Lowly picks
Six useful products worth a closer look.
Shop practical picks for home, work, and travel. Each comes with a clear use case and the tradeoffs worth knowing before you buy.
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01
Smart home
Echo Dot (5th Gen)
VOICE
Best for: Someone who wants a compact first smart speaker for a bedroom, kitchen, or home office.
Why it stands out
The Echo Dot puts voice-controlled timers, reminders, music, and compatible smart-home controls in a small footprint. It is an approachable way to add hands-free help to a room without committing space to a larger speaker.
Useful features
- Compact design for smaller rooms
- Alexa voice controls
- Built-in microphone-off button
Consider before buying: Its compact speaker is better suited to casual listening than room-filling audio. Check that any lights, plugs, or other devices you want to control are Alexa-compatible.
02
Everyday audio
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones
FOCUS
Best for: Commuters and remote workers who want lightweight over-ear headphones with noise canceling.
Why it stands out
These headphones combine active noise canceling with a lightweight over-ear design. Sony lists up to 35 hours of music playback with noise canceling switched on, making them a practical option for workdays and longer trips.
Useful features
- Active noise canceling
- Ambient Sound mode
- Bluetooth and wired listening
Consider before buying: Over-ear headphones take up more bag space than earbuds, and noise-canceling performance can vary with fit and surroundings. Battery life also changes with settings and use.
03
Travel power
Anker 10,000mAh 30W Power Bank
POWER
Best for: Travelers and commuters who want a compact backup battery with USB-C input and output.
Why it stands out
Its 10,000mAh rated capacity balances portability with enough reserve power for everyday phone charging. The USB-C port supports both charging the power bank and supplying power to compatible devices, which can reduce the number of cables you need to carry.
Useful features
- 10,000mAh rated capacity
- Up to 30W USB-C output
- Compact travel-friendly format
Consider before buying: The usable energy delivered to a device is lower than the rated battery capacity because power conversion consumes some energy. Charging speed also depends on your device and cable.
04
Home office
Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
COMFORT
Best for: Home office users with small to medium-sized hands who want a more upright mouse position.
Why it stands out
The Lift places the hand at a 57-degree angle and combines a softly textured grip with a thumb rest. It can connect through Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver, and switching between as many as three compatible devices can make a multi-device desk easier to manage.
Useful features
- 57-degree vertical shape
- Bluetooth and Logi Bolt connectivity
- Up to 24 months of stated battery life
Consider before buying: This linked version is designed for the right hand and is intended primarily for small to medium-sized hands. A vertical mouse can also take time to feel familiar, and it should not be treated as a medical solution for existing pain.
05
Kitchen convenience
OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Digital Food Scale
MEASURE
Best for: Bakers and meal preppers who regularly weigh ingredients in bowls or on larger plates.
Why it stands out
The display pulls away from the scale so a large bowl is less likely to hide the reading. It weighs up to 11 pounds, offers a zero function for adding ingredients in sequence, and switches between common US and metric units.
Useful features
- Pull-out digital display
- 1-gram and 0.1-ounce increments
- Removable weighing platform
Consider before buying: It costs more than many basic kitchen scales, and its 1-gram increments are not intended for tasks that require subgram precision, such as measuring very small quantities of coffee or yeast.
06
Travel organization
Amazon Essentials Four-Piece Packing Cube Set
PACK
Best for: Travelers who want a simple way to separate smaller clothing items and accessories inside a suitcase or backpack.
Why it stands out
The set includes four matching small organizers with mesh tops, making it easier to see and separate what you packed. Each cube measures approximately 11 by 6.75 by 3 inches and uses double zippers for access around the opening.
Useful features
- Four small packing cubes
- Mesh panels for visibility
- Double-zipper openings
Consider before buying: These cubes organize clothing but do not compress it. Because all four cubes are the same small size, travelers who pack bulky garments may prefer a mixed-size or compression set.
