Latest news with #Wi-Fi-connected
Buzz Feed
31-07-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
19 Products To Keep You Cooler At Night
A swamp cooler that will keep your room so cold, you'll be able to nickname your bedroom "the igloo." It has three cooling modes (air/water/ice) that supply an icy breeze that covers up to 700 square feet. It's energy-efficient, air-hydrating, and ideal for anyone living in dry, arid conditions. Think portable AC meets humidifier but *without* the sky-high energy bill. A tower fan to keep you from stewing in a pool of your own sweat as you try to drift off to sleep. This sleek little powerhouse shoots cool air across your room at up to 25 feet per second and cools off a wide area of space with 90-degree oscillation — all without sounding like a helicopter. And because of its whisper-quiet mode and auto-off display, you won't even know it's there — except to notice how gloriously ~not~ sweaty you feel at 2 a.m. Or if you need a smaller breeze that's more in your face, an adjustable fan because your bed feels like a furnace and the ceiling fan just isn't cutting it. This little angel has three speeds, a rechargeable battery, and bendy tripod legs that can wrap perfectly around your bedframe — so you can aim the breeze exactly where you need it. And it can last for up to 10 hours on the lowest speed. A BedJet for anyone who is ready to stop doing midnight sheet origami from being too hot. This miracle machine pulls heat and moisture out of your bed faster than you can say 'night sweats." It's customizable, fits any mattress, and has smart temp control settings that you can program for every hour of the night. A high-tech cooling mattress pad if you're ready for a sleep experience that is out of this world. Designed with ~NASA-engineered fabric~, this cooling mattress pad utilizes a breathable fiberfill so you're never too hot or too cold. It's even been shown to reduce night sweats by up to 50%! With a high-thread count and a snug, stay-put fit, you'll think you're sleeping on a comfy, temperature-regulating cloud. A Google Nest Smart Thermostat so that you're not constantly fiddling with the AC in the middle of the night. This sleek, Wi-Fi-connected thermostat adjusts the temperature in your house based on your habits. It figures out when you're home, when you're away, and when you need your bedroom to feel like an ice cave — all while helping you cut down that energy bill. When your night sweats come looking for ya in the middle of the night, you can finally say, "New thermostat, who dis?" A booster fan if you're tired of constantly checking your vents to see if the AC is on. It is truly the secret weapon against a weak HVAC system that you didn't know you needed. This booster fan turbocharges airflow from your AC, making weak blasts feel like a cold front. And the install is as easy as this thing is breezy. You just switch this in for your old vent cover and that's it! It will push out way more chilly air — quietly, efficiently, and exactly when you need it. A memory foam cooling pillow, because you could keep getting up to flip your pillow to the cool side all night... Or you could just get this double-sided cooling gem that you can fluff, stuff, and shape to perfection. The pillow cover features a silky fabric that is cool to the touch and designed to pull heat away from your face. And then the shredded memory foam inside the inner pillow helps with air circulation, breathability, and achieving that perfect squish level. A mulberry silk pillowcase to keep your face cool, your strands smooth, and your skin hydrated. It's like skincare, haircare, and temperature control all rolled into one bougie little square. This handmade silk pillowcase is breathable and moisture-wicking, and it also prevents the tugging and pulling on hair that happens with ordinary pillowcases. So, you'll finally be able to wake up well-rested and sweat-free with the hair and skin of your dreams. A self-cooling pillow pad that will have you thinking you're snuggling with a bag of frozen peas. It kicks in the second pressure hits it, giving you sweet, icy relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches — with no electricity, water, or freezer time required. Toss it on your pillow, behind your neck, or under your feet and enjoy the cooling effect for up to three hours. A set of cooling sheets so chill, you'll swear the AC is built into the fabric. Made with 100% cotton, these sheets are a pro at temp regulation because of their breathability — which means you'll be nice and cool when summer nights get swampy. And they have a smooth sateen finish that will get softer with each wash. A splurge-worthy cotton blanket if the phrase, 'Why am I sweating while literally doing nothing?' hits a little too close to bed. Crafted from pure, soft muslin cotton and oversized to perfection, it's designed to drape your bed (and your body) in cloud-like comfort. With