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The Barista Express is indeed pricey, but if you’re looking for the absolute best, I believe it’s worth the investment. Here's my hands-on review. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Alrighty, let’s talk about my new favorite kitchen appliance: this coffee machine that’s been living it up in our kitchen for the past eight months. This thing gets more use than pretty much anything else in our kitchen. We’ve run it through the wringer with four cleaning cycles, half of them for descaling and the other half just regular maintenance. And guess what? It’s been holding up pretty darn well! Breville nailed it with this machine. Great price, solid performance. Haven't needed to call for help except once about a minor grind issue. And hey, there’s even an extended warranty you can snag to keep this bad boy brewing for years to come. Anyway, here's my hands-on review. Breville Barista Express - Actually Delivers A Balanced Taste KEY TAKEAWAY: We stopped going out for coffee almost completely after getting this. COFFEE SHOP SAVINGS: As you can tell, I like it. I like it a lot! I've crunched the numbers, and even if this baby decides to conk out on us by the end of the year, we've probably broken even. Think about it: each cup at your local coffee joint sets you back about seven bucks, and that’s depending where you live. When I went on vacation to Florida, it was almost ten bucks for just a normal cup of joe! I’ve done the math, and with this machine, after about 120 cups, you're hitting that break-even point. Throw in the extra bucks for using your own milk, and you'll probably need like 200 cups to really feel like you're getting your money’s worth. And if you're the type to make a pit stop at the bakery or snag some snacks when you're out for coffee, having this machine might just save you a pretty penny much sooner. (I can’t go to Starbucks without also getting a croissant.) BUILT-IN GRINDER: So, about the integrated conical burr grinder, it's a little champ. Seriously, adjusting the grind size and quantity is super easy. My husband had to give it a clean once because it started acting up a bit. But hey, a quick run-through with some rice, as Breville suggested. We almost removed the top screw for a good scrub-down, that all did the trick. DAILY USE: I haven’t bothered checking out other coffee makers. Given the rave reviews and the sweet price point of this one, why would we? We're pretty much making espresso drinks every single day: grinding, frothing, you name it. So much so, even the kids want to learn how to do it (they don’t drink coffee, they just like playing barista.) If we were just doing straight espresso shots, we probably wouldn’t need this much upkeep, either, so keep that in mind. Here's the scoop on our daily grind. My partner and I, plus our little munchkins, we average about four, sometimes, up to six cups a day. If we have friends over, we might push it to ten or eleven, but that’s not a regular thing. And no way would we be chugging that much coffee if we were buying it out. We wouldn’t be able to afford it haha. MILK FROTHING: We’re big on almond milk around here. We make it ourselves and everything. Sure, it's not as creamy as what you might get from a pro frother, but it’s still top-notch for homemade steamed milk, if I may say so myself. It creates this thick milk texture that I like. And... making it is a breeze. I just soak some good quality almonds overnight, blend them up with some water, and strain it through a nut milk bag. Add a little honey, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cinnamon, and you’re golden. You didn’t know this was a recipe review did you? Hah! Some folks heat it gently to thicken it up, which is kind of a neat trick, too. HOME ROASTING: We’ve stopped buying from local spots, it was just too much. Now we picked up a small roaster, and we order green coffee beans online (Amazon makes it a lot more affordable). We roast them just how we like, fresh and ready to go. By the way, if you’re roasting at home, grab a Knockbox that Breville sells. It’s a lifesaver for dealing with the spent grounds, especially if you’ve got a septic system to worry about. Composting is also a gem and coffee grinds are perfect for that. Our current bean of choice? Colombian Huila. It’s a steal on Amazon, about six bucks a pound, and it roasts up with a yummy caramel-chocolate. We’ve tried a bunch, and for the price and flavor, it’s a winner for everyone who's tried it in our house. ESPRESSO QUALITY: Even though we’ve been around (yep, even to Italy where the espresso is next-level), this machine manages to hold its own. And if you travel a lot, consider bringing it along if you can manage the logistics with your milk and such. Even fancy hotels with their in-room setups don’t quite measure up. Get it from Amazon now: $692.99 & FREE Returns

I tested the iRobot Roomba j9+, and it really removes 99% of debris on carpets and floors, including corners and edges. Here's my hands-on review. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. I’m a boomer (say what you will about me), so there’s one thing I stand by - I don’t care for technology! After a few years, my partner and I finally took the leap and decided to impress our grandkids by getting this high tech gadget, probably the most high tech thing I own behind my phone and computer. But trust me when I say that this was needed. We have two dogs who have super long coats and it feels like they’re always shedding. I sweep multiple times a day, and after hurting my back last summer, I needed an alternative. As it turns out, technology exists for a reason. I did a fair amount of research before deciding on the Roomba, and I’m really happy I went with this option. The price was a good selling point, and so were the positive reviews. Here are a few words about my own personal experience with it, and how it made our life easier! By the way, I plan to download the app that goes with this thing and once I do, I’ll get back to you. iRobot Roomba j9+ - Features Upgraded Wi-Fi-Connection KEY TAKEAWAY: Made keeping up with my two shedding dogs much, much easier. EASY SETUP: Setup went really smooth, mainly because the instructions were very clear, which this old man appreciated! Readers beware - I haven’t downloaded the app that goes with this thing yet mainly because the reviews on the Google store weren't great. So ultimately I ended up just giving Roomba the charge and then let him run wild over the mess that was our house. FIRST RUN RESULTS: My floors are a combo of vinyl, hardwood, and comfy area rugs (that we usually use to wipe our feet on). I do recommend removing things Roomba can eat–like loose chords and papers and whatnot. I kept a good eye on Roomba the first few times, just to make sure he didn’t destroy anything. We let Roomba get to work for a solid hour, as that was about all my dog could take freaking out at this thing, before he gets used to it. He did get a little caught up in the dishes the dogs eat out, but now I just know that I have to remove them for next time. In an hour he did the majority of the house, including cleaning the bathroom floors. He had no issue going over the divide, and I was most concerned with how he would do between the wood and rugs, and to my pleasant surprise, it ended up not being an issue at all! RUG COMPATIBILITY: One of the rugs had a little loose thread, and while he did try to eat it up, I snipped it real quick just to be on the safe side, so keep an eye out for things like that. Roomba had no specific direction in how it cleaned, and yet it definitely ate up all the dirt in our house. DAILY CLEANING: Maybe I’m imagining it, but it seems Roomba cleaning style has improved, and it’s likely that’s in part to the dirt alert that tells Roomba where the high traffic areas are so he eats up all that extra dirt. We use him twice a day, and the house has never been cleaner, the floors never better! BACK PAIN RELIEF: Now I’m more inclined to mop the house, since I don’t have to sweep first. And the pain in my back is actually feeling better! I do sweep occasionally, just to get to areas that Roomba can’t access, like under the cabinets, but he does go under the couch, so that is really nice! I also sweep where there are a lot of chords, like under the computer desk, so that way I don’t have to unplug everything for Roomba to make sure he doesn't eat my computer. PET COMPATIBILITY: My dogs have definitely started to get used to him, he’s become another member of the pack, I think, and the sound of him vacuuming doesn’t even bother me anymore. Get it from Amazon now: $639.95 & FREE Returns

I tested the popular Katchy trap and I was really impressed. Here's why I gave it 5 stars on Amazon. Hope it helps you make a better purchasing decision. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Katchy Trap - Works well for flies, mosquitos, gnats & moths KEY TAKEAWAY: Got the fungus gnats around my plants under control. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I have to start by saying that I bought a slightly damaged unit. It was obviously used, missing a small part, and had a sticky disk already in there with a gnat on it. I was like, all right, let's give it a shot. Plugged it in, hit the standard setting, and the light came on with a gentle fan breeze. It's a bit bigger than I thought, but hey, I got a serious bug issue here, so whatever works. They say it works better in dim light, so I set it up in a troubled spot. Four hours later, I peeked in, and bam, more than one gnat on the sticky pad. It's doing its job. GNAT CONTROL: The usual methods - letting pots dry, using hydrogen peroxide and water, mulching, and those yellow sticky traps - didn't cut it, but this seems to vacuum them up. Yay! If this keeps up, I'll buy more since I have plants all over the house. Trust me, I've got fruit flies, fungus gnats, and a variety of tiny beetles, you name it the bugs love me. Keeping the swarms down without harming my plants is wonderful. Will update as I go along. HOLE HOUSE COVERAGE: My house is big, and the bug collection is mostly at one end where the first unit is, so I ended up taking the plunge and grabbing a second one for the other end of the house. Someone said it's like a fly spa, but nope, it won't work on houseflies - they're too big. I wish! There are other models for that, and I definitely might get them in the future. But for gnats and smaller bugs, it’s filling up the sticky pads fast. I have to say, it’s nice to work at my computer without swatting bugs constantly. The fungus gnat problem from potting soil is nearly gone. If you have a grow booth or plants, stick one in for a night every two weeks, and it’ll clear out the pests. PLACEMENT STRATEGY: The first one clears out the plant room, the second one near the kitchen sink handles the other end of the house. I doubt it'll catch sewer flies, but flushing the disposal with hot vinegar and a lemon usually does the trick for those. I’ll keep you posted. I turn them off during the day and on at night when the UV light is most effective. I’m curious if the kitchen one will attract the spiders that crawl up my walls, as they go for the dead prey, so we'll see if it can stick them down too. LONG TERM PERFORMANCE: Plant area one catches loads of gnats, while the kitchen unit gets the fruit flies from the bananas. Spider traps near both areas are working well. Yep. My bug problem is getting ready to say goodbye! Couldn’t be happier with these Katchys. Spring starts are going well with no gnat problems. No chemicals needed. Still worth every penny. Replacing the sticky pads is a breeze. MAINTENANCE: We have two mixed breed Persian cats shedding everywhere, plus house dust. I clean the Katchy with a q-tip weekly to keep airflow clear (same as our tower fans). Still catching the tiniest bugs - fungus gnats, fruit flies. Fall harvest brought in more fruit flies, but a cupful of apple cider next to the kitchen unit did the trick. Plants brought in micro bugs, but their numbers are dropping. Katchy doesn't instantly solve your problem, but you'll see results in days. I also got a no-zap UV sticky pad catcher for house flies over the toilet, and it works too. VALUE FOR MONEY: These days, I also use the more-expensive LiBa Bug Zapper and I've written a review about it, but I have to say that even with this cheaper unit, I got everything I could and wanted... and more. Can’t be happier with how well this works and how easy it is to use and maintain. Get it from Amazon now: $40.00 & FREE Shipping

This Marc Jacobs Tote Bag holds everything I need, including my Glock, without weighing me down. And, I get compliments everywhere I go. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Marc Jacobs Tote Bag - Women's Bag With a Secure Zipper KEY TAKEAWAY: Compact tote fits my Glock and all of my daily essentials. CRAFTSMANSHIP: Alright, I seriously can't get enough of this stylish bag and I have to tell everyone, even internet strangers. Well, definitely internet strangers who are reading this wondering if they'll love it as much as me. Spoiler alert: you will. And nope, I'm not getting paid to write this haha. So, okay, where do I start? If you’re the kind of person who prefers not to lug around everything you own and then some, this durable bag is totally up your alley. It’s a perfect match for those who value style just as much as practicality. Now, the bag itself is a stunner, I mean that's obvious on the outside. But the inside? Yeah, the stitching is great. It's so beautifully crafted with really detailed workmanship, including a thick, durable strap. DAILY USE: Now, trust me, I know first hand that sometimes having something a bit lighter, is nice. For those fancier nights out, the original strap on this baby might feel a tad bulky. It wasn't a big deal, though. Oh, and did I mention all the compliments I'm getting? They just keep rolling in whenever I step out with this bag. It's like a bullet proof to strangers in bad moods, keeping away glares. I've worn it to concerts, to a soccer game. To the shooting range, obviously. And seriously everywhere I go, someone comments on it. I also love how it holds its shape without bulging... sleek and secure, just how I like it. But remember to zip it up. Take it my from my fail, you don’t want your bits and bobs escaping during a night out. PURCHASE EXPERIENCE: I've gotta say, Amazon really came through for me on this one. It was tough finding this bag in local stores, but a couple of clicks and a short two-day wait, and boom, it was at my doorstep, with a nice little discount to boot. Now, I'm practically inseparable from it, if you can't tell haha. And it's become my security blanket, and it feels like I can't step outside without someone throwing a compliment my way. Best thing about it, though, it's great for concealed carry. You can even modify it to be really great for it. URBAN CARRY: It’s also perfect for city living. It accentuates my outfits, it's stylish, and it fits all my essentials, including my Glock. And when I'm getting to where I need to go, this is when I mainly use the secure strap. I don't have to worry about it slipping either. The strap it comes with is comfy and secure. It's a huge plus when I'm darting through busy streets. STORAGE CAPACITY: Here’s a twist: despite its compact look, this bag is surprisingly roomy. It’s become my go-to for carrying everyday essentials. It even has room for some range accessories, such as earmuffs and shotting glasses. But this tote bag really strikes a sweet balance between functionality and cuteness, which is a total win in my book. Get it from Amazon now: $195.00 & FREE Returns

