Joel Santo Domingo

New Jersey

Senior Staff Writer at Wirecutter

Senior Writer for @wirecutter, former Lead Reviews for @PCMag (He/Him) “To see with eyes unclouded by hate.” Also on https://t.co/SlWdo5bmZU

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Articles

Rich on Tech Radio Recap: Nintendo News, Mesh Wi-Fi & Online Privacy

2 weeks ago | ktla.com | Rich DeMuro |Joel Santo Domingo

You see my segments on TV, but did you know I also host a national radio show called Rich On Tech? Each week, I share helpful tech news, tips, and answer your questions on radio stations across the country — from KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles to 710 WOR in New York City. I also interview experts. This week, Matt Swider from The Shortcut joined me to talk about his hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2. “The thing I love about it is the screen… its a lot bigger,” said Swider.
The Wirecutter Show Episode 29: Why Is Your Internet So Bad?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Christine Clisset |Caira Blackwell |Rosie Guerin |Abigail Keel |Joel Santo Domingo

Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platformsOur networking pro reveals three dead-simple fixes most people miss for faster internet, plus insider secrets to choosing a better internet plan.
The Wirecutter Show Episode 29: Why Is Your Internet So Bad?

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Christine Clisset |Caira Blackwell |Rosie Guerin |Abigail Keel |Joel Santo Domingo

The Wirecutter Show Episode 29: Why Is Your Internet So Bad? Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platforms Our networking pro reveals three dead-simple fixes most people miss for faster internet, plus insider secrets to choosing a better internet plan. Guest: Senior staff writer Joel …
I Test Routers For a Living. Here’s What I Do When I Run Into Issues With My Wi-Fi.

Jan 7, 2025 | nytimes.com | Joel Santo Domingo

Wi-Fi is one of those always-on services you don’t think about until you’re experiencing frustrating dropouts or other issues. As Wirecutter’s resident router expert and a former IT technician, I’ve seen every networking malfunction you can imagine. And sometimes even I run into connectivity hiccups while working from home.
Your Wi-Fi Router Is Ugly. Here’s How to Hide It Without Blocking Your Signal.

Jan 6, 2025 | nytimes.com | Joel Santo Domingo

Michael Hession/NYT WirecutterBy Joel Santo DomingoJoel Santo Domingo is a writer focused on networking and storage. He’s tested over 250 mesh networks, routers, and modems. Most Wi-Fi routers are, frankly, hideous. So you might feel compelled to hide your router from public view, especially if you have one that looks like an upside-down arachnid. But materials like brick and metal can block Wi-Fi signals, defeating the reason you got a router in the first place.
How to Find Faster Wi-Fi While Traveling

Nov 14, 2024 | nytimes.com | Joel Santo Domingo

In-flight Wi-Fi that doesn’t work, the spotty conference-center connection, an off-the-grid Airbnb rental (which sounded ideal when you booked it): Accessing reliable, fast Wi-Fi while you’re traveling can feel like a real nightmare, especially when you have to take a Zoom call on the road, or when you’d rather stream a movie than be stuck watching whatever is available on demand in a hotel. One simple solution is to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, but that won’t work for everyone.
The Next Generation of Wi-Fi Is Officially Here. But You Don’t Need It (Yet).

Oct 11, 2024 | nytimes.com | Joel Santo Domingo

The next generation of Wi-Fi is officially here, and it promises the fastest wireless networking, period. Our testing of Wi-Fi 7 routers in perfect conditions backs that claim up. But investing in Wi-Fi 7 gear is a lot more complicated than it may seem, as those speedy connections, blazing though they may be, aren’t the only factor. The truth is that Wi-Fi 7 really doesn’t matter for most people who own phones, laptops, and smart devices in early 2024.
I Feel Naked Without This $70 Multi-Tool

May 20, 2024 | nytimes.com | Joel Santo Domingo

I rarely leave home without the Leatherman Free T4. It comes with me practically everywhere I go, along with my keys, phone, and wallet. This trusty multi-tool is always at the ready for any quick task like opening a package, tightening a loose screw, or using the tweezers to extract a gnarly splinter from a child’s foot. I use it multiple times a day without thinking about it and miss it dearly when I don’t have it on me.
The 3 Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2023

Aug 23, 2023 | wrctr.co | Joel Santo Domingo

If you’re happy with your Wi-Fi, you don’t need a new router—it’s as simple as that. If you’re having problems with range, speed, or reliability, though, and your router is more than a couple of years old, it might be time for an upgrade. An older router that doesn’t support Wi-Fi 5 (also known as 802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and drops connections constantly, needs frequent reboots, or is slow even when you’re just in the next room can hold you back significantly.
The Best External Hard Drive

Jul 20, 2023 | wrctr.co | Haley Perry |Joel Santo Domingo

Our pickWestern Digital My Passport Ultra (5 TB)The best portable hard driveThis 5 TB drive gives most people the best balance of price, speed, capacity, portability, and usability. That makes it a great choice for backing up your laptop or transferring large files between your office and home computers.