Macs
Best Monitors for MacBook Air
When it comes time to purchase an external monitor for your MacBook Air, there are several things to keep in mind, including display performance, size, and price. Each year at iMore, we look at the newest monitors and put them through the paces. Based on this, we consider the LG 27UK850-W the best monitor you can currently buy for the Apple laptop. We've gathered other noteworthy models to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best MacBook for Students
Most students looking for a new MacBook should pick up the MacBook Air. It's less expensive than other MacBooks, more powerful, and has a bigger display than the 12-inch MacBook while remaining lightweight. And though it might not be as powerful as the MacBook Pro, it should provide enough power for the average student to get through their day.
Best USB-C Monitors for MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (2016 - 2018)
As daily Mac users, and especially MacBook fans, we understand what makes a fantastic display and what the most important features are. We know that USB-C is the future and a USB-C monitor is perfect for your MacBook.
Best External Hard Drives for Mac
When it comes to storing data, personal information, and important documents, you can never save it in enough places. External hard drives are not only useful for storing data but are an excellent way to transport files from one location to another. When you take into account price, ease of use, and portability, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is the most reliable hard drive you can carry around with you at all times.
Best MacBook
You'd be hard-pressed to find any website that does as much deep-dive research into everything about Apple's Mac notebook lineup than iMore. We run every model, ever version through their paces (and then some) to determine which is the best MacBook for the average person and which one is perfect for the pros. Our best overall pick is the MacBook Air. With Touch ID, a retina display, and sleek and slim design, this is the one to beat.
Best iMac
The top-tier 21.5-inch iMac 4K is the iMac most users should consider. The desktop computer is a suitable choice for families and small businesses alike because of its speedy internals available at a good price.
Best MacBook for Photographers
Photographers have special needs. They just don't need a good laptop, but one with a beautiful screen and enough space and memory for all that editing. The large Retina display on the 15-inch MacBook Pro plus its impressive internals make it the ideal choice for photographers.
Best iMac for Graphic Designers
The iMac is Apple's professional-level desktop computer that is often used in the creative community because it's great for graphic design, music creation, podcasting, writing, video editing, and much more. It's one of the best options for graphic design, whether you're just a beginner or a pro, and while it's a bit on the pricey side (not as much as the iMac Pro though), it'll be a worthwhile investment for your graphic designing career.
Best Shock-Resistant Hard Drives for Mac
Sometimes it's best not to store absolutely everything right on your Mac. For one, it clutters things up, and unless you're willing to upgrade your SSD, which you can't in the latest MacBook Pros, you're going to fill up way too fast. Grab one of these hard drives and know that a shock-resistant enclosure protects your data. Our favorite is the CalDigit Tuff USB-C 2TB for its proven ability to withstand harsh situations.
iPad
Best iPad for Kids
Most iPads look the same. Throw in various price points, and suddenly, it's confusing. We look at new Apple tablets each year when they arrive on the market to determine which ones are right for our readers. The iPad Air (2019) is currently our favorite iPad for kids, but we've gathered other noteworthy models to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best Cheap iPad
Selecting an iPad that's right for you can fast become a frustrating process. Throw in a small budget and making a decision can become even harder. The iPad (2018) is currently our favorite budget tablet from Apple, but we've gathered other noteworthy models to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best iPad for Students
Most students are on a limited budget, but that doesn't mean that you'll need to skimp out on features. The new iPad Air 3 is the best iPad that a student can get because it packs in a lot of power, including some Pro features, but is at a much more affordable price point than the iPad Pro lineup.
Best iPad for Artists
An iPad is a great tool for any artist that works digitally. These tablets are portable while still being powerful, and no iPad exemplifies that quite like the 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro, which offers the largest iPad display available, along with power that outclasses many PC laptops.
Should you upgrade to the iPad Air (2019)?
There are a number of things to consider when deciding to upgrade from your old iPad to the new iPad Air, the most important ones being what your current model iPad is and what you can afford.
