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WIRED
04-05-2025
- Business
- WIRED
9 Great Deals on Mother's Day Gifts
Get Mom something special and save some money on it, too. Plenty of our recommendations are on sale. All products featured on Wired are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. 'Tis the time of year for Mother's Day deals. It can be hard to find the perfect gift for the best woman in the universe, especially if you (like many of us) are on a tight budget right now. Luckily, we at WIRED do this for a living. We've curated lists of the best gifts for moms and mother figures, and the best gifts for women, plus a few of our top picks and services are on sale ahead of Mother's Day. You've still got time to shop before the big day arrives on May 11. We'll update this post again before then. Need some inspiration? Aside from the aforementioned gift guides, be sure to check out our lists of the Best Flower Delivery Services, the Best Chocolate Gift Boxes, the Best Pajamas for Women, and the Best Scented Candles. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today . Deals on Mother's Day Gifts Amazon Shark ($264, Blossom Bliss) The Shark FlexStyle (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is similar to the Dyson AirWrap, but is much less expensive. It can curl, smooth, and blow-dry. In fact, the version that comes with an air straightener, the FlexFusion ($75 off with the code FUSION75), is also one of our favorite blow-dry brushes. The model at Amazon is the silver color, but if your mom would prefer a limited-edition pink floral model, Shark has a sale bringing the price down to $264. We love Atlas Coffee Club, an excellent coffee subscription. We love AndSons, an excellent chocolatier. The two companies have collaborated on this wonderful gift set, which contains six bags of popular single-origin coffee roasts, plus two truffles to pair with each roast. It's a good value at full cost, but saving $10 never hurt anybody. Amazon Birdfy (Lifetime AI, $150) This is our very favorite smart bird feeder. It'll send smartphone notifications when a bird is getting some grub, and it has AI recognition that (usually) correctly identifies the species. You can opt for a lifetime subscription of the AI recognition for a slightly higher cost, though Birdfy itself has the lifetime subscription cheaper than Amazon does. Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane The Bouqs Co. is one of our favorite flower delivery services. It works with sustainable farms, and there are plenty of stunning bouquets and vases to choose from. I personally use this service every time I get flowers delivered, either to myself or someone else, and I've always been impressed. Every model and color of the Skylight Frame 2 is on sale, with prices starting at $100. We recommend it in our Digital Picture Frames Buying Guide. This uses Skylight's Snap Frames, which means Mom can easily (and affordably) change how the entire thing looks. You can email photos or use the app to upload photos to the frame, and you can pinch and zoom the photos on the frame itself. This is an excellent way to show off the digital photos that all too often live exclusively on our phones. Calpak has a Mother's Day sale going that gets you 15 percent off orders over $100. We recommend Calpak products in a few guides, but we especially love this mini diaper backpack that works well for toting stuff. WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell likes it so much that she uses it for solo outings when she's not using it as a diaper bag. It's pretty roomy despite its miniature size, and there are a few pockets for additional organization. Photograph: Scott Gilbertson We recommend this company's excellent, lightweight cast iron skillets, which are expensive and basically never go on sale. This is a rare chance to save on both the 8-inch and 6-inch skillets. You'll also get a leather handle cover, a mini turner, and a cast iron care kit. WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson says the pans are easy to maneuver and that the seasoning holds up well. I've been testing this quilt as the Midwestern weather gets warmer, and I think it'll be perfect for summer. It's available in a ton of fun colors—I'm a big fan of the brown-toned '70s hues—and the texture of the crinkly cotton keeps me warm without being too heavy. It's soft and airy, but still feels substantial enough to let my body fall asleep. I don't think there's been a single Cozy Earth product we've tested that we didn't like on the WIRED Reviews team, but these pajamas are a top pick in our recently published guide to The Best Pajamas. They're supremely soft and cozy, and available in a wide array of sizes, colors, and patterns to suit any mother. The bamboo viscose blend is cool and breathable, so she'll be set for the summer.