The most popular palm-sized drone in America just got better, with a larger sensor, obstacle avoidance system and intelligent flight modes. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. If you’re a shooter or hunter who loves spending time outdoors, the DJI Mini 4K is great for capturing shots during hunts or range days. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to operate. It also makes a perfect family gift. By the way, if you’ve read our Ping Pong Tables or Billiard Tables reviews, you already know I love friendly competitions when I’m off the range. This tiny DJI drone adds a whole new angle, literally! It helps me capture my rare overhead ping pong shots, and the even rarer pool bank shots. With all that in mind, let’s get into my hands-on testing of the DJI mini drone. DJI Mini 4K - Foldable & Portable Drone KEY TAKEAWAY: Tiny, but shoots impressive 4K footage. OVERALL VALUE: I bought this drone after a bad experience with another one bought from a popular brand and let me tell you, after discovering the differences from these two products back to back, the DJI Mini 4K blows all other models out of the water. I seriously can’t get enough of this thing. For under 500 bucks you’re getting so much. It’s small, but don’t mistake that for a lack in quality. One hundred percent, you’re getting something awesome to work with. Not only does it fly smoothly, it’s easy to figure out how to use. You’ll feel like a pro after only a few times of playing around with it. FIRST FLIGHTS: When it comes to getting it started, I would recommend watching a few videos online to make sure you have an idea of how to use it, so just keep that in mind. But once you use it a few times, you’re going to find that it’s easy and feel like you’ve been using it forever. Oh, and I love that I don’t have to register it with the FAA, and it’s below 250g so that’s cool, too. DRONE PERFORMANCE: I was worried the wind would make me lose control of it, but that hasn’t happened at all, which was super surprising given the weight, but that’s just a sign of how well built the product is. So I feel like a kid again after using this thing haha. It’s one of the fun, satisfying purchases I’ve ever bought in my life, no joke about that. It took me a little bit of time to figure out how to use it, but miraculously I managed to play with it without it crashing, which is really a miracle haha. It’s only been a month though, so fingers crossed! VIDEO QUALITY: They list the video quality as 4K, which some reviewers were like, "it’s only" 4K. Only?! This is more than enough for me. Like unless you’re a national geographic videographer, this is going to do more than enough to get beautiful and scenic videos. SETUP TIPS: When it comes to actually using it, take my advice on this: use an approved SD card, because if you don’t, you’re going to have issues. I’d also recommend a couple different things…make sure to read the manual fully before letting your excitement get away with you! You’ll want to turn off your phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi before you use it. If you don’t, you’ll face interference and you might make my mistake and assume it’s broken and consider returning it before you realize you just let your impatience get the better of you. The easiest solution is to put your phone on airplane mode, that way you’ll have no issues. You only need internet on your phone for the first time you fly it so you can have it registered. POWER MANAGEMENT: The battery life is great. One charge can get you over twenty minutes, which when you compare other models, it’s pretty darn good for this size. I have a short term attention span anyways, so twenty minutes is more than enough time. Any longer, and you’ll probably get tired, because it does take some focus. Now, removing the battery is kind of hard, and it might pop out when you least expect it, so make sure you’re doing it over something so it doesn’t fall far to the ground. If you use a good USB-C charger, you’ll find that you won’t have any problems charging the battery. Now, if you want to fly for an extra long time, I’d recommend buying a couple extra batteries, even though you’re probably going to get a solid amount of time on one battery. I’m just paranoid and like having extra ones! BUILD QUALITY: I’m really impressed with the quality of this thing. It does feel fragile, but that’s only because it’s lightweight. Overall, it’s really durable and sturdy, and you can just tell how well made it is. MINOR ISSUES: When I uploaded the images and video to my phone, some of the graphics glitched a little, but they’re so minor, it’s really not that obvious or bothersome. It doesn’t affect the actual video that’s recorded on the SD card, and you’ll find that it doesn’t affect how you control the drone either. OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE: Another point: I’ve used it indoors to record shots over our pool table, and outside to film us playing ping pong. We keep our ping pong table in the backyard. The footage looks smooth, and the drone’s sensors do a great job avoiding obstacles. Just make sure you’ve got enough room to fly (indoors). APP FEATURES: Both photos and videos are of high quality. It’s so easy to just move the image and videos from the drone to my phone using the app, and that’s by far one of the coolest aspects of it. And then I just use airplay to move what’s on my phone onto the TV so I can show off all the cool things I’ve filmed. SIGNAL RANGE: I was kind of worried about the connection, but that hasn’t been an issue at all. I’ve flown it over 3,000 meters (yep, you read that right) and it still works! I never worried once that I would lose it. It’s that awesome! Get it from Amazon now: $449.00 & FREE Returns

As a truck driver, I rely on my headset to make phone calls, receive route updates, and transmit messages. Here's my personal ranking. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. BlueParrott - Best Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headset KEY TAKEAWAY: Exceptional noise canceling keeps calls clear even inside a loud truck cab. WHY I CHOSE IT: I’m a truck driver and needed a new pair of noise canceling headsets after my last set of headphones stopped working–the pairing essentially broke. I’m on a budget and didn't really want to spend a ton of money, so I tried out a few different earbuds and found that most of them didn't work near what I was hoping for. After doing a bunch of research and devouring all the positive reviews I could, I settled on these, but I can’t even call them settling, because wow, these are just the best. NOISE CANCELATION: Wow on the sound on these! I’m not even kidding. You can be standing right beside a compactor truck doing its thing, and a person across the driveway can still hear your voice. I’ve actually tried it. Not kidding. I even tried them out when I was outside next to my buzzing air conditioning unit, and my mom couldn’t even hear it. She said that my voice was completely clear. Naturally, the same was the case when I was driving my truck - she could hear me with no interference. PRODUCT COMPARISON: I've also tried nine of the most popular headsets on the market, and while I liked some of them for their weight and lightness, only BlueParrott absorbed practically all of the background noise, and that's even more the case if you’re someone who wears hearing aids. But with these things, you seriously hear absolutely no background noise, it’s just amazing! BATTERY LIFE: The battery is freaking awesome. I love how the headset came with a full battery, and after almost twenty four hours of using it in two days, it only lost 30 percent battery. It only died on me once because I didn’t charge it for over a week haha. The only thing that would be cool is if it showed the battery life on my phone, but other than a little small thing, I just love it so much and I know other people will too! PROS: Sound is loud enough to hear in a noisy car Awesome battery life Controls have a learning curve but are pretty good to use once you figure it out Love the voice feature Noise canceling mic blocks out external noise Ear piece has great sound quality CONS: Ear cushion has a rectangle shape and can be a little uncomfortable because it doesn’t go over the year Head band is on the tight side and yet somehow still manages to slide off when I look down AIRPORT TEST: Last month, in between traveling, I was in security, waiting for my flight, and talked to my mom for over fifteen minutes without ever having to hit mute. My mom said she heard zero background noise - no airport announcements, no conversations from the crowd around–nothing. People around me were loud too (the plane was late and the line long, so you know how it goes). And yet I was happy because I didn’t have to listen to any of them complain haha. Love this thing. Get it from Amazon now: $209.99 & FREE Returns 2. Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC - Best Bluetooth Headset for Dispatch Calls KEY TAKEAWAY: Strong call clarity and multi-device pairing improve communication while driving. DEVICE SWITCHING: After using air pods for a while, I finally decided to switch it up and go with something new. And yeah, the noise canceling isn't the greatest for calls when I’m driving my truck, but it worked. When I'm working from my home office, I switch between my phone and my computer which it’s kind of a pain, and I was worried about the battery dying. The Voyager has seriously fixed all of these issues. It has such a long battery life and I had zero issue switching between different devices. SOUND QUALITY: It’s not actually design for music listening, and the speaker is better for voices, but it works both ways. I have zero issue hearing people on phone calls. You can also browse the web with it without issue, and that’s great. MICROPHONE QUALITY: The mic is seriously great. Love the noise canceling and how well it works. It filters out all background noise, so no one can hear your surroundings, so that’s nice. I use it on Zoom calls all the time and it’s awesome, and I definitely have the best mic of anyone in my company. UC VERSION: Out of all the different types, I recommend the UC version. Essentially it comes with a USB transmitter that you can plug into your computer. It’s worth the extra cost if you ask me. Definitely awesome. You get better reception and range and it lets you use the app, plus it comes with a charging case which is awesome. DEVICE PAIRING: I keep mine connected to my Mac computer, and I love how easy it connects with Bluetooth. It just works great, zero complaints. BATTERY LIFE: After four to five hours of non stop video calls, the battery finally gets low, but it charades so fast, you barely ever notice it. CHARGING CASE: Game changer right here. Love the charging case. I can just pop it in for a quick recharge. You can fold the head set into the case or you can attach it to the outside. It’s another reason I recommend the “UC” option because charging goes faster. The case is like the airpods, and has a battery inside so that’s pretty cool. My only issue is that it takes a few attempts to get the head set to click where its charging. The blue charging lights are convenient though! CONTROL LAYOUT: I love how the buttons are in the best spots and I have no issue finding them. I can adjust the volume and answer or end calls with it, which is so easy to use. Oh, and the mute button is freaking awesome. Makes it easy to quiet my mic when I’m on a conference call. APP FEATURES: If you got the “UC” option, then definitely download the Plantronics Hub application. With it, you can see the battery status of the headset and play around with sound quality, ringtone, and battery life. The app also lets you sync the mute button to your computer which is awesome. COMFORT: Keep in mind, this is gonna be subjective! I like over the ear type headsets, especially when I’m wearing them all day. It’s light enough that it doesn’t make my ears hurt which is awesome. They’re so much more comfy than my air pods, I just love them so much. Get it from Amazon now: $89.95 & FREE Returns 3. Jabra Evolve 65 - Best Long Battery Life Headset KEY TAKEAWAY: Long battery life supports full days of truck driving calls. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Yeah, I got these for my Birthday, but let’s be real, this more felt like an X-mas gift straight from Mister Claus himself! They’re on the pricey side, yeah they’re expensive, but you’re getting what you pay for. The quality is worth it. I really like ear pads that are dual over single style, and I love how light the headset is, although I’ve seen lighter ones, but not the kind meant for this. I don’t use these at the gym, but they’re great at work. DEVICE PAIRING: They connect to my phones and computers which is just awesome. At first, I couldn’t figure out how to switch between all of them, but the customer service was awesome and they taught me how to install the new software and that worked great. BATTERY LIFE: The battery life is freaking amazing. I still don’t understand how even after a full twenty four hours, it still said the battery was full. It would be nice if you could see the percentage of the battery from the software, but it is what it is. COMFORT: The head set is comfortable to wear for a longer time, but my ears do get a little sweaty if I wear them for a little bit. MICROPHONE QUALITY: I love how the mic is clear, and noise in the background is barely noticeable. The boom mic swivels and has a magnet to clamp to the headset when not in use. The mute button works during calls, but not otherwise. USB CONNECTION: I love how long the USB cable is and works really great with my computer, but it’s not the best if you wanna walk around with it. VALUE: It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it’s super high quality, so I think it’s worth it. I mean, there's value is in how solid the quality of sound is, and how easily you can connect to it and still have good conversations. OVERALL EXPERIENCE: I think I’m gonna give this four stars, mainly because the battery status was a little on the misleading side. When it said the battery was full, it dropped down to five percent by the next day. Yet, it’s still pretty solid, and a great product and I love it. Get it from Amazon now: $292.00 & FREE Returns 4. Garmin 100 - Best Long-Range Bluetooth Headset KEY TAKEAWAY: Long wireless range lets truck drivers stay connected while unloading. WHY I BOUGHT IT: I started working remotely and I knew I needed a good headset, because my dogs can get rowdy. I really like wireless, single ear gadgets that connect to my computer, but I decided to go with these specifically because there’s a five year warranty just in case anything happens. VALUE: I have to say that, with this headset, the value for money is seriously up there. The outbound audio quality is so amazing, and I love how the range lets me wander to the kitchen and bathroom while still staying connected. Yes, I spend just under a hundred percent of my days on my phone and computer. At least I’m being honest. Anyway, for these reasons, this headset is worth the money. SET UP: Setup was soooo easy. You can even contact tech support for help with any issue but there’s also a bunch of YouTube videos out there that are helpful. DAILY PERFORMANCE: I love how lightweight this headset is. The range of this thing is seriously unbelievable. I even walked through my whole home and in the front and back yard and still didn’t lose connectivity. CUSTOMER SERVICE: My main issue was with the manual. Not a lot of instructions. So I ended calling tech support several times. It helped, but I don’t think I should have necessarily had to do that to figure it out. Either way, customer service was seriously the best. The tech support even called me to make sure I’d figured it out, which was just a nice touch. And by the way, when I broke the ear pads, customer support quickly shipped replacements. LONG-TERM USE: I typically get new ones every two years or so. So after four years, I can officially say the battery life is still just as amazing. Also, the sound quality is still better than my handset or speaker, and it’s still so comfy, even to wear all day long. So, as far as durability goes, I'm giving this pair twelve out of 10, not even joking. Would have been a 15, if I had gotten the model that connects to my cell, but I plan to get that next time! Get it from Amazon now: $189.95 & FREE Returns 5. EKSA H1 - Best Budget Bluetooth Headset KEY TAKEAWAY: Cheap, yet keeps calls clear even with road noise. WHY I CHOSE IT: I'm not usually one to write reviews, but these are so worth it. For years I struggled with ear pain. After using headsets for a couple of hours, my ears would start hurting. I had seriously been looking for a pair of comfortable, noise canceling headsets that don’t cost a fortune. As a truck driver, I needed them. I’ve tried all the headsets out there, at least that’s how it feels, and this pair is by far one of the best I’ve ever tried. It’s super affordable and works so great. NOISE CANCELATION: I tested it in my semi with the window down while on the phone with my wife and she couldn't hear the wind or the truck engine which was shocking. I'm able to stay connected without any background noise, and my conversations are so smooth now that I don't have to keep repeating myself. Not only can I answer a call super fast, but the noise in my truck doesn't affect the call quality at all. Everyone I’ve talked to reports seriously crystal clear sound, almost like I'm alone in a quiet room. BATTERY LIFE: The battery life is one of the best I’ve seen, and I’ve owned a lot of head sets. I’ve used this for over a week straight and still didn't have to charge it. It lasts about fifteen freaking hours, with like five hours of talk time. When they finally show low battery, they only needed a quick five minute charge and then they kept them going. Get it from Amazon now: $69.99 & FREE Returns

I tested several Samsonite luggage sets and can conclude that this one delivers the best value for the money. Read my hands-on review. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. 1. Samsonite - Omni PC Luggage Set KEY TAKEAWAY: Handled international flights and cobblestone streets without visible damage. 15-YEAR RUN: My last carry on did a great job for almost fifteen years. I took it mostly on short trips (when I went on business), but also on long trips (for fun!). Although it was usually full to the brim, it lasted longer than I expected. When the handle finally fell off and I found a hole in the lining, I realized it was time to say goodbye to my old friend. BUDGET CONCERNS: Initially I thought to buy something affordable, cheap even. I don’t need name brand luggage, not with my student loans. But after reading the reviews on the under $50 price, I couldn’t justify even spending that when everyone was talking about stuck wheels and broken handles. I waited for a while until I could go in person and see how cheap they actually looked. BUSINESS TRAVEL: As I mentioned, I frequently travel on business. Most of those trips are international, and these cheaper suitcases would never stand that kind of air travel. I decided to wait until I was certain before I made the purchase, and that happened this past Tuesday. Couldn’t have come sooner since my flight was that Friday. I almost took my old broken one with me until I went back to Amazon and found this baby. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The first thing I noticed was how light it was, even in the box. I ripped into it, and man it looked great. I love how the handle slides out without The wheels move seamlessly and the body feels strong, like it won’t scratch easily. It’s small, and yet surprisingly capable of holding a lot. It’s even expandable, which for over packers like me is a plus. DURABILITY TEST: I took this suitcase, fully loaded, on four plus hour flights during the holidays, and even had to check it. And it did so well. No scratches, no wear and tear! I even dragged it through the cobblestone streets of Mykonos. PRICE VALUE: It's not super cheap, but also won’t break the bank. Plus, I loved the colors and the reviews were great. With the clock ticking, I bit the bullet, and my new bag arrived just in time. By the way, if you want to see how the Samsonite compares to other options, check our full list of the best luggage sets. But if you’re considering the brand beyond luggage sets, see our Samsonite backpack review. It's also really great for travel, and incredibly stylish. Get it from Amazon now: $319.00 & FREE Returns

Coolife suitcases are lightweight and durable. They come with a 2-year warranty, and we can personally guarantee that they would suit every type of traveler. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. COOLIFE Luggage - Hard-Shell 3-Piece Set KEY TAKEAWAY: Handled repeated flights and rough baggage handling better than expected. FREQUENT TRAVEL: I’m a freelance travel writer, meaning traveling is my job. I’m always in another city for work. Because I travel so much, I usually only get two years per set of bags, and honestly, even the expensive ones aren’t that great when it comes to durability. I know this is just a consequence of my job, so I try not to get frustrated when the wheels jam up or the zippers fall off. I decided to give Coolife luggage a go, and honestly, I love it. It’s been six months with this set, and it’s not just holding up okay, it’s actually better than okay. It’s good. And that’s saying a lot coming from a professional traveler like me. PRICE COMPARISON: I’m well aware that some name brand luggage can climb into the thousands, and I just refused to send that much on bags from a department store when I could get cheaper, and equally nice options elsewhere. This luggage set from Coolife was a third of the price for the pieces I saw in department stores! CHECKED LUGGAGE: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that luggage beneath an airplane is going to be jammed in there, so I had some concerns if this luggage set would do well on an international flight piled with other suitcases. Not only that, but my flight had a layover, meaning the bags were going to roughed up even more. I’m sure you’ve seen those airplane workers who toss luggage into the air without a care in the world. When I finally arrived, I was a little antsy to see how my luggage had handled the trip. To my surprise, they did better than I expected! Now I take these pieces on all my trips. So far they’ve done three round trip flights with layovers, a few road trips, and one super long road trip almost two thousand miles during a move. DESIGN: I really love them! They roll so smoothly on hard floors, gravel, even parking lots. Not only that but it’s super easy for two people to roll three bags, and since you can attach a duffel on top, it makes it even easier. I love the pop of bright color - my old bags used to be hard to tell apart in the carousel at the airport. Not only that, but it’s really easy to carry and I can get it in and out of my car without much effort. PROS: Considering how light it is, it’s surprisingly durable. It came with a lock, but I didn’t need to use it, still it was a nice plus. It has inside zippers that allow me to store important documents. All three pieces fit together so you can store them without taking up too much space. The wheels are connected to the case in a way that I don’t see them failing like my last bags. I also love how sturdy the expandable handles feel. There’s a pattern on the outside that helps with impacts, making it scratch resistant. MINOR CON: The only qualm I have? The hinge is a little wobbly, and I wonder if it would collapse under too much pressure. Yet here I am, and it’s still standing! I just have to be a little gentle with it, but it’s really not a big deal. Honestly, this just makes all the pain of traveling that much easier. By the way, if you're still exploring options, check out our full list of the best luggage sets we’ve tested. It has some great options worth considering. Get it from Amazon now: $169.99 & FREE Returns

We tested the best bug zappers for fruit flies to see which ones get the job done. Here are the ones we’d actually buy again. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. LiBa - Best Indoor Bug Zapper for Fruit Flies KEY TAKEAWAY: Attracts annoying insects without chemicals. INSTANT RESULTS: When I say I hate bugs, I can’t emphasize that enough. I needed a solution, and I needed one fast. Enter the LiBa Electric Bug Zapper, the literal solution to all my problems. I’m not even joking! This zapper started working in minutes, just as advertised. It’s exactly what I wanted and more, and not only that, but it kills pretty much every bug that flies near me. Seriously worth the value. WHY I NEEDED THIS: The fly infestation in my house was killing me. I couldn’t go to the bathroom without swatting a fly. And making food? Don’t even get me started. Bugs, bugs, bugs. Everywhere. I was so annoyed by all of it. I’m a big gamer, and when I’m free and have extra time, I like to just relax by my computer, and these things make it nearly impossible to actually relax. They gravitate to my screen in no time. I literally couldn’t relax with the constant buzzing around me. Oh and even worse, when I found out that they were flying towards me because they’re attracted to the moisture in my eyes, mouth, and nose, I wanted to vomit. And then I learned that they needed moisture to breed. Like are you kidding me? I started having nightmares because of these pets. I wish I was joking. They’ve taken a toll on my mental health. WHAT DIDN’T WORK: I tried everything before getting this zapper. Vinegar, dish soap, detergent, you name it. If a home remedy exists, I gave it a try. Apple cider vinegar? Yep. I have plenty of bottles now that I don’t even use. Mainly because the flies were too smart to be attracted to them. When they jumped for my mango flavored juice I have every morning, I decided to try that, and nope. Didn’t work. It’s almost like they have a vendetta against me and want to do whatever they can to piss me off. I’m not even joking lol. PROOF IT WORKS: I decided to get this zapper although it was almost sixty bucks. It was more than what I wanted to spend, especially when you consider that I’ve already shelled out enough money trying to rid my house of these bugs. But I was at my last resort here, okay? So I did it. And then I turned it on. And what happened? ZAPPPPPPPPP. Yep. Within minutes of flicking this on, my house filled with the greatest sound I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s like when you’re frying garlic–that popping sound, minus the smell. I walk over to the zapper and lo and behold there is a deceased fly on the little tray. It worked. In minutes. MY RESEARCH: I can’t understate my excitement on this. I did a lot of research before taking the plunge with buying this one, and man am I happy I decided to go with this one. All the positive reviews were seriously accurate. I was worried the reviews were fake, but nope, they were real. It was like months of pent up worries had dissolved from me. WHAT CHANGED: In one day, this thing took away such much anxiety I’d been keeping inside. And while, yes, I do have flies that occasionally wiggle their way through the holes in my screen, but this is nothing like the prior infestation I had. I’m not really sure where they’re coming from, but at this point it doesn’t matter. While I’m not necessarily finding them at their source, I’m killing them exactly where they’re bothering me most: in my safe space. My home. UV PERFORMANCE: They don’t even appear on my blue screen monitors anymore. They literally will choose the bug zapper light bulbs over all other lights in my house, be it tv, lights, even the moisture in my face. I don’t even know what’s necessarily magical about the Liba Bug Zapper lights, but let me tell you, they are indeed freaking magic! Avada Kedavra you little pesky mofos! SETUP: When it comes to setup, it’s a serious breeze. It’s wrapped in bubble wrap, so you just have to peel it out. There’s a tiny little manual that is super easy to read and it lists all the safety and warranty info, you know just basic stuff that comes with normal products. TIPS: The biggest thing you want to pay attention to: don’t put it in a tight cramped spot. You want to make sure there’s some airiness around it, so when it murders the little bugs, no one else will get shocked by the zapper. Yeah, it’s that powerful. I’d definitely recommend putting it somewhere where there are no dogs, kitties, or kiddos. The bars have electricity on them, so that’s why. You just want to make sure you stay away from that. There are little rubber black grips on the side, so you do have a safe place to grab it if you need to hold it. I definitely wouldn’t touch the bars, it’s just safer that way, trust me on that. The power cord is a solid, safe length too, so you’ll have some flexibility with where you decide to put it. NOISE LEVEL: The one thing you should know though, these zaps are really loud when they electrocute the little buggers, so just keep that in mind when you use it. It’s now becoming music to my ears, like a rainfall, like