Rolling Stone Essentials 2022: Our Favorite Products of the Year
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HOW DO YOU FIND the top products in an insanely crowded market? For the RS Recommends team, it meant getting out of the office and trying stuff out in the real world — from weekend camping trips to daily commutes to massive outdoor music fests.
We put this year’s coolest new devices and electronics, high-tech home accessories, and outdoor gadgets to the test, and after months of rocking out with the most innovative audio gear or pushing the limits of the freshest wearables, we narrowed our picks down to dozens of essential must-have items.
Our favorite products of 2022 include a karaoke mic you can use on the go, a sweet electric motorbike, and a next-level outdoor speaker. And of course, all the new gadgets and tech toys you need in your office or home. We’re sure everything here will make your next adventure better, too.
Here are our editors’ favorite products that made our Rolling Stone Essentials list for 2022.
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Best TV: Sony Bravia XR X95K 4K TV
Image Credit: Sony What takes a TV from good to great? In the case of Sony’s latest Bravia model, it’s the little details that work together to make a big (picture) impression.
Think thousands of mini LEDs that deliver dynamic, vivid colors for hyper-realistic images, paired with a surprisingly robust sound system with dual subwoofers and Dolby Atmos technology. Sony’s “Cognitive Intelligence” processor (a type of AI) creates a “focal point” on the screen, bringing out the main action and main characters in a way that’s more expressive than ever before.
All this packed into a slim and sleek TV with an anti-reflective screen to reduce glare? Now this is great.
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Best OLED TV: LG C2 Evo OLED TV
Image Credit: LG With 4K UHD available on most TVs, it can seem like image quality isn’t getting better. This LG C2 Evo OLED TV says otherwise. Thanks to deep blacks, vibrant colors, and an AI processor that automatically adjusts settings based on your content, this new Evo TV makes everything look sharper and more immersive — whether that’s movies, TV shows, or sports.
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Best LED TV: Hisense U8H 4K LED TV
Image Credit: Best Buy Hisense has quickly turned into one of the most popular TV brands in the country and it’s easy to see why. The brand’s newest U8H TVs are literally pixel perfect, offering over a billion different colors with a vivid and responsive display, thanks to the innovative, built-in Mini LED and ULED technology.
In our testing, the Hisense U8H beats the competition on image quality, with a brighter display and better contrasts. The U8H series is the best LED TV for movie buffs and gamers alike, thanks to its fast, smooth performance, stunning display, and unbeatable value.
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Best Laptop: Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo
Image Credit: Amazon Dual-screen laptops tend to be gimmicky at best, and a functionality nuisance at worst, but Asus’ latest Zenbook Pro Duo 14 took the best of both form and function to create a dual-screen that looks as slick as it feels to use.
With a main 14.5-inch screen on the top, a touchpad, and a smaller 12.7-inch screen on the back of the keyboard deck, the key was raising the smaller screen by 12 degrees and having it function as a second touchpad. More is more here, and you’ll never have to choose between a tablet or a laptop — you get the best of both.
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Best Gaming Laptop: HP Victus 15
Image Credit: HP HP’s Victus gaming laptop is a great pick at under $1,000. It packs AMD Radeon graphics, up to 16 GB of RAM and boasts a wide, 15.6-inch display.
A backlit keyboard means you can game in the dark, and multiple port options make it easy to connect this laptop to your existing gaming setup. For a gaming laptop that packs power and performance — at an affordable price — choose the HP Victus 15.
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Best Tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Image Credit: Microsoft 2-in-1 tablets are the new travel accessory, but no one builds them quite like Microsoft. The Surface Pro 9 features all-day battery life, an ultra-portable design and an upgraded processor for fast performance.
If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 device best suited for gaming, work duties and everyday use, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the do-it-all for you.
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Best Smartphone: Google Pixel 6A
Image Credit: Amazon Packed with Google’s Tensor chip, an all-day battery, and a dual-camera system, the Google Pixel 6A is the best smartphone we tested this year. It’s got advanced camera features too, including the fabulous magic eraser and face unblur — which automatically adjusts blurry images for clarity.
All this in a palm-sized device that does more than take calls — the super fast processor makes the Pixel 6A great for getting work done on the go, while the front-facing camera is great for Zoom. Smartphones are a dime a dozen these days, but Pixel deserves its place at the top of our list.
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Best Home Theater System: VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2
Image Credit: Vizio No need to go down tech forum rabbit holes to get theater-style audio at home. Packing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this M-series system from Vizio delivers one of the best surround sound experiences we’ve ever heard — all for less than $500.
