Electronics
More Electronics Posts
How to Build Your First Gaming PC With a PC Game
by Haley Perry
In the pursuit of building my first gaming PC, the most invaluable tool for my journey was a video game.
Apple Music Now Streams Higher-Quality Lossless Audio: Here’s What You Need to Know
by Brent Butterworth
Apple Music and Amazon now offer lossless music streaming at no extra cost, but listeners need to have the right equipment to hear a difference.
Amazon Sidewalk Will Share Your Internet With Strangers. It’s Not As Scary As It Sounds.
by Jon Chase
Amazon’s new Sidewalk service may make your smart devices smarter—but at the cost of privacy. Here’s what you need to know and how to opt out if you prefer.
First Look: The New iMac Makes a Statement, but It’s Missing Some Features
by Andrew Cunningham
If you’ve been eyeing the new iMac, here’s our initial impression of the vibrant but pricey Apple release.
Don’t Buy a Desktop PC With One of Intel’s Newest Processors—Here’s Why
by Andrew Cunningham
A new generation of Intel chips is coming soon, but they’re not necessarily better than last year’s, and they may not be right for you. We can help you decide.
How I Use My Apple Watch as an Autism Aid
by Megan Rhiannon
More than “just a fitness tracker,” an Apple Watch can be customized into a helpful aid for some autistic people.
The Things That Matter From Apple’s Spring 2021 Event
by Mark Smirniotis
Here’s what Wirecutter reviewers think about the new Apple iPad, iMac, and AirTags announcements.
The Cameras Used by New York Times Opinion Columnist (and Photography Hobbyist) Jamelle Bouie
by Jamelle Bouie
These cameras aren’t new or easy to find, but the results are stellar.
First Look: The New Sonos Roam Speaker Is Versatile but Pricey
by Elissa Sanci
The soon-to-be-released Sonos Roam may be the most versatile speaker available. But is it worth the hefty price tag?
How to Clean AirPods, Earbuds, and Headphones
by Lauren Dragan
Despite what the internet says, sucking on your AirPods is not a safe way to clean them. Follow our advice instead.
A Silicon Chip Shortage May Delay Headphones and Game Consoles, but Don’t Panic
by Lauren Dragan and Andrew Cunningham
The electronics industry is dealing with a silicon chip shortage. Our experts discuss which products this might affect, and for how long.
What Is a VPN and What Can (and Can’t) It Do?
by Mark Smirniotis
A VPN can secure a public Wi-Fi connection and reduce some types of online tracking, but isn’t reliable to access video sites or limit government data tracking.
Soundbar Not Working? Here Are Some Troubleshooting Tips.
by Brent Butterworth
As soundbars get more advanced, they also get more complex and sensitive to setup errors. Here are some tips for getting yours to work correctly.
Roxane Gay on Her Surprisingly Immersive Oculus Quest 2
by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay on why she loves to play Beat Saber, golf, and especially poker on her Oculus Quest 2.
CES 2021: What We’re Most Looking Forward To
by Wirecutter Staff
From smart dog doors to cheaper OLED TVs, these are the things at CES we’re excited about.
How to Clean a Laptop
by Thorin Klosowski
It’s easy to forget that your laptop needs to be cleaned. Thankfully, it’s not hard to clean out dust and stray crumbs.
Why Your iPhone Has So Many New Privacy Alerts in iOS 14
by Thorin Klosowski
iOS 14 adds a variety of new privacy-related features, including new location controls, strict photo management, and more.
How to Get Rid of Battery Corrosion
by Sarah Witman
It’s surprisingly easy to clean up battery discharge, and you probably already own everything you need to do it.
We Tested Cheap Victrola and Crosley Record Players. The Results Were Mixed.
by Brent Butterworth
Cheap record players are the easiest, most affordable way to get (back) into spinning vinyl. We tried a couple to see if they’re worth buying—or gifting.
The Best External Optical Drives for DVDs and Blu-rays
by Andrew Cunningham
For anyone who still needs an optical drive, the Asus ZenDrive U9M is the best DVD-only option, and the LG BP60NB10 is the best choice for Blu-ray discs.
The Headphones Wirecutter’s Audio Expert Uses in Everyday Life
by Lauren Dragan
From workouts to listening sessions, these are the headphones a Wirecutter audio expert uses every day.
Tips on Tips: How to Shop for Replacement Earbud Tips
by Lauren Dragan
Fit is crucial to earbud performance. If you’re struggling to get a good fit with the provided tips, replacement earbud tips might be the solution.
How to Clean Cameras and Lenses
by Phil Ryan
Here’s everything you need to thoroughly clean your camera and lenses.
Amazon Alexa vs. Google Assistant: Which Voice Assistant Is Best for You?
by Grant Clauser and Signe Brewster
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant make listening to radio, controlling smart devices, and creating reminders as simple as asking for it. Here’s how to pick.
8K TV Is Here. Most People Don’t Need to Upgrade.
by Chris Heinonen
8K is the hot, new feature on TVs and home theater gear, but do you really need to upgrade your gear right now? For most people, the answer is no.
