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NBC News
6 days ago
- General
- NBC News
Select editors' favorite air conditioners for any sized space
Your air conditioner probably isn't the prettiest appliance in your home, but it is one of the most important in the summer months. Whether you have a single window unit or multiple portable ones, an A/C will keep your space cool and comfortable when the weather outside is anything but. To help understand how to choose the best air conditioners for your space, we consulted appliance and energy experts on the features and specs to look for. We rounded up top-rated models based on their advice, including different types of A/Cs across a range of price points. How we picked our favorite air conditioners The experts we spoke to helped us to understand better the more technical aspects of air conditioners, and how best to compare different units. Using their expertise as guidance, we selected air conditioners using the following criteria: Btu (British thermal units): British thermal units are a measurement of the amount of power an air conditioner uses to cool a space. The higher the Btu, the more efficiently it will be able to cool a space of different sizes. For example, aan air conditioner with a Btu of 5,000 is best suited for a small room, while a Btu of more than 8,000 or more may be suited for a small home. Room size: We picked air conditioners fit for different room sizes ranging from 150 to 450 square feet. The product details for air conditioners will often say what size room or home the unit is best suited for, so it's easy to choose one for your space. Type: The main types of air conditioners are window and portable units, which we included below. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks and which one you choose depends on your preferences and what setup is easiest for you. Our top picks come from a mix of large appliance companies like LG and Frigidaire and newer brands like Windmill Air and July, which NBC Select editors use themselves. With each recommendation, we've highlighted important details like cooling power, rated room size, dimensions and air conditioner units Let's face it: Window-unit air conditioners aren't the prettiest. The Windmill A/C is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options — which is why NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson bought one to cool her 250-square-foot living room. She found it easy to set up, install and control. You can operate the A/C via the on-unit buttons, a wireless remote or your phone via the Windmill Air app. Swanson likes that she's able to turn the unit on and off and change the temperature through the app when she's away from her apartment. This Windmill A/C unit also has an inverter version that is quieter and more energy efficient, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown also tested the Windmill last year and really enjoyed it. 'The installation process requires an extra set of hands because it is heavy. But once it's in, it is pretty powerful,' she says. 'I love using it with the app, which came in handy while traveling. I was able to shut it on and off, and adjust while traveling abroad.' I have two Midea U air conditioners, which is an inverter A/C, at opposite ends of my apartment — one in my bedroom and one in the living room. The Midea U is everything I want out of a window A/C. It's quiet, effective and easy to use. I love that I can control it with the physical buttons on the unit, the included remote (also physical buttons) or, if you connect it to Wi-Fi, the Midea SmartHome app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice assistants. I also love the little cover that comes up when you turn it on and moves down when it's off. The 8,000 Btu version cools rooms up to 350 square feet. The Midea U also comes in 10,000 Btu and 12,000 Btu versions. For smaller spaces and smaller budgets, this window air conditioner from LG is recommended by NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. She uses it in her kitchen, which is about 200 square feet. This LG model is one of the smaller and lighter air conditioners on our list. It comes with a wireless remote that can be used to control the unit from afar, but it doesn't have a dedicated app. One downside to this model is that it is noisier than others. 'I don't really mind it because I hate silence, so I almost see it as a noise machine,' says Malin. 'But if you're looking for something you can't hear, look elsewhere.' I use a larger, discontinued Frigidaire Gallery A/C to cool most of my apartment, specifically my living room, kitchen and hallway. Those three spaces only measure to about 200 square feet, but because the kitchen has heat-generating appliances like the oven and stove top, I bought this larger, more powerful unit. It works efficiently and effectively, keeping my space cool even while I'm cooking. The newer model from Frigidaire is just as powerful but has more bells and whistles, including Wi-Fi connectivity, app control and an inverter design. According to our experts, inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient than non-inverters — you may save money on your energy bill with one. This unit is the largest of our recommendations. Make sure to measure your window and windowsill clearance so you know if it will fit your space. There is also a smaller 8,000 Btu model as well as an even larger 12,000 Btu model, rated for 350 and 550 square foot rooms respectively. If cost is your first priority, this top-rated window air conditioner from Midea is the lowest priced on our list. It is rated to cool a room size up to 150 square feet, making it well-suited for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms or home