🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 84 (from laksa100)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa084.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/","crawl_time":1770110559,"first_indexed_time":1590675837,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nytimes!www,\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/ s443","src_root_hash":"4566504020376537684","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Which iPhone Should I Get? | Reviews by Wirecutter","meta_descriptions":["The iPhone 17 proves that you don’t have to spend $1,000 to get pro-level features such as a high-end design, lengthy battery life, and excellent cameras."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone?\nOur general philosophy about upgrading (\nas described by Wirecutter’s founder\n) is that if you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need the latest and greatest. Last year’s iPhone or the one before that (or even the one before that) should continue to serve you well. New phones tend to offer incremental upgrades — they’re not revolutionary products that change the experience. Apple still issues security updates to older devices, and iOS 26 still supports every iPhone from 2019 on, so even six-year-old phones are getting new features.\nIf you have an older phone that’s beginning to feel slower, you may want to\ncheck the battery’s health\nbefore you decide to replace it completely. Power-conservation features in modern iPhones can slow down phones whose batteries’ capacity is depleted. If the iOS Battery Health screen shows the status “Performance management applied” or “Battery health degraded,” having Apple\nreplace the battery\n(which can cost up to $119 out of warranty) is a lot cheaper than buying a new phone.\nThe best all-around package: iPhone 17\n \nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\nTop pick\nThe best iPhone\nApple iPhone 17\nThe iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life.\nApple continues to make its affordable flagship the best value in the iPhone lineup, as the\nApple iPhone 17\ncomes with upgrades across the board. Pro-level features, such as a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that supports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate as well as an always-on display for viewing notifications and widgets at a glance, no longer require you to pay a Pro price. The cameras have also been upgraded: The dual-lens camera setup on the back now has a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor for higher-quality photos, while the front camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels with support for Center Stage and Dual Capture video mode (more on those later). The iPhone 17 also runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance and excellent battery life. This model is not a necessary upgrade if you’re coming from the iPhone 16, but if you have an older iPhone, you’re likely to appreciate the new features.\nIt has a bigger, brighter display with a higher refresh rate.\nThe iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, the same size as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s an increase from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen; though that isn’t a major difference, we’ve always thought the standard iPhone model was a little too cramped in this era of giant phones. With a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17’s screen is also brighter, up from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. This makes it easier to see even in direct sunlight.\nThe iPhone 17 has a bigger, 6.3-inch screen with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on display mode. \nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\nApple’s base-model iPhone 17 also offers a lot of the same features that Apple previously reserved for the Pro iPhones. With ProMotion, the display’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 60 Hz to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and graphics. It’s adaptive, which means it’ll kick in when you’re using the phone and then dip to 1 Hz when the phone is idle. The iPhone 17 also has an always-on display, so you can easily glance at the time, notifications, or widgets on your lock screen without having to tap to wake the phone each time.\nIt has an upgraded front-facing camera with some useful selfie features.\nApple has upgraded the front camera on the iPhone 17 from a 12-megapixel sensor to an 18-megapixel one, which results in higher-resolution images. In our tests, compared with images from previous models, selfies came out even more crisp — we could make out every detail (breakouts included) even in low-light images. The sensor is also now square and has a wider field of view.\nWith the Center Stage feature, found in the newest iPads and now built into the iPhone 17 line, the front-facing camera’s field of view expands automatically to fit more people in the frame while you’re holding the phone vertically. This means you don’t have to manually rotate your phone for wider group shots using the front-facing camera. The feature works as advertised, too: I used it during a birthday party, where many selfies were taken, and whenever someone else stepped into the shot, it would quickly zoom out to fit them in. However, the muscle memory that people have built after years of rotating their phones to snap selfies with friends may take some time to fade.\nCenter Stage also kicks in on video calls to keep you in frame while you’re moving around. I found this feature helpful while I was FaceTiming a friend from my desk, as I was able to move between using the iPhone and typing on my MacBook without having to manually adjust the phone each time.\nThe iPhone 17 also introduces the Dual Capture video mode, which allows you to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture more footage at once. This is a feature we’ve been waiting on from Apple for a while — it’s been available on Samsung Galaxy phones for years now — and before the iPhone 17, we would use a third-party app such as Instagram or Snapchat to flip back and forth between the front and rear cameras to capture dual points of view. Using Dual Capture on the iPhone 17 was both fun and simple in our tests. Once you enable the feature, the front camera’s video is in picture-in-picture mode, and the center of the screen shows what the rear camera records.\nThe iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor.\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\nIt has a better ultrawide camera than the iPhone 16.\nThe iPhone 17 has Apple’s new Dual Fusion cameras. The name refers to the 48-megapixel main camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, plus the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel macro lens. The main sensor continues to deliver vibrant, sharp photos with strong dynamic range and little to no visible noise. But the iPhone 16 also has a 48-megapixel main sensor — the upgrade here is to the ultrawide lens. We compared the two and found a few differences: In our tests, the iPhone 17 consistently delivered colors that were more subdued and natural, with lower contrast, delivering more evenly lit, true-to-life images. It also proved to have better distortion control. The iPhone 16’s images, on the other hand, looked more saturated and appeared slightly more warped.\nLike last year’s version, the iPhone 17 uses a combination of software and hardware to shoot 2x optical-quality zoom, but it still delivered strong results that looked almost identical to what we got from the iPhone 17 Pro. It also has support for up to 10x digital zoom, but in this regard its images weren’t as sharp or clean as those from the Pro model; although the photos were somewhat usable, they exhibited a noticeable loss of details and blurriness.\nYou also have the option to take full-resolution 24-megapixel images (the default) or to switch to 12 megapixels; the camera system switches to the latter when you’re taking photos with night mode, macro flash, or Portrait Lighting. The 24-megapixel option is better for capturing the most detail, while the 12-megapixel mode is ideal for capturing low-light images. Note, however, that images captured with the 24-megapixel option will occupy more space, so if you plan on using the iPhone 17 to take a lot of images, we recommend upgrading to the higher storage configuration.\nThe A19 chip is faster and more efficient.\nThe iPhone 17 uses Apple’s latest chip, the A19, which includes a 16-core neural engine, a six-core CPU, and a five-core GPU. The A19 is designed to power features such as ProMotion, the always-on display, and Apple Intelligence more smoothly. During our time with the iPhone 17, its performance was great. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference coming from the iPhone 16, opening apps and switching between them did feel snappier. The higher refresh rate also allowed for a much smoother experience while we scrolled through social media and played a few rounds of\nAlto’s Odyssey.\nThe iPhone 17 is more durable than past iPhone models.\nApple introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s the latest version of Apple’s proprietary glass, which the company claims has three times better scratch resistance than the previous version. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield coating on the back. But it retains the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as Apple’s more expensive phones.\nIt has longer battery life than the iPhone 16.\nApple claims that the iPhone 17 offers eight more hours of video playback in comparison with the iPhone 16, for a total of up to 30 hours. In our testing, the iPhone 17 lasted for longer than a day and a half of heavy usage on one charge. The extra battery life can be attributed to the addition of both ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate that swaps between 120 Hz and 1 Hz, and the A19 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient. And Apple claims that the iPhone 17 can charge up to 50% in 20 minutes on its\n40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max\n. Using the Dynamic Power Adapter, we charged the iPhone 17 from 9% to 53% in about 25 minutes.\nThe base model has more storage.\nHaving officially dropped 128 GB storage configurations, Apple now starts the base iPhone 17 model at 256 GB of storage (without raising the starting price, as it did on the iPhone 17 Pro). If that’s not enough, you can choose 512 GB for an additional $100.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nThe design is a bit stale.\nIn comparison with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 seems uninspired these days. It would’ve been nice to see some more substantive changes, such as a redesigned camera module similar to that of the iPhone Air.\nIt lacks a triple-camera system.\nWhile the triple cameras are typically reserved for the iPhone Pro models, it’s tough not to criticize Apple for including only two cameras on the iPhone 17, especially considering the base models of both the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. Those Android flagships both come with a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a dedicated telephoto sensor. At this point, Apple seems to be falling behind the standard set by its competition.\nCenter Stage selfies aren’t the perfect solution.\nAlthough it’s a nice feature to have on hand, taking selfies with Center Stage looks and feels awkward. Since it zooms out to capture everyone in the frame, it produces an ultrawide selfie that made our arms and torsos look really long. We preferred sticking to the standard method of rotating our phone and snapping a more cropped-in shot.\nThe best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max\n \nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\nUpgrade pick\nExcellent cameras, powerful performance\nApple iPhone 17 Pro\nThe iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life.\nSporting complete redesigns (which can be polarizing, depending on who you ask), the\nApple iPhone 17 Pro\nand\nApple iPhone 17 Pro Max\nlook nothing like their predecessors. Apple has abandoned the titanium bodies of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models in favor of aluminum, which is better than titanium for dispersing heat, and the company has also given the iPhone 17 Pro models a new vapor-chamber cooling system to help with heat management. Both Pro models have a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including an upgraded telephoto lens, and also add a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera (up from 12 megapixels). In addition, powered by an A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver excellent performance and the longest battery life of the iPhone lineup. Deciding between the Pro models really depends on what size you prefer — a smaller, 6.3-inch display or a massive, 6.9-inch one.\nThe Pro models are fully redesigned and more durable.\nRather than sticking with the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, Apple chose aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This change is supposed to help with thermal management, as Apple says aluminum is 20 times more conductive. On the back is a redesigned camera module that Apple calls the “plateau”; this module houses the camera sensors, making extra space for a larger battery.\nThe display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors.\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also come with Ceramic Shield 2, the latest version of Apple’s proprietary coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant than the original version. For the first time, both Pro models have Ceramic Shield on the back as well, which according to Apple is four times more resistant to cracks. Although we still recommend putting a case on such an expensive phone, it’s nice to see added protection on both the front and back of the device.\nBoth Pro models have new internal cooling systems to better prevent overheating.\nIt’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone Pro models have suffered from overheating throughout the years. To help combat this problem, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max use a new vapor-chamber-based cooling system that is laser-welded into the phones’ aluminum bodies and is designed to draw heat away from the A19 Pro chip much more efficiently. This system is ideal if you’re planning on using your Pro model for heavy-duty gaming or for photo and video editing.\nAlthough we mainly used the iPhone 17 Pro for basic tasks, including scrolling through social media, making phone calls, sending texts, and jotting down notes, we never felt it get warm. But even on a night out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where we constantly reached for it to take photos and videos throughout the evening for hours on end, all while using multiple apps such as Google Maps, Uber, and Spotify, it felt cool to the touch the whole time.\nThe redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system.\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\nThe new A19 Pro chip packs plenty of power and delivers the best battery life yet.\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims that the A19 Pro is up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU performance than the chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. In our tests, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max delivered great performance throughout our time with them, handling hours of scrolling through social media, photo editing, and light gaming with ease. Based on processing power alone, either Pro model is certainly the iPhone to get if you’re planning on using yours for more power-intensive and graphics-heavy tasks.\nThe A19 Pro chip also helps to optimize battery life, which was especially impressive in our testing. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers up to 33 hours of video playback (up from 27 hours in the iPhone 16 Pro) and that the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides up to 39 hours (compared with 33 hours from the iPhone 16 Pro Max). We used real-world testing to put these phones through their paces: We took the iPhone 17 Pro off the charger at 3:40 p.m. one day and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:40 p.m. the next day, for a total of 31 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max didn’t last as long, but that’s also because we used that model continuously throughout the day for shooting images, navigating with maps, and taking multiple FaceTime calls. We took it off the charger at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:30 a.m. the next day, for a total of nearly 18 hours. We must emphasize, though, that we barely put the 17 Pro Max down during our time with it, and on a typical day we’d be able to stretch it for much longer.\nThe iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max have slightly improved rear cameras.\nLike the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with a Fusion camera system. But in addition to the 48-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the Pro and Pro Max’s 12-megapixel telephoto lens (which had 5x optical zoom), replacing it with a 48-megapixel lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-like quality. The new lens also delivers up to 40x digital zoom.\nIn our tests the main sensor and ultrawide camera did an excellent job in various lighting conditions across standard photos, portrait-mode shots, and night mode. The photos were vibrant and crisp, and they also allowed for balanced contrast and accurate colors even in dim environments.\nThe telephoto lens was equally impressive at both 4x and 8x zoom, where we noticed no loss of detail or blurriness. At times it struggled a bit when zoomed in at 8x, but the problem wasn’t noticeable to the naked eye; we picked up on it only when we pulled up the images on an external monitor and zoomed in, as certain details in the background came out a bit fuzzy or seemed a little out of focus, while the subjects were consistently sharp.\nHowever, it particularly faltered on images we took beyond 8x, specifically at 40x digital zoom — an area where competitors such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled. Those phones use a mix of optical and AI-enhanced digital zoom to create sharp, crisp images, even at a long distance. Most of the images we took on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max at 40x appeared fuzzy and grainy.\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with more storage.\nLike the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256 GB of storage, with the option to max out at 1 TB. Meanwhile, Apple increased the larger model’s maximum configurable storage to 2 TB. Note that, with the base-storage increase, the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is now $100 higher than that of its predecessor. And while the base-model iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $1,200 with 256 GB, the 2 TB model comes out to a whopping $2,000.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nThe color options are limited, and many people will hate the two-tone design.\nApple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only in orange, blue, and silver. If the company couldn’t offer a wider range of muted colors, as it did with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup, then we would’ve at least appreciated a black color option. The two-tone design that Apple incorporated on the back is also a strange choice: It’s less noticeable on the blue version, where it blends in better, but it’s worse on the orange version, where the tones are a stark contrast from each other. The worst of them all is the silver model, which has a white square on the back. This design choice takes away from the premium, sleek, monochromatic look of previous iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, making the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max somehow look a little cheap.\nThe iPhone 17 Pro is more expensive than last year’s model.\nWhile the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the same in price, Apple increased the base storage and thereby the entry price of the iPhone 17 Pro by $100, bringing the total up to $1,100 for the 256 GB base model.\nA more affordable option: iPhone 16e\n \nConnie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\nBudget pick\nPowerful battery in a slightly cheaper package\nApple iPhone 16e\nApple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s $170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results.\nAt $600, the\nApple iPhone 16e\nisn’t exactly cheap, but it is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, and it does everything you might need an iPhone to do.\nThe iPhone 16e replaces the now-discontinued iPhone SE, and although it’s significantly more expensive than that phone (by $170), it also feels more like a higher-end iPhone than the SE did. Apple has ditched the home button and Touch ID in favor of a large, 6.1-inch screen and a Face ID notch. The iPhone 16e charges via USB-C and delivers lengthy battery life. It lacks MagSafe compatibility and has just a single rear camera lens, but otherwise it’s a perfectly fine iPhone. We just wish it were cheaper.\nThe iPhone 16e delivers excellent battery life.\nWhile the most noticeable features of the 16e are its notched cutout for Face ID and its single camera lens, the real standout is its lengthy battery life. Apple fit in a larger battery; that component, combined with the power efficiency enabled by the company’s custom C1 modem (for connecting to the internet) and A18 chip, allowed the 16e to last 36 hours even with extremely heavy usage in our testing.\nA travel day is the ultimate stress test for a phone’s battery life, so I charged the 16e to 100% at 5 p.m. on a Sunday in anticipation of my flight from San Francisco to New York at 7 a.m. the following morning. I hailed an Uber, streamed music and podcasts, responded to Slack messages and texts in-flight, chatted on the phone after landing, navigated my way around Queens and Brooklyn using Google Maps, and FaceTimed with my partner before bed. When I awoke on Tuesday, the 16e still had enough battery life left for me to get through my morning meetings. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or one of the iPhone mini models, but the iPhone 16e’s battery even outlasts that of the pricier iPhone 17.\nIt can charge quickly via USB-C.\nThe iPhone 16e’s predecessor, the third-gen iPhone SE, charged over Lightning, and with that model’s discontinuation, Apple is now all in on USB-C. The 16e also supports fast wired charging with a 20 W USB-C adapter, charging from completely dead to 47% in 30 minutes in our testing. It can also charge wirelessly with any Qi charging pad, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so magnetic chargers or accessories can’t attach.\nThe iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos.\nConnie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\nIt's future-proofed with Apple Intelligence support.\nApple’s artificial intelligence features, which include writing tools and AI-generated emoji, aren’t necessarily worth buying a new phone for, but a few of them are useful. Apple will continue to release new AI features and improve existing ones, so we appreciate the fact that even its cheapest phone will benefit from them.\nIt’s basically the same size as the iPhone 16, which Apple still sells, and the screen is almost as good.\nThe 16e is almost all screen, with a giant, 6.1-inch display and a minimal bezel (plus a notch cutout for the Face ID camera). With the iPhone 16e sitting next to the iPhone 16, that notch is really the only way to tell the two apart. Although the iPhone 16 gets a little brighter, up to 1,600 nits, in contrast to the iPhone 16e’s 1,200-nit peak, the cheaper phone is plenty bright. But it’s not as bright as the iPhone 17, which reaches 3,000 nits of peak brightness.\nIt looks more expensive than it is.\nThe iPhone 16e, like the iPhone 17, has an aluminum frame with a matte-glass back, and it looks more like a new iPhone than the SE did. It comes only in white and black, but you can add a case for a pop of color.\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nIt’s more expensive than its predecessor.\nThe third-gen iPhone SE was $430, and a $170 jump in price is a tough pill to swallow. The 16e does offer a slew of features that the SE didn’t have, but for a “budget” phone, we wish the price were a little lower.\nThe single camera is fine, but other iPhones take better photos.\nThe biggest differentiator across Apple’s phones is their cameras — spending more allows you to capture better photos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens, in contrast to the iPhone 17’s two lenses and the 17 Pro’s trio of lenses. It’s capable of switching between a standard angle and what Apple calls an optical-quality 2x telephoto, and the resulting images were good in our tests. But if you want to capture a nighttime shot of, say, the Empire State Building at 10x zoom, you’ll be disappointed in the extremely grainy quality.\nThe absence of MagSafe is annoying.\nThe iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so Apple’s magnetic charging pads and other MagSafe accessories can’t stick to the back of the phone. A MagSafe charger can still charge the 16e, albeit slowly, and third-party case makers are already releasing MagSafe cases for the 16e, so you can attach MagSafe accessories to them. But the lack of MagSafe in light of the phone’s higher starting price is annoying.\nThe competition\nIn addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the $1,000\nApple iPhone Air\n, its thinnest iPhone ever. Although it represents a nice departure from the chunkier iPhones we’ve grown accustomed to, its slimmer profile makes some trade-offs. It offers a large, 6.5-inch display, but it has just a single rear camera lens, a single speaker, and a battery that barely lasted us 12 hours. Unless all you care about is the design, we think it’s too expensive for its lack of features. For details, read\nour full review\n.\nApple still sells the\nApple iPhone 16\nand\nApple iPhone 16 Plus\nbut reduced the price by $100. The now-$700 6.1-inch iPhone 16 has a smaller screen than the iPhone 17 and lacks support for ProMotion and an always-on display. The $800 iPhone 16 Plus has a larger, 6.7-inch screen but also lacks advanced display technology. The front-facing camera on both models is 12 megapixels (in contrast to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17) and lacks new features such as Center Stage and Dual Capture video. We suggest buying the iPhone 17 instead — its screen size lands between those of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and it offers some display and camera upgrades you can’t get on the older phones.\nCaitlin McGarry contributed additional reporting. This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.","attrs_markdown":"- Home & Garden\n  \n  - Vacuums, Cleaning, & Laundry\n    - Vacuum Cleaners\n      - [Vacuum cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-cleaner\/)\n      - [Upright vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-upright-canister-vacuums\/)\n      - [Cordless vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cordless-stick-vacuum\/)\n      - [Robot vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-vacuum\/)\n      - [Handheld vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handheld-vacuum\/)\n      - [Hardwood floor vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-for-hardwood-floors\/)\n      - [Vacuums for pet hair](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-for-pet-hair\/)\n      - [Car vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-car-vacuum\/)\n    - Mops & Cleaners\n      - [Wet mops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wet-mop\/)\n      - [Robot mop‑vac combos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-vacuum-mop-combo\/)\n      - [Portable carpet & upholstery cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaner\/)\n      - [Carpet cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-upright-carpet-cleaners\/)\n      - [Wet\/dry vacs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac\/)\n      - [Brooms, dustpans, & dust mops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-broom-dustpan-dustmop\/)\n      - [Surface cleaners & disinfectants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-purpose-cleaner\/)\n    - [Laundry](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/closet-laundry\/)\n      - [Washers & dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-washer-and-dryer\/)\n      - [Compact washers & dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compact-washer-and-dryer\/)\n      - [Irons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-clothes-iron\/)\n      - [Ironing boards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ironing-board\/)\n      - [Clothing steamers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-clothing-steamers\/)\n      - [Laundry detergents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-laundry-detergent\/)\n      - [Stain removers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laundry-stain-remover\/)\n  - Bathroom\n    - Toilet\n      - [Toilets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet\/)\n      - [Bidets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet\/)\n      - [Toilet papers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-toilet-paper\/)\n      - [Toilet brushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet-brush\/)\n      - [Toilet plungers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet-plunger\/)\n      - [Squatty potties](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/squatty-potty-review\/)\n    - Shower\n      - [Shower heads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-head\/)\n      - [Shower curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-curtain\/)\n      - [Shower caddies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-caddy\/)\n      - [Shower mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shower-mat\/)\n      - [Body washes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-wash\/)\n      - [Bar soaps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bar-soap\/)\n    - Bathroom\n      - [Bathroom scales](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bathroom-scales\/)\n      - [Bath towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bath-towel\/)\n      - [Bath mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bathroom-rugs-and-bath-mats\/)\n      - [Grab bars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grab-bars\/)\n  - Garden & Outdoors\n    - [Gardening & Lawn](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/gardening\/)\n      - [Garden hoses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-garden-hose\/)\n      - [Hose nozzles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hose-nozzle\/)\n      - [Gardening gloves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-gardening-gloves\/)\n      - [Garden pruners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garden-pruners\/)\n      - [Gifts for gardeners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-gardeners\/)\n      - [Lawn mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lawnmower\/)\n      - [Robot lawn mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-lawn-mower\/)\n      - [Reel mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-reel-mower\/)\n      - [Sprinklers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-sprinkler\/)\n      - [Smart sprinkler timers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-sprinkler-controller\/)\n    - [Maintenance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/garage\/)\n      - [Leaf blowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-leafblowers\/)\n      - [Snow blowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-snow-blowers\/)\n      - [Pressure washers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pressure-washer\/)\n      - [Chainsaws](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chainsaw\/)\n      - [String trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-string-trimmers\/)\n      - [Snow shovels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-snow-shovels\/)\n      - [Wet\/dry vacs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac\/)\n    - Patio\n      - [Patio furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-furniture\/)\n      - [Outdoor sofas & chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-sofas\/)\n      - [Patio umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-umbrella-and-stand\/)\n      - [Patio heaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-patio-heaters\/)\n      - [Smokeless fire pits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smokeless-fire-pits\/)\n      - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mosquito-control-gear\/)\n  - Heating, Cooling, & Air Quality\n    - Heating\n      - [Space heaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-space-heaters\/)\n      - [Heat pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/heat-pump-buying-guide\/)\n    - [Cooling](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/cooling\/)\n      - [Air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Portable air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-portable-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Ductless air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Fans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fan\/)\n      - [Cordless fans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cordless-fans\/)\n      - [Smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-thermostat\/)\n    - Air Quality\n      - [Air purifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-purifier\/)\n      - [Humidifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-humidifier\/)\n      - [Dehumidifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dehumidifier\/)\n      - [Home air quality monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-air-quality-monitor\/)\n    - Water Quality\n      - [Water filter pitchers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-filter-pitcher\/)\n      - [Under‑sink water filters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/)\n      - [Faucet‑mounted water filters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-faucet-water-filter\/)\n      - [Water quality test kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-quality-test-kit-for-your-home\/)\n  - Home & Decor\n    - Decor\n      - [Area rugs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-area-rugs\/)\n      - [Rug pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rug-pads\/)\n      - [Removable wallpapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-removable-wallpapers\/)\n      - [Throw blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-throw-blankets\/)\n      - [Essential oil diffusers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-essential-oil-diffusers\/)\n      - [Scented candles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-candles\/)\n      - [Jewelry boxes & organizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jewelry-boxes-and-organizers\/)\n    - Window Treatments\n      - [Curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-window-curtains\/)\n      - [Blackout curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blackout-curtains\/)\n      - [Blackout shades](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blackout-shades\/)\n    - [Furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/furniture\/)\n      - [Sofas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/buying-a-sofa\/)\n      - [Sleeper sofas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeper-sofas\/)\n      - [Massage chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-chairs\/)\n      - [Dining tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000\/)\n    - Lighting\n      - [Floor lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-floor-lamps-under-300\/)\n      - [Desk lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-led-desk-lamp\/)\n      - [Table lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-table-lamps\/)\n      - [Bedside lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-bedside-lamps-under-200\/)\n    - [All Home](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/)\n  - Home Improvement\n    - [Tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/tools\/)\n      - [Drills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-drill-for-common-household-projects\/)\n      - [Multi‑tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multitool\/)\n      - [Stud finders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stud-finder\/)\n      - [Screwdrivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-screwdriver\/)\n      - [Basic toolkits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-basic-home-toolkit\/)\n      - [Toolboxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toolbox\/)\n      - [Ladders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ladders\/)\n    - [Storage & Organization](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/storage-home-garden\/)\n      - [Storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Shoe racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shoe-rack\/)\n      - [Hangers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hangers\/)\n    - Electric\n      - [LED light bulbs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-led-lightbulb\/)\n      - [Surge protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-surge-protector\/)\n      - [Extension cords](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage\/)\n    - Pest Control\n      - [Roach killers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-roach-killers\/)\n      - [Ant killers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ant-killer\/)\n      - [Mousetraps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mousetrap\/)\n      - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mosquito-control-gear\/)\n      - [Wasp & hornet sprays](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hornet-wasp-spray\/)\n      - [Bug‑killing gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bug-killing-gear\/)\n  - Home Security & Safety\n    - Security Systems & Cameras\n      - [Home security systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/)\n      - [Indoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Outdoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Doorbell cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-doorbell-camera\/)\n    - Locks\n      - [Electronic keypad door locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electronic-keypad-door-lock\/)\n      - [Smart locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-lock\/)\n      - [Door locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-door-lock\/)\n    - Safety\n      - [Basic smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-basic-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Smart smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Fire extinguishers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fire-extinguisher\/)\n      - [Flashlights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flashlight\/)\n    - [Emergency Preparedness](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/emergency-preparedness\/)\n      - [Emergency preparedness supplies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/emergency-preparedness\/)\n      - [Emergency weather radios](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-emergency-weather-radio\/)\n      - [Portable generators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-generator\/)\n    - [All Home Security & Safety](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/safety-home-garden\/)\n  - Office\n    - Printers\n      - [All‑in‑one printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-in-one-printer\/)\n      - [Home printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-printers\/)\n      - [Laser printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laser-printer\/)\n    - Monitors\n      - [Monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitors\/)\n      - [4K monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-monitors\/)\n      - [27‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-27-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [Portable monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-monitor\/)\n    - Office Essentials\n      - [Webcams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-webcams\/)\n      - [Office headsets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-headset-for-the-office\/)\n      - [Laptop stands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-stands\/)\n      - [Monitor arms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitor-arms\/)\n      - [Label makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-label-maker\/)\n    - Document Security\n      - [Paper shredders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-paper-shredders\/)\n      - [Fireproof document safes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fireproof-document-safe\/)\n    - Stationery\n      - [Pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pen\/)\n      - [Notebooks & notepads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-notebooks\/)\n      - [Planners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-paper-planners\/)\n    - [Office Furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/office\/furniture-office\/)\n      - [Standing desks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-standing-desk\/)\n      - [Office chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-office-chair\/)\n      - [Ergonomic seat cushions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ergonomic-seat-cushions\/)\n    - [All Office](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/office\/)\n  - Sleep\n    - [Mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/mattresses\/)\n      - [Mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattress\/)\n      - [Mattresses for side sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattresses-for-side-sleepers\/)\n      - [Mattresses for back pain](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mattresses-for-back-pain\/)\n      - [Memory foam mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-foam-mattresses-you-can-buy-online\/)\n      - [Cheap mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-mattress\/)\n      - [Hybrid mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hybrid-mattresses\/)\n      - [Innerspring mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-innerspring-mattress\/)\n      - [Air mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-mattress\/)\n      - [Mattress toppers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattress-toppers\/)\n      - [Latex mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-latex-mattresses\/)\n    - [Bedding](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/sheets-bedding\/)\n      - [Sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sheets\/)\n      - [Cotton sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cotton-sheets\/)\n      - [Comforters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-comforter\/)\n      - [Duvet covers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-duvet-cover\/)\n    - [Pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/pillows\/)\n      - [Pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bed-pillows\/)\n      - [Pillows for side sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pillow-for-side-sleepers\/)\n      - [Memory foam pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-memory-foam-pillows\/)\n    - [Bedroom](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/bedroom\/)\n      - [Modern bed frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-modern-bed-frames\/)\n      - [Platform bed frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-platform-bed-frames-under-300\/)\n      - [Nightstands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nightstands\/)\n      - [Blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blankets\/)\n      - [Weighted blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-weighted-blankets\/)\n      - [White noise machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-noise-machine\/)\n      - [Alarm clocks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-alarm-clock\/)\n      - [Sunrise alarm clocks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sunrise-alarm-clock\/)\n    - [All Sleep](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/)\n- Kitchen\n  \n  - Large Appliances\n    - Fridges\n      - [Refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-refrigerator\/)\n      - [French door refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-french-door-refrigerators\/)\n      - [Side‑by‑side refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-side-by-side-refrigerators\/)\n      - [Garage refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garage-refrigerator\/)\n      - [Counter‑depth refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-counter-depth-refrigerator\/)\n      - [Wine coolers & fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-fridges\/)\n    - Freezers\n      - [Upright freezers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-freezer\/)\n      - [Chest freezers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chest-freezers\/)\n    - Stoves, Ranges, & Ovens\n      - [Electric stoves & ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-and-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [Gas stoves & ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [Slide‑in electric ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slide-in-electric-ranges\/)\n      - [Slide‑in gas ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slide-in-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [High‑end ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-high-end-ranges\/)\n      - [Induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cooktop\/)\n      - [Wall ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wall-ovens\/)\n    - Dishwashers\n      - [Dishwashers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-dishwasher\/)\n    - [All Large Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/large-appliances\/)\n  - Small Appliances\n    - Small Appliances\n      - [Microwaves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/)\n      - [Food processors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-food-processor\/)\n      - [Toasters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toaster\/)\n      - [Electric kettles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-kettle\/)\n      - [Portable induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-induction-cooktop\/)\n      - [Mini fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-fridge\/)\n      - [Countertop ice makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-ice-maker\/)\n      - [Stand mixers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stand-mixer\/)\n      - [Juicers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-juicer\/)\n    - Blenders\n      - [Blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blender\/)\n      - [Personal blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-personal-blender\/)\n      - [Immersion blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-immersion-blender\/)\n    - Specialty\n      - [Ice cream makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ice-cream-maker\/)\n      - [Soda makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soda-maker\/)\n      - [Waffle makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-waffle-maker\/)\n      - [Pizza ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pizza-oven\/)\n    - Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens\n      - [Air fryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer\/)\n      - [Air fryer toaster ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/)\n      - [Toaster ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-toaster-oven\/)\n    - Cookers\n      - [Rice cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-rice-cooker\/)\n      - [Pressure cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-pressure-cooker\/)\n      - [Slow cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slow-cooker\/)\n    - [All Small Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/appliances\/small\/)\n  - Cooking & Baking\n    - Cookware & Bakeware\n      - [Cookware sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cookware-set\/)\n      - [Nonstick pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nonstick-pan\/)\n      - [Stainless steel pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-skillet\/)\n      - [Carbon steel pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carbon-steel-pan\/)\n      - [Cast iron skillets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cast-iron-skillet\/)\n      - [Dutch ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dutch-oven\/)\n      - [Woks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-woks\/)\n      - [Induction cookware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cookware\/)\n      - [Pizza stones & baking steels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pizza-stone-and-baking-steel\/)\n      - [Baking sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cookie-sheet\/)\n    - [Tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/tools-kitchen-dining\/)\n      - [Meat thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-instant-read-thermometer\/)\n      - [Cutting boards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cutting-board\/)\n      - [Kitchen scales](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kitchen-scale\/)\n      - [Oven mitts & pot holders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-oven-mitts-and-pot-holders\/)\n      - [Vacuum sealers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-sealer\/)\n      - [Pepper mills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pepper-mill\/)\n      - [Spatulas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-spatula\/)\n      - [Mixing bowls](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mixing-bowls\/)\n    - Knives\n      - [Chef’s knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-chefs-knife-for-most-cooks\/)\n      - [Knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-knife-set\/)\n      - [Steak knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-steak-knife-set\/)\n      - [Serrated bread knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-serrated-knife\/)\n      - [Paring knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-paring-knife\/)\n      - [Knife sharpeners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-knife-sharpening-tool\/)\n  - Coffee & Tea\n    - Coffee Makers\n      - [Coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Drip coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drip-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Single‑serve coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-single-serve-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Cheap coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Cold‑brew coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker\/)\n    - Espresso Machines\n      - [Espresso machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-espresso-machine-grinder-and-accessories-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Nespresso machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nespresso-machine\/)\n    - Coffee Gear\n      - [Coffee grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-coffee-grinder\/)\n      - [French presses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-french-press\/)\n      - [Pour‑over coffee gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/gear-for-making-great-coffee\/)\n      - [Milk frothers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-milk-frothers\/)\n    - Tea\n      - [Electric kettles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-kettle\/)\n      - [Teas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-teas\/)\n    - [All Coffee & Tea](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/coffee\/)\n  - Food & Drinks\n    - Pantry\n      - [Olive oils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-olive-oil\/)\n      - [Instant noodles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-noodles\/)\n      - [Canned tomatoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-canned-tomatoes\/)\n      - [Tinned fish](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tinned-fish\/)\n      - [Peanut butters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-creamy-peanut-butter\/)\n      - [Potato chips](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-potato-chips\/)\n      - [Boxed cake mixes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-cake-mix\/)\n      - [Boxed brownie mixes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-brownie-mix\/)\n      - [Boxed mac and cheese](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-mac-and-cheese\/)\n      - [Jarred marinara sauce](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jarred-marinara-sauce\/)\n    - Refrigerator\n      - [American cheeses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-american-cheese\/)\n      - [Ketchups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ketchup\/)\n      - [Mayonnaises](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mayonnaise\/)\n      - [Butters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-butter\/)\n      - [BBQ sauces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-barbecue-sauce\/)\n      - [Yogurts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-yogurt\/)\n    - Freezer\n      - [Frozen pizzas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-frozen-pizzas\/)\n      - [Pie crusts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-store-bought-pie-crust\/)\n    - Drinks\n      - [Blanco tequilas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blanco-tequilas\/)\n      - [Vodkas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vodka\/)\n      - [Gins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gins\/)\n      - [Nonalcoholic drinks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-non-alcoholic-drinks\/)\n      - [Nonalcoholic wines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nonalcoholic-wines\/)\n    - [All Food & Drinks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/food\/)\n  - Dining, Entertaining, & Grilling\n    - Tableware\n      - [Flatware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flatware\/)\n      - [Dinnerware sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dinnerware-set\/)\n      - [Steak knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-steak-knife-set\/)\n      - [Drinking glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drinking-glass\/)\n      - [Cloth napkins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-napkins-and-tablecloth\/)\n      - [Tablecloths](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablecloths\/)\n      - [Tapered candles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-tapered-candles\/)\n      - [Outdoor dinnerware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-dishes-for-outdoors\/)\n    - [Wine & Bar](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/wine-bar\/)\n      - [Wine glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-glass\/)\n      - [Corkscrews](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-corkscrew\/)\n      - [Wine coolers & fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-fridges\/)\n      - [Cocktail barware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-barware-for-making-cocktails-at-home\/)\n    - Dining Tables & Seating\n      - [Dining tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000\/)\n      - [Folding tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-tables\/)\n      - [Folding chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-chairs\/)\n      - [Patio furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-furniture\/)\n    - Grilling\n      - [Gas grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-grill\/)\n      - [Charcoal grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-charcoal-grill\/)\n      - [Pellet smoker grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pellet-grill\/)\n      - [Portable grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-grills\/)\n      - [Outdoor griddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-griddle\/)\n      - [Grill tools & accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grill-tools\/)\n    - [All Dining & Entertaining](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/entertaining\/)\n  - Supplies\n    - [Storage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/storage\/)\n      - [Food storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-food-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Dry food storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dry-food-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Lunch boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lunch-boxes\/)\n    - Cleaning\n      - [Dish racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dish-rack\/)\n      - [Kitchen towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kitchen-towels\/)\n      - [Dish soaps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dish-soap\/)\n      - [Dishwasher detergents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dishwasher-detergent\/)\n    - Waste\n      - [Kitchen trash cans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trash-can\/)\n      - [Compost bins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compost-bins\/)\n      - [Food recyclers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/countertop-composter-food-recyclers\/)\n- Health & Lifestyle\n  \n  - Fitness\n    - [Exercise](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/exercise\/)\n      - [Treadmills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-treadmill\/)\n      - [Under‑desk treadmills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-desk-treadmills\/)\n      - [Exercise bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-exercise-bikes\/)\n      - [Elliptical machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-elliptical-machine\/)\n      - [Rowing machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rowing-machine\/)\n      - [Adjustable dumbbells](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-adjustable-dumbbells\/)\n      - [Yoga mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-yoga-mats\/)\n      - [Massage guns](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-guns\/)\n      - [Gym bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gym-bag\/)\n      - [Running headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-headphones\/)\n    - Trackers\n      - [Fitness trackers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-fitness-trackers\/)\n      - [GPS running watches](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-watch\/)\n    - Bikes & Scooters\n      - [Hybrid bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hybrid-commuter-bike\/)\n      - [Electric scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-scooter\/)\n      - [Ebikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ebike-for-commuters\/)\n    - [Biking Gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/cycling\/)\n      - [Bike helmets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters\/)\n      - [Bike lights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-commuter-bike-lights\/)\n      - [Bike locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-lock\/)\n      - [Bike phone mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-phone-mount\/)\n      - [Rear bike racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rear-bike-rack\/)\n      - [Bike pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-pump\/)\n      - [Bike storage ideas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-racks-for-small-homes-and-apartments\/)\n      - [Car bike racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-rack-for-cars\/)\n    - [All Fitness](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/)\n  - Health\n    - [Medical](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/medical-supplies\/)\n      - [Blood pressure monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blood-pressure-monitors-for-home-use\/)\n      - [Thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults\/)\n      - [Heating pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-heating-pad\/)\n      - [Pill boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pill-boxes\/)\n      - [Compression socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compression-socks\/)\n      - [Over‑the‑counter hearing aids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids\/)\n    - [Accessibility & Aging](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/accessibility\/)\n      - [Walkers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-walkers\/)\n      - [Medical alert systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-medical-alert-systems\/)\n      - [Adult diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-adult-diapers\/)\n      - [Incontinence underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-incontinence-underwear\/)\n      - [Grabber tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grabber-tools\/)\n    - Mental Health\n      - [Meditation apps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-meditation-apps\/)\n      - [Light therapy lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-light-therapy-lamp\/)\n    - [All Health](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/)\n  - Personal Care\n    - [Skin‑Care & Sunscreen](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/beauty\/skincare\/)\n      - [Sunscreens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sunscreen\/)\n      - [Face sunscreens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-face-sunscreens\/)\n      - [Moisturizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-moisturizers\/)\n      - [Body lotions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-lotions\/)\n      - [Vitamin C serums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vitamin-c-serums\/)\n      - [Retinols](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-retinol-products\/)\n      - [Exfoliants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-exfoliants\/)\n      - [Facial cleansers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-facial-cleansers\/)\n      - [Korean skin‑care products](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-korean-skin-care-products\/)\n    - Personal Hygiene\n      - [Antiperspirants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-antiperspirants\/)\n      - [Deodorants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-deodorants\/)\n    - Dental\n      - [Electric toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-toothbrush\/)\n      - [Water flossers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-flossers\/)\n    - Menstruation\n      - [Period underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/thinx-period-panties\/)\n      - [Menstrual cups & discs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-menstrual-cup\/)\n    - Adult & Sex\n      - [Vibrators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vibrators\/)\n      - [Anal toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-anal-toys\/)\n      - [Condoms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-condoms\/)\n      - [Lube](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-personal-lubricants\/)\n      - [Portable vaporizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-vaporizer\/)\n      - [Cannabis grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cannabis-grinder\/)\n  - Beauty & Hair\n    - Beauty\n      - [Lip balms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lip-balm\/)\n      - [Eyeliners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-eyeliner\/)\n      - [Mascaras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mascara\/)\n      - [Foundations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-foundations\/)\n      - [Concealers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-concealers\/)\n      - [Blushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blush\/)\n      - [Makeup brushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-makeup-brushes\/)\n      - [Setting sprays](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-setting-spray\/)\n      - [Makeup removers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-makeup-remover\/)\n      - [Drugstore makeup](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drugstore-makeup-skincare\/)\n    - Hair Removal & Shaving\n      - [Electric razors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-razor\/)\n      - [Beard trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beard-trimmer\/)\n      - [Pubic hair trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pubic-hair-trimmer\/)\n      - [Hair clippers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use\/)\n    - Hair\n      - [Hair dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hair-dryer\/)\n      - [Shampoos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shampoo\/)\n      - [Shampoo bars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-solid-shampoo-bars\/)\n      - [Dry shampoos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dry-shampoo\/)\n      - [Conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hair-conditioner\/)\n      - [Drugstore hair products](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drugstore-hair-products\/)\n  - Outdoors\n    - [Outdoors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/)\n      - [Bug repellents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bug-repellent\/)\n      - [Coolers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hard-cooler\/)\n      - [Umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella\/)\n      - [Binoculars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-binoculars\/)\n      - [Ski goggles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ski-and-snowboard-goggles\/)\n    - [Apparel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/apparel\/)\n      - [Rain jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-rain-jacket\/)\n      - [Down jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-jacket\/)\n      - [UPF clothing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sun-protection-clothing\/)\n    - Camping\n      - [Camping tents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tent-for-family-and-car-camping\/)\n      - [Sleeping bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeping-bag-for-car-camping\/)\n      - [Sleeping pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking-and-car-camping\/)\n      - [Camping chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-outdoor-chairs\/)\n    - Hiking\n      - [Hiking boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-boots\/)\n      - [Hiking socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-socks\/)\n      - [Trekking poles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trekking-poles\/)\n      - [Filtered water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-filtered-water-bottles\/)\n    - [Beach](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/swim\/)\n      - [Beach umbrellas & shades](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-umbrella-is-not-an-umbrella\/)\n      - [Beach bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-bag\/)\n      - [Beach towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-towel\/)\n    - Safety\n      - [Portable generators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-generator\/)\n      - [Pocket knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pocket-knife\/)\n      - [Headlamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-headlamp\/)\n      - [Hand warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hand-warmer\/)\n      - [Flashlights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flashlight\/)\n  - Travel\n    - Luggage\n      - [Checked luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-checked-luggage\/)\n      - [Duffel bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-duffle-bags\/)\n      - [Garment bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garment-bag\/)\n      - [Underseat luggage & personal‑item bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/best-personal-item-carry-ons\/)\n      - [Carry‑on luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carry-on-luggage\/)\n      - [Hard‑shell carry‑on luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage\/)\n      - [Carry‑on travel backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carry-on-travel-bags\/)\n      - [Travel backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-backpack\/)\n    - Packing\n      - [Toiletry bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toiletry-bags\/)\n      - [Packing cubes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-packing-cubes\/)\n      - [Packable daypacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-packable-daypack-for-travel\/)\n    - Hydration\n      - [Water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-bottle\/)\n      - [Travel mugs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-mug\/)\n    - [Gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/gear-travel\/)\n      - [Travel gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/travel-guide\/)\n      - [Travel pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-pillow\/)\n      - [Sleep masks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-mask\/)\n      - [Plug adapters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-plug-adapter\/)\n      - [Luggage tags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-luggage-tags\/)\n  - Hobbies\n    - [Hobbies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/)\n      - [Pickleball paddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pickleball-paddles\/)\n      - [Drones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drones\/)\n      - [DNA testing kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dna-test\/)\n      - [Telescopes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-telescopes-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Reading lights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-reading-light\/)\n      - [Electric scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-scooter\/)\n      - [Language learning apps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-language-learning-apps\/)\n    - [Music & Instruments](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/music\/)\n      - [Beginner digital pianos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-digital-piano-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Beginner ukuleles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ukulele-for-beginners\/)\n    - Art & Design\n      - [3D printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-3d-printer\/)\n      - [3D pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-3d-pen\/)\n      - [Drawing tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drawing-tablets\/)\n      - [Sewing machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sewing-machine\/)\n      - [Colored pencils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-colored-pencils\/)\n      - [Soldering irons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soldering-irons\/)\n    - Photo\n      - [Photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-inkjet-printer\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Online photo printing services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-photo-printing\/)\n      - [Photo book services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-book-service\/)\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n    - Cameras\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Mirrorless cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mirrorless-camera\/)\n      - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/)\n  - Games & Puzzles\n    - Board & Card Games\n      - [Board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-we-love\/)\n      - [Two‑player board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-two-player-board-games\/)\n      - [Solo board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-solo-board-games\/)\n      - [Beginner board games for adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-adults\/)\n      - [Strategy board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-strategy-board-games\/)\n      - [Kids board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Card games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-card-games\/)\n      - [Party games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-party-games\/)\n    - [Video Gaming](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/gaming\/)\n      - [Gaming consoles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-game-consoles\/)\n      - [Handheld gaming consoles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handheld-gaming-consoles\/)\n      - [VR headsets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-standalone-vr-headset\/)\n      - [Gaming laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-gaming-laptop-so-far\/)\n      - [Gaming mice](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse\/)\n      - [Gaming monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gaming-monitor\/)\n      - [Graphics cards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-graphics-cards\/)\n      - [Gaming chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gaming-chairs\/)\n    - Lego\n      - [Lego sets for adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/our-favorite-lego-sets-for-adults\/)\n      - [Lego sets for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lego-sets-for-kids\/)\n    - Puzzles\n      - [Speed cubes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-speed-cubes\/)\n    - [All Games & Puzzles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/games-puzzles\/)\n  - Pets\n    - [Dogs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/dogs\/)\n      - [Dog leashes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-dog-leash\/)\n      - [Dog harnesses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-harness\/)\n      - [Dog beds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-beds\/)\n      - [Dog crates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-crate\/)\n      - [Dog DNA tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-dna-test\/)\n      - [Dog nail grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-nail-grinders\/)\n      - [Dog jackets & raincoats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-winter-jackets-and-raincoats-for-dogs\/)\n    - [Cats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/cats\/)\n      - [Cat litters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter\/)\n      - [Litter boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter-boxes\/)\n      - [Automatic cat litter boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-automatic-cat-litter-box-but-we-dont-recommend-it\/)\n      - [Cat litter mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter-mat\/)\n      - [Cat scratchers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-scratchers\/)\n      - [Cat beds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-beds\/)\n      - [New cat checklist](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/new-cat-checklist\/)\n    - Home\n      - [Pet cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pet-camera\/)\n      - [Water fountains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs\/)\n      - [Automatic feeders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-automatic-feeder-for-cats-and-small-dogs\/)\n    - [All Pets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/)\n- Tech\n  \n  - Electronics & Networking\n    - [Networking](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/networking\/)\n      - [Wi‑Fi mesh‑networking kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits\/)\n      - [Routers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-router\/)\n      - [Modems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cable-modem\/)\n      - [Wi‑Fi extenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-extender\/)\n    - [Digital Storage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/storage-devices\/)\n      - [External hard drives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-external-hard-drives\/)\n      - [NAS devices](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-network-attached-storage\/)\n      - [External SSDs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-ssd\/)\n    - [Batteries & Charging](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/batteries\/)\n      - [Portable chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-battery-packs\/)\n      - [Lightning cables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lightning-cable\/)\n      - [Portable power stations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-power-stations\/)\n      - [Rechargeable batteries](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rechargeable-batteries\/)\n      - [Uninterruptible power supplies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups\/)\n      - [Surge protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-surge-protector\/)\n      - [Extension cords](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage\/)\n      - [Electric vehicle chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-vehicle-chargers-for-home\/)\n    - Wireless Charging\n      - [Wireless chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-qi-wireless-charger-for-iphone-and-android-phones\/)\n      - [Apple charging stations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-apple-wireless-charging-pads\/)\n    - [USB‑C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/usb-c\/)\n      - [USB phone chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger\/)\n      - [USB‑C cables & adapters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-cables\/)\n      - [USB‑C laptop chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers\/)\n      - [USB‑C hubs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks\/)\n    - [All Electronics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/)\n  - Phones, Tablets, & Smartwatches\n    - Phones\n      - [Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-phone\/)\n      - [Budget Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-android-phone\/)\n      - [iPhones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/)\n      - [iPhone cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-cases\/)\n      - [iPhone 17 cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-17-case\/)\n      - [iPhone 16 cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-16-case\/)\n      - [iPhone screen protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-x-screen-protectors\/)\n      - [Cell phones for older adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults\/)\n      - [Car phone mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartphone-car-mount\/)\n      - [Cell phone plans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-carrier\/)\n    - Tablets\n      - [Tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablets\/)\n      - [Android tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-tablet\/)\n      - [iPads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet\/)\n      - [iPad keyboard cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-keyboard-case\/)\n      - [iPad Pro keyboard cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-pro-keyboard-cases\/)\n      - [iPad Pro cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-pro-cases\/)\n      - [iPad styluses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-stylus\/)\n    - E‑readers\n      - [E‑readers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/amazon-kindle-is-the-best-ebook-reader\/)\n    - Smartwatches\n      - [For Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-android\/)\n      - [For iPhones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-iphone\/)\n  - Computers\n    - Laptops\n      - [Laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptops\/)\n      - [Chromebooks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chromebook\/)\n      - [MacBooks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-macbooks\/)\n      - [Business laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-business-laptops\/)\n      - [Laptops for college students](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptops-for-college-students\/)\n      - [Laptops under \\$500](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-under-500\/)\n    - [Computers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/computers\/)\n      - [All‑in‑one computers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-in-one-computer\/)\n      - [Mini desktop PCs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-desktop-pcs\/)\n    - Monitors\n      - [Monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitors\/)\n      - [4k monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-monitors\/)\n      - [24‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-24-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [27‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-27-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [Ultrawide monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ultrawide-monitors\/)\n      - [Portable monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-monitor\/)\n    - [Accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/accessories\/)\n      - [Wireless mice](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-mouse\/)\n      - [Security keys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-security-keys\/)\n    - Keyboards\n      - [Keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-keyboards\/)\n      - [Wireless keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard\/)\n      - [Mechanical keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards\/)\n      - [Ergonomic keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/comfortable-ergo-keyboard\/)\n      - [Gaming keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-keyboards-for-gaming\/)\n    - [Software](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/software\/)\n      - [Password managers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-password-managers\/)\n      - [VPNs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vpn-service\/)\n      - [Free VPNs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-free-vpn\/)\n  - Audio\n    - Speakers\n      - [Bluetooth speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n      - [Portable bluetooth speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n      - [Surround‑sound speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bookshelf-speakers\/)\n      - [Computer speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-computer-speakers\/)\n      - [Outdoor speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-speakers\/)\n      - [Multiroom wireless speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multiroom-wireless-speaker-system\/)\n      - [Smart speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-speakers\/)\n      - [Soundbars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soundbar\/)\n    - Headphones\n      - [Headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-headphones\/)\n      - [Over‑ear headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-ear-headphones\/)\n      - [Noise‑cancelling headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-noise-cancelling-headphones\/)\n      - [Sleep headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-headphones\/)\n      - [Bone‑conduction headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bone-conduction-headphones\/)\n    - Earbuds\n      - [Wireless earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-earbuds\/)\n      - [Wired earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-200-in-ear-headphones\/)\n      - [Workout earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-workout-headphones\/)\n    - Home Audio\n      - [Turntables & record players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-turntable\/)\n      - [CD players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-cd-player\/)\n      - [AV receivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-receiver\/)\n      - [Stereo amps & receivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-stereo-amplifier\/)\n      - [USB audio interfaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-audio-interface\/)\n    - [All Audio](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/audio\/)\n  - Video\n    - [TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/tvs\/)\n      - [TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv\/)\n      - [OLED TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-oled-tv\/)\n      - [4K TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-tv\/)\n      - [LCD\/LED TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lcd-led-tv\/)\n      - [32‑inch TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-small-tv\/)\n      - [40‑ to 49‑inch TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-40-to-49-inch-tvs\/)\n      - [TV wall mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv-wall-mount\/)\n      - [Gaming TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv-for-video-games\/)\n    - [Home Theater](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/home-theater\/)\n      - [Streaming devices](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-media-streamers\/)\n      - [4K Blu‑ray players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-blu-ray-player\/)\n      - [HDMI video transmitters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-wireless-hdmi-video-transmitter\/)\n      - [HDTV antennas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna\/)\n      - [Soundbars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soundbar\/)\n    - [Projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/projectors\/)\n      - [Projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-projectors\/)\n      - [Portable mini projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pico-projector\/)\n      - [Budget projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-projector\/)\n      - [Projector screens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-projector-screen\/)\n      - [Outdoor projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-projector\/)\n  - Cameras & Photo\n    - Cameras\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Mirrorless cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mirrorless-camera\/)\n      - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/)\n      - [Dash cams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dash-cam\/)\n    - [Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/camera-accessories\/)\n    - Smartphone Photography\n      - [iPhone photo lenses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lenses-for-iphone\/)\n      - [Smartphone tripods](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tripod-for-iphones-smartphones\/)\n      - [Smartphone gimbals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-and-iphone-gimbal\/)\n    - Photo\n      - [Holiday photo cards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-custom-photo-card-service\/)\n      - [Photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-inkjet-printer\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Online photo printing services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-photo-printing\/)\n      - [Photo book services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-book-service\/)\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n  - Smart Home\n    - Indoor\n      - [Plug‑in smart outlets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-switch\/)\n      - [Smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-thermostat\/)\n      - [Smart window shades & blinds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-blinds\/)\n      - [Smart LED light bulbs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-led-light-bulbs\/)\n      - [In‑wall smart light switches & dimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-in-wall-wireless-light-switch-and-dimmer\/)\n      - [Smart water‑leak detectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/)\n      - [Smart smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Smart locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-lock\/)\n      - [Smart speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-speakers\/)\n    - Outdoor\n      - [Smart outdoor lighting](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-outdoor-lighting-for-backyards-pathways-and-more\/)\n      - [Smart sprinkler timers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-sprinkler-controller\/)\n      - [Smart garage door openers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-garage-door-controller\/)\n    - [Security Systems & Cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/safety-home-garden\/)\n      - [Home security systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/)\n      - [Outdoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Indoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Smart doorbell cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-doorbell-camera\/)\n    - [All Smart Home](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/smart-home\/)\n- Baby & Kid\n  \n  - Pregnancy & Nursing\n    - Pregnancy\n      - [Pregnancy tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pregnancy-test\/)\n      - [Body pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-pillow\/)\n    - Nursing & Pumping\n      - [Breast pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-breast-pumps\/)\n      - [Wearable breast pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wearable-breast-pumps\/)\n      - [Pumping bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pumping-bra\/)\n      - [Nursing bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nursing-bras\/)\n      - [Nursing pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nursing-pillows\/)\n    - Bottles & Formula\n      - [Baby bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bottles-and-bottle-brush\/)\n      - [Bottle warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bottle-warmers\/)\n      - [Baby formulas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-formula\/)\n    - [All Pregnancy & Nursing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/pregnancy-nursing\/)\n  - Baby\n    - Sleep\n      - [Bassinets & co‑sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-co-sleepers\/)\n      - [Cribs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cribs\/)\n      - [Crib mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-crib-mattresses\/)\n      - [Baby monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-monitor\/)\n      - [Baby swaddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-swaddles\/)\n    - Carry\n      - [Baby carriers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-carriers\/)\n      - [Baby wraps & slings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-wraps-and-slings\/)\n    - Diapering & Bath\n      - [Diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diapers\/)\n      - [Cloth diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cloth-diapers\/)\n      - [Diaper pails](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diaper-pail\/)\n      - [Diaper bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diaper-bag\/)\n      - [Baby bathtubs & bath seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bathtubs-and-bath-seats\/)\n      - [Baby care essentials](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/baby-care-essentials\/)\n    - [Home Safety](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/safety\/)\n      - [Baby‑proofing tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-baby-proofing-tools\/)\n      - [Baby gates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-gate\/)\n    - Car Seats\n      - [Infant car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-car-seat\/)\n      - [Convertible car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-convertible-car-seats\/)\n      - [Travel car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-car-seats\/)\n    - Seats\n      - [Baby bouncers & rockers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bouncers-and-rockers\/)\n      - [Baby swings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-swings\/)\n      - [High chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-high-chairs\/)\n  - Clothing & Health\n    - Clothing\n      - [Kids pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-pajamas\/)\n      - [Kids underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-underwear\/)\n      - [Kids beachwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-beachwear\/)\n      - [Kids rain and snow boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-rain-snow-boots\/)\n      - [Kids sandals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-sandals-water-shoes\/)\n    - Health\n      - [Kids electric toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-toothbrush-for-kids\/)\n      - [Thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults\/)\n  - School & Tech\n    - [Backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/backpacks\/)\n      - [Kids backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students\/)\n      - [High school & college backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college\/)\n    - Lunch & Hydration\n      - [Kids lunch boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-lunch-boxes\/)\n      - [Kids water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-water-bottles\/)\n      - [Food thermoses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-food-thermos\/)\n      - [Nonplastic plates and cups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-plastic-free-tableware-for-babies-and-kids\/)\n    - School Supplies\n      - [Pencils for schoolwork](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pencils\/)\n      - [Mechanical pencils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mechanical-pencils\/)\n      - [Pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pen\/)\n      - [Notebooks & notepads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-notebooks\/)\n      - [Planners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-paper-planners\/)\n      - [Kids