Best overall		Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker		SEE IT	A balance of sound and style help the AW6500s to stand out.
Best portable outdoor speaker		Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker		SEE IT	A long-lasting outdoor speaker you can take anywhere, anytime.
Best budget		Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System		SEE IT	A pair of powerful, water-resistant speakers that’ll only set you back $30.

Our yards and patios often have just as much decorating TLC as our indoor spaces, so why shouldn’t they have a set of outdoor speakers, too? Outdoor speakers can turn open-air space from just rocks into the rock and roll garden party of your dreams or allow chill tunes to accompany the natural breeze and rustling leaves. But bringing the boom beyond a climate-controlled room can be challenging. We’ve assembled a list of the best outdoor speakers, from pairs that require permanent wiring to portable options that’ll make your neighbors wish they were on your guest list.

• Best overall: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker
• Best speaker disguised as a rock: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker
• Best landscape speakers: Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System
• Best for live performances: SOUNDBOKS4 —Bluetooth Performance Speaker
• Best portable outdoor speaker: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
• Best budget: Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System

How we chose the best outdoor speakers

The only thing predictable about the weather is its unpredictability. But good outdoor speakers should reliably produce a sonic landscape while withstanding the elements. The PopSci team combined our collective experience testing speakers of all sorts with user feedback to create a list anchored in brands with innovative audio engineering and products that fit a range of price points.

The best outdoor speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

We’ve selected speakers for people who want higher sound quality and a more permanent setup in their outdoor oasis. Most will take running speaker wire to an indoor setup, installing mounting brackets, and adjusting the aim until you create a sonic sweet spot. Keep in mind that it takes more speakers outside than it does inside to create the same sound. If installing passive speakers sound like too much work, revisit our best portable party speakers.

All these speakers boast weatherproofing and durable casings. Still, when you dive into user guides, most manufacturers recommend installing them where they have some protection from the elements to prolong how long they will last and make sure the mounting angle doesn’t allow water to pool. Beach and coastal residents may also want to look into how speakers fare in the salt air. Beyond that, just add friends and snacks and the perfect playlist to keep the energy up.

Best overall: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 8.88 inches by 14.44 inches by 9.25 inches
• Weight: 9.2 pounds
• Drivers: 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5-inch round BDSS bass mid/woofer, 5.5 by 10-inch pressure-driven bass radiator
• Power range: 10-200 watts
• Frequency response: 40Hz to 30kHz

Pros

• Can be oriented horizontally or vertically
• Comes in black or white
• Galvanized steel mounting brackets included
• Can stick to one or add many to the setup
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• Higher end of price scale per speaker
• Relies on receiver/amp to have Bluetooth/WiFi compatibility

Definitive Technology makes some of our favorite indoor tower speakers, but they’re a luxury for the living room. We recommend the Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker to ensure you have great sound during patio party season. Packed into an installation-friendly form and for about $300 each, this passive speaker rocks a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter and pairs a  6.5-inch Balance Double Surround Sound System mid-woofer with a 10-inch passive bass radiator, resulting in bumping bass whether you’re aiming to be the center of the block party or keep the next great barbecue at a neighbor-respecting volume.

Designed to withstand rain, snow, and heat, the AW6500 is housed in a PolyStone casing and an aluminum mesh grill that can be mounted horizontally or vertically. The included steel mounts allow for 360-degree rotation, so you can fill the space with sound whether you’re working with one or several to fill a vast backyard. According to DT’s user guide, a pair covers about 200 to 400 square feet.

Best speaker disguised as a rock: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 11 inches by 15 inches by 17 inches
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Drivers: Two 3/4 inch polymer dome tweeter, 6.5 inches dual voice coil polymer woofer
• Power range: up to 50 watts
• Frequency response: 60Hz to 20kHz

Pros

• UV-resistant enclosure
• Can be mono or stereo
• Available in granite or sandstone
• Comes with 3-foot pre-attached speaker cable
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• You got a rock

Speakers come in three very broad groups: eye-catching statement designs, traditional enclosures that don’t bring attention to themselves, and then some designs meant to blend in completely. The Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker looks like a rock that is somehow eye-catching but also could vanish into a rustic setting. Whether the granite colorway suits your mountain vista or the sandstone better complements your desert panorama, the Klipsch AWR-650-SM is the best design to be put on the ground where conventional loudspeakers can’t go. The fiberglass enclosure houses two 3/4-inch tweeters and 6.5-inch subwoofer that can be configured for use as a single dual-channel speaker or a pair of single-channel speakers when connected to your receiver or amp. Each rock will set you back about $330, though they seem oddly addictive. Many users note they purchased one and then went back for more.

Best landscape speakers: Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: Speakers without stake 6 inches by 7.5 inches by 8.9 inches; Subwoofer 16 inches by 26.8 inches
• Weight: Speakers 2.7 pounds; Subwoofer 31 pounds
• Drivers: 0.75-inch marine-grade PEI with 10-inch dual voice coil long throw
• Power range: 50 to 150 watts
• Frequency response: 80Hz to 20kHz

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Can cover 3,500 square feet
• Multiple mounting options

Cons

• Expensive
• Installation will take considerable work

When your outdoor living takes place primarily off the patio, the Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System might be the investment for you. For about $1,800, the system includes a 10-inch DVC subwoofer and is rounded out by four two-way speakers to help cut through ambient noise and create your own immersive soundtrack. The weatherproof fluorocarbon components can be mounted in the ground with stakes, tucked discreetly in plants, or mounted on trees. The 150-degree pivoting arm allows for plenty of flexibility as you aim to eliminate sound dead spots, no matter how irregularly shaped a yard may be. The system is compatible with most two-channel receivers or amplifiers, but expansions require additional Furrion brand speakers and subwoofers. Two sets—that’s two subwoofers and eight speakers—can cover 3,500 square feet.

This kind of installation may require digging or trenching, so the company recommends checking with the dig agency in your area before picking up a shovel.

Best for live performances: SOUNDBOKS4—Bluetooth Performance Speaker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 20.87 inches by 15.55 inches by 29.17 inches
• Weight: 34 pounds
• Connectivity: XLR or Bluetooth

Pros

• Loud
• 40 hours of battery life (charges in 3.5 hours)
• Portable if you’ve got the space
• Customizable EQ and sound modes

Cons

• Larger and harder to transport
• Only battery-powered

The Soundboks 4 performance Bluetooth 5.0 speaker isn’t for your apartment, main casual speaker situation, or even something you want to toss in your car for a quick trip camping. You could absolutely use it for all of these scenarios, but it is likely overkill, and certain design aspects could prevent challenges—not to mention your need to have extremely understanding neighbors. That being said, the speaker is perfect for a smaller patio party or tailgating and allows you to add up to five other Soundbok speakers if you’re throwing a full-on rager in your backyard. Able to reach up to 126dB while maintaining audio clarity—just into the uncomfortable/damaging level—you don’t have to worry about people talking getting in the way of your cha-cha slide number.

If you are going into the wood or a setting requiring a speaker that can stand up to the elements, the Soundboks 4 has you covered with silicone ball corners that prevent the powdered aluminum frame, steel honeycomb grill, and an IP65 waterproof rating. The built-in carrying handles also make the 34-pound speaker fairly easy to pick up and place in your car if you did need to transport it.

The companion smartphone app gives you all the typical controls over a connected speaker including multiple sound mounds, the ability to customize the EQ, and connecting multiple other speakers. While we don’t love that the speaker is ONLY battery-operated, you can buy more batteries for extra battery life. But to be fair, you get up to 40 hours out of each charge, and we can’t imagine most people needing more than that. If you do, you’re probably on a longer trip and have portable power stations or another type of generator to re-up the battery.

One other standout feature is the speaker’s microphone and instrument input. Perfect for streaming your favorite Spotify artists, you’ll also have a chance to plug in an electric guitar, DJ controller, or vocal mic to host a show or perform. All in all, this is a solid multi-purpose speaker that can be used for anything, but its size might get in the way of some use cases.

Best portable outdoor speaker: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.38 inches by 4.7 inches by 9.5 inches
• Weight: 4.36 pounds
• Battery life: 17 hours
• Bluetooth range: 180 feet

Pros

• Portable
• Can be wirelessly linked with other UE speakers
• Waterproof, IP67 rating
• Onboard controls
• NFC pairing for Android 8.0 and later

Cons

• No WiFi
• No voice assistant
• No microphone
• No aux port for other sources

The wired life isn’t for everyone, which is why Bluetooth speakers are so popular. For the very digital, the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM offers 360 degrees of big, bassy sound in a durable but attractive package for about $300. In either charcoal or cotton white, the EPICBOOM is a shockproof, dustproof, waterproof device that can be immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Forget poolside; the EPICBOOM can be in the pool. (Its little sibling, the Wonderboom, is also one of our picks for a swim or a soak, as it’s one of the best shower speakers.)

The EPICBOOM needs to be paired with a phone to stream music, but it excels at this. The speaker itself features buttons for fast play, pause, skip, and volume changes, so wet or dirty hands don’t have to handle a comparatively delicate smartphone to change the vibe. The BOOM app adds additional controls, like customizable EQ and connecting several UE BOOM devices together to create a dispersed sound system on the fly.

While some Bluetooth speakers can serve as an access point for voice assistants or pull double-duty as a phone speaker, the EPICBOOM focuses on music and playing music only. However, the EPICBOOM’s battery life is a decent 17 hours, so it will likely last longer than your favorite playlist. Still, anyone aiming to party all night and every day will need to keep a USB-C charger handy (and maybe some comfy patio furniture and some of the best deck lights).

If it’s a smart speaker you’re after, the Sonos Move 2 costs $150 more but adds more connectivity alongside durability (and if you really love the multiroom Sonos ecosystem and are tired of moving things around, the best splurge is to install Sonos by Sonance Architectural speakers, which are $900 a pair).

Best budget: Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 3.75 inches by 5.25 inches by 3 inches
• Weight: 2.63 pounds
• Drivers: 1-inch superior dome tweeter, 3.5-inch aluminum injection cone with 1.75-inch-wide dispersion cone midrange with bass reflex vent
• Power range: up to 200 watts
• Frequency response: 70Hz to 21kHz

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Quick connect/disconnect terminals
• Waterproof; IP-44 rating
• Corrosion and stain-resistant mesh grills

Cons

• May want to upgrade the included speaker wire
• Relies on receiver/amp to have Bluetooth/WiFi compatibility

File the Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System under “good things in small packages.” For about $30, this pair of small speakers features are marine-grade, so they can be mounted outdoors on the patio, near a pool, or on a boat without worrying about splishes or splashes. The speaker system is waterproof with stain and corrosion-resistant mesh fronts. These little guys come with removable mounting and can be attached horizontally or vertically. They’ll deliver good sound for the price, but people who want to flood a large yard with tunes may want to look elsewhere. However, this could be a pro depending on whether your neighbors like to lodge complaints. A few users also suggest ditching the included but thin speaker wire for an upgraded one.

Want the best value on something really whimsical? You can hang a 2-pack of the pohopa 20W lantern-shaped waterproof Bluetooth speakers with built-in LED color lights for less than $175.

What to consider when buying outdoor speakers

We love making the great outdoors greater by adding music. As you shop for outdoor speakers, start by thinking about the size and shape of the space you want to fill, what elements the speakers will operate in, and your price point.

Weather resistance

If you’ve ever mistaken water-resistant hiking boots for waterproof ones, you’ll understand the difference between weatherproof and waterproof. Water-resistant boots are good for the occasional puddle or light rain, but crossing a stream will quickly lead to soaked feet. Weatherproof and waterproof speakers are similar. All of the selections in our list have weatherproofing—resistance to elements and more durable, sealed housing—but truly waterproof speakers come with an IP rating. Generally, manufacturers recommend finding spots to mount outdoor speakers that have some protection from the elements, like under an awning or a covered patio. For more extreme climates, like beaches and deserts, look for additional information about how speakers deal with salt air and sand. So, can you leave outdoor speakers in the rain? Many of them, yes. But look at those ratings to be sure.

Installation options

Do outdoor speakers require amplification? It depends. Portable outdoor Bluetooth speakers are best for setting up a sound system without installing amps or anything else. However, more permanent options will require patience and expertise running speaker wires between the outdoor speakers and the indoor A/V components (and sometimes drilling a hole through a wall). The upside is higher sound quality and a wider source selection.

The size and layout of the outdoor space will also dictate some system features. Many systems include wall mounts that allow for adjustable angles, though a space with no walls may need speakers that can go on the ground or on stakes. Little spaces, like a condo patio, don’t need as many watts as trying to turn a large yard into the daytime version of your favorite club.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best outdoor speakers

• Best overall: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker
• Best speaker disguised as a rock: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker
• Best landscape speakers: Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System
• Best for live performances: SOUNDBOKS4 —Bluetooth Performance Speaker
• Best portable outdoor speaker: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
• Best budget: Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System

Elevate your outdoor experience by turning it into a concert-in-waiting. Investing a little extra effort into installing outdoor speakers on your porch, patio, or garden offers a higher sound quality while setting a vibe. For durable, traditional aesthetics, consider the refined audio performance of the Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker or the budget-friendly Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System. The Klipsch AWR-650-SM adds a touch of whimsy by disguising itself as a rock, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings. For larger landscapes or irregular spaces, the Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series delivers harmonious melodies that resonate far and wide. If portability is a priority, the Soundboks 4 cranks up the volume for dynamic live performances, while the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ensures your outdoor gatherings stay waterproof and musically vibrant. Unleash the potential of your outdoor oasis by dragging out a packed cooler and entertaining surrounded by speakers that make every note count.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best outdoor speakers in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		iPhone 15 Plus		SEE IT	Apple’s latest and greatest smartphone is not only fast, but has health-tracking and accessibility features that’re a notch above the rest.
Best Android		SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 Ultra		SEE IT	The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s ultra-large screen and style make it easy to navigate, and its multi-lens camera system is great for taking photos.
Best budget		Jitterbug Flip2		SEE IT	The most basic cellphone for seniors who just want a way to stay connected to family and friends in case of an emergency.

Aging can bring new challenges, not the least of which is choosing a cellphone for seniors. Older users need devices that keep family and friends close while boasting additional health and safety features and accessibility options to make up for changes in eyesight and hearing. Today, even the most popular mobile device makers include heart-rate monitoring, medication reminders, and voice-boosting controls in their flagship models. Senior-centric devices often focus on simplified interfaces and enhanced safety features like one-button emergency response. But there’s no age-to-phone formula. Some of the young-at-heart still crave the flashiest, most feature-rich smartphones available, while others should consider a specialized phone to accommodate factors like memory impairment, low vision, or a bit less grip strength. The best cellphones for seniors will accommodate all those users in the best ways possible.

• Best overall: iPhone 15 Plus
• Best Android: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Best under $500: iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• Best senior-centric: Jitterbug Smart4
• Best for cognitive issues: RAZ Memory Cell Phone
• Best budget: Jitterbug Flip2

How we chose the best cellphones for seniors

We conducted thorough research on smartphones and dumbphones (also known as a feature-phone, or any phone that can’t run apps), examining various sources such as our PopSci reviews, peer recommendations, critical analyses, and user testimonials to curate options and walk you through the decision-making process.

The best cellphones for seniors: Reviews & Recommendations

Oddly, there isn’t one age when the world agrees that someone has become a senior citizen. Some restaurants and retailers begin offering discounts at 55, which means people born the same year Apollo 8 rounded the moon and the first Boeing 747 jumbo jet flew are becoming eligible. In other words, Gen X. How do you pick a phone that meets the needs of a Gen Xer and a Boomer? You don’t. Whether you’re looking for a phone for yourself or a loved one, think of their individual needs, comfort with technology, accessibility needs, and, of course, budget.

Best overall: iPhone 15 Plus

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.33 inches by 3.06 inches by 0.31 inches
• Weight: 7.09 ounces
• Screen: 6.7-inch Super Retina display
• Battery: Up to 26 hours
• Network: Any, if purchased unlocked
• OS: iOS

Pros

• Extensive health tracking
• Plenty of accessibility settings
• Compatibility with hearing aids
• Multiple energy SOS features
• Front-facing camera and two rear cameras (24MP and 48MP)
• Facial recognition to unlock phone
• Supports 5G

Cons

• Expensive
• No charger included

The Apple 15 Plus—the larger version of the latest iPhone—offers an easy-to-use health app, tons of accessibility features, crash detections, and an emergency satellite SOS signal in case something happens where there is no cell signal. It’s a full-featured smartphone for someone who wants power, good cameras, and all the latest extras.

The phone’s design aims to be inclusive, which benefits older adults. The health app tracks various metrics, including heart health and balance. The medicine tracker allows users to input medicine data down to the color and shape of a pill and build a schedule. The phone sends reminders, which go away when a dose is logged or actively dismissed.

Accessibility features go beyond increasing text size and using the flashlight to read menus. The iPhone 15 is compatible with different hearing devices and can reduce background noise on calls or allow live captions. Swipes, taps, and gestures can be customized using the assistive touch, which can help adapt to tremors or fine motor control challenges. Voice control is also an option.

The 15 Plus starts at $900, depending on configurations, though Apple and cell providers often run specials and offer trade-ins. This cellphone is a great choice for people of all ages, but Apple’s commitment to keeping its phones running and improving them through regular software and security updates means the senior in your life won’t have to think about upgrading.

Best Android: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.4 inches by 3.1 inches by 0.35 inches
• Weight: 8.25 ounces
• Screen: 6.8-inch AMOLED display
• Network: Any, if purchased unlocked
• OS: Android

Pros

• Big, bright screen display
• Good battery life on a single charge
• Front-facing camera and five rear cameras with two telephoto lenses (ranging from 10 MP to 200 MP)
• Includes S-Pen stylus

Cons 

• Expensive
• No charger included
• No MicroSD card included

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, priced at $1,200, stands out as Samsung’s top-tier flagship, packed with five high-resolution cameras and a massive AMOLED screen. Its exceptional visual experience earned it the title of overall best Android phone, though it also comes with health and safety features preinstalled.

Accessibility settings like TalkBack enable spoken feedback when selecting items or going through tutorials, while gestures and taps can be customized to adapt to coordination issues. The hearing enhancements allow for alerts when doorbells ring or babies cry and support settings to boost voices during conversations.

The S23 Ultra comes with an S Pen stylus, and while not everyone digs using a stylus with a phone, the handful of fans we know are in higher age brackets. These fans like having a tool to hit small keys, even if it takes a while.

Best under $500: iPhone SE (3rd generation)

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 5.45 inches by 2.65 inches by 0.29 inches
• Weight: 5.09 ounces
• Screen: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
• Battery: Up to 15 hours
• Network: Any if purchased unlocked
• OS: iOS

Pros

• Extensive health tracking
• Plenty of accessibility settings
• Compatibility with hearing aids
• Emergency SOS
• Front-facing camera and one rear camera (12 MP)
• Fingerprint recognition to unlock phone
• Supports 5G

Cons

• No headphones or charger included
• Smaller screen

The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers many of the same health and accessibility features as the 15 Plus with a much lower price tag. As PopSci’s overall best phone under $500 in 2022, the SE has solid call quality and additional hearing settings, including hearing-aid compatibility. The smaller size makes it easy to hold one-handed or to fit in pockets, upping the odds that the phone will be on your person if something happens. But that means a smaller screen. The fonts can be increased to make reading more comfortable, but anyone who likes touch controls may find the keyboard teeny-tiny. It also doesn’t have crash detection or satellite SOS calling. It also features Touch ID, the fingerprint-based method to unlock the phone instead of facial recognition—a plus for people with biometric worries. However, it’s still for an older adult who feels comfortable with technology.

Best senior-centric: Jitterbug Smart4

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.6 inches by 3.01 inches by 0.35 inches
• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Screen: 6.75 inches
• Battery: Up to 37 hours
• Network: Lively only
• OS: Android

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Google Assistant
• Long battery life
• Simplified menus
• Internet access
• Front-facing camera, three rear cameras (13MP)
• Supports 4G LTE

Cons

• Screen could be more responsive
• Single button for Urgent Response requires mid or highest plan

Smartphones can be remarkably the same, whether you’re a die-hard Apple or Android fan. The Jitterbug Smart4 is another familiar rectangle slab shape with a big 6.75-inch screen and decent cameras, but the interface is very different. Instead of screen after screen of app icons, the Smart4 relies on a text-based list with large fonts. These simple changes eliminate memorizing what each icon means, accidentally clicking on a look-alike, or puzzling over when an app overhauls its look. For about $150, it’s an affordable phone packed with Google Assistant, live captions, and loud speakers.

Jitterbug phones, however, must be used on the Lively network, and a huge part of its appeal is the U.S.-based human support. For the $20-a-month basic plan, users can tap the support team for help with their device, get directions, or schedule a Lyft ride without using the app. Higher tiers unlock a one-button Urgent Response agent, alerts for specified people when an incident happens, care advocates, and on-call nurses. Some users note the screen could be more responsive, with some taps requiring a couple of tries.

Best for cognitive issues: RAZ Memory Cell Phone

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.49 inches by 2.98 inches by 0.34 inches
• Weight: 6.56 ounces
• Screen: 6.5 inch
• Battery: Up to 12 hours
• Network: Any if purchased unlocked
• OS: Android

Pros

• Remote management by caregiver
• Supports video calls
• One-screen only
• Location tracking
• Can block incoming calls
• Low vision and tremor modes

Cons

• Emergency services require an additional plan

Memory and cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer’s can turn a phone into a double-edged sword. You want your loved one to be able to call family and friends while protecting them from spam calls that may confuse them. The RAZ Memory Cell Phone offers a simplified interface and an app for a caregiver (or caregivers) to control it.

RAZ looks like a smartphone, but it doesn’t have any apps. The large screen features a set number of pictures that will ring up a loved one without navigating menus or contact books. The point is a simplified phone experience. When a call comes in, the phone announces the caller’s name and displays only relevant buttons like answer or hang up. It can also receive (but not start) video calls without switching to another app. The recipient doesn’t have to make decisions or risk confusion. A sticky-note reminder takes over the screen when the battery needs recharging.

The caregiver app, which can be shared by multiple people if needed, ultimately controls the Memory Call’s settings. Caregivers can add and edit contacts, set up “quiet hours” with no calls allowed, lockdown the phone so only approved contacts and numbers can come through, and even see how much battery life is left. It also offers location tracking, actively updating the phone’s whereabouts every 15 minutes.

A large, red emergency button will connect the caller to 911. For an additional fee, RAZ Emergency Service can screen the call to avoid repeated non-emergency calls. It also alerts up to three pre-selected numbers that a 911 call went out.

The $300 phone is designed with cognitive issues in mind but could benefit low-vision users, too. The uncluttered interface and large fonts can help with navigation, as do the voice announcements of who’s calling.

Best budget: Jitterbug Flip2

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.3 inches by 2.19 inches by 0.72 inches
• Weight: 4.7 ounces
• Screen: 3.2 inch
• Battery: Up to 12 hours
• Network: Lively only

Pros

• Large buttons
• Works with Amazon Alexa
• Supports 4G LTE
• No data plan required

Cons

• No internet
• No NFC technology
• No hotspot capability
• No wireless charging
• Single button for Urgent Response requires mid or highest plan

Jitterbug Flip2 is a flip phone with large, textured buttons for anyone looking for a phone that does phone things like call and text. It does not have internet access, but it does support Alexa commands. While the 3.2-inch screen would be small for a smartphone, it’s a decent-sized display for a text-based menu. It hits many of our senior features checklist: powerful speaker, hearing-aid compatibility, but only an OK camera. Users crow about the durable phone and its simplicity. The phone’s suggested retail is under $100, though a savvy shopper can find it for less around holidays. And like the Jitterbug Smart4, users can select from its three-tiered support plan.

What to consider when buying the best cellphones for seniors

The first big decision when shopping for the best cellphones for seniors is whether to recommend a smartphone or a cellphone, which will determine the device’s capabilities and user interface. Smartphones have touchscreens and are more complicated but can do a lot more. Cellphones have fewer functions but have tactile buttons that don’t change.

Safety is a concern, so look for phones with one-button or automatic alert systems in case of an incident. Many senior-focused devices offer additional plans to access call centers with urgent care needs or nurses and ways to loop in designated contacts if something happens. However, it might not be worth it for more independent seniors.

There are other factors to consider when deciding which cellphone to recommend, and we’ve highlighted the most important ones below.

Cost 

Budget is always a consideration. While the top-of-the-line, full-featured smartphones will cost a grand or more, other options are far less. But the phone is only one part of the equation. Also, consider existing phone contracts and whether your chosen device is compatible. Some senior-centric models—like Jitterbug—operate on networks that aren’t AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. However, opting for phones without big data plans or pre-paid options offers another avenue for controlling monthly costs. 

Health and medical features

Our smartphones reflect our society’s obsession with health, fitness, and wellness with built-in functions like step counting and sleep tracking and options to download apps if they aren’t. Double-check that any app-enabled medical devices are compatible with the phone you’re considering to ensure seamless integration. Some senior-focused products go the extra mile, providing support lines for access to on-call nurses, though additional costs usually apply.

Accessibility features 

Unless you need them, you may never notice the accessibility features tucked into smartphone menus. Some feature tools to help reduce background noise for hearing impairments, adjust display and text size for visual impairments, or change keyboards and gesture recognition when dexterity is a challenge. Hearing aids can frequently connect to phones through Bluetooth, but it’s not always an easy setup.

While these aren’t minor adjustments, sometimes conditions need more significant user interface changes. Blind or low-vision people can benefit from a simplified, text-heavy menu instead of screens full of tiny icons. Memory-impaired people may prefer to see a streamlined menu of people’s photos to reach out to familiar faces.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cellphones for seniors

• Best overall: iPhone 15 Plus
• Best Android: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Best under $500: iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• Best senior-centric: Jitterbug Smart4
• Best for cognitive issues: RAZ Memory Cell Phone
• Best budget: Jitterbug Flip2

Age doesn’t dictate uniformity. By considering individual needs, comfort levels, and preferences, seniors and their caregivers can find a phone that can adapt to their needs and offer peace of mind. Cellphones for seniors can help older people stay connected and independent for longer periods (and hopefully let them call you when they accept that even the snowblowers and snow shovels designed for them are a bad idea to use alone). Rather than monitoring an elderly person in your life, they can communicate with you whenever they need help. If they’re Internet savvy, a smartphone can put the world’s information at their fingertips.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cellphones for seniors in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Dell XPS 15 9000		SEE IT	The Dell XPS 15 9000 is an excellent all-around laptop for anyone who wants to do a some of everything on an elegant, sleek machine.
Best for gaming		Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop		SEE IT	It offers many different configurations aimed at gaming enthusiasts with the cash to throw into the finer details to ensure blistering speeds and an immersive experience.
Best budget		Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop		SEE IT	A solid computing choice without making as many compromises as a sub-$500 device.

Dell’s laptop lineup offers options for every computing need, from a kid tackling schoolwork to an engineer designing a plane. In fact, there’s a good chance a school or workplace issued you a Dell at some point, thanks to the company’s reputation for reliable performance, durable builds, and affordability. To pick one for yourself, list how you plan to use it, your budget, and your must-have features, and we’ll help you find one that checks all the boxes. Are you a casual user, a student, a content creator, a gaming enthusiast, or all of the above? This guide will help you check off your must-have features and pick from the best Dell laptops.

• Best overall: Dell XPS 15 9000
• Best for students: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best for gaming: Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop
• Best budget gaming: Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop
• Best for working from home: Dell-Latitude 15.6″ Laptop
• Best budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop

How we chose the best Dell laptops

There’s not a single Dell laptop that is perfect for everyone. The company’s laptop options range from Chromebooks under $500 to high-powered workhorses that cost thousands, so it helps to understand its leading laptop brands and their most common users. We extensively researched and analyzed this, drawing from a multitude of sources, including our own PopSci reviews, peer recommendations, critical analyses, and user testimonials, to meticulously curate a refined selection for you.

The best Dell laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

Dell’s Inspiron laptops offer wallet-friendly options targeting general computing needs, like streaming videos, emailing, creating social content, and other assorted, more personal computing needs. The XPS line is Dell’s premium line for creative users who need more multitasking power for intensive programs like photo and video editing. Gamers can choose between Dell’s G Series or the LED-lit options of Alienware. Business users, whether small businesses or enterprises, should look at the Latitude, Precision, and Vostro lines that prioritize powerful processors and security. And we’ve got the perfect choice from each of these below.

Best overall: Dell XPS 15 9000

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 13.6 x9.1 x 0.71 inches
• Weight: Starts at 4.2 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• Processor: Intel i7-13700 (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 SDRAM
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Arc A370M Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1200 resolution
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort, 1 SD card, headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Pros

• Aluminum body
• Sturdy, elegant design
• Good battery life
• Backlit keyboard

Cons

• 720p web camera
• No USB-A ports
• Pricey

The Dell XPS 15 9000 is an excellent all-around laptop for anyone who wants to do some of everything on an elegant, sleek machine. The XPS series is Dell’s premium line to rival Apple’s M2 series of MacBooks. A longtime favorite of reviewers and consumers, a version ranks as PopSci’s overall pick for best Windows laptop, and it’s one of favorite 15-inch laptops in general.

The XPS 15 is hard to beat for performance, and its well-designed, portable aluminum body weighs just over four pounds. The entry-level XPS starts at $1,600 and is loaded with the latest Intel i7, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and Intel Arc A370M Graphics. That’s plenty for graphic design, video editing, and some gaming, but it can be configured for more powerful processing and graphics. It can be maxed out to an Intel i9, up to 64GB of RAM, 8TB of storage, and Nvidia GeForce RTX options. The XPS 15 allows two screen options: the full high-definition plus, non-touchscreen option that measures brightness of 500 nits, or an OLED touchscreen of 400 nits. One sore spot is the 720p high-definition webcam, though the video-obsessed may want to upgrade with one of our picks for the best webcams for streaming. The other sore spot is the splurgy price, though deal hunters can still find refurbished models with 12th-generation processors to save some cash.

Best for students: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.36 x 8.92 x 0.73 inches
• Weight: Starts at 3.48 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel i7-1355U (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 14 inches, 1920 x 1200 resolution
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 1 HDMI, 1 USB-A, 1 SD card reader, headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 11 hours

Pros

• Backlit keyboard
• 1080p front-facing camera
• Fingerprint reader
• Privacy camera

Cons

• Not super bright screen
• A little heavy for form
• Stylus compatible but not included

Sometimes flexibility is what makes a device, and that includes the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop. Students can use this hybrid machine as a traditional laptop, comfortably typing out long papers, and then set up as a tent for movie-watching to decompress. Scribblers and doodlers can purchase a compatible stylus to use as a tablet thanks to its 360-degree hinges. For about a grand, it includes the latest generation Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, showcasing enough power to be one of PopSci’s best laptops for college and for working from home. It’s suitable for video conferencing and chatting with two mics, a 1080p webcam, and Dolby Atmos speakers (though don’t expect soundbar-level performance). The full high-definition plus screen has a good resolution, but at only 250 nits, it isn’t as bright as others and could be challenging in very sunny rooms.

If you burn through the 2-in-1’s advertised 11 hours of battery life, it has an ExpressCharge feature that will help you reach up to 80% power within an hour. It’s also EPEAT Silver registered and Energy Star rated and ships in 100% sustainable materials.

Best for gaming: Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 16.15 x 12.59 x 1.05 inches
• Weight: 9.32 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
• Screen size: 18 inches, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 480Hz
• Ports: 3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with DisplayPort, 1 RJ45 Ethernet port, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 headphone jack, 1 power-adapter port, 1 mini-Display port, 1 SD-card slot
• Battery life: Up to 3 hours, 21 minutes

Pros

• Customizable
• Alienware Cryo-tech calling system
• Full numeric pad

Cons

• Very heavy for a laptop
• Poor battery life
• Ports placed in the back

The Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop is a beast in size and power and the top of the line of Dell’s gaming laptops. It offers many different configurations aimed at gaming enthusiasts with the cash to throw into the finer details to ensure blistering speeds and an immersive experience. The base model starts under $2,000—reasonable for a gaming laptop—but quickly climbs as you tack on upgrades to tackle AAA gaming.

The entry model weighs 8.5 pounds and goes up from there depending on-screen options (either 165Hz or 480Hz refresh rates) and processors. We opted for mid-range specs—32GB of RAM, an AMD Ryzen 9 7845HK processor, and a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card—and hit $3,000 and a weight of over nine pounds. Part of the weight is the Cryo-tech cooling system on the CPU and GPU, plus four fans and a vapor chamber to pull heat away from sensitive components. Technically, this machine is a laptop, but it’s clearly aimed at replacing gaming PCs with a smaller format. Laptop ports usually appear on the sides for fast access. On the m18, they line up across the back—snazzily encircled by LED lights no less. That’s the ideal spot to keep desks free of cords connected to a G-sync monitor—but not for a laptop that gets moved around a lot. The three-hour battery life is underwhelming, even for a machine with a heavy workload. For an Alienware laptop, the design is somewhat tame. Still, it has its signature hexagonal grills, programmable lighting zones, and RGB keyboard (unless you want to opt for an ultra-low-profile CherryMX mechanical keyboard).

Best budget gaming: Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 14.06 x 10.8 x 1.02 inches
• Weight: 5.84 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel i7-13650HX (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 165Hz
• Ports: 3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports with DisplayPort, 1 RJ45 Ethernet port, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours, 31 minutes

Pros

• Customizable
• Backlit keyboard
• Full numeric pad
• Alienware-inspired cooling system
• One-button Game Shift mode activates fans

Cons

• 720p webcam
• Heavy
• Poor battery life

If the Alienware m18 is too much gaming laptop, take a look at the Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop, which liberally borrows from its subsidiary’s design but has a price tag of around $1,300. The G15 is better than entry-level, capable of handling AAA gaming thanks to the latest Intel i7 processor, a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, and a full high-definition screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. Unlike the sleek wedges that dominate laptop shapes, the G15 is a blocky, gray laptop with weird angles around the hinges—what Dell calls a retro design, but we call potentially laptop-bag unfriendly. It also weighs more than six pounds, thanks to an “Alienware-inspired” cooling system with ultra-thin fan blades, four heat pipes, and vents all over the place. It also has a 720 webcam, which is only meh if you plan on live streaming.

Best for working from home: Dell – Latitude 15.6″ Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 14.09 x 9.19 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 3.56 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• Processor: Intel i7-1355U (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, 1 USB-A with PowerShare, 1 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 RJ45 Ethernet, 1 headphone jack, 1 micro-SD card slot, 1 nano-SIM slot, 1 smart card reader slot
• Battery life: Up to 6 hours, 31 minutes

Pros

• Backlit keyboard
• Excellent port selection
• Features to improve video conferencing

Cons

• Plain design
• OK battery life

Despite how powerful gaming laptops can be, they aren’t necessarily the best for working at home. Consider a productivity-focused machine like the Dell – Latitude 15.6″ Laptop. For about $1,200, you can get an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of system memory to crunch through databases, code, or designs. The latest model has larger fans for better heat dispersal. Dell also packs more security and privacy features, like fingerprint readers and “onlooker detection” to alert you when someone’s peeping at your screen, and a sign-in feature that detects your presence and locks the laptop when you leave it. It also has a wide range of ports, from the latest generation of USB-C with display protocols to older USB-A, which many of your older peripherals use.

For improved video conferencing, the latest Latitude models include WiFi 6E and 5G connections for speed and a 1080p webcam with light sensors to enhance the picture and audio tools that help remove background noise and reduce echoes. And while the Latitude is just another average-looking laptop, it passes military standards for durability, so it should safely make it from home to the coffee shop and back again.

Best budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 14.11 x 9.27 x 0.67 inches
• Weight: Starts at 3.5 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• Processor: Intel i5-1335U (13th generation)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Ports: 1 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 HDMI 1.4, 1 SD 3.0 card slot, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: Up to 9 hours, 15 minutes

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Privacy shutter for webcam
• Numerical keypad

Cons

• Plain design

At under $700, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop offers a solid computing choice without making as many compromises as a sub-$500 device (though there are models below that price threshold that still perform admirably). It features a 15.6-inch high-definition screen and a roomy keyboard with a numerical keypad. That’s spacious for a laptop that weighs less than four pounds. The webcam is the better 1080p, and it sports two microphones for better video chat sound. It also features the most recent generation of an Intel i5 processor, though it sports fewer cores than the i7. While it’s a plain Jane in the laptop world, it still has ample power for multitasking and most everyday computing tasks.

What to consider when buying the best Dell laptops

The right laptop is the one that does the jobs you need and want to do, all without breaking your budget. Let’s break down the essential factors to consider when hunting for the ideal laptop companion.

Price

Dell’s laptop families target different users and have price points. Dell offers devices under and near the $1,000 mark, including 2-in-1s and traditional laptops that handle most everyday tasks like web browsing, editing documents, and streaming. However, expect to shell out between $1,500 to $2,000 for more robust systems and more than $2,000 for premium options for business and gaming platforms.

Portability

Do you plan on carrying your laptop, or is it a desktop alternative? For the former, look for devices with 13- to 16-inch screens that weigh three to five pounds. Laptops with 17- and 18-inch screens are better suited to staying on a desk or moving only occasionally. Gaming laptops tend to be heavier and bulkier due to their graphic components and cooling systems, though they have slimmed down in recent years.

If you’re on the move, assume you won’t always have a plug available. Many laptops boast about workday-length battery life, though that will depend on the brightness of your screen and what applications you’re running.

Processors, memory, and storage

The central processing unit is what performs computations. It’s hard to go wrong with Intel’s i5, i7, and i9 or AMD’s Ryzen options in Windows laptops. For quick task completion, look for more cores and higher clock speeds (measured in GHz). You don’t need top-of-the-line specs for everyday tasks, but power users, creatives, and gamers should seek out the max and most recent generation within their budgets.

Random access memory grants applications a place to temporarily store data, which means the more you multitask, the more RAM you want. For the lighter side of computing tasks, 8GB of RAM will be acceptable, but jump to 16GB or more if you’re using several applications simultaneously. Manufacturers allow upgrades to RAM prior to purchase but generally can’t upgrade it later. Ditto storage. We recommend 512GB as a starting point but consider 1TB for extensive media and large programs. 

About gaming laptops

Gamers face unique considerations for laptops that non-gamers don’t. In a word, it’s speed. The fancier the graphics in a game, the more RAM you’ll want. A safe bet is 16GB, but 32GB is better. You’ll also want the latest processors—13th generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 6000 series—and graphics cards like Nvidia’s 30-series GPUs to display graphics at higher frame rates. How fast the screen can update per second—aka, the refresh rate—also matters. Refresh rates range, but common ones are 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz. We recommend at least 140Hz for AAA gaming. How do you know what you need? Games release minimum systems requirements, so start with your favorites. However, meeting a game’s minimums risks becoming obsolete sooner.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Dell laptops

• Best overall: Dell XPS 15 9000
• Best for students: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop
• Best for gaming: Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop
• Best budget gaming: Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop
• Best for working from home: Dell-Latitude 15.6″ Laptop
• Best budget: Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop

The Dell XPS 15 9000 shines as our top choice, offering a blend of sleek design and robust performance. On a budget? The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 Laptop is a solid, cheaper choice under $700, balancing performance and affordability. Students seeking versatility will appreciate the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop, while professionals working from home should check out the enhanced security features of the Dell-Latitude 15.6″ Laptop. Gaming enthusiasts can match their skills and budget to two options: either the affordable Dell G15 5530 Gaming Laptop or the top-of-the-line Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Dell laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder		SEE IT	A touchscreen provides guidance that ensures the perfect cup every time.
Best splurge		Jura Z10 Aluminum White		SEE IT	Accept no compromises, and extract every molecule of flavor from your grounds.
Best budget		Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine		SEE IT	You don’t need to break the bank to make a latte at home.

Pumpkin spice love or hate aside, many of us tuck into lattes (and run to our latte machines) in the colder months for what can only be described as the coziest version of caffeine. It’s a security blanket for the soul, hygge we can cradle in our hands. Recreating a barista-quality latte macchiato or vanilla latte at home can be done, but it can be a challenge to get it just right. Latte machines come in a wide variety of styles, ranging from automatic wonders to maximal stainless-steel altars of dials, tubes, and built-in grinders to determine. Some require only the ability to select from a menu, while others need practice and patience. We’ve filtered through dozens of brands to find the best latte machines for anyone considering upgrading their at-home coffee options.

• Best overall: Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder
• Best compact: Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Espresso Machine
• Best Nespresso machine for lattes: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Best for iced drinks: De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
• Best splurge: Jura Z10 Aluminum White
• Best budget: Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

How we chose the best latte machines

For this roundup, we put our longtime caffeine addictions to good use, pulling from our collective experience, hands-on use, and expert and customer opinions to make recommendations. There’s a learning curve to making a great latte, and you don’t need a dedicated machine. You can pair one of PopSci’s picks for best espresso machines (or a Moka pot) with recommended milk frothers for a manual experience. For this roundup, however, we focused on machines with milk-based drink capabilities built-in that often do most of the work for you. 

The best latte machines: Reviews & Recommendations

A latte sounds simple enough to make. It’s just espresso and some steamed milk … at least, in theory. In practice, there are the proportions of espresso to milk, how foamy the milk is, whether it’s enhanced with additional syrups or spices, and all sorts of customizations that transform this versatile indulgence into your latte. The more a drink is explicitly tailored to your tastes, the more experimentation it takes—and that’s without mentioning latte art yet. But, like in any laboratory, a successful experiment requires the right equipment for the job, and that’s what we’ve got here.

Best overall: Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.9 inches D x 13 inches W x 16.4 inches T
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Capacity: 67.6-ounce water tank capacity

Pros

• Step-by-step guidance
• Assisted tamping
• Built-in grinder
• Alternative milk settings
• 3-second heat
• Saves up to 8 customized drinks
• Comes in four colors

Cons

• Pricey
• Significant counter space required
• Hard to tell when water or beans are running out

Sometimes, when you’re learning, you need someone’s hand to hold during each step of a new process. That’s what Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder does and why it’s our pick for the best overall at-home latte machine. It’s an excellent match for someone who loves espresso but has been intimidated by the thought of pulling their own shots (I’m looking at you, me).

A touchscreen walks you through every step of every drink on its menu. For example, select a latte, and the built-in burr grinder will portion grinds directly into the portafilter. You hit the lever for the built-in 22 lbs. tamper, and the Impress Puck System examines the result. Via the screen, it may prompt for more grinds or ask you to remove some. When you get a green check, you move the portafilter to the brew head, and the machine takes over. The Touch Impress includes a frothing wand and milk jug, and the “MilQ” system has presets for handling different types of milk, including almond and oat milk. However, the machine does not help you with how much or how to pour—that’s what you’ll have to figure out on your own. The jug includes minimum and maximum markers, but anyone making a traditional macchiato will toss out unused milk.

The allure of this semi-automatic machine is that it makes you feel like you’re doing more than you are, beeping corrections when the portafilter isn’t quite full or needs to be tamped again while still making some tasty espresso. It’s also a remarkably clean system. Anyone who’s dealt with a traditional machine or pouring freshly ground beans from a grinder knows how that dust gets everywhere and is magically staticy, but that is not the case here. There are a few downsides, including the roughly $1,500 price tag. And it’s hard to tell when beans or water is about to run out, and only a standard mug or shorter fits under the brew head. That’s not uncommon, however, which is why pictures of espresso machines usually feature shot glasses instead of travel mugs.

Best compact: Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Espresso Machine

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 17 inches D by 7 inches W by 12.5 H
• Weight: 18 pounds
• Capacity: 67.5 ounces

Pros

• Small footprint
• Heavy-duty tamper
• Multiple baskets for portafilter
• Temperature control
• Programmable shot volume
• Multiple color options

Cons

• Need a separate grinder
• No guidance

When counter space is at a premium, consider the semi-automatic Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Espresso Machine, which is a comparatively compact six inches wide. The machine is aimed at beginners who want to customize their espresso drinks, but you have to do the work.

The simple interface looks like only four buttons—and it is—but you can program the volumes of single and double shots, as well as the brewing temperature. Other subtle features put the Perfetta Plus above other similarly sized machines, like PID temperature control, low-pressure pre-infusion, a steam wand that rotates 360 degrees, hot water for tea or an Americano, and a cup-warming tray. It heats up in under a minute and has a programmable auto-shutoff.

Especially for a machine that’s just over $300, the Perfetta Plus accessories well. It comes with single and double wall filters for the portafilter, a stainless steel milk jug, a measuring cup, and shockingly sturdy tamper rather than flimsy plastic versions other makers include. The manometer (aka the dial on the machine) displays the extraction pressure of each shot. You’re aiming for about 9 bars of pressure, and this little dial can help you diagnose drinks that don’t turn out quite right. However, that’s going to take trial and error. This machine doesn’t follow recipes or have a screen for guidance. You’ll also need a separate grinder unless you opt for pre-ground beans or E.S.E. pods.

Best Nespresso machine for lattes: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 8 inches D x 14.4 inches W x 10.8 inches T
• Weight: 11.4 pounds
• Capacity: 34-ounce water tank capacity

Pros

• One-touch milk-based drinks
• Adjustable foam levels
• Additional platform for smaller cups
• Removable parts are dishwasher-safe

Cons

• Noisy operation
• All-plastic body
• Limited customization

The Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi embraces speed and nearly one-touch pick-me-ups. The best Nespresso machines work well for people who want robust coffee, prefer to avoid the fuss of grinding beans or foaming with a milk wand, and are content to have a machine do most of the work. You must, however, be comfortable buying coffee by the capsule. 

At shy of $700, the plastic body is a little disappointing, but it comes in chic monochrome white or black. Like most Nespresso machines, it roars as it brews. The device prompts users through clean-up steps, pushing water through the tubes and connections to prevent build-up, but the sequence takes a little practice.

Is Nespresso espresso? Going by espresso’s water temperature and pressure specs, no. However, it hits the spot for many a latte lover, and it’s hard to beat the ease of use. It stands in a smaller footprint than most other options on this list.

Best for iced drinks: De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 17.5 inches D by 10.5 inches W and 15.1 inches T
• Weight: 24.7 pounds
• Capacity: 60 ounces

Pros

• Highly automated
• Makes more than 40 drinks
• Built-in grinder with 13 settings
• Four user profiles for one-touch personalized coffee
• Brews 8-, 12-, and 16-ounce drinks
• Can fit travel mugs

Cons

• Large footprint
• Mostly plastic body

The De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine can make more than 40 different coffee drinks with minimal user effort and is our pick for the best for iced drinks. The colorful touchscreen features a menu of drinks grouped by cold, hot, or to-go, and it walks you through every step, right down to how many ice cubes to put in a cup. For iced drink lovers, what could be better? It does a lot, but it also costs a lot, at about $1,800.

The built-in conical grinder must be adjusted when you change beans, which some users report takes practice to get right, depending on what drinks you make the most. One difference from other latte makers—two things, actually—is that the Eletta Explore comes with two different milk carafes for producing hot and cold foam. Both carafes detach so they can be stored in the fridge when not in use, and the machine has a cleaning cycle to be performed after each milk-based beverage is made.

Another feature that is rare on espresso makers is a removable tray that allows a reasonable-sized (16-ounce, not a mega Stanley) travel mug to fit beneath the brew head.

Best splurge: Jura Z10 Aluminum White

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 17. 7 inches D by 12.6 inches W by 14.9 inches
• Weight: 27 pounds
• Capacity: 81 ounces

Pros

• Highly automated
• Built-in grinder with automatic tuning
• Makes more than 30 drinks
• App-compatible
• Adjustable dual spouts

Cons

• Expensive
• Huge footprint
• No milk container included

If price is no object, the Jura Z10 may be the super-automatic of your dreams. The Swiss-designed machine costs about $3,600, depending on color, and features designer touches like a blue-lit water reservoir and golden lighting at the spouts. The maker has a cult following for its flavor, design elements, and advances in brewing.

This massive machine makes more than 38 drinks with little user involvement, though you can dive into customizations, including temperatures and the fluffiness of foam. Select from the 4-inch color touchscreen or connect to the Jura Operating Experience app. (Get it? J.O.E.) The built-in grinder adjusts the coarseness according to the drink being made. This step can take considerable trial and error when done manually. The Z10 also boasts multiple cold-brew drinks, like cold brew cortados and cold brew flat whites. We’ve never heard of these before, but Jura’s cold brew recipes skip the heating element and push pressurized water through grinds.

The brew is finished in minutes, not the hours and hours of a traditional cold brew method. One serious kick in the pants is that the Z10 doesn’t include a milk container. It does have a tube, which you could, if you want, connect to the Z10 and drop it in a gallon of milk. This is either super annoying or secretly brilliant that you don’t have to clean another container—but that might depend on what mood you’re in. There are, of course, optional accessories like a branded glass container or a milk cooler.

Best budget: Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.6 inches D x 13 inches W x 14.3 inches T
• Weight: 14.2 pounds
• Capacity: 22-ounce water tank capacity

Pros

• Simple button interface
• Can do single or double shot-based drinks
• Removable, automatic milk frother

Cons

• Minimal control for milk texture
• Milk carafe has multiple components to clean

At about $225 and frequently on sale, the Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine offers an affordable, simple machine with one-button operation and the flexibility to use whatever beans you choose.

With no grinder built-in, you need to fill the portofilter with the included measuring scoop and tamper. Lock in the portafilter, line up the milk carafe’s spout, and pick whether you want a one- or two-shot latte or cappuccino. Mr. Coffee handles portioning the milk—it will manage any milk, but no unique settings. When the drink is complete, run the “clean” function that pushes steam through the milk carafe connections and pop it back into the fridge. Users also note that the frothed tends to be loud, but that’s the case with many of this style machine.

What to consider when deciding between the best latte machines

Latte machines wildly vary in how much skill and coffee know-how they take to use. If your main focus is to have an appliance do the work, consider an automatic, semi-automatic, or capsule machine. Fully or super-automatic machines could be described as a barista in a box. They follow preprogrammed recipes and often have a milk carafe or hopper for hands-off steaming. They handle grinding the beans of your choice, measuring them, tamping them, brewing them, and measuring the milk for you, too. These machines zero in on producing a consistent drink repeatedly regardless of the user’s coffee knowledge.

Like making sourdough bread, lattes can be a hobby. Sometimes, you want to hone a craft even when it’s simpler and easier to buy the end product. Suppose you want to make The Perfect Latte. Consider a semi-automatic machine for maximum control. These machines require you to pack a portafilter with finely ground beans and tamp them to perfect flatness. The device controls water flow and usually has a wand for steaming milk. You handle portioning, pouring, and, if you have the skills, the foam art. These machines also take skill—or at least the willingness to troubleshoot if a drink misses the mark. Is it old beans? Is the grind too fine? Too coarse? Is the flow slow because the tamping isn’t right? Decide whether this sounds like an enjoyable puzzle to solve or a pain.

Capsule machines hit the spot for folks who don’t want to mess with beans. Drop a premeasured, preground pod, and the machine does most of the work for you. Most capsule systems feature automated milk carafes, but some have wands to allow more control.

Price

We’ve all likely heard skipping our daily lattes will lead us to financial freedom. It’s terrible advice, but lattes aren’t a cheap habit whether you’re dropping by a local shop or picking out a machine for home. Prices range wildly from $100 to easily $1,500. Models from prestige brands can be thousands. Many automatic latte machines include built-in grinders, tampers, and frothers, but buying all these coffee devices in one appliance doesn’t necessarily translate into paying less overall. A large part of what you’re paying for is the automation and not having to remember recipes yourself. Pick the price point that makes sense for your budget, and prioritize the features in that range.

Budget models often last three to five years, while higher-end models can last 12 to 15, according to commercial coffee supplier Majestic Coffee. I scored a deal on a Nespresso Lattissma Pro Espresso Machine about seven years ago, and it still works as well as the day I unpacked it, despite using it most days. (Note: I descale it whenever it tells me to.)

Milk matters

What’s the difference between an espresso machine and a latte machine? A square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square. An espresso machine can make lattes but doesn’t necessarily have a milk-steaming component. A latte machine does. Because latte machines require espresso, they also often make black versions of espresso drinks (think lungos and ristrettos).

Selecting a latte machine with a carafe or hopper takes the guesswork out of coffee-to-milk ratios by following the programmed recipes. They froth milk to set times and consistency and then shoot it into the finished beverage. The only control a user has is usually twisting a dial for denser or fluffier foam.

Other models feature wands to use with a stainless steel milk jug. Some have wand controls to adjust texture and temperatures, while others follow a set program. A steam wand is the way to go when you want to pour the milk and foam yourself.

All milk doesn’t froth the same, whether you’re talking about whole or skim cow milk or alternatives like almond or oat. Some machines come with settings to indicate what type of milk needs foaming and adjust settings accordingly. Manual options will take experimentation.

Size

Dream of a beverage station stocked with fresh beans, carefully curated mugs, dainty little spoons, and all the assorted coffee accessories needed to start an at-home cafe? A latte machine is likely to be the centerpiece of such a station. In other words, they are big, steady fixtures, not something that gets put away after use to get back your counter. Consider how much space you’re willing to dedicate and look at how much space you have beneath upper shelves or cabinets, particularly if you’re scoping out models with a built-in grinder. They’re tall, and you need room to maneuver, whether refilling the beans or the water tank.

For a smaller space, skip the various built-ins, particularly if you have already snagged one of our picks for best coffee grinders.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best latte machines

• Best overall: Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder
• Best compact: Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Espresso Machine
• Best Nespresso machine for lattes: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Best for iced drinks: De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
• Best splurge: Jura Z10 Aluminum White
• Best budget: Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Each latte machine presents its own set of unique features and nuances. The Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine’s educational touchscreen guides you through making each up. The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine hits a sweet spot of affordability and function, while the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus Espresso Machine caters to those with space constraints without compromising on the customization of their coffee. The Nespresso Gran Lattissima by De’Longhi streamlines the process with the convenience of capsule-based brewing.

For enthusiasts seeking an array of drink possibilities, the De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine stands out, offering a multitude of choices and even accommodating iced beverages, albeit at a higher price point. For connoisseurs with a penchant for luxury and technological finesse, the Jura Z10 Aluminum White offers a rich array of options and a high level of automation.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best latte machines of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T		SEE IT	Bang & Olufsen speakers help bring this laptop’s audio to life.
Best for gaming		HP Victus 16 Laptop		SEE IT	144Hz refresh rate stops lag in its tracks for smoother gaming.
Best budget under $500		HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop		SEE IT	An entry-level laptop with solid performance.

Choosing an HP laptop can be like going to the grocery store hungry: The company aims to have an option for every flavor of computing, but its many offerings can lead to frustrating indecision. The upside of HP’s variety is that there’s something on the menu to satisfy your tastes, whether you’re salivating for a tablet/laptop hybrid, a good gaming experience, an executive-worthy business machine, or a need to stick to a tight budget. This roundup features some of our favorites and advice to help you find the best HP laptop.

• Best overall: HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T
• Best Chromebook: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
• Best 2-in-1: HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop
• Best for gaming: HP Victus 16 Laptop
• Best for business: HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop
• Best with a folding screen: HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop
• Best budget under $500: HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop

How we chose the best HP laptops

We are nerds with opinions—a redundant statement—who pulled from firsthand experience with various laptop types and dove deep into our own PopSci reviews, peer suggestions, critical reviews, and user testimonials to chop the options down for you.

The best HP laptops: Reviews & Recommendations

There’s one word to describe the HP laptop lineup: overwhelming. This well-regarded and established brand has about a dozen different brand names for laptops with additional models within them–and that’s without considering the back catalog of older but still good offerings. The sheer number of possibilities can make you want to give up before you truly start the search, so here’s some help navigating the recent models.

HP’s premium lineups include the Spectre and Envy brands, which focus on lightweight, attractive designs and have the price tags to match. For strictly business needs, consider the Elite Dragonfly and EliteBook models’ strong performance and durable designs. The Omen and Victus lines focus on delivering value gaming laptops. When hunting for good value, consider budget-friendly lines, such as the Pavilion, Steam, Notebook, and Chromebooks. Despite the many names, the brands overlap and share common features. Many laptops have speaker systems by Bang & Olufsen, backlit keyboards, and security features like physical camera shutters and fingerprint readers. Many HP devices—whether they’re laptops or a 2-in-1 device—embrace touchscreens. Using fingers or a pen can seriously boost productivity, though it results in a smudgy mess to deal with before watching a bunch of videos. Maybe it’s just my OCD talking, but you may want to refresh how to clean a computer screen.

Best overall: HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.75 inches by 8.67 inches by 0.67 inches
• Weight: 2.95 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• RAM:  16GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Storage: 512GB NVME SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7 (11th generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 13.5 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1280

Pros

• Lightweight
• Can be used as laptop or tablet
• Physical camera shutter
• Backlit keyboard
• Includes pen

Cons

• Pricey
• Older generation processor
• Low port variety with 2 Thunderbolt 4s, headphone jack, and microSD card slot

At under three pounds, the HP Spectre x360i ha Luxury 14T offers an ultraportable hybrid device that can be an elegant laptop or a tablet with an included rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen. With one of the best touchscreens of the bunch, its full high-definition screen provides a crisp, colorful picture at 400 nits, while Bang & Olufsen quad speakers supply the sound. Though it doesn’t have a ton of ports, the HP Spectre x360 Luxury features two Thunderbolt 4 ports with seemingly hidden power. The ports are compatible with USB-C 4, which supports power delivery and display protocols like DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0, so you’re not sacrificing the ability to connect a screen or monitor despite the lack of dedicated ports.

Best Chromebook: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.4 inches by 8.7 inches by 0.7 inches
• Weight: 3.33 pounds
• OS: Chrome OS
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• Screen size: 14-inch touchscreen
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600

Pros

• Bright screen
• Great speakers
• 8MP webcam
• Backlit keyboard
• Fingerprint reader
• Comes in white or black

Cons

• No headphone jack
• Few ports
• Pricey for a Chromebook

The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is for anyone seeking a higher-end Chromebook experience, not a bargain basement deal. For about a grand, this option suits users who prefer the Chrome OS, live in Google Suite and web browsers, and embrace cloud storage. It’s packed with a four-speaker Bang & Olufsen speaker system and an 8MP webcam for better video conferencing and media streaming. The shining star of the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is the 14-inch touchscreen with a 2560 x 1660 resolution and up to 1,200 nits of brightness. That’s about three to four times brighter than most average laptops, resulting in a crisp, colorful viewing experience. It’s the kind of screen you can read in the sunshine, but keeping it on at full power can also be a severe battery drain. Though HP boasts more than 11 hours of battery life, users report falling short of that.

Another thing to consider is that even the best Chromebooks have less processing power and storage than a middle-of-the-road laptop. The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook features decent storage (256GB solid-state drive) and mid-level processing (an Intel i5) but only has four Thunderbolt ports and no headphone jack. Plan on getting a USB-C hub for peripherals and one of our best Bluetooth headphones.

Best 2-in-1: HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.68 inches by 8.3 inches by 0.77 inches
• Weight: 3.35 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• RAM: 8-16GB
• Storage: 512GB-1TB PCIe SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U (13th Generation) or Intel Core i7-1355U (13th generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 14-inch touchscreen
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Pros

• Configurable
• Can be used as laptop or tablet
• Fingerprint reader
• Physical camera shutter

Cons

• Heavier than a traditional tablet
• Compatible pen not included

Sometimes, the combination of ingredients is what makes a product. Would a Sprite be delicious without lemon and lime? Doubtful. HP has long made some of the best 2-in-1 laptops, and the HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop is a particularly delicious version of a laptop that converts into a tablet for writing on it with a compatible pen or setting it up for a Netflix binge sesh. The 14-inch model is bulkier than a traditional tablet but still, an easily portable device weighing just over three pounds. The entry-level 8GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 13th generation Intel Core i5 processor is a respectable machine for multitasking and even casual gaming, but you can double the RAM and storage and up the processing power to the Intel Core i7 for about $200. That boost makes for better media creation and more demanding applications and is one of the best for students or other folks who go back and forth between typing on a keyboard and watching videos.

Best for gaming: HP Victus 16 Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 14.53 inches by 10.21 inches by 0.9 inches
• Weight: 5.07 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home
• RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Screen size: 16.1 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Pros

• Higher screen refresh rate
• Good keyboard with full numeric pad
• Good ports with 1 USB-C, 2 USB-As, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, headphone jack

Cons

• Heavy for a laptop
• Average battery life
• Could use more robust speakers

Most gaming laptops scream what they are with colorful glowing logos and more vents than an HVAC system. The HP Victus 16 Laptop isn’t that. The understated black laptop offers a good entry point for the budding gamer with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics unit. The screen’s 144Hz refresh rate helps smooth out motion, leading to a visually more pleasant experience than trying to game on a standard laptop. The Victus 16 also sports a full numeric keypad and a decent selection of ports, including an HDMI 2.1 port for connecting a gaming monitor. At more than five pounds, the Victus 16 is heavy, a common gripe for gaming laptops and the substantial cooling systems they need to offset the processing. If you’re aiming for e-sports domination, though, you might need to spend more on something from a dedicated gaming brand.

Best for business: HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.42 inches by 8.72 inches by 0.76 inches
• Weight: 3.09 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Pro
• RAM: 32-64GB DDR5 SDRAM
• Storage: 512GB-2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U Processor
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
• Screen size: 14 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1200

Pros

• Customizable
• Bright screen
• Backlit keyboard
• Fingerprint reader
• Excellent port selection with 2 SuperSpeed USB-As, 2 SuperSpeed USB-Cs, HDMI 2.1, smart card reader, headphone jack

Cons

• Higher resolution screen option would be nice

The HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop includes features like a fingerprint reader and a long battery life that make the workday a little friendlier, making it one of the best for working from home or a remote locale. We like the 14-inch screen and weight of close to three pounds for easy travel and sliding in and out of a laptop bag. The screen features an impressive 400 nits—a bright screen, but we’d love to see a higher resolution available to help avoid spreadsheet bleariness. The EliteBook’s guts can be customized from 32GB to 64GB of RAM and storage ranging from 512GB to 2TB, ample speed, and space for crunching and manipulating large files. The best business laptops have an impressive variety of ports for whatever you need to plug in, whether it’s an HP monitor or a home office printer, and the EliteBook 845 checks this box, too, with SuperSpeed versions of USBs for the fastest transfers possible.

Best with a folding screen: HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.91 inches by 7.53 inches by 0.84 inches
• Weight: 3.58 pounds
• OS: Windows 11
• RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1250U Evo Platform (12th generation)
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Screen size: 17 inches
• Resolution: 2560 x 1920

Pros

• Allows for multiple screen and keyboard configurations
• Includes wireless pen, USB-C hub, keyboard charging cable
• OLED display

Cons

• Expensive
• Webcam position changes depending on the configuration
• How well folding screens age is still TBD

Some devices like to challenge the very form personal computing takes, and the HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop is one of those puzzles. Is it a laptop? A tablet? A portable desktop? According to HP, it’s all three. If you love playing with Transformers or are a die-hard gadget geek, this might be your laptop.

The Spectre Fold has multiple pieces: a foldable tablet measuring 17 inches on the diagonal, a keyboard, and a wireless pen. You could use just the big ol’ tablet with the pen or open the built-in kickstand to use it as a large display for the keyboard (aka, a portable desktop mode). But you can also fold the tablet and screen together to make a traditional laptop with a 12.3-inch diagonal display. Feeling crazy? Slide the magnetic keyboard down to have another half-screen below the fold. New windows-snapping tools help arrange workspaces in nontraditional shapes. It’s flexible enough that you may find yourself rearranging your computer to fit your work rather than trying to make your work fit on your computer. And you get the benefit of an OLED screen’s true blacks, rich colors, and impressive contrast. However, one weird thing is that the webcam can be on the screen’s top or side, depending on the configuration.

At about $5,000, it’s a serious chunk of change to splash out for tech with some serious questions. How well will the folding screen age? Will it crease with time and use? Folding screens are still a novelty in the real world, and their durability is still being tested. 

Best budget under $500: HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 14.11 inches by 9.53 inches by 0.71 inches
• Weight: 3.75 pounds
• OS: Windows 11 Home in S Mode
• RAM: 12GB DDR4 RAM
• Storage: 512GB PCle SSD
• Processor: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (11th generation)
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 1366 x 768

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Good storage for price
• Backlit keyboard
• Good ports with 2 SuperSpeed USB-A, 1 USB-C, HDMI, SD card reader and headphone jack

Cons

• Entry-level graphics card
• Older processor

Navigating the sub-$500 laptop market can be tricky, but a savvy buyer should focus on getting as much processing power and storage as possible. The HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop offers a lot to like. The entry-level Intel i3 processor is a couple of generations behind, but it’s still suitable for most everyday tasks and computing needs. For the price range, this laptop features decent RAM and storage to support multitasking and some photo and video editing. It has a decent anti-glare, high-definition screen that’s large enough for comfortably falling into a YouTube rabbit hole, though won’t be the crispest or brightest screen on the market. It’s a solid performer and a good fit for anyone who wants to avoid overpaying for processing power they don’t need.

What to consider when buying the best HP laptops

It’s tempting to max out specs and call your search over, but that’s like buying a luxury car when all you’re trying to do is have a reliable car to go back and forth to work. Start with how you plan on using your machine and finding the best match within your budget.

Price

If only price wasn’t an object—but it is. It’s possible to get a laptop for under $500, but you’re making tradeoffs in power, speed, and display quality. Reliable laptops that can handle basic computing tasks like web browsing, school work, or home office-type tasks can be bought for $600 to $800. Expect to spend at least $1,000 or more for the kind of processing power and memory needed for creative work like editing photos or videos, or entry-level gaming. The more powerful the laptop, the more it will cost. Innovative features like new form factors or premium touches like aluminum instead of plastic can also increase the price. HP frequently rotates which laptops are on sale, so deal-watchers can likely find a model they’re coveting for a steal.

Processing power, memory, and storage

Once upon a time, you could buy a computer that met your needs at the moment but could be upgraded later. Manufacturers have moved away from upgrades after purchase, so think carefully about how much memory and storage you may need.

Processors—usually Intel or AMD in Windows machines—are your laptop’s brain. To ensure more processing power, look for more cores, higher GHz, and the newest generations. Get as much as you can afford. RAM affects multitasking performance. For basic computing, 8GB will do, but consider 16GB or more if you use many creative apps, coding, or gaming. Solid-state drives have essentially replaced slower, mechanical hard drives to benefit content creators and gamers who need speed. We like at least 512GB of storage, though of all the specs, this can be most easily addressed after purchase with external drives.

Graphics processing units display the data the CPU processes, and higher-end GPUs can display higher-fidelity graphics, something to consider if you’re gaming or editing and processing video. The flip side is that GPUs use more power and can drink the battery juice.

Display

Displays do more than look pretty, but looking pretty is a good start. Size is a prominent factor in determining how many windows you can fit on a screen, but you also want to consider a higher resolution. The higher the resolution, the sharper the screen will look, and the more details you’ll be able to see. Brightness is another factor to consider, especially if you work in a bright room or attempt to work outside on sunny days. Screen brightness is measured in nits, and can range from 200 up to 1,200. However, using a screen at full brightness is another battery drain.

Gamers will also want to consider a screen’s refresh rates, aka how fast it can update what’s happening per second. Refresh rates can range from 30Hz to 300Hz, but you’ll most commonly see 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz. We recommend at least 140Hz for AAA gaming.

Portability

Size + weight = how portable a laptop is. We like a 13 to 15-inch screen and a computer that’s three pounds or lighter device for people who want to lug laptops all around town. Five pounds may not sound like much until it’s been on your back for eight hours, but that’s about the heaviest laptop to consider for carrying around regularly. Of course, plenty of users have laptops that always stay on their desks. Bigger laptops with 16- and 17-inch displays may be heavier but grant crucial inches of screen space. Gaming laptops come packed with processing power and cooling systems, making them bulkier than other options.

Ports

Always check the ports built-in to a laptop so you can see how you can augment your computing setup. Consider the monitors, cameras, mics, audio interfaces, and other equipment you want to connect. USB-C ports are edging out USB-A as the default choice for peripherals, but not all USB-C ports and cords are equal. Some transfer only power and data, while others support video protocols that replace the need for an HDMI port. How will you know? Read carefully.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best HP laptops

• Best overall: HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T
• Best Chromebook: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
• Best 2-in-1: HP Envy 2-in-1 14” Full HD Touch-Screen Laptop
• Best for gaming: HP Victus 16 Laptop
• Best for business: HP EliteBook 845 G9 Business Laptop
• Best with a folding screen: HP Spectre 3-in-1 17″ 2.5K OLED Touch-Screen Foldable Laptop
• Best budget under $500: HP 2023 15.6 inch HD Lightweight Laptop

When selecting an HP laptop, the best one aligns with your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use it. Regarding the best overall HP laptop, the HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T takes the spotlight. Its elegant design, portability, and versatile 2-in-1 functionality make it a standout choice for users seeking style and substance (peanut butter in your chocolate, chocolate in your peanut butter … either way is a winner). However, the HP lineup has something to suit every user, from the budget-conscious to the early adopter.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best HP laptops in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher		SEE IT	This Brita filter offer a large capacity and long-lasting filter.
Best glass pitcher		LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher 7-Cup		SEE IT	Skip the plastic with this glass filter pitcher.
Best budget		Hydros | 40oz Water Filter Slim Pitcher		SEE IT	Save room in your fridge and budget with this slim pitcher.

Staying hydrated seems like an ongoing quest—at least judging by the popularity of gallon-sized jugs and those bottles marked with how many ounces to drink by specific times—and water filter pitchers can help keep it a healthy endeavor. Daily water goals can be made easy and affordable by opting for water filter pitchers instead of one-time-use bottled water. On a basic level, water filter pitchers improve the taste and smell of tap water. Some models also reduce contaminants like heavy metals, forever chemicals, or microplastics. Whether you’re sipping it yourself, filling a coffee maker, or preparing to cook, we’ve gone through dozens of options to find the best water filter pitchers for you.

• Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
• Best glass pitcher: LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher 7-Cup
• Best budget: Hydros | 40oz Water Filter Slim Pitcher
• Best for fast-filtering: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour
• Best without a single-use filter: Aarke Purifier
• Best with an app: LARQ Pitcher PureVis 1.9L/ 8-Cup
• Best dispenser: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser

How we chose the best water filter pitchers

Water from U.S. public water treatment plants is considered among the safest in the world, but exceptions like the lead in Flint, Michigan’s water supply can make people nervous. We focused on water filter pitchers that result in crisp, clean-tasting water. The fundamental technology in many of these filters is similar, though some reduce or remove other potential contaminants while others aim to retain good-for-you minerals. We also highlight when products meet or are certified for standards set by the NSF International/American National Standards Institute and the Water Quality Association, independent third-party auditors.

The best water filters: Reviews & Recommendations

Most water filter pitchers rely on the same design: an upper and lower reservoir with a filter between the two. Fill the upper section with tap water, then wait for gravity to pull it through the filter and into the lower area. But there are plenty of other choices to make, like figuring out how much water your household consumes and the space in your fridge. In addition to the cost of the pitcher, you’ll need to consider how much filters cost and how many gallons they can clean before replacement (because some of us are really obsessed with keeping our water bottles refilled).

Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.4 x 5.7 x 10.2 inches 
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups 
• Filter: Brita Elite filter (proprietary active filtering agents)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 120 gallons or about six months

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Flip top for easy refilling
• Long-lasting filter
• Electronic filter indicator
• BPA-free container
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Slow filtering

The Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher is our best overall water filter pitcher due to its relatively large 10-cup capacity, affordability, and long-lasting filter. Known as the Tahoe, the pitcher’s flip top allows faster refilling than models that require taking off the whole top. It also sports an indicator light that shows when the filter is good, going, or needs to be replaced.

We recommend the upgraded Elite Filter, certified to reduce lead, mercury, Bisphenol-A, and some pesticides and forever chemicals. It catches more contaminants than the standard white filter and lasts six months—three times longer. However, some customers note that the filter can get clogged after a few months, shortening its lifespan. A year’s worth of filters cost around $35, assuming nothing needs to be replaced sooner.

Best glass: LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher 7-Cup

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.25x 5.8 x 5.8 inches 
• Weight: 0.9 pounds
• Capacity: 7 cups
• Filter: LifeStraw Home (2-part filter includes membrane filter and activated carbon/ion exchange filter)
• Filter lifespan: Replace membrane filter after 264 gallons (about a year); carbon/ion exchange after 40 gallons (about two months)

Pros

• Borosilicate glass w/ silicone boot
• Removes 30 contaminants
• Removes bacteria
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
• Meets dozens of other standards as tested by independently certified labs

Cons

• Slow filtering
• 2-part filter requires two different schedules
• More expensive filters than other brands

Many people know LifeStraw for its survival and camping water filters, but the company also designs good-looking, effective products for your home. For about $65, LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher offers multiple colors of a modern, rounded glass pitcher that may appeal to people trying to minimize plastic in their homes. The coordinated silicone boot is a nice touch to prevent scratches and dings and adds some grip.

The filter is a two-part system that tackles 30-some contaminants that many other pitchers don’t. It holds NSF/ANSI certifications for reducing chlorine, mercury, and lead. It also meets dozens of different standards as tested by certified labs for pesticides, herbicides, and some forever chemicals, and can clear up water clouded by sand, dirt, or other sediment. The company claims you can use the filter during boil water advisories, but I’m still boiling water if that happens in my neighborhood.

The upside of the two-part filter is the lengthy list of contaminants the LifeStraw Home can remove. The downside is each part requires replacement at different times. The membrane lasts about a year, while the smaller carbon and ion exchange filters must be replaced every two months (or about 40 gallons). A year’s worth can cost about $75, higher than most other pitchers on this list. Users also note that filtration is slow, so refilling the container before sticking it back in the fridge is best. (And by the way, that’s a polite practice for the rest of these pitchers.)

Best budget: Hydros | 40oz Water Filter Slim Pitcher

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.4 x 4.2 x 4.2 inches 
• Weight: 0.8 pounds
• Capacity: 5 cups 
• Filter: Hydros Fast Fill filter (coconut shell carbon)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or about two months

Pros

• Slim design
• Fast filtering
• BPA-free
• Optional colorful filters
• Meets NSF/ANSI Standards 42

Cons

• No handle
• No indicator for filter replacement

The Hydros 40oz Water Filter Slim Pitcher eschews the standard two-reservoir filtering system, instead opting for speed. This small but mighty pitcher uses a coconut shell carbon filter attached to remove 90% of chlorine and 99% of sediment. It doesn’t target other potential contaminants. This five-cup repository doesn’t have a handle but is easy to grip and fill and is our best slim pitcher pick.

A household with little kids who insist on pouring their own drinks may consider the lack of a handle a bad thing, but it makes it easy to slip into fridge doors without hogging all the space. The Hydro Slim Pitcher also features a colorful boot, and filters come in several colors like magenta, lime, blue, and red to add an extra pop of personality. A water infuser can also be attached to the filter to add a touch of flavor from fruit or herbs.

The Hydros filters need to be changed every two months, which will set you back about $30 for a year. They are interchangeable with Hydros’ other products too.

Best for fast filtering: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.8 ix 5.6 x 10 inches 
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups 
• Filter: Brita Stream filters (activated carbon in a BPA-free housing)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or about two months

Pros

• Low upfront costs
• Filters as you pour
• Flip top for easy refilling
• Electronic filter indicator
• BPA-free container
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53

Cons

• Taste/odor-focused filtering only
• Frequent filter replacement

The Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour is the pitcher for people who hate to wait. It’s all in the name: Water flows through a spout-mounted, activated carbon filter as you pour. Anyone who has tried to fill a gallon-size water bottle knows this is a multi-step process with a typical pitcher. It will take at least one refill of the pitcher and wait for it to go through the filter. It only takes a few minutes, but you know the saying: Watched water never filters. The Brita Stream eliminates the waiting part.

The tradeoff is that it’s not a heavy-duty filter for pollutants. It’s certified to remove chlorine taste and smell but retains fluoride, minerals, and electrolytes. It’s a spongy filter, unlike the familiar plastic-encased versions that fit other Brita products. Filters need to be replaced every 40 gallons, and with multipacks, a year’s supply would cost about $38.

Best pitcher without a single-use filter: Aarke Purifier

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12.6 inches tall by 8.54inches wide by 6.45 inches deep
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups 
• Filter: Aarke filter granules
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 32 gallons

Pros

• No single-use filters
• Glass carafe with rubber base
• Stainless steel filter system
• Food-grade silicone gaskets

Cons

• Pricey
• More frequent filter granule replacement than average filters
• No advertised certifications

The Aarke Purifier is a splurge at $150, but it’s made of premium, hygienic materials such as glass and stainless steel and features a refillable filter. It’s probably the most sustainable choice on this list because it doesn’t rely on plastic filters that get tossed in the trash after use. Instead, the system relies on filter granules Aarke created with BWT, a water technology company.

The granules reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and limescale, which helps avoid spotting on cookware. Granules last about 32 gallons before they must be changed. The company offers two types of granules: Pure and Enriched, which adds magnesium and changes tap water into alkaline water. Each three-pack runs from $20 to $30.

Best with an app: LARQ Pitcher PureVis 1.9L/ 8-Cup

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 9.84 x 9.45x 9.06 inches 
• Weight: 2.25 pounds
• Capacity: 8 cups 
• Filter: LARQ filter (plant-based carbon) and UV light
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 60 gallons

Pros

• Two-step filtration process
• Self-cleaning with UV light
• Comes with app to track water consumption and filter life
• Meets NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• App is iOS only
• Pitcher must be charged
• Expensive filters

The LARQ Pitcher PureVis offers something different: The water pitcher uses a two-step process to filter water and inhibit bacteria growth. First, water flows into a plant-based Nano Zero filter to remove chlorine, mercury, cadmium, and copper. Then, the pitcher’s “UV wand” emits light that fights bacteria and viruses in the water.

The LARQ must also be charged every two months with the included USB-A charger. The whole kit and caboodle also comes with an iOS-only app to help track when to change filters and how much water is consumed. The gadget-ified pitcher will run about $170 but may appeal to folks used to smart appliances and tracking all sorts of personal metrics (the reason the company also makes our favorite smart water bottle). LARQ offers two levels of filters, and even though they’ll last a bit longer than many on this list, a year’s supply will set you back between $100 for entry-level filters or about $150 for advanced versions.

Best dispenser: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.1x 5.3 x 15.3 inches 
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Capacity: 30 cups
• Filter: PUR PLUS faucet filters (activated charcoal)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or two months

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Filter change indicator
• Slim design
• Large capacity
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Frequent filter replacement

Households with a lot of people or anyone challenging themselves to drink a gallon of water a day may want the PUR PLUS 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser. This high-capacity dispenser features a slim, deep design and a no-leak spigot for about $70. The PUR PLUS filter is certified to reduce 70 other contaminants, including lead, mercury, and some pesticides. It’s made of activated carbon from coconut shells. It features a mineral core to replace some natural minerals—like calcium and magnesium—for a fresh taste with no chlorine taste or odor. But they only last for about 40 gallons or two months. Stocking up for a year is usually around $50 when buying multipacks.

What to consider when buying the best water filter pitchers

How much water you should drink is a personal number, not the standard eight glasses we grew up hearing. Having clean-tasting water on hand will help hit whatever your hydration goal is. Water filter pitchers are often more affordable than stocking up on single-use bottled water and are more environmentally friendly. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider to find the right pitcher for you.

Materials

Plastic is the default for many pitchers and a key material of many filters. While finding an entirely plastic-free product is difficult, there are options. Some offer premium materials like glass, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone parts. Check the manufacturers’ guidance to see if you’ll be handwashing components or running them in the dishwasher. Water filter pitchers’ popularity has also led to more makers considering aesthetics, so it’s not hard to find an attractive option you’d happily leave on the counter.

Filters

Filters vary in cost, design, and what they reduce or remove. Most of the filters in this roundup are activated carbon, which can absorb chlorine and reduce asbestos, lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds. Review performance data on manufacturer websites if you have specific concerns, like removing a particular chemical or heavy metal.

We’re not a lab, so we prefer products that are certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association. However, we point out products that “meet” the standards verified by independent labs.

Here are some of the common standards in this roundup:

• NSF/ANSI Standard 42 This is a common standard, which indicates a filter can remove chlorine taste and odor or chloramines.

• NSF/ANSI Standard 53 Another common standard that indicates the reduction of some heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, as well as some pesticides and herbicides.

• NSF/ANSI Standard 401 This indicates the filter removes or reduces up to 15 kinds of “emerging impurities,” such as bisphenol A (BPA), ibuprofen, DEET, microplastics, and some pesticides and herbicides.

Water consumption

Consider how much water your household drinks and how many gallons a filter can handle before it needs replacement. Filters must be changed for a pitcher to remain effective. Some handle as few as 40 gallons, so a parched or large household may need to change a filter far sooner than the estimated two months. Filters designed to last longer may be a better option. And don’t forget to do a little math to how much you’ll splash out for a year’s worth of replacements.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best water filter pitchers

• Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
• Best glass pitcher: LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher 7-Cup
• Best budget: Hydros | 40oz Water Filter Slim Pitcher
• Best for fast-filtering: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour
• Best without a single-use filter: Aarke Purifier
• Best with an app: LARQ Pitcher PureVis 1.9L/ 8-Cup
• Best dispenser: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser

There’s no need to stay thirsty, my friends. We’ve identified the best water filter pitchers for your home, whether you’re prioritizing affordability, sustainability, or a great design. The Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher for Tap and Drinking Water with SmartLight Filter Change Indicator + 1 Elite Filter, our pick for the best overall, updates the classic Brita with a better-fitting top, ample handle, and a longer-lasting but cost-conscious filter. But whichever you pick, remember to change the filters regularly to get the most benefit and least contaminants.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best water filter pitchers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD		SEE IT	Fast enough to work directly from the drive, this drive is great for gamers, video editors, or people dealing with large media like RAW photo files on location.
Best rugged SSD		Best rugged solid-state drive: Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD		SEE IT	A rubberized coating and grippy grooves help you hold it, but if it falls it can withstand drops from about 10 feet and has an IP65 rating to resist dust and water.
Best to match your Mac		LaCie Mobile Drive 4TB External Hard Drive		SEE IT	Like MacBooks, the portable hard-disk drive features a rectangular body with rounded corners and a clean aluminum body in either a coordinating silver or space gray.

Who has yet to lose photos, videos, or more crucial data to tech gremlins? Apple users who want to expand storage space and regularly back up their data must buy an external drive, tap the cloud, or combine the two. Unlike maxing out storage specs when initially buying your iPhone or MacBook, external drives offer an affordable path to mitigating unexpected problems like bumping against your device’s storage limits or restoring from Time Machine after a glitch. External drives come in many sizes, capacities, and costs to meet whatever computing conditions you can imagine. This guide will offer some general buying advice and our picks for the best external drives for Macs.

• Best overall: Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD
• Best rugged solid-state drive: Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD
• Best rugged hard-disk drive: SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive Armor ATD
• Best to match your Mac: LaCie Mobile Drive 4TB External Hard Drive
• Best encrypted drive: Apricorn 4TB Aegis Fortress L3
• Best for media storage: LaCie Professional 4TB External Hard Drive Desktop

How we chose the best external drives for Macs

I’ve been covering technology for nearly two decades. However, I’ve pulled mainly from my experience backing up and transferring files from outgrown iMacs, MacBooks, and iPhones. I’ve used all kinds of external storage devices, including 3.5-inch floppy discs and Zip drives. I’ve also combed through editorial reviews, benchmarking sites, and customer reviews to compare specs and user experiences.

For this roundup, we focused on external drives specifically for Macs. We stuck to 4TB to help compare prices between devices and technology, but most offer alternative amounts of storage. (PC users, check out the best external hard drives here.)

The best external drives for Macs: Reviews & Recommendations

Picking the right external drive relies on how and where you want to use it, how much storage you want, and how much you want to spend. If you want to move 4K videos from your iPhone to your laptop, you’ll like want a solid-state drive that’s compact and possibly rugged to withstand being tossed in a bag. Ditto if you want to work on applications that live on an external drive. SSDs transfer data many times more quickly without moving parts, making them more durable than hard-disk drives’ spinning platters. If portability isn’t a concern, hard-disk drives tend to offer more gigabytes per dollar.

Take stock of what kind of ports your computer has to find compatible external drives. Newer Apple MacBooks and desktops sport Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports and USB-C 3 and 4 ports compatible with USB-C accessories and cables. Even the new iPhone 15 models joined the USB-C club. However, all USB-C connections aren’t the same. The standard has multiple generations that support different charging and transfer speeds. While compatibility isn’t the issue, maximizing transfer rates could be. Getting a blazing-fast USB-C external drive and cord doesn’t mean your device (an iPhone, for example) will support it—more on that in our things to consider, which can be found below our top choices.

Best overall: Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 0.39 inches tall by 2.56 inches wide by 1.97 inches deep
• Weight: 1.48 ounces
• Flash memory options: 1, 2, and 4TB
• Drive type: Solid-state drive
• Connection: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
• Read/write speeds: 2,100/2,000 MB per second
• Default format: exFAT
• Warranty: 5-year limited

Pros

• Very small size
• Hole for lanyard
• Dust- and splash-resistant
• Drop resistant to 7.5 feet
• Compatible with iOS, Windows, PC, Android, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox
• Supports password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption
• Complimentary subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud and Mylio Photo+
• Includes USB-C cable

Cons

• Fingerprint magnet
• Needs to be paired to devices with fast ports to take advantage of speed
• Higher price per byte

Our pick for the best overall external drive is the Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, an ultra-portable, fast solid-state drive that fits easily in a palm. Its aluminum casing is sleek and dust- and splash-resistant exterior without looking like a bulky, rugged device. The casing collects fingerprints but can withstand everyday use and being jostled in a bag.

Its 2,100/2,000 Mbps read/write speeds make it fast enough to work directly from the drive. It is a big plus for gamers, video editors, or people dealing with large media like RAW photo files on location. The Crucial X10 Pro might be overkill for someone looking to back up a few documents, offload vacation pics from an iPhone, or have older devices with slower connections. Like all external drives, you’ll only hit maximum speed using other devices that support USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2. As for the latest iPhones, the 15 Pro models support faster data transfer speeds, but the non-Pros don’t.

It’s formatted for exFAT files, which means it can plug into devices with different operating systems. It’s more designed for moving media files and applications than serving as a backup, which is why it comes with a limited-time subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud and Mylio Photos+. It’s a speedy and durable get for about $260.

Best rugged solid-state drive: Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 0.49 inches tall by 3.39 inches wide by 2.24 inches deep
• Weight: 3.42 ounces
• Flash memory options: 1, 2, and 4TB
• Drive type: Solid-state drive
• Connection: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
• Read/write speeds: 1,050/1,000 Mbps
• Default format: exFAT
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros

• Multiple colors
• IP65 rating for dust and water resistance
• Drop resistant to 9.8 feet
• Compatible with PC, Android, gaming consoles
• Supports password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption
• Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables

Cons

• Rubberized exterior attracts dust

Check out the Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD for a rugged SSD, perfect for people who trek into the great outdoors or for folks who are rough on their computing gear. The Shield added a rubberized coating and grippy grooves to Samsung’s crowd-pleasing T7 portable drive line. It can withstand drops from about 10 feet and is IP65-rated so it can resist dust and water. It’s available in three colors—beige, blue, and black—though many users note that the soft-to-touch coating attracts dust and can collect scratches. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections with a fast enough speed— 1,050/1,000 Mbps—to edit directly from the drive. Samsung has since released a T9 line, so the price of the Shield has dropped a bit to around $200 for 4TB. It also comes in 1TB and 2TB sizes. Like the Crucial X10, the Shield comes preformatted in exFAT to use with multiple devices. Time Machine users would have to reformat.

Best rugged hard-disk drive: SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive Armor ATD

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 1.18 inches tall by 5.2 inches wide by 3.46 inches deep
• Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Flash memory options: 1, 2, 4,  and 5TB
• Drive type: Hard-disk drive, 2.5-inch disc
• Connection: USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
• Transfer rate: 140Mbps
• Default format: HFS+
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros

• IP54 rating for dust and water resistance
• Drop resistant
• Out-of-the-box compatibility with Time Machine
• Compatible with Windows after reformatting
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3
• Includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables

Cons

• No hardware encryption
• Heavy
• OK speeds

If you’re looking for a rugged device at a lower price, consider SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive Armor ATD. At around $150, this hard-disk drive houses 4TB in an aluminum case wrapped in a rubber bumper. It’s larger, heavier, and slower to transfer than the SSD drives listed above, but that’s part of the tradeoff between SSD and HDD. It supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, which tops out at transfers at 5 Gbps, and Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3 (aka the old, big connector). It also comes formatted in Apple’s HFS+, meaning it’s ready for Time Machine users right out of the box. 

SanDisk Professional recently found itself in a controversy earlier this year after users reported data loss and suddenly unreadable SanDisk Extreme SSD products. The company released a firmware update, but you’ll find lots of angry customers blasting the company’s products in user reviews. The G-Drive Armor ATD is a hard-disk drive, not an SSD, so we feel good about our recommendation but felt it was still an issue worth mentioning.

Best to match your Mac: LaCie Mobile Drive 4TB External Hard Drive

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 0.39 inches tall by 3.46 inches wide by 4.79 inches deep
• Weight: 6.35 ounces
• Flash memory options: 1, 2, 4, and 5TB
• Drive type: Hard-disk drive, 3.5-inch disc
• Connection: USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
• Transfer rate: 130Mbps
• Default format: exFAT
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros

• Available in moon silver or space gray
• Compatible with Mac, PC and iPad USB-C
• Supports password protection and Seagate Secure 256-bit encryption
• Includes Rescue Data Recovery Services
• LaCie toolkit
• One-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud
• Includes USB-C cable

Cons

• OK speeds

If the Apple aesthetic draws you in, behold the LaCie Mobile Drive 4TB External Hard Drive. Like MacBooks, the portable hard-disk drive features a rectangular body with rounded corners and a clean aluminum body in either a coordinating silver or space gray. (Sorry, no starlight or midnight colors.) Designed by Neil Poulton, each drive is made of about 25% recycled materials.

Regarding performance, it has a respectable read/write speed of 130Mbps, supports the USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, and has a wallet-friendly price tag of about $145—in a relatively expensive accessory sector that makes it the best budget pick. The drive has a toolkit to enable one-click or automated backups, including mirror folders. It also comes with Rescue Data Recovery Services if something goes wrong and a one-month trial of Adobe Creative Cloud.

Best encrypted drive: Apricorn 4TB Aegis Fortress L3

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 0.9 inches tall by 4.75 inches wide by 3 inches deep
• Weight: 13.7 ounces
• Flash memory options: 500GB; 1, 2, 4, and 5TB
• Drive type: Hard-disk drive, 3.5-inch disc
• Connection: USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
• Transfer rate: 180Mbps
• Default format: NTFS for Windows
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros

• Rugged exterior
• IP66 rating for dust and water resistance
• Physical keyboard for codes
• 256-bit AES XTS hardware encryption
• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated
• Admin and user modes
• Compatible with PC, Mac, Linux
• Includes USB-C and USB-A cables

Cons

• Expensive per TB
• Comes formatted for Windows

While most drives on this list have password protection and hardware encryption, the Apricorn 4TB Aegis Fortress L3 entire design screams security from the physical keypad to the FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation. That means it meets U.S. government security standards for using an approved encryption algorithm and tamper-resistant physical security measures. This rugged hard drive doesn’t have the fastest transfer rates, but it’s packed with features like separate administrator and user modes. Admins can control PIN length, auto-locks, and whether users can have more than read-only access. It also has a self-destruct PIN, which may conjure some cool Mission Impossible-like implosions but just wipes data. The security features come at a cost—almost $400—but could be worth it if you carry sensitive data, are extremely cautious, or need granular control over a shared external drive. According to the user manual, the Fortress L3 comes formatted for Windows but can be reformatted for Macs or other operating systems.

Best for media storage: LaCie Professional 4TB External Hard Drive Desktop

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 7.42 inches tall by 2.36 inches wide by 5.12 inches deep
• Weight: 2.36 pounds
• Flash memory options: 4,8, 10, 14, and 16TB
• Drive type: Hard drive, 3.5-inch disc
• Connection: USB-C 3.1 Gen 2
• Transfer rate: 240Mbps
• Default format: exFat
• Warranty: 5-year limited

Pros

• Compatible with Mac, PC, and iPad USB-C
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3 and 3.1
• Supports password protection and Seagate Secure 256-bit encryption
• Includes Rescue Data Recovery Services
• LaCie toolkit
• One-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud
• Includes USB-C cable

Cons

• Requires power source

We’ve mainly focused on portable drives that pull power from a single connection, but sometimes, you need a stationary option. The LaCie Professional 4TB External Hard Drive Desktop would be a permanent feature at someone’s workstation, making it great for businesses needing backups. The aluminum tower houses a Barracuda Pro enterprise-class drive that hits speeds of up to 240Mbps to make editing or archiving large files easy. Like the portable LaCie on this list, it’s ready to be used with Macs or PCs out of the box and can be configured for one-button or automatic backups. It also comes with a one-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud and five years of Rescue Data Recovery Services. This desktop drive starts at about $190 for 4TB but can go up to double-digits if more storage is needed.

What to consider when buying the best external drives for Macs

Some tech purchases are more emotion than specs, but not external drives. Here are a few essential terms to keep in mind:

Solid-state drive vs. hard-disk drive

Newer Apple computers have solid-state drives internally, but you don’t have to match what’s under the keyboard. Make this decision based on your budget, your desired storage, and whether you’ll be carrying the drive around. SSDs are generally much faster at reading and writing, and smaller than HDDs with the same storage. However, SSDs will cost more per byte than an HDD. Spending the same amount or less on an HDD will buy significantly more storage space. Why? HDDs are an older technology, and their spinning platters make them more at risk of mechanical failure. If you’re lugging a drive in a bag to and from school or work, you may want the extra durability of an SSD. If you’re dealing with massive media files or editing from the external drive, you may want an SSD’s speed. If you’re plugged in at a desk, a desktop HDD makes more sense.

Storage capacity

Knowing how much storage you need can be tricky, but we recommend building in room to grow. Consider the type of data you’re looking to store or back up. Are you using external drives for 4K videos, applications, and backups of your entire machine? Go as big as your budget allows, or buy multiple drives. Are you transporting documents and spreadsheets? You can probably get away with something smaller. Also, note that no matter what the storage size is advertised, you never get that much actual space. Formatting absorbs some of that.

File formats

External drives need some formatting to know what to do with your files. Drives marketed as “for Macs” usually have been preformatted with Apple’s proprietary file formats like APFS or HFS+, which will support Time Machine backups. This works for folks in the Apple ecosystem who take advantage of that feature. However, suppose you want Windows-compatible drives to access files on your external drive. In that case, you’ll need to use FAT or exFat, but the drive will be incompatible with Time Machine. There are many other ways to format your external drives (partitions, for example), so we suggest checking out file formats available through Disc Utility. If you’re a power user, plenty of online discussions exist where you can fall into rabbit holes of debate.

USB-C

USB-C’s small oval ports and connectors pushed out familiar rectangular USB-As as the default. USB-C connections, however, are more complicated than they seem at first glance. Ports and cables may look the same, but different generations support different transfer speeds, and some include additional protocols like video connections like DisplayPort or HDMI. The video protocols aren’t relevant for external drives, but which generation is. Here’s a solid breakdown of USB-C and labels, which will help find the fastest possible transfer speeds between your device and your external storage—if that’s your goal. Most of the drives on this list support USB-C 3, which has transfer speeds ranging from 5 to 20 Gbps. Remember, your transfers will only be as fast as the slowest part of the connection.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best external drives for Macs

• Best overall: Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD
• Best rugged solid-state drive: Samsung T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD
• Best rugged hard-disk drive: SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive Armor ATD
• Best to match your Mac: LaCie Mobile Drive 4TB External Hard Drive
• Best encrypted drive: Apricorn 4TB Aegis Fortress L3
• Best for media storage: LaCie Professional 4TB External Hard Drive Desktop

We’d argue that you should have several different external drives for a Mac that serve different functions. First, we like storage on the go so we don’t run out of space on our phones and cameras, which the Crucial X10 Pro or our recommended rugged drives fulfill. We also suggest a drive dedicated to backups, whether you use Apple’s Time Machine format or prefer something more customized. It’s your data, and external drives offer an affordable option for protecting it.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best external drives for Macs in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro		SEE IT	A middle-of-the-road option for the Pro line in size but a laptop offering a significant jump in processing power and bells and whistles.
Best for video editing		MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro		SEE IT	The M2 Pro’s top-of-the-line screen supports Hollywood’s P3 color standard or can be tuned to other configurations for TV or other projects.
Best compact		MacBook Air 13-inch M1		SEE IT	The Air M1 still rocks the wedge-shape that Airs were locked into for years.

Choosing a MacBook has become a bit like buying a car. Picking a model seems relatively straightforward until you navigate all the trim options to find what suits your budget, needs, and wants. Apple’s MacBook models include the Air and the Pro, but several different types of the company’s custom-built M-series processors can be under the hood. Overall, the chips have boosted MacBooks’ performance and battery life, though it’s easy to buy more power than your daily tasks need. We’ve combed through the specs to help you find the best MacBook for you.

• Best overall: MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro
• Best Air: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best for college: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for music production: MacBook Pro 13-inch M2
• Best compact: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

How we chose the best MacBooks

To find the best MacBooks, we’ve pulled from PopSci testing and extensive research of peer and user reviews. Apple doesn’t have the hugest laptop lineup, but the company’s options for mixing and matching processors and storage do a good job of meeting many users’ needs.

The best MacBooks: Reviews & Recommendations

After opting for an Apple laptop, the next choice pits MacBook Air versus Pro. MacBook Air models perform excellently for most users, offering a slim, ultra-portable body that’s durable and lightweight. MacBook Pro models are super-charged for more intense workloads with more powerful processors, higher resolution screens, and more ports to speed through creative projects like music production and image editing. Consider whether you want a MacBook for web surfing, emailing, writing, or more media- or code-heavy tasks.

Best overall: MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 Pro chip with 10-to 12-core CPU, 16- to 19-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
• RAM: 16-38GB unified memory
• Storage: 512GB-8TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe

Pros

• Bright screen
• Considerable power even at base model
• Long-lasting battery
• Available in two colors: space gray and silver

Cons

• Expensive

For most people, the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro will be more machine than they need but an excellent, future-resilient choice for anyone who tries to stretch the time out between laptop purchases as long as possible.  The 14-inch model is the middle-of-the-road option for the Pro line in size but offers a significant jump in processing power and bells and whistles over the Pro 13-inch M2 model.

While the 14-inch M2 Pro is housed in Apple’s signature aluminum body, it’s loaded with higher-end features that lead to an elegant experience. For starters, its bigger screen is Apple’s tip-top Liquid Retina XDR display, which uses mini-LED backlighting for bright, crisp images and a refresh rate that makes for smooth scrolling like on an iPad Pro. That clarity—and the six speakers with spatial audio support—make for a more immersive movie-watching experience, a solid gaming experience, or a lovely video chat. The mighty M2 Pro chip makes quick work of RAW files, video editing, and pretty much anything you can throw at it without triggering the dreaded rainbow wheel of death. The larger size also allows for more ports—including HDMI and SDXC card slots—and more room for the built-in cooling system.

The only downside is the base model will set you back about two grand, but it starts with the kind of specs we often recommend springing for to improve other models, such as a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. For about $500 more, consider boosting the storage from 512GB to 1TB if you plan on significant video creation or explore the best external drives for Macs.

Best Air: MacBook Air 15-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• RAM: 8-24GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.45 x 13.4 x 9.35 inches
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports

Pros

• Lightweight
• Larger screen
• Snappy operations
• Improved tools for video conferencing
• Available in four colors: midnight, silver, space gray, starlight

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 is a darn good laptop, one of our top picks for businesses, and a serious contender for best overall on this roundup. Apple released the 15-inch version of the Air in June, and there’s a lot to like. The base M2 chip is fast off the line: The machine boots up in mere seconds, apps open nearly instantly, and the battery can easily last a workday.

The 15-inch M2 base model starts at $1,299 with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, offering a step up in processing power for only a couple hundred more than the 13-inch version. The bigger body accommodates an improved video conferencing setup with a higher resolution camera, a three-mic array, and six speakers instead of four. The larger Liquid Retina display is enough to functionally use two windows side by side. And yet, the Air is still less than a half-inch thick and weighs just over 3 pounds.

The Air line has some potential drawbacks, so we gave the best overall MacBook to a Pro model. Apple opted for a fanless cooling system for Air models, which is how they can be so light and essentially silent. For most day-to-day tasks, that’s not a problem. Many of us don’t push our machines to their limits. Anyone who doesn’t have processor-taxing jobs could safely save some cash by opting for an Air instead of a Pro. However, the Air line storage starts at 256GB, which is just too tiny for a laptop these days. Upgrade the storage and unified memory if your budget allows—they aren’t upgradable later. 

Best for college: MacBook Air 13-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• RAM: 8-24GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Ports: MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack

Pros

• Lightest MacBook
• Good all-around performer
• Sturdy body
• Available four colors: silver, midnight, space gray starlight

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

If treated with a little TLC, the MacBook Air 13-inch M2 can easily last an entire (and perhaps even prolonged) college career. In our MacBook Air M2 review, we called it “one of the best laptops you can buy right now, bar none,” and it topped our best MacBook for college roundup. So what makes it so great?

The Air M2 is durable, portable, powerful, and generally an excellent value for a Mac. Average classwork like emails, video conferencing, and web research pose no challenge for the processors. They can also handle some gaming and basic video and photo editing but can start stuttering as the machine gets warm. The M2 edition features noticeable upgrades from its predecessor, such as improved webcams and microphones, a larger screen (13.6 inches, up from 13.3), and a brighter, sharper Liquid Retina display. It’s a solid performer whether hitting the books, procrastinating with your favorite streaming service, or delighting mom by FaceTiming home. (Seriously, moms love that. Call your mom.)

Upgrading from the base model to the 10-core GPU and 512GB SSD storage configurations will set you back about $500, but is worth it to avoid storage headaches and laggy transfers.

Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• RAM: 16-32GB unified memory
• Storage: 512GB-8TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 inches
• Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port

Pros

• Large display supports P3 color standard
• Unique architecture makes for super-efficient operation
• Built-in SD card reader
• Lots of ports
• Longest battery life for a MacBook

Cons

• Pricey for base model
• Upgrades for high-end video add up quickly
• Heavy for a laptop

If your video ambitions lean more toward films than TikToks, check out the MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro. We chose this 16-inch monster as the best laptop for video editing because of its large, sharp display and ability to speed through rendering multiple layers of high-resolution video.

Its top-of-the-line screen supports Hollywood’s P3 color standard or can be tuned to other configurations for TV or other projects. It’s powered by the most sizeable battery in a MacBook, complete with a 140W MagSafe power adapter for fast charging for times you want to leave your workspace, like editing vacation videos while still on vacation. But video editors are often desk-bound, with multiple monitors and tons of external drives, which the 16-inch M2 Pro can handle with a decent amount of ports.

The M2 Pro chip drives the swift performance, making it one of the best MacBooks for creatives. For the most challenging of workloads, you can opt for the M2 Max chip, which doubles the graphics processing for high-end production work, but it’s going to add another grand onto the M2 Pro’s entry price of about $2,500. Then, of course, there’s the cost of an amazing mic for voiceovers—you could be the Alec Baldwin to the next Wes Anderson.

Best for music production: MacBook Pro 13-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• RAM: 8-24GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and headphone jack

Pros

• Lightest MacBook
• Good all-around performer
• Sturdy body
• Available in two colors: space gray, silver

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

DJs often bask in the glow of MacBook Pro 13-inch M2’s Liquid Retina screen, and for good reason. Its aluminum body looks good in stickers and, more importantly, is extremely lightweight with a long-lasting battery for carrying from studio to stage. 

We chose its predecessor, the MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, as the best laptop for music editing, but the M2 version ups the processing power and drops the not-so-loved Touch Bar. We recommend upping storage to at least 1TB to ensure you have enough room for the best DJ software and/or best beat-making software and your library of carefully curated tracks. Just add headphones and you’ve got a very capable gig rig.

Best compact: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

SEE IT

Specs

• Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display
• CPU/GPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• RAM: 8-16GB unified memory
• Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Dimensions: 0.63 inches tall by 11.97 inches wide by 8.36 inches deep
• Weight: 2.8 pounds

Pros

• Affordable
• Fast to switch between tasks and open apps
• Available in three colors: space gray, silver, gold

Cons

• Lower resolution webcam
• Few ports
• USB-C charger occupies one port when charging
• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 13-inch M1 kicked off the new generation of Apple’s laptops with the highly efficient M1 system-on-a-chip series in 2020 and is one MacBook you can usually find for under a grand.

Unlike the squared-off, mini-Pro shapes the new Airs have, Air M1 rocks the wedge-shape Airs were locked into for years. It relies on a fanless calling system, which keeps it cool during demanding tasks while keeping it a slim 2.8 pounds. Only tablets are more compact than this MacBook.

When it first debuted, we called it one of the best overall laptops in our review, and it’s still great. It’s a snappy machine for people who spend most of their time on websites and emailing. The base model starts with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB solid-state drive storage, but again, we recommend at least upping the amount of storage to 512GB. The screen also isn’t as sharp as other Apple displays, the webcam is a lower resolution of 720 pixels, and it only has two Thunderbolt ports, one of which it needs to charge.

What to consider when buying the best MacBooks

Several important factors must be considered to ensure you get the right model for your needs. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind:

Purpose and usage

Give a good think to how you use your MacBook. Is it largely online shopping and social media? Are you composing an audio or visual masterpiece? For the former, the slim Air line will likely fit your needs and then some. Creatives should opt for Pro models and consider higher-level M-series chips, like the Pro or Max.

The price tag of a MacBook isn’t cheap, but businesses should consider both upfront costs and maintenance. According to a Forrester study, Macs can be less expensive for IT teams to support over their lifecycle because of fewer user complaints and tickets to resolve. They also come with free productivity software, though Page, Numbers, and Keynote are hardly the sector-leading programs. The company is also well-known for its customer service and support. 

Processing power, storage capacity, and memory

Say it with me: You can’t upgrade Apple chips after purchase. Whatever specs you purchase are what you commit to for the life of the MacBook. It’s one of the downsides of the company’s bespoke M-series system-on-a-chip, which houses most essential functions like the central processing unit, graphic processing unit, security enclave, neural engine, and shared memory. While we don’t suggest maxing out everything for every model, weigh where your money gives extra value.

Apple’s M1 and M2 chips deliver faster processing than the previous Intel chips Macs used to have. The base models easily handle general computing needs. Anyone who spends a lot of time photo and video editing, video processing and rendering, 3D rendering, or code compiling should consider upgrading to Pro, Max, or Ultra chips.

A lot of MacBooks start with a paltry 256GB solid-state drive that will fill up quickly. Choose at least 512GB, though 1TB feels more reasonable for a modern laptop. Storage upgrades through Apple get pricey fast, so weigh what you need built-in against what can easily be supplemented by cloud storage or external drives.

You will rarely regret maxing out shared memory as much as your budget will allow. Think of Apple’s shared memory like random access memory in PC-based machines, but it operates more efficiently (hence the lower number).

Portability

MacBooks all have a durable aluminum body, a premium feature compared to most plastic-loving laptops. They range in size from 13- to 16-inch screens and weigh between 2.7 pounds and 4.7. While lugging 5 pounds around town is pushing a comfortable weight, MacBooks have some of the longest-lasting batteries around. While Apple advertises 18- and 22-hour battery lives, that depends on what kind of applications you’re running and how bright displays are set. Still, most MacBooks easily make it through an 8-hour workday.

Ports

We’re obsessed with ports because Macs often have limited options, preferring to push their own proprietary versions. Most of the Air MacBooks have only two ports and a headphone jack. The Pro line offers more options, like HDMI and card readers. Consider your many accessories—like wired and wireless mice and external monitors—and whether you’ll need adapters or a USB-C hub.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best MacBooks

• Best overall: MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro
• Best Air: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best for college: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for music production: MacBook Pro 13-inch M2
• Best compact: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

MacBooks start at higher prices than other laptops but come chock full of premium and market-leading features like day-long battery life. We recommend the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Pro, a powerful, media-consuming and creating machine that has the specs to last an average user for many years, as the best overall MacBook. But make no mistake, every MacBook on this list is an outstanding laptop, whether you’re looking for lightweight, portable options like the Air or more powerful Pro models for making music or films.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best MacBooks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum		SEE IT	This premium model features smart mapping, programmable no-go zones, spot cleaning, and works with voice assistants.
Best self-emptying		Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base		SEE IT	This model is programmable, cleans rooms row by row, and then empties debris into a bin.
Best budget		eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX		SEE IT	Pros This affordable option is designed with anti-collision technology and provides 100 minutes of cleaning.

Pet owners know keeping fur from collecting in corners, couch crevices, and our clothes is a Sisyphean task, but a robot vacuum for pet hair can help. It doesn’t matter if scritch sessions end in a handful of Himalayan or husky; our fate is to vacuum again and again, forever. But that kind of menial, repetitive task can easily be outsourced to a robot vacuum that will never tire—even during seasonal shedding. Since their debut, robot vacuums have gotten smarter, better, and added a bunch of bells and whistles like scheduling, hands-free emptying, and mops so you can delegate more cleaning tasks. Here’s our guide to finding the best robot vacuums for pet hair so that you can spend more time with your furry friend(s) and less worrying about the floors.

• Best overall: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
• Best self-emptying: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base
• Best for hardwood floors: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum
• Best vacuum-and-mop combo: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
• Best budget: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX

How we chose the best robot vacuums for pet hair

As long-time pawrents, we understand fur is nature’s glitter; it’s magically everywhere, hard to remove, and turns up where you least expect it. It takes a combination of frequent maintenance and deep cleaning to keep a house clear of tumbleweeds of fluff and allergens. As much as robot vacuums have stronger suction than they used to (we recommend paying, if possible, for models with at least 2500 Pa—the vacuum force for listing debris), they are best at tackling the frequency part of the equation. Have them do a lap around the house a few times a week (or daily!) to delay how often you need to drag out a traditional vacuum and its arsenal of brushes and tools for furniture. (And here are our suggestions for regular vacuums for pet hair.) With that in mind, we made recommendations based on hands-on experience, research, and reviews to find a reliable robot helper.

The best robot vacuums for pet hair: Reviews & Recommendations

The right robot vacuum depends on how many furry friends you have, their coats, how much they shed, and what floor types need to be cleaned. A house with an American domestic short-hair cat and hard floors may want a machine that can pick up litter and do some mopping. Anyone with a herd of shepherds may want a self-emptying base to minimize how often they dump all that hair. Or maybe you want an affordable machine to supplement your other vacuum. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Best overall: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

SEE IT

Specs

• Robot dimensions: 3.5 inches tall by 12.3 inches wide
• Robot weight: 8.2 pounds
• Base dimensions: 19 inches tall by 11.5 inches wide by 15 inches deep
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Bin size: 60 days of dirt
• Run time: Maximum 120 minutes

Pros

• Self-emptying design
• Three levels of cleaning
• Smart mapping
• D-shaped robot
• Dual rubber brushes
• Customizable no-go zones
• Alexa, Siri, and Google voice assistant compatible
• WiFi connected

Cons

• Pricey
• Noisy
• Some app complaints

So many intelligent features are packed in the iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum that they’re hard to list. The WiFi-connected robot features smart mapping, programmable no-go zones, and the ability to send it out for spot cleaning. It is also compatible with many voice assistants, including the big three: Alexa, Siri, and Google.

The black-and-bronze robot effortlessly weaves through furniture. Its D-shape allows it to maneuver into corners better than some round machines we’ve tested. Its various sensors help it dodge socks and toys we fail to pick up. The powerful suction and dual rubber brushes easily pick up large debris and ably pull up dog hair ground into the carpet. Occasionally, it leaves a wad of fur in its wake when it goes to empty the bin, but it often picks it up as it shimmies through a second sweep (though not always). Not all robot vacuums have self-emptying bases, but pet owners will find it well worth it to avoid handling a mix of fur and floor grunge. The Roomba s9+ empties itself into a bag, which may need frequent replacing in a high-fluff house.

When the Roomba s9+ debuted, it was the top-of-the-line vacuum with a matching price of $1,000. However, Roomba has released new models and dropped the cost of the s9+ considerably, making it a better value. It can also be linked to iRobot’s Braava Robot Mop (included in our best Roombas guide). Users report two main complaints: the app has occasional weirdness, like losing maps, and both the 2500Pa robot and its dock are loud.

Best self-emptying: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base

SEE IT

Specs

• Robot weight: 12.2 pounds
• Base dimensions: 11.4 inches tall by 18.5 inches wide by 13.4 inches deep
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Bin size: 30 days of dirt
• Run time: Maximum 60 minutes

Pros

• Self-emptying base
• Bagless
• Room mapping
• Google and Alexa compatible
• WiFi connected
• Can schedule cleaning

Cons

• Noisy
• Not great at edges and corners
• Some users have difficulty with the app

You don’t have to drop a fortune to get a self-emptying base for a robot vacuum. The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base is an older but reliable model that empties itself into a bin with no bag. Just dump the container after about a month of cleanings. The EZ Robot goes row by row to clean a room and can resume a cleaning where it left off should it recharge before the room is done. Google Assistant, Alexa, or the app can be used to control and schedule cleanings, though some users report issues with the app connecting. The round bot is a little clunky. It has a built-in bumper, which is good because it sometimes bumps into furniture.

Best for hardwood floors: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum

SEE IT

Specs

• Robot dimensions: 4 inches tall by 13 inches wide by 14 inches deep
• Robot weight: 7.5 pounds
• Surfaces: Hard floors, low- to medium-pile carpets
• Run time: 130 minutes

Pros

• Vacuums and mops
• Two-tank system
• Uses cleaning solution specially designed for wood floors
• Donates money to support homeless pets with every purchase
• Cleans with reusable pads
• Can schedule cleaning
• WiFi connected
• Quiet

Cons

• No mapping
• Sometimes bumps into furniture
• Must use Bissell cleaners or warranty is voided

Bissell has long made wet/dry vacuums, but the Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum is its first robot that does both. Swap in the dry tank to have it vacuum, or put in the water tank to mop with two spinning, washable pads. This versatility helps out pet parents with a lot of hard floors to keep clean. At this mid-range price, the SpinWave delivers more than expected, like an app that offers customized cleaning priorities, the option to build a cleaning schedule, and quiet operation.

Even though it doesn’t have advanced mapping features, the SpinWave cleans in tidy rows instead of bumping around randomly. The mopping mode avoids carpets with a soft surface sensor and is safe for hardwood floors, vinyl, and tile. The SpinWave also uses Bissell’s range of proprietary cleaners instead of the plain water most robot mops suggest. However, the solution evaporates rather than being suctioned up, so furry friends should be kept out until dry.

Best vacuum-and-mop combo: ECOVACS Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop

SEE IT

Specs

• Robot dimensions: 3.7 inches tall by 13.9 inches wide by 12.6 inches deep
• Base dimensions: 20.8 inches tall by 15.5 inches wide by 17.4 inches deep
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Bin size: Reported 90 days of dirt
• Water tank size: 4 liters
• Run time: Maximum 210 minutes

Pros

• 3D mapping
• Four cleaning modes: vacuum only, mop only, vacuum before mop, vacuum and mop
• Mop pads lift when not in use
• OMNI station automates emptying, water refilling, and drying
• AI-controlled obstacle avoidance
• Lidar sensor
• YIKO voice assistant
• WiFi connected

Cons

• Pricey
• Durability to be determined

While the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop isn’t The Jetsons’s Rosey, it’s getting close. The newly launched flagship model comes stacked with high-tech features like artificial intelligence to suggest how to clean up a mess and a LiDAR sensor, a type of laser detection and ranging technology used on self-driving cars and other autonomous vehicles. It maps in 3D and can be sent to spot clean by pointing it out on the app. It also comes with a voice assistant and can make two-way video calls if you want to see what your pet is up to. We haven’t done an in-home test yet, but we saw a demonstration where the squared-off robot successfully dodged toys, power cords, and expensive short-throw projectors on hardwood, holding a tight line with a wall while also sensing the need to lift its mop pads as it went over a carpet. 