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Best Projector: BenQ Short Throw Projector
Image Credit: BenQ This full-HD LED projector is built for console gaming, offering low lag times and lightning-quick refresh rates. The BenQ TH690ST also delivers bright, even pictures and features up to 20,000 hours of lamp life.
Use it for movie night, gaming or to stream sports and live events — the BenQ projector throws up huge, life-like images in both dark and bright settings. What that means: a cinema-quality experience without having to leave the comforts of home.
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Best Sound System: JBL L75ms Music System
Image Credit: JBL JBL’s L75ms fuses modern conveniences with retro design, offering one of the most beautiful sounding — and beautiful looking — music systems on the market right now.
Your favorite tracks are warm and vibrant, emanating from a rih walnut cabinet and black foam grille that makes the L75ms a true centerpiece for any room it’s in. With multiple connection options, a five-driver design and customizable settings, this music system turns a simple song into a sensory experience.
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Best Turntable: Pro-Ject E1
Image Credit: Pro-Ject Pro-Ject set out to make a “turntable for everyone” earlier this year, and with the brand-new E1, it delivered a record player that checks all the boxes for the budding audiophile.
The E1, which the company first launched in May, can spin records at 33 and 45 RPM and offers a plug-and-play vinyl experience thanks to its electronic switch. The E1 turntable features an aluminum tonearm with a mounted Ortofon OM5 cartridge, which translates to a smoother spinning experience when you’re playing your collection. It comes with an acrylic dust cover to keep your turntable safe from any damage, and it’s available in three design-forward colorways: white, walnut, and black.
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Best Speakers: Fluance Ai81 Tower Speakers
The HiFi listening experience just got more affordable with Fluance’s new Ai81 floorstanding speaker system. At under $500, the pair of speakers produce a larger-than-life sound in rich, intimate detail that makes every note pop.
Whether you’re spinning vinyl or playing a game, the speakers deliver ground-shaking bass with immersive sound — available in sleek designs, from walnut to black ash. Consider it the complete home audio package for gaming, movie nights, and streaming playlists over Bluetooth. They’re the best-sounding bang for your buck money can buy.
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Best Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Image Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears’ waterproof outdoor speaker checks every box, with 360-degree sound, thunderous bass, 14 hours of juice, and a rugged shell that’s just tougher than the rest.
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Best Wireless Headphones: Edifier Stax Spirit S3
Image Credit: Edifier The Stax Spirit S3 aren’t cheap, but they’re more than worth the price. Edifier’s top-of-the-line cans produce studio-worthy audio, packing a concert-like experience into a pair of expertly-designed headphones.
The lightweight construction and cooling mesh earcups make these one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones we’ve tested too, and with up to 80 hours of battery life, you can keep the tunes going for hours on end without skipping a beat.. literally.
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Best Wired Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
Image Credit: Amazon The newest Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X headphones are an audiophile’s dream set of cans, made by audiophiles themselves who really know their stuff.
While mainly used for audio production, even casual listeners can feel like they’re sitting in on a studio session thanks to the neutral frequency response and stellar reproduction. Massive 45 mm drivers also give them a pretty wide soundstage for closed-back headphones, too.
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Best Wireless Earbuds: Sennheiser Momentum TW 3 Wireless Earbuds
Image Credit: Amazon For 2022, Sennheiser’s Momentum TW 3 rose above the pack of buzzy personal audio releases and became our go-to recommendation for true wireless earbuds thanks to a few key features.
These Bluetooth buds maintain solid aptX adaptive support (no disconnections), location-specific adjustable EQ (bass-boosted at the gym, but soft at home for example), and some of the best sound we’ve heard all year in this category.
While others were busy experimenting with design, the Momentum TW 3s beefed up what was underneath the hood and took a big step forward in audio excellence this year.
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Best Gaming Headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Image Credit: HyperX HyperX’s Cloud Alpha Wireless headphones boast 300 hours of battery life and a comfortable design, built with e-sports in mind. We loved the big sound they delivered and the detachable microphone, perfect for both solo and team gaming sessions.
If you need a pair of gaming headphones that pack multi-hour battery life, sound and comfort, the Cloud Alpha Wireless deliver above expectations.
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Best Portable Charger: Belkin Boost Charge
Image Credit: Belkin This power bank connects magnetically to your device and features a fold-out stand, so you can easily take a video call or stream while your device charges. It’s compatible with newer iPhones and offers up to 5,000 mAH of charging potential. For an easy-to-use power bank that boasts up to 19 hours of stored charge, the Belkin Boost Charge outperforms the competition.
