From fresh takes on familiar staples to unexpected game-changers and brands that simply have it, these are the companies and products earning our ultimate stamp of approval.
From fresh takes on familiar staples to unexpected game-changers and brands that simply have it, these are the companies and products earning our ultimate stamp of approval
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It was a big year for smartphone releases, and amid all of the foldables, one of the most exciting innovations almost flew under the radar. Samsung’s display on the S26 Ultra has a built-in privacy setting that can even be toggled on for specific parts of the screen (such as a pop-up notification from the bank, for example). We got to see the display in action, and it’s as impressive as promised — the screen is legible and bright when looking directly at it but nearly invisible at an angle.
ASUS had a big year of releases, and while a lot of the attention went to the flashy dual-screen models the brand unveiled, their traditional laptop releases were worth paying attention to as well. The Zenbook A16 has a lightweight design without sacrificing screen size, and the dazzling OLED display also features a touchscreen. You get more ports than you typically expect on a modern laptop, including two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. Overall, it’s a powerful laptop that suits a range of use cases.
The Pixel Watch does what few smartwatches have been able to pull off — look like an actual watch. With a domed display, the face doesn’t call attention to the fact that it’s a screen, and the latest Pixel Watch 5 packs in all of the features you need, including health tracking and sleep tracking, plus features you want but hopefully won’t need, like car-crash detection and SOS satellite communications.
Best known for their affordable TVs, TCL has been raising the bar to become one of the best all-around TV brands, with the right combination of innovation, quality, and value. Their SQD mini-LED TVs deliver greater brightness and contrast, with up to 3,000 peak nits for a vibrant display even in bright rooms.
Boox has proven that an e-reader can be more than an e-reader. The brand’s versatile e-ink gadgets run the gamut from phone-sized e-readers to large note-taking tablets. Because they run Android, you can download a versatile suite of apps. Their latest device is the itty-bitty Picco, which is roughly the size of a playing card. With support for ePub and a microSD slot, you can take a variety of file types to read on the go.
Gaming consoles are dominated by a few brands, but Nex has shaken up the industry with its family-friendly gaming console. The cube-shaped device features a movement-tracking camera, so each game encourages movement and activity. To protect privacy, the camera doesn’t save or store video or audio, and there’s an added physical camera cover for additional privacy. The Playground console also comes with five games to start.
Skylight bills itself as a family-oriented product, designed to help corral kids’ schedules and organize chores. But it’s surprisingly useful in child-free households, or even at the office. As editors who tend to find appointments and obligations sneaking up on us, the easy at-a-glance organization makes it easy to figure out what we have going on that day, and it syncs easily with a variety of calendar apps. The subscription unlocks more, but you can still do a lot with the free tier.
Best Home Security Device Brand
SwitchBot makes a dizzying array of smart home products, with wide support for a range of platforms. The smart locks let you use everything from fingerprints to facial recognition, while the cameras are a more affordable alternative to other tech brands. You can also build a whole-home ecosystem with accessories like smart window shades and lighting. With so much smart tech, it’s easy to forget SwitchBot started as just a Bluetooth button-pushing gizmo.
XGIMI makes projectors for every kind of enthusiast, from home theater pros to on-the-go gamers, and this year marked some major releases from the brand. There was the cinematic Titan Noir Max, the space-saving short-throw Aura 3 Max, and the ultra-portable battery-powered Vibe One. Across price and class, XGIMI has been delivering stylish design, excellent picture quality, and user-friendliness.
It’s rare to see a headphone brand actually shake up the big players, but Daisy proved to be one of the buzziest if-you-know-you-know brands thanks to its stellar design. The aluminum accents set it apart from the all-plastic construction of most headphones, but they look a lot more expensive than they are. Tactile controls make for a refined experience, while solid sound and noise-canceling hold up the performance end of the equation.
PSB’s iQ bookshelf speakers are some of the most stylishly contemporary speakers we’ve seen, with a unique design that puts the bass driver on top of the tweeter. The speakers also connect to each other wirelessly, adding greater flexibility in where you can plug them in. As for listening to music, they support BluOS for multiroom audio, and they have inputs for HDMI eARC, RCA, optical, USB-C, and USB-A, making them flexible and versatile.
