Few things help you work out a sore muscle quite like a percussion massager. These little machines beat your body up in the best way possible to increase blood flow and accelerate recovery. They’re great for before bed, after the gym, or when the muscle next to your shoulder blade won’t stop twitching because you’ve been sitting at your desk writing about Black Friday deals for 20 hours straight and your body is slowly atrophying into a hunched mass of sinew. That last one might just be us. Still, these are great deals from two of the biggest companies in the space.

TheraGun Prime $189 (was $299)

SEE IT

This mid-level massage gun from Therabody comes with four high-quality attachments and a deep app integration that helps guide you through a variety of massage treatments. I’ve been using the upgraded TheraGun Elite version for a few weeks now, and the bedtime routine is pretty much essential for me (our editor’s family swears by the flagship PRO Plus after running and/or soccer matches). It has customizable programs and speeds depending on how intense you want your percussion to get. This is a somewhat advanced model, but the app provides excellent instruction for beginners so you can grow into it.

More Therabody massager deals

• TheraGun Pro $349 (was $499)
• TheraGun Mini Massage Gun $149 (was $199)
• TheraFace PRO Microcurrent Facial Device $319 (was $399)
• Therabody Wave Series Wave Roller $99 (was $149)
• Therabody Wave Series Wave Duo $79 (was $99)
• Therabody Wave Series Wave Solo $59 (was $79)

Hyperice percussion massager deals

• Hypervolt 2 Pro $259 (was $329)
• Hypervolt 2 $159 (was $199)
• Hypervolt Go 2 $99 (was $129)
• Hyperice Venom Go – Advanced Heat + Vibration Wearable $99 (was $129)
• Hyperice X – Advanced Contrast Therapy $349 (was $449)
• Hyperice Normatec 3 – Recovery System $699 (was $799)
• Vyper 3 – High-Intensity Vibrating Foam Roller $159 (was $199)

The post Shop percussion massagers at Amazon for Black Friday and get up to 40% off appeared first on Popular Science.

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

We know that going to the gym is going to be on your New Year’s resolutions list. Working out is great for endorphins and getting your heart rate up, but leaving your house in the dark, cold early morning or equally dark, cold evening is a bummer, to say the least. Bring the gym to your place with this massive Black Friday deal on Echelon, Peloton, NordicTrack, Hydrow Rowing, and other exercise equipment at Amazon.

Echelon EX5 Smart Connect Fitness Bike $359.99 (Was $999.99)

SEE IT

You get a free 30-day trial of Echelon Premiere with this bike, giving you access to 3,000 live and on-demand classes on the Echelon Fit app (for iOS and Android). This bike was built with performance and comfort in mind, with ergonomic handlebars and six seat position levels. The tablet mount flips 180 degrees so you can get a gym membership worth of workouts in one piece of equipment.

• Echelon EX-15 Smart Connect Fitness Bike $399.99 (Was $500)
• Echelon EX5-S Smart Connect Fitness Bike $699.99 (Was $1,499.99)
• Echelon Fitness Stride Auto-Fold Smart Treadmill $999.99 (Was $1,299.99)

Peloton deals

• Original Peloton Bike $1,095 (Was $1,445)
• Peloton Bike+ $1,995 (Was $2,495)
• Peloton Guide AI-Powered Personal Strength Training Device For Your TV $95 (Was $195)
• Peloton Altos Cycling Shoes for Bike and Bike+ $101.50 (Was $145)
• Peloton Bike Mat $45 (Was $75)

Hydrow deals

• Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine with 16″ HD Touchscreen $1,445 (Was $1,895)
• Hydrow Rowing Machine with Immersive 22″ HD Rotating Screen $1,745 (Was $2,945)
• Hydrow Multi-Use Workout Mat $68 (Was $80)

NordicTrack deals

• NordicTrack T Series 8.5S $1,290 (Was $1,599)
• NordicTrack T Series 6.5S $679 (Was $799)

XTERRA deals

• XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike $110.49 (Was $179.99)
• XTERRA Fitness UB120 Upright Bike $66.49 (Was $97.99)
• XTERRA Fitness Dual Action Air Bike $419.99 (Was $499)
• XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill $314.99 (Was $393.78)
• XTERRA Fitness TR260 Folding Treadmill $491.50 (Was $578.24)
• XTERRA Fitness WalkSlim Treadmill $509.99 (Was $599.99)

The post Shop the best fitness gear during Amazon Black Friday with up 64% of savings appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		VIKTOR JURGEN Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager		SEE IT	This option features eight massage heads and uses infrared heat to provide relief to sore muscles.
Best for athletes		Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro		SEE IT	This powerful percussion massager operates at five different speeds and comes with five head attachments to customize the sensation.
Best budget		Homedics Neck Massager with Heat		SEE IT	This affordable model provides Shiatsu and vibrational massage and lets users control the intensity.

Working from home may be more comfortable in many ways, but it can also do a number on your muscles—the kind of number that calls for a neck massager. Typing with your laptop in your lap on the couch or looking down at your phone throughout the day can cause tightness and strain in your neck. According to John Hopkins Medicine, at least 25 percent of Americans experience neck or back pain at some point in their lives.

Investing in a neck massager is one way to get some relief at home. These devices “significantly improve blood circulation in the neck region,” says Kevin Huffman, D.O., specializing in bariatric surgery and treating whiplash and other car accident injuries. “Improved blood circulation delivers not only instantaneous relief, it also hastens the recovery process and delivery of vital nutrients to impacted areas.”

He adds that neck massagers also provide rhythmic pulses on pressure points that help alleviate muscle tension, which lessens pain and promotes relaxation. So, if you’ve got some knots in your neck, we’ve rounded up the best neck massagers to provide some relief.

• Best overall: VIKTOR JURGEN Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
• Best for neck, shoulders, and back: Homedics Shiatsu Neck and Body Massager
• Best intelligent: COMFIER Portable Heated Neck Massager
• Best handheld: TruMedic Massage Gun
• Best for athletes: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
• Best pillow: Homedics Back and Neck Massager, Portable Shiatsu All Body Massage Pillow
• Best mini: Theragun Mini Gen 4
• Best budget: Homedics Neck Massager with Heat

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of disability around the globe. While most acute cases resolve themselves within about a month, nearly 50 percent of people go on to experience more pain or frequent occurrences. This pain can result from both our environment and underlying conditions.

“Our lifestyle choices contribute to neck pain. These include enduring constant stress—whether professional or personal—which often precipitates physical manifestations of the tension we feel; one such manifestation is chronic neck discomfort,” Huffman says. “Moreover, a lack of attention towards ergonomic health in our work and living environments can permit conditions that exert undue pressure upon our necks, resulting in persistent strain and subsequent pain.”

As we increasingly adopt sedentary lifestyles and become more dependent on technology, the prevalence of neck pain could get worse. Poor posture is, arguably, the most pervasive cause. “And in our digital age, a modern epidemic known as tech neck has emerged due to continual strain on the neck muscles from looking down at handheld devices,” Huffman says. “And as we age, the degeneration caused by wear and tear on our neck joints can lead to painful sensations.” Chronic conditions like migraine and osteoporosis can also result in neck pain. And muscle soreness can also result from strenuous exercise and injury.

That said, neck massagers can only do so much. If your neck pain is a result of an injury or underlying condition, you should always consult your healthcare provider if your aches increase or persist over time.

How we chose the best neck massagers

In searching for the best neck massagers to help alleviate some of that pain, we considered options from leading brands, including Homedics and Victor Jurgen. We also prioritized the new technologies developed by Hyperice and Theragun. We looked for various form factors in these devices, from massage guns to U-shaped models people hang around their necks. In addition, we considered the types of massage provided by these devices, whether they provided heat, and how customizable and portable they were. We also consulted user reviews when making our picks.

The best neck massagers: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re looking to relieve tech neck, are searching for some targeted relief after a tough workout, or are looking for some respite from a chronic condition, these neck massagers can help relieve muscle tension and help you feel more relaxed.

Best overall: VIKTOR JURGEN Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Shiatsu
• Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Power: Corded electric
• Heat: Yes
• Settings: High, medium, and low

Pros

• Allows you to customize intensity of massage
• Heated
• Can be used on different parts of the body
• Affordable

Cons

• Controls are small
• Extension cord isn’t long

When your neck is aching after a long day working on a computer, VIKTOR JURGEN’s Neck and Shoulder Massager can rescue you. This massager is designed with eight massage heads and infrared heat for deep tissue Shiatsu massage. Just plug this massager in, pull it around your neck and shoulders, and choose between high, medium, and low-intensity settings for targeted relief. It will knead tired muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders and provides about 113 degrees Fahrenheit of heat to encourage blood flow. The controls on the front of the device also allow you to customize the Shiatsu massage in three modes: Auto-Reversing, Single Direction, and Timed Interval, which goes for 15 minutes before it automatically shuts off.

Best for neck, shoulders, and back: Homedics Shiatsu Neck and Body Massager

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Shiatsu
• Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Power: Corded electric
• Heat: Yes
• Settings: High, medium, low

Pros

• Works on different types of body
• Can turn heat on or off
• Compact

Cons

• Attached to cord

The Homedics Shiatsu Neck and Body Massager has lots in common with our best overall pick. This massager is similarly designed for users to hang around their neck and control the deep kneading settings with the control panel on the handles. Users choose between three intensities: high, medium, and low. Heat is an option you can turn on and off. This neck massager is particularly attractive because of its easy portability and the option to use it all over the body: shoulders, lower back, calves, and more. Looking for more targeted relief? Check out the best back massagers.

Best intelligent: COMFIER Portable Heated Neck Massager

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Six modes, including Shiatsu
• Weight: .72 pounds
• Power: Battery
• Heat: Ranges from 100.4 to 118.4 degrees F
• Settings: Cupping, tapping, scraping, Shiatsu, acupuncture, and relaxation, plus 15 levels of electric muscle stimulation (EMS)

Pros

• Provides six different types of massager
• Offer 15 levels of EMS
• Features two electrodes for extra coverage
• Portable

Cons

• Some users had a hard time getting it to work

If you’re looking for a greater range of therapy from a neck massager, the COMFIER Portable Heated Neck Massager might be the right option. This battery-powered U-shaped device features six modes of massage: Cupping, tapping, scraping, Shiatsu, acupuncture, and relaxation. This massager also incorporates 15 levels of electric muscle stimulation, which uses electricity to stimulate muscle contractions. You can also incorporate heat into the experience, which ranges from 100.4 to 118.4 degrees F, and change the settings through a remote control. And the battery life is impressive as well. The company says a three-hour charge should last up to 10 days.

Best handheld: TruMedic Massage Gun

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Percussion
• Weight: 3.61 pounds
• Power: Battery
• Heat: No
• Settings: Six levels, plus

Pros

• Versatile
• Powerful
• Portable

Cons

• Should only use low settings on neck

People who need more powerful relief may want to consider a massage gun like this option from TruMedic. This percussion massager features six frequency settings, from 2,000 to 7,000 vibrations per minute. The TruMedic also comes with six interchangeable heads that users can use to customize the intensity of their massage. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, this massage gun has a quiet motor and can last up to four hours on a single charge. And it’s also ultra-portable and can be used all over the body.

Best for athletes: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Percussion
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Power: Battery
• Heat: No
• Settings: Five percussion speeds

Pros

• Modern design
• Powerful
• Comes with five head attachments for customizations

Cons

• Expensive
• No heat

Muscle soreness is common for athletes, so investing in a high-quality massager for your whole body makes sense. The powerful HyperVolt 2 features five different head attachments to customize your experience: fork, ball, cushion, flat, and bullet. This gun also operates at five speeds, but given the sensitivity of the neck area, Hypervolt recommends that you use the slow and easy setting around that area. This massage gun may be overkill if you’re only concerned about your neck. But if your whole body needs relief, this massage gun is up to the task.

Best pillow: Homedics Back and Neck Massager, Portable Shiatsu All Body Massage Pillow

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Shiatsu, vibration
• Weight: 4.18 pounds
• Power: Corded electric
• Heat: Yes
• Settings: Shiatsu, heat, vibration

Pros

• Comfortable
• Versatile
• Easy to use

Cons

• Doesn’t provide range of vibration or heat levels

When you just want to lie your head down at the end of a long day and relieve your aching neck, consider Homedics’ Body Massage Pillow. This cushion has massage nodes that let you switch between Shiatsu, vibration, and heated settings. The pillow adjusts to the contours of your body and can be used for your back, shoulders, and calves, as well. The heat also has an automatic shut-off after 15 minutes should you be lulled into slumber. If you’re looking for full-body relaxation, check out the best massage chairs.

Best mini: Theragun Mini Gen 4

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Percussion 
• Weight: 1 pound
• Power: Battery
• Heat: No 
• Settings: Three speeds

Pros

• Small
• Powerful
• Ergonomically designed
• Works on range of body parts

Cons

• Expensive
• No heat

The Theragun Mini Gen 4 provides impressive power in an extremely portable package. This pocket-sized, battery-powered percussion massager weighs in at just one pound. Yet it can provide up to 20 pounds of pressure. It’s ergonomically designed to be easy to hold, and you’ll want to use the lowest speed for your neck. But this deceptively small device can provide relief for your whole body.

Best budget: Homedics Neck Massager with Heat

SEE IT

Specs

• Type: Shiatsu and vibration
• Weight: 1.14 pounds
• Power: Corded electric
• Heat: Yes
• Settings: Shiatsu, vibration, heat

Pros

• Affordable
• Provides Shiatsu massage, vibration, and heat
• Lets you combine settings
• Portable

Cons

• Some users say it doesn’t fit ergonomically on the neck

If you’re looking for a neck massager that covers the basics but doesn’t cost a lot, Homedics’ Neck Massager with Heat checks all the boxes. This device lets users switch between Shiatsu massage, vibration, and heat modes or use them together for maximum relief. This foam massager is also comfortable, and the handles let you manually control the intensity of the experience. You can also complement this device with one of the best foot massagers.

What to consider when choosing the best neck massager

There are lots of options on the market for massagers. Before making a purchase, consider these elements to find the best option for you.

Types of massage

Neck massagers feature several types of massage, and some combine different methods. The most common are:

Shiatsu: Originating in Japan, Shiatsu, which translates as “finger pressure,” is a type of massage in which practitioners use their hands and fingers to knead muscles to release tension. Neck massagers that feature Shiatsu massage mimic that kneading motion. 

Vibrating: Vibrating massagers vibrate at a frequency, typically between 20 and 60 hertz, that causes muscles to contract and relax in quick succession, increasing blood flow to the muscles.

Percussion: Percussion massage combines vibrating massage with quick, forceful, and repetitive motions that encourage circulation and oxygen and nutrient flow to the muscles. Massage guns typically are percussion massagers, and they often feature a variety of attachments, such as balls, forks, bullets, and more, that allow users to customize the experience of the massage.

Percussion massagers often operate at a range of speeds, which are typically measured in vibrations per minute. And users can also choose the intensity of the massage. For the neck, it’s always best to use the lowest setting.

Heated: Many massagers also include heated elements. Some allow you to adjust the temperature to your liking, while others operate at a fixed temperature once they heat up. Often, heated massagers are designed with automatic shutoffs for safety. It’s worth noting that massage guns typically don’t provide heat therapy if that’s a feature you’re looking for.

Electric muscle stimulation: With this type of therapy, a massager uses electrodes to send electrical impulses to the muscles, which causes them to contract. 

Other modalities: Some massagers offer settings for cupping, tapping, acupressure, and other types of massage.

Form

Neck massagers come in a variety of forms, from U-shaped devices users hang around their necks to foam pillows to massage guns. Before making a purchase, consider whether you prefer to have the massage be more of a passive or active experience. Would you like just to turn the massager on, adjust the settings, and let it get to work? Or are you (or a partner or friend) interested in more of an active experience using a massage gun to target neck pain? Take into consideration that reaching the neck area with a massage gun may be hard for one person, depending on your mobility.

Versatility

Some neck massagers specifically target the neck, while others also simultaneously provide relief to the shoulders and upper back. Many devices, such as Homedics’ Shiatsu Neck and Body Massager, are designed to target several body parts at once. Others work specifically on the neck. Massage guns are typically more expensive than other neck massagers, and buying one makes more sense if you also plan to use it on different locations on the body.

Portability

Many neck massagers are corded electric, so you’ll need access to an outlet or another power source to use them. Other options are designed with rechargeable batteries and are lightweight, making it much easier to take them with you in the car or when you travel.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best neck massagers

• Best overall: VIKTOR JURGEN Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
• Best for neck, shoulders, and back: Homedics Shiatsu Neck and Body Massager
• Best intelligent: COMFIER Portable Heated Neck Massager
• Best handheld: TruMedic Massage Gun
• Best for athletes: Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro
• Best pillow: Homedics Back and Neck Massager, Portable Shiatsu All Body Massage Pillow
• Best mini: Theragun Mini Gen 4
• Best budget: Homedics Neck Massager with Heat

Fortunately, relieving the neck pain you get from sitting hunched at your desk or looking down at your phone all day can often be remedied with some electronic massage and heat. The best neck massagers are a relatively affordable way to release that tension without medication and promote overall relaxation and well-being.

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 neck massagers 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		Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle		SEE IT	Sip two ways with this stylish, colorful bottle.
Best tumbler		Pelican Hydration Pelican Porter		SEE IT	Water stays cold all day in this trendy cup.
Best budget		Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle		SEE IT	A cheap classic that gets the job done.

A water bottle is a gym must-have. Cacti can survive on small amounts of water, sure, but you’re no succulent; you are a meaty flesh bag whose body is 60% H2O. If flowers wilt when they’re not watered, you surely will, too. Staying hydrated is incredibly important for all levels of activity, from a leisurely stroll on the treadmill to an intense leg day. Plus, you don’t need to hit up the water fountain for small, unsatisfactory sips (and potentially communal germs) when you have an entire receptacle filled with water from your house. Depending on your gym, the water fountain might have a low flow rate and a thin layer of lime build-up on the spout—both unideal and a little grody. Your best bet is to BYOGWB (Bring Your Own Gym Water Bottle) and hope the gym has a WFwaBF (Water Fountain with a Bottle Filler). The best water bottles for the gym crush thirst, just like how you crush your PRs, you *strong* meaty flesh bag.

• Best overall: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Best for running: Nathan Quick Squeeze Insulated Water Bottle
• Best tumbler: Pelican Hydration Pelican Porter
• Best insulated: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Lid
• Best gallon water bottle: Yeti Gallon Jug
• Best self-cleaning: LARQ Movement PureVis
• Best budget: Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle

How we chose the best water bottles for the gym

It is a joke in my household that Wednesdays are off-limits for social activities, as it’s Barre Wednesday: the one day I week that I travel to my Pure Barre location of choice and take an evening Classic class with my favorite instructor, Amanda. Instructor Amanda kicks my ass in a way that keeps Writer Amanda from biting her handlers in a fit of rage. (They would need a rabies shot series if she gets chomp in.)

I’ve Burpee’d my way through the occasional HIIT class, mastered the Stairmaster, and even tried Bikram yoga. And although the hot yoga was a one-time deal, an insulated water bottle was a constant companion in my journey to sweaty, definitely not-culty enlightenment.

I made a few criteria based on my own gym/workout class experience. Each bottle is at least 32 ounces because 16-24 ounces is simply insufficient water for a 45-minute cardio or strength workout. Each bottle needed to have a handle or carry loop for convenience. A built-in straw and a wide mouth were minor considerations since both are nice to have but not necessities. Many bottles made the brave journey to barre class for on-the-ground testing, but only a few made the final cut.

The best water bottles for the gym: Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re headed to the gym for your hot girl walk, or you lost your last trusty gym water bottle and need to bring in a new recruit, one of our con-sip-erations should make you feel like you’ve found gold at the bottom of the well.

Best overall: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe: Hand-wash cup; dishwasher safe-lif
• BPA-free: Yes
• Temperature retention: 24 hours cold

Pros

• Lightweight when filled
• Spout doesn’t touch sweaty hands
• Really fun to use

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe

Like most products, I first heard of the Owala FreeSip water bottle on TikTok. Account after account raved about the bottle’s FreeSip spout, which lets you sip upright through a built-in straw or tilt it back for a classic swig. After testing it myself, I concluded it’s worth the hype.

The temperature retention is fabulous. Water stays cold all day, and ice cubes aren’t melted away after a few hours. The wide mouth easily accommodates a handful of ice cubes and makes cleaning seem like less of a chore. A push-to-open lid protects the spout from your own germy, sweaty hands, and the carrying loop doubles as a lock, so you don’t have accidental spills if you throw it into your gym bag like I do.

The FreeSip cap is the crown jewel of this canteen. The outer rim doesn’t hit your nose when swigging, and the cap doesn’t get in your face if you decide to take a long chug. I was also expecting a face full of water from the spout design, but the sip portion does not seem to affect the spout. The sip portion is seamless to drink out of—there’s no weird tugging like other sports bottles with straws. Using the bottle is just plain fun. The “click” of the lid opening and the design of the FreeSip spout tickle my brain in a way that makes me drink more water.

Although it’s not completely dishwasher safe—it’s recommended you hand-wash the bottle portion to maintain the finish—its inherent fun and ease of use easily outshines this minor downside.

Best for running: Nathan Quick Squeeze Insulated Water Bottle

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Double-wall insulated plastic
• Dishwasher safe: No
• BPA-free: Yes
• Temperature retention: Unknown

Pros

• Ergonomic grip
• Extra storage
• No slip grip

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe

If you prefer running on the indoor track instead of on a treadmill, a handheld running water bottle helps keep hydration at arm’s length—literally. This one from Nathan is made to fit ergonomically in your hand, and it’s easy to squeeze to get that sweet, sweet water out of the nozzle and into your thirsty gullet. Double-wall insulation keeps your water/electrolyte drink cool, and a zippered front pocket holds your smartphone, cards, keys, and a good-luck trinket. It’s not dishwasher-safe, which is a bummer considering all of the nooks and crannies in the lid.

Best tumbler: Pelican Hydration Pelican Porter

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: 18/8 Stainless steel; copper lining
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• BPA-free: Yes
• Temperature retention: 16 hours cold

Pros

• Great temperature retention
• Fits in car cup holders
• Easy-to-hold handle

Cons

• Not spill proof

Testing the Pelican Porter made me understand the Stanley Quencher hype. Although the Quencher is a great tumbler, the Pelican Porter edges it out. It will keep drinks cold for 16 hours, compared to the Quencher’s 11-hour chill rate. This longevity is thanks to a copper lining that works with double-wall vacuum insulation to prevent thermal loss. It’s not completely spill-proof—one accidental kick from a passerby will lead to a certain disaster—but a splash-resistant lid prevents any waterworks on the drive to the gym. You can sip from the strong Tritan plastic drinking straw or rotate the lid for some chug action, although I prefer the straw. Something primal and childlike awoke deep in me as soon as I grabbed the Pelican Porter’s handle. I hope it also makes you feel like a big hydrated adult baby.

Best insulated: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: 18/8 stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• BPA-free: Yes
• Temperature retention: 24 hours cold

Pros

• Lightweight when filled up
• Moveable handle
• Lid comes apart for easy cleaning

Cons

• Dents easily

It’s a close race between the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Lid and the Yeti Rambler with Straw Lid for the title of best insulated water bottle for the gym. The Hydro Flask ranks superior thanks to its lid, which comes apart completely—no more moldy, nasty caps—and is dishwasher-safe. It’s also lightweight when filled up, and the moveable handle on the lid makes it better to carry from leg press to rowing machine to exercise bike, etc. It has a wide mouth to make it easy to clean and fill with ice, and the cap is leakproof when closed. A plastic ledge-like protrusion helps you flip the straw up without having to touch the mouthpiece, earning brownie points in the sanitary category. It is the water bottle I personally reach most for when I’m doing barre, since I can flip the straw up and carry it around while going from barre to floor to mat.

Best gallon water bottle: Yeti Gallon Jug

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: 18/8 stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• BPA free: Yes
• Temperature retention: 24+ hours cold

Pros

• Study handle
• Clever lid to store spout cap
• Double-wall vacuum insulation

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy when filled

If you’re a person who drinks a gallon of water a day, the Yeti Gallon Jug is one of the nicest gallon water bottles you can find. It will keep your water cold all day, even if the bottle has sat in your hot car. It’s made of durable stainless steel and features vacuum insulation so that it will keep liquids hot or cold for several hours. It also keeps your bottle from sweating, so gym floors are safe from condensation.

The Gallon Jug’s lid features a sturdy metal handle with soft grip padding. The lid also contains a neat magnetic design, so users can store the cap when the spout is open. You can also screw the entire lid off for easy cleaning and refills, although some reviews note it’s hard to remove because of the lid’s large diameter.

Like all Yeti’s other stainless steel bottles, the Gallon Jug is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. It weighs 4.5 pounds before putting water in it, or over 12 pounds full. This is not the weight you intend to lift while at the gym. Still, it is far and away the nicest water bottle of this size.

Best self-cleaning: LARQ Movement PureVis

SEE IT

Specs

• Material: Stainless steel
• Dishwasher safe: Bottle is dishwasher safe; cap it not
• BPA free: Yes
• Temperature retention: N/A

Pros

• Lightweight
• Self-cleaning
• Lightweight compared to other water bottles

Cons

• Non-insulated
• No wide mouth
• Expensive

I tested and reviewed the insulated LARQ PureVis bottle and was impressed at its ability to keep water cold and make a noticeable difference in how it tasted after hitting it with the PureVis UV-C light. If the LARQ insulated PureVis bottle is the nerdy, well-read smartypants of the family, then the uninsulated PureVis Movement bottle is the sporty one who will get a scholarship playing D1 field hockey and eventually join the U.S. Olympic team. It’s called the Movement bottle since it’s uninsulated, making it even lighter than the insulated version. Both bottles use the same technology in the cap. Simply press a button to activate the PureVis tech, which eliminates 99% of bio-contaminants like E.coli. If you’re bad at remembering to drink water, the LARQ, unfortunately, doesn’t have a built-in water tracker or sip reminder. However, it automatically cleans itself every two hours, and one charge powers the bottle for a month, giving you at least two fewer things to think about.

Best budget: Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle

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Specs

• Material: Tritan plastic
• Dishwasher safe: Top rack safe
• BPA-free: Yes
• Temperature retention: N/A

Pros

• Completely leakproof
• No frills
• Incredibly lightweight

Cons

• Non-insulated
• Wide mouth leads to a faceful of water

The Nalgene water bottle is a classic for a reason. Nalgene bottles have carried me from field hockey games to marching band practice when I was in high school, and they still have a place in my cupboard despite the objectively fancier options I have. They’re impact-resistant, leakproof, and are top-rack safe. Plus, Tritan plastic is BPA/BPS free if you’re cutting back on microplastics.

If you choose a wide-mouth Nalgene, I highly recommend getting an Easy Sipper. It’s a circular disk with a small hole that sits right inside the bottle to prevent getting a faceful of water when taking a sip. Although buying an accessory when you could buy a narrow-mouth bottle from the jump seems silly, wide-mouth bottles are easier to fill at bottle-filling stations. Being able to add ice is also a major perk. I’ve even filled mine and frozen them overnight so I’d have icy water after school. If you do that, just make sure to leave some room at the top since ice expands.

What to consider when buying the best water bottles for the gym

You may not need to drink 8 cups of water a day, but staying hydrated is a must while working out. Here is what you should keep in mind before adding to your water bottle collection:

Durability

Water bottles get dropped by sweaty hands, kicked by walkers deep in their favorite podcast and not paying attention, or fall over due to the mysterious forces of gravity.

Stainless steel can get dented and scratched, but it’s pretty resilient. Stainless steel can also handle sudden temperature changes. However, you should not freeze them since low freezer temperatures can damage the surface of the water bottle.

Tritan plastic water bottles are generally more scratch-resistant and won’t ding, but are by no means indestructible. Both materials are generally resistant to the wear and tear of everyday life.

Material

Speaking of material, you’ll want bottles made of stainless steel or Tritan plastic. You’ll want to skip glass entirely since broken shards and people lifting in their socks don’t mix.

Stainless steel water bottles are popular because they’re light and durable. They’re usually made from 18/8 stainless steel, which refers to its 18% chromium and 8% nickel elemental composition. Many stainless steel bottles are vacuum-insulated to create a sealed buffer between the liquid in the container and the environment outside the bottle, which reduces conduction and keeps liquids cold for several hours. If you’re looking for even more thermal retention, consider a bottle with copper lining.

Reusable plastic water bottles give you a balance of durability and affordability. High-quality plastic bottles can be more resistant to superficial wear and tear and generally lack insulation.

When buying plastic, make sure to get a plastic water bottle that’s made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, which is light and ultra-durable. Some studies suggest that containers made from plastics with bisphenol A, or BPA, can seep into what’s stored in the container and cause adverse health effects.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best water bottles for the gym

• Best overall: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Best for running: Nathan Quick Squeeze Insulated Water Bottle
• Best tumbler: Pelican Hydration Pelican Porter
• Best insulated: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
• Best gallon water bottle: Yeti Gallon Jug
• Best self-cleaning: LARQ Movement PureVis
• Best budget: Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle

You can bring any water bottle into the gym, but why not bring one that inspires you and #sparksjoy? Find one in your favorite color with handy features like a carry loop, vacuum insulation, and a touch-free cap for more sanitary sipping. The most important thing is making sure to stay hydrated while pumping iron, putting in rounds with the heavy bag, etc. You should sip some water from your new bottle and get some reps in.

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 water bottles for the gym in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best bike computer		Garmin Edge 1040 Solar		SEE IT	This computer provides nutrition and hydration alerts, ride-specific maps, turn-by-turn directions,  group ride features, and more.
Best headphones		Shokz OpenRun Pro		SEE IT	These comfortable, lightweight headphones allow cyclists to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to their favorite tunes.
Best multi-tool		Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool		SEE IT	Lightweight and encased in durable aluminum, this gadget features 19 tools that should help cyclists fix all kinds of bike emergencies.

Whether the cyclist in your life commutes to work on a bike or trains for triathlons, having the right gear is important. But it can get expensive. In the United States, households collectively spent about $8 billion a month on bicycles and accessories, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. In the interest of cutting down on waste and gear that never gets pulled out of the closet, we’ve rounded up the best devices and accessories available to help cyclists ride safely, track performance and health metrics, and still have fun. Here’s some of what your favorite cyclist might be hoping they get to unwrap before their next century.

• Best bike computer: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar
• Best power meter pedal: Garmin Rally RS100 or Rally RS200
• Best heart rate monitor: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
• Best indoor trainer: Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer V6
• Best indoor bike with classes: Peloton Bike Plus Indoor Stationary Bike
• Best electric bike: Ride1Up Rift
• Best phone mount: Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount + Mobile Universal Adapter
• Best bike bag: Rapha Bar Bag
• Best multi-tool: Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool
• Best headphones: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best tail light: Garmin Varia RTL515
• Best bike light: Garmin Varia UT 800 Smart Headlight
• Best bike lock: Kryptonite Combo Bike U-Lock 
• Best bib shorts: Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Short
• Best water bottle: Camelbak Podium Chill

Best bike computer: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar

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Even if the cyclist in your life isn’t focused on collecting data from their rides, a bike computer is still an important and worthwhile tool. The Edge 1040 provides nutrition and hydration alerts, a range of ride type-specific maps, turn-by-turn directions, incident detection, bike alarm functionality, and group ride features. It will help keep your rider safe, fueled up, and on course. The Garmin Edge 1040 also accurately tracks distance, provides training tools and recommendations, syncs training plans, and measures cycling dynamics. The large display is easy to see at a glance, and the solar display adds to the already impressive battery life that can last up to 45 hours in demanding use cases. If you like the idea of picking up a bike computer but want a more budget-friendly option, the Edge 530 is also a fantastic device.

Best power meter pedal: Garmin Rally RS100 or Rally RS200

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Power meters are a must if the cyclist in your life is data-obsessed or serious about their performance. These devices measure the force on the bike pedals using strain gauges and convert that to power, measured in watts. The Garmin Rally series provides extremely accurate data, and lots of it. It can provide insight into power, cadence, left and right balance, pedal smoothness, and time spent standing or sitting. The Rally is very easy to swap between pedal bodies using a conversion kit, making it the best choice for those who may have a bike for mountain biking and one for road rides. It pairs seamlessly with Garmin’s bike computers as well.

You can purchase a single pedal (RS100) to save some money or a dual-sensing version (RS200) for even more precise data. Also, Garmin makes different versions of the Rally that are compatible with different types of cleats. The RK line works with Look Keo cleats, the RS line is for Shimano SPD-SL cleats, and the XC line is made for Shimano SPD cleats. Functionally, they are all the same, but the cleat compatibility differs.

Best heart rate monitor: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor

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The Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor works with many different sports watches and fitness apps, including Garmin, Apple, Strava, and Nike. It can support iOS mobile devices with iOS 13 or later, BS Android mobile devices with Bluetooth 4.0 capability, and Android 7 or later. That versatility makes this chest strap one of the best heart rate monitors for cycling. But it excels as one of the best monitors for Peloton and cycling in general, as its accurate reader and comfortable fit don’t falter at high speeds thanks to silicone dots that help it stay firmly in place. — Andrew Waite

Best indoor trainer: Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer V6

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For most of us, there are, unfortunately, days when getting outside on the bike isn’t feasible. Whether it’s because of a gnarly ice storm or nonstop rain, riding inside can unlock new training opportunities. The Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer V6 is among the best trainers, thanks to its accurate speed, distance, cadence, and power data. It’s easy to set up and provides a smooth, realistic, yet silent ride, so your cyclist can easily watch a movie during their ride without turning the volume way up. The built-in WiFi also makes this direct drive trainer stand out from the competition, as it allows for faster data transfer and easier firmware updates.

Best indoor bike with classes: Peloton Bike Plus Indoor Stationary Bike

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If the cyclist in your life is motivated by live instruction and competition, the Peloton Bike provides an unrivaled experience. Purchase of the bike and a $44 monthly membership provides access to thousands of classes, including live sessions, bike boot camps, boxing, and yoga. The 21.5-inch HD touchscreen lets you feel like you’re right in the studio, and the two stereo speakers help complete the immersive experience. With a 4-foot by 2-foot footprint, this bike can fit in a range of spaces. Peloton also tracks your heart rate, output, and cadence in real-time and you can measure your progress against other members.

Best electric bike: Ride1Up Rift

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Think your favorite cyclist would appreciate a new electric bike? Consider the Ride1UP Rift for those leisurely days when they want to stretch their legs, but their calves and quads need a little rest and recovery. Almost ready to go out of the box, it provides a stupendously smooth ride whether they’re upgrading from a different electric bicycle or have always ridden an analog bike. It strikes the right balance between easy assembly, ease of use, comfort, and overall design. Learn more about our picks for the best electric bikes. — Brandt Ranj

Best phone mount: Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount

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The Out Front Bike Mount easily installs onto bike handlebars, putting the phone front and center at an optimal viewing angle. Your cyclist will be able to quickly see their maps or keep an eye on the time. The mount also flips up so that they can film their ride. They will need either the Mobile Universal Mount Adapter or a Peak Design phone case, as the bike mount utilizes the company’s magnetic locking system, called SlimLink. This magnetic system is ultra secure, so they won’t need to worry about their phone falling off when they hit some bumps on the road. And it makes their phone compatible with all sorts of other Peak Design accessories like the phone tripod, wallet, and more.

Best bike bag: Rapha Bar Bag

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Having a space to stow essentials like your phone, keys, and maybe a snack is important on a commute or long ride. Rapha’s sleek bike bag is made of waterproof polyester, so essentials will stay dry during an unexpected downpour. It provides a roomy 2 liters of space and comes with two durable straps cyclists can attach either to their handlebars or the frame. The buckles are quick-release, and once the rider arrives at their destination, this versatile bag easily converts into an over-the-shoulder bag.

Best multi-tool: Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool

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A bike multi-tool is a must for every cyclist, both on rides and in a home tool kit. This Crankbrothers tool includes a range of hex wrenches, spoke wrenches, multiple screwdriver types, a t-25 drive, and a universal chain tool. All in all, there are 19 different tools in this one device. Whether you’re fixing your bike or adjusting your cleats, this multi-tool likely has the right option. Everything is encased in lightweight aluminum and only weighs 6.2 ounces. And the 3.5-inch length means that it will easily fit in a small saddle pack for rides.

Best headphones: Shokz OpenRun Pro

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Bone conduction headphones are great for cyclists because they allow you to hear your music and podcasts while still staying alert to the world around you. The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones offer a secure, lightweight fit under your helmet that’s comfortable even for long rides. They produce clear, high-quality sound with plenty of volume, even when you’re near traffic. They also feature a mic so that you can call your cyclist when they are out. And the 10 hours of battery life will keep them from needing to charge their headphones constantly.

Best tail light: Garmin Varia RTL515

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A quality tail light is a crucial safety item for road cyclists, whether riding day or night. It alerts drivers to your presence long before they would otherwise see your bike. The Garmin Vari RTL515 is a bit of a splurge, but it is the best out there, thanks to the built-in radar. This light pairs with your phone, Garmin Edge bike computer, or other Garmin wearables and alerts you with both visual and audio queues that cars are approaching from up to 153 yards away. It’s super bright, providing daylight visibility up to one mile away. There are multiple modes, including a low-intensity light for group rides. And it offers up to 16 hours of battery life in day flash mode to last for your longest rides.

If you want the utmost safety for your rider, you can bundle the front light below with the Varia RTL515. Or, if the Garmin is too much of a splurge, the Bontrager Flare RT is also a great rear light with a budget-friendly price, albeit without the radar.

Best bike light: Garmin Varia UT 800 Smart Headlight

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When the days are shorter, your favorite cyclist is likely getting some miles in when it’s dark. A reliable bike light is essential for safety. Garmin’s Varia UT 800 Smart Headlight is visible up to a mile away. It provides 800 lumens of light for up to 1.5 hours—about the same amount as a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. Cyclists can switch between five light modes: high, medium, low, night flash, and day flash. This bike light can also sync with compatible Garmin Edge computers, which can detect the ambient light to control brightness. And it’s available in versions that attach either to the handlebars or to a helmet.

Best bike lock: Kryptonite Combo Bike U-Lock 

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As much fun as biking can be, theft is unfortunately common. More than 200,000 bikes are stolen in the United States each year, according to the FBI. That’s why a reliable bike lock is important. Kryptonite’s Combo Bike U-Lock is designed with a 12mm steel shackle that protects against wire cutters. The U shape makes it easy to attach the lock to a variety of locations, from bike racks to fences. It features a combination lock that you register with the company website, so you don’t have to worry about lost keys. And weighing in at just a pound, it’s lighter and more affordable than many of the other bike locks on the market.

Best bib shorts: Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Shorts

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A quality pair of bibs can make a surprising difference in the comfort of your bike ride. After trying numerous brands, Pearl Izumi’s bibs, including the Pro version, have firmly landed the spot as my favorite thanks to the material the company uses. It is incredibly soft, smooth, and stretchy, unlike anything from other brands. It breathes well and easily wicks away sweat, keeping me comfortable even on the hottest, most humid days. The seamless design means that there’s less chance of chafing even on long rides. And the chamois offers just enough padding in all the right places without being overly thick. They come in both men’s and women’s and are available in a handful of colors and designs.

Best water bottle: Camelbak Podium Chill

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Most of us can’t have too many water bottles. They have a tendency to get scuffed and dented, start leaking, get lost, or stay filled up for far too long and start molding, needing replacement. However, weight has to be considered when it comes to a ride. The Camelbak Podium Chill is an insulated bottle that keeps drinks cool even on hot rides. It is designed to fit securely in most bottle cages and is easy to squeeze to get water out efficiently. The cap is self-sealing, so it won’t leak when it inevitably gets thrown in the backseat of the car. And it’s available in a range of colors, so you can pick something up that matches the color scheme of your cyclist’s bike.

The post The best gifts for cyclists from Garmin, Wahoo, Peloton, and more appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best sneakers		Nike Air Pegasus Shield 37 Running Shoes		SEE IT	These sneakers are designed specifically for cold weather, with water-repellent features and grooves to keep you from slipping.
Best smartwatch		Garmin Forerunner 965		SEE IT	Designed for serious athletes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 tracks advanced performance metrics and provides up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
Best hydration vest		Salomon Adv Skin 12		SEE IT	This well-fitting vest features two soft flasks, and extra bladder for water, and plenty of pockets for snacks and other essentials.

Running seems simple enough: Put one foot in front of the other in a semi-speedy fashion. It’s free, it’s safe, and dare we say, it’s fun. The equipment, too, seems appealingly uncomplicated. All you need are clothes and running shoes, right? While that’s technically true, some specialized running gear can make jogging a whole lot more pleasant. Plus, when you feel good, you run good. It’s simple science. Here’s our list of some of the best gifts for runners:

• Best smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 965
• Best heart rate monitor: Garmin HRM-Pro
• Best headphones: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best treadmill: NordicTrack T Series
• Best massage gun: Turonic GM5 Massage Gun
• Best cold-weather sneakers: Nike Air Pegasus Shield 37 Running Shoes
• Best outerwear: Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody
• Best underlayer: Ibex Men’s Woolies Tech Long-Sleeve 1/4 Zip
• Best safety gear: Brooks Run Visible Collection
• Best running vest: Nike Aeroloft Women’s Running Vest
• Best running tights: Reebok Women’s Puremove Leggings
• Best gloves: Arc’teryx Venta Gloves
• Best socks: Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Sock 
• Best face covering: Nike Therma Sphere Hood 3.0
• Best hat: TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat 
• Best compression sleeves: Hyperice Normatec Go
• Best hydration vest: Salomon Adv Skin 12
• Best T-shirt for trail running: Arc’teryx Cormac Crew SS Shirt
• Best running shorts for women: Kari Traa Nora 2.0
• Best running skort: Outdoor Voices The Exercise 3″ Skort
• Best sunglasses: Tifosi Sunglasses

Best all-weather running gear

Best smartwatch: Garmin Forerunner 965

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While you don’t need a watch for running, it certainly helps if you are aiming to track your progress and work toward goals. Garmin’s smartwatches are some of the best around for all types of physical activity, but that’s especially true for running. Its Forerunner lineup is the company’s dedicated running line, with the Forerunner 965 sitting at the top. 

The Forerunner 965 features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display with up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 23 days in smartwatch mode. As with any Garmin watch, it offers advanced training metrics and tools, including VO2 max, performance condition, training effect, wrist-based running power, load ratio, and more. You can plan your race strategies and receive daily suggested workouts right on your wrist. It also offers built-in mapping, music storage, Garmin Pay, and safety features. It’s a watch built for serious athletes and adventurers, so if you know a newer or more casual runner, the 265 would be a cheaper, smaller, more approachable option.

Best heart rate monitor: Garmin HRM-Pro

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Most running watches provide wrist-based heart rate measurements, but the accuracy of those tools still doesn’t match what you can get with a chest-based monitor. The Garmin HRM-Pro is a premium heart rate monitor with dual ANT and Bluetooth Low Energy technology. It easily pairs with Garmin devices, online training apps like Zwift, or compatible gym equipment. Beyond heart rate, this monitor also gathers running dynamics, including vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, vertical ratio, and more. It can even store data when your watch is out of range, such as during a swim. And it’s comfortable to wear; I barely notice it, even on long runs or bike rides.

Best headphones: Shokz OpenRun Pro

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Most people prefer to run with music or podcasts, but traditional in-ear headphones can pose some safety concerns. Bone conduction headphones are a fantastic option for runners because they allow you to hear your music while still staying alert to the world around you. The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones offer a secure, lightweight fit that is comfortable even for long runs. They produce clear, high-quality sound with plenty of volume, even when running near traffic. It also features a mic so that you can call your runner when they are out. And the 10 hours of battery life will keep them from needing to charge their headphones constantly.

Best treadmill: NordicTrack T Series

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Whether it’s a blizzard or extreme heat, there are times when it’s not safe to run outside. That’s why it can be helpful to invest in a treadmill. We recommend NordicTrack’s T series. There’s a reason why NordicTrack treadmills are considered some of the best treadmills on the market: they’re reliable, durable, long-lasting, and come with several luxe features to mirror gym-quality workouts. 

This model comes with incline controls up to 15 percent, a 10-inch interactive HD coaching touchscreen, and 30 days free iFit membership, which comes with several on-demand and live workouts with automatic trainer control. also easily folds up and can be stored away for more space-saving. While it’s more expensive than other models, we believe it’s the best if you’re serious about running, want to invest in a higher-end product for the long haul, and are looking for a piece of equipment that mimics what you’d find in a high-end gym.

Best massage gun: Turonic GM5 Massage Gun

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Recovery is key for runners. A massage gun can help relieve those tired leg muscles to promote recovery after runs, preventing injuries and keeping your runner active even during busy training schedules. The Turonic GM5 is a relatively affordable massage gun that still packs a punch. It comes with a range of attachments for different parts of the body and a handy case to keep it all organized even during travel. It offers variable intensity between 1200 and 3200 rpm, so they can fine-tune how intense their massage is. And it’s quiet, so they can even massage their muscles while you watch a movie.

Best cold-weather running gear

Best cold-weather sneakers: Nike Air Pegasus Shield 37 Running Shoes

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Let’s get started with the basics: sneakers. There’s nothing worse than missing a carefully calculated step and landing right into a puddle on a cold and rainy day. To avoid this mishap, Nike took one of its most popular running shoes, the Pegasus, and winterized it with a water-repellent upper material and an outsole with wet weather traction to keep you from slipping on the slick pavement. The outsole’s micro grooves feature multidirectional shapes that displace the water when the shoe makes contact with the pavement, so your feet can leave and arrive home dry and warm.

Best outerwear: Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody

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Layers are essential when it comes to cold-weather running. Arc’teryx’s sleek Squamish hoodie provides plenty of assistance, keeping you warm without slowing you down. The lightweight shell is windproof yet protects you against rain and snow. It’s also made from nylon that is moisture-wicking and allows sweat to escape, helping to keep your body temperature steady during frigid runs. Plus, this minimalist option is a cinch to roll up into a backpack or carry-on. It’s available in men’s and women’s styles.

Best underlayer: Ibex Men’s Woolies Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt

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Speaking of layering, a merino wool base is the way to go for those frigid days. This long-sleeve base layer has a nylon lining that will help keep you warm and dry all day. The company’s Pro Tech fabric is comfy and lightweight, but still wicks moisture away and keeps odor under control. They’re available in four matte colors (Deepest Red, Deep Ocean, Black, and Ginger Bisquite), you can pair the zippered top with the Woolies Tech Bottoms for full-body coverage.

Best safety gear: Brooks’ Run Visible Collection

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Some of the best gifts for runners aren’t only about keeping warm—they’re about keeping people safe. When North America is experiencing the shortest days of the year—with the sun rising around 7 a.m. and setting by 5 p.m.— that means if they’re trying to squeeze in a run before or after work, they’re probably going to be doing at least some of those miles in the dark. Brooks Running’s Run Visible collection features clothing—from hats to windbreakers and leggings—that all come equipped with 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black Stretch Reflective material with neon colors. The material and coloring (which covers the most visible part of the light spectrum in low-light conditions) are strategically placed in so-called motion zones. That includes the joints that move the most while you’re jogging, like elbows, wrists, and ankles, so they can run safely no matter when they’re able to get that jog in.

Best running vest: Nike Aeroloft Women’s Running Vest

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In addition to keeping hands and feet from freezing, maintaining a warm core will keep the rest of your body toasty without adding too much bulk that could make you overheat mid-run. When looking for the best gifts for runners (or yourself), Nike’s Aeroloft running vest provides necessary warmth where you need it most. It also has pockets to store your keys, cell phone, or anything else you might need mid-run.

Best running tights: Reebok Women’s Puremove Leggings

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Many runners have a love-and-hate relationship with running tights. You need a pair that fits in just the right places for them to work well and feel comfortable. To make that happen, Reebok used its Motion Sense Technology (that the company originally designed for sports bras) to fill its tights with a material that stays liquid-like when in stasis and becomes more solid upon impact. This gives you a full range of movement on a run, while adding support precisely

Best gloves: Arc’teryx Venta Gloves

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Running in the cold sometimes feels like a tease. When you first step outside, the frigid temperatures can be startling, making you want to bundle up with extra pant and shirt layers. But as you ease into the miles, you can quickly overheat with all those clothes. Instead, wear lighter layers (unless the conditions are truly frigid) and focus on making sure your core and extremities are well-protected. Arc’teryx’s Venta glove uses Gore-tex’s Infinium material, which protects from water and wind and is extremely thin and light. Plus the mitten design allows your body heat to keep all your fingers tight and warm.

Best socks: Smartwool Run Cold Weather Crew Socks

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In addition to keeping their hands warm, snuggly and comfy feet also make for a happy run. Smartwool’s Run Cold Weather Socks are made of sweat-wicking wool that also provides comfort and durability. The mid-crew length hits that perfect sweet spot of not too short to let wind in but not too long to cause overheating. Lastly, the socks have the company’s Light Elite cushioning that provides targeted support in the ball and heel of the foot. Otherwise, too much layering between your feet and shoes can restrict blood flow.

Best hat: TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat

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When cold weather hits, a good hat is essential. But for those with longer hair, stuffing your long locks into a hat can be annoying at a minimum and cause a headache at the worst. Trailheads’ ponytail hat features an opening in the back to fit your hair through so it doesn’t get trapped, tangled, or bungled in your hat as you run. The piece is also made of quick-drying polyester fleece and flaps so your head and ears can stay warm for the duration of your run.

Best face covering: Nike Therma Sphere Hood 3.0

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When the wind is howling and moisture from your eyes is starting to freeze on your face, it’s time to call in the reinforcements. Nike’s Therma Sphere Hood is a balaclava-style head covering that’s made with Therma-Sphere fabric that helps wick moisture away. It’s designed to be comfortable and customizable, with a foldover design you can adjust to cover more or less of your face and neck as the day warms up.

Best compression sleeves: Hyperice Normatec Go

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Colder weather can cause arteries to tighten and restrict blood flow. Runners can recover better from workouts with Hyperice’s Normatec Go. These wearables are designed to be strapped to the runner’s calves and provide a symmetrical massage to increase circulation and reduce pain in the lower body. The Bluetooth-enabled controls and associated app allow the runner to choose between seven levels of compression for a better recovery and the battery lasts up to three hours.

