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Tech

The five best headphones of 2026

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3 weeks ago

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Bose were the pretty much the first brand to bring noise-cancelling cans to the masses, but they also make a wide range of headphones to suit whatever need you’re after.

Whether it’s a pair of wireless over-ears, true wireless or open-earbuds; we’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from. The headphones we’ve highlighted are the best that Bose offers.

Each pair has been put through rigorous testing in real world settings. We test the noise-cancelling in outdoor environments, on planes (when we can), on public transport and walking around cities to give you our best judgement on good Bose headphones cancel noise.

We take calls on the headphones in quiet and busy areas to judge whether they’re good enough in that department. We’ll walk through areas with wireless interference to test how good the connection is. We’ll drain the battery over several hours to see if it lives up to Bose’s claims, as well as test the app and other features the headphones come with.

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Sound, however, is king; and we’ll give these headphones a thorough listen with a wide range of music to see how good they sound. Where possible, we’ll compare new Bose headphones to older models to see if they’ve improved and how the sound might have changed.

The aim is always to give you the best picture of how good Bose headphones are. If there’s an area where we don’t think they’re good in, we’ll make it clear in our reviews and you can judge for yourself.

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If you’re shopping around we have other lists we’d recommend you have a look at. Our selection of best headphones, best over-ears, best noise-cancelling headphones, and best wireless earbuds will keep you busy with plenty of alternatives to look at

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We also have brand-specific best lists as well, including one for Bose’s biggest rival in the best Sony headphones.

SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST

Pros

  • Class-leading noise-cancellation
  • Improved call quality
  • Tweaks to audio are positive
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Excellent Bluetooth performance

Cons

  • Technics edges it for sound
  • Battery life slipping behind others
  • Among the most expensive wireless earbuds

Pros

  • Class-leading ANC for the money
  • Clear, spacious audio
  • Excellent Bluetooth performance
  • Customisable performance
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Slightly chunky appearance
  • Not the most exciting sound
  • Below-par call quality
  • ANC isn’t adjustable

Pros

  • Improved noise-cancellation
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Strong wireless performance
  • USB-C audio
  • Better battery life

Cons

  • Average call quality
  • Rivals offer better sound for less money

Pros

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Clear, detailed sound
  • Solid battery life
  • Striking looks

Cons

  • Weak noise isolation
  • Indifferent call quality
  • Lacks bass
  • Expensive

Pros

  • Warmer, bigger bass than older model
  • Solid enough noise-cancellation
  • Very comfortable to wear
  • Excellent wireless performance

Cons

  • Beaten for battery life
  • Strange call performance

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  • Class-leading noise-cancellation
  • Improved call quality
  • Tweaks to audio are positive
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Excellent Bluetooth performance
  • Technics edges it for sound
  • Battery life slipping behind others
  • Among the most expensive wireless earbuds

Bose’s noise-cancelling earbuds have been excellent ever since we reviewed the very first one. Nearly each and every single one of them has scored five-stars and that’s a run that continues with its latest ANC earbud in the QC Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen.

They’re not the best noise-cancelling earbuds (that crown would go to Sony) but they’re not far off with a performance that’s even better than the previous earbuds, creating a world that’s almost dead silent, suppressing people’s voices and environmental noises with excellence.

The transparency is excellent too, perhaps the most natural-sounding on the market, filtering in outside sounds with brilliant clarity. If there’s an area they do struggle a little with, it’s in managing wind noise.

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Call quality has improved, a previous bug bear of older Bose true wireless, this flagship picks up voices well and isolates your voice from any noises around you. You can now use the Bose earbuds for calls both inside and outdoors without too much of an issue.

The sound quality is mostly the same, with few improvements here and there. The bass performance is slightly reduced for a more balanced performance.  The highs are more detailed, while the midrange is clearer and more insightful. It’s an overall more detailed and clearer sound, and so far, the best of any Bose earbuds.

Battery life is the same as before and a little disappointing in the grand scheme of things. You’d hope for more than five hours per charge when Bose’s rivals are offering more.

Nonetheless, if you want the best that Bose offers for earbuds then look no further than the QC Ultra Earbuds 2. If you can’t afford this premium price, then we’d suggest having a look at the QuietComfort Earbuds, which are an excellent mid-tier choice.

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  • Class-leading ANC for the money
  • Clear, spacious audio
  • Excellent Bluetooth performance
  • Customisable performance
  • Comfortable fit
  • Slightly chunky appearance
  • Not the most exciting sound
  • Below-par call quality
  • ANC isn’t adjustable

If you find Bose’s flagship earbuds too expensive for your wallet, there is a less expensive option in the QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) and they are an excellent choice.

They bring Bose’s noise-cancelling skills to more affordable prices, delivering class-leading performance for less than £200. They’re good at suppressing people’s voices, good at reducing noise on planes and public transport, with the ANC good enough that we never felt we had to raise the volume to remove more noise.

The transparency mode is not as clear as the flagship but that’s no surprise. It sounds natural enough and clear when the Aware mode is activated though there is some additional noise to the sound that they create.

The call quality isn’t great though, with voice pick not very strong leading to a mumbly performance.

The sound is on stronger footing. It’s clear, spacious, detailed and balanced across the frequency range. Bass is good, though not the biggest you’ll ever hear, and these aren’t the most dynamic and energetic of earbuds to listen to. They lack a little excitement, but they’re an easy pair to listen to.

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When it comes to Bose’s true wireless options, these are the best value earbuds they offer.

  • Improved noise-cancellation
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Strong wireless performance
  • USB-C audio
  • Better battery life
  • Average call quality
  • Rivals offer better sound for less money

The sequel to the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is an improvement, despite the lower score we’ve awarded them.

If you want the Bose’s best performance for noise-cancellation, battery life, and sound; then the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen are the headphones you should buy without delay.

The sound is improved with a little more detail, clearer highs and a better performance with Immersive Audio than their predecessors, though we still feel the sound of the headphones’ spatial audio could be better.

They suppress noises better than the original model, though it’s a slight improvement rather than a massive one. The transparency mode is clear and detailed, though call quality we’d rate as average. These headphones let in noise and that affects how clear calls, especially outside, can be.

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The design hasn’t changed much aside from a slightly more premium look. These headphones can fold, which means you can pack them in a small bag if you don’t have much space, and they do come with a carry case to keep scratches and marks at bay.

There’s a new Cinema mode for watching video on the go that uses the headphones’ Immersive Audio feature for a bigger, deeper and wider performance. These headphones have also introduced USB-C audio with support up to 24-bit/192kHz. If you want to hear these headphones at their best, we recommend you have a listen over a wired USB-C connection.

They’re comfortable to wear as we’ve come to expect from Bose, and the battery life has been extended to 30 hours, so they can survive a few long-haul flights before they need a charge.

Though they scored lower than the original QC Ultra Headphones, these are a better effort. But they’re still pricey and rivals are better in some respects if you’re thinking of shopping outside of the Bose family.

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  • Comfortable to wear
  • Clear, detailed sound
  • Solid battery life
  • Striking looks
  • Weak noise isolation
  • Indifferent call quality
  • Lacks bass
  • Expensive

There’s only been one pair of open-ears from Bose and they’re a pretty impressive one in the Ultra Open Earbuds.

They clip on to the ear rather than sit on the earlobe, effectively kickstarting the design that others have adopted.

Since release, Bose has leaned into the visual look of buds by offering different colours. If you want a pair of headphones that also stand out as fashion statement, the Ultra Open Earbuds are very bougie.

We found them very comfortable to wear, with the clip-on design not causing any irritation or pinching. They come with physical controls rather than touch, which makes using them easier. An IPX4 rating means they’re protected against some sweat and water, so you could consider taking these for a run or to the gym.

Battery life is 7.5 hours and in our tests that was right on the money. Fast-charging is supported but there’s no wireless charging unless you pay an additional £70. If there’s a sequel to these earbuds, we hope that Bose includes it as standard given the high price.

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There’s support for Bose’s Immersive Audio feature, though we found it doesn’t work as well in an outdoor environment when the audio of the earbuds is competing with everything else.

The sound quality is up there with the best for open ears, though Bose’s in-ear true wireless offer much higher levels of clarity, detail and bass.

But the clarity, sharpness, and levels of detail the Bose offer are best-in-class. Where they’re lacking most is in the bass department, which is not a surprise as it affects most models, but if a sequel were to come along, bass would be an area for improvement.

Leakage of audio is also surprisingly little. Turn the volume up (which you will need to) and people around won’t hear much of what you’re listening to.

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The clever, innovative design and solid sound make these open-earbuds a winner. The price is high but as like the rest of the headphones on this list, Bose charges a premium. These are, however, one of the best open-ears you can get.

  • Warmer, bigger bass than older model
  • Solid enough noise-cancellation
  • Very comfortable to wear
  • Excellent wireless performance
  • Beaten for battery life
  • Strange call performance

While the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 1st Gen are still available at a reduced price, the over-ear headphones we think are best for most people are the QuietComfort Headphones.

These are priced around £229 / $229, and they’re a simple pair in comparison to the Ultra models. They don’t feature Immersive Audio, there’s no aptX Bluetooth, the battery life isn’t as long, and the noise-cancellation isn’t as strong.

But we’d expect fewer features and a trade-off in performance for the price.

As usual, the comfort levels of these headphones is good, with a light clamping force so the headphones don’t feel too tight, and the earpads providing a soft cushion against the head. There’s an adjustable slider to fit different head sizes.

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Battery life is 24 hours, though our tests suggest it’s less than that. The noise-cancellation isn’t the most powerful performance but it’s good at cutting down environmental noise, traffic and people’s voices, though wind noise can distract on a blustery day.

The call quality isn’t the best, especially in noisy places as it becomes harder for the headphones to pick up your voice when it’s competing against other noise.

Though they look very much like the QC 45 headphones, the QuietComfort Headphones have a different sound profile. Warmer, with more bass, detail and definition than the older model.

These are a rock-solid pair of Bose headphones at a price that’s less expensive than Bose’s other over-ears. If the Ultra Headphones are too expensive, this over-ear is what we’d recommend if you’re not fussed about spatial audio and higher Bluetooth specs.

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SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST

Full Specs

  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review
UK RRP £299 £179.95 £449 £299 £299
USA RRP $299 – $449 $299 $299
EU RRP – – – €349 –
AUD RRP – – – AU$449 –
Manufacturer Bose Bose Bose Bose Bose
IP rating IPX4 IPX4 No IPX4 No
Battery Hours 24 31.5 30 27 24
Wireless charging Yes Yes – – –
Fast Charging Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Size (Dimensions) – – – x x INCHES –
Weight 77 G – 250 G – 237 G
ASIN B0F7M3HPBD B0D8BT4BRN – B0CPFV77W4 B0CCZC9J1V
Release Date 2025 2024 2025 2024 2023
Audio Resolution SBC, AAX, aptX Adaptive SBC, AAC SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive SBC, AAC
Noise Cancellation? Yes Yes Yes – Yes
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.1
Colours Black, Whie, Plum, Violet Black, Lilac, Pink, Blue, White Black, Desert Gold, Driftwood Sand, Midnight Violet, White Black, White pink, white, blue, lilac, sandstone, black and twilight blue
Frequency Range 20 20000 – Hz 20 20000 – Hz 20 20000 – Hz – Hz 20 20000 – Hz
Headphone Type True Wireless True Wireless Over-ear In-ear Over-ear
Voice Assistant – – – – N/A


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OpenAI’s Sam Altman apologizes for not reporting ChatGPT account of Tumbler Ridge suspect to police

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5 minutes ago

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26 April 2026

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Two months following the deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, OpenAI’s Sam Altman has formally apologized for not informing police of the alarming ChatGPT conversations seen with the suspect’s account. Before the incident, OpenAI banned the account belonging to the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, for violating its usage policy due to potential for real-world violence.

“I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June,” Altman wrote in the letter. “While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered.”

Altman noted in the letter, which was published in full by Tumbler RidgeLines, that he spoke with both Darryl Krakowa, Tumbler Ridge’s mayor, and David Eby, the British Columbia premier, and agreed that a “public apology was necessary, but that time was also needed to respect the community as you grieved.”

Eby, who also highlighted Altman’s letter in his post on X, agreed that the “apology is necessary,” but added that it was “grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge.” Moving ahead, Altman reaffirmed in the letter that OpenAI would “find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future” and work with all levels of government to prevent something like this from happening again. Altman’s latest commitment builds on the previous letter from OpenAI’s vice president of global policy Ann O’Leary, who said the company would notify authorities if it finds “imminent and credible” threats in ChatGPT conversations.

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What Is The 90-Minute Rule For Concrete?

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20 minutes ago

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26 April 2026

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Large construction site, cement mixer and cranes
Ollo/Getty Images

Mixing concrete for industrial purposes often requires heavy machinery. Specifically designed trucks are used to prepare the mixture, the volume of which is determined by a calculator. It is then poured to lay everything from a city sidewalk to a residential driveway. But there’s more to the process, as workers often follow the 90-minute rule, which means that prepared concrete must be emptied from the mixing truck within 90 minutes after mixing begins.

The reason for this is due to how the mix behaves over time. A concrete mix is kept fresh with a consistent texture thanks to the spinning cement truck. The truck does its job by preparing the concrete to be poured, and once it’s ready, the operator can release it accordingly. But after the 90-minute window closes, the mix isn’t what it used to be and if poured after the fact, there’s no guarantee it will set properly.

The 90-minute mix time keeps the cement loose, and easily workable, as the hydration process takes place. Without that process, the cement would become less fluid and eventually it could get firm, essentially “setting” in the truck’s mixer. However, temperature fluctuations can also cause the same effect. Moisture loss is another problem for the mixer’s contents, as it can directly affect how easily the concrete is poured. In the end, the longer the mix is in the truck, the more challenging everything becomes.

Concrete timing is more flexible than it used to be


Preparation of concrete mix in a concrete mixer
Grant Giulumian/Getty Images

The 90-minute rule regarding the mixing of concrete has been in place since around the 1930s. It is a long-standing guideline set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). In fact, ASTM C94 governs ready-mix concrete standards used throughout the United States in construction projects. The rule has been well established over time thanks to both building codes and state highway associations. It was originally based on older production methods, as well as shorter transportation distances overall.

But the 90-minute rule isn’t as rigid as it was once. That’s because today’s standards allow for more flexibility based on the actual condition of the concrete at the time of placement. As of this writing, updated ASTM guidance no longer enforces a strict time limit. Any adjustments are instead allowed during transportation or at the job site itself. As long as the concrete meets its required expectations, workers can safely pour and it should be effective.

Because of this different approach, and due to preexisting standards under ASTM C94, the 90-minute rule is mostly connected to ready-mixed concrete instead of hand mixing. So even if you’re using a portable mixer or doing it yourself by hand, there’s no real hard and fast rule like the truck delivery standard. Of course, wet concrete mix shouldn’t remain in a holding state for long as it will eventually begin to harden.

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Discord users breach access controls to reach Anthropic’s Mythos model

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33 minutes ago

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26 April 2026

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A recent security incident involving Anthropic has highlighted just how fragile the safeguards around advanced AI systems can be. A Wired report suggests that a small group of users, operating through private Discord channels, managed to gain unauthorized access to the company’s highly restricted Mythos AI model – an experimental system designed for cybersecurity applications.

A Breach That Exposes Bigger Risks Around AI Control

The incident appears to have occurred almost immediately after Mythos was made available to a limited group of trusted partners. According to multiple reports, the unauthorized users gained access through a third-party vendor environment, rather than directly breaching Anthropic’s core systems.

Some accounts suggest that members of a private Discord community were able to exploit access permissions or identify entry points using publicly exposed information, effectively bypassing restrictions placed on the model.

Representative Image
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Importantly, there is no confirmed evidence that the system was used for malicious activity. In fact, reports indicate that the users interacted with the model in relatively limited ways. Still, the fact that access was obtained at all is the real story.

Mythos itself is not just another AI model. It is designed to identify vulnerabilities in software systems and simulate cyberattacks – making it one of the most sensitive AI tools currently under development. That dual-use capability is precisely why access was tightly restricted in the first place.

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Why This Incident Matters Beyond One Breach

At a glance, this might seem like a contained security lapse. In reality, it underscores a broader issue facing the AI industry: control is becoming harder than capability.

AI models like Mythos are built to find weaknesses in systems, which means that in the wrong hands, they could accelerate cyberattacks rather than prevent them. Researchers and officials have already warned that such tools could pose significant risks if misused, given their ability to automate complex attack chains.

What makes this case particularly notable is how the breach happened. It wasn’t a sophisticated hack targeting core infrastructure. Instead, it appears to have leveraged gaps in the surrounding ecosystem—contractors, permissions, and access management.

That distinction matters. It suggests that securing advanced AI isn’t just about the model itself, but the entire environment around it.

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Why It Should Matter To You

For everyday users, this incident may feel distant, but its implications are closer than they seem.

AI systems like Mythos are being developed to secure everything from browsers to financial systems. If those same tools are exposed prematurely or improperly controlled, the risk shifts from defensive to potentially offensive.

Representative Image
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Even without malicious intent, unauthorized access introduces uncertainty. It raises questions about how well companies can protect technologies that are increasingly critical to digital infrastructure.

In simpler terms, if AI is being built to protect the internet, it needs to be protected first.

What Happens Next For Anthropic And AI Security

Anthropic has already launched an investigation into the incident and has stated that the breach was limited to a third-party environment, with no evidence of broader system compromise.

However, the timing of the breach – coinciding with the model’s early rollout – will likely intensify scrutiny around how such systems are tested and shared. Regulators and industry bodies are already paying close attention to high-risk AI models, and incidents like this only add urgency to those discussions.

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Going forward, expect stricter access controls, tighter vendor oversight, and potentially new frameworks for handling sensitive AI tools. Because if this episode proves anything, it’s that the challenge is no longer just building powerful AI – it’s keeping it contained.

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Battlefield movie reportedly in the works with Christopher McQuarrie and Michael B. Jordan

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48 minutes ago

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26 April 2026

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Christopher McQuarrie and collaborators pitched a feature film adaptation of EA’s Battlefield series to studios and streaming services this week. McQuarrie is expected to write, direct, and produce the project, while Oscar-winning actor Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) is reportedly in talks to produce and…
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Where Apple products are assembled, and where parts come from

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1 hour ago

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26 April 2026

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Making an iPhone or iPad is a global effort, with companies across North America, Europe, and Asia contributing to every stage of the process. Here’s how it all fits into place.

Earth viewed from space with various Apple products floating above Asia, including iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, and an M5 processor chip.
Apple products are assembled in multiple countries.

Apple relies on multiple supply chain partners, with assembly plants located throughout the world. The United States’ ever-changing tariff policies throughout 2025 affected everyone, from consumers to corporations. It made us more aware of where a given product was made.
While the average person had to figure out the extra fees they had to pay for orders from China, Apple had to find ways of diversifying its already complex supply chain.
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This Galaxy Z Fold 7 deal knocks $400 off Samsung’s super-thin foldable

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1 hour ago

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26 April 2026

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Foldable phones have spent years asking you to accept tradeoffs, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the clearest sign yet that the category has finally grown up and stopped apologising for itself.

That confidence is well-timed, because the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is currently down from $1,999.99 to $1,599.99 at Amazon, saving you $400 on one of the most fully realised foldables Samsung has built.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5on a blue backgroundSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5on a blue background

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available for under $1600

For anyone who has been waiting for a foldable that genuinely earns that price, this $400 discount makes the timing difficult to argue with.

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The most immediate upgrade over its predecessor is physical: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is 3.2mm thinner and 24g lighter when folded, which means it finally sits in a jacket pocket without announcing itself.

That slimmer profile doesn’t come at the expense of screen real estate either, since the inner display still stretches to eight inches at 2520 x 1080 across an AMOLED panel running at a 120Hz refresh rate.

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The 6.5-inch cover display deserves particular attention here, because it’s wide enough to handle most day-to-day tasks without ever needing to unfold the phone, which changes how the device actually feels to carry and use.

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Camera is where the Galaxy Z Fold Z makes its most significant generational leap, with a 200MP main sensor arriving on a Fold for the first time, paired with a ProVisual Engine for processing that keeps detail sharp even in challenging light.

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Powering all of this is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip customised for Galaxy, which Samsung claims delivers 38% faster CPU performance and 41% quicker AI processing compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models.

That AI muscle feeds directly into the software experience, with Google Gemini integration allowing you to go live with the camera for real-time assistance, share your screen for contextual help, or point at something on screen for an instant explanation.

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Durability has been reinforced through Armor Aluminum framing and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the display, with the hinge rated to at least 200,000 folds, which Samsung equates to roughly ten years of average use.

At $1,599.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains a premium commitment, but for anyone who has been waiting for a foldable that genuinely earns that price rather than asking for patience, this $400 discount makes the timing difficult to argue with.

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5 Clever Finds To Make Oil Changes Easier And Mess-Free

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2 hours ago

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26 April 2026

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We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

When it comes to car maintenance, it can be easy to miss crucial tasks that can drastically improve the longevity of your vehicle, like routine oil changes. It comes with the mental load of choosing the right oil filter brand and risking damage to your property with an oil spill. Plus, the cost of necessary equipment and parts, like automotive jacks and creepers, can be expensive, and you may not have the space to accommodate them.

However, there are still a lot of valid reasons why you may want to still do it yourself. It’s always a good idea to develop car maintenance skills, especially if you want to be the kind of person who doesn’t need to rely on other people in an emergency.

While it’s not always the most cost-effective way of doing things, if you decide to take the DIY route, we’ve made a step-by-step guide that you can follow. That said, what you lack in skill, you may be able to make up for with the right tools. Through some strategic shopping, you can avoid some common oil change issues. To help you, we’ve taken note of some clever finds that people swear by. We also let you know our methodology for how we’ve narrowed down our selection and why we chose them at the end.

TEC Products FlexAll Long Flexible Funnels

The first thing you’ll need for an oil change, is a way to get the oil into the engine, and that starts with a funnel like the TEC Products FlexAll Long Flexible Funnels. Available in two sizes (small and large) its prices range between $24.99 to $34.99. If you’re not sure what size to get, it’s important to reflect on whether you need high volume or want the compactness for tighter spaces.

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When not stretched out, the small model measures 12 inches in length with a 4-inch cone and spout that is 0.53 inches. On the other hand, the large option is 16 inches in length with a significantly wider 5.3-inch cone mouth and 0.71-inch spout. You can also trim the outlet to your desired size.

Made for heavy-duty automotive use, you can safely use it for all kinds of automotive liquids from oil, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, and hydraulic fluid. Since it’s made of nitrile rubber, it can be cleaned with just warm soapy water after every use.

Listed as an Amazon’s Choice Product, more than 1,400 people rated it around 4.6 stars. A Made in the USA product, 72% of users rated it a perfect rating with most people saying it meets expectations. But while only 3% thought it was 1-star material, there were some disappointed customers who commented that it melted in the heat, was too thin, and the wind blows it away too easily.

WORKPRO Oil Filter Wrench

To help you grip your automotive oil filters more effectively, the WORKPRO Oil Filter wrench set is for you. If you just want the 12-inch model, it retails for $13.05. But if you want the set that includes both the 9-inch and 12-inch models, you’ll only need to shell out $17.99 for both. If you’re wondering which option to get, the 9-inch variant has a jaw capacity between 1-3/4 -inches to 3 inches, while the 12-inch model can fit 2-½-inch to 3-¾-inch. Either way, both sizes are made of heat-treated carbon steel with a soft grip handle.

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In general, WORKPRO is known to be a pretty reliable brand when it comes to hand tools. In fact, we’ve recommended everything from its pliers sets to big mechanics tool sets. Knowing this, it’s unsurprising that this particular oil filter wrench offers also fares pretty well with an average rating of 4.6 stars from 1,700+ Amazon customers.

An Amazons’ Choice product, an impressive 77% of users thought it was worth giving a perfect rating. In general, people think that it grips well and a good alternative to strap wrenches. But take note, the 4% of buyers who were unhappy enough to rate it a single star said it had problems with rusting, not locking, and slipping.

Drymate Oil Spill Mat

Made to prevent all sorts of liquids from staining your garage floors, the Drymate Oil Spill Mat is made of 2 layers. First, it has a polyester fabric that absorbs any oil, brake fluid, or coolant that falls on it. Second, it has a slip-resistant backing, which it’s soft enough that you can lie on top of it if you need to get to work on your car. As for regular maintenance, you can use soap and water to clean any residue off and simply hang it to dry. While there are hundreds of cheaper products out there, this one is made for those patriotic environmentalists, because it’s both Made in the USA and built with recycled fibers.

With prices that start at $15.99, it comes in different sizes and even has versions made to be garage floor runners and mats. For the 36-inch by 59-inch XL mats, you can get a pair for $39.99 (around $20 each) or a dozen for $199.99 (around $16.70 per unit). It can also be cut to fit your preferred sizes. Apart from being an Amazon’s Choice product, the oil spill mats have collectively been both a highly rated and popular product. As of April 2026, more than 7,000 people have rated it 4.5 stars on average.

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Capri Tools Portable Oil Drain Pan

Available in two colors (black and green), the price for the Capri Tools Portable Oil Drain Pans starts at just under $29.99. With a capacity of 4.5 gallons, the polyethylene drain pan has features like an anti-splash lip and molded handle. Measuring 23 inches by 29 inches by 6 inches, it has a 1-inch diameter spout that can be used to prevent accidental spills. it’s also stackable and weighs just 2.5 pounds, so you can easily store a few of them in your garage. Or you can use the front hole to hang it up.

Aside from being an Amazon’s Choice product, it has an impressive ratio in terms of satisfied customers. So far, over 2,500+ Amazon buyers have rated it 4.8 stars on average with a whopping 88% giving it a perfect 5-star rating. In general, people often praise its user-friendly design and capacity. 

Among satisfied reviewers, some mentioned that it works great for large oil changes, such as trucks. Others shared that the product works for years with no problems. Perhaps it’s even more impressive is not a single user has rated it 1-star. Although some 3-star reviews note that it doesn’t pour as cleanly when it’s too full and doesn’t let you put the old filter in the pan. Alternatively, if you don’t really need the large capacity, Capri Tools also offers a 2 Gallon model for $24.99.

EWK Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump

For people who don’t want to crawl under their cars anymore, the EWK Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump helps you avoid having to jack up your car, as well the risks of getting oil stains on your new shirt by skipping risky part of transferring the oil from your pan. It comes with a 6L oil container, hose set, pump handle, sealing cap, and pour spout. Apart from its 59-inch clear hose, it also has a 42-inch flexible metal probe. While it’s not meant for fluids hotter than 175°F, you can use it for other kinds of liquids, like coolant and power steering fluids. It’s also fit for other vehicles, like boats, jet skis, motorcycles, and even lawnmowers.

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Priced at $49.99, the EWK Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump has generated an average rating of 4.5 stars from more than 1,500 Amazon customers. An Amazon’s Choice product, around 79% of users rated it a perfect 5 stars with many saying it was simple to use, affordable, and multi-purpose, since you can use it for other vehicles apart from your car. Among satisfied customers, they mentioned that it works well with correcting over-filling.” Although, there a few peppered complaints with 6% of users rating it a single star, such as people wishing the reservoir had a cap, issues with vinyl flaking, and concerns about durability.

Methodology

We scoured the internet to find products that address different issues that we all tend to encounter during the oil change process. In particular, we looked for options that helped make the process more efficient and to reduce the expected clean up afterwards. Next, we chose products that have been rated at least 4.5 stars by more than a thousand users. Then, we made sure to only include tools that more than 70% have given a perfect rating and less than 10% rating it a single star.

Lastly, we mentioned specific issues that people have raised, so you can manage your expectations regarding their performance. While it didn’t impact their inclusion on this list, we also shared if the product was listed as made in the USA, which may matter to people who want to support local products. We also took note if they’ve been tagged as Amazon’s Choice products.



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Brev raises $3.3M for AI agents that keep companies on track with goals

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26 April 2026

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Brev co-founders Vic Hu (left) and Chris Pitchford. (Brev Photo)

Brev, a startup with roots in Seattle’s tech community, has raised $3.3 million in pre-seed funding for its AI tools that automatically track how companies are performing against goals.

The company’s AI agents join standups, business reviews, and other internal meetings, then automatically update goals and flag risks. Brev also pulls data from tools like Slack, Jira, and Salesforce, generates agendas, and tracks follow-through on action items. 

Overall, the idea is to replace manual coordination that often slows teams down. 

“Everything is grounded in quotes from participants, which keeps the AI accurate and unlocks context that would otherwise be lost across hundreds of meetings every quarter,” explained Brev CEO and co-founder Chris Pitchford in an email this week. 

Pitchford is a serial startup founder and a former executive at Ally, a Seattle goal-tracking startup that Microsoft acquired in 2021. He founded Brev with CTO Vic Hu, a former senior engineer at Meta and engineering manager at Indeed. Benn Graham is founding engineer.

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Its pre-seed funding, announced Wednesday, was led by Resolute Ventures, with participation from ShuckerVC, Duro VC, Gaingels, and FOG Ventures. Brev plans to use the money to expand its engineering team and deepen integrations with business tools its customers use. 

When GeekWire first reported on Brev in October 2024, it was bootstrapped and pitching itself as a “business performance OS.” Since then, it has launched a self-serve product with usage-based pricing, and started working with companies including RecordPoint, Flex, and Patlytics. 

The company competes in a space that includes goal-tracking and performance-management software, along with a growing wave of AI meeting assistants. In effect, Brev is aiming to bridge those two segments, connecting what happens in meetings to larger company goals rather than treating them as separate workflows. 

Notably, Microsoft discontinued Viva Goals in 2025, the successor to Ally, the company where Pitchford was previously an exec, leaving a gap in the market that Brev could help fill.

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Brev’s longer-term goals include moving beyond tracking into actively driving execution for its customers, with AI that coordinates across teams and tools.

The company is based in San Francisco, where Pitchford is now located, with Hu based in the Seattle area and Graham in Toronto. It has contractors across multiple time zones and is hiring.

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NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, April 26 (game #1050)

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26 April 2026

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Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing ‘today’s game’ while others are playing ‘yesterday’s’. If you’re looking for Saturday’s puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, April 25 (game #1049).

Good morning! Let’s play Connections, the NYT’s clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

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Apps to distract you from the endless cycle of doomscrolling

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You open your phone to check the time or a quick message. The next thing you know, an hour has passed and you’ve scrolled through endless celebrity drama, cat videos, awful news stories, influencer rants, and whatever else the algorithm decided to throw at you.

Even though you probably don’t want to keep wasting your time and energy on this mind-numbing content, you do it again the next day.

Doomscrolling, the habit of spending excessive amounts of time consuming content on social media, has become incredibly widespread. A survey from last year found that 64% of Americans say they doomscroll. 

Researchers have warned that doomscrolling can negatively affect several aspects of your well-being, including your mental health and attention span. Spending long periods scrolling can lead to brain fatigue, difficulty focusing, and disrupted sleep. And if a lot of the content you’re consuming is negative or stressful, it can leave you feeling disheartened, anxious, and emotionally drained. 

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It’s hard to break the cycle of doomscrolling, but there are plenty of apps that provide content that’s engaging and productive.

Of course, you could always read a book or go for a walk (we have a guide on how to stop doomscrolling), but this list is for when you have a few spare minutes and want something to do on your phone that isn’t endless scrolling. 

Dudel Draw

Image Credits:Dudel Draw

If you want to take a break from doomscrolling and try something creative, Dudel Draw might be a good app for you. Each day, the app gives you a random shape that you turn into a drawing. These daily shapes vary from basic geometrical forms to more complex and abstract designs.

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You can also get your friends in on the creativity with some fun competition by comparing your different creations, which could serve a nice break from sending each other endless TikToks or Instagram Reels.

Dudel Draw is available for free on iOS.

Radio Garden

Image Credits:Radio Garden

If you still want to feel connected to the world without scrolling through social media, you can check out Radio Garden. The app lets you listen to over 25,000 live radio stations from across the globe. 

Once you open the app, you’ll see green dots marking cities and towns. Tap any dot to listen to radio stations broadcasting from that location. You can add favorites or search for radio stations, countries, and places. 

Radio Garden is free, but it also offers an ad-free premium plan for $2.99 per month. The app is available on both iOS and Android. 

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Elevate

Image Credits:Elevate

Elevate is an app designed to help improve focus, memory, reading, math skills, and other cognitive abilities. It includes over 40 games to train different abilities you use in everyday life, from reading faster to comparing prices more efficiently. 

You can track training streaks and compare your mind’s performance over time. 

The app offers a free version with access to three games per day, or a yearly subscription of $39.99 for unlimited access. It’s available on both iOS and Android. 

Vocabulary 

Image Credits:Vocabulary

Vocabulary is an app that helps you learn new words every day. You can pick your difficulty level and choose categories that interest you, like emotions, the human body, business, and more. Each word comes with a definition, example sentences, and a guide on how to pronounce it. 

The app also includes mini-games to help you review the words you’ve learned. You can set a goal of how many words you want to learn each week and create a regular learning routine. 

Vocabulary offers a free trial, and then costs $4.99 per month or $59.99 per year. It’s available on iOS and Android. 

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Seterra

Image Credits:Seterra

If you’re a geography nerd looking to test your knowledge or just want to improve your geography skills, Seterra is perfect for you. The app features over 300 different games to test your map skills. You can test your knowledge of world flags; discover oceans, seas, and rivers; and explore mountain ranges and volcanoes across the globe.

Seterra lets you track your progress across categories and see leaderboards for top scorers for each game. 

The app is free and available on both iOS and Android. 

NYT Games

Image Credits:NYT

The NYT Games app offers several word, logic, and number games that change every day to exercise your mind. You can play the crossword, try the word-guessing game Wordle, group words with a common theme in Connections, see how many words you can make from seven letters in Spelling Bee, and more. 

The app costs $5.99 per month for unlimited access and archives, but some games like Wordle, Strands, and the Mini Crossword are available to play for free. 

NYT Games is available on both iOS and Android. 

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Drops

Image Credits:Drops

If you want to learn a new language but want to try something other than Duolingo, Drops is a good option. The app uses visually engaging mini‑games to help you build vocabulary and common phrases in more than 45 languages, with bite‑sized lessons designed to be completed in about five minutes a day.

Drops is designed for both beginners and experts who want to grow their foreign language vocabulary.

The free version of the app offers five-minute lessons per day. You can get unlimited access and premium features for $11.99 per month or $79.99 per year. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

This story was originally published in March 2026 and is updated regularly with new information.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

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