WIRED
04-04-2025
- Health
- WIRED
The Best Protein Powders
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder for $90: With 17 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Sakara's Protein + Greens is just thr3e shy of the 20-gram benchmark we aim for. The blend of pea, hemp, and pumpkin proteins is bolstered by a 'super greens' mix of spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella. Is it dramatically transforming my gut health? Probably not. But on days when my vegetable and protein intake is low, a scoop of this in my smoothie (plus some Greek yogurt for an extra 18 grams of protein) makes me feel a little less like a goblin surviving on iced coffee and string cheese. Ghost Whey Protein Powder for $50 (2.2 pounds): Ghost is the protein powder for people who want their post-workout snack to taste like dessert. With flavors like Oreo, Cinnabon, and Chips Ahoy!, it's arguably one of the best-tasting whey proteins on the market. Each scoop delivers 26 grams of protein (50 percent of daily value) and blends well in shakes, oats, or even DIY protein ice cream. The trade-off here is a longer ingredient list that includes gums, high-fructose corn syrup, and titanium dioxide—a whitening pigment banned as a food additive in Europe. Wavelength Vanilla Protein Powder for $55: In addition to 20 grams of pea protein per serving, Wavelength's plant-based powder boasts trendy adaptogens and nootropics like maca root, ashwagandha, and Chaga mushroom extract. The brand doesn't disclose how much of each is in the mix, so it's hard to say if they're doing much beyond adding to the price tag. The taste is deeply earthy, which makes it better suited for baking than chugging. Wavelength also makes Little Ripples, a protein powder formulated for kids, but we haven't tested it yet. Aloha 12oz Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Drink (Pack of 12) for $33: Aloha's protein powder is still on my testing docket, but I have tried the brand's ready-to-drink shakes. The chocolate sea salt is surprisingly tasty; it's creamy and rich, but there's a faint aftertaste. I sometimes use the vanilla flavor as a milk base for smoothies, and there's also a coconut flavor I haven't gotten my hands on yet. Each serving packs 20 grams of plant-based protein. BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer, Muscle Mass Gainer Protein Powder for $83: If you're trying to bulk up or struggle to hit your calorie goals, BSN True Mass is worth considering. This mass gainer packs 1,200 calories per serving, with 50 grams of protein and 215 grams of carbohydrates. Its protein blend includes whey concentrate, casein, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey isolate, and micellar casein, so you get a mix of fast and slow-digesting proteins. It also delivers 450 milligrams of calcium and 880 milligrams of potassium, which is a bonus if you want to squeeze in some micronutrients. It tastes great—the strawberry milkshake flavor is spot-on—but these are two scoops at 310 grams, so you'll need to be comfortable with the jumbo serving size. I can't fully endorse the formula because it's packed with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as well as some iffy additives including maltodextrin and a gum blend (cellulose, guar, gum Arabic, and xanthan) that might not sit well with everyone. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to pass. This one brings protein farts to a new level. Accessories to Try Photograph: the beast Beast Mega 1200 for $199: If you're looking to level up your smoothie game, Mega's 1,200-watt motor cuts through frozen fruit, powders, and fibrous foods with an ease that personal blenders can't match. One button, a timed cycle, and consistent chunk-free results. The three included Tritan vessels are designed with ribbed interiors that boost turbulence for silkier smoothies. Plus, the drinking lid and straw system transforms your blender into a travel cup without the extra dishes. It's available in five colors—cloud white, carbon black, navy, sand, sage, and charcoal—and backed by a two-year warranty. Vitamix Ascent X5 for $750: The Vitamix Ascent X5 is expensive, but if you're in the market for an all-purpose blender, this is the one that makes smoothies feel like an art form. It's got 10 preset programs (smoothie bowls, nut butters, nondairy milks, and more), which means your protein recipes can get as creative as you want. It has a tamper for the thickest of shakes, and the on-screen indicator tells you exactly when to step in. Plus, if your blend needs more mixing, hit the 'add 15 seconds' button. The self-cleaning mode is my favorite feature; it's not groundbreaking, but I'd rather gouge my eyes out with a dull chopstick than scrub post-smoothie gunk off a blender. Plus, it's backed by a 10-year warranty, which makes it an investment worth considering. Ninja Blast Portable Blender for $53: Finally, for an affordable option, you might want to consider Ninja's tiny portable blender, which charges via USB-C. The motor isn't super powerful, and the battery isn't long-lived (one charge lasts long enough to thoroughly blend one yogurt smoothie with frozen berries), but this blender is affordable, the vessel and lid are dishwasher-safe, and it's tiny enough to have a permanent home on editor Adrienne So's counter. She has been using this daily for a year to make morning smoothies from Greek yogurt, milk, and frozen berries and bananas with no issues.