Best warm-weather running gear

Best hydration vest: Salomon Adv Skin 12

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For those who enjoy long runs or running in all sorts of weather, a hydration vest is a critical tool. The Salomon Adv Skin 12 comes with two soft flasks that fit snuggly on the chest straps, providing quick and easy access to hydration without stopping. It can also hold a hydration bladder for hot days that call for extra water. Additionally, the pack offers plenty of pockets to hold a jacket, snacks for fueling your run, and attachment points for stashing poles. It fits snugly and comfortably without jiggling around on runs, and the pockets are easily accessible so as not to slow you down. It will keep the runner in your life prepared when hitting the trails.

Best T-shirt for trail running: Arc’teryx Cormac Crew SS Shirt

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When the warm weather comes and a runner is out everyday in the sun, it’s great to have a trusted T-shirt to rely upon. Arc’teryx’s Cormac Crew SS Shirt is designed for trail running and hiking. Made with recycled fabric, this T-shirt is designed to wick moisture away and is odor-resistant. Should the gift recipient get caught in a shower, this shirt also repels water. When the sun is out, this T-shirt provides 50+ UPF protection. And it’s available in five colors.

Best running shorts for women: Kari Traa Nora 2.0

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Good running shorts can be hard to find, but the Nora 2.0 shorts from Kari Traa are a fantastic choice and have been my favorite pair since discovering them. They feature a loose fit with no liner to keep airflow going. The material is very lightweight and effectively wicks away sweat. They feel dry even when running in the Florida heat and humidity, which is very impressive. The elastic waistband offers a drawstring, and there’s a small zippered pocket at the back to store keys or a gel. They are definitely the most comfortable running shorts I’ve used in a long time.

Best running skort: Outdoor Voices The Exercise 3″ Skort

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Running skorts are a great alternative to shorts in part because they feature built-in compression shorts to help prevent chafing. The skirt design also means that you won’t be constantly adjusting the legs of your shorts while running. Outdoor Voices’ The Exercise is one of the best skorts for running that I’ve tried for many reasons. The compression shorts are made with sticky grippers at the bottom hem to keep them in place, and they are long enough to prevent chafing successfully. The liner also offers pockets to hold a phone, and there’s a zippered side pocket on the skirt for keys or snacks. The material of the skirt is very flexible and sweat-wicking to keep you moving freely and dry on runs.

Best sunglasses: Tifosi Sunglasses

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If you haven’t heard, Tifosi Sunglasses makes some of the most brilliantly colored UVA-/UVB-protected sunglasses on the market. With frames that come in enough colorways to match nearly any aesthetic, the Swank and Swick lines (and more), offer bright polarized lenses that will keep your eyes safe even on the snow or sand. These sunglasses are one of the best gifts for runners, as well as people who like extreme sports, desert hikers, and skiers alike.

The post The best gifts for runners who put in the miles all year round appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Beats Fit Pro		SEE IT	These earbuds use wingtips that fit to your ear to stay secure.
Best over-ear		TRELAB Z2		SEE IT	This more traditional design has a tough IPX4 waterproof rating that’s tough against rain and sweat.
Best budget		Otium U18 Earbuds		SEE IT	Battery life, secure fit, and an IPX7 waterproof rating make these budget headphones a solid choice for hitting the treadmill.

Choosing the right pair of running headphones is essential for getting through your workout comfortably and safely. Listening to your favorite music and podcasts while running, jogging, and participating in other endurance exercises is a great way to bear up and push yourself that extra mile. Unlike traditional headphones and earbuds that come in all shapes and sizes, often more concerned with aesthetics than activity, the best running headphones are super lightweight and snug-fitting. They typically feature waterproof designs with long battery life. We’ve selected some of the best running headphones on the market to help you make an informed decision no matter where your workout takes you.

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
• Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best over-ear: Treblab Z2
• Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds
• Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3
• Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

How we chose the best running headphones

The best running headphones are wireless, and Bluetooth requires power. Running out of battery life during a workout is inconvenient at best, so we built our list with options that feature battery capacities between 10 hours and 50 hours to ensure they’ll endure through at least two average workout days before recharging. Running headphones should fit comfortably and allow the user to exercise unencumbered, so our picks are relatively lightweight and feature secure, customizable fit options. Most of the headphones on our list are earbuds, but we added an over-ear and a bone conduction option to cover every possible use scenario and style preference.

Breaking a sweat is a normal part of running, so we selected headphones with Ingress Protection ratings ranging from a splashproof IPX3 to a completely dustproof and waterproof IP68. Most of the headphones on our list offer environmental transparency/situational awareness tech, from the ambient mic modes of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Apple Beats Fit Pro to the actually open designs of the Sony LinkBuds and SHOKZ OpenRun Pro.

The best running headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Running can boost the production of your brain’s endorphins and help you de-stress. With this in mind, finding the best running headphones shouldn’t be a stressful endeavor. One of our picks should help get you on a runner’s high.

Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro

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Why it made the cut: The Apple Beats Fit Pro earbuds combine user-friendly design and great sound in a snug-fitting form factor.

Specs

• Weight: 0.2 ounces/earbud; 2.3 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 7 hours single-charge; 30 hours with case

Pros

• Features Apple H1 chip for quick pairing and spatial tracking
• Compact form factor and tight fit perfect for running
• Great sound quality with ANC and transparency modes

Cons

• Requires iOS device to use all features
• Case incompatible with wireless charging
• No multipoint pairing

We recently featured the Apple Beats Fit Pro in our roundup of the best headphones for working out, and they’re also our top pick for running. They feature a relatively neutral and well-rounded sound profile with crisp highs that make them great for a wide range of listening duties, and their inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes make them equally useful on the road and at the gym. The Beats Fit Pro are super lightweight and compact in and out of its charging case, making them easy to keep in your pocket and comfortable to wear while active. They’re also some of the most secure earbuds we’ve tested thanks to their unique flexible wingtip design that sits firmly against the outside of your ear, aided further by three sets of interchangeable silicone ear tips.

As we mention in our full review, the Beats Fit Pro offer a user experience very similar to that of the Apple AirPods Pro thanks to their built-in H1 chip, which allows for quick and effortless pairing to your iOS device, as well as access to Apple’s immersive head tracking and spatial audio technologies. These buds do work with Android devices—you connect to them as you would any other Bluetooth earbuds—but non-iOS users will, unfortunately, miss out on those H1-provided benefits. We also wish the Beats Fit Pro featured better waterproofing than the same IPX4 rating shared by Apple’s regular line of AirPods. They also lack wireless charging and multipoint pairing, which are features that would ease switching gears before and after a run. Still, we can’t shake how we can’t shake ’em loose.

Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

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Why it made the cut: The OpenRun Pro’s open-ear bone-conduction design allows you to work out and listen to your favorite music while maintaining full situational awareness.

Specs

• Weight: 0.95 ounces
• IP rating: IP55 (dust- and water-resistant at low pressures)
• Battery life: 10 hours single-charge

Pros

• Open-ear design for maximum situational awareness
• Highly resistant to dust and water
• Headband design stays put during the ups and downs of running

Cons

• Sound quality is limited due to design
• Audible to others
• Proprietary charging cable is inconvenient to replace

If you frequently work out in parks or along roads where you share space with bikes and cars, a pair of bone-conduction headphones like the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro will be the safest and most convenient choice for your runs. Like all of the best bone-conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro uses vibration to send audio through your cheek and directly to your earbones, bypassing your ear canal entirely and leaving it open so you can stay aware of approaching traffic while listening to your favorite music. The OpenRun Pro weighs just under one ounce and features a snug-fitting headband design that sits comfortably around your ears and stays put through even the most strenuous sprints, and its high dust- and water-resistant design make it a great choice for exercising on any terrain in any weather.

While the design of the OpenRun Pro is perfect for maintaining situational awareness while running, it lacks bass response. That’s not entirely necessary if you’re running to podcasts or ambient/classical music, but it leaves something to be desired in dance, rock, and other bass-heavy music. Others will also be able to hear what you’re hearing, so they’re not a great choice for use on public transit or in quiet places. Plan on taking the OpenRun Pro out for multiple workouts between charges? The headphones’ 10-hour battery should be more than flexible enough, but remember that they use a proprietary magnetic charger rather than something universal like USB-C.

Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS

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Why it made the cut: These ultralight running headphones from Ultimate Ears are custom-fit to your ears to deliver one of the most comfortable workout listening experiences available.

Specs 

• Weight: 0.26 ounces/earbud; 2.04 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX3 (splash-resistant at up to 60-degree angle)
• Battery life: 8 hours single-charge; 20 hours with case

Pros

• Moldable eartips are custom-fit to your ears
• Neutral midrange frequency response with custom EQ available in-app
• Sweat-resistant design

Cons

• Design protrudes far from ear
• Sub-bass response is lacking initially
• No active noise cancellation

The Ultimate Ears FITS—or UE FITS if you’re nasty—are an incredibly comfortable and lightweight pair of custom-fit running headphones with a design and setup process that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. After removing the FITS from their package for the first time, users simply place the earbuds in their ears and initiate the molding process via a smartphone app, during which the photosensitive polymer ear tips are literally molded to the shape of your ears with the help of some built-in flashing LEDs. Apart from downloading the app, the entire setup process takes roughly 60 seconds, after which you’re free to use the earbuds however you see fit. The process feels alien but not uncomfortable. Despite being very light and comfy, the FITS tend to protrude further from the ear than other earbuds, which may bother users who prefer a streamlined look. Those with sensitive, small ears, however, will appreciate the ability to wear them comfortably for hours.

The sound of the Ultimate Ears FITS is relatively neutral yet lacking in low frequencies out of the box; luckily, it’s easy to sculpt using the in-app EQ, so you can get lows to reach a runner’s high. They, unfortunately, don’t feature active noise cancellation, but their snug fit allows them a good measure of passive noise cancellation that can be useful in gyms and other crowded environments. The FITS’ sweat-resistant IPX3 rating is also a bit lower than the minimum IPX4 we’re used to seeing in this class of earbuds, but they’ll still make it through many a sweaty session unscathed.

Less athletically inclined but still like the idea of custom-fit earbud comfort for running errands (or the occasional power walk)? UE offers the DROPS, which have a more involved, more handcrafted process resulting in bespoke acrylic housings tailored to your personal specifications and aesthetic.

Best over-ear: Treblab Z2

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Why it made the cut: The Treblab Z2 headphones are a uniquely light, comfy over-ear option with a long battery life that makes them great for taking on a run.

Specs

• Weight: 0.53 pounds
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 35 hours

Pros

• Super light and comfy design for running unencumbered
• Very long single-charge battery life
• Built-in control buttons are intuitive and easy to use

Cons

• No charging case
• ANC mode changes the sound profile, performs unreliably
• Prone to leaking audio

While over-ear headphones aren’t an ideal choice for running due to being much heavier and bulkier than earbuds, the Treblab Z2’s combination of lightweight comfort and long 35-hour battery life will have you covered if you have your heart set on a more traditional design. The Z2 features an IPX4 waterproof rating that’s tough enough to stand up to sweat and rain, and it has easy-to-use audio controls placed conveniently on each earcup, plus a simple switch to toggle ANC mode. They come in a custom-fit zip-up carrying case that makes them easy to stow in a gym bag, and they charge using an included micro USB cable.

The Treblab Z2’s sound profile is fairly neutral and balanced out of the box, but its ANC mode tends to roll off a lot of the headphones’ bass frequencies, giving the audio a somewhat unappealing mid-forward sound. With ANC engaged, the headphones almost give the impression of changing their EQ to mask environmental noise rather than performing active cancellation. The Treblab Z2s also feature light and airy earpads that make them very comfortable to wear while running. They do tend to leak some sound if you push the volume (not that you should, even if you push the tempo), so you’ll likely want to avoid using them in quiet or shared environments.

Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds

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Why it made the cut: The Sony LinkBuds use a unique open-ring design to let in environmental noise while delivering the fit and sound of traditional earbuds.

Specs

• Weight: 0.14 ounces/earbud; 1.45 ounces with case
• IP rating: IPX4 (splash-resistant)
• Battery life: 5.5 hours single-charge; 17.5 hours with case

Pros

• Unique ring design lets in ambient noise
• Very comfortable and lightweight fit perfect for running
• Midrange-forward sound is great for spoken word
• EQ adjustable via the Sony Headphones Connect app

Cons

• No noise cancellation
• Very little sub-bass response
• Others can hear what you’re listening to

If you’re looking to maintain a level of situational awareness similar to that given by bone-conduction headphones but prefer the look and feel of earbuds, Sony’s innovative LinkBuds are worth considering. This unique pair of lightweight earbuds—small enough to hang from succulents, as shown above—use a ring-shaped speaker and flexible anchor to stay secure within your ear while letting in ambient noise. This makes them a great choice for running in loud environments and areas with heavy traffic. The size of each fin can be custom-fitted to your ears using an included selection of five sizes, resulting in an incredibly comfortable and snug fit that won’t budge during your run. The LinkBuds aren’t quite as easy to hear through as bone conduction headphones due to their placement in the ear canal, but they do feature a similar midrange-heavy sound with slightly more low-end. If the buds leave you wanting a little more bass, you can also fine-tune their sound further using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Controlling the Sony LinkBuds involves either tapping directly on the earbuds or on your own facial cartilage in front of the ear, a gesture that works well but takes some getting used to. Some users reported false triggers when engaging in activity, but this effect can be mitigated by selecting the right fin size to ensure the fit is as tight as possible. Because of their open design, the LinkBuds also tend to leak sound and provide no form of noise cancellation at all, so while they might not be the best choice for critical listening unless you’re in the quietest environment (one that wouldn’t mind hearing a bit of what you’re enjoying), there’s really nothing else quite like them if you prefer the fit and feel of earbuds.

Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3

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Why it made the cut: These rugged IP68 earbuds pack up to 50 hours of battery life thanks to their charging case, making them ideal for travel and frequent use.

Specs

• Weight: 0.9 ounces/earbud; 4.5 ounces with case
• IP rating: IP68 (dustproof and waterproof for 30 minutes)
• Battery life: 10 hours single-charge; 50 hours with case

Pros

• Highly waterproof and dustproof
• Very secure-fitting ear hook design
• Super long battery life

Cons

• Lack active noise canceling
• No multipoint pairing or wireless charging
• Muddy and low-heavy sound, but can be EQ’d

JBL’s new Peak Endurance 3 running headphones are a fantastic option if you run daily but don’t always have the opportunity (or memory) to charge your devices. They feature a generous 10-hour single-charge battery life plus another 50 hours thanks to their compact charging case, making them a great choice for stowing in a gym bag or for traveling. The fit of the Endurance Peak 3s uses a wireless ear hook design (JBL refers to the hooks as “TwistLock ear hook enhancers”) similar to that of the Powerbeats Pro, which goes around the back of your ear and works in tandem with three silicone ear tip options, resulting in a comfortable wearing experience that remains stable while running despite not going too far into the ear canal. They even stay stable while doing side plank rotations. The Endurance Peak 3s are also waterproof and dustproof at a very high IP68 level, which makes them impervious to salt water and easy to clean with a simple rinse.

The sound of the Endurance Peak 3s is a bit muddy out of the box, but JBL’s companion app provides an easy-to-use EQ that helps sculpt their sound to your liking. They also don’t have active noise-cancelling abilities, but the tips combined with their shape do a good job of blocking out your surroundings. Still, they do feature JBL’s Ambient Aware mode, which is effective for engaging in conversation at the gym or on the street without having to pause and remove them from your ears. However, we wish they featured conveniences like multipoint device pairing and wireless charging. And, the ear hooks get in the way of sunglasses, which is a pain while running outdoors in the bright sun. If these aren’t major cons for you, their secure fit, battery life, and ease of use make these headphones perfect for running in nearly every way. 

Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

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Why it made the cut: Otium’s U18 earbuds feature a secure ear hook design similar to that found in running headphones three times their price.

Specs

• Weight: 3.52 ounces
• IP rating: IPX7 (waterproof for 30 minutes; not dustproof)
• Battery life: 15 hours

Pros

• Great battery life and secure fit on a budget
• IPX7 waterproof for sweaty workouts
• Set of easy-to-use controls

Cons

• Slightly muddy sound profile
• No active noise cancelation
• Charging design is cumbersome

If you love listening to music while running but don’t want to spend a lot, the Otium U18s are a great value thanks to their battery life, secure fit, and IPX7 waterproof rating. They feature an ear hook-based design similar to that of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and the Powerbeats Pro, with the inclusion of a connective neckband that makes them easy to hang around your neck when not in use and keeps them from getting separated. The U18’s sound profile is a bit muddy and leaves something to be desired, and because they don’t come with any EQ-enabled companion apps you’ll need to explore other options to sculpt their sound. But if you just need a beat to beat your personal best, these are a budget way to get that.

As a set of budget headphones, the Otium U18s are fairly stripped down and lack conveniences like active noise cancelation, wireless charging, and ambient modes. They do have a set of onboard controls, including an on-ear button and a rocker switch, both of which are intuitive and easy to use, but charging the headphones is a little more difficult and involves opening a small, tight-fitting door for access to a micro USB port. Still, if you’re not picky about sound quality or noise canceling, the runner-friendly fit of the U18s makes them worth a look.

What to consider when buying the best running headphones

Most of the best headphones should avoid even a hint of moisture. Heck, even some of the best Bluetooth earbuds might not be suited for more than a brisk stroll. That’s why we’ve put together these things to look at before adding something to your cart:

Do you run in a city environment?

Running in a city environment near bikes, cars, and other forms of traffic requires a high level of situational awareness to ensure you stay out of harm’s way. The best-running headphones for urban environments and crowded places include the Sony LinkBuds, which feature a snug earbud design, and the SHOKZ OpenEars Pro, a bone-conduction design that leaves your ears completely open. 

How important is sound quality to you?

If you fancy yourself an audiophile, go for running headphones with a well-rounded sound profile like the Apple Beats Fit Pro, which have extended low-end response and present highs. Some running headphones also allow you to customize their EQ via smartphone apps, including the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Ultimate Ears FITS.

Do you need waterproof running headphones?

If you frequently run in moist environments or sweat a lot, picking a pair of running headphones with some measure of waterproofing is essential. All the best running headphones are in some way splash/sweat-resistant, but if you need maximum protection, models such as the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Jabra Elite 7 Active are some of the best waterproof options we’ve tested.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best running headphones

• Best overall: Apple Beats Fit Pro
• Best bone-conduction: SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
• Most comfortable: Ultimate Ears FITS
• Best over-ear: Treblab Z2
• Best for city runs: Sony LinkBuds
• Best battery life: JBL Endurance Peak 3
• Best budget: Otium U18 Earbuds

For most runners, the easy-to-use Apple Beats Fit Pro are the best headphones, thanks to their well-rounded sound profile, ANC capabilities, and secure fit. Runners in city areas who want to maximize their situational awareness should consider the in-ear Sony LinkBuds or the SHOKZ OpenEars Pro. In contrast, runners interested in the most comfortable fit should look at the in-ear Ultimate Ears FITS or the over-ear Treblab Z2. For more intense workouts, the long battery life, secure fit, and high resistance to water and dust of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 make them a worthy contender. If you’re shopping for running headphones on a budget, it’s hard to beat the sub-$30 Otium U18 Earbuds, which feature a secure ear hook design and 15 hours of single-charge battery life. Now get those feet pounding on the pavement and run off into the sunset, your favorite running tunes pumping in your ears.

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 running headphones for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Shokz OpenRun Pro		SEE IT	Impressive battery life, water resistance, and reliable connectivity make these the best pair of bone-conduction headphones around.
Best for kids		N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones		SEE IT	Give your kids a pair of headphones that will provide safe entertainment while they stay active.
Best waterproof		Shokz OpenSwim		SEE IT	A pair of open-ear headphones that’s waterproof, the OpenSwim suit doing laps in the pool swimmingly.

If you’ve got a bone to pick with the way traditional audio devices disconnect you from the world, there is another option: bone-conduction headphones. Headphones, in general, can play many valuable roles. No (or some) bones about it: they let you jam out to music, dive into podcasts, or dial into phone calls while blocking out environmental noise. This can help you concentrate on tasks, but there are some circumstances when being cut off from what’s around you isn’t optimal. The best bone-conduction headphones let you enjoy all your favorite listening experiences with your ear canal exposed so that you can drive, walk, run, bike, swim, etc.—all while remaining completely aware of your surroundings.

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

How we chose the best bone-conduction headphones

Bone-conduction headphones are still a relatively new product. But—after consulting academic articles, peer recommendations, real-world user impressions, and our own first-hand tests—we have identified certain models that stand out. Following extensive research, we selected pairs that address the specific needs of athletics, work environments, and age. We chose units that were easy to use, incorporated the features we love about traditional headphones, and prioritized sound quality.

The best bone-conduction headphones: Reviews & Recommendations

Sitting right outside the ear on the jaw, bone-conduction headphones are a different physical and acoustic experience than most people are used to. But different can be good. Here are our picks for the best bone-conduction headphones to help keep you in the hear and now.

Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro

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Why it made the cut: Shokz is dedicated to producing top-tier bone-conducting headphones, and the OpenRun Pro is the company’s most advanced model, employing ninth-generation technology to boost sound quality.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Water resistance: IP55
• Microphone: Dual noise-canceling

Pros

• Good sound quality
• Impressive battery life and quick charging
• Sweat-resistant for intense exercise

Cons

• Hard to replace charging cable
• Audio quality can’t hold up against traditional headphones

Without a doubt, Shokz has cornered the bone-conduction headphone market. The company produces thoughtfully engineered, top-quality products, creating an audio experience to complement the activities you enjoy. The OpenRun Pro is an excellent pair of bone-conduction headphones. They are ideal for just about any situation but are great headphones for running. Available in four colors and two band sizes, the OpenRun Pro fits gently, yet securely, around the back of the head, looping around the ears and resting against the temples.

The headphones employ patented ninth-generation bone-conduction technology. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 (using the SBC codec) and feature PremiumPitch 2.0 signal processing, which prevents bleed, minimizes distortion, and produces a more dynamic bass with minimal vibrations. The battery lasts 10 hours, and you can get a full charge in an hour. Or, with a quick five-minute charge, you’ll get up to 1.5 hours of battery life. Each pair comes with a proprietary magnetic USB charging cable, which easily snaps onto the charging contacts on the headphones.

A dual noise-canceling mic will let you make clear calls. An IP55 rating means this pair can withstand dirt, dust, and sweat. A built-in moisture detector will let you know when it’s getting wet. Keep in mind that while the OpenRun Pro is water-resistant, it’s not designed to be fully submerged in the pool, and you won’t want to run in too heavy of rain with it either. If you would prefer more water resistance, the OpenRun offers many of the same features with an IP67 rating.

Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim

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Why it made the cut: The OpenSwim have an IP68 rating, which means they can be fully submerged in water for up to two hours; you can swim with them without making terrible sacrifices regarding audio quality.

Specs:

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz 
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP68
• Microphone: None

Pros

• Waterproof
• Ample storage for songs and audiobooks
• Comfortably fits under swim cap

Cons

• Single-purpose headphones
• No Bluetooth connection
• Limited color options

Shokz designed the OpenSwim specifically to deliver your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts while swimming. These headphones feature an IP68 rating, fit comfortably under a swim cap, and you can swim as deep as 2 meters for up to two hours at a time. Unfortunately, they are not Bluetooth compatible. But they can store up to 1,200 songs (4 GB) of various file types, including MP3, WAV, AAC, and FLAC. The OpenSwim headphones feature the same command controls and PremiumPitch 2.0 technology as other Shokz open-ear headphones. So, while you won’t be able to stream, you can listen to your favorites with solid, satisfying sound quality. They even come with a noseclip and earplugs.

Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm2 UC

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Why it made the cut: A DSP noise-canceling microphone means the OpenComm2 headphones are able to isolate your voice while talking, drowning out any surrounding din but keeping you in tune with your environment.

Specs

• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Battery life: 16 hours of talk time // 8 hours of listening time
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Water resistance: IP55
• Microphone: DSP noise-canceling boom microphone

Pros

• Comfortable for long wear
• Extended battery life for long phone calls
• Boom microphone enhances call quality

Cons

• Shape is hard to store
• Some sound bleed might limit private conversations

The OpenComm2 UC headphones prioritize clear communication using an adjustable DSP boom microphone. The boom mic suppresses background noise and highlights your voice when positioned near your mouth. Though the person on the other end of the line won’t pick up on your environment’s sounds, the open-ear headphones will ensure you can hear the person talking on the phone and the one right in front of you. The OpenComm2 are Zoom Certified, offering seamless software integration and Zoom controls on the dedicated headset buttons. They are a great pair of headphones for work, as a result.

The OpenComm2 system lets you bypass your car’s choppy stereo if you have to make a call on the road without cutting yourself off from the sound of traffic. You can also stay on the call when you’re at a job site or keep connected during a busy commute, all without losing situational awareness. You can get up to 16 hours of talk time or eight hours of listening time, and with Quick Charge, you’ll get a replenished two hours of battery life in just five minutes.

Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones

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Why it made the cut: These waterproof, sweatproof headphones will hold up as you pump iron or just rearrange your living room.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 10-minute quick charge
• Water resistance: IP67
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• IP67 rated
• High sound quality
• Long battery life

Cons

• Proprietary charger

Using your sweaty hands to remove your headphones because someone is asking to use the treadmill is common in the gym. So is taking your earbuds out or headphones off repeatedly while roommates/family/friends try to talk to you as you get chores done. Keep your headphones on while keeping your ears open with these sport-friendly HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones. They are IP67 rated, meaning sweat and water won’t get in the way of completing your reps—whether lifting weights or emptying the washer.

An eight-hour battery life gives you all-day tunes power, and 10-minute quick charging gives you two hours of power. The sound quality is superb compared to other bone-conduction headphones, with deep bass and a solid range of highs and lows thanks to a strong Bluetooth 5.2 connection. A noise-canceling microphone means you can take calls without the background bleeding into your conversation. However, a proprietary charger means you’ll be tuneless if you lose power on the go, so prep before you step.

Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones

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Why it made the cut: These headphones include a volume limit of 85 decibels, and the open-ear design means your child will always be able to hear the world around them and when you call for them.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charge time: 1-hour quick charge
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Lightweight
• Volume limiter keeps kids’ hearing safe
• Adjustable band can grow with your child

Cons

• Soundbeaming technology is difficult to grasp
• Susceptible to water damage
• No noise cancellation means they’re not great for travel

These open-ear headphones aren’t exactly the same as bone-conduction headphones, but the form factor and effect are similar. With soundbeaming speakers resting outside the ear on the cheekbones, these headphones ensure your active child can stay alert to their surroundings even when listening to their favorite songs. The adjustable band is suitable for children ages 4 to 15. With a volume limit of 85 decibels, these headphones go above and beyond to address any concerns you might have for their awareness or hearing. N/0 equipped these headphones with Bluetooth 5.0, eight hours of battery, and an automatic sensor to control playback. An IP54 rating means you won’t have to worry about a few spills or drops in the dirt. Whether skateboarding, biking, or just running around the backyard, your kids can enjoy music and mobility safely.

Best budget: Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

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Why it made the cut: If bone conduction is new to you, you might not be ready to shell out $100 or more. The Guudsoud headphones produce satisfying sound quality and suitable specs in a great intro pair.

Specs

• Frequency response: Unknown
• Battery life: 6-10 hours
• Charge time: 2 hours
• Water resistance: IP54
• Microphone: Built-in wireless

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Useful, responsive multifunction button
• Sound quality is good for the price point

Cons

• Flimsy build
• Sound quality could be improved
• Battery life is just okay

If you want to try out bone conduction but are not ready to invest in a high-end pair, this cheap model from Guudsoud might be right for you. Available for less than $40, they are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in microphone, multifunction buttons, and an adjustable band for comfort. The battery can last up to 10 hours, and a 15-minute quick charge provides one hour of playback. Each pair comes with a USB charging cable and a pair of earplugs so you can create custom noise cancellation.

What to consider when buying the best bone-conduction headphones

If your mom always warns you not to listen to your headphones while walking home at night, or you need to hear the traffic behind you as you pedal to work, try out the best bone-conduction headphones. To determine which pair will work best for your needs, you’ll want to consider where and when you’ll be using them the most. You’ll also want to ensure you understand how they work, especially if this is your first pair of bone-conduction headphones.

First of all, what is bone conduction, and how does it work?

Bone-conduction headphones allow you to experience audio sans any direct interaction with your ear canal or eardrum. While this may sound like some new-fangled, tech-heavy sorcery, there is evidence that bone conduction has been around for centuries. It is rumored that Beethoven relied on bone conduction to compose music after losing his hearing by attaching a metal rod to his piano and biting down on it as he played. But how does it work? 

Typically, sound waves travel through the air and are funneled through the ear canal to the eardrums. They are then decoded into vibrations and sent to the inner ear (or cochlea), which is connected to the auditory nerve. When the vibrations hit the inner ear fluid, tiny hair cells start to convulse, creating electrical pulses that travel up the auditory nerve to the brain. This process is called air conduction. Bone conduction completely avoids the eardrum, which is what’s targeted by the miniature speaker in traditional earbuds, and relies on a transducer of another sort to convert sound waves into vibrations and send those through the facial bones to be received by the inner ear. Essentially, the vibrations the cochlea receives are the same no matter how you receive them. They are simply sent via a different pathway. 

This concept has even been used in reverse. The Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones include a bone-conduction sensor that picks up the vibrations from your voice during calls to help enable clearer speech without picking up ambient sound.

Who should use bone-conduction headphones?

Medically, bone-conduction headphones benefit those experiencing conductive hearing loss, a condition that directly affects the transmission of sound through the eardrums. Conductive hearing loss is just one way the auditory system can be disrupted, so bone-conduction headphones won’t work for everyone with hearing difficulties. 

Bone-conduction headphones are also helpful for those who need to maintain situational awareness while they enjoy their music. These headphones provide an additional layer of safety for bikers, hikers, drivers, or anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings. Active in dense urban environments? Bone conduction makes for great running headphones. Bone-conduction headphones are also particularly great for swimmers. Air conduction is heavily suppressed when we are underwater, but the vibrations created by bone conduction can still be transmitted. That means a pair of bone-conduction headphones with an Ingress Protection rating of IP68 (aka waterproof) can keep you connected to your workout playlist lap after lap. 

Now, bone conduction won’t make your entire face shake, rattle, and roll, so you don’t need to worry about experiencing discomfort while you listen. In fact, many report that these headphones are secure, comfortable, and easy to wear. However, if you are sensitive to pressure, there is a chance that you may experience dizziness or headaches after a long stretch of listening.

How’s the sound quality?

If you’re an audiophile searching for your next pair of headphones, chances are bone conduction isn’t going to be what you’re looking for. That being said, the overall audio quality of these headsets can certainly get you through a tough training session or walk to work. At high volumes, audio can start to distort or get crunchy and an expansive mix isn’t really possible. However, with a quality model, you will still get to experience impactful bass. You’ll feel the vibrations instead of highly pressurized waves from over-ear cans. 

Just remember that even the best bone-conduction headphones aren’t meant to fit or even necessarily sound like traditional headphones or earbuds. If you haven’t used bone-conduction headphones before, you might feel inclined to turn up the volume as loud as it can go in an attempt to recreate that natural, passive noise cancellation that every other type of headphone relies on. Remember that nothing is blocking your ear canal, which means that you will purposefully be able to hear your surroundings clearly. Maxing out the volume won’t affect that, but it could lead to hearing loss down the road.

Can bone-conduction headphones use Bluetooth?

There are wireless bone-conduction headphones that use Bluetooth 4.2 and higher to connect to devices such as cellphones and computers. Set up and pairing is no different with Bluetooth bone-conduction headphones than connecting any other type of Bluetooth headphones. Some may even have onboard controls like play, pause, and skip for your streaming services. Other models are more like a portable MP3 player, with the ability to store hours of songs internally. Remember the iPod shuffle? That’s what you’ll be getting. It’s an excellent option for folks who want to jam out to a curated playlist without their phone.

Can you take phone calls with bone-conduction headphones?

Many companies equip their bone-conduction headphones with a microphone so you can answer calls on the go. While the headphones themselves can’t employ any passive or active noise cancellation to enhance your listening experience, some models can use technology to make calls crisp and clear. The headphones with mic use various means to minimize outside sound—like wind, traffic, etc.—ensuring that the person you’re talking to can hear you without interruption. Just remember that bone-conduction headphones are subject to more sound bleed than traditional units, so you’ll want to be conscientious about volume when it comes to private calls.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best bone-conduction headphones

• Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro
• Best waterproof: Shokz OpenSwim
• Best for calls: Shokz OpenComm
• Best for multitasking: HAYLOU PurFree Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best for kids: N/0 Kids Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best budget: Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

Chances are you’re either an experienced bone-conduction headphones user or a novice looking to see if these air-conduction alternatives are right for you. Regardless of your familiarity, finding the right pair means homing in on when and where you’ll use them most. Think about your surroundings and consider your priorities regarding sound quality, microphone use, and waterproof rating, then shop accordingly. If you’re accustomed to traditional earphones or over-ear models, get ready to be surprised by the best bone-conduction headphones.

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 bone-conduction headphones 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		Manduka Pro		SEE IT	The Manduka Pro checks all the boxes for what serious yogis want.
Best thick mat		Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat		SEE IT	The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat provides lots of cushioning to spare your knees and elbows.
Best for beginners		Liforme Yoga Mat		SEE IT	The Liforme Yoga Mat has alignment markers to help guide you to perfect form.

Your yoga mat should help make you more comfortable and relaxed. It can take a lot of self-motivation to sign up for a yoga class at your gym or commit to a weekly at-home class, so you want the best yoga mat that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Most standard yoga mats are 2-feet wide by 5 1/2- to 6-feet long, made from rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While it may seem like a simple product, there are lots of distinctions among various mats—you may be surprised by how many options there are. Some are better suited to certain types of yoga and having the wrong one can make your practice more challenging. Across the board, though, the best yoga mats tend to be grippy and slip-proof, though that doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be super-squishy. We’re here to help you learn how to pick the yoga mat for you, and have a few thoughts on the best ones you can buy right now.

• Best overall: Manduka Pro
• Best thick mat: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat 
• Best Bikram (hot) yoga mat: Yoga Design Lab The Combo
• Best for beginners: Liforme Yoga mat
• Best budget: Beautyovo Yoga Mat with Strap

How we picked the best yoga mats

I’ve been doing yoga off and on for the last two decades, alternating between years where I’d do yoga in a studio two or three times a week, and other times when I’d think to myself, “Hmm, I haven’t unrolled my mat in a month.” There have been times when I was limber and balanced enough to do advanced binds and acro-poses, though I’ve sometimes sat on my mat before class and worried I was too stiff to even get into some basic poses.

I’ve written outdoor and gear reviews for more than five years for sites like INSIDER, TripSavvy, Popular Mechanics, TechRadar, and more. Before that, I wrote product descriptions for workout and athletic clothing for an online retailer.

To make our selections, I looked at the mat’s thickness and materials, the brand’s reputation, and impressions from other users of various levels and disciplines. I also reached out to other yogis I know, including certified instructors, beginners, men, and retirees, to get their feedback on specific brands and products. 

Best yoga mats: Reviews & Recommendations

The best yoga mats are the highest-rated and most useful mats on the market, ranging from thin travel mats to durable studio mats. We believe there’s something for every type of Yogi here, but keep in mind that these recommendations are best practices for a wide range of people. Only you can pick the right yoga mat for you. If you find that a thick mat works with your balance poses or don’t mind carrying a 4mm mat when you travel, go for it. The important thing is practicing yoga and stretching your body, not having the “perfect” mat. 

Best overall: Manduka Pro

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Manduka Pro is somehow both stable and supportive, easy to clean, and has a lifetime warranty. 

Specs

• Thickness: 6mm
• Dimensions: 71 x 26 inches
• Material: Reduced-emission PVC

Pros

• Lifetime warranty
• Firm material
• Comes in multiple sizes
• Good for all yoga styles

Cons 

• Heavy
• Has a break-in period

The Manduka Pro may look familiar if you’ve ever taken a yoga class at your gym. I’ve practiced in studios from Vermont to California, Costa Rica to Bali, and I’ve found that, after a while, you start to notice when lots of people use the same mat, even with a plain black one like this.

Its universal appeal likely stems from its versatility. The Manduka Pro is thick enough to provide cushioning for relaxed classes. It’s made from a unique PVC material that doesn’t compromise balance. It’s also heavy—7 pounds—which ensures it doesn’t slide or bunch up. It’s a bit heavy if you bike to class or plan to carry it all day until class, but it doesn’t seem much thicker when rolled and should fit in any standard-size yoga mat bag. 

While it is made from non-recyclable PVC, it is durable enough that you should be able to use it every day for years, maybe even decades. It also requires a little bit of maintenance: You’ll need to break it in at first, but that should be a problem for frequent yogis.

Just remember to wipe it down with a cleaning spray every so often. The material doesn’t absorb sweat or oil, it can get a little slippery if you don’t keep it clean.

Best thick mat: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat 

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Yogis with joint issues will appreciate how much support you get from this extremely thick mat.

Specs

• Thickness: 10 mm
• Dimensions: 72 x 24 inches
• Material: Synthetic rubber/foam

Pros: 

• Extra cushioning for joints
• Included carrying strap
• Works as a general exercise mat 
• Comes in multiple colors

Cons: 

• Not good for balance poses
• Hard to store

Thick yoga mats can make balance exercises a little tricky, but they’re fabulous for Yin and Restorative yoga, or classes where you hold positions on your knees or elbows for an extended period of time. It’s also great for other floor exercises during home workouts like situps and crunches. The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is particularly padded, which makes it great if you’ve experienced pain in your knees or hip bones from other mats. 

That thickness comes with a couple of drawbacks: First, the cushioning makes it hard to stay stable in balance poses like Eagle or Warrior III. Second, it is significantly wider than a standard mat when rolled, even with the straps. The tightest you can roll this mat is around 7.5 or 8 inches.

Be sure to keep it clean to maintain the loft; oils and sweat can cause the foam to compress faster than average. 

Best Bikram (hot) yoga mat: Yoga Design Lab The Combo

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Sustainable materials make us feel good about buying this mat while the absorbent top layer ensures against slips and slides from heavy perspiration. 

Specs

• Thickness: 3.5 mm
• Dimensions: 70 x 24 inches
• Material: Natural rubber and recycled microfiber 

Pros: 

• Anti-slip top layer absorbs sweat
• Includes carrying strap
• Sustainable and recycled materials
• Multiple patterns

Cons: 

• A little heavy 

It’s really important to use a very grippy yoga mat during Bikram yoga. Your mat can get pretty slippery as you sweat, and you’re more likely to get fatigued in a Bikram class than in a Restorative class. You want to feel secure at your contact points, so it pays to get a specialized mat.

Yoga Design Labs’ The Combo has a microfiber top layer that absorbs moisture, making it a great fit for Bikram and other high-impact exercises. The microfiber layer feels smooth and comfortable, similar to a cleaning cloth. Underneath the absorbent layer, the mat is made from natural rubber, which can absorb some moisture too. It’s also more sustainable than your average PVC yoga mat.

Cleaning and caring for your mat is always important, but it is essential here since it’s absorbing your sweat. If you regularly start sweating after your first sun salutation, this will be the best yoga mat for your practice. 

Best for beginners: Liforme Yoga Mat

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: A guidance system makes it easy to find your center—literally—while the grippy texture helps secure your hands when you’re reaching for new poses. 

Specs

• Thickness: 4.3 inches
• Dimensions: 72 x 24 inches
• Material: Synthetic rubber/foam

Pros

• Printed guidance helps you learn poses correctly
• Comes with carrying bag
• Very grippy material 

Cons 

• Expensive, especially for new yoga fans

When I started doing yoga in college, the hardest part of classes was figuring out where my hands and feet were supposed to go, especially with my head down or if I was in the back row. I didn’t always know what the instructors meant when they referred to “centering,” and it was hard to tell if my feet were actually aligned correctly in poses like Extended Side Angle.

Fortunately, Liforme makes a practice mat designed to help people find their footing. It has alignment guidance markings, which show you how to find important places on your mat. There are lines for even hand and foot placement, a lotus to mark the center of the mat, and marks to show you where your feet should be in 45-degree angle positions like Reverse Warrior. It’s ideal for beginners learning new poses, but it may also be useful for intermediate yogis looking to perfect poses they already know. 

Best budget: Beautyovo Yoga Mat with Strap

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Beautyovo’s budget-friendly yoga mat is comfortable, grippy, and comes with a carrying strap for easy carrying. 

Specs

• Thickness: 8.4 mm
• Dimensions: 72 x 24 inches
• Material: TPE (mix of natural and synthetic rubber)

Pros: 

• Budget-friendly
• Comes with carrying strap
• No PVC
• Double-sided/double textured 

Cons: 

• Won’t last that long
• Too thick for balance poses 

If you’re new to yoga and still on the fence about whether you’ll make it part of your regular workout routine, there’s no reason to drop $100 or more on an expensive mat. Beautyovo’s mat isn’t going to win any awards for durability or style, but it’s a solid choice if you only plan to use it every so often. It’s thick and cushioned, which is great for beginners and infrequent yogis who may want a little extra padding, and probably aren’t working on complicated balance positions. It also comes with a strap, making it easy to carry to the gym and easy to store in the corner of a closet or under the couch. 

This mat has a different texture on each side, supposedly for gripping floors and providing sweat-proof traction, but I don’t notice much difference between the front and the back. If yoga is a regular part of your weekly routine, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a thinner, more durable mat. If you’re just starting out or simply don’t want to spend a lot of money, though, it’s a solid choice.

What to consider when picking the best yoga mats

Picking a good yoga mat can have a huge effect on your workout. The best of the best can get rather pricey, though, so you should have an idea of what characteristics will be better or worse for you and your routine.

Thickness

It’s tempting to think you should buy the thickest yoga mat possible to make your practice more comfortable, especially if you spend a lot of time on your knees or elbows. But that may not actually be the best mat for you. Thick mats offer less stability for your hands and feet, making balancing and inversion poses more challenging. The most common yoga mat thickness is usually around 4mm, but there are both thinner and thicker options out there for different situations.

If you do yoga on a hard floor, choose the thickness based on your style of yoga. We recommend using a thicker 5mm to 6mm mat for Yin or Restorative yoga classes since they involve lots of deep stretches and seated positions. The extra padding will provide more cushioning on your joints, and won’t ball up as often when you’re reaching your fingertips to add an extra inch to your stretch.

If your yoga routine features lots of balancing positions, like vinyasa or power yoga, you’ll probably want a thinner mat—3mm or less. The firm surface will help you stabilize your balance positions and make it easier to find your center when making quick transitions between left and right or front to back.  You should always go with a thinner mat if you usually lay your yoga mat on the carpet since your carpet will already add an extra level of cushioning. 

Materials

The material your yoga mat is made from can have a material effect on how it performs during your regular routine. Some materials provide better grip than others: PVC, most commonly used in less expensive yoga mats, tends to be a little slippery. Mats made with moldable materials like synthetic rubber or recycled plastics often have slightly raised textures and patterns that create a grippy surface.

Meanwhile, Materials like cork and cotton are more absorbent and better for classes like Bikram, Vinyasa, and Power yoga where you’re almost certain to sweat. You don’t want your dripping perspiration to cause you to slip on your mat.  

Since there are a wide variety of options out there, it is very possible to pick a great yoga mat with sustainability in mind as well. PVC isn’t biodegradable and releases many chemicals in the production process. It’s generally considered one of the least eco-friendly plastics but is frequently used to keep costs down. Luckily, there are plenty of companies making mats from less harmful materials, including natural rubber, sustainable cork, or recycled plastics. Each one has its own feel, but we’ve found that materials like raised rubber or cotton tend to be a little less slippery.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best yoga mats

• Best overall: Manduka Pro
• Best thick mat: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat 
• Best Bikram (hot) yoga mat: Yoga Design Lab The Combo
• Best for beginners: Liforme Yoga mat
• Best budget: Beautyovo Yoga Mat with Strap

You shouldn’t worry too hard about picking the right yoga mat. Yes, some are good and some are bad. In theory, it could make a difference in helping you eventually nail a tricky inverted pose. The most important thing, though, is to find one you like and feel comfortable using. Make sure you choose a mat that makes you feel happy and motivated when you unroll it at the start of every class. 

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 yoga mats 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		VEICK Resistance Bands Set		SEE IT	Adjustable resistance bands can combine for a maximum equivalent of 150 pounds.
Best for building muscle		Iron Infidel Resistance Bands		SEE IT	Five levels of resistance that are perfect for every type of strength and fitness goal.
Best fabric		Arena Strength Fabric Resistance Bands		SEE IT	Easy-to-use bands will help you activate and strengthen your lower body and glutes.

Resistance bands first came into favor in the early 1900s as equipment for muscle rehabilitation exercises. And while the bands are still used widely in physical therapy today, resistance bands have also become widely popular in fitness and strength training, particularly in home gyms, due to their inherent flexibility and versatility. While exercise bikes are great, resistance bands pack a lot of punch without a large price tag or storage space requirements. The bands are great for anyone looking to build muscle, burn calories, perform full-body conditioning, or even perform basic stretching while fully protecting the joints. 

While those early resistance bands were constructed from standard surgical tubing, there are many more options on the market today. Many of the best resistance bands for working out are made from latex rubber or fabric, and some even come with handles that can be clipped on for further adaptability. In addition, most bands come in sets that are typically color-coded to indicate various resistance levels, making them perfect for users with a wide range of fitness skills from beginner to intermediate and advanced. 

In addition to being a great addition to any home gym, resistance bands are also ideal for traveling since they’re lightweight and easy to transport. For anyone who thinks resistance bands might be an ideal addition to their home fitness equipment, we’ve rounded up some of the best resistance bands on the market, so you’ll be stretching and flexing in no time.

• Best overall: VEICK Resistance Bands Set
• Best for building muscle: Iron Infidel Resistance Bands
• Best for glutes: Vergali Fabric Booty Bands
• Best fabric: Arena Strength Fabric Resistance Bands
• Best set: Taimasi 23-Piece Resistance Bands Set

How we picked the best resistance bands

In evaluating products for this guide, we researched more than 50 different types and brands of resistance bands with a range of price points. Ultimately, we based our decisions on user ratings, and we chose the products with the most overall satisfactory customer reviews. All too often, products have deceptively high star ratings, only to have the same complaints surface time and time again. Of course, even the most high-quality bands will wear out over time, but there is a difference between a handful of isolated negative reviews and genuine product design flaws.

Another crucial factor we took into consideration was the range of user fitness objectives. All of the products listed in this guide are practical for beginners through advanced athletes, but not all the best resistance bands are created equal. For example, those looking to strengthen their lower body may prefer fabric “booty” bands, while heavy-duty latex bands with handles might be a better fit for someone looking for an upper- or full-body workout. We selected a variety of products sure to meet a wide selection of unique and individual goals. Here are our picks for best resistance bands:

The best resistance bands: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: VEICK Resistance Bands Set

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Specs:

• Material: Natural latex rubber
• Resistance levels: 5
• Number of pieces: 11

Pros:

• Portable and easy to store
• Bands may crack or break over time
• Natural latex that stretches further

Cons:

• Weights may not be completely accurate

Get a full-body workout with minimal equipment using the VEICK Resistance Bands Set. Included are five 48-inch long colored exercise bands in increments of 10 through 50 pounds, along with convenient handles, ankle straps, and a door anchor that can be easily attached to doors and furniture for multiple workout scenarios. Or combine all five bands for the maximum resistance of 150 pounds with the reinforced metal carabiners.

The bands are also versatile enough to be compatible with various workouts, from Pilates and yoga to strength training, power weight programs, and stretching. In addition, they store easily and conveniently in a cloth pouch when not in use, making them the perfect alternative to dumbbells—especially for small homes and apartments where extra space may be at a premium.

Some users have found that the bands have a tendency to crack or break over time—particularly when it comes to the lower weights. However, users also reported that customer service is excellent and the company has been quick to send out replacement bands. A small handful of reviewers questioned whether the various weights are accurate, so we recommend starting out light and working your way up.

Best for building muscle: Iron Infidel Resistance Bands

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Specs:

• Material: 100% natural latex
• Resistance levels: 5
• Number of pieces: 5

Pros:

• No nonsense tactical colored bands
• Perfect for all strength levels
• Made from odorless 100% natural latex

Cons:

• Bands can be slippery to hold

Those serious about seeing results will love these Iron Infidel Resistance Bands, which are great for both men and women of all strength and fitness levels. Unlike many inferior competitor brands of latex rubber resistance bands, not only do these sharp-looking tactical bands not look like “a box of crayons,” but they are also natural and odor-free.

With five different resistance levels, the highest ranging from 60 to 150 pounds, you can change resistance levels as your strength increases or as you meet your personal goals. These bands are also highly versatile. Simply pair with weights for added resistance, or attach at different heights for a variety of exercises at home or in the gym. They’re great for assisting with deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, and squats, as well as for stretching and flexibility. The bands take up only a fraction of the storage space of dumbbells and other strength training equipment.

Though these bands don’t come with handles, those can be purchased separately, as some customers have noted the bands themselves can be slippery to hold. Alternatively, a decent pair of workout gloves can also help resolve this issue.

Best for glutes: Vergali Fabric Booty Bands

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Specs:

• Material: Poly-cotton and latex fabric
• Resistance levels: 4
• Number of pieces: 4

Pros:

• High-quality fabric for comfortable workouts
• Non-slip rubber grips keep bands in place
• Training guide and workout videos included

Cons:

• Not ideal for some plus-sized users

For the ultimate lower body workout, these Vergali Fabric Booty Bands will strengthen your hip, thighs, and butt like nothing else on the market. Four resistance levels with a maximum of 60 pounds will help take your squats, lunges, clamshells, fire hydrants, and more to the next level. They’re also great for beginners and even come with a training guide and online workout videos. Simply start with the light and medium bands and work your way up to the more advanced bands to slowly build strength as you burn.