its temperature-regulating weave, it's built to let air move freely so your body doesn't overheat, even during peak tossing-and-turning hours. It's so good, you might actually sleep through your alarm. A double-sided cooling eye mask featuring a plush fabric side for gentle cooling and a transparent side for those looking for a more intense chill. And thanks to the adjustable strap, it'll actually stay on your face all night — because you deserve sweet dreams, not sweaty ones. A lightweight, sweat-wicking bamboo nightdress so breathable and soft, it basically tucks you in. It has a fashionable V-neck, and its knee-length, relaxed fit helps with ease of movement and airflow. Warning: You will consider wearing it all day and look like a sweat-free baddie while doing it. Or, a sweat-wicking pajama short set that will feel like you pulled them out of the crisper drawer instead of your dresser when you put them on. They're lightweight, breathable, and slightly cool to the touch — aka your new go-to for sticky summer nights. Plus, the satin trim and pretty color options make them feel more 'quiet luxury' than 'just rolled out of bed.' A handcrafted cooling body spray that will become a staple in your bedtime routine. One spritz and the combo of witch hazel, lavender, and icy mint oils delivers instant cooling relief with a side of aromatherapy. It's truly like a refreshing blast of AC in a bottle. A mini fridge so that you don't have to trek to the kitchen in the middle of the night (and real talk, risk stubbing your toe) for a cool glass of water. It's got space for up to eight cans of your favorite beverage and a removable shelf to help accommodate taller bottles. A Corkcicle insulated tumbler because when your sheets feel like a sauna in the middle of the night, you'll be thankful for a bottle that keeps your water straight-out-of-the-freezer cold. With a chic design, a spill-proof lid, and the power to keep drinks cold for up to 20 hours thanks to its triple insulation, it's the chill sidekick every hot sleeper deserves to have within arm's reach. A pair of chic blackout curtains to keep your bedroom as cool and dark as a meat locker. They don't just block sunlight — they also seal out heat and UV rays, too. And with a faux linen texture, you'll be able to keep your room chill and cute.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Time of India
Is your Wi-Fi secure? A hidden hack can expose digital intruders in seconds
When Smart Devices Get a Mind of Their Own Slower internet speeds, even when no one is streaming Devices you don't recognize on your network Odd behavior from smart gadgets High, unexplained router usage MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT The Simple Check You Can Do Right Now Open a browser on any Wi-Fi-connected device Type in your router address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) Log in using the password Navigate to Home Network > Connected Devices or Overview Fortify Your First Line of Defense The internet is no longer confined to computers and cables. With smart TVs, speakers, fridges, and even doorbells talking to each other, your Wi-Fi is more than just a convenience—it's the central nervous system of your home. But what if that very network, buzzing quietly in the background, is a silent threat?As lightning-fast 6G speeds loom on the horizon, promising to download 20 movies in a second, a crucial question arises: is your Wi-Fi secure? A recent PCWorld report warns that a weak Wi-Fi network is like 'an open door to your life'—and not just to nosy neighbours. Cybercriminals no longer need to break down doors. An unprotected Wi-Fi network can give them a free pass into your home, letting them snoop on data or worse—exploit your smart devices. Think lights flickering for no reason, speakers talking unprompted, or strange devices showing up in your connected your network might be compromised include:Beyond the inconvenience, there's a darker side. If a hacker uses your network for illegal downloads, you could be held legally responsible—even if you weren't finding out if your Wi-Fi is under siege doesn't require technical wizardry. PCWorld lays out an easy hack to see who's connected to your network:You'll see a list of all devices, complete with names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses. If something looks unfamiliar, your Wi-Fi might have uninvited guests. Most routers offer the option to block unknown devices. But your next move should be more aggressive—change your Wi-Fi password recommend using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for maximum protection and setting a strong, unpredictable password with at least 12 characters that includes a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easy-to-guess names and don't reuse passwords from other are also apps available to help monitor device connections and alert you to suspicious activity. But ultimately, vigilance is key.
Buzz Feed
28-04-2025
- Buzz Feed
27 Lowe's Products That Any New Homeowner Would Probably Find Handy
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. You'll never know how much you need your very own power washer until you're faced with maintaining your deck or patio yourself. 1. A Wi-Fi-connected August smart lock that'll give you tons of control over who has access to your place at any given time. It installs right over your regular lock, so you can operate it using either a physical key or the August smartphone app. No need to worry about accidentally locking yourself out of your new home! Lowe's One of the first things my spouse and I did when we bought our home was install a smart lock — an older version of this one, in fact. We've had it for more than six years now, and it's still working great. It comes especially in handy when we've got guests staying over; if they put the August app on their phone, we can give them access to the lock without needing to faff about with actual spare keys. Even better, you can set the amount of time your guests will have access, so when the visit is over, so too is their lock access. Easy peasy! 2. A good household tool kit, because you're your own super now. This 73-piece set has everything you need to handle any fix-it projects that might pop up after you move in, from your basic hammer and measuring tape to a bunch of hex keys, a utility knife, and — most importantly, IMHO! — a ratchet screwdriver with tons of different heads. Lowe's If you've never experienced the wrist-saving wonders of a ratchet screwdriver before, you're in for an excellent time. Trust me. It's an absolute homeowner essential. Promising review: ' Great household set with all the practical things you need for simple household jobs! Love the folding case with a handle. It lays flat when open and has the perfect spot to hold each tool, making it easy to store and find them all.' — Cassie 3. A basic 6-foot-tall step ladder so you can make sure you can reach anything you need: Your kitchen cabinets, all those burnt-out bulbs in your recessed lighting, your own attic, you name it. This fiberglass option is lightweight, so it's easy to move around — but it's also super sturdy, which, y'know, is kind of key for a step ladder. Lowe's Fun fact: The hatch to the attic in my lil' townhouse does not have its own access ladder. I can only get to it with my trusty 6-foot step ladder. Thanks, step ladder. You're the best. PS: This one has a weight limit of 300 pounds. Promising review: 'Love this ladder. Very sturdy yet not too heavy. Moved it around as I was working like a breeze. I wanted something that I would feel comfortable on and that could hold me and my husband without worry. It meets all those needs. Was hanging flowers on my patio and the space cutout at the top seemed as if it was made for my flower pot, plus I was able to hold my other tools. Would totally recommend.' — jayy 4. And a three-tier kitchen ladder for those times you don't need quite as much height. Compact and foldable, this sucker stores unobtrusively and opens up quickly, making it perfect for faster oh-no-I-can't-reach jobs that don't require the full height of your regular step ladder. You need both. Trust me. Lowe's Look, y'all. I'm five feet tall. I cannot reach the top shelves of anything, ever without the aid of an extra set of steps. And as much as I love my 6-foot step ladder, I do not want to have to haul that thing out every time I need to get a can of tomato paste or whatever down from the upper echelons of my kitchen cabinets. So, I have one of these instead, and I use it literally every day. Get thee a step stool. It's worth it. I promise. PS: This has a weight limit of 225 pounds. Promising review: 'Great for anything inside. This is the perfect household ladder. Just the right size to reach whatever needed and folds flat to hide or sit anywhere out of the way.' — rmax 5. A really big, really bright flashlight, because honestly, you never know when you're going to need one. This pick from Kobalt packs a whopping 6,000 lumens and operates in five different modes, so whether you're dealing with a power outage or just need to brighten things up while you're DIY-ing a home fix-it project, it'll be there to light up your life for you. The batteries are even rechargeable! Lowe's Promising review: ' Best flashlight I have ever owned. Super bright, different modes, battery power output and auto shut off when light is covered to keep from excessively heat. Lifetime warranty.' — Nuggets Daddy 6. Some sleek and modern drawer pulls that'll update your hardware and make your new home that much more you. These reviewer-loved steel bar pulls install quickly and easily — and even better, they come in tons of different multipacks, so you can take care of aaaaaaall your drawers and cabinets in one fell swoop. Lowe's Promising review: ' Solid metal handle with simple but great looks! Second time using these handles, but now in the kitchen. Plenty of sizes, which allow the right fit per cabinet. Great thing is that these are fairly common in looks, so they go well with everything and you can match the house aesthetics.' — DavidK 7. Some slide-on weatherstripping for your front or back door, because despite the fact that the door is new *to you,* that doesn't mean that it's, uh, actually new — which, in turn, might mean that you've got old, worn-out weatherstripping or weird gaps to contend with. But hey, good news: Slipping one of these lil' guys along the bottom of your exterior door is an easy way to fix that problem. Keep those drafts outside where they belong! Lowe's Promising review: 'I am so happy; it sealed my backyard door so nicely that I don't have any cold air coming from outside. The door is 1-3/4" thick. Measured it, cut it, removed the existing strip, pushed the new one as per video instruction. Highly recommend it.' — Lshadow 8. A versatile over-the-sink steel drying mat that'll free up tons of space on your brand new counters for things more important than dishes. Usable as both an under-mount or an over-the-sink option, this sturdy rack spreads out across the sink itself, letting everything drip dry right where it should. Then, once everything is put away, you can roll the mat back up until you need it again for even more space-saving power. Lowe's Promising review: 'Handy! I love the color; it goes with my color scheme. I also love the fact that I can hand wash a few pots and pans and let them dry and put them away — the water drips into the sink and I don't have stinky towels to wash and dry. I'm also able to put hot pans on there and not have to worry about burning my counters.' — Ry0211 9. A stackable basket (or two, or three, or…) to help get your new home organized and ~aesthetic,~ all in one go. Who says your storage solutions can't also be part of your décor scheme? Lowe's Promising review: 'I installed a laundry room shelf and then added three of these baskets to organize cleaning products, rags, and other sundry items. The baskets are perfect visually. They hide items in style. ' — HandyGranny 10. A geometric-patterned area rug to cover your naked floors — especially if you're going from a rental with wall-to-wall carpeting to your own place with much-coveted hardwood floors. This thoroughly modern option has a high pile that'll be super soft on your toes while simultaneously perking up whatever room you put it in. Never underestimate the transformative powers of a good rug. Lowe's Promising review: 'Love my new rug! Beautiful rug! It was the perfect addition to our living room. The rug is really soft and of perfect thickness, and looks very elegant. Beautiful pattern, I highly recommend it!' — Beach girl 11. A couple of thermal blackout curtain panels that'll actually, y'know, darken your room so you can sleep (and help on your climate control bills while you're at it). These classic panels have grommets at the top, so you won't need to fuss with curtain rings; you can hang 'em right on the rod. Now that you have absolute control over your window treatments, it's time to make it count, right? Lowe's Promising review: 'This product was exactly what my wife and I were looking for. We needed something to cover the sliding glass door in the dining area and this fit perfectly. It is long enough to cover the entire door, and wide enough that two panels cover the entire width. Since they are 'blackout curtains,' they also will help keep the heat out in the summer.' — Masarusan 12. And some sleek curtain holdbacks to make keeping those drapes open nice and easy and closing them even easier. Since you own your place now, you can freely drill holes in the walls — meaning installing things like these is finally in the cards for you. Hoorah! Lowe's Promising review: 'Hold my curtains! I bought a new house and needed curtains for the French doors. The heat was coming through the doors and I decided this would help my electric bill, but I liked some light coming in during the morning and evenings. These tie-backs were perfect. I had gone to some local fabric shops and they suggested I go to Lowe's to find them. (I had looked on Etsy and these were nicer and less expensive!)' — Ladder2 13. An endlessly useful floating bracket shelf or two that'll add a boost of style and practicality wherever you hang them. Match them with a hanging hook rack and a slim bench for an entryway makeover; put them in your bathroom for space-saving storage; hang 'em in a hallway to make the perfect picture ledge... You can choose your own adventure! Lowe's Promising review: 'Great look! I have used this particular shelf in several homes that I have remodeled. It goes so well with many different styles of decor! Whether it's a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, it looks great in every room! Lightweight, and easy to hang.' — SueB 14. A pull-out cabinet organizer so you can keep your brand-new cabinets as neat and tidy inside as they look outside. This two-tiered, soft-close rack mounts right inside your cabinet; then, once it's installed, you can just pull it out, find what you need, and roll it back in. Lowe's No need to start your homeowner era spending a million years sitting on the ground as you root around inside for that one pot you need right now! Promising review: 'We have installed these in the three houses we have bought over the last 15 years. The soft-close feature on the wider pullouts is fantastic for keeping baking pans, glass mixing