The Best Products for Mac and iPhone Users
My product recommendations
About my recommendations
One of the most common questions I get from clients is what product they should buy. Whether it's computers, iPhones, mice, monitors, printers, hard drives, cables, or smart bulbs, I try to narrow it down to one or two choices.
What factors do I consider when evaluating products?
A product that I own or have used often. A lot of the time, when a client asks for advice on a product, I end up at some point needing to help them with it. It's much easier when I know that product well.
Ease of use. Some products have lots of bells and whistles. I don't mind when the bells and whistles stay out of the way when you don't need them, but all too often, products push these features on you whether you need them or not. If there is a simpler option out there, I'll often go with that.
Works well with Mac and iPhone. Being in the Apple ecosystem myself, it would not make sense for me to recommend products that don't work well with Apple devices. Some products I overlook, no matter how great they are, if they won't play nicely with your existing setup.
Recommended by review websites. In particular, I am a fan of the New York Times Wirecutter. While I don't always go with their top recommendation, I find that their articles guide me in discovering what considerations to make for a particular product. Their recommendations are usually the best for "most people," but Mac users aren't always most people.
I keep this page updated as products change.
Computers and peripherals
Mac buying guide: Which Mac is right for you, with current pricing and specs
Monitor: Dell 4K displays for most people; Apple Studio Display for a premium upgrade
Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard, Logitech options, and what to look for
Mouse: Logitech Bluetooth mice; why I skip Apple's mice
Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e for most home and small office users
Backup drive: What to get for Time Machine backups
Webcam: My picks for video calls and what software you don't need to install
Headphones: My favorites for different budgets and use cases
Portable
iPhone buying guide: Which model is right for you
iPhone case: There are lots of great cases out there, and you should get what feels right to you. I do recommend something with MagSafe compatibility.
iPad buying guide: How to decide between models
Portable battery pack: For keeping your devices charged on the go
Bluetooth tracker: AirTag and alternatives for finding lost items
Network equipment
WiFi router: Eero mesh systems for reliable whole-home coverage
Cable modem: What to buy if you have cable internet
Apps and software
Password manager: Apple Passwords for people in the Apple ecosystem, 1Password for power users and people who need cross-platform compatibility (PC, Android, Firefox, Chrome)
Web browser: My recommendation and why
Safari ad blocker: Wipr 2, my favorite for keeping ads and trackers out of Safari
Word processor, spreadsheet, etc.: Do you actually need Microsoft Office?
Not sure what you need?
Picking the right product is one of the things I help with most often during one-on-one tutoring sessions. I can walk you through the options based on how you actually use your devices. I'm available for in-person sessions in San Francisco or via Zoom anywhere.