offices. You control the A/C via the dials on the unit — it does not come with a remote that you can use to set it to a specific temperature like our other recommendations do. According to data provided by the brand, this is the loudest air conditioner on our list. If you are sensitive to noise, it may be worth spending a little more on one of our quieter recommendations. The Midea EasyCool comes in a range of sizes, starting with this small 5,000 Btu model all the way up to a large 12,000 Btu unit. One of the most unique window air conditioners on this list, the July A/C has an extremely simple design and appearance. It doesn't have a bunch of obvious buttons or LED displays on the front of it — it's mainly a flat panel with a subtle button on the top, around the window frame. The brand has options that are suitable for windows that close up and down as well as from left to right. There is also a through-the-wall option for those that don't want to use a window. The A/C comes in a 6,000- or 8,000-Btu air conditioners Portable air conditioners are typically easier to install than window units, and they are easier to store during cooler seasons. This unit from Black+Decker is one of our favorite portable air conditioners. It is rated for rooms up to 350 square feet, and it comes with both on-unit and a remote control to manage the temperature. It has four built-in caster wheels that allow you to move it from room to room. Black + Decker makes a variety of models ranging from this 8,000 Btu version all the way up to a 14,000 Btu model that has both cooling and heating capabilities. On Amazon, it has a 4.3-star average rating from over 41,000 customer reviews. How to shop for an air conditioner Consumers have many choices when it comes to picking the right air conditioner for their home. Window units are the most popular among the Select team, and are 'best when cooling a single area like a bedroom or large living space,' says Brice Bowley, senior director of air conditioner technology at GE Appliances. For larger homes with multiple rooms or floors, 'it may be cheaper and more energy efficient to choose a central or multi-split cooling system like central air conditioning or a heat pump,' says Leslie Jones, media and public affairs specialist for Energy Star labeled products. Regardless of your space, there are a few key terms and labels to understand in order to purchase the best, most efficient air conditioner possible, according to our experts. Btus (British thermal Units) An air conditioner's cooling power is measured in Btus, or British Thermal Units. The higher a unit's Btu rating, the larger a space it can cool. Below is a breakdown of the number of Btus needed to cool different-sized spaces, according to Jones and Energy Star: Up to 250 square feet: 5,000 to 6,000 Btus From 250 up to 350 square feet: 7,000 to 8,000 Btus From 350 up to 450 square feet: 9,000 to 10,000 Btus From 450 up to 550 square feet: 12,000 Btus From 550 up to 700 square feet: 14,000 Btus Your room's square footage isn't the only number to think about when assessing how powerful an A/C unit you'll need, according to Energy Star. If the space is heavily shaded, you need 10% less Btus. A very sunny room, meanwhile, needs 10% more Btus. Any A/C unit used in a kitchen should have an extra 4,000 Btus to counteract heat-generating appliances. CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) CEER stands for combined energy efficiency ratio. It is 'the ratio of measured cooling output (in Btu per hour) to measured average electrical energy input (in Watts) and measured standby/off-mode power consumption (in Watts),' says Jones. Essentially, it is one way to measure how efficient an air conditioning unit is. A unit with a higher CEER is more energy efficient than a unit with a lower CEER. For window-unit A/Cs, you'll typically see a CEER between 11 and 15. Since 2014, all window units with a Btu rating under 8,000 must operate at a minimum CEER of 11, following standards put in place by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This standard is currently being updated: By 2026, the minimum CEER for similar products will be 12.8. For window units with a Btu rating above 8,000, the DOE is pushing for an even higher CEER, and encouraging manufacturers to use inverter technology to get there. Per FTC guidelines, all window A/Cs are 'required to have an energy guide which displays the CEER value,' says Bowley. Portable A/C units are less energy efficient, so it's more common to see CEER scores ranging from five to nine. Look for an A/C that uses inverter technology Most older or smaller A/Cs are non-inverter units. Non-inverter units use a simple compressor that is either 100% on, trying to cool your space to the temperature you set, or 100% off, having reached the desired temperature. Inverter A/Cs have a variable speed compressor to more efficiently maintain the temperature you set. Instead of running at full-blast or completely turning off, an inverter A/C will run faster or slower depending on the needs of the space, similar to a car using cruise control to maintain a certain speed, says Jones. Inverter A/Cs tend to be more energy efficient and have a higher CEER than non-inverter A/Cs. They are usually more expensive to purchase than non-inverter A/Cs but can save you money in the long run with lower energy bills. Look for an Energy Star certified A/C Energy Star is a program within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy efficiency in a broad range of appliances. Products that earn an Energy Star symbol are 'independently certified to help consumers to save energy and money while protecting the environment,' says Jones. For a window A/C unit to meet Energy Star certified requirements, 