bowls, and lots of other 'clangy' stuff quiet when closing the cabinet. Whenever we have to get something from a base cabinet at someone else's house, we appreciate them all the more since we are getting less flexible with age. Who wants to try to drag a Crock-Pot from the back of a low cabinet? Not us! While these pullouts might seem expensive, we've never had one fail and the originals that are in our first house (which is still in the family) are still going strong!' — Lanakila 15. A closet organization system, because now that your home is your home, you can make sure every closet in it is exactly to your own specifications. This system from ClosetMaid makes terrific use of your closet's vertical space, adding a plethora of hanging bars and shelves to give you the ultimate 'a place for everything and everything in its place' solution. Reviewers say it's super easy to install, too, so hey, bonus points for that. Lowe's Promising review: 'So much storage! We put three of these systems in our bedroom closets, which originally only had a rod. These provided so much more storage than expected and look so nice. We are planning to move and I will be installing these systems in the closets in our new house. They are easy to install and look so nice!' — Annie 16. A ceiling fan light attachment, in the event that the fans that came with your home don't, uh, have them. Luckily, there's an easy solution to that problem! Many ceiling fans have a spot for a light attachment, even if they didn't come with one — so odds are you can just get the light attachment separately and install it directly onto the fan yourself. Let there be overhead light! Lowe's This is exactly what my situation was when my spouse and I moved into our place as new homeowners: All three bedrooms had ceiling fans, but a) none of them had lights attached, and b) the rooms also did not have any other overhead lighting to speak of. We just got a couple of attachments like this one and installed them on our own, and now we've got both airflow and ambient lighting. A+, no notes. Promising review: 'Nice-looking addition to my ceiling fan! I have installed two of these, and they are easy to install and match very well with my existing ceiling fans. When I first saw this lighting kit, I wondered if it would fit and work with the existing wiring. It was a perfect match. I highly recommend this lighting kit!' — HawaiiKaiDoug 17. Some bold botanical peel-and-stick wallpaper if you're curious about trying out wallpaper rather than regular ol' paint, but don't want to fully commit yet. Because you can just peel it off whenever you've decided you're done with it, this stuff can be a great way to figure out what you like — or determine whether you even like the wallpaper look in the first place. No harm, no foul. Promising review: 'Gorgeous! At first, I thought this would be too dark for a little girl's room. I'm so glad I took the risk because it looks gorgeous. I keep going into my daughter's room to admire it. As others may have suggested, it is well worth it to take the time and match up the pattern.' — Desi 18. A compact power washer so you can relish in the satisfaction of blasting years of dirt off your walkways, patio, deck, driveway… well, you get the idea. This portable pick — which, by the way, is electric (no need to fuss around with gas!) — includes two nozzles and packs a punch of 1,800 psi to get all your outdoor spaces bright and sparkling new. Lowe's Honestly, a power washer is one of those things you won't realize you need until you… really need it. Ask me and my 40-year-old patio and deck how we know. Promising review: 'Nice portable unit that works for a lot of jobs! This is a great compact power washer. I was able to use it to clean a few year's worth of grime and dirt off of landscaping blocks, as well as mildew from brick pavers and the sidewalk. The cord and hose for the wand are long enough where a lot of jobs can be completed without an extension cord. As far as the nozzle heads, there are only two that are included with the unit. One is a pinpoint nozzle and the other is a wide-angle nozzle (20 degrees, I think).' — Lowe's reviewer 19. A fancy schmancy Delta shower head that'll turn your new bathroom into your very own spa. The four different spray settings on this let you adjust things exactly to your liking — and switching between rainfall and handheld mode is super simple, too. Your mornings will never be the same again. Lowe's Did you know switching out a shower head is much, much easier than you probably think it is? And swapping out whatever came with your new place when you bought it for the perfect, exactly-to-your-own-specifications pick is an A+ way to make your new home feel like home. Since it's yours for good, you won't have to worry about putting the old fixture back in when you're ready to move out, either. 