CNN Underscored is constantly testing products — be it headlamps or office chairs or walkie-talkies — to find the absolute best in each respective category. Our testing process is rigorous, starting out by spending hours of research to find the top products in each category. Once we create a testing pool of products, we test and retest each product multiple times in real-world settings over several weeks or even months.
This year, we’ve already tested thousands of products — from refrigerators to outdoor ovens to solar generators — to find the best products you need to make life better. Here are the winning products from August.
Audio
Beats headphones
If you want a stylish and versatile pair of noise-canceling headphones that works great on both iOS and Android, the Beats Studio Pro are well worth it.
There’s a reason we call the Beats Solo 3 our best overall on-ear headphones. With audio performance and battery life that rivals significantly more expensive devices, the Solo 3 also look fashionable in three different colorways.
Our favorite workout headphones, the Beats Fit Pro are a more compact version of the Powerbeats Pro with all of the smarts of the AirPods Pro (including active noise cancellation and spatial audio).
Emergency preparedness essentials
Black Diamond headlamps
With stellar performance and a great mix of comfort, features and usability, the Spot 400 was the clear standout among the headlamps we tested.
Rocky walkie-talkies
With long range and a user-friendly design, the Rocky Talkie two-way radios outperformed everything else we tested, and their durable build means they should provide clear communication whenever you need it.
Ecoflow solar generators
With all the features of its bigger siblings, save expandability — and including an LFP battery, simple panel connections, plenty of ports to charge most everything and a useful app — the compact River 2 Pro is a great solar generator for smaller needs.
Gaming
PS5 and Xbox games
Armored Core 6 brings this cult-favorite action series to the modern era with fluid mech combat, streamlined mechanics and all the brutal difficulty you’d expect from a From Software game.
Xbox games
If you’re looking for an immersive space exploration game in the vein of The Elder Scrolls or Fallout, you’ll find a lot to love in Starfield.
Health and fitness
E-bikes
A capable all-rounder for those who like to take it slow and enjoy the scenery, the Allroad EQ will take you from daily commute to weekend rail-trail explorations.
The Gazelle’s Ultimate C380+ HMB is a first-class, pedal-assist e-bike that offers the best of everything — from its premium build to a powerful Bosch motor. If you’re ready to invest in an electric bike as an alternative to transport, commuting and even everyday chores, this premium bicycle is worth its steep price.
SipaBoards inflatable paddleboards
With an electric motor that both pumps up and powers the board, the SipaBoards Drive Neo is an innovative stand-up paddleboard that gives you the freedom to explore uncharted waters while still being able to safely navigate back to shore. But all these upgrades and extra features come at a premium price.
Tempo fitness programs
High-quality equipment pairs with knowledgeable instruction, integrated biometric data and motion sensor-driven AI technology to make Tempo my new favorite fitness program. There is a $39 monthly membership fee after buying the equipment.
Home
Samsung washers and dryers
The ultra-smart washer and dryer combo from Samsung promises to take the guesswork out of laundry, using AI and features like auto-dispensing detergent to make laundry easier than ever.
Kitchen
Ninja outdoor ovens
The Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven is an easy-to-use option for infusing any number of foods with wood-fired flavor and offers a range of cooking temperatures and modes, from low and slow to brick-oven-pizza hot (700 degrees Fahrenheit), which means you can roast, broil, bake, smoke and more.
Samsung refrigerators
If you’re interested in a new fridge that kicks up your home style, the Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator is worth a look. You get a ton of room in your fridge and freezer as well as a fully removable tray that makes two types of ice, plus tons of color and finish options. The higher price tag also equips you with control over the temperature and ability to monitor if anything is going wrong.
Sleep
Molecule mattresses
You don’t need to be recovering from tough workouts to love the Molecule 2 mattress. The AirTEC foam kept us cool and comfortable, with a supportive feel superior to many traditional foam beds we’ve tried.
Travel
Thule rooftop tents
An amazingly comfortable soft-shell rooftop tent, this shelter has a thick mattress, rainfly and stargazing windows. It can be set up in about two minutes and taken down in nine. If you want a top-notch soft-shell tent, you’ll be more than happy with the spacious and cozy Thule Approach.
TVs
Samsung outdoor TVs
The Samsung Terrace TV is among the top choices for outdoor TVs, and it’s easy to see why. The availability of an optional companion weatherproof Terrace Soundbar from Samsung just adds to the appeal of a TV that doesn’t require any visual, audio, aesthetic or user-experience sacrifices from consumers and can be set up in a matter of minutes right out of the box.
Sony Mini LED TVs
With sharp, detailed images and impressive color and contrast, the Sony Bravia XR X93L rivals OLEDs for overall picture quality. It has a distinctive design and powerful operating system with plenty of options, though some of the advanced features didn’t always improve its performance.
Work-from-home essentials
Steelcase office chairs
We’ve sat in the Steelcase Karman through the hottest summer in recorded history, and it’s been cool and comfortable — not to mention it looks great. If you’re in the market for an ergonomic chair built with attention to design, it should be on your list.
The Steelcase Series 1 stood out as one of the most customizable, high-quality, comfortable office chairs on the market, beating out chairs double the price — making it the best bang for the buck.