'it must be at least 10% more efficient than the federal minimum for this product type, and meet other requirements outlined in the most recent Energy Star product specification,' says Jones. You can verify a product is Energy Star certified through Energy Star's online product finder tool. Can I use my A/C if it's smokey outside? The air quality outside can shift dramatically during certain weather patterns or natural disasters like wildfires. Poor air quality can cause irritation, trigger allergic reactions and lead to long-term health problems, according to the EPA. Certain types of air conditioners should not be used if there is heavy smoke outside. If you have a window unit, you can still use it if the air damper is closed. Just make sure the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as airtight as possible, says Jones. Do not use single hose portable air conditioners if there is heavy smoke outside, as these will potentially bring smoke into your space. Dual hose portable air conditioners can be used, but monitor them carefully and make sure the seal between the window vent kit and window is airtight, says Jones. 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. Brice Bowley is the senior director of air conditioner technology at GE Appliances. Leslie Jones is the senior media and public affairs specialist for Energy Star labeled products at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who has covered consumer technology for years. For this piece, I interviewed appliance and energy experts to better understand air conditioners and their most important specifications. I leveraged my own personal experience and the experience of Select staff members to help select recommended products. I also conducted thorough research of other top-rated air conditioners.
NBC News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Hair fragrances vs perfume — everything you need to know about scents and your hair
Some hair care products are all about function, like shampoos that brighten grays or nourishing leave-in conditioners. But hair fragrances are a little different. While they can sometimes moisturize hair and protect it from the sun, they're mostly used to give hair a nice scent, leaving it smelling like your favorite floral, gourmand or musky perfume. They offer the sensorial experience of your usual eau de parfum or eau de toilette, but in a formulation that makes them more suitable for hair. Here's what you should know before you spritz. How I picked the best hair fragrance There are essentially two types of hair fragrances: those that are all about the fragrance but otherwise no frills, and those that pair scent with some kind of added benefit for hair. To make this list, I looked for both to suit a wider variety of preferences. In addition to looking for a range of fragrance profiles (since scent can be subjective), I also kept an eye out for: Moisturizing ingredients: Ingredients like botanical oils, glycerin and biotin can lend shine and softness to hair UV protection: Some ingredients in hair fragrances absorb UV light, which can help prevent fading caused by the sun. I also looked for a broad range of price points, since, as with actual fragrances, they can be more expensive. And finally, I made sure that each pick has at least a 4.0-star average rating — or has been tested and loved by an NBC Select staffer who's happy to recommend it. The best hair fragrances in 2025 Sol de Janeiro Hair & Body Perfume Mist You might already know of this hair mist, which has legions of fans and a 4.6-star average rating from 77,362 reviews on Amazon. It was once the scent of the brand's bestselling Brazilian Bum Bum Cream — itself an NBC Select-staff favorite, in part for its fragrance. Of the Bum Cream, NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson says: 'It smells like you're on vacation — poolside, morning sun on your skin and drinking a banana smoothie. It's tropical without being nauseating or cheap.' The gourmand hair fragrance smells just the same, with food-inspired notes like pistachio, almond, vanilla and salted caramel, and comes in two sizes, 3.0 fl. oz. or 8.1 fl. oz. You can find Ouai's beachy scent across its lineup of hair- and body-care products — as well as in this standalone hair and body mist. Inspired by the titular Caribbean island of St. Barts, the scent brings together notes of orange oil, orange blossom and dragon fruit — for a juicy feel — and grounds them with amber and musk for extra warmth, according to the brand. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio is a fan, saying that the St. Barts body cleanser, which has the same tropical scent, 'is perhaps one of my favorites in my collection.' It also comes in two sizes, 3.3 fl. oz. and 8 fl. oz. This new multipurpose hair and body mist is alcohol-free so it shouldn't dry out your hair, according to Ceremonia. The tropically-scented mist has top notes of guava, lemon zest and peach and is 'genuinely transportive,' says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider, who received a sample from the brand. 