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The Best Greens Powders That Taste Like Vegetables (or Don’t, If That’s Your Thing)
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Thanks to a 1994 US Food and Drug Administration ruling that supplements are food, not medicine, green powders remain unregulated; they may or may not do what they claim, and may not contain the ingredients their labels specify. In fact, they may even contain unlabeled ingredients. Despite this lack of transparency, the health supplement market is booming. To help pin down the best, most trustworthy green powders that do what they claim and also taste good, I've spoken with dietitians and tried options from popular brands.
While greens powders aren’t harmful, they’re also expensive and not a silver bullet for pristine health. The dietitians with whom I spoke agreed that green powders won’t replace a healthy, varied diet. You need to eat your greens, plain and simple. But if you’re someone who doesn’t eat enough fruits and veggies, you and your health care provider may determine that certain greens powders may help bridge the nutritional gap.
Your doctor can help you determine which nutrients you're lacking and assess whether a specific greens powder may help to supplement. After trying many greens powders (with my doctor's approval!), I have noticed better, smoother digestion; heightened energy levels; and a general sense of wellness.
Is there a greens brand you want WIRED to try? Do you have one you swear by? Let me know in the comments below.
Updated June 2026: I’ve added new greens powders from AG1, Daily Elements, and Nuzest. I’ve also removed some older picks and checked for accuracy throughout.
Compare the Top 16 Greens Powders
FAQs
What Are Greens Powders?
Greens powders are a dietary supplement made from a blend of many ingredients, usually including fruits, vegetables, grasses, and other ingredients, like herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, or added vitamins. Every ingredient may have its own health benefits, including boosting gut health and improving energy levels. These powders can be an easy and quick way to pack in some extra nutrients.
What Are Some Common Ingredients in Greens Powders?
Greens powders have lots of buzzy-sounding marketing terms, like “superfoods.” Though vague-sounding, superfoods are typically considered to be nutrient-rich foods that are especially beneficial for health and well-being. But what benefits are you getting, exactly? Here are some of them, plus what some studies have said about each. (Just keep in mind that these ingredients aren't a cure-all for what ails you—or a replacement for a balanced diet.)
Algae: Spirulina and chlorella are two common forms of algae found in greens powders. Spirulina is high in protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Chlorella is high in vitamins, folate, and iron. Studies show that spirulina can help lower blood pressure and assist with treating hay fever, and chlorella could help manage blood sugar.
Grasses: Cereal grasses like wheatgrass and barley grass are high in vitamins and minerals that can be easily absorbed. More research is needed, but some studies have shown that wheatgrass could have anti-cancer properties and that barley may help manage cholesterol.
Leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables: Nutrient-dense greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber (though some greens powders don't have high dietary fiber content). The same is true for fruits and vegetables.
Prebiotics and probiotics: These beneficial beings can help aid digestion, boost your immune system, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation.
Mushrooms: Mushroom benefits run a wide gamut, but studies have shown that some may reduce the risk of cancer, and they can help encourage a healthy gut as well as boost your immune system.
Digestive enzymes: Many greens powders have digestive enzymes that can help break down and absorb nutrients. These can include lactase, amylase, protease, cellulase, and lipase.
How Does WIRED Test Greens Powders?
I drank each green powder at least three times (unless otherwise listed), first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. I mixed the recommended serving size with 10 to 12 ounces of cold water (unless the instructions recommend otherwise). I tested one powder at a time before moving to the next, no sooner than a few days later. I don't eat anything for at least two hours after having my greens, and I pay careful attention to how I feel afterward in terms of digestion ease or gastrointestinal symptoms, baseline energy levels, my ability to focus, and any lingering flavors. I also frequently request that any of my nearby loved ones give the powders a try so they can give me their tasting notes and feedback, which I compare against my own to get a gut check. (Pun intended.)
What Are the Best Alternatives to Greens Powders?
Greens powders are all powdered forms of various nutrients, fruits, and vegetables. They can help fill in nutritional gaps, but you should also be eating a balanced diet full of fruits and veggies—these whole foods are the best alternatives to the powders. Make sure to check in with your doctor before starting any supplement.
What Do Experts Say About Greens Powders?
