Best overall		Breezome 60Oz. Dehumidifier		SEE IT	This is a surprisingly powerful and convenient dehumidifier for the price.
Best splurge		Tenergi Sorbi		SEE IT	This small dehumidifier completes the package and offers built-in air filtration as well.
Best Budget		Tabyik 42oz. Dehumidifier		SEE IT	You won’t find a cheaper reliably operational dehumidifier.

While larger dehumidifiers bring the power, intensity, and awe to get a large room under control, for small jobs in cramped spaces, you’ll do much better using small dehumidifiers. These machines can help take the damp edge off a room, generally don’t require piping or tubes to use effectively, and are much quieter than their bigger cousins. And with the benefits of dehumidifiers being so plentiful as to reduce allergens, help with asthma, and even reduce snoring, you deserve to have one in your room even if you don’t have a ton of space. With all that in mind, these are the best small dehumidifiers for any situation.

• Best overall: Breezome 60Oz. Dehumidifier
• Best splurge: Tenergi Sorbi
• Best design: Posdry 27 Oz. Dehumidifier
• Most eco-friendly: ProBreeze Mini
• Best budget: Tabyik 42oz. Dehumidifier

How we chose the best small dehumidifiers

Our investigation of the best dehumidifiers for basements focused on the power and intensity of the dehumidifier. In other words, our selections were highly skewed toward dehumidifiers that could suck the most moisture out of the air in the quickest, most convenient, most comprehensive manner.

The best small dehumidifiers will also, naturally, have the capacity to suck a decent amount of moisture out of the air. That’s why we want dehumidifiers in the first place. But they’ll also be able to be lived around. This means quiet dehumidifiers that aren’t space hogs will rule the day. Bonus features promoting healthy air, like air filters for allergens, are also highly sought after, so long as an undue price increase doesn’t come alongside them.

The best small dehumidifiers: Reviews & Recommendations

The following dehumidifiers are small dehumidifiers—emphasis on the small. If you want a slightly larger one, check out our more expansive guide to the best dehumidifiers. Likewise, for the biggest, most powerful dehumidifiers, check out the aforementioned guide to dehumidifiers for the basement. But if you’re looking for a dehumidifier for crawl spaces or one that isn’t so large you have to crawl over it, we’ve got you.

Best overall: Breezome 60Oz. Dehumidifier

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 6.26 x 8.62 x 11.34 inches
• Water removal capacity: 750ml per day
• Drainage: 1800ml reservoir
• Loudness control: 35dB Sleep Mode

Pros

• Giant reservoir
• Has timer and Sleep Mode
• Includes water nightlight
• Dual semiconductor technology

Cons

• Pricier than most small dehumidifiers

Breezome’s dehumidifier has more power and capabilities than nearly any other dehumidifier of its price and size. Plus, it runs consistently well, utilizing dual semiconductor tech to pull more water out of the air despite the unit’s small size. Customers rave about the consistency of the product in small bedrooms.

A perfect sleep companion, the Breezome has a rectangular, boxy shape for stable placement on a bedside table. Its large, 1,800ml reservoir can even be lit up on demand for a liquidy bedside lamp or nightlight. When you’re ready to sleep, you can set the Breezome to Night Mode at the touch of a single button, reducing the fan speed. This will grant you a comfortable 35dB operating volume, enough to sleep by.

You’ll also find that the Breezome has features outside of its size bracket. While you’ll see the near-ubiquitous auto shut-off feature, there is also an automatic defrost mode as well. Very rare for even the absolute best small dehumidifiers, the Breezome includes a timer, allowing you to set the device to operate for 12, 24, 36, or 48 hours before shutting off. This can save you energy in the long run if you know when you’d prefer to use a dehumidifier but aren’t always around to operate it.

Best splurge: Tenergi Sorbi

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 8 x 8 x 12 inches
• Water removal capacity: 750ml per day
• Drainage: 1,000 ml reservoir
• Loudness control: 35-42dB

Pros

• Great water removal ability with decent reservoir size
• Comes with HEPA filter for increased air quality
• ETL plus CARB certified
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

• Replacement filters don’t come cheap

Air quality and health benefits. To so many people, these are the reasons it makes sense to get a dehumidifier, small or otherwise. The Tenergi Sorbi has a quality combination of providing drier and cleaner air through its system, so while it may be more expensive than the average small dehumidifier, it also does more work.

Depending on your fan speed setting, low or high, the machine will run between 35 and 42 dB and deliver 22 or 38 cubic feet of clean air per hour. In addition to being drier, this air is rated as clean due to the HEPA filter you can install inside. It sorts out 99.7% of particulate matter in the air that passes through it. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has certified this machine’s capabilities.

Best design: Posdry 27 Oz. Dehumidifier

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 5.7″D x 6.3″W x 9″H
• Water removal capacity: Up to 350ml/day
• Drainage: 800ml storage tank or 3.28ft drain tube
• Loudness control: 30 – 40dB

Pros

• Great for any room
• Bright light reminds you when tank is full (if not auto-dumped)
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Might be too lightweight

If you want to drain the excess humidity from your bathroom, kitchen, or RV effectively, check out this model from Posdry. It provides the standard features of a small dehumidifier but also has a quality drainage tube for effortless reservoir clearing. This means you can place it on a shelf and weave the 3.28-foot (1 meter) tube to the side of your sink or into your toilet’s reservoir tank.

Note that we don’t recommend placing this next to your tub for safety reasons. You may also find that the machine’s body is a bit too light, weighing in at just under three pounds. This means that you might pull it off the shelf accidentally when adjusting the tube, or a pesky cat might easily tip it off the shelf. If you plan to use this technique for effort-free dumping, secure your dehumidifier in place.

Most eco-friendly: ProBreeze Mini

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 6.2 x 8.6 x 11.8 inches
• Water removal capacity: 18 oz. per day (~540 ml)
• Drainage: 52 oz. tank
• Loudness control: “Whisper quiet”

Pros

• Operating cost of just 12 cents a day
• Pulls good moisture from air for its size
• Wide, flat bottom
• Includes handle

Cons

• No sound guarantees

For a powerful small dehumidifier for consistent, around-the-clock use, consider the ProBreeze Mini. Rated to cost less than $4 a month during usage, you can feel comfortable using it for your 250 sq. foot room or crawl space that is getting too much humidity. Its wide, flat bottom will sit well on shelves and tables and isn’t prone to knocking over even when the surface it is on gets knocked.

The only detractor for this small dehumidifier is that the company offers no set decibel guarantee as to its volume, but merely states that it is “whisper quiet.” While this might indicate some variability in volume across units, there are few to any customer complaints about this issue. This is likely due to its use of Peltier dehumidification technology and 40-watt operation.

Best budget: Tabyik 42oz. Dehumidifier

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 5.6 x 6.37 x 11 inches
• Water removal capacity: Unspecified (suitable for 320 sq. foot room)
• Drainage: 42oz. (1200ml) reservoir
• Loudness control: Runs at ~30dB

Pros

• Great low price
• Surprisingly fully-featured
• Large reservoir
• 5-foot power cord

Cons

• Signifies it is full in an annoying way

It is hard to get a dehumidifier under $45, barring sales. Oftentimes, you’ll think you’ve found one, only to realize you’ve only found a storage container for silica packets. Tabyik, however, provides a quality dehumidifier (including all the features you want, like auto shut-off and even defrosting) that we feel comfortable calling your best value pick.

You might be concerned that the Tabyik does not specify the maximum water removal per day and only gives a recommended room size. However, do note that water removal ratings are only for “ideal” room humidity and temperature conditions, and most dehumidifiers will not always reach them. In practice, we find that this dehumidifier works to fill up its large 1,200ml reservoir within just a few days. That’s more than enough to get the edge off of a room, which is the traditional usage for small dehumidifiers.

What we do find somewhat annoying about this dehumidifier is how it lets you know its reservoir is full and ready to dump. Where most small dehumidifiers will have a small LED light that will brighten to let you know they are full, the Tabyik makes its entire reservoir a bright red. This amount of light could potentially disturb your sleep if it happens to go full in the middle of the night.

What to consider before buying small dehumidifiers

It goes without saying that you should pay a lot of attention to a dehumidifier’s (small or otherwise) ability to remove water from the air. When choosing a small dehumidifier, especially for usage in a bedroom or bathroom, other particulars become more critical and can quickly be overlooked in the search for more power.

Water drainage ease

While larger dehumidifiers are usually both manually and automatically (via a tube system) dumpable, small dehumidifiers are more likely to be hand-dumped only. This means that when the reservoir gets full, you must manually dump it down the drain or on your plants.

This may seem minor, but you can expect to do it relatively often. Spilled water is worth no tears, but it can be rather annoying. Look for handles, wave-breakers, and automatic shut-off features that turn the dehumidifier off before it gets to the brim to make your manual dumping easier.

Since even the best small dehumidifiers tend to be cheap, you’ll want to be especially careful of any drainage system (whereby the dehumidifier will dump directly into a sink or other drainage port) carefully. Ensure the water out fittings are solid and take any customer reports of leaks seriously.

Loudness

Many of our small dehumidifiers live in our bedrooms with us, especially if we seek to use a small dehumidifier for health benefits. As such, be wary of loud dehumidifiers for bedroom use.

Many manufacturers will list a maximum loudness in decibels (dB) that the dehumidifier is intended to go at, and we will report that to you. Others, however, are variable or utilize other sound-dampening mechanisms.

For example, some dehumidifiers will engage in ‘night mode.’ While the specifics differ from product to product, this sort of mode usually means that the dehumidifier will trade water-removal power for a reduction in operation volume for set periods of time. Other times, however, it means that the dehumidifier will turn off completely during the night, reducing benefits.

Additional features

In general, even the best small dehumidifiers are going to be feature-light. Small dehumidifiers are purchased for their small size and added convenience, not to be multifaceted smart machines.

However, you will see an air purifier on the most premium of small dehumidifiers, such as a HEPA filter. This makes logical sense due to the fact that dehumidifiers are processing and filtering air, in a sense, by default. It’s just normal for them to be filtering the water out of the air. Particulate matter filtration is just one added step along the way.

Don’t, however, come to think that small dehumidifiers are meant to be completely featureless. Important features like automatic shut-off (turning off automatically when the reservoir gets full) are so ubiquitous that it would only be noteworthy if a dehumidifier (of any size) didn’t have such a feature. Auto defrost is also quite common.

What you’re unlikely to see on small dehumidifiers that is quite common on medium and large dehumidifiers is smart-home support or companion apps. And, frankly, you’re unlikely to want or use them. The best small dehumidifiers are used as needed, quietly in the corner.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best small dehumidifiers

• Best overall: Breezome 60Oz. Dehumidifier
• Best splurge: Tenergi Sorbi
• Best design: Posdry 27 Oz. Dehumidifier
• Most eco-friendly: ProBreeze Mini
• Best budget: Tabyik 42oz. Dehumidifier

The preceding small dehumidifiers represent your best options for getting a dehumidifier at an affordable price for your small room. They all emphasize affordability, tolerability, and everyday function over intensity and power. Remember, the best small dehumidifiers—if placed in typical locations for them—are objects to be lived around and should have the same feeling to be around as fans and other moving objects that are in our rooms but don’t affect our other activities greatly.

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 small dehumidifiers for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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

The Original		Blue Yeti		SEE IT	Still great, the Blue Yeti is a user-friendly option for a new streamer or podcaster who wants a plug-and-play, reliable USB microphone with a proven sound.
The Upgrade		Blue Yeti X		SEE IT	The Yeti X improves the audio quality, updates the design, and adds some extra features while also keeping the same basic operational and connectivity features as the Yeti.
The latest		Logitech G Yeti GX		SEE IT	A compact streamer-focused mic that offers a broadcast-style supercardioid capsule and RGB gamer styling.

Way before there were dozens of companies making hundreds of USB microphones, Blue Microphones introduced the Yeti in 2009 and it held a legitimate claim to being among the best USB podcast microphone for some time. With increasing competition, the Blue Yeti had to evolve, and the following iteration, the Yeti X, can claim to be more expressive … for a price. But just how wide is this generation gap? If you’re searching for the best microphone for whatever your project is and you’ve narrowed it down to Blue Yeti mics, chances are you’re comparing the classic to the new hotness, so here’s our Yeti vs. Yeti X primer to help you decide.

Is something wrong with the original Blue Yeti mic? Why another version?

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The Blue Yeti USB microphone ($109.99) was originally launched as a “premium” USB microphone aimed at pro, semi-pro, and aspiring broadcasters, singers, and musicians. At that time, many USB mics looked like novelty designs and lacked professional features and audio quality of broadcaster standards like the Shure SM7B. They did have the benefit of not requiring an external audio interface, however, and soon caught on and caught up. The Yeti raised the bar for USB microphone quality and became one of the most popular models worldwide for years and a common feature on many podcaster’s desks.

Since then, however, the USB mic landscape has exploded with professional options matching or exceeding the Yeti. Blue has kept pace by introducing a series of Yeti USB mics for various needs. The sub-$100 Yeti Nano, for example, is a smaller mic with fewer options. At the same time, the $249.99 Yeti Pro adds musician-focused features such as an XLR audio connection and 24-bit/192kHz studio-grade audio resolution. 

While those are targeted for specific use cases, the $169.99 Yeti X is the closest thing to an updated version of the Blue Yeti USB microphone, adding several small but noticeable improvements to the still-capable original. The Yeti X improves the audio quality, updates the design, and adds some extra features while keeping the same basic operational and connectivity features as the Yeti. But the original Yeti is still a great, user-friendly option for a new streamer or podcaster who wants a plug-and-play, reliable USB microphone with a proven sound. There’s nothing wrong with the original, so the pertinent questions for potential buyers are whether they want the Yeti X’s extra features and, if so, are they worth the extra $60? Let’s discuss …

Yeti vs. Yeti X microphones: What are the differences?

Blue (now known as Logitch for Creators and part of the Logitech G brand) won critical acclaim when it introduced the Yeti X in 2020, as the update adds a little bump to everything its best-selling predecessor does. The Yeti X steps up its digital audio resolution to 24-bit/48kHz, compared to 16-bit/48kHz for the Yeti. In theory, that higher bit depth represents a massive increase in captured digital data to recreate sounds more accurately. In practice, many people may not notice the difference in the audio quality, and many users may not even need or use the extra audio resolution in their streams, podcasts, and other broadcasts. 

However, the Yeti X has another trick up its sleeve: a fourth condenser capsule, compared to the Yeti’s three condensers. The condenser capsules in microphones convert sound waves into the mic’s signal, so having four instead of three condensers can contribute to greater audio clarity. At comparable prices, many other USB mics use four condensers to capture audio.

Aesthetically, the Yeti X looks sleeker in its design and has shinier finishing elements to the microphone and its stand base. The flatter microphone head contributes to Yeti X’s retro-futuristic appeal. The Yeti X is also slightly smaller than the Yeti but weighs a bit more; including the microphone and the stand, the Yeti X weighs 2.8 pounds, compared to 2.2 pounds for the Yeti and its stand.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference visual is the multicolor, multifunction LED ring around the Yeti X’s level encoder/mute button on its front. By default, these LEDs show the mic’s input level meter in green, yellow, and red, so you can see immediately if your levels are too hot. The encoder also controls the levels for the microphone input, headphone volume, and monitoring balance between the mic volume and computer volume. Holding the mute button switches between level modes and the LEDs show the levels as you turn the encoder. This Yeti X functionality gives you all your level controls in front, whereas the Yeti has a headphone volume knob in front and a microphone input level knob in back. Besides looking cooler, the Yeti X’s LED ring gives you the extra monitoring balance function, which the Yeti doesn’t have.

Finally, the Yeti X gives you extra options when paired with the included Logitech G Hub desktop software. Using G Hub you can customize the Yeti X’s LED ring colors, and apply “Blue VO!CE” vocal effects, which are EQ settings for treating your voice with presets—including “Warm and Vintage,” “Crisp and Modern,” and “AM Radio”—or dialing in your settings.

Cool, then how are the Yeti and Yeti X similar?

Both mics are USB-powered and can detach from their stands to be mounted on standard mic stands or boom arms. Detaching the Yeti from its stand can send several small, easily lost washers in all directions, and those parts also make reattaching the Yeti to its stand somewhat of a hassle. Thankfully, the Yeti X’s design doesn’t use any of those washers, so detaching and reattaching it to and from its stand makes for a better experience.

Both mics are also very sensitive in picking up sounds and have the same four pickup patterns—internal settings that focus the mic’s audio capture to specific areas in front, behind, or all around it. These four patterns are: cardioid (in front), most common for a single person talking or singing; omnidirectional (360 degrees), best for representing the entire ambiance of a space; bi-directional (front and back), ideal for two people sitting across from each other; and stereo, which creates a wide audio image and is well suited to recording instruments or multiple sound sources in front of the mic. On the Yeti, the Pattern control for choosing these pickup patterns (a dial) is a bit stiff to switch, but the Yeti X employs a better button switch with LED icons for showing the active pattern.

Once set up, the original Yeti earned its esteemed reputation for combining crisp, strong, detailed sound with a sturdy and durable metal design and professional looks. For any streamers who like to keep their mics in sight of the camera, the standard Yeti comes in a variety of colors—including blue, silver, teal, red, and black—while the Yeti for The Aurora Collection edition adds Pink Dawn and White Mist. It also has a headphone output, which lets you monitor the mic’s input with no latency while listening to your computer’s audio—an excellent and very handy feature. The Yeti X has all those traits as well, with the aforementioned audio-quality boosts. 

Is the improved sound quality of the Yeti X really noticeable?

When comparing 16-bit/48kHz recordings from the Yeti to 24-bit/48kHz recordings from the Yeti X, there is a noticeable difference in the fidelity of the Yeti vs. Yeti X. The Yeti sounds slightly harsher for “esses” and other consonant sounds, as well as breath sounds. Spoken words are clearer and musical instruments ring just a little more textured and resonant on the Yeti X. Even when comparing recordings at 16-bit/48kHz resolution from both mics, there was a smaller, but still noticeable difference in the clarity coming from the Yeti X. 

Note: If you want the full audio resolution from the Yeti X, you may have to dig into your recording software or streaming software settings to use the 24-bit/48kHz resolution.

That said, untrained listeners frequently do not notice the difference between 16-bit audio and high-resolution (higher than 16-bit) audio. And millions of people listen to podcasts and livestreams every day in compressed audio formats like MP3, so using a microphone with 24-bit or 16-bit audio would not really make a difference.

If I’m just recording myself talking, why would I want the Yeti X?

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While the practical need for 24-bit audio is not currently essential to many podcasters and streamers, the Yeti X still has an edge in clarity over the Yeti due to its fourth condenser. And suppose you are starting a podcast or other type of show in 2021. In that case, there is currently a push toward lossless audio on streaming services, so it may not hurt to “futureproof” your setup with a 24-bit audio USB mic that would stay relevant if audio quality expectations continue to go up over time. For example, 24-bit/48kHz audio (or higher) is already the preferred choice for recording music so that it can be delivered to high-definition formats.

Besides its audio, the Yeti X may be more appealing to those thinking about the on-camera appearance of their mic for their videos on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and so on. Whether you think the Yeti or the Yeti X looks better is a subjective matter, but having the LED level meter with customizable colors is certainly a way to stand out, and the Yeti X is at least much less common (for now). In contrast, Blue claims there are millions of the original Yeti in use.

But what if I’m streaming? An aside about the Blue Yeti GX

The Blue Yeti GX is the Yeti line’s answer to the rise of streaming. Its streamlined body and RGB aesthetic are meant to illuminate, but not dominate, the area around your mouth and face as you speak, calmly we’re sure, into its dynamic supercardioid capsule designed to focus on your voice, not keyboard/mouse clicks. You can run your voice through Blue VO!CE filters and effects and there’s also an analog limiter to prevent clipping and a downward expander to reduce ambient background noise. Meanwhile, a heavy base reduces rattling if you happen to “fist pump” your desk during a heated gaming moment, and, likewise, the Yeti GX detects movements to dampen the mic and reduce this sort of interference (it can also be fitted to a boom arm).

Note, also, that the Yeti GX is quite easy to use. If you can plug its USB-C to USB-A connection in, you can use a Yeti GX effectively. In fact, for most people the standard options will sound fine and you’re likely to spend as much time in the Logitech G Hub software adjusting RGB as you are choosing a preset that sounds fine. More advanced options are there for those who want them. For streamers, especially, the simple on-mic controls will be useful for on-the-fly adjustments.

The big question is, however, if the Yeti GX is a buy and if it beats out the Yeti or Yeti X. As per the ideas of the mic’s makers, the primary people to be interested in this mic are streamers who will appreciate its simplicity and beauty. The associate Streamlabs Ultra free trial that goes with the Yeti GX can attest to that. If you are currently seeking your first, backup, or next streaming mic, such as if your current one has died, the Blue Yeti GX is a no-brainer. However, if you already have a Yeti mic that you enjoy for streaming, holding off on the buy button until you see a sale or special deal is more advisable. — John Alexander

So, is the original Yeti still good enough?

There are plenty of people using the Blue Microphones Yeti today for a podcast, a Twitch stream, a YouTube channel, etc. Their shows probably don’t suffer at all for using the Yeti instead of the Yeti X. So, if you really want to save money or if you just prefer the silver or blue Yeti colors that aren’t available for the Yeti X, which just comes in black or white, you will get one of the best USB microphones for the money in the original Yeti. 

On the other hand, you would also get a considerable amount of improvements for the extra $60 for the Yeti X, which upgrades the Yeti in almost every conceivable way. The Yeti X offers a clearer, richer sound from its additional condenser capsule and digital audio resolution, additional hands-on audio controls, a customizable multicolor LED level meter ring, voice EQ settings through software, and a slicker design that offers a cleaner experience for detaching and reattaching the mic to its stand. 

Regardless of the model you choose, the Blue Yeti vs. Yeti X debate features USB mics that have deserved reputations as two of the best for the price. There are new challengers in the USB mic market what feels like almost daily—such as the AKG Ara or MSI Immerse GV60 or Sennheiser Profile—but the Yetis remain strong in build yet sensitive to sound. They are an accurate, reliable, and easy-to-operate plug-and-play option for computer- and smart device-based broadcasting. 

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 Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti vs. Yeti X: Which podcasting mic should you buy? appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best Overall		Honda Power Equipment HSS724AAWD		SEE IT	With an easy electric start and adjustable auger height, this beast of a blower will carve a path through frozen precipitation in no time.
Best Electric		EGO SNT2400		SEE IT	More eco-friendly, as well as noise pollution negligible, than gas-powered blowers, this electric option is still highly efficient.
Best for Long Driveways		Ariens Deluxe 30-in Two-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower		SEE IT	It can cut a 30-inch path through more than 18 inches of snow, which means fewer passes and shorter clearing times.

You might be avoiding snow blowers for gravel driveways because you’ve heard they’ll kick up rocks and damage your property. At the same time, shoveling out your entire driveway probably sounds like a horrid chore. The answer is a two-stage or three-stage snow blower, capable of skimming across the top of your driveway, removing the majority of snow while leaving your driveway intact. If you feel like picking the right machine for the job has you between a bunch of rocks and a hard place, we’ve made it easier with our list of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

• Best overall: Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower
• Best electric: EGO SNT2400
• Best 3-stage: CRAFTSMAN SB650 28-in Three-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower
• Best for long driveways: Ariens Deluxe 30-in Two-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower
• Best budget: PowerSmart Snow Blower 212cc

How we selected the best snow blowers for gravel driveways

Selecting the best snow blowers for gravel driveways is a bit different than choosing the best snow blowers to use in a general sense. The main issue is that you cannot safely use a 1-stage snow blower on gravel driveways because they have no way to prevent rocks from making it out through the chute. Wheels and treads are another worthwhile consideration. In any event, we had to go beyond the top-rated snow blowers and look at each machine to make sure it would remove your snow and not the ground, without having to resort to snow shovels. We considered critical reviews and user impressions to help us narrow down our list to the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

The best snow blowers for gravel driveways: Reviews & Recommendations

The following 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers are all adequate choices for gravel driveways. While the typical choice is going to be a gas-powered 2-stage snow blower, we’ve also got some variety for you. Within this list, you’ll be able to find anything you would want from the category, from heavy-duty snow blowers to the best electric snow blower. In the end, all of the following choices will make for a good snow blower for gravel driveway clearing.

Best overall: Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower

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Why it made the cut: This heavy-duty snow blower by Honda has the power to get big jobs done.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stage
• Size: Fits in 60 x 44 x 30 inches pre-assembly
• Weight: 220 pounds

Pros

• Easy electric start
• Adjustable auger height
• Clears 24-inches wide
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• Very heavy
• Expensive

The top of our list belongs to Honda Power Equipment for its sheer power. This beast of a machine can handle 1,500 pounds of snow a minute, with a 24-inch wide clearing opening. Keeping on your gravel driveway should be relatively easy with the tank-like treads on the back two wheels. Be sure to install skid shoes on the bottom of the front section to give your snow blower some lift, but also be aware that the height of the Honda Power Equipment’s auger (the part that gets rid of the snow) is adjustable.

You can also take advantage of the offered expert assembly, which will be especially useful since the Honda Power Equipment snow blower weighs over 220 pounds. The weight, alongside the hefty cost, is going to turn some heads, but the overall efficacy of the Honda Power Equipment and advanced height adjustment earns it its slot at the top of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

Best electric: EGO SNT2400

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Why it made the cut: The EGO SNT2400 is one of the few fully electric stage-2 snow blowers that can compete with a gas-powered snow blower.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stages
• Size: 49 x 26 x 45 inches
• Weight: 154.7 pounds

Pros

• Much quieter than gas-powered models
• Headlights
• Eco friendly
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• No provided batteries/charger

Our best electric snow blower for gravel driveways comes in the form of the EGO SNT2400. This product really outshines its gas-powered competitors in that it isn’t churning out noxious fumes into the air while also staying quiet in the mornings to not wake up the kids and neighbors.

The EGO SNT2400 uses arc lithium batteries to deliver the power of gas without all of the environmental downsides. The batteries also give you the chance for a completely electric but also cordless snow blower-for-gravel-driveways experience.

Unfortunately, the EGO SNT2400 does not come with the batteries and charger. This does, however, give you some choice and flexibility in what you’re getting, as well as save you some money if you’re an electric fan that already has the needed batteries for other EGO Outdoor Power Equipment. For this model, EGO recommends using two of the 56V ARC Lithium batteries, with the 7.5 Ah model being able to clear an 18-car driveway in a single charge.

Best 3-stage: CRAFTSMAN SB650 28-in Three-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower

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Why it made the cut: The extra turbo mode kicks when when you have to chop through super-heavy snow or ice.

Specs

• Stages: 3-stage
• Size: 53 x 28 x 43 inches
• Weight: 283 pounds

Pros

• Extra power when you need it
• Extremely burly wheels
• Self-propulsion
• 357cc engine
• Six forward speeds and two reverse speeds

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

When things get rough, such as when you get refrozen snow regularly, it becomes time for a 3-stage snow blower. These hardy snow blowers have an accelerator that pushes through into the heaviest and wettest of snows, giving you the power to get the job done. This 357cc model is one of the most powerful currently available.

