The Wirecutter Show

The Truth About Counterfeit Beauty Products Online

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Counterfeit beauty products are more common than many people realize, and they’re increasingly difficult to spot. You may think you’re buying an a...

Essential Tools To Stay Organized While Caring for Aging Parents

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing appointments, medications...

Is The New $600 MacBook Neo Actually A Good Deal?

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

A Room-By-Room Guide to Aging in Your Own Home

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to Get Rid of Every Gross Smell in Your Home

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Spring cleaning season is here, and we asked listeners to send us their most stubborn, embarrassing, and downright horrifying odor problems. Staff wri...

Do SAD Lamps Actually Work?

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

A Beginner's Guide to Buying Better Coffee Beans

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For the perfect cup of coffee, you need good beans. In this bonus episode, we talk with Sum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York and certified ...

Stop Making Bad Coffee

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to make great coffee at home, the right gear makes a difference. In this episode, Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston shares ...

The Vibrator Episode (Encore)

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Our Favorite Boxed Chocolates Will Blow Your Mind

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’re demystifying what separates luxury boxed chocolates from standard supermarket candy. Gabriella Gershenson, Wirecutter’s taste test editor an...

Send Us Your Worst Smell Scenarios

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’re working on an episode about the worst household smells and we want to hear from you! What smells are you plagued by? What odors have you tried...

How a Good Recovery Routine Can Help You Stick With Your Workouts

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Your workout shouldn’t stop after you’ve finished your cardio or weightlifting session. What you do right afterward can make the difference betwee...

The Ultimate Guide to Winter Moisturizing

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winter is brutal on skin and most moisturizer advice online is either oversimplified, wildly inconsistent, or driven by marketing. So we brought in J...

Inside Wirecutter's Mystery Pallet Adventure

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 3

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 2

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 wild...

The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 1

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Exactly one year ago, on January 7, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires erupted, eventually burning down more than 16,000 structures and killing at le...

Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad (Encore)

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journali...

What Our Experts Are Giving This Year (Encore)

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In case you missed our bonus episode, we are re-airing it! Wirecutter’s staff tests thousands of products every year, and of that mountain of items ...

Gift Guide 2025: It's Not Too Late to Get Something Great!

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It happens every year: the season sneaks up, the calendar fills, and suddenly it’s gift-giving time… and you’ve bought nothing. To help you avoi...

Tips for Using AI Smarter with Hard Fork's Kevin Roose

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way people use the internet, gather information, shop online, and interact with products at home...

Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to tackle the hardest shopping challenge of all: finding the perfect gift(s) for the children in your ...

A Game Night Survival Guide

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, e...

Gift Guide 2025: What to Get the Hardest People On Your List

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gift giving can be challenging when you're shopping for people who seem to already have everything they need (or who are just super hard to please). H...

How to Nail the Perfect Cookie with NYT Cooking’s Vaughn Vreeland

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Holiday baking season is here, and nobody knows how to bake a delicious cookie better than Vaughn Vreeland, host of NYT Cooking’s Bake Time and auth...

Gift Guide 2025: What Our Experts Are Giving This Year

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wirecutter’s staff tests thousands of products every year, and of that mountain of items a few always stick out as the best of the best. To close ou...

Mel Robbins' Expert Advice for Surviving the Holidays With Peace and Sanity

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At Wirecutter, we have tons of advice about the practical side of the holiday season: giving gifts, preparing meals, hosting friends and family. But t...

Secrets to Better Pie Making

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Baking a show-stopping pie for Thanksgiving can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton, who ha...

Shop Secondhand Like a Pro

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buying used can be a great way to save money and find  unique items—but it takes a sharp eye to find the real gems. And you need to be savvy to get...

Will Tariffs Affect Holiday Shopping?

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Holiday shopping this season may look different than years past, as tariffs gradually increase prices on everything from electronics to kids’ toys. ...

How To Be Handier

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever put off a home repair because you didn’t know where to start—or felt overwhelmed by the wall of tools at the hardware store—thi...

Nick Offerman's Guide to Building Things That Last

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Long before Nick Offerman became the mustached, straight-faced Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation, he was a woodworker. Growing up in Minooka, Illino...

What’s Wrong With Your Computer?

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If your computer has been slowing down or showing its age, you might not need to replace it just yet. Wirecutter senior staff writer Kimber Streams, w...

How to Know What's In Your Drinking Water

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should filter your drinking water, this is the episode for you. Wirecutter senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, wh...

How To Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less, and in this episode we discuss how to smartly augment a travel budget with credit card points.  ...

Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal Traveler

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less. We dive into the best tried-and-true strategies for stretching your travel budget. Elaine Glusac...

Send Us Your Cookie Questions!