Year after year, Q Acoustics proves to be a hi-fi brand that enthusiasts keep coming back to. Their latest release is the 3040C floorstanding speakers, which are headed to the U.S. market soon. They’re slimmer and sleeker than most tower speakers, but they don’t compromise on sound, with clear highs and distortion-free bass. Eye-catching yet unobtrusive, they’re also a stylish addition to any living room or home theater.
Nanu is all about taking a less-is-more approach. The brand currently offers two products, a mechanical counter and an alarm clock. We’ve been using the Arc alarm clock in our daily routine, and it might be the low-tech answer we’ve been waiting for. It has a sturdy metal build and a pleasing retro look, but the digital alarm adjustment is more precise than most analog alarm clocks. Yes, it’s pricey, but after accidentally breaking a series of cheap digital clocks (we’re not morning people), we’re glad to have something that feels built to last.
I’ve been lucky enough to test a lot of impressive audio products, but it’s rare to find one that truly blows me away. KEF’s R11 Meta fit the bill, delivering an exceptional amount of detail, even in rooms that are less than ideally set up.
As for sound, each speaker gets plenty loud thanks to the four bass drivers. There’s also an aluminum mid-range driver that houses a 1″ vented aluminum dome tweeter, which means the bass doesn’t overwhelm the mids or highs. Given their size and low impedance rating, you’ll want an appropriately powerful amplifier to power them.
They’re strikingly good-looking and are available in glossy black or white finishes, or more classic walnut. They are also, it should be noted, gigantic; getting them home and unboxing them was its own odyssey.
It won’t shock you that the R11 Meta speakers are an investment. They’re $3,500 (for one speaker; the pair will set you back $7,000), so I could hardly blame KEF for making sure the pair was returned promptly after I tried them. I might not be in the requisite tax bracket to justify buying these permanently, but they’ve earned a spot on my wishlist. —Jonathan Zavaleta
I’ve been lucky enough to test a lot of impressive audio products, but it’s rare to find one that truly blows me away. KEF’s R11 Meta fit the bill, delivering an exceptional amount of detail, even in rooms that are less than ideally set up.
As for sound, each speaker gets plenty loud thanks to the four bass drivers. There’s also an aluminum mid-range driver that houses a 1″ vented aluminum dome tweeter, which means the bass doesn’t overwhelm the mids or highs. Given their size and low impedance rating, you’ll want an appropriately powerful amplifier to power them.
They’re strikingly good-looking and are available in glossy black or white finishes, or more classic walnut. They are also, it should be noted, gigantic; getting them home and unboxing them was its own odyssey.
It won’t shock you that the R11 Meta speakers are an investment. They’re $3,500 (for one speaker; the pair will set you back $7,000), so I could hardly blame KEF for making sure the pair was returned promptly after I tried them. I might not be in the requisite tax bracket to justify buying these permanently, but they’ve earned a spot on my wishlist. —Jonathan Zavaleta
Apparel
Apparel
Beyond Yoga takes activewear well past the workout. Sure, the brand has gear for just about every activity you can think of, but it also has seriously comfortable pieces you’ll want to change into after you finish your reps. Everything they make is top-notch, right up to the hats. And the best part? The price point gives the other guys some serious competition.
Cozy Earth might be famous for its beautiful bedding, but the comfort giant has another home essential on lock: loungewear. From ridiculously soft pajamas and matching sweat sets to slippers for the whole family, the brand has staying-in style down to an art. The lineup is so good, it might just give those bestselling sheets a run for their money.
What makes good denim? In our minds, the best jeans should wrap modern, comfortable design, high quality, and sustainability in a package that most consumers can afford. If you need an example of top-tier denim production, look to DL1961. The New York City label makes all of its denim in a family-owned factory using premium materials, and their considerate approach comes through in the final product. They’ve also got a great rotation of washes and fits, ensuring something for nearly every personal preference.
Buck Mason is arguably the biggest menswear success story of the past decade. Their pieces would look great in any era over the last seventy-odd years, and they feel like they’ll last into the next couple of decades at least. If we were building a menswear wardrobe, Buck Mason would be our first stop.
Spanx has just about every corner of the women’s wardrobe covered, from the bottom up. Its shapewear is a total game-changer, its undergarments offer support where it counts, and its clothing is as flattering as it is comfortable. From office-ready workwear to essentials for a night out, Spanx has everything you need to wear, both underneath it all and on the outside.