It cuts a 28-inch swath through the accumulated snow up to 18-inches hight. That means you can wait until the storm is over (most of the time) and then quickly clear the driveway all in one shot instead of having to do multiple passes. The self-propulsion system offers six forward speeds and two reverse speeds. You’ll need that help from the self-propulsion system since this blower weighs in at a very hefty 283 pounds.

It can throw snow for up to 30 feet and the versatile blade design makes it right at home on paved surfaces or un-paved surfaces. That’s great if you’re clearing a big property with mixed terrain.

If you typically just get fluffy snow that blows around in the wind, then this model might be overkill. But, if you get heavy, icy snow that tends to choke your regular blower, than this is absolutely worth the upgrade.

Best for long driveways: Ariens Deluxe 30-in Two-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower

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Why it made the cut: You want two things when clearing a long driveway: a wide clearing area and self-propulsion. This has both.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stage
• Size: 58 x 32 x 45
• Weight: 275 pounds

Pros

• Super-wide 30-inch clearing area
• Powerful engine
• Long throw
• Self-propulsion
• Push-button electric start

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

When you have a long driveway, you want to clear as much snow as possible with each pass. This powerful snow mover cuts a 30-inch wide path through the accumulation. That drastically cuts down on how long it takes to cover a large area. It’s also capable of chewing through up to 18 inches of snow, so no need to go out and do multiple sessions.

This machine offers variable-speed self-propulsion, which is all-but-mandatory since it weighs a very hefty 275 pounds. Still, it’s relatively easy to maneuver thanks to the powerful self-drive mechanism and burly back tires. The auger can throw snow up to 50 feet, so it’s good for wide driveways as well. Plus, the chute rotates up to 200 degrees so you can be surgical when it comes to placing the blown snow. This is a beast of a machine, but if you have a long driveway, it can drastically decrease time spent clearing snow.

Best budget: PowerSmart Snow Blower 212cc

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Why it made the cut: PowerSmart has provided us with a fully powered 2-stage snow blower for under $800.

Specs

• Stages: 2-stage
• Size: 32.3 x 24.8 x 22 inches
• Weight: 143 pounds

Pros

• Great power for the price
• Relatively lightweight
• Expert assembly available

Cons

• Jiggly chute

Finally, we have a 2-stage snow blower from PowerSmart. Despite its relatively affordable price, the PowerSmart is tough enough to get through difficult storms thanks to a clearing height of up to 21 inches at full 2-foot width. It uses a 212cc standard gas engine with a corded electric start.

What the PowerSmart lacks in premium features, such as headlights or heated handles, it makes up for by being a solid unit that won’t break the bank. You’ll also notice that sticking to the essentials gives makes the PowerSmart comparatively lightweight at only 143 pounds. Where most units are considerably heavier than me, there’s a lot of comfort in working with a machine in the slippery snow that is more comparable in weight.

The PowerSmart features a 180-degree rotatable chute. While, in theory, this rotation should be under your control, consumer reports mention that the chute can have a mind of its own from time to time and change its aim. This is particularly noticeable in bumpy terrain. Still, you should be able to get it back under control quickly if you are attentive.

Things to consider before buying snow blowers for gravel driveways

While the number of stages is the most important thing to consider when buying a snow blower for gravel driveways compared to one for other use cases, there are other important things to consider before buying such a large, complicated piece of equipment. Then chuck on your best heated gloves and your best heated jacket and get to work.

Stages

At its most simple, we can describe the stage amount as the number of steps and parts used to chuck snow elsewhere. The most important distinction for users wanting to blow snow off the tops of gravel driveways is separating 1-stage and higher-stage snow blowers.

A 1-stage snow blower, also known as a “snow thrower,” has a more open build and no shielding to protect the ground. The result is snow—and gravel—thrown everywhere. These 1-stage snow blowers are not suitable snow blowers for gravel driveways.

The 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers, meanwhile, are made for gravel driveways. A large part of this is the addition in most models of skid shoes, which force the machine slightly off the ground. The result is a skimming-off-the-top effect, leaving just a thin layer of snow atop your undisturbed gravel. The main bonus of a 3-stage over a 2-stage is the addition of an accelerator that can help with harder, refrozen snow.

Please note that other terminology works for these products, as well. For example, 2-stage, dual-stage, and two-stage all work interchangeably. When looking for the best snow blowers for gravel driveways avoid snow throwers, 1-stage snow blowers, single-stage snow blowers, and one-stage snow blowers.

Expert assembly options

Regardless of how handy you are, a bit of help putting together a several-hundred-pound machine can be quite useful. This assembly can also ensure that the skid shoes—the part of the snow blower that raises the machine up to not eat your gravel—are attached properly. As a bonus, the cost of getting expert assembly is typically quite cheap. For example, the EGO SNT2400 has an expert assembly option that adds less than 5% to the overall cost of the machine. That being said, be sure to discuss the details with the service provider, as there is usually a clause that allows for an updated estimate based on the complexity of the machine.

Size & weight

Picturing your heavy-duty snow blower tossing snow out of your path sounds great as the season approaches, but will you be happy with a large and ultra-heavy machine sitting in your garage all year? Be careful and imagine setting a box with the weight and dimensions of your new product in your shed for a full year. Are you going to be using it enough during the viable season to make it worth having it from spring to fall as well or is it going to be weighing you down more than the full utility that it provides? The heaviest snow blowers can weigh nearly 300 pounds. Once weights get up above 150 pounds or so, you want to make sure to have self-propulsion. Also, heavier models benefit from reverse gears to help you go backwards without doing a World’s Strongest Man event.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best snow blowers for gravel driveways

• Best overall: Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower
• Best electric: EGO SNT2400
• Best 3-stage: CRAFTSMAN SB650 28-in Three-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower
• Best for long driveways: Ariens Deluxe 30-in Two-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower
• Best budget: PowerSmart Snow Blower 212cc

Getting the best snow blowers for gravel driveways is easy once you’ve figured out the need to have a 2-stage or 3-stage snow blower at a minimum. The snow blowers presented on this list should appeal to anyone wishing to get something to make the winter more bearable, with the Honda 660780 Two Stage Snow Blower being a particularly strong choice.

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 snow blowers for gravel driveways of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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With hundreds of thousands of Android games on the Google Play Store, it can be tricky to find ones that are suitable to play. Often, the games we see advertised the most for Android phones and tablets are also the most predatory. Avoiding games designed more to take our cash than to entertain us is difficult, but we can help by recommending five of the best Android games that break the mold and still provide plenty of fun.

 Super Auto Pets

Super Auto Pets is an answer to auto-battling games like Hearthstone: Battlegrounds, Riot’s Team Fight Tactics, and Marvel Snap. The game has a clear monetization scheme and instantaneous unlocks, yet still holds onto the addictive gameplay loop the aforementioned auto-battlers have. But the obsession comes from fun and achievements, not grinding out currency and unlocks.

During gameplay, you’ll assemble a team of cute animals (including a dinosaur or two), feed them, and head off to battle. As the primary game mode is asynchronous, it’s a perfect game for busy adults. You won’t have to hurry through turns if you dip into play intermittently throughout the workday. If you have time, however, you can sit down for a ranked match, which plays like more typical multiplayer online games. What animals (and food) you play with are determined by sets, which can be purchased in full with a single direct purchase, no “gems” or other in-game currency required. The first set is free and you can eventually play with all animals for free via weekly random and/or curated sets.

Super Auto Pets is free, and you can buy additional packs in the app.

2. Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors became a cult classic on PC during the summer of 2023. With graphics that can be described as “1998 DOS freeware” and a user interface defined by only one word—chaotic—this is definitely a stylized game. The effect is outstanding, however, and a satisfying game loop quickly seals players within its grasp.

Each session starts with a character and a weapon or two, automatically flying about the screen. As your weapon hits enemies who increasingly crowd around you, numbers begin to fly everywhere, levels rise, and resources accumulate. Regular pauses in the action give you a chance to breathe and plot, while also giving you access to items that will improve your build. As time progresses, so does the intensity of the opposition, with the final bits of action proving the true power of your build and if you’re worthy of unlockables.

Vampire Survivors is free with in-app purchases.

3. Dominion

Dominion is a classic board game. Now, it has a new Android app edition, suitable for both new and recurring players. Dominion is a deck-builder that emphasizes trade-offs and long-term planning. Each turn, you collect cards that either boost your score or your potential to grab even better cards later. Grabbing early-game, high-point cards while you can will always feel good, for example, but seeing those cards (dead weight in your hand) again and again throughout a match can feel exhausting.

As mentioned, this game originates from older source material. However, this digital rendition is a fairly new implementation of the game, and at the time of this writing, it remains in early access. As a result, if you’ve been put off by other mobile implementations of board and card games of this era, you should strongly consider coming back for Dominion to see if a new generation of graphics, UI innovations, and controls can get you in the game.

Dominion is free, and you can buy expansions in the app.

4. Peglin

Take PopCap’s Peggle, toss in a Slay the Spire overworld and character development system, and throw in some unique thematic arcs of its own and you have Peglin. Essentially, the game’s core loop is you—depicted as a green goblin with pointy ears—throwing rocks and orbs through a board to hit pegs. To oversimplify greatly, the more pegs you hit, the more damage you do to oncoming monsters. It’s a hit-or-be-hit world. After battles end, you get to add a new rock or orb to your backpack and, potentially, get the chance to attend an event or obtain a game-changing artifact.

While the opening act of the game, set in a forest, feels like Peggle with RPG mechanics on top, that feeling doesn’t last. By the time you’ve prevailed past a castle and into the void, gravity and gameplay will both be significantly different. Mastered all the areas? You’ll still have the “cruciball” challenge, which tilts the odds against you, and new characters to play with as well. Plus, the developerss keep updates coming, both improving upon the game and adding new orbs to fight with. Peglin is a fully-contained offline adventure.

Peglin is free with in-app purchases.

5. Shattered Pixel Dungeon

If you want a traditional, adventure roguelike Android game, then Shattered Pixel Dungeon is worth your time. Ditching awkward numpad controls and step-by-step movement, Shattered Pixel Dungeon takes you on a finger-accessible journey with mobile sensibilities. Collecting items, discovering the unknown, and bashing enemies with swords and spells are all still there in all their traditional roguelike glory for you, though.

[Related: The best Android apps for your Chromebook]

You may already be familiar with part of the title of the game, and that’s because it comes as a fork, or separate branch, of the open-source code of Pixel Dungeon. While other forks of this game exist, Shattered Pixel Dungeon is generally favored above others for its consistent development, plethora of extra items and entities, and nearly 10 years of independent history. If you like this game, other Pixel Dungeon variants may also be worth a spin.

Shattered Pixel Dungeon is free to play.

While these games are meant to be best enjoyed on an Android phone, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. If you’d like to get them on a bigger screen, check out our guide on how to use Android games on PC.

The post The best Android games for unlocking new worlds appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition		SEE IT	The perfect heater for a quick jump into the car.
Best value		Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater		SEE IT	A simple heater that doesn’t skimp on safety features.
Best propane		Mr. Heater F299730		SEE IT	Gives off pleasing, blue flame heat and is suitable for indoor use.

Whether it’s to avoid pre-commute morning chills or help you get through that weekend project, garage heaters are there to keep you warm. But there’s a lot to look into, including safety concerns (noxious fumes) and the scary possibility of accidentally winding up with one of those 240V plug-ins and nowhere to plug it. To get you on the right track, and with an appliance that suits your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best garage heaters, with every angle and style covered.

• Best overall: Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition
• Best year-round: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07
• Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Electric Heater
• Best personal: Mr. Heater F215100 “Little Buddy”
• Best overhead: Comfort Zone CZQTV5M
• Best propane: Mr. Heater F299730
• Best 240V electric: Dr. Heater DR966
• Best for open garage: Briza Infrared Patio Heater
• Best budget: Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater

How we chose the best garage heaters

It shouldn’t surprise you, but the two primary factors that go into any selection for an entry onto the best garage heaters list are heating quality and safety features. Without these two factors, an item cannot be considered for the list. The next things we considered are the types of customers that need garage heaters and the types of garages those customers have. For example, if you’re the standard garage user who just wants to hop into a car without freezing, you should probably just go with the Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition. But, if you’re a tinkerer, there are many more things to consider. But no matter what your situation, it is our firm belief that we’ve probably found something of quality for this list that will suit your needs.

The best garage heaters: Reviews & Recommendations

As we’ve organized the following list, we’ve organized it to be human-based first garage-based next to the best of our ability. What does this mean? Human situations, such as wanting overhead heating, come before garage considerations whenever possible. In other words, as you’re browsing this list, consider your personal situation first, as the best garage heaters are those that solve your problems.

Best overall: Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition

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Why it made the cut: Provides the best heat for average families looking to pop into the car.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (1500W)
• Size: 4 x 19 x 16 inches
• Placement: Wall mounted
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Fast, concentrated heat when and where it matters
• Simple installation
• Robust safety features
• Easy to control remotely

Cons

• Best for quick trips to the car

Generally speaking, there are two types of garage heater customers: those who want to heat up their garage to stay in it and work and those who want to hop in the car in comfort. The vast majority of people will be in the latter group, and this is the heater for them.

The Heat Storm Phoenix weighs a mere nine pounds and connects with your standard American 110/120-volt outlet. This simple setup and outlet connection easily makes it one of the best electric garage heaters. It provides radiant heat, which emanates from the heater, and can be wall-mounted next to your garage entryway. This, in combination with its WiFi-enabled remote controls, means you’ll be able to reach your car in comfort and then switch the heating element off after you drive away.

It’s also worth pointing out that radiant heat works relatively quickly, unlike convection heating, as it sends out rays of heat. In the same way, it can be highly energy efficient if used in the right manner. You aren’t spending power heating up the far corners of your garage, after all.

Finally, it is worth pointing out how much emphasis is put into the safety blocks of this machine. It has a child lock, tip-over protection, an air filter, and overheating shut-off, so even if you forget to turn it off after leaving the garage, you can have peace of mind about the safety of your garage.

Best year-round: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07

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Why it made the cut: This heater provides heat in the winter, cooling in the summer, and air purification all year long.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (1500W)
• Size: 9.76 x 8.07 x 30.08 inches
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Convection

Pros

• Provides heating and cooling
• Uses HEPA filter for cleaner air
• Very safe, no blades
• Controlled via Alexa

Cons

• Somewhat loud

Dyson’s Pure Hot + Cool HP07 is a multi-functional tool that won’t get in the way once winter turns to spring. This is because, at its heart, the HP07 is a tool meant for making your air livable, no matter the season on air temps. In winter, it warms as a 1500-watt heater, and in summer, it cools. In spring and fall, you can keep running it; its air filtration system still sorts out dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns in diameter

There’s a lot to like about the design of the HP07 as well. In the same vein as many of the best air purifiers, it has a dual-filtration design. Carbon filters sort through organic matter, while HEPA filtration gets the fine particles. Plus, it uses a bladeless fan, making it super safe for curious fingers as well. Finally, the whole thing is controllable via Alexa, making for easy, hands-free temperature adjustments. We consider this heater to be one of the best space heaters.

Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Electric Heater

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Why it made the cut: This programmable ceramic heater provides heat on your schedule.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (1500W)
• Size: 7.87 x 7.87 x 25.59 inches
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Ceramic convection

Pros

• Contains 24-hour timer
• Smart voice controls for Google, Alexa, and IFTTT
• Easy to use
• Tip over and overheat protection

Cons

• Internal thermostat not perfect

If you’re the type that looks forward to getting into your garage after a long day of work, the thought of wasting time waiting for the temp to rise can be painful. That’s why we like the GoveeLife, which can be controlled via smart-home devices/assistants and has a 24-hour timer for heating that works around your schedule.

The control system for this heater is highly reviewed for its ease of use. Once you’ve connected the heater to your WiFi and the GoveeLife app or your smart system, things go pretty smoothly. It’s also only ~8 pounds, so positioning it where you want won’t be difficult. And if that weight scares you due to the possibility of pets or curious children knocking it over, do be aware that it has tip-over protection alongside the usual overheating protection.

Best personal: Mr. Heater F215100 “Little Buddy”

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Why it made the cut: This works perfectly for a single person needing heat by their side at all times.

Specs

• Power source: Propane
• Size: 11 x 11 x 11 inches
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Radiant

Pros

• Hot local heat
• Tip over protection and low-oxygen shutoff
• Uses convenient, disposable propane cylinders
• Nearly silent

Cons

• Needs (small) ventilation area

It’s easy to get too fancy with your garage heating, warming up the whole place, when a little buddy could do the trick. For occasional garage use where you just need a warm boost, Mr. Heater’s “Little Buddy” is there for you. With a single one-pound, easy-to-install canister of propane, it produces over five hours of warm heat in a small area surrounding it. The Little Buddy runs quietly.

Despite its small size and an allowance for indoor usage, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy does require a small amount of ventilation. If there are any issues, a low-oxygen shutoff will turn off the Little Buddy immediately, and it has tip-over protection in case you knock it over.

Best overhead: Comfort Zone CZQTV5M

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Why it made the cut: Pushing out radiant heat and functioning as a light source, this heater will help you get work done.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (1500W)
• Size: 5.25 x 26.5 x 14.3 inches
• Placement: Overhead, ceiling mount
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Dual heat and lighting action
• Safety grill for active workspaces
• Adjusts to 90-degrees
• Overheat detection

Cons

• Limited control options

Typically, the rule of hot air rising prevails, eliminating the ability to have effective overhead heating options. However, as one of the best infrared heaters, which push out heat in a ray-like manner), this product allows you to circumvent this seeming law. The Comfort Zone CZQTV5M’s combination of radiant heater and overhead lamp works wonderfully in this regard; if its light can reach you, so can its heat. This fantastic combination makes it one of the best garage heaters for those doing work on top of a table or workstation, especially at night.

The Comfort Zone CZQTV5M features a solid metallic frame with a sturdy mounting bracket to be affixed above the workstation in your garage or in a central location that works for you. Below the mounting area, a 90-degree angle of rotation will allow you to pivot that vital light and heater combo. A protective keeps stray two-by-fours from smashing up anything important. The Comfort Zone CZQTV5M has two heat settings, 750W and 1500W, though we wish there were a few more as you might want to dim the heat more as you build up inner heat from working.

Best propane: Mr. Heater F299730 

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Why it made the cut: Provides the flame-based heat propane lovers crave.

Specs

• Power source: Propane
• Size: 28 x 10 x 26 inches
• Placement: Freestanding or wall-mounted
• Heating style: Blue flame convection

Pros

• Provides blue flame heat you can see
• CSA-certified for safety plus low-oxygen shut-off
• Includes thermostat and mounting gear
• No batteries or electricity required

Cons

• Propane can be tricky to use

The Mr. Heater propane heater provides the reliable flame-based heat that we often think of when “heater” pops into our minds. That’s because it is powered by propane, not electricity. This means that you’ll be required to connect it to a propane source, such as a tank, and keep that source filled, but also means that you’ll have a source of heat that can get you through winter power outages. (And keep enough tanks in the storage shed, and you can run those grills and fire pits, as well.)

Those worried about safety issues from gas will be happy to know that Mr. Heater uses a low-oxygen detector, which shuts the gas off on the off chance that dangerous conditions are detected. It is also made to be indoor safe, is CSA-certified, and does not require venting.

Best 240V electric: Dr. Heater DR966

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Why it made the cut: This affordable heater is perfect for your 240V hookup.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (6000W)
• Size: 14.5 x 13 x 14.5 inches
• Placement: Wall mounted
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Intense heat
• UL-certified safety
• Works well with large, uninsulated garages

Cons

• Requires 240V plug

Americans run on 110/120V appliances. That’s how our electricity grid delivers power. Unfortunately, many of the best garage heaters (at least in terms of power) take a 240V approach. If you don’t already have 240V capabilities installed in your garage, it can be a hassle, but if you do, consider the Dr. Heater DR966.

It pumps out heat at 6,000 watts (or 3,000 for a lower heat setting), which is about four times the rate that typical 120V heaters do. The point-and-shoot infrared style makes it the best for longer garages with “leaky,” uninsulated walls.

Best for open garage: Briza Infrared Patio Heater 

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Why it made the cut: Tripod-standing heat that extends the warmth of your garage.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (1500W)
• Size: 35.5 x 4 x 4 inches (element)
• Placement: Freestanding (on tripod)
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Functions safely outside of garage
• Wide heating element
• Included tripod
• Automatic shut-off safety

Cons

• Limited range for heating

Many of us like to keep the garage door open, extending our working area out into the driveway. This is especially critical if we’re sawing due to the dust, or need the open air to prevent getting knocked out by toxic fumes. The Briza, which works indoors and out, can safely extend the warmth of your garage into the area outside of it. With an IP55 rating, it is quite safe even under a drizzle, and you can be sure it won’t be taken out by a plume of sawdust.

Lengthwise, the Briza is nearly a yard long, giving you a healthy amount of steps outside of your garage while still aligning next to it. The infrared heating element only warms for about 6 feet, however. This makes the strategic play to put the Briza in parallel with your driveway, maximizing your garage “extension.” When not in use as one of the best garage heaters, the Briza also turns out to be one of the best patio heaters.

Best budget: Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater

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Why it made the cut: This is the best freestanding heater under $50.

Specs

• Power source: Electric (1500W)
• Size: 7.52 x 6.34 x 10.04 inches
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Ceramic convection

Pros

• Highly affordable
• ETL-list and TUV-certified
• Tip-over protection and overheating shut-off
• Even heating throughout garage

Cons

• Lacks advanced features
• Not for high-humidity areas

The Amazon Basics ceramic heater is a very basic style of heater that is simple to use. Just plug it in and turn it on to start pumping out warm air. This version, which oscillates, helps disperse the warmth evenly throughout your garage. If you want the heat closer to you, moving the Amazon Basics ceramic heater about your garage is easy, even if you’re carrying other things due to its carrying handle.

Admittedly, the biggest draw of this heater is that it has a low price. Even before sales and discounts, you can get three of these for about $100. What really counts is that it doesn’t skimp on having a quality fan, a reasonably long power cord, or safety certifications and features. However, it should be noted that Amazon warns against usage in “high humidity rooms,” which, if you live in certain regions, could include your garage. Otherwise, this is the best garage heater for those on a strict budget.

What to consider before buying garage heaters

While you may have a solid grasp of what you want in your garage, it is quite possible there are some lingering questions about what makes the best garage heaters worth it for your setup and lifestyle. Plus, safety is incredibly important for heaters, so you’ll want to understand these features fully.

Usage style

The most important thing to consider when buying a garage heater, or anything for that matter, is how you will use it. This consideration weighed heavily on our minds when choosing the reward categories above, and it should for you, as well, as you peruse garage heaters.

What follows is a listing of common customer self-descriptions, alongside the considerations and recommendations we make for those customers:

I hate being chilled before getting in my car in the morning. If you’ve just stepped out of the shower, have wet hair, and need to go to work, the walk from your warm home to your car is highly unpleasant. Your garage heater should be located next to your garage entrance, possibly wall-mounted. Radiant, infrared heat works well in this case, as the heat stays “local” better than other heaters, but many heating styles will work. Remote turn-on and turn-off are essential for your needs. We consider this to be one of the most common types of garage heater consumers, which is a large reason why the Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition is our overall best garage heater.

I want to use my garage. You have a lot more options. Spend more time considering ideal placement as well as your favorite type of heating when choosing your garage heater. If you already have a 240V connection, use it. In general, though, convection heaters are the best garage heaters for people who spend larger amounts of time in them.

I want to tinker in my garage. The ideal heater for the tinkerer will either be an overhead infrared heater that can warm the hands directly or a nearby convection heater. Infrared choices will work particularly well if you work in one place and mainly have trouble with exposed areas of the body, such as the hands, getting cold. They’re also the heater of choice for drafty, open garages. A convection heater will work fine, too, and provide better full-body heating in enclosed garages.

Compatibility

It may seem strange to consider compatibility when talking about heating, but the fact is that not every heater will suit your garage. High-powered 240V heaters may not work for you if you’re an American and don’t have suitable adaptations in place. The result could be anything from an underpowered heater to damage to your machinery.

Similarly, if you aren’t already comfortable with propane usage, connecting tubes and tanks may be a challenge. Those systems may be incompatible with you.

Safety

Heat, fires, and gasses are all deadly. Understanding what safety mechanisms and regulations are in play, as well as a bit of chemistry, is vital for picking out the best garage heaters.

By and large, the two most common types of safety features for heaters are tip-over protection and overheating shut-off. The first turns the heater off when it is knocked over to prevent rugs, carpets, or other flammable objects from getting too much heat from being knocked over by you, your pets, or your children. The latter keeps the machine from burning too hot. Depending on the company, they may go by slightly different names, and “automatic shut-off” may mean one or both of these features. Remember that wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted garage heaters may not need tip-over protection.

Safety certifications are another assurance that the product you are buying, if used with proper care, is safe. The common UL and ETL listings indicate that a third party has evaluated the product for safety. The two labels are nearly identical in meaning. TUV certifications show that a series of critical “tests” have been passed. For example, the TUV electric room heaters certification mark requires IPX4, a safety test, and production was monitored.

For propane heaters, the safety of propane itself may be an issue. Low-oxygen sensors are common for such heaters and will automatically turn the heater off. These sensors, also known as “Oxygen Depletion Sensors,” may not fully work in situations where there is incomplete combustion, however. Still, it should be noted that—when working properly—propane heaters give off little to no Carbon Monoxide. As all things can malfunction, we still recommend using one of the best carbon monoxide detectors whenever using propane indoors.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best garage heaters

• Best overall: Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition
• Best year-round: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07
• Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Electric Heater
• Best personal: Mr. Heater F215100 “Little Buddy”
• Best overhead: Comfort Zone CZQTV5M
• Best propane: Mr. Heater F299730
• Best 240V electric: Dr. Heater DR966
• Best for open garage: Briza Infrared Patio Heater
• Best budget: Amazon Basics Oscillating Ceramic Heater

By purchasing one of the above garage heaters, you will be able to tackle a variety of situations in your garage and come out warmer and happier. As mentioned previously, the best garage heaters are those that alleviate human-centric issues first and conform to the needs of your garage second. No matter what your needs, or the kind of garage you have, you should be able to find a suitable garage heater on the preceding list.

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 garage heaters 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		Dimplex Featherston		SEE IT	This is the best mixture of features and cost for most people.
Best TV stand		Ameriwood Home Farmington		SEE IT	Built-in storage and ample surface space make this ideal for supporting a TV.
Best budget		Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace		SEE IT	Get all the warmth and flickering flame without lighting cash on fire.

Electric fireplaces save you the trouble of bringing logs (and potentially bugs) into your home. These simple setups provide the heat and glow of a real fire with only a small fraction of the effort. There’s simply something romantic about being curled up with a person, pet, book, or smartphone in front of a warm, flickering fireplace without being covered in sweat and sap. So, curl up, save yourself from “woodchopper’s back,” and grab one of the best electric fireplaces to warm your home in both temperature and vibe.

• Best overall: Dimplex Featherston
• Best for existing fireplaces: PuraFlame Klaus 
• Best TV stand: Ameriwood Home Farmington 
• Best wall mounted: R.W.FLAME 60-Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
• Best budget: Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace

How we chose the best electric fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces create smoke, even when using the best fire logs (the Duraflame Gold Firelog burns an incredible 80 percent cleaner than wood). As a result, they typically have to reside in very specific locations around the home. However, we’ve found that people like the freedom and flexibility that come with electric fireplaces. It’s a huge upgrade in terms of design and usability. At the same time, aesthetics still matter, and they need to fit in your space. While some truly wild designs exist, we populated this list with models that will fit most spaces—though be warned, they’re all larger than most space heaters. Some also come in different colors so that you can customize and coordinate them with your decor. As with all heat sources, both impressive heat output and quality safety features are paramount. Any time a gadget intentionally creates heat, you want to opt for a brand with a solid reputation for build quality.

