Ubers for the 0.1 Percent
When a private jet or yacht just isn't enough.

Getty Images
While the plebs are busy navigating the perils of ride sharing in 2017—should I #deleteuber? does Lyft still require fist bumps?—the überrich have problems of their own. Like: Where’s the nearest on-demand helicopter? Will the yacht be free on Memorial Day weekend? Yep, the sharing economy looks pretty different from the window of a Gulfstream.
This article appears in the May issue. Subscribe now.
Getty ImagesSeaNet
Oceangoing oligarchs can partly own anything from a no-fuss VanDutch 40 powerboat to a fancy-pants Benetti megayacht. Price: $173,750 to $5.1 million Plan B: SmartYacht
Getty ImagesHeliFlite
A prepaid card gets fat cats lifts within 125 miles of Manhattan with two days’ notice. Price: $161,250 for 25 hours Plan B: Blade Bounce, Sikorsky Shares
Getty ImagesFlexjet
Ranges from 25 flight hours in a light jet to an 800-hours-a-year share in a Gulfstream G450 (sleeps up to six). Price: $175,000 to $30 million Plan B: NetJets, XOJet
Getty ImagesPrivate Islands Online
One getaway comes with servants on a nearby island. Price: Up to millions per night Plan B: Amillarah Private Islands
Getty ImagesTerra Vivos
For your, er, last resort, opt for fractional ownership of an Indiana bomb shelter. When the apocalypse hits, you’ll have 80 new best friends. Price: $50,000 ($35,000 for children) Plan B: There is no plan B.
Topicsmagazine-25.05
The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)
Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.
Simon Hill
The Best Duffel Bags for Commuters and Chronic Overpackers
Need to schlep some stuff? These field-tested duffels can handle your baggage.
Louryn Strampe
Quell the Heat With Our Favorite Window Air Conditioners
These are the AC units we’ve trusted to cool our homes for months, if not years.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for All Your Devices
Keep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.
Simon Hill
All the Best Vacuum Cleaners We’ve Ever Tried
Looking for all our top recommended vacuums? Here are our favorites in every style we’ve tested, from stick vacs to robot vacuums.
Nena Farrell
Papa Johns Is Getting Into Drone Delivery—but Not for Pizza
A new collaboration with Alphabet’s Wing will only deliver sandwiches. It demonstrates the tricky parts of taking to the sky.
Aarian Marshall
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
After Testing Dozens, These Are the Outdoor Security Cameras I Recommend
These weatherproof outdoor security cams keep a watchful eye on your property while you get on with life. Our list includes battery-powered cameras that need no subscription.
Simon Hill
The Best Prepaid Phone Plans to Slash Your Monthly Bill
Forget the pricey, postpaid cell plans and two-year contracts. Save with one of these WIRED-tested options from US Mobile, Boost, and Google Fi.
Matthew S. Smith
‘Perfect Storm’: How Trump’s Aid Cuts Are Fueling the Ebola Outbreak
One health provider who works on the ground says that basic medical equipment like masks and hand sanitizers are in short supply due to funding cuts.
Kate Knibbs
The Best Pool Accessories for Resort Energy at Home
These are the cleaning robots, water monitors, and toys actually worth buying for pool season.
Kat Merck
NYC and LA Are Teaming Up to Fight for EVs
After the Trump administration turned away from electrification, two of the nation’s biggest governments will advocate for more electric vans, police cars, and eventually, snowplows.
Aarian Marshall