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Best Wireless Charger: House of Marley One Drop
Image Credit: House of Marley The most stylish and sustainably-made wireless charger in the game, House of Marley’s new One Drop makes powering up your earbuds and smartphone as easy as, well, one gentle drop onto the charging pad.
Recharge compatible earbud cases or your iPhone with the 10-watt charger, while a built-in LED light tells you your gadget’s getting the juice it needs. Though it offers an extra boost for your devices, it’s got serious style power to boot: the wireless charger’s natural bamboo style becomes an extension of your desk or nightstand, while the silicone underneath keeps it stable on the surface.
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Best Fast Charger: MAG:1 ESSENTIALS
Image Credit: Courant This MagSafe charger magnetically attaches to your smartphone and comes with a handy travel pouch for portability. It’s also got a minimalistic, neutral-toned design and is available in three colors.
With an aesthetic, low-profile build and iPhone compatibility, the MAG:1 ESSENTIALS takes away the need for pesky cords —and is the best new wireless charger on the market.
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Best Gaming Chair: AndaSeat Kaiser 3
Image Credit: AndaSeat AndaSrat’s Kaiser 3 offers four-way lumbar support, a sturdy PVC leather build and recline options up to 165 degrees. It’s easy to set up and even comes with an attachable magnetic pillow for extra head and neck support. If you’re looking for a gaming chair that offers high comfort levels and an innovative design, choose the AndaSeat Kaiser 3.
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Best Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Sense 2
Image Credit: Fitbit The Fitbit Sense 2 is built with health in mind, designed to help you sleep better and get your stress levels under control, according to the brand. There are a bunch of health metrics available, including heart rate monitoring, temperature sensing, blood O2 levels and breathing rate.
For a compact smartwatch that provides advanced health monitoring in a sleek package, the Fitbit Sense 2 deserves a spot on your wrist.
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Best Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch5
Image Credit: Samsung The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 offers advanced health readings — from sleep stats and BMI monitoring to workout tracking — in a compact, sleek, and customizable package. It’s available in two sizes and three base colors, plus you can customize your new watch with various different colored bands. Tracking your health has never been so easy — or looked so stylish.
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Best Point-and-Shoot Camera: Leica M11
Image Credit: Leica Whenever you’re ready to really take your shots to the next level, Leica’s excellent new camera can shoot impressively in nearly every lighting environment. The new M-sensor means you can concentrate more on your subject and less on light metering while Leica’s unmissable retro design means your photos will look as good as the camera they’re coming from.
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Best Instant Camera: Polaroid Now+
Image Credit: Amazon The new Bluetooth-connected model of the Polaroid Now opens up a world of artistic possibilities for pro and amaeuter photographers alike. With app-based manual controls, a tripod socket and a brand new set of colored and effect filters, you’ll get a more versatile experience in setting up your shots than with typical point-and-shoot instant cameras.
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Best Indoor Security Camera: Wyze Cam Pan V2
Image Credit: Wyze Offering 360 degrees of coverage, color night vision and two-way audio, Wyze’s Cam Pan v2 offers full home security, at an affordable price point. There’s motion tracking too and the camera is smart assistant compatible, working with both Alexa and Google.
For a home security camera with a wide field of view and HD night vision, the Wyze Cam Pan V2 delivers from all angles.
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Best Outdoor Security Camera: Eve Outdoor Cam
Image Credit: Amazon Even though security cams have gotten better at capturing footage in real-time, many still don’t offer crisp video when you need it most. That’s why Eve’s security camera is the best all-around outdoor cam to monitor your home, thanks to its detailed HD video recording, secure streaming and storage using Apple HomeKit, and customizable motion detection.
No more getting alerts when a bird flies by the camera — Eve’s camera is smart enough to distinguish real movement when it really matters. It offers a wide, 157-degree view of the activity happening at home, as well as infrared night vision and motion detection for well-lit footage when it’s dark. You can stream live footage and record in full HD video from your iPhone, and communicate using the two-way speaker and mic built into the cam.
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Best Fitness Rower: Hydrow Wave
Image Credit: Hydrow We’re huge fans of rowing machines as go-to pieces of home fitness equipment, and Hydrow’s new Wave is the best of them. It’s smaller than the brand’s first machine, making it easier to fit in small houses or apartments, but just as smooth and well-built. Plus, you get all of Hydrow’s excellent classes to start your rowing journey, and it comes in several fun colors to match your decor.