Unlike many latex rubber bands that pinch your skin, these bands are constructed of high-quality fabric to make your workouts more comfortable. Non-slip elastic grips also ensure that the bands stay in place for the duration of your training, whether used with bare skin or tights, to eliminate the hassle of having to readjust in the middle of a set.

The only downside to these bands is that they only come in one size, and some curvy or plus-sized users feel that they’re too small to be used for a range of different workouts. Before purchasing, you may want to make sure that the bands will be large enough to accommodate the types of workouts you want to do. A few others have lamented that they wish the bands had higher weight resistance, but they’re still a solid option for a basic leg and butt band set.

Best fabric: Arena Strength Fabric Resistance Bands

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Specs:

• Material: Cotton
• Resistance levels: 3
• Number of pieces: 3

Pros:

• Ideal for both men and women
• Sized to fit perfectly above the knees
• Comfortable fabric design

Cons:

• Fraying and unraveling after use

Everyone from beginners to CrossFit enthusiasts will get an excellent lower body workout with Arena Strength Fabric Resistance Bands. The bands come in three standard sizes—light, medium, and hard—ideal for warm-up muscle activation, rehabilitation, and all-over total body strengthening. There are also sets specially geared to both men and women, though it’s worth pointing out that the bands themselves are the same, and the only difference lies with the colors and packaging.

Unlike some other brands, these resistance bands are also consistently sized so that the “hard” bands are no smaller than the “light” bands, and all are designed to fit perfectly above your knees. They won’t stretch or lose their durability over time and are triple-stitched to ensure against breaks.

Though some users noticed that the bands started fraying or unraveling after consistent use, the manufacturer stated that a “very small batch of defective bands” had been eliminated from their stock and that all affected customers had been contacted about replacements. One issue that has not been resolved, though,  is that a few customers said that their bands came with an odd smell, and it’s unclear whether that smell will dissipate over time. It’s something those who are sensitive to odors may want to consider before purchasing.

Best set: Taimasi 23-Piece Resistance Bands Set

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Specs:

• Material: 100% natural latex bands
• Resistance levels: 5
• Number of pieces: 23

Pros:

• Five levels of sturdy resistance
• Anti-snap sturdy metal carabiner clips
• Instant cooling towel for quick relief

Cons:

• Hand grips are small

For a complete home gym setup in one convenient package, the Taimasi 23-Piece Resistance Bands Set has got you covered. In addition to five resistance bands that can be used alone or stacked in any combination of intensity from 10 to 150 pounds, the set also comes with a range of accessories. These include a braided steel wire jump rope, figure-eight exercise band, handgrip strengthener ring, door anchor, cushioned soft-grip handles, and more.

The anti-snap tube bands are made from 100% natural latex, with sturdy metal carabiner clips to hold attachments in place or double up multiple bands. Along with all the great workout gear included in the set, there’s also an instant cooling towel to prevent you from overheating during even the most intense workouts.

Customers love the set’s versatility so much that the only minor complaint is that the hand grips are on the smaller side and can chafe the skin, which can be avoided with a pair of workout gloves.

Things to consider before buying resistance bands

There aren’t too many serious considerations to weigh when deciding whether resistance bands are the right home workout product for you. Due to their affordability, compact size, easy storage, and range of activities for different fitness levels, even the best resistance bands on the market are a fairly low-stakes investment. But here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Your fitness goals: Are you looking to start a new workout regimen, or are you a seasoned fitness buff looking to take your home workouts to the next level? Most sets come with a range of resistance levels to meet a wide variety of fitness goals, from beginner to advanced. Also, there are many different resistance bands on the market geared to different types of workouts. In other words, the best resistance bands for glutes and lower body strengthening may not be the best resistance bands for pull-ups or for building muscle, and so on.

Band material: Decide whether you prefer resistance bands made of fabric or latex. Though latex has traditionally been the more popular material for fitness bands, the best fabric resistance bands tend to be more comfortable, particularly on bare skin, and they stay in place better. However, fabric bands are often designed for lower body workouts, so your choice of material may depend on which muscles and areas you plan to target.

FAQs

Final on the best resistance bands

• Best overall: VEICK Resistance Bands Set
• Best for building muscle: Iron Infidel Resistance Bands
• Best for glutes: Vergali Fabric Booty Bands
• Best fabric: Arena Strength Fabric Resistance Bands
• Best set: Taimasi 23-Piece Resistance Bands Set

For all-around versatility and adaptability of use, our pick for the best resistance bands is the Taimasi 23-Piece Resistance Bands Set. Even those with the tightest amount of living space should have ample room to use the various accessories right at home, and the door anchor transforms virtually any doorway into a home gym. However, those with more advanced fitness goals may better appreciate the Iron Infidel Resistance Bands due to their overall ruggedness and durability. In addition to being a great way to exercise at home, they’re also an excellent accessory to pack up and bring along to your local gym or CrossFit studio to enhance traditional workouts.

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 resistance bands 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		Ace 3		SEE IT	It’s made specifically for children.
Best for style		Fitbit Luxe		SEE IT	Its good looks make it appealing to a wide audience.
Best for teens		Inspire 3		SEE IT	Get slightly older kids some more advanced features.

Fitbits for kids can be a great way to encourage children to develop healthy habits and active lifestyles from an early age. Beyond serving as motivational tools to get moving, they also help you monitor how much exercise your child is getting. Some even offer kid-specific features to gamify movement, making it fun to get active. Fitbits don’t just monitor exercise, though. They can help keep track of stress levels, monitor heart rate, store music, receive phone notifications, and even track sleep. No matter your child’s age, there’s something for them on our list of the best Fitbits for kids. 

• Best overall: Ace 3
• Best for teens: Inspire 3
• Best for style: Fitbit Luxe
• Best with GPS: Fitbit Charge 6
• Best Fitbit alternative: Amazfit Band 7

How we chose the best Fitbits for kids

When selecting the best Fitbits for kids, we started by comparing the entire Fitbit lineup, many of which we have actually reviewed. We focused on models offering kid-friendly features, reasonable pricing, and designs that appeal to a younger crowd. While one model is specifically made for kids, other models can appeal to slightly older children and teens with different needs. We also included a Fiitbit alternative if you want a budget-friendly fitness tracker outside the Fitbit brand.

The best Fitbits for kids: Reviews & Recommendations

A Fitbit, one of the leading brands of activity trackers, can motivate your child to get the recommended daily amount of exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, kids from ages 6 to 17 need about 60 minutes of physical movement per day to stay healthy. Fitbits can easily help track those minutes to ensure adequate movement. Below are the best Fitbits for kids, no matter what their current level of activity may be.

Best overall: Ace 3

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a touchscreen display, eight days of battery life, impressive memory, and Parent and Kid View, this is the obvious choice for most young ones.

Specs

• Ages: 6+
• Water resistance: Up to 164 feet
• Battery life: Up to 8 days
• Charge time: 2 hours

Pros

• 8 days of battery life
• Bedtime and alarms
• Parent and Kid View
• Water-resistant 
• Interchangeable bands 

Cons

• Pricey for young kids
• No heart rate monitoring

The only Fitbit specifically made for children, the Ace 3 has many great features relevant to young ones. With eight days of battery life, a touchscreen display, bedtime alerts, reminders to move, a step counter, and gentle alarms to wake your kids up, this Fitbit comes fully stocked.

One of the most kid-friendly aspects of the Ace 3 is the fun virtual badges, animated clock faces, and personalized avatars that add a healthy sense of competition and play to their activity. Your kids can also personalize their Fitbit with interchangeable accessories, like Minions bands, for an added fee. 

There’s both parent and kid view, and it’s also water-resistant up to 164 feet, so they can even wear it while swimming. It’s by no means cheap, but with all the bells and whistles, we think it’s worth the investment. 

Best for teens: Inspire 3

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Why it made the cut: Easy to use and accessible for teens with a one-year premium trial included, this is a great starter tracker for young adults looking to track calories, heart rate, steps, and more at home and at school.

Specs

• Ages: 13+
• Water resistance: Up to 164 feet
• Battery life: Up to 10 days
• Charge time: 2 hours

Pros

• Easy to use and accessible
• Affordable 
• Up to 10 days of battery
• Six-month Fitbit Premium membership included
• Competitive games

Cons

• Screen may be hard to read in the sunlight
• Band wears after some time

The Inspire 3 is Fitbit’s most accessible and easy-to-use fitness tracker, which makes it a solid option for teens. It’s also a New Fitbit users get a six-month free trial of Fitbit Premium so they can have access to guided meditations, exercises, and accountability to make their fitness and health journey even easier. 

The Inspire 3 connects to a smartphone, providing call, text, and app notifications right on your teen’s wrist. That means they won’t have as much of an excuse for ignoring your calls or texts. Come nighttime, it offers a sleep mode to pause notifications and turns the screen off so that their sleep isn’t interrupted.

With its sleek design and simple interface, Inspire 3 is a great starter Fitbit for tracking steps, heart rate, distance, calories, food logging, menstrual health, sleep, and more. This waterproof smartwatch can go as deep as 164 feet, so your teen can wear it during swim team practice to keep track of their workouts. The battery lasts up to 10 days, and there are even fun games in the app like Get Fit Bingo, for more competitive-minded teens.

Best for style: Fitbit Luxe

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Why it made the cut: Fashion-forward and stylish, the Fitbit Luxe features a menstrual health tracker, several stress management tools, and sleep aids useful for teens.

Specs

• Ages: 13+
• Water resistance: Up to 164 feet
• Battery life: Up to 5 days
• Charge time: 2 hours

Pros

• Call/text notifications 
• Connects to phone GPS to track pace and distance
• Menstrual health tracker
• Stylish design
• Stress management features

Cons

• Pricey
• Website says the battery lasts five days, but depletes quicker depending on use

Swimproof, slim, and fashion-forward, the Fitbit Luxe is the perfect tracker for teens who want to be more hands-on (or is that wrists-on?) with their health. It not only takes care of all-day tracking but also connects to a phone’s GPS to track pace and distance and allows wearers to stay connected with friends via call and text notifications. 

If your teenager has periods, they can track ovulation, record period symptoms, and log flow with the built-in menstrual health tracker, which can help them feel informed about their menstrual health. It also has several stress-management features, such as guided breathing, to help with mood and stress levels. We want to note that teenage girls have enough societal pressure, and we love that Fitbit’s team is committed to helping teenage girls stay healthy and happy without focusing on striving for perfection.

It’s not the cheapest option, but the Special Edition gorjana Soft Gold Stainless Steel Parker Link Bracelet doubles as a bracelet that goes with every outfit, making the perfect birthday or holiday gift!

Best with GPS: Fitbit Charge 6

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Why it made the cut: This Fitbit with GPS can track over 40 workouts, including swimming, and has a built-in GPS system for more accurate location and distance information during workouts. 

Specs

• Ages: 13+
• Water resistance: Up to 164 feet
• Battery life: Up to 7 days
• Charge time: 2 hours

Pros

• Comfortable to wear 24/7
• Built-in GPS with access to Google Maps
• Bigger touchscreen display 
• Heart rate tracker
• Built-in YouTube Music controls

Cons

• Music controls require a subscription
• Expensive compared to other options

Fitbit’s most advanced fitness and health tracker yet, this Fitbit with GPS comes with tons of elite features in a slim and lightweight design. It features an on-wrist ECG app, step tracker, calorie tracker, automatic exercise recognition, swim-tracking, and sleep monitoring. It also allows your kids to set goals and it buzzes when they hit certain heart rate zones. Plus, the main draw: built-in GPS for tracking routes and workouts.

The built-in GPS allows for much more accurate data related to distance and pace during workouts. The Charge 6 also comes with Google Maps, which provides turn-by-turn directions right on their wrist, giving you peace of mind that your child won’t get lost on a run or bike ride.

Fitbit also included YouTube Music controls on the Charge 6, though you will need a subscription to access that feature.

Best Fitbit alternative: Amazfit Band 7

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This budget-friendly Fitbit alternative offers accurate heart rate data, movement goals, and a vibrant display without the subscription fee.

Specs

• Ages: 13+
• Water resistance: Up to 164 feet
• Battery life: Up to 18 days
• Charge time: 2 hours

Pros

• Long battery life
• Accurate heart rate data
• No subscription required to access all features
• Affordable

Cons

• Touchscreen is finicky
• Lack of buttons takes time to get used to

While Fitbit makes some excellent fitness trackers, you’ll need a subscription to access all features and data. For many, that makes Fitbits for kids a less-than-ideal choice. The Amazfit Band 7 is a great alternative in part thanks to the lack of a subscription but also due to the initial budget-friendly price. You’ll spend less upfront and overtime with this cheap fitness tracker.

Despite the low price, the Band 7 has a lot to offer. Amazfit promises up to 18 days of battery life, and during my testing, I got 16 days or so with a daily workout. Of course, actual battery life heavily depends on how you use the watch and if you have the always-on display on, but it is still impressive for the price. It also charges quickly, so you can get back to tracking movement in no time.

The built-in BioTracker 3.0 PPG biometric sensor tracks heart rate and blood oxygen levels. I found the heart rate data to be very accurate during runs and weightlifting sessions, even when compared to more expensive hiking and Garmin watches. The watch uses that information to calculate VO2 Max, stress levels, and to track sleep. It also provides a PAI, or Personal Activity Intelligence, score, which gives you a picture of how active you are and what your activity level should be for you as an individual.

The Amazfit Band 7 can track 120 different workout types. That includes basics like running, cycling, and yoga but also more obscure things like kite-flying, jumping rope, and badminton. No matter what your child is into, there’s a good chance this fitness tracker can track it. It also pairs with a phone so that your kid can receive phone notifications on their wrist.

Check out our full review to learn more about the Amazfit Band 7.

What to consider when shopping for the best Fitbits for kids

The best Fitbits for kids will fall into the fitness tracker category due to the inherent lower price and slim design. While many of these options share features, there are still some key things to consider before purchasing a device for your child.

A quick note on the term “Fitbit”

For some people, the term “Fitbit” has taken on a more general meaning—it’s a catch-all that references any fitness tracker. It’s like how we often call plastic storage bags Ziploc bags. In reality, Fitbit is a specific brand that’s owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company. We’re keeping this list almost entirely specific to that brand because the company makes a lot of excellent devices, but have included an alternative as well.

Battery life

Battery life is a key component of any device for kids. If their fitness tracker needs to be charged daily, there’s a good chance it won’t actually be worn very much. Most Fitbits promise a battery life of up to five days, but actual battery life is dependent on how your child is using the watch and what types of settings and features are turned on. You’ll want to consider how responsible your kid is—or how much you want to be hands-on with charging—and choose a watch with a battery life that matches.

Features

While Fitbit products have commonalities, some trackers come with unique features. It’s important to identify what you want to get out of your Fitbit. Do you want a hybrid tracker and smartwatch that can sync with a smartphone and offer more complex functionality? Or do you want simple fitness tracking? Do you need GPS built in? How important are stress management tools?

Sleep tracking may also be an important feature for your child. The Sleep Foundation says that sleep not only helps your child’s energy levels but also impacts a slew of other important developmental areas such as memory, focus, mood, learning, motor skill development, and overall happiness. Keeping track of their sleep can help you get your kids on a healthy sleep schedule, which will only have benefits down the road.

Luckily, Fitbit has a tool to help you narrow in on the best option for your particular needs. Take the company’s Fitbit quiz to help you make your decision. 

Budget

How much are you looking to spend? While some budget Fitbits are around $80, they can go all the way up to several hundred, depending on features and frills like GPS tracking and smartwatch capabilities. The kid-specific Ace is one of Fitbit’s cheaper models, which makes sense since kids are prone to breaking and losing gadgets on the regular. Buying a kid a $250 smartwatch can be a real gamble. 

Style

Your Fitbit’s style should reflect your child’s age and development. Some Fitbits, like the Ace 3, are meant for small children around six years, and others are meant for older teens, like the Inspire 3 or Luxe. A kid won’t wear something if they hate the way it looks.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Fitbits for kids

• Best overall: Ace 3
• Best for teens: Inspire 3
• Best for style: Fitbit Luxe
• Best with GPS: Fitbit Charge 6
• Best Fitbit alternative: Amazfit Band 7

More focused on fitness than the average smartwatches for kids, Fitbits for kids are a great tool to make healthy living a convenient part of your child’s daily life. From fun incentives, cool features, and built-in tracking, teaching your child how to have agency over their health has never been easier. Hopefully, this article helps you narrow down the best Fitbits for kids so you can find the one that is right for your child.

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 Fitbits for kids 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 Portable		DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser		SEE IT	A compact model that offers eight resistance modes.
Best Elliptical		Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine		SEE IT	Comes with a built-in monitor and an app to track your progress.
Best Budget		Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike		SEE IT	A no-frills option that allows you to adjust resistance.

If you’re looking to get some exercise in while you work, consider an under-desk bike. They enable you to go about your day while stretching your muscles, getting your heartbeat up, and improving your circulation. They’re especially good if you spend so much time at your desk that you can’t get to the gym after work or hit the road for an actual bike ride. Those are the obvious benefits. There are other less obvious under-desk bike benefits: Do you have trouble sitting still? Think of a pedal exerciser as a fidget spinner for your legs. Are you in a thermostat war at work and constantly freezing? Warm yourself right up with a few turns of the wheel. Some fans of the cycling desk even report increased focus and concentration. That’s why we’ve compiled what to know to buy one of the best under-desk bikes for your lifestyle.

• Best overall: Davcreator Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
• Best with app: Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Lower Body Workout Strider Machine
• Best portable: DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
• Best elliptical: Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
• Best with desk: Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3-Way Adjustable Desk
• Best folding: Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser
• Best for two-in-one: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
• Best with resistance bands: LifePro Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Resistance Bands
• Best budget: Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike

How we chose the best under-desk bikes

In compiling our list of the best under-desk bikes, we considered the functionality of the bikes, resistance levels, whether they tracked metrics, if they featured an associated app, and if they had extra features like resistance bands. We also considered under-desk bike reviews, mobility and portability, and price.

The best under-desk bikes: Reviews & Recommendations

Maybe you’ve never considered incorporating home exercise equipment into your workday, but it could be time to! Just because an under-desk bike is lower profile than its home-gym counterparts, like treadmills and ellipticals and full-sized exercise bikes, doesn’t mean it still can’t be a serious piece of equipment. Read on for our picks for a range of needs.

Best overall: Davcreator Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

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Specs

• Materials: Aluminum alloy, plastic
• Dimensions: 19.9 inches D x 12.8 inches W x 9.6 inches H
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Resistance levels: 8

Pros

• Well-made
• Ability to track metrics on LCD screen
• Large pedals

Cons

• No smart functionality

If you want to improve your strength and endurance and measure your progress, the Davcreator Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser is a good choice. This under-desk bike is designed with a magnetic resistance flywheel that’s quiet enough for you to take phone calls or watch TV as you pedal. This device also has a knob that allows you to dial up eight resistance levels, including a warm-up and cool-down. The LCD screen shows basic metrics like speed, time, and calories burned. The pedals are also large and have treads to prevent slippage.

Best with app: Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Lower Body Workout Strider Machine

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Specs

• Materials: Steel, plastic
• Dimensions: 17 inches D x 24.5 inches W x 12 inches H
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Resistance levels: Adjusts with knob, no specific levels

Pros

• Provides personalized fitness coaching
• Tracks performance over time
• Large pedals

Cons

• No specific resistance levels

Even with a low-impact exercise device you use sitting down, you may want some coaching and accountability. The Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Lower Body Workout Strider Machine provides access to an app called müüv. In addition to tracking all your sessions, the app offers personalized coaching and 500 minutes of training per month, plus ad-free access to iHeart Radio. The LCD monitor lets you keep tabs on your strides per minute and calories burned. That said, it’s worth noting that this bike doesn’t have specific resistance levels, just a knob to increase and decrease intensity. And if you’re looking for more equipment to round out your home office, check out our guide to the best office chairs.

Best portable: DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

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Specs

• Materials: Steel, plastic
• Dimensions: 24 inches L x 20 inches W x 10 inches H
• Weight: 23 pounds
• Resistance levels: 8

Pros

• Provides eight levels of resistance
• Portable
• LCD screen displays metrics

Cons

• No tracking over time

At 23 pounds, the DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser isn’t the most lightweight option around, but it’s certainly portable enough to toss in the trunk of your car. This bike still provides the features that serious exercisers are looking for, with eight resistance levels and an LCD screen that displays key metrics like time, speed, and distance. For other low-impact options on the days you can get out of the house, check out our guide to the best electric bikes.

Best elliptical: Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine

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Specs

• Materials: Plastic
• Dimensions: 23.15 inches D x 17.56 inches W x 10 inches H
• Weight: Under 20 pounds
• Resistance levels: 8

Pros

• Elliptical motion
• Lightweight
• Connected to an app

Cons

• Heavy
• Stats have to be entered manually in fitness device

Another compact option, this quiet under-desk elliptical bike has eight exercise levels and an LCD monitor. Use it with upper-body tools (like resistance bands) for an all-over workout. This has a handle that makes it easy to bring around your house or office. While there is a smartphone app, you must manually enter your workout from the LCD screen. This makes the fitness tracking process less automatic than other options.

Best with desk: Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3-Way Adjustable Desk

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Specs

• Materials: Steel, foam, plastic
• Dimensions: ‎54 inches D x 25 inches W x 40 inches H
• Weight: 16.24 pounds
• Resistance levels: 14

Pros

• Comfortable
• 14 levels of resistance
• Syncs with My Cloud Fitness app

Cons

• Shipped in two boxes that may be delivered days apart

If you’re looking for a workstation with an under-desk bike, consider the Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3-Way Adjustable Desk. This model features an extra-large cushioned seat, adjustable backrest, swiveling desk, and soft hand grips for a comfortable work/exercise experience. This Bluetooth-compatible model syncs with the My Cloud Fitness app, which works with iOS and Android systems so that you can track your progress over time. Plus, buying an all-in-one product removes the hassle of measuring to make sure your desk is compatible, size-wise, with your bike. (Remember: A desk must accommodate your knees when raised to maximum pedal height.)

Best folding: Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser

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Specs

• Materials: Alloy steel, plastic
• Dimensions: 18.25 inches L x 15.2 inches W x 11.25 inches H
• Weight: 5.4 pounds
• Resistance levels: Adjustable knob

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to store
• Can also be used for an upper-body workout

Cons

• Doesn’t provide specific levels of resistance

If foldability and storage are more important to you than a range of features, the Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser is a solid option. This fully assembled pedal exerciser also doubles as an arm exerciser. It runs on two AAA batteries and features an LCD display, an adjustable tension knob, and skid-resistant rubber feet for traction and stability no matter where you place it.

Best two-in-one: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike

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Specs

• Materials: Alloy steel, plastic 
• Dimensions: 16.5 inches D x 20.5 inches W x 10.5 inches H
• Weight: 19.1 pounds
• Resistance levels: 8

Pros

• Allows you to work out lower and upper body
• Provides eight levels of resistance
• Designed with a quiet magnetic flywheel

Cons

• The bike may move while pedaling
• Some users report poor quality materials

Consider the Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike if you want your fitness device to multitask. This under-desk bike provides eight levels of resistance, and its flywheel ensures a quiet, smooth ride. When you’re done pedaling, you can place the device on your desk and give your arms a workout as well.

Best with resistance bands: LifePro Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Resistance Bands

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Specs

• Materials: Metal, plastic
• Dimensions: ‎17.5 inches L x 20.9 inches W x 13.2 inches H
• Weight: 18.1 pounds
• Resistance levels: 8

Pros

• Lets you work lower and upper body at once
• Provides training videos
• Allows you to track progress over time with app

Cons

• Some users say pedals came off during use

Looking to work your lower and upper body at the same time? The Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Resistance Bands is a good option. This mini exercise bike under-desk provides eight levels of resistance for pedaling and bands that allow you to work on your upper body and grip strength simultaneously. LifePro also provides training videos, and you can track your stats on the LCD monitor and through the associated app.

Best budget: Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike

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Specs

• Materials: Metal, plastic
• Dimensions: 14 inches D x 19.5 inches W x 9.5 inches H
• Weight: 4.89 pounds
• Resistance levels: 1

Pros

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Battery-powered

Cons

• Doesn’t track metrics
• No specific resistance levels

You don’t get an LCD screen or Bluetooth capability with this no-frills stationary under-desk bike from Wakeman. But if your main goal is to get a low-impact workout in and you’re not looking to track your progress, this basic model is a budget-friendly option that’s light enough to take with you.

Things to consider when looking for the best under-desk bikes

The one thing you already know is that you’re interested in cycling while you work. Beyond that, choosing the best exercise bike for your desk comes down to your particular wants and needs. Whether you desire something lightweight and portable, compact and stowable, or frill-free and cheap, there’s a desk bike for you (and some even come with the desk!).

Portability

The key to a portable pedal exerciser is finding something that’s not terribly heavy, is easy to set up, and isn’t too bulky. (So not, for example, a bike with the desk attached.) A travel-friendly under-desk exercise bike has all the features you need without the bulk.

Portable options range from bare-bones hydraulic models to battery-powered cycles with LCD screens and fitness-tracker capabilities. There’s a wide spectrum depending on how much you want to spend.