In addition to the kind of tech that can keep a vacuum from knocking over a pet’s water bowl, and 8000Pa suction to get all the stray kibble and undercoat, the X2 Omni has a mode where vacuuming and mopping happen simultaneously. It’s a time saver and a big plus if vacuums stress out your pet (after all, we want to clean up any puppy puddles, not inspire new ones). The dock, dubbed the Omni station, automates a lot of the floor care that most people don’t want to deal with, like emptying the dust bin, refilling the robot’s water tank, and cleaning and drying the dual mop pads after use. The convenience comes at a recommended price of $1,499, but we’ve seen launch deals that knock a couple hundred off.

Best budget: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX

SEE IT

Specs

• Robot dimensions: 2.9 inches tall by 12.8 inches wide by 12.8 inches deep
• Robot weight: 5.7 pounds
• Surfaces: Carpets and hard floors
• Run time: Maximum 100 minutes

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Quiet
• Remote control
• Amazon Echo compatible

Cons

• Not “smart”

Look no further than the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX for an affordable robot vacuum. It’s a bit old-school because it doesn’t map or go row by row. Instead, it cuts a random path through a room but features anti-collision technology and drop-sensors so it doesn’t fall down stairs. It has about 100 minutes of cleaning time, 2000Pa of suction, and is relatively quiet. It’s also under three inches tall, easily fitting under couches where fluff transforms into dust bunnies. At around $250 (and often on sale), it’s a highly rated model for people looking for simple operation without apps or cameras.

What to consider when buying the best robot vacuums for pet hair

Budget

As robot vacuums have become more common, their prices have dropped while the features you can get for your money have increased. Entry-level robot vacuums can start around $100, but they’re often made by obscure or unknown brands and have that erratic, bump-and-go style. Determine your budget and think about how smart—or not—you want the robot to be. Remember that more expensive connected smart-home models often have advanced features, like sophisticated sensors, voice control, and mapping technology.

Robot height and shape

In the robot vacuum world, short kings reign supreme. It’s worth measuring low furniture to see how much clearance is available. Can a robot move freely under a platform bed, or will it get trapped? A robot’s shape can impact cleaning, too. D-shaped or squared-off bots can get closer to corners and edges than round ones.

Room for a dock

A regular vacuum can live in a closet or a spare corner, but a robot vacuum needs space around its dock. Manufacturers’ guidance varies, but they often recommend a foot and a half to three feet of space on either side of the dock and four feet of empty space in front of it. And you’ll need a power plug.

Privacy

All smart tech comes with privacy concerns; robot vacuums are no different. Robots that map our homes are inherently collecting private data. Devices that connect to WiFi open the possibility of that data being accessed by someone else by accident or design. The advanced cameras some models use to map and identify objects also capture images of our home’s interior and potentially our family members. If this freaks you out, opt for a bot that doesn’t connect to the internet or has cameras, but it won’t be able to avoid pet waste.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best robot vacuums for pet hair

• Best overall: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
• Best self-emptying: Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base
• Best for hardwood floors: Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum
• Best vacuum-and-mop combo: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
• Best budget: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX

Robot vacuums were practically made for pet owners, saving time and effort. While we think the self-emptying base, advanced mapping features, and ability to block out no-go zones make iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum the best overall pick for a robot vacuum, all of the options on this list can ably cut down fur and dander without a ton of human effort.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best robot vacuums for pet hair in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher		SEE IT	This tried and tested pitcher offers long lasting filters and a BPA-free design.
Best faucet		PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System		SEE IT	The PUR faucet filter will give you clean water on-demand.
Best water bottle		LifeStraw Go Series		SEE IT	The two-stage filter in the LifeStraw Go water bottle will provide safe drinking water no matter where you are.

Water filters may seem like devices that mostly come up when people talk about travels to the backcountry or other countries, but they can be important tools everywhere. Tap water goes through a fantastic journey from rivers and reservoirs through pipes of many sizes to flow through your faucet. Drinking water in the U.S. from public water systems is among the safest in the world, but many households opt for additional filtration. Filtering often focuses on removing funky tastes, smells, and sediment, though many filtration systems also reduce other potentially harmful chemicals. We dove into specifications and certifications of small portable systems up to countertop water dispensers to surface the best water filters for a glass of fresh-tasting H2O.

• Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
• Best pitcher: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour
• Best faucet: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
• Best water bottle: LifeStraw Go Series
• Best backpacking: Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System
• Best countertop: Brita Hub
• Best budget: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser

How we chose the best water filters

Water filters come in as many sizes and shapes as you can imagine. However, we winnowed our list of portable and affordable options for households looking to improve their water taste. We kept our renting readers in mind, so homeowners may want to explore permanently installed options like under-sink water filters or whole-house water filters. We’re not a lab, so we opted for products that meet or are certified to standards set by NSF International/American National Standards Institute and the Water Quality Association.

The best water filters: Reviews & Recommendations

The type of water filter that’s best for you depends on how much you want to treat at a time, how long that takes, what you’re treating it for, and how often you’re replacing filters. Are you looking to remove basics like chlorine and sediment? Is a lead a concern? Different filters target a range of contaminants, such as chlorine, particulates, lead, heavy metals, microbes, bacteria, viruses, or PFAS, more commonly known as “forever chemicals.” Some even filter out microplastics, which is a growing concern for many. 

Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.7  x 5.4 x 10.1 inches 
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Filter: Brita Elite filters (proprietary active filtering agents)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 120 gallons or about 6 months

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Flip top for easy refilling
• Long-lasting filter
• Electronic filter indicator
• BPA-free container
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Slow filtering
• Frequent refills for thirsty/large households

Our pick for the best overall water filter is an update on a classic. The Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher is the best for most people because of its low cost (about $35), ease of use, and improved filter. Most of us have likely used a Brita pitcher at one point. This model makes some notable design improvements. Instead of removing the whole lid to refill, simply pop open the flip-top. 

The spout features a color-coded system to indicate when to replace a filter. Green is good, yellow indicates replacement is coming up, and red shows it’s time to change. The rest of the form is familiar: The tap water goes into an upper tank, and clean water slowly filters into the bottom reservoir. This model boasts a 10-cup capacity, but households that fill many water bottles daily may find themselves refilling—and waiting—a lot.

The essential improvement in this model is the Brita Elite filter, which catches more contaminants than the standard model and lasts three times longer. You only need to replace the filter once every six months instead of every two, minimizing cost and trash. The filter still results in the crisp, chlorine-free taste Britas are known for and is certified to reduce lead (99 percent), Cadmium, Mercury, Benzene, Asbestos, and more. Many reviewers note that the Elite does have clogging issues, so you may find yourself changing more frequently than the six-month replacement window. Still, the extra protection over Brita’s standard filters seems worth the extra few bucks.

All pitchers have downsides. They don’t purify water, so always start with potable water—and make sure it’s cold or room-temperature, never hot. They’ll need thorough hand washing regularly to keep clean, but most are made of a brittle plastic that chips, clouds, or cracks with age. But they are abundant, readily available, and affordable. Remember to factor in buying and replacing filters as part of the overall expense.

Best pitcher: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10.75 x 5.6 x 10 inches 
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Capacity: 10 cups
• Filter: Brita Stream filters (activated carbon in a BPA-free housing)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or about two months

Pros

• Low upfront costs
• Filters as you pour
• Flip top for easy refilling
• Electronic filter indicator
• BPA-free container
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53

Cons

• Taste/odor-focused filtering
• Frequent filter replacement

Usually, a water filter pitcher has an inner reservoir that you fill, and it slowly drips clean water into the bottom half. You have to wait until gravity does its job before taking a sip. The Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour bucks that trend. The 10-cup pitcher forces water through an activated carbon filter before pouring out of the spout. Admittedly, waiting a few minutes for filtered water to drip from the reservoir to the rest of the pitcher isn’t the most significant inconvenience—but it is annoying if you’re the person who always seems to grab the pitcher when there’s only half a glass left. (And obviously, we’re often that person.)

This Brita water filter pitcher removes chlorine taste and smell but retains fluoride, minerals, and electrolytes. The filter clicks into a cage that then twists into place on the lid. The lid also houses an electronic indicator to remind you to change filters, which is about every 40 gallons or every two months. Brita Stream replacement filters run about $9 to $10 each, a few bucks more per filter than Brita Standard filters but on par with the longer-lasting Brita Elite filter.

Best faucet: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.9 x 5.2 inches 
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Capacity: N/A
• Filters: PUR PLUS faucet filters (activated charcoal)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 100 gallons or 3 months

Pros

• Small form factor
• Installs and removes without tools
• Filter change light
• Can switch between filtered/unfiltered water
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• May not fit all faucets, especially pull-out or handheld faucets
• Frequent filter replacement
• Doesn’t filter microbes

Installing a PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a low-cost, low-effort filtration system that quickly filters drinking and cooking water. No tools are required: Remove the faucet’s original aerator and washer and replace them with the PUR PLUS Faucet Mount system with the PUR PLUS filter inside. For around $30 to $40, the filtration system helps reduce chlorine taste, odors, and 70 other contaminants, including lead, mercury, and some pesticides. However, the filter does not remove microbes. 

The PUR PLUS filter includes activated carbon from coconut shells and a mineral core to replace some natural minerals—like calcium and magnesium—for a fresh taste. The benefit of a faucet filter is that you can pour directly into a pot or a giant gallon water bottle without repeatedly refilling a filtering pitcher or dispenser. And it filters instantly, so you don’t need to wait around. The PUR PLUS Faucet Mount filters last longer than most pitchers, stretching to 100 gallons or every three months. The faucet system comes in several colors, and the horizontal filter positioning looks sleek.

Best water bottle: LifeStraw Go Series

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: ‎‎3.54 x 3.54 x 10.79 inches
• Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Capacity: 1 liter
• Filter: 2-stage filter system (membrane microfilter and activated carbon)
• Filter lifespan: Membrane microfilter: 1,000 gallons (roughly 5 years), carbon filter: 26 gallons (roughly 2 months)

Pros:

• Easy to carry
• Available in many colors and 22-ounce capacity
• Cap covers mouthpiece
• Meets NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and P231

Cons:

• Large size doesn’t fit in cupholders or some backpack pockets
• Two filters will have different replacement schedules

Here at PopSci, we are very much into on-the-go hydration. And carrying a water bottle with a built-in filter can bring peace of mind whether refilling for everyday adventures or traveling to exotic locales. We’ve loved the LifeStraw Go Series for a number of reasons, but largely because of how effective the two-stage filter system is. 

The activated charcoal filter helps keep water tasting fresh and smelling, well, not smelling. The membrane microfilter catches little nasties like bacteria, parasites, sand, dirt, and microplastics—all things that could seriously ruin a vacation. It’s important to note that the charcoal filter lasts about two months (26 gallons), while the membrane lasts for five years (or more than 1,000 gallons). There’s no clear way to track both, so you’ll just have to remember.

The plastic version of this water bottle is BPA-free, made of 50 percent recycled plastic, and comes in 1-liter or 22-ounce sizes. The lightweight materials are ideal for hiking or travel. However, if you want to minimize your plastic use or want insulation, the Go Series also comes in a stainless steel version in 24-ounce or 1-liter capacities. The double-walled bottle keeps water cool—a huge part of hitting your daily water goals—but it’s not for hot beverages. All versions include a cover that keeps the mouthpiece clean, which we definitely appreciate when traveling. 

Best backpacking: Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches 
• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Capacity: N/A, but filters up to 32 ounces at a time
• Filter: Hollow fiber filter
• Filter lifespan: Indefinite

Pros

• Lightweight
• Includes attachments for different uses
• Lifetime warranty
• Filters down to 0.1-micron absolute filtration
• Reduces bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics
• Can be cleaned and used nearly indefinitely

Cons:

• Not for chemical contaminants or viruses
• Reviewers warn not to let pouches freeze
• Squeezing and rolling can wear out the pouches
• Occasional backwashing is needed to restore flow rate

PopSci previously identified the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System as a reliable, portable water filter system for backpackers, hikers, and other adventurers. The tiny size makes it easy to throw in your pack without adding excessive weight, which is a must when backpacking. 

It’s also very simple to use. To clean water, fill a pouch, attach it to the palm-sized filter, and squeeze the water into your mouth. But that’s just one way the kit works. It also includes a straw and a hydration pack adapter to filter inline. Plus, the filter can attach to most standard water bottles, so you don’t need to fuss with the pouches on trips. Reviewers often suggest avoiding the “squeeze” and letting gravity pull dirty water through the filter to prevent wear and tear. 

The system removes most bacteria, protozoa, cysts, and microplastics. In fact, the Sawyer squeeze filter is the only filter on the market that can claim 0.1 absolute microns (every fiber is 0.1 microns in size). For perspective, no harmful bacteria are smaller than that; therefore, none can slip through the filter. As long as you keep the filter clean, this device should last forever. In fact, there are no filters to replace. However, Sawyer recommends periodically backwashing if the flow rate slows, which should restore 98 percent of the flow rate. 

And remember, there are right and wrong ways to handle camping water filter storage.

Best countertop: Brita Hub

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 15 inches 
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Capacity: 96 ounces
• Filter: Brita Hub filter (carbon block)
• Filter lifespan: 120 gallons or 6 months

Pros

• Water reservoir position can change
• No tools for installation
• Frees up fridge space
• Pours 12 or 20 ounces at a time, with one free-flow option
• Filter lasts up to 6 months
• Certified for NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Dispenses room-temperature water only
• Requires counter space
• Higher upfront costs

For fast-filtered water and less frequent filter changes, check out the Brita Hub. No installation or plumbing is required for this countertop filter system. Simply plug in the sleek, white Hub, fill the 12-cup water reservoir, and instantly get filtered water free of chlorine tastes or odor. The tradeoff for a filter on the counter is that it will only serve up room-temperature water. But it’s a solid option for people who don’t have the fridge space for clunky pitchers or large dispensers.

The carbon block filters (about $30 each) last up to six months, and an indicator light will give a heads-up when it’s time for a change. The Brita Hub is certified to reduce 70 contaminants, such as lead, some forever chemicals, and select pesticides. The main downside is that a unit will run about $180 (at the time of writing), which is more upfront cost than other options on this list. But if you want a large-capacity option for your counter, the Hub is a great choice. 

Best budget: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 11.2 x 6 x 16.1 inches 
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Capacity: 30 cups
• Filter: PUR PLUS faucet filters (activated charcoal)
• Filter lifespan: Replace after 40 gallons or 2 months

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Filter change indicator
• Slim design
• Large capacity
• Certified NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401

Cons

• Heavy when full
• Frequent filter replacement

One of the better bargains for water filters is getting a high-capacity dispenser in your fridge. You can snag a PUR PLUS 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser for the same price as some water filter pitchers. The slim, deep design doesn’t take as much space in a fridge as it feels like it should, though it can be heavy and awkward to put on a shelf when it’s full. 

A spigot allows easy access, even if the system is still filtering. The dispenser uses the same activated carbon filters as the PUR PLUS faucet mount system, reducing 70 contaminants, such as lead and microplastics. It’s good for chronically parched or large households, though the filter must be swapped out every two months. Like most water-filtering pitchers, this dispenser isn’t a purifier. It refines already drinkable water and doesn’t remove microbes.

What to consider when buying the best water filters

Choosing water filters depends on where and how much water you plan to drink or use for cooking. That said, you could surround yourself with many options, like a pitcher for home use and a water bottle for running around during the day. While all these options will result in crisp, clean-tasting water, consider if you want your filter to offer additional protection.

Cost

We stuck to products with relatively low-cost products, but the ongoing cost of each replacement must be factored into the long-term cost of ownership. There’s no hacking a filter: They must be replaced regularly to remain effective. Most use proprietary filters, so you’ll need to stick with the specific filter made for your product. 

Water consumption vs. filter capacity

Compare how much water you drink with how long the filter is supposed to last. Many options above require changes as frequently as two months or 40 gallons. If you’re attempting to drink a gallon per day, that shortens the filter’s lifespan to just over one month. Finding a water filter system that handles a higher volume of water with a longer-lasting filter may be time-saving and cheaper.

Filter type

Most of the filters in this round-up rely on activated carbon, which can absorb chlorine and reduce asbestos, lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds. Other products use other filtration processes like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation, which you should consider if installing an under-the-sink or whole-home filter or if you have serious concerns about water quality.

Filtration efficiency

Filter effectiveness varies, so we looked at NSF/ANSI standards. We prefer certified products, which means that NSF International or the Water Quality Association tested and verified the company’s claims. Certification is time-consuming and costly for a company, so we also indicated where outside labs found products that “meet the standards” but aren’t certified.

Here’s what some of the standards mean, but review the manufacturer’s performance data to see the specific contaminants a filter is effective against:

• NSF/ANSI Standard 42: This is a common standard, which indicates a filter can remove chlorine taste and odor or chloramines.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Another common standard that indicates the reduction of some heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, as well as some pesticides and herbicides.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 401: This indicates the filter removes or reduces up to 15 kinds of “emerging impurities,” such as bisphenol A (BPA), ibuprofen, DEET, microplastics, and some pesticides and herbicides.
• NSF/ANSI Standard P231: This is where purification comes in. This standard means microbiological contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and cysts are reduced or removed. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best water filters

• Best overall: Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
• Best pitcher: Brita Large Stream Filter as You Pour
• Best faucet: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
• Best water bottle: LifeStraw Go Series
• Best backpacking: Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System
• Best countertop: Brita Hub
• Best budget: PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser

Anyone looking for the best water filters has plenty of affordable options to cover a variety of needs, whether lugging around a reliable system in the woods or covering a household’s drinking and cooking needs. It’s hard to go wrong with the filters we recommend from well-known, longtime brands like PUR and Brita. Both brands’ filters are readily available and carry multiple certifications. And don’t rule out getting multiple items—you never know when you’ll be thirsty next.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best water filters of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville		SEE IT	This machine lets you brew up coffee and espresso with one touch—and you can tidy up after a few cups.
Best value		Instant Pod 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker		SEE IT	This affordable option allows you to choose between single and double espresso and your desired cup capacity.
Best premium		Breville Nespresso The Creatista Pro		SEE IT	This gleaming machine lets you select from nine preset drinks and allows you to adjust coffee volume and froth levels.

Starting the day with plain, old drip coffee sometimes feels so basic—it’s function, not flair, but a Nespresso machine can help. Espresso drinks can be customized to fit your day and mood. A double espresso preps for a day that’s all business, no frills. A latte with skim milk offers comfort without adding too much to a waistline. An affogato is an adventure in a cup, and if you start your day like this, you’re probably a party. Paying for such variety at a local coffee shop can add up but even folks with zero barista skills can recreate many of their favorites with help of a Nespresso machine. The capsule-based system automates many coffee-based drinks into a one-button operation or a selection from a menu. We combed through popular models, examining the variety of drinks they make, the types of accessories they take, and their ease of use to determine the best Nespresso machines for every type of caffeine capsule connoisseur.

• Best overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville
• Best value: Instant Pod 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker
• Best small: Nespresso Essenza Mini by De’Longhi
• Best for lattes: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Best premium: Breville Nespresso The Creatista Pro

How we chose the best Nespresso machines

We’re the kind of people who get caffeine headaches if we miss our morning cuppa … and our afternoon follow-up. We’ve been perfecting our home setups for years, experimenting with different coffeemakers for our own consumption and for reviews. And we love to give coffee gifts to coffee lovers. Our recommendations come from this accumulated experience, expert opinions, and research.

The best Nespresso machines: Reviews & Recommendations

Nespresso machines are best for people who like their coffee on the more robust, darker side and want a machine to do most of the work. Compared to the grinding, tamping, and pulling of a traditional espresso machine, Nespresso machines brew quickly and comparatively cleanly. The flavor is also remarkably consistent—it’s one of the selling points (too consistent across pods, some say, but to each their own). To pick the suitable machine for your home, determine whether you want coffee, espresso, or milk-based drinks; consider the size of used capsule containers and water tanks; and how easy it is to operate and clean. If the slower, more customizable route is your speed, check out our picks for the best espresso machines. But if you love the idea of one-touch pick-me-ups or even some lite steam pipe experimentation, get that coffee travel mug ready and read on.

Best overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions:  6 inches D x 17 inches W by 13 inches H, but includes an adjustable water tank to help fit space
• Type of Capsule: Vertuo 
• Capacity: 60-ounce water tank capacity
• Extra Feature: Used capsule container holds up to 10

Pros

• Makes four sizes of drinks: a single or double espresso, lungo, or 8-ounce coffee
• Auto-off after 9 minutes
• One-touch operation

Cons

• No customization
• Some users report leaks developing in the water tank

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville offers one-button simplicity for households that want espresso and coffee. The machine can brew a single or double espresso, lungo, and 8-ounce coffee, but it reads the capsule for the brewing specs, including coffee size, temperature, pressure, and brewing time. In other words, you don’t customize your drink with buttons; you select its main features according to whatever Vertuo capsule volumes and flavors you bought.  The expansive capsule menu includes single-origin options, flavors like pumpkin spice cake, and iced options that brew with intense flavor. 

Brewing is as simple as selecting a capsule, pressing a button, and waiting. When complete, the capsule automatically drops into the used capsule container. The Deluxe model comes with one of the larger used capsule containers and a 60-ounce water tank, so you won’t have to empty or refill the machine after each drink. Water tank placement is also adjustable; it can be moved behind or kept on the side to adjust for shallow counters or weird corners.

It’s an excellent machine for someone who wants simplicity and to clean up after a few cups, not each one. However, some users complain about the water tank developing leaks after years of use.

Best value: Instant Pod 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 7 inches D x 13 inches W x 14 inches H
• Capsules: Nespresso Original capsules, Keurig cups, or ground coffee in included reusable cup 
• Capacity: 68-ounce water tank capacity
• Extra Feature: Reusable pod lets you brew your own beans

Pros

• Make all the coffee formats
• Makes six drink sizes, including 2-, 4-, and 6-ounce Nespresso
• Does collect Nespresso capsules in container

Cons

• Tall when lid is open, can bump some top cabinets
• Looks like a plastic box

The Instant Pod 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker is for the household that insists on having many coffee options in a single machine. And this bad boy is the only machine that brews from Nespresso Original capsules, Keurig cups, and, yes, even your own beans of choice with an included reusable pod. The multitasking machine comes from the makers of the Instant Pot multicooker, though this kitchen gadget doesn’t seem to have a cult following—yet.

Like other entry-level Nespresso machines, the Instant Pod’s suggested retail runs around $180, and it can crank out a single espresso, a double espresso, or a lungo. However, it offers the flexibility of three more sizes—8, 10, and 12 ounces—for Keurig cups and your own grounds without having another machine on your counter. There’s also an option to brew “bold” for putting it over ice. It’s the most flexible machine for coffee and espresso drinkers, especially if Nespresso’s signature crema on its regular coffee is too bitter. 

The boxy, all-plastic body gives water cooler vibes minus the water bottle. Still, it does have a massive 68-ounce water tank that will take a reasonable amount of time before a refill is needed, particularly when brewing cup by cup. Some users warn that its height and flip-top-style lid can be too tall for some upper cabinets, so measure carefully.