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Best All-In-One Fitness System: Tonal
Image Credit: Tonal We first got our hands on a Tonal during the pandemic, when it seemed like everyone was scrambing to find an at-home fitness option. But even though the gyms are back open, we’re sticking with our Tonal post-pandemic.
The all-in-one fitness system delivers the most effective workout we’ve tried, with hundreds of ways to tone and strengthen using just a simple screen, adaptive weight resistance and a couple pieces of equipment.
It’s no wonder Tonal is endorsed by athletes like Serena Williams — this is a home gym that outperforms its competition, delivering a range of workouts that are challenging, motivating and just damn fun.
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Best Fitness Bike: Bowflex VeloCore
Image Credit: Bowflex The Bowflex VeloCore fitness bike is just as good, if not better than the Peloton (really). You get the same smooth ride and high-quality classes as you get with other high-end fitness bikes, but you also get a very unique upgrade with the VeloCore: a leaning frame that engages your whole body while making riding more fun and realistic.
A better workout and a better riding experience? Now this is a bike that lives up to the hype.
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Best Massage Device: Hyperice Normatec Go
Image Credit: Hyperice If you’re an athlete always dealing with sore muscles, the Normatec Go is for you. It uses air compression technology to increase circulation, reduce swelling and relieve stressed-out muscles, according to tot the brand. It’s also got a three-hour battery life, is TSA-approved and Bluetooth enabled — so you can control it via the Hyperice app.
The Normatec Go is the best massage therapy device we tested this year, offering both pre-workout and post-workout recovery, and most importantly, some much-needed relief.
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Best Air Fryer: Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro
Image Credit: Breville Breville proves that all the best air frying should be done in a toaster oven, especially one that’s as connected as the Joule Oven is. It’s not only a spacious, well-built air-fryer oven, it also has niche cooking modes beyond just toast, bake, broil, warm, and dehydrate (think “bottom bake” and “high outer top broil” that foodies will go nuts for).
Unlike other toaster ovens, the Joule comes with a dense app library of recipes from NYT Cooking, Serious Eats, and America’s Test Kitchen, so you’ll never have to ask ‘what’s for dinner?’ again.
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Best Coffee Machine: Spinn Smart WiFi Coffee Maker
Image Credit: Amazon Why pull a shot of espresso when Spinn’s Coffee maker can whip coffee grounds in a cylinder that spins at 5,000 rpm? This isn’t just a party trick either — it’s truly innovate method that results in a smoother, highly-concentrated cup of joe.
When connected to the app, you can also schedule brewing ahead of time, and even get specific brew settings by scanning your bag of beans. Smart and sleek, it’s a splurge-worthy machine that’s easily worth the investment if you want to get the most out of even the most standard coffee beans.
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Best Espresso Machine: De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Espresso Machine
Image Credit: Amazon De’Longhi’s Dinamica Plus intuitive espresso machine knows just how you take your coffee, serving it up to your liking every time. What makes this espresso machine stand out is that you can customize drinks based on user profiles, so you can create the perfect frothy latte while someone else in your house can easily whip up their plain coffee.
It covers everything from grinding the beans, to brewing and frothing the milk, and even self-cleaning, so all you have to do is sit back and sip a perfect cup of coffee every time.
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Best 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum: Roomba Combo j7+
Image Credit: iRobot Built to intelligently avoid obstacles — including pet waste — the J7+ is one of the most powerful 2-in-1 vacuums money can buy. It seamlessly mops and vacuums your hardwood floors, tiles and carpets and features a four-stage cleaning system to combat all the dirt, dust and debris.
It’s also got automatic dirt disposal and works with your chosen voice assistant for a hands-free experience. The J7+ combo is a smart robot vacuum with a 2-in-1 cleaning system, designed with workaholics in mind. Keeping your home clean has never been easier.
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Best Robot Vacuum: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
Image Credit: Amazon The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra does pretty much every tidying task you can ask of it, with enough high-end smart features that add up to make it the ultimate cleaning machine.
The dock, admittedly, is big, but it can mop your floors, cleans its own mop pad, refill the onboard tank, vacuum the floors, then unload debris into the self-emptying dock. AI object recognition also lets it identify and label obstacles such as shoes or pet waste it needs to avoid.
A beast of a vacuum, the Roborock S7 delivers a high-powered clean that you won’t get anywhere else.
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Best Air Purifier: Coway Airmega IconS
Image Credit: Coway Coway’s latest air purifier will start filtering on command with a voice assistant, and it comes with a Qi-enabled wireless charging station — as if capturing 99.999 percent of nano-size particles wasn’t enough.