Elliptical vs. classic models

An elliptical bike differs from a classic style in that the pedal strokes are oval (so you glide more than pump). Elliptical bikes are easier on your joints and bones because, unlike standard-styled bicycles, they have no impact (i.e., your feet never leave the pedals). But as far as the benefits go—cardiovascular health, muscle building, distraction—there’s no difference. Some people just prefer an elliptical ride.

The biggest key to keeping up a consistent workout schedule is finding something you enjoy, so if you prefer an elliptical bike in the gym, you’ll prefer one under your desk, too.

Bike-desk combos

If you’re starting your exercise-friendly home office from scratch, pick up a bike-desk combo and call it a day. You don’t even necessarily have to sacrifice style or function—just take note of the weight limit of the particular model you’re considering to ensure it’s inclusive of all who will be using it.

Storage

When you get right down to it, all an under-desk bike really requires are two pedals. If you don’t need many bells and whistles and easy storage is your main concern, a folding pedal exerciser is the way to go. Especially If you’re getting a pedaler for physical therapy use, a simple, scaled-down design may be all you need.

Full-body workouts

Look at you, multi-multi-tasker! An arm bike gives you the same cardio benefits as a foot bike, but it also works your upper body, including your shoulders, neck, and core (major points of tension for those of us with desk jobs). Unlike with an under-desk bike, you can’t really type or answer the phone while you’re pedaling with your arms, but investing in a bike desk that doubles as an arm exerciser is a terrific way to get twice as much bang for your buck.

Price

If all you want to do is boost your circulation, get your heart rate up, and give yourself something to do while working on a boring project, there’s no reason to shell out a ton of money on a desk exercise bike. Will the bike you’re looking at fit under your desk? Does it pedal? Will your feet fit? If the answers are all yes, that’s all you need. Here’s the best under-desk bike we’ve found for less.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best under-desk bikes

• Best overall: Davcreator Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
• Best with app: Stamina Inmotion E1000 Compact Lower Body Workout Strider Machine
• Best portable: DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
• Best elliptical: Cubii JR2 Seated Under Desk Elliptical Machine
• Best with desk: Exerpeutic 2500 Bluetooth 3 Way Adjustable Desk
• Best folding: Vaunn Medical Folding Pedal Exerciser
• Best two-in-one: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
• Best with resistance bands: Life Pro Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser with Resistance Bands
• Best budget: Wakeman Portable Fitness Stationary Under Desk Bike

Once you’ve decided to invest in desk exercise equipment, all you really need to do is consider the features that are important to you—like magnetic resistance, Bluetooth capability, an LED screen, portability, and affordability—to find the best under-desk pedal bike for you. The good news is it’s hard to go wrong when investing in your health.

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 under-desk bikes 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		Fitbit Versa 4		SEE IT	The Versa 4 is the company’s most well-rounded smartwatch.
Best fitness tracker		Fitbit Charge 6		SEE IT	The Charge 6 offers advanced data-driven insights to help you optimize your workouts.
Best budget		Fitbit Inspire 3		SEE IT	The Inspire 3 is a low-cost fitness tracker for people who just want the basics.

For many tech and health enthusiasts, Fitbits are the first devices that come to mind when you say “fitness tracker.” In some circles, the company had briefly achieved that level of cultural ubiquity where people referred to all fitness trackers as “Fitbits.” The market is now saturated—with options from Garmin, Apple, Polar, and Amazfit, just to name a few—but there are still plenty of reasons to choose devices made by Fitbit. These fitness trackers and watches deliver outstanding levels of functionality, each with its own particular benefits. With so many types of Fitbits—not to mention multiple generations of each version—it might not be readily apparent which one makes the most sense for you. To that end, we’re looking at the top options for a range of intentions so you can work out (or even sleep) with confidence, knowing that these are truly the best Fitbits.

• Best overall: Fitbit Versa 4
• Best fitness tracker: Fitbit Charge 6
• Best watch: Fitbit Sense 2
• Best for women: Fitbit Luxe
• Best for men: Google Pixel Watch 2
• Best budget: Fitbit Inspire 3
• Best for kids: Fitbit Ace 3

How we chose the best Fitbits

I selected these Fitbits like I do ebikes and gear for van-lifers (such as solar generators): through first-hand testing and input from real buyers. I tested these alongside fitness trackers from Fitbit and other leading brands, such as the Polar Ignite 2 Plus and the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. While testing, I looked to determine core functionality like tracker accuracy and battery, as well as the relative ease of use

The Fitbit versions that didn’t make the cut were not always significantly different from those included above, but our picks stood out for a reason. You can choose yours from these Fitbit reviews, knowing that these truly are the best options available right now.

The best Fitbits: Reviews & Recommendations

While the features offered by the various models tend to overlap—most build up from a base of 20 health and fitness metrics—each individual package tailors itself to a specific set of needs or parameters. Plenty of people want access to this data but don’t need the battery life for the backcountry and don’t necessarily want the bulk of a sensor-packed hiking/multisport watch. To that end, here are the best Fitbits for most people.

Best overall: Fitbit Versa 4

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With its broad range of fitness tracking capabilities, smartwatch functions, and lower price, the Versa 4 is a balanced fitness watch that plays to Fitbit’s strengths.

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: Yes
• Battery life: 6 days
• Premium membership: Free for 6 months

Pros

• Plenty of fitness tracking functions
• Detailed sleep-tracking information
• Wide range of smart features

Cons

• Higher price than most Fitbits
• Relatively short battery life

For all practical purposes, the Fitbit Versa 4 can do everything that most users want from their fitness tracker. It provides info about steps, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, calories burned, and sleep tracking. It’s also water-resistant down to 50 meters, in case you’re a swimmer. It even buzzes to let you know when you’ve entered your personalized target heart rate for exercise, which it refers to as your “active zone.”

At the same time, the Versa 4 includes plenty of smart functions. You can use it to take calls and receive notifications from your phone or ask Alexa about the weather. Fitbit also features an app ecosystem that’s smaller than iOS or Android but includes apps for music, payments, and more. The Versa 4 and more powerful Sense watch bring a lot of value to the table, but the Versa does so at a lower price, making it a slightly more accessible pick. If you’re looking for a less expensive version, read our review of the Fitbit Versa 3.

Best fitness tracker: Fitbit Charge 6

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With its expansive suite of fitness trackers and detailed workout insights, the Charge 6 is a gym rat’s best friend.

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: Yes
• Battery life: 7 days
• Premium membership: Free for 6 months

Pros

• Provides access to Google Maps, Wallet, and YouTube Music
• Stress management tools
• Provides recommendations for workouts, mindfulness, and challenges

Cons

• Subscription required for advanced insights
• Reply to calls and texts function for Android only

If you’re looking for the utmost in fitness-tracking power, the Fitbit Charge 6 delivers. With a full range of fitness and health tracking options, it records all the stats you need. What makes it stand out, however, is its workout intensity map, which leverages GPS and various physical data points to highlight when you’re getting the most and least out of your workout. Between workouts, it sends guidance to maintain mindfulness and workout optimization.

Though it’s primarily fitness-focused, it also features a smattering of basic smart functions that allow you to manage payments plus receive calls, texts, and calendar notifications. It also offers access to Google features such as YouTube Music controls, Google Wallet, and Google Maps. Some of these functions only work with Android phones, however.

The one drawback to the Charge 6—like all Fitbit devices—is its reliance on a subscription. Like the Whoop 4.0 and other recent high-end fitness trackers, Fitbit gates off many of its most detailed workout insights unless you pay for its Premium membership. You get six months of free access to see if it’s worth the $9.99 a month, but you should probably decide whether or not you’re even open to such an arrangement in the first place.

Best watch: Fitbit Sense 2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Sense 2 is a sleek, powerful smartwatch with advanced fitness-tracking capabilities.

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: Yes
• Battery life: 6 days
• Premium membership: Free for 6 months

Pros

• Fitbit’s largest suite of smart apps
• Includes ECG monitoring and EDA Scan for tracking heart health and stress
• Works with Alexa

Cons

• The most expensive Fitbit
• Relatively short battery life
• Large

If you want a fitness tracker that really leans into smart features, the sleek Fitbit Sense 2 delivers. With the largest suite of smart apps on any Fitbit device, as well as most of the key fitness and health tracking functions, it is the most powerful Fitbit we recommend. Most notably, the Sense includes an ECG for detecting heart health, as well as an EDA Scan app that monitors electrodermal activity and then provides a graph of how your body responds to stress. It is also the only Fitbit to come with a 6-month free trial of the guided meditation app Calm to support any stress management goals you might have.

Given all that, it’s worth noting that the Sense is the second most expensive device you can get from Fitbit right now. If you want all the features, the Sense may be the best choice, but it is bigger and more expensive than most of the pack.

Best for women: Fitbit Luxe

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Fitbit Luxe is a great option if you want a fitness tracker that can double as a piece of jewelry. 

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: No
• Battery life: 5 days
• Premium membership: Free for 6 months

Pros

• Stylish design
• Heart tracking
• Stress management tools included

Cons

• Need to connect to phone for GPS
• Doesn’t let you play music

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that looks more like a bracelet than a military-grade smartwatch, the Fitbit Luxe is a good option. The slim design, polished stainless steel case, and bands available in a range of hues make this an option that works for both work and working out, and one of the best Fitbit watches for women. The Luxe also tracks heart rate, sleep, and breathing rate, plus provides some stress management tools. You can also text and receive call notifications, but you can’t access music or make calls. 

This tracker is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and has a battery life of up to five days. Unfortunately, you’ll need to connect to the GPS in your phone to see your pace in real-time, as it doesn’t offer built-in GPS. It won’t be the best option for those serious about accurate pace and mileage information as a result, but it does help keep the cost and size down.

Best for men: Google Pixel Watch 2

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This sleek watch can double as a sophisticated timepiece and a high-end fitness tracker. 

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: No
• Battery life: 24 hours
• Premium membership: Free for 6 months

Pros

• Tracks heart rhythms 
• Comes with emergency SOS system
• Sophisticated design
• Available with 4G LTE service as well

Cons

• Only works for Android users

Google bought Fitbit in November 2019, and some of Fitbit’s fitness trackers feature the integration of the parent company’s features. Conversely, Google’s Pixel Watch 2 uses Fitbit’s tracking technology to monitor activity, calories burned, and sleep patterns. It also provides in-depth tracking of the heart rhythm with the ECG feature and can track skin temperature. Additionally, it has an SOS feature that allows users to contact 911 in case of an emergency. And the Android-compatible device pairs with Google’s Wear OS system, Pixel phones, and Pixel buds for running.

This Fitbit for men also allows users to get turn-by-turn guidance from Google Maps, make contactless payments, and receive calendar alerts. You can opt for a Bluetooth version if you want to keep your phone on you for notifications or spend $50 more for the 4G LTE version. But beyond the device’s functionality, it’s also a timepiece that looks great on the wrist with its domed design and AMOLED touchscreen display. Plus, it comes in a variety of color options, so you can choose one that fits your style best.

Best budget: Fitbit Inspire 3

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With all the essential fitness tracking capabilities, the Inspire 3 gives you the features you need at a more affordable price.

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: Yes
• Built-in GPS: No
• Battery life: Up to 10 days
• Premium membership: Free for 6 months

Pros

• 20 fitness functions
• Long battery life
• Long premium trial

Cons

• Limited smartphone notifications
• Small, hard-to-read screen

If you just need a basic fitness tracker, try the Fitbit Inspire 3. It tracks all the basics—steps, calories, heart rate, etc. It also has more advanced features than other trackers, including active zone alert, cardio fitness scores, and a “daily readiness score” to make sure you let your body recover between workouts.

That said, this cheap Fitbit is very much an essentialist fitness tracker. It has some smartwatch functionality, including notifications for calls, text, and social media. It also offers stress management features and menstrual health tracking. These features require looking at the Inspire 3’s tiny screen, which isn’t ideal for anything beyond the quickest of glances. This is definitely a tracker for people who actively want to avoid the “smart features” and stay focused on working out. Looking to save a few dollars with an older version? Read our review of the Fitbit Inspire 2.

Best for kids: Fitbit Ace 3

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Arguably the most feature-rich fitness tracker designed specifically for kids, the Ace 3 helps keep your little one moving.

Specs

• Heart rate monitor: No
• Built-in GPS: No
• Battery life: Up to 8 days
• Premium membership: Not included

Pros

• Parent View safety feature
• Incentivizes fitness in kids
• Bedtime reminders and sleep tracking

Cons

• Single wristband size doesn’t fit all wrists
• Some users have reported durability issues with the buckle

There aren’t too many quality fitness trackers designed specifically for kids, so the Fitbit Ace 3 is incredibly useful and the best Fitbit for kids. It primarily tracks steps and sleep but can also set challenges to keep kids motivated and active. You can also set reminders to prompt children to get up, move, stretch, or sleep at specific times. Its features are comparatively very limited beyond the basics, but it is water-resistant for up to 50 meters, so it is durable and can stay on in the pool.

The Ace 3 supports the Fitbit app, which features separate viewing modes for parents and kids when you activate the Family Account mode. In Parent View mode, parents can monitor their kid’s activity and approve any connections in the Fitbit social community. Meanwhile, Kid View presents a child-friendly version of the fitness tracker experience, with access to stats, badges, personalized avatars, and challenges. Like many of the best smartwatches for kids, it’s cute but quite feature-packed.

What to consider before buying a Fitbit

Each Fitbit variety offers its unique features and benefits, so it’s important to keep a few things in mind when choosing which is the best one for you and whether that’s the latest Fitbit or old Fitbit models. These are, for the most part, the same considerations to keep in mind when picking any fitness tracker or fitness watch. 

Health goals

To judge any fitness tracker, you must know how you plan to use it. Are you looking to track your high-impact workouts or simply ensure you get your steps in? Monitor heart health or blood oxygen levels? Or maybe sleep tracking and monitoring mindfulness? Different Fitbits come with varying feature sets that will accommodate different goals. Often, more complex trackers will be larger, more complicated, and more expensive. Finding the right balance among those three factors will set you up to use your Fitbit to the fullest.

Cost

Fitbits come in many shapes and sizes, meaning some are more expensive than others. Some models cost as little as $60. Others get as high as $400. Again, you want to find a balance between feature-set and price that works for you, but it’s also generally important to keep your budget in mind as you shop.

Smart functions

While some Fitbits act as fairly basic fitness trackers, others are much more elaborate smartwatches. Which is right for you depends on whether or not you need all those smarts.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Fitbits

• Best overall: Fitbit Versa 4
• Best fitness tracker: Fitbit Charge 6
• Best watch: Fitbit Sense 2
• Best for women: Fitbit Luxe
• Best for men: Google Pixel Watch 2
• Best budget: Fitbit Inspire 3
• Best for kids: Fitbit Ace 3

The best Fitbit for you comes down to one of two factors: whether you want a smartwatch or a fitness tracker and your budget. The core fitness tracking features are largely consistent among most models. Hence, you need to consider whether you care about smartphone-related lifestyle features and the advanced fitness analytics that come with Fitbit’s premium subscription. Ultimately, most Fitbits are great so long as their features and your expectations are in sync.

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 Fitbits 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		Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager		SEE IT	This massager sits atop an office chair, sofa, or dining room chair to reach pain points in the back, neck, and legs.
Best handheld		RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager		SEE IT	The RENPHO massager’s five percussion modes and five interchangeable nodes let you target problem areas on your own.
Best percussion massager		Hypervolt 2 Pro		SEE IT	Multiple attachments and a serious motor target specific areas and take no prisoners, bullying sore, tight muscles into a relaxed mass of goo.

A back massager can’t replace a full-on visit with a massage therapist, but it can provide some much-needed relief for just about any back pain. These handy devices let you target sore spots, loosen tight muscles, and relieve pain. However, you’ve got some decisions because they come in many designs. From massage pads that cover your chair to models that mimic a deep shiatsu massage, these handy tools pamper and maintain mobility at the same time. You can soothe your muscles with vibration or beat out stiffness with a massage gun. Then, you can apply heat to keep everything loose. Back massagers can make you ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ or weep a tear as they knead tight muscles into submission. Here are some of the best back massagers for a variety of bodies.

• Best overall: Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
• Best for lower back: MagicMaker Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
• Best handheld: RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep-Tissue Massager
• Best percussion massager: Hypervolt 2 Pro
• Best mini massager: TheraGun Mini Massage Gun

How we chose the best back massagers

Splitting our time bent over laptops and lugging new gear to test around, we’re no strangers to back pain here at PopSci. We surveyed dozens of products and scoured reviews by media outlets and users to choose the best back massagers. We have chosen a variety of types of back massagers, including percussion massagers and more deep tissue options. Ultimately, we relied on a mixture of hands-on experience, user reviews, editorial reviews, and expert opinions to land our picks.

The best back massagers: Reviews & Recommendations

All back pain isn’t the same, and neither are back massagers. There’s a wide variety of designs and features. Some models mimic shiatsu massage, a deep-tissue massage with roots in Japanese therapy. Others offer percussive massage, working out deep muscle knots, as tight muscles may just need heat and vibration to stimulate blood flow. Some massagers provide a range of massage movements, including different nodes to target various areas of the back and body. We’ve selected multiple types of back massagers so you can find one to heal, relax, and soothe your muscles whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or staring at spreadsheets for hours.

Best overall: Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Four nodes dig into your tense muscles in the best possible way.

Specs

• Levels of intensity: 3
• Power source: AC adapter
• Price at time of publication: $196.99

Pros

• Also gets hips and neck in the mix
• Easy to use in most chairs
• Optional heat function

Cons

• Pricey
• Not very portable

The Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager uses slow, targeted movements to knead the back, shoulders, neck, and thighs. You can also relax the body into the massager to add a pressure massage to the lower back, waist, and thighs. The shiatsu massage balls in each location (neck and lower back) can be turned on or off independently, so you get a massage only where you want it. Users of different sizes can adjust the position of the neck massagers to fit a taller or shorter torso better. This model folds down for compact storage.

Best for lower back: MagicMaker Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This simple method for self-massage can also apply heat alongside pressure.

Specs

• Levels of intensity: 3
• Power source: AC adapter
• Price at time of publication: $39.99

Pros

• Targets common trouble areas
• Doesn’t require a second person
• Heat function

Cons

• Requires arm strength some people may not have
• Six-foot power cord can be limiting

The MagicMaker Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager features eight rollers that knead into the muscles. The rollers heat, but you can turn the heat on or off as needed. This model’s design works beautifully for the lower back, and its ergonomic design can rotate to fit the neck and shoulders, too. It includes two massage motions to adjust the massage experience to your needs. 

Best handheld: RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Deep-Tissue Massager

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The extra-long reach makes it simple to get into tricky areas.

Specs

• Levels of intensity: 5
• Power source: Built-in battery
• Price at time of publication: $39.99

Pros

• Long reach to accommodate less flexible users
• Affordable
• Five attachments provide ample options
• Battery-powered for portability

Cons

• Not all the attachments are particularly useful
• Shuts off after 20 minutes to prevent overheating

The RENPHO Rechargeable Handheld Deep-Tissue Massager features a rechargeable battery-powered design that lets you reach behind your back or legs without getting tangled. This cordless model also comes with five interchangeable nodes to target problem areas. A full charge lasts 140 minutes, though it may be lower depending on the level of the massage. The RENPHO also includes a safety feature to prevent overheating that turns the massager off after 20 minutes.

Best percussion massager: Hypervolt 2 Pro

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This pro-grade percussion massager has exceptional pressure and extremely robust battery life.

Specs

• Levels of intensity: 5
• Power source: Built-in battery
• Price at time of publication: $329

Pros

• Strong pressure options
• Built for heavy use
• All the attachments feel useful

Cons

• Pricey
• Heavy

Portable, high-powered massagers have become essential equipment for athletes and even casual gym-goers looking to bully their sore muscles into a quick recovery. This high-end option isn’t cheap, but it offers five levels of intensity and guided routines developed by athletes and trainers provided in the companion app (making it one of our top percussion massager picks). The package includes an assortment of five attachments designed to target specific areas. Attachments with larger surface area make the experience a little less intense. Advanced users will want more pointed attachments to really dig into trouble areas.

While this model isn’t cheap, it does offer a serious brushless motor designed to endure frequent and everyday use. A fully charged battery will also provide up to three hours of run-time, which is great if you want to bring it to the gym without having to worry about plugging it in.

It’s not all upside, though. It is rather heavy, and some high-end models offer a slightly more ergonomic design. But, when it comes to performance and durability, the Hypervolt has the advantage.

Best mini massager: TheraGun Mini Massage Gun

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This pocket-sized device provides powerful percussion massages on the go.

Specs

• Levels of intensity: 3
• Power source: Lithium-ion battery (included)
• Price at time of publication: $149

Pros

• Powerful
• Provides deep penetration
• Ergonomically designed
• Easy to use

Cons

• Somewhat expensive

Theragun’s Mini Massage Gun fits in the palm of your hand yet can do serious work on sore muscles. This second-generation model is 30 percent lighter than the last model. It features three percussion speeds (1750, 2100, 2400 PPM), penetrating to 12 mm amplitude for deep relief. Each 2.5-hour charge provides 2 hours of running time. Plus, it comes with three attachments that let you customize your massage. This mini massager is also Bluetooth-enabled, and you’ll get access to the Therabody app, which features a library of wellness regimens. At only a pound, Theragun’s Mini Massage Gun can fit inside your gym bag or suitcase to give you sweet relief when you’re away.

Things to consider before buying a back massager

Back massagers may be electric, battery-powered, or manual. Battery-powered models provide portability, making it easier to use the massager throughout your house or take it while you travel. However, electric massagers maintain consistent power. 

With so many affordable electric and battery-powered massagers available, manual massagers have largely fallen out of favor. That doesn’t mean you can’t find one, but you can easily secure an electrical or battery-powered model for a few more dollars. 

Designs range from massagers covering a chair’s seat and back to a low back-only massager. Choose a design that targets your type of pain. For example, pain may strike only during certain positions like sitting or standing. A chair massager can help those stuck on the sofa, while a handheld model can work for those held hostage in the standing position.

Different muscle issues and pain points may respond better to certain types of back massagers. If you want a massager for general muscle soreness (not just in the back), handheld massagers and massage guns can be used almost anywhere on the body. However, if you suffer from severe back pain, a model that targets and is specifically designed for the back may work better.

Dig into knots and pain deep within the muscle

Deep-tissue massage requires a massager reaching the deepest muscle layers and fascia, the muscles’ connective tissues. The massager then uses slow, firm pressure to relieve aches and pains. 

Shiatsu massagers also fall into this category. If you are at a day spa, a shiatsu massage would involve the masseuse using their fingers, thumb, and palms to target the body’s pressure points. Electric and battery-powered shiatsu back massagers mimic this movement, using slow, intense motions.

Lower back pain (LBP) can make it hard to work, stand, or sit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 28% of men and 31% of women over the age of 18 experience lower-back pain (LBP). Anything from an injury to weight gain can cause LBP, and it can limit activity, work, and sleep. 

Lower-back massagers target this sensitive area with designs that fit the spine’s natural curve. These massagers also feature nodes and balls that dig into the musculature of the lower back without touching the vertebrae. Lower-back massagers may offer vibration, deep tissue massage, and/or heat. Take your pick of the movement that works best for you.

How handheld massagers work

A massager that lets you target pain points yourself can be invaluable. Handheld massagers do just that. These portable models feature a long handle with a massage head that contains one to four massage nodes. Most include different node attachments, from multi-pronged to thin, pointed ones that dig deep into the muscle. 

Most massagers use vibration to stimulate blood flow and relax the muscles. However, some use percussion to press into hard knots to relax the muscle tissue. Many include a heated option, too. Models with cases or storage bags let you keep all the attachments together, so you’re ready for a massage anywhere.

The difference between deep-tissue and percussive massage

Percussive massage differs from deep-tissue massage, even though both target muscles deep within the body’s muscle structure. Percussive massage, also known as deep-muscle stimulation, targets muscle soreness and soft tissue pain. With this method, short, rapid pulses press deep into the body’s soft tissues, stimulating blood flow and elongating muscle tissue. 

These massage guns go hard and fast. They’re not for the faint of heart, but they can work wonders on the sore muscles for which they are designed. Models with varying speeds and intensities provide adjustability based on your comfort level. These guns can be loud, so look for a model with a motor designed to keep noise down. 

Mini massagers save space and let you target problem areas

Mini massagers are smaller versions of full-size massagers. They come in manual, battery-powered, and electric designs. These handheld models may also include different nodes for a greater variety of massage options. They typically have fewer speeds and intensities than larger models, but a mini massager can also be much quieter.

If you’re on a budget, look into a manual massager. The only problem with these is you usually need someone else to do the actual back massaging. But a mini handheld with a long handle can do the trick if you’re usually massaging on your own. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best back massagers

• Best overall: Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
• Best for lower back: MagicMaker Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
• Best handheld: RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep-Tissue Massager
• Best percussion massager: Hypervolt 2 Pro
• Best mini massager: TheraGun Mini Massage Gun

A back massager can work wonders on a chronically sore back. A massager that fits your lifestyle and includes movements that target your pain points will offer the most relief. The best back massager will soothe your hard-to-reach areas with little effort on your part. You can lean into them, close your eyes, and let the massager do its work.

