Every month, the CNN Underscored team is hard at work testing new products to find the best ones worth purchasing. You can count on our hands-on, objective reviews where we find the top products across various categories, from beauty, health and electronics to smart home gadgets, kitchen tools and outdoors gear.
Our testing process is rigorous, each time kicking off with extensive research to track down top contenders in each product category. After creating our testing pool, we acquire and use each product multiple times in a real-world setting over several weeks or even months.
The month of July was no different, in which we tested plenty of high-quality and reliable products, including cooling pillows that will keep you comfy throughout the night, the most rugged hiking daypacks to make your next adventure a blast, delicious sparkling wines to help you unwind and relax with loved ones and the sharpest utility knives that will help you cut open any box or package — and found the best products you can buy to make life that much better. Here are the best-tested products we recommend from July.
Alcohol
Best sparkling wines
Mumm Napa Prestige Cuvée
Best sparkling wine
Our editors loved this delicious sparkling wine, which is grown and harvested in California’s renowned Napa Valley. This buttery, bubbly cuvée had the perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of fruitiness and freshly baked pastries. Pick up this elegant bottle for your next get-together.
Beauty
Best dry shampoos
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
Best dry shampoo
The DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo was the best at absorbing oil and removing sweat and dirt during testing. It’s a must for those mornings when you don’t have time to fully shampoo your hair. Its scent was a hit with our testers, too, making their hair smell as fresh as it felt.
Coffee
Best drip coffee makers
Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker with Grinder
Best drip coffee maker
If you need an amazing cup of coffee fast or even 10 cups at a time, then the Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker delivers. It features a handy built-in grinder that can ground your beans to your desired size and then make robust cup after cup that will hit the spot.
Electronics
Best headphones and earbuds
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best wireless over-ear headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless over-ear headphones improve on the WH-1000XM4, and was a hit during testing with its slimmer design and refined noise-canceling microphones. The XM5s are the high-end headphones to get right now.
Sony WF-100XM5 Wireless Earbuds
Best true wireless earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer superior sound and tons of features, including powerful ANC. Its attractive design also won us over during testing.
Best laptops
Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air M3
Best laptop
This 13-inch Apple MacBook features an M3 chip for super fast performance, a comfortable keyboard that is a pleasure to type on and a pleasing display that is crisp and clear. Plus, its long battery life will last you throughout a long workday or weekend.
Best portable Bluetooth speakers
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best portable bluetooth speaker
The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is packaged in a waterproof, dustproof canister that you can take to the beach, pool or anywhere you want robust, 360-degree sound. Plus, it’s a great value at less than $200.
Best tablets
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
Best tablet
In our testing, the 10th-generation Apple iPad impressed us with its powerful processor which easily performs daily tasks powerfully. Our editors loved its clear display, tablet-optimized apps and its overall value.
Best webcams
Logitech C920S
Best webcam
The Logitech C920S delivers an outstanding picture in dim and bright lighting conditions. Our editors found it sturdy and versatile during testing, coming with handy companion software for customizing your shots.
Best Wi-Fi range extenders
TP-Link RE605X AX1800 Mesh Dual Band Range Extender
Best Wi-Fi range extender
This range extender from TP-Link is simple to configure, easy to use and compatible with Wi-Fi 6. During testing, it performed well consistently and reliably, giving us the best wireless signal of all the units we tested.
Best Windows laptops
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)
Best Windows laptop
We think Microsoft finally got it right with its new Surface Laptop. It has long-lasting battery life and high-end performance. We prefer this model right now, considering all the new Copilot+ PCs available. But instead of AI trickery, this laptop impressed us with all the gains from its Snapdragon X Elite processor.
Health and fitness
Best bike hitch racks
1Up Super Duty
Best bike hitch rack
The 1UP Super Duty was recently redesigned, and we think this hitch rack was the burliest and most durable bike rack in our testing. It has great stability on 4x4 roads and can carry various tire widths and sizes. With a max weight of 100 pounds per tray, it is also e-bike compatible.
Best bike phone mounts
Quad Lock Out-Front Bike Mount
Best bike phone mount
The Quad Lock Out-Front Bike Mount is simple but robust and worked like a charm during testing. Its locking mechanism held firm even during extreme testing, and we liked that it comes in at a lower price than some competitors.
Best sunscreens
Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Best sunscreen
Our team of testers loved this sunscreen, its bright and pocket-sized packaging was just one of the things they liked. It contains potent vitamins and biofermentation technology to supercharge aging protection. We loved how it evened out our skin tones and liked how its omega-packed chia seeds nourished and our skin.
Home
Best utility knives
Milwaukee Fastback 48-22-1502
Best utility knife
This Milwaukee Fastback utility knife felt heavy-duty in our hands during testing. We loved its press-and-flip blade, and its impressive blade storage gave it the edge over the competition. For a durable, usable and portable knife, it’s the utility knife to get.
Best window ACs
Midea U-Shaped Window AC
Best window air conditioner
This air conditioner from Midea features a U-shaped design, which makes it easy to install in our window. This design also keeps the compressor outside, with the window acting as a noise barrier. As a result, it was quieter compared to other air conditioners we tested. It cooled our room quickly and effectively; we loved its motorized vent that automatically moved to waft cold air throughout the room.
Kitchen
Best panini presses
Cuisinart Electric Griddler Five GR-5BP1
Best electric panini press
We loved how the Cuisinart Electric Griddler Five GR-5BP1 features a pair of reversible, removable plates, which meant we could grill courtesy of the flat-top side or easily griddle and get those ridges that added the tell-tale heat marks to our wrap. This press can lay completely flat or press down on two sandwiches and do so without taking up too much countertop space.