The best electric fireplaces: Reviews & Recommendations

With electric fireplaces, you don’t have to know how to build a fire. Plus, you’ll save a tree and avoid the smoke, which could possibly be worse than wood stove air pollution. The best electric fireplaces are versatile machines with robust safety features, fine looks, and great heating capabilities. If you’re shivering in anticipation of there being a chill in the air, check out our top picks.

Best overall: Dimplex Featherston

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Why it made the cut: Transform any wall into a rock fireplace; no chimney or cutting required.

Specs

• Size: 16 x 61 x 44 inches
• Installation: Mounts to wall
• Heat control: Thermostat
• Heats rooms up to: 1,000 square feet

Pros

• Transformative for any wall
• Realistic flame, logs, and mantel
• Quiet heating fan
• Surprisingly easy to assemble

Cons

• Heavy and expensive

Some electric fireplaces don’t blend seamlessly with the space around them. The Dimplex Featherston, however, deftly integrates itself into a room.

How does it fare? The Dimplex Featherston has an impressive stone mantel with wood offsets. Far from being a cheap, plastic imitation, this electric fireplace is heavy and solid, weighing over 300 pounds. It mounts firmly to the wall, so you don’t have to worry about kids or pets knocking it loose. Despite its size and weight, the assembly is rather quick and easy, taking about an hour or less for most people.

Inside the Dimplex Featherston’s rocky exterior is a firebox that puts out 5,118 BTUs of heat, providing supplemental heat for rooms up to 1,000 square feet in size. Visually, the firebox imitates natural wood burning with a patented technique to give the logs an apparent glow.

Overall, the Dimplex Featherston is a transformative experience for your wall. Placed and anchored, it will appear like a traditional fireplace. As a result, it is quite expensive, rather heavy (again, over 300 pounds), and might not be for everyone. But if you want a sturdy, attractive model that will last, this is the pick.

Best for existing fireplaces: PuraFlame Klaus 

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Why it made the cut: This perfectly fills the spot where a “real” fireplace would go.

Specs

• Size: Check available sizes
• Installation: Insert
• Heat control: 750/1500W plus thermostat
• Heats rooms up to: 400 square feet

Pros

• Fits in recessed areas of homes meant for fireplaces
• Visual and sound effects
• Remotely controlled power, thermostat, and effects

Cons

• Cannot be hardwired.

What happens when a house already has a fireplace that barely gets used? They can be dangerous, require a constant supply of (potentially insect-housing) logs, have no temperature adjustment, etc. They’re unsightly when not in use and throw soot in the house when not. But this space begs to be filled, and the PuraFlame Klaus does a great job.

Praised for its realistic appearance, the PuraFlame Klaus will give your dead, unused fireplace recess a usable, safe alternative. Lively, flickering logs that look as if they are filled with the spirit and energy of flame fill its interior, with their intensity and brightness changeable over three settings. Its built-in speaker provides your choice of six crackling sounds. And you can safely keep the logs there during the summer months without inviting beetles. It looks good year-round.

During usage, you’ll also find the PuraFlame Klaus a worthy alternative to a real fireplace. Unlike a real blaze, you can adjust its temperature via remote control and a thermostat option. It gives up to 400 square feet of supplemental heat. It has exceptionally positive customer ratings for its performance and ease of installation.

Best TV stand: Ameriwood Home Farmington

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Why it made the cut: This freestanding model supports a large TV with style.

Specs

• Size: 15.69 x 59.61 x 29.37 inches
• Installation: Freestanding
• Heat control: Low / High
• Heats rooms up to: 400 square feet

Pros

• For TVs up to 60-inches wide or 95 pounds
• Highly rated for heat output
• Convenient shelf for consoles
• Quick toggle settings via remote

Cons

• A bit delicate
• Difficult assembly

This TV stand electric fireplace combines the best features of a TV stand and infrared heating to make a powerful, effective combo. The stand’s design (and size) varies a bit by “color” selection, with wooden designs appearing rustic and invoking feelings of country living. White “ivory” color designs will blend in more with modern homes.

Those that recall our examination of the best infrared heaters will know why we like this one so much. For one, the Ameriwood electric fireplace, by using infrared, will provide radiant heat that feels almost “sunlike” in nature. This gives a toasty fireplace feeling. One downside of infrared heating is that it travels like light, in a line, instead of heating the air. By placing an infrared heater in an electric fireplace TV stand, Ameriwood effectively solves this issue since most users will be facing the TV anyhow.

The gorgeous look of the replicated fire combined with its radiant feel are big selling points for the Ameriwood. However, it should be noted that with these good looks comes some delicateness. Be careful when assembling the product and moving the (heavy) box into your home, or you might scratch its exterior.

Best wall mounted: R.W.FLAME 60-Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

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Why it made the cut: With dazzling colors and recessed optionality, the R.W.FLAME is a clear winner.

Specs

• Size: Models between 30 and 68 inches wide
• Installation: Wall-mount or recessed
• Heat control: 750 and 1500 W modes
• Heats rooms up to: 400 square foot

Pros

• Fun, digital aesthetics with lots of color modes and options
• Timer settings
• ETL-certified design
• Overheating shut-off

Cons

• Finicky remote

For a beautiful wall-mounted or recessed look, try the R.W.FLAME, which can make any wall of your home look like a fireplace. It looks terrific as a wall mount, where it hangs on the wall via a bracket, but once you like it, you can also recess it into the wall, where its (depending on the version you get) 3.85-inch or 6-inch depth can be partially or fully hidden. Take the chance to assess how you like the heating style and location before cutting into your wall, as this electric fireplace (like most others) is meant to heat the space immediately surrounding it, not every inch of the room.

Visually, the R.W.FLAME is renowned for the controllable light show it creates. A bright line of flaming crystal crosses the bottom of the visual pane, from which flames rise. You can set both the crystal and flame colors from 12 choices, with five levels of brightness. The timer also allows it to automatically turn off after one to eight hours, so it won’t waste fuel after you’ve fallen asleep.

Best budget: Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace

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Why it made the cut: This inexpensive portable electric fireplace is a certified “keeper.”

Specs

• Size: 13 x 24 x 23.4 inches
• Installation: Freestanding
• Heat control: 20-setting thermostat
• Heats rooms up to: 1,000 square feet

Pros

• Wide temperature range
• Runs quiet at <37dB
• Price
• Overheating shut-off feature

Cons

• No tip protection

Duraflame’s Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace looks like a formidable iron box of fire. In reality, it is an inexpensive, safe-to-use electric fireplace that has significantly fewer returns than the competition. It’s cool to the touch despite heating your room up to temperatures of 82 degrees. Its 10 heat settings—you can increment the heater’s temperature between 62 and 82 degrees—give you a lot of flexibility depending on the day’s needs.

The heater’s ability to work well in 1000 square-foot rooms and to be moved easily accounts for a lot as well. We do wish it had tip-over protection, but it is not fully necessary with responsible usage. The rest of this electric fireplace’s customer satisfaction comes down to its beautiful appearance, practical application as a personal heating unit, and great nighttime usage. Aesthetically speaking, the fireplace itself looks classic and has five light settings to illuminate its artificial flame.

What to consider before buying electric fireplaces

There is a lot to consider when getting an electric fireplace. The styles vary so much in application that it can be difficult to find a one-size-fits-all approach to assessing them. Still, the installation style, safety features that some display, and heat-controlling mechanisms are relatively universal.

Installation

Right off the bat, you’ll have to decide what style you want. Some mount to the wall, while others stand freely. You’ll also find others that offer an insert-style design, which fill in the places where traditional fireplaces might go.

If you’re looking to fill a hole left by a more conventional fireplace that you’re no longer using, electric fireplaces are a no-brainer. In this case, check out the PuraFlame Klaus, which also happens to be among the highest-rated electric fireplaces on the market.

Certain electric fireplaces are affixed to the wall in a way not so dissimilar to that of a flatscreen television. For larger models meant to be flush with the surface, you may see them described as “wall-mounted.” It just means that, while the bottom of the fireplace might touch the floor, the back must mount to the wall for security and to become flush. Wall-mount-style electric fireplaces often create an illusory sense of depth.

Freestanding electric fireplaces will stand on four legs, like a cabinet or other piece of furniture. You’re most likely to see the safety features seen below on freestanding electric fireplaces.

Safety features

As with all heating units, you will likely wish to have some safety features as part of your electric fireplace experience. Here are some terms to look out for:

Automatic shut-off feature: Overheating or “auto-heat kill safety” feature designs work by turning off the unit when it gets too hot. This is good for keeping your room from getting too hot and saving yourself from a fire.

Freestanding units may also have a “tip-over protection” feature that shuts off the device if it is knocked over. This prevents heating elements and fans from pushing hot air directly into carpets or floors for too long. Note that this feature is somewhat more rare on even the best electric fireplaces.

CSA-certified unit: This indicates that the product has a CSA-certified design, which indicates these electric heater safety standards are upheld.

ETL-certified unit: Another common safety standard. It shows that a product meets safety and production standards in the US and Canada.

Heat control

Heat control is one of the most easily overlooked aspects of getting an electric fireplace. You may have a powerful fireplace, but it may have limited utility if you can’t control the temperature. Look for a 3-heat setting dial at minimum, with things like low, medium, and high power. A dial or thermostat with more fine-tuned control is even better. Some models allow for temperature adjustments via app or remote. The point is, don’t overlook having good control over your machine in the pursuit of intense heat output. As the end of fall or the beginning of spring approaches, the best electric fireplaces will serve your needs just as well as they do in the nights of deepest winter.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best electric fireplaces

• Best overall: Dimplex Featherston
• Best for existing fireplaces: PuraFlame Klaus 
• Best TV stand: Ameriwood Home Farmington 
• Best wall mounted: R.W.FLAME 60-Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
• Best budget: Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace

Electric fireplaces come in so many designs and configurations that almost any living space can benefit from one. They provide an extra heat source in the cold months, as well as a soothing light show. It’s a great way to improve the interior of your home without worrying about a supply of wood or regular chimney cleanings. Plus, the best electric fireplaces give you a simple way to control heat and light to your exact taste.

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 electric fireplaces 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		Elegoo 8K 3D Printer Resin		SEE IT	This resin works wonders with today’s best resin 3D printers.
Best value		Sunlu ABS-Like Resin (3000G)		SEE IT	A giant bottle of resin that has an excellent dollar-to-gram ratio.
Best for models		Anycubic 3D Printer Resin		SEE IT	It is a customer favorite that consistently displays sharp details.

You’ll need 3D printer resin for 3D resin printing if you have a resin 3D printer. It sounds like a tongue twister, but it is just a simple fact. Your printer almost certainly came with some resin, giving you an initial feeling of what your printer is capable of. But did you know that there are tons of styles and colors of resin that can completely redefine your builds? To help you make your next print a true work of art, we compiled a list of the best 3D printer resin bottles you can get, all with different styles and functions.

• Best overall: Elegoo 8K 3D Printer Resin
• Best transparent: Siraya Tech Craft Ultra-Clear 3D Printer Resin
• Best for models: Anycubic 3D Printer Resin
• Best color kit: Sunlu 3D Printer Resin Bundle
• Best dual color: RepRapper UV Dual Color 3D Resin
• Best flexible: Superflex 3D Printer Resin
• Best eco-friendly: Elegoo Plant-Based 3D Printer Resin
• Best for large batches: Sunlu ABS-Like Resin (3000G)
• Best budget: Monoprice Rapid 3D Printer Resin

How we chose the best 3D printer resin

3D printer resin is the base of your prints. As a result, changing up your resin can have a giant effect on the look of your prints. Some resin holds shapes better and is made for premium details, while other resins come in cool colors or can be flexible. The variety is truly surprising, which is why we wanted to bring forward a variety of styles to you, giving you a wide variety of inspiration and intrigue for your next print.

The best 3D printer resin: Reviews & Recommendations

The following 3D printer resins represent the best in their respective categories. Each resin presented is unique in the way that it prints, but similar in that it has been used successfully by hundreds (if not thousands) of customers just like you. The resins here can be thought of as both superior in some way and a means of expression by the printer.

Best overall: Elegoo 8K 3D Printer Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 1000g
• Colors: Space Grey
• Characteristic: Opaque model

Pros

• Supports high-details models
• Low shrinkage
• High compatibility
• Non-brittle, low odor

Cons

• On the expensive side

If you have an 8K 3D printer, which is considered the top-of-the-line for commercially available products, then you should check out this best-selling resin from Elegoo. It’s designed to be non-brittle and essentially non-shrinking so you can get the most out of detailed print projects. And while you should still ventilate, there will be reduced odors with this product.

While the Elegoo 8K 3D Printer Resin is specifically designed to work with their Saturn 2 8K LCD 3D Printer, it is widely compatible. It should work with nearly any DLP or LCD printer that uses 405nm light. Instead of compatibility, we find the main flaw of this resin to be the price. While not “expensive” it is a bit pricier than most, so it’s best to only grab this if you have a printer that can make use of its talents.

Best transparent: Siraya Tech Craft Ultra-Clear 3D Printer Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 1,000g
• Colors: Ultra-Clear
• Characteristic: Transparent

Pros

• Completely see-through
• Anti-yellowing formula
• Smooth and glossy after processing

Cons

• Takes some experimentation

If you’re into painting your models, it doesn’t really matter what the base coloration is. But if you want to peer into your model or use lighting with it, transparent styles are the best 3D printer resin for you. Siraya makes an ultra-clear resin that has an ice-like appearance, becoming even more clear after processing. While the general consensus is that you will need to practice with this resin to get the effect perfect, it does turn out great results. A person with a 3D resin printer for cosplay can really run wild if they’re concentrating on smaller objects, such as baubles and lenses, as can jewelry makers. If you want other cool effects, Siraya Tech Craft Glow-in-the-Dark 3D Printer Resin is a cool alternative.

Best for models: Anycubic 3D Printer Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 1,000g
• Colors: Gray, black, white, green, clear
• Characteristic: Opaque

Pros

• Sharp details
• Low shrinkage
• Customer favorite
• Highly affordable

Cons

• Easiest to use with Anycubic printers

Our guide to the best 3D printers for miniatures includes at least a couple of Anycubic printers. With resin like this, perfect for miniature makers, it makes sense, too. Anycubic’s 3D Printer Resin has low shrinkage, which might seem odd for miniatures, which you want to be small. However, shrinkage can be unpredictable, causing slight changes to models. As a result, this combined with the Anycubic resin’s ability to hold sharp details, makes it great for small figures. Customers love it for its quality and affordability, too, making it hard to find negatives. We can say, however, that the resin will work best with Anycubic printers, if only for the extensive ideal parameters charts the company provides.

Best color kit: Sunlu 3D Printer Resin Bundle 

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Specs

• Sizes: 4 x 500g
• Colors: Multi-pack (Dark grey, black, clear, clear green)
• Characteristic: Varies

Pros

• Lots of variety
• High (395 to 405nm) compatibility
• Inspires creativity
• Other options available

Cons

• Smaller 500g individual bottles

Committing to a whole bottle of clear or colored resin when you aren’t sure you’ll like it can be costly as well as disappointing. As a result, we recommend getting kits with several bottles of different resins to experiment with. This particular kit has an assortment of solid and transparent colors, though other options exist on the store page, including a set of cute pastel colors. The only thing we don’t love about this set is what comes standard for such packs; the individual packs are smaller.

Best dual color: RepRapper UV Dual Color 3D Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 500g, 1000g
• Colors: Various
• Characteristic: Dual color

Pros

• Cool lighting effects
• Water washable resin
• Makes printing an art again

Cons

• Awkward bottle design

As we get obsessed with the finer points of 3D printing, such as resolution, build area, and print speed, the cool factor can be totally forgotten. The two-tone effects of RepRapper resin bring back the inner artist in the 3D printer, however. Each bottle (coming in 500 or 1,000g, depending on color set) prints in a single resin style. When viewed, however, the two colors will appear in a spectrum depending on the amount of light present. Different angles will also make opposing colors pop out, producing a truly mesmerizing effect.

Best flexible: Superflex 3D Printer Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 500g, 1000g, and 5000g
• Colors: Clear
• Characteristic: Flexible, transparent

Pros

• Combines transparent and flexible effects
• Playful, rubberlike material
• Maintains durability

Cons

• Quite expensive

If you want a floppy, rubbery finish to creepy crawlies, tentacles, or unexpected creations like towers, the Superflex 3D Printer Resin is a good choice. While different thicknesses will have it behaving in somewhat different ways, nearly everyone describes it as giving their prints a tough rubber feel. There are some pretty good (and successful) experiments with mixing this resin with other, more standard, resin among community members as well. To be fair, this is a pretty logical thing to do as the Superflex 3D resin does run on the more expensive side.

Best environmentally friendly: Elegoo Plant-Based 3D Printer Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 500g and 1000g
• Colors: Gray, clear green, and white
• Characteristic: Opaque or clear

Pros

• BPA- and benzene-free
• Soy-based design for less chemicals
• Highly affordable

Cons

• Hit or miss on the odor

When we think of environmentally friendly or “green” options, we usually expect to pay a huge price hike. Luckily, Elegoo’s Plant-Based 3D Printer Resin remains affordable while eliminating many chemicals typically found in resin and replacing them with soybean-derived substances. For example, this resin is BPA- and benzene-free so you can feel somewhat safer as you are working with it. One interesting thing about this product is the odor, which customers seem to have strong opinions about. Some report that it has a very low odor, while others completely detest it. No matter your opinion, this remains the best 3D printer resin for reducing your exposure to chemicals.

Best for large batches: Sunlu ABS-Like Resin (3000G)

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Specs

• Sizes: 3000g
• Colors: Black, dark gray, gray, white
• Characteristic: Opaque

Pros

• Great cost per gram
• Tough, non-brittle resin
• Secure packaging
• Highly-reviewed product

Cons

• Mixing can be a challenge

There are a ton of things to like about Sunlu’s ABS-Like resin, as it is a fan favorite in its own right. What we wanted to highlight, however, was the incredible affordability of the 3,000-gram jug of this resin, which is perfect for printing larger sets that need the same characteristics. Its bottle is very secure and easy to use, but mixing large quantities of the resin is known to be a challenge.

Best budget: Monoprice Rapid 3D Printer Resin

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Specs

• Sizes: 250g
• Colors: Black and gray 
• Characteristic: Opaque

Pros

• Small, affordable bottles
• Wide compatibility
• Perfect for small projects

Cons

• Bulk buys may be cheaper

While large jugs of resin are great for large projects, if you just print occasionally, the best 3D printer resin for you likely comes in a smaller bottle. We find the Monoprice Rapid 3D Printer Resin to offer the smallest bottles of decent quality resin. While, if your goal is to save money in the long term, large bulk buys may be better, the 250-gram bottle of Monogram Rapid 3D Printer Resin is a fantastic deal for casual printers and is compatible with all UV resin printers.

What to consider before buying 3D printer resin

If you’ve read through our guide to picking the best 3D printer filament for FDM printers, you may already suspect that picking the best 3D printer resin is more difficult. In actuality, it isn’t that difficult. There are some common sense compatibility checks, but there’s a lot of freedom in resin choices you might not expect. Here’s what we looked at and why:

Brand

Brand loyalty isn’t necessarily something to encourage. 3D printers aren’t like home office printers, with companies like HP locking you into using their ink. Even the best 3D printer resin is just a fluid, after all.

That all being said, when a company makes printers and resin, they obviously test them out together. And they’ll tell you which of their printers will work with which resin, including optimal settings that they’ve discovered through large-scale testing. Just look at the Anycubic resin compatibility chart. If you have an Anycubic printer, you know the exact settings to use with this resin. This is one reason why we have resin from most major printer makers represented on the list.

Still, most resin has wide compatibility. If you have a 405nm spectrum printer, you will be able to find a variety of products compatible with it.

Bottle size

If you just want to make just a few prints in a given color or style, a small bottle will do. But what if you want to make a set of figures with the same character? Min-maxing bottle size or buying in bulk makes more sense.

The bottle sizes represented here are usually for 1,000 grams of product. However, bottles as small as 250 grams exist. Similarly, you can find large bottles for 2,000 grams or even 3,000 grams.

Ultimately, it is up to you to figure out what is the best 3D printer resin bottle size for your specific circumstances. However, in much the same way as you should get an extra can of wall paint for later touch-ups, consider grabbing an extra bottle of resin for long-term projects. You never know when your resin of the moment will get discontinued.

Character

Character, texture, color, call it whatever you like, but there is a distinct feel to each type of resin available. While even standard opaque resins will differ from each other in subtle ways, you can find extreme differences if you’re willing to search. With our list of 3D printer resin, you will be able to find something that can make your next project shine.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 3D printer resin

• Best overall: Elegoo 8K 3D Printer Resin
• Best transparent: Siraya Tech Craft Ultra-Clear 3D Printer Resin
• Best for models: Anycubic 3D Printer Resin
• Best color kit: Sunlu 3D Printer Resin Bundle
• Best dual color: RepRapper UV Dual Color 3D Resin
• Best flexible: Superflex 3D Printer Resin
• Best eco-friendly: Elegoo Plant-Based 3D Printer Resin
• Best for large batches: Sunlu ABS-Like Resin (3000G)
• Best budget: Monoprice Rapid 3D Printer Resin

The preceding list includes opaque, transparent, glow-in-the-dark, two-tone, and flexible resins. Though there are certainly others, we feel like these should give you a chance to open your creativity in the near future. 3D printing isn’t only a way to create copies of things entered into a printer, it is a craft and a way to express your true creativity. From standard, solid resins to neat light tricks, it really does feel that a resin 3D printer can do it all.

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 3D printer resin 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		Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks		SEE IT	This advanced printer creates smooth, flawless objects without obvious layering.
Best for kids		Toybox 3D printer		SEE IT	The simple printing process helps little ones avoid the 3D printing learning curve.
Best for large armies		Elegoo Mars 4 Max		SEE IT	A large print area helps this chunky printer create multiple miniatures at once.

Whether you want to play an established wargame, roleplay your own scenarios, or make replacement meeples for your favorite board game, you likely want a 3D printer for miniatures. Instead of being focused on large-scale print areas, miniatures lovers want 3D printers that can get heavy detail even when the print outcome is small. But should you go for FDM or resin? Is the 3D printer going to be too complicated? The questions go on and on. Depending on your desires, you might want to make different choices. No matter what, though, we have the perfect suggestions for the best 3D printers for miniatures across the board.

• Best overall: Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks
• Best for large armies: Elegoo Mars 4 Max
• Best for terrain: Bambu Lab P1P
• Best for kids: Toybox 3D Printer
• Best budget: Anycubic Photon Mono 2

How we chose the best 3D printers for miniatures

Everyone games differently, so we designed this list to cover a wide area. While many such lists are (rightfully) filled with resin printers only, we found this approach to be too narrow for the typical reader. Our top model will print models with intricate details from resin, but, simply put, not everyone is ready for a resin 3D printer. Having alternatives that are suitable for people of all skill levels, including children, felt more plausible. We also wished to highlight other hobby aspects and find suitable choices for those with alternative needs. Our selections are based on a combination of editorial reviews, hands-on experience, spec comparisons, user reviews, and brand reputation.

The best 3D printers for miniatures: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re into casual accessories or competitive cosplay, 3D printers can be an invaluable accessory. And one of the premier pieces of excitement for commercial at-home 3D printer usage is the ability to make figurines, models, and minis of your choice. We highly encourage this excitement with the following list of 3D printers for miniatures, with options available for those of all ages and experience levels. Here are some options ideal for your next session.

Best overall: Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Anycubic will satisfy your desire for intense detail.

Specs

• Type: Resin
• Filament supported: (Resin)
• Size: 13.77 x 21.25 x 13.33 inches
• Print area: 195 x 122 x 200mm
• Resolution: 6K (5760 x 3600)

Pros

• Intense resolution for superior model details
• Nearly imperceptible layers
• Good price-to-quality ratio
• Excellent for large “hero” models

Cons

• Not good for beginners

If you’re looking for one of the best quality resin printers to max out the style of your army or D&D player character stand-in, try out the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks. It’s a highly-detailed cousin of the Anycubic Photon 3D printers that you’ll see throughout our listing of the best resin 3D printers, a category of 3D printing that is known for its ability to produce intricate figurines. Much like its relatives that live on that list, Anycubic’s Photon Mono X 6Ks provides great value for the cost and a beautiful touchscreen display.

Its 6K resolution provides miniatures that look fluid and organic in construction, less than layered constructs. While its tall build area won’t necessarily be useful if you’re printing out a Napoleonic regiment, it will serve you well in your plights to make a towering, angry ogre or a stand-in for your player character.

Ultimately, the only thing that isn’t “good” about the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks is its lack of accessibility for beginners. In fact, this isn’t a slight against it. Using a resin-based 3D printer is no easy feat; at 6K, this one is expected to be more advanced than its peers. By the time you’re ready for it, you’re expected to be an established 3D printer with a proper room layout for this machine. If that doesn’t feel like you, we’ve got items that will be more your size later on this list.

Best for large armies: Elegoo Mars 4 Max

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Why it made the cut: Get the horde of your dreams in a weekend or two with Elegoo.

Specs

• Type: Resin
• Filament supported: (Resin)
• Size: 9.69 x 9.06 x 17.83 inches
• Print area: 195.84 × 122.4 × 150 mm
• Resolution: 6K (5760 x 3600)

Pros

• Prints up to 70mm per hour
• Decent build area
• Supportive community
• Educational videos available

Cons

• Instructional manual can be confusing

Printing models one at a time is okay, but you can also get small platoons out of a printer if you try hard enough. You’ll likely enjoy the Elegoo Mars Max 4’s build area, which can support multiple entities and print speed up to 70mm per hour. Want to get started with a war game in just a weekend? Watch this man’s massive army creation in a weekend tutorial, based on a pair of the older Elegoo Mars 2. Imitate it with the modern Elegoo Mars Max 4 and confer with the community about further ideas to make your print one of the best around.

Such is the way with the Elegoo community. Internally, there is a tendency to admit the instruction manuals tend towards the arcane side at parts, but many are active to help you get over the humps, including on the Elegoo subreddit. The company has also released comprehensive online tutorials to smooth the learning process. In other words, if you have trouble, someone has your back.

Best for terrain: Bambu Lab P1P

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Why it made the cut: A huge print area and fast printing speed means you can move mountains (to the table) easily!

Specs

• Type: FDM
• Filament supported: PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.
• Size: 15.2 x 15.3 x 18 inches
• Print area: 10 x 10 x 10 inches
• Resolution: N/A

Pros

• Incredibly fast running
• Multi-color printing options available
• Large build area
• Beginner approved

Cons

• Low resolution

If you already have an officially sanctioned army of store-bought figurines, you might’ve found that you wanted to populate your battlefield with campaign-specific terrain. Or perhaps a spiral staircase ornament makes the perfect dungeon prop. And who can forget the hedgerows of Normandy?

