The Wirecutter Show

Our networking pro reveals three dead-simple fixes most people miss for faster internet, plus insider secrets to choosing a better internet plan.

Guest: Senior staff writer Joel Santo Domingo

Products We Recommend

• Tool to find internet providers in your area: www.broadbandmap.fcc.gov
• Look up your internet speed (upload speeds especially!): www.speedtest.net or www.fast.com (from Netflix)
• USB hub for plugging in an ethernet cord to a computer or laptop: Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)
• Powerline adapter for better wifi without a cord: TP-Link TL-WPA8631P Kit
• Joel loves: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Additional Reading

• The Gear to Get Reliable Wi-Fi in Any Home
• The 3 Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2025
• The Best Cable Modem of 2025
• The 4 Best Powerline Networking Adapters of 2025

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

It’s Dry January—but non-alcoholic cocktails needn’t be sad. We’re discussing the health risks of alcohol and how to build out a delicious buzz-free bar cart.

Guests: NYT reporter Dana G. Smith and Wirecutter editor Marguerite Preston

Products we recommend:

• A gin-like alternative: Pentire Adrift
• St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Negroni
• A bitter Amaro-like favorite: The Pathfinder
• Rosie enjoys mixing this with Pathfinder: Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew
• Less bitter options: Curious No. 2 and Casamara Superclasico
• Great for your NA Bar Cart: Bitter Queens Essential Bitters Variety Pack and Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
• Marguerite loves: Onyx Coffee Lab Instant Coffee Advent Calendar

Additional Reading

• 14 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2024
• Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health by Dana G. Smith
• What, Exactly, Is ‘Moderate Drinking’? by Dana G. Smith
• What to Know About Non-Alcoholic Beverages by Dana G. Smith
• Hop Water Isn’t Trying to Be Beer. That’s Why We Like It.
• The 8 Best Nonalcoholic Wines of 2024
• The Best Instant Coffee

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

Thanksgiving is (almost) here, and this week Wirecutter experts share their best last-minute tips to make your holiday a success.

Guests: Wirecutter staffers Hannah Morrill, Rose Lorre, Lee Neikirk, Lauren Dragan, Ellen Airhart, James Austin, Phil Ryan, Michael Sullivan, Ben Frumin

Products we recommend:

• Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Taza Mexican-Style Chocolate Sampler
• Tony’s Chocolonely Super Milk Bundle
• Bananagrams
• Tide Pen
• Korky 99-4A Max Performance Plunger

Podcasts that are great for families

• Wow in the world
• Brains On
• Once Upon a Beat
• Radiolab for Kids
• 99% Invisible
• The Good Whale

Audiobooks for families

• Mouse and the Motorcycle
• Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum

Website recommendation for learning new card games

• Pagat

Additional Reading:

• Taking better iPhone photos
• The Best Fake Christmas Tree
• Rose Lorre's article about what to bring to Thanksgiving as a guest

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

Millions of Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of noise every day. This episode we discuss how to tell if you’re at risk of hearing loss and what to do about it.

Guest: Wirecutter senior writer Lauren Dragan

Additional Reading:

• The 4 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones of 2024
• The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)
• The 3 Best Earplugs for Concerts of 2024
• The 5 Best Kids Headphones of 2024
• The 4 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds of 2024
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Kids Is a Growing Problem. Here’s How to Protect Little Ears.

Products We Recommend:

• Apple Watch with sound metering: Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
• An app for any phone to monitor sound levels: NIOSH Sound Level Meter
• Earplugs for concerts or other loud moments: Loop Experience 2 or Loop Switch
• Noise cancelling earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5
• Noise cancelling over-ear headphones: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
• Noise Isolating tips for most earbuds: Comply ear tips
• Earmuffs for babies: Ems for Kids Baby Earmuffs
• Earmuffs for kids and teens: Muted Earmuffs
• Earplugs for kids and teens: Loop kids
• Headphones for sleeping: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless and Soundcore sleep A20
• Noise cancelling headphones for kids: Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-Plus
• Lauren loves: Bearaby Cotton Napper

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

Most printers suck. This week we crack the code on how to buy one you might actually like, and reveal the secrets to saving cash on ink and toner.

Guest: Wirecutter supervising editor Ben Keough

Products we recommend:

• Basic B&W laser printer we recommend: Brother Wireless HL-L2460DW
• Online photo printing we recommend: Nations Photo Lab
• Ben’s new/used camera: Nikon F3

Additional Reading:

• Why All Printers Suck (Even the Best Ones)
• The 4 Best Home Printers of 2024
• The 4 Best All-in-One Printers of 2024
• The 3 Best Photo Printers of 2024
• The 4 Best Mobile Scanning Apps of 2024
• The Best Online Photo Printing Service of 2024

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