labels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-labels-for-kids-lunch-boxes-and-clothing\/)\n    - Tech\n      - [First phones for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartphone-for-kids\/)\n      - [Smartwatches for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-for-kids\/)\n      - [Apps for managing kids' phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-apps-to-manage-your-kids-phone\/)\n      - [Kids tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablet-for-kids\/)\n      - [Kids headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-headphones\/)\n    - [All School](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/school\/)\n  - Toys\n    - Indoor Toys\n      - [Lego sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lego-sets-for-kids\/)\n      - [Dolls](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dolls\/)\n      - [Kids board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Bath toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bath-toys\/)\n      - [Toy subscription boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toy-subscription-boxes\/)\n      - [Craft subscription boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-craft-subscription-boxes\/)\n    - Outdoor Toys\n      - [Scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-scooters\/)\n      - [Balance bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-balance-bike\/)\n      - [First pedal bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-first-pedal-bike\/)\n      - [Kids bike helmets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-bike-helmets\/)\n      - [Tricycles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tricycles\/)\n      - [Collapsible folding wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-wagons\/)\n      - [Sleds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleds\/)\n      - [Trampolines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trampoline\/)\n    - [All Toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/toys\/)\n  - Travel\n    - Car Seats\n      - [Infant car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-car-seat\/)\n      - [Convertible car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-convertible-car-seats\/)\n      - [Travel car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-car-seats\/)\n      - [Booster car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-booster-car-seats\/)\n    - Strollers\n      - [Strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-strollers\/)\n      - [Double strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-double-strollers\/)\n      - [Jogging strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jogging-strollers\/)\n      - [Travel strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-strollers\/)\n      - [Umbrella strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella-strollers\/)\n    - Wagons\n      - [Collapsible folding wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-wagons\/)\n      - [Stroller wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stroller-wagons\/)\n    - Travel\n      - [Kids bike seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-bike-seats\/)\n      - [Kids travel gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/gear-for-traveling-with-babies-and-kids\/)\n      - [Kids luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-luggage\/)\n- Style\n  \n  - Apparel\n    - Tops\n      - [Men’s button‑up shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-button-up-shirts\/)\n      - [Men’s white t‑shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-t-shirts-for-men\/)\n      - [Women’s blouses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-tops-blouses\/)\n      - [Women’s button ups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-button-up-shirts\/)\n      - [Women’s white t‑shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-white-t-shirts\/)\n      - [Cashmere sweaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cashmere-sweaters\/)\n      - [Thermal underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-base-layers-and-thermal-underwear\/)\n    - Pants\n      - [Men’s jeans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jeans-for-men\/)\n      - [Women’s jeans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-jeans\/)\n      - [Men’s dress pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-work-pants\/)\n      - [Women's office pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-work-pants\/)\n      - [Leggings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-leggings\/)\n      - [Rain pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rain-pants\/)\n      - [Sweatpants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sweatpants-sweatshirts\/)\n    - Kids\n      - [Kids pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-pajamas\/)\n      - [Kids underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-underwear\/)\n    - Jackets\n      - [Rain jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-rain-jacket\/)\n      - [Down jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-jacket\/)\n      - [Insulated vests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-vest\/)\n      - [Men’s suits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-suits\/)\n      - [Women’s wool coats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-wool-coat\/)\n    - [All Style](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/style\/)\n  - Underwear & Sleep\n    - Underwear\n      - [Bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bra-brands\/)\n      - [Women’s underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-underwear\/)\n      - [Period underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/thinx-period-panties\/)\n      - [Boxer briefs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-underwear\/)\n    - Sleep\n      - [Robes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robes\/)\n      - [Pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-pajamas-for-women-and-men\/)\n      - [Slippers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slippers\/)\n      - [Sleep masks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-mask\/)\n  - Shoes\n    - Boots\n      - [Winter boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-winter-boots-for-men-and-women\/)\n      - [Rain boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rain-boots\/)\n      - [Hiking boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-boots\/)\n    - Sneakers\n      - [Running shoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-shoes\/)\n      - [White sneakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-sneakers\/)\n    - Seasonal\n      - [Flats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flats\/)\n      - [Sandals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sandals\/)\n      - [Ice cleats for shoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ice-cleats\/)\n    - Socks\n      - [Socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-socks\/)\n      - [Compression socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compression-socks\/)\n      - [Hiking socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-socks\/)\n  - Bags & Accessories\n    - [Bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/bags\/)\n      - [Handbags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handbags-under-500\/)\n      - [Tote bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-tote-bags\/)\n      - [Laptop tote bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-tote-bags\/)\n      - [Fanny packs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fanny-packs\/)\n      - [Men’s work bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-work-bags\/)\n    - [Backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/backpacks\/)\n      - [Laptop backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-laptop-backpacks\/)\n      - [High school & college backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college\/)\n      - [Kids backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students\/)\n    - Bag Accessories\n      - [Slim wallets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slim-wallet\/)\n    - Accessories\n      - [Umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella\/)\n      - [Black tights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-black-tights\/)\n      - [Shapewear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shapewear\/)\n      - [Hair ties & clips](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-hair-ties-scrunchies-clips\/)\n    - Glasses\n      - [Cheap sunglasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-sunglasses\/)\n      - [Blue‑light blocking glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blue-light-blocking-glasses\/)\n      - [Online prescription glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online\/)\n- Gifts\n  \n  - Valentine's Day Gifts\n    - Gifts to Give\n      - [Valentine's Day gifts for her](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/valentines-day-gifts-for-her\/)\n      - [Valentine's Day gifts for him](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/valentines-day-gifts-for-him\/)\n      - [Valentine's Day gifts for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/valentines-day-gifts-for-kids\/)\n      - [Cheap gifts under \\$25](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/cheap-valentines-day-under-25\/)\n      - [Last‑minute gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/last-minute-valentines-day-gifts\/)\n      - [Gifts for boyfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-boyfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for girlfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-girlfriend\/)\n      - [Galentine's Day gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-galentines-day-gifts\/)\n      - [Personalized gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/personalized\/)\n    - Gifts to Send\n      - [Online flower delivery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-flower-delivery\/)\n      - [Boxed chocolates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-boxed-chocolates\/)\n      - [Gift baskets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gift-baskets\/)\n  - Gifts to Give\n    - [All Gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/)\n    - Tech\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Turntables & record players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-turntable\/)\n      - [Massage guns](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-guns\/)\n      - [Karaoke machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-karaoke-machines\/)\n      - [3D pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-3d-pen\/)\n    - [Games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/games-puzzles\/)\n      - [Board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-we-love\/)\n      - [Two‑player board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-two-player-board-games\/)\n      - [Board games for kids & families](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Card games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-card-games\/)\n    - DNA Test Kits\n      - [DNA testing kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dna-test\/)\n      - [Dog DNA tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-dna-test\/)\n    - Everything Else\n      - [Smokeless fire pits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smokeless-fire-pits\/)\n      - [Mug warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mug-warmers\/)\n      - [Smart bird feeders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-bird-feeder\/)\n      - [Disposable cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-disposable-cameras\/)\n  - Gifts for Grown-Ups\n    - For Occasions\n      - [Housewarming gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-housewarming-gifts\/)\n      - [Anniversary gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-anniversary-gifts\/)\n      - [Retirement gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-retirement-gifts\/)\n      - [Birthday gifts for her](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-birthday-gifts-for-her\/)\n      - [Gifts for coworkers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-coworkers\/)\n      - [Gifts for new moms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/gifts-for-new-moms\/)\n      - [Bridal shower gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-bridal-shower-gifts\/)\n      - [Flower delivery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-flower-delivery\/)\n      - [Gift baskets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gift-baskets\/)\n      - [Photo gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-gifts\/)\n    - For Loved Ones\n      - [Gifts for husbands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gifts-for-husband\/)\n      - [Gifts for wives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gifts-for-wife\/)\n      - [Gifts for boyfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-boyfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for girlfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-girlfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for moms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-mom\/)\n      - [Gifts for dads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-dad\/)\n      - [Gifts for grandparents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-grandparents\/)\n      - [Gifts for someone who has everything](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n    - Under Budget\n      - [Gifts under \\$25](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-25\/)\n      - [Gifts under \\$50](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-50\/)\n      - [Gifts under \\$100](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-100\/)\n    - [Wrapping Paper](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wrapping-paper\/)\n    - [All Gifts for Grown‑Ups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/adults\/)\n  - Gifts for Kids\n    - Ages Younger Than 6\n      - [Gifts for infants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-gifts\/)\n      - [Gifts for 1‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-toys-for-1-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 2‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-toys-for-2-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 3‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-3-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 4‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-4-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 5‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-5-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 6‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-6-year-olds\/)\n    - Ages 7 & Up\n      - [Gifts for 7‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-7-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 8‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-8-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 9‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-9-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 10‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-10-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for tweens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n      - [Gifts for teens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-teens\/)\n    - [All Gifts for Kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/kids\/)\n  - Deals\n    - Deals by Retailer\n      - [Apple deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/best-apple-deals\/)\n      - [Best Buy deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/best-buy-deals\/)\n      - [Target deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/best-target-deals\/)\n      - [Walmart deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/best-walmart-deals\/)\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/the-wirecutter-show-podcast\/)\n- [Deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/)\n\n[Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/ \"Wirecutter\")\n\nLog inAccount\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscription\/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2Freviews%2Fthe-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone%2F)\n\n[Skip To Content](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#main)\n\nWe independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more›](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/about\/)\n\nBROWSESections in this article\n\n[When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone?](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#when-should-you-upgrade-if-you-have-an-older-iphone)\n\n[The best all-around package: iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#the-best-all-around-package-iphone-17)\n\n[The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#the-best-cameras-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max)\n\n[A more affordable option: iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#a-more-affordable-option-iphone-16e)\n\n[The competition](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#the-competition)\n\n1. [Electronics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/)\n2. [Smartphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/smartphones\/)\n# Which iPhone Should I Get?\nUpdated\n\nSeptember 17, 2025\n\nSave\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_TOP_ART_2X1.jpg?width=150&quality=20&crop=2:1&auto=webp)\n\n![Four iPhones are displayed on a tan surface, showing their backs. The phones, a white Apple iPhone 16e, a purple iPhone 17, a dark blue iPhone 17 Pro, and an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, have different camera arrays.]()\n\n[![Brenda Stolyar](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/07\/Brenda-Stolyar-headshot-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=50)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/authors\/brenda-stolyar\/)\n\nBy [Brenda Stolyar](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/authors\/brenda-stolyar\/)\n\nBrenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartwatches, tablets, and wearables.\n\nFYI\n\nAfter testing Apple’s latest iPhones, we’ve made the [iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/228978\/?merchant=Walmart) our new [top pick](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#the-best-all-around-package-iphone-17) and the [iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/228979\/?merchant=Apple) and [iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/228980\/?merchant=Apple) our new [upgrade picks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/#the-best-cameras-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max).\n\nSeptember 2025\n\nIf you have an iPhone that you’re happy with, keep it. We don’t think you should upgrade just because Apple has released new phones.\n\nBut if your current phone is [running too slowly](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/how-to-make-your-phone-last-longer\/) or is damaged, or if you’re simply ready for an upgrade and you want a new phone now, we recommend the [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/228978\/?merchant=Walmart). It offers an almost Pro-like iPhone experience, with a bigger display and a higher refresh rate, excellent cameras, lengthy battery life, and a powerful processor.\n\n### Everything we recommend\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74265\/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\n## [The best iPhone](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"The best iPhone\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"Apple iPhone 17\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life.\n\n[\\$829 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74266\/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro_20250916-201821_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Excellent cameras, powerful performance\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life.\n\n[\\$1,099 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$999 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225221\/4\/229363?merchant=Walmart)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74267\/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max_20250916-202422_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple \"Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max\")\n\nIf you want an even bigger screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage configuration, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the way to go — if you’re willing to pay the price.\n\n[\\$1,199 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$1,249 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225222\/4\/229360?merchant=Walmart)\n\n#### Budget pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/69020\/Apple-iPhone-16e_20250418-053733_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package\")\n### [Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 16e\")\n\nApple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \\$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results.\n\n[\\$599 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$599 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/225223\/4\/229362?merchant=Walmart)\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74265\/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\n## [The best iPhone](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"The best iPhone\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"Apple iPhone 17\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life.\n\n[\\$829 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\nThe [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/228978\/?merchant=Walmart) looks similar to its predecessor but offers a few vital upgrades. Its bigger, brighter 6.3-inch screen supports Apple’s ProMotion display technology (for a refresh rate up to 120 Hz) and an always-on display mode — two features that were previously exclusive to the iPhone Pro models. Apple has also updated the camera systems, with an 18-megapixel selfie camera and a 48-megapixel rear ultrawide camera. The iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which not only delivers snappy performance but also helps prolong battery life.\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74266\/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro_20250916-201821_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Excellent cameras, powerful performance\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life.\n\n[\\$1,099 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$999 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225221\/4\/229363?merchant=Walmart)\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74267\/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max_20250916-202422_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple \"Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max\")\n\nIf you want an even bigger screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage configuration, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the way to go — if you’re willing to pay the price.\n\n[\\$1,199 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$1,249 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225222\/4\/229360?merchant=Walmart)\n\nThe 6.3-inch [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/228979\/?merchant=Apple) and 6.9-inch [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/228980\/?merchant=Apple) ditch the titanium frame and matte-glass back of their predecessors for a new aluminum design with a horizontal rear camera bump (or “plateau”) that makes these Pro models look and feel much different from the base iPhone 17. The redesign isn’t for everyone, but beneath the new look lie some big internal upgrades, including a new thermal system that better disperses heat and a faster, power-efficient A19 Pro chip that’s more capable of handling gaming and video editing. The camera systems have also been improved — alongside a rear 48-megapixel main camera and ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the telephoto lens to 48 megapixels with 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-like zoom. And the front-facing square 18-megapixel camera is a big improvement. Either Pro model is a great choice if you want an iPhone that packs the most power, delivers the highest-quality photos, and has the best battery life of all the latest iPhones.\n\n#### Budget pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/69020\/Apple-iPhone-16e_20250418-053733_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package\")\n### [Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 16e\")\n\nApple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \\$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results.\n\n[\\$599 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$599 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/225223\/4\/229362?merchant=Walmart)\n\nWhile we wish the [Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/211309\/?merchant=Apple) were cheaper, its bright, 6.1-inch screen and lengthy battery life represent big upgrades from the now-discontinued iPhone SE. It can also charge quickly via USB-C. But it has only a single rear camera lens and lacks MagSafe compatibility.\n\n### Get today’s recommendation\nExpert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we’ve tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily.\n\nEmail Address\n\n## The research\n## When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone?\nOur general philosophy about upgrading ([as described by Wirecutter’s founder](http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2012\/10\/18\/technology\/personaltech\/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-gadgets-do-the-math.html?pagewanted=all)) is that if you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need the latest and greatest. Last year’s iPhone or the one before that (or even the one before that) should continue to serve you well. New phones tend to offer incremental upgrades — they’re not revolutionary products that change the experience. Apple still issues security updates to older devices, and iOS 26 still supports every iPhone from 2019 on, so even six-year-old phones are getting new features.\n\nIf you have an older phone that’s beginning to feel slower, you may want to [check the battery’s health](https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/HT208387) before you decide to replace it completely. Power-conservation features in modern iPhones can slow down phones whose batteries’ capacity is depleted. If the iOS Battery Health screen shows the status “Performance management applied” or “Battery health degraded,” having Apple [replace the battery](https:\/\/support.apple.com\/iphone\/repair\/battery-replacement) (which can cost up to \\$119 out of warranty) is a lot cheaper than buying a new phone.\n\n## The best all-around package: iPhone 17\n![The back of a light purple iPhone 17, showing two camera lenses and the Apple logo, on a cream-colored background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74265\/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\n## [The best iPhone](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"The best iPhone\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"Apple iPhone 17\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life.\n\n[\\$829 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\nApple continues to make its affordable flagship the best value in the iPhone lineup, as the [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/228978\/?merchant=Walmart) comes with upgrades across the board. Pro-level features, such as a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that supports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate as well as an always-on display for viewing notifications and widgets at a glance, no longer require you to pay a Pro price. The cameras have also been upgraded: The dual-lens camera setup on the back now has a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor for higher-quality photos, while the front camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels with support for Center Stage and Dual Capture video mode (more on those later). The iPhone 17 also runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance and excellent battery life. This model is not a necessary upgrade if you’re coming from the iPhone 16, but if you have an older iPhone, you’re likely to appreciate the new features.\n\n**It has a bigger, brighter display with a higher refresh rate.** The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, the same size as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s an increase from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen; though that isn’t a major difference, we’ve always thought the standard iPhone model was a little too cramped in this era of giant phones. With a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17’s screen is also brighter, up from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. This makes it easier to see even in direct sunlight.\n\n![The front of an iPhone 17, with the screen turned on to show the home screen filled with app icons and widgets.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_142.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nThe iPhone 17 has a bigger, 6.3-inch screen with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on display mode. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\nApple’s base-model iPhone 17 also offers a lot of the same features that Apple previously reserved for the Pro iPhones. With ProMotion, the display’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 60 Hz to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and graphics. It’s adaptive, which means it’ll kick in when you’re using the phone and then dip to 1 Hz when the phone is idle. The iPhone 17 also has an always-on display, so you can easily glance at the time, notifications, or widgets on your lock screen without having to tap to wake the phone each time.\n\n**It has an upgraded front-facing camera with some useful selfie features.** Apple has upgraded the front camera on the iPhone 17 from a 12-megapixel sensor to an 18-megapixel one, which results in higher-resolution images. In our tests, compared with images from previous models, selfies came out even more crisp — we could make out every detail (breakouts included) even in low-light images. The sensor is also now square and has a wider field of view.\n\nWith the Center Stage feature, found in the newest iPads and now built into the iPhone 17 line, the front-facing camera’s field of view expands automatically to fit more people in the frame while you’re holding the phone vertically. This means you don’t have to manually rotate your phone for wider group shots using the front-facing camera. The feature works as advertised, too: I used it during a birthday party, where many selfies were taken, and whenever someone else stepped into the shot, it would quickly zoom out to fit them in. However, the muscle memory that people have built after years of rotating their phones to snap selfies with friends may take some time to fade.\n\nCenter Stage also kicks in on video calls to keep you in frame while you’re moving around. I found this feature helpful while I was FaceTiming a friend from my desk, as I was able to move between using the iPhone and typing on my MacBook without having to manually adjust the phone each time.\n\nThe iPhone 17 also introduces the Dual Capture video mode, which allows you to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture more footage at once. This is a feature we’ve been waiting on from Apple for a while — it’s been available on Samsung Galaxy phones for years now — and before the iPhone 17, we would use a third-party app such as Instagram or Snapchat to flip back and forth between the front and rear cameras to capture dual points of view. Using Dual Capture on the iPhone 17 was both fun and simple in our tests. Once you enable the feature, the front camera’s video is in picture-in-picture mode, and the center of the screen shows what the rear camera records.\n\n![A close-up of the two camera lenses on the back of a light purple iPhone 17.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_232.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nThe iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A light purple iPhone 17 seen from the side, showing the volume buttons, with the dual-camera system visible on the back.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_235.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nThe iPhone 17 has the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as the more expensive models in the lineup. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A close-up of the bottom of an iPhone 17, showing the USB-C charging port in the center between two speaker grilles.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_241.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nWe experienced a full two days of battery life with the iPhone 17. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A close-up of the two camera lenses on the back of a light purple iPhone 17.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_232.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A light purple iPhone 17 seen from the side, showing the volume buttons, with the dual-camera system visible on the back.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_235.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n![A close-up of the bottom of an iPhone 17, showing the USB-C charging port in the center between two speaker grilles.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_241.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)\n\n**It has a better ultrawide camera than the iPhone 16.** The iPhone 17 has Apple’s new Dual Fusion cameras. The name refers to the 48-megapixel main camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, plus the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel macro lens. The main sensor continues to deliver vibrant, sharp photos with strong dynamic range and little to no visible noise. But the iPhone 16 also has a 48-megapixel main sensor — the upgrade here is to the ultrawide lens. We compared the two and found a few differences: In our tests, the iPhone 17 consistently delivered colors that were more subdued and natural, with lower contrast, delivering more evenly lit, true-to-life images. It also proved to have better distortion control. The iPhone 16’s images, on the other hand, looked more saturated and appeared slightly more warped.\n\nLike last year’s version, the iPhone 17 uses a combination of software and hardware to shoot 2x optical-quality zoom, but it still delivered strong results that looked almost identical to what we got from the iPhone 17 Pro. It also has support for up to 10x digital zoom, but in this regard its images weren’t as sharp or clean as those from the Pro model; although the photos were somewhat usable, they exhibited a noticeable loss of details and blurriness.\n\nYou also have the option to take full-resolution 24-megapixel images (the default) or to switch to 12 megapixels; the camera system switches to the latter when you’re taking photos with night mode, macro flash, or Portrait Lighting. The 24-megapixel option is better for capturing the most detail, while the 12-megapixel mode is ideal for capturing low-light images. Note, however, that images captured with the 24-megapixel option will occupy more space, so if you plan on using the iPhone 17 to take a lot of images, we recommend upgrading to the higher storage configuration.\n\n**The A19 chip is faster and more efficient.** The iPhone 17 uses Apple’s latest chip, the A19, which includes a 16-core neural engine, a six-core CPU, and a five-core GPU. The A19 is designed to power features such as ProMotion, the always-on display, and Apple Intelligence more smoothly. During our time with the iPhone 17, its performance was great. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference coming from the iPhone 16, opening apps and switching between them did feel snappier. The higher refresh rate also allowed for a much smoother experience while we scrolled through social media and played a few rounds of *Alto’s Odyssey.*\n\n**The iPhone 17 is more durable than past iPhone models.** Apple introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s the latest version of Apple’s proprietary glass, which the company claims has three times better scratch resistance than the previous version. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield coating on the back. But it retains the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as Apple’s more expensive phones.\n\n**It has longer battery life than the iPhone 16.** Apple claims that the iPhone 17 offers eight more hours of video playback in comparison with the iPhone 16, for a total of up to 30 hours. In our testing, the iPhone 17 lasted for longer than a day and a half of heavy usage on one charge. The extra battery life can be attributed to the addition of both ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate that swaps between 120 Hz and 1 Hz, and the A19 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient. And Apple claims that the iPhone 17 can charge up to 50% in 20 minutes on its [40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74271\/225031\/4\/228977\/?merchant=Apple). Using the Dynamic Power Adapter, we charged the iPhone 17 from 9% to 53% in about 25 minutes.\n\n**The base model has more storage.** Having officially dropped 128 GB storage configurations, Apple now starts the base iPhone 17 model at 256 GB of storage (without raising the starting price, as it did on the iPhone 17 Pro). If that’s not enough, you can choose 512 GB for an additional \\$100.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**The design is a bit stale.** In comparison with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 seems uninspired these days. It would’ve been nice to see some more substantive changes, such as a redesigned camera module similar to that of the iPhone Air.\n\n**It lacks a triple-camera system.** While the triple cameras are typically reserved for the iPhone Pro models, it’s tough not to criticize Apple for including only two cameras on the iPhone 17, especially considering the base models of both the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. Those Android flagships both come with a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a dedicated telephoto sensor. At this point, Apple seems to be falling behind the standard set by its competition.\n\n**Center Stage selfies aren’t the perfect solution.** Although it’s a nice feature to have on hand, taking selfies with Center Stage looks and feels awkward. Since it zooms out to capture everyone in the frame, it produces an ultrawide selfie that made our arms and torsos look really long. We preferred sticking to the standard method of rotating our phone and snapping a more cropped-in shot.\n\n## The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max\n![The back of an orange-colored iPhone Pro Max, showing the Apple logo and the three-lens camera system in the top-left corner.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![]()](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Excellent cameras, powerful performance\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life.\n\n[\\$1,099 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$999 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225221\/4\/229363?merchant=Walmart)\n\n[![]()](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple \"Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery\")\n### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max\")\n\nIf you want an even bigger screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage configuration, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the way to go — if you’re willing to pay the price.\n\n[\\$1,199 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$1,249 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225222\/4\/229360?merchant=Walmart)\n\nSporting complete redesigns (which can be polarizing, depending on who you ask), the [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/228979\/?merchant=Apple) and [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/228980\/?merchant=Apple) look nothing like their predecessors. Apple has abandoned the titanium bodies of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models in favor of aluminum, which is better than titanium for dispersing heat, and the company has also given the iPhone 17 Pro models a new vapor-chamber cooling system to help with heat management. Both Pro models have a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including an upgraded telephoto lens, and also add a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera (up from 12 megapixels). In addition, powered by an A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver excellent performance and the longest battery life of the iPhone lineup. Deciding between the Pro models really depends on what size you prefer — a smaller, 6.3-inch display or a massive, 6.9-inch one.\n\n**The Pro models are fully redesigned and more durable.** Rather than sticking with the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, Apple chose aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This change is supposed to help with thermal management, as Apple says aluminum is 20 times more conductive. On the back is a redesigned camera module that Apple calls the “plateau”; this module houses the camera sensors, making extra space for a larger battery.\n\n![Two iPhones are shown side by side, one displaying the home screen and the other showing the calendar for September 2025.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_COMPARISON_158.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![An iPhone 17 Pro Max with an orange frame is shown from above, its screen displaying the home screen with app icons and widgets.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_DISPLAY.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![Two iPhones are shown side by side, one displaying the home screen and the other showing the calendar for September 2025.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_COMPARISON_158.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![An iPhone 17 Pro Max with an orange frame is shown from above, its screen displaying the home screen with app icons and widgets.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_DISPLAY.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also come with Ceramic Shield 2, the latest version of Apple’s proprietary coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant than the original version. For the first time, both Pro models have Ceramic Shield on the back as well, which according to Apple is four times more resistant to cracks. Although we still recommend putting a case on such an expensive phone, it’s nice to see added protection on both the front and back of the device.\n\n**Both Pro models have new internal cooling systems to better prevent overheating.** It’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone Pro models have suffered from overheating throughout the years. To help combat this problem, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max use a new vapor-chamber-based cooling system that is laser-welded into the phones’ aluminum bodies and is designed to draw heat away from the A19 Pro chip much more efficiently. This system is ideal if you’re planning on using your Pro model for heavy-duty gaming or for photo and video editing.\n\nAlthough we mainly used the iPhone 17 Pro for basic tasks, including scrolling through social media, making phone calls, sending texts, and jotting down notes, we never felt it get warm. But even on a night out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where we constantly reached for it to take photos and videos throughout the evening for hours on end, all while using multiple apps such as Google Maps, Uber, and Spotify, it felt cool to the touch the whole time.\n\n![A close-up of the back corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing its three large camera lenses arranged in a triangle on a raised square platform.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_220.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A close-up view of the corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, focusing on the side buttons. The phone's three camera lenses are visible but blurred in the background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_238.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are made of aluminum instead of titanium, which is supposed to help with heat dissipation. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A close-up of the bottom of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing the USB-C charging port and speaker grilles.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_239.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have the longest battery life of all the models. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![The back of a dark gray iPhone 17 Pro, showing the three-camera system and the Apple logo, lying on a light beige surface.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n![A close-up of the back corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing its three large camera lenses arranged in a triangle on a raised square platform.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_220.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A close-up view of the corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, focusing on the side buttons. The phone's three camera lenses are visible but blurred in the background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_238.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![A close-up of the bottom of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing the USB-C charging port and speaker grilles.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_239.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![The back of a dark gray iPhone 17 Pro, showing the three-camera system and the Apple logo, lying on a light beige surface.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n**The new A19 Pro chip packs plenty of power and delivers the best battery life yet.** The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims that the A19 Pro is up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU performance than the chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. In our tests, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max delivered great performance throughout our time with them, handling hours of scrolling through social media, photo editing, and light gaming with ease. Based on processing power alone, either Pro model is certainly the iPhone to get if you’re planning on using yours for more power-intensive and graphics-heavy tasks.\n\nThe A19 Pro chip also helps to optimize battery life, which was especially impressive in our testing. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers up to 33 hours of video playback (up from 27 hours in the iPhone 16 Pro) and that the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides up to 39 hours (compared with 33 hours from the iPhone 16 Pro Max). We used real-world testing to put these phones through their paces: We took the iPhone 17 Pro off the charger at 3:40 p.m. one day and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:40 p.m. the next day, for a total of 31 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max didn’t last as long, but that’s also because we used that model continuously throughout the day for shooting images, navigating with maps, and taking multiple FaceTime calls. We took it off the charger at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:30 a.m. the next day, for a total of nearly 18 hours. We must emphasize, though, that we barely put the 17 Pro Max down during our time with it, and on a typical day we’d be able to stretch it for much longer.\n\n**The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max have slightly improved rear cameras.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with a Fusion camera system. But in addition to the 48-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the Pro and Pro Max’s 12-megapixel telephoto lens (which had 5x optical zoom), replacing it with a 48-megapixel lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-like quality. The new lens also delivers up to 40x digital zoom.\n\nIn our tests the main sensor and ultrawide camera did an excellent job in various lighting conditions across standard photos, portrait-mode shots, and night mode. The photos were vibrant and crisp, and they also allowed for balanced contrast and accurate colors even in dim environments.\n\nThe telephoto lens was equally impressive at both 4x and 8x zoom, where we noticed no loss of detail or blurriness. At times it struggled a bit when zoomed in at 8x, but the problem wasn’t noticeable to the naked eye; we picked up on it only when we pulled up the images on an external monitor and zoomed in, as certain details in the background came out a bit fuzzy or seemed a little out of focus, while the subjects were consistently sharp.\n\nHowever, it particularly faltered on images we took beyond 8x, specifically at 40x digital zoom — an area where competitors such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled. Those phones use a mix of optical and AI-enhanced digital zoom to create sharp, crisp images, even at a long distance. Most of the images we took on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max at 40x appeared fuzzy and grainy.\n\n**The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with more storage.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256 GB of storage, with the option to max out at 1 TB. Meanwhile, Apple increased the larger model’s maximum configurable storage to 2 TB. Note that, with the base-storage increase, the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is now \\$100 higher than that of its predecessor. And while the base-model iPhone 17 Pro Max costs \\$1,200 with 256 GB, the 2 TB model comes out to a whopping \\$2,000.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**The color options are limited, and many people will hate the two-tone design.** Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only in orange, blue, and silver. If the company couldn’t offer a wider range of muted colors, as it did with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup, then we would’ve at least appreciated a black color option. The two-tone design that Apple incorporated on the back is also a strange choice: It’s less noticeable on the blue version, where it blends in better, but it’s worse on the orange version, where the tones are a stark contrast from each other. The worst of them all is the silver model, which has a white square on the back. This design choice takes away from the premium, sleek, monochromatic look of previous iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, making the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max somehow look a little cheap.\n\n**The iPhone 17 Pro is more expensive than last year’s model.** While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the same in price, Apple increased the base storage and thereby the entry price of the iPhone 17 Pro by \\$100, bringing the total up to \\$1,100 for the 256 GB base model.\n\n## A more affordable option: iPhone 16e\n![An iPhone 16e showing a red abstract home screen.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0652.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nConnie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Budget pick\n[![]()](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n## [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package\")\n### [Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 16e\")\n\nApple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \\$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results.\n\n[\\$599 from Apple](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n[\\$599 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/225223\/4\/229362?merchant=Walmart)\n\nAt \\$600, the [Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/211309\/?merchant=Apple) isn’t exactly cheap, but it is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, and it does everything you might need an iPhone to do.\n\nThe iPhone 16e replaces the now-discontinued iPhone SE, and although it’s significantly more expensive than that phone (by \\$170), it also feels more like a higher-end iPhone than the SE did. Apple has ditched the home button and Touch ID in favor of a large, 6.1-inch screen and a Face ID notch. The iPhone 16e charges via USB-C and delivers lengthy battery life. It lacks MagSafe compatibility and has just a single rear camera lens, but otherwise it’s a perfectly fine iPhone. We just wish it were cheaper.\n\n**The iPhone 16e delivers excellent battery life.** While the most noticeable features of the 16e are its notched cutout for Face ID and its single camera lens, the real standout is its lengthy battery life. Apple fit in a larger battery; that component, combined with the power efficiency enabled by the company’s custom C1 modem (for connecting to the internet) and A18 chip, allowed the 16e to last 36 hours even with extremely heavy usage in our testing.\n\nA travel day is the ultimate stress test for a phone’s battery life, so I charged the 16e to 100% at 5 p.m. on a Sunday in anticipation of my flight from San Francisco to New York at 7 a.m. the following morning. I hailed an Uber, streamed music and podcasts, responded to Slack messages and texts in-flight, chatted on the phone after landing, navigated my way around Queens and Brooklyn using Google Maps, and FaceTimed with my partner before bed. When I awoke on Tuesday, the 16e still had enough battery life left for me to get through my morning meetings. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or one of the iPhone mini models, but the iPhone 16e’s battery even outlasts that of the pricier iPhone 17.\n\n**It can charge quickly via USB-C.** The iPhone 16e’s predecessor, the third-gen iPhone SE, charged over Lightning, and with that model’s discontinuation, Apple is now all in on USB-C. The 16e also supports fast wired charging with a 20 W USB-C adapter, charging from completely dead to 47% in 30 minutes in our testing. It can also charge wirelessly with any Qi charging pad, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so magnetic chargers or accessories can’t attach.\n\n![The camera lens on an iPhone 16e.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0654.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![The back of an iPhone 16e, showing the volume and power buttons on the side.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0658.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nThe iPhone 16e has a new customizable Action button. Connie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![An iPhone 16e showing the notch in the top of its red abstract home screen.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0665.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nYou can unlock the 16e using Face ID. Connie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![The bottom charging port on an iPhone 16e.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0662.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nApple has dropped Lightning cables in favor of USB-C charging. Connie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n![The camera lens on an iPhone 16e.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0654.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![The back of an iPhone 16e, showing the volume and power buttons on the side.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0658.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![An iPhone 16e showing the notch in the top of its red abstract home screen.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0665.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n![The bottom charging port on an iPhone 16e.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0662.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)\n\n**It's future-proofed with Apple Intelligence support.** Apple’s artificial intelligence features, which include writing tools and AI-generated emoji, aren’t necessarily worth buying a new phone for, but a few of them are useful. Apple will continue to release new AI features and improve existing ones, so we appreciate the fact that even its cheapest phone will benefit from them.\n\n**It’s basically the same size as the iPhone 16, which Apple still sells, and the screen is almost as good.** The 16e is almost all screen, with a giant, 6.1-inch display and a minimal bezel (plus a notch cutout for the Face ID camera). With the iPhone 16e sitting next to the iPhone 16, that notch is really the only way to tell the two apart. Although the iPhone 16 gets a little brighter, up to 1,600 nits, in contrast to the iPhone 16e’s 1,200-nit peak, the cheaper phone is plenty bright. But it’s not as bright as the iPhone 17, which reaches 3,000 nits of peak brightness.\n\n**It looks more expensive than it is.** The iPhone 16e, like the iPhone 17, has an aluminum frame with a matte-glass back, and it looks more like a new iPhone than the SE did. It comes only in white and black, but you can add a case for a pop of color.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It’s more expensive than its predecessor.** The third-gen iPhone SE was \\$430, and a \\$170 jump in price is a tough pill to swallow. The 16e does offer a slew of features that the SE didn’t have, but for a “budget” phone, we wish the price were a little lower.\n\n**The single camera is fine, but other iPhones take better photos.** The biggest differentiator across Apple’s phones is their cameras — spending more allows you to capture better photos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens, in contrast to the iPhone 17’s two lenses and the 17 Pro’s trio of lenses. It’s capable of switching between a standard angle and what Apple calls an optical-quality 2x telephoto, and the resulting images were good in our tests. But if you want to capture a nighttime shot of, say, the Empire State Building at 10x zoom, you’ll be disappointed in the extremely grainy quality.\n\n**The absence of MagSafe is annoying.** The iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so Apple’s magnetic charging pads and other MagSafe accessories can’t stick to the back of the phone. A MagSafe charger can still charge the 16e, albeit slowly, and third-party case makers are already releasing MagSafe cases for the 16e, so you can attach MagSafe accessories to them. But the lack of MagSafe in light of the phone’s higher starting price is annoying.\n\n## The competition\nIn addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the \\$1,000 [Apple iPhone Air](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74272\/225032\/4\/228976\/?merchant=Apple), its thinnest iPhone ever. Although it represents a nice departure from the chunkier iPhones we’ve grown accustomed to, its slimmer profile makes some trade-offs. It offers a large, 6.5-inch display, but it has just a single rear camera lens, a single speaker, and a battery that barely lasted us 12 hours. Unless all you care about is the design, we think it’s too expensive for its lack of features. For details, read [our full review](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/iphone-air-review\/).\n\nApple still sells the [Apple iPhone 16](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/64344\/206078\/4\/228975\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) and [Apple iPhone 16 Plus](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/64598\/206020\/4\/228974\/?merchant=Apple) but reduced the price by \\$100. The now-\\$700 6.1-inch iPhone 16 has a smaller screen than the iPhone 17 and lacks support for ProMotion and an always-on display. The \\$800 iPhone 16 Plus has a larger, 6.7-inch screen but also lacks advanced display technology. The front-facing camera on both models is 12 megapixels (in contrast to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17) and lacks new features such as Center Stage and Dual Capture video. We suggest buying the iPhone 17 instead — its screen size lands between those of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and it offers some display and camera upgrades you can’t get on the older phones.\n\n*Caitlin McGarry contributed additional reporting. This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.*\n\n## Meet your guide\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/07\/Brenda-Stolyar-headshot-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=100)\n\nBrenda Stolyar\n\nSenior Staff Writer\n\nWhat I Cover\n\nI write about smartphones, tablets, and wearables. I’m always on a mission to help readers feel less overwhelmed by technology and to make it easy for them to find devices that will enhance their lifestyles for the better.\n\n## Further reading\n- [![A white iPhone Air resting on a teal surface alongside a notebook and two pens.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/FI-IPHONE-AIR-9144-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/iphone-air-review\/)\n  \n  ### [The iPhone Air Is Apple’s Most Impressive Phone in Years. But Most People Shouldn’t Buy It.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/iphone-air-review\/)\n  by Brenda Stolyar\n  \n  Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever is a showstopper. But the iPhone 17 is the one you should buy.\n- [![Tim Cook, the C.E.O. of Apple, stands on a stage. Behind him, a large screen displays a version of the company’s logo, which is glowing with a red, orange, and blue aura.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/NEWS-RECAP-IPHONE-17-EVENT-001-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/apple-iphone-17-event-recap-20250909\/)\n  \n  ### [Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/apple-iphone-17-event-recap-20250909\/)\n  by Brenda Stolyar\n  \n  Apple’s annual iPhone event announced a superthin iPhone Air model, among a slew of other devices.\n- [![A blue monochromatic illustration of two fingers holding a thin smartphone upright inside a transparent bubble, in front of a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/POD-NEW-iPHONE-2048px-3x2-1.png?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/wirecutter-show-podcast-20250918-new-iphone\/)\n  \n  ### [Is the New iPhone Worth It?](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/wirecutter-show-podcast-20250918-new-iphone\/)\n  by Wirecutter Staff\n  \n  Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup and iOS 26 update bring real changes — especially the ultrathin iPhone Air. But should you upgrade?\n- [![All our picks for best iPhone 17 cases, displayed in a neat grid pattern on a purple surface.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/10\/BEST-IPHONE-17-CASES-9477-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-17-case\/)\n  \n  ### [The Best iPhone Case for iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-17-case\/)\n  by Brenda Stolyar\n  \n  Just bought an iPhone 17 or iPhone Air? Protecting it with a case will help it last for years to come.\n\n[Edit](https:\/\/thewirecutter.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=844&action=edit)\n\n## Get today's recommendation\nExpert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we've tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily.\n\nEmail Address\n\n[Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/ \"Wirecutter\")\n\nWirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). [Subscribe now](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscription\/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2F) for unlimited access.\n\n- [About Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/about\/ \"About Wirecutter\")\n- [Our team](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/masthead\/ \"Our team\")\n- [Staff demographics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/staff-demographics\/ \"Staff demographics\")\n- [Jobs at Wirecutter](https:\/\/job-boards.greenhouse.io\/thenewyorktimes?keyword=wirecutter \"Jobs at Wirecutter\")\n- [How to pitch](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/how-to-pitch\/ \"How to pitch\")\n\n- [Contact The New York Times](https:\/\/help.nytimes.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115015385887-Contact-The-New-York-Times \"Contact The New York Times\")\n- [Send us feedback](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/article\/wirecutter-feedback.html \"Send us feedback\")\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/newsletters\/ \"Newsletters\")\n\n- © 2026 Wirecutter, Inc., [A New York Times Company](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/privacy\/privacy-policy \"Privacy Policy\")\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/help.nytimes.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115014893428-Terms-of-service \"Terms of Service\")\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/privacy\/cookie-policy \"Cookie Policy\")\n- [Partnerships & Advertising](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/partners\/ \"Partnerships & Advertising\")\n- [Licensing & Reprints](https:\/\/info.wrightsmedia.com\/nyt-wirecutter-licensing \"Licensing & Reprints\")\n- [RSS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/feed\/ \"RSS\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"## When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone?\nOur general philosophy about upgrading ([as described by Wirecutter’s founder](http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2012\/10\/18\/technology\/personaltech\/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-gadgets-do-the-math.html?pagewanted=all)) is that if you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need the latest and greatest. Last year’s iPhone or the one before that (or even the one before that) should continue to serve you well. New phones tend to offer incremental upgrades — they’re not revolutionary products that change the experience. Apple still issues security updates to older devices, and iOS 26 still supports every iPhone from 2019 on, so even six-year-old phones are getting new features.\n\nIf you have an older phone that’s beginning to feel slower, you may want to [check the battery’s health](https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/HT208387) before you decide to replace it completely. Power-conservation features in modern iPhones can slow down phones whose batteries’ capacity is depleted. If the iOS Battery Health screen shows the status “Performance management applied” or “Battery health degraded,” having Apple [replace the battery](https:\/\/support.apple.com\/iphone\/repair\/battery-replacement) (which can cost up to \\$119 out of warranty) is a lot cheaper than buying a new phone.\n\n## The best all-around package: iPhone 17\n![The back of a light purple iPhone 17, showing two camera lenses and the Apple logo, on a cream-colored background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74265\/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart)\n\n[The best iPhone](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"The best iPhone\")[Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/229361?merchant=Walmart \"Apple iPhone 17\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life.\n\nApple continues to make its affordable flagship the best value in the iPhone lineup, as the [Apple iPhone 17](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74265\/225220\/4\/228978\/?merchant=Walmart) comes with upgrades across the board. Pro-level features, such as a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that supports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate as well as an always-on display for viewing notifications and widgets at a glance, no longer require you to pay a Pro price. The cameras have also been upgraded: The dual-lens camera setup on the back now has a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor for higher-quality photos, while the front camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels with support for Center Stage and Dual Capture video mode (more on those later). The iPhone 17 also runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance and excellent battery life. This model is not a necessary upgrade if you’re coming from the iPhone 16, but if you have an older iPhone, you’re likely to appreciate the new features.\n\n**It has a bigger, brighter display with a higher refresh rate.** The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, the same size as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s an increase from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen; though that isn’t a major difference, we’ve always thought the standard iPhone model was a little too cramped in this era of giant phones. With a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17’s screen is also brighter, up from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. This makes it easier to see even in direct sunlight.\n\n![The front of an iPhone 17, with the screen turned on to show the home screen filled with app icons and widgets.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_142.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nThe iPhone 17 has a bigger, 6.3-inch screen with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on display mode. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\nApple’s base-model iPhone 17 also offers a lot of the same features that Apple previously reserved for the Pro iPhones. With ProMotion, the display’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 60 Hz to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and graphics. It’s adaptive, which means it’ll kick in when you’re using the phone and then dip to 1 Hz when the phone is idle. The iPhone 17 also has an always-on display, so you can easily glance at the time, notifications, or widgets on your lock screen without having to tap to wake the phone each time.\n\n**It has an upgraded front-facing camera with some useful selfie features.** Apple has upgraded the front camera on the iPhone 17 from a 12-megapixel sensor to an 18-megapixel one, which results in higher-resolution images. In our tests, compared with images from previous models, selfies came out even more crisp — we could make out every detail (breakouts included) even in low-light images. The sensor is also now square and has a wider field of view.\n\nWith the Center Stage feature, found in the newest iPads and now built into the iPhone 17 line, the front-facing camera’s field of view expands automatically to fit more people in the frame while you’re holding the phone vertically. This means you don’t have to manually rotate your phone for wider group shots using the front-facing camera. The feature works as advertised, too: I used it during a birthday party, where many selfies were taken, and whenever someone else stepped into the shot, it would quickly zoom out to fit them in. However, the muscle memory that people have built after years of rotating their phones to snap selfies with friends may take some time to fade.\n\nCenter Stage also kicks in on video calls to keep you in frame while you’re moving around. I found this feature helpful while I was FaceTiming a friend from my desk, as I was able to move between using the iPhone and typing on my MacBook without having to manually adjust the phone each time.\n\nThe iPhone 17 also introduces the Dual Capture video mode, which allows you to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture more footage at once. This is a feature we’ve been waiting on from Apple for a while — it’s been available on Samsung Galaxy phones for years now — and before the iPhone 17, we would use a third-party app such as Instagram or Snapchat to flip back and forth between the front and rear cameras to capture dual points of view. Using Dual Capture on the iPhone 17 was both fun and simple in our tests. Once you enable the feature, the front camera’s video is in picture-in-picture mode, and the center of the screen shows what the rear camera records.\n\nThe iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It has a better ultrawide camera than the iPhone 16.** The iPhone 17 has Apple’s new Dual Fusion cameras. The name refers to the 48-megapixel main camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, plus the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel macro lens. The main sensor continues to deliver vibrant, sharp photos with strong dynamic range and little to no visible noise. But the iPhone 16 also has a 48-megapixel main sensor — the upgrade here is to the ultrawide lens. We compared the two and found a few differences: In our tests, the iPhone 17 consistently delivered colors that were more subdued and natural, with lower contrast, delivering more evenly lit, true-to-life images. It also proved to have better distortion control. The iPhone 16’s images, on the other hand, looked more saturated and appeared slightly more warped.\n\nLike last year’s version, the iPhone 17 uses a combination of software and hardware to shoot 2x optical-quality zoom, but it still delivered strong results that looked almost identical to what we got from the iPhone 17 Pro. It also has support for up to 10x digital zoom, but in this regard its images weren’t as sharp or clean as those from the Pro model; although the photos were somewhat usable, they exhibited a noticeable loss of details and blurriness.\n\nYou also have the option to take full-resolution 24-megapixel images (the default) or to switch to 12 megapixels; the camera system switches to the latter when you’re taking photos with night mode, macro flash, or Portrait Lighting. The 24-megapixel option is better for capturing the most detail, while the 12-megapixel mode is ideal for capturing low-light images. Note, however, that images captured with the 24-megapixel option will occupy more space, so if you plan on using the iPhone 17 to take a lot of images, we recommend upgrading to the higher storage configuration.\n\n**The A19 chip is faster and more efficient.** The iPhone 17 uses Apple’s latest chip, the A19, which includes a 16-core neural engine, a six-core CPU, and a five-core GPU. The A19 is designed to power features such as ProMotion, the always-on display, and Apple Intelligence more smoothly. During our time with the iPhone 17, its performance was great. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference coming from the iPhone 16, opening apps and switching between them did feel snappier. The higher refresh rate also allowed for a much smoother experience while we scrolled through social media and played a few rounds of *Alto’s Odyssey.*\n\n**The iPhone 17 is more durable than past iPhone models.** Apple introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s the latest version of Apple’s proprietary glass, which the company claims has three times better scratch resistance than the previous version. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield coating on the back. But it retains the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as Apple’s more expensive phones.\n\n**It has longer battery life than the iPhone 16.** Apple claims that the iPhone 17 offers eight more hours of video playback in comparison with the iPhone 16, for a total of up to 30 hours. In our testing, the iPhone 17 lasted for longer than a day and a half of heavy usage on one charge. The extra battery life can be attributed to the addition of both ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate that swaps between 120 Hz and 1 Hz, and the A19 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient. And Apple claims that the iPhone 17 can charge up to 50% in 20 minutes on its [40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74271\/225031\/4\/228977\/?merchant=Apple). Using the Dynamic Power Adapter, we charged the iPhone 17 from 9% to 53% in about 25 minutes.\n\n**The base model has more storage.** Having officially dropped 128 GB storage configurations, Apple now starts the base iPhone 17 model at 256 GB of storage (without raising the starting price, as it did on the iPhone 17 Pro). If that’s not enough, you can choose 512 GB for an additional \\$100.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**The design is a bit stale.** In comparison with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 seems uninspired these days. It would’ve been nice to see some more substantive changes, such as a redesigned camera module similar to that of the iPhone Air.\n\n**It lacks a triple-camera system.** While the triple cameras are typically reserved for the iPhone Pro models, it’s tough not to criticize Apple for including only two cameras on the iPhone 17, especially considering the base models of both the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. Those Android flagships both come with a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a dedicated telephoto sensor. At this point, Apple seems to be falling behind the standard set by its competition.\n\n**Center Stage selfies aren’t the perfect solution.** Although it’s a nice feature to have on hand, taking selfies with Center Stage looks and feels awkward. Since it zooms out to capture everyone in the frame, it produces an ultrawide selfie that made our arms and torsos look really long. We preferred sticking to the standard method of rotating our phone and snapping a more cropped-in shot.\n\n## The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max\n![The back of an orange-colored iPhone Pro Max, showing the Apple logo and the three-lens camera system in the top-left corner.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/09\/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024)\n\nHannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74266\/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro_20250916-201821_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple)\n\n[Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Excellent cameras, powerful performance\")[Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/229363?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 17 Pro\")\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life.\n\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/74267\/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max_20250916-202422_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/229360?merchant=Apple)\n\nSporting complete redesigns (which can be polarizing, depending on who you ask), the [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74266\/225026\/4\/228979\/?merchant=Apple) and [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74267\/225027\/4\/228980\/?merchant=Apple) look nothing like their predecessors. Apple has abandoned the titanium bodies of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models in favor of aluminum, which is better than titanium for dispersing heat, and the company has also given the iPhone 17 Pro models a new vapor-chamber cooling system to help with heat management. Both Pro models have a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including an upgraded telephoto lens, and also add a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera (up from 12 megapixels). In addition, powered by an A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver excellent performance and the longest battery life of the iPhone lineup. Deciding between the Pro models really depends on what size you prefer — a smaller, 6.3-inch display or a massive, 6.9-inch one.\n\n**The Pro models are fully redesigned and more durable.** Rather than sticking with the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, Apple chose aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This change is supposed to help with thermal management, as Apple says aluminum is 20 times more conductive. On the back is a redesigned camera module that Apple calls the “plateau”; this module houses the camera sensors, making extra space for a larger battery.\n\nThe display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\nThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also come with Ceramic Shield 2, the latest version of Apple’s proprietary coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant than the original version. For the first time, both Pro models have Ceramic Shield on the back as well, which according to Apple is four times more resistant to cracks. Although we still recommend putting a case on such an expensive phone, it’s nice to see added protection on both the front and back of the device.\n\n**Both Pro models have new internal cooling systems to better prevent overheating.** It’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone Pro models have suffered from overheating throughout the years. To help combat this problem, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max use a new vapor-chamber-based cooling system that is laser-welded into the phones’ aluminum bodies and is designed to draw heat away from the A19 Pro chip much more efficiently. This system is ideal if you’re planning on using your Pro model for heavy-duty gaming or for photo and video editing.\n\nAlthough we mainly used the iPhone 17 Pro for basic tasks, including scrolling through social media, making phone calls, sending texts, and jotting down notes, we never felt it get warm. But even on a night out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where we constantly reached for it to take photos and videos throughout the evening for hours on end, all while using multiple apps such as Google Maps, Uber, and Spotify, it felt cool to the touch the whole time.\n\nThe redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter\n\n**The new A19 Pro chip packs plenty of power and delivers the best battery life yet.** The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims that the A19 Pro is up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU performance than the chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. In our tests, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max delivered great performance throughout our time with them, handling hours of scrolling through social media, photo editing, and light gaming with ease. Based on processing power alone, either Pro model is certainly the iPhone to get if you’re planning on using yours for more power-intensive and graphics-heavy tasks.\n\nThe A19 Pro chip also helps to optimize battery life, which was especially impressive in our testing. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers up to 33 hours of video playback (up from 27 hours in the iPhone 16 Pro) and that the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides up to 39 hours (compared with 33 hours from the iPhone 16 Pro Max). We used real-world testing to put these phones through their paces: We took the iPhone 17 Pro off the charger at 3:40 p.m. one day and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:40 p.m. the next day, for a total of 31 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max didn’t last as long, but that’s also because we used that model continuously throughout the day for shooting images, navigating with maps, and taking multiple FaceTime calls. We took it off the charger at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:30 a.m. the next day, for a total of nearly 18 hours. We must emphasize, though, that we barely put the 17 Pro Max down during our time with it, and on a typical day we’d be able to stretch it for much longer.\n\n**The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max have slightly improved rear cameras.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with a Fusion camera system. But in addition to the 48-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the Pro and Pro Max’s 12-megapixel telephoto lens (which had 5x optical zoom), replacing it with a 48-megapixel lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-like quality. The new lens also delivers up to 40x digital zoom.\n\nIn our tests the main sensor and ultrawide camera did an excellent job in various lighting conditions across standard photos, portrait-mode shots, and night mode. The photos were vibrant and crisp, and they also allowed for balanced contrast and accurate colors even in dim environments.\n\nThe telephoto lens was equally impressive at both 4x and 8x zoom, where we noticed no loss of detail or blurriness. At times it struggled a bit when zoomed in at 8x, but the problem wasn’t noticeable to the naked eye; we picked up on it only when we pulled up the images on an external monitor and zoomed in, as certain details in the background came out a bit fuzzy or seemed a little out of focus, while the subjects were consistently sharp.\n\nHowever, it particularly faltered on images we took beyond 8x, specifically at 40x digital zoom — an area where competitors such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled. Those phones use a mix of optical and AI-enhanced digital zoom to create sharp, crisp images, even at a long distance. Most of the images we took on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max at 40x appeared fuzzy and grainy.\n\n**The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with more storage.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256 GB of storage, with the option to max out at 1 TB. Meanwhile, Apple increased the larger model’s maximum configurable storage to 2 TB. Note that, with the base-storage increase, the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is now \\$100 higher than that of its predecessor. And while the base-model iPhone 17 Pro Max costs \\$1,200 with 256 GB, the 2 TB model comes out to a whopping \\$2,000.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**The color options are limited, and many people will hate the two-tone design.** Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only in orange, blue, and silver. If the company couldn’t offer a wider range of muted colors, as it did with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup, then we would’ve at least appreciated a black color option. The two-tone design that Apple incorporated on the back is also a strange choice: It’s less noticeable on the blue version, where it blends in better, but it’s worse on the orange version, where the tones are a stark contrast from each other. The worst of them all is the silver model, which has a white square on the back. This design choice takes away from the premium, sleek, monochromatic look of previous iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, making the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max somehow look a little cheap.\n\n**The iPhone 17 Pro is more expensive than last year’s model.** While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the same in price, Apple increased the base storage and thereby the entry price of the iPhone 17 Pro by \\$100, bringing the total up to \\$1,100 for the 256 GB base model.\n\n## A more affordable option: iPhone 16e\n![An iPhone 16e showing a red abstract home screen.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2025\/02\/iphone-2048px-0652.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320)\n\nConnie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Budget pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/69020\/Apple-iPhone-16e_20250418-053733_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple)\n\n[Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package\")[Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/229362?merchant=Apple \"Apple iPhone 16e\")\n\nApple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \\$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results.\n\nAt \\$600, the [Apple iPhone 16e](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/69020\/214186\/4\/211309\/?merchant=Apple) isn’t exactly cheap, but it is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, and it does everything you might need an iPhone to do.\n\nThe iPhone 16e replaces the now-discontinued iPhone SE, and although it’s significantly more expensive than that phone (by \\$170), it also feels more like a higher-end iPhone than the SE did. Apple has ditched the home button and Touch ID in favor of a large, 6.1-inch screen and a Face ID notch. The iPhone 16e charges via USB-C and delivers lengthy battery life. It lacks MagSafe compatibility and has just a single rear camera lens, but otherwise it’s a perfectly fine iPhone. We just wish it were cheaper.\n\n**The iPhone 16e delivers excellent battery life.** While the most noticeable features of the 16e are its notched cutout for Face ID and its single camera lens, the real standout is its lengthy battery life. Apple fit in a larger battery; that component, combined with the power efficiency enabled by the company’s custom C1 modem (for connecting to the internet) and A18 chip, allowed the 16e to last 36 hours even with extremely heavy usage in our testing.\n\nA travel day is the ultimate stress test for a phone’s battery life, so I charged the 16e to 100% at 5 p.m. on a Sunday in anticipation of my flight from San Francisco to New York at 7 a.m. the following morning. I hailed an Uber, streamed music and podcasts, responded to Slack messages and texts in-flight, chatted on the phone after landing, navigated my way around Queens and Brooklyn using Google Maps, and FaceTimed with my partner before bed. When I awoke on Tuesday, the 16e still had enough battery life left for me to get through my morning meetings. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or one of the iPhone mini models, but the iPhone 16e’s battery even outlasts that of the pricier iPhone 17.\n\n**It can charge quickly via USB-C.** The iPhone 16e’s predecessor, the third-gen iPhone SE, charged over Lightning, and with that model’s discontinuation, Apple is now all in on USB-C. The 16e also supports fast wired charging with a 20 W USB-C adapter, charging from completely dead to 47% in 30 minutes in our testing. It can also charge wirelessly with any Qi charging pad, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so magnetic chargers or accessories can’t attach.\n\nThe iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n**It's future-proofed with Apple Intelligence support.** Apple’s artificial intelligence features, which include writing tools and AI-generated emoji, aren’t necessarily worth buying a new phone for, but a few of them are useful. Apple will continue to release new AI features and improve existing ones, so we appreciate the fact that even its cheapest phone will benefit from them.\n\n**It’s basically the same size as the iPhone 16, which Apple still sells, and the screen is almost as good.** The 16e is almost all screen, with a giant, 6.1-inch display and a minimal bezel (plus a notch cutout for the Face ID camera). With the iPhone 16e sitting next to the iPhone 16, that notch is really the only way to tell the two apart. Although the iPhone 16 gets a little brighter, up to 1,600 nits, in contrast to the iPhone 16e’s 1,200-nit peak, the cheaper phone is plenty bright. But it’s not as bright as the iPhone 17, which reaches 3,000 nits of peak brightness.\n\n**It looks more expensive than it is.** The iPhone 16e, like the iPhone 17, has an aluminum frame with a matte-glass back, and it looks more like a new iPhone than the SE did. It comes only in white and black, but you can add a case for a pop of color.\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\n**It’s more expensive than its predecessor.** The third-gen iPhone SE was \\$430, and a \\$170 jump in price is a tough pill to swallow. The 16e does offer a slew of features that the SE didn’t have, but for a “budget” phone, we wish the price were a little lower.\n\n**The single camera is fine, but other iPhones take better photos.** The biggest differentiator across Apple’s phones is their cameras — spending more allows you to capture better photos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens, in contrast to the iPhone 17’s two lenses and the 17 Pro’s trio of lenses. It’s capable of switching between a standard angle and what Apple calls an optical-quality 2x telephoto, and the resulting images were good in our tests. But if you want to capture a nighttime shot of, say, the Empire State Building at 10x zoom, you’ll be disappointed in the extremely grainy quality.\n\n**The absence of MagSafe is annoying.** The iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so Apple’s magnetic charging pads and other MagSafe accessories can’t stick to the back of the phone. A MagSafe charger can still charge the 16e, albeit slowly, and third-party case makers are already releasing MagSafe cases for the 16e, so you can attach MagSafe accessories to them. But the lack of MagSafe in light of the phone’s higher starting price is annoying.\n\n## The competition\nIn addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the \\$1,000 [Apple iPhone Air](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/74272\/225032\/4\/228976\/?merchant=Apple), its thinnest iPhone ever. Although it represents a nice departure from the chunkier iPhones we’ve grown accustomed to, its slimmer profile makes some trade-offs. It offers a large, 6.5-inch display, but it has just a single rear camera lens, a single speaker, and a battery that barely lasted us 12 hours. Unless all you care about is the design, we think it’s too expensive for its lack of features. For details, read [our full review](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/iphone-air-review\/).\n\nApple still sells the [Apple iPhone 16](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/64344\/206078\/4\/228975\/?merchant=Best%20Buy) and [Apple iPhone 16 Plus](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/64598\/206020\/4\/228974\/?merchant=Apple) but reduced the price by \\$100. The now-\\$700 6.1-inch iPhone 16 has a smaller screen than the iPhone 17 and lacks support for ProMotion and an always-on display. The \\$800 iPhone 16 Plus has a larger, 6.7-inch screen but also lacks advanced display technology. The front-facing camera on both models is 12 megapixels (in contrast to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17) and lacks new features such as Center Stage and Dual Capture video. We suggest buying the iPhone 17 instead — its screen size lands between those of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and it offers some display and camera upgrades you can’t get on the older phones.\n\n*Caitlin McGarry contributed additional reporting. 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Which iPhone Should I Get? | Reviews by Wirecutter

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The iPhone 17 proves that you don’t have to spend $1,000 to get pro-level features such as a high-end design, lengthy battery life, and excellent cameras.

