The Wirecutter Show

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and if you're stuck for ideas, Wirecutter’s dads and gift experts are here to help. We asked the dads on our staff to share the gifts they actually loved receiving—including custom socks, a backyard fire pit, and sweet handmade crafts.

 

Our experts also open up about the meaningful gifts they’ve given their own fathers that sparked deeper appreciation and a closer family connection.

 

Products we recommend: 

Funny and comfortable custom socks: DivvyUp Custom Socks

A lightweight smokeless fire pit: Solo Stove Classic Bonfire Fire Pit

 

Additional reading:

The 48 Best Gifts for Dads of 2026 

The 41 Absolute Best, Wirecutter-Approved Father's Day Gifts Under $50

The Best Personalized Photo Gifts

Why I Love (Safely) Using My Backyard Fire Pit

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've ever tried shopping for headphones, you know there’s an overwhelming selection to choose from.  We asked listeners to send us their most pressing headphone questions and brought in Wirecutter audio expert Lauren Dragan to answer them. 

 

From earbuds that stay put in small ears to the best headphones for sleeping, Lauren shares practical advice from years of testing more than 2,000 pairs. She also addresses concerns about Bluetooth safety, hearing loss, and how to keep your headphones clean and working properly.

 

We had too many great questions to address in the episode alone, so we’ve included an added selection of listener questions and Lauren’s answers on our website. 

 

Products Lauren recommend: 

The best built in microphone: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

The best earbuds with a hook over the ear (for small ear canals): Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The best earbuds with a stabilizing wing (for small ear canals): Sony LinkBuds Fit

The best over-ear headphones for wearing with glasses:  Sony WH-1000XM6

An example of a third party tether you can add to most earbuds

The best bone-conduction headphones for running: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

The best bone-conduction headphones for swimming: H2O Audio Tri 2

Another option for non-bluetooth streaming while swimming is the Mighty Wave

Great options for sensory issues: soft headband-style earmuffs and Quiet Sense hoodies

The best headphones for sleeping, if you dislike wearing earplugs or earbuds: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless

The best earbuds for sleeping:  Soundcore Sleep A20

The best earbuds that adapt to your hearing: Apple AirPods Pro 3

Better sounding open earbuds:  EarFun OpenJump

A tool for cleaning earbuds

The best packable headphones for travel: Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM6

The best budget packable headphones: Soundcore Space One

The best sounding wired earbuds: TinHiFi T3 Plus

Retro-looking wired earbuds: Sivga M260

Earbuds with hearing protection: Elgin Rebel

A more affordable earbud if you like the Apple AirPods: EarFun Clip

Durable headphones for kids: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus and the Puro Basic

The best bluetooth transmitter: 1Mii ML300

Noise cancelling earmuffs: 3M Pro-Grade Earmuffs

Lauren loves: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

 

Additional reading:

The Best Bone-Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones

The Best Sleep Headphones

How to Clean AirPods, Earbuds, and Headphones

How Good Are the AirPods Pro 2 as Hearing Aids? We Tested Them to Find Out.

The Best Headphones

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gone are the days when canned alcoholic drinks meant only hard seltzers and tailgate beverages. Today’s ready-to-drink cocktails include everything from espresso martinis and old-fashioneds to gin- and soju-based spritzes. 

 

Wirecutter kitchen writer, Antara Sinha, joins us to explain how she tested 40 canned cocktails, what separates a great canned drink from a mediocre one, and which ones are actually worth bringing to your next picnic, barbecue, or dinner party. Plus, we conduct a live taste test in the studio.

 

This episode covers:

Why canned cocktails have become a legitimate alternative to bar drinks. Antara explains how the category has evolved from hard seltzers and tailgate beverages into a market full of carefully crafted cocktails made with premium spirits, higher alcohol content, and recipes designed to mimic what you'd order at a cocktail bar.

How to identify a great canned cocktail before you buy it. After tasting 40 different drinks, Antara found that the best brands are transparent about their ingredients and feature high quality spirits.

How to choose the right canned cocktail for your tastes and occasion. Antara suggests using canned cocktails as a low-commitment way to explore drinks you might not otherwise make at home, whether that's a negroni, espresso martini, or old fashioned.

 

Products we recommend: 

A citrusy, soju-based cocktail: Jumo Soju Cocktail (Mango, Yuja, Citrus Mint)

Bold, rich, and complex: Tip Top Old Fashioned

Botanical, light, and crushable: The Original Southside

Indulgent, luxe, and seasonal: Cutwater White Russian

 

Additional reading:

The 9 Best Canned Cocktails of 2026 

21 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2026

Wirecutter’s Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe’s

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

 

In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, of Spring Street Dermatology, explains how retinoids work and how to decide between using over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-strength products. Wirecutter editor Rory Evans shares the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing. 

 

This episode covers:

What retinoids can do for your skin: Helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help with hyperpigmentation, protect the skin against sun damage, and thicken skin that’s starting to thin with age.

The difference between prescription-strength and OTC retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids are generally more powerful and can also be more irritating to the skin. Some, such as tretinoin, are already in their active form, retinoic acid, while others bind directly to retinoid receptors in the skin. OTC retinol products, by contrast, are generally less potent and often less irritating because they must be converted by the skin into active retinoic acid before exerting their effects.

The difference between OTC ingredients: Although OTC products are often referred to as retinols, they feature a range of active ingredients. Retinal (short for retinaldehyde), requires one conversion step to become retinoic acid. Retinol needs two conversion steps, while retinyl palmitate requires three. Adapalene doesn't convert to retinoic acid and interacts differently with skin to limit oil production and minimize inflammation (which is why it’s mostly used in acne treatment).

Tips for using retinol products: Dr. Dhingra recommends starting with a pea-sized amount only a few times a week. To reduce irritation, you can also use the sandwich method—apply moisturizer, layer your retinol product, and top it with moisturizer again to safely dilute the product.

OTC retinol products, by skin type: Rory walks us through the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing.

 

Products we recommend: 

Best for mature skin: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0

Best for adjustable potency: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

Best for sensitive skin: Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Best for dry skin: LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream

Best adapalene for acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Best value: Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum

Best drugstore retinol: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol

Rory loves: Wander Sports Sun Visor

 

Additional reading:

The 7 Best Retinol Products of 2026 

The Best Face Sunscreens and SPF Moisturizers

The 7 Best Moisturizers of 2026 

Simple and Affordable Skin-Care

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.

 

In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty companies, and the very few instances when paying for extra coverage might actually be worth it.

 

This episode covers: 

The difference between manufacturer and extended warranties: A manufacturer's warranty is automatically included for free as a promise against defects (usually for 30 days to a year). An extended warranty, on the other hand, is an optional, extra-cost protection plan that you have to actively choose to buy.

Why you probably won’t use an extended warranty: People tend to overestimate the failure rate of most products. And the likelihood that the product will fail during the extended warranty period is quite low.

How extended warranties mainly benefit warranty companies: Extended warranty companies generally only pay out around 25% of what they take in, keeping 75% of the money. By comparison, health insurance companies generally pay out 80% to 90% to policy holders.

When it’s worth getting an extended warranty anyway: Sometimes it’s worth getting one of these warranties, even if you’ll likely lose money. It could make sense if it offers you peace of mind, the product has a bad reliability reputation, or you’re buying something for an accident-prone kid.

 

Additional reading:

That Extended Warranty Is Almost Never Worth the Money. This Is Why You Fall for It Anyway.

Is That Extended Warranty Worth It? Take Our Quiz. 

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.