Best iPad
The 128GB Wi-Fi only 9.7-inch iPad provides a great entry point to iOS tablet computing. It's not as fancy as the more-expensive iPad Pro, but it's the most affordable iPad in the lineup, and with Apple Pencil support, this is the perfect iPad for most people.
iPhone
Best Small iPhone
While all of Apple's current-gen offerings for the iPhone are not exactly what you'd properly call "compact" (that's what the iPhone SE was), we think the iPhone XS is the best middle ground for a small current-gen phone that's still jam-packed with amazing features.
Best Cheap iPhone
The iPhone 8 is the best iPhone to buy if you're looking to save a little money, but not compromise on speed or functionality. With most of the features of Apple's newest flagship on board, it has a lot to offer both people looking to upgrade an older iPhone and people looking for their first iPhone.
Best iPhone
The iPhone XS is the best iPhone you can buy today. It fits a Plus-sized screen into a regular-sized iPhone with an almost bezel-free design and the best display and camera technology on the market.
Apple Watch
Best Apple Watch for Swimming
Beginning with the Apple Watch Series 2 in 2016, Cupertino's wearable device has provided water resistance up to 50m, making it ideally suited for swimming. Our favorite Apple Watch for this type of adventure is the Series 4, which offers the newest features overall. We've also included other models to help you make a better-informed decision.
Best Apple Watch for Seniors
Apple Watches provide lots of great features and are available in various styles and price points. For seniors, our favorite version is the flagship Apple Watch Series 4, which offers the newest features, many ideally suited for more older users. We've also included other models to help you make a better-informed decision.
Best Apple Watch
As Apple fans, there is nothing we won't do to test each and every single one of the company's products to ensure that it does everything we want it to. We've owned every single version of Apple Watch since Series 0 and know which one is just right for most people. The Apple Watch Series 4 with GPS is the most advanced Apple Watch the company has ever made. It's got the largest screen, the best quality display, and the most sensors of any previous model. It's a life improver and a life saver.
Best Cheap Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 3 is the Apple Watch to get if you're looking to save some money on one. The Apple Watch Series 3 is still an excellent Apple Watch, and while it lacks features of the Series 4 such as the new and improved heart rate monitor, ECG, and fall detection, it will still do everything else you'd expect an Apple Watch to do.
HomeKit
Best Keyless Entry Door Locks
Installing a keyless entry door lock is a great way to add more modern convenience to your home. Ditching the keyring, and being able to grant access to trusted guests at any time are just some of the perks of living the keyless lifestyle. The Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock is the best overall keyless entry door lock for its excellent design, smart features, build quality, and lifetime warranty.
Best Smart Light Switches
Installing a smart light switch is a great way to reap the benefits of connected lighting without having to worry about buying individual smart light bulbs in all different sizes. Best of all, having an in-wall smart switch means that you will not have to explain how your smart home works to your guests when all they want to do is turn on and off the lights. The Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch is the best overall smart switch for its ability to be installed without a neutral wire and it performs with a high level of responsiveness and reliability. We have gathered up all of the best smart light switches to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Best Security Cameras
A smart security camera allows you to monitor your home anytime and anywhere. Most security cameras include cloud based storage and night vision, ensuring that your home will be protected 24/7. The Arlo Ultra 4K is a completely wireless security camera that supports ultra high definition resolution and HDR recording, enabling you to catch every detail. We have gathered all of the best security cameras to help you decide which is the best for your needs.
Best Video Doorbells
Installing a video doorbell is a simple and easy solution for keeping tabs on the various activities that go on outside of your home. Smart video doorbells can instantly notify you about any motion events that happen in the cameras view, including instances where the doorbell has not been rung. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro offers crisp 1080p video, a compact design, and is backed by lifetime theft protection, making it an excellent choice. We have gathered all of the best video doorbells around to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Best Smart Light Bulbs
Adding smart light bulbs to your home is a quick and easy way to make your place smarter without breaking the bank. Available in all sorts of sizes and styles, a smart bulb can set the mood through dimming or setting a scene with bursts of color. The LIFX Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb strikes the perfect balance of quality and capability by producing bright vivid colors and connecting to your home network via Wi-Fi. We have gathered the best smart light bulbs around to help you decide which is the best fit for you.
Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers
Smart sprinkler controllers are not just for those with an existing sprinkler system. New options include controllers that attached directly to your hose spigot and can be hooked up to just about anything creating an easy way to meet your watering demands. The Orbit B-Hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer is a great way to quickly add watering capabilities to your outdoor space and it connects via Wi-Fi to allow for remote control via your phone, tablet, or the web. We have rounded up all of the best sprinkler controllers to help you decide which is right for your needs.
Best Smart Water-Leak Detectors
Smart water-leak detectors are an essential tool when it comes to home safety. The Fibaro Flood Sensor is a completely wireless option that allows it to be placed under or near potential water leak points and can notify you instantly via HomeKit if a leak is detected. We have gathered the best smart water-leak detectors to help you decide what is right for your needs.
Best Smart Power Strips
A smart Wi-Fi power strip allows you to control, monitor, and manage your devices anytime, and anywhere. Most Wi-Fi smart power strips also include built in surge protection to keep your electronics safe. The Eve Energy Power Strip combines good looks with independently controlled outlets in addition to overcurrent, overvoltage, and surge protection in one sleek device. We have gathered all of the best smart power strips to help you decide which is the best for your needs.
Best Smart Locks
Why trust us? Because we know smart homes. Our houses, apartments, and offices are filled with connected home accessories. We're always trying new products and that means we aren't afraid to install a smart lock (or four) on our doors. Put simply, we've very nearly tried them all, and that's why we decided that the August Smart Lock Pro is our top pick. It has simple installation, compatibility with multiple smart home systems, excellent design, and easy-to-use app. It gives you everything you need to add smart, wireless access to your home for you, your family, and your chosen guests.
Best Smart Thermostat
The Ecobee4 is the best Wi-Fi thermostat you can buy today. Not only does it work with up to 32 room sensors, but it supports Apple's HomeKit home automation system and comes with Amazon Alexa built in! The ecobee4 isn't the only smart thermostat worth considering from Ecobee! There are also excellent smart thermostat solutions from Google Nest and Honeywell too.
Best Smart Thermostat for Multiple Zones
You're not always going to be in the room that houses your thermostat. For some homes, that can mean a pretty substantial difference in temperature in every season. There's a fix for this common problem, though: smart thermostats with multiple zoning. Being able to set the temperature where you are instead of where the thermostat is can be a lifesaver. We've rounded up the best of them for 2019.
Best Smart Speaker
Looking to find a smart speaker that'll keep your tunes going all night long with crystal clear clarity? Then we have to recommend the Sonos One Smart Speaker for overall efficiency, sound quality, and design.
Which Sonos Speaker Should you Buy for your TV?
The Sonos Beam is our pick because it's the newer, more modern offering from Sonos that's small and compact but packs a powerful punch in terms of sound quality. It's great for filling small- to medium-sized rooms with rich sound from your TV or third-party streaming services. It also has Amazon Alexa integration built-in and works with Apple's Siri through AirPlay 2.
Monitors
Best USB-C Monitors for MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (2016 - 2018)
As daily Mac users, and especially MacBook fans, we understand what makes a fantastic display and what the most important features are. We know that USB-C is the future and a USB-C monitor is perfect for your MacBook.
Health and Fitness
Best Workout Headphones for iPhone and Apple Watch
The Jaybird X4 is the best pair of wireless workout headphones you can buy right now. It features good sound that can be made great with the in-app equalizer, and its customizable fit is superb. It may be a bit pricey, but it's worth it.
Best Philips Wake-Up Lights
Setting a wake-up light on your bedside table is a great way to improve your sleeping habits. Using light to begin your wake-up routine is a subtle yet effective way to start your day, allowing you to ditch traditional audio alarms. The Philips Somneo Connected is the ultimate wake-up light as it includes features such as environment monitoring, sleep, and relaxation routines, built-in clock, FM radio, and more. We have gathered all of the best wake-up lights to help you choose the best for your needs.