To make these battlefield and roleplay essentials, the Bambu Lab P1P is probably your best bet. It has a large print area, and it gets the job done fast, with mountains and hedgerows being printed at a standard rate of 500 mm/s. Despite the speed, the print plate’s vibration compensation also ensures you’ll get a good, non-wobbly product (including on the critical first layer).

The best part is that you won’t have to do too much to get all these results, either. Once set up, it’s ready to go. This quick setup and go is one of the main reasons the Bambu Labs P1P is also featured as one of the best 3D printers for beginners.

This isn’t to say, however, that the printer can’t get more complex as you grow into it. There are options for adding multiple colors to the printing and an attachable time-lapse camera. Really, the only thing not perfect about this printer is the FDM-tier resolution, but that shouldn’t get in the way of you enjoying yourself, especially for terrain.

Best for kids: Toybox 3D Printer

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Why it made the cut: It may not pull the same level of detail as a resin printer, but even children can operate it.

Specs

• Type: FDM
• Filament supported: PLA
• Size: 7.4 x 7.4 x 9.05 inches
• Print area: 7 x 8 x 9 cm
• Resolution: 200 microns

Pros

• Child friendly
• Ready to use in minutes
• Online catalog with miniatures

Cons

• Low resolution

The Toybox 3D Printer is a simple-to-use 3D printer that can be set up in less than an hour by just about anybody, including first-time users. When connected via WiFi to your phone and computer, you can select from 100s of models to print, no sizing or editing required. As long as children know not to touch the (very) hot filament extruder, they should be able to operate the machine 90 percent on their own, with responsible pre-teens needing next to no supervision. However, don’t let age scare you away, as people of all ages can enjoy this 3D printer.

Searching for ‘miniatures’ on the Toybox website reveals a set of “DnD Miniatures” as well as things like a goblin assassin, orc smasher, and other generic fantasy creatures. If that’s not enough, you can even import models from special files, though this is an admittedly advanced feature.

One thing that our Toybox 3D Printer review pointed out that is quite relevant here is how much stuff you can get out of the filament provided. Even though additional filament from Toybox remains cheap, expect to get well over a dozen prints from what you originally sent before considering buying more.

Best budget: Anycubic Photon Mono 2

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Why it made the cut: You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a resin printer.

Specs

• Type: Resin
• Filament supported: (Resin)
• Size: 15.4 x 9.01 x 9.25 inches
• Print area: 6.5 x 3.5 x 5.6 inches
• Resolution: 4K

Pros

• 4K resolution on the cheap
• No grid lines
• Includes gloves, funnel, spatula, and other necessary tools

Cons

• Requires manual leveling

Looking at the quality and intensity of resin 3D printers today, it can seem like you would always have to shell out hundreds of dollars to acquire one. The Anycubic Photon Mono 2, however, is here to prove that sentiment wrong, providing 4K printing with no grid lines under $250.

To add even more bang for your buck, the kit includes other essentials like gloves, a funnel, leveling paper, a screen protector kit, and a pair of spatulas. You’ll even get a USB drive to keep your print files (or whatever else you want) on. The main thing that is missing is an automatic leveler, but manual leveling is worth taking the time to figure out in exchange for a printer of this price.

What to consider before buying 3D printers for miniatures

The fact of the matter is getting the best 3D printers for miniatures depends on a lot of factors, including the aims of your gaming, what kind of miniatures you want to print, and how picky you are about appearances. And that’s all before we consider budget. While we can recommend an overall best that will suit the needs of the largest number of typical customers, the reality is no one printer will be the best for everyone in this category.

Here, we will go through a number of choices and decisions you will have to make on your purchasing journey, highlighting what will be best for each type of miniature printer consumer.

Resolution vs. size

Typically, when we discuss 3D printers, especially for general audiences, the print’s size will be emphasized. This statistic, also known as its “build area” or “print area,” makes sense to focus on for most people. Bigger equals more.

However, in the world of 3D printers for miniatures, the printer’s resolution plays a more important role. Small, defined placement of FDM or controller light exposure (resin printers tend to have better resolution) can create models with incredible smoothness that look beautiful and organic. They’re a far cry from layered creations. The printers that aren’t of the super highest resolution on this list aren’t producing blocky constructs, to be clear, but the difference is noticeable.

Note that size can still be an important factor in miniatures, especially if you want to print large terrain features or sets of armies in a single batch. Also, note that decent resolution and print area are not mutually exclusive properties; you can get both. But if cost is a limiting factor, you should nearly always go with the highest resolution 3D printer for miniatures available, even if you have to sacrifice a bit of print area to get it.

Resin vs. FDM

So, we’ve established resolution rules when it comes to selecting the best 3D printers for miniatures. We’ve also touched on the point that, in general, resin 3D printers reign supreme in the resolution department. In fact, many websites will only recommend resin printers when choosing the best 3D printers for minis.

We’ve decided to go a different route and believe the choice isn’t as cut and dried as others make it out to be.

The reason is that resin 3D printers are more involved and can be dangerous if you aren’t willing to take your time and do things properly. Curing is involved, you need gloves, and the resin itself is toxic.

For a casual printer looking for reasonably good models, an FDM printer is best. And, to be clear, you can get perfectly good-looking models from FDM printers, no doubt about it.

On the other hand, expert printers and those looking for an involved hobby should choose resin printers, as they will ultimately produce the best product.

Print speed

If your goal is to print out a single miniature to represent your DnD character, print speed largely doesn’t matter. Just start the printing up and come back later. No problem.

Similarly, if you’re fine with reusing the same miniatures again and again, speed won’t be too much of an issue. Those bayonet-wielding Napoleonic musketmen are basically orc chainsaw gunmen, right?

But, if you want a new large army for each game, batches start to become important. As we previously mentioned, size can mitigate this to some degree, but if you’re a serial printer, time will eventually add up to something big.

For FDM printers, expect between 20mm and 70mm per second. The higher that number is, the faster it’ll print. Resin printers print entire layers at a time, so they’re faster for creating multiple minis at the same time.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best 3D printers for miniatures

• Best overall: Anycubic Photon Mono X 6Ks
• Best for large armies: Elegoo Mars 4 Max
• Best for terrain: Bambu Lab P1P
• Best for kids: Toybox 3D Printer
• Best budget: Anycubic Photon Mono 2

Getting started using a 3D printer for your miniatures hobby does not need to be a difficult task. Whether you want to go for a complex machine that can build detailed 8K 3D sculptures or a simple FDM printer that makes quality miniatures anyone can produce, you can find it on the preceding list.

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 3D printers for miniatures 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		SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System		SEE IT	Comes with everything you need for security inside and outside your home.
Best customer service		Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece		SEE IT	Talk to a real person and get your questions answered fast.
Best budget		Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System		SEE IT	Easy to use for people of all technical skill levels.

If you’re worried about crime impacting your household, it makes perfect sense to buy one of the many smart home security systems that have popped up over the past few years. However, with abundance comes analysis paralysis. To what system should the savvy, safety-conscious consumer turn? We investigated the market to bring you the best smart home security systems so you can pick the best choice for your living situation and loved ones.

• Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece
• Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit
• Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit
• Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

How we chose the best smart home security systems

While nearly every product you buy enters your home at some point, there is something particularly intimate about inviting in a smart home security system. Unlike shoes—something that only needs to function well enough when called upon—your smart home security system needs to function perfectly 24/7/365. That’s why one of the bigger ranking factors this time was brand satisfaction. Cybersecurity and data protection were other key factors because, while less is often more, in the world of security more really is more. You’re only as strong as your weakest entry point.

This guide was compiled after many hours of careful research; facts and opinions were cross-examined by editors. Ordinary users were asked about their experiences using these devices, and we interacted with customer service agents throughout the course of compiling this guide. Each company’s personal website and plan information were thoroughly checked for the most up-to-date service plan information possible.

The best smart home security systems: Reviews & Recommendations

Our selection of smart home security systems comes from a wide variety of well-known and trusted brands with a broad array of attached services. While kits differ, they all typically include sensors for your doors and/or windows and an alerting mechanism. One of our picks is sure to match your budget and lifestyle.

Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System

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Why it made the cut: The SimpliSafe 10-Piece system is a very complete kit that starts the security before your door is opened.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 4 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors, 1 indoor camera, 1 outdoor camera
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $28/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: N/A, but Alexa- and Nest-compatible

Pros

• Outdoor cam so your security starts before an intruder enters your home
• Comes with one free month of 24/7 professional monitoring service
• The variety of parts gives you a more complete sense of security
• Optics and branding

Cons

• Must learn to set up each part correctly

If you’re looking for a system that is essentially complete directly out of the box, the SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System is the kit for you. It includes a variety of sensors and indoor and outdoor cameras, meaning you should feel fully protected in your home. While each piece is easy to install in and of itself, you’ll have to learn and think about the placement of each part—however, you’ll be able to handle it on your own if you can handle a strip of 3M tape or a screwdriver. Let’s review each part individually to get a good picture of how they will function together in your home:

The SimpliSafe base can hold up to 100 SimpliSafe security devices and is the central hub for your equipment. It is also capable of emitting a 95dB alarm. The push-button keypad lets you arm and disarm the system with a PIN. Having four entry point door/window sensors will allow you to protect the primary entryways to your home, while the two motion sensors—which are designed to be pet friendly and decorative—protect the areas of your home with too many entry points or windows.

What makes the SimpliSafe 10-piece system better than the 12-piece version is the inclusion of both an indoor and an outdoor camera. Suppose you’re used to the grainy, near-worthless security cam footage often seen in local news coverage. In that case, you’ll be particularly happy with the full colors, 1080p quality, and night vision offered by SimpliSafe. For those concerned with privacy, the indoor camera comes with a stainless steel shutter, so you won’t have to worry about having your private moments enter someone’s data tables.

Finally, the package set comes with an official SimpliSafe flag that declares your home protected by SimpliSafe. While no one can guarantee that this will deter all criminals, there will be at least a few that will back down.

Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece

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Why it made the cut: Go from dialing a number to “Hello” in 1 minute, 18 seconds.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 8 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Between $4-$20/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: Z-wave

Pros

• Fantastic phone technical support
• Dual keypads for increased flexibility
• Provides range extender for large homes
• Multiple 24/7 monitoring plans to choose from

Cons

• Overhyped WiFi functionality

The Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece set has fantastic customer service and is a great smart home security system for larger homes. Its impressive networking and dual keypad design (some home security systems only allow for one keypad) allow for larger coverage areas than some of the best smart home security systems. With customizable ringtones, you’ll always know which door is being opened in your home. The Ring Alarm Pro even comes with Wi-Fi 6 functionality via its hub. This feature is handy but gets a bit overhyped, sometimes eclipsing what counts—there are better Wi-Fi 6 routers out there.

What should you get excited about with the Ring Alarm Pro? A very approachable DIY setup where a real human is there to help you quickly. After just a few button taps to specify exactly what we wanted, we could—right here, right now—contact a customer service agent 1 minute and 18 seconds after dialing Ring’s customer service.

Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

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Why it made the cut: ADT is amongst the most experienced and best professional monitoring companies.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Intermediate
• Sensors: 4 door/window sensors, 1 motion detector 
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $19.99/mo. (Optional)
• Smart protocols: Z-wave

Pros

• Highly experienced monitoring team
• Perfect size for families
• Optics and branding

Cons

• Occasional installation snags
• Only works in the U.S.

The ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System is all you need to get started with the highly regarded ADT security model. It’s a brand that takes itself seriously, providing a yard sign to let customers proudly display their security status on the lawn. Sure, it is part marketing, but it’s also part confidence in the ADT name alone being able to ward off potential neighborhood thieves.

The package itself includes door/window sensors and a motion sensor, with the kit being targeted to owners of two- or three-bedroom homes. While not difficult, installing the sensors can take some time as you manually pair and label each one within your system. You can install them using the included adhesive backing or a more traditional screw-in technique. The time investment should feel closer to “weekend project” than “plug’n’play” for the typical first-time user.

When combined with the optional professional monitoring from ADT, it can almost feel as if you have a dedicated housesitter while you’re away.

Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit

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Why it made the cut: Wyze’s Home Security Core Kit is just that, a quality core kit that can be easily added to as needed.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor
• 24/7 professional monitoring: $9.99/mo
• Smart protocols: N/A

Pros

• Very affordable and complete starter kit
• Comes with three months of free professional monitoring
• Can easily add on more sensors or cameras
• Guided setup via Wyze app

Cons

• Service plan essential
• Only works in U.S.

If you prefer to wade through new technology instead of diving directly into the deep end, the Wyze Home Security Core Kit will be the best smart home security system for you. For starters, the core kit itself is very affordable, covers two entry points plus a room of your choice, and provides months of complimentary professional monitoring service to give you a taste of how Wyze works.

Once you’ve decided how much you like the system, you can start adding more components immediately. Finish off the rest of your home’s entry points with more door/window sensors, or transform your setup into a video surveillance system by adding a Wyze cam. Leak and home climate sensors are also available.

The modularity, as well as the stick-on setup guided by the Wyze app, gives the Wyze Home Security Core Kit a very DIY air to it. You can be confident that you, by yourself, should be able to install it. Unfortunately, the rugged individualism this inspires is dropped down a notch—it requires a 24/7 monitoring subscription for the device to truly shine. You’ll just have sensors, but the keypad won’t work after the three-month free trial runs out. The Wyze Cam add-on will also lose smart features and extended storage. Still, the service is cheaper than market averages, you probably wanted it anyway.

Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit

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Why it made the cut: Abode goes way beyond just Z-wave and Zigbee.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 1 door/window sensor, 1 motion sensor
• 24/7 professional monitoring: Between $7-$22/mo. (Semi-optional)
• Smart protocols: Zigbee, Z-wave, Homekit, IFTTT

Pros

• Connects and works with just about anything
• Variable professional monitoring options
• Sub-30-minute total setup time
• Easily expandable

Cons

• Limited sensors in starter kit
• Reviews note poor customer service

Can’t decide between Zigbee and Z-wave, so want access to both? Not sure if you want to use Alexa or opt for a Google home security system? Need HomeKit or IFTTT support? It’s time to look at an Abode Security System, a home security system that connects with all of these in some way.

The Abode Security System Starter Kit is a perfect way to get set up with the system, as it includes the main hub, a couple of sensors, and a key fob. You’ll find it surprisingly easy to set up and get going—even technological turtles report installation times of under 30 minutes—but will quickly find yourself wanting other pieces if you don’t have, for example, home security cameras from an existing, compatible system. If you decide to stick with Abode products, you can choose from glass break sensors, water leak sensors, smoke alarms, and indoor/outdoor cameras to tailor the system to your needs.

While all owners have access to alerts and live video feeds, more “advanced” features—such as video storage—require you to subscribe to one of Abode’s plans, either the Standard (self-monitoring) or Pro (professional monitoring).

Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

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Why it made the cut: This is the best smart home security system under $100.

Specs

• Installation difficulty: Easy
• Sensors: 5 door/window sensors
• 24/7 professional monitoring: No
• Smart protocols: N/A

Pros

• Simple to use system with keychain fob and app control
• Very loud alarm
• Affordable for all pricing
• No monthly payments

Cons

• Supported by 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network only
• Lower brand recognition

If you’re wanting to avoid overly techy solutions to your problems and save money in the long run while doing so, the Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System is worth checking out. Tolviviov systems, in addition to being budget-friendly, also happen to be the best smart home security systems for elderly people due to their extremely loud alarm systems and manual keychain controls. It still has app functionality, including Alexa support, for those wanting a more modern feel.

Considering the price range, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Tolviviov system doesn’t have a professional monitoring system. However, this lack comes with a silver lining, as systems with professional monitoring on a recurring monthly subscription often tie other features into it. With the Tolviviov, what you see is what you get. A loud siren to alert you to entries, app alerts that tell you what sensor was disturbed, and the option for Alexa voice support. It’s simple, but it works.

The main concerns for the Tolviviov system are its connections and brand recognition. The Tolviviov only works with the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Be prepared to isolate the 2.4GHz band. Lastly, the brand recognition just isn’t there yet. Sure, the super loud alarm will make burglars scram, but you won’t get the same response from the name “Tolviviov” that you will from an “ADT” sign in your yard or a Ring video doorbell near your front door.

What to consider when buying the best smart home security systems

From the surface, the best smart home security systems appear to be quite similar, just different collections of the same parts. This is compounded by the fact that, when things are running smoothly, our residential security systems blend into the background of our lives. However, if you do even a tiny amount of digging, you’ll see that there is more complexity in both the hardware and the included customer service plans than meets the eye.

Options for 24/7 professional monitoring

If you have a smart home security system that alerts you when intruders come into your home, or when your house faces other problems, you are all in the clear, right? While it is a nice thought, it is potentially untrue if you are incapacitated or unable to reach your phone to assess the threat (such as while out at work or on vacation).

Typically, 24/7 professional monitoring services come as part of a subscription fee, usually around $30 per month. While all systems retain some functionality without the subscription, others only provide limited service without the full subscription.

Zigbee and/or Z-wave connection

Much like Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Z-Wave represent frequency bands that can connect the pieces of your smart home security system together. Zigbee systems typically run faster, but burn through batteries quicker, while Z-Wave systems can have a bit of response delay but require less battery maintenance work.

In reality, which of the two systems is better depends on your overall network. If you have a lot of Z-Wave products already, going with another Z-Wave device is great because they are all mandated to work together. Zigbee devices can usually “find” each other but don’t always interconnect in a fully functioning way, sorta like pairing non-Apple headphones to your iPhone via Bluetooth. 

Another possibility includes using neither system and operating solely through Wi-Fi and the system’s own proprietary hub. If you are looking for a smart home security system and not a full smart home network, this should be fine. Alternatively, super-compatible systems can connect to both networks and have other connection options as well. Whether you want to go with Zigbee or Z-Wave or both is entirely up to you.

Branding and flags

Some smart home security systems have a flag to stick in your lawn to scare potential thieves away. Some customers are happy to see it, but others are skeptical about the usefulness of a sign to deter thieves, who might use the info to “crack” through the system.

What does the science say? Our friends at Bob Vila took a deep dive into the research on security signs and crime deterrence. Here are some of their findings:

• ~25% of criminals will skip a home with a security sign.
• ~50% of criminals will skip a home with a security sign and a visible camera.
• The optimal locations for such signs are in a place visible from the street and in the backyard.
• Branding matters. A recognizable or easily searched-for brand name works best to convince thieves your home is really protected.

Privacy

Whenever you bring something into your home, you want to feel comfortable about your privacy. This goes doubly so for home security products that can record and monitor the inside of your home. As such, you should pay particular attention to a brand’s privacy track record.

Take, for instance, the recent controversy over Anker’s eufy brand, which promised end-to-end encryption but didn’t deliver. If that wasn’t damaging enough, the company’s initial response was to merely change their privacy commitment statement. They’ve since come clean, but the sour taste still lingers.

For full transparency, this is not the only brand to have publicly suffered a privacy breach. In 2021, a former ADT technician pleaded guilty to charges of criminal spying while employed at the company. Important things to note here are how well ADT handled the situation compared to eufy, that their internal procedures and systems have since been changed to reduce the likelihood of a similar situation happening in the future, and that this was an incident involving a single employee and not the company at large. The ADT system in this guide does not include a camera.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart home security systems

• Best overall: SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best customer service: Ring Alarm Pro, 14-Piece
• Best monitoring: ADT 8-Piece Wireless Home Security System
• Best modular: Wyze Home Security Core Kit
• Most compatible: Abode Security System Starter Kit
• Best budget: Tolviviov Wi-Fi Door Alarm System

Getting one of the best smart home security systems in 2023 is not as difficult as in years past. Installation should be smoother due to the simplicity of wireless Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi connections that can integrate these systems with the existing smart home gadgets you already own. With app integration and voice support, you can get the truly convenient home security you desire.

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 smart home security systems 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		Samsung Odyssey G7		SEE IT	Get that big-screen feel without sacrificing the critical 16:9 aspect ratio.
Best for Twitch		ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN		SEE IT	Highly recommended due to its hardcore refresh rate, response time, and Twitch-compatible aspect ratio.
Best budget		Acer SB220Q		SEE IT	Poured all of your money into a new PC or graphics card upgrade? The Acer SB220Q is for you.

With more and more people live streaming content, you aren’t alone if you are wondering if some monitors for streaming out there perform better than average for creators and consumers of everything from unboxings to speed runs. Monitors are rarely seen when watching someone online, yet they are so vital for the whole streaming experience. For that reason, we’ve put together this round-up of the best monitors for streaming so you won’t have to hope to catch a faint reflection of them in glasses’ frames. 

Thanks to the best webcams for streaming, we’ve all gotten a good look at the headsets and other accessories inside of our favorite streamer’s rooms. Some of the more observant of you might even have a solid idea of the best streaming devices and best mics for streaming already available. Well, read on, and the best monitors to finish your setup will no longer be a mystery. 

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
• Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K
• Best for live streaming IRL: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 2K
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best budget: Acer SB220Q

How we selected the best monitors for streaming

Streaming is an incredibly diverse field. In just a few hours of watching streamers you’re likely to see a huge assortment of content: From Maya in the great, bright outdoors working with wildlife to MoonMoon cursing at Mario in a dark room … from a woodblock printmaker showing detailed shots of his knife work to intensive screen transitions from the two-time himself, DrDisrespect, creators have different needs and uses for monitors.

The result is that it is difficult to select a monitor that is the very best for all streamers. Instead, we looked at monitors that are good for categories like gaming, sitting down and working for long hours, and also a few specialty monitors, like those that work well on the go. We also made sure to consider the current monitors of top streamers and the monitors we predicted they’d buy if they were to buy a new one right now. Combining personal experience, research on high-profile personalities, critical consensus, and user impressions, we narrowed down our list.

Best monitors for streaming: Reviews & Recommendations

Generally speaking, the best monitors for streaming are the best monitors for gaming that have a useful aspect ratio. They also tend to be monitors that keep your head and neck comfortable after many hours of streaming … gotta grind out those ranks, after all. We’ve also included an IRL streaming pick, for streaming on the go, due to the massive surge in popularity of that category. Many of them have already been top-streamer tested or belong to product lines used by your favorite eCelebrities. These are our best monitors for streaming.

Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is one of the best monitors around, with a possible 240Hz refresh rate and that big-screen feel while keeping the preferred 16:9 ratio.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Competitive response time
• Elegantly curved display
• Low eye strain

Cons

• Expensive

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is a monitor that provides a consistently comfortable gaming and streaming experience. With a 31.5-inch curved screen utilizing WQHD level resolution, you get that big-screen feel without sacrificing the critical 16:9 aspect ratio.

If you’re into grinding out the hours in your streamer chair, you’ll be happy to know that it also ranks as a top monitor for reduced eye strain. This is largely in part due to the max refresh rate of 240Hz and the quick 1ms response time all displayed on a comfortably curved screen. What’s even better for the streamer is the fact that these factors also contribute to getting the best KDA in the squad.

When it comes time to complain about this monitor, it can be difficult. However, there is one spec we just don’t like so much about this monitor: the price. While it outclasses the competition in so many ways, we just wish that this wasn’t one of them.

Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It has a top-of-the-line refresh rate and response time with about as much eye care as you can pack into a premium gaming monitor, all while maintaining that key 16:9 aspect ratio.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 360Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Impressively high max refresh rate
• TUV-certified flicker-free and low blue light tech
• Good connectivity (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, USB)

Cons

• Included stand quite large

The ASUS ROG Swift comes highly recommended for any Twitch streamer looking to make it big in FPS or battle royale games due to its hardcore refresh rate, response time, and Twitch-compatible aspect ratio. It even has great maneuverability for neck comfort and TUV Eye Comfort Certification for those 14+ hour weekend stream marathons. Anyone familiar with the streaming powerhouse XQC will find themselves drawn to this ASUS due to his time with its predecessor, the ASUS ROG Swift 258Q.

Aside from long hours of use, you’ll also find that the ASUS ROG Swift has great connectivity options, with USB and HDMI 2.0 alongside the somewhat better DisplayPort for the best possible frame rate.

The main irritation with this monitor is that the included stand is quite expansive. While it is sturdy and doesn’t shake easily, the stand is just about as wide as the monitor itself and has some depth to it, too. Consider using a wall mount to conserve desk space.

Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K

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Why it made the cut: This monitor is used by some of the best gaming streamers in the world and has the specs needed to be a top FPS player.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1 ms 

Pros

• Dynamic Accuracy Plus tech for low blur
• Smaller stand base than predecessor
• Intensive response time
• FPS Pro-Grade refresh rate

Cons

• Duller colors than predecessor

Used by YouTube’s favorite medical unprofessional, DrDisrespect, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is an overall upgrade to the very popular BenQ ZOWIE XL2540. While retaining a lot of the power of the previous model, it comes in an upgraded package with even more FPS-playing potential.

The Dynamic Accuracy Plus (DyAc⁺) used by BenQ nearly eliminates motion blur. Where the typical LCD monitor will have an intermediary softer color between a flash white and a return to black, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K will skip this to produce a crisp transition between colors. When coupled with a 1ms response time, this tech can give you the edge you deserve when you need to get precise headshots and track CS:GO recoil patterns down to the pixel.

We like how it compares to the previous model overall. Not only is the response time better, but it also has a much smaller base at approximately 20% smaller. We weren’t as impressed with the vividness of the colors, which appeared somewhat dull. There’s no other way to put it, though, this monitor will take the top 20% of FPS players to the next level of gaming.

Best for live streaming IRL: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 2K

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Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s monitor is a portable, high-resolution screen to bring to your next LAN party.

Specs

• Aspect Ratio: 16:10
• Response time: N/A
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• Compact size
• High-resolution screen
• Three inputs

Cons

• USB-C ports on one side
• Exact response time not given

If you want to bring a monitor to your next LAN party—especially to connect to a gaming laptop–Arzopa’s 2K display is our recommendation. The 13.3-inch display’s namesake feature is its 2K (2560 x 1600), which, combined with its support of HDR and ultra-thin profile, makes it a pretty powerful portable screen. In our tests, which were mostly conducted by doing office work with some light Apple Arcade gaming, the monitor performed well. ARZOPA doesn’t provide any response time metrics, but the 60Hz display didn’t show any noticeable lag at any point during our tests. Gamers who play first-person shooter titles may want to the company’s G1 portable display, which offers a 144Hz refresh rate but only HD resolution.

This monitor has two USB-C ports and can be powered from your computer, though the company includes a USB power adapter in the box if you don’t want to drain your computer. If you have a PC or Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 port, setting up this display during your LAN party will be a simple, single-cable affair. If your computer has an HDMI port, the company has a separate cable in the box. Once it’s connected, you can control the display’s settings—brightness, color profile, contrast, etc—by pressing a switch on its left side. We recommend futzing around with these settings at home, so you can hop into a game the moment you get to your friend’s house.

Most 13.3-inch portable monitors are only 1080P, and the extra resolution on Arzopa’s 2K display will make a big difference for gamers. The ability to play titles at a higher resolution will reveal even more of its details. Plus, the portable display can be used to help you get work done when you put your controller down.

Consider an iPad a monitor? The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro is another portable screen to consider.

Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: It’s expensive and not without issues, but Apple’s Studio Display is an attainable 5K display with all the design flourishes you’d expect from an Apple product.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:10
• Response time: 20ms
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• 5K display has plenty of room for a game and settings panel
• Designed with the Mac in mind
• 12-megapixel webcam will work in a pinch

Cons

• Expensive
• Low response time

The Mac hasn’t been a dominant game platform since the 1980s. Still, Apple is trying to change that by building in a lot of graphical horsepower into machines running its custom-designed M-Series processors, which debuted in late 2020. If you have one of those machines and want to get into streaming, the Apple Studio Display finally delivers on the promise of a high-end monitor made by Apple for its desktop fans and MacBook aficionados.