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When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone? Our general philosophy about upgrading ( as described by Wirecutter’s founder ) is that if you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need the latest and greatest. Last year’s iPhone or the one before that (or even the one before that) should continue to serve you well. New phones tend to offer incremental upgrades — they’re not revolutionary products that change the experience. Apple still issues security updates to older devices, and iOS 26 still supports every iPhone from 2019 on, so even six-year-old phones are getting new features. If you have an older phone that’s beginning to feel slower, you may want to check the battery’s health before you decide to replace it completely. Power-conservation features in modern iPhones can slow down phones whose batteries’ capacity is depleted. If the iOS Battery Health screen shows the status “Performance management applied” or “Battery health degraded,” having Apple replace the battery (which can cost up to $119 out of warranty) is a lot cheaper than buying a new phone. The best all-around package: iPhone 17 Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter Top pick The best iPhone Apple iPhone 17 The iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life. Apple continues to make its affordable flagship the best value in the iPhone lineup, as the Apple iPhone 17 comes with upgrades across the board. Pro-level features, such as a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that supports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate as well as an always-on display for viewing notifications and widgets at a glance, no longer require you to pay a Pro price. The cameras have also been upgraded: The dual-lens camera setup on the back now has a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor for higher-quality photos, while the front camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels with support for Center Stage and Dual Capture video mode (more on those later). The iPhone 17 also runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance and excellent battery life. This model is not a necessary upgrade if you’re coming from the iPhone 16, but if you have an older iPhone, you’re likely to appreciate the new features. It has a bigger, brighter display with a higher refresh rate. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, the same size as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s an increase from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen; though that isn’t a major difference, we’ve always thought the standard iPhone model was a little too cramped in this era of giant phones. With a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17’s screen is also brighter, up from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. This makes it easier to see even in direct sunlight. The iPhone 17 has a bigger, 6.3-inch screen with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on display mode. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter Apple’s base-model iPhone 17 also offers a lot of the same features that Apple previously reserved for the Pro iPhones. With ProMotion, the display’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 60 Hz to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and graphics. It’s adaptive, which means it’ll kick in when you’re using the phone and then dip to 1 Hz when the phone is idle. The iPhone 17 also has an always-on display, so you can easily glance at the time, notifications, or widgets on your lock screen without having to tap to wake the phone each time. It has an upgraded front-facing camera with some useful selfie features. Apple has upgraded the front camera on the iPhone 17 from a 12-megapixel sensor to an 18-megapixel one, which results in higher-resolution images. In our tests, compared with images from previous models, selfies came out even more crisp — we could make out every detail (breakouts included) even in low-light images. The sensor is also now square and has a wider field of view. With the Center Stage feature, found in the newest iPads and now built into the iPhone 17 line, the front-facing camera’s field of view expands automatically to fit more people in the frame while you’re holding the phone vertically. This means you don’t have to manually rotate your phone for wider group shots using the front-facing camera. The feature works as advertised, too: I used it during a birthday party, where many selfies were taken, and whenever someone else stepped into the shot, it would quickly zoom out to fit them in. However, the muscle memory that people have built after years of rotating their phones to snap selfies with friends may take some time to fade. Center Stage also kicks in on video calls to keep you in frame while you’re moving around. I found this feature helpful while I was FaceTiming a friend from my desk, as I was able to move between using the iPhone and typing on my MacBook without having to manually adjust the phone each time. The iPhone 17 also introduces the Dual Capture video mode, which allows you to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture more footage at once. This is a feature we’ve been waiting on from Apple for a while — it’s been available on Samsung Galaxy phones for years now — and before the iPhone 17, we would use a third-party app such as Instagram or Snapchat to flip back and forth between the front and rear cameras to capture dual points of view. Using Dual Capture on the iPhone 17 was both fun and simple in our tests. Once you enable the feature, the front camera’s video is in picture-in-picture mode, and the center of the screen shows what the rear camera records. The iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter It has a better ultrawide camera than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 has Apple’s new Dual Fusion cameras. The name refers to the 48-megapixel main camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, plus the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel macro lens. The main sensor continues to deliver vibrant, sharp photos with strong dynamic range and little to no visible noise. But the iPhone 16 also has a 48-megapixel main sensor — the upgrade here is to the ultrawide lens. We compared the two and found a few differences: In our tests, the iPhone 17 consistently delivered colors that were more subdued and natural, with lower contrast, delivering more evenly lit, true-to-life images. It also proved to have better distortion control. The iPhone 16’s images, on the other hand, looked more saturated and appeared slightly more warped. Like last year’s version, the iPhone 17 uses a combination of software and hardware to shoot 2x optical-quality zoom, but it still delivered strong results that looked almost identical to what we got from the iPhone 17 Pro. It also has support for up to 10x digital zoom, but in this regard its images weren’t as sharp or clean as those from the Pro model; although the photos were somewhat usable, they exhibited a noticeable loss of details and blurriness. You also have the option to take full-resolution 24-megapixel images (the default) or to switch to 12 megapixels; the camera system switches to the latter when you’re taking photos with night mode, macro flash, or Portrait Lighting. The 24-megapixel option is better for capturing the most detail, while the 12-megapixel mode is ideal for capturing low-light images. Note, however, that images captured with the 24-megapixel option will occupy more space, so if you plan on using the iPhone 17 to take a lot of images, we recommend upgrading to the higher storage configuration. The A19 chip is faster and more efficient. The iPhone 17 uses Apple’s latest chip, the A19, which includes a 16-core neural engine, a six-core CPU, and a five-core GPU. The A19 is designed to power features such as ProMotion, the always-on display, and Apple Intelligence more smoothly. During our time with the iPhone 17, its performance was great. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference coming from the iPhone 16, opening apps and switching between them did feel snappier. The higher refresh rate also allowed for a much smoother experience while we scrolled through social media and played a few rounds of Alto’s Odyssey. The iPhone 17 is more durable than past iPhone models. Apple introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s the latest version of Apple’s proprietary glass, which the company claims has three times better scratch resistance than the previous version. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield coating on the back. But it retains the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as Apple’s more expensive phones. It has longer battery life than the iPhone 16. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 offers eight more hours of video playback in comparison with the iPhone 16, for a total of up to 30 hours. In our testing, the iPhone 17 lasted for longer than a day and a half of heavy usage on one charge. The extra battery life can be attributed to the addition of both ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate that swaps between 120 Hz and 1 Hz, and the A19 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient. And Apple claims that the iPhone 17 can charge up to 50% in 20 minutes on its 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max . Using the Dynamic Power Adapter, we charged the iPhone 17 from 9% to 53% in about 25 minutes. The base model has more storage. Having officially dropped 128 GB storage configurations, Apple now starts the base iPhone 17 model at 256 GB of storage (without raising the starting price, as it did on the iPhone 17 Pro). If that’s not enough, you can choose 512 GB for an additional $100. Flaws but not dealbreakers The design is a bit stale. In comparison with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 seems uninspired these days. It would’ve been nice to see some more substantive changes, such as a redesigned camera module similar to that of the iPhone Air. It lacks a triple-camera system. While the triple cameras are typically reserved for the iPhone Pro models, it’s tough not to criticize Apple for including only two cameras on the iPhone 17, especially considering the base models of both the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. Those Android flagships both come with a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a dedicated telephoto sensor. At this point, Apple seems to be falling behind the standard set by its competition. Center Stage selfies aren’t the perfect solution. Although it’s a nice feature to have on hand, taking selfies with Center Stage looks and feels awkward. Since it zooms out to capture everyone in the frame, it produces an ultrawide selfie that made our arms and torsos look really long. We preferred sticking to the standard method of rotating our phone and snapping a more cropped-in shot. The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter Upgrade pick Excellent cameras, powerful performance Apple iPhone 17 Pro The iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life. Sporting complete redesigns (which can be polarizing, depending on who you ask), the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max look nothing like their predecessors. Apple has abandoned the titanium bodies of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models in favor of aluminum, which is better than titanium for dispersing heat, and the company has also given the iPhone 17 Pro models a new vapor-chamber cooling system to help with heat management. Both Pro models have a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including an upgraded telephoto lens, and also add a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera (up from 12 megapixels). In addition, powered by an A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver excellent performance and the longest battery life of the iPhone lineup. Deciding between the Pro models really depends on what size you prefer — a smaller, 6.3-inch display or a massive, 6.9-inch one. The Pro models are fully redesigned and more durable. Rather than sticking with the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, Apple chose aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This change is supposed to help with thermal management, as Apple says aluminum is 20 times more conductive. On the back is a redesigned camera module that Apple calls the “plateau”; this module houses the camera sensors, making extra space for a larger battery. The display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also come with Ceramic Shield 2, the latest version of Apple’s proprietary coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant than the original version. For the first time, both Pro models have Ceramic Shield on the back as well, which according to Apple is four times more resistant to cracks. Although we still recommend putting a case on such an expensive phone, it’s nice to see added protection on both the front and back of the device. Both Pro models have new internal cooling systems to better prevent overheating. It’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone Pro models have suffered from overheating throughout the years. To help combat this problem, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max use a new vapor-chamber-based cooling system that is laser-welded into the phones’ aluminum bodies and is designed to draw heat away from the A19 Pro chip much more efficiently. This system is ideal if you’re planning on using your Pro model for heavy-duty gaming or for photo and video editing. Although we mainly used the iPhone 17 Pro for basic tasks, including scrolling through social media, making phone calls, sending texts, and jotting down notes, we never felt it get warm. But even on a night out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where we constantly reached for it to take photos and videos throughout the evening for hours on end, all while using multiple apps such as Google Maps, Uber, and Spotify, it felt cool to the touch the whole time. The redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter The new A19 Pro chip packs plenty of power and delivers the best battery life yet. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims that the A19 Pro is up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU performance than the chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. In our tests, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max delivered great performance throughout our time with them, handling hours of scrolling through social media, photo editing, and light gaming with ease. Based on processing power alone, either Pro model is certainly the iPhone to get if you’re planning on using yours for more power-intensive and graphics-heavy tasks. The A19 Pro chip also helps to optimize battery life, which was especially impressive in our testing. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers up to 33 hours of video playback (up from 27 hours in the iPhone 16 Pro) and that the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides up to 39 hours (compared with 33 hours from the iPhone 16 Pro Max). We used real-world testing to put these phones through their paces: We took the iPhone 17 Pro off the charger at 3:40 p.m. one day and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:40 p.m. the next day, for a total of 31 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max didn’t last as long, but that’s also because we used that model continuously throughout the day for shooting images, navigating with maps, and taking multiple FaceTime calls. We took it off the charger at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:30 a.m. the next day, for a total of nearly 18 hours. We must emphasize, though, that we barely put the 17 Pro Max down during our time with it, and on a typical day we’d be able to stretch it for much longer. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max have slightly improved rear cameras. Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with a Fusion camera system. But in addition to the 48-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the Pro and Pro Max’s 12-megapixel telephoto lens (which had 5x optical zoom), replacing it with a 48-megapixel lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-like quality. The new lens also delivers up to 40x digital zoom. In our tests the main sensor and ultrawide camera did an excellent job in various lighting conditions across standard photos, portrait-mode shots, and night mode. The photos were vibrant and crisp, and they also allowed for balanced contrast and accurate colors even in dim environments. The telephoto lens was equally impressive at both 4x and 8x zoom, where we noticed no loss of detail or blurriness. At times it struggled a bit when zoomed in at 8x, but the problem wasn’t noticeable to the naked eye; we picked up on it only when we pulled up the images on an external monitor and zoomed in, as certain details in the background came out a bit fuzzy or seemed a little out of focus, while the subjects were consistently sharp. However, it particularly faltered on images we took beyond 8x, specifically at 40x digital zoom — an area where competitors such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled. Those phones use a mix of optical and AI-enhanced digital zoom to create sharp, crisp images, even at a long distance. Most of the images we took on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max at 40x appeared fuzzy and grainy. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with more storage. Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256 GB of storage, with the option to max out at 1 TB. Meanwhile, Apple increased the larger model’s maximum configurable storage to 2 TB. Note that, with the base-storage increase, the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is now $100 higher than that of its predecessor. And while the base-model iPhone 17 Pro Max costs $1,200 with 256 GB, the 2 TB model comes out to a whopping $2,000. Flaws but not dealbreakers The color options are limited, and many people will hate the two-tone design. Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only in orange, blue, and silver. If the company couldn’t offer a wider range of muted colors, as it did with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup, then we would’ve at least appreciated a black color option. The two-tone design that Apple incorporated on the back is also a strange choice: It’s less noticeable on the blue version, where it blends in better, but it’s worse on the orange version, where the tones are a stark contrast from each other. The worst of them all is the silver model, which has a white square on the back. This design choice takes away from the premium, sleek, monochromatic look of previous iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, making the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max somehow look a little cheap. The iPhone 17 Pro is more expensive than last year’s model. While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the same in price, Apple increased the base storage and thereby the entry price of the iPhone 17 Pro by $100, bringing the total up to $1,100 for the 256 GB base model. A more affordable option: iPhone 16e Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Budget pick Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package Apple iPhone 16e Apple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s $170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results. At $600, the Apple iPhone 16e isn’t exactly cheap, but it is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, and it does everything you might need an iPhone to do. The iPhone 16e replaces the now-discontinued iPhone SE, and although it’s significantly more expensive than that phone (by $170), it also feels more like a higher-end iPhone than the SE did. Apple has ditched the home button and Touch ID in favor of a large, 6.1-inch screen and a Face ID notch. The iPhone 16e charges via USB-C and delivers lengthy battery life. It lacks MagSafe compatibility and has just a single rear camera lens, but otherwise it’s a perfectly fine iPhone. We just wish it were cheaper. The iPhone 16e delivers excellent battery life. While the most noticeable features of the 16e are its notched cutout for Face ID and its single camera lens, the real standout is its lengthy battery life. Apple fit in a larger battery; that component, combined with the power efficiency enabled by the company’s custom C1 modem (for connecting to the internet) and A18 chip, allowed the 16e to last 36 hours even with extremely heavy usage in our testing. A travel day is the ultimate stress test for a phone’s battery life, so I charged the 16e to 100% at 5 p.m. on a Sunday in anticipation of my flight from San Francisco to New York at 7 a.m. the following morning. I hailed an Uber, streamed music and podcasts, responded to Slack messages and texts in-flight, chatted on the phone after landing, navigated my way around Queens and Brooklyn using Google Maps, and FaceTimed with my partner before bed. When I awoke on Tuesday, the 16e still had enough battery life left for me to get through my morning meetings. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or one of the iPhone mini models, but the iPhone 16e’s battery even outlasts that of the pricier iPhone 17. It can charge quickly via USB-C. The iPhone 16e’s predecessor, the third-gen iPhone SE, charged over Lightning, and with that model’s discontinuation, Apple is now all in on USB-C. The 16e also supports fast wired charging with a 20 W USB-C adapter, charging from completely dead to 47% in 30 minutes in our testing. It can also charge wirelessly with any Qi charging pad, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so magnetic chargers or accessories can’t attach. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter It's future-proofed with Apple Intelligence support. Apple’s artificial intelligence features, which include writing tools and AI-generated emoji, aren’t necessarily worth buying a new phone for, but a few of them are useful. Apple will continue to release new AI features and improve existing ones, so we appreciate the fact that even its cheapest phone will benefit from them. It’s basically the same size as the iPhone 16, which Apple still sells, and the screen is almost as good. The 16e is almost all screen, with a giant, 6.1-inch display and a minimal bezel (plus a notch cutout for the Face ID camera). With the iPhone 16e sitting next to the iPhone 16, that notch is really the only way to tell the two apart. Although the iPhone 16 gets a little brighter, up to 1,600 nits, in contrast to the iPhone 16e’s 1,200-nit peak, the cheaper phone is plenty bright. But it’s not as bright as the iPhone 17, which reaches 3,000 nits of peak brightness. It looks more expensive than it is. The iPhone 16e, like the iPhone 17, has an aluminum frame with a matte-glass back, and it looks more like a new iPhone than the SE did. It comes only in white and black, but you can add a case for a pop of color. Flaws but not dealbreakers It’s more expensive than its predecessor. The third-gen iPhone SE was $430, and a $170 jump in price is a tough pill to swallow. The 16e does offer a slew of features that the SE didn’t have, but for a “budget” phone, we wish the price were a little lower. The single camera is fine, but other iPhones take better photos. The biggest differentiator across Apple’s phones is their cameras — spending more allows you to capture better photos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens, in contrast to the iPhone 17’s two lenses and the 17 Pro’s trio of lenses. It’s capable of switching between a standard angle and what Apple calls an optical-quality 2x telephoto, and the resulting images were good in our tests. But if you want to capture a nighttime shot of, say, the Empire State Building at 10x zoom, you’ll be disappointed in the extremely grainy quality. The absence of MagSafe is annoying. The iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so Apple’s magnetic charging pads and other MagSafe accessories can’t stick to the back of the phone. A MagSafe charger can still charge the 16e, albeit slowly, and third-party case makers are already releasing MagSafe cases for the 16e, so you can attach MagSafe accessories to them. But the lack of MagSafe in light of the phone’s higher starting price is annoying. The competition In addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the $1,000 Apple iPhone Air , its thinnest iPhone ever. Although it represents a nice departure from the chunkier iPhones we’ve grown accustomed to, its slimmer profile makes some trade-offs. It offers a large, 6.5-inch display, but it has just a single rear camera lens, a single speaker, and a battery that barely lasted us 12 hours. Unless all you care about is the design, we think it’s too expensive for its lack of features. For details, read our full review . Apple still sells the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 16 Plus but reduced the price by $100. The now-$700 6.1-inch iPhone 16 has a smaller screen than the iPhone 17 and lacks support for ProMotion and an always-on display. The $800 iPhone 16 Plus has a larger, 6.7-inch screen but also lacks advanced display technology. The front-facing camera on both models is 12 megapixels (in contrast to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17) and lacks new features such as Center Stage and Dual Capture video. We suggest buying the iPhone 17 instead — its screen size lands between those of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and it offers some display and camera upgrades you can’t get on the older phones. Caitlin McGarry contributed additional reporting. This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.