It takes a licking, keeps on ticking, and we can’t stop recommending it. Timex has been in peak form for the last several years, putting out achievement-inspired and collaborative pieces that are just plain cool. And their watches just happen to be very affordable, too. Their catalog is very deep, so almost everyone will find something they like, whether it’s the Nineties-inspired Intrepid x Dimepiece, the Bespoke Post x Timex Heritage 66 dive watch, or the slick Cavatina Mini dress watch.
There’s a mountain of outerwear out there, but not every brand knows how to balance comfort, style, and performance. Free Country does all three. Founded in the Nineties, the brand makes best-selling layers that can go as rugged or refined as you want, whether you’re tackling the outdoors or just sipping cocktails on a patio.
Swimwear is a tricky art: It needs to be stylish, flattering, comfortable, and built to perform. Vilebrequin checks every box. Born in Saint-Tropez, the brand brings bold prints, endless silhouettes, and seriously standout designs to the beach. It’s the kind of swimwear that will completely change how you feel about shopping for bathing suits in the first place.
Footwear is a tough space to crack, but Alohas has pulled it off. After a decade in business, the Barcelona-based label has established itself as one of the most reliable sources of high-quality shoes that are on-trend, sustainable, and reasonably priced. That’s a rare combination. Best of all, they produce footwear in categories from sneakers to dress shoes that all rival much pricier designer pairs.
Ana Luisa has mastered the art of having it all (at least when it comes to jewelry): Quality, innovation, and plenty of personality. It’s no surprise that one of the co-founders previously worked with some of the world’s best-known designer brands before taking what he learned and turning it into something special. From fun, customizable costume items to finer pieces worth gifting (and keeping for yourself), Ana Luisa makes jewelry shopping feel anything but ordinary.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a hidden gem at a thrift store, but when you don’t have a free Sunday to spend digging through Brooklyn racks, ThredUp brings the hunt straight to your couch. Shop hundreds of designers and beloved brands, or sell pieces from your own closet. It’s secondhand shopping without the noise.
How do you pack for a safari? Well, if you’re toting the Peak Design Travel Duffel, the answer is pretty simple. I lugged the lightweight carry-on to Africa this year, and it held up to everything from a sudden rainstorm in an open SUV to a sandstorm in the Serengeti. That’s thanks to Peak Design’s proprietary “Versa Shell” material, which is fully weatherproof and reinforced to withstand wear and tear (scrapes and scuffs were also easily wiped off with a damp cloth). The practical thinking extends to the duffel’s storage capabilities, with two internal mesh pockets for organization and four external zip pockets for easy access. Thoughtful details abound, like flaps over the zippers to prevent water from getting in, and a waterproof bottom liner that helps the bag sit flat for easy packing. A padded shoulder strap and two top handles offer multiple ways to carry the duffle, whether you’re running to make a connection or tossing the bag in a bush plane. Peak Design offers multiple colorways, but the all-black duffel is minimalist and modern-looking, offering a bag that’s as streamlined as your travels. —Tim Chan
How do you pack for a safari? Well, if you’re toting the Peak Design Travel Duffel, the answer is pretty simple. I lugged the lightweight carry-on to Africa this year, and it held up to everything from a sudden rainstorm in an open SUV to a sandstorm in the Serengeti. That’s thanks to Peak Design’s proprietary “Versa Shell” material, which is fully weatherproof and reinforced to withstand wear and tear (scrapes and scuffs were also easily wiped off with a damp cloth). The practical thinking extends to the duffel’s storage capabilities, with two internal mesh pockets for organization and four external zip pockets for easy access. Thoughtful details abound, like flaps over the zippers to prevent water from getting in, and a waterproof bottom liner that helps the bag sit flat for easy packing. A padded shoulder strap and two top handles offer multiple ways to carry the duffle, whether you’re running to make a connection or tossing the bag in a bush plane. Peak Design offers multiple colorways, but the all-black duffel is minimalist and modern-looking, offering a bag that’s as streamlined as your travels. —Tim Chan
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Grooming & Skincare
Grooming & Skincare
There are hundreds of face washes out there, but Pour Tous gets our ultimate seal of approval for keeping things simple. No need to hunt down a specialty cleanser for your skin type or concerns: This one is made for everyday use, morning and night, with an affordable price tag that’s just as refreshing.
PROVEN is the Goldilocks of moisturizers: Not too heavy, not too light, but just right. Its creams glide on without feeling caked or leaving behind an overpowering scent, while helping keep dry, cracked skin at bay. From eye cream to night cream, the lineup has your hydration needs covered.
Think you can skip serum in your skincare routine? Think again. With so many formulas competing for your attention, TimeSavvy makes the decision a whole lot easier. Its dermatologist-developed makeup combines everyday skincare with sun protection, making it an easy addition to your “get ready with me” routine.
Vacation makes the kind of sunscreen you actually look forward to wearing. Of course, you should always take your SPF seriously, but the brand makes reapplying feel less like a chore and more like part of the fun. Between its incredible scents and seriously adorable packaging, even a New York sidewalk can feel like a tropical escape.
Blue Lagoon Skincare comes all the way from Iceland (yes, that Blue Lagoon), and its products make you feel like you’ve discovered a little piece of magic. The eye cream is a standout, helping visibly reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness. Sometimes the best beauty secrets come from the middle of the North Atlantic. Luckily, no passport is required.
SEEN proves that good haircare should do more than just look pretty on your bathroom shelf. Its products help make hair look and feel noticeably better, while its customizable bundles let you build a routine around exactly what your hair needs. No guesswork, no overcomplicated regimens — just really good haircare in seriously sexy packaging.
Most hairstyling brands are slick with no substance, but Forte Series eschews hype in favor of results. The grooming brand’s line of everyday products includes refreshing texture sprays, volumizing shampoos, gentle hair oils, and quick-fix styling aids that address everything from frizz to flatness. We like the molding paste, which offers a flexible hold, matte finish, and no sticky residue. From hair repair to hair care, Forte Series offers the best products to help you lock in your look.
The name might be French, but Nécessaire is an American-founded brand that has turned everyday self-care into something special. A cult favorite with celebrity appeal, its body washes leave skin feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a five-star spa. The lingering scents are just an added plus.
Salt & Stone tapped Role Model for a buzzy campaign in 2026, but the deodorant brand has long been a fan favorite thanks to its aluminum-free formula, minimalist packaging, and fresh and modern scents. Skin-nourishing ingredients keep your underarms soft and supple, and 48-hour protection means you’re covered, even if you skip a swipe. Whether you’re headed to a sweaty concert or under pressure at work, consider the brand an essential pit stop.
Best Razor Brand
Gillette dared to go where few shaving brands have gone before with the launch of its GilletteLabs Body Razor, and dare we say – it makes the cut. The razor delivers a smooth and gentle glide, with evenly-spaced blades that won’t get caught in your hair (or worse). A grippy handle and flexible head allow you to reach even the most sensitive areas with ease, and it’s smooth sailing from there. Gillette has long been the first choice for our face, but as grooming routines get personal, it’s now the best razor brand for our bodies too.
Braun is making a compelling case to bring the electric shaver back, thanks to its NEVO 11000c. Made in Germany with stainless steel construction, the handheld trimmer is as durable as it is precise, with a smart processor designed to adapt in “real time” to your facial hair density. What you get: An ultra-smooth and comfortable shave, with a flexible head that hugs the dimples and crevices of your face without irritation. When you’re done, plug the shaver into the NEVO Care System dock, which automatically cleans and charges the blades. This is advanced shaving made simple.
Fragrance is deeply personal, but OneKind makes finding your next signature scent feel like the best kind of shopping spree. Its clean products offer plenty of options to suit different tastes and vibes, making it nearly impossible to settle on just one.
Medicube may have serious celeb backing (see everyone from Kylie Jenner to Lisa from Blackpink), but the Korean skincare brand is also delivering some serious results with its Booster Pro X2. The handheld device is a miracle worker for your skin, helping to tone and tighten, while adding brightness and bounce. Use it on its own, or pair it with your skincare products (or over a sheet mask) to boost absorption. The celeb skincare secret is out, and getting that Hollywood glow at home has never been easier.
Spend a few days basking under the glow of a Helio Cure red light panel and a few things become apparent: You’ll feel more awake and alert, while your skin starts looking more refreshed. Helio Cure’s clinical-grade products are said to deliver the industry’s highest density of therapeutic red light wavelengths, which work to help boost collagen production, improve skin tone, and soothe inflammation, while easing sore muscles for post-workout recovery. Easy to use and backed by science, Helio Cure will have you seeing yourself in a whole new light.