a chorus to a symphony, I fall asleep listening to the sound of death, and I’m not afraid to admit it! Cue evil laugh! No other lights can compete with this thing. The bugs go straight to this thing, and then they die, and that’s that. It’s UV lights, and they’re more attractive than anything else. I also tested and reviewed the popular Katchy indoor insect trap, which is much cheaper, and like anything else has its pros and cons, so I suggest you read about my experience with it with you're looking for a budget-friendly products. But LiBa is only 55 bucks, so what are we talking about, really? Get it from Amazon now: $54.99 & FREE Returns 2. GOOTOP - Best Outdoor Bug Zapper for Patios KEY TAKEAWAY: Powerful against moths, flies, and gnats, especially around patios and outdoor seating areas. PEST CONTROL: I bought the GOOTOP Bug Zapper because our patio evenings kept getting ruined by moths flying straight at us and houseflies buzzing around during cookouts. I was also hoping it would help with mosquitoes. The combination of the 4200V electric grid, large 1/2 acre coverage, and simple plug-in setup made it feel worth trying. I figured even a small reduction in bugs would make outdoor evenings more enjoyable. BUG PERFORMANCE: This thing works incredibly well for moths, flies, gnats, and other insects attracted to light. The first evening I plugged it in, I started hearing constant zaps within minutes of sunset. It was actually pretty satisfying because you could immediately tell it was doing something. Our patio became noticeably more comfortable since the larger flying bugs stopped hovering around us all night. COVERAGE AREA: The coverage feels legitimately large. I placed the zapper about 25 feet away from our seating area, and it successfully pulled the bugs away from where we were sitting. Instead of bugs circling around our table, most of them headed straight toward the zapper instead. BUILD QUALITY: The overall construction feels solid and durable. It uses weather resistant ABS plastic and has an anti shock outer cage, which made me feel more comfortable using it around family members. The hanging ring also makes placement easy if you want to hang it somewhere higher up. CLEANUP: Maintenance is pretty simple. Dead insects fall into a removable tray at the bottom, and the included cleaning brush makes cleanup quick. I also like that the bulb can be replaced instead of throwing the whole thing away later. MOSQUITO RESULTS: One thing worth mentioning is that it was much better at killing moths and flies than actual biting mosquitoes. I noticed way more moths, beetles, and other flying insects in the tray than mosquitoes. That makes sense because mosquitoes are usually attracted more to body heat and carbon dioxide than UV light. I would not rely on this as a complete mosquito solution if mosquitoes are your main problem. Buy it on Amazon today for: $59.99 with FREE returns 3. YISSVIC - Best Electric Fly Swatter KEY TAKEAWAY: Weirdly fun for quickly clearing flies around patios and outdoor spaces. FIRST IMPRESSION: I started noticing way more flies hanging around my back deck this past summer. I already had a Dynatrap sitting away from the seating area, but it barely attracted flies at all. I wanted something more aggressive and a lot more satisfying to use, so I ended up buying this electric fly swatter. OUTDOOR USE: Relaxing outside during summer is a lot harder when flies keep buzzing around your face the entire time. Before I could fully enjoy sitting outside on the sectional in the sun, I felt like I needed to go on a little mission first and clear the area. FIRST TEST: I checked the battery level on the handle and saw it was fully charged and ready to go. After spotting a group of flies gathered near the deck door, I quietly opened the slider and switched the swatter to the highest setting. This mode lets it zap automatically without holding the side button, which makes the whole thing way easier. FLY PERFORMANCE: I swung at a group of around six flies and managed to take out four of them immediately. One fly got stuck inside the mesh and kept getting continuously zapped until it literally started smoking. I probably should have shaken it out or turned the swatter off, but at that point I felt committed to sending a message to the rest of the flies. DAILY USE: After that, it basically turned into a game. I started walking around the entire property hunting flies whenever I saw them. It sounds ridiculous, but it became strangely entertaining and satisfying once I realized how effective it was. BUILD QUALITY: The swatter feels lightweight but still sturdy enough that it doesn’t feel flimsy during use. Charging is quick, and the battery lasted long enough for multiple rounds of fly hunting around the yard. SAFETY: It’s obviously meant for bugs, but I can confirm it does give people a quick little zap too if someone accidentally gets hit on the elbow or knee. Nothing major happened, but it definitely gets your attention. Probably not recommended for family entertainment purposes. SOUND EFFECTS: The sound effects are part of the experience. Every successful hit comes with loud rapid fire zaps that somehow make the whole thing even more satisfying. CONTROLS: The handle has a simple battery indicator with three green dots showing a full charge. On the lower setting, you need to hold the side button while swinging. On the top setting, the red lightning bolt lights up and the zapper stays active automatically, so you can just swing away without pressing anything. Buy it on Amazon today for: $22.99 with FREE returns 4. Dynatrap - Best Outdoor Bug Trap KEY TAKEAWAY: Effective for reducing flying insects around patios and backyards. FIRST IMPRESSION: I was pretty skeptical when I first heard about the DynaTrap on a gardening radio show claiming it could cover anywhere from half an acre to a full acre. That sounded exaggerated to me. Still, I had trusted the host’s recommendations before, so I decided to order one through Amazon anyway. It actually took several weeks to arrive because they were apparently backlogged with seasonal orders. SETUP: The first thing I noticed was how lightweight the unit feels. That ended up being a good thing because it doesn’t require a heavy duty hook or complicated mounting setup. I hung mine on the far edge of the patio underneath a covered area since I didn’t want direct rain or constant sunlight damaging it over time. DAILY OPERATION: I’ve had it running continuously for about a month now, twenty four hours a day, and so far it has held up well. One thing I immediately appreciated was how quiet it is. I expected a louder buzzing or humming sound, but it’s surprisingly easy to ignore even when sitting nearby outside. HOW IT WORKS: The light stays on constantly and attracts flying insects during both the daytime and nighttime hours. Once insects get close enough, the internal fan pulls them through the grate and traps them inside the collection basket underneath. I’ve found all kinds of bugs inside, including smaller flying insects and larger beetle type bugs. FAN ISSUE: I only ran into one problem during the first month. One morning I noticed the light was still on, but the fan had stopped spinning. After unplugging it, I found a large June Bug stuck between the fan and the lower grate. The bug was so hard and bulky that it jammed the fan blades completely. DURABILITY: At first I worried the blocked fan might have burned out the motor, but after removing the bug and plugging the unit back in, everything worked perfectly again. That impressed me because it seems like the motor was designed to handle situations like this without immediately failing. CLEANUP: I usually empty the trap about twice per week, and there’s typically around a full cup of bugs inside each time. Some insects are still alive when I empty the basket, so I usually spray them afterward before dumping everything out. Otherwise they just fly away again, which defeats the entire point. ODOR: One thing I noticed is that if you wait too long between cleanings, there can be a slight odor coming from the dead insects sitting inside the trap. It wasn’t strong enough to bother us while sitting on the patio because the fan airflow seems to disperse it pretty well, but it’s still something worth mentioning. REAL RESULTS: The biggest thing is that I’ve genuinely noticed a real difference outside. My backyard is around half an acre, and while I still occasionally see a stray bug flying around, it’s nowhere near as bad as before. At night especially, I’m no longer getting swarmed every time I walk outside with a flashlight. Buy it on Amazon today for: $114.99 with FREE returns 5. ZAP IT! - Best Electric Fly Swatter for Limited Vision KEY TAKEAWAY: One of the few fly swatters that can genuinely work for users with limited vision thanks to its loud feedback and simple controls. FIRST IMPRESSION: As a blind person, I’m constantly searching Amazon for products that might actually make everyday life easier. Whether it’s something for cooking, cleaning, or dealing with annoying little household problems, I’m always curious about tools that might help. Some products end up being disappointing, but this ZapIt completely surprised me. BUYING DECISION: Catching flies without full vision is a nightmare. I'm not kidding. Smacking them with a shoe never really worked for me, and a friend who apparently takes bug killing very seriously kept insisting I needed a proper fly swatter instead. I finally decided to look for something simple enough that even my friend could use easily. I wanted something with good reviews that wouldn’t be complicated. When I found this electric fly swatter, it sounded both useful and kind of entertaining at the same time. ACCESSIBILITY: What I absolutely did not expect was that this thing would actually work for someone with limited vision too. That ended up being the biggest surprise of all. HOW IT WORKS: The process is pretty simple. First, I listen carefully for the fly buzzing nearby. Then I grab the ZapIt and try positioning the racket toward the sound. During the daytime, I sometimes crouch near sunlight or angle the mesh until I can catch a bit of reflected light. I have enough vision left to notice that small detail, which helps with positioning. DAILY USE: Once I think the fly is getting close, I hold down the zap button and slowly move the racket toward the buzzing sound. Sometimes it takes patience, and sometimes it gets frustrating, but eventually you hear that loud zap noise when the fly gets caught. You can even smell it afterward, which definitely confirms the mission was successful. EFFECTIVENESS: It’s obviously not perfect, and it definitely takes longer than it would for someone with full vision, but it genuinely works far better than I expected. The biggest thing is that it gives audible feedback, so you instantly know when you’ve actually caught something instead of just wildly swinging around hoping for the best. BATTERY INDICATOR: The battery light is bright enough for me to see. I can quickly flip the switch and check whether it still has power left without needing help from someone else. That’s a lot better than accidentally testing it with your finger, which crossed my mind once or twice. Buy it on Amazon today for: $29.99 with FREE returns 6. GeckoMan - Best Bug Zapper for Bedrooms KEY TAKEAWAY: Quiet overnight performance. PERFORMANCE: I’ve been using this GeckoMan rotating head zapper almost every night for about eight months now, starting back in July 2025, and overall it has worked extremely well. I usually place it near the foot of my bed, slightly off to the side so I can still see insect activity without dealing with harsh light directly in my face. It consistently attracts and kills mosquitoes, moths, and other small flying insects throughout the night. BEDROOM USE: What surprised me most is how much better this worked in a bedroom compared to the larger hanging bug zappers I already own. Those bigger 8 kV to 12 kV units are too bright and noisy to comfortably sleep near. This one feels much more practical for indoor nighttime use because it stays effective without completely lighting up the room. NIGHT ACTIVITY: I normally switch it on around 9 PM and let it run overnight on battery power. The highest amount of insect activity seems to happen between around 2 AM and 3:30 AM in my area, which appears to line up with peak mosquito activity. By morning, there are usually plenty of mosquitoes and small moth type insects trapped inside. It has genuinely helped me sleep without constantly getting bitten. BATTERY LIFE: Battery performance has been reliable the entire time I’ve owned it. On battery mode, it usually lasts around six hours before shutting off. Once the battery dies, the light turns off completely. I recharge it overnight using a switched outlet, and by around 6 AM the indicator light is green again and fully charged. Even after eight months of daily use, battery performance still feels stable. BUILD QUALITY: The overall construction feels noticeably better than most cheap plastic bug zappers. The rotating head mechanism feels sturdy and actually useful for aiming toward walls, ceilings, or specific parts of the room. I mostly keep it near the bed, but I could definitely see the adjustable angle helping in larger rooms or awkward corners. ROOM COVERAGE: Compared to larger always on hanging zappers, this one feels much more targeted for occupied indoor spaces. Instead of trying to cover an entire property or patio, it works directly where people are sleeping. In my experience, having one of these in each bedroom would probably work far better for mosquito control than relying on one giant central zapper somewhere else in the house. UV LIGHT: The biggest downside is definitely the UV light lifespan. After around eight months of nightly use, roughly nine to ten hours per night, the UV output has visibly weakened. The attraction power still works, but the light intensity is clearly lower than when it was new. I expected the UV emitter to last longer before performance started dropping. REPLACEMENT ISSUES: One frustrating part is that there’s basically no information provided about the UV wavelength or replacement lamp specifications. Different insects respond better to different UV ranges, so it would be incredibly helpful if manufacturers actually disclosed this information. Without it, replacing or maintaining the unit long term becomes unnecessarily difficult. MAINTENANCE: Because there’s no proper replacement guidance included, users basically have to open the unit themselves and identify the UV component manually if they want to maintain peak performance. Better documentation would make a huge difference here. BOTTOM LINE: After using this thing daily for months, I do not agree with many of the one star reviews. Based on long term real world use and close inspection of the design and electronics, the performance has been consistently strong. The overall build quality and effectiveness simply do not match the extremely negative reviews I saw before buying it. Buy it on Amazon today for: $34.99 with FREE returns

