When we write about e-readers, Kindle is usually the first name that comes to mind. But in the color e-reader market, Kindle has been late to the party. That delay opened the door for other brands to step in with stronger devices. We’ve rounded up the best color e-readers, and here are the ones that stood out.

Color e-reader price increases

This year has not been good for tech prices. Due to the global memory crisis, prices are increasing on tablets, phones, laptops, and even e-readers. Three out of the four color e-readers on this list increased in price this year. The only e-reader to avoid a price hike was the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

Temper your color expectations

An e-reader's color won't be quite as vibrant as a tablet's or physical book's. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mangino

Having tested my way through a lot of e-readers — and now color e-readers — I’ve found a universal truth: While the colors are accurate, they often look a bit washed out. No matter which brand you use, that’s going to be the case. The muted tones don’t outweigh the convenience and portability of color e-readers, but it’s worth tempering your expectations.

Don’t expect the vivid, punchy colors of an iPad screen. An iPad has a max of 500 nits (a measure of brightness), while Kobo and Kindle e-readers max out at 100.

New to this guide:

• As of October 2026, we added the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition to this list. While the display and resolution haven't improved, its new aluminum casing makes it a sturdier e-reader.

• In February 2026, we added the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft to this guide. After testing Amazon's latest e-reader, we were thoroughly impressed by both its speed and display.

What about ReMarkable tablets?

You might notice that ReMarkable e-ink tablets are not on this list. We've tested both the ReMarkable Paper Pro and ReMarkable Paper Move, and while they're dynamic digital notebooks, they're limited in their e-reader capabilities. Getting e-books on these devices was a bit of a struggle, and we missed the Libby integrations available on Kindles and Kobos. So while we think they're great e-ink tablets, they're inferior e-readers.

If you don't like the look of the Beats 360 headphones, you might as well click out of this review now.

That's not to say these headphones are only as good as their appearance — they do have their strengths — but if the many colorways Beats started teasing back in June via World Cup players wasn't enough of a hint, a big part of the allure of these Beats are how they look.

After spending a couple of weeks with these headphones, and switching out many an ear cushion and head band, I found myself more impressed with some aspects of these headphones, and surprisingly let down in others. While a solid first attempt at this concept, I have some notes — so let's get into it.

Beats 360 at a glance

The pink/blue combo demanded a cute background. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The new flagship headphones from Beats run for $349.99 (the same intro price as the Beats Studio Pro) and come with the following features:

• Battery life: 32 hours per charge

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Microphones: Nine, with eight dedicated to ANC

• IP rating: IPX4

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.3, one-touch pairing for Apple and Google Fast Pair for Android users

• Colors: Black, cloud, sky, pink

The design of the Beats 360 can't be beat (so far)

The replaceable components meant allowed me to rock an all pink look. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Beats 360 aren't the first over-ear headphones to do swappable components: Dyson's OnTrac headphones launched with replaceable ear plates and cushions back in 2024. They did, however, also cost $499.99 and are less suited to using during exercise than the Beats.

The Beats cushion sets are the main draw of their design. The headphones themselves come in four different colors: black, cloud (cream), pink, and sky (light blue). Each headphone will come with its corresponding color in the Performance Knit cushion set, which closely resembles that found on the AirPods Max 2.

You'll also have the option of purchasing an additional Performance Knit set in one of six different colors: black, cloud, pink, sky, navy, and volt (a neon green-yellow). Then there are two shades of the UltraPlush cushion set, which comes in black and cloud. The UltraPlush is the same faux leather material used on the Beats Studio Pro (and found on most over-ear headphones). That is to say, they're plenty comfortable for longer periods of wear and a nice alternative if you want to reserve the Performance Knit cushions for more high-activity use. All additional kits are priced at $49.99, but launch pricing has these marked down 80% for just $9.99.

The de-cushioned Beats surrounded by three cushioning options. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

It's plenty simple to swap out the cushions, which is why I was surprised by the case. These headphones encourage you to swap them out for different uses throughout the day, yet the magnetic closure case didn't consistently shut properly with an additional cushion set — sometimes it closed just fine, and sometimes I found myself needing to place the headphones and the components in the case just so if I didn't want it to hang open.

With the right positioning of the extra cushions, the case closed without issue. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

But sometimes, despite my best efforts, the case refused to close. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Another oversight in the design I didn't love was the lack of a headphone jack and lack of USB-C listening functionality. It's not the end of the world, but it can limit listening options, especially while traveling or for anyone interested in lossless audio — a feature supported by the Beats Studio Pro.

Where the Beats 360 could definitely do better

The out-of-box sound on a pair of headphones could literally sound like thousands of angels singing in my ears, but if I'm paying $349.99, I would like the option to adjust my own sound signature. Maybe I want one less angel singing!

It's a concept Apple seems to understand with the recent iOS 27 update, which finally gave the AirPods Pro 3 a custom equalizer, but these Beats were left out of the software update.

Adjustable audio would've gone a long way for these customizable headphones. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

It's unfortunate, especially because the sound on these headphones not only didn't have the whole angel thing going on — it sounded kind of flat and bland, which feels decidedly un-Beats-like. The brand is known for its pumping bass, but here, the mids and vocals take center stage. Case in point: I was not bopping my head along to Lorde's "Supercut," which is a feat I frankly didn't know was possible. On a different point in the genre spectrum, Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" sounded predictably beautiful because it's a Joni Mitchell song — the balance of sound, however, leaned too heavily on her vocals and shrank the guitar into the background. I found myself itching to adjust the equalizer settings while listening to the track.

The ANC isn't bad

Faring better than the sound is the ANC. Though it won't create the cocoon of silence some of Mashable's favorite noise-cancelling headphones are capable of, they'll definitely dim the sounds of a student-packed cafe playing loud punk music (trust me). That said, mid-range priced headphones are facing some serious competition from budget headphones these days, which are getting better and better at providing ANC that punches above its weight class.

The combo of the UltraPlush cushions and ANC made these headphones great for work. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

There's also the presence of some hissing that's somewhat noticeable without music playing — it's not nearly as loud as some cheaper pairs of headphones, but if you're sensitive to ANC that hisses, it's worth noting.

Are the Beats 360 worth it?

At this point, the Beats 360 don't quite have the 360 appeal that they could with a few small changes. The component customization makes it easy to envision a world where these are the headphones people take to the gym instead of AirPods Max, while still being a great pair of headphones to use for work, school, commuting — true all-arounders.

But middling ANC, OK sound, and zero equalizer for $350 makes it hard to recommend these wholeheartedly to the majority of folks, especially when cheaper headphones can manage all of the above, even if they don't feature the same customization. I anticipate that gym rats will love them — I look forward to the next iteration when the rest of us can, too.

Beats 360

$349 at Amazon

 

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The best Kindle e-readers are essential for book lovers, and Amazon just released a new Kindle Colorsoft (and the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition with an aluminum body), along with a new basic Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite/Paperwhite Signature Edition, and the Kindle Click page-turner. Following last year's refresh of the Kindle Scribe lineup, that means Amazon has an all-new Kindle family, just in time for the holidays.

I've been reviewing the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition for Mashable for the past few weeks. Except for the new aluminum body, fig colorway, and higher storage, it's functionally the same as the base Colorsoft model, so we won't be reviewing them separately.

If you've been curious about Amazon's color e-readers, then I'd recommend reading my Kindle Colorsoft review first. Unfortunately, while there's a lot that I do love about this device, it doesn't fix the biggest problem — the color is still very disappointing.

That cover is definitely yellow-ish. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Kindle Colorsoft review: Manage your expectations when it comes to color

Now, I want to be clear about one thing: Amazon uses E Ink technology for its e-readers. This distinctive, paper-like digital display is a product of the E Ink Corporation. And the truth is that E Ink just doesn't do color very well. So, the technology is what it is.

The E Ink color experience on the Kindle Colorsoft is disappointing. That was true with the original model from 2024, and it hasn't changed with the 2026 model. What has changed is that the Colorsoft now offers true edge-to-edge color, so there are no dimming or lighting issues around the edges.

But Amazon promises readers something more: "Paper-like color perfect for comics, graphic novels, and more." And that's not what I'm seeing. In fact, some of Amazon's official photography with the Kindle Colorsoft appears to exaggerate the color saturation, at least to my eye. I've never seen color quite that bright in practice.

I haven't seen colors quite this bright on my review unit, sadly. Credit: Amazon

I put the Kindle side-by-side with illustrated books, comic books, and graphic novels I have on my bookshelf, and the difference is very obvious, even when you crank up the vividness and brightness to the limit. There's just no comparison, really.

Even in comics with more neutral tones and softer colors like the classic Batman comic The Long Halloween, the difference stands out clearly. How important is the color problem? Well, the word "color" is right there in the name — Kindle Colorsoft. Though, I suppose the emphasis should be on "soft."

The color difference is obvious. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

What elder millennial nerd doesn't own a copy of 'Watchmen'? Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

I have seen more vibrant and colorful electronic paper technology. Samsung's ePaper does a better job with color, though there are other trade-offs. It takes time for the screen to change to a new image, which isn't an option in an e-reader that demands near-instant page turns.

In my photos of Samsung's ePaper, you'll notice brighter colors, but there's a reason Samsung reserves this tech for commercial use.

Samsung's ePaper commercial display technology on display. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

A closer look at Samsung's ePaper commercial display technology. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

If you want to read comics, magazines, or illustrated books in digital form, a tablet like the new iPad Mini or Amazon Alexa tablets would be a better option. (Mashable is in the process of reviewing both of those devices.)

And you can always go to an actual bookstore.

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: What I liked

To be clear, there is a lot to love about the Kindle Colorsoft, particularly the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. I love the fig color, which is a close match for the new burgundy iPhone 18 Pro. (Fun fact: An Amazon spokesperson told Mashable the fig color was inspired by the same industry trend report that inspired the burgundy iPhone.)

The new aluminum body available in the Paperwhite SE and Colorsoft SE is worth the upgrade. They have a similar feel to the Apple iPad Air, which I also loved. It's also satisfying to see the cover screen artwork and your book covers in color.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

I also appreciated the ability to zoom in on comic panels and illustrations, which is a great way to appreciate fine details in the artwork.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

...enhance! Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

You can double-click to read comics panel-by-panel on the Colorsoft, rather than page-by-page. Often, this works really well, but for artists who use complicated panels of varying sizes and styles (like you'll find in The Long Halloween), some of the panels fit very awkwardly on the screen.

The new Kindle Colorsoft also has a lot of the features we loved in other Kindle devices — a waterproof design, a battery that lasts for weeks, auto-adjusting light. Amazon also moved the power button to the side, which is a smart update. Only the Signature Edition supports wireless charging, and it now has magnetic pogo pins on the back. That means if you're used to using Qi wireless charging accessories with your Kindle, they won't work here. For me, this isn't a problem.

To sum up — the Kindle Colorsoft isn't a bad color e-reader. It just suffers from the same problems all color e-readers do.

The Kindle Colorsoft: Who it's for

If you believe some color is better than no color, or if you're a note-taker who loves to highlight their books, then the Kindle Colorsoft would be a smart upgrade from the basic Kindle. (Pro tip: We named the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft a Mashable Choice product, and the ability to write on the screen lets you use color in much better ways.) However, the Kobo Libra Colour is retaining its top spot as our favorite color e-reader.

The Kindle Colorsoft would also be a smart option for kids in the process of graduating from illustrated kids' books to chapter books. The Colorsoft could help make this transition a bit more inviting, and parents can also get a Kindle Colorsoft Kids Edition for $299.99.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition

$319.99 at Amazon

 

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Kindle Colorsoft Kids Edition

$299.99 at Amazon

 

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Choosing a Kindle is just the start. Once you have a Kindle, there's so much you can do to make the most of it. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading. Which, by the way, we love Amazon's new Kindle Click and Page Turn Cover.

So, after extensive testing, reading so many books, and attending BookCon, I created this guide to the best Kindles to buy in 2026.

Meet the new 2026 Kindles

On Oct. 1, Amazon announced a redesign of the entire Kindle collection. Before the launch, Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, went hands-on with the devices, seeing their vivid new colors like ube, as well as the new aluminum casings on some of the e-readers. Here are all the new Kindle e-readers:

• Kindle (16GB) — $149.99 to $169.99

• Kindle, Aluminum (32GB) — $189.99

• Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) — $199.99 to $219.99

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) — $249.99

• Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) — $289.99

• Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) — $319.99

• Kindle Kids (16GB) — $179.99

• Kindle Kids Paperwhite (16GB) — $229.99

• Kindle Kids Colorsoft (16GB) — $299.99

• Kindle Click page turner — $34.99

• Kindle Page Turn Cover — $79.99

2026 Kindle price increases

For years, Kindle prices have stayed stable, but in August 2026, they finally got an increase. Every model except the Kindle Scribe received a price increase. We can thank RAMageddon, as an Amazon spokesperson said that the increased prices are a result of "significant increases in memory and storage component costs." Here's a breakdown of all the new Kindle prices

More 2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue since, as of October 2026, there are nine new models to shop.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Trying to decide which Kindle is right for you? Above all, you need to decide if you need a waterproof e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, your best option is to get the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with the Page Turn Cover.

How to get free e-books on Kindle

With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "Read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle+? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month.

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. If you're gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you'll love.

But what's the e-reader? Well, Amazon just released my new favorite e-reader.

Latest e-reader news

• On Oct. 1, Amazon dropped a redesigned collection of Kindles. We've tested the latest e-readers and named the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition the best overall e-reader.

• As of September 2026, we've added the Boox Go 6 to this guide, naming it the best Kindle alternative. We also named the Kindle Paperwhite the best e-reader for the beach (in addition to being the best overall) and named the Durobo Krono the best e-reader for audiobooks.

• In August 2026, Amazon increased the price of Kindles. Now the basic Kindle costs $149.99 ($40 increase) and the Kindle Paperwhite costs $199.99 ($40 increase).

• In July 2026, Boox announced it was releasing a pocket-sized e-reader, the Picco. After IFA 2026, rumors floated that the Boox Picco would be released in November 2026.

• Also in July 2026, Xteink dropped the X4 Pro, a new tiny e-reader with a touchscreen.

• As of April 2026, we have included the Durobo Krono and the Xetink X4 e-reader in this guide.

• In May 2026, Amazon ceased support for e-readers released in 2012 or earlier, which includes the first generation of Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite.

• Also in May 2026, Kobo announced its integration with Storygraph, which syncs your on-device reading progress with the Storygraph app.

Which are the most affordable e-readers?

When picking an e-reader, price is always a consideration. However, almost all e-readers fall into the same price range. Kindle and Kobo e-readers both start around $149.99/$159.99, while the tiny Boox Picco is just $109.99. If you want handwriting capabilities, Kobo and Boox make the most affordable options, as Kindle's Scribes start at $500.

Other e-readers we've tested

From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

• Remarkable PaperPro: Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

• Onyx Boox Go 7: While we love the Boox Go 6, we didn't love the Go 7. It's the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. Reading ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was significant lag when opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

• Boox Palma 2: I loved reading on the Boox Palma. It's a really solid palm-sized e-reader with an open Android system, so you can download any reading app from the Google Play store, including Libby, Kindle, and Kobo. Unfortunately, the Palma 2 is being discontinued, and its availability is dwindling, which is why it's not included in this list.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

We choose stories alongside the kids, often listen together, and talk about what’s happening.