Best pizza ovens
Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
Best pizza oven
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo was the only electric pizza oven we tested, and it turned out to be our favorite pizza oven of all the units we tested thanks to its predictable, consistent results. Every pizza we made with it came out evenly cooked and delicious.
Best stand mixers
KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Best stand mixer
We loved the KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer the best of all the mixers we tested due to its amazing durability and performance. It’s available in 20 colors and has a classic profile, which means this tilt-head mixer can fit in with almost any kitchen decor and not take up too much counter space.
Outdoor gear
Best hiking daypacks
Gregory Miko 25
Best hiking daypack for men
The men’s version of the Maya, the Miko 25 weighs only 2.1 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest and most comfortable daypacks we tested. Its extended sizing, from 2X to 6X, ensures a proper fit for larger bodies. We also loved that it can comfortably hold up to 25 pounds of gear.
Gregory Maya 25
Best hiking daypack for women
The women’s version of the Miko daypack, the Maya 25 ranked at the top of nearly every test we ran. We loved its amazing adjustability and unmatched comfort. This hiking daypack resists water and boasts stellar breathability at the same time. With pockets galore, there’s space for anything you might need to bring along on a day hike. For larger-bodied hikers, this pack also comes in a plus-size 20-liter option.
Best water shoes
Teva Outflow CT Universal Water Sandals
Best slip-on water shoes
The Teva Outflow Universal Water Sandals’ extra-grippy sole helps them stay comfortable and stable on wet and dry terrain alike. They are made with eco-friendly materials and provide excellent toebox protection. We liked Teva’s men's version as well.
Pets
Best cooling mats and pads for dogs
Green Pet Cool Pet Pad
Best dog cooling mat
We found the Green Pet Cool Pet Pad to be a great addition to our camping trip in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It was portable, durable and chic. But it also performed well at home on our living room floor, giving our dog Marla a comfortable, cool place to rest. Our pooch especially loved resting atop this mat when it was placed on her dog bed for the extra padding.
Best dog bowls
Max and Neo Stainless Steel Dog Bowl
Best dog bowl
The Max and Neo Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a stainless steel dog bowl that is easy to clean. Its classic style fit into our decor, and we liked that it was a bit heavier than the others we tested. Most of all, we loved its full rubber base, which means you will get no messes from your bowl-flipping doggo.
Sleep
Best cooling pillows
Pluto Pillow
Best cooling pillow
During testing, the Pluto Pillow we slept on was exactly the right thickness and firmness we needed. This was because we could customize the pillow based on our specs like our height, weight, sleep position and preferred firmness. We also loved its cooling material which ensured our head didn’t overheat.
Best linen sheets
Parachute Linen Sheet Set
Best linen sheets
More luxurious than all the other linen sheets we tested, the Parachute Linen Sheet Set felt comfy and lightweight to sleep with. Its weight in hand was pleasant and we liked its unique texture on our skin. You can pick from a wide range of colors and sizes and buy each piece of the set individually if you need to replace one.
Best sleep masks
Mavogel Sleep Mask
Best sleep mask
One of our favorite features of the Mavogel Sleep Mask is its nose wire that completely blocked out all — and we mean all — the light during testing. The mask rested softly on our eyes and fit snugly and comfortably around our head. No matter our sleep position, it never budged and helped us enjoy a sleep in total darkness.
Smart home
Best home security systems
Ring Alarm Pro
Best home security system
The Ring Alarm Pro home security system was the most seamless for us to set up during testing. We liked that it’s customizable with a range of add-ons, and offers features that other systems can’t match.
Best smart bulbs
TP-Link Tapo L535E Smart Wi-Fi Multicolor Light Bulb
Best smart bulb
Three of the top reasons we loved the TP-Link Tapo L535E Smart Wi-Fi Multicolor Light Bulb during testing are that it’s affordable, features a do-it-all app and is Matter-compatible. For beginners and smart home savants alike, this bulb is a great choice for enjoying convenient smart lighting.
Best smart locks
Yale Assure Lock 2
Best smart lock
Our tester loved the Yale Assure Lock 2’s sleek, modular design, which means you can buy only what you need and upgrade later if desired. The lock is easy to use and sharing access to our home with others was simple. Another plus is that it integrates easily with smart HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home.
Best smart TVs
Samsung OLED S90C 4K UHD Tizen TV
Best smart TV
The Samsung OLED S90C 4K UHD Tizen TV impressively balances performance and price. Our testers loved its vivid colors and intense brightness, which made images appear lively and robust. This TV is packed with the latest tech, making it a great choice for gamers, too.
Travel
Best checked luggage
Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
Best soft-sided checked luggage
We found this bag easy to navigate through the airport thanks to its CX expansion-compression technology and smooth wheels. Its front pocket is convenient and ideal for stowing away travel documents. We also appreciated its SmartLink Strap which lets you attach an extra bag. It is heavier and costs more than others we tested, but we think it's a top choice for avid travelers who value durability and practical features.
Away The Medium Checked Bag
Best hard-shell checked luggage
During testing, this bag's durable polycarbonate shell impressed us with its toughness. The bag features a 50/50 split opening and an organized interior, which is great for neatly packing all your essentials for your next trip. Its 360-degree spinner wheels slide the bag effortlessly, making it easy to walk with. The lighter colors of this bag scuff easily, so keep that in mind as you travel.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.