Its ultra-high resolution means you can run a 1080P game, streaming settings, and chat on a single screen with no compromises. It only has a Thunderbolt 3 port for video connectivity, but that won’t be an issue since all Macs released since 2016 have that port. The most significant benefit of using a display designed by Apple is that it fits neatly into the company’s hardware ecosystem. The MacBook Pro we used while testing the display immediately connected to the monitor each time we connected it.

If you haven’t invested in a webcam for streaming, this monitor does have a built-in 12MP cam, but its quality is compromised because of a feature called Center Stage, which crops its image and can pan around to keep you in the frame. Still, knowing you’ll always have a camera connected to your streaming machine is comforting. If macOS is your platform of choice, and you’d like to see if Apple’s commitment to gaming is sincere, this is the monitor to pair with an ultra-responsive mouse as your battlestation.

Best budget: Acer SB220Q

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is a reliable Acer with a price that is nearly impossible to beat, made perfect for chill “Hearthstone” card-slinging or grinding TFT ranks.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Response time: 4ms

Pros

• Great refresh rate for the cost
• Good enough response time for average gamers
• Image quality for everyday gaming

Cons

• No VESA mounting

For many streamers, especially those starting out or who want to focus on slower-paced games, getting a super-advanced monitor isn’t a great choice. A quality affordable monitor, like Acer’s SB220Q makes a lot more sense.

Looking at the raw stats, you see a monitor that pushes way above its paygrade. The monitor has a surprisingly high refresh rate of 75Hz in a tier where you’d usually expect 60Hz. For all but the very top players, the 4ms response time of this humble Acer won’t be any different than the 1ms response times sported by some monitors over four times this one’s cost. Additionally, not all games are so twitchy and reaction-based. A Top 100 “Hearthstone Battlegrounds” player is going to do just as well on this as they will anything else.

Really, the only thing we don’t like about it is that you can’t use your own mount with it as it doesn’t have VESA holes. The mount it comes with is okay, but losing the potential for options is always a bummer.

What to consider before buying monitors for streaming

The No. 1 thing to consider is what kind of streamer you want to be. There is always some extra that might fit your particular niche the best. Be creative and work with your audience. Despite how much they enjoy OMEGALUL’ing your every failure, they really do care about your gaming experience, stream quality, and overall well-being. Well, at least, sorta.

Aside from niche favorites, there are some key things that pop up more frequently than others, including screen resolution, response time, and screen flicker. Aspect ratio, in particular, plays a unique role in livestreamed video gaming that you just might not expect.

Aspect ratio

For most streamers, the best aspect ratio for a monitor will be 16:9. The details of why that is the case are a bit lengthy, but worth learning if you want to stream.

Understanding what aspect ratio is and how it affects your streaming experience can be a bit tricky. Aspect ratio falls into a similar category as resolution, as it is a ratio of pixels. Where it diverges from resolution, however, is that it directly describes the rectangular shape of your screen.

The aspect ratio of your monitor can give you a good idea about how it will look. A 2:1 aspect ratio monitor could be 2 feet across and 1 foot up OR 6 feet across and 3 feet up. The vertical-to-horizontal ratio stays the same.

Stream hosting sites have standard viewing windows that can adjust to different viewers’ browser window sizes. Twitch and YouTube both default to 16:9 for this. Try changing your browser window size while watching a stream and see the display automatically adjust. The website automatically adjusts the image size to fit your window based on the aspect ratio selected.

How does this translate to the streaming experience? When aspect ratios don’t match, stream hosting services have to squeeze everything into a smaller space, shrinking the visible area. This can also happen even if you adjust the aspect ratio of your stream away from the 16:9 default if your viewers don’t have equivalent monitors to match.

To get around this, ultrawide streamers have to play games windowed, use specialized software, or find some other way around the issue. The result is a friction between what the viewer and streamer see on the screen, which is undesirable for all. Again, it is best to keep to a 16:9 ratio for a streaming monitor, or keep as close to it as possible.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate is going to be something that affects you, the streamer, directly more than it does the audience. While lower refresh rates can contribute to eye fatigue, which possibly lowers stream length, the biggest deal will be when you’re trying to edge out those headshots in FPS games or avoiding getting ganked in your MOBA of choice.

Refresh rates are measured in Hertz, or Hz, and reflect the number of times per second that a monitor’s image refreshes. The higher, the better, these typically start at around 60 Hz and start to level off around 144Hz, but there are those that go beyond.

For slow, tactical games like “Sid Meier’s Civilization” or casual “Hearthstone BG” runs, this won’t be a huge factor for you. However, when you’re in a 3-on-1 situation in the last minutes of a battle royale, it could make all of the difference in the world.

Response time

Another metric of screen changes, response time tells us how fast it takes a pixel on the monitor to go from one color to another. Measured in milliseconds, the testing usually covers the time to change from white to black or one shade of gray to another.

Much like refresh rate, above, this can make a lot of difference to your performance while playing fast games, especially FPS games. Additionally, it is another factor in the trailing white line behind your rapidly moving white cursor on dark-mode’d websites.

You should strive for a response time around 5 milliseconds or less, but a little bit over won’t affect the average individual too much. To put it into perspective, a blink takes about 150 milliseconds, so an extra millisecond or two in your monitor’s response time isn’t going to make a huge difference unless you’re in the top few percent of players in your game.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for streaming

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
• Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K
• Best for live streaming IRL: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 2K
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best budget: Acer SB220Q

Getting a high-quality gaming monitor, like the Samsung Odyssey G7, will go a long way for you in your streaming career or hobby. At the same time, I also feel certain that any of the monitors on our list (except the ZenScreen) has all of the qualities necessary to be the main monitor for anyone ready to start dedicating themselves to streaming. Now, go order your monitor, say your “Kappa 1, 2, 3,” and get that stream started!

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 monitors for streaming 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		LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor		SEE IT	Plenty of display real estate, plus the ability to split the screen, make this wall-mountable USB-C monitor extra efficient.
Best 4K		HP 27-inch 4K UHD		SEE IT	Ultra-thin bezels, blue light protection, low-blur technology, and great tilt range make for an optimum viewing option.
Best budget		Samsung Business S27R650FDN		SEE IT	Wide viewing angles, plus equally robust connectivity options, are packed in an energy-saving easy on the eyes display.

Programming and living behind a screen are basically synonymous—so for high-quality coding and study, you deserve comfort, and an optimized monitor for programming is a great place to start. While the stereotype of the hacking coder, slouched into a chair, wearing a hoodie, and blasting their eyes with a bright screen in a dark room is fun, the result will only be a horrible experience. Instead, if you’re a real coder of today, you probably realize you have a long, steady career ahead of you. Increased comfort and feeling good on the job will lead to a fruitful workday and a clear head, ready to innovate. With work from home not going anywhere soon, especially in the knowledge work sector, it is falling more and more on the shoulders of the worker to get their own computer equipment. As a result, we invite you to consider upgrading your life with one of our best monitors for programming picks.

• Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
• Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD
• Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN
• Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9
• Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 
• Best budget: BenQ GW2780

How we chose the best monitors for programming

Staring at screens, typing out notes, and looking through comparison tables is something both the writer and the programmer handle on a daily basis, so personal experience helped guide this guide. Discussing the matter of picking a monitor with software engineers themselves helps, too, of course, with key concerns, including size and resolution. I also looked at user impressions, their concerns, and what critics see as coming trends, such as more working from home; for these reasons, I adjusted toward results that prioritize comfort and eye health after long-term usage.

Ultimately, good monitors for programming are good monitors for computing. Expect to see some overlap in how programming monitors are evaluated with other categories of monitors, such as gaming monitors and trading monitors, etc. The key differences, such as being used for work activities with less chances of a break, will be where we put in a significant portion of our comparison efforts. Still, a good monitor will always be a good monitor.

The best monitors for programming: Reviews & Recommendations

The best monitors for programming include a wide range of brands, makes, and features. Again, a good monitor for programming will be good for a wide variety of uses. Any of the monitors on this list will be good for any purpose but also have some qualities that give them the edge over the competition regarding quality coding time.

Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This monitor is ultrawide, the perfect size, and has on-screen controls to make it the best possible experience for people wanting to use multiple windows at once.

Specs

• Size: 34”
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
• Screen: Anti-glare, Hard coating

Pros

• Built-in screen-splitting options
• USB-C works great with the MacBook Pro
• Excellent height adjustability for neck comfort
• 100 x 100 VESA wall-mountable

Cons

• Expensive

The LG 34WN80C-B Ultrawide is designed for intensive programming at home. This is seen in its On-Screen tech, maneuverability, and MacBook Pro connectivity. It is also one of the best ultrawide monitors for working at home.

The first way this can be seen is through the huge customization ability available through LG’s On-Screen control options. Using this feature, you can subdivide your screen into defined boxes. Click, drag, and pop your relevant windows into place to fill each section and get the most out of the monitor. You’ll notice that you have space for debugging windows, coding screens, GitHub pages, and more all on one monitor without feeling cramped. Naturally, the 34-inch ultrawide size of this LG plays into that, but the on-screen controls will certainly pull their weight.

Next, let’s talk about maneuverability. This monitor does a great job of accommodating coders of any height by having just over half a foot of vertical height adjustment. Furthermore, this is accomplished without finicky knobs or difficult-to-reach panels; you can just move it with your hands, and the spring-loaded mechanism of the stand will take care of the rest.

Finally, consider that this monitor supports USB-C, making it a really good combo with MacBook Pro laptops. Considering that macOS is a preferred programming environment, there’s a good chance that either your current or next company computer will be one. There are other good monitor options for MacBook Pro users, but not all of them will prove to be best for programmers.

Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD

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Why it made the cut: This is a 4K monitor for programming with built-in blue light filtering, excellent tilting, and the ultra-high resolution you deserve.

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Tilt: 5 degrees forward, 16 degrees backward

Pros

• AMD FreeSync for low blur
• Ultra-thin bezel
• Built-in blue light protection
• Great backward tilt range

Cons

• Not VESA compatible for mounting

The HP 27-inch 4K UHD provides a decent size while giving you the 4K resolution you’ll need for intensive graphical projects and standard computer use. The added blue light protection that comes built-in with the monitor is a nice addition for ensuring a couple of crunch hours at night don’t cut into your success the next day.

Multi-monitor setups will particularly enjoy the sub-quarter-inch bezel around the sides of the monitor. Quickly flicking your eyes to your other monitor is comfortable and not immersion-breaking as it can be with some monitors. In fact, if you manage to bump your monitors close enough together, it can feel practically like one monitor from a vision perspective.

One thing I wasn’t so happy about with this monitor was the lack of VESA mount holes. Luckily, the monitor is still quite adjustable with six degrees downward tilt and 17 degrees upward, making this HP great for those who like to tower over your monitor as you work. Ultimately, we think you’ll likely not miss the ability to pair this with a monitor arm unless that happens to be your priority.

It all comes together to give us an outstanding monitor for programming that fits in well with HP’s solid general-purpose monitors. While this HP fits in as the best 4K monitor for programming, you should certainly check out the others if you are an HP fan.

Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN

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Why it made the cut: This monitor approaches budget pricing while still having great features for professionals.

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Viewing angle: 172 degrees

Pros

• Includes Eye Saver Mode
• Wide viewing angle for collaboration
• Full connectivity panel
• Energy-saving mode

Cons

• Unreliable DisplayPort connection

The Samsung Business S27R650FDN has “business” right in the name, but does it hold up to being the best value monitor for programming work? Based on the features and specs that Samsung has managed to pour into it, we’d respond with a resounding “yes.” That’s without mentioning one of the most businesslike features of all: its economical energy-saving mode and bargain sticker price.

With workers in mind, the Samsung Business uses the included Eye Saver Mode to reduce blue light from the monitor. Flicker-Free technology is also included to keep your eyes comfortable and feeling rested through a long shift.

Especially useful for teams and collaborative efforts, the Samsung Business has a 172-degree viewing angle and a wide connectivity panel to support a wide range of devices, including those that use USB 3.0 (including B type), USB 2.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, and old school RGB. For those with a ton of devices, this will certainly be the best value monitor for programming. The only caveat to this is that the DisplayPort is touchy and unreliable, dropping for some users.

Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9

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Why it made the cut: The Samsung Odyssey G9 is the best monitor for gaming and programming due to its size, resolution, and high-performance gaming screen.

Specs

• Size: 49”
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440 pixels
• Refresh rate: 240Hz

Pros

• Gigantic screen size
• Vivid color display
• Intensive curve

Cons

• Very expensive

Here’s another fantastic ultrawide option for your gaming and programming pleasure. Much like our pick for the overall best monitor for programming, the Samsung Odyssey G9 provides a massive screen ready to fit many windows, charts, graphs, debug menus, and the like.

What’s different about the G9 is that it is also one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, with insanely high refresh rates of 240Hz and a 1 millisecond response time. Add the AMD FreeSync technology that ensures that your monitor matches a compatible graphics card frame-by-frame, and you have a recipe for back-to-back after-work headshots.

Additionally, the G9 has a curve at a degree that copies the curve of the human eye. This helps reduce the need to constantly bend your neck to take in the fullness of the screen. That doesn’t mean you’ll never wish to crane your neck or tilt your head while using a G9, of course, but you should notice a subtle reduction in neck and shoulder stress when compared to other curved monitors for programming.

One thing to remember is that the G9 is bigger than nearly any other monitor out there, making it a great choice of large monitor for programming. Unfortunately, the sticker price has had the chance to measure every square inch of the G9 and has been able to keep up with it. While this is certainly not a cheap monitor for programming, it will keep you happy.

Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 144Hz

Pros 

• Very high refresh rate
• Can be used in landscape and portrait modes,
• Integrated folding kickstand

Cons

• Price

It shouldn’t surprise you that the best portable monitor for any task comes from a company that offers excellent, at times affordable, battlestation accessories. The ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-inch portable monitor is one of only a handful of models with a 144Hz refresh rate, which is necessary for gamers but will make cursor and window movement buttery smooth while writing code.

The display also has many features that other portable monitors lack, including a rotating kickstand that allows you to orient the display vertically or horizontally. This kickstand makes the display more solid than the magnetic stands that come with most portable displays. Another nicety is the display’s stereo speakers, which aren’t powerful but will work in a pinch.

ASUS includes several cords with its portable display, including a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, a USB Type-C cable, and a USB Type-C to A adapter. This means it’ll be able to connect to any computer right out of the box, no additional accessories necessary. One additional useful feature is the universal tripod socket—a hole with a ¼” thread—which makes it convenient to use the portable monitor with a tripod stand. That said, a sleeve, which can be used as a stand, is also included.

If you really want to max out the performance your programming setup, ASUS also makes an even bigger 17.3-inch version of the Strix portable monitor with a 240Hz rwefresh rate. Most people, even gamers, don’t need a 240Hz display, so we recommend the less expensive model.

Best budget: BenQ GW2780

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This monitor checks all of the basic boxes, gives you a bit extra, and still has a price tag worthy of the best budget monitor for programming. 

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Screen: Glossy LED

Pros

• Intelligent brightness adjustment
• Wall mountable with 100 x 100 VESA
• Built-in cable management

Cons

• Low-quality built-in speakers

Our best budget monitor for programming, the BenQ GW2780, stays cheap but has many nifty features that make it worthwhile for programming or any other purpose. 

You can see the standard features that make it great for programming with the 27-inch screen or its 100 x 100 VESA mount capabilities.

However, the extra features that aren’t costing you any extra make the BenQ outcompete other budget monitor contenders. One cool example is a sensor that adjusts your screen’s brightness for you automatically. Another is the built-in cord control in the stand. Sure, these aren’t features most of you are begging for, but these kinds of thoughtful touches show that BenQ is going the extra mile to make a worthwhile product for the budget tier.

However, one extra you probably won’t love is the included speakers. They’re low-quality and quiet, and even people who aren’t professed audiophiles tend to struggle to like them. If you are in need of some speakers on the cheap, there are quite a few desktop speakers or budget Bluetooth speakers out there that will better suit your needs.

What to consider when buying the best monitors for programming

Getting monitors for programming, much like getting monitors for home offices, can be tricky because you’ll want the monitor to be good for other purposes, too. Luckily, many of the factors that translate to being one of the best monitors for programming, also make for great general monitors. For example, programmers are likely to care a lot about size, but people watching Netflix aren’t complaining about monitors being too big. We’ll examine all of the big factors in this sort of multimodal way, including resolution and comfort.

Size

This one is relatively straightforward. In almost every case, bigger is better. The ability to have multiple windows open at the same time and look at things side-by-side cannot be overstated. Moving your head from one monitor to another can make direct comparisons tricky, whereas having everything ready at a glance will help keep you in a happy programming flow state.

While some people might look at a very large screen and feel overwhelmed, it is easy to make your windows smaller and focus on what is important. You cannot do this the other way around—making windows larger than the screen to be more comfortable. Getting something a tad bigger than you’re used to will likely go fine; you’ll get acclimated to the larger size, but going too small will trap you in.

So, when might it be bad to have a larger monitor? When the monitor is so big that it pushes out your other monitors. Sure, the advantages of side-by-side comparison given by a large monitor are important, but that doesn’t mean that having the ability to throw something up in full screen on another monitor is less important. Finding balance and what works appropriately with your given desk space is critical.

Resolution

In the world of movies, we always seem to see blocky, pixelated coding text. The real world won’t have it. Resolution is the most important factor for getting a crisp, easy-to-look-at picture out of your monitor. The higher the resolution, the more pixels you’ll see in a given patch of monitor space.

Resolution is defined by both numbers and letters, which can be somewhat confusing. The numbers give a reading of the pixels shown, horizontally and vertically. For example, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 shows 1920 pixels from right to left and 1080 pixels from top to bottom. Resolution numbers are often abbreviated to just show the vertical number—1920 x 1080 is known in this system as 1080p.

Letter abbreviations are also commonly used. Some of the most common abbreviations are as follows: FHD (Full High Definition) is 1920 x 1080; QHD (Quad High Definition) is 2560 x 1440; and UHD (Ultra High Definition) is 3840 x 2160. Interestingly, despite only getting to 3,840 pixels wide, this is commonly referred to as 4K.

So, what resolution is good for programming? This is another case of the bigger, the better, but we recommend going for at least 1080p, with 1440p and higher offering the best experience. One often unmentioned but worthy note is that your desktop space changes with your resolution. So, if you’re the type of programmer with about 40 to 50 files and folders on your desktop, plus a dozen or so game shortcuts, then you’ll definitely want to opt for the highest resolution possible!

Comfort

It’s a sad fact, but you’ll probably be working more often than you’d like to be. Be comfortable while you do it. For this review, we’re looking at three key comfort factors that can work for you:

Range of tilt: Your monitor’s ability to tilt will add comfort by increasing the flexibility of its facing. Having a monitor that is tilted too high or too low could have the negative effect of subconsciously forcing your head to match, giving you headaches or unnecessary shoulder tension.

Ability to wall mount: Rigging up your monitor with a reliable wall mount or desk stand will give you the advantages of increased desk space and heightened maneuverability of your monitor. Look for VESA-compatible monitors, with 100 x 100 mounting surfaces giving you the most options in terms of wall mounts to buy and 200 x 200 being an okay alternative for ultrawide monitors.

Eye comfort: Screens that are too bright, glossy, or that suffer from screen flickering can all cause eye discomfort. Nowadays, monitors also provide built-in blue light blocking to improve users’ sleep quality. All of these factors can greatly affect how you perceive your time with your monitor and the quality of your work, so much so that we’d recommend you check out our monitors for eye strain if this is a recurring problem for you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for programming

• Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
• Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD
• Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN
• Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9
• Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 
• Best budget: BenQ GW2780

Getting one of the best monitors for programming doesn’t have to be difficult. If you find a monitor that is easy to use in daily life, treats your eyes well, and connects properly with your work computer, then you’ve probably found a decent programming monitor. Still, considering a unique monitor like the LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide or the business-minded Samsung Business S27R650FDN might give you the extra edge you’ve been looking for.

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 monitors for programming 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		Zircon MultiScanner A250c		SEE IT	It’s excellent at finding studs, but also provides other functions to add versatility.
Widest scan area		Franklin Sensors ProSensor T13		SEE IT	Speed up your search for studs with help from 13 sensors.
Best budget		Craftsman Stud Finder		SEE IT	You can regularly find this basic finder for under $10.

A stud finder is the sort of thing that feels totally forgettable until you need one. In practice, they’re like the x-ray vision you might’ve imagined using as a kid, but instead of being made to see through walls and gleam hidden secrets, they pretty much exclusively stick to lumber, along with nails and possibly even live wires. Here, we’ll explore this wall-scanning technology for what it really is and, of course, help you pick out the best stud finders for your next project.

• Best overall: Zircon MultiScanner A250c
• Widest scan area: Franklin Sensors ProSensor T13
• Best for plaster walls: Zircon MetalliScanner m40
• Best magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder
• Best budget: CRAFTSMAN Stud Finder

How we chose the best stud finders

You’ll find that even the best stud finders are relatively simple devices. Even in 2023, you shouldn’t expect apps, smart AI, or other technologies you’re used to seeing in almost everything nowadays. You should expect batteries—the kind that need to be physically removed and replaced.

Still, even in this world of relatively tame older products, the best stud finders each find a niche to fill or have bonuses that just make sense for you. This could be because the batteries they use also go well with some of your older tools, they get the wide range you want, or they throw in something extra, like a leveler. This is definitely a category where you should avoid overthinking. As a result, we’ve focused on quality products—with a large (and happy) customer base—that fill their niches well and come out at a reasonable price.

The best stud finders: Reviews & Recommendations

The best stud finders for you will typically fill one or more of a few distinct types. Widely used—and customer-approved—products tested repeatedly in practical environments with high margins of success are obvious inclusions. Premium “kitchen sink” varieties that throw in a lot of extras (such as levelers), have tons of sensors over a wide range, and use superior UIs can be attractive options as well. Finally, niche picks and those covering a wide variety of battery requirement options were considered throughout to give everyone a high chance of finding a viable product that meets their standards. Finding the right value for the output helps tremendously as well. Taking all those factors into consideration, these are the stud finders we suggest you put in your tool box.

Best overall: Zircon MultiScanner A250c

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: When your mind thinks “modern stud finder,” this is probably what you’re picturing—and it works well, too.

Specs

• Sensors: 1 Stud/metal/wire, Center
• Battery requirements: 1 x 9-volt
• Interface: Graphical UI

Pros

• Incorporates tech to correct user errors
• “All-in-one” tool
• Notch for marking at top

Cons

• More expensive than most
• No battery included

When you think of a single-sensor stud finder, you’re probably thinking of something in a form factor very similar to that of the Zircon Multiscanner A250c. It’s got a handle and head not too unlike what you’re used to seeing, as well as that orange-ish yellow that just screams stud finder or similar tool.

The Zircon Multiscanner A250c stands out from the crowd of “typical stud finders,” however, for its multiple scanning modes and special features. In other words, it is way more of an all-rounder than you’re expecting.

It has multiple scanning modes, including the ability to look for studs through varying depths of drywall, and a metal mode capable of searching through more dense materials.

The ACT (Auto Correcting Technology) eliminates errors from common user “problems.” For example, if you start directly over a stud that can cause issues with other stud finders, you’ll be impressed with the Zircon Multiscanner A250c. And it makes sense because why should we be punished for starting out in the right spot?

Ultimately, the Zircon Multiscanner A250c is going to be the best stud finder for just about any situation, but it is more expensive than any of the others on this list. It is also a single-sensor finder, which means it lacks the versatility others offer. So, if you’re looking for something a bit more singular in purpose or with more sensors, you can find that for cheaper elsewhere on the list. However, if you want the best and are willing to pay (just a bit) extra for it, go ahead and grab the Zircon Multiscanner A250c.

Widest scan area: Franklin Sensors ProSensor T13

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This offering from Franklin is one of the widest stud finders available.

Specs

• Sensors: 13 edge/center
• Battery requirements: 2 x AA (disposable only)
• Interface: Multi-LED lights

Pros

• Wide 9.7-inch span
• 1.7-inch scan depth
• Bonus features include bubble leveler, ruler, and pencil caddy
• Rare AA battery user

Cons

• Doesn’t work with rechargeable AA batteries

To get the job done quickly, you need something with some width. That’s the thinking, at least, when it comes to the Franklin Sensor ProSensor T13, which is over 9.7 inches wide and sports a 13-sensor array.

The Franklin Sensor ProSensor T13 uses one-button sensing, with the machine picking the best scanning mode automatically. Just move it over the wall, and the sensors’ associated LED lights will shine, giving you a full mental picture of the target stud. It also has a built-in ruler, bubble leveler, and a spot for your pencil so you have nearly everything you need when it is time to get started working.

It is nice to see a stud finder that uses AA batteries, regarded as the most popular battery style. However, there is an unusual quirk with the AA batteries that you can use with the Franklin Sensor ProSensor T13. They must be of the disposable type; rechargeables may still work, but they will likely die very quickly.

Best for plaster walls: Zircon MetalliScanner m40

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It’s like a metal detector for your walls, even the dense ones.

Specs

• Sensors: 1 metal detector
• Battery requirements: 1 x 9-volt
• Interface: LED lights

Pros

• Locates metals through plaster and plath
• Works with cement, concrete, stucco, and drywall as well
• Ignores density, looks for metal

Cons

• Detects metal, not wood.

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40 handles an increasingly rare situation—dense plaster walls—better than its competition. Plaster walls, which fell out of usage after the 1940s, present a unique situation for other stud finder sensors as these walls are intensely dense all the way through. That makes studs hard to locate with typical methods.

The Zircon MetalliScanner m40 detects the metal nails or screws in the studs themselves to help you locate them without relying on density measurements.

It also has this metal sensing through other materials as well, making it the best for ceramic tile as well. However, this still stands as the best stud finder for old homes, not newer ones, due to the way it works. Of course, if you have an unusual material your home is made from, it is always worth a try.

Best magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This classic magnetic stud finder has an easy grip and hangs to the wall.

Specs

• Sensors: N/A
• Battery requirements: N/A
• Interface: N/A

Pros

• Comfortable grip
• No batteries needed
• Cheap and always functional

Cons

• In some ways, just a magnet

Despite its simplicity, the StudBuddy is one of the higher-rated stud finders you’ll find in stores. In so many words, it is “just” a (neodymium) magnet. In more flattering terms, it uses “old school tech” and sensibilities of the highest order. The StudBuddy uses magnetism to locate nails already in studs in your wall. It will even stick to the wall in the spot near a detected nail, showing you the line where you should pull out one of your favorite cordless drills and get busy. If one nail went in that vertical space, the thinking goes, so should yours.

It goes without saying that the StudBuddy is not the perfect machine. There are reasons we’ve updated the technology from magnets to sensors. However, it remains one of the best stud finders for its charms: the elegantly designed handle, its ability to stick to the wall, and its no-battery forever-ready design. It can go anywhere and might’ve earned itself a place in your bag for that reason alone.

Please note that there is also a StudBuddy Plus, which includes rubber grips, two bubble levelers, and inch and centimeter rulers along its small perimeter. At nearly twice the price of the original StudBuddy (which is nearly always ~25% off), it is harder to recommend, though. So, unless you’re trying to build the ultimate minimalist kit of battery-free tools, the ‘Plus’ is a pass while the original StudBuddy stays in.