Shelley Balls, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Consumer Health Digest, says that while greens powders may be beneficial when used in addition to a healthy diet, they fail to provide your body with adequate dietary fiber, and they’re not a substitute for a poor eating pattern. She’d recommend spending your money on “whole foods that contain ample sources of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, over green powders.” She also says that if you like the convenience of greens powders, “you might find frozen, canned, and pre-washed/chopped options helpful to boost your veggie intake.”
Dawn Menning, a registered dietitian and program director for digital health with the Nutu app, agrees, citing that, as of 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed only 12 percent and 10 percent of American adults met the dietary recommendations for fruits and vegetables, respectively. She adds that if you already eat a healthy variety of fruits and veggies, “you probably don’t need a green powder.”
One note to consider in the “pro” greens powders column: Per Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, “green powder supplements can be beneficial for vegetarians” because they can help fill nutritional gaps, especially regarding iron. She says, “Iron is one key nutrient that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet. While iron is found in a variety of plant-based foods, it is not as easily absorbed by the body as the iron found in meat.”
And when it comes to “super” ingredients, a word often emblazoned across the packaging of various greens powders, like spirulina or adaptogens, Balls says to exercise caution. She concedes there are some possible benefits of these additives, but there isn’t an abundance of research to support their use. Also, because some of the ingredients can interact with certain medications or trigger autoimmune disorders, it’s extra important to discuss taking a supplement with your doctor.
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The Best Essential Oil Diffusers
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Nobody wants a stinky house. The best essential oil diffuser can help disperse fragrance throughout your home, and the internet is full of similar-looking picks at all sorts of price ranges. I scoured the crowded landscape of essential oil diffusers and tested a bunch—like my top pick, the Urpower Aroma—to identify the best options for freshening the air without causing more trouble than they’re worth.
Be sure to check out our related buying guides for making your home more inviting, including the Best Bedsheets and the Best Robot Vacuums.
Updated June 2026: I’ve added new picks from ScentAir, Atmos, Pura, and Lila. I’ve also ensured pricing and link accuracy throughout.
Compare the Top 13 Scent Diffusers
Scent Diffusers I Don’t Recommend
Hotel Collection Acoustic Studio Pro Scent Diffuser: It’s unclear which owns which, but Hotel Collection is related to Aroma360 (below). The diffusers use the same expensive proprietary scent pods that start at $55. I tested with My Way, which is inspired by 1 Hotel and smells like leather, amber, and sandalwood. The diffuser works well, scents smell great, and the remote was easy to pair. But I was especially excited to try the built-in Bluetooth speaker, which—lo and behold—wouldn’t work. I couldn’t get it to enter pairing mode, no matter how many times I read the instruction manual or which buttons I pressed. It’s a pass for me.
Aroma360 Mini Pro: The Aroma360 Mini Pro is a slick-looking, compact diffuser that’s available in an array of colors. It releases scents in low, medium, or high increments. It’ll spurt out the scent for a few seconds before taking a break. It’s not too loud, and the scent disperses evenly, covering up to 600 square feet. On its face, the diffuser works well, and it looks nice wherever you place it. But the remote is flimsy and tiny, and the diffuser only responded to the remote’s commands about half the time. And there’s no dedicated button to turn the diffuser on or off. That means if your remote is acting up, you’re stuck with the default mode. Secondly, the proprietary Pro-Pod scent bottle is messy. The first time I took it out of its plastic bag, it was covered in oil. I removed the lid and foil cover, and promptly dropped in the slippery bottle, resulting in strongly scented oil spilling all. Over. The. Place.
Pura Plus: The previous WIRED pick for Best Nebulizer, this cylinder-shaped diffuser is Pura’s offering for large spaces. It’s a departure from the brand’s typical style, which is more of a smoke-detector-esque circular or oval-shaped unit that plugs into an outlet. I was surprised to find that the Plus made an audible fan noise (about 32 decibels), as the other Puras are silent. I was willing to live with this, but my first unit began making a very loud buzzing noise when it started up. I received a replacement after sending a video, but now, after a year and a half of testing, the new one is making the buzzing noise as well. I have also seen online complaints from others having a similar issue, so I now recommend the Pura Home (above) instead, which uses Pura’s typical plug-in form but performs just as well as the Plus in larger rooms. —Kat Merck
How Does WIRED Test Diffusers?