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 back massagers 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		Black Diamond Alpine FLZ		SEE IT	The Black Diamond Alpine FLZ is a dynamic, highly packable trekking pole.
Best carbon fiber		MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon		SEE IT	The MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon is a versatile, sturdy, and comfortable pair of poles.
Best aluminum		Leki Makalu Lite		SEE IT	The Leki Makalu Lite will hold up through months-long treks over all sorts of terrain.

Many dedicated backpackers consider a quality pair of trekking poles essential gear for hiking. They help you hike and keep your balance over steep hills, rocky paths, and slippery snow-covered trails. Like their predecessor, the humble walking stick, a quality pair of hiking poles are sturdy enough to put your entire weight on them, yet light enough that they do not feel like a burden after a long day on the trail. They ease the strain on your knees and back, especially if you’re carrying a heavy pack. There are a dizzying number of poles to choose from. They’re made from different materials, feature different designs, and, of course, some are more expensive than others. We’ve tried a whole bunch of popular options, taking them on runs, hikes, climbs, and scrambles to find the best trekking poles for all your outdoor adventures.

• Best overall: Black Diamond Alpine FLZ
• Best carbon fiber: MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon
• Best aluminum: Leki Makalu Lite
• Best for hiking: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
• Best for backpacking: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
• Best ultralight: Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Piece Carbon
• Best budget: Trekology Trek-Z

How we picked the best trekking poles 

I’ve been writing about outdoor gear and my often dubious adventure travel for decades at publications like Hearst, HuffPost, BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Adventure Cycling, Input, and many others. My criteria for experiencing new places usually include how many people visit (the fewer the better), and if it has a reputation as a “challenging” journey. Over the years, I’ve traveled across all kinds of terrain and environments, many of which required a good set of trekking poles to navigate.

I’ve spent a good deal of time testing trekking poles—walking, running, climbing, scrambling, and sometimes falling—all over the world. Over the years, I’ve found a few favorites. I’ve also compared notes and talked for hours with trekkers, hikers, and adventurers about gear around countless campfires and well-worn tables in questionable bars.

The best trekking poles: Reviews & Recommendations

Like most outdoor gear, trekking pole preference can vary from person to person. Given that, our recommendations span a variety of options made from different materials and covering a wide range of prices. All of them, however, have a clear edge over similar poles in important qualities like durability and weight.

Best overall: Black Diamond Alpine FLZ

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Black Diamond Alpine FLZ is a highly versatile pole that packs down small, making it a prime choice for all kinds of activities.

Specs

• Weight: 18 ounces
• Maximum length: 43, 49, or 55 inches
• Collapsed length: 14, 15, or 16 inches
• Shaft material: Aluminum
• Grip material: Cork
• Pole design: Foldable
• Tips: Carbide tips, trail baskets, snow baskets, rubber tips (sold separately)

Pros

• Versatile
• Comfortable handles
• Packable

Cons

• Heavy

The Black Diamond Alpine FLZ is an incredibly versatile trekking pole. The small packable size and durable aluminum construction make it an optimal pole for most everything including rugged trekking, multi-day backpacking, steep hiking, and even backcountry skiing. The cork handles become increasingly more comfortable over time as well as a secondary foam grip.

While a telescoping pole is inherently stronger than a foldable one, I’ve found the Alpine FLZ holds up extremely well in a variety of precarious situations including nefarious water crossings and muddy sheer drop-offs. They feature Black Diamond’s patented Flicklock pro locking mechanism, which uses a lever to secure the pole length with an inner adjustable tension dial that requires a small Allen key to adjust.

The Black Diamond Alpine FLZ is far from the fanciest pair of trekking poles out there but has proven that it can get the job done in difficult situations, and feels comfortable on easy trail hikes.

Best carbon fiber: MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon

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Why it made the cut: The MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon is a versatile, sturdy, and comfortable pair of poles that work for a wide variety of adventures.

Specs

• Weight: 17 ounces
• Maximum length: 47 inches or 55 inches
• Collapsed length: 14.25 inches or 17.5 inches
• Shaft material: Carbon fiber
• Grip material: EVA foam
• Pole design: Collapsible
• Tips: Winter and summer baskets

Pros

• Comfortable grip
• Versatile
• Small pack size

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy for a carbon pole

My friend Ben has been almost everywhere on the globe and he always travels with his MSR Dynalock Ascent carbon poles, which he considers an extension of himself and one of the best gear spurges he’s ever made (it may also be the only one).

The Dynalock Ascent poles have comfortable, contoured foam grip handles and padded straps. Each one folds down to a very packable 14.25-17 inches, depending on which size you get. Unlike most other poles where most of the tips are sold separately, these come with both winter and summer basket tips. 

They also feature MSR’s signature Dynalock mechanism, which consists of a thick aluminum lever and an inner metal dial that allows you to tighten or loosen with ease as well as providing exceptional sturdiness. It also locks each section into place with metal buttons on the sides. As someone who often has “Final Destination”-type scenarios running through my brain, I appreciate both of these components. 

Best aluminum: Leki Makalu Lite

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Leki Makalu Lite is one of the most durable poles I’ve tried.

Specs

• Weight: 17.3 ounces
• Maximum length: 54 inches
• Collapsed length: 26 inches
• Shaft material: Aluminum
• Grip material: Cork
• Pole design: Collapsible
• Tips: Carbide tips, summer basket

Pros

• Comfortable
• Extremely durable
• Moderate price

Cons

• Large packed size

If you’re planning to use your trekking poles on a weeks-long adventure, Leki’s Makalu Lite poles are among the most durable we’ve found. Despite the name, they’re slightly thicker than most other poles, making them tremendously strong, as well as fairly heavy.

The Makalu Lite features Leki’s very comfortable “Aergon Air” grip—a cork design with a hollow core and wide support at a lightly tilted ergonomic angle. Like all Leki poles, these use the company’s durable “Speed Lock” system, which combines a lever lock with a small dial to tighten spring tension by hand.

A pair of Makalu Lites is overkill for your average day hike, but their durability is worth the extra weight on a long trip where you’ll traverse mountains or glacial ice for weeks or months.

Best for hiking: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork is an incredibly sturdy carbon pole with a very comfortable grip.

Specs

• Weight: 17 ounces
• Maximum length: 51 inches
• Collapsed length: 24 inches
• Shaft material: Carbon fiber
• Grip material: Cork
• Pole design: Collapsible
• Tips: Carbide tips and trail baskets included; snow baskets sold separately

Pros

• Comfortable
• Excellent locking mechanism
• Durable

Cons

• Not as packable as other options
• Expensive

I prefer cork handles over rubber and foam because they mold to your hands over time so, eventually, feel like a seamless extension of your body. The cork handles on Black Diamond’s Alpine carbon poles are quite comfortable right out of the box and improve exponentially over time. Like most trekking poles, they have a secondary foam grip beneath the handles, which gives you a comfortable place to grab when you need to lower your grip, as well as wide wrist straps.

They are amazingly durable and sturdy for a carbon pole, thanks to their thicker shafts and Black Diamond’s patented “Flicklock” mechanism, which flips into place with a robust snap. The “Flicklock” system has its disadvantages: The locking mechanism requires a tiny Allen key to adjust, which isn’t ideal since it’s easily misplaced. Not being the most graceful person, (especially when hiking) I routinely get my poles stuck between boulders requiring intense back-and-forth movement to dislodge. Despite this, I have yet to break them.

The collapsed length of these poles means they’re not well-suited to be stowed in a backpack during a technical climb but for most activities, including trekking over rock and snow in remote regions of the world, these poles are a solid choice that will last for years.

Best for backpacking: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork is a solid, affordable option that’s durable enough to handle most backpacking trips.

Specs

• Weight: 18 ounces
• Maximum length: 55 inches
• Collapsed length: 27 inches
• Shaft material: Aluminum
• Grip material: Cork
• Pole design: Collapsible
• Tips: Carbide tips, trekking baskets, and snow baskets

Pros

• Comfortable
• Versatile
• Reasonable mid-range price

Cons

• Doesn’t pack down as small as other options

Black Diamond’s Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles are a great pick for new hikers. They’re sturdy, comfortable, and reliable—a great fit for most backpacking and thru-hiking. Plus, at less than $150, they don’t cost a fortune.

 The cork handles are tilted forward slightly for a more natural, ergonomic wrist alignment. They also have padded straps and a foam secondary grip, making them easy to hold. Like the other Black Diamond hiking poles on our list, these feature the company’s patented “Flicklock” system, ensuring they don’t come loose while you’re walking.

Collapsing to a fairly large 27 inches, they are longer than the majority of other poles when packed away. Unless you’re taking them on a plane, though, that probably shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Best ultralight: Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Piece Carbon

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Why it made the cut: The Gossamer Gear LT5 is one of the lightest trekking poles available.

Specs

• Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Maximum length: 51 inches
• Collapsed length: 23.5 inches
• Shaft material: Carbon fiber
• Grip material: EVA foam
• Pole design: Collapsible
• Tips: Carbide tips

Pros

• Comfortable
• Ultralight
• Extremely durable for their weight

Cons

• Expensive

For situations where every ounce (or even gram) counts, the ultralight Gossamer Gear LT5 carbon trekking poles streamline your experience better than any other poles. Despite weighing less than 11 ounces, they’re incredibly durable. I used them on a multi-week thru-hike over mixed terrain through a good portion of northern Spain one summer where I was intent on carrying as little weight as possible, both emotionally and physically, and they didn’t let me down.

The twist-lock mechanism is easy to set; you simply rotate the sections for a secure lock. The wrist straps sport comfortable padding and the EVA foam handles have proven to be comfortable enough (though I am partial to cork handles).

The LT5s also serve as great support for ultralight tents that use trekking poles as part of the structure, thus providing a super lightweight sleep system.

Best budget: Trekology Trek-Z

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Trekology Trek-Z is an incredibly inexpensive pole that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or durability.

Specs

• Weight: 26 ounces
• Maximum length: 51 inches
• Collapsed length: 15 inches
• Shaft material: Aluminum
• Grip material: Cork
• Pole design: Foldable
• Tips: Carbide, rubber, snow baskets, mud stops, rubber feet

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Durable
• Folds down small

Cons

• Heavy

Made from aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum alloy, the Trekology Trek-Z is an inexpensive pair of poles that come complete with carbide tips, rubber tips, snow baskets, mud stops, and rubber feet, making them highly adaptable and a huge bargain. They feature a metal flip-lock mechanism that’s easy to operate, though you may not use it often since they offer a very limited 7-inch range. They do collapse into a very compact 15-inch package, though.

For less than $50, the Trek-Z is one of the most affordable poles we’ve seen. Unsurprisingly, they’re also among the heaviest. We wouldn’t recommend them for alpine climbing, mountain running, or speed hiking, where you want to be quick and nimble. For those sticking to the trail and not too concerned about their performance, they’re an excellent option for not a lot of money.

One thing to keep in mind: Trekology makes a new “Trek-Z 2.0” with EVA foam grips instead of cork. In general, I prefer cork grips because of the material’s moldable properties, so we’re sticking with the original. Just keep in mind that it may become harder to find in the coming months.

What to consider when buying trekking poles

Finding the perfect trekking pole can be a daunting task. As with all outdoor gear, there are a variety of options to consider. More often than not, finding the “best” choice requires you to balance different strengths and weaknesses based on your personal needs and taste. The lightest trekking poles will rarely be the absolute sturdiest. The strongest poles will likely not be the most packable. To help you figure out what you need, let’s talk about the most important elements of any trekking pole set.

Sizing up your poles

Trekking poles come in different lengths so that any person can find a pair that feels right. At standing position, the grip of the pole should line up with your elbow or, more precisely, with your hands when your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. If you’re shopping at home, look for poles that are adjustable to within 20-24 inches shorter than you. For example, I’m 5 feet 6 inches, or 66 inches, so I want poles that you can set to a height between 42-46 inches.

Most modern trekking poles are adjustable to some degree, so there’s a lot of wiggle room if you aren’t sure about what will feel right. Some companies also make fixed-height poles, as they are technically stronger. All of our recommendations are adjustable, though, as we find them to be much more versatile than fixed-length poles. In general, I usually shorten my poles when ascending a steep incline and lengthen them when descending. Collapsible and foldable trekking poles allow the user to change the overall length of the pole as the terrain and situation merit.

Collapsible poles feature a telescoping design, where increasingly narrow sections slide and fit inside each other. Foldable poles have a reinforced cord running through them that holds the sections together when pulled apart while allowing them to fold—like the pole technology used in most lightweight tents. 

Telescoping poles will be stronger than their foldable counterparts because, in most cases, the pole overlaps and slides into itself at a greater distance than foldable ones. A fixed-length pole will be the most durable option, though, as there are no weak points or breaks in the shaft. Many poles now feature one telescoping section coupled with two folding sections to offer more precise adjustment options.

Pole material

Most trekking poles are made from either high-grade aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber produces a lighter pole, while sacrificing a bit of durability. Under intense stress, a carbon fiber pole will likely snap. Aluminum poles, by contrast, will usually bend before they break, giving you a bit of a warning that you should navigate out of that particular situation right away if at all possible. 

If you’re looking for speed and/or the ability to go long distances, a carbon pole is probably your best choice. If you’re okay with a slightly heavier pole (and we’re usually talking ounces here, not pounds), an aluminum pole may be a better fit for difficult terrain and will last a bit longer.

Check the grip

You’re going to spend a long time holding your trekking poles’ grips, so you want to make sure that they’re comfortable. You should take a look at the grip and, ideally, give it a squeeze to see how it feels in your hand.

Most pole grips are made from cork, foam, or rubber. I prefer cork because the material molds to the shape of your hand over time. Grips made with EVA foam are also often quite comfortable and weigh a bit less than cork. Rubber grips absorb shock exceptionally well, but can get sticky and cause blisters when it’s hot and humid out.

Tips

Trekking poles come with different kinds of tips on the end, which can help you move across different kinds of terrain. Many poles, including our recommendations, either come with multiple sets of pole tips or give you the opportunity to buy alternate tips or replacements when you need them. (You should replace your tips every 1,500-2,000 miles.) Most pole tips have a screw-on mechanism, so it’s easy to change them on the fly, so it’s nice to have multiple options on your trip. Here are some of the most common choices:

Rubber tips provide extra grip on wet surfaces, as well as shock absorption on paved surfaces. Since they’re softer and less pointy, rubber tips don’t tear up trails as much as carbide tips, but also don’t provide as much traction.

Carbide tips are extremely durable. They don’t wear down as quickly as rubber versions. With a sharper point, they grip well on rock, dirt, and ice, allowing you to really dig into surfaces. They’ll also rip up soft dirt, so they may damage hiking trails.

Rubber feet have a shape that resembles a small foot. With a wider footprint, they allow you to move faster without losing your balance.

Mud baskets attach a few inches above the tip of your poles and prevent your poles from sinking down too far into soft, muddy earth. They can also prevent some of the mud from splattering onto your calves. Like carbide tips, though, they can damage plant life on trails, so you should reserve them for appropriate terrain.

Snow baskets are a wider version of mud baskets made for snow. They function like snowshoes, keeping your poles near the surface of deep snow.

Locking mechanism

If you follow my lead and go with adjustable poles, you should take a closer look at how it opens and closes. Most adjustable trekking poles feature a locking mechanism with a lever that opens or closes to slide the pole length up or down, coupled with a push button lock or spring-loaded twist lock. Many also include an inner dial in the lever to increase or decrease tension. When considering a pole, check to make sure it’s easy to adjust the poles and operate the lock with or without gloves. If you buy poles that require special tools to change spring tension, make sure those are included. You want a pole that you can easily adjust when out on the trail but also locks securely.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best trekking poles

• Best overall: Black Diamond Alpine FLZ
• Best carbon fiber: MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon
• Best aluminum: Leki Makalu Lite
• Best for hiking: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
• Best for backpacking: Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
• Best ultralight: Gossamer Gear LT5 Three Piece Carbon
• Best budget: Trekology Trek-Z

Outdoor gear companies are always finding ways to build sturdier, lighter trekking poles, but I find that you don’t need to get too worried about the particulars. As long as you get a pair that’s sturdy, comfortable to hold, and light enough to use all day, you shouldn’t worry too much about optimizing for the “best” experience. More than anything, you want something reliable. All of the poles included here are durable and comfortable with the potential to be that favorite piece of gear you don’t leave for an adventure without.

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 trekking poles 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 for beginners		Hayabusa T3		SEE IT	These synthetic gloves come in tons of colors and weights.
Best for sparring		Fairtex BGV1		SEE IT	The classic hook shape makes them useful for working in a clinch.
Best budget		RDX		SEE IT	These solid, reliable gloves retail for roughly $30.

Selecting the right pair of boxing gloves can be a difficult task. Whether you’re a seasoned pugilist or a total newcomer to fight sports, the importance of high-quality equipment can’t be overstated. A good set of gloves is important for protecting your wrists and hands, but they also play an important role in the safety of your training partners. You must consider details like their overall weight, padding, material, and wrist support. With the explosion in popularity of casual boxing classes, a variety of options have flooded the market. Today, there are countless brands, styles, and materials to choose from, so I’ve assembled a list detailing some of my favorites to help you navigate. Plenty of quality brands exist beyond those discussed here, so shop around, try out different pairs, and find the best boxing gloves for you.

• Best overall: Twins Special
• Best for beginners: Hayabusa T3
• Best for heavy bag: Ringside Apex Flash
• Best for sparring: Fairtex BGV1 
• Best for sparring (runner up): Yokkao
• Best budget: RDX

How we chose the best boxing gloves

I’ve been practicing martial arts on and off since I was eight years old. I picked up kickboxing in my teens, MMA in my 20s, and Muay Thai in my 30s. I now train students at a handful of fight and fitness gyms around NYC, where students of every age and level come to sharpen their skills. After a few decades of training and teaching, I’ve gotten a handle on what to look for when finding just the right pair. You’re going to prioritize the details that are most important to you. Still, I looked at overall construction, design, durability, price, and basically how each glove feels when I use it on the bag or when hitting pads. So, mix up some protein powder, strap on a pair, and get to punching.

The best boxing gloves: Reviews & Recommendations

You won’t truly know how much you love a pair of boxing gloves until you hear them slap against a pad or a bag, but we fully recommend these pairs based on years of experience.

Best overall: Twins Special

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Specs

• Material: Leather
• Weights: 10oz, 12 oz, 14oz, or 16oz

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Stay firmly in place
• Ample protection
• Impeccable reputation

Cons

• Some may prefer a longer cuff
• Hard to buy online

Twins Specials is known for being a classic, high-quality, widely respected maker of boxing gloves. They’re made in Thailand, with a long history of producing premium equipment. They top my list because of their fit, weight distribution, construction, and durability. Their standard models are generally round around the fist with more-than-sufficient padding over the knuckles and a short cuff over the wrist (I personally dislike a long wrist cuff that goes way up my forearm, and these do not have one, but that’s a personal choice). They’re really well balanced, too, with just the right amount of weight on the hand versus the wrist. They also last forever. You can beat the heck out of them on the bag or on the mitts (even with an old-school trainer with heavy hands), and these gloves will somehow still keep their shape and padding. They are a little more expensive, with authentic pairs rarely less than $100, but totally worth the price tag. I’m looking forward to seeing more faux leather options from them in the future. Bottom line, Twins Special has well-earned its excellent reputation. The only trouble is buying them online. You can find limited models from online retailers, but a local shop is your best bet.

Best for beginners: Hayabusa T3

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Specs

• Material: Vylar
• Weights: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, or 18oz

Pros

• Tough synthetic outer
• Ample knuckle protection
• Lots of wrist support
• Tons of color and size options
• Five layers of foam for impact absorption

Cons

• Breaking-in process can take a while

The Hayabusa T3 is a really high-quality glove with great wrist support, making it my top pick for beginners. Many new boxers can struggle with hand and wrist pain because of the misalignment of their joints when striking. To help solve this, the T3 runs a semi-rigid “splint” across the wrist (from the cuff to the knuckles) that helps keep the arm straight and knuckles in place when throwing a punch. Additionally, the dual straps help support the wrist and fortify it on impact. Multiple layers of dense padding help, too, and the gloves just plain look cool in pretty much every color variation. They take a few more rounds on the bag to “break in” than other brands, but that’s a good thing for newbies. 

Best for heavy bag: Ringside Apex Flash

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Specs

• Material: Leather
• Weights: 14oz or 16oz

Pros

• Round shape provides extra padding at the knuckles
• Good bounce off the bag
• Good for high-volume training
• Flashy colors
• Protect joints

Cons

• Limited weight options

Ringside makes great equipment all around, and the Apex Flash line of boxing gloves is no exception. I find Ringside gloves to be well “rounded” around the knuckles, giving a bit more of a padded feel when landing heavy strikes. This is beneficial when you’re going deep in rounds on a densely packed heavy bag that doesn’t have much give. You want the slight “bounce” off the glove the Apex Flash will give you every time you throw a jab or a cross so that a high-volume training session doesn’t have a high-volume impact on your knuckles, elbows, or other joints. 

Best for sparring: Fairtex BGV1

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Specs

• Material: Synthetic leather
• Weights: 14oz, 16oz, 18oz, or 20oz

Pros

• Another brand with an impeccable reputation from a long tradition
• Plush cushioning for protection
• Durable despite softness
• Hook shape is ideal for kickboxing
• Available up to 20 ounces in some colors

Cons

• Graphics may not match everyone’s style

Fairtex is one of the most well-respected names in boxing, kickboxing, and especially Muay Thai training equipment. Their gloves are superbly made, and they offer a wide variety of styles and colorways. I’ve probably owned more pairs of Fairtex gloves, shinpads, and shorts than any other brand. The BGV1 is a great standard-issue glove evenly weighted around the fist with a short cuff around the wrist. I chose them for sparring because the padding is strong enough to protect your knuckles but cushy enough not to thud too heavily on your training partner and because the material doesn’t easily degrade (which could scratch your training partner’s face). Additionally, if you’re working on the inside or doing clinch work, they have a classic “hook” shape to the palm side of the glove that helps maintain a grip on your opponent. Fairtex also makes it easy to find heavier pairs, like 18 oz and 20 oz gloves, for bigger fighters.

Best for sparring (runner up): Yokkao

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Specs

• Material: Leather
• Weights: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, or 18oz

Pros

• Extra-long cuff for wrist support
• Soft-but-durable leather outer
• Hook shape for clinching
• Tons of color and size options

Cons

• Some users don’t love the smell of the leather (which eventually goes away)

Best budget: RDX

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Specs

• Material: Synthetic leather
• Weights: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz

Pros

• Very affordable
• Simple, sturdy closure
• Solid ventilation
• Durable
• Very attached thumb to encourage beginners to make the correct fist shape

Cons

• Not as plush as expensive models

These days, you can get a pretty good pair of boxing gloves without burning through your wallet. RDX makes great high-level gear but also some of the sturdiest affordable gloves on the market. At about $30, this pair hits all the marks—solid construction, balanced weighting, dense padding through the knuckles, and they just look cool. I’m also a fan of the faux-leather material, which is just as durable as its more expensive real-leather cousin. It used to be that you couldn’t find a solid pair of boxing gloves for less than $75, and then it dropped to $50, but these RDX really do the trick for anyone just getting into striking who doesn’t want to make a big investment yet. 

What to consider when shopping for the best boxing gloves

Here are some essential terms to know and variables to consider when you set out to find the perfect pair of boxing gloves:

Style

Most boxing gloves are constructed relatively similarly in terms of shape and “style.” Some Muay Thai gloves will have a bit of a “hook” design to them that aids in clinching, but overall, the differences are pretty subtle for most users. When considering how they fasten, you typically can choose between velcro and laces. Most gloves on the market open and close using velcro straps because it’s quick and easy. You can usually get a pretty tight grip, too, unless it begins to wear out (less common with the more expensive pairs). Laced-up gloves are great for getting a more snug fit around the hand, but they’re not really necessary below a certain level of training. In most scenarios, velcro gloves are completely appropriate, especially if you don’t have a trainer to help you get in and out of them. 

Material

Boxing gloves are typically made out of leather, but faux-leather options are on the rise and totally viable. As recently as 10 years ago, you didn’t want to purchase the non-leather options because the material would quickly break down after a handful of workouts. Today, it seems most companies have mastered the manufacturing process, and you can get inexpensive versions of both leather and faux-leather boxing gloves that will last you a while. On the inner part of the glove, you’ll typically find some kind of nylon lining, whereas some gloves will feature foam. I tend to favor lining because it’s easier to slide your hand in and out and because it helps stop sweat from absorbing into the deeper parts of the glove. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best boxing gloves

• Best overall: Twins Special
• Best for beginners: Hayabusa T3
• Best for heavy bag: Ringside Apex Flash
• Best for sparring: Fairtex BGV1 
• Best for sparring (runner up): Yokkao
• Best budget: RDX

At the end of the day, buying the right pair of boxing gloves is a personal decision. A strong case can be made for any of the gloves above, as well as a host of other great brands out there, but you have to find the glove that fits your needs and physiology best. Figure out your training routine and goals, then pick a pair and go! For the vast majority of us, any glove is better than no glove or no training at all. Take into consideration some of the specifics we mentioned above—weight, material, training methods, etc.—and then talk to your coach and training partners and see what they say. Try a few pairs out, and don’t be afraid to switch them up if you feel they aren’t what you’re looking for. “Protect your tools” is one of the most important things I remember from my first MMA coach, and a good pair of boxing gloves is part of that. Luckily, there are plenty on this list to choose from. Good luck and happy hitting!