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re planning a special episode with Vaughn Vreeland from the NYT Cooking Team all about COOKIES!  Vaughn is coming out with a new cookie cookbook...

Samin Nosrat's Kitchen Favorites

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat, best known for Salt Fat Acid Heat, joins us to talk about her new book Good Things—and how she keeps cooking ...

This Travel Device Could Save Your Life

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep from any fuel-burning appliance. If undetected, it can also be a silent killer–which is w...

The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore)

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we get nerdy about sheets—why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scam...

Is the New iPhone Worth It?

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone...

Goodbye, Dead Butt Syndrome!

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve likely heard the adage that "sitting is the new smoking." Basically, that sitting all day at work or elsewhere is one of the most harmful thi...

Wirecutter's Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe's

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a fiercely loyal fan base. But with shelves full of ever-changing produ...

Is an E-Bike the Answer to Your Commuting Woes?

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fall can be bittersweet—you may be coming home from vacation and settling back into your routines, but you also want to soak up the last of the warm...

Should You Switch to an Electric Toothbrush?

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Oral health is about more than just a pretty smile; it's also connected to your overall health and well-being. In this episode, senior staff writer a...

Yes, the World Is Actually Too Loud (Encore)

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 100 million Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of noise daily. To help you protect yourself and those you love, we’re re-airing thi...

The Bidet Episode

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Using a bidet may seem a little intimidating to some, but to others it's a way of life.  In this episode, senior staff writer and bidet-convert Doug...

Are Your Smart Devices Really Spying on You?

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever suspected your smart devices are spying on you, you’re right. In this episode, Jon Chase, Wirecutter's supervising editor for smart...

How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore)

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Natural disasters are becoming more intense and unpredictable. To help you prepare, we’re re-airing this episode on how to build a disaster kit. Wir...

Life's Too Short for Bad Olive Oil

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode, senior kitchen writer Michael Sullivan demystifies all things olive oil. He shares how to navigate the overwhelming olive oil aisle, wha...

How to Get Rid of Ants and Roaches for Good

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tired of creepy crawlies? Wirecutter's pest expert Doug Mahoney reveals the right way to tackle ant and roach infestations. He offers practical advice...

Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journali...

Summer Taste Test Extravaganza!

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing says summer like ketchup, chips, and ice cream. In this taste test special, we take a field trip to the Wirecutter test kitchen to sample thes...

Packable Beach and Picnic Recipes

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tanya Sichynsky, an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking sections, and editor of The Veggie newsletter, shares her ideas for the best hot-weathe...

A Day At The Beach

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s officially beach season. Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelt...

Can You Really Disappear Online?

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it even possible to disappear from the internet? Wirecutter writer Max Eddy explains how he tried to do it, why it’s so hard, and what steps you ...

Optimize Your AC

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to loo...

A Price Check on Tariffs

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We tracked the prices of 40 Wirecutter picks for 60 days to gauge the impact of tariffs. Most prices didn’t increase—but they likely will soon. D...

The Death of Durable Appliances

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Appliances don't last as long as they used to—but not for the reasons you probably think. Senior staff writer Rachel Wharton explains why modern fri...

Are Red Light Masks Worth It?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Red light devices promise a lot—but do they deliver? Wirecutter supervising editor Rory Evans demystifies the science behind them, shares her top pi...

You Should Be Traveling with a VPN

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re planning on traveling abroad this summer, it might be a good idea to use a VPN when browsing the web. In this bonus episode, staff writer ...

Bug Repellents That Work

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven preve...

We Want to Hear from You

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Help us make The Wirecutter Show even better, by filling out the The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. We promise it's short and sweet.   We independ...

Grill. Baby, Grill

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our experts share their time-tested strategies for better grilling. Senior staff writer Lesley Stockton reveals the proper way to clean and oil grates...

Sunscreen Demystified!

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people misuse sunscreen. In this episode, senior staff health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain the differences between mineral and chemical ...

Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense. New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal jo...

What You Actually Need for a Baby

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Baby gear editor Kalee Thompson shares her tried-and-true tips for what new parents really need for a newborn (and what to skip), the most helpful gif...

A Memorable Mother's Day

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter staffers share the classic and unexpected gifts that have delighted the mothers in their l...

"Detox" Your Kitchen

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to limit exposure to plastic and nonstick kitchen gear? In our first roundtable episode, two of our staff experts share their best advice. Su...

Level Up Your Sound System

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Speakers don’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter senior audio writer Brent Butterworth tells us about some surprising hacks to improve the sound se...

Stop Killing Your Houseplants

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Plant expert Darryl Cheng, of the popular Instagram account @houseplantjournal, teaches us how to keep those pothos and monsteras alive. He also revea...

