The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
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A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikhil Dhingra , of Spring Street Dermatology, explains how retinoids work and how to decide...
If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people. In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty companies, and the very few instances when paying for extra coverage might actually be worth it. This epis...
Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful. From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle. If you’re in the weeds of an upcoming move and need even more guidance, check out Wiriecutter’s series on moving (including a mov...
Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language. This episode covers: Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains that most apps won’t make you conversational, but they can help you recognize words, order food, ask basi...
Have you ever wondered what happens to products that aren’t sold or the items that you return to a store? It turns out, a lot of them end up in the trash. This week, Wirecutter Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte discusses her recent reporting on how and why stores throw away perfectly good products. Annemarie takes us from the strip malls of Dallas-Fort Worth to the curbs of New York City, shadowing social media influencers Dumpster Diving Mama , GlamourDDive , and The Trash Walker who rescue everyth...
Finding a swimsuit you feel good in can be daunting. This episode, we’re sharing insider tips on choosing designs, fabrics, and brands that you’ll actually love. Wirecutter style writer Zoe Vanderweide walks us through the finer points of finding high-quality swimwear that fits and flatters. Zoe shares the construction details to look for that will emphasize (or de-emphasize) different body parts, the brands that are making some of the best suits right now, and how to care for your suits so that...
If you need fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year, this is your episode. This week, Wirecutter gifting expert Samantha Schoech brings a range of ideas that go far beyond a bouquet of flowers and brunch. Instead of generic ideas, we’re approaching gifts by personality type—from the exhausted new mom to the outdoorsy adventurer. Samantha also shares her core gifting philosophy (including what not to give), plus thoughtful, sometimes surprising picks that actually make people feel seen. This ...
The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025. In just four months, it sold over 10 million units, making it the fastest selling console of all time in the U.S. But at $450, is it really worth the hype? Arthur Gies, supervising editor on the tech team at Wirecutter, has spent nearly a year testing the system, playing the new games, and weighing the pros and cons. In this episode, he gives us his verdict. He also talks about why if you’ve been thinking about buying one, now might be the best ti...
Wirecutter's expert Andrea Barnes explains why common dish soap is an incredibly versatile, economical, and safe cleaner, often outperforming "green" alternatives by effectively breaking down oils. The discussion covers the "Sinner's Circle" of cleaning, proper dishwashing techniques, and specific product recommendations. Listeners will learn surprising uses for dish soap and what never to clean with it, along with a debunking of the microplastic myth surrounding laundry pods.
It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense. New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal joins us to discuss what to do when the pollen count is high, how to improve your indoor air quality this spring and summer, and the differences between allergy medications. Check out Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasonal allergies Products we recommend: A really good air purifier: Coway Ai...
Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in your home. In this episode, senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton reveals which knives you actually need, how much to spend, and the proper way to store and sharpen your knives. From breaking down the differences between Japanese- and Western-style blades to explaining why a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, Lesley walks through the fundamentals—plus the small habits that can keep your knives chopping for decades. This episode co...
This episode showcases Wirecutter's inaugural Best New Picks Awards, featuring products discovered over the past year that staff members genuinely love. It covers a diverse range of items, from effective beauty products and comfortable apparel to innovative home goods and unique tech gadgets, highlighting their surprising utility and delightful qualities. Listeners will find recommendations for enhancing daily life, organizing spaces, and enjoying hobbies.
Learn the ropes of car camping with expert Trey French, covering everything from why it's the ideal entry point for beginners to what gear truly makes a difference. The episode highlights investing in comfortable sleeping pads and appropriate tents, while offering creative solutions for camp cooking and organization using items you might already own. Wirecutter staffers also share their favorite small upgrades, ensuring a fun and comfortable outdoor experience without overcomplicating it.
Tinned fish is having a moment. While countries like Portugal and Spain have long appreciated preserved seafood as a culinary art form, only recently has it caught on as a high-end appetizer in the United States. For the uninitiated, it can be hard to know which cans you’ll like and which are worth the steep price tags. In this episode, we chat with Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston about her extensive testing of over 100 cans. She breaks down how to choose ones you’ll like, the r...
Car accidents where a vehicle is submerged in water or erupts into deadly flame are rare. But a simple tool to break your own car window could be life-saving in such an emergency. The only catch: not all car windows are created equal. This week, Rosie talks to Wirecutter editor and emergency preparedness expert Jen Gushue about the high-stakes world of car glass breakers. Jen enlisted a firefighter to help smash dozens of real car windows to find out which tools actually work when put to the tes...
Counterfeit beauty products are more common than many people realize, and they’re increasingly difficult to spot. You may think you’re buying an authentic foundation, lip gloss, or moisturizer on Amazon or other big marketplaces, but a recent Wirecutter investigation revealed how easy it is to buy fakes. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior writer Rose Maura Lorre about her six-month investigation into the world of counterfeit beauty and skincare products. She worked with a cosmetic c...
Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing appointments, medications, paperwork, and communication with family members or professional aides, there’s a lot to keep track of. In this episode, senior tech writer Rachel Cericola joins us to talk about the tools and systems that can help caregivers stay organized. From shared calendars to smart pill dispensers and even digital fax services, these gadgets and apps can light...
Apple recently expanded its lineup with two new budget-friendly entries: the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. Both start at $600—hundreds of dollars less than their standard counterparts—but what exactly are you giving up for that lower price tag? This week, host Rosie Guerin talks with Wirecutter senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar to break down the trade-offs. Plus, Brenda explains why Apple is leaning into "affordable" tech right now. Products we recommend: Powerful battery, worst cameras in a ...
Minor home renovations can have a huge impact for how long you (or a loved one) can live independently into old age. This episode, Wirecutter’s home-improvement expert Doug Mahoney joins us to discuss the renovations to consider–-whether you’re looking ahead to your own future or supporting a loved one as they age in place. Doug recently wrote a room-by-room tour of the best modifications to consider. He spoke with occupational therapists and other experts for their best tips on the most importa...
This episode of The Wirecutter Show dives into listeners' most challenging home odor problems, guided by cleaning expert Caroline Mullen. Discover effective strategies for eliminating cooking smells, managing pet odors, and refreshing stinky laundry, including workout clothes, down jackets, and towels. Learn why ventilation and proper cleaning methods beat masking scents, and get solutions for even the most unusual stenches like rotting food in cars or persistent smoke from neighbors.
For some people, shorter days and reduced sunlight in the winter can seriously disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels. A light therapy lamp can help. In this episode, senior staff writer Nancy Redd explains what seasonal affective disorder (SAD) actually is, how light therapy works, and why not all lamps are created equal. We cover what 10,000 lux means, why timing matters, and why you should talk to a medical professional before trying any. We also break down the four lamps Wirecutter recommend...
This episode provides a beginner's guide to selecting better coffee beans, featuring Q-grader Sum Ngai. It demystifies tasting notes, explaining how roasting influences flavor profiles and the importance of a coffee's resting period after roasting. Listeners will also learn why whole beans are preferred, how geographical regions impact taste, and practical tips for making informed choices at the grocery store.
This episode of The Wirecutter Show guides listeners on upgrading their home coffee setup. Editorial director Marguerite Preston details why burr grinders and weighing coffee grounds are crucial for consistent flavor. The discussion covers various brewing methods, from convenient drip coffee makers and precise pour-over setups to classic Moka pots and versatile French presses, highlighting their pros, cons, and essential gear. The episode also explores surprisingly good instant coffee for travel and the benefits of making cost-effective cold brew concentrate at home.
Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we’re reairing our episode on why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love. Bianca Alba, Wirecutter’s longtime sex toy writer, talks us through the societal double standards around sexuality and how vibrators can help with sexual health. We cover the different types of vibrators you can choose from, how to decide between the options, and why you shouldn’t give up on one if you don’t love it at first. W...
We’re demystifying what separates luxury boxed chocolates from standard supermarket candy. Gabriella Gershenson, Wirecutter’s taste test editor and author of our boxed chocolates guide , explains what ingredients to look for on labels, the textures that separate the great from merely mediocre, and why good chocolates cost so much. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a classic toffee or an adventurous eater seeking mind-bending flavors, this episode serves as a masterclass in how to choose ...
Your workout shouldn’t stop after you’ve finished your cardio or weightlifting session. What you do right afterward can make the difference between feeling good for the rest of the day or dragging with soreness and fatigue. We brought in two experts to break down what recovery really means, why it matters, and how to approach it without overcomplicating things. First, Dr. Leada Malek, a licensed physical therapist, explains what’s happening in your body after a workout, why your nervous system n...
Winter is brutal on skin and most moisturizer advice online is either oversimplified, wildly inconsistent, or driven by marketing. So we brought in Jenn Sullivan, senior editor of Wirecutter’s beauty team, to explain what moisturizers actually do, and how to use them in a way that makes a real difference. Jenn breaks down the ingredients that matter, the mistakes that leave skin feeling drier, and why timing and consistency matter more than price tags or hype. By the end of this episode, you’ll ...
January is peak return season. Maybe you got holiday gifts that weren’t quite right, or you’re just clearing out the things you over-ordered. But where does all that stuff actually go? In this episode, Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte walks us through her investigation into the hidden world of returns. For her reporting, she bought a 450-pound, six-foot-tall pallet of returned goods to see what really happens to the items people send back. She explains how the secondary market works, why so many re...
In the final installment of this series, we examine the longer-term costs–the time, the money, and the emotional toll–that finding your feet after a natural disaster can take. Mike and his family are still displaced. The possibility of a future natural disaster looms over them, on top of the financial predicament of being stuck in the “insurance gap”--where their insurance payout isn’t enough to rebuild their home. Gregory has moved back into his house, but he’s still dealing with insurance clai...
In the second part of our series, we learn more about what’s happened to Wirecutter writers Mike Cohen and Gregory Han in the year since the LA wildfires. And how they both wish they’d better understood their insurance policies before the fires. Mike and Gregory both found temporary housing after the fires, but they soon needed to start replacing the things they use daily. And to do that, they had to produce exhaustive lists of their belongings to their insurance companies for reimbursement. For...
