The Wirecutter Show

Gone are the days when canned alcoholic drinks meant only hard seltzers and tailgate beverages. Today’s ready-to-drink cocktails include everything from espresso martinis and old-fashioneds to gin- and soju-based spritzes. 

Wirecutter kitchen writer, Antara Sinha, joins us to explain how she tested 40 canned cocktails, what separates a great canned drink from a mediocre one, and which ones are actually worth bringing to your next...

A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, of Sprin...

If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.

In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty companies, and the very few instances w...

Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful. 

From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle.

If you’re in the weeds of an upcoming move and need even mo...

Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language. 

This episode covers: 

• Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains that most apps won’t make you ...

Have you ever wondered what happens to products that aren’t sold or the items that you return to a store? It turns out, a lot of them end up in the trash. This week, Wirecutter Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte discusses her recent reporting on how and why stores throw away perfectly good products. 

Annemarie takes us from the strip malls of Dallas-Fort Worth to the curbs of New York City, shadowing social media influencers Dumpster ...

Finding a swimsuit you feel good in can be daunting. This episode, we’re sharing insider tips on choosing designs, fabrics, and brands that you’ll actually love. Wirecutter style writer Zoe Vanderweide walks us through the finer points of finding high-quality swimwear that fits and flatters.

Zoe shares the construction details to look for that will emphasize (or de-emphasize) different body parts, the brands that are making some ...

If you need fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year, this is your episode. This week, Wirecutter gifting expert Samantha Schoech brings a range of ideas that go far beyond a bouquet of flowers and brunch. 

Instead of generic ideas, we’re approaching gifts by personality type—from the exhausted new mom to the outdoorsy adventurer. Samantha also shares her core gifting philosophy (including what not to give), plus thoughtful, s...

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025. In just four months, it sold over 10 million units, making it the fastest selling console of all time in the U.S. But at $450, is it really worth the hype? 

Arthur Gies, supervising editor on the tech team at Wirecutter, has spent nearly a year testing the system, playing the new games, and weighing the pros and cons. In this episode, he gives us his verdict. He also talks about wh...

Dish soap might be the most underrated cleaner in your home. It's cheap, it's safe to use with bare hands, and it’s the star of many Wirecutter cleaning tutorials — from how to clean wood floors to stainless steel appliances to laundry stains. It also makes a great alternative to “green” cleaners—cleaners that are marketed as less toxic, allergenic, or supposedly better for the environment. 

In this episode, we chat with senior s...

It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense. 

New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal joins us to discuss what to do when the pollen count is high, how to improve your indoor air quality this spring and summer, and the differences between allergy medications. 

Check out Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasona...

Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in your home.

In this episode, senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton reveals which knives you actually need, how much to spend, and the proper way to store and sharpen your knives.

From breaking down the differences between Japanese- and Western-style blades to explaining why a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, Lesley walks through the fundamentals—plus the small h...

All hail the winners of Wirecutter’s inaugural Best New Picks Awards! These products are absolute gems discovered over the past year. Tune in to hear Wirecutter staffers share their delightful, surprising, and useful recommendations for everything from a micellar water beauty editors love, to a CD player you can stream to your bluetooth speaker. 

To find out more about these products and over 70 other winners, read the full artic...

Camping might feel intimidating for a beginner. But car camping–-where you can simply drive to a spot and bring some creature comforts—lowers the barrier to entry. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter outdoor writer Trey French about how beginners can get into camping without overcomplicating it. 

Trey walks us through the gear that’s actually worth investing in, what you can skip (or borrow), and the mental state to adopt to...

Tinned fish is having a moment. While countries like Portugal and Spain have long appreciated preserved seafood as a culinary art form, only recently has it caught on as a high-end appetizer in the United States. For the uninitiated, it can be hard to know which cans you’ll like and which are worth the steep price tags. 

In this episode, we chat with Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston about her extensive testing of ...

Car accidents where a vehicle is submerged in water or erupts into deadly flame are rare. But a simple tool to break your own car window could be life-saving in such an emergency. The only catch: not all car windows are created equal. 

This week, Rosie talks to Wirecutter editor and emergency preparedness expert Jen Gushue about the high-stakes world of car glass breakers. Jen enlisted a firefighter to help smash dozens of real c...

Counterfeit beauty products are more common than many people realize, and they’re increasingly difficult to spot. You may think you’re buying an authentic foundation, lip gloss, or moisturizer on Amazon or other big marketplaces, but a recent Wirecutter investigation revealed how easy it is to buy fakes. 

In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior writer Rose Maura Lorre about her six-month investigation into the world of co...

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing appointments, medications, paperwork, and communication with family members or professional aides, there’s a lot to keep track of.

In this episode, senior tech writer Rachel Cericola joins us to talk about the tools and systems that can help caregivers stay organized. From shared calendars to smart pill dispens...

Apple recently expanded its lineup with two new budget-friendly entries: the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. Both start at $600—hundreds of dollars less than their standard counterparts—but what exactly are you giving up for that lower price tag?

This week, host Rosie Guerin talks with Wirecutter senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar to break down the trade-offs. Plus, Brenda explains why Apple is leaning into "affordable" tech righ...