Best small: Nespresso Essenza Mini by De’Longhi

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 4.3 inches D x 13 inches W x 8 inches H
• Capsules: Original 
• Capacity: 20-ounce water tank
• Extra Feature: Used capsule container holds up to 6

Pros

• Makes two sizes of drinks: espresso or lungo
• Two programmable drink sizes
• Small footprint
• Offered in black or red

Cons

• Espresso only

The Nespresso Essenza Mini by De’Longhi is teeny tiny by coffee machine standards but is big on simplicity. It warms up in under 30 seconds, switches to a low power mode after three minutes, and automatically turns off after nine. The Essenza Mini features only two buttons, making either a single espresso or a nearly 4-ounce lungo using Nespresso Original line capsules. If you prefer a different volume, you can program each of the two buttons, but this isn’t a machine for someone who wants a Stanley mug to sip out of all day.

The machine, which comes in black or red, is small enough to tuck away, though it’s cute enough to stay full-time on the counter. At under three pounds, some customers report packing it up for trips or using it in RVs.To make milk-based drinks, you can upgrade it to a bundle with an Aerocinno or check out our recommended milk frothers.

Best for lattes: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 8 inches D x 14.4 inches W x 10.8 inches T
• Capsules: Original
• Capacity: 34-ounce water tank capacity
• Extra Features: Used capsule container holds up to 10; 12-ounce milk container

Pros

• One-touch ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, cafe latte, flat white, foamed milk and hot milk.
• Adjustable foam levels
• Additional platform for smaller cups
• Removable parts are dishwasher-safe

Cons

• Cleaning milk requires another vessel
• Noisy operation
• All-plastic body
• White version comes with a black power cord

Latte lovers, the Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi is for you. The Gran Lattissima’s glass screen features buttons for nine different coffee drinks, including milk-based options such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, cafe latte, flat white, or just hot milk or hot foam. It doesn’t whip up lovely latte art, but the milk drinks are consistent and, most of all, easy.

Like many options on this list, the machine warms up in 25 seconds. Most Nespresso makers are noisy when brewing and the Gran Lattissima’s adds the glugging and chugging of milk as it foams, which is something to consider if you’re an early bird in close quarters with sleeping night owls. 

The milk carafe needs a little TLC after every use. The brewing is easy: Attach it for any drink that requires milk, and the machine will follow the “recipe” for each selection as needed. The Gran Lattissima will handle the recipe. It’s the clean-up that takes practice to get the sequence right. When your drink is finished, the machine will prompt you to clean it. Swap your crafted beverage with an empty, easy-to-clean cup—which it doesn’t come with. Switch the milk carafe’s dial to “clean,” water will push through the tubes and connections to prevent buildup. Don’t skip this step, and don’t just clean it into the drip tray because the milky water will go here, there, everywhere, and you’ll end up wiping it down anyway and emptying a drip tray.

The versatility comes with a higher price tag of over $600, so the all-plastic body is disappointing. However, the sleek, monotone black or white machines look chic on the counter. A few more design-minded customers think the all-white model should also have an all-white power cord (the black ruins the look).

Best premium: Breville Nespresso The Creatista Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 17 inches D x 7.8 inches W by 13 inches H
• Capsules: Nespresso Original
• Capacity: 68-ounce water tank
• Extra Feature: Comes with stainless-steel jug

Pros

• Touchscreen menu
• Nine beverage choices with adjustable settings
• Fast-heating steam pipe
• Dedicated hot water spout
• Stainless-steel body

Cons

• Expensive
• Parts require hand washing
• Requires more maintenance

The Breville Nespresso The Creatista Pro goes all in on its espresso machine heritage with a gleaming, stainless steel body complete with a steam wand, making the Nespresso the best with milk frother. It looks intimidating, but the Creatista Pro keeps most of the process automated while expanding the variety of drinks you can make at home. The glass touchscreen scrolls through black drinks—your espressos, ristrettos, etc.—as well as milk-based beverages. Each of the nine preset drinks allows for custom adjustments, like tweaking the coffee volume and adjusting the milk temperatures and froth levels. And once you develop your most perfect, individualized drink, you can save it to the menu.

You expect this level of customization for more than $800, but the Creatista Pro has additional finer touches to enjoy. The machine warms up in three seconds, brewing the coffee into one vessel as it foams the milk in an included stainless steel milk jug. When finished, the steam wand has an auto-purge feature, but you’ll still need to wipe it with a damp cloth. The Pro also has a dedicated hot water spout to keep a clean, coffee-free taste when making an Americano or its Australian cousin, a long black, or simply pre-warming a mug.

The stainless-steel body and accessories must be hand wiped and washed more than other Nespresso machines. Nothing’s going into the dishwasher, and you should avoid abrasive cleaners. It’s a splurge but a gorgeous piece of counter art for an aspiring barista or perhaps one who wants to leave the thinking to a machine while they’re at home. Either way, you can practice latte art with the little jug. That part isn’t automated.

Things to consider when buying the best Nespresso machines

A shocking lot is standardized in Nespresso machines. They’re generally co-branded by Breville or De’Longhi, and they all put precisely the same amount of pressure—19 bars—into a shot. They warm up in less than 30 seconds, with higher-end models doing it even faster. They all roar as they push water through the capsule. The rest looks at price points, style, and how many other drinks you want to make beyond a single espresso.

Capsule compatibility

Except for the Instant Pod, Nespresso machines are a commitment to capsules, capsules, and only capsules. Nespresso offers two lines—Original and Vertuo—that are not interchangeable. Espresso drinkers should consider the Original line, which focuses on a less than 1-ounce ristretto, espresso, and lungo, only getting mug-size beverage when adding milk for cappuccinos and lattes or making a bunch of espresso shots.

The Vertuo line suits people who go back and forth between espresso and coffee. The coffee, however, differs from a traditional brewed cup of joe. Coffee made by a Nespresso machine features a thick layer of crema that a pour-over or a drip coffee doesn’t have. Some love the dark foam, while others find it bitter in a bad way.

Size and space

All Nespresso machines will make one cup at a time, and they’ll use either an Original or Vertuo capsule but can take up wildly different amounts of space. The simple Essenza Mini takes up less than half the area of the eye-catching Creatista Pro, and consider how much space you’ll need for any other accessories, like capsule displays or milk frothers. Many of the Nespresso makers in this roundup come in multiple colors to blend or pop your decor.

Milk frothing

A big part of a Nespresso’s price tag depends on whether a milk frothing component is an accessory or built-in. If lattes and cappuccinos are “nice to have,” opt for a simpler Nespresso and save some cash. You can always accessorize with a standalone milk frother later. However, if lattes and cappuccinos are a “must-have,” choose a model designed for milk drinks and muse on how much customization you want.

Maintenance

Depending on water hardness and use, Nespresso machines will periodically signal when they need a descaling and walk you through the process. Many other cleanings are automated—like post-drink rinsing for milk carafes—though other parts like drip trays, used capsule containers, and water tanks should also be washed out. Check to see if models have dishwasher-compatible components.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Nespresso machines

• Best overall: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville
• Best value: Instant Pod 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker
• Best small: Nespresso Essenza Mini by De’Longhi
• Best for lattes: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Best premium Breville Nespresso The Creatista Pro

Anyone looking to mix up their morning coffee routine with some variety can make consistently good drinks with a Nespresso machine. Our pick for best overall machine—the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville—creates a range of hot and cold coffee and espresso drinks. The tiny Nespresso Essenza Mini by De’Longhi does espresso with a singular purpose while the Instant Pod pulls triple duty by brewing from Nespresso capsules, Keurig cups, and grinds of your choice. Fans of milk-based brews have two excellent options: Nespresso Gran Lattissima Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi for an automated experience or the Breville Nespresso The Creatista Pro with a steam wand and milk jug to zhuzh up a latte with some art.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Nespresso machines of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall desktop		Mac Mini M2		SEE IT	This tiny, silent computer can handle any business task without breaking the bank.
Best for design		Mac Studio		SEE IT	This customizable machine offers plenty of power with silent cooling and a small footprint.
Best all-in-one		iMac M1		SEE IT	This all-in-one offers impressive value when you consider the computer and screen combo.

Just about every type of workplace has adopted Macs for business purposes at some point in their history. Macs have occupied the newsrooms I’ve worked in since my journalism career began. At first, they were exclusively for the photography staff, the graphic design team, the videographers, and the other content creators. But over time, perhaps because the IT team preferred to maintain just one operating system or maybe it was the ubiquity of the iPhone, the Excel-loving, word-processing staff also got issued Apple computers. Easy-to-use interfaces, reliability, and premium design aesthetic earned Apple praise, but higher price tags can often be a hurdle to widespread workplace adoption. We’ve compared Apples to Apples to unearth the best Macs for business regardless of the workload.

• Best overall desktop: Mac mini M2
• Best all-in-one: iMac M1
• Best desktop for designers and programmers: Mac Studio M2 Max
• Most powerful Mac: Mac Pro
• Best overall laptop: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best budget laptop: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

How we choose the best Macs for business

Apple’s Mac options include the Air and Pro lines of laptops, plus the iMac, mini, Studio, and Pro lines of desktops—all with a dizzying amount of upgrade options. In addition to using Macs in our workplaces for decades, we pulled from extensive research and PopSci testing and reviews to decide on what’s best. Apple’s lineup isn’t huge, but the company has done a good job addressing specific areas of the market, sometimes with more than one appropriate option.

The best Macs for business: Reviews & Recommendations

Choosing Apple computers for the workplace is an investment—after all, Macs aren’t cheap. Some of those dollars go to the brand name, the easily recognized design aesthetic, and aluminum bodies instead of the much more prevalent plastic. Apple also packs each Mac with plenty of business-friendly features like biometric authentication, mobile device management, malware detection, and antivirus tools. Apple also controls the hardware and software, allowing additional security features to authenticate devices and seamless handoff when using an iPhone or an iPad to work on documents. This roundup matches the right processing power with the right job duties.

Best overall desktop: Mac Mini M2

SEE IT

Specs

• Apple M2 chip with 8- to 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 8-24GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• Also available with an M2 Pro chip with max specs of a 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 32GB of unified memory, and 8TB of storage.

Pros

• Small footprint
• Solid port options for small frame
• Suitable for creating many kinds of media

Cons

• Price doesn’t include monitor, keyboard, or mouse

Since its launch in 2006, the Mac mini has always been the tower that isn’t. While most PC desktops are hulking, plastic structures, the mini measures just shy of 2 inches tall and 8 inches deep and wide. It can be overlooked as easily as it can be squirreled away under a monitor or a monitor shelf.

Earlier this year, Apple unveiled the Mac mini M2, a faster, flexible machine suitable for various jobs from very officey-office work in Microsoft 365 to audio and video production, and software development. It’s a good, all-around desktop for a starting price of $599.

Here’s a potentially divisive feature: The mini comes with the desktop and its power cord in the box, and that’s it. Unlike most Macs, you supply monitors, webcams, keyboards, and mice. For some, that’s a drawback. However, it’s a way to tap what’s already on hand for a workplace that has already invested in peripherals to keep a budget in check or specific performance requirements. The mini includes a surprising amount of ports for its small size, such as two Thunderbolts (aka USB-C), two USB-As (a rarity on a Mac), HDMI, a headphone jack, and even Ethernet. Don’t worry; there’s also Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to handle wireless connectivity.

Though getting a mini allows the most personalization for a workstation, the specs you buy are what you live with. You can’t open up the box to upgrade processors or add more RAM. The mini does offer an M2 Pro chip version for those with significant multimedia or development work, but that’s going to almost double the price without additional upgrades or pre-installed software like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro (and we have other options below). If you’re doing heavy creative work, you’re probably best served by investing in a more powerful Mac Studio.

Best all-in-one: iMac M1

SEE IT

Specs

• Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 7- to 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 8-16GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage
• 24-inch Retina display

Pros

• All-in-one design
• Multiple color options
• Excellent for video conferencing

Cons

• Few ports
• Height of the monitor isn’t adjustable

The iMac has always been easy to pick out: It’s the all-in-one desktop that comes in a rainbow of colors to match your mood or decor. For overall business and office tasks, the iMac M1 continues to be one of Apple’s more affordable complete computers.

This desktop model launched in 2021 and offers an excellent entry to Apple. It’s not the most powerful or the latest Apple in the roundup, but it’s a reliable and easy-to-use device. The ultra-thin 24-inch monitor attaches to a minimalist stand with a hinge, while the color continues to the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or trackpad.

Its processing power is on the lower end—an 8-core CPU and a 7- or 8-core GPU—but that’s still enough juice for working on presentations, recording podcasts, or editing photos. The snappy M1 chip enables quick wake-up from sleep, fast opening apps, and a smooth, responsive feel.

The 1080-pixel webcam, mic, and six-speaker immersive sound are excellent for video conferencing. The M1 chip’s image signal processor also enhances how you look on camera, compensating for bad lighting.

One annoying feature of the iMac is that the stand is not adjustable. The monitor can tilt upward or downward, but you can’t change the height. If you’re into ergonomics, this could be an irritating oversight. An iMac’s also light on ports—a couple of USB-Cs and a headphone jack—for a desktop.

Best desktop for designers and programmers: Mac Studio M2 Max

SEE IT

Specs

• Apple M2 Max chip with 12-core CPU, 30- to 38-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 32-96GB unified memory
• 512GB to 8TB SSD storage
• Also available with M2 Ultra chip with max specs of a 24-core CPU, 76-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine, 192GB of unified memory, and 8TB of SSD storage.

Pros

• Small footprint
• Can support up to five displays
• Super quiet
• Noticeably faster than the previous generation
• Port selection includes some on the front for easy access and the back

Cons:

• Expensive
• Very expensive with additional upgrades
• Price doesn’t include monitor, keyboard or mouse

The Mac Studio M2 Max is a solid upgrade to the previous generation but a substantial leap over the performance of older Intel Macs. Make no mistake: This is a heavy-duty desktop for creative and resource-intensive tasks like video and animation, music production, and modeling tasks.

In our recent Mac Studio M2 Max review, we found that the Studio M2 Max delivers a premium and fast desktop experience.  It easily handles various computing tasks, operating nearly silently during heavy photo editing, 4K video editing, and multitasking with numerous browser tabs. The M2 Max chip significantly improves the editing workflow in applications like Final Cut Pro. It performs noticeably faster than the MacBook Pro M1 when playing with Adobe PhotoShop’s various AI tools.

This power is costly. The base M2 Max model starts at $1,999. However, we recommend jumping up the graphics processing power to the 38-core GPU for about $200, more unified memory (aka Apple’s SoC RAM) if you’re concerned about performance, and dropping another $200 to up the storage to 1TB but opt for fast external drives beyond that. As with all Macs, these upgrades add up, so pay attention to whether you’re approaching $3,999, the starting price for M2 Ultra models.

Like the mini, the Studio is strictly the desktop and power cord, with no monitor or peripherals. The machine is ready with an arsenal of ports with two USB-C ports and an SDXC card slot on the front and more Thunderbolt, USB-As, HDMI, a headphone jack, Ethernet, and a headphone jack on the back.

A natural pairing with the Apple Studio Display, the M2 Max can support up to five high-resolution displays, whether your needs center around monitors for photo editing, color grading, or graphic design.

Most powerful Mac: Mac Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Apple M2 Ultra chip with 24-core CPU, 60- to 76-core GPU, 32‑core Neural Engine
• 64-192GB unified memory
• 1-8TB SSD storage

Pros

• Comes in tower or rack confirmation
• Includes Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or both, plus a Magic Keyboard
• Crazy powerful
• PCI expansion slots

Cons

• The most expensive base model in the Mac lineup
• No included display

If the Studio M2 Max is powerful, the Mac Pro is a juggernaut. The base model Mac Pro starts with the top-of-the-line M2 Ultra chip plus PCIe expansion for specialized workflows like scientific computing, an ambitious full-length feature film that will transform the industry, or creating and running 3D simulations.

The specs are mind-boggling. Apple promises the Mac Pro runs almost twice as fast as the 28-core Intel-based Mac Pro, with 3.4 times the graphic performance and the ability to run eight displays. While the Studio M2 Max handles a lot of content creation, the Mac Pro is for highly specialized tasks—so specialized that the $6,999 starting price for the base model sounds like a deal—or someone investing funds to future-proof their workstation. It’s a lot of bang for a lot of bucks.

The outside of the Mac Pro is the familiar cheese-grater look of previous versions. It’s not fashion; it helps the airflow through this powerful beast. The default is a footed desktop, but you can add wheels to move it around. It comes with the tower (or rack), power cord, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboard, but no display. The Pro features plenty of connections, including eight Thunderbolt ports, USB-As, two HDMIs, two Ethernet ports, and a headphone jack.

Best overall laptop: MacBook Air 15-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 8-24GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Lightweight
• Larger screen
• Snappy operations
• Improved tools for video conferencing

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 is an excellent, general-purpose laptop for most people, offering powerful multitasking in a sleek, portable format. Even though the Air line is Apple’s most affordable option, each machine is packed with the snappy M2 chip that makes boot-up feel near-instant, opens apps in a blink, and handles downs of browser tabs with no problem. Though the suggested retail for the base model is $1,299, we’ve seen them listed for closer to a grand.  

We called the smaller, 13-inch version of the Air M2 “one of the best laptops you can buy right now, bar none,” but we suggest embracing the bigger brother for work. The base model starts with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU—a step up from little brother’s processing power for about $200 more. The sharp Liquid Retina display measures 15.3 on the diagonal, giving a little more space for juggling multiple windows and possibly large enough for some users to skip an external monitor. The bigger body also houses an improved video conferencing setup with a higher resolution camera, a three-mic array, and six speakers instead of four. All that is packed into an all-aluminum body measuring less than a half-inch wide, weighs 3.3 pounds, and fits easily into most work bags.

Apple says the battery life lasts up to 18 hours, but that always depends on what you’re doing—and those back-to-back Zoom meetings can burn through the charge. The Air 15-inch M2 will generally last for a whole workday, and the slim 35W charger features two Thunderbolt (aka USB-C) ports to support charging two devices. The laptop is light on ports, having only a MagSafe spot for charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack. Need more? Consider a USB-C hub.

A quibble we have with the Air 15-inch M2 is the starting storage. Opt for more than the 256GB base model—that will fill up in a flash unless employees tap cloud or networked storage. Another feature to note is that this model relies on fanless cooling. For most day-to-day tasks, the only noticeable difference is how quiet the laptop is. However, it can get warm to the touch and noticeably slower when dealing with many media files or processing-heavy workloads like video processing or code compiling.

But for many office workers, this laptop will meet the needs of workers on the go or those stuck working from their cubicles. The small form factor also makes shipping to a remote workforce easy. Studying business? This is also a top-tier laptop for college students.

Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

SEE IT

Specs

• 13.3-inch Retina display
• Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 8-16GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Affordable
• Fast to switch between tasks and open apps

Cons

• Lower resolution webcam
• Few ports
• USB-C charger occupies one port when charging
• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 13-inch M1 kicked off the new generation of Apple’s laptops with the highly efficient M1 system-on-a-chip series in 2020 and remains the most affordable option Apple currently sells. The base model—with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB solid-state drive storage—has a suggested price of $999, but we’ve seen it as low as $799 from authorized retailers.

This slim, wedge-shaped laptop still can handle most things an average office worker would throw at it, whether local document and spreadsheet creation or managing multiple projects on a cloud-based productivity suite. The Air 13-inch M1 stays cool during memory-hogging media editing thanks to its silent, fanless system. The lack of a fan helps keep the whole package ultraportable, weighing it at only 2.8 pounds. To get a more portable device, consider switching to tablets.

When this little thing dropped in 2020, we called it one of the best overall laptops, even though it was a first-generation product. Since then, the Apple ecosystem has included more programs optimized for the M series chips that take advantage of the efficiency and processing power, though some parts of the Air 13-inch M1 are showing their age. While the Retina display features a 2560 by 1600 resolution, it’s not as sharp or smooth as other displays. The webcam’s resolution is only 720 pixels. That’s far better than a grocery store security camera but may inspire some folks to dive into video conferencing software’s glow-up settings. 

The small screen may merit a monitor for your home office setups, so note that the Air 13-inch M1 only has two Thunderbolt ports, one of which it needs to charge.

What to consider when shopping for the best Macs for business

Every job is different, so your needs are going to vary. Here are some basics to remember when choosing which Mac fits your work style best.

Processing power, storage capacity, and memory

These decisions require a Big Think because once you buy your specs, you live with your picks. Apple decided to stop using Intel chips in favor of a bespoke M-series system-on-a-chip that debuted in 2020. That chip houses most essential functions like the central processing unit, graphic processing unit, security enclave, neural engine, and shared memory. The result gave Apple’s products a significant performance boost and longer battery life compared to previous generations, but it also means that you can’t upgrade components after purchase.  

Regarding performance, Apple’s base M1 and M2 chips easily handle workloads of email, word processing, Excel sheets, endless Zoom meetings, and a shocking number of open tabs in Safari. Consider stepping up to Pro, Max, or Ultra chips for positions focusing on photo and video editing, video processing and rendering, 3D rendering, or code compiling.

Apple’s shared memory numbers may seem low to PC users, but M chips operate more efficiently than the same amount of random access memory in a Windows machine. However, opt for more or max out if your budget allows.

Many Macs start with a shockingly low amount of storage. Generally speaking, a 256GB solid-state drive will fill up quickly, so choose at least 512GB, possibly going up to 1TB if cloud options or other networked drives don’t supplement storage. After that, consider the best external drives for Macs.

Portability vs. desktop

Do you work on the go, or are you chained to a desk? For laptops, the decision is between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. But for the desk-bound, choices range from the sleek all-in-one iMac to the mini, Studio, and Pro desktops that allow for your own—and not necessarily Apple-made—components.

Ports

Some Macs come with as few as two ports and a headphone jack, while others have enough Thunderbolt, USB-C, HDMI, and other assorted ports to support up to eight external monitors. Consider the printers, scanners, and conference equipment you may need to connect to—and whether you’ll buy adapters.

Security features

Macs have many well-known security features like biometric authentication by fingerprint (Touch ID) or facial recognition (Face ID), as well as device tracking and wiping. IT teams can tap other tools like mobile device management and a free web portal called Apple Business Manager to configure settings and push out apps and updates for an entire enterprise—even if the workforce is remote. IT teams can also restrict downloading third-party apps unless they come from the Mac App Store or are notarized. Other built-in features include virtual private network support and antivirus and malware protection. 

Budget

The price tag of an individual Mac isn’t cheap, but businesses should consider both upfront costs and maintenance. According to a Forrester study, Macs can be less expensive for IT teams to support over their lifecycle because of fewer user complaints and tickets to resolve. They also come with free productivity software, though Page, Numbers, and Keynote are hardly the sector-leading programs. The company is also well-known for its customer service and support. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Macs for business

• Best overall desktop: Mac mini M2
• Best all-in-one: iMac M1
• Best desktop for designers and programmers: Mac Studio M2 Max
• Most powerful Mac: Mac Pro
• Best overall laptop: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best budget laptop: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

The best Mac for your workplace depends on how much processing power each job requires, how mobile they need to be, and how much you can spend. For most general-purpose jobs, we picked the flexible Mac mini M2 as the best overall desktop and the svelte MacBook Air 15-inch M2 as the best overall laptop. Both options offer significant and speedy processing power that a good fit for most users.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best Macs for business in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker		SEE IT	This versatile machine can make a perfect cup no matter your taste.
Best for batch brewing		Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker		SEE IT	Make up to five cups of concentrated iced coffee to serve at once.
Best splurge		De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine		SEE IT	Go beyond a simple iced coffee to more complex drinks with this high-end machine.