'I've always loved the guava scent in their leave-in conditioner — it smells so sweet and citrusy — and this fragrance is really similar. It definitely evokes a beachy, summer night and always transports me there mentally. Even though the scent profile is strong (there's not a lot of ambiguity to it) I never find it overpowering.' Celebrity hairstylist Kristen Ess turned the fragrance from her eponymous hair care line's Signature Shampoo and Conditioner into a stand-alone hair perfume, a warm floral with notes of ambrette seed, white amber and magnolia. It also has glycerin, sunflower extract and panthenol, which can help smooth hair and minimize frizz, according to the brand. It has an 4.6-star average rating at Ulta. If you've used Moroccanoil's hair care products, which are known for popularizing argan oil, then you might recognize the scent of this mist that pairs spicy amber with sweeter florals. With an average 4.6-star rating from 4,034 reviews on Amazon, the formula's infused with argan oil, vitamin E and polyquaternium-59, an ingredient to absorb UV rays; together, they moisturize hair and protect it from sunlight, according to the brand. The nozzle also releases an ultra-fine mist, so it won't disturb your hairstyle, according to the brand. Designed for both body and hair, this mist delivers a warm, woody scent to strands. It incorporates notes like lemon zest, violet and vetiver to help promote feelings of calm and comfort, as well as biotin and niacinamide, which work to soften hair and add shine, according to the brand. It has a 4.1-star average rating from 1,141 reviews at Sephora. I'm not big into fragrance, but I still love this hair and body mist, which feels warm and cozy. It blends saffron notes with jasmine absolute — a bold floral note — and amber, vanilla and mask, which makes for a sultry scent that works well for date night. It doesn't seem to dry out my hair (although I regularly use leave-in conditioner before air-drying), and I find that it lasts most of the day without fading. The French fragrance house Diptyque, which is known for its perfumes and candles, also offers hair perfume. It borrows notes from the brand's Eau Rose — which is a fruitier, brighter take on the classic floral note — with this iteration. The formula pairs the scent with sweet almond and camellia oils to add softness and shine to hair, according to the brand, and it has a 4.6-star average rating at Nordstrom Ingredients of note: glycerin, sweet almond oil, camellia oil | Scent notes: rose, geranium, lychee, white honey How to shop for hair fragrance Hair fragrances are mostly about the scent: If there's a certain fragrance profile you like, such as florals, warm musks or fruity scents, then that's the best starting point. Look at your existing fragrance collection to see either what you gravitate toward or, on the other hand, what you might be missing. (Hair fragrances often come at lower price points than eau de parfums and eau de toilettes, so they can be a good way to experiment with a new scent.) Then, consider whether you might want or need moisturizing ingredients in your hair fragrance. 'A well-formulated hair mist can be both a sensory experience as well as a light leave-in treatment,' says Erwan Raguenes, a perfumer at Dsm-firmenich (a company that manufactures fragrances for home and personal-care products). 'Many hair mists are formulated with conditioning agents that provide added benefits, such as hydration and softness, shine and and protection against UV or other environmental aggressors.' That UV protection, which frequently comes via antioxidants, is just as important for the formula as it is for hair. 'Fragrance chemicals can be prone to oxidation especially with exposure to heat and light, shifting in color and odor,' says independent cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. 'If the spray is in a clear bottle, additional antioxidants or UV protectants may be part of the formula to help preserve the fragrance.' (Essentially, they pull double-duty to protect both the hair fragrance and your hair.) There's no harm in wearing them if you plan to be in the sun; the UV protection is primarily for extending its shelf life in the bottle. As with traditional perfumes, hair perfumes have alcohol. This may dry out your hair, so 'look for brands that add oils to moisturize and nourish your hair, like argan oil,' says Darryl Do, a senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances & Flavors. Speaking of oils, they offer another advantage: 'Oils like to coat the hair,' says Laura Lam-Phaure, an independent cosmetic chemist. That will allow formulations with oils to last longer, which is worth noting since hair fragrances are less potent than and therefore don't last as long as traditional perfumes. However, that doesn't mean that hair fragrances without moisturizing oils aren't helpful. In fact, they may be the better option if you're working with an updo or more complicated hairstyle. 'If you've already styled your hair, too much moisture can destroy all the work you've done,' says Dobos. No matter what, she recommends only using hair perfumes in a spray nozzle, which ensures the droplets aren't too large and don't inadvertently weigh hair down. 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. Darryl Do is a senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances & Flavors in New York, NY, where he focuses on fragrance creation and regulation. Erwan Raguenes is a perfumer at dsm-firmenich who graduated from the Grasse Institute of Perfumery. Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist who serves as a consultant for beauty brands. She's also an adjunct professor of cosmetic science at the University of Cincinnati. Laura Lam-Phaure is a cosmetic chemist and founder of Lam Phaure Beauty, where she guides ingredient selection and oversees product development for beauty brands. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a freelance beauty writer and editor who's been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like retinol body lotions and prebiotic skin care. For this article, I spoke to two perfumers and two cosmetic chemists about what to look for in a quality hair perfume and how they're different from other fragrance formulations. I also highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider and included some personal favorites along with some NBC Select editors have tried.
NBC News
21-04-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Our favorite workout headphones: tried and tested
Working out can feel like a chore. Pounding the pavement or pumping iron can get repetitive after a long day of work, especially if you aren't used to it. What makes my 45 minute dumbbell workout fly by? Workout headphones, paired with an audiobook, of course. Workout headphones can vary in shape and size. Some look like typically wireless earbuds, others are band-shaped open headphones that rest on your temples. Regardless, good workout headphones stay secure on your head during jumping jacks, burpees, yoga and anything else. How we picked the best workout headphones The NBC Select team has tried dozens of workout headphones over the years, for this guide as well as our annual NBC Select Wellness Awards. To pick our favorites, we selected products while keeping the following qualities in mind: Comfort: Workout headphones should feel comfortable and secure for hours at a time. Different size eartips or a customizable fit can help too. Controls: It can be hard to change volume or skip tracks while working out. The best workout headphones have reliable on-ear controls that work well even with gloved or sweaty hands. Water-resistance: Strong dust and water resistance, often noted by a headphone's IP rating, can prevent dust and moisture from breaking your workout headphones overtime. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up The best workout headphones in 2025 Our top picks came from a mix of large and small brands including Beats, Shokz and. and smaller brands like Apple, Jabra, Shokz and more. We list specs like battery life, water resistance and more below each recommendation. The Beats Fit Pro has been my go-to workout earbud for years, even after trying out dozens of competitors. The fit is a big reason why — the small, built-in wing-tips lead to a secure fit without making the earbuds too hefty. Both earbuds have physical button controls that are easy to use, even when I am wearing thick gloves for a winter run. You can press either button to stop, start and skip songs, and holding the button down changes between noise cancellation and transparency mode. The Beats Fit Pro pair easily with my iPhone and have a similar experience on Android using the Beats mobile app, in my experience. Unlike many competitors around this price point, the case does not charge wirelessly. These headphones rest on the outside of your ear instead of inside your ear canal. They use a mix of vibrations and highly-directional speakers to get sound to your inner ear. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson has used Shokz open-ear headphones to run the New York City Marathon. She feels safer running with them because they leave her ears open, allowing her to hear things more clearly like nearby cars, bikes and pedestrians. I use them for similar reasons while I'm cycling. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is the brand's most premium headphone, with the best sound quality, comfortable fit and feel and ubiquitous USB-C charging. But, like with all open-ear headphones, don't expect them to block any noisy neighbors while working out at the gym. If the OpenRun Pro 2 is a bit pricey, you could also consider the similar Shokz Open Run, though you lose out on sound quality and USB-C charging. If you are looking to try out an open-ear headphone, or want a second pair of workout headphones just for outdoor runs, consider these budget-friendly Anker Soundcore V20i. The earbud rests on, not inside, your ear, and each bud has a rubber earhook for a more secure fit. They are also IP55 dust and water resistant, so you don't have to worry about sweat or rain. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the most secure workout headphones I've ever tested. They are also some of the most feature rich — they have active noise-cancellation and transparency modes, on ear media and volume controls, a wireless charging case and heart rate sensors built-in to the earbuds themselves. While the sensors are a little finicky to sync with your workout app, they are a nice-to-have for anyone who doesn't use a fitness tracker. You can read more in my Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review. Our previous earhook pick, the JBL Endurance Peak 3, is still a great option if you are looking for something simple, secure and less pricey. Noise cancellation: yes | Transparency: yes | Battery life: rated up to 10 hours | Wireless Charging: yes | Water resistance: IPX4 | Bluetooth Multipoint: no | Works best with: Android, iPhone | Ear tips: silicone (XS, S, M, L, XL) Best budget earhook: JLab Go Sport+ For $30, I was surprised by the quality of these earbuds, especially for quick outdoor runs. They have a large ear hook design that wraps securely around the back of your ears — I found them to be tight and comfortable, but not so snug that I couldn't hear traffic noise or other runners around me. Like most earbuds at this low price point, they do not have noise cancellation and transparency modes or wireless charging. But they do connect to the JLab app, where you can customize settings like sound balance. The NBC Select team mainly consists of iPhone owners, and they love AirPods Pro for working out and everyday life — they are comfortable and secure in our ears during workouts, including outdoor runs and indoor gym routines. The earbuds have excellent sound quality and noise canceling. With noise cancellation turned on, chatter and music at the gym fade instantly, in my experience. When I switch on transparency mode, I can hear my surroundings very clearly, perfect for running outdoors. They also include four ear tip sizes in the box, which can help you get a more comfortable fit for your ears. Anyone with an Android phone looking for one pair of headphones to pull double duty as workout and everyday earbuds should consider these latest Google Pixel buds. The new design adds mini wing-tip stabilizers that fit snugly in your ears and make the earbuds much bette for exercise than the originals. Like Airpods Pro 2, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have strong noise cancellation and transparency modes. But they also have the longest battery life on our list — up to 12 hours in the earbuds alone and 48 with the case. Noise cancellation: yes | Transparency: yes | Battery life: rated up to 12 hours | Wireless Charging: yes | Water resistance: IP54 | Bluetooth Multipoint: yes | Works best with: Android | Ear tips: silicone (XS, S, M, L) How to shop for workout headphones We've tried dozens of excellent headphones fit for everyday use, but not all of them make for ideal workout headphones. Keep the following in mind as you shop for your next fitness headphones: In-ear versus open-ear In-ear headphones are typical earbuds like Apple Airpods Pro 2 or Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 with rubber eartips that rest inside your ear canal. Open earbuds rest on the outside of your ear instead of the inside, usually on your ear or around your temple. Open-ear headphones are great if you want to listen to music but still hear your surroundings clearly — I prefer open-ear headphones when I am running or cycling outdoors. Earbud fit Your earbuds need to fit your ears well, or else they will fall out during intense exercise, in our experience. All of our in-ear headphone recommendations come with multiple sized ear tips. Try a few different ear tip sizes and feel out which one fits best. If you want to avoid worrying about eartip all together, look into open-ear headphones instead. Water and dust resistance Water and dust resistance is denoted by an earbuds IP (ingress protection) rating. IP ratings contain two numbers. The first represents intrusion protection against dust and debris. The second denotes water resistance. Many of our recommended headphones have an IP rating of IP55, which indicates protection against dust and jets of water. Earbuds meant for swimming or water sports should be fully waterproof, with a rating of at least IPX8. Automated noise canceling and transparency modes Noise cancelation and transparency (sometimes called hear through) are both useful features to have in any kind of headphone. Noise canceling can block outside noise like chatter or music at the gym. Transparency lets in sound and is useful for outdoor activities like running, when you may want to hear nearby traffic or pedestrian noise more clearly. Noise canceling headphones with transparency are typically more expensive than headphones without those features. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on fitness trackers, running shoes and cameras. For this piece, I tried over a dozen headphones and earbuds while doing different fitness activities. I spoke with other members of the NBC Select team about their experiences with headphones and earbuds they've used for fitness.