Choosing the perfect billiard table can be a tricky shot. This guide will ensure you pick the right size and style based on your budget. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. In this article, I ranked the most popular billiard tables on Amazon right now. As a lifelong shooter and hunter, you can imagine I enjoy a little friendly competition when I’m off the range. If you’re the same, you should check out our ping pong tables review too. Here in beautiful Utah, both billiards and ping pong bring families together, especially after a long day outdoors. With that said, we can move on to my ranking of popular billiard tables that stood out in our hands-on testing. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. GoSports - Best Budget Pool Table KEY TAKEAWAY: Rails and ball roll felt quite realistic after the felt broke in. FIRST IMPRESSION: I thought I'd give this table a couple of months before jotting down my thoughts, and let me tell ya, it's been a blast! Plenty of good times shooting pool with the fam and buddies, or just knocking balls around solo. Back in the day, I could hold my own in the local bar room billiards scene. I mean, I won enough games to keep my beer tab covered, at least on the good nights. This table? It's pretty close to what you'd find in those bars, minus being a slate, and it's a solid performer without breaking the bank, and isn’t that always a nice plus? DELIVERY EXPERIENCE: I've seen folks grumble about their tables arriving banged up, but my experience was smooth sailing, just as I had hoped for. I coughed up 20 bucks to have it brought down to the basement, and it was definitely worth it. Unpacking it, everything looked A-OK, except for a tiny crack in the plastic of one pocket that I barely noticed later. Relax, people. Not the end of the world. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: The cues are a bit meh, and you'll probably end up swapping them out pretty quick like I did. The brush is only good for the bits under the rails, not the whole table. The balls are decent, though. No issues with them breaking or anything. The rack's your run-of-the-mill plastic, nothing new there. And the chalk? I mean, it's chalk, it does what it’s supposed to. Grab yourself a set of house cues ranging from eighteen to twenty one ounces off Amazon, and pick up a proper brush for the felt. Oh, and you’ll need to buy and place the head or foot spots yourself, cheap and easy with a little measuring. BUILD QUALITY: At a hundred and seventy pounds, this table doesn’t mess around, it’s firm, it’s sturdy, it’s not gonna rock. Give it a nudge, and it’ll stand its ground, not messing up your game. The leveling? Spot on. My wife and I were all geared up to adjust the legs, but turns out, it was perfectly level right out of the box. We checked with different levels, all over, and it was all good. Thanks to my nifty little dehumidifier that I run non-stop in the room, I'm hoping that keeps the warping at bay down the line. Will update if that changes, and do recommend getting one of those. You’ll thank me later. PERFORMANCE: Here’s the honest truth on this. It plays just like the tables back at the bars I used to hit up in college, aka it’s gonna work and do what you need it to do. The felt was a bit slow to start but shaped up after some play and regular brushing. The rails give good bounce, and the balls roll off just right. I'm all about those trick shots along the rails or banking a ball from one side to the other. Just like the old bar days. But heads up: since you can’t re felt this baby, (which you need to remember!) I ban any jump shots to avoid burns or tears, which has pissed off a few of my friends. But my house, my rules! BOTTOM LINE: We got this as a starter table to see if we’d actually use it, and it’s been fantastic. Even my daughter, who plays in an APA league, thinks it’s a hoot when she drops by. It’s surpassed my expectations big time, and while the wife's already dreaming of an upgrade to a slate table, for now, we’re having a heck of a time with this one. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon, that’s for sure! This is genuinely a high quality table. Get it from Amazon now: $599.99 & FREE Returns 2. Barrington Billiards - Best Pool Table for Home Game Rooms KEY TAKEAWAY: Once leveled properly, this table plays quite solid. INITIAL NOTES: Okay, so hear me out, I've never dived into writing such a lengthy review before, but I've got some insights that might just help you out, and I’m mainly writing this because I wish someone had done it for me. I've been dreaming of owning a pool table forever, and finally decided this was the year to make it happen. I scoped out tons of options, from brand new to second-hand. Here’s the deal: you can opt for a slate table, which can set you back a whopping $5000 or more, or settle for a wood option. But keep in mind that even snagging a used slate table isn’t cheap, you’re looking at over two g’s just to haul it home. Plus, setting up a slate table? Yeah, that requires a pro (aka, more dolla dolla bills ). SHIPPING & DELIVERY: Shipping was a lot easier than I expected and even though they shifted my delivery slot on the day, it wasn’t a biggie. Just a heads up, it comes on a massive wooden pallet which is yours to deal with. The delivery guys won't take it back. The table itself arrived in one massive, iron packed box. Seriously, you’d need a bulldozer to dent it. The delivery folks were nice enough to set it just inside my door. The box is hefty; you’ll need a buddy or two to shift it. Everything inside is cocooned in foam and the tabletop is cradled in a wooden frame. ASSEMBLY PROCESS: The manual might look daunting at first, but we kicked off with the pool stick stand and got the whole table set up just the two of us. Yep, the manual recommends four, but we managed. Definitely keep a power drill and socket wrench handy, trust me on that one. The instructions for attaching the legs with those silver metal brackets are a bit of a head scratcher, so take it slow. My tip? Use a headlamp when aligning the bolt holes for the tabletop. It’s a gamechanger. But I really want to make something clear. Assembly was kind of a pain, a workout in itself, and yes, you’ll be finding bits of Styrofoam in every corner of your room for days. But, as mentioned, the instructions were clear enough, and we had the base ready in a couple of hours. The real challenge is hoisting the pre-assembled top onto the base, that part’s definitely a three-man lift, no joke. INCLUDED GEAR: The cues it comes with are nothing to write home about, so you might want to upgrade those eventually, as pretty much every other review mentioned. But it does come with everything else you need: balls, triangle, chalk, all high quality. SIZE: This thing is pretty big, so you’re gonna need a big room, unless you fancy playing Tetris with your furniture or smacking the walls with your cue. PERFORMANCE: It’s a stunner to play on, and it plays true to form after a bit of leveling adjustment, plus it feels solid as a rock. VALUE: Easily without a doubt, a five-star value for the price. I snagged mine on Amazon for a grand, and prices seem to bounce around a bit between here and Wayfair. If you’re hunting for a top-tier pro table, this might not cut it. But for a grand? Yeah, you’re gonna be hard pressed to find a better starter table. Get it from Amazon now: $1,009.99 & FREE Returns 3. Hathaway Spartan - Best Pool Table with Ping Pong Top KEY TAKEAWAY: The rail bounce and ball roll feel really solid. DELIVERY: Okay, let’s clear the air about those one-star reviews. They're mostly gripes about the delivery service. Let me throw in my two cents from a pool lover's angle. My set was delivered with no hiccups. It came well-packed, although it was missing a couple of washers, but it turned out they weren’t a big deal at all. DIY SETUP: If you’ve got some DIY skills and a bit of muscle, you can set this up solo and flip it upright without too much fuss. COMPACT SIZE: I was hoping for a mid-size table and was a bit unsure about making the sale on this one, thinking it might be too small, like more of a kid’s thing, but I honestly love it. As it turned out, it’s actually the perfect fit for my spare room. Not as tiny as I feared. Look, it’s supposed to be a compact table, and that’s what a lot of people complained about. Apparently they can’t read. It’s honestly perfect for small spaces, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and you still get to have your pool fun. BUILD QUALITY: Design-wise, it’s pretty straightforward and I love that it’s solid. Sure, it's made from particle wood and MDF, but what do you expect for the price? PERFORMANCE: On the performance front, it holds up pretty well, and did exactly as I expected. The rails give a good bounce, maybe a bit more peppy that I thought, but not too bad. You’ll just need to adjust your shots for more realistic angles. The balls roll smoothly across the table, stay true to course once it's leveled, and it should last a good few years if you keep it dry and clean. It's a step up from the beat-up bar table I'm used to, although I will say, I'd probably prefer a full-size table if I was playing real serious games. BALL SIZE: The balls are two inches, a tad smaller than the standard two and a quarter, but they still play well on this size, and unless you’re an expert you’re probably not gonna notice it. Took me just a couple of games to adjust my spins and shots. I even splurged on a set of standard-size balls for practice, which to my relief actually worked out just fine on a table of this size. POCKET SIZE: Just for reference’s sake, the corner pockets measure about three and a half inches - tighter than usual but not that tricky to aim into, especially with the smaller balls and with how the table has a compact layout. If anything, it’s a great way to sharpen your skills or just have a bit of fun. Though it’s not slate, the ball movement around the table is quite satisfying. RED FELT: The red felt against the black table really pops, too, which I freaking love. The compliments about it don’t hurt either. CUE UPGRADE: I upgraded to larger cues and balls that fit the pockets, but that’s just personal preference, so I wouldn't necessarily say that’s a requirement. PRICE VALUE: For the price, you can't beat it. So I just really highly recommend this affordable table for anyone looking for a space-saver that doesn’t skimp on the fun. This is honestly ideal for the money. DRONE TIP: By the way, if you ever wanna record your games or practice special shots, the DJI Mini works really well indoors. It’s really stable. I used it a couple of times to capture my bank shots. BOTTOM LINE: Only two weeks in and I'm totally sold on it. Really! Having owned both a seven footer and a six and half foot table, I’d happily keep this one to save space, especially since I’m living on the third floor. Get it from Amazon now: $499.99 & FREE Returns 4. American Legend - Best Pool Table Under $2000 KEY TAKEAWAY: The oversized layout made this feel much closer to an actual game-room table. RUSTIC DESIGN: The design's got this cool, kinda rustic, vibe that fits right into my man-cave, almost like it was made for it haha. And the coloring is just spot on. I like bland colors, what can I say? DELIVERY SERVICE: Don’t bother with the 'room of choice' delivery or the assembly service - you’re really just screwing on the legs, but I know other reviews say otherwise, so that’s up to your discretion. The top part comes all put together, but it is super heavy. The company I hired couldn’t manage it, so I ended up needing a buddy’s help to get it up to my second floor. We're not exactly bodybuilders, but we managed the 275 lbs up the stairs in less than five minutes. The first one I got was damaged, (and no I didn’t drop it) but Amazon was quick to replace it, which was both surprising and sweet. They delivered the second table just 2 days later, and it arrived without a scratch. However, the delivery was supposed to be to any room, yet the delivery guys only had curbside on their order, which annoyed me, yeah. We still managed, but it was tough. Do yourself a favor and seriously spring for the delivery service that brings it inside for you. EASY ASSEMBLY: The table was a breeze to put together. We got the whole thing set up in about half an hour. If you’re alone, you’ll need help, leave it at that. GAMEPLAY: As for playing, the rails are a bit on the stiffer side, but considering the price tag, I'm not gonna be the first one complaining on that note. The table surface is level, no warping or anything. Sure, it’s not slate-level flat, but then again, it doesn’t cost a fortune. FELT QUALITY: The felt's a bit slow with the roll, and I’m probably going to swap it out because some shots tend to drift, and it’s a pet peeve of mine. And before you say something, I already mentioned that I've made sure the table's level, so it's definitely the felt that’s the issue. So if this is your first table and you don't want to spend a lot, it's a good pick with decent felt. But if you're trying to practice serious trick shots, the felt might drive you nuts because it will definitely affect the accuracy of your shots. LEG STRENGTH: The legs aren’t sturdy enough to sit on while playing, but that’s not a big deal breaker for me. INCLUDED GEAR: The sticks and the triangle are pretty basic - fine for the kiddoss or casual play. I'd recommend picking up some better quality ones if you're more into the game. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. BOTTOM LINE: I’m pretty happy with this pool table, overall. It's super easy to put together, though it weighs a ton, and it's a great value for the price. It's also surprisingly durable, and it doesn’t rock when I play on it. I'd definitely suggest getting some high quality black chalk and an actual real brush that you know, brushes. The cues aren’t the best, but remember, you’re buying a pool table, not a professional cue set. And if you’re a professional, then why are you reading this? All in all, I’m thrilled with the purchase. Totally worth it, in my humble opinion. Get it from Amazon now: $1,296.83 & FREE Returns 5. Hathaway - Best Pool Table with Dining Top KEY TAKEAWAY: Works very well both as a pool table and a dining table. PURCHASE STORY: I’ve been wanting to get my husband a pool table for the longest time. I've been scouting for a table that didn't cost my mortgage and then some, and then I stumbled upon this beauty on Wayfair - but I managed to grab it on Amazon during Black Friday for a sweet deal with 2-day scheduled delivery. Gotta love Prime! DELIVERY EXPERIENCE: I did notice a few negative reviews about delivery mishaps and damaged parts, but that wasn't my experience at all. The delivery was quick, the packaging was superb, and the table itself came spotless. BUILD QUALITY: It’s not cheap, but it delivers solid value for the money. Once everything is set up properly and leveled, it feels sturdy and reliable. So, yeah, it's well worth the price. WEIGHT & SIZE: It's heavy, seriously. Like tipping the scales at about three hundred pounds. However, it's just the right size and looks fantastic. MULTI-PURPOSE USE: What's unique about this table is that it's a 3-in-1 kind of combo. Not only it's a billiard table that can be transformed into a ping pong table, it can also become a dinning table. There's an extra table top for it, and two comfortable sitting benches that fit right below the table. This is the only option I found that can turn into a dinning or work table. ASSEMBLY PROCESS: The instructions say to flip the table with four people after assembly to avoid snapping the legs, but even four folks might find that tricky. What worked for us was setting the tabletop on four chairs first. Then we propped up one side on small stools to attach the legs, and repeated on the other side. Worked like a charm! Also, a word of caution for anyone assembling it. Don't crank those bolts too hard. It's made of MDF, and if you're using a ratchet set instead of the included tool (you'll need a 14mm socket). Trust me when I say, be careful not to overdo it. CHRISTMAS GIFT: My husband was over the moon with it. It really brings back memories of playing when we were younger. It was his Christmas gift, and he's been playing non-stop, and I’m afraid to play him because I know it will turn into a ‘winner does chores’ type of situation. Yeah, I might be regretting this haha. BOTTOM LINE: The table was easier to assemble than I thought, it's holding up well so far, and it's definitely sturdy. Though the cues are a bit on the cheap side, I’d still recommend this table for anyone looking for an option that can easily transform into a dinning or a working table, or for a woman trying to keep her husband occupied. Just remember, it’s not a ten grand table, but for a fun, reliable family pool table, this one’s a winner in my book. Get it from Amazon now: $1,699.99 & FREE Return 6. EastPoint Sports - Best Pool Table Under $1000 KEY TAKEAWAY: The forgiving pockets make games more fun for beginners. BUDGET TABLE: All right, I just have to talk about this pool table. This thing is more budget-friendly than a weekly trip to the arcade, but you might wanna get your expectations set first. Don't go expecting it to be the crème de la crème of billiard tables. So, I was on the fence about whether to snag a used slate table, which, mind you, would cost an arm and a leg to move and set up, or go for something more wallet-friendly. With my kiddos running around, the "cheap and cheerful" option won out. From what I gather, this table's not exactly built to last a lifetime. Once the felt is worn out, you’re probably gonna say goodbye to it because, from what others say, replacing it isn't in the cards. However, I have to admit, the quality is a smidge better than I braced myself for, and hey, it actually looks pretty decent in the den! DELIVERY EXPERIENCE: When the table arrived, it was all snug in its packaging with no mishaps, though a pesky spot of glue on the cloth was a bit of an eye-roller. Didn't mess up the gameplay though. But I'll admit it showed up right on time, double-boxed and unscathed. I recommend having it delivered to the room you want, because this beast isn't light. I’m so happy I shelled out the extra bucks for that. I needed a couple of strong backs to get it upstairs. Totally worth the extra cash. TABLE SETUP: Most of the assembly was solo work, but flipping and setting it right needed an extra set of hands. A few stubborn screws aside, it was pretty straightforward to put together. So, yeah, the reviews were right about that: setting it up really is mostly a one-man show. It took me about two and a half hours. But you'll need an extra pair of hands at some point to hoist the tabletop onto the base. I didn’t have it at first and nearly threw my back out. Aligning everything was straightforward except for leveling it. That was a real head-scratcher until, by some fluke, it just...worked out. Don’t you always love it when that happens! CUE QUALITY: The cues it came with are a total bust. Crooked as a politician's smile as my granny used to say. And the tips? Forget about it. Do yourself a favor, chuck 'em and grab a couple of decent ones if you actually want to enjoy the game. Luckily, I had one stashed away. TABLE SURFACE: I opted for the beige cloth, expecting something lighter, but it turned out a tad darker. No biggie. It handles the balls well enough, although don't expect lightning speeds. FORGIVING POCKETS: The pockets? Super forgiving. Great for boosting my ego because you'll sink shots like a pro - might make the game a tad too easy. I kind of liked that though. My husband is too good for his own head. CUSHION QUALITY: The real bummer here are the cushions. They're about as lively as a damp sponge, (also my granny’s saying) which means you've got to really whack the ball to get it where you want it. That was a letdown, for sure. BOTTOM LINE: Whether I should've shelled out more for a sturdy used slate table, only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, a slate table would've held up better in the long run, both in play and resale value. So my bottom line is: this is a decent setup for home play. Just keep your expectations in check and maybe save up for some decent cues! Get it from Amazon now: $778.04 & FREE Returns

As a self-proclaimed clumsy person, I know firsthand that balance is key. I tested the best balancing hoverboards on Amazon to have you riding safely. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. In this article, I include hoverboards that fit both teens and adults. If you’re shopping for younger kids, our review of the best ride-on cars for kids has plenty of beginner-friendly options they can start with before getting into hoverboards. And now it’s time to break down my favorite hoverboards. Here’s my hands-on ranking. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. Segway Ninebot - Best Self-Balancing Scooter for Adults KEY TAKEAWAY: Steering wheel makes balancing feel much easier than a standard hoverboard. MOBILITY ISSUES: As a disabled person, I can’t tell you how difficult it was to find solid research on using self balancing scooters. I didn’t want a regular hoverboard, mainly because I knew I’d need the ability to balance and I lack the leg and back strength needed to make them work. Finally, I found this Segway, and I honestly can’t be happier. It took me about five minutes to get comfortable on it. PAIN-FREE RIDING: I think this might be a miracle cure for people who have issues walking. I used to not be able to walk twenty feet without being in pain, and then I rode this for almost three miles and seriously felt no pain. Then the next day, I rode it for almost eight miles. Not only that, but I rode it through my gravel driveway and managed to open my gate without even stepping off of it. Being able to stand again is so good for my body too, and riding this is even allowing me to strengthen the muscles in my legs. I can feel my muscles getting sore in that good way. EASY CONTROL: Having a steering wheel to hold really aids in making this comfortable and I don’t have any issue with getting closer to the speed limit. I tested out a lot of different terrains and even found that I could move it into my bathroom! If the wheel can fit, then you can get in. SPEED: The speed tops out at 12.2 miles per hour and that's just perfect for me. I don’t feel like I’m going too fast where I may lose control, but I also am moving fast enough that I feel like I’m closing the distance to where I want to go without crawling like a snail. BACK SUPPORT: When my back ached, all I did was lean over onto the steering wheel for support, and that took some of the pain out of my legs. Finally I feel like my mobility issues are no longer limiting. WEIGHT & SIZE: It is on the heavier side, about fifty pounds, but it’s so compact that I have no issue lifting it and carrying it around in my trunk. BATTERY LIFE: The battery is pretty solid too. Even after eight miles, it still showed over fifty percent charge. NIGHT RIDING: It also has so many lights on it, I can even use it at night. The digital speedometer is super helpful for nighttime riding too. BOTTOM LINE: I will say that I will eventually plan to update the tires Comfort tires as they have a tread that ensures it won’t slip on wet surfaces. I think the customer service could be better, but it’s not enough of an issue for me to deduct a star. This has truly been life changing for me. Get it from Amazon now: $599.99 & FREE Returns 2. Gyroor Warrior - Best Off-Road Hoverboard KEY TAKEAWAY: Oversized tires handle dirt, grass and rocky trails without feeling unstable. DISCLAIMER: I have two other hoverboards that are less expensive than this one, but when the seller offered me to try this one out on a promotion in exchange for a review, I decided to go for it. BUILD QUALITY: I’d say the quality and build of the Gyroor is way better than other hoverboards. It's not a coincident it's considered the best hoverboard brand. It really is unique is that sense, as it really is a high-quality, durable option that would last for years. FIRST LOOK: I could tell it was made for rugged environments as soon as I pulled it out of the box. I followed the instructions and made sure it was fully charged before I used it. It only took about half an hour to charge them. For reference I’m 5 foot 7 inches and I weigh about 165 pounds. 167 near the holidays lol. OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE: I've used it on everything from rugged trails to grassy fields, and it performed flawlessly, and I think it’s mainly because of the oversized tires and the motors. I love the self-balancing technology, and it makes it so you adapt quickly and really get the most out of the thrill of an adventure. PROS: Long Battery: The battery is the real winner in my book. It lasts for about four hours of riding, which is pretty solid and doesn’t require frequent charging like other models I’ve tried. User-Friendly: It’s pretty intuitive to use. If you’ve never ridden one, you might be a little intimidated, but I like this model because it comes with an auto-balance feature that makes the riding even smoother. You can also take your time adjusting the speed to get confident going fast on it. Rugged Build: The wheels on this thing really allowed me to test out different terrains. I had no issue switching from sidewalks to dirt trails, and it even went over rock and sticks without issue. Lights: It comes with lights that you can turn on at night, but I’m thinking that this is more for show and not so you can actually see well at night. Built-in Speaker: I love that it comes with a built in speaker that you connect to your phone with Bluetooth. It’s not super-crisp sound, but it's definitely good enough so you can ride it without headphones. Customizable App: The app offers a lot of useful features. You can toggle between child or adult modes, switch between self balancing or manual, and you can limit your speed between 3.7 to 12.4 Miles per hour. Oh, and you can also change the colors of the LED lights. CONS: Heavy: It weighs around thirty pounds, which might be heavy for younger users, but it is durable. Wheel Cleaning: You’ll need a good scrub brush to clean the wheels The ads on the app are annoying To really get the battery to go the full distance you’ll want to make sure that you charge it after every use. BOTTOM LINE: I’d say the pros definitely outweigh the cons! This is a wonderful self balancing scooter for adults, and I highly recommend it. It's genuinely worth the money. Get it from Amazon now: $449.99 & FREE Returns 3. Hover-1 i100 - Best Hoverboard with LED Lights KEY TAKEAWAY: Customizable lights make this easier to spot at night. BALANCE SKILLS: I bought this hoverboard as a gift for my 17 year old son. Keep in mind that hoverboards are better suited for older teens and adults who already have good balance and coordination. So if you're shopping for younger teens, who still want real outdoor riding, I’d recommend checking out an electric dirt bike for kids. PROS: Can withstand over two hundred pounds Includes built in Bluetooth speakers App shows current speed, battery life, and GPS location Has three difficulty levels that control the top speed Foot board lights are customizable Durable Fun colorful lights Good tread on the wheels Intuitive and easy to learn CONS: When not in use, it rolls in circles that make it hard to get on and off when you’re first learning how to use it. App is limited. The colors and effects of lights are customizable, but only half of them work. Unable to change the difficulty level via the app when using it. You have to get off the board to do that, which is stupid. Instructions lack details on the modes and levels. CUSTOMER SUPPORT: I actually want to end this review with something about their service. Although the tech support was mainly through email, I found that they responded within a day and helped me figure out how to decommission the older hoverboard so I had a replacement delivered. I definitely recommend getting the extended warranty, but just keep in mind that any warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Get it from Amazon now: $242.06 & FREE Returns 4. SIMATE - Best Hoverboard for Kids KEY TAKEAWAY: This handled rougher terrain much better than my son’s older Razor hoverboard. BATTERY ISSUES: I got this hoverboard for my son as a Christmas present. My son dove into the box and was ecstatic. He rode it non stop, and then we charged the battery overnight so he could fully use it the next day. Welp. This thing turned on and didn’t stop. Like it wouldn’t shut off, until the battery died. REPLACEMENT PROCESS: I ended up contacting customer service and explained the issue, and she gave me instructions on how to ship it back to the manufacturer so they could send me a new one. And wouldn’t you know it, the new one came and worked just fine! RAZOR COMPARISON: The new one we got was definitely more sturdy than my son's old hoverboard made by Razor. I love that he can ride it on rough terrain, and it’s definitely more rugged than the old Razor. It's also cheaper than the Razor. Now, it may not be as eye-catching as the Razor, as it lacks those lighting kits beneath it, but there are some lights on the wheels that add a cool effect. RESPONSE & CONTROL: I will say that we tested out different models around the same price point and we found that this one is a little less responsive than other ones, it kind of lacks that elegance if you know what I mean. So yeah, you’re going to get a bit more rough moves, and it can be harder to do cooler tricks, so keep that in mind. POWER PERFORMANCE: The charge time is about what I expected and I’d say it holds a charge really well. CUSTOMER SERVICE: It