Tariff Shopping Confusion

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Concerned about tariffs spiking prices? Wirecutter’s senior tech editor, Caitlin McGarry, explains how new trade policies might affect the cost of W...

Simple and Affordable Skin Care

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Skin care doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. We cover the basics anyone might need in their skin-care regimen, and our favorite drugsto...

Cleaning Hacks from Wirecutter Experts

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our staff experts reveal time-tested methods for cleaning the most neglected (and grimy) areas of your home–from greasy ovens to stained patio furni...

Delete Your Data from 23andMe

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

23andMe, maker of popular DNA test kits, has filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer. Here’s why customers should delete their info before i...

The Art of Stain Removal Part 2

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the final part of our stain series, we tackle trickier listener questions–from eliminating fishy odors to whether you can truly remove paint stai...

The Art of Stain Removal Part 1

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of our stain series, we tackle your toughest questions–from reviving dingy whites to rescuing clothes from stubborn oils and baked-on gu...

Don't Be A Digital Hoarder

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Digital hygiene rarely tops spring cleaning lists—but it should. Our tech editor shares how to declutter your phone, and why you need a password man...

Vacuums That Don't Suck

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t need to settle for a bad vacuum. Our expert reveals how to pick one that’ll actually make your life easier—and your home a lot cleaner...

How to Survive Daylight Saving Time

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to turn the clocks forward – but don’t let Daylight Saving Time mess with your health. Here’s our best advice to overcome the time s...

Why Is Your Internet So Bad?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our networking pro reveals three dead-simple fixes most people miss for faster internet, plus insider secrets to choosing a better internet plan.Guest...

You Deserve Better Towels

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our expert demystifies towel shopping—from plush terry to spa-like waffle—and reveals why that soft store feel is deceptive. Plus care tips to mak...

Love Your Mattress

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An uncomfortable bed can screw up your sleep. We’re covering how to make your current mattress more comfortable–and how to shop for a new one.  ...

Valentine's For All

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Skip predictable chocolates and roses this Valentine's Day. Our gift expert shares luxurious ways to delight loved ones—and pamper yourself. Guest:...

Tell Us About Your Worst Stain!

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are working on a new episode about laundry—specifically, those stains that never seem to come out—and we need your help!  Record a voice memo ...

The Lube Episode

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Personal lubricants make sex more fun–but not all of them are created equal. We’re covering how to find ones you’ll love and the ingredients to ...

Pack Your Bags!

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The right luggage can make traveling easier. We share expert tips for choosing between hard and soft shells, carry-on or checked bags, plus pro packin...

Strength Training Is for Everyone

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Strength training might seem intimidating, but it’s also key for living a long, healthy life. We cover how to start and the simple at-home gear that...

Dishwasher Disputes, Settled

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dishwashers make life easier—but most people don’t use them quite right. This episode, we’re diving deep into how you can get yours to wash dish...

Tormented by Our Printers

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most printers suck. This week we crack the code on how to buy one you might actually like, and reveal the secrets to saving cash on ink and toner.  ...

Drink Less and Prosper

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Dry January—but non-alcoholic cocktails needn’t be sad. We’re discussing the health risks of alcohol and how to build out a delicious buz...

A Few of Our Favorite (Wirecutter) Things

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From a space heater that saves a marriage to sunscreen that saves a surfer’s skin, Wirecutter’s staff opens up about the best things they bought i...

Fireproof Your Home

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Homes burn crazy fast these days. Are you prepared? We’re covering everything you need, from the newest smoke alarms to the right fire extinguishers...

Gifts for the Hard-to-Please

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re fielding listener questions with pro tips for delighting picky friends, impossible relatives, and other challenging recipients on your holiday...

Finding Affordable Gifts

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we dive into our gift team’s best-in-class tips for finding awesome affordable gifts for everyone on your list. Guest: Wirecutter editor...

Don't Get Swindled on Black Friday

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Most of the deals you’ll see for Black Friday and Cyber Week aren’t worth your time. This week, we reveal how to actually get a deal that’s wort...

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Tips

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanksgiving is (almost) here, and this week Wirecutter experts share their best last-minute tips to make your holiday a success. Guests: Wirecutter ...

Let's Go To Butter School

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Few ingredients are as loved (and villainized) as butter. We discuss how to pick a great butter, and the best ones for eating, cooking, and baking.  ...

How to Ace Thanksgiving

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

NYT’s Sam Sifton and Wirecutter's Lesley Stockton reveal their pro tips for Thanksgiving success—from menu planning and hosting to the essential k...

Solving the Problem of Weeknight Dinner

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Making dinner every night can be a challenge. This week, we talk with Emily Weinstein, of New York Times Cooking, about how to overcome the monotony. ...