Home
Home
Amid concerns over microplastics, it’s understandable that many are looking twice at the tools they use in the kitchen. Some appliances are easier to go plastic-free than others, which is why Caraway’s new coffee maker is so exciting. The brand removed plastic from all of the parts that touch water or coffee. There’s a glass carafe and water reservoir, while the water moves through stainless steel pipes. But that only goes so far if the coffee doesn’t taste good, and Caraway’s coffee maker meets Golden Cup Standards.
We’ve tested plenty of vacuums in our time, and few hold up quite like Shark. Its prices are competitive, but the real selling point is performance: Whether you’re tackling a massive spill or trying to regain control of the pet hair that’s taken over your home, Shark gets the job done. It’s the kind of investment that keeps paying off, year after year.
Air purifiers are an essential part of a healthy home, yet they’re often the most overlooked. If you need a place to start, make it Molekule. Its sleek designs won’t become an eyesore in your living room, while its impressive technology works behind the scenes to help keep your surroundings cleaner. Consider it a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.
Helix mattresses have changed the way we think about getting a good night’s rest. With options backed by sleep experts and designed around different sleeping positions and habits, the brand makes finding your perfect match easier than ever. Not sure what kind of sleeper you are? Its mattress quiz takes the guesswork out of choosing, so you can leave the sheep counting behind.
Macy’s carries hundreds of products, but its own Hotel Collection deserves a moment in the spotlight. From sheets to comforters and bedspreads, the brand brings a posh experience to your bedroom. Think thoughtful craftsmanship, beautiful design, and the kind of luxe lineup that makes getting out of bed feel like a missed opportunity.
Furniture can sometimes feel old and tired, but Sundays is giving everyday essentials a much-needed glow-up. Its couches, beds, chairs, and more feel decidedly modern while still managing to be timeless. And if you just want to upgrade one piece rather than your entire collection (although you might be tempted), everything blends effortlessly with what you already own. Give Sundays a round of applause for making furniture fun again.
A few of our editors own a Rocco fridge, and they all agree: It’s guaranteed to make guests stop and stare. And for good reason. This is no run-of-the-mill beverage cooler; Rocco is a statement piece with room for everything from wine and beer to your favorite nonalcoholic seltzers. It even features smart technology that lets you control the temperature and see what’s inside, though guests might be too busy admiring its good looks to notice.
Riedel helped define how wine should be experienced, and 270 years after it was originally established, Riedel glassware is still the best way to serve any liquid. All of its offerings, from wine glasses to tumblers to decanters, are purpose-built to make your drinks taste better and look better when you serve them.
You might never open your own pizzeria in Brooklyn, but Ooni somehow makes you feel like you’re running the place from behind the counter. The pizza oven brand offers options for everyone, from seasoned pros to first-time pie makers. Its products are easy to use and compact enough to leave plenty of room for all your favorite toppings.
Meraki made a big splash with its Gen 1 espresso machine in 2024. It won over reviewers (us included) with a brilliant semi-automatic functionality, a suite of barista-level features, and a very handsome, compact design. Earlier this year, Meraki launched the Gen 2 version, which adds a 45-step grind range to handle almost any beans and a dual-stage water distribution design, among other new features. In other words, Meraki made an already amazing machine even better. And, maybe just as impressive: Meraki didn’t change the price tag, maintaining a very impressive level of value for an espresso machine this advanced. —Oscar Hartzog
Meraki made a big splash with its Gen 1 espresso machine in 2024. It won over reviewers (us included) with a brilliant semi-automatic functionality, a suite of barista-level features, and a very handsome, compact design. Earlier this year, Meraki launched the Gen 2 version, which adds a 45-step grind range to handle almost any beans and a dual-stage water distribution design, among other new features. In other words, Meraki made an already amazing machine even better. And, maybe just as impressive: Meraki didn’t change the price tag, maintaining a very impressive level of value for an espresso machine this advanced. —Oscar Hartzog
Wellness
Wellness
A smartwatch is a great way to meet your fitness goals — until it becomes a distraction. The Fitbit Air has the same appeal as other screen-free fitness trackers, but with a slimmer, more attractive look. The subscription adds more features like an AI-powered fitness coach, but there’s a lot you can get done without it, including workout and sleep tracking. The low-profile bracelet design also makes it a great option where rings or watches might get in the way.
Although the two big guys get most of the running world’s attention, we’re crowning Brooks the best running shoe brand on the market right now. We’ve tested Brooks shoes in all categories, from distance shoes to speed runners to trail shoes, and all of them deliver the same reliable performance, comfort, and long-term durability.
Alo makes great apparel and accessories, but its workout essentials deserve just as much praise. Its premium yoga mats, better known as Warrior Mats, are a standout, with a range of colors to complement your style. They’re also made with easy-to-clean materials, so keeping your mat fresh between sessions is simple — and you can roll it out time and time again.
Hyperice makes massage guns that are perfect for chilling after you’ve given it your all on the trails (or the treadmill), but the brand isn’t afraid to think beyond traditional recovery tools. Its unexpected collaborations, including vibrating sandals designed with Nike, caught our attention for all the right reasons. But if you want to stick to the basics, Hyperice’s massage guns are a pretty great place to start.
After rebranding from Theragun to Therabody, the wellness brand has continued to expand beyond fitness massagers. Their latest tech includes face massagers, red-light therapy devices, and skincare tools, with gadgets that go beyond just being for athletes. But they still excel at making fitness-focused gear, from heated massage guns to compression boots that deliver quick relief.
Lemme might be best known for its co-founder, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, but we’re here to argue that the products deserve their flowers, too. Its lineup of gummies covers everything from sleep and gut health to intimate wellness, so rather than wandering endless supplement aisles trying to figure out what your body needs, you can find targeted options all in one place. They’re tasty enough to make sticking to the suggested serving size the real challenge.
LARQ water bottles may run on the slightly pricier side, but once you see what they can do, they’re worth every penny. Some models come packed with futuristic features like built-in filtration, app connectivity to help track your daily H2O intake, and even self-cleaning technology, while others earn high marks for their sleek looks and durability. Whichever option you choose, it’ll make you think twice about all those other water bottles collecting dust in your cabinet.
Many home gym systems try to invent a new product that supposedly delivers full workout, but Force USA takes a different approach. The brand’s Cornerstone All-In-One setups combine all the most effective elements of a gym into one durable structure. The crown jewel is the C20, a multifunction structure built around a power rack that supports dozens of exercises — all just like the ones you’d hit in the gym. In other words, it’s actually like having a gym at home.
Sometimes scrolling through social media can send you further into your own head, but Headspace is here to do the exact opposite. For as little as $12.99 a month, a subscription gives you access to everything from guided meditation exercises to online therapy, helping you feel a little better with just a few taps.
FitOn turns your phone into a comprehensive wellness guide. The app delivers a massive library of guided workouts, including classes by professional and celebrity coaches, plus content to improve your nutrition and mindfulness practices. Whatever your fitness goal, FitOn is a great way to achieve it (and you don’t even need to leave the house).
Sorting through supplement brands is a mammoth undertaking, but Transparent Labs makes things easier. As the name suggests, the brand is all about candidness, making their formulas as clear and available as possible. They also employ extensive third-party testing and provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and certifications from Informed Choice, which give deeper insight to the products than almost any other supplement brand.
Finding Soul is almost as relaxing as taking one of their CBD products. The Austin-based brand offers exceptionally clean cannabis products that are organically grown in the U.S. and subject to thorough third-party testing. They’re also presented in stylish, approachable packages that let consumers know exactly what they’re getting.
LELO has its finger on the pulse — or should we say, button — when it comes to what people actually want from their pleasure products. Its lineup includes sex toys for both men and women, alongside supplements, lubricants, and essentials like condoms, so you can stock up on everything you need without ever having to set foot in a sex shop.