comes with headlights, but the ones we got only had one working and customer service didn’t immediately respond. I’ll probably just fix it myself. BOTTOM LINE: I think if you’re looking for something to use over rougher terrain, this is definitely it. It’s a nice addition to my collection and while it doesn't have the same fluid movements of other brands, I like that it can handle uneven surfaces better than most of them. My son has a lot of fun riding it, and it’s fun to see where else he can go with it. So, overall, I’d say a solid purchase, good customer service, and something kids will make tons of memories with for years to come! Get it from Amazon now: $149.99 & FREE Returns 5. LIEAGLE - Best Hoverboard for Teens KEY TAKEAWAY: Battery life dropped quickly once rider weight got over 150 pounds. BRAND OPTIONS: I got this hover board on Amazon, and I’d say that there are a lot of different brand options with different colors, and lighting options, and they’re all delivered in the same box with similar material. POWER LIMITS: So far, I’ve only had this for about a month, and the first thing I can say is that the battery life only lasts about two to three hours, which is less than what I expected. I mean, I’d say that for the most part, it works exactly as I’d hoped, but I will say that it’s definitely not designed for heavier riders, aka, most human adults. Seventy pounds will get about an hour of battery life outside, but anyone over a hundred and fifty pounds? Yep. Cut that in half. I’m not entirely sure that the manual is legit, and I personally plan to take it apart and see if the batteries can be upgraded on their own. FAMILY USE: My kids range in age from seven to ten, and they all seem to be enjoying it a lot. I think for kids, the speed is good, and at least I won’t have to worry about them spending all day outside forever–the shorter battery life means they will eventually come home haha. WEIGHT CAPACITY: The listing on Amazon says the max weight capacity is two hundred pounds, with the ideal weight around one hundred fifty, but I don't see any way anyone who is over two hundred pounds is going to be comfortable on this. TOP SPEED: The Amazon listing says the max speed is eight miles an hour, while the manual says the max speed is six miles an hour. The board can do 8mph, the manual says 6mph. TERRAIN LIMITS: I can’t ride through gravel or grass, but even so, it’s pretty durable and sturdy. BOTTOM LINE: My kids thoroughly enjoy these things, and I like that the learning curve is pretty easy for kids. The worst part is definitely the battery life, and I’d say that the suspension isn’t great for different terrain, and will do better on smooth ground, but it is what it is. I still think it was a good deal. It charges in a few hours, self balances, and definitely gives you a bit of a core workout, which is a nice plus I didn’t see coming! Makes a great gift and for the price it’s about what I expected. Get it from Amazon now: $114.99 & FREE Returns 6. Gotrax Glide - Best Hoverboard for Beginners KEY TAKEAWAY: My son went from beginner to confident rider in about 15 minutes. BEGINNER RIDERS: I bought this for Christmas for my twelve year old son, and although I gave him a little help when he was first learning, I found that he had no issue getting comfortable with it after a little bit of effort. In fact, he mastered it in fifteen minutes! It did take him a little bit of time to get confident to go full speed on it, but once he got moving, he loved it so much. It was so much fun to see how happy it made him. CHILDPROOF BUILD: It’s sturdy and durable. And when I say durable, I might as well say childproof, which you know what that means! No child can break it! My little one left it out in a rainstorm, and I was so worried that it wasn’t going to make it. But after we poured the water out, and then charged it back up, it worked amazing. I couldn’t believe it. PROS: The battery lasts really long, even with lights on and music playing The lights and Bluetooth speaker are just really nice additions Sound quality is great Has lights for safety Smooth enough that it did fine on our wood floors Color is unique and style is modern MINOR CON: It initially made a squeaking noise, but that eventually went away. Honestly, that was about it. FAMILY RIDING: I like that the weight is enough that kids and teens can use it alike, and I also had fun playing on it, too. My husband is about 175 pounds, which is the weight limit, and he had no issue riding on it. In fact, he loved it just as much as they did. Get it from Amazon now: $199.99 & FREE Returns 7. Gotrax - Best Hoverboard Under $150 KEY TAKEAWAY: The tires grip smooth surfaces really well without feeling slippery. FIRST HOVERBOARD: I got this for my nephew as his first hoverboard and he loves it so much that I have to say that I like using it for myself too! It’s so great for maneuverability, and that’s definitely the case if you have a large house. I’ve ridden a lot of e-bikes and e-scooters, but hoverboards were definitely a new word for me. I mean, they were completely a new thing for me, and I think this one is good value for money if you're a beginner. PROS: Ride is super stable and smooth and is intuitive to use Max speed is just over six miles an hour (which is definitely fast enough for kids or beginners) A full charge can give you just over three miles The non skid rubber platform offers extra grip LED lights are great and even the pedals glow Build quality is strong and solid No assembly required Hoverboard is on the lighter side. Detailed instruction manual Comes with six month warranty Affordable for the quality Comes in solid packaging CONS: No Bluetooth connectivity Tires could be better for rough surfaces or slopes BOTTOM LINE: To sum things up, I love this thing so much I almost stole it from my nephew haha. The self balancing features are so awesome and really what makes it easy to learn. You can tell the design is just solid, and that the whole thing is well-built. In terms of functionality, it really hits the marks. So if you’re a beginner or advanced, it doesn’t really matter. It’s top of the line and definitely awesome. Here’s my opinion. Get it from Amazon now: $129.99 & FREE Returns

Our team has been testing motorized toys for kids. Here we're reviewing kids electric cars, focusing on weight, engine power and battery capacity. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. These electric cars for kids make unbelievable gifts. But if you’re already thinking about their next step up, or just comparing options for different ages, check out our Best Electric Dirt Bikes for Kids article. Dirt bikes are perfect for young riders who want a little more speed and excitement. So with the introduction complete, let’s break down these popular electric cars for kids, one by one. FYI, I included hands-on feedback from multiple contributors who used these products in different environments. 1. ELEMARA - Best Off-Road Electric Car for Kids KEY TAKEAWAY: Handles dirt, mud and uneven trails much better than expected. BACKSTORY: My husband and I ride trails, climb hills, explore everywhere we can and we wanted to get our daughter to love the ride just as much as we do. She's been watching us for a long time. She wanted to take the plunge, so we finally got her this, and she couldn't have been happier. PACKAGING: The packaging was better than I expected. Lots and lots of bubble wrap. Even better, I could unwrap it without having to peel anything off a.k.a. no glue to peel off. EASY ASSEMBLY: Set up and assembly was super easy. The instructions had good pictures. Everything bolted together and snapped easily. The netting had a little bit of issue going into the mount but other than that, I didn't have any issues. FIRST DRIVE: Let me tell you, once this thing got going... it was as strong as they come. I put my daughter on this, and she channeled her inner truck driver. She flattened every spare branch in the backyard. She ran over the mailbox believe it or not. OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE: It goes over dirt and mud and uneven terrain and does just as well as if it was on flat ground. It also went up small hills without screeching out in pain. The traction was pretty good, and I was really impressed by it. BATTERY LIFE: Recharging the battery went pretty fast, maybe about two hours minimum, five for four capacity. The entire battery life in general isn't too bad. Just don't have too high expectations. It ran about four hours and that was both with one kid and with two - -aka 50 pounds versus 120 pounds. I noticed that the battery didn't even make a difference whether it was paved or uneven ground. BLUETOOTH RADIO: It comes with Bluetooth radio but it's not the greatest range. Maybe only 1525 feet, so depending on how far you are from the house. It wasn't a big deal for us. CLEANING: Cleaning up was also really easy. Just rub it down with a wet rag. I also could've hosed it, and I probably will in the future, because I noticed that the electrical part of it was hidden beneath the hood, so it wouldn't short circuit. BOTTOM LINE: Overall, I love this thing. Looks great. Made of durable materials and has a surprisingly reliable motor for a kids toy car. The customer service was also awesome, so I'm not worried if anything breaks. Don't waste your time researching other products - get this thing now. Get it from Amazon now: $309.99 & FREE Returns 2. Best Choice Products - Best Ride-On Truck with Remote Control KEY TAKEAWAY: The parental remote makes it easier to control the kids and adds a layer of safety. BACKGROUND: My two children are three and one respectfully, and they both love to share this thing. My older son really liked his Peg Pergo case three tractor but the younger one was starting to get jealous, so I figured it was time to get him his own. PERFORMANCE: It has awesome suspension, but beware that the turning radius isn't great and the speed is on the slow side. SIZE & CAPACITY: It effortlessly fits two small kids, mine are between 25 and 30 pounds to give you a reference. WEIGHT BALANCE: If you feel like it's a little too light, you can pop the hood and add extra weights to weigh it down. If you like to drive fast like my wild crazy ones do beware reversing suddenly or moving forward too fast can cause it to pop onto one wheel. FEATURES: This actually has a USB plug so you can put your own music into it, or use it to pick up local radio stations. You can add a second speaker, which is optional as it only comes with one, but there is enough room. The lights on both the front and the back actually work. You can adjust the mirrors. There's a horn, which my three-year-old loves to press a little bit too much. It comes with a remote, and although it has a short range, it forces you to follow them, which is great exercise. BATTERY: Compared to the other model I had, the battery life is a little short. I have to charge it every night, but even that being said we still love this thing. Get it from Amazon now: $169.98 & FREE Returns 3. Peg Perego - Best Ride-On Tractor with Trailer KEY TAKEAWAY: The higher speed mode surprised me with how powerful and fast it felt for a kids tractor. SPEED & CONTROL: I waited until my son's third birthday to get him this gift, but I think I could've given it to him on his second. I love that there's parental controls that stop it from letting it get too fast. And with two gears, it definitely helps. It also reverses, which is awesome, but take my word for it when I say that level two goes really fast. I didn't know kids' toys were legally allowed to go this fast. Fortunately, my kid loves a little adrenaline rush, though you don't have to worry too much because the steering is great. Just keep in mind this tractor has so much torque that it goes from zero to fast. And remember that the wheels are made of plastic, which can make it a little bit hard for off-roading. BATTERY LIFE: The battery lasts forever, almost an hour and a half, even when it's going the fastest. Level One would probably last even longer. But note that it's hard to charge, so you have to play with it a little bit to open the charging case. It does charge pretty fast, though. HILL PERFORMANCE: It says you shouldn't use it on hills, but can't help that we have hills in our yard, and that I have an adventurous kid. And guess what? It works. TRACTION: Just beware - the plastic tires aren't great on wet dress or super dry grass. They can also spin on sleek cement. I did a little googling on how to fix the tire spinning issue and this is what I found out. Essentially, I replaced it with bike tires. Using utility knives, I slit the bike tire and stretched it over the plastic tire on the tractor. Creating extra traction was necessary for my kid, but I don’t think all kids will need this, so I think even without doing this, I think you're going to find that this is great for young kids. BOTTOM LINE: I feel like this is exactly what I need to make my life easier when my son gets his permit, and I have to teach him how to drive. With this thing, he's already learning the basics of how to drive. This is one of the coolest toys I've gotten for my son, and I've officially been promoted to cool dad! And if you’re shopping for a gift for a kid who’s ready for something faster and more advanced, our Best Hoverboards review has some great options for teens, and even adults. I got one for my 15 year old and he loves it. Get it from Amazon now: $299.00 & FREE Returns 4. Power Wheels - Best Electric Car for Preschool Kids KEY TAKEAWAY: I'm able to control the steering while my daughter learns driving basics. SAFETY FEATURES: The first car I bought for my toddler, she had no idea how to use it, but I ended up going with this one mainly because of the parental remotes. Not only does it add an extra layer of safety, it lets me control the car for my kid. I can actually steer it, adjust the speed, and turn the wheel for her just by using this remote. There's even an emergency shut off. If a car is coming down the road about to hit the jeep, no problem! All you have to do is reverse. So now I don't have to chase her in the yard, and I can just walk beside her at the pace that I'm controlling it. STORAGE SIZE: The size was ideal. Doesn't take up too much space, considering I want to store it inside to keep it safe. So in that sense, it worked out great. BATTERY LIFE: The battery life is better than other options I've tried. My mom lives a quarter mile down the street, and my daughter always wants to drive the little car over to see her, and it actually makes the distance. We actually took it on a 3 mile walk once, and it still didn't die (which was really impressive). SPEED SETTINGS: The fast speed matches my walking speed perfectly, but I have to warn you that the slow speed is way too slow. However, when it's on slow speed she can focus, it's good for practicing steering. DRIVING BASICS: I feel like by the time she gets her license, she's already gonna know how to