10/10, highly recommend. Promising review: 'Such an upgrade! I love it! Worth every penny! The finish is really nice, it's very user-friendly, sturdy, and easy to install. Even with both heads on, you don't lose water pressure. We've had ours for about a month and have absolutely no complaints. I love the fact that the rain head is adjustable and the hose for the handle is long enough to be able to easily clean the shower top to bottom. We updated our builder-grade head we've had for years and now it feels like we finally have an adult shower worthy of the primary bathroom. Trust me, it's well worth the money. And for a complete finish, you can easily swap out the knobs and cover plates in the shower, too.' — Sarena Price: $99.98+ (available in four finishes) 20. And a new pull-down faucet, because guess what? Changing out one of the major functional focal points of your new kitchen i s also a lot easier than you probably think it is. This stainless steel Moen pick switches from stream to spray with the push of a button; plus, it's got a spot-resistant finish for easy maintenance, too. Lowe's Promising review: 'Easy and efficient. Maybe the perfect faucet! This faucet is very nice-looking and the ease of use is excellent. The faucet glides from one side to another, and the handle moves easily. I like the sprayer function on the end. The button is in a handy, easy-to-work spot, and even when I'm not using the spray function, I can swivel the end piece around to rinse all the walls of the sink without using my hands or a sponge to reach the sides. ' — Julia G Price: $149+ (originally $169+; available in three finishes) 21. A reviewer-beloved 8-quart Gourmia air fryer, because moving is exhausting but you still need to eat. Luckily, feeding yourself after a long day of unpacking, sorting, organizing, and renovating is super easy with this on hand; just pop your favorite bites into the basket and you'll have warm, crispy deliciousness ready in no time. (And with very little cleanup after!) Lowe's Promising review: 'Chef-level results, zero stress! Using the Gourmia 8-Quart Air Fryer has completely changed how I approach cooking. The preheat function is a game-changer — it gets the air fryer to the perfect temperature before I even add the food. I love the little notification that pops up to remind me it's time to start. It feels like having an assistant in the kitchen! The turn reminder is another feature I didn't realize I needed — it beeps at just the right moment, making sure I don't forget to toss or turn my food. This ensures everything comes out evenly crisped, especially with fries or roasted veggies. The large basket is perfect for my family dinners. I can cook enough in one go without needing several batches, and it fits surprisingly well in the air fryer's compact design. Cleaning is another big plus — the nonstick coating really works, and the fact that both the basket and crisper tray are dishwasher-safe is a lifesaver after a long day. So far, I've used it to make fries, roasted veggies, and even a small batch of baked goods, and everything has turned out great. It's become a reliable part of my cooking routine, especially when I want to prepare something quickly without too much hassle. ' — Chezki Price: $99.99 22. A lightweight, bagless and cordless Dyson vacuum that'll make keeping your floors clean a breeze. This vacuum is so much easier to move around your home than the huge, corded monstrosities of yore, and you can change out the attachments with the click of a button. It easily converts to a hand-held device, negating the need to buy an additional hand vacuum; and, since it has a wall-mounted charging dock, it stays out of the way when you're not using it. Lowe's Did I think I needed a high-tech vacuum when I lived in a one-bedroom apartment? No, I did not. Was I convinced I was going to need one when I moved into a home I actually owned? Also no. Did my spouse's idea to get one really, really pay off? ABSOLUTELY. We can vacuum our entire townhouse in 45 minutes flat with this thing. It's an investment, but boy, is it worth it. It's excellent for homes that tend to be, uh, full of pet hair, if that's a thing you're dealing with. (I sure am. How do tiny cats produce so much dang hair???) Promising review: 'Dyson V11 is one of the best options for a 2,000-square-foot house. It covers the entire area in a single charge. The run time is 35 minutes with medium speed and the suction is great. You can use it on different floor types without any issues. I have a wired vacuum that I never use anymore now because this vacuum is very convenient. Once you go Dyson V11, you never going back to a wired vacuum.' — Sal G Price: $469.99 (originally $569.99) 23. A six-pack of battery-powered puck lights so you can illuminate your counters, under-cabinet areas, and other hard-to-light areas without needing to do any complicated rewiring. These LED lights mount with minimal fuss using either Command strips or good ol' fashioned screws, and they have a remote for super-easy operation, too. Lowe's Promising review: 'Great product! We used these as under-cabinet lighting for our kitchen. The lights look discrete and give off a cozy vibe. Much cheaper than installing lighting.' — SaraC Price: $29.98 24. Some modern door handles that'll upgrade your home's builder-grade doorknob situation, stat. That's the beauty of owning your own home! Don't like something in it? Change it! These streamlined handles are definitely a step up in the style department, and they've got privacy locks, to boot, making them ideal for bedroom or bathroom doors. Lowe's