They’ve proven to be a great tool to soften transitions, help the kids have some quiet time to rest while we prepare meals or clean up, take along during long car rides, and engage their brains without being overly stimulating. 

There is no shortage of options on the market right now specifically aimed at our kids’ age group, so we decided to put some to the test. We spent three months trying out a collection of popular players, both at home and in the car, to come up with this list.

After lots of hands-on testing, the Yoto player came out on top as our favorite screen-free audio player, with the Toniebox as a close second. Read on to learn why and see what else made the list.

Editor's note: We have not yet tested the Eddi, Lunii, or Nex Playground.

The coolest tech gifts may look like the most boring box in the present pile... until they're unwrapped. But in a second, you'll both unlock a new favorite memory: They get to gush over owning one of the most sought-after gadgets of the year, and you get to watch their face light up.

Our tech gift guide for 2026 includes some of the best new releases of the year from Apple, Amazon, Bose, Shark, and Sony, most of which we personally reviewed. We're obviously loving the latest upgrades, like the refreshed Kindle and the second-gen QuietComforts. But even if you're not shopping for an early adopter, we've still found some awesome under-the-radar gadgets that'll speak to their niche interests. The cool teenager on your list may not care about Apple's new smart home devices, but they will freak over the Camp Snap 2. (It's one of our top Gifts of the Year.)

To find the best holiday gifts for the techies in your life, Mashable's tech and shopping reporters have come together to curate a guide to our favorite gift-worthy gadgets of the year — the true "I can't believe you got this for me" gifts. So, whether you're splurging on a MacBook or searching for stocking stuffers, here are the best tech gifts for 2026.

At the first signs of fall, I'm getting cozy. As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, you'll find me under a pile of blankets with a warm beverage in hand. I relish getting into bed every night and getting under the covers with a good book, but there's nothing worse than cold hands. That's the appeal of a page-turning remote so you can turn the pages on your e-reader with your hands under the covers.

The market for e-reader remotes is incredibly popular. There are plenty of cheap ones being sold on Amazon, which inspired Kobo and Boox to make remotes to pair natively with their e-readers. Amazon has finally caught up with the release of its Kindle Click. I was more excited about the first Kindle remote than I was about the new Kindles, and I'm pleased to report it doesn't disappoint.

What to know about the Kindle Click

The Kindle Click lets you turn the page and adjust the brightness on your Kindle. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Click is a page-turning remote that connects to Kindle devices. It comes with two buttons that turn the page forward or back, and you can customize which does what in your Kindle settings. It also has two buttons on the side to adjust the screen brightness on your Kindle.

It connects to your device via Bluetooth. Pair it with your device by holding down any button until the light flashes blue, then find the device in your Kindle's Bluetooth settings. The remote stays connected, but you will need to wake it by pressing any button.

It's USB-C rechargeable and connects to all Kindles released in 2024 and onward. It costs $34.99 and is available to purchase on Amazon.

It's a breeze to use, with no screen obstruction

Plenty of people have gotten creative with page-turning remotes being sold on Amazon. The off-brand models usually have two components: one to tap the screen and another that operates as the remote. Having tested these, they work perfectly fine, except that they can't turn the page backward, and the screen clip obstructs the screen.

The Kindle Click is a much more sophisticated option as it connects via Bluetooth. It's just one remote, no screen-tapping clip required, aka no screen obstruction. It's also lightweight and easy to navigate by touch. The buttons have a nice tactile feel, so you can tell where the buttons are without looking. An optional wrist lanyard comes with the device, which I do find helpful as someone who has both a tendency to doze off while reading and a proclivity for losing remotes in blankets.

If I had any complaints about the Kindle Click, I do wish it had a slight curve, like the Kobo remote, to make it more ergonomic.

The brightness buttons are genius

Adjust the brightness on your Kindle with the Kindle Click and your hands stay cozy under the covers. Credit: Samanta Mangino / Mashable

I would have been totally pleased if the Kindle Click came as is with its two page-turning buttons, but what absolutely blew me away was the inclusion of buttons to adjust the screen brightness. When you have your hands tucked under the covers, you don't want to reach for anything, but the other setting I most commonly adjust is screen brightness.

Every time I use the remote, I find myself needing to adjust the brightness, and those buttons are such a nice touch. It's not something I'd think to ask for, but I'm so glad it's there.

I wish it worked with more Kindles

Amazon is known to phase out Kindles, but plenty of models are still supported. That's why it's such a bummer that the Kindle Click only works with 2024 and 2026 Kindles. Since the 10th generation of the Kindle Paperwhite was released in 2018, the devices have included Bluetooth, allowing you to connect headphones to listen to audiobooks. Since the Kindle Click connects via Bluetooth, I'd think any Kindle with Bluetooth could pair with it. That is not the case, excluding many Kindle users.

So if you want to use a Kindle Click, you'll need to own or upgrade to a 2024 or 2026 Kindle.

Is the Kindle Click worth it?

While you technically don't *need* the Kindle Click, it's nice to have. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you own a 2024 or 2026 Kindle, you should absolutely scoop up a Kindle Click. It's only $34.99, which is $5 more than Kobo's remote and slightly more expensive than the cheaper remotes you can find elsewhere, but it can do more. You can customize which buttons turn the page and adjust the screen brightness on the remote. It's well-designed and lightweight in your hand, with tactile buttons that make it easy to navigate by touch.

Sure, you don't need the Kindle Click, but it will level up your cozy evenings spent reading.

Kindle Click

$34.99 at Amazon

 

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I'm the first to say you don't always need the newest product, but these new Kindles make it hard to resist. When Amazon revealed the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, it popped with its new colorful aluminum finish, but with most of its changes on the outside, I had to see just how much impact it would have on the e-reader's overall performance and value.

But the upgrades aren't just superficial. After Amazon raised prices across its devices, there's added pressure to make sure the tech measures up to its higher price. After a few weeks with the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Amazon did a phenomenal job on its new e-reader, making it worthy of the increased price.

What's new in the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

The new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has an aluminum case and compatibility with all of Amazon's new accessories. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The changes between the 2024 and 2026 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Editions are visible. With a new aluminum casing, it feels more like an iPad Mini than it does the previous Kindle. But it still has the same matte paper-like display with adjustable brightness and warmth. The power button on the e-reader was moved from the bottom to the side of the device, a welcome change.

A big draw on the new Paperwhite Signature Edition is the compatible accessories. Amazon also released the Kindle Click, its first page-turning remote. While the Click is compatible with all 2024 and 2026 Kindle e-readers, Amazon's new Page Turn Cover is exclusively compatible with the 2026 Paperwhite Signature Edition and Colorsoft Signature Edition.

What's the difference between the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition?

In the past, the Paperwhite has been Amazon's flagship e-reader, with the Paperwhite Signature Edition being the more luxe option. However, with the 2026 redesign, it seems like the script has been flipped, with Amazon pushing the Signature Edition while the standard Paperwhite takes a back seat.

Plenty remains the same between the devices. They have the same 7-inch screen with 300 ppi resolution and adjustable warmth and brightness. Both are waterproof with IPX8 ratings and 12-week battery life. The new devices also have easy-to-open back panels to make replacing the battery that much easier.

The Paperwhite is the cheaper option at $199.99, but it comes with only 16GB of storage (which, to be fair, is still plenty) and is available in graphite with a plastic casing. The Signature Edition is more expensive at $249.99, but comes with 32GB of storage and is available in the aluminum finish in seaglass green and graphite. Beyond its nicer finish, it also has an ad-free lockscreen, automatic front-light adjustment, a rotating screen, and wireless charging. The real perk of the Paperwhite Signature Edition is its compatibility with the Page Turn Cover, which adds page-turning buttons to your Kindle.

It feels as expensive as it is

The aluminum casing makes the Paperwhite Signature Edition feel like a tablet rather than an e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The aluminum case on the Paperwhite Signature Edition is nearly enough to justify its $250 price tag. The Paperwhite Signature Edition is about the same size as the previous generation, but it's about one millimeter thinner and 10 grams lighter. Compared to the previous generation, it has squared edges and an aluminum case, making it feel more like a tablet or smartphone.

The pogo pins on the back of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition connect to Amazon's Page Turn Cover. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Plus, it comes in a neutral graphite, but the seaglass green is a vibrant alternative that's really dazzling. It now feels like more sophisticated tech, which is enough for me to justify its price tag.

Its performance is great, but is it really better?

One thing I feel certain about Kindles is that they're fast — easily the quickest e-readers we've tested. Every time a new Kindle is released, Amazon touts that they're some percentage faster than a previous generation; that's the case with this year's base Kindle, which Amazon says is 30 percent faster. However, that claim is missing on the Paperwhite Signature Edition.

This year's Paperwhite Signature Edition still has quick processing time, but it doesn't seem faster than the previous generation. Before trying the 2026 model, I read with the 2024 Paperwhite Signature Edition daily, and I didn't notice any changes in processing speed between the two e-readers. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, as it was already a zippy e-reader.

With a rotating screen, the page-turn cover is a must

Screen rotation lets you use the Page Turn Cover buttons on the right... Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

...or left side of the device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Since Amazon discontinued the Kindle Oasis, Kindle users have been shouting from the rooftops that they want a Kindle with page-turning buttons. As reported by The Verge, Amazon has said it won't be making Kindles with buttons, but it's offering something in between. The new Kindle Page Turn Cover now magnetically attaches to Signature Edition Kindles and lets you turn the page by pressing the buttons on the case.

The case works seamlessly, and Amazon added a key feature to the Paperwhite Signature Edition — a rotating screen. The rotating screen is key when using page-turning buttons. That way, when you're reading in bed and want to roll over and switch sides, you can rotate the device to use your preferred hand, and the screen rotates too. The only downside is that you have to buy the cover separately for $79.99.

The Kindle pulldown menu on the Paperwhite Signature Edition now includes a screen rotation lock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

We initially had a problem with the screen rotation, as the unit we were testing didn't support it. This appeared to be a glitch, and Amazon replaced the model. On the Paperwhite Signature Edition, the screen rotation worked seamlessly. In the pull-down menu, there's an option to lock the rotation too, if you don't want your screen to rotate while in use.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth its price?

With an upgraded aluminum case, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition feels expensive and earns its price tag. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Yes, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth its $249.99 price tag. In fact, I think it's the first Signature Edition to really be worth the upgrade. It has the same perks as before, like 32GB of storage and automatic brightness adjustment, but what puts it a step above is its finer casing materials. It feels like a more advanced piece of tech, so while it's still the same reliable Kindle platform, it has a more sophisticated build.

Not to mention, its rotating screen and compatibility with the Kindle Page Turn Cover make it the most versatile and functional Kindle yet.

If you're ready to upgrade your e-reader, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the absolute best one you can buy. If you want something more budget-friendly but equally colorful, go for the standard Kindle. But if you're wondering if the Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth its price, without a doubt, it is.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

$249.99 at Amazon

 

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Do you know someone who basically lives at the local climbing gym? Are you friends with a person whose only personality trait is taking their dog hiking? Or maybe your partner is obsessed with the idea of living in a van (#vanlife) and traveling the country?

If any of these groups sound like you or someone you know, you've been exposed to the granola lifestyle. Similar to gorpcore, folks who fit the granola aesthetic are typically into camping, hiking, and kayaking, and have probably talked about moving to Colorado one day (guilty). They love to be outdoors, sip craft beer, and of course, wear Patagonia fleece sweaters.

Outdoorsy folk have taken to TikTok with the hashtags #granolagirl, #granolaboy, and #granolacheck over the last few years to show off their adventurous, outdoor-oriented lifestyles. For many, getting into nature was a direct response to feeling cooped up during the lockdowns of the early pandemic. But that trend is here to stay.

How to shop for an outdoorsy gift

For people who are unsure about adventure gear themselves but still want to find the perfect granola gift this holiday season, we chatted with outdoor expert and REI soft goods Lead and Virtual Outfitter Mike Kreis for some outdoor gear shopping tips.

Kreis suggests that you consider how long your giftee has been into their activity, whether it's hiking, skiing, camping, or climbing. "The longer they have been doing the activity, the more gear they will have," he says.

If your gift recipient already owns some gear, Kreis says it's best to go for nonessentials. "I always like to go with items that aren't necessarily needed for the activity, as they most likely have that," he says. So opt for a portable charger, a cozy outdoor blanket, or extra camp cooking gadgets. Really, anything that can make outdoor life more comfortable will make a great gift.

If you find yourself shopping for the outdoorsy person in your life, look no further. We've rounded up 30 of the best presents out there, whether their version of adventure is having a picnic in the park or roughing it in the back country.

Out of all the kitchen products we've put to the test, these 12 are the ones we'll always recommend — over and over again. Here's why we love them.

Trends among teenagers are an ever-changing hellscape, and finding the best gifts for teen girls (that they'll actually use for longer than a month) is a coveted skill. Even millennials — people who are not that old, thank you very much — can have trouble keeping up with the world predominantly ruled by TikTok and content creators.

An important reminder: Don't just wing it. Gen Z girls are clearly loyal to a defined handful of brands and have very specific aesthetic goals. Goals that could be torched by the honest mistake of grabbing generic white earbuds instead of the best AirPods or not realizing that Owala has eclipsed Stanley in the hierarchy of trendy water bottles.

But you know who does know what teenage girls want this year? Other teenage girls. I'm regularly tracking viral TikTok products and compiling the most popular stuff with items that the high schoolers in my own life have mentioned. So even if you don't know what terms like whimsymaxxing mean, you're definitely in the right place to find a gift that a teenager thinks is cool. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, high school graduation, or just because, here are 35+ unique gifts for teenage girls in 2026.

How to choose a red light face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

What about blue light therapy?

Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results in a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically placed bulbs.

Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks worked for us?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least one to two months.

SAVE $801.99: As of Oct. 27, the 65-inch Sony Bravia 6 OLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV is on sale for $1,198 at Amazon. That's down from its typical $1,999.99 list price — a 40% discount and its best price since launch.

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Credit: Sony

Sony Bravia 6

$1,198 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $801.99

 

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Movie fans and console gamers looking for a flagship living room centerpiece just got a huge early holiday price break.

The 65-inch Sony Bravia 6 OLED 4K HDR Smart TV is on sale for $1,198 at Amazon, slashing $801.99 off its regular $1,999.99 list price. That steep 40% markdown marks the best price since launch for this fresh release.

The screen relies on over eight million individually calibrated, self-illuminating pixels to deliver pure blacks and striking contrast without backlight glow. Colors look remarkably natural and rich thanks to Sony’s Triluminos Pro technology, which unlocks a palette of over a billion shades. Built-in light sensors automatically adjust panel brightness to match the room, whether it is sunny midday or pitch-black midnight, while OLED's expansive viewing angles keep image quality consistent no matter where you are sitting on the couch.

Film lovers get complete cinema support with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, delivering expansive, theater-grade sound and imagery to your living room. The TV also comes loaded with the Sony Pictures Core app, which includes 5 free movie credits and a 12-month subscription to stream from a massive library of IMAX Enhanced classics. Google TV now features built-in Gemini, letting you chat naturally to track down shows, ask questions, and run connected smart home gadgets without digging through endless nested menus.