What Do You Get When You Spend More for Speakers?
by Brent Butterworth
A pair of speakers can cost anywhere from two to seven figures. Brent Butterworth explains what improvements you might get when you spend more.
If You’ve Turned Your Home Into an Airbnb, You Need Smart Devices
by Jon Chase
Smart-home gear is ideal for managing short-term rentals, making it easy to keep tabs on your property while offering convenience for your guests.
10 Clever Accessories to Make Your Smart Speakers Better—and One to Skip
by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Alexa and Google Assistant are ubiquitous, which isn’t a good thing when it comes to home decor. Here are our favorite add-ons to enhance them.
The Parent’s Guide to Using Smart Home Devices
by Thom Dunn
The smart home can do a lot of cool tricks, but for parents the most useful is helping to manage the kids.
The Smart Home Devices the Wirecutter Staff Uses
by Rachel Cericola and Wirecutter Staff
Our smart-home staffers aren’t the only ones who love their gadgets. Here are the most loved connected-home devices from the Wirecutter staff.
Smart Lights Are the Easiest Way to Transform Your Home
by Rachel Cericola
Smart lighting is arguably the easiest smart-home gear to install and use, yet has the power to transform your home—inside and out.
3 Tips for Smart Home Family Harmony
by Grant Clauser
Smart-home devices can add a lot of convenience to your home, but everyone in the household needs to understand all the issues.
This App Turns Any Smart Device Into a Multitasker
by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Many smart devices are capable of doing way more cool things than they advertise. The free service IFTTT makes it easy to set them free.
How I Used Shortcuts to Make Siri Finally Understand Me
by Jon Chase
The easiest way to control your HomeKit-compatible smart devices is using your voice—especially once you figure out how to use Shortcuts.
Welcome to Smart Home Week
by Grant Clauser
All week we’ll be putting together staff recommendations and expert advice on the very best in smart home.
New Filmmaker Mode Removes Guesswork From TV Setup
by Chris Heinonen
The new Filmmaker Mode in select 2020 TVs will make sure your favorite films are presented exactly as the director intended.
Delete Your Old Accounts (If You Can)
by Thorin Klosowski
Deleting old online accounts can help protect your personal information. We have tips for finding forgotten accounts and figuring out how to get rid of them.
For My Kid’s First Computer, I Couldn’t Beat an Old Desktop
by Nancy Redd
A cheap desktop computer for your child to tinker with can offer a much-needed taste of freedom—and responsibility—during coronavirus lockdown.
Is Charging Your Phone All Day Really That Bad?
by Nick Guy
Being lazy about how you charge your phone can shorten its battery life. But the effort it takes to extend that lifetime might not be worth the hassle.
Rollable Screens, Art Frames, and Easels: These TVs Think Outside the Box
by Chris Heinonen
If you’re looking for a big-screen TV that won’t visually dominate your room, there are some creative options—but be prepared to pay a premium.
Big Companies Harvest Our Data. This Is Who They Think I Am.
by Thorin Klosowski
Have you ever wondered what kinds of personal data companies are storing about you, and what they think they know? We tried to find out.
What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do
by Lauren Dragan
Before you invest in noise-cancelling headphones, it’s important to understand what kinds of sounds they will and won’t block.
Remote Learning in Quarantine Is Hard. Alexa Reminders and Routines Can Help
by Jon Chase
If, like most every other parent in the world, you are struggling with homeschooling, Alexa can provide a bit of order and escape.
The Best SD Cards
by Eleanor Ford and Justin Krajeski
After extensive research and testing, we think the 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best SD card for use in digital cameras or other devices.
All of the COVID-19 Data Upgrades That Cell Phone Carriers Are Offering
by Rob Pegoraro
In light of COVID-19, many carriers have made temporary changes to wireless data plans, including expanded tethering bandwidth and cheaper à la carte data.
How Automatic Room Correction Can Help (and Hurt) Your Sound System
by Brent Butterworth
AV receivers’ built-in room-correction systems automatically adjust audio to suit your room, but the results aren’t always pleasing.
Your Next Fabric-Covered Gadget Will Feel Great. Treat It Gently.
by Sarah Witman
A fabric-coated gadget will slide into the background of your life more easily—but that’s not always a good thing.
Amazon’s Echo Show Makes It Easy to Keep Family Together While Social Distancing
by Jackie Reeve
Smart displays like the Echo Show can be great for helping separated and distant family members feel close.
How to Shop for Deals on Audio Gear
by Elissa Sanci and Grant Clauser
Here’s what you need to know before shopping for audio deals—because nothing sounds better than saving money.
How to Turn Your TV Into a Giant(ish) External Monitor
by Chris Heinonen
If you’re working from home and your laptop display isn’t big enough, follow these tips to turn your TV into a computer monitor.
Domestic Abusers Can Control Your Devices. Here’s How to Fight Back.
by Kaitlyn Wells and Thorin Klosowski
Here’s how to record abuse without being discovered, safeguard your devices, and, ultimately, protect yourself.