Best budget: Craftsman Stud Finder

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is a relatively straightforward stud finder without the frills (or the price) of premium-grade finders.

Specs

• Sensors: 1 edge detection
• Battery Requirements: 1 x 9-volt
• Interface: LED light

Pros

• Works simply
• Great value for the money
• Once you get the hang of it, easy to execute

Cons

• Low documentation
• No battery included

The Craftsman Stud Finder is a low-cost but often misunderstood stud finder of the edge detection variety. There are a couple of tips and tricks for it, which we’ll discuss shortly, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably be happy with it. If you don’t need something intensely feature-rich, this could be the best stud finder for you.

One issue with the Craftsman Stud Finder is that it doesn’t necessarily present itself in the most straightforward manner. There isn’t a ton of hand-holding. For instance, the most upsetting find for most people is that they get the Craftsman only to find out they needed to pick up the not included, but very necessary, 9-volt battery to operate it.

And operating it, too, can be an issue due to low levels of instruction. However, once you know its secrets, you can use it easily. The Craftsman Stud Finder detects edges only and doesn’t work well when started on a stud. Move the Craftsman Stud Finder from the left of the stud you want to the right. It’ll light up when the left side of the stud is found. Then, do the same from the right side, moving to the left.

What to consider before buying the best stud finders

Choosing a stud finder should be a relatively straightforward affair, but there are still a few things that you need to take into consideration before choosing one. The number of sensors and width of your stud finders’ effective area will affect the convenience of use, as will the stud finder’s interface. Lastly, because even the best stud finders are relatively simple, they can come filled with extra features that are worth exploring.

Number of sensors

One of the quickest ways to add speed to your stud finding is to increase the number of sensors. One common form factor that works this way is the “array of sensors” style. It’s like having extra stud finders tied together, all working at once. Additionally, as each one scans at the same time, these multi-sensor stud finders are the best stud finders for real-time visualization of the stud. As they usually spread wider than the stud, you can “see” the full stud all at one time.

Style of sensor

Another factor to consider here is the styles of sensors on the stud finder. Edge finders will help you find the edge of the stud, while center finders will help you find the stud itself.

Typically, you’ll just see sensors capable of detecting changes in density just beyond the width of a typical piece of drywall. It won’t necessarily matter what that change in density is. However, some sensors can detect more. This includes stud finders that can distinguish iron pipes, detect through ceramic tile and other materials, and even find livewires.

Remember that stud finders can be wrong, including with livewire detection. Don’t trust your life with one. If there is even the slightest chance of a livewire being in the area you’re driving nails into, take extreme caution. Instead, use these only to help you find the best place to knock into and ensure the power is out before proceeding. When in doubt, contact a real electrician.

Interface

As has already been stated, stud finders are not incredibly complex. As a result, there are only two types of interfaces you’ll see, neither of which are incredibly modern in appearance.

The first style is a simple detection and light system. When a sensor gets a reading, a light brightens. This style is incredibly simple and quite common for stud finders with an array of sensors. This contrasts highly with the second common style, which is a simple LED graphical UI. Think more TI-80 calculator (or worse) than any UI you’ve seen in recent years, but still serviceable enough to give you any required information.

In actuality, neither system is better than the other, and the best stud finders will include those of both interface types. Sometimes, even for a simple single-sensor stud finder, a simple light is best as there is such a thing as overcomplicating the simple.

Additional features

To stand out, manufacturers will add features of varying degrees of usefulness. These bonus features can vary from being neigh-on essential (at least, for you) to being expensive price boosters. If you already have one of the best home tool kits, you will likely find yourself not needing too many extras on your stud finder.

The most common appendage to a stud finder, a leveler—a tool that finds a gravitationally level surface—is a logical choice. Much like putting a bottle opener on a corkscrew, it makes sense to plop a leveler on a stud finder.

This is especially true when it is the serviceable but simple water-and-bubble type leveler. They’re cheap and an obvious throw-in. When offered a stud finder with a more advanced laser leveler, be wary of falling for two mediocre products as one when you just wanted one good product. If you choose to go the route of getting a stud finder with a laser leveler, ensure that both are quality or get them separately.

Other stud finder bonuses include tape measures, lights, pencil caddies, and other easily attachable gadgets.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best stud finders

• Best overall: Zircon MultiScanner A250c
• Widest scan area: Franklin Sensors ProSensor T13
• Best for plaster walls: Zircon MetalliScanner m40
• Best magnetic: The StudBuddy Magnetic Stud Finder
• Best budget: Craftsman Stud Finder

Getting a good stud finder should not be difficult. Generally, the best stud finders come in very few distinct form factors. This means that picking one that suits your needs, has quality hardware, and a consistent customer experience, should be simple if your research is done correctly. As a result, any of the above stud finders could be the best stud finder for you.

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 stud finders 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 overall		BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper		SEE IT	The BLACK+DECKER is large, sturdy, and powerful.
Best budget		Ninonly Bug Zapper Light Bulb		SEE IT	Ninonly provides one of the best bug-zapping light bulbs that you can find.
Best handheld		Anne Diary Electric Bug Zapper Racket		SEE IT	With the ability to swivel the killing racket head, you can effectively cover the target insect on any surface.

When you’re ready to head outside, the last thing you want to do is get bitten or swarmed by insects, so having an outdoor bug zapper is a good idea. They make your insect-fearing companions feel more at ease and can give your uncovered food and drink a standing chance against buzzing bugs. But there are many styles to choose from that, and it can be hard to pick out which bug zapper best suits your needs. To do our part, we compiled this list of the best outdoor bug zappers.

• Best overall: BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper
• Best cordless: BURLAN Solar Bug Zapper
• Best for mosquitoes: Elechome Bug Zapper
• Best for patio: Endbug Bug Zapper
• Best handheld: Anne Diary Electric Bug Zapper Racket
• Best indoor/outdoor: PRODCA Bug Zapper
• Best budget: Ninonly Bug Zapper Light Bulb

How we selected the best outdoor bug zappers

Bugs aren’t just pesky; they can sometimes be dangerous. When it comes to outdoor bug zappers, you want something that works, but you also want ingenuity. The location of the zapper, its shape, and its functional style all matter. And, despite being weapons of death against our exoskeleton-having foes, the best outdoor bug zappers don’t look like death themselves. As a result, the following list of the best outdoor bug zappers represents a variety of styles and forms of zappers that also happen to be attractive to the eye.

The best outdoor bug zappers: Reviews & Recommendations

Purchasing one of the following outdoor bug zappers should make your yard less insect-friendly. As most have lights, these insect repellents should also improve the visibility of your porch or patio a bit. However, we still recommend these solar deck lights for a brighter, more sustainable option for that purpose. Be sure to check over the whole list to find a style that suits your needs.

Best overall: BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a large size and tough exterior, this will get the job done easily.

Specs

• Form: Lantern
• Size: 32 x 12 x 32 inches
• Target species: Fly, moth, mosquito, gnat, wasp

Pros

• Can choose between hanging or putting on table
• Cleaning-free option
• Tough, waterproof exterior

Cons

• Dead bugs sometimes stick to zapping element

For a quick-killing machine with a hard, weather-resistant exterior, the BLACK+DECKER is a great choice. It can hang on your patio or sit on a table. This choice is important, too, because it’ll change how you choose to use the zapper. While on a table, you’ll want the collection tray placed in. However, if you hang the BLACK+DECKER over grass, you can leave the bottom collection tray off so bugs will fall to the ground directly, reducing cleaning. However, this is a powerful zapper, so sometimes a bug will burn directly on the element, meaning you’ll have to do a little cleaning (with the supplied brush) periodically.

Best cordless: BURLAN Solar Bug Zapper

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Why it made the cut: You’ll never need a cord if you let the sun do most of the work.

Specs

• Form: Lantern
• Size: 9.4 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches
• Target species: Fly, mosquito

Pros

• Charges via solar power or USB plug-in
• Bright lamp on top adds to the ambiance
• Quiet, 25dB zaps
• IP66 water and dustproof

Cons

• Needs consistent sun exposure

If plugging something in and dealing with cords bothers you, turn to the power of the sun. This is the best outdoor bug zapper with a solar charging panel that we could find. On a full charge—which can be achieved in 12 hours of direct sunlight—the top lantern, lighting, and mosquito killer can work for between 4 and 12 hours, depending on mode of operation.

Best for mosquitoes: Elechome Bug Zapper

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This machine puts out a ton of special mosquito-attracting light.

Specs

• Form: Lantern
• Size: 5.35 x 5.35 x 11.6 inches
• Target species: Mosquito, gnat, fly, moth, wasp, spider

Pros

• Scientifically designed for mosquito attraction
• Large killing area
• IP66 dust and water resistant

Cons

• Must USB-C charge

According to Pfizer, mosquitos kill more than 700,000 people each year. While we’re waiting for advanced mosquito control to deactivate their reproductive process, there are other things to try. While some are washing up with a soap mosquito repellent, others are turning to special wavelengths that attract mosquitos, which the Elechome Bug Zapper puts out in extreme degree. It’s also got a larger killing area than most lantern types, with its top exposed, allowing for more bug killing.

Best for patio: Endbug Bug Zapper

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The bottom-facing light on this zapper is a plus for any patio.

Specs

• Form: Lantern
• Size: 5.7 x 5.7 x 10.6 inches
• Target species: Mosquito, gnat, fly, moth, wasp, etc.

Pros

• Includes a bright light on the bottom to light your patio
• Is IPX6 waterproof to ward off rain issues
• Excellent bug attraction ability

Cons

• Loud

The Endbug Bug Zapper is the best outdoor bug zapper for your porch or patio, as it provides excellent lighting for you and powerful killing for bugs. It’s a powerful 4,200V, so it kills quite effectively but is rather loud. Our advice is to hang it up high near the middle of your porch or patio area so you can get the maximum benefit from the provided light. However, if you do choose to put it closer to the edges, it’ll still be safe in the rain as it has IPX6 water resistance.

Best handheld: Anne Diary Electric Bug Zapper Racket

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The racket head swivels, letting you cover the scariest bugs safely.

Specs

• Form: Racket
• Size: 17.5 x 9.7 x 1.5 inches
• Target species: Wasp, bee, fly, mosquito

Pros

• Long handle keeps you away from dangerous pests
• Auto zap mode while in stand
• Swivel head provides maximum safety
• Simple USB-C charging

Cons

• Auto zap mode depletes battery in 5 hours

If you have really scary insects like bees, wasps, or hornets, you’ll want to be more proactive in your killing. Waiting for the bug to mosey into a light just won’t cut it. That’s why you should try out the best bug-zapping racket, this one from Anne Diary. You can swivel the zapping head to be parallel with the surface the offending insect has lit on, then cover it. This method keeps you safe and gives the insect no escape. When not in active use, you can turn on a passive zapping mode as well, but we only recommend this if the Anne Diary is plugged in, as the power drains after about five hours.

Best indoor/outdoor: PRODCA Bug Zapper

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Why it made the cut: The small size of this bug zapper makes it great to tuck into a kitchen or bedroom corner, too.

Specs

• Form: Lantern
• Size: 3.8 x 3.8 x 5.5
• Target species: Mosquito, fly, gnat, bee, moth, etc.

Pros

• Small size fits anywhere
• Can be made to be discreet
• Lamp light for better outdoor vision
• IP66 water- and dust-resistant

Cons

• Not great for all indoor pests (such as fruit flies)

Though a lot of the best outdoor bug zappers could technically be used indoors, you wouldn’t necessarily want them to be there. They’re big, can’t be placed just anywhere, and scream to others that you have an insect problem. As a result, we like the more discreet nature and size of the PRODCA, which can do great work on the porch, but also be tucked away in a kitchen corner when you want it to be.

Best budget: Ninonly Bug Zapper Light Bulb

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Why it made the cut: This is the best bug-zapping light bulb you can get.

Specs

• Form: Light bulb
• Size: 3.14 x 3.14 x 6.3 inches
• Target species: Fly, mosquito

Pros

• Small, convenient form
• Sloping trap stays clean
• Multiple modes
• Long lifespan

Cons

• Must be put into a lamp

Most of the best outdoor bug zappers cost between $35 and $60 apiece, depending on current deals available. That can be frustrating if you want many of them or aren’t ready to spend a lot on bug zapping. Light bulb-style bug zappers, then, are a great option, though they tend to have worse functionality. The Ninonly has high-quality zapping, multiple lighting modes, and a sloping inside that helps bugs fall out after death. As a result, it is one of the best cheap outdoor bug zappers… if you have a lamp available.

What to consider before buying outdoor bug zappers

Outdoor bug zappers might seem relatively straightforward, and they are, but there are still some things to consider before buying one. The most important thing to consider is the form of the zapper.

• Lantern styles are the most popular as they can be hung or placed on tables, add light and ambiance to the area, and are good passive killers that work well on porches and while camping.
• Handheld “electric fly swatters” are another style, great for targeted killing, but suffer in that they typically are made for consistent pest removal.
• Finally, light-bulb bug zappers are cheaper and simple to install, but these mini zappers typically don’t have as much killing power as the other styles.

You should also consider how easy the zapper will be to clean. The best outdoor bug zappers typically have at least one mode or feature that allows bugs to fall out of the zapping area, reducing cleaning. Powerful bug zappers may also burn insects directly to the zapping element, requiring you to clean it directly. It is highly recommended to review real customer experiences with cleaning if this is a concern for you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best outdoor bug zappers

• Best overall: BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper
• Best cordless: BURLAN Solar Bug Zapper
• Best for mosquitoes: Elechome Bug Zapper
• Best for patio: Endbug Bug Zapper
• Best handheld: Anne Diary Electric Bug Zapper Racket
• Best indoor/outdoor: PRODCA Bug Zapper
• Best budget: Ninonly Bug Zapper Light Bulb

The best outdoor bug zappers all have one thing in common; they will remove pests from your environment eventually. Whether you go for a powerful light source that attracts insects quickly or a handheld racket that lets you seek them out, you should feel more secure in your outdoor environment with one of the above products.

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 bug zappers 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		Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier		SEE IT	A front-runner that pulls moisture from the air efficiently, and in diverse temperatures, up to the point you desire.
Best smart		GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement		SEE IT	Between asking Alexa to dry up your basement and doing a lot of stat tracking, you’ll love this offering from GoveeLife.
Best budget		MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements		SEE IT	If your basement is just mildly too damp, this number-1 customer pick can handle the job.

If you have a basement, you may have a problem with humidity, and the best way to handle that issue is with dehumidifiers for basements. But dehumidifiers need to cool air down to work, and, based on the simple fact that hot air rises, we know that basements tend to be cool. They also tend to be a bit damper than what the average dehumidifier encounters, meaning they’ll not only need to filter more water out of the air, but they’ll need to dispose of more of it. As a result, finding the best dehumidifiers for basements can take some sorting and searching, so we did that task for you.

• Best overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier
• Best for large basement: VEAGASO 70 Pints Dehumidifier
• Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement
• Best quiet: Bublue DH1 Pro
• Best for cold: Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier
• Best budget: MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements

How we chose the best dehumidifiers for basements

Through and through, the best dehumidifiers for basements need to be able to remove large amounts of water and deal with cool temperatures better than the rest. Still, we wanted to give readers a wide variety and some choices that had excellent qualities that would support different kinds of homes.

The best dehumidifiers for basements: Reviews & Recommendations

The following choices represent the best dehumidifiers for basements while still providing quality across a number of other categories. No matter what your individual situation, you should be able to find a product amongst those on this list. While the overall best is exemplary of the class and representative of what a dehumidifier can do in a basement, other items on the list are still worth checking out as they may pull ahead in their own niches.

Note that manufacturer specs may label their water tanks in gallons, liters, or other units. Here, we have converted all units to pints for your convenience so you can compare the maximum removal capacity of the unit with the size of its tank. While you can’t necessarily expect to get the max pull each day, it will help you gauge how labor-intensive manual draining might be in a way that isn’t misleading or confusing.

Best overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier

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Why it made the cut: This is a solid product from a solid brand—it’ll take you through most situations.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 50 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (16.9 pint tank)
• Size: 16 x 24.25 x 12.2
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• Works in rooms up to 3,000 square feet
• Can work down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit
• Adjustable humidistat
• Remote control

Cons

• Not smartphone connectable

Frigidaire’s 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier is a well-rounded machine that should keep the vast majority of customers happy. Its 50-pint collection is appropriate for most basements and is the sweet spot between power and pricing that you’ll find reflected in most of the best dehumidifiers for basements. Features like multiple fan speeds, a built-in humidistat, and a timer shutoff are nice to see, too.

You can set the Frigidaire to continuously drain if you have the right tubing and a spot to drain at. If that is too much effort, the 2.11-gallon tank (that’s 16.9 pints) will serve you just fine. Like most dehumidifiers, the machine will automatically shut off when the water bucket is full. However, if you’re paying attention to detail, you’ll note that it can draw 50 pints a day from the air in the right conditions. This means that when you initially start using this product, you may need to dump the bucket several times daily to maximize efficiency. However, after your basement reaches a sort of equilibrium, this will likely change.

While speaking of efficiency, one thing to note is the Frigidaire’s ability to work at temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This is great for families that have briefly cool periods during the year, but remember that even the best dehumidifiers for basements still won’t get the maximum water withdrawal rate at this temperature.

It doesn’t have WiFi or smartphone connectivity, which we would have liked to have seen at this power and price range. Still, if you don’t have a home filled with smart-home devices, and use your basement regularly enough, you’ll enjoy and trust this product to get the job done. And, if operating the machine from afar (such as lowering its fan speed during TV watching) is important to you, it includes a remote.

Best for large basement: VEAGASO 70 Pints Dehumidifier

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Why it made the cut: If you want maximum power at a good price, here it is.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 70 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (8.5 pint tank)
• Size: 10 x 11 x 20 inches
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• Advanced backlit display and control panel
• Reservoir beeps when full
• Quick toggle child lock
• Humidistat for 33% to 80% humidity is good for any purpose

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Small water tank

The VEAGASO is made for intense drainage for larger areas, handling basements up to 5,500 square feet in size. It’ll pull 70 pints per day in the perfect climate (95 degrees Fahrenheit, 90% humidity), so it can service real problem areas quickly. Remember that even under non-ideal circumstances, a dehumidifier like this will have more pull than others.

You’ll like the VEAGASO’s backlit display and convenient control panel. On it, you can set your ideal humidity level, fan speed, choose which part of the house you’ve put your dehumidifier in (yes, there is a basement choice), and set the child lock with a single tap. It’ll also light up when the air filter should be changed and flash red, beep, and automatically shut off once the reservoir bucket is filled to capacity.

Speaking of the bucket, it is probably the only negative aspect of the highly-regarded VEAGASO dehumidifier. It’s considerably smaller than the water removal capacity, so human effort can possibly become a bottleneck in your humidity removal efforts if you use it over the drainage system. Still, there’s hardly a better value-for-the-price 70 pints unit out there.

Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement

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Why it made the cut: If you want to monitor your basement’s humidity from afar, you can do that with GoveeLife.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Typically 50-70 pints/day, but can hit 109 pints/day.
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (16-pint tank)
• Size: 11.61 x 15.35 x 24.41 inches
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• App, voice, and touch panel control
• Good water removal even without being a hot room
• 1.6-foot drainage hose included
• App lets you control dehumidifier and monitor results easily

Cons

• Drain has no pump, requires gravity

For those who want smartphone and assistant integration, as well as some stat tracking, GoveeLife offers quite a few premium dehumidifiers that will do the trick. This one, the Smart Dehumidifier for Basement, pulls out between 50 and 70 pints of water per day, depending on mode and environment. At 86 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% RH, it can even get out 109 pints/day. It works in 4,500 square-foot basements but is most effective up to 900 square feet.

We particularly like how many options there are for controlling the GoveeLife. It has a touch panel for immediate control. However, it really shines with its app assistant, which will give you details of the room’s humidity over time, including across the hours of the day. You’ll get alerts when the tank is full, can set your desired basement humidity and run times, and can toggle features such as auto restart (which turns on the machine again after power outages).

Even more “smart” is the ability to integrate with your smart home system. If you have an Alexa device, Google Assistant, or IFTTT system with voice control, you can control it using those, as well as voice commands. It also receives firmware updates over-the-air via a WiFi connection.

Best quiet: Bublue DH1 Pro

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Why it made the cut: It is designed to stay at a decent noise level.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 50 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain / reservoir (8.4-pint tank)
• Size: 13.78 x 9.25 x 22.76 inches
• Energy Star-certified: No

Pros

• 40dB noise reduction
• Sleep mode toggle
• Sturdy drainage pipe

Cons

• Heavy when full

If you use your basement quite a lot, adding a loud piece of equipment isn’t really an option. Bublue understands your issue and designed this dehumidifier around operating in a quiet way that has passed customer scrutiny. Additionally, there is a sleep mode if you happen to be a nighttime basement dweller.

The Bublue DH1 Pro is quite efficient at pulling water out of the air, with customers reporting having to dump the tank rather frequently. If possible, use the included drainage pipe to empty the machine. You can roll the DH1 Pro to your outlet on its wheels, which is good since there are a few complaints about how surprisingly heavy this dehumidifier can get. On the bright side, you won’t have to worry about it being knocked over.

Best for cold: Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier

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Why it made the cut: As a heater, AC, dehumidifier combo, this can actually eliminate the cold.

Specs

• Removal capacity: Up to 51 pints/day
• Water removal: Drain
• Size: 15.2 x 18.1 x 29.4 inches
• Energy Star-certified: Yes

Pros

• Provides year-round comfort
• All your air-altering needs in one machine
• Heats the air to provide better dehumidification environment

Cons

• Expensive (but multi-functional)

Dehumidifiers don’t work as well in cold environments. Even the ones that can work in colder environments don’t work well there. As a result, the best option is to have a heater in your basement alongside one of the best dehumidifiers.

But what do you do when you don’t have the room or outlets for a heater and dehumidifier in your basement? One option is the Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier. It’s a device that can take on all of the tasks required to handle a room’s air. Admittedly, this dehumidifier is more expensive than other options and doesn’t have the same robust dehumidifier features you might expect. But, it isn’t trying to be the best humidifier for basements; it is going for being a whole lot more. Our recommendation is to pick this item if you really need the space or hookups for other things, or have a really tiny basement, but to go for other options if you can.

Best budget: MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements

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When you search for dehumidifiers for the basement, you usually find machines that cost at least $100 and, quite often, over $200. However, the MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements (and other parts of the home) consistently shows high customer satisfaction at a low price.

While it doesn’t suck out as much moisture as high-end devices—you really can’t skimp on this kind of thing if you have a huge moisture problem—it is ripe with features. From sleep mode and timing mode to automatic frost shut down if you hit 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the MAPOOR really has it all.

So, if your basement humidity is just a touch out of range, and you have a smaller basement, grab the MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements to save yourself some money. It’s small as well, so can be easily moved about the home to where it is needed most. Additionally, the tank is large enough to hold a couple of days worth of liquid, making this one of the best dehumidifiers for basements in the sense of removal capacity to tank capacity ratio.

How humidifiers work

Understanding the true difficulties of getting a good dehumidifier for your basement helps to understand the process by which standard dehumidifiers work.

Naturally, dehumidifiers are machines with dozens or hundreds of interlocking parts. Instead of going into overly complex detail, we’ll highlight the key parts you need to know about in everyday operations, especially when selecting dehumidifiers for basements. With that in mind, here are the basic steps:

1. Moist air from the basement is drawn into the machine and cooled.
2. The cooled air’s moisture begins to condensate out, like water on the outside of a glass of ice water.
3. This water is collected by a reservoir or pumped out.
4. The drier air is reheated and released back into the basement.

Using dehumidifiers in the basement

Understanding the process by which dehumidifiers work shows us a couple of the difficulties that occur when using them in the basement.

Airflow and circulation: Windows, doors opening and closing, vents, and people walking to and fro circulates the air about most rooms quite well. In a closed basement, largely used for storage? Not so much.

Cool air: Basements have cool air, typically around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, yet cooling is an essential part of the dehumidification process and essential for condensation. According to GE Appliances, dehumidifiers are unlikely to work in a satisfactory manner below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. While dehumidifier use will naturally heat a basement to some degree, some advocate for using a heater alongside dehumidifiers for more efficient moisture removal. This same combo might be beneficial for your basement if your basement is particularly cold. We recommend the non-infrared options among these space heaters for this purpose.

Capacity

Knowing how dehumidifiers work also illuminates the most confusing word involved in their usage: capacity.

In one way, “capacity” refers to a dehumidifier’s ability to remove moisture from the air. This is typically expressed as a maximum amount of water able to be pulled in a day from ideal (or average) circumstances. It’s an engineer’s standard term for the work being done by this style of machine.

In another way, “capacity” is used for the size of water storage tanks in models that use those instead of direct drainage. It’s just the most natural way to talk about reservoirs for liquids, much the same as you might talk about a gas tank’s capacity.

Unfortunately for the consumer, manufacturer resources (and, indeed, guides) do surprisingly little to differentiate the two forms of “capacity” in a way that isn’t confusing. To do our part in keeping things straight, we’ve done our best to refer to the first form of capacity as “removal capacity” while discussing tank size separately.

What to consider before buying dehumidifiers for basements

Despite the simple operating process outlined above, dehumidifiers for basements are actually quite complex from a customer’s perspective. Part of this is due to the jargon issues outlined above, but there’s also quite a bit of water logistics to plan out before you make a purchase.

Removal capacity

Higher removal capacity is nearly always better, but you’ll likely have to pay extra for the highest removal capacity possible. You should also remember that removal capacity reflects the ability of the dehumidifier to draw water out of the air in ideal temperatures and humidities.

This means that a cool basement will likely not reach removal capacity. Additionally, as the machine does its job, the humidity in the room will lower. As a result, once you’ve run your dehumidifier for a while, there is a high likelihood of reduced daily removal numbers unless there is a consistent high influx of humidity.

All this being said, a 50-pint-per-day removal capacity is likely the sweet spot for most basements. You can crank that up to 70 pints in extreme cases or down to 30 pints if your goal is to just take the edge off of a looming issue. If you have a very mild problem (and a small basement) even less will do.

You should also note that there are several reasons why a dehumidifier will automatically shut off over the course of a day, which will also reduce removal capacity. One large one is if your water disposal technique is a manually removable reservoir and it gets full. Learn more about this in the next section. 

Water disposal technique

There are two methods by which dehumidifiers for basements dispose of water, and they both have drawbacks. While it is usually better to focus on the positives, water disposal has the most potential to cause you trouble as you work with a dehumidifier in your basement.

Automatic drain: A system that collects water and channels it through a drainage hose. If you have a sink or some other place to run the water to, it can be great. If you don’t, you might need to do some tinkering and spend extra time and/or money on the dehumidifier’s installation. Another pain point of this style is the possibility of hoses or plumbing leaking.

Reservoir tank: This style of dehumidifier has a tank, usually in the form of a built-in water bucket, in the bottom half of the dehumidifier. As the dehumidifier pulls water out of the air, it fills. It’s up to you to dump it. This can be a huge pain and takes manual work.

Interestingly, dehumidifiers for the basement have a water removal capacity many times higher than the tank’s capacity, meaning you could (theoretically) need to take several trips to get maximum water removal from your dehumidifier throughout the day. Nearly all dehumidifiers with a tank have an automatic shut-off feature for when it gets too full. Also note that the tank size is typically measured in gallons or liters, but we have converted this to pints for the items in this article so you can compare the dehumidifiers’ ability to withdraw water from the air with their ability to store said water.

Most dehumidifiers for the basement have both a drain and a reservoir tank, giving you more choices.

Humidity level settings

In our review of the best humidifiers, we started by reminding people in very general terms that the EPA advises an internal humidity level between 30% and 50% for our homes. That article dealt with one half of the issue, and this deals with the other. However, both share one common thread:

You don’t want to overcorrect and run into the opposite problem.

To solve this, many of the best dehumidifiers for basements have an internal monitor that automatically shuts off the machine once the humidity arrives at a comfortable level. Others provide precise humidistats that allow you to fine-tune the humidity to your exact preferences. The former helps protect your dehumidifier and save energy, while the latter can be particularly useful if you use your basement for storing wine or have certain preferences.

Before you buy dehumidifiers for basements

As personal responsibility becomes increasingly important for protecting the environment, we’d like you to consider looking for an Energy Star-certified dehumidifier. Note that most dehumidifiers on the list above are Energy Star certified.

Saving energy can help reduce electricity used in your home and reduce environmental waste. Dehumidifiers that pass Energy Star’s energy efficiency requirements are rated to use (at minimum) 13% less energy than conventional models at minimum. While this might not sound like a lot, over the course of a year you get 1.5 months of operation for “free” if you use a certified dehumidifier in your basement. Also, note that some models use even less energy than this.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best dehumidifiers for basements

• Best overall: Frigidaire 50-Pint 3-Speed Dehumidifier
• Best for large basement: VEAGASO 70 Pints Dehumidifier
• Best smart: GoveeLife Smart Dehumidifier for Basement
• Best quiet: Bublue DH1 Pro
• Best for cold: Honeywell Portable AC, Heater, and Dehumidifier
• Best budget: MAPOOR Dehumidifier for Basements

The best dehumidifiers for basements are typically characterized by their ability to pull a lot of water out of the air, their ability to dispose of said water satisfactorily, and the ability to have a lot of control over their functioning. As a result, the above dehumidifiers should work well for your basement over the long run.

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 dehumidifiers for basements 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		Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition		SEE IT	With Wi-Fi connection, a touchscreen UI, and a moderate price, the Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition brings modern comforts to your garage.
Best space heater		Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07		SEE IT	This Dyson works for you all year, heating, cooling, and purifying air as needed.
Best budget		Lasko Space Heater		SEE IT	The Lasko Space Heater provides satisfying heat for one.

Electric garage heaters keep us going in that screen-free sanctuary that is the tinkerer’s garage. From keeping the hands warm and pliable to preventing a wobbly shiver, having a nice heater in your garage will keep you working even during the coldest winter or late autumn freezes. Plus, they reduce fumes and gasses being poured into a confined garage. After all, garages already have enough problems with exhausts and chemicals to begin with. However, styles of garage heaters vary tremendously and have a wide variety of features, form factors, and usage conditions. It can be difficult to sort through. This is exactly why we’ve collected the best electric garage heaters in a variety of styles for you to choose from.

• Best overall: Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition
• Best space heater: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07 
• Best ceiling mount: Comfort Zone CZQTV5M 
• Best freestanding: Briza Infrared Patio and Garage Heater 
• Best 240V: Dr. Heater DR966
• Best budget: Lasko Space Heater

How we chose the best electric garage heaters

More so than other types of heaters, electric garage heaters are all about functionality and niche usage. Utility is the most important factor, and, to a large degree, looks don’t matter that much. With this in mind, we found the best electric garage heaters that suit different needs while also taking a stab at an overall best pick. Want your whole garage warm? We’ve got that. Need just a touch of heat? We’ve got that, too. Need the all-so-elusive overhead heater? You get the picture.

Amidst it all, we’re also looking at varying power levels—the crunchy hard numbers of watts and volts—as well as safety features. While 240V heaters are often capable of more power, they’re typically quite inconvenient for the typical American to use, so we’ve limited how many we’re including in the list. Reviews from real customers go a long way, too, so we’ve found products that have been used and preferred by 100s, if not 1,000s, of real people. Older models even get a bonus for longevity when it comes to electric garage heaters, as the technology changes slowly over time.

The best electric garage heaters: Reviews & Recommendations

While we’ve attempted to find the best electric garage heater, we know that many situations, power levels, and types of electric garage heaters might interest you. The vast majority of garage owners will find a suitable electric garage heater on this list.

Best overall: Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition

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Specs

• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Size: 4 x 19 x 16 inches
• Placement: Wall mounted
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Easy to install at only 9 pounds
• Remote, WiFi control
• Child lock, tip-over, air filter, and overheat shutoff safety features
• Robust touchscreen UI

Cons

• Feet for freestanding mode are sold separately

The Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition is perfect for those dreary cold mornings when the thought of leaving the comforts of your home for even a minute fills you with dread. You can remotely turn it on via WiFi to warm up the garage before you even get there. It will provide good heat for 150 square feet around it and supplemental heat for a full 1,000 square feet. It attaches firmly to the wall, so if you have it installed in the area near your house door and your car, you’ll be able to hop in your car with maximum comfort.

The Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition has robust safety features, including a child lock and automatic shutoff in case of overheating. If you decide to buy the optional feet that convert the wall mount into a freestanding model, there is even tip-over protection. Furthermore, the Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition has an internal air filter that can help clean your air and increase environmental safety while using this heater.

Another bonus of the Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition is its inclusion of an actual UI. For the most part, even the best electric garage heaters include only a knob or two, with low/high heat settings at best. On the other hand, this electric garage heater has a full touchscreen UI with a built-in digital thermostat. It’s just a lot better, presentation-wise, than most of the competition.

Best space heater: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07 

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Specs

• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Size: 9.76 x 8.07 x 30.08 inches
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Convection

Pros

• HEPA filter cleans air
• Heats and cools
• Bladeless fan design
• Can control via Alexa

Cons

• Louder than necessary

When we looked at the best space heaters, a Dyson stood out for its multitool-like ability to get a lot done in the hobbyist’s garage setting. Namely, it warms up your locale when it’s cold, cools when it’s hot, and constantly removes dust and other particles.

The air that runs through the Dyson HP07, a step-up model from our original space heater pick, also gets run through HEPA and Carbon filters, which trap up to 99.97 percent of allergens as small as 0.3 microns (one of the reasons a Dyson also places so highly in our best air purifiers roundup). The small LCD screen identifies pollutants and shows the air quality of the room as well as the current temperature. Then, it uses a bladeless fan (aka “air multiplier”) to disperse warm or cool air at a rate of 77 gallons/second in an oscillating pattern.

At the end of the day, this makes the Dyson HP07 the best year-round electric garage heater. It is the perfect way to treat your garage’s air throughout the year, and unlike a lot of heaters, you won’t feel like it is merely taking up space for half the year (or more).

Best ceiling mount: Comfort Zone CZQTV5M 

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Specs

• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Size: 5.25 x 26.5 x 14.3 inches
• Placement: Overhead
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Concentrated infrared heat
• Halogen lamp and heat combo
• 90-degree tiltable lamp head
• Safety grill protects lamp and heater

Cons

• Only two heat settings

There are two reasons to have a ceiling-mounted garage heater: Saving floor space and having a way to concentrate heat onto the top of a workbench. The Comfort Zone CZQTV5M handles both and avoids the frustration of overhead heat rising, not falling onto the person below it.

The secret is that the Comfort Zone CZQTV5M is an infrared heater. Awarded the “best ceiling-mount” category in our assessment of the best infrared heaters, the infrared heat travels in a beam-like fashion, heating what it hits, not the air. In practice, this means that your hands, busy at work, will stay well-heated and comfortable.

Another issue the Comfort Zone CZQTV5M circumvents is lighting. Having a freestanding lamp close to a heater could be awkward or unsafe. The included halogen lamp is what makes this one of the best electric garage heaters. No matter what time it is or how cold it is, you can see and feel your warm and toasty hands while using the Comfort Zone CZQTV5M.

Best freestanding: Briza Infrared Patio and Garage Heater 

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Specs

• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Size: 35.5 x 4 x 4 inches (element)
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• IP55 rating withstands shop dust and outdoor conditions
• Includes a tripod stand
• Automatic shut-off feature
• 1-9 hour timer

Cons

• 6-foot range of effectiveness

The Briza is a tripod-mounted infrared heater that can withstand quite a beating. We’ve already reviewed the Briza as one of the best patio heaters, in large part due to this ability to take on the elements. With an IP55 rating, it should be able to withstand some water but also dust. And that’s what makes it great for your garage, too. If you’re into woodworking, for example, having a machine that is rated to withstand a bit of dust is quite critical.

It’s really quite convenient, too. At only 6.6 pounds, you should be able to move the Briza wherever you want in your garage with ease. That includes outside the garage, too, if you want to work out in the open and take advantage of its weatherproofing.

Further convenience comes from its remote control and the fact that it has a one to nine-hour timer that you can set. This makes it the perfect heater for the tinkerer who gets completely in the flow and then forgets to turn things like the heater off. Plus, it has safety features like an automatic turn-off in case things get too heated. 

Best 240V: Dr. Heater DR966

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Specs

• Wattage: 6000 watts
• Size: 14.5 x 13 x 14.5 inches
• Placement: Wall-mount
• Heating style: Infrared

Pros

• Tough, steel exterior
• UL-certified for safety
• Heats well even 12-feet away

Cons

• Internal thermostat is finicky

If you are willing to go the 240V way (or live in a region where 240V appliances are more accessible), you should consider the Dr. Heater DR996. It is tough, thanks to the hard metal exterior that can take a knocking or two. But it also provides good heat, with high and low settings at an impressive 3,000 and 6,000 watts, respectively. 

While the fan helps a bit with space heating, the Dr. Heater DR996 is an infrared heater, so it will tend to give directional heating. This is a good thing in many ways, with customers reporting receiving quality heat even from as far as 12 feet away or more. At the same time, reports of a finicky thermostat are less surprising due to the heating style.

Best budget: Lasko Space Heater

SEE IT

Specs

• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Size: 9.2 x 7 x 6 inches
• Placement: Freestanding
• Heating style: Convection

Pros

• Lightweight with handle
• Small size fits anywhere
• 8-foot cord for easy placement
• ETL listed safety

Cons

• Only enough heat for one

This affordable space heater provides one person with enough heat anywhere in the garage. Its small size makes it suitable to place on tabletops or down by your feet next to the workbench.

This is one of the best electric garage heaters for a small space, and usually just one person, so you’ll likely want to move it about quite a bit. That should be easy with the Lasko, as it is only 2.9 pounds and has a carry handle embedded in the back. Finding a place to put it should also not be a challenge. Attaching a heater to an extension cord or power strip is generally frowned upon, but the Lasko has an 8-foot cord, giving you a large amount of control over placement in your garage, so long as it has adequate plugs.

Finally, the Lasko is a very safe machine, at least as far as heaters go. It is ETL-listed for safety and has tip-over protection. So, if you do happen to place it somewhere unstable, which is bound to happen if you move it as often as is intended, you won’t have to worry (as much) about a major incident occurring as a result.

What to consider before buying electric garage heaters

Getting electric garage heaters can be trickier than expected. As you’ll likely see, many sites will recommend high-powered heaters that won’t work (at least here in the States) without tricky installations or electrical work being done. Furthermore, due to the nature of electric heat styles, you might often find yourself a bit confused as to how different methods of heat delivery are given via electricity versus gas. We’re here to clear up the muddiness of these topics.

Lastly, there is the all-important issue of safety. Looking at how safe a given device is turns out to be quite important. As a result, we’ll analyze the different safety features you might encounter as you work with the best electric garage heaters.

Electrical considerations

Whenever we hear terms that remind us of power (think words like horsepower, volts, and amps), we tend to think that more is better. However, chasing higher numbers will not necessarily give us the best result when it comes to finding the best electric garage heaters. Here, let’s examine two common words dealing with electric power—watts and volts—and explain what they mean in the context of your electric garage heater.

Watts can pretty much be directly tied to power and heat output. The more watts used, the more power used, and the more heat released. Getting more sounds better, but you’ll want to ensure there are controls to lower heat settings if you get too high wattage. Thermostat shut-off is also handy in these cases. If you’re in a small garage or just need personal infrared heating, 1,500-watt heaters will probably do.

Volts, on the other hand, are not so straightforward. In the US, we use 120V appliances. You’ll often see anything from 110V to 120V listed on most products. But other places (think the UK and other commonwealth countries) often use 240V products, this time with a range of 220V to 240V being the most common listed.

Higher voltage products are capable of putting out higher wattage than heaters with lower voltage. However, the more complex installation (we cannot use 240V products in the US natively) and electrical work required to prepare a space for them make them a more complex choice for most.

And this voltage issue can cause a lot of frustration when searching for an electric garage heater. Many of the top-level product recommendations are 240V products, usually because they have the highest wattage. Again, though, a high wattage isn’t always necessary, especially for localized work or smaller garages. The additional work of using a 240V heater will likely have limited gains for most people.

All this being said, there are more people than just Americans in this world. Plus, some people may already have a 240V set up in their garage or just want the extra power. As a compromise, we’ve focused on listing the best 120V electric garage heaters but have also included a 240V one.

Heating method

The best electric garage heaters typically have one of two heating styles: Convection or infrared. Choosing between these two heating styles is not a simple matter.

Convection heating is closer to the kinds of heating you’re likely used to. This heating style heats and circulates air around an area to provide an enveloping warmth. Convection garage heaters are best for small, enclosed garages.

Infrared heating is a bit more complex but operates more like the heat of the Sun. In effect, a ray is sent out that heats what it hits. However, that isn’t the full story, either, as you’ll notice that many of these heaters also have fans to disperse “stray” heat. Infrared garage heaters are best for large, open garages and individual people.

Safety

In many ways, the best electric garage heaters are already safer than other types of heaters. They don’t give out gasses, and you don’t have to worry about preventing Carbon Monoxide poisoning as you might with traditional heaters. Still, heaters can be dangerous, and if you have a high-efficiency electric garage heater, you should be on the lookout for varying safety measures that can keep you safe if that heat happens to get out of control.

Tip-over protection: This is most important for freestanding electric garage heaters. When a heater is in its normal functioning state, typical models will release concentrated heat out of the front. When tipped over, this “front” can quickly become a surface not intended to get a blast of extreme heat. Tip-over protection gives you an extra layer of security; when it functions properly, the heat will shut down if it happens to get knocked over.

Overheating shut-off: Everything malfunctions occasionally, and even heaters shouldn’t get too hot. This feature will shut an electric garage heater off when it gets too hot to function. This is not to be confused with thermostat control, however.

Safety certifications: There are several possible safety certifications that you might encounter when browsing the best electric garage heaters. The Lasko Space Heater, for example, is ETL listed. This means it meets certain safety requirements for electric heaters in Canada and the U.S. Note that a lack of certification does not mean that a device is unsafe (they’re optional tests, at least for the time being), but they can give you extra peace of mind, which is always worth something.

Shut-off timers: While shut-off timers aren’t safety features, per se, they can help. Their main function is to help you save dollars off of your electric bill and not save your life. But they certainly will help the absent-minded ensure that their electric garage heater gets turned off. If you’ve ever turned the car around to double-check if you’ve locked the front door or turned off the oven, the best electric garage heater for you may well be one with a shut-off timer.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best electric garage heaters

• Best overall: Heat Storm Phoenix Wi-Fi Edition
• Best space heater: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07 
• Best ceiling mount: Comfort Zone CZQTV5M 
• Best freestanding: Briza Infrared Patio and Garage Heater 
• Best 240V: Dr. Heater DR966
• Best budget: Lasko Space Heater

Garage heaters have various features, form factors, and usage conditions. However, an electric garage heater in the list above should suit your needs wherever you go and whatever activities you do in your garage. There are even some, such as the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04, that will also serve you during the summer. Keep a solar generator charged up somewhere nearby, and you’ll be ready to keep operating under any circumstances.

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 electric garage heaters 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		KabelDirekt – 15ft		SEE IT	Featuring a locking connector and 3-year warranty, this cable can reliably reduce flickering without reducing your available funds.
Best Quality		FURUI Nylon		SEE IT	Highly durable (said to can survive over 16,000 bends) and supporting DisplayPort Version 2.0, this attractive VESA-certified cable is a future-proofed pick.
Best Gaming		Capshi DP Cable		SEE IT	When you want to play games with your friends but not your gear, this nicely priced VESA-certified cable brings with it high customer satisfaction.

DisplayPort cables, often described as the computer’s counterpart to television’s HDMI port, help connect your computer to other devices. That much is obvious. However, like all cables, DisplayPort cables include a million different brands, types, lengths, and more to select from, so getting a high-quality one isn’t as obvious. The DisplayPort digital A/V interface—a replacement for DVI, VGA, and even HDMI—is a high-bandwidth standard you’ll find on many top-tier GPUs, so you want to get a good cable to take advantage of all that graphical goodness. Sorting through all of the factors, we’ve picked the best DisplayPort cables so you can spend less time staring at specs and product pages and more looking at whatever content gives your monitor life.

• Best overall: KabelDirekt – 15ft
• Best quality: FURUI Nylon
• Best gaming: Capshi DP Cable
• Best premium wiring: UGREEN 8K
• Best budget: Amazon Basics 8K

How we chose the best DisplayPort cables

Most DisplayPort cables are going to mechanically work relatively the same, so the primary thing to look for is if you have the physical connection on your PC or laptop that will let the cable work with your favorite ultrawide monitor, that nice secondary monitor you’ve bought for working from home, or one of the best gaming monitors around. Once that’s out of the way, we wanted to look for other factors that could make the cable stand out, such as high-quality wiring, a budget price, or some other special “wow” factor. We scoured specs, peer suggestions, and user impressions in our quest for the best. In the end, any consumer will be able to find an affordable, workable cable in our selection.

The best DisplayPort cables: Reviews & Recommendations

Our list of the best DisplayPort cables will cover a wide range of lengths and cord styles, but all of the cords should retain high quality and reasonably high-resolution capacities. The average consumer will be happy with any cable on the list, but there are also some great alternatives for specific situations that the discerning buyer might face.

Best overall: KabelDirekt – 15ft

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The KabelDirekt is a lengthy, officially certified cable with a long lifespan and the capacity to reduce flickering in your screens.

Specs

• Length: 15 ft.
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 8K@60Hz, also works for 240Hz and 144Hz

Pros

• Locking connector
• 3-year warranty
• Easily reduces flickering

Cons

• No built-in cord control

The KabalDirekt is the standard DisplayPort cable of the 1.4 version style. As it comes VESA certified, you know that you are getting the standard 1.4 experience and nothing less. This level of quality is compounded with a 3-year warranty and a multitude of customers raving about having reduced monitor flickering while using this KabelDirect.

KabelDirect also has a USB-C to DisplayPort version if you happen to be using a USB-C monitor that supports a DisplayPort signal, such as the Acer Nitro XV282K KVbmiipruzx.

While the 15-foot length of the cable is impressive with the given specs, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of built-in cord controls. That being said, this cable works wonderfully and will make the majority of people very happy. If you’re looking for something that excels in other ways, though, please read on.

Best quality: FURUI Nylon

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The FURUI Nylon is the best version 2.0 DisplayPort cable you can buy. 

Specs

• Length: 6 ft.
• Version: 2.0
• Resolution capacity: 16K@60Hz, 10K@60Hz, 8K@120Hz

Pros

• Highly durable cord can survive over 16,000 bends
• Uses the highly quality 2.0 DisplayPort version, capable of 16K resolution
• VESA certified

Cons

• No locking mechanism

The FURUI Nylon presents us with a superb DisplayPort cable that is capable of producing an 8K resolution quality even at 120Hz. For the high-end monitors of the future, it can even go up to a whopping 16K. It can be hard to believe how high the quality of the FURUI’s resolution capacity is, far surpassing the needs of most consumers, but you can rest assured … the FURUI comes VESA certified.

Talking about high numbers, the FURUI is promoting a stat most companies do not: max bends. According to FURUI, the cord can withstand over 16,000 bends without degrading. While I doubt anybody has taken the time to independently test this with their own two hands, the nylon-braided exterior certainly seems durable! And triple shielding helps block out electromagnetic interference (EMI).

So, what is the FURUI Nylon lacking? One of those click-button locks to secure the cable in its port. That’s it; otherwise, this is the next-gen DisplayPort cable your futuristic monitors deserve.

Best gaming: Capshi DP Cable

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This cable from Capshi was made with gamers in mind, and they seem to like it!

Specs

• Length: 10 ft.
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 1080P@240Hz

Pros

• Made with gamers in mind
• Good price
• High customer satisfaction
• VESA certified

Cons

• No locking mechanism

The Capshi DisplayPort cable is made with gaming monitors in mind, targeting frequencies thought to be best for gamers. A high user rating shows that PC gamers do, indeed, approve. It also happens to be VESA certified, so you know exactly what you’re getting when it comes to quality.

The cord is thin and bendable so that you can snake it around tricky setups. It will also stay relatively discrete with the black, nylon outer covering. Lastly, for appearances, when you put the Capshi into storage, you won’t have any difficulty knowing what it is when you retrieve it months or even years later as “8K” is largely and prominently displayed on its head.

If you really like the locking-in mechanism that so many DisplayPort cables have, you’ll probably be a bit sad that it isn’t there. You’ll quickly recover when you see the price tag, though, as the Capshi DisplayPort cable is somewhat cheaper than other similarly capable cables.

Best premium wiring: UGREEN 8K

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The UGREEN 8k is multi-layered to protect the wires inside and look nice while doing it.

Specs

• Length: 10 ft.
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 2K@165Hz

Pros

• Outer braided shielding is a stylish, shiny black
• Click-button locking

Cons

• Wide plugs (could be a plus)

For those of you looking for a snazzier cord, the UGREEN 8K should do the trick. The wires inside the cable are triple-layered, using layers of tin, aluminum, and nylon braids to reduce EMI. That outer nylon braid layer is a rich, shiny black that will compliment your battlestation’s LED light strips.

The plugs themselves are a touch wider than the average. For most people, this won’t be a problem and will allow for a snugger fit in looser ports. However, if you’re using a port that isn’t allowing room for a bit extra, you might not have as good of a time.

Best budget: Amazon Basics 8K

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This basic cable is in the single-digit price range and comes from Amazon, ensuring Amazon-level support.

Specs

• Size: 6-feet long, 1/4-inch thick
• Version: 1.4
• Resolution capacity: 4K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz

Pros

• Can achieve 4K and even 8K on a budget
• Amazon Basics level of customer care
• Consistently delivers

Cons

• No locking mechanism
• Very wide cord (this could be a plus)

For our budget pick, we once again turn to the Amazon Basics store. In my mind, this is already a plus, since you’re likely already used to the brand and know what to expect from their customer service. The Amazon Basics DisplayPort cable provides a consistent DisplayPort connection and decent customer service, but how does it stack up in terms of functionality?

Just about the same as any of the other 1.4 DisplayPort cables on this list—4K@120Hz and 8K@60Hz really shouldn’t be making you blink an eye at this point. The wires themselves are quite standard.

Where Amazon cuts back and saves money is through the wire’s coating and head. Instead of using fancy nylon or metallic coverings, Amazon just uses a thicker wire. While this could be good for people worried about damaging their cable’s inner components, the thickness greatly reduces flexibility and can make running it through tight spaces challenging. The connector heads are also lacking the clicking lock mechanisms, which can also serve to disappoint.

While these setbacks make the Amazon Basics DisplayPort a difficult recommendation for a portable second monitor, it excels in just about every other way.

Things to consider before buying DisplayPort cables

DisplayPort cables are not super complicated, but there are some things that you’ll need to take into account before making a purchase. Your room or office setup will be one of the more critical factors. The distance between your monitor and the CPU, how many twists and bends the cord will need to make, and what kind of equipment you’re connecting all play a relevant role in this, too. To make it simple, we’ve broken this all down into three key things to consider when finding the best DisplayPort cable for your setup:

Length & width

An obvious reminder here first: You need to get a cable that is, at minimum, long enough to reach between the two devices you’re connecting. So, you absolutely have to remember to check the dimensions of your space against the length of the cable before purchasing it. Be sure to get something that will afford you a bit of wiggle room, too, as you don’t want to be unable to adjust your setup later on.

However, can you get a DisplayPort cable that is too long? Actually, yes. Beyond becoming a tripping hazard, the quality of a DisplayPort cable will go down the longer it is. Fortunately, this isn’t really a problem for customers because DisplayPort cable manufacturers will give you the resolution capacity (see below) of the cables they sell for the size they are sold in. If you buy a wire that fits your resolution needs and length needs, you’re good to go!

Now, what about width? Thicker cables are less bendy but are less flimsy and less prone to wear and tear bending. Thinner cables can be snaked into smaller places and bent at sharper angles, but will always be more susceptible to damage. High-quality coatings and protective materials on the outside of the cable improve durability for cables of all widths.

Version

Primarily, you’ll hear about DisplayPort 1.2, 1.4, and 2.0 cables. Our recommendation is to get 1.4 and higher DisplayPort cables. DisplayPort version 1.4 is able to take advantage of 8K video resolutions and supports nearly all audio formats, making it a fine choice for most consumers.

All of our recommended DisplayPort cables run 1.4, except for the FURUI Nylon, which runs DisplayPort version 2.0. Version 2.0 is capable of beyond 8K resolution, transmitting image data at lightning-fast speeds, and is backward-compatible with 1.4 if you need it to be. Still, at this point, you are unlikely to be in a position to truly need such a cable.

Resolution capacity

We’ve been alluding to it this whole time while discussing cable length and version, but one of the biggest defining features of a DisplayPort cable is its resolution capacity. Depending on the refresh rate used, cables have different max resolution capacities.

That sounds a bit confusing, so let’s use the Capshi cable’s stats to explain: 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, 1080P@240Hz. At a refresh rate of 60Hz (60 frames per second), you can get an 8K resolution, while at a refresh rate of 240Hz you can only get 1080P.

Two things to note are the inverse relationship between resolution quality and refresh rate and the fact that your monitor will also be a major limiting factor. Just because your DisplayPort cable is capable of an 8K resolution, doesn’t mean your monitor will support such a thing.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DisplayPort cables

• Best overall: KabelDirekt – 15ft
• Best quality: FURUI Nylon
• Best gaming: Capshi DP Cable
• Best premium wiring: UGREEN 8K
• Best budget: Amazon Basics 8K

Getting a DisplayPort cable shouldn’t be a headache. While there can be some nuance for some situations, you are unlikely to not find satisfaction with at least one cable from this list. DisplayPort cables themselves are relatively simple, with the devices they connect with usually being the source of any difficulties.

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 DisplayPort cables 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		Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station		SEE IT	A solar-powered, connected measurement system that’s quick to setup and easy to monitor.
Best For The Money		Tempest Weather System		SEE IT	With a downward-facing intake and 1,000-plus feet of wireless data transmission, this solar-powered, Google Home-equipped station meets all needs.
Best Basic		EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station		SEE IT	Easy to install and clean, this inexpensive and highly educational station measures more than you’d expect.