Gamers are also well-covered here. Sony equipped the set with four full HDMI 2.1 ports, enabling 4K playback at 120Hz with VRR, ALLM, and SBTM support for lag-free console play. The physical frame keeps things minimal with a flush, narrow bezel, while the two-way adjustable stand lets you raise the display to easily slide a soundbar underneath without blocking the picture.

Snag the 65-inch Sony Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV while it's over $800 off.

October and November are the best months to buy a TV

Unlike virtually every other piece of consumer technology, the best flatscreen TVs have actually gotten less expensive in recent years. It's actually pretty incredible how affordable these devices have gotten. That being said, a new flagship TV can still cost upward of $3,000. Fortunately, you don't have to pay full price.

During October and November, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all offer aggressive discounts on TVs. Starting on Oct. 6 with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, and continuing through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you'll soon be able to save up to $1,200 on new TVs.

In addition, you can find big discounts by shopping directly with the manufacturers themselves. Samsung, in particular, hosts good sales during the fall and winter seasons.

Recent TV news: TCL and Sony are going halvesies now

Sony has long been revered as one of the best TV brands, and its Bravia TVs have been no strangers to lists of the best TVs across the internet. But Sony as a TV brand is about to look a lot different.

As of January 2026, TCL is in charge of Sony's home entertainment business, which spans TVs and home audio. The "Bravia" family of TVs isn't going anywhere, at least as far as branding and picture processing — but TCL will be behind much of the manufacturing and pricing. Sony TVs often toe the line of being so premium that they're too expensive for the average person to consider. But paired with TCL's budget-friendly expertise, they could make a wicked pairing come 2027.

Smart rings monitor your health in a tiny, inconspicuous package. At first glance, they look like any other piece of jewelry, a simple gold or silver ring. But with tiny sensors, these rings track biometrics through your finger. Yes, they'll track your step count and calories burned, but more advanced technology allows them to track sleep and stress levels, all detected through heart rate and variability.

After extensive testing — including some epic marathon training — we selected the best smart rings of the year so far. This year, Oura debuted the Oura Ring 5, which is an exceptional ring for comfort, design, and overall health tracking. While it takes the top spot in our guide, we tried plenty more options.

This guide compares the top options for fitness-minded tech users who want a low-profile health tracker. To compare the rings, we dug into what actually separates these rings: design, battery life, health features, price, subscription costs, and device compatibility.

Latest updates to this guide

As of August 2026, we've replaced the Oura Ring 4 with the Oura Ring 5. Yes, it's the latest model, but its smaller size has greatly improved its comfort, making it the best Oura Ring but also the best overall smart ring.

We've also removed the Evie Ring from this list as it appears to be out of stock. The website for the Evie Ring appears to be unavailable, and the product is no longer listed for sale. We've reached out to Evie for comment on whether the ring is officially discontinued and the status of the company.

We're in the process of testing the RingConn Gen 2 Air for inclusion in this guide. Currently, we've included the Ultrahuman Air in this guide, which is no longer being made but is still available for purchase. We'll update this guide with the Ultrahuman Ring Pro once we've completed testing.

What's the best smart ring?

The smart ring market is ever-growing, with new models debuting each year. Samsung launched a smart ring in 2024, and while Apple doesn't have a smart ring on the market yet, we're sure it will be here in a matter of time. But smart rings are synonymous with the Oura Ring, a leader in the field, and for good reason. Having tried multiple Oura rings (the Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 5), testing their hype, and comparing them to other devices, we can confidently say Oura makes the best smart ring in 2026.

Oura offers the most expansive biometric tracking, monitoring your health around the clock. It focuses on daily and long-term health goals more holistically than other rings.

However, the Oura Ring has downsides, like a monthly subscription fee. If you're not down for a monthly fee, we tested some popular alternatives to Oura rings.

Why should you buy a smart ring?

So you think you want a smart ring? Here's what you need to know about the latest tech wearable. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Smart rings are not just another fitness tracker. Yes, they do track your activity, steps, and calories burned. However, they're really meant to offer a more holistic view of your health so you can gain deeper insights into your sleep habits, cardiovascular health, and more.

You're a good candidate for a smart ring if you hate the look of a smartwatch or fitness tracker with LED screens, which are categorically not cool. Smart rings are posed as a discreet option, looking like a regular piece of jewelry. However, to be frank, they don't blend in that well. In my weeks of testing, while wearing the rings during hangouts, someone would inevitably ask me, "What's that?"

Since a smart ring doesn't have a screen, you have to pull out your phone and open an app whenever you want to track activity. That's certainly not the end of the world, but if you convert from a smartwatch, you'll miss the convenience of tapping your wrist. That being said, I actually find a smart ring most useful when paired with a smartwatch. I ran all my testing while simultaneously wearing an Apple Watch, and I appreciated the smart rings that were compatible with my watch so I could receive push notifications.

The best handheld gaming consoles are getting too expensive

Thanks to the AI industry hogging all the memory components, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. In the past 12 months, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony all raised prices on their gaming consoles, and Windows laptops are seeing the same increases. It's not a good time to be a gamer. Even before the wave of price increases, handheld gaming PCs were already expensive. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 launched last year for $1,099, but costs $1,999 today. The Legion Go S with SteamOS was originally available for $749.99, but you'll have to pay $999 today at Best Buy — and that's with a $580 discount.

The Steam Deck has also been beset by price increases and has periodically gone out of stock. The Switch 2 has also gotten more expensive, though it's by far the most affordable option in the category.

So far, only one handheld gaming console has held steady at its original price — the ROG Xbox Ally X. We don't know how long it will continue to be available for $999, but we're not complaining.

Nintendo, Windows, or SteamOS?

When purchasing a handheld gaming PC, you generally have three options: Nintendo, Windows, or SteamOS. The right answer comes down entirely to personal preference. If you're a PC gamer who primarily buys games through Steam, then go with a Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion running SteamOS. If you're an Xbox or cloud gamer, then the Windows 11-based MSI Claw 8 or ROG Xbox Ally X will be more your speed.

What about the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Lenovo Legion Go S?

Credit: Haley Hencschel / Mashable

We were impressed with the Lenovo Legion Go 2 when it launched last year, but it's since gotten a price hike that makes it a lot harder to justify the investment. Instead, we would recommend going with the more affordable Lenovo Legion Go S, which we previewed at CES 2025. Specifically, we recommend the Legion Go S that's powered by SteamOS.

If you're looking for the best alternative to the Steam Deck but don't want to go with a Windows-based gaming handheld, then the latest Legion Go S is a solid choice. However, after receiving a price increase, it's harder to recommend this device, especially now that the Steam Deck OLED is back in stock.

Whether you need a smart speaker, a smart alarm clock, or a hub for all of your smart devices, there's an Echo to help you out. Amazon's list of devices is ever-growing, and we've tested as many as we could to find the best Echo devices for your smart home.

Amazon might have some new competition this year, as Apple announced a collection of smart home products, a new venture for the tech giant. The Apple HomeView is like an Echo Show for Apple enthusiasts, while the HomePod mini 2 acts as an Echo or Echo Dot counterpart.

If you're ready to invest in an Echo, you don't need to buy these devices at full price. They always go on sale during events like Prime Day and Black Friday, so it's worth holding out until the next big sale, which happens to be Black Friday on Nov. 27, 2026.

Echo device price increases

Thanks to the global memory crisis, widespread price increases are plaguing tech. As of August 2026, major price increases came to Amazon devices. This included Kindles and, unfortunately, Echos, too. Here are all of the Echo devices affected:

• Echo Dot — was $49.99, now $79.99 (+$30)

• Echo Dot Max — was $99.99, now $119.99 (+$20)

• Echo Spot — was $79.99, now $109.99 (+$30)

• Echo Show 5 — was $89.99, now $99.99 (+$10)

• Echo Show 8 — was $149.99, now $199.99 (+$50)

• Echo Show 11 — was $219.99, now $249.99 (+$30)

• Echo Show 15 — was $299.99, now $349.99 (+$50)

• Echo Show 21 — was $399.99, now $499.99 (+$100)

What can an Echo smart speaker do?

Trying out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All Echo devices utilize Amazon Alexa's AI superpowers — it's just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The Echo and Echo Dot are smart speakers that you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as stationary, more affordable tablets, essentially.

Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.

What can Alexa+ do?

Alexa is to Amazon as Siri is to Apple, and is the driving force behind every Echo. But Alexa just got a big upgrade. Now there's Alexa+, an AI-powered version of Alexa introduced to Echo devices in March 2025. For Prime subscribers, Alexa+ will be included in membership, and non-subscribers will have to pay $19.99 per month for the service.

Alexa has an answer to almost anything you ask. Just by shouting out, you can play music, adjust the volume, and set an alarm or timer. And that's just naming a few options. On devices like the Echo Show, you can also ask Alexa to pull up recipes or answer questions that come up while cooking. With Alexa+, the AI agent doesn't just respond to commands but can actually engage in conversation.

Here's a short list of what Alexa+ can do:

• Provide a highlight reel of the day's security footage

• Read stories to kids

• Plan a date night

• Book restaurant reservations

• Control your smart home technology from one central hub

• Access your calendars and set reminders

• Get answers to any question you can think of

• Make phone calls (and video calls with an Echo Show)

• Get the latest weather and news

• Follow recipes

• Shop on Amazon

• Stream music (and video on an Amazon Echo Show)

• Play games

There are more than 100,000 Alexa skills that you can utilize via an Echo device, and Amazon is always adding more.

Alexa gets supercharged when other smart home tech comes into the picture. If you have a smart thermostat or smart light bulbs, as long as they're compatible with the Alexa system, you can create routines through your Echo. That can be as simple as telling Alexa to turn on the lights in one room or programming Alexa to turn the thermostat down before you come home.

I test new robot vacuums on a regular basis and compare them to the top performers from previous months, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum and tweak its settings for optimal performance, I keep notes on its overall suction power vigor, scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum and mop combo), pet hair pickup, the convenience of its automatic emptying and self-washing mopping pads, accuracy of smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. But the final boss here is cost efficiency — I'll be the first one to point out when a cheap robot vacuum actually works well for the price, or when a high-end robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge or not.

Recent changes to this guide

July 2026: I added the Narwal Flow 2 as the new pick for best roller mop robot vacuum overall, bumping the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow to the best roller mop robot vacuum under $1,000. The Narwal Flow 2 has stronger suction power and more advanced AI spill detection.

March 2026: I added the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow as the best roller mop robot vacuum, replacing the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller. Though the Dreame has more powerful suction on paper, the Curv 2 Flow demonstrated better edge mopping and comparable vacuuming. I also replaced the Eufy X10 Pro Omni with the Eufy C28 and shifted it to my budget roller mop pick. The X10 Pro Omni is two years old at this point, and the new C28 offers more advanced cleaning and obstacle avoidance.

January 2026: I added the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Aqua10 Ultra to the best roller mop robot vacuum. The Roborock Saros 10R, which was listed as the best option for corner cleaning, has been removed from the list. It costs nearly the same amount as the X60 Max Ultra Complete, which has near-identical corner mopping abilities and much stronger suction power.

December 2025: I added a disclaimer to the pick for best Roomba value in light of iRobot's bankruptcy news.

October 2025: I added the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Roborock Saros 10R (previously named the best robot vacuum right now) to the option for best corner cleaning.

July 2025: I removed the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum from this guide. While it was a solid budget mopping robot vacuum for its first year or so on the market, it's now a little bit too basic compared to other newer budget robot vacuums.

Mashable has been testing laptops for over 10 years. Over the past two years alone, the team and I have researched dozens of models and tried over 90 of the most promising configurations available. We use a meticulous testing procedure involving real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate our contenders on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value.

This regularly updated guide serves as our laptop trophy case, highlighting the best-in-class models we've tried across different subcategories. For even more recommendations, check out my dedicated guides to the best MacBooks, the best Windows laptops, the best cheap laptops, and the best Chromebooks.

Why are laptops so expensive right now?

Laptop prices have skyrocketed in 2026 for several reasons. One is the recent boom in AI data center construction, which has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips (often referred to as "RAMageddon"). As a result, many consumer tech devices that use these components, including the best laptops, have become vastly more expensive than they would've been otherwise. Most PC makers have been affected, including Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Acer.

The memory crisis is expected to worsen and could last into 2028, driving up prices even further and making good values in the budget and mid-range tiers even scarcer. On top of that, the Trump administration is reportedly mulling new tariffs on semiconductors that would apply to laptops and other electronics.

Further complicating things is that Microsoft reportedly raised its Windows 11 licensing fees by higher-than-usual percentages. In other words, both hardware and software prices have gone up for PC makers this year, forcing them to pass on the extra costs to consumers. Lucky us.

The Mashable team is taking the current state of the market into consideration as we assess and select laptops to recommend to our readers. Moreover, we've gone back and re-evaluated several models that have gotten more expensive since we first tested them.

At the time of writing, only two previous top picks have gotten so pricey that we think they're no longer worth buying. That would be the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which jumped from an already-high $750 to $1,000, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, which went from $479 to $649. We're currently testing some other Chromebook options and will update this guide with a new top pick soon.

Recent updates to this guide

• Mid-September 2026: I've added the Dell XPS 13 as a new pick following our latest round of testing. It's now the best budget Windows laptop we've tried. I also checked all of our current picks for any new pricing and availability updates; there are none to report at this time.

• Early September 2026: I added more information about the various factors affecting laptop prices right now. I also added a new section about some new laptops that shoppers can look forward to in the coming months. Finally, I updated three of our picks in the wake of recent pricing and availability changes. I removed the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 as our top Chromebook because of its value-zapping $170 price hike, and I'm now looking for its replacement. The Asus Zenbook A16 got a $300 price bump, but I'm keeping it as our best 16-inch laptop (for now) because it's still not a rip-off in the current market. Lastly, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI was out of stock at the time of writing, but may not be sold out for good. I'll continue to monitor its listings over the next few weeks and will swap it for another model if it turns out it's actually been discontinued. In the meantime, a refurbished Swift Edge 14 AI is readily available.

• July 2026: The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI is officially the most portable laptop we've ever tested: It only weighs 2.18 pounds and measures 0.37 inches thin at its slimmest point. I added it as a new pick.

• June 2026: I made the Asus ExpertBook Ultra our new favorite business laptop and named the Asus Zenbook A16 the best 16-inch laptop. I also removed the Alienware 16X Aurora as our top gaming laptop because the configuration we tested has been discontinued. We're currently testing potential replacements.

What to look forward to

In early September, PC makers showed off a slew of new Windows laptops at IFA, an annual tech trade show in Berlin. Among them are the ultralight Acer Swift Blade 14, the very repairable Acer Swift Vero 16, two new Lenovo creator laptops running on Nvidia RTX Spark, and a pair of colorful MacBook Neo competitors: the Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe and the pared-down Dell 14S. The IdeaPad Vibe is confirmed to arrive this October, starting at $699.99, but most other IFA debutants don't have set prices or release dates just yet.

On the MacBook side, Apple is rumored to be working on a refreshed MacBook Pro with an M6 chip (first seen in this summer's new Mac mini), as well as a higher-end MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen. The latter might be called the "MacBook Ultra," if the gossip mill is correct. The M6 model is reportedly coming this fall, while the Ultra could debut at the end of this year or early next.

Read this before you buy a Windows laptop

Many great Windows laptops we've tried run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X and X2 series chips, which use ARM-based architecture instead of standard x86 architecture like Intel and AMD chips. The Zenbook A14 and A16 are two great examples of outstanding ARM laptops.

These Qualcomm chips are great because they offer amazing performance and battery life, but they're not compatible with some specialty software and PC games. Having said that, ARM support is getting better and should dramatically improve in the near future. Right now, I would only avoid ARM laptops if you're a student or if gaming is the main thing you do on your PC. You can read more about this in my dedicated guides to the best Windows laptops and the best laptops for college.

To help you find the best pair of headphones possible, our experts test headphones year-round, from popular models to new releases to budget picks (you can learn more about our detailed testing standards below). The result of that vetting is this guide, which we keep updated regularly to give you the most accurate and current purchasing information possible.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2026 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us, though some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods. With the release of the new noise-cancelling wired earbuds from Bose, we will be keeping our testing pool open to more wired models and will update this guide accordingly, should any earn a spot.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the Marshall Monitor III, JBL Tour One M3 headphones, and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and though they had their merits, they fell short of winning the best of the best spot on this guide.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

Recent updates to this guide

• August 2026: Following the release of the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones, we've added them to our list as the best budget pick from Bose for headphones.

• March 2025: We've designated the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds as the most comfortable ANC earbuds and crowned the Sony XM6 earbuds as the new best noise-cancelling earbuds.

• December 2025: We replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.

• December 2025: We removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds, as they're frequently out of stock.

• December 2025: We added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100.

• December 2025: We added the Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, as our new honorable mention pick.

• August 2026: We replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 with the Nothing Headphone (a) as our best battery life pick.

Latest headphones news

A few major headphone releases happened in September: Sony's mid-range WH-10000XM4C headphones, Sony's budget WH-CH730N headphones, and the Beats 360, the first pair of over-ear headphones from the brand in three years. From Bose, we've also recently seen new wired noise-cancelling earbuds, as well as two new pairs of open earbuds. We'll be comparing them against our current picks to see if they have a spot among our favorites.

We wanted to test our way through the best Ninja had to offer in kitchen appliances. We brought the most popular products from the brand into our kitchens to see how the Creami, Slushi, Foodi, and Ninja Kitchen System stacked up.

Why buy Ninja?

There are plenty of kitchen appliance brands out there, so why Ninja? Generally, we find its products to be some of the best value products. They tend to be the most affordable options on the market that still deliver excellent performance.

Plus, Ninja products are really beginner-friendly devices that are easy to use with minimal setup required. The appliances bring ease with delicious end products. The Creami is a perfect example of this. Traditional ice cream making requires a bit of skill, knowing how to cook custards to the right temperature with hours of churning. But the Creami simplifies ice cream making with a user-friendly product that still delivers a fantastic end result.

Just because they're beginner-friendly devices doesn't mean they're only for beginners. They're convenient devices with professional-level performance that help develop a more efficient kitchen.

Other products we tested

Having rounded up the best Ninja kitchen appliances means we tested a lot of products and not all of them made it to the list, two notable exceptions being the Ninja Creami Deluxe and Foodi Grill and Air Fryer.

The Ninja Deluxe was my introduction to the Creami lineup, and it is great. It spun up creamy frozen confections and even featured a frozen drink setting. However, compared to the Swirl, it required several re-spins to get the right texture.

Meanwhile, the Foodi Grill was another great multicooker from Ninja. The indoor grill made delicious, juicy chicken breasts with actual char marks. Plus, its air-frying capabilities were a little too good. It got things crispy fast, but often felt like it dried out food in the process. Plus, it was just so large that it didn't feel like a practical device for most people.

That being said, these devices are good, but not in our all-star line-up.

When it comes to gifting, kids can be particular. The things kids like change not just with age, but also with evolving trends from TV shows and new technology. If parents are lucky enough, their kid will write a long list of the precise items they'd like as a birthday or Christmas or Hannukkah gift and put it up on the fridge with pride. But sometimes, it can be as much of a crapshoot as coming up with a gift idea for someone else's kid. Without further ado, here are the best gifts for kids of all ages — including toy and non-toy gifts alike.

The best wireless earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about active noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. You can also get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds, bone-conduction earbuds for working out, and open earbuds for transparency.

In 2026, our top picks for earbuds are the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality and ANC. But keep in mind that these models will run you $299 to $329. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending over $300 on a pair of earbuds is a lot to stomach. That's why we've also included more budget-friendly wireless earbuds under $100 that still deliver excellent performance.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our favorite wireless and noise-cancelling earbuds as of October 2026.

Types of earbuds

There are two overarching types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high-tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, other than Bose's newest release.

The biggest positive of wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

Newer additions to this guide

We added the new Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case to this guide in October following their September 2026 release as a cheaper alternative for Apple users, or for folks who don't prefer the ear tip fit of the AirPods Pro 3.

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of February 2026, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people. Also in February 2026, we added the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds as our top pick for the best overall earbud, and removed the previous generation, the WF-1000XM5, as the best Sony earbud.

Latest earbuds news

Bose recently announced two new open earbuds: the Ultra Open (2nd gen) and Sport Open. We'll be testing them out to see how they compare to the Shokz earbuds in this guide. Bose also released a new pair of wired noise-cancelling earbuds, which are a breakthrough in the wired earbuds market.

With the announcement that Bose is acquiring Skullcandy and the release of the Noise Master Buds Open earbuds with Sound by Bose, we'll be testing more Bose-powered audio products not directly from the brand.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We formerly included the Marshall Mode earbuds for folks who preferred a wired option, but have since removed them from our guide as the version we tested is difficult to find in stock these days.)

If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendations in 2026. All of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

If you've grabbed drinks with any single friend lately or scrolled through TikTok, you know the general consensus: dating apps are exhausting. App fatigue is very real, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel like a second full-time job. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question over and over: Which dating apps actually work?

My answer is always the same: The only real "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone choosing eharmony may want a structured, relationship-focused experience, while someone on Tinder might be looking for anything from a casual hookup to a long-term partner. The important thing is finding an app (and people) whose goals line up with yours.

“It’s very common to spend days, weeks, or even months messaging with someone, become infatuated with the fantasy of them, and then get together in person and be disappointed,” Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. “I wouldn’t let more than a few days go by before transitioning to an in-person meeting or at least a video call.”

So, before you delete your profiles and swear off romance forever, take a breath. Despite the burnout, people are still finding partners online. A 2026 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that half of U.S. adults who have used a dating site or app have been in a committed relationship with someone they met through one.

You just need the right tool. That's why I swiped, matched, and messaged my way through dozens of platforms to find the best dating apps of 2026. Whether you're looking for a serious commitment or just a casual weekend fling, these are the apps I think are worth downloading this year.

If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and gay and bisexual men.

The dating apps I'd skip (and why)

You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — I need a good reason to send you there instead of somewhere else.

Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:

• Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but it didn't make my cut. In my experience, sorting through suspicious and low-effort profiles made finding someone I actually wanted to talk to feel like more work than it was worth. Unless you enjoy doing that much filtering before you even get to a conversation, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

• Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application and wait to see whether you're accepted through its vetting process. Getting in doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a better time finding a date, either. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)

• Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. That pitch alone isn't enough to earn my recommendation. I'd start with the hookup apps I've recommended instead, and read the subscription and cancellation terms carefully before signing up for any unfamiliar site.

SAVE $82: As of Oct. 26, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB) is on sale for $72.99 on Amazon. That cuts the price by 53% and matches its Prime Day low.

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Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB)

$72.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $82.00

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon is running a limited-time deal on the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB), slashing the price down to $72.99 from its typical $154.99 price tag. That marks a 53% discount, saving you $82 and matching its all-time Prime Day low.

The 13th-generation tablet won a Mashable Choice Award, earning 4.5/5 stars in our review for its standout value as a casual entertainment hub. It trims 30 grams off the older model and uses strengthened aluminosilicate glass to keep the screen protected against everyday drops. Our reviewer noted the design feels feather-light in hand, making the 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display easy to hold while binge-watching in bed or on a treadmill.

The tablet runs on an upgraded octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM — delivering 25% faster speeds than the older edition — and packs up to 13 hours of battery life. You get 32GB of onboard storage, which expands up to 1TB using a microSD card for offline movies and books. The front camera also jumps from 2MP to 5MP, which our testing found offers a noticeably clearer picture for Zoom, Facebook Messenger, or Alexa video calls.

The built-in Silk browser streams YouTube without lag alongside pre-loaded services like Prime Video. If you just need an easy, inexpensive screen for streaming your shows, casual gaming, and hands-free Alexa tasks, it delivers way more value than you'd expect.

Snag the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet on Amazon before this limited-time deal ends.

Based on my extensive hands-on testing and expert input, I’ve picked the best sexting apps and online sites for different kinds of dirty talk, whether you're messaging a partner, meeting someone new, or paying a verified creator.

Because sometimes the anticipation of a hookup is even hotter than the main event. In my experience, sexting is the ultimate form of digital foreplay. It can help long-distance partners feel closer, give long-term couples something to look forward to, and let singles explore sexual chemistry before meeting in person. Of course, everyone involved needs to be a consenting adult who's genuinely interested in taking the conversation to a steamier level.

Sexting isn't exactly new, either. A 2015 study of 870 heterosexual U.S. adults found that nearly 88 percent of participants had sexted. That wasn't a nationally representative estimate of all American adults, but it gives us an idea of how common sexting was among the people surveyed.

You can use just about any mainstream dating app, like Tinder, Hinge, and even Hily, to find a potential sexting partner (though I think Pure is probably the best dating app for this). A match isn't permission to send something explicit, though. Ask first, and don't assume that someone looking for a hookup also wants phone sex or a photo exchange. (You know what they say about assuming.)

But once you've actually found someone who matches your freak, the next question is where to have that conversation. An app that helps you meet people isn't necessarily the one with the privacy features you want for sharing intimate messages.

You've heard of safe sex. But what about safe sexting?

As fun as the buildup is, no app can guarantee that a recipient won't save or share what you send. Sliding into the DMs on a standard social media app might feel like spontaneous fun, but a private conversation and a disappearing conversation aren't the same.

Platform rules matter, too. Mashable has reported on Instagram account removals affecting sex workers, educators, and LGBTQIA+ users, including disputed enforcement decisions. That's separate from encryption, but it's another reason to understand the services you're using instead of assuming every DM inbox works the same way.

As one of Mashable's dating app experts, I've spent the last four years testing dozens of platforms to find the best sexting apps for the job. My highest priority is always user safety. I also spoke with security expert Gary Orenstein with Bitwarden, who stressed that for sharing intimate content, "privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential." He recommends looking for apps with three key features: end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection.

Those features do different jobs. End-to-end encryption is designed to keep the service carrying your messages from reading their contents. Disappearing messages reduce the history left in a chat, while screenshot alerts may tell you when someone takes a screenshot. None can stop a recipient from photographing the screen with another device.

Following Confide's closure, Signal became my top recommendation for encrypted messaging with an existing partner or trusted connection. Its "Screen Security" setting protects content on your own device; it doesn't control screenshots on someone else's. Signal also warns that disappearing messages aren't designed to protect you from a recipient determined to keep a copy.

Whether you're looking for a free messenger for your partner, a place to find a willing sexting buddy, or an interactive session with connected toys, the picks below serve different purposes for different people. Paid creator chats and AI fantasies belong in their own categories, with their own costs and privacy considerations. If you believe in safe sex, bring that same care to your sexts.

Here's what I liked, what you can do for free, and the details worth knowing before you hit send.

Recent updates to this guide:

• Signal (July 2026): Promoted to our No. 1 overall recommendation following the official closure of Confide. Its open-source encryption makes it the gold standard for secure, free sexting.

• Lovense Remote: Added as our top choice for "Group Sexting." It remains the best interactive option for couples and polyamorous groups to sync Bluetooth toys across long distances.

• FetLife: Expanded our analysis of its custom community groups, cementing its spot as the best social network for exploring niche kinks safely.

Why some popular sexting apps didn't make the cut

You've probably seen other "best of" lists recommending apps and platforms that I've intentionally left off. My goal is to recommend secure spaces where you can build genuine, mutual connections without burning through cash or risking your digital privacy.

Here's why a few common names didn't make the cut this month:

• "Paid Operator" platforms (InstaBang, Arousr, SextLocal): Many web-based platforms marketed for fast sexting don't connect you with real local users. Instead, they hire paid "chat operators" who use fantasy scripts specifically designed to keep you replying and draining your wallet per message. While there is a market for paid fantasy, I don't consider it mutual sexting. This guide prioritizes authentic, user-to-user interaction (with the explicit exception of SextPanther, which uses clearly verified, real adult performers).

• Basic Couples Messengers (Between, Paid Vaults): While apps like Between offer private spaces for long-distance couples, they lack the specific, sex-positive interactive features (like integrated toy controls, screenshot blocks, or custom timer countdowns) that make digital foreplay fun. If you want to level up your intimacy, highly interactive platforms like We-Vibe and Lovense are much better options.

Apple's iPhone Duo is an important phone. The iPhone has been around for two decades, and this is the first time Apple has tried something completely different with its best-selling product. Other companies have had foldable phones for years, but none of those carry the weight of a foldable iPhone. Apple’s ecosystem of iPhone-related products, services, apps, and accessories is vast, and this is a massive new entry in that book.

After a week with the iPhone Duo, I’m happy to report that Apple has done an amazing job. The iPhone Duo is the most exciting iPhone since the first one. It’s not just an iPhone that turns into a small iPad when you unfold it. The form factor and the clever things Apple has done to the user interface open up new possibilities, and after a few days, I found myself doing stuff on the iPhone Duo that I don’t typically do on a regular iPhone: I’ve played games for hours at a time, I’ve tied apps together in a side-by-side view that enhanced my productivity; I’ve used the Duo as a secondary display, next to the MacBook on my desk.

It’s not all perfect. There are drawbacks, compromises, and there are bugs to iron out. But a week in, and I already feel like I couldn’t go back to the regular, non-foldable iPhone.

iPhone Duo review: By the numbers

The inner matte display is gorgeous. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Here are the key specs for the iPhone Duo:

• Displays: 5.4-inch Super Retina OLED outer display with a 1,398 x 2,034 pixel resolution; 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 1,878 x 2,670 pixel resolution, nano-texture finish. Both displays support variable refresh rates up to 120Hz.

