Wasting Money on Unnecessary Tech Upgrades?
by Annemarie Conte
How to fight the urge to always get the latest, “greatest” thing.
Why We Love the Raspberry Pi
by Thorin Klosowski
We love the Raspberry Pi because it's a tiny $35 computer you can use for almost anything, and because it's a fun way to teach yourself more about technology.
If You Love Your Photos, Don’t Use a Smart Display
by Nena Farrell
Both smart displays and digital photo frames offer an easy way to bring a stream of photos into your daily life. Here’s how to choose which one is right for you.
Don’t Call It a Comeback: Cassettes Have Sounded Lousy for Years (And Still Do!)
by Brent Butterworth
Cassette tapes are audio’s hippest trend. Here’s why music lovers are going back to them, the reasons you might not want to, and how to find the right gear.
When a Smart Thermostat Isn’t the Smart Choice
by Jon Chase
Depending on your heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat can slash energy use and your bills. But for some people, they may only provide convenience.
The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro Phones Look Good. Most People Still Don’t Need Them.
by Mark Smirniotis
Google announced the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones, and we’ll be considering them as new picks in our guide to the best Android phones.
Considering the New Apple Watch Series 7? Here’s What You Should Know.
by Christina Williams
The Apple Watch Series 7 has finally launched, and it has some standout features. Here’s what you need to know about the newest model.
The Framework Laptop Could Revolutionize Repairability. We Hope It Does.
by Thorin Klosowski
Framework is promising the kind of upgradable laptop that plenty of people have demanded for years, and so far things look great. Mostly.
The Nintendo Switch OLED Is Gorgeous—and Expensive
by Arthur Gies
The beautiful new Nintendo Switch OLED Model will be worth the investment for some people, but young kids may prefer the Switch Lite.
How This Phone Mount Finally Allowed Me to Use a Smartphone From My Wheelchair
by Claire Perlman
A smartphone, and all the access it grants, was out of reach for this writer—until she found a simple phone mount for her wheelchair.
How to Shop for AV Gear That Will Outlive the Latest Trend
by Wirecutter Staff
If your top priority is finding audio and video equipment designed to last a long time, check out these shopping tips from our AV writers.
How Mesh Wi-Fi Networks Can (and Can’t) Make a Better Smart Home
by Rachel Cericola
Mesh networks can give your home’s Wi-Fi a much needed boost—but can sometimes create problems for some smart-home devices, too.
How to Back Up Your Computer
by Thorin Klosowski
After hundreds of hours researching the best local storage and online backup services, we’ve put together a guide to backing up your Mac or Windows computer.
Amazon Launches Astro Home Robot, Echo Show 15, Budget Smart Thermostat, and More
by Wirecutter Staff
Amazon let fly this week with a catalog’s worth of new devices and services, some here, some coming soon. Here are the ones we’re most excited to get our hands on.
If You Missed the PS5 Restock, Here’s How to Prepare for the Next One
by Alejandra Matos
If you missed the reappearance of the PlayStation 5 at Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon, here’s our advice for the next restock.