Markdown

- Home & Garden - Vacuums, Cleaning, & Laundry - Vacuum Cleaners - [Vacuum cleaners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-cleaner/) - [Upright vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-upright-canister-vacuums/) - [Cordless vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cordless-stick-vacuum/) - [Robot vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robot-vacuum/) - [Handheld vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handheld-vacuum/) - [Hardwood floor vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-for-hardwood-floors/) - [Vacuums for pet hair](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-for-pet-hair/) - [Car vacuums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-car-vacuum/) - Mops & Cleaners - [Wet mops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wet-mop/) - [Robot mop‑vac combos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robot-vacuum-mop-combo/) - [Portable carpet & upholstery cleaners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaner/) - [Carpet cleaners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-upright-carpet-cleaners/) - [Wet/dry vacs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac/) - [Brooms, dustpans, & dust mops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-broom-dustpan-dustmop/) - [Surface cleaners & disinfectants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-purpose-cleaner/) - [Laundry](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/closet-laundry/) - [Washers & dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-washer-and-dryer/) - [Compact washers & dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compact-washer-and-dryer/) - [Irons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-clothes-iron/) - [Ironing boards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ironing-board/) - [Clothing steamers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-clothing-steamers/) - [Laundry detergents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-laundry-detergent/) - [Stain removers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laundry-stain-remover/) - Bathroom - Toilet - [Toilets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toilet/) - [Bidets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet/) - [Toilet papers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-toilet-paper/) - [Toilet brushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toilet-brush/) - [Toilet plungers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toilet-plunger/) - [Squatty potties](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/squatty-potty-review/) - Shower - [Shower heads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-shower-head/) - [Shower curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-shower-curtain/) - [Shower caddies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-shower-caddy/) - [Shower mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shower-mat/) - [Body washes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-wash/) - [Bar soaps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bar-soap/) - Bathroom - [Bathroom scales](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bathroom-scales/) - [Bath towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-towel/) - [Bath mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bathroom-rugs-and-bath-mats/) - [Grab bars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grab-bars/) - Garden & Outdoors - [Gardening & Lawn](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/gardening/) - [Garden hoses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-garden-hose/) - [Hose nozzles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hose-nozzle/) - [Gardening gloves](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-gardening-gloves/) - [Garden pruners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garden-pruners/) - [Gifts for gardeners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-gardeners/) - [Lawn mowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lawnmower/) - [Robot lawn mowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robot-lawn-mower/) - [Reel mowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-reel-mower/) - [Sprinklers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-sprinkler/) - [Smart sprinkler timers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-sprinkler-controller/) - [Maintenance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/garage/) - [Leaf blowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-leafblowers/) - [Snow blowers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-snow-blowers/) - [Pressure washers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pressure-washer/) - [Chainsaws](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chainsaw/) - [String trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-string-trimmers/) - [Snow shovels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-snow-shovels/) - [Wet/dry vacs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac/) - Patio - [Patio furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-furniture/) - [Outdoor sofas & chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-sofas/) - [Patio umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-umbrella-and-stand/) - [Patio heaters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-patio-heaters/) - [Smokeless fire pits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smokeless-fire-pits/) - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mosquito-control-gear/) - Heating, Cooling, & Air Quality - Heating - [Space heaters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-space-heaters/) - [Heat pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/heat-pump-buying-guide/) - [Cooling](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/cooling/) - [Air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-conditioner/) - [Portable air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-portable-air-conditioner/) - [Ductless air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner/) - [Fans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fan/) - [Cordless fans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cordless-fans/) - [Smart thermostats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-thermostat/) - Air Quality - [Air purifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-purifier/) - [Humidifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-humidifier/) - [Dehumidifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dehumidifier/) - [Home air quality monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-air-quality-monitor/) - Water Quality - [Water filter pitchers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-filter-pitcher/) - [Under‑sink water filters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/) - [Faucet‑mounted water filters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-faucet-water-filter/) - [Water quality test kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-quality-test-kit-for-your-home/) - Home & Decor - Decor - [Area rugs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-area-rugs/) - [Rug pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rug-pads/) - [Removable wallpapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-removable-wallpapers/) - [Throw blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-throw-blankets/) - [Essential oil diffusers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-essential-oil-diffusers/) - [Scented candles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-candles/) - [Jewelry boxes & organizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jewelry-boxes-and-organizers/) - Window Treatments - [Curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-window-curtains/) - [Blackout curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blackout-curtains/) - [Blackout shades](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blackout-shades/) - [Furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/furniture/) - [Sofas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/buying-a-sofa/) - [Sleeper sofas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeper-sofas/) - [Massage chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-chairs/) - [Dining tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000/) - Lighting - [Floor lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-floor-lamps-under-300/) - [Desk lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-led-desk-lamp/) - [Table lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-table-lamps/) - [Bedside lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-bedside-lamps-under-200/) - [All Home](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/) - Home Improvement - [Tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/tools/) - [Drills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-drill-for-common-household-projects/) - [Multi‑tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multitool/) - [Stud finders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stud-finder/) - [Screwdrivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-screwdriver/) - [Basic toolkits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-home-toolkit/) - [Toolboxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toolbox/) - [Ladders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ladders/) - [Storage & Organization](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/storage-home-garden/) - [Storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-storage-containers/) - [Shoe racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shoe-rack/) - [Hangers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hangers/) - Electric - [LED light bulbs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-led-lightbulb/) - [Surge protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-surge-protector/) - [Extension cords](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage/) - Pest Control - [Roach killers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-roach-killers/) - [Ant killers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ant-killer/) - [Mousetraps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mousetrap/) - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mosquito-control-gear/) - [Wasp & hornet sprays](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hornet-wasp-spray/) - [Bug‑killing gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bug-killing-gear/) - Home Security & Safety - Security Systems & Cameras - [Home security systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-security-system/) - [Indoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera/) - [Outdoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/) - [Doorbell cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-doorbell-camera/) - Locks - [Electronic keypad door locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electronic-keypad-door-lock/) - [Smart locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/) - [Door locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-door-lock/) - Safety - [Basic smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-smoke-alarm/) - [Smart smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-smoke-alarm/) - [Fire extinguishers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fire-extinguisher/) - [Flashlights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/emergency-preparedness/) - [Emergency preparedness supplies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/) - [Emergency weather radios](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-emergency-weather-radio/) - [Portable generators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/) - [All Home Security & Safety](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/safety-home-garden/) - Office - Printers - [All‑in‑one printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-printer/) - [Home printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-printers/) - [Laser printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laser-printer/) - Monitors - [Monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/) - [4K monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) - [27‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-27-inch-monitor/) - [Portable monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-monitor/) - Office Essentials - [Webcams](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-webcams/) - [Office headsets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-headset-for-the-office/) - [Laptop stands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-stands/) - [Monitor arms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitor-arms/) - [Label makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-label-maker/) - Document Security - [Paper shredders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-paper-shredders/) - [Fireproof document safes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fireproof-document-safe/) - Stationery - [Pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pen/) - [Notebooks & notepads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Planners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-paper-planners/) - [Office Furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/office/furniture-office/) - [Standing desks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standing-desk/) - [Office chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-office-chair/) - [Ergonomic seat cushions](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ergonomic-seat-cushions/) - [All Office](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/office/) - Sleep - [Mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/mattresses/) - [Mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattress/) - [Mattresses for side sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattresses-for-side-sleepers/) - [Mattresses for back pain](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mattresses-for-back-pain/) - [Memory foam mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-foam-mattresses-you-can-buy-online/) - [Cheap mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-mattress/) - [Hybrid mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hybrid-mattresses/) - [Innerspring mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-innerspring-mattress/) - [Air mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-mattress/) - [Mattress toppers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattress-toppers/) - [Latex mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-latex-mattresses/) - [Bedding](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/sheets-bedding/) - [Sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sheets/) - [Cotton sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cotton-sheets/) - [Comforters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-comforter/) - [Duvet covers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-duvet-cover/) - [Pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/pillows/) - [Pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bed-pillows/) - [Pillows for side sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pillow-for-side-sleepers/) - [Memory foam pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-memory-foam-pillows/) - [Bedroom](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/bedroom/) - [Modern bed frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-modern-bed-frames/) - [Platform bed frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-platform-bed-frames-under-300/) - [Nightstands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nightstands/) - [Blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blankets/) - [Weighted blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-weighted-blankets/) - [White noise machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-noise-machine/) - [Alarm clocks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-alarm-clock/) - [Sunrise alarm clocks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunrise-alarm-clock/) - [All Sleep](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/) - Kitchen - Large Appliances - Fridges - [Refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/) - [French door refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-french-door-refrigerators/) - [Side‑by‑side refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-side-by-side-refrigerators/) - [Garage refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garage-refrigerator/) - [Counter‑depth refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-counter-depth-refrigerator/) - [Wine coolers & fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-fridges/) - Freezers - [Upright freezers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-freezer/) - [Chest freezers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chest-freezers/) - Stoves, Ranges, & Ovens - [Electric stoves & ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-and-gas-ranges/) - [Gas stoves & ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-ranges/) - [Slide‑in electric ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slide-in-electric-ranges/) - [Slide‑in gas ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slide-in-gas-ranges/) - [High‑end ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-high-end-ranges/) - [Induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cooktop/) - [Wall ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wall-ovens/) - Dishwashers - [Dishwashers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-dishwasher/) - [All Large Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/large-appliances/) - Small Appliances - Small Appliances - [Microwaves](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/) - [Food processors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-food-processor/) - [Toasters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toaster/) - [Electric kettles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-kettle/) - [Portable induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/) - [Mini fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-fridge/) - [Countertop ice makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-ice-maker/) - [Stand mixers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stand-mixer/) - [Juicers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-juicer/) - Blenders - [Blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blender/) - [Personal blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-blender/) - [Immersion blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-immersion-blender/) - Specialty - [Ice cream makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ice-cream-maker/) - [Soda makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soda-maker/) - [Waffle makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-waffle-maker/) - [Pizza ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pizza-oven/) - Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens - [Air fryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/) - [Air fryer toaster ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/) - [Toaster ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-toaster-oven/) - Cookers - [Rice cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-rice-cooker/) - [Pressure cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-pressure-cooker/) - [Slow cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slow-cooker/) - [All Small Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/appliances/small/) - Cooking & Baking - Cookware & Bakeware - [Cookware sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cookware-set/) - [Nonstick pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nonstick-pan/) - [Stainless steel pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-skillet/) - [Carbon steel pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carbon-steel-pan/) - [Cast iron skillets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cast-iron-skillet/) - [Dutch ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dutch-oven/) - [Woks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-woks/) - [Induction cookware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cookware/) - [Pizza stones & baking steels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pizza-stone-and-baking-steel/) - [Baking sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cookie-sheet/) - [Tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/tools-kitchen-dining/) - [Meat thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-instant-read-thermometer/) - [Cutting boards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cutting-board/) - [Kitchen scales](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kitchen-scale/) - [Oven mitts & pot holders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-oven-mitts-and-pot-holders/) - [Vacuum sealers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-sealer/) - [Pepper mills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pepper-mill/) - [Spatulas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-spatula/) - [Mixing bowls](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mixing-bowls/) - Knives - [Chef’s knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-chefs-knife-for-most-cooks/) - [Knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-knife-set/) - [Steak knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-steak-knife-set/) - [Serrated bread knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-serrated-knife/) - [Paring knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-paring-knife/) - [Knife sharpeners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-knife-sharpening-tool/) - Coffee & Tea - Coffee Makers - [Coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-coffee-maker/) - [Drip coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drip-coffee-maker/) - [Single‑serve coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-single-serve-coffee-maker/) - [Cheap coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-coffee-maker/) - [Cold‑brew coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker/) - Espresso Machines - [Espresso machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-espresso-machine-grinder-and-accessories-for-beginners/) - [Nespresso machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nespresso-machine/) - Coffee Gear - [Coffee grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-coffee-grinder/) - [French presses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-french-press/) - [Pour‑over coffee gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/gear-for-making-great-coffee/) - [Milk frothers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-milk-frothers/) - Tea - [Electric kettles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-kettle/) - [Teas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-teas/) - [All Coffee & Tea](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/coffee/) - Food & Drinks - Pantry - [Olive oils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-olive-oil/) - [Instant noodles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-noodles/) - [Canned tomatoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-canned-tomatoes/) - [Tinned fish](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tinned-fish/) - [Peanut butters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-creamy-peanut-butter/) - [Potato chips](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-potato-chips/) - [Boxed cake mixes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-cake-mix/) - [Boxed brownie mixes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-brownie-mix/) - [Boxed mac and cheese](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-mac-and-cheese/) - [Jarred marinara sauce](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jarred-marinara-sauce/) - Refrigerator - [American cheeses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-american-cheese/) - [Ketchups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ketchup/) - [Mayonnaises](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mayonnaise/) - [Butters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-butter/) - [BBQ sauces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-barbecue-sauce/) - [Yogurts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-yogurt/) - Freezer - [Frozen pizzas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/) - [Pie crusts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-store-bought-pie-crust/) - Drinks - [Blanco tequilas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blanco-tequilas/) - [Vodkas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vodka/) - [Gins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gins/) - [Nonalcoholic drinks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-non-alcoholic-drinks/) - [Nonalcoholic wines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nonalcoholic-wines/) - [All Food & Drinks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/food/) - Dining, Entertaining, & Grilling - Tableware - [Flatware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flatware/) - [Dinnerware sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dinnerware-set/) - [Steak knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-steak-knife-set/) - [Drinking glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drinking-glass/) - [Cloth napkins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-napkins-and-tablecloth/) - [Tablecloths](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablecloths/) - [Tapered candles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-tapered-candles/) - [Outdoor dinnerware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-dishes-for-outdoors/) - [Wine & Bar](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/wine-bar/) - [Wine glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-glass/) - [Corkscrews](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-corkscrew/) - [Wine coolers & fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-fridges/) - [Cocktail barware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-barware-for-making-cocktails-at-home/) - Dining Tables & Seating - [Dining tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000/) - [Folding tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-tables/) - [Folding chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-chairs/) - [Patio furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-furniture/) - Grilling - [Gas grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-grill/) - [Charcoal grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-charcoal-grill/) - [Pellet smoker grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pellet-grill/) - [Portable grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-grills/) - [Outdoor griddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-griddle/) - [Grill tools & accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grill-tools/) - [All Dining & Entertaining](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/entertaining/) - Supplies - [Storage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/storage/) - [Food storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-food-storage-containers/) - [Dry food storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dry-food-storage-containers/) - [Lunch boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lunch-boxes/) - Cleaning - [Dish racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dish-rack/) - [Kitchen towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kitchen-towels/) - [Dish soaps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dish-soap/) - [Dishwasher detergents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dishwasher-detergent/) - Waste - [Kitchen trash cans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trash-can/) - [Compost bins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compost-bins/) - [Food recyclers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/countertop-composter-food-recyclers/) - Health & Lifestyle - Fitness - [Exercise](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/exercise/) - [Treadmills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-treadmill/) - [Under‑desk treadmills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-desk-treadmills/) - [Exercise bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-exercise-bikes/) - [Elliptical machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-elliptical-machine/) - [Rowing machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rowing-machine/) - [Adjustable dumbbells](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-adjustable-dumbbells/) - [Yoga mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-yoga-mats/) - [Massage guns](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-guns/) - [Gym bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gym-bag/) - [Running headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-headphones/) - Trackers - [Fitness trackers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-fitness-trackers/) - [GPS running watches](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-watch/) - Bikes & Scooters - [Hybrid bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hybrid-commuter-bike/) - [Electric scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-scooter/) - [Ebikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ebike-for-commuters/) - [Biking Gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/cycling/) - [Bike helmets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters/) - [Bike lights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-commuter-bike-lights/) - [Bike locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-lock/) - [Bike phone mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-phone-mount/) - [Rear bike racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rear-bike-rack/) - [Bike pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-pump/) - [Bike storage ideas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-racks-for-small-homes-and-apartments/) - [Car bike racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-rack-for-cars/) - [All Fitness](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/) - Health - [Medical](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/medical-supplies/) - [Blood pressure monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blood-pressure-monitors-for-home-use/) - [Thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults/) - [Heating pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-heating-pad/) - [Pill boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pill-boxes/) - [Compression socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compression-socks/) - [Over‑the‑counter hearing aids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/) - [Accessibility & Aging](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/accessibility/) - [Walkers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-walkers/) - [Medical alert systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-medical-alert-systems/) - [Adult diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-adult-diapers/) - [Incontinence underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-incontinence-underwear/) - [Grabber tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grabber-tools/) - Mental Health - [Meditation apps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/) - [Light therapy lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-light-therapy-lamp/) - [All Health](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/) - Personal Care - [Skin‑Care & Sunscreen](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/beauty/skincare/) - [Sunscreens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunscreen/) - [Face sunscreens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-face-sunscreens/) - [Moisturizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-moisturizers/) - [Body lotions](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-lotions/) - [Vitamin C serums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vitamin-c-serums/) - [Retinols](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-retinol-products/) - [Exfoliants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-exfoliants/) - [Facial cleansers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-facial-cleansers/) - [Korean skin‑care products](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-korean-skin-care-products/) - Personal Hygiene - [Antiperspirants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-antiperspirants/) - [Deodorants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-deodorants/) - Dental - [Electric toothbrushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-toothbrush/) - [Water flossers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-flossers/) - Menstruation - [Period underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/thinx-period-panties/) - [Menstrual cups & discs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-menstrual-cup/) - Adult & Sex - [Vibrators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vibrators/) - [Anal toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-anal-toys/) - [Condoms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-condoms/) - [Lube](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-lubricants/) - [Portable vaporizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-vaporizer/) - [Cannabis grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cannabis-grinder/) - Beauty & Hair - Beauty - [Lip balms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lip-balm/) - [Eyeliners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-eyeliner/) - [Mascaras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mascara/) - [Foundations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-foundations/) - [Concealers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-concealers/) - [Blushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blush/) - [Makeup brushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-makeup-brushes/) - [Setting sprays](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-setting-spray/) - [Makeup removers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-makeup-remover/) - [Drugstore makeup](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drugstore-makeup-skincare/) - Hair Removal & Shaving - [Electric razors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-razor/) - [Beard trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beard-trimmer/) - [Pubic hair trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pubic-hair-trimmer/) - [Hair clippers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use/) - Hair - [Hair dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hair-dryer/) - [Shampoos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shampoo/) - [Shampoo bars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-solid-shampoo-bars/) - [Dry shampoos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dry-shampoo/) - [Conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-conditioner/) - [Drugstore hair products](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drugstore-hair-products/) - Outdoors - [Outdoors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/) - [Bug repellents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bug-repellent/) - [Coolers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hard-cooler/) - [Umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella/) - [Binoculars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-binoculars/) - [Ski goggles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ski-and-snowboard-goggles/) - [Apparel](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/apparel/) - [Rain jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/) - [Down jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-jacket/) - [UPF clothing](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sun-protection-clothing/) - Camping - [Camping tents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tent-for-family-and-car-camping/) - [Sleeping bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeping-bag-for-car-camping/) - [Sleeping pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking-and-car-camping/) - [Camping chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-outdoor-chairs/) - Hiking - [Hiking boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-boots/) - [Hiking socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-socks/) - [Trekking poles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trekking-poles/) - [Filtered water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-filtered-water-bottles/) - [Beach](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/swim/) - [Beach umbrellas & shades](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-umbrella-is-not-an-umbrella/) - [Beach bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-bag/) - [Beach towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-towel/) - Safety - [Portable generators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/) - [Pocket knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pocket-knife/) - [Headlamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-headlamp/) - [Hand warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hand-warmer/) - [Flashlights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/) - Travel - Luggage - [Checked luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-checked-luggage/) - [Duffel bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-duffle-bags/) - [Garment bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garment-bag/) - [Underseat luggage & personal‑item bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/best-personal-item-carry-ons/) - [Carry‑on luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-luggage/) - [Hard‑shell carry‑on luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage/) - [Carry‑on travel backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-travel-bags/) - [Travel backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-backpack/) - Packing - [Toiletry bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toiletry-bags/) - [Packing cubes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packing-cubes/) - [Packable daypacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packable-daypack-for-travel/) - Hydration - [Water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-bottle/) - [Travel mugs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-mug/) - [Gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/gear-travel/) - [Travel gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/travel-guide/) - [Travel pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-pillow/) - [Sleep masks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-mask/) - [Plug adapters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-plug-adapter/) - [Luggage tags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-luggage-tags/) - Hobbies - [Hobbies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/) - [Pickleball paddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pickleball-paddles/) - [Drones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drones/) - [DNA testing kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dna-test/) - [Telescopes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-telescopes-for-beginners/) - [Reading lights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-reading-light/) - [Electric scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-scooter/) - [Language learning apps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-language-learning-apps/) - [Music & Instruments](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/music/) - [Beginner digital pianos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-digital-piano-for-beginners/) - [Beginner ukuleles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ukulele-for-beginners/) - Art & Design - [3D printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-3d-printer/) - [3D pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-3d-pen/) - [Drawing tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drawing-tablets/) - [Sewing machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sewing-machine/) - [Colored pencils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-colored-pencils/) - [Soldering irons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soldering-irons/) - Photo - [Photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-inkjet-printer/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Online photo printing services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-photo-printing/) - [Photo book services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/) - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - Cameras - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Mirrorless cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mirrorless-camera/) - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-camera/) - Games & Puzzles - Board & Card Games - [Board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-we-love/) - [Two‑player board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-two-player-board-games/) - [Solo board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-solo-board-games/) - [Beginner board games for adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-adults/) - [Strategy board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-strategy-board-games/) - [Kids board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Card games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-card-games/) - [Party games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-party-games/) - [Video Gaming](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/gaming/) - [Gaming consoles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-game-consoles/) - [Handheld gaming consoles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handheld-gaming-consoles/) - [VR headsets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standalone-vr-headset/) - [Gaming laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-gaming-laptop-so-far/) - [Gaming mice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse/) - [Gaming monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-monitor/) - [Graphics cards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-graphics-cards/) - [Gaming chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-chairs/) - Lego - [Lego sets for adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/our-favorite-lego-sets-for-adults/) - [Lego sets for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lego-sets-for-kids/) - Puzzles - [Speed cubes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-speed-cubes/) - [All Games & Puzzles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/games-puzzles/) - Pets - [Dogs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/dogs/) - [Dog leashes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-dog-leash/) - [Dog harnesses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-harness/) - [Dog beds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-beds/) - [Dog crates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-crate/) - [Dog DNA tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-dna-test/) - [Dog nail grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-nail-grinders/) - [Dog jackets & raincoats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-winter-jackets-and-raincoats-for-dogs/) - [Cats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/cats/) - [Cat litters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter/) - [Litter boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter-boxes/) - [Automatic cat litter boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-automatic-cat-litter-box-but-we-dont-recommend-it/) - [Cat litter mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter-mat/) - [Cat scratchers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-scratchers/) - [Cat beds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-beds/) - [New cat checklist](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/new-cat-checklist/) - Home - [Pet cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pet-camera/) - [Water fountains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs/) - [Automatic feeders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-automatic-feeder-for-cats-and-small-dogs/) - [All Pets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/) - Tech - Electronics & Networking - [Networking](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/networking/) - [Wi‑Fi mesh‑networking kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits/) - [Routers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/) - [Modems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cable-modem/) - [Wi‑Fi extenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-extender/) - [Digital Storage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/storage-devices/) - [External hard drives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-external-hard-drives/) - [NAS devices](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-network-attached-storage/) - [External SSDs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-ssd/) - [Batteries & Charging](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/batteries/) - [Portable chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/) - [Lightning cables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lightning-cable/) - [Portable power stations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-power-stations/) - [Rechargeable batteries](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/) - [Uninterruptible power supplies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups/) - [Surge protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-surge-protector/) - [Extension cords](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage/) - [Electric vehicle chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-vehicle-chargers-for-home/) - Wireless Charging - [Wireless chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-qi-wireless-charger-for-iphone-and-android-phones/) - [Apple charging stations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apple-wireless-charging-pads/) - [USB‑C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/usb-c/) - [USB phone chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger/) - [USB‑C cables & adapters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-cables/) - [USB‑C laptop chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers/) - [USB‑C hubs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks/) - [All Electronics](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/) - Phones, Tablets, & Smartwatches - Phones - [Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/) - [Budget Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-android-phone/) - [iPhones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/) - [iPhone cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-cases/) - [iPhone 17 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-17-case/) - [iPhone 16 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-16-case/) - [iPhone screen protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-x-screen-protectors/) - [Cell phones for older adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults/) - [Car phone mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartphone-car-mount/) - [Cell phone plans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-carrier/) - Tablets - [Tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablets/) - [Android tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-tablet/) - [iPads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet/) - [iPad keyboard cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-keyboard-case/) - [iPad Pro keyboard cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-keyboard-cases/) - [iPad Pro cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-cases/) - [iPad styluses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-stylus/) - E‑readers - [E‑readers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/amazon-kindle-is-the-best-ebook-reader/) - Smartwatches - [For Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-android/) - [For iPhones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-iphone/) - Computers - Laptops - [Laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptops/) - [Chromebooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chromebook/) - [MacBooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-macbooks/) - [Business laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-business-laptops/) - [Laptops for college students](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptops-for-college-students/) - [Laptops under \$500](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-under-500/) - [Computers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/computers/) - [All‑in‑one computers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-computer/) - [Mini desktop PCs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-desktop-pcs/) - Monitors - [Monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/) - [4k monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) - [24‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-24-inch-monitor/) - [27‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-27-inch-monitor/) - [Ultrawide monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ultrawide-monitors/) - [Portable monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-monitor/) - [Accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/accessories/) - [Wireless mice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-mouse/) - [Security keys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-security-keys/) - Keyboards - [Keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-keyboards/) - [Wireless keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard/) - [Mechanical keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards/) - [Ergonomic keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/comfortable-ergo-keyboard/) - [Gaming keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-keyboards-for-gaming/) - [Software](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/software/) - [Password managers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers/) - [VPNs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vpn-service/) - [Free VPNs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-free-vpn/) - Audio - Speakers - [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Portable bluetooth speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Surround‑sound speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bookshelf-speakers/) - [Computer speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-computer-speakers/) - [Outdoor speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-speakers/) - [Multiroom wireless speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiroom-wireless-speaker-system/) - [Smart speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-speakers/) - [Soundbars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/) - Headphones - [Headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-headphones/) - [Over‑ear headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-ear-headphones/) - [Noise‑cancelling headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/) - [Sleep headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-headphones/) - [Bone‑conduction headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bone-conduction-headphones/) - Earbuds - [Wireless earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-earbuds/) - [Wired earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-200-in-ear-headphones/) - [Workout earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-workout-headphones/) - Home Audio - [Turntables & record players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-turntable/) - [CD players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-cd-player/) - [AV receivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-receiver/) - [Stereo amps & receivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-stereo-amplifier/) - [USB audio interfaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-audio-interface/) - [All Audio](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/audio/) - Video - [TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/tvs/) - [TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv/) - [OLED TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-oled-tv/) - [4K TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-tv/) - [LCD/LED TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lcd-led-tv/) - [32‑inch TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-small-tv/) - [40‑ to 49‑inch TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-40-to-49-inch-tvs/) - [TV wall mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv-wall-mount/) - [Gaming TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv-for-video-games/) - [Home Theater](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/home-theater/) - [Streaming devices](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-media-streamers/) - [4K Blu‑ray players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-blu-ray-player/) - [HDMI video transmitters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-wireless-hdmi-video-transmitter/) - [HDTV antennas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna/) - [Soundbars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/) - [Projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/projectors/) - [Projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-projectors/) - [Portable mini projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pico-projector/) - [Budget projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-projector/) - [Projector screens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-projector-screen/) - [Outdoor projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-projector/) - Cameras & Photo - Cameras - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Mirrorless cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mirrorless-camera/) - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-camera/) - [Dash cams](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dash-cam/) - [Camera Accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/camera-accessories/) - Smartphone Photography - [iPhone photo lenses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lenses-for-iphone/) - [Smartphone tripods](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tripod-for-iphones-smartphones/) - [Smartphone gimbals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-and-iphone-gimbal/) - Photo - [Holiday photo cards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-custom-photo-card-service/) - [Photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-inkjet-printer/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Online photo printing services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-photo-printing/) - [Photo book services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/) - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - Smart Home - Indoor - [Plug‑in smart outlets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-switch/) - [Smart thermostats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-thermostat/) - [Smart window shades & blinds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-blinds/) - [Smart LED light bulbs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-led-light-bulbs/) - [In‑wall smart light switches & dimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-in-wall-wireless-light-switch-and-dimmer/) - [Smart water‑leak detectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/) - [Smart smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-smoke-alarm/) - [Smart locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/) - [Smart speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-speakers/) - Outdoor - [Smart outdoor lighting](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-outdoor-lighting-for-backyards-pathways-and-more/) - [Smart sprinkler timers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-sprinkler-controller/) - [Smart garage door openers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-garage-door-controller/) - [Security Systems & Cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/safety-home-garden/) - [Home security systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-security-system/) - [Outdoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/) - [Indoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera/) - [Smart doorbell cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-doorbell-camera/) - [All Smart Home](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/smart-home/) - Baby & Kid - Pregnancy & Nursing - Pregnancy - [Pregnancy tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pregnancy-test/) - [Body pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-pillow/) - Nursing & Pumping - [Breast pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-breast-pumps/) - [Wearable breast pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wearable-breast-pumps/) - [Pumping bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pumping-bra/) - [Nursing bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nursing-bras/) - [Nursing pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nursing-pillows/) - Bottles & Formula - [Baby bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bottles-and-bottle-brush/) - [Bottle warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bottle-warmers/) - [Baby formulas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-formula/) - [All Pregnancy & Nursing](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/pregnancy-nursing/) - Baby - Sleep - [Bassinets & co‑sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-co-sleepers/) - [Cribs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cribs/) - [Crib mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-crib-mattresses/) - [Baby monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-monitor/) - [Baby swaddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-swaddles/) - Carry - [Baby carriers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-carriers/) - [Baby wraps & slings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-wraps-and-slings/) - Diapering & Bath - [Diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diapers/) - [Cloth diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cloth-diapers/) - [Diaper pails](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diaper-pail/) - [Diaper bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diaper-bag/) - [Baby bathtubs & bath seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bathtubs-and-bath-seats/) - [Baby care essentials](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/baby-care-essentials/) - [Home Safety](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/safety/) - [Baby‑proofing tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-baby-proofing-tools/) - [Baby gates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-gate/) - Car Seats - [Infant car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-car-seat/) - [Convertible car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-convertible-car-seats/) - [Travel car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-car-seats/) - Seats - [Baby bouncers & rockers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bouncers-and-rockers/) - [Baby swings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-swings/) - [High chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-high-chairs/) - Clothing & Health - Clothing - [Kids pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-pajamas/) - [Kids underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-underwear/) - [Kids beachwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-beachwear/) - [Kids rain and snow boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-rain-snow-boots/) - [Kids sandals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-sandals-water-shoes/) - Health - [Kids electric toothbrushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-toothbrush-for-kids/) - [Thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults/) - School & Tech - [Backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/backpacks/) - [Kids backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students/) - [High school & college backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college/) - Lunch & Hydration - [Kids lunch boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-lunch-boxes/) - [Kids water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-water-bottles/) - [Food thermoses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-food-thermos/) - [Nonplastic plates and cups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-plastic-free-tableware-for-babies-and-kids/) - School Supplies - [Pencils for schoolwork](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pencils/) - [Mechanical pencils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mechanical-pencils/) - [Pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pen/) - [Notebooks & notepads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Planners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-paper-planners/) - [Kids labels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-labels-for-kids-lunch-boxes-and-clothing/) - Tech - [First phones for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartphone-for-kids/) - [Smartwatches for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-for-kids/) - [Apps for managing kids' phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apps-to-manage-your-kids-phone/) - [Kids tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablet-for-kids/) - [Kids headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-headphones/) - [All School](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/school/) - Toys - Indoor Toys - [Lego sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lego-sets-for-kids/) - [Dolls](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dolls/) - [Kids board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Bath toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bath-toys/) - [Toy subscription boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toy-subscription-boxes/) - [Craft subscription boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-craft-subscription-boxes/) - Outdoor Toys - [Scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-scooters/) - [Balance bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-balance-bike/) - [First pedal bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-first-pedal-bike/) - [Kids bike helmets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-bike-helmets/) - [Tricycles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tricycles/) - [Collapsible folding wagons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-wagons/) - [Sleds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleds/) - [Trampolines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trampoline/) - [All Toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/toys/) - Travel - Car Seats - [Infant car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-car-seat/) - [Convertible car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-convertible-car-seats/) - [Travel car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-car-seats/) - [Booster car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-booster-car-seats/) - Strollers - [Strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-strollers/) - [Double strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-double-strollers/) - [Jogging strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jogging-strollers/) - [Travel strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-strollers/) - [Umbrella strollers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella-strollers/) - Wagons - [Collapsible folding wagons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-wagons/) - [Stroller wagons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stroller-wagons/) - Travel - [Kids bike seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-bike-seats/) - [Kids travel gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/gear-for-traveling-with-babies-and-kids/) - [Kids luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-luggage/) - Style - Apparel - Tops - [Men’s button‑up shirts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-button-up-shirts/) - [Men’s white t‑shirts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-t-shirts-for-men/) - [Women’s blouses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-tops-blouses/) - [Women’s button ups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-button-up-shirts/) - [Women’s white t‑shirts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-white-t-shirts/) - [Cashmere sweaters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cashmere-sweaters/) - [Thermal underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-base-layers-and-thermal-underwear/) - Pants - [Men’s jeans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jeans-for-men/) - [Women’s jeans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-jeans/) - [Men’s dress pants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-work-pants/) - [Women's office pants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-work-pants/) - [Leggings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-leggings/) - [Rain pants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rain-pants/) - [Sweatpants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sweatpants-sweatshirts/) - Kids - [Kids pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-pajamas/) - [Kids underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-underwear/) - Jackets - [Rain jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/) - [Down jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-jacket/) - [Insulated vests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-vest/) - [Men’s suits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-suits/) - [Women’s wool coats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-wool-coat/) - [All Style](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/style/) - Underwear & Sleep - Underwear - [Bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bra-brands/) - [Women’s underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-womens-underwear/) - [Period underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/thinx-period-panties/) - [Boxer briefs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-underwear/) - Sleep - [Robes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-robes/) - [Pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-pajamas-for-women-and-men/) - [Slippers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slippers/) - [Sleep masks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-mask/) - Shoes - Boots - [Winter boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-winter-boots-for-men-and-women/) - [Rain boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rain-boots/) - [Hiking boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-boots/) - Sneakers - [Running shoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-shoes/) - [White sneakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-sneakers/) - Seasonal - [Flats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flats/) - [Sandals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sandals/) - [Ice cleats for shoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ice-cleats/) - Socks - [Socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-socks/) - [Compression socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compression-socks/) - [Hiking socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-socks/) - Bags & Accessories - [Bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/bags/) - [Handbags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handbags-under-500/) - [Tote bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-tote-bags/) - [Laptop tote bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-tote-bags/) - [Fanny packs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fanny-packs/) - [Men’s work bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mens-work-bags/) - [Backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/backpacks/) - [Laptop backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-laptop-backpacks/) - [High school & college backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college/) - [Kids backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students/) - Bag Accessories - [Slim wallets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slim-wallet/) - Accessories - [Umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella/) - [Black tights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-black-tights/) - [Shapewear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shapewear/) - [Hair ties & clips](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-hair-ties-scrunchies-clips/) - Glasses - [Cheap sunglasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-sunglasses/) - [Blue‑light blocking glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blue-light-blocking-glasses/) - [Online prescription glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online/) - Gifts - Valentine's Day Gifts - Gifts to Give - [Valentine's Day gifts for her](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/valentines-day-gifts-for-her/) - [Valentine's Day gifts for him](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/valentines-day-gifts-for-him/) - [Valentine's Day gifts for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/valentines-day-gifts-for-kids/) - [Cheap gifts under \$25](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/cheap-valentines-day-under-25/) - [Last‑minute gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/last-minute-valentines-day-gifts/) - [Gifts for boyfriends](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-boyfriend/) - [Gifts for girlfriends](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-girlfriend/) - [Galentine's Day gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-galentines-day-gifts/) - [Personalized gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/personalized/) - Gifts to Send - [Online flower delivery](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-flower-delivery/) - [Boxed chocolates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-boxed-chocolates/) - [Gift baskets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gift-baskets/) - Gifts to Give - [All Gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/) - Tech - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Turntables & record players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-turntable/) - [Massage guns](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-guns/) - [Karaoke machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-karaoke-machines/) - [3D pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-3d-pen/) - [Games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/games-puzzles/) - [Board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-we-love/) - [Two‑player board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-two-player-board-games/) - [Board games for kids & families](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Card games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-card-games/) - DNA Test Kits - [DNA testing kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dna-test/) - [Dog DNA tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-dna-test/) - Everything Else - [Smokeless fire pits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smokeless-fire-pits/) - [Mug warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mug-warmers/) - [Smart bird feeders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-bird-feeder/) - [Disposable cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-disposable-cameras/) - Gifts for Grown-Ups - For Occasions - [Housewarming gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-housewarming-gifts/) - [Anniversary gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-anniversary-gifts/) - [Retirement gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-retirement-gifts/) - [Birthday gifts for her](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-birthday-gifts-for-her/) - [Gifts for coworkers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-coworkers/) - 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When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more›](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/about/) BROWSESections in this article [When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone?](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#when-should-you-upgrade-if-you-have-an-older-iphone) [The best all-around package: iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#the-best-all-around-package-iphone-17) [The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#the-best-cameras-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max) [A more affordable option: iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#a-more-affordable-option-iphone-16e) [The competition](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#the-competition) 1. [Electronics](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/) 2. [Smartphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/smartphones/) # Which iPhone Should I Get? Updated September 17, 2025 Save ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_TOP_ART_2X1.jpg?width=150&quality=20&crop=2:1&auto=webp) ![Four iPhones are displayed on a tan surface, showing their backs. The phones, a white Apple iPhone 16e, a purple iPhone 17, a dark blue iPhone 17 Pro, and an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, have different camera arrays.]() [![Brenda Stolyar](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/07/Brenda-Stolyar-headshot-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=50)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/authors/brenda-stolyar/) By [Brenda Stolyar](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/authors/brenda-stolyar/) Brenda Stolyar is a writer covering consumer technology. Her beats include smartwatches, tablets, and wearables. FYI After testing Apple’s latest iPhones, we’ve made the [iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/228978/?merchant=Walmart) our new [top pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#the-best-all-around-package-iphone-17) and the [iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/228979/?merchant=Apple) and [iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/228980/?merchant=Apple) our new [upgrade picks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/#the-best-cameras-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max). September 2025 If you have an iPhone that you’re happy with, keep it. We don’t think you should upgrade just because Apple has released new phones. But if your current phone is [running too slowly](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-make-your-phone-last-longer/) or is damaged, or if you’re simply ready for an upgrade and you want a new phone now, we recommend the [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/228978/?merchant=Walmart). It offers an almost Pro-like iPhone experience, with a bigger display and a higher refresh rate, excellent cameras, lengthy battery life, and a powerful processor. ### Everything we recommend #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74265/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) ## [The best iPhone](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "The best iPhone") ### [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "Apple iPhone 17") The iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life. [\$829 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74266/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro_20250916-201821_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) ## [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Excellent cameras, powerful performance") ### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro") The iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life. [\$1,099 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) [\$999 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225221/4/229363?merchant=Walmart) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74267/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max_20250916-202422_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) ## [Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple "Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery") ### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max") If you want an even bigger screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage configuration, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the way to go — if you’re willing to pay the price. [\$1,199 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) [\$1,249 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225222/4/229360?merchant=Walmart) #### Budget pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/69020/Apple-iPhone-16e_20250418-053733_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) ## [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package") ### [Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 16e") Apple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results. [\$599 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) [\$599 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/225223/4/229362?merchant=Walmart) #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74265/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) ## [The best iPhone](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "The best iPhone") ### [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "Apple iPhone 17") The iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life. [\$829 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) The [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/228978/?merchant=Walmart) looks similar to its predecessor but offers a few vital upgrades. Its bigger, brighter 6.3-inch screen supports Apple’s ProMotion display technology (for a refresh rate up to 120 Hz) and an always-on display mode — two features that were previously exclusive to the iPhone Pro models. Apple has also updated the camera systems, with an 18-megapixel selfie camera and a 48-megapixel rear ultrawide camera. The iPhone 17 runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which not only delivers snappy performance but also helps prolong battery life. #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74266/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro_20250916-201821_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) ## [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Excellent cameras, powerful performance") ### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro") The iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life. [\$1,099 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) [\$999 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225221/4/229363?merchant=Walmart) [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74267/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max_20250916-202422_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) ## [Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple "Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery") ### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max") If you want an even bigger screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage configuration, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the way to go — if you’re willing to pay the price. [\$1,199 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) [\$1,249 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225222/4/229360?merchant=Walmart) The 6.3-inch [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/228979/?merchant=Apple) and 6.9-inch [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/228980/?merchant=Apple) ditch the titanium frame and matte-glass back of their predecessors for a new aluminum design with a horizontal rear camera bump (or “plateau”) that makes these Pro models look and feel much different from the base iPhone 17. The redesign isn’t for everyone, but beneath the new look lie some big internal upgrades, including a new thermal system that better disperses heat and a faster, power-efficient A19 Pro chip that’s more capable of handling gaming and video editing. The camera systems have also been improved — alongside a rear 48-megapixel main camera and ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the telephoto lens to 48 megapixels with 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-like zoom. And the front-facing square 18-megapixel camera is a big improvement. Either Pro model is a great choice if you want an iPhone that packs the most power, delivers the highest-quality photos, and has the best battery life of all the latest iPhones. #### Budget pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/69020/Apple-iPhone-16e_20250418-053733_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) ## [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package") ### [Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 16e") Apple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results. [\$599 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) [\$599 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/225223/4/229362?merchant=Walmart) While we wish the [Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/211309/?merchant=Apple) were cheaper, its bright, 6.1-inch screen and lengthy battery life represent big upgrades from the now-discontinued iPhone SE. It can also charge quickly via USB-C. But it has only a single rear camera lens and lacks MagSafe compatibility. ### Get today’s recommendation Expert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we’ve tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily. Email Address ## The research ## When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone? Our general philosophy about upgrading ([as described by Wirecutter’s founder](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/technology/personaltech/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-gadgets-do-the-math.html?pagewanted=all)) is that if you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need the latest and greatest. Last year’s iPhone or the one before that (or even the one before that) should continue to serve you well. New phones tend to offer incremental upgrades — they’re not revolutionary products that change the experience. Apple still issues security updates to older devices, and iOS 26 still supports every iPhone from 2019 on, so even six-year-old phones are getting new features. If you have an older phone that’s beginning to feel slower, you may want to [check the battery’s health](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208387) before you decide to replace it completely. Power-conservation features in modern iPhones can slow down phones whose batteries’ capacity is depleted. If the iOS Battery Health screen shows the status “Performance management applied” or “Battery health degraded,” having Apple [replace the battery](https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-replacement) (which can cost up to \$119 out of warranty) is a lot cheaper than buying a new phone. ## The best all-around package: iPhone 17 ![The back of a light purple iPhone 17, showing two camera lenses and the Apple logo, on a cream-colored background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74265/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) ## [The best iPhone](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "The best iPhone") ### [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "Apple iPhone 17") The iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life. [\$829 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) Apple continues to make its affordable flagship the best value in the iPhone lineup, as the [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/228978/?merchant=Walmart) comes with upgrades across the board. Pro-level features, such as a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that supports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate as well as an always-on display for viewing notifications and widgets at a glance, no longer require you to pay a Pro price. The cameras have also been upgraded: The dual-lens camera setup on the back now has a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor for higher-quality photos, while the front camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels with support for Center Stage and Dual Capture video mode (more on those later). The iPhone 17 also runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance and excellent battery life. This model is not a necessary upgrade if you’re coming from the iPhone 16, but if you have an older iPhone, you’re likely to appreciate the new features. **It has a bigger, brighter display with a higher refresh rate.** The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, the same size as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s an increase from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen; though that isn’t a major difference, we’ve always thought the standard iPhone model was a little too cramped in this era of giant phones. With a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17’s screen is also brighter, up from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. This makes it easier to see even in direct sunlight. ![The front of an iPhone 17, with the screen turned on to show the home screen filled with app icons and widgets.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_142.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) The iPhone 17 has a bigger, 6.3-inch screen with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on display mode. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter Apple’s base-model iPhone 17 also offers a lot of the same features that Apple previously reserved for the Pro iPhones. With ProMotion, the display’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 60 Hz to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and graphics. It’s adaptive, which means it’ll kick in when you’re using the phone and then dip to 1 Hz when the phone is idle. The iPhone 17 also has an always-on display, so you can easily glance at the time, notifications, or widgets on your lock screen without having to tap to wake the phone each time. **It has an upgraded front-facing camera with some useful selfie features.** Apple has upgraded the front camera on the iPhone 17 from a 12-megapixel sensor to an 18-megapixel one, which results in higher-resolution images. In our tests, compared with images from previous models, selfies came out even more crisp — we could make out every detail (breakouts included) even in low-light images. The sensor is also now square and has a wider field of view. With the Center Stage feature, found in the newest iPads and now built into the iPhone 17 line, the front-facing camera’s field of view expands automatically to fit more people in the frame while you’re holding the phone vertically. This means you don’t have to manually rotate your phone for wider group shots using the front-facing camera. The feature works as advertised, too: I used it during a birthday party, where many selfies were taken, and whenever someone else stepped into the shot, it would quickly zoom out to fit them in. However, the muscle memory that people have built after years of rotating their phones to snap selfies with friends may take some time to fade. Center Stage also kicks in on video calls to keep you in frame while you’re moving around. I found this feature helpful while I was FaceTiming a friend from my desk, as I was able to move between using the iPhone and typing on my MacBook without having to manually adjust the phone each time. The iPhone 17 also introduces the Dual Capture video mode, which allows you to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture more footage at once. This is a feature we’ve been waiting on from Apple for a while — it’s been available on Samsung Galaxy phones for years now — and before the iPhone 17, we would use a third-party app such as Instagram or Snapchat to flip back and forth between the front and rear cameras to capture dual points of view. Using Dual Capture on the iPhone 17 was both fun and simple in our tests. Once you enable the feature, the front camera’s video is in picture-in-picture mode, and the center of the screen shows what the rear camera records. ![A close-up of the two camera lenses on the back of a light purple iPhone 17.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_232.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) The iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![A light purple iPhone 17 seen from the side, showing the volume buttons, with the dual-camera system visible on the back.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_235.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) The iPhone 17 has the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as the more expensive models in the lineup. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![A close-up of the bottom of an iPhone 17, showing the USB-C charging port in the center between two speaker grilles.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_241.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) We experienced a full two days of battery life with the iPhone 17. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter The iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![A close-up of the two camera lenses on the back of a light purple iPhone 17.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_232.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A light purple iPhone 17 seen from the side, showing the volume buttons, with the dual-camera system visible on the back.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_235.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) ![A close-up of the bottom of an iPhone 17, showing the USB-C charging port in the center between two speaker grilles.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_241.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150) **It has a better ultrawide camera than the iPhone 16.** The iPhone 17 has Apple’s new Dual Fusion cameras. The name refers to the 48-megapixel main camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, plus the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel macro lens. The main sensor continues to deliver vibrant, sharp photos with strong dynamic range and little to no visible noise. But the iPhone 16 also has a 48-megapixel main sensor — the upgrade here is to the ultrawide lens. We compared the two and found a few differences: In our tests, the iPhone 17 consistently delivered colors that were more subdued and natural, with lower contrast, delivering more evenly lit, true-to-life images. It also proved to have better distortion control. The iPhone 16’s images, on the other hand, looked more saturated and appeared slightly more warped. Like last year’s version, the iPhone 17 uses a combination of software and hardware to shoot 2x optical-quality zoom, but it still delivered strong results that looked almost identical to what we got from the iPhone 17 Pro. It also has support for up to 10x digital zoom, but in this regard its images weren’t as sharp or clean as those from the Pro model; although the photos were somewhat usable, they exhibited a noticeable loss of details and blurriness. You also have the option to take full-resolution 24-megapixel images (the default) or to switch to 12 megapixels; the camera system switches to the latter when you’re taking photos with night mode, macro flash, or Portrait Lighting. The 24-megapixel option is better for capturing the most detail, while the 12-megapixel mode is ideal for capturing low-light images. Note, however, that images captured with the 24-megapixel option will occupy more space, so if you plan on using the iPhone 17 to take a lot of images, we recommend upgrading to the higher storage configuration. **The A19 chip is faster and more efficient.** The iPhone 17 uses Apple’s latest chip, the A19, which includes a 16-core neural engine, a six-core CPU, and a five-core GPU. The A19 is designed to power features such as ProMotion, the always-on display, and Apple Intelligence more smoothly. During our time with the iPhone 17, its performance was great. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference coming from the iPhone 16, opening apps and switching between them did feel snappier. The higher refresh rate also allowed for a much smoother experience while we scrolled through social media and played a few rounds of *Alto’s Odyssey.* **The iPhone 17 is more durable than past iPhone models.** Apple introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s the latest version of Apple’s proprietary glass, which the company claims has three times better scratch resistance than the previous version. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield coating on the back. But it retains the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as Apple’s more expensive phones. **It has longer battery life than the iPhone 16.** Apple claims that the iPhone 17 offers eight more hours of video playback in comparison with the iPhone 16, for a total of up to 30 hours. In our testing, the iPhone 17 lasted for longer than a day and a half of heavy usage on one charge. The extra battery life can be attributed to the addition of both ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate that swaps between 120 Hz and 1 Hz, and the A19 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient. And Apple claims that the iPhone 17 can charge up to 50% in 20 minutes on its [40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74271/225031/4/228977/?merchant=Apple). Using the Dynamic Power Adapter, we charged the iPhone 17 from 9% to 53% in about 25 minutes. **The base model has more storage.** Having officially dropped 128 GB storage configurations, Apple now starts the base iPhone 17 model at 256 GB of storage (without raising the starting price, as it did on the iPhone 17 Pro). If that’s not enough, you can choose 512 GB for an additional \$100. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **The design is a bit stale.** In comparison with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 seems uninspired these days. It would’ve been nice to see some more substantive changes, such as a redesigned camera module similar to that of the iPhone Air. **It lacks a triple-camera system.** While the triple cameras are typically reserved for the iPhone Pro models, it’s tough not to criticize Apple for including only two cameras on the iPhone 17, especially considering the base models of both the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. Those Android flagships both come with a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a dedicated telephoto sensor. At this point, Apple seems to be falling behind the standard set by its competition. **Center Stage selfies aren’t the perfect solution.** Although it’s a nice feature to have on hand, taking selfies with Center Stage looks and feels awkward. Since it zooms out to capture everyone in the frame, it produces an ultrawide selfie that made our arms and torsos look really long. We preferred sticking to the standard method of rotating our phone and snapping a more cropped-in shot. ## The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max ![The back of an orange-colored iPhone Pro Max, showing the Apple logo and the three-lens camera system in the top-left corner.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter #### Upgrade pick [![]()](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) ## [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Excellent cameras, powerful performance") ### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro") The iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life. [\$1,099 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) [\$999 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225221/4/229363?merchant=Walmart) [![]()](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) ## [Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple "Biggest screen, longest-lasting battery") ### [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max") If you want an even bigger screen, the best battery life, and the highest storage configuration, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the way to go — if you’re willing to pay the price. [\$1,199 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) [\$1,249 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225222/4/229360?merchant=Walmart) Sporting complete redesigns (which can be polarizing, depending on who you ask), the [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/228979/?merchant=Apple) and [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/228980/?merchant=Apple) look nothing like their predecessors. Apple has abandoned the titanium bodies of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models in favor of aluminum, which is better than titanium for dispersing heat, and the company has also given the iPhone 17 Pro models a new vapor-chamber cooling system to help with heat management. Both Pro models have a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including an upgraded telephoto lens, and also add a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera (up from 12 megapixels). In addition, powered by an A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver excellent performance and the longest battery life of the iPhone lineup. Deciding between the Pro models really depends on what size you prefer — a smaller, 6.3-inch display or a massive, 6.9-inch one. **The Pro models are fully redesigned and more durable.** Rather than sticking with the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, Apple chose aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This change is supposed to help with thermal management, as Apple says aluminum is 20 times more conductive. On the back is a redesigned camera module that Apple calls the “plateau”; this module houses the camera sensors, making extra space for a larger battery. ![Two iPhones are shown side by side, one displaying the home screen and the other showing the calendar for September 2025.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_COMPARISON_158.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![An iPhone 17 Pro Max with an orange frame is shown from above, its screen displaying the home screen with app icons and widgets.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_DISPLAY.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter The display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![Two iPhones are shown side by side, one displaying the home screen and the other showing the calendar for September 2025.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_COMPARISON_158.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![An iPhone 17 Pro Max with an orange frame is shown from above, its screen displaying the home screen with app icons and widgets.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_DISPLAY.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also come with Ceramic Shield 2, the latest version of Apple’s proprietary coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant than the original version. For the first time, both Pro models have Ceramic Shield on the back as well, which according to Apple is four times more resistant to cracks. Although we still recommend putting a case on such an expensive phone, it’s nice to see added protection on both the front and back of the device. **Both Pro models have new internal cooling systems to better prevent overheating.