• Design: Titanium foldable design with Ceramic Shield 2 in the front and Ceramic Shield in the back

• Size and weight: 4.64 x 6.48 x 0.21 inches when open, 4.64 x 3.31 x 0.44 inches when closed; weight: 8.96 ounces (254 grams)

• Rear cameras: 48-megapixel Dual Fusion rear camera system; a 26mm, f/1.6 Fusion Main camera; and a 13mm, f/2.2 Fusion Ultra Wide camera — can also take 12-megapixel 2x digital zoom photos

• Front cameras: 12-megapixel, f/2.2 outer display selfie camera with Center Stage; under-display f/1.8 FaceTime camera

• Processor: A20 Pro chip (6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine)

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB

• Battery life: Up to 24 hours of typical use, up to 44 hours of video playback on the outer display, and up to 31 hours on the inner display

• Fast charging: Up to 50 percent of charge in 20 minutes with a 60W adapter; MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W

• Software: iOS 27.1

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• Special features: Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the side button, eSIM-only with Dual eSIM support

The wow factor

Fold the Duo a little bit, and the keyboard separates to make typing easier. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you care about having the fanciest phone, this is the one. It’s a neat little book-like iPhone when folded. But that inner display, once you open it, is the nicest phone display I’ve ever seen. It’s matte and has a 120Hz refresh rate, so when you lay the unfolded Duo on a table, a still image on the display appears solid, like a painting. With this phone, that cool wallpaper you have will finally get recognition. Browsing through photos on this big, beautiful screen is a joy. The transition effect Apple’s designers have conjured for opening and closing the phone does look a little bit like magic.

My iPhone Duo unit was in Night Sky; it’s an understated dark blue. The other available color, Star White, is flashier, but the Duo is flashy enough as it is. The edges of the phone and the outer display are a glossy black; it goes well with the rest of the phone, but I wouldn’t mind if it were all matte, either.

The Duo’s titanium shell is smooth to the touch from all sides and angles. The dual rear camera island rises from the back of the phone far more gently than on the iPhone 18 Pro. Details like that give the Duo a refined look, establishing it as a more luxurious, relaxed phone than the Pro models. Those are for work; the Duo is for enjoying a good book or browsing through your favorite business magazine.

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Optimized for the inner display

When positioned like this, the iPhone Duo displays video controls on the bottom half, while the Netflix video plays in the top half. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Once I started using the Duo, I realized that some of my habits will change. The iPhone Duo is a regular, thicker, slightly wider, and shorter iPhone when closed. It’s not as nice as a regular iPhone, but the display is still pretty great, and it’s perfectly alright for phone things: Make a call, answer a call, check a message, glance at a notification or an app.

Unfold the Duo, and you get a beautiful, matte, high-resolution canvas for your apps. Anything lasting longer than a minute, and I wanted to do it on this display. It’s better than any iPad, because the iPhone Duo is thinner and lighter than any iPad, making it easier to hold and spend time with. It’s a two-handed display, but it’s still small enough that I could comfortably hold it with one hand when needed.

The Duo’s got round corners and edges, making it very comfortable in my hands. It weighs 21 grams more than my iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the extra weight wasn’t an issue for me. Unfolding it requires two hands, but that's easy to get used to. The hinge does the job smoothly, and there’s a satisfying snap when you fold or unfold the phone fully. The crease down the middle of the larger display is there, but it’s invisible unless you specifically look for it. Same goes for the under-display FaceTime camera, located somewhat awkwardly on top of the inner display, roughly one-third of its length from the right. It has a different texture than the matte display surrounding it, and it is visible under certain light, but most of the time I forgot it was there.

Put it on your desk like this and it can be a secondary display while you work. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

There’s a learning curve. The outer display required me to use my thumb for basic iPhone apps, positioned vertically, which took some getting used to. The inner display accommodated whichever way I flipped and turned the phone, but this often made me forget where the buttons on the sides are, exactly. Perhaps the biggest issue for me was the lack of Face ID, which was replaced by Touch ID on the side button. The Touch ID works well, but you do need to navigate your finger to it often, and having the phone simply recognize your face as it does on other iPhones would be easier.

Still, Apple got all of this mostly right. Some of these issues were very hard to avoid. Some will likely get ironed out in later variants. But as a first effort, this is by far the best foldable phone I ever used.

The user interface

Widgets are typically in my way, but on the iPhone Duo I like having them, as I have so much extra space for folders and apps. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple is the best in the world when it comes to user interfaces on phones, computers, and tablets, and even Apple sometimes gets it wrong. For example, the company’s been trying to improve multitasking on the iPad for years, but I still use my iPad one app at a time.

On the Duo, Apple struck the right balance. The iPhone Duo is mostly a regular iPhone when closed, the biggest differences being the vertically laid out controls and Dynamic Island. But since the outer display is wider than your typical iPhone, it was the right move, as everything was easy to reach with my thumb.

The inner display offers a larger canvas for what is still very much an iPhone interface. Your apps, folders, and widgets are all there, only now you can see more of them at the same time. This, for example, makes widgets a lot more usable to me.

Apps like Apple Music take on a new life on the iPhone Duo. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple redesigned its apps to look great on the iPhone Duo. Even pedestrian apps like the Weather are suddenly cool to look at; the forecast spreads sharp and detailed over the Duo’s 7.6-inch inner display. Some third-party apps have been redesigned for the Duo; Netflix looks particularly great, with a vast selection of content spreading across the display, and cool features like a control board that pops up on the bottom half of the display when you fold the phone halfway and set it down on a table.

Left: On the Duo, you can have two apps opened in a side-by-side view. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Right: If you want, you can tie the two apps together so they remain connected; if you move to another app and then go back, the two apps will still appear together. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Consuming any type of content is so much nicer on the Duo. I can easily imagine myself watching a full-length movie, reading a book, a comic book, or playing a game on this thing. It’s crisp, sharp, beautiful to look at; it’s downright addictive.

This has an unintended downside that will, fortunately, get fixed over time: The apps that weren’t yet optimized for the Duo look like crap. Instead of that super-sharp, wide interface, on most apps I got a blurry little window that I could choose to upscale to fit better inside the big display. This helped a little, but still, using common apps like Gmail, Revolut, or X was almost painful on the Duo. Hopefully, Apple’s reach is big enough to make most developers update this as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ve finally got a reason to use Apple Maps over Google Maps, as the former looks absolutely gorgeous on the Duo.

Finally, I can navigate on Apple Maps and watch a Mike Tyson documentary at the same time. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It’s the little details that make the iPhone Duo experience great. Start folding the phone, and the content on the inner display will pull apart ever so slightly as it moves itself from the fold. Leave the phone slightly folded on a desk, and a new, richer StandBy will pop up, with photos, clock, and calendar. Slide up from an open app and place it into one side of the screen; then tap another app on the left side to get a side-by-side view. Tap the center “link” between the two apps, and they’re now connected and will stay that way until you unlink them (that, by the way, is the perfect amount of multitasking I need on this device). And it all feels fluid and natural, as if Apple’s been doing foldables for years.

Not everything is perfect. The camera interface left me confused, as the viewfinder window never goes into landscape mode, no matter how you turn the phone. Sometimes an app will get buggy and parts of its interface will be obscured or unreachable. QR code scanning in some apps wouldn’t work. There’s nothing here, though, that can’t be fixed with an update.

Performance and battery life

The iPhone Duo has speakers on both sides, which is why it has decent stereo separation and Spatial Audio support. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The iPhone Duo has Apple’s new A20 Pro chip inside, and it performs great. Everything was snappy, even when I had two apps working in a side-by-side view.

Despite the steep price, you might want to consider how much storage you need on this one, though. Typically, 512GB is plenty for me. But the Duo beckons you to do more gaming and consume more content, and you might find you need more storage than you did on your previous phone.

Battery life was great, with one caveat. In normal use, I’d typically get a day and a half of battery life. But this phone does beckon you to do stuff on its large, inner display, and if you fire up a game like Diablo Immortal, as I did, and spend a few hours with it, you’ll drain that battery a lot faster than you would on a regular iPhone.

iPhone Duo camera review: The camera is alright, but not Pro-grade

Lossless zoom only goes to 2x on this one. But the result can still be stunningly good. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The Duo has a camera that’s roughly on par with the one on the iPhone 17. It’s a dual camera setup that will produce beautiful photos in the daylight and decent nighttime photos, but without a dedicated telephoto camera, forget about zooming in past 2x.

The main camera on the iPhone Duo takes 24-megapixel photos by default, but you can turn it up to 48 megapixels to get more details when there's plenty of light. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I tested the iPhone Duo’s camera against iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro. As lighting conditions deteriorate, the iPhone Duo’s camera consistently has to work a little harder to produce a good photo, indicating that the main sensor simply gets less light to work with.

In this dark evening scene, the iPhone Duo's camera struggled to find focus; once it did, the photo turned out good, though the belfries in the distance are pretty badly burned. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

That doesn’t mean you can’t get a great night-time photo, but that Night Mode will have to kick in a little often, and your hand will have to be a little steadier.

Left: The iPhone Duo handles the complex lighting in this photo well, but zoom in and the details are blurry. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Right: The iPhone 17 Pro Max took a brighter photo, with sharper details and a wider dynamic range. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The selfie camera on the outer display is alright, but nothing to write home about. It has a 12-megapixel sensor, compared to the 18-megapixel sensors you get on all iPhones since the iPhone 17. You’ll get decent selfies out of it in good light, but the level of detail will decline sharply in anything other than perfect conditions.

The 12-megapixel outer selfie camera is a step backwards compared to other recent iPhones. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The FaceTime camera that’s hidden in the inner display is bad. Any attempt of taking a half-decent selfie will result in a very processed, smudgy, AI-looking photo. There’s a reason it’s called the FaceTime camera; its primary purpose is video calls, not selfies. The problem with that is that you need to be conscious about it. Often times, you’ll have the Duo unfolded and you’ll want to take a selfie, only to remember that you’ll get a far better photo if you fold the Duo and use the outer display’s selfie camera. It’s a compromise I can live with, but I do hope Apple figures out how to improve the inner camera’s quality in the next Duo.

The FaceTime camera hidden inside the inner display is best left for FaceTime. As you can see in this detail from a selfie, the heavy post-processing can result in a slightly cartoonish look. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

However, there's good news for selfie addicts. Because the Duo has two displays, you can take selfies with the main camera. The process is a bit involved, as the phone needs to be unfolded; then you have to turn it around and slide it to open the camera view on the smaller display to see a preview of your selfie. This also won't work if you have a case with a flap that goes over the main camera, like the Duo Folio case I tested. But the result is that you can ultimately get better selfies than you can on any other iPhone. Not only will they be in 24- or even 48-megapixel resolution, but you can also use the wide camera or zoom in digitally if needed.

The iPhone Duo took this photo all on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Finally, the Duo's camera can do a few unique tricks, like Smart Take, which can automatically snap a photo when you're ready for it (thanks to the power of AI); just fold the phone halfway and leave it on a flat surface, then move in front of it and wait a few seconds until the phone does its thing. You can also display a preview of the photo you're taking on the outer display, or show your kids a funny animated cue to grab their attention for a photo.

These novelty features are fun, and the high-res selfies are pretty great, but pure camera performance and the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens will likely be the biggest hurdle for prospective Duo buyers. If you’re getting the priciest, flashiest new iPhone, why aren’t you getting the best camera? I don’t think it’s a case of Apple deliberately making the cameras on the Pro better than the ones on the Duo. More likely, the company just couldn’t squeeze all of the Pro camera features into a foldable device without making it awkwardly heavy. It’s a decision buyers will have to make: If you want the best iPhone camera you can get, go for the latest Pro. If you want the coolest new iPhone that’s best for gaming and enjoying videos, books, and music, get the Duo.

Accessories, cases, and other details

You'd think a phone like this doesn't play well with a case, but the Duo Folio is a surprisingly good option. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It’d be nice if I could just take all my old iPhone accessories and use them with the Duo. One look at it, and it’s obvious that this isn’t possible. Apple Wallet doesn’t fit, and neither do any of my MagSafe battery packs. Third-party options that fix this already exist, and the list will probably get longer once the Duo launches.

Apple offers two cases, both MagSafe compatible; the company sent me both to try out. The regular iPhone Duo Case, a two-part case that snaps on the phone and protects it from harm, costs $79 and is a decent, albeit not a very versatile option. The iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand is pricier at $129, but it fully protects the outer display and has a thin, surprisingly usable kickstand on the back as well. No case at all is an option given the inner display is protected, but I suspect the cameras on the rear, and the outer display will get some scratches over time. My choice is the Kickstand case, though in the future I might go for something that also incorporates a wallet.

There are a few other details to consider. The iPhone Duo has stereo speakers on both sides, meaning you get a stereo sound no matter how you turn it. The sound is pretty great, better than on any other iPhone, with a very nice stereo separation.

The phone's design has some minor drawbacks when it comes to calls, though. When the Duo is unfolded, you can only use it in speaker mode; if you want to press it against your ear and talk as if you would into a regular phone, you'll have to fold it first. You'd look ridiculous having an unfolded Duo against your face, anyway, but it is something to consider.

Should you buy or wait?

Just go for it (if you can afford it). Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Unfortunately, it’s not a choice at this point: You have to wait. Apple iPhone Duo has been sold out almost immediately, with waiting lists extending into next year if you order it now. It's not an entirely bad thing. Instead of an impulse buy, go check the Duo out in person at an Apple store, and then decide whether it's worth your money.

The iPhone Duo isn’t easily comparable with other iPhones. It has more to offer, and it’s new, cool, and versatile in ways that other iPhones can’t be. But it’s also incredibly pricey, starting at $1,999 and going up to $3,199 with maximum storage.

The question isn't so much whether the Duo is the better phone than the Pro; it's whether the Duo is a quality-made product with enough novelty to justify the high asking price. That it definitely is. If you can muster it, it’s worth it.

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The Sony WH-1000XM4 were long the dominant headphones on recommendation lists, laudatory Reddit threads, and TikTok FYPs, so it's no surprise that six years and two flagship releases later, the audio brand decided to take another crack at the older headphones.

Thus, the release of the Sony WH-1000XM4C (2nd gen). What this (slightly confusing) name imparts is that this is not Sony's latest flagship headphones, but a second generation of the original XM4 flagships. The price reflects a similar story: at $299.99, they're significantly cheaper than the current flagship pair, the $459.99 Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

So what improvements were made, and how do they stack up to Sony's pricier models? I spent two weeks testing out the headphones to find out.

Sony WH-1000XM4C: At a glance

The XM4Cs are ultimate on-the-go headphones. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Sony XM4C come with much of the same interior tech as the first generation XM4 headphones, with major upgrades in the audio department. The spec rundown is as follows:

• Processor: QN1 for ANC

• Battery life: 27 hours

• Equalizer: 10-band custom equalizer on companion app

• Mics: 4

• Multipoint: Connect up to two devices at once

• Colors: Black, lavender, platinum silver

Sony WH-1000XM4C: The good

The concept behind these headphones is same beloved shell, slightly better interior specs. Most notably, that comes through in the sound profile, which resembles more closely that of the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 headphones, which results in a more detailed and rich sound out of the box.

Powering up the companion app also results in more fine-tuning, with the addition of a 10-band equalizer, compared to the five-band equalizer found in the first generation headphones. The equalizer presets now also include a gaming option, making these an overall more versatile pair of headphones. Whether I was enjoying the spooky season with my favorite fishing sim, playing jazz standards, listening to live rock performances, or listening to a podcast, these headphones delivered on a solid performance. While it never felt exceptional, it was the type of all-around experience you'd hope for at this price point.