Promising review: 'Get these handles — look great and work so nice! These door handles work wonderful and look even better. Bought two and went back to purchase more for rest of my doors. So happy with everything and easy to open!' — Barb Price: $34.98 (available in three finishes) 25. A fun welcome mat to greet your guests and protect your floors, all in one go. (You're the one that's going to have to take responsibility for maintaining them now, after all.) This natural coir option both says hello when they arrive and bids them farewell when they leave, because you are nothing if not an excellent host, right? Lowe's Promising review: 'Good at keeping dirt out. A cute way to let your guests know they are welcome. Heavier than I thought it would be. Does a good job of getting mud off the shoes before coming into the house.' — Cbdb Price: $12.98 26. A cute lil' bistro set, because if your new abode has its very own outdoor space, you now get to experience the joys of being able to savor a quiet morning coffee outside without even leaving home. Lowe's The set comes with two cushioned chairs and a side table with a tempered glass top. Ugh. So adorable. Promising review: 'Great price and value! I love this table set! Very comfortable and easy to put together! Perfect size for my balcony.' — Beach lover Price: $240.78 27. And lastly, some wavy, ocean-like window film if your new neighbors are a little, uh… let's call it overly curious. This easy-to-apply film offers privacy from nosy passersby, and it's super pretty, to boot. Lowe's Promising review: 'Love, love, love! Just bought a house with two fancy leaded-glass windows — one in the front door, the other above the tub in the first-floor bath. Both widows had large sections of clear glass, allowing anyone to walk up and peek inside. I bought this exact product and installed it over the entire space of both windows. I was worried that I'd lose the beauty of the leaded effect, but the results were FABULOUS and far exceeded my expectations! This product is super easy to install — had both windows done in under an hour. This material is thick, but cuts easily. It's static-cling, so it repositions easily, and you don't need to wet the window at all when you install it. If I could give this product 10 stars, I would because I'm just that happy with the results!' — FancyNancy Price: $54.99 Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking for a Good Internet Deal? Check the Cost Per Mbps.
It's no secret that shopping for internet" target="_self is frustrating and confusing. Typically, we're just hunting for a good monthly price. But depending on what providers are available in your area" target="_self and what kind of internet connection type" target="_self you're opting for (Cable? Fiber? Going wireless with 5G?), that price tag will fluctuate. It's little wonder why the internet as an industry consistently ranks lower than airlines and the post office" target="_self. To make it a little easier to compare plans and determine which works better for you, examine the speed of each internet plan as it compares to the price. The cost per Mbps is a simple way to determine how cost-efficient an internet plan is and a good way to find internet deals" target="_self and competitive pricing -- especially after an ISP's promo period ends. Knowing the cost per Mbps of a plan can help you distinguish between a decent internet deal or a service that is just plain cheap. But what, exactly, is the cost per Mbps, and how do you find it? For that matter, what is Mbps? Let's dive right in. Mbps, or megabits per second, is a measure of how fast the data transmitted through your internet connection is sent or received per second -- the miles per hour that data travels along the information superhighway, if you will. A faster connection means you can have more devices on your network without being slowed down, and it'll take less time to complete tasks like downloading an app on your Wi-Fi-connected tablet or uploading a video to social media. Most internet service providers advertise a plan's max speeds using Mbps, though some may also display Gbps, or gigabits (1 gigabit = 1,000 megabits) per second. Many ISPs offer a variety of speeds. AT&T Fiber" target="_self, for example, offers 300Mbps, 500Mbps, 1Gbps, 2Gbps and 5Gbps plans. Available speeds will vary by provider, but the FCC ruled that speeds must be 100Mbps down and 20Mbps up" target="_self or higher to be considered broadband. If you have questions about how much speed your household needs, be sure to check out our household guide on internet usage" target="_self. Cost per Mbps is the ratio between an internet plan's monthly rate and its advertised speeds. Specifically, it estimates what you pay for 1Mbps, not including taxes and fees. You may have come across per-unit pricing while at the grocery store (and if you haven't, it's a good idea to look for it, given our national discourse on shrinkflation). The purpose of per-unit pricing is to quickly compare the value of multiple products by showing the cost per unit, like how much you're paying for one ounce of soup in a small can versus a larger can of the same soup, for example. Cost per Mbps is essentially the same thing. It's