drive. She can control the gas, and I use the remote to control the steering, but I think when she gets older, she will be able to do this without me using the remote. I also think my daughter can still grow into it, so she will have a few more years before we will have to upgrade. One thing is for sure, it makes me less concerned about her getting her license when she's sixteen. FEATURES: There are two speed choices. There's an emergency button on the remote, which is great for emergencies. The radio is a really great addition on this newer model. The headlights function flawlessly. IDEAL FOR TODDLERS: I had a previous one that was more expensive, and this one's just as good. This is great for younger kids, too, who don't fully understand how to drive a car. It's one of those things they can learn later but having the remote element right now really makes this one great for my two-year-old. OUTDOOR TIP: I do recommend spraying it with bug spray to keep bugs off, but other than that, I have no complaints. Get it from Amazon now: $349.99 & FREE Returns 5. TOBBI - Best Police Ride-On Car KEY TAKEAWAY: The sirens, lights and PA system make this feel like a real little police cruiser. DELIVERY EXPERIENCE: This brand is very quick and reliable when it comes to shipping. The car has arrived on time and super fast. And packaging was very user-friendly. EASY ASSEMBLY: The set up was a breeze. It's not pre-assembled, and assembling it is very quick. This was a gift for my little girl, so I'm happy that it was ready to use in about 30 minutes. FEATURES: The features were exactly what I expected and what I was looking for. The lights work flawlessly, and the horn and siren are really not too loud. I was a little concerned about that, and I'm glad to report that they're of comfortable loudness. I especially appreciate and love the parental remote. Having a parental control remote really helps keep things under control. It also comes with a PA system just like a regular police car and sirens, plus a horn. My little girl was telling me she was going to become a cop after using this. Although a lot of these types of cars have similar features, not all are the same quality. The features on this one are actually quite decent. Not the best, but definitely decent. SIZE & AGE: My three-year-old kid fits perfectly in this, and they're still a little extra room for when he hits a growth spurt. BATTERY: This little baby has so much battery, I was impressed. It lasts for about an hour. Maybe I had low expectations. I didn't expect it to last for more than twenty minutes. So you should know it lasts for about an hour. BUILD: The plastic came off as a little cheap but most of the cars were made like this. It doesn’t bother me too much, it'll still hold up. PERFORMANCE: A couple thoughts about performance. It turns great and can do full circles around me. Pulling the car with the provided handles is a little uncomfortable but you get used to it. The door sticks but it's short enough so my kids can just jump over it to get in and out. The wheels skid occasionally, especially on grass, but that's because they're made of plastic. I still highly recommend this product. BOTTOM LINE: I have to say I'm really happy with how this one came out. The delivery, the setup, the final result - everything was great. I've had bad experiences buying cars like this before, but this is a game changer for me and my girl. I have some complaints, as mentioned above, but all in all I'm really satisfied with this car. Get it from Amazon now: $209.99 & FREE Returns 6. Costzon - Best Kids ATV KEY TAKEAWAY: Handles gravel, grass and uneven terrain better than most kids ATVs. ASSEMBLY: Putting it together was a lot simpler than I expected and there was a lot less to do than I thought there would be. I had it up and ready to go in under 30 minutes. When you assemble it, you will have to connect the motor axle and the steering aspect, and it can be a little time-consuming but once you get the hang of it, it's easy. Just a little pro-tip: get some cushions underneath you before you put it together both to protect your floor and your knees. The instructions really do help and, thankfully, it's labeled correctly. Just make sure you have the gears wired correctly before you screw in the seat cover. After I assembled it, it looked just like the picture. SIZE & CAPACITY: Not to brag, but my son’s in the 99% for his height, which is one of the reasons I wanted a larger vehicle for him, mainly so he didn't grow out of it too fast. This ATV can carry a 150 pound adult. I know because I tried. OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE: It's a powerful machine that can run forward and flip to reverse with the switch of a button. The wheels are large enough that there’s no issue going off roading on it. It even goes over gravel and the hose in my backyard. Because it's a little bit larger, the turning weight radius is pretty wide. but it's an easy sacrifice considering how well this goes over grass and other obstacles. And, also, I like that there's no break, that all you have to do is let go of the one pedal for it to stop. I think that makes it a little bit safer for my kid. SPEED: The 12 V gives it a fair amount of speed when it's in fast mode. It would still operate at a safe speed, which is a relief, although I do wish it could go a tiny bit faster. Any kids under six might think it's a thrill ride, but older kids might be a little bored by the limitations of the speed. BATTERY LIFE: Some people complained that the battery life was too short, but it lasted an hour and I think that's a perfect amount of time because otherwise my kid would refuse to get off it. FEATURES: The exterior is solid plastic, and I love the maroon coloring. The LED headlights are bright, but they look great. There's even a radio and a USB hook up for an MP3 player. I did have a little trouble using the radio, but that's because I haven't used a real radio in a really long time, so I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually. BOTTOM LINE: This extra large ATV can fit bigger kids, and personally I think it's better than those single person rides. I mean, it's an awesome ride. I would've loved to have had this as a kid, which is probably why I've been using it more than my own child. But he loves it too. Get it from Amazon now: $199.99 & FREE Returns 7. Best Choice Products - Best 2-Seater Ride-On Car KEY TAKEAWAY: The two-seat setup is ideal for grandkids riding together. BACKGROUND: I researched all the different electric cars on the market to find the perfect one for my 3 and 4 year old grandkids. I also wanted something that could fit my one year-old, and the double seating on this really makes it worth it. seriously, they can be buckled in. It's amazing! SETUP: This car arrived just on time and the packaging was great. I was a little unsure how the set up would go, but the assembly actually was pretty easy. You won't need many tools, just a screwdriver. It only took 30 minutes to get it together, and fortunately the instructions were really simple to follow. Just keep in mind, it takes 12 hours for the first charge before you can use it. BATTERY LIFE: I always plug it in after each use and I find that the battery life lasts the entire entire time we use it. SAFETY: I don't have to worry about my grandkids falling out because the doors are stable. Also, I love that it comes with a remote to help control the steering; however, the steering does work better without the remote, but it is still an awesome plus. It lets me control the car until my grandkids are old enough to do it themselves. Seriously, every extra safety precaution makes me less nervous when they're in it. FEATURES: It comes with Bluetooth, which is awesome so my kids can play whatever they want. There's a horn. It gets annoying, I have to warn you, but my kids love it. And there's even trunk space in the hood where you can store your stuff, which is awesome for taking things with me. That's how I don't have to carry them. DOOR ISSUES: The doors do stick a little, but with a little shifting around, my grandkids can open them. BOTTOM LINE: It’s expensive, but the fact that it can even drive on gravel is awesome. My grandkids never want to leave this thing, and that's why it's one of the best gifts I've ever given. And also, that's why it's worth the money. Take my word for it. This has made me the best grandparent in the neighborhood. Get it from Amazon now: $199.99 & FREE Returns 8. Costzon - Best Ride-On Truck for Camping KEY TAKEAWAY: The oversized tires handle campground terrain extremely well. RUGGED DRIVING: Our last car didn't do great off-road. My boys are kind of rough. My wife did a lot of research to make sure that whatever we spent money on would last, and man she killed it. This puppy is meant for rugged driving. It has large huge wheels that can roll over gravel, and even goes up hills that have grass on them. SEATING: I have a two and six year-old, and they fit a little tight in the front, but I think that's just because of their age differences. Two kids of smaller sizes might fit a little better inside it, but even so it still works. SAFETY FEATURES: The remote for parental control is the coolest thing ever. When it's just my two year old riding inside it, I use the control to guide it for him, and he has no idea that he's not doing anything. The car also has an emergency stop in case my six-year-old gets a little out of control. There's a harness for extra safety control, and a speed control option which is just really great so my wife doesn't worry about their safety. LIGHTING: The headlights are perfect, and in my opinion they serve as another protection layer. There are fog lights too, and even the dash has lights. This all makes us feel more comfortable. BLUETOOTH: You can play Bluetooth through the car. It comes prepared with nursery rhymes that are really awesome. Get it from Amazon now: $229.99 & FREE Returns 9. TOBBI - Best Budget Ride-On Tractor KEY TAKEAWAY: Battery lasts longer than my kids want to keep driving. ASSEMBLY: As others have noted, the assembly can be a little challenging, but once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy. The instructions could be better, but I managed to figure it out. SPEED SETTINGS: We like the different speeds. My youngest child likes the slower speed, and my older child likes the fast one. It's cool that it can work for both of them. The older was nervous at first, so he used the slow one and pretty quickly he decided he was ready to go fast. GEAR SHIFTER: The gear shifter is a little flimsy but so far it's holding up. Also, it took a little bit of time to figure out, but now my kods are obsessed with going in reverse. My two-year-old needs a little help to reverse, but it's still worth it. SAFETY: I really like that as soon as they lift their foot off the pedal, it stops and slows down, so I don't have to worry about it rolling anywhere. HEADLIGHTS: The headlights are an added bonus, plus the tail lights make it easy to spot him when he rides this in the driveway at night. MUSIC BUTTONS: There are also music buttons. I'd like it better if these buttons didn't make noise, but it is a kid’s toy after all. BUILD QUALITY: The exterior as a whole seems pretty solidly built. Although the trailer is a little flimsy, you can still put stuff inside it even though they don't recommend it. Just keep in mind that it's pretty flimsy. I mean, it's not the lowest quality, but it's definitely not the best. It's no Peg Perego. It's simply pretty mediocre when it comes to build quality. BATTERY: The battery life is the best part about this. My kids are usually tired, and ready to go take a nap before this thing even dies. Seioursly, the battery lasts really long and I've never seen it die yet. Granted I do charge it after each use. Keep in mind that there is a warning about the battery charger, but I think it's a little much. It would have been nice if I didn't have to worry about the battery getting too hot from overcharging it. AGE RANGE: This is perfect for two, three and four year olds. I'm not sure older, larger kids will get much use out of it, but I'm certain this will be a core memory for my toddlers. Get it from Amazon now: $189.99 & FREE Returns 10. TOBBI - Best Luxury Ride-On Car for Toddlers KEY TAKEAWAY: Locking doors make this safer for toddlers. SETUP: Assembly was fast, and although some people complained about it I didn't have issues with it. I do admit the instructions were confusing, so I recommend watching a YouTube video on how to put it together. But I really do think that the assembly is quite easy. I'm bad at putting things together, but I still managed to do this on my own. and it only took 20 minutes CHARGING: I don't like that I can't see the number of the charging percentage, and that it just goes to green when it's charged. It's annoying that I can't figure out how much time is left. But I like how the battery isn't underneath the seat, so I don't need to take the seat out to charge it, it's in front of the seat. RADIO: The radio is very loud, and I can't figure out how to turn it down other than connecting it to my phone, so just make sure you have your cell with you when you use the music. SAFETY: The safety features are an added benefit. For instance, the doors don't open if your kid leans against it, you actually have to slide a switch to open it and then shove it closed. The harness is a nice plus, too. And I love how the remote is so helpful, and that I can drive the car for him. My toddler thinks that I'm an Uber driver, but I think it's funny. Just make sure you read the instructions when it comes to speed so you're sure it doesn't go too fast. BATTERY LIFE: I don't think the battery life is that great. I barely got a half an hour out of it. I did contact the seller about this, and they said it can go up to 45 minutes when it's fully charged but it will depend on things like the surface you're using it on and the weight of the child. I don't really believe that, since my son doesn’t weigh that much, and we only used it on smooth floor, and didn't even get 30 minutes. That's the main reason I'm only giving this four stars instead of five. PERFORMANCE: It was a great gift, but I do have a couple issues with it. The ride is smooth until you try to make a turn and then it gets a little rough. You end up having to do a three-point turn to reverse it ,which is annoying. Lord knows I failed my drivers test doing a three point turn... a toddler doesn't know how to do that. BOTTOM LINE: Overall, the kid loves it so I love it. His last one was from Walmart and it was a red Mercedes, and this one is 15 times better. I became the best aunt in our family after buying this for my nephews first birthday party. I really do appreciate that the seller had good customer service. I'm most likely going to buy another one for my niece. I'm already officially the favorite and my sisters are jealous. Get it from Amazon now: $159.99 & FREE Returns