Forbes Vetted Reader Favorites | February 2025

The Helix Midnight Luxe, our pick for the best mattress overall, combines a plush pillow top and three layers of memory foam to provide top-notch pressure relief. It’s also an excellent mattress for sleepers with shoulder pain: Updates writer Alexandra Garrett says the mattress helped relieve pressure around her shoulders and hips when sleeping on her side, and she also felt supported when she slept on her back.

Based on our testing, the Saatva Classic is the best mattress for back pain. Its multiple layers, which include an active support feature, help relieve back pain and promote spinal alignment. If you’re a side sleeper, we recommend opting for the Plush Soft comfort level. The Firm and Luxury Firm versions, meanwhile, work best for back and stomach sleepers.

When it came to testing the best cooling mattresses, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe stood out for its impressive array of five active cooling features, including a cooling cover and a copper- or gel-infused foam. Beyond its cooling capabilities, the mattress provides excellent pressure relief and support; senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman says, “Its plush, lifted feel reminds me of a high-end hotel mattress.”  

Shopping for an engagement ring can be overwhelming, but Blue Nile’s organized and navigable site makes the experience easier and more enjoyable. Our editors’ top place to buy engagement rings, Blue Nile has an ample selection of pre-made and customizable rings. The brand also offers the Diamond Upgrade Program for those planning on investing in a ring over time. 

GlassesUSA’s large selection and seamless ordering process won over three of our testers, earning it the top spot on our list of the best prescription glasses online. Styles range in price from $39 to $700, and you can virtually try on glasses by uploading your photo to the website.

These Cole Haan shoes might look like your typical Oxfords, but they’re actually outfitted with a perforated leather outsole that helps with flexibility and a contoured foam footbed for optimal comfort. Their blend of style and comfort is just one reason we chose them as the best dress sneakers for men; we also appreciate their pull-on sock liners and closed-lace design.

Our pick for the best walking shoes for men overall, the On Cloud 5 sneakers have a removable cushioned arch sole and mesh uppers—and they weigh just 223 grams. Group project manager Matt Flood has regularly worn the sneaker for several months and plans on donning them for a 5k race in the spring.

Incorporating protein powder into your diet can help with weight loss. Our editors determined Optimum Nutrition’s Casein Protein Powder to be the best protein powder for weight loss, thanks to its ability to boost metabolism, help with appetite control and prevent muscle loss. The protein powder is available in several flavors, like Chocolate Peanut Butter and Cookies & Cream, and contains no added sugar.

For less than $300, the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill offers stability and a maximum weight capacity of 265 pounds, making it our gear editors’ favorite walking pad. Despite that title, though, the motor’s max speed of 7.5 mph makes the Goplus equally great for light jogging.

After spending several months testing the best self-cleaning litter boxes with her felines, executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers ultimately crowned the Litter-Robot 4 as the winner. Two years later, the Litter-Robot 4 has become Boyer’s go-to litter box, and she continues to praise its functionality and odor-fighting abilities.

Our top-pick filtered shower head uses a filter lab-proven to exceed NSF-177 standards, allowing it to effectively reduce the substances that contribute to hair buildup and shedding. Senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone has seen an improvement in her hair health since installing the Jolie, and she found it easy to install herself.

Depending on your living space and needs, you can add or remove sections to this cozy, stylish Sundays sofa, the top pick in our tested Best Couches story. Deputy editor Rebekah Lowin praises how comfortable the Get Together is: “The depth here is remarkable; once you remove the back cushions, it’s almost like a sofa bed,” she says.

Senior travel editor and frequent traveler Astrid Taran deems Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus the best hardside luggage, thanks in large part to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell. While we found the carry-on ideal for mid-length trips (think six to eight days), you might want to consider the Check-In Medium for lengthier getaways.

The Travelpro’s durable fabric exterior and tug-proof chrome zippers make it our favorite luggage for withstanding the rigors of international travel. The contoured-grip rubber handle was among the most comfortable we tested, and its four adjustable heights cater to all sizes of travelers.

Don’t let the affordable price fool you. The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is packed with features to keep your belongings secure during your travels, like a five-point security system, slash-resistant fabric and an RFID-blocking compartment. Read more about the bag in our roundup of the best crossbody bags for travel.

After testing, tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs deemed the Bose QuietComfort Ultra the best wireless earbuds overall, citing their impressive audio quality and unparalleled noise cancellation. Isaacs wore the earbuds on the subway and found them capable of muting the cacophonous sounds of the city—no easy feat.

If you’re a Samsung user, we recommend the brand’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for their combination of audio quality, active noise cancellation and comfortable design. Isaacs uses the earbuds frequently on subway rides and flights, finding she can wear them for hours without experiencing discomfort.

Thanks to its swappable batteries, docking station and comfortable design, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headset is ideal for lengthy gaming sessions. Of the best gaming headsets we tested, the Arctis Nova Pro’s sound also stood out, featuring audio presets that make your gaming experience more immersive.

Our top LED face mask tackles acne and signs of aging in less than five minutes. Despite its intimidating looks, the SpectraLite comes with clear instructions, making it incredibly easy to use and incorporate seamlessly into your skincare routine.

The essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid in CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream simultaneously hydrate the skin while restoring its barrier. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and allergy-tested formula, which is also stamped with the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

If you’re new to at-home teeth whitening, this kit from Opalscence Go is our beginner-friendly top pick: The trays come pre-filled, so you can easily pop them in for 15 to 30 minutes daily. The formula includes xylitol to help prevent tooth decay and potassium nitrate to desensitize the teeth while whitening. 

Avocado’s Eco Organic Kids Mattress is a hybrid model that’s free from irritants and toxins like chemical flame retardants, PFAS (forever chemicals) and fiberglass. Its eco-conscious design earned the model its title of the best mattress for kids overall, but its support and durability are also highlights.

The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro comes highly recommended by editor (and mom) Margaret Badore as the best non–Wi-Fi baby monitor thanks to its many features. These include a camera that can remotely pan and tilt, a 1,000-foot range, and the option to turn on active noise cancellation so you can clearly hear your baby.

Our top kids’ smartwatch, the Gizmo Watch 3 gives kids the ability to text, make phone and video calls, and take pictures. Deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala found this watch the easiest to set up out of all the models she tested; she also had no problem adding parental controls and setting limits.