These headphones fold up nice and small. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Bag space required: minimal. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As for the design, I'll keep it brief as it is essentially the XM4 headphones repackaged. That is to say, it's excellent — comfortable, yet compact and easy enough to throw into my purse and take on the go. While it's completely free of metal accents or anything particularly fancy, the lower-profile ear cups and cushioning comfortable enough for several hours of wear just make them feel like a classic pair of headphones. I could easily see these being one of my top choices to bring while traveling.

Sony WH-1000XM4C: The bad

The XM4 active noise cancellation remains competitive even in the current headphone landscape, which maybe explains Sony's decision to keep the ANC tech the exact same: a QN1 processor with four microphones. I can't help but see that as a bit of a wasted opportunity.

More mics for noise cancellation would've been a welcome upgrade. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Worse, though, is the small step back they took with the battery life. These headphones hold 27 hours of charge, compared to the first generation's 30 hours. It's not a huge difference, but with six years between pairs, it's not unfair to hope for no regression in the tech.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones worth it?

Sony adds slight upgrades while keeping costs relatively low. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Before the release of the XM4C headphones, the XM4 headphones could frequently be found on sale for $230 to $198. Sure, their sound tech wasn't quite as up to date, but that's a hard price point to beat. The cynic in me can see a world where Sony is grabbing at a little more cash, while framing this new generation as a more affordable alternative when one already existed in the cheaper XM4 headphones.

The optimist, however, does appreciate Sony paying attention to the popularity of the older model over newer releases, and doing some light revamping to upgrade the headphones for the current market. The result is a really well-rounded pair of headphones that stands on its own among other pairs — and it's still $60 cheaper than Bose's mid-range release. Maybe more than anything, these headphones demonstrate that, year over year, headphone tech has only improved so much. The old XM4s held up — it's natural that these changes could have only been incremental while keeping costs low in a time with rising tech prices.

In other words, these headphones are a solid value for anyone looking for an all-around workhorse to last them for years, without breaking the bank. And with impending Black Friday sales, there's always a chance they'll become even more of a steal.

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My first exposure to a certain type of Final Fantasy fan occurred in 2006, when a friend of mine angrily insisted that a game can't be Final Fantasy if it doesn't have turn-based combat.

This was in response to the hybrid real-time combat of Final Fantasy XII, and series developer Square Enix has been forsaking that kind of guy in the two decades since. There hasn't been a traditionally turn-based mainline Final Fantasy in 25 years, which makes Final Fantasy Resonance exciting. A new title assembled using assets from the mobile title Brave Exvius, Resonance follows in the footsteps of last year's Octopath Traveler 0 in turning a phone game into a console experience that will live after its predecessor's servers are inevitably shut down.

Resonance is not as large or audacious as Octopath was, and its main story relies a bit too much on tropes and concepts from previous Final Fantasy stories to stand on its own. Thanks to pleasurable combat that's wonderfully easy to bust wide open and a solid sense of exploration, this throwback RPG was worth the 40 or so hours it took me to finish.

Final Fantasy Resonance is full of ideas you've heard before

The best Final Fantasy games have some of the most emotionally affecting and thought-provoking stories you'll find in any big-budget RPG. I often put Final Fantasy X, in particular, on a pedestal thanks to its compelling combination of gut-wrenching romance and an examination of how theocracy can take hold over a society.

All of that is to say that Resonance doesn't reach those heights. Its story concerns a ragtag group of adventurers traveling around the world to stop some evil dudes in cool armor from destroying elementally attuned crystals, in hopes of preventing a global catastrophe. Resonance occasionally hints at greater storytelling ambitions in some of the areas you travel to, such as the desert nation of Zoldaad, which is embroiled in a tense revolutionary fervor against a despotic king. Generally, though, you don't spend enough time in these areas for their individual plotlines to carry much weight, and the game thematically falls back on basic ideas like "the power of the human spirit" too often.

This over-reliance on well-trodden concepts extends to the primary cast of characters. They're endearing enough thanks to decent English voice acting and some solid character-specific sidequests, but for the most part, they adhere to archetypes you've probably seen before. Rain, the protagonist, is a blonde guy with a big sword. His friend Lasswell is a brooding katana wielder, Nichol is a stern, strategic mage, and Sakura is a centuries-old sorceress who has the appearance of a child.

I don't dislike any of these people, and I'll admit that by the very end, Resonance crossed the low bar of making me care about what happened to them. But all of it goes in the exact "let's go save the world" direction that you think it will, and the final villain was kind of a nothingburger for me.

The combat always kept me guessing, even with awkward menus

Expect to see this a lot. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

While Resonance never reaches the narrative heights of its predecessors, the turn-based combat is pretty excellent. It's exactly what you'd want out of an old-school-style Final Fantasy experience: Enemies on the left, party on the right, and every offensive or healing spell can either be cast on a single unit or on multiple units, just like the classics. Enemies have elemental weaknesses, everyone is susceptible to all sorts of negative status effects, and smart use of buffs can win the day for you. It's good stuff.

To its credit, Resonance blends retro-style design with more modern ideas. There's a visible turn order on screen (really stretching the definition of "modern" there), you can optionally adjust the speed of battle, and every enemy has a stagger meter underneath their health bar that, when depleted, paralyzes them for a turn and makes them highly vulnerable to damage. Stagger every enemy onscreen in one turn, and you get a bonus phase where every character gets to act, and you get to unleash a huge, flashy super attack.

The menus are a little overbearing. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

Those super attacks come from "visions," ghostly spirits that you equip to a party member, whom the visions hang out behind during fights. I am a huge fan of the vision system's gameplay ramifications, as it acts as a sort of soft class system. Each vision imbues its attached party member with a new moveset of unique, upgradable moves tied to specific elements, giving each vision a defined role in combat.

And yes, these visions are mostly cameo characters from previous Final Fantasy games. Cloud, Terra, Squall, Tidus, and other assorted protagonists from past titles are all here, with one representative from each mainline game. This is sort of a double-edged sword; I appreciate this system as a clever way to reuse assets from the mobile game, but it also means Resonance occasionally hinges too much of its excitement on making you do the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing at the screen meme because you saw a guy you recognized from another game.

This guy will show up in anything. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

Square is lucky that Resonance is a pretty good game in its own right, as all these cameos otherwise just remind you of games with better characters and stories.

Even with too much weight placed on references, Resonance consistently whetted my appetite for this style of combat thanks to smart encounter design that encourages regularly switching visions in and out of different situations. The only issue here is that the menu design makes that kind of a chore. It just takes one or two extra button presses to get to a full list of your visions, and figuring out who is best for each situation is a slower process than it should be as a result.

Resonance will do until the next proper FF comes around

The cutscenes are excellent. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

We don't know when the seventeenth (!!!) mainline Final Fantasy is coming, nor what form it will take. Until then, Resonance is a satisfying appetizer of sorts.

Aside from the quality combat, Resonance kept me going by giving me an airship relatively early and letting me explore the world as I saw fit. Of course, the story progresses in a linear fashion, and lots of areas are inaccessible until you see a certain cutscene, but there are lots of little islands, caves, and other fun things to discover if you take the time to explore. By the end of the game, my party was overpowered as hell because I had put the effort in to find things that would give me advantages in fights.

That sort of thing was missing from the last mainline title, Final Fantasy XVI, so I appreciate its inclusion here.

Love this stuff. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

Its soundtrack also deserves a shout-out. Composer Noriyasu Agematsu channels the classics reasonably well with battle themes that drive up the adrenaline, overworld themes that set an appropriate mood for each area, and cutscene tracks that make the otherwise middling story developments feel emotional.

As a fun bonus, Resonance also looks and runs great on Switch 2. It's probably the best-looking game in the "HD-2D" style yet, and the cinematic pixel art cutscenes are especially jaw-dropping at times. The frame rate drops a little bit here and there, but not enough to appreciably distract from the experience.

Final Fantasy Resonance often feels more like a really good cover band than a member of the original act, but that's OK. The end result serves as a reminder that Square Enix is still perfectly capable of making games in this style. Hopefully it's a sign of better things to come for the mainline series.

DJI is actively defending its position as king of handheld gimbal cameras this year, releasing not one but two follow-ups to its popular Osmo Pocket 3. The Osmo Pocket 4 already features noticeable improvements compared to its predecessor, offering better image quality, a smoother gimbal, and even easier operation.

The dual-lens DJI Osmo Pocket 4P offers all this and more, providing an even greater upgrade that's specifically targeted toward professionals. With more filming options and a wider dynamic range, the Osmo Pocket 4P remains easy for the average person to pick up and start using, while still offering flexibility for more professional production workflows.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: Build, controls, and performance

Credit: A. Yeo

The Osmo Pocket 4P's build is similar to the 4 in many ways. Though slightly larger and heavier, the 4P has the same 1,000-nit rotatable two-inch touchscreen, a USB-C port on the bottom of its handle for file transfer and charging, and a magnetic hot-swap attachment point on the gimbal hinge. It has 103GB of internal storage, slightly less than the 4's 107GB, and can similarly use microSD cards.

Like the Pocket 4, the Pocket 4P also adds two new buttons not found on the Pocket 3: a zoom button and a customizable button (by default, it switches whether the thumbstick controls the camera's zoom or the gimbal's tilt). These buttons are hidden under the touchscreen until it's turned into landscape mode, meaning they're inaccessible while you're shooting in portrait.

Credit: A. Yeo

Where the Pocket 4P noticeably differs is in its dual-lens build. The Osmo Pocket 4 has a single wide-angle lens (20mm equivalent focal length) with a one-inch sensor. Meanwhile, the Osmo Pocket 4P boasts two lenses: a 20mm equivalent wide-angle lens on an upgraded one-inch sensor, and an additional 60mm mid-tele lens with a 1/1.28-inch sensor. This mid-tele lens allows the 4P to offer more background compression, as well as lossless zoom.

Unlike the Insta360 Luna Ultra's horizontal lens configuration, the Osmo Pocket 4P stacks its two lenses on top of each other for a cyclops-like aesthetic. These lenses face outward when the camera is turned off, which is a notable difference compared to DJI's single-lens gimbal cameras. These cameras turn their lenses to face their gimbal arms when not in use, giving them a little extra protection against accidental scratches. However, the added bulk of the 4P's extra lens makes such a maneuver both impractical and futile.

Credit: A. Yeo

Interestingly, the Pocket 4P doesn't come with either a full-length hard protective cover like the Pocket 3 or a handy little gimbal clamp like the Pocket 4. Instead, it relies entirely upon a soft fabric carrying pouch for protection, and isn't compatible with the hard protection options that come with the Pocket 3 or 4. As a result, the 4P does feel less protected, particularly with the 4 offering both a clamp and a pouch together. It feels like an odd choice, given the 4P is also a larger investment.

Fortunately, given the popularity of DJI's cameras, there are already numerous third-party 4P cases available. Still, that's an additional expense you'll have to factor in if you want the extra security.

The Osmo Pocket 4P is available in both Classic Black and Pearl White colorways, letting users choose whether they want a more traditional look or prefer to stand out. Both options come with accessories in their matching color, specifically the carrying pouch, a wrist strap, a hot-swappable Fill Light accessory, and a Handle with 1/4" Thread.

Credit: A. Yeo

Though the 4P's official protection options are less robust, it does offer other hardware perks. Both the Osmo Pocket 4 and 4P are technically compatible with DJI's Osmo FrameTap remote control, which was first introduced with the Osmo Mobile 8P smartphone gimbal earlier this year. However, the FrameTap isn't sold separately, and the only gimbal camera bundles that currently include it are the 4P's Vlog Combo and Vlog Combo Plus.

Like the Insta360 Luna Ultra's detachable remote, the Osmo FrameTap allows you to control and monitor your filming from a distance — a boon to solo creators struggling to film themselves. The FrameTap is usable at distances up to 82 feet in good conditions (though DJI recommends sticking to under 32 feet for stability), and, once paired with the 4P, will automatically reconnect when turned on.

However, while the Luna Ultra's remote lets you do everything you could if you were holding the camera itself, the FrameTap's functionality is more restricted. Features such as framing grids are unavailable, while zoom and gimbal movement are both controlled by the thumbstick. As such, you're left without the advantage of the 4P's two new buttons. Users must use the FrameTap's touchscreen to switch between the two functions instead, as on the Pocket 3. In contrast, the Insta360 Luna Ultra's remote gives you physical controls for both gimbal movement and zoom, with a dedicated zoom slider alongside its thumbstick.

Credit: A. Yeo

DJI's Osmo FrameTap is also considerably smaller than the Luna Ultra's remote, measuring around half as long with a screen that's approximately two-thirds the size. It's a significant difference considering that both remotes' screens are already rather small. While the FrameTap's size is great for portability, allowing it to be quickly thrown into a bag or jacket pocket, it is comparatively less comfortable to hold and operate. The FrameTap seems easier to lose as well, as it can't attach directly to the camera for safekeeping like the Luna Ultra's remote. Overall, the FrameTap offers a comparatively less functional, less enjoyable user experience, which is worth seriously considering if you plan to use remote recording often.

On the other hand, Pocket 4P users do get the benefit of still being able to operate their gimbal camera even if they misplace the FrameTap. The Insta360 Luna Ultra's remote is simply its on-camera controls detached, and isn't replaceable. As such, losing or damaging it would leave you unable to use the device at all.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: Image quality

A screenshot from footage filmed with the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P. Credit: A. Yeo

When it comes to image quality, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and 4P are very similar, with the same sensor size on their main lenses and the same video resolution and frame rate options. Both max out at 4K 60fps standard video, 37 MP still images, 4K 240fps slow-motion video, and 4K 30fps motionlapse video (essentially timelapse but with the gimbal moving).

As such, the differences between the two cameras are more apparent in the details. While the Osmo Pocket 4 has a minimum focus distance of 20 cm, the 4P's wide-angle lens more than halves that to 9 cm. This means that it can focus on objects that are much closer, helping creators get in close for intimate detail shots. The 4P has a faster shutter speed and significantly wider ISO ranges in all shooting modes as well, helping to give it an edge and better capture details when filming in low-light environments.

Both the Pocket 4 and 4P offer DJI's proprietary 10-bit log profile, D-Log. However, the latter also debuts the new 10-bit D-Log 2. While the original D-Log profile boasted a respectable 14 stops of dynamic range, the improved one-inch sensor on the Pocket 4P allows D-Log 2 to bump this up to 17 stops, according to DJI. Shooting in a log profile initially makes footage appear flatter and more washed out straight out of the camera, but actually captures a wider dynamic range. This helps retain detail and allows for more flexibility when color grading in post, letting editors match looks across multiple cameras and shoots, or just really make their footage pop.

Credit: A. Yeo

The 4P does have a slightly smaller tilt range compared to the 4 (-125° to 58° compared to -120° to 70°), likely due to the larger housing required for the dual lenses. Its operating time is around half an hour shorter as well, running for approximately 210 minutes at its lowest settings as opposed to 240 minutes. Even so, Mashable didn't find these to be noticeable drawbacks during everyday use. Users can also attach a Battery Handle accessory for an extra 130 minutes of runtime, allowing you to film for over five hours without charging. Both devices charge via USB-C, so a wall plug or standard battery pack is always an option as well.

