Buying Guides & Comparisons

Roundups and head-to-head comparisons to help you pick the right product, based on our research into specs, owner feedback and expert reviews.

Buying guides & comparisons

• Best Alexa Devices for Your Home

  The best Alexa and Amazon devices for each room: Echo Dot for voice basics, Echo Show 8 for the kitchen, Fire TV Stick 4K Max for TV and Kindle Paperwhite for reading.

• Best Field Watches

  The best affordable field watches: a classic Seiko 5 automatic, a light-powered Citizen Garrison and the near-indestructible G-Shock, and who each suits.

• Best Jump Starter for Trucks

  The best jump starters for pickup trucks and big SUVs: our picks for value, premium two-in-one and compact backup, plus how to size one for gas or diesel.

• Best Jump Starter with Air Compressor

  Is a jump starter with an air compressor worth it? Our two-in-one picks from NOCO and WOLFBOX, who each suits, and when a separate inflator is smarter.

• Best Kitchen Appliances for a Wedding Registry

  The kitchen appliances worth putting on your wedding registry: KitchenAid stand mixer, Vitamix blender, Instant Pot and Breville espresso, and who each suits.

• Best Leather Gifts for Men

  Leather gift ideas for him that get used daily: a personalized dopp kit, a sleek Italian leather briefcase and a rugged handmade full-grain bag.

• Dyson Supersonic Nural vs BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium

  Dyson Supersonic Nural vs BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium: smart heat protection vs raw salon power. Who each dryer suits and whether the Dyson is worth it.

• Echo Dot vs Echo Show 8: Which Echo Should You Buy?

  Echo Dot vs Echo Show 8: do you need a screen? We compare sound, smart home control, video calls and the best room for each Alexa device.

• Seiko 5 SNK809 vs Citizen Garrison: Which Field Watch?

  Seiko 5 SNK809 vs Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison: automatic charm or set-and-forget solar? We compare movement, water resistance, size and who each suits.

• WOLFBOX vs NOCO: Which Jump Starter Should You Buy?

  WOLFBOX MV24A vs NOCO Boost Air AX65: two jump starter and air compressor combos compared on value, design, brand track record and who each is for.

• Best Carry-On Luggage: How to Choose a Bag That Fits the Bin and Your Trip

  How to choose a carry-on that fits the overhead bin and suits your trip.

• Best Espresso Machines for Home: How to Choose Your First (or Next) Machine

  How to choose your first or next home espresso machine, and what to check before you buy.

• Best Gaming Gear Gifts: How to Choose Something a Gamer Will Actually Use

  How to pick gaming gifts that work with the gear the person already owns.

• Best Jewelry Gifts: How to Choose Fine and Fashion Jewelry Someone Will Wear

  How to choose fine and fashion jewelry someone will actually wear.

• Best Luxury Anti-Aging Serums: How to Choose One That Fits Your Skin

  How to pick a luxury anti-aging serum that fits your skin, plus the serums on our shortlist.

• Gold Plated vs Gold Filled vs Solid Gold: How to Buy Gold Jewelry Wisely

  What each type of gold jewelry means, what karats are and how to read a listing.

• How to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress Online: A Practical Guide

  A practical guide to buying a memory foam mattress online: layers, support and what to check.

• How to Buy Luxury Perfume Online Without Smelling It First

  How to buy a luxury fragrance online when you cannot smell it first.

• How to Choose a Home Office Chair: A Practical Buying Guide

  Choosing a home office chair: fit and adjustability matter more than price.

• How to Choose a Luxury Foundation: Shade, Finish and Formula Explained

  Finding the right shade, finish and formula in a luxury foundation.

• How to Choose a Mattress Topper: Materials, Thickness and Firmness

  Mattress topper materials, thickness and firmness, and how each changes the feel of your bed.

• How to Choose a TV Wall Mount: VESA, Weight, Wall Types and Mount Styles

  VESA patterns, weight limits, wall types and mount styles explained.

• How to Choose an Everyday Bag and Wallet: Totes, Crossbodies and Slim Wallets

  Totes, crossbodies and slim wallets: choosing an everyday bag and wallet for the way you live.

• How to Choose an Insulated Tumbler or Water Bottle: Lids, Sizes and Cleaning

  How lids, sizes and cleaning affect which insulated tumbler or water bottle works for you.

• Hypoallergenic Earrings for Sensitive Ears: Metals, Labels and What to Avoid

  Metals, labels and what to avoid if you have sensitive ears.

• Building a Luxury Skincare Routine: Cleansers, Toners and Where to Splurge

  Building a luxury skincare routine, starting with cleansers and toners, and where to splurge.

• Meat Thermometers and Kitchen Scales: The Precision Tools Every Cook Needs

  What features matter in a meat thermometer and a kitchen scale, and how to use both.

• Small Kitchen Appliances Worth Buying: Slow Cookers, Toasters and Hand Blenders

  Slow cookers, toasters and hand blenders that earn their counter space.

• Clé de Peau Beauté Best Sellers: Eight Picks Compared

  Eight Clé de Peau Beauté best sellers side by side: SPF, shades, skin types and what to check before you buy.