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 boxing gloves in 2023, according to experts appeared first on Popular Science.

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

Best overall		YETI Rambler 26-ounce Bottle		SEE IT	A variety of sizes and mouthpieces mean you can build your best bottle.
Best with straw		Takeya Pickleball Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid		SEE IT	An included silicon bumper protects from dings and dents.
Best 64 oz.		Stanley Ice Flow Flip Straw Jug		SEE IT	No refills are necessary with this easy-to-carry bottle.

The hottest accessory of the season (or maybe it’s the coolest, depending on the contents) is an insulated water bottle. Although that sounds a little zany to say in a world of Amazon and Etsy, the #emotionalsupportwaterbottle tag on TikTok has 45.1 million views, with hundreds of videos of people showing off their rotation of reusable water bottles—plural—in a variety of colors, sizes, and brands. Those looking for this level of attachment—something trustworthy and always at your side, much like an emotional support animal—often turn to insulated varieties, which can keep drinks frosty for hours sans condensation, making them perfect travel companions. The best insulated water bottles go the distance when it comes to keeping drinks icy in style, and here are our picks.

• Best overall: YETI Rambler 26-ounce Bottle
• Best sustainable: Klean Kanteen TKWide
• Best with straw: Takeya Pickleball Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid
• Best for kids: Hydro Flask 12-ounce Kids Wide Mouth Straw Lid
• Best with a filter: LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
• Best 64 oz.: Stanley Ice Flow Flip Straw Jug
• Best budget: Igloo 36-ounce Vacuum-Insulated Bottle

How we chose the best insulated water bottles

As a former field hockey player and marching band kid, I know the importance of a water bottle that can go from class to sports practice to band rehearsal without breaking a sweat—literally. Although I was both an average athlete and slightly better musician, I can say with confidence that I’m a water bottle expert (hydration is very important to me, a water sign). Although my current hydration MVP is a pink 32-ounce Nalgene plastic water bottle I was excited to rescue from my college bookstore’s lost & found, I’ve had insulated water bottles from Yeti, Hydro Flask, Stanley, and Kleen Kanteen in my rotation. I also looked at critical reviews and user recommendations and conducted first-hand testing to separate the bad bottles from the rest of the bunch. The only thing we don’t like to keep bottled up at PopSci is our feelings on the best buys. 

How do insulated water bottles work?

One of the biggest reasons to opt for one of the best insulated water bottles and not something like the BPA-free Tritan plastic in my Nalgene bottle is the vacuum insulation—a small gap of air between the bottle walls to reduce conduction, keeping liquids hot or cold for several hours. Additionally, this also prevents the outer layer from sweating and causing water marks on some surfaces. Plastic may be durable and is less likely to dent in a fall, but it will warm up if left in a hot car. Beyond temperature retention, there are certain things to keep in mind when picking an insulated water bottle.

The best insulated water bottles: Reviews & Recommendations

These insulated water bottles will leave you feeling refreshed—hydration-wise and “this water bottle is a nice step-up from the other things I’ve used”-wise.

Best overall: YETI Rambler 26-ounce Bottle

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Also available on Amazon

Why it made the cut: Throw it in your backpack and then throw it in the dishwasher—this bottle is meant to keep up with busy lifestyles. 

Specs

• Sizes: 12, 18, 26, 36, 46, 64 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Temperature retention: 12-24 hours for iced drinks; 12 for hot
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth with removable Chug Cap

Pros

• Tough
• Dishwasher safe
• Lots of mouthpiece accessories are available

Cons

• 5-year warranty
• A bit more expensive compared to other reusable water bottles

There was stiff competition to name the best overall water bottle. However, the Yeti Rambler takes home the top prize. It’s more durable than other contenders like Hydro Flask, and the powder coating has a great feel and grip to it. The bottle itself comes in a plethora of fun colors (with equally fun names like “Bimini Pink” and “King Crab”), and the number of accessories you can get for your bottle is astonishing. We think the included Chug Cap is a happy medium between wide-mouth ease and narrow-mouth accessibility; you can remove the Chug Cap for washing and ice insertion and put it back on for spillage-free sips. 

The handle on the bottle feels sturdy and is grabble—an important feature for slippy-fingered people like myself. Even the straw cap warrants major kudos—you don’t have to touch the straw part to flip it up, and the handle is offset, so you can sip without any logistical problems. Yeti advertises 12-24 hours for keeping iced drinks cold, but we think it can keep drinks cold for closer to 36 hours. Although the five-year warranty is great in theory, other comparable brands feature a lifetime warranty on their bottles. And, although the price is great in the long run, you can technically get an insulated water bottle that will last just as long (with more dings and dents) but is cheaper. However, we think Yeti is worth the investment.

Best sustainable: Klean Kanteen TKWide

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Why it made the cut: Insulated water bottles are already sustainable, but Klean Kanteen’s 90% post-consumer 18/8 stainless steel composition goes the extra eco-friendly mile.

Specs

• Sizes: 12, 16, 20, 32, 64
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Temperature retention: 46-47 hours for iced drinks, depending on cap; 14 hours hot with cafe cap
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth

Pros

• Steel straw in twist mouthpiece is more luxurious and eco-friendly than plastic
• Twist cap straw design is stylish and prevents germs
• Innovative internal thread design
• Lots of accessory options

Cons

• Straw cap not recommended for hot liquids due to stainless steel straw
• Mouthpieces have more crevices than other bottles
• Handle could be more robust

If you thought your reusable water bottle was saving the planet, wait until you meet the Klean Kanteen TKWide line. The company states that 95 percent of its products will be made from recycled steel by 2023; however, the TKWide line is explicitly made from recycled steel right now. 

We love the innovative twist cap straw design, which hides the straw mouthpiece completely until use, meaning it’s only exposed to the world when you want it to be. The internal thread design uses a series of rounded bumps rather than a line of threads to create a better seal, keeping your drinks cooler for longer. There are multiple cap options available to turn your TKWide into a tumbler for iced coffee or transform it into athletic mode with the sport cap. If you’re looking for a bottle with a sleek handle, the TKWide metal loop cap is for you. It’s easy to snag with two fingers, but it might not be for you if you’re looking for something truly grabbable.

Best with straw: Takeya Pickleball Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid

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Why it made the cut: A large, flexible handle, included silicon bumper, and leakproof design are all game-winning features.

Specs

• Sizes: 32, 40, 64 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Temperature times: 24 hours cold; 12 hours hot
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth with straw lid

Pros

• Large handle
• Included silicone bumper
• Leakproof 

Cons

• Reviews note pink bottle looks different in the product photo than in real-life

When looking for an insulated water bottle with a straw cap, we like to see some specific features: a durable handle that isn’t in the way of the straw itself; a ridge to easily flip up the straw so it doesn’t come in contact with sweaty or dirty hands; and a leakproof design. The Takeya Pickleball Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid checks off all these boxes, with an included silicone bumper to prevent damage. A powder coating makes this bottle durable and easy to hold, and the large handle makes it easy to clip onto a backpack or carry around. 

These bottles are also cheaper than others on this list of a similar size—for example, a 32-ounce Hydroflask retails for $44.95, depending on where you purchase it. This bottle retails for $39.99, which is a steal considering it comes with a silicone bumper, which other companies sell separately. We think everyone is sleeping on this Japanese brand. If you’re looking for a serious step-up option, check out the Titanium Aurora Bottle from Snow Peak, a Japanese outdoors brand founded out of the snowy mountains that crafts elevated everyday items.

Best for kids: Hydro Flask 12-ounce Kids Wide Mouth Straw Lid

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Why it made the cut: This lightweight bottle has an included silicone boot for extra protection.

Specs

• Sizes: 12 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes 
• Temperature times: 24 hours for cold drinks
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth

Pros

• Perforated silicone boot for extra protection
• Kid-friendly features like a place to write a name
• Straw doesn’t need to be open all the way to take a sip

Cons

• Handle design not the most comfortable to hold
• Not leakproof

It was tough to choose between this and the Yeti Rambler Jr. as best for kids. However, the included silicon boot—which other companies sell as a separate accessory—and kid-specific features like a place to write their name edged it out. It’s also lighter than the Yeti Rambler Jr., clocking in at 9.6 ounces compared to 1 pound.

The straw doesn’t need to be opened all the way to take a sip, which is a blessing and a curse: it’s easier to drink out of, but it’s not leakproof. Additionally, the handle is out of the way from taking a sip but is a little uncomfortable to hold since it requires you to hook your fingers rather than allow for a full grab. The company does sell water bottle slings separately, which can keep everyone hands-free. If this bottle doesn’t tickle your kid’s hydration fancy, check out our other picks for the best kid water bottles.

Best with a filter: LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle

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Why it made the cut: Clean water is all around you with this fabulous filtered bottle.

Specs

• Sizes: 24 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes, only with filter and carbon capsule removed
• Temperature times: 24 hours cold; not recommended for hot liquids
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth with straw mouthpiece

Pros

• Included carabiner
• Clean water anywhere
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• One size only
• Heavy
• Doesn’t fit in standard cupholders

Finding clean water in the great outdoors is a struggle. Heck, even finding clean water in cities is difficult—looking at you, suss outdoor water fountain in the park. The LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle gets rid of this drinkable debacle thanks to its included Titan Renew and membrane microfilters, which protect against parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness, while also improving taste. 

Specifically, LifeStraw’s membrane microfilter removes 99.999999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness. It meets NSF 42 standard for chlorine reduction and meets U.S. EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of bacteria and parasites. This means you can also have access to clean water internationally. The carbon filter costs around $10 to replace, and the replacement two-stage membrane filter costs around $25. However, these filters only need replacing every 1,000 gallons—that’s a lot of lake water. Although it’s heavier than other insulated water bottles, doesn’t fit in standard cup holders, and only comes in one size, we think the benefits of clean water outweigh these cons. If you’re looking for a bottle with UV light filtering, consider the LARQ PureVis Bottle, which is also self-cleaning.

Best 64 oz.: Stanley Ice Flow Flip Straw Jug

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Why it made the cut: This jug is easy to carry and keeps drinks cold for hours, making it easy to drink more water.

Specs

• Sizes: 64 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Temperature times: cold for 20 hours; 4 days with ice
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth with straw lid

Pros

• Extra large moveable handle 
• Leakproof straw
• Insulated lid doubles as a cup

Cons

• Heavy when filled

Stanley Adventure Quencher travel tumblers are currently every TikTok drink girlie’s must-have item. A TikTok drink girlie is a person (girlie is gender neutral) who has at least three beverages on their person at once, one of them being some sort of chaotic Utah soda concoction or an iced coffee. Stanley makes a mean water bottle as well, and its 64-ounce Ice Flow Flip Straw Jug is our favorite. Unlike other jugs, which come with a narrower mouthpiece for chugging, this water bottle comes with a straw for easy sipping—no one wants to recreate the water-chair scene in Flashdance IRL, at least not unintentionally. 

Its temperature control is also unbeatable—four days with ice is a long time! The large, moveable handle allows you to carry the (objectively heavy) jug with ease. I have an older model of this jug with a fixed handle, and I’m debating swapping it out for this model. Although it won’t fit in your cupholder, you can throw it on the floor of your car without worrying about it tipping over—and if it does, you’re less likely to experience any spills.

Best budget: Igloo 36-ounce Vacuum-Insulated Bottle

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Why it made the cut: You don’t have to sacrifice quality for price with this bottle, which has the same cooling times and features as more expensive varieties. 

Specs

• Sizes: 26, 36 ounces
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Temperature times: 48 hours cold; 12 hours hot
• Mouthpiece: Wide mouth

Pros

• Ergonomic handle
• Great price for how long it can keep drinks cold
• Powder coating for durability

Cons

• Reviewers note the bottle leaking despite closing it tightly

If you’re looking for quality on a budget, look no further than cooler-aficionado Igloo. Although the company doesn’t sell any accessory mouthpieces—you’re kinda stuck with the wide mouth bottle with twist cap—you might be able to get away with finding an accessory cap from another company (which we are obligated to say, do this at your own risk). This bottle features similar specs as our best overall, the Yeti Rambler, at a fraction of the price. The products even have almost identical dimensions and handle shapes. Which is to say we love this bottle for the same reasons we love the Rambler: a powder coat finish for durability, an ergonomic handle, and lasting cooling power.

What to consider when buying the best insulated water bottles

Size: Insulated water bottles bring plenty of bounce to the ounce; the water bottles on this list range from 18 ounces all the way up to 64 ounces. Shop for a size based on your water intake. If you’re a frequent hydrator or athlete, you might want to consider a bottle that is 32 ounces and up. For on-the-go use, I personally enjoy a water bottle in the 24- to 32-ounce range—it’s not too small that I need to refill it constantly, but not a complete lug to haul around. However, I have a 64-ounce water bottle for the sole purpose of getting in my daily water intake without having to refill. Those looking for super-extra hydration should consider a gallon water bottle. Tiny tykes who don’t need that much water should aim for a 12-ounce bottle.

Dishwasher friendliness: You should wash your stainless steel water bottle after every use, regardless of what was in the bottle. Not all stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe, however. Warm, soapy water and a sponge does the trick for bottles that require handwashing. If you have a bottle with a narrower opening or one that has hard-to-reach crevices—which equals a stinky, smelly, stainless steel bottle—look for a bottle brush or bottle-cleaning tabs to take care of the job. All of the bottles on our list are dishwasher safe.

Sip preferences: Wide-mouth water bottles are great if you want a cup-like sipping experience or want to throw in some ice hassle-free. However, you might get some spillage on your shirt and face in public, which is humbling, to say the least. A narrow mouth prevents that but is harder to load up with ice. A flip-up straw lets you sip your water as you please, but can be harder to chug based on the model. Companies often sell separate cap accessories to customize a sipping experience to your liking. 

Weight & durability: Stainless steel vacuum-insulated water bottles tend to be light and durable, thanks to 18/8 stainless steel, which refers to its elemental composition: 18% chromium and 8% nickel. However, there is still a possibility for dings during use since some bottles have a thinner outer layer of stainless steel compared to others. This makes them lighter in weight but more prone to dents. And, like phone screens, you never know if your bottle will survive a short fall on concrete or a 3-foot tumble down a mountain. 

Additionally, the bottle’s paint coating affects its durability. Powder-coated bottles are less prone to scratches and peeling than liquid-coated bottles. The powder coating also gives the bottle more grip, which prevents it from slipping out of your hands. Handles, slings, and silicon sleeves can add personality and keep your bottle ding-and-dent-free. 

Thankfully, you can allegedly fix a dented bottle with some hot and cold water or a hairdryer and dry ice. This is all to say that a bottle with a thicker outer layer and a powder paint coating will typically experience fewer dents. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best insulated water bottles

• Best overall: YETI Rambler 26-ounce Bottle
• Best sustainable: Klean Kanteen TKWide
• Best with straw: Takeya Pickleball Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid
• Best for kids: Hydro Flask 12-ounce Kids Wide Mouth Straw Lid
• Best with a filter: LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
• Best 64 oz.: Stanley Ice Flow Flip Straw Jug
• Best budget: Igloo 36-ounce Vacuum-Insulated Bottle

Choosing the best insulated water bottle doesn’t have to dry out your spirit. You can find high-quality bottles to fit your liking and lifestyle across all price points. Handles, different mouthpieces, accessories, stickers, and fun colors can help you personalize your water bottle so it matches your personality. Hydration is essential, but who says it should be boring?

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 insulated water bottles 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		HOTSUIT Sauna Suit		SEE IT	It offers a solid mix of performance and price.
Best budget		RAD Sauna Suit		SEE IT	It’s surprisingly tough considering the cost.
Best durability		Kutting Weight – Neoprene Sauna Suit		SEE IT	This rugged suit will last longer than its competitors.

Wearing a sauna suit can be very unpleasant, but that’s the point. These waterproof tracksuits trap heat, resulting in a higher production of sweat. Studies have shown that sweating has some benefits, though that is far from conclusive at this point. Beyond the potential health benefits, these suits are frequently worn by athletes competing in weight-class sports—such as wrestling or MMA—in order to cut weight. While more studies need to be done on the effects of wearing sauna suits, keep in mind that staying hydrated and taking breaks are important when wearing one. Be sure to replenish with lots of water, and don’t over-exert yourself. Also, consult a doctor before using one because even the best sauna suits can do serious harm when used improperly.

• Best overall: HOTSUIT Sauna Suit
• Best for men: BOXRAW Hagler Professional Sauna Suit
• Best for women: KEBILI Sauna Suit
• Best budget: RAD Sauna Suit
• Best durability: Kutting Weight – Neoprene Sauna Suit

How we chose the best sauna suits

The writers and editors at PopSci have years of experience covering fitness products—from CrossFit shoes to vegan protein powders and beyond. To find the best sauna suits, we started with a list of dozens of options before narrowing them down based on variables like fit, durability, and design. We relied on a mixture of first-hand experience, professional reviews, user feedback, and spec comparisons to determine the models that offer the best performance and value.

The best sauna suits: Reviews & Recommendations

Studies show that sauna suits do indeed help you sweat more without having to increase the intensity of your workouts, up your sauna times, or increase sauna heat. While the primary function of sweating is to cool the body down when it’s overheating, people also sweat to enjoy some general health benefits. Multiple studies show varying benefits of induced sweating, such as helping to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s, reducing oxidative stress, and aiding in respiratory illnesses. However, the science is far from settled.

Athletes who participate in sports with weight classes also often employ sauna suits to help cut weight, though that process can cause serious health issues and should only happen under careful medical oversight. Keep in mind that if you’re new to wearing a sauna suit and are sweating much more than usual, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. You’ll need to be extra careful about your hydration. It’s absolutely essential that you don’t try to use these for general weight loss. They can be very dangerous, and any weight loss effects will be temporary. 

Best overall: HOTSUIT Sauna Suit

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Why it made the cut: With sizes ranging from Small to 5XL, the patented wear-resistant Silver-HeatREG Neoprene fabric is waterproof, windproof, and built to last. 

Specs

• Material: Neoprene, rubber
• Sizing: Small – 5XL
• Care: Hand wash only in cold water, hang to dry

Pros

• Windproof/waterproof
• Patented Silver-Heat REG V2.0 fabric
• Odor resistant 
• Large range of sizing options
• Fair pricing

Cons

• Sizing is off, requiring 1-2 sizes larger for proper fit

This lightweight and comfy sauna suit is the newest model for the HOTSUIT line. With patented wear- and odor-resistant Silver-Heat REG V2.0 fabric, you can sweat your butt off without stinking up the joint. 

It comes in various sizes, so both men and women can enjoy this sauna suit. It can be worn in your sauna, but it’s also windproof and waterproof so that you can wear it outside in all seasons. This suit features a close cuff design to trap in heat, a waterproof zipper, drawstring detailing, and a light feel that doesn’t weigh you down.

Reviewers love how quickly they begin sweating in this suit and the material’s durability. They also noted that the design felt fresh and cooler than other models. However, you should go up one to two sizes depending on how you prefer your fit. The brand recommends pairing it with a sweat-absorbent t-shirt underneath for the most comfortable wear because it’s unpleasant against bare skin.

Best for men:  BOXRAW Hagler Professional Sauna Suit

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Why it made the cut: Designed with world champion boxers, this 100% nylon, anti-rip sauna suit is durable, high quality, and very effective to help you sweat your butt off.

Specs

• Material: 100% Nylon
• Sizing: Small to 3XL
• Care: Machine wash cold, wash separately

Pros

• Over 1,000 positive reviews
• 100% Nylon, anti-rip fabric
• Elastic cuffs for added heat-trapping
• Lots of color and sizing options

Cons

• Size up for the best fit

The BOXRAW Hagler Sauna Suit was designed in collaboration with multiple world-champion boxers. With features like an elastic neckline and waistline to trap in heat, four pockets to store your valuables, rubberized cuffs, convenient headphone holes, and anti-rip, waterproof 100 percent nylon fabric that’s machine washable, this sauna suit set has it all for under $100. 

The thicker material avoids the “garbage bag” feeling that affects other, cheaper suits. Reviewers also point out that the company’s attention to details like heavy velcro, chest logo embroidery, and thick stitching indicated this product was more durable than other options.

It comes in several colors, and sizes range from small to 3XL. Again, this model may run small, so you likely want to order a size or even two larger than you normally would if you want a comfortable fit.

Best for women: KEBILI Sauna Suit

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Why it made the cut: Windproof, waterproof, and made with silver PU coating, this elastic 4-way stretch fabric keeps wearers feeling comfortable and odor-free and protects your skin from irritation. 

Specs

• Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Polyurethane
• Sizing: Small to 3XL
• Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry

Pros

• 4-way stretch
• Fair pricing 
• No “plastic” rubbing noise when exercising 
• Elastic hoodie
• Very soft and comfortable

Cons

• The Korean label is difficult for some to understand
• Cannot purchase bottoms separately

Made with four-way stretch and double overlock stitching for added durability, this sauna suit for women comes with a hoodie to trap in even more heat. It’s windproof and waterproof for use in any season or weather, making it easier if you run back and forth between an outdoor sauna and a workout area.

Wearers love that there’s no plastic rubbing sound when working out, like many other models. They also noted it has a super soft hand feel and comfortable fit.

You have the option to select the top separately, as well as purchase the complete set to customize this for your preferences and needs. The downside here is that you don’t have the option of purchasing the bottoms separately, so if you are a different size on top and bottom, you’re in a bind. Customers recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes.

Best budget: RAD Sauna Suit

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Why it made the cut: This high-quality unisex nylon sauna suit comes in sizes medium to 6XL and costs under $40, so you can get your sweat on without hurting your wallet. 

Specs

• Material: Nylon
• Sizing: Medium-6XL
• Care: Machine wash cold and line dry

Pros

• Super budget-friendly
• Inclusive sizing up to 6XL
• Night vision reflective logo
• Adjustable velcro cuffs
• Wind and waterproof

Cons

• Some issues with ripping
• Sizing is off; order a size or two up

The RAD Sauna Suit is made with high-quality EVA nylon material, which matches its more expensive counterparts. With an added hood for increased heat-trapping and a cool style, the sauna suit features elastic at the cuffs, waist, waistline, and ankles for a seriously sweaty session. 

It’s designed as a unisex suit with super-inclusive sizing from medium to 6XL. It’s windproof and waterproof. It promises you’ll start sweating within five minutes of use, though you may want to pair it with an infrared sauna if you are set on achieving that.

Reviewers are amazed at the quality for the inexpensive price point, noting that it’s durable, long-lasting, and “does the job.” Note that it can feel snug in the pants, so consider that when choosing your size. Plus, some noticed light ripping or snagging after a few months. We really recommend following the care instructions to ensure your suit will last. And do not tumble dry! 

Best durability: Kutting Weight – Neoprene Sauna Suit

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Why it made the cut: Made from the most durable Neoprene fabric, this long-lasting sauna suit is sure to offer maximum sweat sessions with minimum worries—no tears, rips, or snags.

Specs

• Material: Neoprene
• Sizing: XS-6XL
• Care: Machine wash and line dry

Pros

• Made from the highest quality Neoprene
• Sleek and slim design
• Soft hand-feel
• Excellent value
• Stylish

Cons

• Some may not like how snug it fits
• Not full body

Crafted from SweatTech elastic Neoprene, this sauna suit is built to last. The Neoprene is an updated version of the classic fabric, with a more flexible design and softer hand-feel. It’s finished with a smooth layer of lycra for even more comfort.

It features triple-reinforced stitching for added durability and mesh paneling along the sides for optimal comfort and breathability. Unlike other baggy models, the design is form-fitting and sleek to offer support through your workouts.

One big advantage comes from the look and style of this suit compared to other options. Plus, it’s even cheaper than less durable alternatives. In short, it’s an excellent value for what high quality you get. However, take note that this is not a full-body design—it stops at the forearm and knees.

Things to consider when looking to buy the best sauna suits

Material

The three main types of materials used to make sauna suits are PVC, nylon, and Neoprene. We recommend Neoprene or high-quality nylon. PVC is flimsy and cheap, making it susceptible to tears and rips.

Ventilation

Of course, you want to trap heat when wearing a sauna suit, but you also want to choose an option that breathes just enough to allow your body to cool itself. You don’t want to risk overheating or falling ill. You can literally die if used incorrectly.

Size

If your sauna suit is too tight, it might cut off circulation. If it’s too big, it might not work as effectively. Find a comfortable, true-to-size fit.

Cost

Sauna suit pricing varies depending on material and brand, but you should definitely be able to get quality suits under $100.

What else to know before buying the best sauna suits

• More research is needed. The benefits of wearing a sauna suit are largely based on anecdotal evidence. While many people have experienced great benefits from using sauna suits, it’s important to note that more clinical trials must be done to make definitive claims. Always consult with your doctor.
• They are not recommended for weight loss. Rapid weight loss due to sauna suits is only temporary (you’re losing excessive water weight that will be replenished when you rehydrate). Those with a higher BMI are at an even higher risk of dehydration, according to research.

Related: Best portable saunas

FAQs