However, the 4P's primary selling point is its second lens: a mid-tele lens with a 60mm equivalent focal length and its own 1/1.28-inch sensor. This lens provides the 4P with 3x optical zoom and up to 12x digital zoom (though not all magnifications can be used with all the camera's modes). Longer lenses such as this produce more background compression as well, which is often desirable for portrait shots — a popular use for DJI's handheld gimbal cameras.

However, it's also worth noting that though the 4P's mid-tele lens and D-Log 2 are two of its most prominent new features, they can't be used together. D-Log 2 is only supported on 1x zoom, leaving the mid-tele lens restricted to D-Log 1's fewer stops of dynamic range.

Credit: A. Yeo

When shooting standard video on auto with the 4P and the Insta360 Luna Ultra, Mashable found that the cameras produced slightly different looks due to how they handle elements such as white balance and exposure. The Luna Ultra did a much better job of capturing the warmth of the low sun at golden hour, while the 4P's white balance tuned it back to a cooler tone. The 4P had more noticeable swings in exposure when quickly moving between environments with significant contrasts in lighting as well, such as transitioning between full sun and shade. However, the Luna Ultra's tendency toward brighter shadows caused more dramatic swings in exposure when moving between two relatively dim areas, with the 4P making the transition feel more gradual and stable.

While the Luna Ultra's telephoto lens has the same 60mm equivalent focal length as the 4P on paper, Mashable's comparative testing further found that footage from the latter appeared slightly more zoomed in or cropped, with noticeably shallower depth of field. The difference in depth of field is likely attributable to the 4P's mid-tele lens having an aperture of f/1.8, compared to the Luna Ultra's f/2.

Credit: A. Yeo

Ultimately, both the 4P and Luna Ultra gimbal cameras perform extremely well, offering impressive post-production flexibility and solid straight-from-camera footage. As such, rather than purely considering image quality, or remote functionality, users may choose between them based upon whether they're already invested in DJI or Insta360's ecosystems. The 4P is easily compatible with DJI microphones such as the Mic 3 and Mic Mini 2S, with users able to directly connect to two such transmitters at once.

Should you buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P?

Credit: A. Yeo

While the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P is now available in the UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and launched in Asia earlier this year, those in the U.S. will have a harder time getting their hands on it. The U.S. government's hostility toward DJI has significantly hindered the company's business in the country, leaving its products unavailable for purchase through its official U.S. website. Those in the U.S. who want to buy an Osmo Pocket 4P will therefore have to go through a third party to do so.

This also means that there's no official U.S. pricing for the Osmo Pocket 4P. However, the official Australian pricing puts its Standard Combo bundle at AU$959 (around US$670 at the current conversion rate), while its Vlog Combo with the Osmo FrameTap remote is priced at AU$1,009 (around US$705). In comparison, the Osmo Pocket 4 Standard Combo is priced at AU$769 (around US$537), while the Insta360 Luna Ultra starts at US$769.99 for its Standard Bundle.

Considering the differences in functionality and price, users who are primarily concerned with remotely controlling their gimbal camera may find the Luna Ultra more attractive. However, if you don't need that functionality and already own some DJI equipment, the Osmo Pocket 4P provides easy filming and great image quality for prosumers, vloggers, and content creators keen to upgrade their setup.

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 20, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 upright vacuum is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from $199.99. The top-rated cleaner features a detachable pod for stairs, HEPA filtration, brushroll shutoff for hardwood floors, and specialized pet tools.

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Credit: Shark

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360

$149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50

 

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Keeping your floors clean doesn't require spending half a paycheck on a fancy cordless stick vac. Right now, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from its usual $199.99 list price. That is a flat 25% discount, saving you $50 on a versatile upright vacuum.

The main draw here is the detachable canister pod. Instead of wrestling a full 13-pound upright up a staircase, you press a latch to lift the motor and dust bin off the floor nozzle frame. That turns it into a handheld unit you carry in one hand, while using the stretch hose and wand in the other to tackle couch cushions, baseboards, and ceiling vents.

When it comes to floor performance, it handles both thick rugs and hard surfaces without forcing you to swap attachments. A handle-mounted switch lets you turn the motorized brushroll off completely, so you can transition from agitating buried dirt out of high-pile carpet to sweeping hardwood or tile without spraying debris across the room. It also uses smooth swivel steering, giving you control around chair legs without straining your wrist.

Inside the machine, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system works alongside a washable HEPA filter. Rather than letting dirty exhaust leak through plastic seams, air is drawn through a fully sealed chamber that traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and fine particles. The package comes with a 0.9-quart clear dust cup, a crevice tool, and a dedicated pet upholstery tool — giving you a heavy-duty setup that skips unnecessary app gimmicks in favor of cleaning power.

Get the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) at Amazon while it's still discounted.

Every top brand has its own take on ANC earbuds, each with a unique style and a plethora of features. Since you can't possibly try all the latest earbuds, the Mashable team has taken on the task of reviewing the best ANC earbuds for you.

What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds?

Not all earbuds are created equal — some are far more comfortable than others. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While there are plenty of audio brands that provide good sound quality and noise cancellation, the best of the best ANC earbuds can elevate your listening experience. Not only do they offer phenomenal ANC, but they also make music and podcasts sound better. Trust us — on the right pair of earbuds, Olivia Rodrigo's latest album will have you singing along even louder, somehow.

Earbuds usually aren't as comfortable as over-the-ear headphones. I know this well, as I've found many pairs of earbuds that just plain don't fit in my ear. Others are downright uncomfortable. Once again, Bose offers the most comfortable headphones and earbuds. However, Bose and Sony aren't the only brands out there. That's why we set out to test the best the market offers and see what makes a great pair of wireless earbuds.

How do noise-cancelling earbuds work?

Noise-cancelling earbuds are small enough to slip in your pocket. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All noise-cancelling headphones, including earbuds, have some passive noise cancellation. While over-the-ear headphones naturally block out noise by wrapping around the ears, earbuds don't block sound as effectively. Instead of covering your ears, wireless earbuds deliver sound directly into the ear canal to drown out other noises. They rely more on active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce environmental noise.

ANC is an electronic process within the headphones. Internal microphones listen to your surroundings and then invert the sound, effectively canceling it. Sometimes, with noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds, you'll hear a slight buzzing or humming in the background, and that's the ANC at work. The best ANC earbuds shouldn't have this buzzing, however.

What about wired noise-cancelling earbuds?

We focus on wireless earbuds in this guide, because historically, wired noise-cancelling earbuds haven't really existed. Until recently, that is. In late September, Bose dropped its Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds for $99 — we'll be evaluating them as a contender for a spot on this list, but Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern had positive initial thoughts on their performance.

Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly tablet or a compact laptop replacement, there are plenty of excellent options out there. If you're not exactly sure which tablet you should buy, we've got one simple question to help narrow down your search: Are you an Apple person? We tested the entire iPad lineup, and though iPads are our preferred tablets in 2026, we also love some of the best tablets from Lenovo, Samsung, and Microsoft. So, whatever your preferences, we've got a tablet to recommend.

It hasn't been the best year for tech prices either. With RAMaggedon, nearly all tech brands have raised prices on their products. Tablets have not been immune, and many of the models on this list were impacted. While we still stand by our picks, no one likes rising prices.

What's new in this guide?

• Amazon dropped three new tablets in October 2026. We're currently testing the new Alexa Tablets and will update this guide once we've vetted them.

• August 2026, we added the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 to this guide as the best tablet for gaming.

• June 2026, we added the Lenovo Yoga Tab as our new favorite Android tablet. The Amazon Fire HD 8 was also added as our favorite Amazon Fire tablet.

• March 2026, we updated this guide to include the iPad Air with M4 chip, replacing the previous Air model. We also added the iPad Pro (M5) as the best iPad for professionals, as well as the OnePlus Pad Go 2 as the best budget Android tablet.

At this point, iPads can do (almost) anything your laptop can do thanks to iPadOS 26. Not to mention, the iPad Air with M4 just got a memory boost up to 12GB, putting it a tier above some laptops. Whether you want to stream, browse the internet, illustrate, or edit videos, you can do it on the iPad.

The rapid pace of Apple's update schedule makes shopping for a tablet all the more difficult. Later this month, Apple is expected to announce a new iPad mini. We've tested every available model to help you find the best iPad for you.

2026 iPad price increases

With the global memory crisis, iPad pricing took a hit. Apple raised prices across the board. Here's a breakdown of the price increases.

Which iPad model should I buy?

The right iPad for you depends purely on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want to use a tablet as your primary workstation? Your answers should factor into your decision.

To get you started, we believe the best iPad for most people is the M4 iPad Air (2026). It has exceptional performance but is also in the middle range for both price and capability.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2026?

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. So, which brand comes out on top?

For most people, we think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you're looking for the best active noise cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best options at every price range.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable

Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

Open-ear earbuds sit on the exterior of the ear, but they also come in many shapes and sizes, from clip models to ear hook models. Some are specifically designed for exercise, while others are better for everyday use. The Bose Ultra Open earbuds have long been a popular pick, and the second generation model just dropped (alongside the new Bose Sport Open earbuds). That said, they're also $299 and $199 respectively, which is firmly on the expensive side for this audio category.

With open earbuds' growing popularity, there are newer premium competitors from brands like Sony and Shokz. Budget options are also becoming more prevalent, with open earbuds under $100 from brands including Soundcore, EarFun, Raycon, and CMF by Nothing. We tested open earbuds from all price ranges to find the best of the best — these seven picks are the results of our search.

What are open earbuds?

Open earbuds let you get as close as possible to the feeling of not wearing earbuds at all. Unlike in-ear earbuds, which sit in your ear canal, open earbuds sit outside the ear canal and leave it completely unobstructed, or open (as the name would suggest). Some models hold the speaker component in place with an ear hook, while others opt for an ear cuff.

People generally opt for open earbuds for three main reasons:

1. They provide a private listening experience while leaving you almost completely aware of your surroundings. It's like the best transparency mode you've ever used.

2. For some people, not having an earbud physically in their ear is generally more comfortable.

3. The hooks and cuffs (along with general awareness of your surroundings) make them a great option for keeping you in place and alert while you're working out, working, or simply existing in the world.

What are the drawbacks of open earbuds?

As you may have gathered from the section above, open earbuds don't come with active noise cancellation. That's mostly thanks to how much sound they let in (by design) and the difficulty of cancelling out sound without having the device covering your actual ear canal.

Also, thanks to the whole open ear-canal situation, these aren't going to be the earbuds for audiophiles. That's not to say open earbuds sound bad — if you've never tried them, we promise they sound much better than you're imagining — but you will lose out on some of the nuance of a song without having the earbud actually in your ear.

That said, many pairs still have equalizers on their companion apps to help you make them sound their best. Our best picks for sound, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds and Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds, even have spatial audio features that work surprisingly well.

Most open earbuds will also boast some form of special technology that keeps them from leaking too much sound. While these pairs do pretty well in keeping the sound just to you, most pairs (including our picks) will be prone to some leakage, especially at higher volumes.

Finally, some open earbuds — mainly those with ear hooks — tend to have slightly bulkier cases. If you like to travel especially light, it's something to keep in mind.

How to wear open-ear earbuds

Open-ear earbuds come in three major styles: cuff, ear hook, and bone conduction. How you wear them depends entirely on which style you have. Cuff earbuds "clip" onto the ear, not unlike a piece of jewelry, generally around the area right above the earlobe. Ear hook earbuds have a hook situated around the back of your ear and a speaker component situated right over your ear canal. Finally, bone conduction earbuds sit right behind the ears, with a band that goes around the back of the head to hold them in place.

Regardless of the style, it's important to adjust the exact positioning of your open earbuds to see which offers the best sound, especially as the wrong positioning can deteriorate the quality.

For a visual representation of what wearing a cuff-style earbud looks like, you can check out our open earbuds explainer.

What about bone conduction headphones?

Bone conduction earbuds work exactly like the name implies they do — they use your skull to conduct sound waves, instead of projecting the sound into your ear, like most of the picks on this list. Typically, a band runs from either side of the user's head to help hold the headphones in place.

Shokz, the brand behind our top pick, is a popular maker of these kinds of headphones. While we do consider them open earbuds, we have yet to test any bone conduction earbuds — look out in the future for that update. On that note:

What's next in our testing pipeline

The latest big release in the open earbuds world is the second-generation Bose Ultra Open earbuds and the Bose Sport Open earbuds. Considering the first gen Ultra Opens have been a mainstay on our list of recommendations, we're thoroughly testing the newer models to see how they stack up.

The Apple AirPods 5 are a newer release that are also technically open earbuds, but we're testing them against similar designs (as opposed to the more classic clip or hook style open earbud) before making a call on adding them to this guide.

The open earbuds market is rapidly expanding, so we'll be testing more as we can get our hands on them. We recently added the Sony LinkBuds Clip and Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro to this guide.

In addition to the earbuds that made our initial guide in May 2025, we tested out the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds ($149), the Sony Linkbuds Open ($199.99), the Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds ($169.99), and the Shokz OpenFit Air ($119.95). While none of the above were bad earbuds by any means, we found our picks to outshine them in comfort and sound quality, especially when considering their respective prices.

The best stocking stuffers should surprise and delight, but too often, we miss the mark. Think: tacky socks, bulk chocolate candy from the clearance aisle, and ChapStick. Most of these last-minute gift ideas are just begging to be tossed in a junk drawer or the donation pile, never to see the light of day again. Granted, it's a fate they probably deserve.

But that's a shame, because unpacking your stocking should be the perfect start to the happiest day of the year. So, we consulted our deep bench of shopping reporters, deal hunters, and product reviewers to find out what stocking stuffers they want to wake up to on Christmas morning.

We've gathered our favorite tiny-but-impressive gift ideas that can work for everyone on your holiday shopping list. So, whether you're searching for stocking stuffer ideas under $25 or something fancier that will catch them by surprise, we have more than 60 unique gifts to inspire you.

How we chose these earbuds

Let's be clear: Just because these earbuds are affordable, that doesn't mean they skimp on features.

Mashable audio experts have tested all of the most popular wireless headphones and earbuds (not to mention some wired options). And the very best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds typically cost $250 to $300 — the Apple AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249 (but often go on sale for $179), and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) come in at $299.

Fortunately, you don't need to spend $300 to get a great pair of wireless earbuds; in fact, you don't even need to spend $100. The best cheap wireless earbuds under $100 include some great options from JBL, Nothing, Anker Soundcore, and Beats. And if you're willing to spend a little more, the newest Apple AirPods 5 sound great and include new AI features such as live translation.

When reviewing earbuds for this guide, we looked for features such as easy connectivity, rich and balanced sound, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. And among all the earbuds we've tested, which is an extensive list, these are the best budget earbuds for 2026.

What's considered budget? 

Budget is a relative term. We know the Apple AirPods 5 ($129 to $149) and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($149.99 on sale) aren't budget earbuds for everyone, but there are plenty of good options under the $100, $50, and even $25 mark.

Our top pick is the Anker Soundcore P42i, which have a list price of $64.99, and have the noise cancellation of a much more expensive pair of earbuds. Going the budget route might mean making compromises, but not sacrifices. For under $100, you can still get active noise cancellation and self-charging cases. 