All this packed into a handsome unit that won’t look out of place in the pages of fancy design magazines. Matching good looks with hi-tech features, the Airmega is deserving of its “Icon” status.
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Best Cordless Vacuum: Shark Wandvac System Pet Vacuum
Image Credit: Shark With a lightweight design and powerful suction, the Shark Wandvac System is the best vacuum for pet owners. It’s got a self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair tangles, and a hygienic dust cup so you never have to get your hands dirty. It can vacuum carpets, floors and even your couch, and is completely cordless for ease of use.
While similar brands can run into the hundreds of dollars, the Wandvac does the job for a fraction of the price — and a fraction of the cleaning time too.
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Most Powerful Router: Reyee RG-E5 WiFi 6 Router
Image Credit: Amazon When you want seriously fast WiFi performance without all the bells and whistles, Reyee’s RG-E5 is your ticket to game-changing, wide-ranging wireless coverage. The dual-band router is simple and effective, using WiFi 6 tech to deliver up to 5GHz WiFi to all corners of your home with no dead zones — all without breaking the bank.
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Best eero 6+ Mesh WiFi System
Amazon’s newest mesh kit can provide double the speed of its previous connection through support for WiFi 6 — basically, it’s a pretty big deal. If you’re not so tech-savvy, eero’s user-friendliness is its major strength, being quick to set up, and coming with an integrated smartphone app that lets you monitor your WiFi network and manage it from anywhere.
The sleek, compact design lets you place your two extenders in any nook and cranny you need. But no matter where you place them, eero’s mesh tech routes traffic to reduce drop-offs and dead zones in your home. Smart, simple, and straightforward, just how your WiFi should be managed.
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Best Smart Home Hub: Aeotec Smart Home Hub
Image Credit: Amazon Aeotec Smart Home Hub picks up where Samsung’s now-discontinued SmartThings platform left off, delivering ​a much more advanced connectivity ecosystem than what you’d just find with Alexa. We’re talking compatibility with literally thousands of Zigbee, Z-Wave, and WiFi devices, including the best smart locks, video doorbells, and home lighting. Bottom line? This hub will help you automate your home without limitations.
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Best Electric Toothbrush: Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush
Image Credit: Amazon If you want to know just how thorough of a clean you’re actually getting on your teeth, the Oral-B iO Series 9 electric toothbrush makes it easier than ever to actually develop good brushing habits.
Use Oral-B’s companion app to monitor how well you’re cleaning the surface of your teeth, with a smart pressure sensor that helps keep you in the brushing sweet spot, not pressing too hard, or too lightly.
The sleek and sophisticated iO Series 9 dispels the notion that electric toothbrushes are cheap and child-like. Taking care of your oral health has never been easier — or more attractive.
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Best Electric Razor: Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver
Image Credit: Braun Manual razors may get more hype, but if you want to get the job done, you should reach for this Series 9 Pro Electric Razor from Braun.
With multiple shaving settings, the 9 Pro effortlessly powers through everything from tiny stubble to full beards with ease. The fully waterproof design means you can take the razor with you in the shower, while an innovative portable charging case means you can take it with you when traveling too.
Super efficient yet gentle on the skin, Braun’s new razor bests the competition when it comes to performance and comfort. The company’s even bested itself, with the 9 Pro shaving 10% faster than the brand’s previous model.
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Best Beard Trimmer: Mowbie Beard Trimmer
Image Credit: Mowbie Unless you’re going for a full Castaway look, a quality beard trimmer like this Mowbie is essential for cultivating a handsome beard. The waterproof trimmer comes with precise guards for getting your scruff to just the right length and features a built-in scrubber for applying beard products.
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Best Body Groomer: Philips Norelco Bodygroom 700
Image Credit: Philips Looking pulled together gets a lot easier with this Philips Norelco Bodygroom 700. The powerful groomer’s two-sided design lets you immediately switch between shaving and trimming, and clever design features on either side make the process smooth and pain-free.
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Best Manual Razor: Supply Co. Single Edge SE Razor
Image Credit: Supply Co. This Single Edge razor from Supply proves that fewer blades might actually be better. The single-blade razor slices through hairs smoothly and efficiently, leaving behind less razor burn and fewer nicks. It also lasts longer than most razors and boasts a weighty, quality feel in our hands.
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Best Face Wash: Scotch Porter Face Wash
Image Credit: Scotch Porter Face washes should effectively scrub away oil and build-up from polluted air, but they should do so as gently as possible. This wash from Scotch Porter nails a balance of gentleness and effectiveness — and it smells great to boot.