Porsche x Wonderfold Stroller Wagon
Some products stop you in your tracks, and for me, it was the ridiculously good-looking Porsche x Wonderfold Stroller Wagon. I couldn’t get over how something so luxurious could also be so practical, so naturally, I had to take it for a spin. There’s just one small detail: I don’t have kids. Luckily, my brand-new niece was available for a test drive (she didn’t exactly have a say in the matter). At least she’ll have some pretty incredible throwback photos to post one day. From the premium leather seats and headlights to the Porsche-inspired details, spill-proof mat, and upgraded wheels, this stroller doesn’t skimp on the extras. Is it technically for the baby? Absolutely. But let’s be honest: It’s also for the parents who wouldn’t be caught dead in a minivan and have no intention of starting now. —Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
Porsche x Wonderfold Stroller Wagon
Some products stop you in your tracks, and for me, it was the ridiculously good-looking Porsche x Wonderfold Stroller Wagon. I couldn’t get over how something so luxurious could also be so practical, so naturally, I had to take it for a spin. There’s just one small detail: I don’t have kids. Luckily, my brand-new niece was available for a test drive (she didn’t exactly have a say in the matter). At least she’ll have some pretty incredible throwback photos to post one day. From the premium leather seats and headlights to the Porsche-inspired details, spill-proof mat, and upgraded wheels, this stroller doesn’t skimp on the extras. Is it technically for the baby? Absolutely. But let’s be honest: It’s also for the parents who wouldn’t be caught dead in a minivan and have no intention of starting now. —Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
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Streaming Services
Streaming Services
The streaming world has settled down now that most major studios have launched their own services. The best streaming services right now are ones that are comprehensive and customizable. DirecTV wins at both. It offers a wide range of packages for different budgets and viewing needs, and all of them offer a great lineup of live TV channels. Plus, most of them also include complimentary subscriptions to other streaming apps like ESPN Unlimited, HBO Max, Hulu, and Paramount+. If we could only pick one streaming service to use in 2027, it would be DirecTV.
For sports fans, YouTube TV is an exceptional offering. The live-TV streamer offers two packages that both carry dozens of channels, including all major networks showing sports. It also boasts one of the best user interfaces of any live-TV streaming service, and its prices are very reasonable for how much content you get.
Hulu + Live TV delivers all the best content in one package. You get more than 100 live-TV channels, plus all the on-demand content from Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Select (upgrade for ESPN Unlimited as well). All of this comes in at under $100, making it a great value for anyone looking to keep up with sports, news, and new series.
In terms of original content, HBO Max has yet to be beaten. The platform has one of the deepest libraries of shows that you won’t find anywhere else, including the best Prestige TV lineup with shows like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Game of Thrones. It shows no sign of slowing down, with recent hits like The Pitt, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The White Lotus, and others reminding us why an HBO Max subscription remains non-negotiable.
Fubo has been a go-to streaming service for sports fans; there are a wide variety of cable networks, plus access to local channels and RSNs to catch games that might not be airing nationally. Beyond sports, you also get access to news, entertainment, and family channels, making it a true replacement for pricier cable packages.
While streaming services were supposed to offer greater freedom and variety, the reality is that many users find themselves toggling through nearly endless rows of options to find what to watch. Criterion brought back the sense of curation to streaming for a relatively affordable monthly price with the Criterion Channel. In addition to on-demand movies, Criterion 24/7 is the streaming service’s all-day livestream, offering a greater sense of mystery and discovery. Leave it to a physical media company to figure out what movie fans really want out of a streaming service.
Of all the streaming services out there, none quite captures the magic of childhood like Disney+. Its library is packed with hundreds of beloved Disney classics, all available on demand without having to dig out an old VHS player. And with live TV options for the adults in the household, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, all for a relatively reasonable monthly price.
Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick delivers improved performance for ultra-high-definition TVs and a new, more intuitive interface to quickly find the content you want. The new stick also supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster 4K streaming. In short, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is all about speed, which is a win in our book.
Tidal has been a go-to hi-fi music streaming service for over a decade, but it’s having a moment. By taking a stance on AI-generated music, including labeling and demonetizing it, the streaming service upped its bona fides as the artist-friendly music streamer. And while it still has some of the highest resolution audio available on streaming and the highest payouts for musicians, it’s managed to do so while keeping the subscription price competitive.
METHODOLOGY
Every year, Rolling Stone editors review hundreds of products and services to separate the standouts from the noise. We put brands to work in the real world, evaluating utility, creativity, design, and performance. We’re looking for companies and products that bring something new to the table: A fresh take on a familiar staple, an unexpected piece of gear we didn’t know we needed, or just something plain cool. Only a select few earn our ultimate seal of approval: A spot in the Rolling Stone Essentials Awards.
CONTRIBUTORS: Tim Chan, Oscar Hartzog, Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, Jonathan Zavaleta