With summers getting hotter and hotter each year, wanting a personalized weather statement each day is starting to make more sense. However, if you’re new to the home weather station game, you might not know what you want yet. There are quite a lot of options to choose from, wired and wireless models to deal with, and even some viable analog products out there. When paired with samey-looking digital displays, it can be difficult to decide the overall best product. That’s why we’ve worked diligently to determine customers’ needs in a home weather station, while also avoiding common flaws these systems might have. The result is our list of the best home weather stations purchasable this year.

• Best overall: Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station
• Best for the money: Tempest Weather System
• Best with wind speed: WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter
• Best basic: EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station
• Best budget: Newentor Weather Station

How we chose the best home weather stations

I have experience with consumer weather station usage in a field environment, as per my previous career in the sciences. Used for much the same reason that anyone would want a personal home weather station—the desire to know very local meteorological conditions—I have a bit of insight into what you might desire from a home weather station. Not to mention what problems you might face! For, as it turns out, when you have instruments measuring weather, you also have to open them up to the weather, a not always friendly beast. I combined that experience with critical reviews and online user impressions to select our top five models for home weather stations.

The best home weather stations: Reviews & Recommendations

The home weather stations we’ve collected vary in style, functionality, and pricing so that you’ll be able to find something that fits your desires. We’ve also looked at what you’re looking for, such as compatibility with the Google Home system, and found top-ranking products that match those desires.

Best overall: Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Ambient Weather WS-2902C is Amazon’s best-rated home weather station and has robust weather monitoring capabilities.

Specs

• Measures: Wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, UV and solar radiation
• Power supply: Solar with AA-battery backup
• Sensor size: 15 x 11 x 10 inches

Pros

• Solar-powered measurement station
• Connects with Ambient Weather system
• Quick setup

Cons

• Measurement station and display device use different types of batteries

The first home weather station, and the overall winner on our list, is the Ambient Weather WS-2902C. The WS-2902C earns this distinction by having appealing features and being the best-rated home weather station by online shoppers.

First and foremost is the easy setup-and-forget nature of this home weather station. After taking a few minutes to place it on a pole and connect it to your WiFi network, you won’t find yourself fiddling with it often. Part of this is because of its hybrid solar and battery-powered measurement unit. Another important aspect is how easily accessible your data is via the Ambient Weather app environment.

One of the main problems I found with the product was that the display device and measurement stations used different types of batteries—the former taking AAA’s and the latter taking AA’s (may we recommend rechargeables). Admittedly, this is a minor problem, as the display device can be plugged in and the measurement station only needs batteries for cloudy days.

At the end of the day, this is a fantastic wireless weather station that also has nice power-saving features, making it amongst the best eco-friendly home weather stations as well. All for a sub-$200 price point!

Best for the money: Tempest Weather System

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Tempest Weather System provides information on par with a professional weather system but at a much more affordable price.

Specs

• Things measured: Temperature, “feels like” temperature, solar and UV radiation, wind speed and direction, dew point, humidity, barometric pressure, lightning strikes, rainfall
• Power supply: Solar with lithium-ion battery backup
• Sensor size: 11.70 x 4.23 inches

Pros

• Downward-facing intakes on measurement device
• Solar-powered
• Works well with Google Home
• 1,000+ foot wireless data transmission range

Cons

• Periodic measurement quirks

The Tempest Weather System provides a myriad of data points in a well-designed package. With the Tempest reporting around a dozen weather stats, it is hard to believe that it has no moving parts, reducing the impacts of age and wear and tear on the system. Furthermore, the design ensures any openings are downwards-facing, reducing the chances of clogging.

Unlike many home weather systems, the Tempest Weather System does not have an indoor display unit. Instead, the Tempest Weather Station is “smart” and updates every 3 seconds to 1 minute to a wireless transmission hub you can locate within 1,000 feet of the weather station. From there, info is sent to your smartphone(s) and Internet-of-Things devices. This includes Google Assistant, making it the best weather station for Google Home. You can then use the data to program your smart home, such as by having fans turn on or off depending on temperature readings given by the device.

All of this advanced measurement isn’t 100% perfect, but once you understand the quirks, you’ll be able to get a good read. The rain gauge, for example, uses touch-based vibrational sensors to get a reading. Each pitter-patter of rain on the side gets interpreted as a raindrop. That’s great, but sometimes other vibrations or small things hitting in on the windiest of days will also set it into rain gauge mode. The lightning detection has its own quirks, with user reviews mentioning that the Tempest Weather Station has mistaken gunshots for lightning. However, once these small quirks are acknowledged and accounted for, you are left with the best home weather station for the money due to just how much it can do.

Best with wind speed: WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter is your personal handheld view into the world of wind.

Specs

• Things measured: Average wind speed, wind gust, apparent wind speed, true wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, pressure, dew point, heat index, wind chill, etc.
• Power supply: Internal battery
• Size: Handheld

Pros

• High mobility
• Works directly with your phone
• Gives detailed wind speed analysis
• Multiple app integrations

Cons

• Uses phone’s compass instead of providing one

If you’re here just to know about wind speed, you’ll be delighted with the handheld WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter. This version is the newest update to the popular 2019 model and has the capability to give you a detailed look at your immediate wind conditions, making it a perfect golf, kiting, or overall nature companion.

One interesting thing that the WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter will tell you is both the apparent wind speed and true wind speed. The apparent wind speed tells you how fast the wind is going relative to the device, while the true wind speed gives a measure of how fast the wind is actually going. The WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter also reports gust wind speeds and average wind speeds.

The makers of the WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter clearly have the hobbyist in mind and that shows more in the selection of apps you can use it with than with any other factor. Pair this weather station with any of the following six apps: Wind & Weather Meter, iKiteSurf, iWindSurf, SailFlow, FishWeather, and WindAlert.

What might disappoint you about the WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter is the lack of an internal compass. Instead, you must rely on your phone’s compass for accurate wind direction readouts. However, we wouldn’t count this as too bad of a tradeoff, considering phone compasses are getting better every year, and you are able to get such an advanced wind meter in such a convenient-to-carry form.

Best basic: EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This analog weather station gives you a hands-on read of your local weather conditions.

Specs

• Things measured: Temperature, wind chill, rainfall, total rain, wind speed and direction
• Power supply: N/A; completely analog
• Item size: 1 x 8 x 10 inches

Pros

• Highly educational
• Easy to install and clean
• Measures more than expected
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Tiny measurement display can’t be read from window

For the weather hobbyist who wants to understand the weather in a way that transcends digital charts and displays, the EZRead 840-0052 is the best home weather station. Considering that it is only ~$20, the EZRead can also be bought in bulk, making it also ranked as the best weather station for kids and student projects.

To get started using the EZRead the only thing you’ll need to do is mount it and wait for weather to happen. The mounting process is relatively simple, as the metal frame has two preconfigured holes in it, which Headwind Consumer Products recommends affixing to a fence or patio support, but feel free to be creative.

The EZRead measures a surprising quantity of things, including total rain and wind speed, and does so in both the good ole American Imperial units and the more scientifically customary metric units. The EZRead has a wind chill chart directly on the device, to help you convert the thermometer’s temperature to a “feels like” number. In this way, this home weather station will become an arithmetic booster for your kids and bridge the gap between science, math, and reality.

Finally, for all that has been said about cleaning tubes and open holes in home weather stations, it must be said that nothing can be easier to clean than the rain gauge on the EZRead. It is essentially a removable graduated cylinder and can be cleaned with a vase or pipe cleaner quickly. The manufacturer recommends this rain gauge part be turned upside down during freezing weather to prevent damage, but it can just as easily be moved inside.

Best budget: Newentor Weather Station

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This home weather station provides you with the reading and stats you really want without the extra costs and hassles of a premium model.

Specs

• Things measured: Temperature and humidity
• Power supply: AA batteries
• Display size: 7.5 inches

Pros

• Also includes the atomic clock, weather forecast, and lunar phase
• Display unit can accommodate up to 3 sensors
• Gets the fundamentals right without charging you extra

Cons

• Limited valid sensor placements

If the main thing you want to know is how hot of a summer day you are about to face and how much humidity will be bearing down on you, consider looking no further than the Newentor Weather Station. You aren’t being charged extra for delicate wind meters and rain gauges, and the whole apparatus is supplemented by local weather forecasts. This is definitely the best home weather station for those in rural areas where the local station’s rain forecast is good enough, but local humidity and temperature change wildly based on local hills, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

This home weather station’s indoor display unit will also give you additional information, such as the time from the WWVB atomic clock system, a weather forecast, the current moon phase, and a mini calendar. A happy/sad/neutral face system will tell you about the outside weather conditions, and there are optional temperature alerts. The Newentor should sync with the WWVB system within about 24 hours of initial use, after which all time-based additional features will begin working.

The sensors (this package comes with one, but you can order up to two more for the system) can be installed within 200 feet of your indoor display unit, but some care must be taken in this. Newentor recommends a North-facing wall and that the unit be out of the way of rain and direct sunlight. In my eyes, this makes a North-facing patio the best place for installation, but your personal circumstances may vary. Additionally, the unit requires two AA batteries.

Finally, while our best basic product (the EZRead, discussed above) is technically the cheapest home weather station on our list, we’ve listed this as our best budget pick. The reasoning is simple: The Newentor Weather Station is the best digital weather station under $50.

Things to consider before buying the best home weather stations

When you first decided to buy a home weather station, you probably excitedly asked yourself a few questions, such as: Can a home weather station measure more than temperature and humidity? Can I get one that is affordable? Where will I be able to put the measuring devices?

As it turns out, there are quite a few things that you will need to consider when making a home weather station purchase that aren’t that obvious, including:

Things measured

The big four for home weather stations are temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Nearly all home weather stations can measure these, but there are things that you might want to measured, such as the UV radiation level, that are nice to know and can add extra usefulness to your system. Some of our best home weather station picks can also measure other stats, such as dew point, lightning strikes, and gust wind speed.

One issue is that you may discover you don’t really want or need all the measurements provided by a given home weather station. While being able to measure a lot of different things looks great for marketing, it also drives up costs. For many people, a home weather station that is able to measure a few things well is better than a home weather station that can measure dozens of things.

Additionally, as we’ll see in the next category, you should also consider the ability of each thing to be measured properly based on your local environment. Based on the instrument positioning, see below, measuring rainfall might be difficult if you’re wanting to set up your home weather station near a small-leafed bush.

Instrument positioning

Instrument positioning will likely be the most important, but also most obscure, factor that determines your overall happiness with your home weather station. One of the unfortunate parts of being a weather machine is that you have to experience a lot of, well, weather and nature. You’ll want to think about where you are going to put your home weather station’s measurement device as well as where any intake holes are placed on it.

Commonly, difficulties with instrument positioning will present themselves in an upward-facing hole, usually as part of the rain gauge. One aesthetically pleasing, but operationally sub-optimal installation onto a pole that has a bird feeder or bird house, and you’ve got a major problem: bits of seeds or bird excrement clogging up your home weather station.

Other sources of problems include foliage blocking wind meters, mowed lawns kicking up grass into side-facing holes, and overheating equipment. Not all devices are made to withstand all conditions. You want one that’s durable and then you want it positioned thoughtfully so you can, say, find out how much action your home wind turbine might get today or whether you need to be worried for your solar generator’s panels.

Power supply

Are you going with a battery or a wire for your home weather station? The answer to this question is going to be very important for the quality of interactions you have with your home weather station.

While you might think that the choice will come down to having a wired model or something with a battery, the reality is a bit different. Some models tend to work off of solar power, with a battery used as a backup, while other models use solely batteries. We’ll be presenting a mixture of both styles to you, as each can be appealing at certain price ranges and functionalities.

We also have a very basic analog product, the EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station. This one forgoes the whole power supply problem altogether and relies solely on the power of wind and gravity to make it work.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best home weather stations

• Best overall: Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station
• Best for the money: Tempest Weather System
• Best with wind speed: WeatherFlow WEATHERmeter
• Best basic: EZRead Headwind Consumer Products 840-0052 5-in-1 Weather Station
• Best budget: Newentor Weather Station

Getting one of the best home weather stations means getting quality without having to spend the sometimes exorbitant amounts for professional weather stations that meteorologists use. Even basic analog weather stations like the EZRead can provide value to the right person, but we recommend the Ambient Weather WS-2902C WiFi Smart Weather Station for the right blend of quality and cost.

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 home weather stations 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		Dremel 3D45		SEE IT	An overall favorite that also happens to be an enclosed 3D printer.
Best budget		FlashForge Adventurer 3		SEE IT	A slightly older, well-tested model that still gets the thumbs-up from enthusiasts.
Best under $1,000		FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro		SEE IT	The design includes some of the best extras for enclosed 3D printers.

As average people are getting more used to 3D printing, it becomes easier to see how enclosed 3D printers help ensure quality prints. Keeping the inner environment of the printer stable—with no temperature fluctuations from air vents or heaters—prevents irregularities in the cooling of PLA or other filaments in your design. It also keeps mosquitoes, houseflies, and other unwanted visitors from destroying a multi-hour print. Likewise, as parents are eager to show older children the wonders of 3D printing, an enclosure protects the curious fingers of younger siblings from a horrible accident. But 3D printers come in many types, and, as a result, there are many varieties of enclosed ones. Here is a collection of them, representing the best enclosed 3D printers.

• Best overall: Dremel 3D45
• Best under $1,000: FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro
• Best high speed: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer
• Best simple: Monoprice Voxel
• Best budget: FlashForge Adventurer 3

How we chose the best enclosed 3D printers

In many ways, finding the best enclosed 3D printers is the same as finding the best 3D printers as a whole. In effect, you can look at a fantastic 3D printer and check if it has an enclosure. Simply put, if you find one of the best 3D printers with an enclosure, it follows that it would also be one of the best enclosed 3D printers.

While this logic works to some degree, and we’ve definitely made picks that reflect its wisdom, it is a bit simplistic and reductionist. So we’ve also had to ask ourselves what people are looking for in an enclosed 3D printer that makes the category different.

In many ways, we’ve found this reflected by price and complexity. Oftentimes, enclosed 3D printers are a bit pricier than the competition. A small bit of this is because of the enclosure (plastic is a material cost, after all). But it can also be because printers with built-in enclosures also have more advanced hardware and capabilities. As a result, we’ve also included the highly sought-after enclosed 3D printers that hit certain price benchmarks and/or are more appropriate for average users.

The best enclosed 3D printers: Reviews & Recommendations

In the following list, you’ll find the best enclosed 3D printers, suitable for a wide variety of people. Items on this list are designed to appeal to customers of varying experience levels, needs, and purchasing power.

(Please note that the following list is composed of fused deposition modeling, or FDM, printers only, which come in enclosed and open varieties. Due to their nature, the best resin 3D printers are all enclosed.)

Best overall: Dremel 3D45

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Our overall favorite 3D printer this year happens to have an enclosure.

Specs

• Size: 18.75 x 23 x 18.75 inches
• Build volume: 6.7 x 10 x 6 inches
• Materials supported: PLA, Nylon, ECO-ABS, PETG

Pros

• Premium heated glass build plate
• Internal HD camera
• Comes with PETG and ECO-ABS filament spools
• Very quiet

Cons

• Expensive

An overall top pick for the best 3D printers already, the Dremel 3D45 is an enclosed printer. And it makes a ton of sense because, as we discussed, the printers that typically benefit the most from being enclosed are also those of the highest quality.

This printer regularly tops lists due to its quick setup, high quality, and reliable prints. It can be controlled via the touchscreen, web app, or a USB-connected device. Using its variety of compatible filaments is easy with RFID tagging, which guides the machine into using the best settings for each connected filament type. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing the best 3D printer filaments for your printer.

The Dremel 3D45 comes across as one of the best enclosed 3D printers in a literal sense, too, as the enclosure provides a good seal. That seal produces an internal environment that is not only quite stable but also rather soundproof. This results in a quieter printing process.

Additionally, there is an internal HD camera, allowing you to peek in and see how progress is coming easily. This could be for fun, as it is always neat to see how things are progressing. Or it can save on time and material costs in the case of a mistake or malfunction.

Best under $1,000: FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro

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Why it made the cut: The price is right on the best of the popular Adventurer series from FlashForge.

Specs

• Size: 500 x 470 x 540 mm
• Build volume: 220 x 200 x 250 mm
• Materials supported: ABS, PLA, PETG, PLA-CF, PETG-CF

Pros

• Intense 30-point auto-leveling sensor
• Up to 300mm/s build speed
• HEPA 13 air filter
• Internal camera allows for time-lapse video production

Cons

• Finicky WiFi connection

Currently, we recognize FlashForge 3D printers as popular, easy-to-use models that produce consistent results. The FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro is no different, creating at speeds up to 300mm/s through a 0.4mm nozzle.

The FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro provides the perfect level of quality for the price. It brings in many features that are effortless to use but inevitably improve the quality of your print. While it only takes three points to make a plane, this 3D printer uses a 30-point leveling system automatically.

One of the most frustrating things about having an enclosure is the reduced visibility of the print area. The FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro avoids this by providing an internal camera view accessible via the PolarCloud app. While this in and of itself isn’t too special, the FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro provides a 100-image time-lapse build video for you to see the finer points of the creation of your printer. These features easily place the FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro as the best enclosed 3D printer for those wanting to analyze model building in detail.

Best high speed: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This enclosed 3D printer can print up to 500mm/s in four simultaneous filament outputs.

Specs

• Size: 389 x 389 x 457 mm
• Build volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
• Materials supported: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PVA, PET

Pros

• Holds four filament spools at once for multi-color action
• Anti-failure detection systems
• 7-micron lidar resolution
• AI-based first-layer inspection

Cons

• Chamber camera sold separately

As far as commercially available enclosed 3D printers go, the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer features some of the best technical specs. With a default of four filament inputs (it can go up to 16), this printer puts out up to 32 cubic millimeters of filament at a rate of 500 horizontal millimeters per second. This, combined with a great resolution, makes this device high-powered, technically sound, and the best 3D printer for cosplay and other hobbies.

If you’re familiar with entry-level models of 3D printers, you’ll certainly be familiar with first-layer issues. Sometimes, that first bit of filament just doesn’t stick properly or will come out a bit weird. With any luck, on an open printer, you can pull a bad blob of filament away. It’s not so easy on an enclosed printer. However, this is not an issue with the Bambu due to an AI-based inspection system that detects problems with the first layer in a calculated manner.

One of the few problems with the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer is that our ability to inspect its insides during printing is somewhat limited. While there is a slot for the chamber camera, you’ll have to purchase it separately.

Best simple: Monoprice Voxel

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Ready to grow in complexity with you, this 3D printer can be bought at a very reasonable price.

Specs

• Size: 15.7 x 15 x 15.9 inches
• Build volume: 6.9 x 6.9 x 6.9 inches
• Materials supported: ABS, PLA, Wood Fill, Copper Fill, Steel Fill, Bronze Fill

Pros

• Internal HD camera
• Internal memory
• Easy nozzle replacement
• Very reasonable pricing

Cons

• Relatively slow print speed

If you want the environmental advantages of the best enclosed 3D printers but don’t want to splurge on high-end specs, the Monoprice Voxel provides a good middle ground.

For example, the hand-holding and restrictions that might be associated with a for-kids printer are absent, but features like quick nozzle changes are not. The Monoprice Voxel gives you the room to grow with it, suggesting you start with PLA prints, but comes ready to tackle other projects as well once you get your footing.

The Monoprice Voxel has very reasonable pricing for an enclosed 3D printer, especially for one that comes with an HD camera. This does come at the price of being a bit slower to print, but the tradeoff is worth it. If you’re new to the hobby but know you want to start with an enclosed printer, it’s hard to find a better starting point.

Best budget: FlashForge Adventurer 3

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This model will get you printing quickly, with help always at hand.

Specs

• Size: 22 x 22 x 22 inches
• Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
• Materials supported: PLA and ABS

Pros

• Plug-and-play setup
• Lifetime technical assistance
• Built-in HD camera

Cons

• Not the newest model
• Slow print speeds

FlashForge’s Adventurer 3 remains one of its top models due to its quick setup time, easy-to-understand layout, and possibility to use with kids. With more advanced software, it is easy to become overwhelmed, but the FlashForge Adventurer 3 uses highly comprehensible software to promote consistency of results no matter your experience or age. It also contains the all-important HD camera within so that you can get a good look as your prints form.

One thing to note is that the FlashForge Adventurer 3 is not the latest model in its line. In some ways, this can be not good, as it recognizes an end to development for the product. However, you can also expect the experience to be complete upon purchase, as its form is still approved by many others. Plus, you’ll still have access to lifetime technical support from FlashForge.

What to consider before buying enclosed 3D printers

The first question to ask yourself will always be if you want an enclosed 3D printer in the first place. If you, or the person you’re attempting to gift a 3D printer to, already have a 3D printer, consider buying an enclosure to add to it. This third-party enclosure for Ender 3 series 3D printers will add a lot of longevity to your existing printer, for instance.

That being said, if you are about to enter your foray into the world of enclosed 3D printers, here are some things to look out for.

First layer quality

One of the few disadvantages of enclosed 3D printers is restricted access to the first layer as it is being built. This is important because a healthy first layer is both critical for the success of your print and a common point of failure.

One way that enclosed 3D printers cause difficulty with the first layer is due to reduced vision. If you can’t see the print easily, you will have difficulty finding out if the layer has an issue.

The other issue is that there is no physical access to the print. If the first part of your filament comes out a bit “blobby,” you can often use a twist tie or other instrument to save the print on open printers. It isn’t so easy with enclosed 3D printers.

The best enclosed 3D printers will circumvent these issues altogether by providing a quality first build. They can achieve this via high-quality build plates, nozzles, and filament dispensing tech. The Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer uses an AI-based system to determine the first layer’s quality mathematically, but you can also do a bit of your own calculating via a camera (see below).

Build volume

To the uninitiated, it can seem like a 3D printer with a built-in enclosure will simply build within the entire area of the enclosure. Instead, it really is just an enclosure meant to keep internal conditions constant. Bigger printers do not directly correlate to bigger prints.

Instead, keep a lookout on build volume (also referred to with terms like print volume or build area) to get an idea of how big your prints can be. While bigger build volumes are generally considered better, you also have to pay for them.

Since compact sizes (of the 3D printer bodies) are beneficial for your own space, try to look for smaller-bodied 3D printers with larger build volumes when all other things are equal.

Internal features

The best enclosed 3D printers will have features on the inside that you are less likely to see on open 3D printers.

The most common of these will be a camera, with HD being the quality standard of most manufacturers. These cameras help you see the first layer quality and detect if there are problems with the print mid-production (such as a lack of support with your custom experimental build). Plus, they are just plain cool to view. One highlight of the FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro is its ability to make a 100-frame time-lapse video of your print being made.

Another feature you might see is a filtration system to prevent particles from getting in (or out) of the enclosure. However, this feature is less common and may even be excessive for average consumer-grade 3D printers.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best enclosed 3D printers

• Best overall: Dremel 3D45
• Best under $1,000: FlashForge Adventurer 4 Pro
• Best high speed: Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer
• Best simple: Monoprice Voxel
• Best budget: FlashForge Adventurer 3

While typically more expensive than open 3D printers, the best enclosed 3D printers cover a wide range of prices. There are also a lot of different styles and levels of capability you can get across the varying enclosed 3D printers on the market. However, with the preceding list, you should be able to find something worthy of your needs.

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 enclosed 3D printers 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		AUTO-VOX T2		SEE IT	With a full-color instruction manual and a complete kit that works with most cars, this dust- and water-resistant camera is the easiest wired install.
Best for RV		Furrion Vision S FOS07TAPM		SEE IT	Offering a four-camera, complete vision design, plus motion sensor tech with microphones, this IP65 camera can handle a crosscountry adventure.
Best budget		LeeKooLuu LK3		SEE IT	Great installation options and above-average weather resistance make you feel like speeding less didn’t mean compromising.

With backup cameras being mandated in newly made U.S. vehicles starting in 2018, it is inevitable that you’ll find yourself in a car with one, if you haven’t already. Whether you’ve been an Uber passenger or used a backup camera in your latest rental car, your immediate reaction may have been to wonder if there is an easy way to retrofit your car with this newly ubiquitous feature. We were curious, too, and spent some time researching what the market has to offer. The good news is that there are a wide number of types, brands, and price levels for the best aftermarket car accessories, and from these, we’ve selected our top picks for the best backup cameras.

• Best overall: AUTO-VOX T2
• Best for Garmin products: Garmin BC40
• Best for RV: Furrion Vision S FOS07TAPM
• Best green: BOSCAM SunGo Pro
• Best for Jeep Wrangler: EWAY Backup Rear-View Spare Tire Mount
• Best budget: LeeKooLuu LK3

How we chose the best backup cameras

Backup cameras are a strange breed, in that what makes a good backup camera is completely different from what makes a good digital camera (or even a good dash cam). While the latter will be all about PPI and the other hallmarks of high-quality imagery, including lenses and the like, the best backup cameras focus on functionality. Don’t get us wrong, we care about high-quality imagery from our backup cameras, too, but in selecting the best backup cameras we reoriented from the basics and sought out the special qualities that make backup cameras function so well. We combined this research with critical reviews, peer suggestions, and user impressions to narrow down our choices to five use cases.

The best backup cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

The following recommendations and write-ups come after some careful review of the aftermarket backup camera market and combine the top picks of today with specific customer needs. As a result, you’re going to see a mixture of great general-use backup cameras and products that only support a particular car model. In this way, we’ve covered at least one product that will work for just about anyone.

Best overall: AUTO-VOX T2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The AUTO-VOX T2 has the best features a backup camera can provide, all wrapped up in a simpler design.

Specs

• Connection: Wired
• Power source: Reverse brake light
• Angle of view: 170 degrees

Pros

• Full-color instruction manual
• Easiest wired install
• Complete kit works with most cars
• Dust- and water-resistant camera

Cons

• Only works when in reverse

The incredible specs of AUTO-VOX’s T2 make it the go-to for a simple backup camera experience. The camera, which sits atop your license plate, has a wide view of 170 degrees, automatically adjusts for brightness, is rated IP68 to protect from dust and water damage, and provides vivid night vision colors. These top-of-the-line qualities carry the T2 heavily, but there’s a bit more going on here.

The T2’s internal display also makes it the best rear-view mirror backup camera. Instead of using a separate view panel, the T2 gives you a new rear-view mirror with a special electronic surface. When you engage in the reverse gear, a portion of your mirror turns into a camera display so you can check the digital view and the real mirror view side-by-side. When you shift out of reverse, the panel disappears and you have a full rear-view mirror again.

While the wired connection might put you off as there is a bit of installation work (if that’s you, check out the BOSCAM SunGo Pro, our best wireless backup camera and a solid “green” pick) you should also understand that the wiring on the T2 is in a league of its own. For one, the wires are limited by relying heavily on your reverse brake light’s power. You won’t even need a wire down to your cigarette lighter up front with you. This one-wire design keeps a lot of the trouble away from you and into the rear of your car.

Additionally, the provided kit comes with a lot of gear, including all of the wire casing and clamps you’ll need, plus different bracket adapters to make the T2 compatible with over a dozen of the leading car manufacturers. From Toyota and Nissan to Acura and Cadillac, the T2 will likely work with your car. Between the detailed instruction manual that includes full-color images and the plentiful YouTube videos showing the installation, you’ll be able to handle it.

Best for Garmin products: Garmin BC40