Best Fitbit for Kids
As a team that works remotely, we understand the necessity behind getting to the gym, and we've tested all the fitness tech that we can find to figure out what works best. Finding a fitness tracker that works alongside your little one is a great way to start introducing working out and the joys of healthy living into your kids life.
Best External Heart Rate Monitors for iPhone and Apple Watch
The Apple Watch has an excellent oximeter-based heart rate monitor for tracking your day and basic workouts, but it's not perfect for more endurance or weight-based activities.
Best Maternity Workout Shorts
We feel that there's a couple of key ingredients to the perfect maternity short and they consist of: comfort, support, aesthetic, and versatility. We love the Bella Mama Maternity Cotton Shorts because they possess all of these qualities; plus, they're super soft and have a nice, wide, belly panel that can either roll up or down for your maximum comfort and to accommodate your growing baby bump. Whether you're in the first trimester or the third, we've comprised a list of the very best maternity shorts out there.
Best Bluetooth Headphones for Apple Watch
The Apple Beats X are designed specifically for Apple devices. They're small enough to fit in your pocket, but are also loud enough to let you feel the beat.
Best Apple Watch
As Apple fans, there is nothing we won't do to test each and every single one of the company's products to ensure that it does everything we want it to. We've owned every single version of Apple Watch since Series 0 and know which one is just right for most people. The Apple Watch Series 4 with GPS is the most advanced Apple Watch the company has ever made. It's got the largest screen, the best quality display, and the most sensors of any previous model. It's a life improver and a life saver.
Best Maternity Workout Gear
We know it's hard to stay fit and find the motivation to workout throughout your pregnancy. We get the benefit of being able to do your prenatal workouts at home and firmly believe that the #1 at home workout gear essential is a high-quality workout mat. Our favorite overall is the: Manduka Pro Yoga & Pilates Mat because it will never peel, fade, or flake, is completely customizable, and provides a well-cushioned space to practice a wide assortment of exercises on. We've also comprised a list of our additional favorite at-home maternity workout essentials so you can get your workout on your own time and stay fit, happy, and healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Best Workout Pants for Pregnancy
So, you've got a bun in the oven? Congratulations! Working out and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is imperative to Mommy and baby's health and well-being; plus, it can do wonders for maintaining Mom's sanity. If you're looking to work up a sweat and you want the best fit for you, here are some great choices for workout maternity pants.
Best Meal Replacement Drinks
When choosing the perfect meal replacement drink, you want to make sure you're getting all the well-balanced nutrients you need. Checking the nutrition label and the contents therein is essential. We've done the heavy lifting for you here, and researched the very best, most nutritionally balanced, meal replacement drinks out there and why you'll love them!
Best Fitbit
Fitbit has been a leading giant in the fitness tracking industry for quite some time and offers a variety of products that track every part of your day, including: activity, exercise, food, weight, and sleep. We believe that every step makes a big difference, and not every Fitbit is built the same. The Fitbit Versa is the best overall because it possesses all of the best features Fitbit has to offer plus customization so you can create the perfect aesthetic for you. Unique, feature-heavy, and versatile, the Fitbit Versa is the best of the best when it comes to the Fitbit family.
Best Fitbit Versa Watch Band
The Kmasic Fitbit Versa Soft Silicone Sportband is made out of premium silicone material and is available in both small and large sizes. Long story short, this band offers a classic look with a reliable, durable clasp that just works.
Best Fitbit for Seniors
The new Fitbit Inspire are our pick for best Fitbit for senior citizens. Between the affordable starting price, small size, ease of use, and ability to be either worn on your wrist or clipped to a belt, it's a great fitness tracker for anyone looking to get or stay active.
Best Alternative to Fitbit Aria 2
The Eufy BodySense Smart Scale is the absolute best alternative to the Fitbit Aria 2 because it's feature-packed, has a great app, and its $40 price tag belies its quality big time.
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