per-unit pricing for your internet to help you quickly compare value. Unlike at the grocery store, however, the cost per Mbps isn't typically on display, so you will have to calculate it yourself. Don't worry, it's not hard. To find the cost per Mbps, divide the plan's advertised monthly rate (excluding any anticipated taxes and fees other than for equipment) by its max speed. Take the Verizon Fios" target="_self 300Mbps plan. Service starts at $50 a month for download speeds up to 300Mbps. $50 divided by 300 equals a cost of around 17 cents per Mbps. That's not bad, but Verizon's slightly faster Fios plan offers up to 500Mbps starting at $75 monthly. $75 divided by 500 gives us a cost per Mbps of 15 cents. So, while the 300Mbps plan is cheaper, the 500Mbps speed tier is the better overall value. Again, you'll want to omit potential taxes and fees from the equation, but it may be worthwhile to include the cost of equipment rental" target="_self in the price. For example, Spectrum Internet" target="_self offers speeds up to 500Mbps starting at $50 a month (10 cents per Mbps), but renting a router (it's optional) will add $10 to your bill for an all-in cost of $60 a month or 12 cents per Mbps. Other providers, such as Cox" target="_self and Xfinity" target="_self, may charge up to $15 for equipment rental, which can make a big difference in determining the overall value, especially when compared with a provider with no equipment fees. Additionally, it's a good idea to be aware of introductory versus standard rates, if applicable. Sure, Xfinity's Connect More plan may start at a low $25 a month for speeds up to 300Mbps (cost per Mbps of 8 cents), but after the first year, the monthly rate jumps to $75, bringing the cost per Mbps to 25 cents. There's no right answer, but I would describe a cost per Mbps between 10 and 25 cents as "good" and anything lower as "great." Going higher than a quarter doesn't necessarily indicate a bad internet deal, but I would recommend plans with a bit more value, if available. Similar to how the larger can of soup is likely to have a better price per unit than the smaller can, internet plans with more speed are typically the ones with the lowest cost per Mbps. Going back to our Verizon Fios example, the 500Mbps plan is a better value compared to the 300Mbps, but gig service, with speeds up to 940Mbps starting at $90 a month, tops them both with a cost per Mbps of less than a dime. It's a similar story with almost every top internet provider" target="_self and its selection of plans: the value goes up -- and cost per Mbps goes down -- with each upgrade to a faster speed. While the value is tempting, don't let it convince you to sign up for a plan with more speed than you need. Even if it's a better deal, paying $80 for gig service (up to 1,000Mbps, cost per Mbps of 8 cents) from AT&T Fiber when you can get by on 500Mbps (starting at $65 per month, cost per Mbps of 13 cents) will have you paying more for internet than you need to. It's like purchasing a 20-ounce can of soup when you're only hungry for 12 ounces. The bigger can is a better value, sure, but a lot of soup will go to waste, and you'll pay more for it than the 12-ounce can. Evaluating the cost per Mbps of a single provider's plans will show the value of upgrading to a faster speed tier, but it's most practical when used to determine the value among providers with similar speed tiers. Say you're comparing the cheapest plans from Cox and AT&T Fiber. Cox starts at $50 per month for speeds up to 250Mbps in select areas, whereas AT&T Fiber is $55 for 300Mbps. Cox is $5 cheaper but has a cost per Mbps of 20 cents, while AT&T Fiber's cost per Mbps is 18 cents. AT&T Fiber is the better deal, though slightly more expensive. Here's a look at the average cost per Mbps of some of the top cable and fiber internet providers. Since these are averages, individual plans from each provider will have a higher or lower starting price, faster or slower speeds and thus a higher or lower cost per Mbps. Also, keep in mind that the average starting price reflects introductory pricing and may increase significantly after the first year or two, depending on the provider. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Cost per Mbps is worth considering when shopping for home internet, but it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor when choosing a provider or plan. In fact, if you go by cost per Mbps alone, you're probably going to end up with the fastest and most expensive plan, and it'll likely be a fiber internet plan since fiber offers lightning-fast speeds, up to 50,000Mbps. To simplify the process, start by comparing the connection types, speeds and pricing available at your address. Next, look at the service conditions -- equipment fees" target="_self, data caps" target="_self and contracts" target="_self -- which usually give one provider the advantage over another. Finally, when it's time to choose a specific plan, assess the cost per Mbps of the top contenders to determine which plans offer the speed you need for the best value. For more tips on finding the right internet provider and plan for your home and making the most of your services, visit the CNET Home Internet hub page.
