Today: Kids are using landlines again. Plus …
We tried this 80s-style landline |
 |
| NYT Wirecutter |
In the age of smartphones, landlines might feel, well, a bit dated. But as parents grapple with when to get kids their first devices, these nostalgic phones have reemerged as a tool that can encourage independence, sans-screens.
When writer Alison Rochford’s daughter asked her about this no-frills, Wi-Fi–enabled “landline,” she decided to try it out. Soon, her kids, ages six and nine, were making and executing plans all on their own.
“I have become something of an evangelist,” Alison says. “I cite my daughters’ months of contented chatting, silly prank-calling, planning to produce a movie with friends (coming never to a theater near you), and setting up spontaneous neighborhood playdates.”
And best of all? They’ve stopped asking for a smartphone.
The joys of a landline→
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›
Plus: The best parental control apps |
 |
| Ruthie Darling/NYT Wirecutter |
For kids who are starting to use smartphones, parental controls allow adults to set limits that encourage kids and teens to learn healthy tech habits. After testing 14 different options, we found the best apps for both iOS and Android devices.
Including, yes, Apple’s built-in screen time app→
Phone-free fun for grown-ups |
Your daily deal: The best portable CD player |
 |
| Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter |
The first CD player writer Brent Butterworth bought in 25 years soon became his all-time favorite. It’s easy to use, portable enough to take on the go, and has excellent sound quality. Plus, Brent says, “I can relive a time when listening to music was as simple as putting a disc in a tray and hitting the play button”
We found it for 15% off→
One last thing: The return of the DVD player |
 |
| Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter |
Writer Alexander Aciman’s DVD player is one of his prized possessions, as it allowed him to rediscover something special about the physical presence of his collection. Playing them, Alex says, “feels more akin to going to a museum than to doom-scrolling.”
“It was the best purchase I made in all of 2025”→
|
|
 | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Recommendation. Independent reviews, expert advice, and intensively researched deals from Wirecutter experts. Get it in your inbox |
|
|
|
Thanks for reading.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.