Add a reliable iced coffee maker to your arsenal of kitchen appliances and it will change not only your daily routine but also your entire mindset. You’ll stop lusting after pricey takeout brews and start crafting custom ice cubes made of coffee or creamer that won’t dilute your drink. At-home iced coffee can achieve true greatness. But which maker suits your palate? Take some time to consider whether you’re a pod-loving, grab-and-go drinker or someone who wants to tinker with bloom times adjusted to your favorite beans. Here are the best iced coffee makers for those who take life cup by cup or vat by vat.

• Best overall: Breville Precision Brewer
• Best budget: Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker
• Best Keurig: Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
• Best for batch brewing: Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker
• Best splurge: De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

How we choose the best iced coffee makers

PopSci’s obsession with coffee leads to firmly entrenched opinions about the superiority of brewing methods and trickles down to milk frothers, travel mugs, and other accouterments. Our recommendations for iced coffee makers come from research, expert opinions, and our experience drinking ever larger volumes of chilled caffeine as the temperatures increase.

Technically, any coffee maker that brews hot coffee makes iced coffee: Just brew a pot and toss it in the fridge for later. For this roundup, we stuck to machines with dedicated settings that brew a stronger concentration directly over ice to be sipped immediately. We also considered performance, brewing capacity, overall size, and whether each machine can make other beverages while occupying precious counter space. (And we’ve got you covered if cold brew coffee makers are more your vibe. Not sure of the difference? Read our “What to consider …” section after our top picks.)

The best iced coffee makers: Reviews & Recommendations

The best iced coffee makers make a solid cup of hot coffee and a more robust version to go over ice. But you should also consider whether you’re making a cup at a time or enough for a household, whether the machine uses pods or beans, how much control you want over brew settings, and whether it will be one of many coffee makers or your primary device.

Best overall: Breville Precision Brewer

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 9 inches deep by 14 inches wide and 16 inches height
• Weight: 3.15 pounds
• Brewing capacity: Up to 32 ounces for iced coffee, up to 60 for hot
• Thermal carafe

Pros

• Six preset brewing modes, including iced coffee and cold brew
• My Brew setting allows custom brewing setting
• Adjustable temperatures
• Three flow rates
• Includes flat bottom and cone filter baskets
• Auto-start

Cons

• Pricey
• Water tank isn’t removable

The Breville Precision Brewer hits a sweet spot for people who want a programmable, automatic machine that still allows them to customize the flavor of their beans. The tall stainless steel brewer comes with six preset brewing modes—including iced coffee, cold brew, and one tuned to Specialty Coffee Association’s Gold Cup standard—for those who want barista quality but don’t necessarily have barista know-how (or patience).

For hot coffee, the machine can brew a single cup or crank out 60 ounces in less than seven minutes on its fast setting. The volumes for cold sippers are significantly smaller. The Over Ice mode brews up to four cups of a more potent brew. The Cold Brew setting makes up to 20 ounces—a single serving for many of us—in an adjustable steeping time (zero to 16 hours), but you can skip the carafe and put it right into your favorite mug.

The Precision Brewer, our pick for best overall drip coffee maker, is jam-packed with features to get the most out of your favorite beans. Tinkerers can also play with customizable brewing settings, including adjustable temperatures and flow rates, and save them as a “My Brew” setting for repeated use. It also comes with cone and flat-bottom filter baskets, and a pour-over adapter can be added separately. At more than $300, the Precision Brewer may have a higher price tag than the average joe may be expecting. Still, it consolidates what could be multiple different gadgets—drip, iced coffee, cold brew, and the optional pour-over—into one device.

Some reviewers, however, have quibbles about the water tank. It isn’t removable like many other models, so refilling requires using something else to fill it, and it doesn’t completely empty every time.

Best budget: Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 7 inches deep by 10 inches wide and 16 inches tall
• Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Brewing capacity: Up to 16 ounces
• Single servings in your own cups or included 22-ounce tumbler

Pros

• Use your own beans
• Includes a 22-ounce tumbler with straw
• Easy to clean
• No pods necessary

Cons:

• Complaints about leaky tumbler lid

The Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker is for households that take the day one cup at a time but want to avoid pods. This single-serve machine comes with a reusable filter to use your chosen grinds and cranks out a cup of hot or iced coffee in under four minutes.

This budget find keeps things simple with only two buttons for “hot brew” or “over ice” and clear markings to meet the grind-water-ice ratios needed. For iced coffee, the included 22-ounce tumbler features a water line to fill the reservoir and then an ice line (though this really means filling it all the way to the top to account for coming melt). For hot options, the water reservoir has internal markings for 6, 8, 12, and 16 ounces and a double-sided scoop that tucks into its side.

The recommended retail price for the Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker is $59.99, but it can often be found in the $30 to $40 range. Executive Editor Stan Horaczek has a very similar machine that comes with the same tumbler, and that aspect of the set is terrible. The top leaks, it’s hard to clean, and the straw feels very cheap. Get a better tumbler with all that money you saved on the machine itself.

Best Keurig: Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 10 inches deep by 12.7 inches wide and 13.1 inches tall
• Weight: 8 pounds
• Brewing capacity: Single Cup
• Pick your own cup up to 7.2 inches tall

Pros

• Brews in less than a minute
• Makes five different serving sizes
• Large water reservoir
• Compatible with My K Cup reusable coffee filter
• Makes other beverages and hot water for instant noodles, etc.

Cons

• All plastic body
• Large footprint

Some of us value simplicity and speed, the hallmarks of the Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker. Slide your iced-filled mug under the spout, drop in your favorite K-Cup coffee, and press the “iced coffee” button. About a minute later, you can grab and go or at least sip a fresh cup with little fuss.

Keurig offers a machine specifically for iced coffee, but we recommend the K-Elite for maximum flexibility. The K-Elite provides more customization than most automatic single-serve machines, including increasing the brew temperature, an elevation setting for mountain folk, and programmable auto-on and auto-off. The massive 75-ounce water tank can also be used for five different beverage sizes—4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—or hot water on demand for a cup of noodles.

Clean-up is just the cup, tossing the pod (or washing your My K Cup reusable coffee filter), and occasionally descaling.

But the single-serve lifestyle means taking life one cup at a time—there’s no option for a carafe or batch brewing here. And though the K-Elite comes in colors like brushed silver, slate, and gold, the body is plastic with metal details.

Best for a batch brewing: Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 8 inches deep by 10.6 inches wide and 15.8 inches tall
• Weight: 9 pounds
• Brewing capacity: Up to 40 ounces for iced, up to 80 for hot
• Thermal carafe

Pros

• Optional pre-infusion cycle to allow beans bloom time
• Front-loading swing basket
• Detachable water tank
• Water marking for iced coffee

Cons

• Reports the vacuum carafe doesn’t keep coffee piping hot
• Looks more like an office machine than one for a kitchen

Zojirushi may be more readily associated with its well-loved rice cookers, but the Japanese company has long made hot water dispensers, electric kettles, and thermal mugs for hot beverages. The Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker nabbed a spot as one of our best coffee makers for its ability to make delicious cups of hot and iced coffee. The secret? The machine lets the coffee bloom—geek speak for pouring a small amount of water on the grounds so they can release carbon dioxide before brewing—during an optional pre-infusion cycle. (So opt for it.) The result is either 10 cups of hot coffee or 4 to 5 cups of a concentrated brew to serve over ice immediately, a win for households with multiple or high-volume drinkers.

Iced coffee brewing isn’t a secondary bell or whistle. The Fresh Brew Plus’ water tank features clear markings for iced coffee. The setup is reasonably easy to clean with a removable water tank, a front-loading basket with a mesh filter—and a drip prevention mechanism to stop errant coffee from making a mess when the carafe has been removed.

One drawback is some hot coffee drinkers report that the carafe doesn’t keep the brew extra scalding. It also puts off a decidedly retro appliance vibe, which may not fit everyone’s aesthetic.

Best splurge: De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 17.5 inches deep by 10.5 inches wide and 15.1 inches tall
• Weight: 24.7 pounds
• Brewing capacity: 60 ounces
• Single servings in your own cups

Pros

• Built-in grinder with 13 settings
• Make a wide variety of espresso drinks
• Four user profiles for one-touch personalized coffee
• Brews 8-, 12-, and 16-ounce drinks
• Can fit travel mugs

Cons

• Pricey
• Large footprint
• Mostly plastic body

We’ve stuck to regular iced coffee for this roundup, but it’s time to level up to espresso drinks like iced lattes, iced cappuccinos, iced Americanos, and the other strong brews we shell out for at the local coffee shop. Making those barista-worthy concoctions at home is what the De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine was designed to do—but for those of us who need the process automated. This $1,800 machine is an investment, but it makes 40 different recipes at the touch of a button.

The colorful, backlit screen features groups of drinks—cold, hot, or to-go—and menus of the drinks available and four programmable custom profiles. Brewing takes less than a minute, but the screen walks you through every step of the way, right down to the number of ice cubes that should be in the cup.

A large part of the De’Longhi Eletta Explore is the two milk canisters: one to make cold foam and one for hot foam. Each canister features a dial to adjust the fluffiness of the foam as prompted by the machine or to your preferences. Though it only takes a minute to brew a drink, the device will walk you through rinsing the milk system after each use, which takes another minute or so. However, you don’t want funk to build up.

The machine consumes significant counter space—partly due to the large 60-ounce water reservoir, but a conical burr grinder sits on top with options for 13 different coarseness. That consolidates at least two machines into one, but the two milk canisters will need space to live in the fridge.

One of the few complaints about the Eletta Explore is that it’s more plastic than expected for the price tag. Another is that the 40 options for drinks can be overwhelming. And you do really want both hot and cold foam? If that’s overly fussy, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo with one foam option (and about half the price) may be your speed.

What to consider when shopping for the best iced coffee makers

Like all coffee makers, you must balance the taste you want with the time, effort, and cost of meeting that. It’s also good to consider your household’s lifestyle: Are you each making a bespoke cup or a pot at a time? Do you mind cleaning each piece by hand, or do you want to be able to toss pieces into a dishwasher?

Iced coffee vs. cold brew

The brewing process is the critical difference between iced coffee and cold brew coffee. Iced coffee is brewed with hot water and then cooled down. Fans of this brewing method say the heat releases the nuances of the beans, though, generally, it has a milder flavor and thinner mouthfeel than cold-brew beverages. Cold brewing is a slower process—usually steeping grounds at room temperature or cool water for 12 to 24 hours—that results in a sweeter, less acidic taste (and, by the way, more caffeine).

Iced coffee-specific features

Many machines have an “iced coffee” or “over ice” setting that brews a more robust cup to go over ice. This more concentrated brew compensates for the ice that melts as it brings the hot java down to a chillier temp. Too little ice or too weak a mixture (or both) ends up with a meh, watered-down, neither hot nor cold drink.

Brewing capacity

Do you want to brew one cup at a time or make a batch? Many single-serving machines will fit the needs of individuals who wish for a specific flavor or only need one cup at a time. The better versions allow different sizes, including brewing directly into your favorite travel mug. While many coffee makers are best by the pot, manufacturers increasingly create options that handle single cups or at least half pots with a solid flavor. 

Customizable brewing

Coffee shops have essentially trained us to want a custom blend: small, tall, half-caff, skinny, skim/soy/almond milk, upside down. If your tastes are more complex than adding a cream and two sugars, it’s time to look at the machines that allow tinkering with the strength of brews and other personalized settings.

Pods or beans

Most coffee makers—including those for iced coffee—are compatible with only pods, capsules, or grounds. If you’re looking for more flexibility with pods or K-Cups, many models offer a reusable cup option, which is Earth-friendlier than the disposable versions.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best iced coffee makers

• Best overall: Breville Precision Brewer
• Best budget: Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker
• Best Keurig: Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
• Best for batch brewing: Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker
• Best splurge: De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine

An iced coffee maker should do at least two things well: brew hot coffee and a tasty cup over ice. Whether that’s a cup at a time or a larger batch depends on your household size and preferences. Our overall pick, the Breville Precision Brewer, offers flexibility with several brewing presets, additional personalized settings, and multiple brewing styles, including iced and cold brew, in a single machine. Mr. Coffee Iced and Hot Coffee Maker and Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker hit the spot for people looking for simple brewing for single servings, while the Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker can handle brewing a large batch of iced coffee at one time. The De’Longhi Eletta Explore Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is quite an investment but will satisfy those craving iced espresso drinks.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best iced coffee makers for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best design		MacBook Air 15-inch M2		SEE IT	The 13-inch MacBook Air is great, but this one gets you more screen real estate on which to work.
Best overall		MacBook Air 13-inch M2		SEE IT	It’s portable, powerful, and darn near perfect.
Best battery life		MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro		SEE IT	Get a full day of work done (plus a lot more) on a single charge.

Choosing the perfect MacBook for college seems like a simple task. After all, there aren’t that many models on the market. But this is a big decision that’s even more impactful than choosing the perfect dorm room decorations. After all, a great laptop is a crucial part of student life. It needs to function as a reliable, portable machine that can handle the workload of virtual and IRL classes while also serving as an entertainment center and social hub. We’ve studied Apple’s laptop lineup from its entry-level $999 model to upgraded, top-of-the-line rigs to find the best MacBooks for college students.

• Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best battery life: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max
• Best design: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

How we choose the best MacBooks for college students

At first glance, Apple’s laptop lineup seems like an A or B choice: Do you want a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? Generally speaking, Air-series laptops prioritize portability and battery life. The Pro line offers upgraded computing power, screen resolution, and built-in cooling to handle the heat of heavy workloads. However, each line allows for processing power, storage, and display size upgrades. We’ve pulled from PopSci testing and reviews, extensive research, and our own experience buying laptops for students to choose the best.

The best MacBooks for college: Reviews & Recommendations

Sure, a MacBook will cost you a lot more than a cheap Chromebook, but you have the peace of mind that you get what you pay for when you invest in Apple. And try producing bops in between classes or DJing your next rent party on that budget laptop. 

Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
• Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core or 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural engine
• 8-24GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Lightest MacBook
• Good all-around performer
• Sturdy body

Cons

• Few ports
• Base model starts with very little storage

When Apple introduced its house-made M-series chips, its laptops took a huge leap in terms of both power and battery life. The MacBook Air 13-inch M2, with a newer version of the Apple-specific chip, makes incremental improvements on its predecessor with a revamped body, slightly more screen space, and an immersive sound system. Those audio upgrades include improved microphones, which presented a slight sore spot for the previous generation. Our review called it “one of the best laptops you can buy right now, bar none.”

The MacBook Air 13-inch M2 is a portable powerhouse weighing only 2.7 pounds. At 11.3 millimeters thick, the svelte model easily slides into backpacks and is hard to beat in portability unless you opt for a tablet.

Apple seemed determined to squeeze just a little bit more into each feature compared to the previous model. A smaller bezel allows a 13.6-inch screen instead of a 13.3. The Liquid Retina display noticeably upgrades brightness and sharpness. The webcam’s resolution improved from 720p to 1080p. It’s a noticeable upgrade. The microphones are better, and just for fun, the laptop features an immersive sound system that supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. That’s important if your laptop also doubles as your entertainment center. The MagSafe charger makes both Thunderbolt ports available—yes, there are still only two—when the device needs juice.

Day-to-day work—like web browsing with too many tabs open, emails, and video conferencing—poses no challenges for the Air 13-inch M2. The machine also handled some gaming, basic video editing, and some photo editing, but performance noticeably drops as the fanless machine warms up. However, anyone doing more than resizing images or dealing with raw image files should opt for an option in the Pro line.

We recommend avoiding the 256GB base model, instead opting for the 10-core GPU and 512GB SSD storage. The upgrades bump the price up to about $500 but avoid underwhelming transfer speeds in the base model configuration. The investment hurts at first, but this machine can easily last an entire college run if well cared for.

Best battery life: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Apple M2 Pro with 12‑core CPU, 19‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 16-32GB unified memory
• 512GB-8TB SSD storage

Pros

• Can support two external monitors
• Lots of ports

Cons

• Heavy

A bigger laptop means room for batteries, and that’s important if you spend a lot of time working on the go. The MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro is among the largest laptops Apple offers, and according to the company, it has the longest battery life ever in a Mac. The 16-inch version allows for 15 hours of wireless web browsing or 22 hours of video playback—long enough to get through all your lectures, write one hell of a first draft, or just put off assignments for a day. But this laptop is heavy by Apple standards, weighing 4.7 pounds.

The Pro model sports the M2 Pro, a more powerful version of the M2 chip, designed to deal with challenging workflows in photo editing, software development, graphic design, and 3D rendering. The base model starts at $2,499 and comes loaded with many features expected in high-end laptops.  The screen is sharp and smooth: The Liquid Retina XDR display is only 4 millimeters thick but supports 1 billion colors and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, and ProMotion with refresh rates up to 120 Hz. Of course, you won’t want to use that to the max if you try to squeeze out the best battery life. Apple also packed a three-mic array and six-speaker sound system that supports three-dimensional sound when playing Dolby Atmos into this model. The Pro line also features more ports: three Thunderbolts, SDXC, HDMI, and a headphone jack. The 140W USB-C to MagSafe power adapter also helps quickly recharge when needed.

Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max

SEE IT

Specs

• 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Apple M2 Max with 12‑core CPU, 38‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 32-96GB unified memory
• 1-8TB SSD storage

Pros

• Supports up to three external displays
• All-flash storage architecture allows efficient operations
• Lots of ports

Cons

• Heavy
• Pricey

If your major involves high-res video and high-stress deadlines, you don’t have time for rendering to render you helpless. The MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max features the same monster battery as the MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro, but it comes packing double the graphics cores and twice the shared memory. That type of power makes it an obvious choice to tackle heavy-weight video-editing tasks.

The Pro M2 Max starts at $3,499 with an impressive 1TB of storage, but aspiring video editors can drop another $3,000 to max out the specs, attempting to future-proof the setup. The 16-inch screen is the largest in Apple’s lineup and supports the full coverage of the P3 color space. If you don’t know what that means, you can probably safely step down to the M2 Pro models without missing out on much.

This configuration weighs in at 4.7 pounds, but video editors are often desk-bound and rely on external media, so the weight of the Pro M2 Max seems less important than what could be plugged into the workspace. The HDMI port can support up to 8K, and the Thunderbolt plugs allow three additional displays. A PopSci roundup of the best laptops for video editing found the built-in SD card reader to be on the slow side but still useful for transferring files.

If you’re looking for a lighter option that can still crunch through RAW photos and videos, Apple offers the MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 Max, which trades some screen space to weigh in at 3.5 pounds.

Best design: MacBook Air 15-inch M2

SEE IT

Specs

• 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
• Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• 8-24GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Lightweight
• Larger screen
• Snappy operations

Cons

• Base model starts with very little storage

The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 is a new addition to the Air line, offering students a larger option of an excellent everyday laptop without a steep price increase.

Expect the same fast web browsing, the same quick-opening apps, and a larger version of the excellent Liquid Retina display as the MacBook Air 13-inch M2. However, the base model 15-inch M2 is only $200 more than the base MacBook Air 13-inch M2 while starting with two more graphics cores. As recommended with the other Air models, it’s worth another $200 to increase the storage from 256GB to 512GB.

The larger Air manages to pack a lot into a relatively svelte package that’s less than a half-inch wide and weighs only 3.3 pounds. The sturdy, durable feeling body houses up the sound game with six speakers rather than four and a three-mic array for improved video chats. The battery lasts up to 18 hours but the 35W charger features a nice little bonus: Rather than a single USB-C adapter, there are two USB-C ports to support charging two devices.

Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

SEE IT

Specs

• 13.3-inch Retina display
• Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine
• 8-16GB unified memory
• 256GB-2TB SSD storage

Pros

• Affordable
• Snappy web browsing
• Fast to switch between tasks and open apps

Cons

• Features only two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and a headphone jack
• USB-C charger occupies one port when charging
• Lower resolution webcam
• Too little storage in base model

When the MacBook Air 13-inch M1 first came out in 2020, the outside looked like Airs had for a while: a very thin metallic wedge. The insides, however, had been overhauled with the M1 chip to open apps faster, run more simultaneously, and generally allow for faster multitasking. At the time, PopSci’s review called it “the best overall laptop I’ve ever used,” noting the machine’s ability to stay cool without a fan while handling gaming and other more memory-hogging media editing. The Safari web browsing experience is snappy, even when dozens of open tabs.

What was once kicked off the new generation of MacBooks is now the most affordable laptop option in Apple’s lineup, starting at $999 for the base model with an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB SSD storage. You can typically find it for well under that price, however. We’ve seen it as low as $799 from authorized retailers. The laptop will be able to handle most things the average student would throw at it, plus extra processing power when needed.

One area in which the Air M1 lags behind new models is in resolution: The laptop features a Retina display with 2560 by 1600 resolution, a step behind the Liquid Retina screens mentioned above. And for as much time as everyone has spent staring at the images of themselves in video chats, the 720p webcam will be noticeably less sharp than other offerings.

The Air M1 has port problems—or at least annoyances, depending on how many peripherals and accessories are in your rotation. The left side features two Thunderbolt ports, and the right has a headphone jack. That’s it. Plus, when the Air M1 needs to charge, the included USB-C charger will occupy one of the ports. This is a manageable issue for most, but toss a Yubikey and an external monitor into a setup, and which thing will get unplugged so you can power up? Or, just pony up for a USB-C hub.

Things to consider when buying MacBooks for college

Computing power

All MacBooks in this roundup operate on Apple’s in-house M-series chip. In 2020, the M1 system-on-a-chip debuted, combining the central processing unit, graphic processing unit, security enclave, neural engine, shared memory, and other essential functions into one piece of silicon. The company has since released the M2 series, which continues to improve power and energy efficiency.

To find that Goldilocks, “just right” device, consider the type of work your studies and play will entail. The student who largely browses the web, writes reports, and answers emails could comfortably opt for the Air line, while those in creative fields like computer-aided design, film, or music should seek more processing power and storage offered by the Pro models. Don’t forget to give yourself room to grow: Freshman projects will seem simple compared to higher-level classes.

If you’re worried that the shared memory (Mac’s equivalent to RAM) numbers seem low, consider that the shared memory works much more efficiently than typical random access memory. That means 16GB of shared memory on an M-series chip will outperform the same amount of RAM on a Windows machine. The downside, however, is that it’s impossible to upgrade the shared system memory after the fact because it’s integrated with the rest of the components. Opt for as much system memory as you can justify since you won’t be able to goose those stats later.

Storage

The time to decide on how much storage to have on your MacBook is when you purchase your MacBook. All laptops are less configurable than desktops, but tinkerers should know some MacBooks feature solid-state drives that are soldered onto the logic board. Cracking open a MacBook also voids the warranty. Generally speaking, 256GB will get filled up annoyingly quickly. 512GB is better, but we recommend 1TB to avoid annoying jam-ups. Also, grab a portable SSD or other external hard drive for storing your files.

Size

MacBooks range from a 13-inch variety to 16-inch, and this is one of those moments when every inch counts. A larger laptop is more to lug, but a larger screen is one way to boost your productivity or at least see more of a spreadsheet without scrolling. Can’t bear the extra weight while running around? Consider an external monitor for your dorm room.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best MacBooks for college students

• Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M2
• Best battery life: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro
• Best for video editing: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Max
• Best design: MacBook Air 15-inch M2
• Best budget: MacBook Air 13-inch M1

Sure, there are more wallet-friendly options out there, but they’re often less user-friendly than Apple’s products. If you value reliability and are in your it-just-works era, there’s a MacBook for every college student’s computing needs, tastes, and budget.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best MacBook for college in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.