NBC News
14-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
La Roche-Posay just recalled this popular acne treatment — here's what to use instead
Earlier this week, the FDA announced that 95 skin care products on the market containing benzoyl peroxide may be at risk for something called benzene contamination, which means they contain at least small amounts of the carcinogen commonly found in cigarette smoke and gasoline. Amongst the products listed? La Roche-Posay's popular Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment. Though the FDA did not demand this product be recalled, La Roche-Posay did a voluntary recall. If you look online, you'll see the product is now listed as being discontinued. Below, find more details on what this announcement from the FDA means, other products that were named as having possible benzene contamination and a list of acne spot treatments you can use in place of La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment. Why were some acne treatments recalled? A few days ago, the FDA released a report that noted that 95 different acne products may have possible benzene contamination. All of the products listed contained benzoyl peroxide, which experts have previously told us can help to treat breakouts. The FDA decided to do a bunch of testing because last year, a third-party testing facility had reported they had found high levels of the carcinogen benzene in many products containing benzoyl peroxide and they asked the FDA to recall them. The FDA then decided to do their own testing and found fewer products than previously suggested had small amounts of possible benzene contamination. Some of the products listed as having possible benzene contamination included: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion In their announcement, the FDA noted that the dangers of benzene depend on how long you're exposed to it and the amounts you are exposed to. They also stressed that developing cancer because of exposure to benzene through acne products is very low. The FDA did not demand any of the companies with products listed to issue a recall. Even still, many brands — including La Roche-Posay — decided to do a voluntary recall. These recalls are on a retail level, not a consumer level. This means they are being taken off the shelf, but consumers who own these products are not notified or instructed to do anything. If you're looking for a replacement for La Roche-Posay's spot treatment, we have a number to consider. All of the products below have either been recommended to us in the past by experts, are a favorite of an NBC Select staffer or are highly rated — and none of them appeared on the list of 95 products the FDA called out for possible benzene contamination. This spot treatment was our Wellness Award winner for best acne treatment and is a staff favorite. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson says the gel is gentle yet effective on her acne. Rather than benzoyl peroxide, it contains 0.1% adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid often used to treat acne breakouts and blackheads. This treatment, which experts recommended in our guide to spot treatments, uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce blemishes, according to the brand. It also contains thyme and pine extracts to hydrate and goes on clear so you can wear it undetected during the day. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin is a fan of Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion and says she puts it on all her breakouts before bed. It has a quick-drying formula that is best applied by dipping a cotton swab into the bottle — all the way to the bottom — and directly dabbing it onto your skin, according to the brand. Though this spot treatment made our list of best acne treatments for teens, it can be used at any age. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, which inhibits bacteria from spreading, according to the experts we interviewed. It can be used morning or night and starts working immediately, according to the brand. ZitSticka Killa Kit One of our favorite pimple patches, experts told us that they like that they have micro darts filled with salicylic acid, niacinamide and oligopeptide-76 to help the ingredients get in there and do their job. They also contain hyaluronic acid to prevent drying or scabbing as blemishes heal. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
NBC News
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- NBC News
This Dyson cordless vacuum is 50% off at Walmart right now
Dyson is an expert-approved brand for all of our spring cleaning essentials, including vacuums, including handheld, cordless and upright vacuums. It's also a favorite brand among our NBC Select editors: I swear by my Dyson V11, which picks up every ounce of pet hair and debris without taking up much space in my tiny apartment. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson also loves the versatility of the recently-launched Dyson Car+Boat handheld vacuum. However, they are a big investment, which means you'll want to take advantage of sales as they pop up. Right now, the Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum is 50% off at Walmart. What is the Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum? Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum 4.7-star average rating from 20 reviews at Walmart Dyson's cordless vacuums are a favorite among the cleaning experts I spoke to for our vacuums buying guide. At just 4.4 pounds, the Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum is one of the lightest Dyson has to offer (including several of its handheld options). Its LCD screen shows you the remaining run time, maintenance alerts and the cleaning mode you're in. You can swap between auto, eco for longer cleans and boost for intensive vacuuming. The battery also lasts up to 40 minutes before you'll need to charge it. The Slim Digital comes with three cleaning accessories: a motorized cleaner head that cleans all floor types, a combination tool (which is best for cleaning upholstery) and a crevice tool to clean hard-to-reach spots. Plus, it easily converts into a handheld vacuum to make cleaning smaller and compact areas, like your stairs, couch and car, much more comfortable. The vacuum has whole machine filtration, meaning it captures dust, pet dander and small particles in a fully sealed system to clean your air, according to the brand. It also comes with a mountable charger to help you create a docking station, and the bin has a simple ejection button so you never have to touch the dirt and debris you clean up. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered sales and deals for over four years. I have previously covered sales during Amazon Prime Day, July Fourth, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