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WIRED
03-03-2025
- WIRED
All Home Gyms Should Look as Good as a Tonal 2
Tonal is a high-tech slab of ambition—a gym in a mirror for those wanting to trade dumbbells for algorithm-powered gains. Tonal 2 is sleeker, sharper, and somehow even more expensive than before. At $4,295 (plus several add-on costs), it's both a statement piece and a serious financial commitment. I wanted to know if Tonal could change the way I train. After weeks of testing, I analyzed everything from installation to daily performance to see if Tonal 2 could keep me motivated—no small feat given my squirrel-like attention span—or if it would just turn my living room into the set of a Black Mirror episode. New and Improved Tonal 2 sticks with the same wall-mounted design as its predecessor (7/10, WIRED Recommends) but refines the aesthetic with an all-black finish and chrome accents. It looks cool in any home gym—as long as you wipe off the inevitable smudges after every workout. The most noticeable upgrade is the built-in camera, which enables real-time form feedback on-screen. Previously, Smart View required a separate mobile device to analyze movements, but now corrections are immediate. You can still integrate your phone for a side-angle, which improves the coaching cues. Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane In my experience, Smart View caught subtle but critical posture mistakes—like hunching my shoulders or letting my chest drop. But it wasn't flawless. For example, it didn't flag when I performed an entirely different exercise, like a narrow hamstring curl instead of a wide bicep curl. Certain exercises also make it hard to glance at the screen mid-set, so I relied on the post-workout videos and feedback for review more than in real time. Connectivity has also improved, with stronger Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability. Your internet still matters—if your connection is spotty, expect occasional lag—but I didn't experience any streaming disruptions during testing. Perhaps the most meaningful upgrade is its durability. Tonal 2's new cables are 75 percent stronger, pushing the digital resistance cap from 200 to 250 pounds—a huge plus for advanced lifters. Tonal also introduced a new workout modality, Aero HIIT, a cardio and strength training hybrid, that adds five new moves to the list: Aero Pull, Aero Mini Pull, Aero Twist, Aero Chop, and Aero Lunge. Drop sets are also now built-in, making pushing through fatigue possible without manual weight adjustments. Not Just Weights Tonal 2 requires professional installation, adding another $295 (or more, depending on your location). It mounts flush to the wall, keeping your space clutter-free, but it demands at least 7'x7' of floor space and a 7'10' ceiling height for a full range of motion. If you live in a smaller space, be prepared to shuffle furniture around before workouts. The actual installation took about 45 minutes and went smoothly. Though fair warning, the drilling is loud. If you have neighbors, maybe give them a heads-up. Lifting with digital resistance feels different from free weights. According to Tonal, the pin-loaded machine can feel 23 percent heavier than barbell dumbbells. There's no momentum, so your muscles stay engaged throughout the motion. It's a more controlled (and limiting) way to train. The touchscreen is responsive, making it easy to adjust weights, follow programs, and track progress.
WIRED
27-02-2025
- Health
- WIRED
The Theragun Pro Plus Offers Advanced Recovery for Fitness Junkies
Whether you're recovering from marathon training or trying to unkink your shoulders after hours spent hunched over a screen, percussive therapy can help. Therabody has long led the massage gun space, and its Theragun Pro Plus (sixth-generation) is the company's most ambitious model yet. It takes the deep-tissue percussive therapy Theragun is known for and layers on heat therapy, vibration, and near-infrared LED tech for an all-in-one recovery tool. It's part jackhammer, part spa treatment (general safety guidelines, here). There's even an optional cold therapy attachment. A handheld version is better—you won't catch me dunking into a cold plunge in this lifetime. A Personal Masseuse Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane At $600, the Pro Plus is an investment, and it looks the part. The matte black casing—made from durable plastic and TPU—feels solid, the OLED screen gives it a luxurious edge, and the triangular multi-grip design helps distribute weight to reduce wrist strain. Still, at 3.63 pounds (without attachments), it's the heaviest Theragun yet. Holding it overhead for long periods will feel like a workout in itself. The OLED screen features a force meter so you can see exactly how much pressure you're applying. I enjoyed this feature because it felt like a delicate nudge for me to apply more pressure. This can also be useful for others who might go way too hard. Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane The Pro Plus comes with seven attachments: the standard five (Dampener, Standard Ball, Thumb, Micro-Point, and Wedge), plus two specialized heads for percussive heat and vibration therapy. The heated attachment has three temperature settings (113°F, 122°F, 131°F). It doesn't get as hot as a heating pad, but when paired with percussion, it feels spa-like. I started using it pre-workout on my quads, and it made a noticeable difference in how stiff I felt going into a spin class. The Pro Plus is also compatible with Therabody's cold therapy attachment, but for $89 extra, it feels like an upsell. After testing it, I'd also say it's not essential unless you're a fan of contrast therapy. What Are the Different Attachments Used For? AccordionItemContainerButton Dampener: Use on tender muscles or bony areas. Use on tender muscles or bony areas. Standard Ball: For full-body massage to reduce tension. For full-body massage to reduce tension. Thumb: For trigger points and the lower back to alleviate knots. For trigger points and the lower back to alleviate knots. Micro-Point: For increased stimulation and circulation. For increased stimulation and circulation. Wedge: For shoulder blades, IT bands, scraping, and flushing. For shoulder blades, IT bands, scraping, and flushing. Percussive Heat: Loosen up stiff muscles and accelerate recovery. Loosen up stiff muscles and accelerate recovery. Vibration: Use on muscles and joints for pain, circulation, and sensitive treatments. Use on muscles and joints for pain, circulation, and sensitive treatments. Cold Therapy (sold separately): Reduces pain, swelling and inflammation. How Do I Clean My Theragun? AccordionItemContainerButton According to Therabody's website, only use a Magic Eraser or damp cloth to wipe your device. This also applies for most of the attachments, except for the Supersoft (not compatible with the Pro Plus). Recovery or Overkill? When it comes to power, the Pro Plus delivers. Its 16-millimeter amplitude and five-speed settings (1,750-2,400 RPM) make it one of the most intense massages on the market. The redesigned EQ-150 brushless motor is also 20 percent quieter than the previous generation, which is a nice improvement. It's not silent but should not be bothersome if you have housemates or pets. Battery life varies based on the features you use, but it's around 150 minutes with standard settings. That said, some of the features can feel extra. For instance, Therabody touts its near-infrared LED therapy as a recovery booster that increases blood flow and reduces muscle soreness. A company study backs this up, but in daily use, the effects are difficult to notice unless you're recovering from an injury. There's also a built-in biometric sensor for heart rate tracking, but in practice, it didn't add much to my experience, and I rarely used it. Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
WIRED
05-02-2025
- Health
- WIRED
The Therabody PowerDot 2.0 Duo Really Works, When It Works
Testing fitness gear for WIRED means I work out six days a week, sometimes twice daily. So when I got my hands on the PowerDot 2.0 Duo, I was excited to see whether it could ease my post-workout soreness. At-home devices like this aim to commercialize medical technology that was once reserved for elite athletes. PowerDot was acquired by Therabody in 2021 and is one of the leading gadgets in this space, billing itself as 'the world's first smart muscle stimulator.' The PowerDot 2.0 combines two noninvasive therapies: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Controlled through a companion app, it's an intriguing recovery tool with undeniable potential but also notable flaws. A 2-for-1 Deal The PowerDot 2.0 uses three adhesive electrodes to deliver electrical pulses to your skin. NMES stimulates motor nerves, mimicking brain signals to trigger muscle contractions. This process can boost blood circulation, help deliver nutrients to issues, and aid recovery from muscle fatigue or injuries. TENS targets the sensory nerves to temporarily block pain signals and stimulate endorphin production (the body's natural painkiller). It's particularly effective for conditions like lower back pain, postoperative discomfort, and dysmenorrhea. Studies actually suggest TENS can offer greater relief for menstrual pain than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen). Together, these technologies intend to address both muscle recovery and pain relief. Photograph: Therabody While NMES has shown potential in reducing blood lactate levels, an indicator of muscle fatigue, its impact is more supportive than transformative. Also, to reap the benefits, the stimulation must be intense enough to activate muscles without adding to the fatigue. It's worth noting that the effectiveness of both technologies can vary depending on factors like body composition and individual thresholds to electrical stimulation. Another disclaimer is that Therabody hasn't published any clinical data or studies specific to PowerDot, instead referencing general research on NMES and TENS. This lack of information makes it hard to validate the company's claims about the device's intended purpose. Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane The Duo package includes: two pods, three adhesive electrode pads (one rectangular and two round), two sets of lead cables (10 cm and 30 cm), two micro USB charging cables, and a protective case. It's portable—smaller than a novel—and easy to travel with. The hydrogel pads last for 20 to 30 sessions before losing their stickiness, at which point they need to be replaced ($18 per Duo set). The app tracks pad lifespan so you don't have to, and with care, you might eke out a few extra sessions. Just knock on wood you don't drop one face-down. Relief, With Caveats In practice, the PowerDot delivered mixed results. When it worked, it did make me feel less stiff for my next workout. The period pain relief program was my favorite feature, but the pain relief was short-lived, limited to the session's duration. The tingling sensation can feel uncomfortable, especially at first, but it's tolerable and you can adjust it to your comfort. The second pod is a major advantage, letting you target both sides of a muscle group simultaneously. This cuts session times in half and reduces wear on the pads. If you own the Uno, you can upgrade by purchasing a second pod. PowerDot is fully controlled through its companion app, which allows you to choose specific muscle groups or recovery programs, adjust intensity levels, and track sessions. The app itself makes the experience feel approachable, including for those new to electrical stimulation devices. You'll need to download the separate PowerDot app, as the device doesn't sync with the Therabody app—not a big deal, but worth mentioning.
