The 36 best products we discovered in 2018

Crane & Canopy is a startup that began selling easy-to-use duvet covers in 2012. Since then, the company has branched out into sheets, comforters, pillows, blankets, towels, washcloths, and more.

I tried a set of striped sheets from Crane & Canopy and I loved them. Not only are the sheets silky smooth and soft straight out of the package, they also come in several fun prints and colors. I chose the gray and white striped sheets, because they make for a nice, neutral base layer for my bedding. —Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor

Once a year I make a significant "treat yourself"-style tech purchase, and in 2018 that was the Sonos Beam. Sonos’ compact soundbar carries over the best features from the company’s Sonos One speaker: built-in Alexa, support for Apple’s AirPlay 2 software, and excellent, well-balanced sound.

The Beam gets louder than its small size would suggest, and it never sounds distorted. I’ve used it while watching movies, playing video games, and listening to music, and it’s sounded universally excellent. The Beam can’t quite compete with the immersion from a 5.1 surround sound setup, but it doesn’t have to. I live in a small, New York City apartment, and the Beam has given me a home theater system that was easy to set up and enjoy. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor

Peak originally began as a camera accessory company, but its Everyday backpack and travel bags are great for, well, everyday use — not just for carrying cameras. The reconfigurable internal shelves can be adjusted quickly for any needs. I use this bag for my daily commute to work, and even as my daypack when I travel. I'm also a fan of Peak’s travel backpack and packing tools. —David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter

As a product journalist and coffee fiend, I am on the everlasting hunt for the perfect espresso maker — without paying over $500. I love my Bialetti Moka Pots, but for me, right now, this is the ticket if you’re willing to make the leap to the $200 range. It's about the price of most espresso pod machines, but the crema it produces is priceless. —Owen Burke, Insider Picks guides reporter

When I tested these jeans in the fall, I was apprehensive — I tend to pretty much only buy my jeans from the same two or three brands, and Everlane was not one of them. This pair, though, seriously impressed me. They look like any other pair of rigid denim (which is what I tend to go for in jeans), but have some serious stretch — which is a very welcome feature considering they’re high-waisted.

I also tend to shy away from stretchy jeans because they can look more like leggings than real denim, but Everlane got the balance just right. These are the kind of jeans that you don’t feel the need to rip off the moment you get home — and if you know that feeling, you know how big of a feat that is. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks intern

Everlane’s Authentic Stretch Jeans are the cheapest jeans I own and probably the pair I wear the most. They feel like leggings but look like classic rigid denim — I won’t ask how they did it. They’re comfortable and flexible enough to have become my default airplane jeans when I’m packing light, and easily one of the most flattering pairs in my closet. I’m often in between a size 26 and 27, and I’m glad I opted for the 26. Their best feature is that despite their flexibility and close fit, they never ever bag out. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

Good luck getting up from Tuft & Needle's beanbag chair once you're settled in — it's that dangerously comfortable. When we replaced our living room armchair with this beast of a chair, I wasn't sure whether the hassle of moving furniture and setting everything up would be worth it.

Now, the Pouch is the key to relaxing properly in our apartment (even for our cat) and I can't imagine work-from-home days, reading, napping, or weekend movie marathons without it. Since it's made from the company's CertiPUR-US Certified Adaptive Foam, it's both squishy and supportive, so you can sit or lay on top without sinking in too much. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

I know it’s silly that my number one from 2018 is a slip-on sneaker you've probably seen a thousand times, but these shoes are all that. They are sleek, go with everything, and most importantly are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever owned. There’s definitely some kind of gel or air cushion throughout the sole of the shoe, and the back of the heel is cushioned so that your heel does not slip out.

At the same time, these are one of the few shoes with backs that don’t irritate the crippling bursitis I have from my many years of running training. My friend wore them around for a weekend and wound up getting her own pair. They are a bit pricey compared to models I’ve owned from other brands, but worth every penny and more! —Grace High, Insider Picks analyst

Earlier this year, Tommy John ventured beyond underwear and loungewear into men's dress shirts. I’ve had the opportunity to test a ton of different performance dress shirts this year and the Tommy John Stay-Tucked Dress Shirt is by far the best one in terms of fit, stretch and the ability to stay neatly tucked.

It uses InvisiGrip Snap Technology, which consists of three snapped buttons and an elastic band at the bottom of the shirt, and it works far better than the long flaps found on traditional dress shirts. They are expensive at $148, but are well worth it if you’re looking to invest in one or two really nice shirts to add in to your rotation. —Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

Does anyone need a $508 vacuum? Of course not. But you'll never look back if you get a Dyson vacuum. I received the new cordless Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute to review back in March, and I've found that it has similar suction power to my corded Dyson vacuum, which is no small feat for a cordless unit.

The battery life may leave something to be desired for those who live in big houses, but for small apartments like mine it's a marvel of engineering. It comes with a bunch of attachments, including a docking station, two cleaner heads (one for hard floors, the other for carpets), and a handful of tools designed to help you tackle harder-to-reach places, like the crevices of the couch or my cat's cat tree.

It sucks up every little bit of debris and all the cat hair scattered about my floors with ease — truth be told, it's a little horrifying just how much it picks up every time I vacuum, which if you know me, you'll know is quite often. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks senior editor

I used to be a Patagonia non-believer. I didn't really get why people were willing to spend so much on sweaters for the outdoors. Then I tried the Snap-T Pullover, and I felt the shame of my ways. It's so incredibly soft, cozy, warm, and snuggly that I essentially live it in every weekend and evening when I get home. I know Patagonia has been around forever and that the quilted fabric isn't anything new, but this iteration of the sweater is, and I'm so glad I discovered it. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

If you want to bring music with you wherever you go but don’t feel like spending a fortune, the AYL Soundfit portable speaker is the perfect device. The speaker is waterproof and has a 10-hour battery, making it the perfect option for everything from a weekend camping trip to listening to music while you shower.

The sound quality won’t blow you away, and you have be careful to make sure you don’t blow the speaker out. This speaker probably is not the right device to use for a big party, but it is a great little tool to have for picnics in the park or lazy river tubing with your friends. —Danny Bakst, Insider Picks content producer

For as long as I can remember, I’ve gotten a stomach ache when wearing tights, no matter the size. Heist’s version have been the solution, and my go-to since I first tried them on this year. They’re nice enough to hold up to none-too-gentle handling, soft enough for all-day wear, and feel like they’re not even there. The top is more of a smoothing top than a control top, though, so if you don’t have my odd cursed-as-a-child stomach ache thing, you may opt for something more compressive. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

I like that the soft and comfortable tights from this new startup comes in both low and high waistbands, neither of which roll or twist into my skin and make me regret putting on tights in the first place. You can also say goodbye to the gusset, which is usually poorly designed and doesn't fit well anyway — it turns out tights, like these ones, can be perfectly comfortable without it. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

Apple’s MacBook line has long been the shining example of beautifully designed laptops that are powerful enough to last you several years, but Huawei’s MateBook X Pro gives it a run for its money.

The laptop’s design is clearly inspired by Apple, but it has features that current MacBooks lack, like a regular USB port. This saves you from having to replace all of your current accessories with new ones that use USB-C, or from being forced to carry around an adapter.

Its design may be similar, but the real reason the MateBook X Pro should be compared to the MacBook Pro is its raw power. This laptop has enough storage, memory, and processing power to handle anything you throw at it. During my review period, I couldn’t find a way to slow it down, even when I tried.

Whether you want to edit 4K footage or high resolution photos, play games on the go, or simply keep dozens of browser tabs open while shuffling between other apps, this laptop will handle these challenges with ease. When I first reviewed it, I said that it’s the laptop Apple should have made, and I continue to stand by that. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor

The fit of Everlane's shoes can be hit or miss for me. The Day Glove is an unequivocal, out-of-the-ballpark hit. Though these versatile leather flats did take a couple wears to break in, it has been smooth sailing ever since and it's the first flat I've encountered in years that I really can wear all day.

I've lost track of how many times I've worn them in the last eight months, but I'd guess I was averaging as often as Mara (three times a week) because they're so easy to wear, comfort- and style-wise. They're soft, inside and out, and come in no less than 13 colors. I have the gorgeous Rose pair and whenever someone asks about them, my response can only be described as hyper-enthusiastic. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

I second Connie — these shoes are literally perfect in every way. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks edtior

Fjallraven is a Swedish company that’s known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. I tried one of the brand’s parkas this year, and it’s the best winter jacket I’ve ever had. Like a lot of people, I’ve never spent more than $200 on a winter jacket, so I did wonder whether it’d be worth it, but yes, yes it is.

The Singi jacket has a very smart design that’s as good looking as it is practical and durable. The G-1000 canvas fabric on the outside of the Singi jacket is made from a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton that you can wax down for added water resistance or leave bare for more breathability. Inside the jacket is a mix of responsibly sourced 80% goose down and 20% feathers.

You won't find real fur on this parka, either, which is a relief to animal lovers. Instead, the hood has a removable faux fur ruff that keeps your face protected. The Singi jacket has the best hood I’ve ever encountered on a winter jacket — it doesn't fall in my eyes, it stays in place, and it blocks out incoming snow and wind gusts. —Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor

Tommy John used to only make underwear for men, but the brand finally started making products for women this year. Needless to say, its women’s underwear is just as good as the men’s underwear. In fact, it’s the very best underwear you can buy — period.

The underwear is so comfortable that you’ll feel no scrunching, chafing, bunching, or riding up. Yes, it is expensive, but Tommy John’s underwear will last you a long time, and the comfort they deliver is absolutely priceless. —Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor

There have been some great underwear launches in 2018 (special nod to Everlane here), but Tommy John’s line for women takes the cake. They’re unbelievably soft, breathable, and are actually entirely worth their high price ($28 per pair) — something I would not have believed I would say before owning them. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

When I moved into my new apartment, I was going to just buy any memory foam mattress with decent reviews on Amazon, but after joining the Insider Picks team and learning about all of the bed-in-a-box mattress options out there, that decision became a lot less simple. I trusted my team, who said that Leesa makes the best mattress around, and now I couldn’t agree more. The mattress is the type of plush that makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud — and makes you never want to get out of bed in the morning. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks intern

I've been testing out service for almost two months now, and I have to say — it's totally changed how I get dressed, the things I'm willing to try, and the way I approach shopping. There's a crazy amount of clothing to choose from, and I find that having the chance to rotate out four pieces at a time is just the right amount of variety. I usually get one coat or jacket I can re-wear a few times along with three more fun pieces I only wear once and send back immediately. I'm less tempted to buy expensive statement pieces now because I know I can find something on Rent the Runway to scratch that itch, and I also don't have to pay for dry cleaning. So ultimately, it saves me money all while giving me access to designers I love and clothing I'd never normally buy. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

Skyroam’s Solis Hotspot is the best international travel tool I’ve found in a long time. It’s essentially cheap, reliable, mobile WiFi for international travel. You pay $8 per day for internet access that five devices can connect to, and you’re able to use the tools that make travel 99% less stressful and more enjoyable — Google Maps for when you’re lost, Wikipedia for when you want to know more, trusted car services, and iMessage to friends and family. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

I’ve tried dozens of headphones over the years, and just when I thought I’d heard it all, I tried Sony’s WH1000XM3’s. The noise-cancelling headphones are the third in a line that Sony started in late 2016, and it’s easily their best pair yet.

The star of the show is its noise-cancelling capacity, and this pair of headphones takes things to the next level. The WH1000XM3s will automatically adjust their level of noise cancellation based on the ambient noise picked up from its microphones, and other factors like your current barometric pressure. What this actually means is that if you’re out on the street, the headphones will let in more noise, so you don’t miss a car honking at you. And if you’re on a crowded subway car, the headphones will block out the train’s noise. This works so well that I’ve been able to completely tune out my daily commute, focusing solely on my music or current podcast.

My usual complaint with noise-cancelling is that is messes with the way music sounds, which is an OK trade off when you’re commuting, but less so when you’re listening to music at home. Sony seriously upgraded the speakers in the WH1000XM3s, and basically eliminated this problem. Music from all genres sounds incredibly detailed, with the appropriate amount of treble and bass, regardless of where you’re listening. I still don’t believe in "the perfect pair of headphones" but the WH1000XM3s are the closest I’ve heard. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor

My life drastically improved when we got a robot vacuum. I've gotten back at least five or six hours worth of time per week, which I now use to relax instead of clean. Basically, once I took it out of the box, all I had to do was set a timer for a daily cleaning and I haven't really had to do anything since.

Not only does the Eufy take care of the cat hair and dust on the ground, it also reduces the amount of dust that gets into the air, which means less of it ends up on my TV, book shelves, window ledges, and coffee table. I spend less time dusting, nearly zero time vacuuming (though we keep a small hand vacuum for challenging corners), and about 20 seconds a week emptying the dust bin. And yes, it navigates around the apartment and all its ledges beautifully. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

My skin is prone to getting super dry in the winter — like, so dry I used to have to wear moisturizing gloves at night (yes, they’re a thing). My roommate let me try some of her hyaluronic acid one morning and it seriously made a difference on my dry skin. Don’t be scared by the name, hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture, making it look and feel more supple. At less than $15 for a bottle, anyone with dry skin should at least give this serum a try. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Picks intern

It’s no secret that I love PopSocket phone grips. I’ve recommended them as frequently as possible to anyone who will listen since I first tried one. Not only do these innovative grips give you a secure hold on your phone, they also double as a stand, so you can prop your phone up to watch videos. They can also be considered a fashion accessory because the company has so many designs to choose from.

PopSockets are great, but the new Swappable ones are even better than the originals because you can press down and twist the grip off whenever you want to charge your phone wirelessly. Since most phones charge wirelessly now, this is a huge deal. —Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor

Allbirds’ latest release might be my favorite. The soft, breathable shoes are remarkably comfortable and supportive, and have quickly become my go-to sneakers. To be sure, I still love my classic Wool Runners — they’re my favorite travel shoe, and they’re great for a day at home or work — but there’s something about the Tree Toppers (which I have lovingly re-named "Tallbirds") that has an extra bit of appeal. —David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter

A Dutch oven is one of the few kitchen tools that deserves to be in every single kitchen. The problem has been that the market was cornered by Le Creuset and Staub, who charge a lot of money for their (admittedly incredibly well made) cookware.

Enter Milo, a direct-to-consumer cooking startup who spent its energy making a Dutch oven that can compete with the big names at a much friendlier price. I’ve used the Dutch Oven to make pasta sauces, soups, bread, and braised meats, and it’s been a pleasure to use every single time.

As for cleanup, a little soapy water and sponge work will keep it looking good as new. For $95, you’re getting a piece of cookware that’s easily worth double the price, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor

I can't praise Casper's duvet cover enough for its superior design details that solve for the annoying inconveniences of typical duvet covers. There's no way you'll button up the wrong buttons and have to start all over again because there are no buttons, just a zipper and snaps in the corners. And if your duvet shifts around inside, there are hidden openings that let you adjust the duvet without having to undo the whole cover. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Picks senior editor

When I first got my iPhone Xs Max, I couldn’t help but notice how long it took to charge with the standard Apple power adapter and cable. I wanted to take advantage of the phone’s wireless charging and fast charging capabilities and I was able to do both with the iOttie iON Wireless Plus v2. It charges my phone all the way to 100% extremely quickly, and that means I’m no longer tethered to a wall charger or a power bank when I’m out and about. —Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter

I was pleasantly surprised by this cute bralette. My usual size looked like it was going to be too small when I first received it, but it stretched effortlessly once I tried it on and didn't squeeze any of my skin like I expected it to. It's made from a really soft modal cotton that feels comfortable during the many, many hours you'll end up wearing it. I'm not sure that it's as suitable for larger busts, but for my purposes, it's been a nice cover-up and one of my favorite bralettes. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

If you love cold brew coffee but hate the price, you owe it to yourself to buy OXO’s Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Not only will it help you save money by making cold brew at home, but it also makes excellent coffee.

This cold brew maker has long been regarded the best one you can buy, and having used it all summer to have delicious iced coffee during the hottest months of the year, I can confirm that it’s the king of cold brew makers.

The simple design is incredibly smart. You just ensure that the release valve is locked, add the amount of coffee you want to use, pop the rainmaker top on, and pour the right amount of water over the grounds in a circular motion. The water will rain down on the grounds and get brewing. You have to let it brew for 12 to 24 hours, but in the end, you get amazing coffee. —Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks guides editor

I am very picky about pants. I don’t do jeans or anything restrictive and am generally sentenced to black athletic leggings. But I have two pairs of these. Think yoga pants that look perfect with a blazer for the office or heels on a Saturday night.

The waistband can be let all the way up to your belly button, or you can fold it down. You can wash them in cold water rather than needing to send to the dry cleaner too. Size down because they run a little large and are very stretchy. —Grace High, Insider Picks analyst

Most juicers are clunky and loud, and take up too much of what, for many of us, is highly precious counter space. They’re also, notoriously, a nuisance to clean. The Hurom Self-Feeding Slow Juicer is vertically inclined, so it takes up hardly (if any) more space than your standard coffee machine.

It’s also self-feeding so you don’t have to stand there jamming fruit and veggies in one at a time. You can just chop them up into a few pieces, toss them into the self-feeder, close the lid, and turn the machine on (which, by the way, is quiet enough for you to have a conversation at normal volume while it goes to work).

Cleaning is a relative cinch. It breaks apart into a handful of very open, accessible parts, all of which I manage to get to the drying rack in about 3-4 minutes (yes, I’ve timed it). It’s not the most affordable juicer, but it is far and away the most convenient and compact, and, frankly, my new best friend. —Owen Burke, Insider Picks guides reporter

I’ve been curious about Edifier’s bookshelf speakers for a long time, but only had the chance to try a pair for myself earlier this year. I wasn’t disappointed. The speakers are a triple threat, and nail style, sound, and versatility, which is why they had to be on this list.

The speakers’ black or cherry wood look give off an extremely professional vibe that most speakers lack. Instead of looking like an average piece of stereo equipment, they elevate your desk the way a nice pair of shoes can improve your style. But, as always, it’s what's on the inside that counts. Each speaker has a five inch woofer and 25mm tweeter that allow the pair to deliver world-class sound. Bass, treble, and midrange are all really balanced, which makes the music I listen to sound detailed and very clear. I have these speakers hooked up to my computer, and I’ve also been impressed at how well they work as a home theater system; TV shows, movies, and even YouTube videos sound great.

Finally, the speakers are really versatile. They have two pairs of RCA inputs (those red and white ones), so you can connect them to a computer or TV as a home theater system. They also have Bluetooth built in, so you can stream music to them wirelessly from your phone or tablet. Switching between these modes is a breeze thanks to the included remote. This combination of a great look, excellent sound, and versatility make the Edifier R2000DBs a slam dunk, and a must-have for anyone interested in a great pair of speakers. —Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks associate editor

While spending close to $100 on a pair of sweatpants may seem a little crazy, once you put these Slim Elastic Sweatpants on for the first time you’ll know why I have accumulated four pairs in my wardrobe. These are the perfect sweats to pop on when you get home from a long day of work and they are stylish enough so you don’t have to change when you go out to pick up dinner or go see a movie. Once you join the Roots club, you’ll never go back to flannel pajama bottoms ever again. —Danny Bakst, Insider Picks content producer

Girlfriend Collective has made my favorite figure-flattering, wear-anywhere leggings for years now, and their new LITE leggings feel like a second skin during a workout. They’re also made from recycled fishing nets, cost $78 (which is relatively inexpensive for a good pair), and come in tons of colors. My only advice is to note that they feel and look like a second skin, so pack seamless undergarments if you care. —Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter

I've long been a top sheet hater, not because I disagree with how it's more hygienic and easier to wash, but because it always bunches up at my feet halfway through the night. It's messy, uncomfortable, and defeats the purpose of having one in the first place.

The clever, incredibly simple design of Primary Goods' bedding snaps the top sheet to the duvet cover. The two parts always stay together when you need them to, but come apart easily come laundry day. The set also introduced me to the soft, casual beauty and temperature-regulating properties of linen, keeping me cool in the summer and warm right now as winter begins. —Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter

My hair is naturally dark brown (dyed blonde), frizzy, curly, and very fine. I decided earlier this year to try growing it out and chose products very carefully that would provide adequate support for any heat treatment and dying, as my hair is weak, and decrease frizz and curl when I do want to wear sleeker styles a few days per week. Two quickly rose to the top.

Everyone loves Olaplex. The hype is real. The 5 star reviews on Sephora say it all — this stuff is a hair saver. The other product is the Phyto Defrisant Botanical Smoothing Balm. This blow drying gel/cream/magic-potion annihilates all frizz when I blow dry. It’s heat activated, and has definitely made my hair more manageable and my blowouts last through the most humid summer evenings. The big thing for me is that it doesn’t weigh down my hair like other products that claim to do the same thing. —Grace High, Insider Picks analyst