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Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:57 +0000

Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show:

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to tackle the hardest shopping challenge of all: finding the perfect gift(s) for the children in your life. In this episode, we skip the parental guessing games and go straight to the experts!

Rosie sits down with three brutally honest critics—Dior (8), Robinson (11), and Chloe (6)—to get the definitive, unfiltered word on what kids really want this year. Listen as they enthusiastically share their current wish lists and, more importantly, evaluate a handful of Wirecutter's tried-and-true, age-appropriate recommendations.

Their hilarious, insightful, and sometimes merciless critiques will help you cut through the noise, avoid the toys that will be forgotten by New Year's, and confidently pick a gift that will be a genuine hit.

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift!

Dior, Age 8

Items on Dior's Personal Wishlist:

A nail kit
Nike shoes
Dog toys and dog-themed toys
Reborn baby doll

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

Wacom Intuos S drawing tablet
Cuisinart ICE-21P1 ice cream maker
Lava Lamp Original
Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment
Warmies Capybara stuffy toy

Robinson, Age 11

Items on Robinson's Personal Wishlist:

Pokemon video games and cards
LEGOs
Dungeons & Dragons merch and items
Manga (specifically Shonen)
Books

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

Chloe, Age 6

Items on Chloe's Personal Wishlist:

Remote control snake
Sleeping bag (unicorn theme!)
Barbie doll house
Panda toy that comes with a baby bottle, toilet, and diaper

Wirecutter gift guide picks discussed:

The Best Mousetrap

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:37:20 +0000

We’re not sure what’s worse: seeing an actual mouse in your home, or just finding your cereal boxes gnawed and fresh poop in your cupboards. If there’s a mouse in your walls, you want to get rid of it asap.

After more than 30 hours of research and interviews with industry experts, a combined 20 hours of baiting, setting, and detonating mousetraps, and years of ongoing testing at a New Hampshire farm, we are confident that the Tomcat Press ’N Set Mouse Trap is the proverbial “better” mousetrap. It’s easier to set than the competition without hurting your fingers and easier to empty without touching a dead mouse—and it traps mice just as well as anything else we tested.

The Shovel That Beat the Snowpocalypse and Saved My Back

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:23:07 +0000

I am the last person who should need a snow shovel.

Sure, I grew up in New England, clearing my share of front walks and pond ice, but now I live in San Francisco. The closest I get to a blizzard are the drifts of camellia blossoms from the tree in our backyard.

Then my partner bought a ski condo in Mammoth Lakes, in California’s Eastern Sierra. The condo’s maintenance crew usually shovels the balconies, but in 2022–23, the snowpocalypse hit. Storms dropping six to eight feet of snow arrived one after the other. The crews were working full-time clearing the complex’s roofs, to keep them from collapsing.

The Best Sprinkler

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:31:26 +0000

We’ve considered nearly 100 hose-end sprinklers since 2013, and after another round of testing, we think the Melnor XT45200M offers the best combination of quality, value, and features for a homeowner looking to take care of a typical rectangular lawn.

With its metal base and simple controls to customize the length, width, and water flow, the XT45200M can last several seasons and keep your grass green without watering the sidewalk.

The Best Journaling Apps

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:02:40 +0000

More than almost any other category, journaling software is about you.

Common productivity-app features, such as the ability to share files or collaborate with colleagues, simply do not matter when you’re writing entries for your eyes only.

The best journaling apps keep extraneous features to a minimum, and they focus on helping you to write about and reflect on your day, whenever the inspiration strikes.

After journaling for 20 hours in 14 apps, we found that Day One is the best journaling app. It works on all devices and has a wonderful free plan. Most importantly, it simplifies preserving thoughts, memories, activities, feelings, and more in a diary that helps you reflect on what has happened in your life.

How to Shop for a Heat Pump Water Heater

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:54:10 +0000

Hot water is a wonderful thing. It’s also surprisingly expensive.

In fact, it’s the second-largest energy expense in most US homes: It accounts for nearly 20% of the overall energy use in the average home, according to the US Department of Energy.

A heat pump water heater can help reduce those costs by up to 75%.

Of course, you might not be in the market for a new water heater. Your old one may be working just fine. You probably haven’t even thought about it.

Most people don’t spend their free time contemplating how their shower gets all nice and steamy in the morning—not until that water unexpectedly runs cold, as it did for me on that horrible Sunday morning right before Christmas when the water tank gave out and flooded the house.

That’s just one reason why it’s generally recommended to start thinking about a new water heater before the old one fails on you.

After researching this topic extensively, we’ve found a lot of scenarios where a heat pump water heater may be the best option for most homes.

The Best Places to Buy Glasses Online

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:25:17 +0000

When you’re ordering prescription eyeglasses online instead of through an optician, there’s a wider variety of frame styles to choose from, and you can save up to hundreds of dollars on a single pair. But buying glasses online is not the best choice for everyone.

After eight years of research — including talking to nearly a dozen eye-care professionals and testing more than 50 comparable frame-and-lens pairings from 15 retailers — we recommend that you start your search at Zenni Optical.

Zenni has an easy-to-browse selection of over 2,000 frames, a helpful virtual try-on tool, multiple lens options, and more-affordable pricing than competitors.

The Best Home-Office Furniture and Supplies

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:55:29 +0000

Your home office should be a place where you feel comfortable doing your best work, day after day. Over more than a decade, Wirecutter’s writers and editors — many of whom work from home — have researched and tested equipment for a variety of workspaces. We’ve collected our picks to give you a comprehensive guide to the best of the best.

What Is Double-Cleansing Your Face, and Do You Need to Do It?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:29:36 +0000

Double-cleansing refers to the practice of using two different facial cleansers, back-to-back. The first cleanser is some type of makeup remover that will melt off makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, like an oil-based cleanser or a micellar water. And the second type is a water-based face wash to cleanse the skin.

This is not a new practice (it has long been a part of Korean beauty routines), but whether or not it’s necessary is a topic of debate. Some say double-cleansing is an essential step, while others say it’s a waste of time.

To find out who should double-cleanse and how, we spoke to a dermatologist, an esthetician, and a cosmetic chemist. The reality is that nobody needs to double-cleanse, but there are a few good reasons to consider it.

If you’re someone who wears water-resistant sunscreen or waterproof makeup, you may want to think about double-cleansing. That’s because those products can be difficult to remove using only a face cleanser, and really scrubbing your face when you wash it can cause irritation for some people.

A micellar water or an oil-based cleanser will target the oils in makeup and sunscreen, and it will bind them, cosmetic chemist Shuting Hu said. “When water is added, the emulsifiers in the cleanser lift away all the dissolved oils gently,” and then that dissolved makeup and sunscreen washes down the drain.

Top pick

A multitasking micellar water

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Our testers loved that this mellow liquid quickly lifted cosmetics and skin-care products while leaving their faces feeling refreshed. The squeeze bottle is great for precise portioning.

$15 from Amazon
(8.4 ounces)

When you do this first cleanse, you’re not harshly scrubbing your face to get off that daily residue. Plus, many makeup removers are designed with eye-makeup removal in mind, and they can be less irritating to the eyes than some traditional face cleansers.

A micellar water, like the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, is good if you want a makeup remover that never feels greasy. But if you want something that you can massage into the skin with your hands, go with a cleansing balm or an oil cleanser. A bi-phase cleanser, such as E.L.F. Skin’s Holy Hydration E.L.F. Off Makeup Remover, is somewhere in between: It’s an oil-and-water blend that you shake to combine before using, and it has a silky-yet-not-greasy feel. (No matter which type you choose, we’ve already done the rigorous testing for you in our guide to the best makeup removers.)

Top pick

A powerful, bi-phase makeup remover

E.L.F. Skin Holy Hydration E.L.F. Off Makeup Remover

This bargain-priced oil-and-water product is beyond gentle — even right at the lower waterline. It whisks away stubborn mascara and lip stains in a single swipe, and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

$8 from Amazon
(4.3 ounces)

A luxe cleansing balm sans fragrance

Farmacy Green Clean Fragrance-Free Cleansing Balm

This lush salve transforms into a chic serum that dissolves makeup and easily rinses away. The pot’s spatula insert is fiddly, though.

$39 from Amazon
(3.4 ounces)

The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Phones and Tablets

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:25:24 +0000

Whether you’re a glued-to-your-screen smartphone owner who can never make it through a day on a full charge, or you just need an occasional battery boost, USB power banks are a panacea for low-battery anxiety.

After putting in hundreds of hours of research and testing, we’ve found that the Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is the best power bank to charge a phone, tablet, or another small, handheld device.

It’s an all-around great portable charger that can offer you peace of mind whenever wall outlets are out of reach.

12 Top Budget 3D Printers Under $200 You Can Buy in 2025

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:14:45 +0000

Looking for the best 3D printer under $200? You’re in the right place. As 3D printing continues to grow in popularity, finding a budget-friendly 3D printer that delivers quality results is easier than ever. Whether you’re a beginner, student, or hobbyist, there are several low-cost options that offer impressive features—without breaking the bank. In this […]

Free Up Space on Android 15 by Archiving Apps

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Apple has borrowed many features from Google and other Android smartphone manufacturers. The internet is often quick to point those out after every new iOS release. But this exchange is not a one-way street. Android, too, borrows from iOS a lot. And that is exactly the case when it comes to this new way to […]

How to Screen Record Windows 11 Without Third-Party Apps

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

With more and more people having multiple screens in their lives, the ability to share things on your screen is invaluable. Typically, screenshots are the most popular way of doing it. Sometimes, though, screenshots are not enough. Whether you want to quickly show someone how to change the default browser on Windows, or you want […]

Want to Search on Google Drive: Use These Filters to Make Google Drive Search Easier on iPhone

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

If you need to store images, documents, or spreadsheets, Google Drive is the easiest way to do it whether you are working on your laptop or smartphone. However, if you are a heavy user of GDrive, you might find it challenging to search for specific files from thousands of files. Thankfully, Google has introduced new […]

How to Minimize In-App Links Opened in Chrome Custom Tab on Android

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

There are many Chrome flags hidden inside every version of Chrome, be it on the desktop or your Android smartphone or tablet. These are features Google is currently testing and does not deem fit for regular use or just doesn’t want to release yet. We’ve seen what Chrome flags can do before. If you use […]

How to Replace Google Assistant with Gemini, your new voice assistant

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

For a long time, Google Assistant, at least on smartphones, has been the benchmark to beat when it comes to digital voice assistants. Lately, though, Google Assistant on smart speakers has been getting worse than bad. Now, it seems like Google is planning to eliminate it altogether. It even lets users replace Google Assistant with […]

7 Best Color Accurate Monitors for Content Creators for Video and Photo Editing

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Selecting the best video and photo editing monitor is a crucial decision for creatives who demand precision and consistency in their work. Key features such as color accuracy, monitor size, resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and connectivity play pivotal roles in the effectiveness of a video editing setup. Whether they are a professional colorist needing […]

You Can Ask Siri to Read Messages in Any Language on your iPhone

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

The latest release of Apple’s iOS 17 includes numerous new features and improvements, including the Journal app and stolen device protection. Moreover, the iOS 17.4 update brings an exciting feature that enables Siri to read messages in any language. In this article, we will see how to ask Siri to read non-English messages. How to […]

Now Easy to Remove Microsoft Copilot for Windows 11 from the Taskbar

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

From the moment OpenAI’s ChatGPT made waves, Microsoft has gone after it really hard. Not as a competitor but an investor. Redmond has been working with OpenAI to incorporate their AI into Microsoft’s own products. You can even see it in the right corner of your taskbar on Windows 11. It’s Microsoft Copilot for Windows […]

Automating Silent Mode: How to Set Silent Mode on Android to Toggle Automatically

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Some of us have probably faced the embarrassment when our ringtone is blasted from our phone’s speakers at full volume in a place it wasn’t supposed to. That place could be an office meeting, a theater, or some other place. For this reason, you have a silent mode on Android and pretty much any mobile […]

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:30:03 +0000

Instagram and other social media sites are accused of not doing enough to protect the mental health of teens and young adults. Facebook will appear before Congress today to discuss the issue.

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:00:08 +0000

Those square barcode-looking things? Here's how they work with your Android smartphone.

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel tells CNET the FCC will close a loophole that still lets foreign scammers reach your phone.

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:03:00 +0000

Paramount Plus streams shows, movies and originals, plus sports like UEFA Champions League matches. Here's everything to know.

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:00:03 +0000

Prime members still get free, two-day shipping and returns. Here's how it works.

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:00:08 +0000

Don't worry, Prime members will still get Whole Foods savings but delivery will come at a cost.

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:21:00 +0000

Android and Windows users can now join FaceTime calls with iOS 15. We'll walk you through how to do it.

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:00:03 +0000

You don't need to spend over $500 to get a great phone. Here are our picks of the best ones.

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 21:27:00 +0000

Peacock streams a lot free, but -- FYI to YouTube TV customers who may be losing NBC channels -- high-profile programming like live NFL Sunday Night Football is behind a paywall.

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:28:00 +0000

The tech giant adds video presentation tools, pivot tables and other features to beef up its apps.

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 19:13:11 +0000

Repair specialist iFixit gives the new iPhone 13 Pro a score of 5 out of 10 for ease of repairability.

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Commentary: The iPhone 11's $500 price gives it all new appeal in Apple's lineup.

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:00:21 +0000

Don't skip this important step. Wiping and resetting your iPhone before you get rid of it is essential to keep your private information secure.

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 10:00:03 +0000

Here's how to choose between the biggest names in music streaming based on price, catalog, features and more.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:57:00 +0000

HBO Max, the main place to stream Emmy winners like Mare of Easttown and Hacks, is running a promo right now offering six months at half price. Here's everything to know.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:29:13 +0000

The deal will allow the executive to return to China, The New York Times reports.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 19:05:00 +0000

Customers can now get health items from Rite Aid through Uber Eats, though not prescriptions.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:08:00 +0000

Apple's iOS 15 update launched on Sept. 20. If you haven't updated your iPhone yet, follow these steps first.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:00:10 +0000

You can check out the new action-strategy game on Apple Arcade now.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

New phones and tablets are exciting, but make sure you take your time and follow these tips.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 10:00:02 +0000

Apple is making it even easier to use Find My to locate missing wireless earbuds and headphones.

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 05:54:50 +0000

The tech giant is fighting regulation in South Korea, a courtroom case in California and employee revolts -- and it's all tied to social media, Slack and the App Store.

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:01:00 +0000

The social media company is rolling out its tipping feature globally today.

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:16:00 +0000

A proposal would require a universal charging solution for phones and other devices, but Apple said it could stifle innovation.

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:00:15 +0000

The new features, called Camera Switches and Project Activate, let users navigate their devices without their hands or voice.

What are Hushed Credits?

Mon, 25 May 2020 15:22:08 +0000

Hushed credits are a quick and easy way to add usage to your prepaid Hushed numbers. Our prepaid secondary numbers can be used for calling and texting long-term, or burned and disposed of whenever you like. No commitment necessary!

Hushed is a mobile app, designed as a simple way to add an extra phone number to your device. With Hushed, you can have as many phone numbers as you want, for as long as you want.

Keeping your Hushed Credits topped up in your account balance will let you:

Add more call usage (calling minutes/SMS text messages) to your ‘Prepaid’ and ‘Pay-as-you-go’ numbers
Purchase new prepaid numbers
Extend existing numbers and prevent them from expiring

How do I add Hushed Credits?

There are two ways to add Hushed Credits to your account.

You can select ‘Get Credits’ on the main menu in your Hushed account in the app. Credits added this way will charge your iTunes or Google Play account, depending on whether you are using an iOS or Android device.

Or, if you prefer, you can use a credit card or cryptocurrency directly on our website.

You’ll want to choose the credit package that best suits your needs.

If you want to extend your phone number far into the future, a package of many Hushed Credits might do the trick, like our 140.00 credits bundle. If you have a 7-day plan number and just want to add some usage quickly, a 2.00 or 5.25 creds package might be all you need right now.

It all depends on how many numbers you plan to have, and how long you want to keep those numbers active. There’s no commitment to using Hushed Credits, and they never expire.

How do I use apply credits to my numbers?

When you purchase a package, your credit balance will automatically be updated. Credits can be used to fund calling/texting, and are shared between both call/text usage across all prepaid and pay-as-you-go numbers.

It’s important to keep in mind that adding credits to your account balance will not automatically extend your numbers. You’ll want to select “extend” on your number’s settings menu to apply those credits to a specific number extension package to prevent expiry.

However you decide to use Hushed Credits, your options are endless. Add new numbers, extend your existing numbers to keep long-term, or get more usage on pay-as-you-go lines — get started with Hushed right here, quickly and easily!

The post What are Hushed Credits? appeared first on Hushed - 2nd Phone Number.

Growing Your Business with a Second Phone Number

Fri, 22 May 2020 03:48:22 +0000

Your business has been growing but you’re looking for new customers outside your local area to take it to the next level. It’s challenging to break into a new market, but one of the easiest ways to build trust is with a second phone number in your new customers’ area code.

A familiar phone number is essential for any business that relies on inbound or outbound phone sales: let’s explore how your business can benefit from this simple, cost-effective tool.

Local Phone Numbers Are the First Step to Build Customer Trust

With the emphasis on shopping locally having your business appear within your customer’s area code might mean the difference between a sale and a pass. A local phone number shows customers you’re committed to building a great relationships with them by being accessible and easy to contact. At a glance an unfamiliar area code means long-distance fees and shipping hassles.

Great customer relationships are built on familiarity and trust. They know you and trust you can solve their problems. And it all begins by making the effort to show up locally for them.

Why is Having a Local Phone Number so Important?

Remember those first few customers you had, back when nobody had ever heard of you? You spent a lot of time getting people to remember you and showing them you provide a great product or service. Once those customers were comfortable buying from you, they had no problem calling you or recommending you to others. That was when your sales likely began to take off.

Getting a second phone number is the first step to achieving that same success at scale.

It is common knowledge among sales professionals that people are much more likely to pick up on a number with a local area code. A local number shows you’re part of your customers’ community and ready to connect and help them.

For inbound sales it’s a similar story. A local number means getting to talk to a real person, not spending half an hour on an automated call.

Finally: having a local number may even help with your Google results when you’re trying to expand into new territory.

Examples of Businesses that Benefit Most from a Second Phone Number

Online Sales

Online sales are growing dramatically. Customers shopping online are always looking for clues to guide their purchase decision. Having a local number (or even in the same state/province or country) can put them at ease for customer support, shipping, and make it easier for them to call if they have questions. Every little advantage helps them choose to click the ‘buy’ button on your website.

Sales Representatives

Regional sales reps for retail stores, restaurants, and other consumer products must be there for their clients. Having a second phone number shows you’re available and attentive to what they need.

Real Estate Agents

Depending on the limits of your license, real estate brokers can serve customers anywhere in a state or province. Having a local number is a useful tool to help manage listings. You could go one step further, and have a dedicated number and voicemail containing information for each listing.

Getting a Second Local Phone Number has Never been Easier!

Getting a second phone line used to be an expensive hassle. Now Hushed makes it cheap and easy set up and manage second (or third, or fourth) phone number in over 300 area codes across North America (plus 60 more worldwide) in minutes. Your business is on its way to building great customer relationships – get started with a free second number today!

The post Growing Your Business with a Second Phone Number appeared first on Hushed - 2nd Phone Number.

Cheap Long-Distance Calls and Texts

Thu, 14 May 2020 18:34:08 +0000

Are you looking for affordable long-distance calling and texts? If you’ve got friends or family in other countries, this may be a recurring issue for you. During the present unprecedented public health situation, people are striving to stay in touch now more than ever.

In the last month, we’ve all come a long way with maintaining social connections virtually, as we practise physical distancing. Millions of people have turned to Zoom, Slack, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams to get work done. Teachers are emailing students and parents to ensure work is turned in on time, and make sure everybody is OK. Friends and families are gathering online to play games, host happy hours, and catch up.

But the sad fact is, millions of people worldwide don’t have reliable home internet. Of those that do, many families share a single computer or mobile device. People have been returning to the telephone to stay connected in these unprecedented times, and for local calling, it’s worked wonders.

What to do about friends and family abroad though? How to stay connected to your loved ones who live overseas, who you may only see once a year, or less? Long-distance fees can pile up quickly.

Luckily, Hushed offers solutions for low-cost, cheap long-distance calls and texts. Cheap long-distance IS possible and we’re here to show you how you can benefit.

No more (virtual) borders, no more fees, just cheap long-distance calls and text

If you have the Hushed app, getting a second number to call abroad is very simple. If you don’t already have the app, simply create an account with Hushed here on our website, and then download the app for iOS or Android.

Once you’ve done that, select the country you want to be calling in. Let’s pretend you want to make a call to London, in the United Kingdom. Since Hushed offers UK local numbers, the cheapest option would be to get a UK local number and use that number to contact your friends or relatives in the UK.

Wait, it’s that simple to call long-distance?

Yes, it is! Just make sure you check out the requirements for some of our numbers.

Because of international restrictions involving the sale of numbers from some countries, you may need to provide proof of address in order to get a number in that country. Like Belgium, for example; in order to buy a Belgium number, you’d need to upload a picture of your government-issued ID showing that you’re a Belgian resident.

But what if you’re not a Belgian citizen and still need to place calls to Belgium? Not to worry, Hushed has a solution for that. Choose any US or Canada number on the “30 Day Worldwide Plan” for pay-as-you-go international calling: the number is yours for 30 days, and you can always extend it even longer if you like.

You’re in control of how much you want to spend to call and text internationally, and there are no sneaky fees. You just pay $4.99USD for the price of the Hushed number which includes calling/texting credits—you can always add more credits in-app if you run low and want to place more calls and texts.

Unlimited Plans are also available

If you’re calling to Canada or the UK, we’d recommend our Unlimited Plan monthly or annual subscription. This plan provides unlimited long-distance calls and texts to the respective region.

To call/text to the UK, you’ll need to select a UK number to use. To call/text to the US or Canada, you’ll want to select a US/Canada number to use. (Yes, we know they’re different countries, but our telecom infrastructure treats these two almost as the same place, for the purposes of this plan).

It’s that easy to call and text internationally with Hushed. Pick your free number and get started calling and texting with Hushed today!

The post Cheap Long-Distance Calls and Texts appeared first on Hushed - 2nd Phone Number.

Four New Ways to Use the Hushed App

Fri, 08 May 2020 21:40:52 +0000

Hushed customers use the app for travel, dating, business, and buying and selling. Those are pretty broad categories, but they’re the core use-cases for the Hushed app. Lately, we’ve noticed new use-cases for the Hushed app emerging, and more people than ever are using their secondary numbers to stay in touch!

Teachers, restaurants, and long-distance callers are just some of the people using Hushed to connect while social distancing.

Teachers

With schools out across the world, teachers are finding new ways to stay connected to their students. Teachers are using the app to check in on assignments, exams, and mental health, with both students and parents.

Restaurants

Establishments that have never before offered delivery are finding new ways to get your food to during social distancing, so that they can stay in business. They’re using Hushed to text you when your order is out for delivery, or when they’ve provided contactless delivery and left that pizza on your porch.

Long-distance calls

Hushed makes it easy to call and text abroad with our Worldwide Plan pay-as-you-go option, and saves the hassle of long-distance fees or calling cards. Hushed allows you to call or text to just about anywhere in the world. During the present situation, people are using Hushed to connect while social distancing more than ever, and they’re connecting dozens of different countries from their dedicated international phone number.

Curbside pickup locations

This applies to restaurants, retail, pharmacies, banks, all kinds of brick-and-mortar stores that haven’t been able to fully swivel to online-only while social distancing. They’ll call/text you when your order is ready, or give you a dedicated number to call when you arrive, or both!

So many ways to use Hushed!

However you choose to use Hushed to connect while social distancing, we’re here for you in this difficult time. Download the app today and get started calling and texting with Hushed!

The post Four New Ways to Use the Hushed App appeared first on Hushed - 2nd Phone Number.

What’s the Best Area Code?

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:04:18 +0000

You need the best area code because your phone number reveals a lot about your life. Choosing a prestigious area code can impact your income, your social life, and your relationships.

Imagine you receive a text message from a 212 number. Now, you may not live in New York City, but a quick google search will tell you that 212 is the original, and highly sought-after Manhattan area code! That conjures an image of the city in your mind, and suddenly you’re picturing Breakfast at Tiffany’s era Audrey Hepburn on the other end of the phone, messaging to see if that old bicycle you put up on Craigslist is still available.

Okay, that particular visual might be a little far-fetched, but area codes do carry localized associations. Your phone number says a lot about you; it implies a geographic location, which on its own brings connotations of lifestyle, occupation, even age or income.

Do People Judge my Area Code?

They absolutely do! Local calling codes have been used to signify personal details for decades now.

Are you a So-Cal influencer, living it up with an exclusive 310 number? Or a die-hard Vermont outdoors-person with an 802 number?

Area codes have morphed into marketing signifiers. If you run a business, then a localized area code to your operations is crucial.

Those 212 Manhattan numbers are incredibly difficult to acquire, for the simple reason that they’re rare. 212 was the only code in the region until 1984 when supplies of the original code ran out and a supplementary code was added

310 Los Angeles is equally hard to find. There’s an entire grey market dedicated to the buying and selling of these elusive, prestigious area codes, and they sell for big bucks! Lucikly, you don’t need to spend much at all to get the best area code for your needs. Hushed is here to help!

What’s the Best Area Code in the US?

1. (212) New York City

This one comes with a caveat—it’s functionally very difficult, nearly impossible, to get a 212 phone number in 2020. Instead, might we recommend the overlay codes 917, or 718? These two codes cover the five boroughs. They’re in short supply, but they are possible to acquire, unlike the elusive 212. If you want a genuine NYC number, either 917 or 718 will suit you just fine!

2. (415) the San Francisco Bay Area

Tech giants call the San Francisco Bay area home. Silicon Valley is where Apple, Google, Facebook and Tesla have their headquarters. Are you in tech, or one of dozens of adjacent industries like manufacturing or sales? If so, you may want to check out a 650 number.

3. (650) Silicon Valley

Going for a more tech-targeted approach than just generic “San Francisco area”? Invest in a 415 number. 415 is dedicated to most of San Francisco, plus sections of Marin and San Mateo counties. Either will serve you well in the technology sector.

4. (310) Los Angeles

The 310 area code is very desirable and in high demand. LA is a thriving metropolis, and has a very large population. It’s one of the largest cities in America not just by population, but also by size, due to urban sprawl. A 310 number lets people know that you didn’t just arrive yesterday; you’re from here.

5. (818) Hollywood / (626) Pasadena

The 310 area code has long been depleted, and as a result, it’s neighboring codes 818 and 626 are also incredibly popular. They’re also both more attainable, yet carry the same cachet of a true “LA vibe.”

6. (202) Washington, DC

The 202 area code is the original code for District of Columbia. A 202 area code indicates that you’re a politico, or at least adjacent to the local governmental scene. Whether an intern, staffer, federal employee or a politician in your own right, a 202 area code adds credibility to your number.

7. (305) Miami / Florida Keys

Miami is an international hub for tourism. Retirees flock to Florida from all over the country, and as a result the real estate economy is thriving.

The Florida Keys are a little more “low-key” (sorry for the terrible pun!), but are still popular vacation destinations. Tourism is a huge sector in Florida, and a Miami / Keys number will only help you market yourself in this area.

8. (512) Austin

Hipster destination of the South, Austin, Texas is the capital of the largest state in the US. Renowned for it’s live music scene, Austin is known for its eclectic music scene and local cuisine, Austin attracts Millenials like gangbusters. It’s also known for its burgeoning tech industry. A 512 number will lend you clout as a true Austinite.

9. (206) Seattle

The seaport city of Seattle, Washington is another tech start-up hotspot (have you noticed a trend in this list? It’s almost as if tech giants love using local numbers!) Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. The Emerald City is served by the 206 area code, always in high demand and overlaid by the 360, 253 and 425 codes. For a Seattle local number, any of those codes would help you blend in!

10. (617) Boston

One of the oldest cities in America, Boston, Massachusetts is a modern metropolis. It’s the most populous city in New England, and it’s a major tourism destination. Beyond that, it’s the home to myriad educational institutions. Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Northeastern University are all located within or very near Boston. If you’re an academic, a 617 number may be the best area code for you, since a local number could be invaluable to your professional connections.

What’s the Best Area Code for Me?

Luckily, with Hushed, you don’t need to shell out a ton of money for the best area code. You can get as many different area codes as you want, and add dozens of numbers (or more) to your Hushed account!

A sought-after phone area code is a valuable tool to improve your business life. It can also impact your social standing, or your credibility within your industry. If you’re looking to market your self nationally, you can select a variety of numbers in different area codes, and use them each as separate entities.

Best of all, you get to choose how long you want that number for!

In Boston for school, but still attached to your home area code back in Chicago? Not a problem, you can easily add a Boston area code to yoru Hushed account and use it for a short term Tinder fling. Or, if you’d rather hang onto the number, keep it for years to come.

Based in Miami, but working remotely out of LA? Not an issue with Hushed. Snag a Los Angeles area code and work away—nobody will know it’s not your main number.

The possibilities are endless with Hushed! Grab a temporary number, commitment-free, and keep it for as much or as little time as you want. Get your best area code today!

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