I tested each diffuser for at least two weeks and had the help of friends and family to ascertain how strong a scent was over time. I moved each unit throughout my house every few days to ascertain its effectiveness in rooms of different sizes. I also left the room for a few minutes and walked back in to determine scent strength, and I tried every mode and option possible. I looked for diffusers with unique scents or features across all price points, with rooms both big and small in mind.
How Do I Use a Scent Diffuser Safely?
Some ultrasonic diffusers recommend using distilled water, though tap water is fine. Just be aware that tap water can leave behind sediment or hard water deposits. You should clean your diffuser every three or four uses.
You can either purchase pure essential oil or opt for a blend. If you have pets, some essential oils pose risks and can even be poisonous. Essential oils are most dangerous if applied topically to pets—a diffuser used for a short amount of time in a well-ventilated room doesn’t pose as much risk. But it’s important to monitor them and use caution, since sensitivities can vary from pet to pet. This pamphlet has more information on specific oils that can be harmful to cats and dogs. Always consult your vet before proceeding.
How Do Nebulizer and Ultrasonic Scent Diffusers Work?
Scent diffusers primarily work in two ways: Ultrasonic diffusers mix water and oil into a fine mist, and nebulizing diffusers blow air through oil to produce a more strongly scented mist. Nebulizers can be louder and tend to cost more, but ultrasonic diffusers require water refills and don‘t produce as strong of a scent. There are also reed and stone diffusers, which use a carrier oil and fragrance oils to evaporate a scent into the air.
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I've been reviewing laptops for well over a decade, sometimes testing over 30 devices per year. As you can probably guess, they aren't all winners, and many should be avoided, no matter how cheap the discount is. Good news: It's my job to recommend laptops that fit your budget and won't make you regret your purchase six months later. So, don't fall for the marketing, fake sales, or knockoff brands on Amazon. These are my favorite laptops that I've tested myself and would highly recommend you buy.
For more guidance, also see my recommendations in specific categories, such as the Best MacBooks, Best Gaming Laptops, Best Chromebooks, Best Budget Laptops, Best Windows Laptops, and Best 2-in-1 Laptops. My guide on How to Choose a Laptop may also help if you're undecided.
Updated June 2026: I've tested a number of new laptops that I've added or considered for this update, including the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x, HP OmniBook Ultra, HP OmniBook 3, Asus Zenbook A16, Acer Swift 16 AI, and Asus TUF Gaming A14. I've also included mention of announcements from Computex.
The Laptops I Recommend Most
When friends or family ask what laptop to buy, I always start with the MacBook Air. It is far more powerful than its compact size suggests. With the new M5 chip, its GPU matches the M3 Pro MacBook Pro, easily handling everything from gaming to video editing. That's not at all what the MacBook Air is designed for, but the performance is there when you want to dabble. It's what makes it feel like a do-it-all machine, all contained in a fanless chassis that's still one of the thinnest laptops you can buy. Oh, and did I mention it'll last well over a full work day away from the wall and perform as well on battery as when plugged in? In almost every aspect, it's the gold standard.
While the lower price of the new MacBook Neo might be tempting, the MacBook Air is the better choice for anyone working at a computer all day. With its superior performance, extra memory, faster storage, and Thunderbolt ports, you will never have to question if you have the right tool for the job. (And unless you already know you need a MacBook Pro, you probably don't.)
If you prefer Windows or need it for specific applications, the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is the strongest alternative to the MacBook Air. It might just be the best laptop HP has ever made. The device is beautifully built and incredibly sturdy, with a thin chassis (though the height of the feet makes it taller on the table next to the MacBook Air), an oversized haptic trackpad, and polished metal edges. I also appreciate the three Thunderbolt 4 ports split between both sides for convenient charging, as well as the surprisingly good speakers.
I tested the high-end model, which features a fast Snapdragon X2 Elite and 32 GB of RAM, and a gorgeous 2880 x 1800 OLED display. The screen offers near-perfect colors, excellent brightness, and astounding HDR performance. It doesn't get much better than this. My only real complaint is that the glossy OLED screen is quite reflective and lacks an anti-glare coating. The displays of the two configurations of the OmniBook Ultra are quite different though. Hopefully there will be more configuration options in the near future, as I'd love to see something with the higher-end OLED panel available in a cheaper configuration. The base configuration sold directly from HP is lower resolution and dimmer.
My other favorite alternative to the 15-inch MacBook Air is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x. I was impressed by the overall package for this laptop, which retails for $900 before any discounts. It's not as refined as the OmniBook Ultra or MacBook Air, but it makes up for it in other areas. For example, while it lacks a haptic trackpad, it boasts a fantastic 2560 x 1600 OLED display with a 165-Hz refresh rate. I highly recommend the $30 upgrade from the base panel to get this screen. Additionally, while it is slightly thicker than the MacBook Air, that extra space allows for a great selection of ports, including HDMI, USB-A, and an SD card slot.
But the smart thing about the IdeaPad Slim 5x is that it undercuts the MacBook Air and competitive Windows laptops in terms of price. When it comes down to it, it's currently the best Windows laptops under $1,000.
I used to recommend the Surface Laptop 13.8 (also known as the 7th Edition) as one of my top picks. While I still love this laptop, it's risen in price dramatically and no longer feels like a good value, especially since it's two years old at this point. I've been waiting for Microsoft to refresh the Surface Laptop to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 chips for improved performance, which still hasn't happened. In the meantime, I'll just keep waiting for the Surface Laptop Ultra that comes out later this year.
Cheap Laptops That Are Actually Good
While "cheap" means something different to everyone, the best budget laptops generally fall under $750. This is where Windows truly shines, offering great specs for less money. Thanks to the latest processors from Qualcomm and Intel, these laptops now offer battery life that rivals Apple. The best deal I've tested is the HP OmniBook 5. It features a Snapdragon X processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and a 14-inch OLED screen. Discounts fluctuate frequently, but right now you can find it directly from HP deal for $660, which is an incredible value.
I also tested the new HP OmniBook 3 recently, which uses the same chip as the OmniBook 5. It frequently sells for less than the OmniBook 5, occasionally dropping as low as $500. While the OmniBook 3 is a good alternative, the OmniBook 5 is much thinner and looks more modern. Neither laptop has a particularly strong touchpad, but as long as the price difference remains small, the OmniBook 5 is the better choice.
Starting at $599, the MacBook Neo is Apple's new entry-level device, and it truly shines when it comes to the display. It offers the best screen you can find at this price, bringing the macOS experience to an unprecedented value. Apple clearly prioritized the front-of-screen experience, delivering a premium feel across the display, build quality, and keyboard. While the 8 GB of RAM, slower ports, and slower SSD are notable drawbacks—making the MacBook Air a better choice for remote workers—the Neo is the most premium-feeling laptop available for students, travelers, and casual users.
Given how good some of these other budget laptops are, it's a bit harder to find a place for Chromebooks. The standout option is still the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. As the most premium Chromebook available, it features an OLED screen, 16 GB of RAM, and battery life that rivals the MacBook Neo. While $699 is probably more than what most people want to spend on a Chromebook, that has more to do with the perception of Chromebooks and less to do with the quality of this particular laptop.
There are certainly much cheaper Chromebooks, but once you get under $500, they usually come with considerable drawbacks to screen and touchpad quality. The one exception is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516. While it's a bit thick and the screen isn't the sharpest (especially for a 16-inch laptop), it's the best laptop you can buy for under $500. Windows laptops are about to get much stronger in this category, however, just as higher-priced Chromebooks will be seemingly phased out over time and replaced by the upcoming Googlebooks.
Powerful Laptops for Those Who Need It
While the laptops above are great for the average person, content creators and gamers need extra performance. For the former, the 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro is the ultimate choice. It combines immense power with surprising portability and fantastic battery life—a rare feat. The M5 generation is the most impressive yet, featuring a greatly expanded GPU and significantly boosted on-device AI processing thanks to a more efficient Neural Engine and faster memory bandwidth. While it is one of the most powerful AI laptops available, the MacBook Pro isn't for e
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