The Oura Ring Is a $300 Sleep Tracker That Provides Tons of Data. But Is It Worth It?

The Oura Ring is a tiny titanium device that tracks a host of data and aims to provide a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body. Though it’s primarily a sleep tracker, measuring time spent in each sleep stage, the ring also records your heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, skin temperature, and several other metrics. But does it actually help promote a healthier lifestyle?

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/oura-ring-sleep-tracker/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Bluetooth speakers are the easiest, most affordable way to spread the sound from your phone or tablet across a room, backyard, or beach blanket. Because Bluetooth speakers come in a variety of designs and sizes, it’s impossible to proclaim any one model perfect for every situation. But we think the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 will appeal to almost everyone. Its full, clear sound and its ultra-rugged, compact design make it a perfect travel companion.

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Smart Home Devices to Help Seniors Age in Place

As people age, many may need a support system, including family, caregivers, and a residence that has been outfitted to accommodate the common frailties of age: reduced vision, decreased mobility, increased risk of falls, and more. Smart-home devices can help you care for seniors as they live independently.

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/smart-home-for-seniors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Fish Tank, Heater, Light, and Accessories

Watching fish swim, glug, and blub all day can bring hours of enjoyment. To keep your fish happy and healthy, they need an adequate home—and a decorative jar with a few rocks ain’t going to cut it. After interviewing two aquarists and one aquaculturist, and researching dozens of aquarium goods, we recommend the 20-gallon Marina 20G LED Aquarium Kit as a great freshwater starter tank because it’s the most versatile kit we found.

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fish-tank/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Where to Buy N95s, KN95s, and Surgical-Style Masks You Can Trust

Although vaccinations are now widely available, recommendations and regulations are continually in flux, and masks will likely remain a part of our lives for some time. And even though medical-style masks were all but impossible to find early on in the pandemic (when most were reserved for front-line workers), they’re now much easier to get—and, in some cases, are your best bet for the most-protective face coverings. Still, separating the good options from the bad can be tough. In the past several months, we’ve tried 35 models and confirmed their filtration claims with government agencies or our own lab testing, performed in collaboration with Colorado State University. Here we recommend legitimate N95, KN95, and surgical masks you can buy from trusted retailers now.

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/where-to-buy-n95-kn95-masks-online/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best USB-C Laptop and Tablet Chargers

There was once a time when buying a new laptop charger was difficult and expensive, but computers with USB-C charging have made replacements easier to get and more affordable than ever. The best choice for almost any modern tablet or laptop is Nekteck’s 60W USB-C GaN Charger. This adapter is just as powerful and reliable as a replacement from your laptop’s manufacturer, and it’s smaller than almost any other we’ve seen. It’s safety-tested and certified, and it comes with its own USB-C charging cable, making it a particularly great value at its very low price.

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Respirator Mask for Smoke and Dust

Respirator masks can protect adults from wildfire smoke, air pollution, and the dust and fumes of some home-renovation projects. After 50 hours of research and testing, we’re confident that the comfortable, durable, widely available 3M 6502QL/49489 Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator is the best option today.

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-respirator-mask/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed