You Should Be Traveling with a VPN

Nothing says summer like ketchup, chips, and ice cream. In this taste test special, we take a field trip to the Wirecutter test kitchen to sample these items alongside staff experts Antara Sinha, Rachel Wharton and Marguerite Preston—sharing top picks and behind-the-scenes testing moments.Check out a video version of this episode on YouTube!  Products we tasted:Ketchups: The best classic ketchup: Heinz Tomato KetchupThe best organic ketchup: Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup (Christine’s favorite)Worth considering: 365 by Whole Foods Market Tomato Ketchup Chips: The best plain potato chip: Amazon Fresh Classic Potato Chips (Caira’s favorite)A thin and crispy classic chip for salt lovers: Clancy’s Original Potato ChipsThe best kettle chip: Deep River Snacks Original Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Ice Cream Sandwiches:Best all-around sandwich:  365 Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches (Rosie’s favorite)An ice cream-heavy sandwich: FatBoy Vanilla Ice Cream SandwichA grown-up sandwich: Alden's Vanilla Bean Round Sammies (Marguerite’s favorite)A delicious dairy-free option: So Delicious Vanilla Bean Sandwiches Additional reading:The 3 Best Ketchups of 2025The 9 Best Potato Chips of 2025The 3 Best Ketchups of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Tanya Sichynsky, an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking sections, and editor of The Veggie newsletter, shares her ideas for the best hot-weather-friendly foods to pack for the beach, a picnic, or any outdoor adventure. Plus, surprising hacks for keeping them cool. If you missed our prior episode on beach gear, go back and listen for tips on coolers that will keep your lunch cold all day.  Recipes we recommend:Easy Chickpea SaladD.I.Y. Vegan MayoHot Dogs With Pico de Gallo Extra Green Pasta Salad (use our top pick immersion blender to make it: Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender MQ7035)Vegan ‘Cheesy’ PopcornHam and Jam SandwichFresh Ranch DipDill Pickle Tzatziki  Additional reading: Check out more of Tanya’s recommendations in her article covering 24 Easy-to-Pack Recipes for Summer Picnics, Beach Days and More.Learn more about Tanya’s gear picks: The Veggie's Editor Dishes on Her Favorite Kitchen Tools The Best Coolers  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

It’s officially beach season. Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelters to chairs to coolers. It’s all about elevating your day in the sun.  Products we recommend:Best versatile weather beach shelter: Sun Ninja Tent 4 PersonBest beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shibumi Shade ClassicBest beach umbrella: BeachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella SystemBest beach umbrella with flaps: Sport-Brella Premiere XLBest budget beach umbrella: Coolibar 6 Foot Intego Beach UmbrellaBest cooler: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light CoolerBest cooler upgrade (with wheels): Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled CoolerBest soft cooler: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 CanBest (affordable) beach chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach ChairBest beach chair with more height: Shibumi Beach ChairKit’s favorite beach chair: Yeti Hondo Beach ChairBest beach cart: Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility CartBest sand sifter: Treasure Digger Sifter Additional reading:The 5 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2025 The Best Beach Chair Is the Tommy Bahama Backpack ChairThe 6 Best Coolers of 2025 The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults25(ish) Wirecutter Picks for a Summer Beach Day  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Is it even possible to disappear from the internet? Wirecutter writer Max Eddy explains how he tried to do it, why it’s so hard, and what steps you can take to take control of the information that’s out there. Plus, some of the surprising sentimental hurdles he had to overcome during this project.   Things we recommend:Find websites that have exposed your email in a data breach: Have I Been PwnedFind google results with your personal information in them: Google’s Results About You toolThe best password manager: 1PasswordThe best data removal service: DeleteMeCreate masked emails using Apple’s tool or Google’s toolAutomatically delete X posts using CydOn Facebook, retroactively limit who can see your posts, prevent search engine and image search of your content or pull up a log of your interactions on the platform, which lets you delete comments that have become problematic with age. Additional reading:I Tried, and Failed, to Disappear From the Internet7 Simple Ways to Protect Your Digital PrivacyThe 2 Best Password Managers of 2025The 2 Best Two-Factor Authentication Apps of 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to look for in a window AC unit and a simple hack for your ceiling fan that will help beat the heat. Then, we learn all about what heat pumps have to do with keeping cool from senior staff writer Liam McCabe. Plus, everything you need to know about the Midea U recall. Products we recommend: The best budget window AC: Frigidaire FHWW084TE1Weatherizing gear: Frost King Silicone Weatherseal and Frost King Extra Wide Heavy Duty Door SweepBlackout cellular shades: Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout ShadeThe best vortex fan: Vornado 630 Medium Air CirculatorMore about the Midea U recallMidea Is Voluntarily Recalling Our Favorite Air Conditioner. Here’s What You Should Know.A diagram for checking if your Midea U air condition has mold growing insideAdditional reading: The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025The 6 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025The Best Ductless Mini Split Air ConditionerWith Air Conditioners, Bigger Could Actually Be WorseIt’s Actually Okay to Run the AC All Day, Even If You’re Not Home7 Times a Portable Air Conditioner Actually Makes Sense Over a Window ACA Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home—Here’s What to KnowHow to Find a Competent Heat Pump InstallerHow to Keep Your Home Cool  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

We tracked the prices of 40 Wirecutter picks for 60 days to gauge the impact of tariffs. Most prices didn’t increase—but they likely will soon. Deputy editor Annemarie Conte explains why prices haven’t risen dramatically so far, why the cost of goods will likely start rising around Black Friday, and how you should navigate your purchases going forward. We also discuss how to avoid getting slammed with big customs bills when ordering goods online.  Additional reading:We Tracked Prices on 40 Wirecutter Picks for 60 Days. Here’s What We Learned.How to Avoid a Huge Customs Bill on a Cheap Online OrderWirecutter Deals Page: The Best Online Deals Today on Wirecutter Picks  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Appliances don't last as long as they used to—but not for the reasons you probably think. Senior staff writer Rachel Wharton explains why modern fridges, ovens, and other large appliances often won’t last more than a decade. She also reveals the strategies you can use to invest in new appliances that will last you longer.  Additional Reading:Rachel's new article: The Real Reasons Your Appliances Die Young14 Best Refrigerators of 2025The 6 Best Electric Stoves and Ranges of 20257 Tips From Our Microwave Expert  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Red light devices promise a lot—but do they deliver? Wirecutter supervising editor Rory Evans demystifies the science behind them, shares her top picks, and explains who might want to think twice before trying one. Products we recommend:Best red light wand: LightStim for WrinklesBest flexible red light mask: Omnilux MenBest rigid red light mask: Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask Additional reading:The Solawave Wand Costs Half the Price of Other Red-Light Tools. But We Didn’t Love It. The Best Red-Light Device   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

If you’re planning on traveling abroad this summer, it might be a good idea to use a VPN when browsing the web. In this bonus episode, staff writer Max Eddy explains what they are, and why they’re beneficial when you’re far from home (and sometimes when you’re not far, too). What we recommend:Top pick: MullvadBest VPN for Travel: IVPNGood free VPNs: ProtonVPN doesn’t limit your data but does limit your locations. TunnelBear limits your data but not your locations.Best password managers: 1Password and Bitwarden. Additional reading:The 3 Best VPN Services of 2025What Is a VPN and What Can It Do?The Best Free VPN of 2025Back Up and Secure Your Digital Life  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven prevention tips and breaks down the differences between various effective repellents. He also explains why you should avoid certain “natural” repellents, like essential oils and citronella candles, and why bug zappers are bad for the environment.  Products we recommend:Best DEET-based repellent: Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect RepellentBest picaridin-based repellent: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect RepellentBest insecticide to spray on clothes and shoes: Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric TreatmentA service to mail in clothing to be treated with permethrin: Insect ShieldBest spacial repellent: Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito RepellentA good repellent coil: Pic Mosquito Repelling CoilsFestive spatial repellent lights: Tiki BiteFighter LED String LightsAn old-school way to keep mosquitoes at bay: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator fanThe best gadget for removing ticks: Tweezerman Point TweezerPlaces to send a tick for testing: Ticknology, TickCheck, TickReport, and Eco LaboratoryDoug loves: this Leatherman multitool and this tea steeper Additional Reading:The 4 Best Bug Repellents and Sprays of 2025Why Essential Oils Make Terrible Bug RepellentsThe Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or YardWe Hate Ticks, Too. Here’s How to Protect Yourself, Prevent Bites, and Treat Disease.In the War Against Ticks, This Spray Is My Secret Weapon  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast