Latest news with #JordanBowman
NBC News
15-05-2025
- NBC News
The 7 best over-ear headphones of 2025, tested by our editors
Almost everyone I see on my morning commute is wearing earbuds (mostly AirPods). But when I want to watch a show on my tablet or pack a weekend bag, I usually reach for a pair of over-ear headphones. That's because they have superior sound quality, long battery life and strong automated noise cancellation. I've tested dozens of headphones, including wireless earbuds, workout headphones and open ear headphones. I combined my experience with the rest of the NBC Select team to pick the best over-ear headphones for you. How I picked the best over-ear headphones Almost everyone at NBC Select has a pair of over-ear headphones they love. Combining their feedback and my time testing dozens of headphones, I selected our favorites by keeping the following qualities in mind: Comfort: I highlighted headphones that are comfortable to wear for hours at a time, with an adjustable fit, cushioned earpads, a comfortable headband and even weight distribution across your head. Ease of use: I picked headphones that were easy to control using the buttons or touch options on the earcups. I also tried each brand's smartphone app, looking into extra features and useful settings. Battery life: A good pair of headphones should keep you entertained through your commute, international flight or weekend trip, without having to worry about recharging. Most of my picks have at least 24 hours of battery life. Noise-canceling: All of our top picks have active noise cancellation (ANC). This technology detects incoming noise and cancels it out — a must-have for hearing your music clearly in a noisy environment, without having to crank up the volume. The best over-ear headphones in 2025 Most of our top picks come from well-known audio brands like Sony and Bose. All of our picks have ANC, transparency and some kind of travel case included. With the exception of the Apple AirPods Max, all of our top picks work equally well on all kinds of devices —- Android phones, Apple laptops, Samsung tablets, you name it. NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman and I are huge fans of the WH-1000XM series (aside from the clunky name). They are good at just about everything, with great sound quality, powerful active noise cancellation, intuitive touch controls and excellent battery life. We've used the XM4, XM5 and now these latest XM6's for work, commuting, vacations and relaxing at home without issue. The XM6 has a slightly bass-forward sound profile, but not so heavy that it drowns out mid or high end instrumentation. They convey rumbling guitar and sweeping vocals with proper gravitas. Detailed jazz arrangements also come in with layered detail and energy. They are also more comfortable than the previous XM5, with a wider headband that is easier to adjust. I typically have complaints about touch-controlled headsets, but Sony is one brand that nails it. The right earcup is essentially a touchpad — you can pause and play, adjust volume, skip and repeat tracks and more, all with swipes and taps. If you cover the entire right earcup with your palm, the headphones instantly switch to hear-through mode, a quick way to hear someone talking to you without taking off the headset. The two physical buttons on the left earcup act as the power button and mode switch. Unlike the XM5, the XM6 fold down to a smaller size, meaning the included hard case is easier to put in most bags. The XM6 is pricey, though — if you are looking for something similar from the brand, consider the Sony WH-1000XM4. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a pair of full-featured over-ear headphones. The Soundcore Life Q30 costs under $100 but has most of the same features as our other picks, (ANC, transparency mode, a folding design, a hard case, long battery life and fast charging). They are comfortable, if a bit flimsy, especially in the control buttons. The sound isolation is decent, with ANC adding a little extra noise-canceling to the mix. Transparency mode is a little lacking, common in this sub-$100 price range. But the battery life is stellar with 60 hours of power with ANC turned off and 40 hours with ANC turned on. These headphones lack some of the detail and clarity of higher priced options, especially for instrumental and orchestral music. If you are willing to spend over $100, the Soundcore Space Q45 is a higher-tier model that improves on nearly every aspect of the Q30s, in my experience. If you want to hear your music and nothing else, these headphones have some of the strongest noise-canceling I've heard (alongside the Sony WH-1000XM6). I gravitate towards this headset when I want to focus in the office — chatter around my desk becomes barely audible, even with the volume level low. The sound profile also sounds more neutral when compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6. They are well-built and very adjustable, with metal along the hinges and plush padding around the earcups and headband. They fold down into the included hard case and show no signs of wear and tear even after a few months of consistent use. The headphones have a mix of physical and touch controls on the earcups — both could use some improvement, considering the price point. The volume slider is easy to accidentally adjust when putting on or taking off the headphones, says Bowman. The on-off button also has a bit of a delay — it can take a few seconds to know if you've turned the headset on or off. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez has had AirPods Max for about two years. She uses them for everything: working out, commuting, travel, focusing in the office and anything in between. They are the best headphones she's ever had, but work best with Apple devices — many of their connectivity features do not function on Windows and Android. These headphones are comfortable and have ample padding without too much clamping force against your head, says Rodriguez. The earcups attach magnetically to the headset, and are far easier to remove and clean than our other top picks. The headset is also much heavier than our other top picks, and although Rodriguez noticed, she never found them uncomfortable to wear. They have excellent ANC and one of the best transparency modes on the market, in our experience. In transparency, noise and conversations come in clearly, making it easier to leave the headset on for hours at a time. For travel, the largely metal build is durable, but the included soft case is lacking, in our experience. It only protects the earcups, and leaves the metal and mesh headband completely exposed. These noise-canceling headphones from Sonos (the first from the brand) have the best on-ear controls of any pair I've tried. There are dedicated buttons for power and ANC, then a sliding media button for everything else (called the content key). You can slide the content key up and down for volume adjustment or press it in to pause, play, skip and repeat songs or even take calls. It is responsive, precise and less likely to make an error compared to the more temperamental touch controls I've tried. The Sonos Ace has a neutral-feeling sound profile that produces crisp, clear and balanced audio. Like the WH-1000XM6s and AirPods Max, they deliver detailed sound across all genres I listen to. They create a very solid seal around my ears — so much so that I typically leave ANC off when I am in a quiet environment because they cancel out a lot of noise naturally. They are also incredibly comfortable with top notch padding in the ear cup and head pad — I've worn them for over four hours at a time, and never felt the need to take them off. The headphones connect over Bluetooth, but you can also use them wired with the included USB-C or 3.5mm cables. If you have a Sonos soundbar, you can transfer audio from the soundbar to the headphones instantly by holding the content key. I don't typically listen to TV with headphones, but this was a nifty feature to have on top of an already good pair of headphones. The headphones do not fold, but are very slim — the carrying case is also easy to slide into a backpack or tote bag. These headphones share much of the design and features of Sony's flagship models, but at a more affordable price point. The main difference is sound: these headphones pump up the bass. The Ult Wear looks a lot like Sony's WH-1000XM4s, with a nondescript, folding design. Like the XM4s, you can tap and swipe the right earcup to control media, adjust volume and more. You have three physical buttons: power, mode switch and Ult. Click the Ult button once for a bit of extra bass, click it twice for a deep bass party-vibe. If you're a frequent flier, you are probably familiar with these Bose QuietComfort headphones. They nail the must-haves for long-distance travel: excellent ANC, a light and compact design, good battery life and a durable carrying case. On my most recent flight (about 4.5 hours), the headphones' relatively neutral sound profile made for easy listening — I never felt the need to take the headphones off for a break. It is easy to control using the physical buttons and on-off switch on the earcup. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have a slightly more plush and premium build, but cost significantly more than these. Something to note: you cannot turn ANC off with these headphones, you can mix ANC with transparency, but cannot turn both off to extend the battery life. How to use over-ear headphones Over-ear headphones create an enclosed space around your ear that naturally isolates you from outside noise. They are larger than earbuds and on-ear headphones. This extra size generally allows for the biggest and best audio quality, microphones, ANC and controls, in my experience. As with all headphones, there are a few things you should keep in mind to get the most out of them: Use the different noise cancellation modes All of our recommended headphones have some form of active noise cancellation and hear-through technology. Active noise cancellation (ANC) detects incoming noise and generates signals internally to cancel out that noise. Good ANC allows you to clearly hear your music even when there is a lot of background noise, without having to turn your volume to uncomfortably high levels. Hear-through, passthrough or transparency modes do the opposite: they detect incoming noise and amplify it. This allows you to better hear what is going on around you, despite the natural noise isolation over-ear headphones create. With most headphones, you can turn both of these modes off, and simply listen to audio without any outside noise dampening or amplification. I switch between ANC and hear-through often during work, and typically turn both off when I am relaxing at home. Experiment with all the modes available on your headset, and learn what works best for you. Download the headphone's app Most of the headphones on our list have a companion app you can download on your smartphone. These apps typically let you change the audio balance (equalizer) on your headphones, manage which device you are connected to and download software updates to improve your headphones. For many brands, you can also turn on an immersive listening mode though these are universally disliked by the NBC Select team. I list the name of each headphone's app in the specs line. Take breaks Some over-ear headphones can have a squeezing effect on your head over time. If you suffer from tension headaches, earbuds may be a better option, says Allen Conrad, a chiropractor at Montgomery County Chiropractic Center. Wearing over-ear headphones for six to eight hours while sitting at your computer can also have an accumulative effect on neck pain and posture, says Conrad. Consider how heavy your headphones are or swap to earbuds for long work days. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, running shoes and more. For this piece, I tried over a dozen over-ear headphones while working, commuting and relaxing indoors. I also spoke with other NBC Select staffers about their experiences with over-ear headphones they use.
NBC News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Gap Friends & Family sale: Save 40% on denim, dresses and more — just in time for summer
Spring's in full swing, and with summer quickly approaching, Gap is giving you the chance to refresh your wardrobe during its Friends & Family Sale. You can shop denim, T-shirts, skirts, shorts and more for a minimum of 40% off — so don't miss the chance to stock up on everything you need to get your summer staples in order. Cardmembers get an extra 10% off, too. Below, I rounded up some of the best deals to shop during Gap's sale. Keep in mind that many of these items are bestsellers and may sell out quickly, so be sure to shop while you still can. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Best deals from the Gap Friends & Family sale Below are the best deals from Gap's Friends and Family sale, including favorites from shopping experts and editors at NBC Select. Best women's deals Curvy High Rise Barrel Jeans These jeans are made from 100% cotton, and are designed with extra room in the hip and thigh areas for a curvier fit, according to Gap. They have a high rise, five pockets, and are available in petite, regular and tall fits, and in a range of washes, including dark, medium and light. Breathe Wireless Bra NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brow n loves bras from Gap for their comfort and support, which is exactly what you get with this wireless bra. It's made from a breathable, heather jersey knit with adjustable, convertible straps that unhook at the back, according to the brand. It's available in sizes ranging from 30A-40D. Modern Rib Tank Top A classic tank top is a wardrobe staple, and this ribbed option is made from a soft, breathable cotton blend, according to the brand. The fabric has enough stretch to give the top a flattering fit, and the halter neckline elevates the design enough so you can choose to dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. Best men's deals Pleated Khaki Shorts NBC Select editor Jordan Bowman recommends these shorts, which are made from a smooth, stretchy cotton that's ideal for hot summer days. They have a pleated front design for an extra touch of style, along with button closures, and pockets in the front and back, according to the brand. Denim Stripe Shirt Denim Stripe Shirt Bowman also suggests this airy button-up, which has a straight, classic fit and a front patch pocket for keeping small essentials like keys or lip balm. The shirt has an allover navy stripe design, and is made from a cotton-polyester blend, according to the brand. Baggy Jeans A good pair of jeans is necessary for any summer wardrobe rotation, and this pair is made from 100% cotton and has extra room around the hips and thighs, which allows for air to flow freely through. It also has a tapered leg that sits right over your shoes, and a classic, five-pocket style, according to the brand. Best kid's deals Kids Easy Skort This soft, cotton skort has a pair of inner shorts that make them ideal for both casual and more active occasions. The waist is elasticized, for an adjustable fit, and the skort comes in six vibrant summer colors. Kids Quick-Dry Lined Shorts If you're looking for the perfect pair of shorts to last your little ones all day, look no further — these shorts are made from a quick-dry polyester that they can wear both on the playground and in the pool, according to Gap. They have a stretchy fit and an adjustable waistband for added comfort, and also have pockets in the front and back. Baby First Favorites Bodysuit Made from a cotton, polyester and elastane blend, this soft bodysuit is an essential, everyday piece for your baby. It has a crewneck design with lapped shoulders that make it easier to go over the head, and snap-button closures at the inseam for quick and easy diaper changes, according to the brand. The bodysuit is available in sizes for babies up to 24 months old. More Gap deals to shop now 40% off Women's Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt 40% off Women's Linen-Blend Wide-Hem Pants 50% off Women's Mid Rise Denim Boxer Shorts 40% off Men's Original T-Shirt 40% off Men's Modern Khakis 40% off Gap Logo Denim Baseball Hat Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who's been covering deals and sales for over a year. To find the best deals from the Gap Friends & Family sale, I rounded up highly rated, on-sale apparel, as well as pieces our NBC Select editors love.
NBC News
31-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Editor's picks: 27 products we're obsessed with from March
I often dedicate the second half of March to one thing: stocking up on things for upcoming spring and summer travel. I usually try to buy travel accessories or clothes I know I can take with me or, at the very least, store in my room for the right fellow NBC Select staff members have also had travel on their minds lately, which you'll see reflected below in a lot of their recommendations. We had team members go to Japan and Rio and have their recommendations for cool vacation cameras, sneakers for those 20K step-days and of course, travelf-friendly sunscreens. Since our team consistently tests products across a variety of categories for our readers, and for fun, you'll also find some random organizing essentials, kitchen finds and other non-travel stuff we fell in love with in March. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Elliott Hyon, NBC Select Page I'm a loyal consumer of Korean sunscreens, but it's been recently difficult to order them online. My friend recommended the Olay Complete+ Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen as a substitute and I was impressed by how smooth the formula was. My skin is acne-prone and sensitive from nightly tretinoin use so it normally can't tolerate the chemical filters in American sunscreens, but this quickly became a part of my morning skin care routine. I only swatch it once on my face to blend it into my skin perfectly and it leaves no white cast. I like how my skin absorbs it and I can see plumper, softer skin from using it so it's since become one of my favorites. Kalimdor Pants Hangers I moved to NYC a few months ago and even with my closet and dresser, I still need more room for my clothes. I love my clothing rack because I can visualize my outfits and plan ahead for the week. These pants hangers are such a practical way to hold all my bulky jeans and cargo pants that I like to wear in the spring. They save me so much time when I do my laundry because I can just slip them onto the rod. It's even easier to create a rotating capsule wardrobe and stay organized when you have these hangers. Jordan Bowman, commerce editor Reebok Club C Jjjjound Suede Reebok has had a long-running collaborative partnership with the Canadian brand, Jjjjound. They released an exclusive colorway of the Club C sneaker a few years ago that caught my eye but I wasn't tempted enough to scoop up a new pair of sneakers at the time. During a recent sale, I saw a pair on sale and decided to go for it. I haven't had a pair of simple classic sneakers in my closet for a while and I was drawn to the subtle grey suede color as well. The shoe is also incredibly comfortable and easy to wear for hours. I also walked around the city for a couple of miles and my feet felt perfectly fine. If you want a more classic option without the suede Reebok has more colors available here. During a recent chat with a friend I mentioned how I wanted to get back into riding and he said he had an extra bike lying around. He's an avid cyclist and said he would drop off the bike for free as long as I agreed to log some miles. I'm happy to admit I've been obsessed ever since. I've taken rides around my neighborhood almost daily, just exploring and getting used to the way the Continuum Onyx works. The bike also has a hassle-free gear shifter, fenders to help with the rain and front hub powered lights so every time you peddle the front tires power up the light so you don't have to worry about charging them up. Ashley Morris, associate SEO reporter Salomon XT-6 Sneakers I recently took a (fabulous) trip to Rio de Janeiro, and before leaving I decided to get a new pair of sneakers for the hiking I had planned (and as a bit of an early birthday gift to myself). I've wanted a pair of Salomons for a few years now, so this felt like the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger — especially because when I bought them, they were on sale at Ssense. After wearing them while hiking through the jungle and walking down cobblestone streets, I can definitely say they're one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned. The sole grip is strong enough to prevent slipping, but not too much so as to trip me up while I'm walking (which is very important to a notoriously trip-prone person such as myself). I also love the sneaker's bright colors — the shoes come in a wide range of designs, and the ones I chose add a pop of brightness to my neutral outfits, or serve as a point of contrast in outfits with other bright colors involved. Tankair Studio Half-Moon Halter I bought my first top from Tankair Studios back in January, and I love it so much that I'm now fully committed to their high-quality basics. This halter top has a scooped neckline and slight flare at the bottom, which makes for a very flattering fit. It's made from a soft polyester-spandex blend, and is machine washable on a delicate cycle, according to the brand. I bought this as a casual top and so far it's been great for nights out with friends, days spent walking the city and the occasional dinner date. I also like that it has a slightly heavy feel to it — it makes the top feel more durable and resistant to damage from daily wear and tear. I received a sample of this sunscreen from Round Lab shortly before my trip to Rio, and it's been my daily, go-to formula since. The SPF 45 provides UVA and UVB protection and is safe for sensitive skin, according to the brand. It doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it great for oily skin like mine. I wore it to the beach and in the water with no issues. I love that it doesn't leave a white cast, regardless of how much I apply. Bianca Alvarez, associate reporter Counterpart The Charger Exposed and tangled wires have always been a major eyesore for me until I tried Counterpart's charger. It's a round, colorful, retractable charger the size of my palm. Unlike traditional chargers, which tend to have one set length for their wires, I can connect my devices to the retractable 4-foot cord wherever they are in my space since the cord length's adjustable. When I'm done or if I want to travel with it, I don't have to worry about it getting tied in knots since I can just hit a button that automatically feeds the cord back into its round case. Plus, it's way chicer-looking than my boxy, boring chargers. Houndsy Kibble Dispenser Growing up, I hated scooping out dog food because the smell was always terrible. The solution? This kibble dispenser. Instead of scooping it out, I now dump a bag of my 9-year-old pitbull's food into this stunning wooden storage system. Not only does it hide her food's colorful packaging and eliminate the kibble odor that tends to linger when it stays in its bag, but it also automatically portions out her food. You can set it to dispense as little as ½ cup to as much as 3 ½ cups. All I have to do is pull the lever, and it will release the right amount so I don't have to do it manually. Kitsch Hair Perfume One of my favorite launches from this past month, with just a few sprays of this hair perfume my hair smell fresh and clean, like I just washed it. The brand sent me samples of all four of its fragrances and I immediately gravitated toward Amber Shores because it has notes (like kumquat and orchid) that I love in other body mists and perfumes. It gives my hair a warm, beachy vibe that's reminiscent of a luxurious vacation. I was a little worried that the spray would cause my hair to look greasy and flat, but I haven't had an issue with it so far. Zoe Malin, reporter Wild One Dog Harness I adopted a teeny 5-pound puppy this month, and before I brought her home, I was worried about finding a harness that would actually fit her. I've heard amazing things about Wild One for years, so I bought the brand's small adjustable harness. It's a little big on her right now, but I can make it tight enough that it fits pretty well, and she has room to grow into it. I love how much padding it has — it covers most of her chest and back. Even with my puppy's constant squirming, it's easy to put on and she seems to enjoy wearing it, too, which is half the battle. Is this collar technically for cats? Yes — in fact, both of my cats have one. But because my puppy is so tiny, I bought her one and it's a perfect fit. You can customize the collar with your pet's name and your phone number, eliminating the need for a dangly ID tag, which puppies and kittens tend to chew on, in my experience. Since my pup is so small and fast, I worry about losing track of her in my apartment so I appreciate that it also comes with a bell. Within minutes of bringing my puppy home, it became very clear that I needed something other than her crate to keep her in one place when I couldn't hover over her. I found this gate at Petco, which converts into a playpen, giving me the best of both worlds. Since buying it, I put a wee wee pad inside since we're working on potty training, but it also comes in handy when I want to section off my apartment, giving my puppy enough space to run around where I can see her. The gate comes with three panels, one of which has a lockable door, and you can add or subtract panels depending on how large you want the gate or playpen to be. It's also flexible, so you can arrange it in different shapes. The whole thing comes assembled, and you don't need tools to reconfigure the gate to a playpen, or vice versa — you simply unscrew the panels from one one of my most used new puppy essentials, and I regret not buying it before she came home. Krups 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker While my family's two-slice waffle maker served us well for years, it was time for an upgrade. I like to make a big batch of waffles so everyone can eat them and save extras for later, so I knew I needed a four-slice model. After doing lots of research online, I settled on this one. It has five browning levels, so I can make some well-done waffles and some lightly browned ones. I love that it beeps and has a light that turns green when it's heated, ensuring that I start cooking at the right time. There's also a built-in cord wrap for storage. I recently got my feet analyzed at Fleet Feet, and in addition to learning that I've been wearing the wrong size running shoes for my whole life, I discovered that I have rigid arches. That means my feet don't absorb shock effectively, which can lead to injuries like shin splints and foot pain, especially when I run long distances. The pros at Fleet Feet recommended getting these insoles to solve some of my problems. The second I tried them on, I was shocked by how much support they added to my sneakers. The insoles hug my feet in all the right places, add extra cushioning where I need it and stabilize my heels and ankles. I wear multiple pairs of sneakers a week, so I put these insoles in each shoe before I run — taking them in and out of shoes every day is kind of annoying, but it's worth it. I've only been using the insoles for about a week and I can already tell how much less fatigued my feet feel post-run. I can't believe I ran without these for so long. Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager Before my two-week trip to Japan I had to stock up on film for my camera, and Kodak's Portra 400 has been my go-to for years. I tend to reserve it for big moments like vacations because it's pricier than other options, but it's so worth the splurge if you're looking to achieve a more cinematic look with your photos. It uses a fine-grain, low-contrast film, so it's not ideal if you're trying to capture more vibrant color in your photographs. I'm always so in love with how my pictures turn out when I shoot with it. Biodance Hydro Cera-nol Real Deep Mask I have been a fan of the Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask for over a year now, so when I saw this one, which has been recently trending on TikTok, I immediately threw it in my basket. Unlike the collagen mask, which is meant to improve skin elasticity and minimize pores, this mask is designed to reduce redness and repairs the skin barrier, according to the brand. The start of spring allergy season has already begun irritating my skin, making it feel more sensitive. Because of that, I was hesitant to put on the mask, but I'm so glad I did. Not only was it instantly calming on my skin, but when I took it off after sleeping in it, the redness and rough texture I was struggling with had improved substantially and I had no irritation. I will definitely be restocking these regularly. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneaker Before my plane to Japan even took off, I had already planned to buy a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers upon arrival, and on my second day in Tokyo, I did just that. The brand's popularity surge was evident by just how packed the store was and I understand why. Their shoes are a great alternative to Adidas Sambas and since they're leather they feel more elevated than most everyday sneakers. I found the slim fit more flattering than other athletic shoes and although they look like they would be uncomfortable to wear for long periods because of the flatter bottom, they were surprisingly supportive. I walked over 20,000 steps in them in one day without any pain. Sure, my feet were a little tired by the end of the day, but that had more to do with how much I walked. Cory Fernandez, commerce editor Future Society Floating Forest Future Society sent me a sample of its Floating Forest perfume and I immediately fell in love with its bergamot top note. While it comes off as very citrusy and herby at first, it mellows out once it's been on my skin and clothing for hours. After it settles in, it becomes earthy, with base notes of cedarwood. I can already say it'll be my go-to fragrance for the summer months ahead. I've been seeing these Seavees clogs everywhere and after the brand sent me a sample I can now understand the hype. They have a modern shape, the uppers are super flexible and not too tight and the soles are incredibly soft. I love wearing them for quick grocery store runs, trips to a coffee shop or a friend's house, especially since I can easily slip my feet in them with little effort. I also love that the back of the clog doesn't rub harshly against the back of my foot. Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor Minor History The Frame Shoulder Bag A little peek behind the curtain: As an editor, I get tons of email pitches from PR reps introducing (or reintroducing) me to new or established brands. That's how I first learned about Minor History and after receiving a sample from their new spring collection, I was immediately impressed. The big draw for me behind this particular bag (beyond its color) is how secretly spacious it is — it easily fits a water bottle, keys, sunglasses in a hard case, earbuds, snacks, a lip gloss and other little knickknacks. The bag's also designed really well: It holds its shape without feeling too structured and has a long enough handle drop that it still fits over a thicker sweater or jacket without being too tight, which I appreciate. Plus, it doesn't fall over when I set it on a table. It has a perfect slouchiness that still makes it feel cool and relaxed without sacrificing function. Nikki Brown, SEO editor Yamron Soil Moisture Meter Happy gardening season to everyone who celebrates. I'm feeling extra prepared this year with an action plan and, most importantly, an actual timeline to stick to. Every year, I cover crops to prepare my soil for new plants and to pull this off successfully, you need to make sure that your soil is at an optimal temperature for whichever seeds you're planting. I've officially graduated from mostly guesswork to a proper temperature meter. I'm loving this all-in-one device because it also measures moisture percentage, light exposure and soil pH, which means I can geek out on a whole other level as I plant things. If there is such a thing as a 'makeup uniform,' I think I'm getting closer to one I absolutely love. I'm already a huge fan of Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint and the brand's new brown mascara (which the brand sent me to try) is already one of my favorite everyday products. I am very late to the brown mascara hype — black mascara is such a staple and one of those habits that can take a long time to break but I'm glad I finally did. Brown mascara gives my lashes the same level of lift and definition but it doesn't look as harsh or extreme compared to the rest of my no-makeup makeup look. I'll definitely be repurchasing after this tube runs out. Harry Rabinowitz, reporter Pentax 17 Film Camera This might be one of the best new cameras for beginners looking to try film photography. I've been using it for a little over two months after the brand sent me one to try out, and it deftly mixes modern and vintage features to create an easy and fun point-and-shoot experience. You can easily capture great images in the auto mode, but the other modes and exposure compensation dial help more experienced photographers control their shot. Uniqlo Wide Sweatpants I love a wide leg pant and a pair of cozy sweatpants — this is the perfect combination of the two. I wanted to add a new sweatsuit to my wardrobe, and when I saw these sweatpants and the matching hoodie at Uniqlo, they looked cozy and the price was right. The wide-leg design gives them a more stately appearance than your typical sweatpants and gives 'leaving the house in sweats' a new connotation. These are now the most comfortable sweatpants I own and my go-to travel outfit. I got them in navy, which is currently unavailable online, but I'm already looking to get another pair in black or gray. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about home and lifestyle topics, such as the best mattresses, reusable water bottles and handheld vacuums. I surveyed my colleagues for their favorite purchases and samples from this month.
NBC News
20-03-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Right now, students can get 50% off a Paramount+ subscription
Being a student doesn't always come with perks. But, it does come with discounts. For example, Apple offers special pricing to college students, and Spotify allows students to sign up for its Premium service for just $6 a month, half of what it costs everyone else. Currently, Paramount+ is jumping on the bandwagon and offering students 50% off any streaming plan. The sale is in honor of March Madness and the platform will be streaming 24 games during the NCAA tournament — including the Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final Four. Below, find all the details on this sale. Paramount+ subscription deal for students Paramount+ Through April 8, students can get 50% off any Paramount+ streaming plan for one year. A Paramount+ subscription gets you access to a massive library of shows from networks under the Paramount umbrella — including CBS, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. There is also lots of original programming, like '1923' and 'Landman.' One of the plans also allows you to tack on a Showtime membership, gaining access to shows like 'Yellowjackets' and 'Dexter: Original Sin.' This deal for students is in celebration of March Madness. The streaming platform will broadcast 24 games during the NCAA tournament — including the Sweet 16, Elite 8 and Final Four. And basketball isn't the only sport you can stream. Paramount+ subscribers can also live stream coverage of the NFL, PGA golf, The Masters and more. Paramount+ offers two plans. Paramount+ Essential is their basic plan, which is ad-supported and doesn't allow you to download episodes and movies. With the student deal, it costs $4 a month for the first year, after which you'll be charged $8 a month unless you cancel. Paramount+ with Showtime has no ads, gives you access to Showtime content, and allows you to download episodes to view when you're not connected to WiFi. This plan costs $6.50 a month with the discount for the first year, after which it automatically increases to $13 a year unless canceled. To get the discount before the offer ends on April 8, you'll need to verify your status as a student by entering your school information. Once verified, you can sign up for whichever plan you choose. Why trust NBC Select? Jordan Bowman is a commerce editor at NBC Select who writes and edits tech, fitness and cleaning stories. Bethany Heitman is a contributing writer at NBC Select who covers a variety of topics, including home, tech and beauty.
NBC News
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
This Lego Botanicals Orchid is on sale for $39 right now
Lego isn't just for kids — team NBC Select has plenty of sets, even at our desks. This Lego Orchid, part of the brand's Botanicals Collection, makes for a great gift or decoration. You can place it on a desk or bookshelf at home as a way to brighten up your space and it is on sale for 20% off right now. Lego Botanical Orchid deal Lego Botanicals Orchid This Lego Orchid is part of the brand's Botanicals series — a collection of sets made for adults and inspired by real-world plants. The orchid has five leaves at the base, six flowers in bloom and two flowers sprouting. You can rotate the stems, blossoms, roots and leaves to customize the look of the set to your liking. 'I've had this set for about a year now and love it. I received it as a Christmas gift and it sits on my window sill at home,' says NBC Select editor Jordan Bowman. The flower sits in a blue Lego vase with brown Lego pieces on top that mimic the look of a bark mix — real orchids don't grow in regular soil. The completed build is a little over 15-inches high and 11-inches wide. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, running shoes, cameras and more. For this piece, I checked prices for the Lego Botanicals Orchid set across multiple retailers to find the best deal.