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Best Moisturizer: Asystem Daily Moisturizer
Image Credit: Asystem We won’t call this Asystem moisturizer the key to great skin, but it’s certainly part of the recipe. It delivers Vitamins B, C, and E for rejuvenation, as well as SPF 30 for daily protection, all in a lightweight, non-greasy formula.
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Best Beard Oil: King C Gillette Beard Oil
Image Credit: Gillette This King C Gillette beard oil is one of the easiest ways to make your beard look (and feel) better. It uses ingredients like argan, jojoba, avocado, and nut oil to soften beard follicles and hydrate the skin underneath, leading to a faster-growing, better-looking beard.
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Best Body Wash: Rituals Foam Shower Gel
Image Credit: Rituals This foaming shower gel packs Vitamin E and Cedarwood to help hydrate and nourish your skin. You’ll only need a small amount to cover your body, making this one of the best value-for-money body washes on the market.
For a nourishing yet affordable shower gel, pick this Rituals option. With a soothing formula and luxurious scent, it’s our daily go-to for healthier-looking skin.
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Best Shampoo: Huron Jumbo Shampoo
Image Credit: Huron Some big-brand shampoos leave our scalps feeling dry and itchy, but this Huron shampoo does the opposite. With a clean vitamin-packed formula, it hydrates and nourishes your scalp and hair while washing away oil, flakes, and sweat.
This is a shampoo that will make you love your hair again.
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Best Face Wash: Scotch Porter Face Wash
Image Credit: Scotch Porter Face washes should effectively scrub away oil and build-up from polluted air, but they should do so as gently as possible. This wash from Scotch Porter nails a balance of gentleness and effectiveness — and it smells great to boot.
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Best Shaving Gel: Harry’s Shave Gel
Image Credit: Harry's The best shaving gel is one that not only primes hair for trimming but also protects and soothes your skin. Harry’s shave gel delivers on all counts, with an aloe-enriched formula that goes on smooth and leaves us feeling refreshed after each shave.
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Best Deodorant: Manscaped Deodorant
Image Credit: Manscaped For their new deodorant, Manscaped fixed some of the most common issues with other deodorants instead of just making another one. It dries clear, smells more like premium cologne than chemical-y deodorant, and by removing aluminum, it won’t yellow your white shirts.
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Best Hair Paste: Jack Henry Hair Paste
Image Credit: Jack Henry Hair products that are actually healthy for your mop are rare, which is why we love this paste from Jack Henry. It boasts natural ingredients and a light hold for that messy yet put-together look that’s great for men’s mid-length to long haircuts. Housed in a jet-black container, this hair paste is as great for selfies — and shelfies — alike.
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Best Fire Table: Solo Stove Mesa
Image Credit: Solo Stove With an easy-to-use design, a stylish aesthetic, and smokeless warmth, The Mesa from Solo Stove is everything we want out of a casual mini fire pit. Meant for use on top of your outdoor table, it’s a nice cross between a candle and a firepit, working well in small yards or patios.
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Best Pizza Oven: Gozney Dome
Image Credit: Gozney Pizza ovens were the “it” kitchen gadget of the past few years, but Gozney Dome is like the Cadillac of ovens, elevating the outdoor cooking medium to a whole other level.
With smokey, wood-fired cooking at its core, the Dome’s charm is its ability to challenge home chefs and expand your weeknight cooking repertoire beyond pizza, with the ability to make everything from cedar plank salmon, to skillet-pan desserts.
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Best Workout Shorts: Municipal Sport Utility Shorts
Image Credit: Municipal Leave it to Mark Wahlberg, whose daily workouts start at 4 a.m., to make some of the best workout shorts of the year. The actor and entrepreneur launched these Utility Shorts under his athleisure brand Municipal, and we’ve been wearing them nonstop for months now while lifting, running, boxing, and laying on the couch.
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Best Running Shoe: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3
Image Credit: Brooks Whether you’re on a marathon course or a morning jog, these race-ready sneakers help you do it faster, thanks to a forward-propelling carbon plate, a lightweight knit upper, and a responsive outsole.
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Best Hiking Shoes: Jack Wolfskin Terraventure Texapore
Image Credit: Jack Wolfskin These waterproof hiking boots are made with a 100% recyclable lining and feature a rubber toe protector to keep you safe from any falling rocks on your trek.
The rubber sole is grippy too and offers traction on all sorts of terrain. If you’re looking for a pair of durable hiking boots with a waterproof design, these Jack Wolfskins are the perfect marriage between fashion and function.