** It’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone Pro models have suffered from overheating throughout the years. To help combat this problem, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max use a new vapor-chamber-based cooling system that is laser-welded into the phones’ aluminum bodies and is designed to draw heat away from the A19 Pro chip much more efficiently. This system is ideal if you’re planning on using your Pro model for heavy-duty gaming or for photo and video editing. Although we mainly used the iPhone 17 Pro for basic tasks, including scrolling through social media, making phone calls, sending texts, and jotting down notes, we never felt it get warm. But even on a night out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where we constantly reached for it to take photos and videos throughout the evening for hours on end, all while using multiple apps such as Google Maps, Uber, and Spotify, it felt cool to the touch the whole time. ![A close-up of the back corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing its three large camera lenses arranged in a triangle on a raised square platform.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_220.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![A close-up view of the corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, focusing on the side buttons. The phone's three camera lenses are visible but blurred in the background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_238.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are made of aluminum instead of titanium, which is supposed to help with heat dissipation. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![A close-up of the bottom of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing the USB-C charging port and speaker grilles.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_239.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have the longest battery life of all the models. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![The back of a dark gray iPhone 17 Pro, showing the three-camera system and the Apple logo, lying on a light beige surface.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter The redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter ![A close-up of the back corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing its three large camera lenses arranged in a triangle on a raised square platform.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_220.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A close-up view of the corner of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, focusing on the side buttons. The phone's three camera lenses are visible but blurred in the background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_238.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![A close-up of the bottom of an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, showing the USB-C charging port and speaker grilles.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_239.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![The back of a dark gray iPhone 17 Pro, showing the three-camera system and the Apple logo, lying on a light beige surface.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) **The new A19 Pro chip packs plenty of power and delivers the best battery life yet.** The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims that the A19 Pro is up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU performance than the chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. In our tests, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max delivered great performance throughout our time with them, handling hours of scrolling through social media, photo editing, and light gaming with ease. Based on processing power alone, either Pro model is certainly the iPhone to get if you’re planning on using yours for more power-intensive and graphics-heavy tasks. The A19 Pro chip also helps to optimize battery life, which was especially impressive in our testing. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers up to 33 hours of video playback (up from 27 hours in the iPhone 16 Pro) and that the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides up to 39 hours (compared with 33 hours from the iPhone 16 Pro Max). We used real-world testing to put these phones through their paces: We took the iPhone 17 Pro off the charger at 3:40 p.m. one day and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:40 p.m. the next day, for a total of 31 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max didn’t last as long, but that’s also because we used that model continuously throughout the day for shooting images, navigating with maps, and taking multiple FaceTime calls. We took it off the charger at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:30 a.m. the next day, for a total of nearly 18 hours. We must emphasize, though, that we barely put the 17 Pro Max down during our time with it, and on a typical day we’d be able to stretch it for much longer. **The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max have slightly improved rear cameras.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with a Fusion camera system. But in addition to the 48-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the Pro and Pro Max’s 12-megapixel telephoto lens (which had 5x optical zoom), replacing it with a 48-megapixel lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-like quality. The new lens also delivers up to 40x digital zoom. In our tests the main sensor and ultrawide camera did an excellent job in various lighting conditions across standard photos, portrait-mode shots, and night mode. The photos were vibrant and crisp, and they also allowed for balanced contrast and accurate colors even in dim environments. The telephoto lens was equally impressive at both 4x and 8x zoom, where we noticed no loss of detail or blurriness. At times it struggled a bit when zoomed in at 8x, but the problem wasn’t noticeable to the naked eye; we picked up on it only when we pulled up the images on an external monitor and zoomed in, as certain details in the background came out a bit fuzzy or seemed a little out of focus, while the subjects were consistently sharp. However, it particularly faltered on images we took beyond 8x, specifically at 40x digital zoom — an area where competitors such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled. Those phones use a mix of optical and AI-enhanced digital zoom to create sharp, crisp images, even at a long distance. Most of the images we took on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max at 40x appeared fuzzy and grainy. **The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with more storage.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256 GB of storage, with the option to max out at 1 TB. Meanwhile, Apple increased the larger model’s maximum configurable storage to 2 TB. Note that, with the base-storage increase, the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is now \$100 higher than that of its predecessor. And while the base-model iPhone 17 Pro Max costs \$1,200 with 256 GB, the 2 TB model comes out to a whopping \$2,000. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **The color options are limited, and many people will hate the two-tone design.** Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only in orange, blue, and silver. If the company couldn’t offer a wider range of muted colors, as it did with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup, then we would’ve at least appreciated a black color option. The two-tone design that Apple incorporated on the back is also a strange choice: It’s less noticeable on the blue version, where it blends in better, but it’s worse on the orange version, where the tones are a stark contrast from each other. The worst of them all is the silver model, which has a white square on the back. This design choice takes away from the premium, sleek, monochromatic look of previous iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, making the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max somehow look a little cheap. **The iPhone 17 Pro is more expensive than last year’s model.** While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the same in price, Apple increased the base storage and thereby the entry price of the iPhone 17 Pro by \$100, bringing the total up to \$1,100 for the 256 GB base model. ## A more affordable option: iPhone 16e ![An iPhone 16e showing a red abstract home screen.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0652.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter #### Budget pick [![]()](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) ## [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package") ### [Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 16e") Apple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results. [\$599 from Apple](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) [\$599 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/225223/4/229362?merchant=Walmart) At \$600, the [Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/211309/?merchant=Apple) isn’t exactly cheap, but it is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, and it does everything you might need an iPhone to do. The iPhone 16e replaces the now-discontinued iPhone SE, and although it’s significantly more expensive than that phone (by \$170), it also feels more like a higher-end iPhone than the SE did. Apple has ditched the home button and Touch ID in favor of a large, 6.1-inch screen and a Face ID notch. The iPhone 16e charges via USB-C and delivers lengthy battery life. It lacks MagSafe compatibility and has just a single rear camera lens, but otherwise it’s a perfectly fine iPhone. We just wish it were cheaper. **The iPhone 16e delivers excellent battery life.** While the most noticeable features of the 16e are its notched cutout for Face ID and its single camera lens, the real standout is its lengthy battery life. Apple fit in a larger battery; that component, combined with the power efficiency enabled by the company’s custom C1 modem (for connecting to the internet) and A18 chip, allowed the 16e to last 36 hours even with extremely heavy usage in our testing. A travel day is the ultimate stress test for a phone’s battery life, so I charged the 16e to 100% at 5 p.m. on a Sunday in anticipation of my flight from San Francisco to New York at 7 a.m. the following morning. I hailed an Uber, streamed music and podcasts, responded to Slack messages and texts in-flight, chatted on the phone after landing, navigated my way around Queens and Brooklyn using Google Maps, and FaceTimed with my partner before bed. When I awoke on Tuesday, the 16e still had enough battery life left for me to get through my morning meetings. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or one of the iPhone mini models, but the iPhone 16e’s battery even outlasts that of the pricier iPhone 17. **It can charge quickly via USB-C.** The iPhone 16e’s predecessor, the third-gen iPhone SE, charged over Lightning, and with that model’s discontinuation, Apple is now all in on USB-C. The 16e also supports fast wired charging with a 20 W USB-C adapter, charging from completely dead to 47% in 30 minutes in our testing. It can also charge wirelessly with any Qi charging pad, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so magnetic chargers or accessories can’t attach. ![The camera lens on an iPhone 16e.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0654.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter ![The back of an iPhone 16e, showing the volume and power buttons on the side.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0658.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) The iPhone 16e has a new customizable Action button. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter ![An iPhone 16e showing the notch in the top of its red abstract home screen.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0665.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) You can unlock the 16e using Face ID. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter ![The bottom charging port on an iPhone 16e.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0662.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Apple has dropped Lightning cables in favor of USB-C charging. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter ![The camera lens on an iPhone 16e.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0654.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![The back of an iPhone 16e, showing the volume and power buttons on the side.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0658.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![An iPhone 16e showing the notch in the top of its red abstract home screen.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0665.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) ![The bottom charging port on an iPhone 16e.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0662.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90) **It's future-proofed with Apple Intelligence support.** Apple’s artificial intelligence features, which include writing tools and AI-generated emoji, aren’t necessarily worth buying a new phone for, but a few of them are useful. Apple will continue to release new AI features and improve existing ones, so we appreciate the fact that even its cheapest phone will benefit from them. **It’s basically the same size as the iPhone 16, which Apple still sells, and the screen is almost as good.** The 16e is almost all screen, with a giant, 6.1-inch display and a minimal bezel (plus a notch cutout for the Face ID camera). With the iPhone 16e sitting next to the iPhone 16, that notch is really the only way to tell the two apart. Although the iPhone 16 gets a little brighter, up to 1,600 nits, in contrast to the iPhone 16e’s 1,200-nit peak, the cheaper phone is plenty bright. But it’s not as bright as the iPhone 17, which reaches 3,000 nits of peak brightness. **It looks more expensive than it is.** The iPhone 16e, like the iPhone 17, has an aluminum frame with a matte-glass back, and it looks more like a new iPhone than the SE did. It comes only in white and black, but you can add a case for a pop of color. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It’s more expensive than its predecessor.** The third-gen iPhone SE was \$430, and a \$170 jump in price is a tough pill to swallow. The 16e does offer a slew of features that the SE didn’t have, but for a “budget” phone, we wish the price were a little lower. **The single camera is fine, but other iPhones take better photos.** The biggest differentiator across Apple’s phones is their cameras — spending more allows you to capture better photos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens, in contrast to the iPhone 17’s two lenses and the 17 Pro’s trio of lenses. It’s capable of switching between a standard angle and what Apple calls an optical-quality 2x telephoto, and the resulting images were good in our tests. But if you want to capture a nighttime shot of, say, the Empire State Building at 10x zoom, you’ll be disappointed in the extremely grainy quality. **The absence of MagSafe is annoying.** The iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so Apple’s magnetic charging pads and other MagSafe accessories can’t stick to the back of the phone. A MagSafe charger can still charge the 16e, albeit slowly, and third-party case makers are already releasing MagSafe cases for the 16e, so you can attach MagSafe accessories to them. But the lack of MagSafe in light of the phone’s higher starting price is annoying. ## The competition In addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the \$1,000 [Apple iPhone Air](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74272/225032/4/228976/?merchant=Apple), its thinnest iPhone ever. Although it represents a nice departure from the chunkier iPhones we’ve grown accustomed to, its slimmer profile makes some trade-offs. It offers a large, 6.5-inch display, but it has just a single rear camera lens, a single speaker, and a battery that barely lasted us 12 hours. Unless all you care about is the design, we think it’s too expensive for its lack of features. For details, read [our full review](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-air-review/). Apple still sells the [Apple iPhone 16](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/64344/206078/4/228975/?merchant=Best%20Buy) and [Apple iPhone 16 Plus](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/64598/206020/4/228974/?merchant=Apple) but reduced the price by \$100. The now-\$700 6.1-inch iPhone 16 has a smaller screen than the iPhone 17 and lacks support for ProMotion and an always-on display. The \$800 iPhone 16 Plus has a larger, 6.7-inch screen but also lacks advanced display technology. The front-facing camera on both models is 12 megapixels (in contrast to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17) and lacks new features such as Center Stage and Dual Capture video. We suggest buying the iPhone 17 instead — its screen size lands between those of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and it offers some display and camera upgrades you can’t get on the older phones. *Caitlin McGarry contributed additional reporting. This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.* ## Meet your guide ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/07/Brenda-Stolyar-headshot-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=100) Brenda Stolyar Senior Staff Writer What I Cover I write about smartphones, tablets, and wearables. I’m always on a mission to help readers feel less overwhelmed by technology and to make it easy for them to find devices that will enhance their lifestyles for the better. ## Further reading - [![A white iPhone Air resting on a teal surface alongside a notebook and two pens.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/FI-IPHONE-AIR-9144-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-air-review/) ### [The iPhone Air Is Apple’s Most Impressive Phone in Years. But Most People Shouldn’t Buy It.](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-air-review/) by Brenda Stolyar Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever is a showstopper. But the iPhone 17 is the one you should buy. - [![Tim Cook, the C.E.O. of Apple, stands on a stage. Behind him, a large screen displays a version of the company’s logo, which is glowing with a red, orange, and blue aura.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/NEWS-RECAP-IPHONE-17-EVENT-001-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/apple-iphone-17-event-recap-20250909/) ### [Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/apple-iphone-17-event-recap-20250909/) by Brenda Stolyar Apple’s annual iPhone event announced a superthin iPhone Air model, among a slew of other devices. - [![A blue monochromatic illustration of two fingers holding a thin smartphone upright inside a transparent bubble, in front of a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/POD-NEW-iPHONE-2048px-3x2-1.png?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/wirecutter-show-podcast-20250918-new-iphone/) ### [Is the New iPhone Worth It?](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/wirecutter-show-podcast-20250918-new-iphone/) by Wirecutter Staff Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup and iOS 26 update bring real changes — especially the ultrathin iPhone Air. But should you upgrade? - [![All our picks for best iPhone 17 cases, displayed in a neat grid pattern on a purple surface.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/10/BEST-IPHONE-17-CASES-9477-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-17-case/) ### [The Best iPhone Case for iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-17-case/) by Brenda Stolyar Just bought an iPhone 17 or iPhone Air? Protecting it with a case will help it last for years to come. [Edit](https://thewirecutter.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=844&action=edit) ## Get today's recommendation Expert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we've tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily. Email Address [Wirecutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ "Wirecutter") Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. 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Readable Markdown

## When should you upgrade if you have an older iPhone? Our general philosophy about upgrading ([as described by Wirecutter’s founder](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/technology/personaltech/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-gadgets-do-the-math.html?pagewanted=all)) is that if you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need the latest and greatest. Last year’s iPhone or the one before that (or even the one before that) should continue to serve you well. New phones tend to offer incremental upgrades — they’re not revolutionary products that change the experience. Apple still issues security updates to older devices, and iOS 26 still supports every iPhone from 2019 on, so even six-year-old phones are getting new features. If you have an older phone that’s beginning to feel slower, you may want to [check the battery’s health](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208387) before you decide to replace it completely. Power-conservation features in modern iPhones can slow down phones whose batteries’ capacity is depleted. If the iOS Battery Health screen shows the status “Performance management applied” or “Battery health degraded,” having Apple [replace the battery](https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-replacement) (which can cost up to \$119 out of warranty) is a lot cheaper than buying a new phone. ## The best all-around package: iPhone 17 ![The back of a light purple iPhone 17, showing two camera lenses and the Apple logo, on a cream-colored background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74265/Apple-iPhone-17_20250916-201505_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart) [The best iPhone](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "The best iPhone")[Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/229361?merchant=Walmart "Apple iPhone 17") The iPhone 17 now comes with features once reserved for Apple’s Pro models, including a bigger and brighter display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher-resolution front-facing camera that takes better selfies, and long-lasting battery life. Apple continues to make its affordable flagship the best value in the iPhone lineup, as the [Apple iPhone 17](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74265/225220/4/228978/?merchant=Walmart) comes with upgrades across the board. Pro-level features, such as a 6.3-inch ProMotion screen that supports an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate as well as an always-on display for viewing notifications and widgets at a glance, no longer require you to pay a Pro price. The cameras have also been upgraded: The dual-lens camera setup on the back now has a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor for higher-quality photos, while the front camera has been upgraded to 18 megapixels with support for Center Stage and Dual Capture video mode (more on those later). The iPhone 17 also runs on Apple’s new A19 chip, which delivers smooth performance and excellent battery life. This model is not a necessary upgrade if you’re coming from the iPhone 16, but if you have an older iPhone, you’re likely to appreciate the new features. **It has a bigger, brighter display with a higher refresh rate.** The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, the same size as that of the iPhone 17 Pro. It’s an increase from the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen; though that isn’t a major difference, we’ve always thought the standard iPhone model was a little too cramped in this era of giant phones. With a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, the iPhone 17’s screen is also brighter, up from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. This makes it easier to see even in direct sunlight. ![The front of an iPhone 17, with the screen turned on to show the home screen filled with app icons and widgets.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17_142.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) The iPhone 17 has a bigger, 6.3-inch screen with support for a 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on display mode. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter Apple’s base-model iPhone 17 also offers a lot of the same features that Apple previously reserved for the Pro iPhones. With ProMotion, the display’s maximum refresh rate has increased from 60 Hz to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and graphics. It’s adaptive, which means it’ll kick in when you’re using the phone and then dip to 1 Hz when the phone is idle. The iPhone 17 also has an always-on display, so you can easily glance at the time, notifications, or widgets on your lock screen without having to tap to wake the phone each time. **It has an upgraded front-facing camera with some useful selfie features.** Apple has upgraded the front camera on the iPhone 17 from a 12-megapixel sensor to an 18-megapixel one, which results in higher-resolution images. In our tests, compared with images from previous models, selfies came out even more crisp — we could make out every detail (breakouts included) even in low-light images. The sensor is also now square and has a wider field of view. With the Center Stage feature, found in the newest iPads and now built into the iPhone 17 line, the front-facing camera’s field of view expands automatically to fit more people in the frame while you’re holding the phone vertically. This means you don’t have to manually rotate your phone for wider group shots using the front-facing camera. The feature works as advertised, too: I used it during a birthday party, where many selfies were taken, and whenever someone else stepped into the shot, it would quickly zoom out to fit them in. However, the muscle memory that people have built after years of rotating their phones to snap selfies with friends may take some time to fade. Center Stage also kicks in on video calls to keep you in frame while you’re moving around. I found this feature helpful while I was FaceTiming a friend from my desk, as I was able to move between using the iPhone and typing on my MacBook without having to manually adjust the phone each time. The iPhone 17 also introduces the Dual Capture video mode, which allows you to use the front and rear cameras simultaneously to capture more footage at once. This is a feature we’ve been waiting on from Apple for a while — it’s been available on Samsung Galaxy phones for years now — and before the iPhone 17, we would use a third-party app such as Instagram or Snapchat to flip back and forth between the front and rear cameras to capture dual points of view. Using Dual Capture on the iPhone 17 was both fun and simple in our tests. Once you enable the feature, the front camera’s video is in picture-in-picture mode, and the center of the screen shows what the rear camera records. The iPhone 17 comes with Apple’s Dual Fusion camera system, which includes a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 48-megapixel ultrawide sensor. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter **It has a better ultrawide camera than the iPhone 16.** The iPhone 17 has Apple’s new Dual Fusion cameras. The name refers to the 48-megapixel main camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, plus the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera’s ability to double as a 12-megapixel macro lens. The main sensor continues to deliver vibrant, sharp photos with strong dynamic range and little to no visible noise. But the iPhone 16 also has a 48-megapixel main sensor — the upgrade here is to the ultrawide lens. We compared the two and found a few differences: In our tests, the iPhone 17 consistently delivered colors that were more subdued and natural, with lower contrast, delivering more evenly lit, true-to-life images. It also proved to have better distortion control. The iPhone 16’s images, on the other hand, looked more saturated and appeared slightly more warped. Like last year’s version, the iPhone 17 uses a combination of software and hardware to shoot 2x optical-quality zoom, but it still delivered strong results that looked almost identical to what we got from the iPhone 17 Pro. It also has support for up to 10x digital zoom, but in this regard its images weren’t as sharp or clean as those from the Pro model; although the photos were somewhat usable, they exhibited a noticeable loss of details and blurriness. You also have the option to take full-resolution 24-megapixel images (the default) or to switch to 12 megapixels; the camera system switches to the latter when you’re taking photos with night mode, macro flash, or Portrait Lighting. The 24-megapixel option is better for capturing the most detail, while the 12-megapixel mode is ideal for capturing low-light images. Note, however, that images captured with the 24-megapixel option will occupy more space, so if you plan on using the iPhone 17 to take a lot of images, we recommend upgrading to the higher storage configuration. **The A19 chip is faster and more efficient.** The iPhone 17 uses Apple’s latest chip, the A19, which includes a 16-core neural engine, a six-core CPU, and a five-core GPU. The A19 is designed to power features such as ProMotion, the always-on display, and Apple Intelligence more smoothly. During our time with the iPhone 17, its performance was great. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference coming from the iPhone 16, opening apps and switching between them did feel snappier. The higher refresh rate also allowed for a much smoother experience while we scrolled through social media and played a few rounds of *Alto’s Odyssey.* **The iPhone 17 is more durable than past iPhone models.** Apple introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s the latest version of Apple’s proprietary glass, which the company claims has three times better scratch resistance than the previous version. Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield coating on the back. But it retains the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as Apple’s more expensive phones. **It has longer battery life than the iPhone 16.** Apple claims that the iPhone 17 offers eight more hours of video playback in comparison with the iPhone 16, for a total of up to 30 hours. In our testing, the iPhone 17 lasted for longer than a day and a half of heavy usage on one charge. The extra battery life can be attributed to the addition of both ProMotion, which has an adaptive refresh rate that swaps between 120 Hz and 1 Hz, and the A19 chip, which is designed to be more power-efficient. And Apple claims that the iPhone 17 can charge up to 50% in 20 minutes on its [40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74271/225031/4/228977/?merchant=Apple). Using the Dynamic Power Adapter, we charged the iPhone 17 from 9% to 53% in about 25 minutes. **The base model has more storage.** Having officially dropped 128 GB storage configurations, Apple now starts the base iPhone 17 model at 256 GB of storage (without raising the starting price, as it did on the iPhone 17 Pro). If that’s not enough, you can choose 512 GB for an additional \$100. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **The design is a bit stale.** In comparison with the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 seems uninspired these days. It would’ve been nice to see some more substantive changes, such as a redesigned camera module similar to that of the iPhone Air. **It lacks a triple-camera system.** While the triple cameras are typically reserved for the iPhone Pro models, it’s tough not to criticize Apple for including only two cameras on the iPhone 17, especially considering the base models of both the Google Pixel 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. Those Android flagships both come with a main sensor, an ultrawide sensor, and a dedicated telephoto sensor. At this point, Apple seems to be falling behind the standard set by its competition. **Center Stage selfies aren’t the perfect solution.** Although it’s a nice feature to have on hand, taking selfies with Center Stage looks and feels awkward. Since it zooms out to capture everyone in the frame, it produces an ultrawide selfie that made our arms and torsos look really long. We preferred sticking to the standard method of rotating our phone and snapping a more cropped-in shot. ## The best cameras: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max ![The back of an orange-colored iPhone Pro Max, showing the Apple logo and the three-lens camera system in the top-left corner.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/09/BG-IPHONE-2048px_IPHONE-17-PRO-MAX_BACK.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=1024) Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74266/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro_20250916-201821_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple) [Excellent cameras, powerful performance](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Excellent cameras, powerful performance")[Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/229363?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 17 Pro") The iPhone 17 Pro has a brighter screen than the iPhone 16 Pro, a more powerful chip, an updated front-facing camera, and a triple 48-megapixel camera system. It also has a new internal vapor-cooling system to prevent overheating during gaming and other intensive tasks, as well as to extend its battery life. [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/74267/Apple-iPhone-17-Pro-Max_20250916-202422_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/229360?merchant=Apple) Sporting complete redesigns (which can be polarizing, depending on who you ask), the [Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74266/225026/4/228979/?merchant=Apple) and [Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74267/225027/4/228980/?merchant=Apple) look nothing like their predecessors. Apple has abandoned the titanium bodies of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models in favor of aluminum, which is better than titanium for dispersing heat, and the company has also given the iPhone 17 Pro models a new vapor-chamber cooling system to help with heat management. Both Pro models have a triple 48-megapixel camera system, including an upgraded telephoto lens, and also add a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera (up from 12 megapixels). In addition, powered by an A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver excellent performance and the longest battery life of the iPhone lineup. Deciding between the Pro models really depends on what size you prefer — a smaller, 6.3-inch display or a massive, 6.9-inch one. **The Pro models are fully redesigned and more durable.** Rather than sticking with the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, Apple chose aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. This change is supposed to help with thermal management, as Apple says aluminum is 20 times more conductive. On the back is a redesigned camera module that Apple calls the “plateau”; this module houses the camera sensors, making extra space for a larger battery. The display on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is made of Ceramic Shield 2, which is more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also come with Ceramic Shield 2, the latest version of Apple’s proprietary coating, which is three times more scratch-resistant than the original version. For the first time, both Pro models have Ceramic Shield on the back as well, which according to Apple is four times more resistant to cracks. Although we still recommend putting a case on such an expensive phone, it’s nice to see added protection on both the front and back of the device. **Both Pro models have new internal cooling systems to better prevent overheating.** It’s no secret that Apple’s iPhone Pro models have suffered from overheating throughout the years. To help combat this problem, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max use a new vapor-chamber-based cooling system that is laser-welded into the phones’ aluminum bodies and is designed to draw heat away from the A19 Pro chip much more efficiently. This system is ideal if you’re planning on using your Pro model for heavy-duty gaming or for photo and video editing. Although we mainly used the iPhone 17 Pro for basic tasks, including scrolling through social media, making phone calls, sending texts, and jotting down notes, we never felt it get warm. But even on a night out with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, where we constantly reached for it to take photos and videos throughout the evening for hours on end, all while using multiple apps such as Google Maps, Uber, and Spotify, it felt cool to the touch the whole time. The redesigned camera module on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the plateau, includes a triple 48-megapixel camera system. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter **The new A19 Pro chip packs plenty of power and delivers the best battery life yet.** The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s new A19 Pro chip, which has a six-core CPU, a six-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple claims that the A19 Pro is up to 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU performance than the chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. In our tests, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max delivered great performance throughout our time with them, handling hours of scrolling through social media, photo editing, and light gaming with ease. Based on processing power alone, either Pro model is certainly the iPhone to get if you’re planning on using yours for more power-intensive and graphics-heavy tasks. The A19 Pro chip also helps to optimize battery life, which was especially impressive in our testing. Apple claims that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers up to 33 hours of video playback (up from 27 hours in the iPhone 16 Pro) and that the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides up to 39 hours (compared with 33 hours from the iPhone 16 Pro Max). We used real-world testing to put these phones through their paces: We took the iPhone 17 Pro off the charger at 3:40 p.m. one day and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:40 p.m. the next day, for a total of 31 hours. The iPhone 17 Pro Max didn’t last as long, but that’s also because we used that model continuously throughout the day for shooting images, navigating with maps, and taking multiple FaceTime calls. We took it off the charger at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t have to plug it back in until 10:30 a.m. the next day, for a total of nearly 18 hours. We must emphasize, though, that we barely put the 17 Pro Max down during our time with it, and on a typical day we’d be able to stretch it for much longer. **The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max have slightly improved rear cameras.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with a Fusion camera system. But in addition to the 48-megapixel main camera and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, Apple upgraded the Pro and Pro Max’s 12-megapixel telephoto lens (which had 5x optical zoom), replacing it with a 48-megapixel lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 8x optical-like quality. The new lens also delivers up to 40x digital zoom. In our tests the main sensor and ultrawide camera did an excellent job in various lighting conditions across standard photos, portrait-mode shots, and night mode. The photos were vibrant and crisp, and they also allowed for balanced contrast and accurate colors even in dim environments. The telephoto lens was equally impressive at both 4x and 8x zoom, where we noticed no loss of detail or blurriness. At times it struggled a bit when zoomed in at 8x, but the problem wasn’t noticeable to the naked eye; we picked up on it only when we pulled up the images on an external monitor and zoomed in, as certain details in the background came out a bit fuzzy or seemed a little out of focus, while the subjects were consistently sharp. However, it particularly faltered on images we took beyond 8x, specifically at 40x digital zoom — an area where competitors such as Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra excelled. Those phones use a mix of optical and AI-enhanced digital zoom to create sharp, crisp images, even at a long distance. Most of the images we took on the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max at 40x appeared fuzzy and grainy. **The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max come with more storage.** Like the iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro now starts at 256 GB of storage, with the option to max out at 1 TB. Meanwhile, Apple increased the larger model’s maximum configurable storage to 2 TB. Note that, with the base-storage increase, the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro is now \$100 higher than that of its predecessor. And while the base-model iPhone 17 Pro Max costs \$1,200 with 256 GB, the 2 TB model comes out to a whopping \$2,000. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **The color options are limited, and many people will hate the two-tone design.** Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only in orange, blue, and silver. If the company couldn’t offer a wider range of muted colors, as it did with last year’s iPhone 16 Pro lineup, then we would’ve at least appreciated a black color option. The two-tone design that Apple incorporated on the back is also a strange choice: It’s less noticeable on the blue version, where it blends in better, but it’s worse on the orange version, where the tones are a stark contrast from each other. The worst of them all is the silver model, which has a white square on the back. This design choice takes away from the premium, sleek, monochromatic look of previous iPhone Pro and Pro Max models, making the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max somehow look a little cheap. **The iPhone 17 Pro is more expensive than last year’s model.** While the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain the same in price, Apple increased the base storage and thereby the entry price of the iPhone 17 Pro by \$100, bringing the total up to \$1,100 for the 256 GB base model. ## A more affordable option: iPhone 16e ![An iPhone 16e showing a red abstract home screen.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2025/02/iphone-2048px-0652.jpg?auto=webp&quality=75&width=320) Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter #### Budget pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/69020/Apple-iPhone-16e_20250418-053733_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple) [Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package")[Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/229362?merchant=Apple "Apple iPhone 16e") Apple’s most affordable iPhone stretches the boundaries of “budget” with a price tag that’s \$170 higher than the cost of the discontinued iPhone SE. But it’s a good phone, with long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and a camera that produces decent results. At \$600, the [Apple iPhone 16e](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/69020/214186/4/211309/?merchant=Apple) isn’t exactly cheap, but it is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, and it does everything you might need an iPhone to do. The iPhone 16e replaces the now-discontinued iPhone SE, and although it’s significantly more expensive than that phone (by \$170), it also feels more like a higher-end iPhone than the SE did. Apple has ditched the home button and Touch ID in favor of a large, 6.1-inch screen and a Face ID notch. The iPhone 16e charges via USB-C and delivers lengthy battery life. It lacks MagSafe compatibility and has just a single rear camera lens, but otherwise it’s a perfectly fine iPhone. We just wish it were cheaper. **The iPhone 16e delivers excellent battery life.** While the most noticeable features of the 16e are its notched cutout for Face ID and its single camera lens, the real standout is its lengthy battery life. Apple fit in a larger battery; that component, combined with the power efficiency enabled by the company’s custom C1 modem (for connecting to the internet) and A18 chip, allowed the 16e to last 36 hours even with extremely heavy usage in our testing. A travel day is the ultimate stress test for a phone’s battery life, so I charged the 16e to 100% at 5 p.m. on a Sunday in anticipation of my flight from San Francisco to New York at 7 a.m. the following morning. I hailed an Uber, streamed music and podcasts, responded to Slack messages and texts in-flight, chatted on the phone after landing, navigated my way around Queens and Brooklyn using Google Maps, and FaceTimed with my partner before bed. When I awoke on Tuesday, the 16e still had enough battery life left for me to get through my morning meetings. The difference in battery life will be most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as an iPhone 11 or one of the iPhone mini models, but the iPhone 16e’s battery even outlasts that of the pricier iPhone 17. **It can charge quickly via USB-C.** The iPhone 16e’s predecessor, the third-gen iPhone SE, charged over Lightning, and with that model’s discontinuation, Apple is now all in on USB-C. The 16e also supports fast wired charging with a 20 W USB-C adapter, charging from completely dead to 47% in 30 minutes in our testing. It can also charge wirelessly with any Qi charging pad, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so magnetic chargers or accessories can’t attach. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens. Upgrading to a better iPhone gives you the ability to take better photos. Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter **It's future-proofed with Apple Intelligence support.** Apple’s artificial intelligence features, which include writing tools and AI-generated emoji, aren’t necessarily worth buying a new phone for, but a few of them are useful. Apple will continue to release new AI features and improve existing ones, so we appreciate the fact that even its cheapest phone will benefit from them. **It’s basically the same size as the iPhone 16, which Apple still sells, and the screen is almost as good.** The 16e is almost all screen, with a giant, 6.1-inch display and a minimal bezel (plus a notch cutout for the Face ID camera). With the iPhone 16e sitting next to the iPhone 16, that notch is really the only way to tell the two apart. Although the iPhone 16 gets a little brighter, up to 1,600 nits, in contrast to the iPhone 16e’s 1,200-nit peak, the cheaper phone is plenty bright. But it’s not as bright as the iPhone 17, which reaches 3,000 nits of peak brightness. **It looks more expensive than it is.** The iPhone 16e, like the iPhone 17, has an aluminum frame with a matte-glass back, and it looks more like a new iPhone than the SE did. It comes only in white and black, but you can add a case for a pop of color. ### Flaws but not dealbreakers **It’s more expensive than its predecessor.** The third-gen iPhone SE was \$430, and a \$170 jump in price is a tough pill to swallow. The 16e does offer a slew of features that the SE didn’t have, but for a “budget” phone, we wish the price were a little lower. **The single camera is fine, but other iPhones take better photos.** The biggest differentiator across Apple’s phones is their cameras — spending more allows you to capture better photos. The iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera lens, in contrast to the iPhone 17’s two lenses and the 17 Pro’s trio of lenses. It’s capable of switching between a standard angle and what Apple calls an optical-quality 2x telephoto, and the resulting images were good in our tests. But if you want to capture a nighttime shot of, say, the Empire State Building at 10x zoom, you’ll be disappointed in the extremely grainy quality. **The absence of MagSafe is annoying.** The iPhone 16e can charge wirelessly, but it doesn’t support MagSafe, so Apple’s magnetic charging pads and other MagSafe accessories can’t stick to the back of the phone. A MagSafe charger can still charge the 16e, albeit slowly, and third-party case makers are already releasing MagSafe cases for the 16e, so you can attach MagSafe accessories to them. But the lack of MagSafe in light of the phone’s higher starting price is annoying. ## The competition In addition to the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple also announced the \$1,000 [Apple iPhone Air](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/74272/225032/4/228976/?merchant=Apple), its thinnest iPhone ever. Although it represents a nice departure from the chunkier iPhones we’ve grown accustomed to, its slimmer profile makes some trade-offs. It offers a large, 6.5-inch display, but it has just a single rear camera lens, a single speaker, and a battery that barely lasted us 12 hours. Unless all you care about is the design, we think it’s too expensive for its lack of features. For details, read [our full review](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-air-review/). Apple still sells the [Apple iPhone 16](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/64344/206078/4/228975/?merchant=Best%20Buy) and [Apple iPhone 16 Plus](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/64598/206020/4/228974/?merchant=Apple) but reduced the price by \$100. The now-\$700 6.1-inch iPhone 16 has a smaller screen than the iPhone 17 and lacks support for ProMotion and an always-on display. The \$800 iPhone 16 Plus has a larger, 6.7-inch screen but also lacks advanced display technology. The front-facing camera on both models is 12 megapixels (in contrast to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17) and lacks new features such as Center Stage and Dual Capture video. We suggest buying the iPhone 17 instead — its screen size lands between those of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and it offers some display and camera upgrades you can’t get on the older phones. *Caitlin McGarry contributed additional reporting. This article was edited by Caitlin McGarry and Arthur Gies.*

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