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Best Sunglasses: Article One Sunglasses
Image Credit: Article One Eyewear Article One frames look and feel artisanal because they’re handmade in a small village in Italy but they’re just as stylish for sports as they are for a night out on the town.
Try on the Active collection, with grippy nosepads that ensure these sunnies stay on whether you’re in the water or on the slopes. Super durable yet surprisingly lightweight, Article One are the ultimate all-purpose shades.
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Best Backpack Cooler: RTIC Backpack Cooler
Image Credit: RTIC Hauling cold drinks gets a lot easier with this RTIC Backpack Cooler. The pack keeps 30 cans cool, and it even floats if dropped in water (say, off the boat or dock).
The lightweight backpack is easy to transport and holds up to repeat use without wear or tear. In short: it’s the backpack cooler you’ll want to carry from tailgates to camping and everything in between.
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Best Cooler: Orca 40-Quart Cooler
Image Credit: Orca Coolers have quietly been getting better recently, and Orca is one brand leading the charge. This 40-quart model is one of our favorites from the brand, keeping 40 cans cold for a whopping 10 days.
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Best E-Bike: Super73-S2
Image Credit: Super73 Mixing the power of a motorcycle and the ease of a bike, the electric Super73-S2 is both fast and capable — in the city and off-road — with a beefy motor and a 40-mile range.
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Best CBD Pre-Rolls: Botany Farms CBG Pre-Rolls
Image Credit: Botany Farms CBG is like the cool older cousin of CBD, and Botany Farms’ CBG pre-rolls aim to give you that wonderfully calming effect when you spark up, while kicking that drowsy feeling 100% CBD joints can give you. These are perfect if you want to stay active and alert during the day, but just need to take a little edge off. It also just feels oh so luxurious to smoke, with less grass, and more pleasant aromas of fresh spring flowers and vanilla.
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Best CBD Tincture: Dad Grass Classic Formula CBD Tincture
Image Credit: Dad Grass Dad Grass, known for some of our favorite “low-dose tokes like your dad used to smoke”, has finally jumped into the tincture arena with the smoothest, bad vibe-bustingest full spectrum hemp extract we’ve tried this year.
The 30 ml bottle has 1200 mg of CBD from 100% organic hemp flower, and it’s great for taking a few drops to ease into bed, or in the morning for a mellow day ahead. We like the silky, natural flavor — no additives, no flavorings, no nonsense, just good times.
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Best CBD Topical: Uncle Bud’s Hemp Topical Pain Relief Balm
Image Credit: Uncle Bud's Hemp One of CBD’s many uses is for pain relief. And this topical balm from Uncle Bud’s makes it easy: just rub the natural balm on achy joints, sore muscles, or arthritis areas for relief (without side effects or habit formation).
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Best CBD Edible: Molly J. Revive CBD Gummies
Image Credit: Molly J. Of all the bunk “hangover cures” we’ve seen over the years, Molly J.’s Revive CBD Gummies might just be the most effective hangover cure we’ve seen that’s not just using “hair of the dog” as an excuse to have another drink.
Made by nutritional scientists and licensed medical professionals, these gumdrops are infused with 50 mg of broad-spectrum CBD along with vitamins like Potassium, Magnesium, and DHM, a Japanese tree root traditionally used to treat hangovers, to help you feel more like a person and not so shlumpy after a night on the town.
Purchase:
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Best Weekender Bag: MUNICIPAL All-Purpose Utility Bag
Image Credit: Municipal Mark Wahlberg’s brand MUNICIPAL dropped our favorite all-weather weekender bag this year. The rugged durability combined with the unique style of weathered, waxed canvas, creates a simple and refined look.
Made from water-resistant, military-grade materials, it’s great for dragging on longer trips to somewhere with a different climate, but it’s stylish enough to throw over your shoulder for a day trip that compliments your outfit.
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Best Carry-On Bag: Able Carry Max Backpack
Image Credit: Able Carry Able Carry pulled out all the stops to create the ultimate carry-on bag, with maximized functionality packed in that makes it live up to the “Max” moniker. It has a harness system that makes it ridiculously comfortable to carry, even with its roomy, 30-liter capacity.
The deep inner compartments are more about packing in necessities than being “quick-grab”, but the external bag has plenty of loops to attach pretty much anything you want to bring along your journey.
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Best Duffel Bag: Away F.A.R. Duffle 55L
Image Credit: Away Away’s F.A.R. pack offers durability and versatility — two things we look for in carry-on luggage. It’s made of rugged water- and abrasion-resistant polyester, and can tote about a week’s worth of gear.
Away may be best known for their suitcases, but this duffle proves the brand is a serious player when it comes to casual bags too.
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Best Backpack: Cariuma JJ Backpack
Image Credit: Cariuma With this JJ backpack, Cariuma took the clean style and eco-friendly build of their best-selling sneakers to the luggage category.
Well-sized for daily essentials, the clever pack fits your laptop, books, water bottle, and any smaller items you carry. Plus, for each backpack sold, Cariuma plants a tree in the Brazilian rainforest. Good looks and a give-back plan? Now that’s a backpack we can get behind.
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Best Commuter Bag: Montblanc Extreme 3.0
Image Credit: Mont Blanc A duffle bag that works for weekend trips or long commutes is a must in your wardrobe, and Montblanc’s Extreme 3.0 duffle bag is just the one you need. It’s got a removable shoulder strap, a stylish M lock buckle, and a full-grain bovine leather build.
Where style meets usability, Montblanc’s Extreme 3.0 duffle truly shines.
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Best Checked Luggage: Royce & Rocket Castle Classic Suitcase
Image Credit: Royce & Rocket Beautifully designed and wonderfully innovative, the Royce & Rocket suitcase makes traveling a breeze thanks to its unique built-in shelving and spacious compartments.
The polycarbonate hard shell is at once stylish and durable, while the grippy wheels roll smoothly through any terminal or terrain. But it’s the interior design that makes this suitcase a winner in our books. With everything neatly organized and in its own place, unpacking has never felt — or looked — so good.
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Best Karaoke Microphone: Bonaok G50 Karaoke Mic
Image Credit: Bonaok Our favorite Bluetooth karaoke mic comes with its own built-in speaker for an impromptu performance to whatever your favorite-go-to tune is. It connects to your phone for singing at home and to your car stereo for a round of carpool karaoke (our advice: get two for soaring duets).
The G50 picks up your voice better than other wireless mics we’ve tested, and the handy power meter lets you know when battery is low. Boasting a ton of other features and a sophisticated black design, this is a mic that hits all the right notes.
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Best Karaoke Machine: Masingo Ostinato M7
Image Credit: Amazon Few things brought people as much joy during the pandemic as a karaoke machine, but not all singing machines are created equal. To take karaoke night up a notch, we like the Ostinato M7 Karaoke Machine from Masingo.
Bluetooth mics mean no wires to get tangled up in, while the machine delivers big, booming sound from a 30-watt speaker. Connect your playlist via USB or pair it to your laptop or phone. The backpack-sized machine is fully portable too, with up to three hours of playtime per charge.
Karaoke night just got a whole lot more convenient — and a lot more fun.
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Best Keyboard Piano: Casio Privia PX-S7000
Image Credit: Casio Meet the world’s coolest keyboard piano: Casio’s Privia PX-S7000. Unlike other digital instruments, this Casio takes its design just as seriously as its excellent sound. Available in three distinct colors, it’s an instrument ready to take center stage in your home. It boasts a ton of modern features, including 400 different tones for practicing and recording, plus 88 smart hammer action keys and a connected pedal system that produce a more realistic playing experience. You can even detach it from its beech stand to take it with you on the go. With its classic design and smart features, it’s safe to say this is Casio’s best keyboard yet for every piano player.
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Best Sex Toy for Couples: Lelo Tiani 3
Image Credit: Lelo The Lelo Tiani 3 features two arms, one that fits inside you and one that vibrates against your clit. The deep pressure can also vibrate along your partner’s length, further enhancing the experience. It’s also made entirely out of silicone (so it’s waterproof) and it’s got eight built-in settings, depending on what kind of stimulation you’re looking for.
If you’re an adventurous couple looking to spice things up in the bedroom, the Lelo Tiani 3 is for you.
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Best Sex Toys for Men: Pulse Solo Interactive
Image Credit: Hot Octopuss This Pulse Solo Interactive is one of the most clever (and pleasurable) sex toys for men that we’ve come across (no pun intended). The vibrating toy connects wirelessly to your smartphone or laptop and syncs up with adult videos on your device. Alternatively, your partner can control the device from a smartphone.
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Best Sex Toy for Women: Aya Wearable Vibrator
Image Credit: Zalo This ergonomic vibrator fits snugly against your body and can be worn at home, or if you’re adventurous, when you head outdoors. It can be controlled remotely with the Zalo Remote Pro app and features eight vibration modes. For a beginners-friendly vibrator that can be used for both solo and couple play, the Aya Wearable wins every time.