We do include a model closer to $200, which we get isn't exactly everyone's idea of budget-friendly. The Apple AirPods 5 with ANC is that model. Compared to premium options, the fifth-gen AirPods offer an awfully similar experience for significantly cheaper and allow folks who want to stay in the Apple ecosystem without having to jump to the Pros.

Earbuds we're currently testing 

Three other pairs of earbuds that are currently in consideration for this list are the CMF Buds 2, JBL Vibe Beam 2, and Sony WF-C510. We're currently testing these earbuds and will update this guide once complete.

Other models we've tested 

The models on this list are pulled from our extensive testing here at Mashable. One of our previous top picks on this list was the Apple AirPods 4; however, the AirPods 5 have replaced them, making them more expensive, and they also lack great Android compatibility. 

Another pair we considered for this list were the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds with sound by Bose. We tested these buds, and while they're pretty good for $100, they have a bad case design and just aren't that comfortable compared to other models on this list — plus, the $100 introductory price went up to $129.99.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past four years (yes, years) testing dozens of the top dating apps for Mashable, from discreet sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships. My goal is simple: to find the best apps for every kind of dater, including the one-night-stand crowd. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

The short answer: Tinder is still the best hookup app for most people, thanks to its massive user base and new IRL features like Group Hangouts and Events. If you want total anonymity, try Pure. Hinge is best for regular FWBs, and Feeld is the go-to for kink, ethical non-monogamy, and exploring your sexuality. Queer men should start with Grindr (or Sniffies for cruising), and queer women should download HER.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My first rule: be brutally honest about what you want. Are you here for a good time? Own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony. "Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "Free Tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

Once you've matched, reach out, be honest, and follow through! "Plan dates within the first conversation or else you'll get tired out from having a bunch of conversations that aren't going anywhere," Weiss says.

Recent updates to this guide

• OkCupid (removed October 2026): OkCupid is still a solid pick for inclusive, values-driven dating, but it's a relationship app at heart. Feeld, HUD, and HER all do inclusivity better for no-strings fun. And after OkCupid's 2026 FTC settlement over sharing nearly 3 million users' photos with a facial recognition company, I'm not comfortable recommending it for something as private as hookups.

• Hily (added August 2026): I’ve added Hily to our top picks because its free tier is surprisingly generous (up to 100 likes a day!) and its AI safety tech (like Consent Guard) makes it a standout option for casual, blunt daters looking for a fresh alternative to the Big Three.

• Hinge (moved up October 2025): Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list. It still earns its spot for casual dating with personality; its user base is growing, and my recent tests have been surprisingly positive.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut:

• Plenty of Fish: POF's rebrand didn't do it any favors. My last round of testing showed it removed key features like free messaging with non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. (Removed January 2025.)

• Match: Some people swear they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. It's still one of my top picks for a long-term relationship. For a hookup? You're fishing in the wrong pond. (Removed August 2025.)

• Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels more limited than with more generous free options like Tinder or Hily.

• DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

• Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's also added an AI dating assistant and "Meet Cute," which sends you one surprise match a week. It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for no-strings-attached hookups specifically.

It's been a tough year for e-readers (and all tech) with prices on the rise, so we finally needed some good news. On Oct. 1, Amazon released a redesigned collection of Kindles that we simply couldn't wait to try out. The first to be released is the flagship Kindle. It's the entry point into Amazon's e-readers and the most affordable.

The Kindle (2026) now features a flush-front design with either a plastic or an aluminum backing, and in this new batch of Kindles, Amazon is embracing color with the e-reader available in ube, graphite, alpine sky, and seaglass green. So I got my hands on the newest Kindle to experience the design changes and put it to the test.

What's changed between the Kindle 2024 and 2026 models

The 2026 Kindle (right) has some notable design changes from the 2024 Kindle (left). Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

There weren't many changes between the 2022 and 2024 Kindles, but this launch brings much bigger changes that you can actually see.

The 2026 Kindle now has a flush front compared to the 2024 model's raised border around the screen. This provides a uniform look across all Kindles from the basic model all the way up to the Scribe.

In addition to a flush front, the design team behind the Kindle moved its power button. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

A smaller change, but one that I'm more than thrilled to see, is that the design team moved the power button on the Kindle to the side of the device. While it's just a small detail, my colleague Stan Schroeder pointed it out in his Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) review, and I did the same in my 2024 Kindle review.

Otherwise, many of the e-reader's specs are the same between generations. The device still has a six-inch screen with 300 ppi resolution and a built-in front light. It has up to six weeks of battery life, but it is not waterproof, nor does it have an adjustable warm light.

It's unbelievably lightweight

The first thing I noticed about the new Kindle is just how featherlight it is — I almost thought the box was empty. Luckily, it was not. Amazon dropped the weight of the basic Kindle by 18 grams (.66 ounces). While it doesn't seem like much, it's a noticeable difference when holding the device.

The 2026 Kindle is lightweight and easy to tote around in any bag, Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

This lighter weight makes all the difference, especially when traveling. My first weekend with the Kindle, I packed it in my carry-on bag, and it barely added any weight. It tucks nicely into small pockets, too. While it isn't quite palm-sized like a trendy Boox Palma or Xteink X4, it's Amazon's smallest e-reader and still extremely portable. Plus, you can hold it for hours at a time without your arm aching.

Kindles keep getting faster and faster

You can't beat the clear, crisp screen on the 2026 Kindle. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Every time Amazon releases a new batch of Kindles, it claims the new e-readers are faster than the previous generation. The 2026 Kindle is supposedly 30 percent faster than the 2024. While I can't verify that exact amount, I can confirm that these are speedy devices. Books open quickly, and pages turn swiftly. Since I spent so little time waiting for things to load on the Kindle, I had more time to read, which was smooth and easy on the eyes.

The front light on the Kindle is clear and bright (though I do wish it had adjustable warmth like the Paperwhite), and the display responds quickly. When I changed the font size, it took less than a second to adjust. The screen is responsive and definitely seems to open faster than previous models, especially when tapping through the options along the bottom of the screen to adjust your progress status.

What it's missing

I still wish the Kindle had a warm light display and a waterproof rating. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The new Kindle is a really seamless reading experience. While I don't have many complaints, two things could make it a perfect e-reader. Since this is the entry-level Kindle, Amazon keeps affordability top of mind, which does mean there are sacrifices. There's no warm light on the basic Kindle, which would reduce blue-light strain on the eyes. Plus, I wish it were waterproof. I'm a beach reader, so the basic Kindle certainly won't be a summer companion for me, as I wouldn't want to put it near a splash zone.

However, adjustable warm light and waterproofing are both features on the Paperwhite, so we really can't fault the base model for not having them. If those are non-negotiables for you, upgrade to the Kindle Paperwhite.

Is the 2026 Kindle worth it?

While the 2026 Kindle isn't an essential upgrade, it's an improvement over previous generations. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Amazon's latest Kindle is an exceptional e-reader. It's lightweight and compact, quick and responsive. Sure, it has a couple of misses, like no warm light or a waterproof rating, but those are for the sake of affordability, according to Amazon. At $149.99, it's Amazon's cheapest e-reader. It's also the same price as the 2024 model, so if you're deciding between the two, go for the new 2026 Kindle.

However, if you're looking to upgrade from another Kindle model, I don't think you necessarily need to run out to grab it, especially if you have a 2022 or 2024 model. However, if you want to use the Kindle Click, you will need to upgrade to a 2026 (or 2024) Kindle.

Amazon Kindle (2026)

$149.99 at Amazon

 

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Online dating as a gay man is a rite of passage. From the Craigslist m4m era to today's endless scroll, it's been a part of gay culture since the early days of the web. But for all the high rewards, even the best dating apps come with a unique set of challenges for LGBTQ men: ghosting, catfishing, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. It's a lot to take in when you're just trying to find a cute guy.

Yet, despite the BS, the best gay dating apps are still one of the main ways to meet new guys. In fact, a 2026 report by SSRS found that 63 percent of LGBTQIA+ adults have used a dating site or app, including 14 percent who were current users, compared to just 34 percent of non-LGBTQIA+ adults. And a 2023 Pew Research Center report found that about one in four partnered lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults met their current partner through a dating site or app, compared with one in 10 partnered straight adults.

We love to complain about the apps, but they're still a big part of how we meet each other.

We have to talk about Grindr

Of course, we can't talk about gay dating without talking about Grindr. It's still our top pick overall, even if the user experience has been suffering of late. The free version of Grindr is now stuffed full of ads, leaving many guys longing for an alternative. Plus, because of its well-deserved reputation as a hookup app, it's not always the right place to make a love connection.

"Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so it’s easy to point to it as the No. 1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it’s gained a reputation as a hookup app — but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t men looking for long-term commitments, either."

The good news is that the gay dating app landscape is bigger than Grindr. Hinge gives relationship-minded guys a mainstream option, while Scruff combines dating with travel and community features. Feeld makes room for kink and non-monogamy, and cruising platforms like Sniffies and Squirt cater to those who want to skip the small talk entirely.

The key is figuring out which dating apps are worth your time. Here's our guide to the best gay dating apps of 2026, whether you're looking for a boyfriend, a hookup, or a community that feels more like you.

Recent changes to this dating app guide include:

• OkCupid (removed October 2026): We removed OkCupid from our main picks. Its question-based matching still has appeal for values-driven dating, but it no longer earns a place among our strongest recommendations for men. The FTC's March 2026 action over its past sharing of user photos and other personal information also warrants consideration.

• Archer (closed June 2026): Archer shut down on June 17, 2026. Previously, this was our favorite gay dating app for finding serious relationships. Hinge is now our pick in that category.

• Feeld (added October 2025): We added Feeld as our top pick for kink and threesomes, giving guys interested in non-monogamy and exploring their sexuality a more specialized option.

• Hinge (added October 2025): Hinge joined the guide as a mainstream option for relationship-minded guys. Following Archer's closure, it's our top recommendation for serious relationships.

• Squirt (added early 2026): We added Squirt for its cruising-focused community and free unlimited direct messaging. Its SQ Dating app is also available on iOS and Android.

Which gay dating apps didn't make the cut?

You'll notice a few well-known apps are missing from our main list. Not every platform is a good fit for every guy, and leaving one out doesn't mean nobody has had a good experience there. Here's why we're recommending other options in this guide.

• Taimi: While Taimi markets itself heavily as a queer community space, we've opted to leave it off the list. The feedback from real users is frankly brutal. Redditors say the free version is "completely unusable"; you need a premium subscription just to view a basic profile. Worse, users reported feeling unsafe, noting the app is filled with scammers, "obvious homophobes," and "more straight cis-men and creeps than even Tinder or Bumble." Skip it.

• Raya: We know Raya is the "celebrity dating app," but we're not recommending it. Why? Because, as our own Chance Townsend discovered, its exclusivity is "a bit overhyped." After shelling out $25 per month, he found the vibe "so Tinder-esque," and the user pool wasn't A-list celebs but "consultants, aspiring actors, medical professionals, recruiters, and even students." The consensus: Raya is basically "an expensive Tinder with a better PR team." Save your money.

• Recon: Recon has a reputation as the app for the kink community, but we've opted to leave it off the list. User reviews on Reddit are brutal. One thread described the app as "really buggy" and "not much activity on there anymore." Users in that thread complained that the app is a "waste of time," full of flakes, "catfish," and "fake doms wanting you to be their slave or boy." Other users noted that "a lot of kink/fetish guys have moved on to Instagram, Twitter/X, [or] OnlyFans" or that mainstream apps like Scruff are now "more open and welcoming spaces" for the community.

• Planet Romeo (now Romeo): Planet Romeo (which took over the old Guys4Men, or g4m, site ) is another legacy app we didn't include. While it was once a go-to for finding meaningful relationships, particularly in India and parts of Europe, it's now mostly seen as an app from a bygone era. Reddit threads on the topic are full of nostalgia for the "age of Planet Romeo" and the "slow communication" of the early 2000s.

The best October Prime Day deals on power tools:

---

Best DeWalt deal

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit

$138.99 (save $100.01)

Get Deal

---

Best DeWalt battery deal

DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack

$179 (save $100)

Get Deal

---

Best Craftsman deal

Craftsman V20 Max Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$99 (save $70)

Get Deal

---

Best Greenworks deal

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 (save $20)

Get Deal

---

Best Bosch deal

Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver 5-In-1 Flexiclick System

$164.99 (save $110.01)

Get Deal

---

Best Electric Screwdriver Deal

Hoto 12-in-1 Electric Screwdriver Set

$37.99 (save $12)

Get Deal

If you're tackling a DIY job at home or finally getting around to that project you've been putting off for months, a decent power tool can make things a lot easier. And if you're going to need one anyway, you might as well see if you can get it for less during Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon's "October Prime Day" sale. The event is live now through midnight PT on Oct. 7, so it's time to get serious about shopping.

So far, some of the best October Prime Day deals we've spotted involve steep discounts on power tools from popular brands like Bosch, Craftsman, DeWalt, and GreenWorks. (Don't miss Amazon's deal on a DeWalt cordless drill set, which is now a whopping $100 off.) Now's the time to shop if you're ready to round out your home DIY toolkit.

Best DeWalt deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

$138.99 at Amazon
$239 Save $100.01

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This DeWalt set includes a compact impact driver and drill/driver, both designed for working in tighter spaces. The tools have built-in LED lights for better visibility. The impact driver has a one-handed hex chuck, and the drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck for quick bit changes.

Best DeWalt battery deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack

$179 at Amazon
$279 Save $100

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Need more juice for your DeWalt cordless tool collection? Instead of waiting for batteries to recharge, grab a few extras thanks to this deal on a two-pack. Each of these extra batteries takes about an hour to recharge and comes with a three-year warranty.

Best Craftsman deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Craftsman

Craftsman V20 Max Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This Craftsman set includes a drill/driver and impact driver, with two V20 batteries, a charger, and a storage bag. Both tools have LED lights and compact, contoured handles for working in tighter spaces. The drill has two speed settings, and the impact driver can give up to 1,460 inch-pounds of torque.

Best Greenworks deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Greenworks

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $20

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Now on sale for a new record-low price, this kit includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, along with two 2Ah batteries and a 30W charger. The brushless tools have variable-speed controls, and the reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe. The batteries can also charge devices via USB-C.

Even more power tool deals

• Black+Decker Detail Sander — $37.78 $64 (save $26.22)

• Hoto 12-in-1 Electric Screwdriver Set — $37.99 $49.99 (save $12)

• Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Drill Kit — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Fanttik E2 Ultra Electric Screwdriver — $52.99 $79.99 (save $27)

• Fanttik K2 Nano Mini Electric Drill — $55.99 $89.99 (save $34)

• Black+Decker 20V Max PowerConnect Cordless Drill Driver Kit — $59.99 $74.99 (save $15)

• DeWalt Orbital Sander — $61.55 $79 (save $17.45)

• Bosch 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder — $67.01 $82.99 (save $15.98)

• DeWalt Cordless Screwdriver — $77.99 $91.98 (save $13.99)

• Greenworks 24V Brushless Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit — $81.38 $199.99 (save $118.61)

• Craftsman V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit — $89 $129 (save $40)

• WorkPro Home Tool Set with 20V Cordless Drill — $93.85 $129.99 (save $35.14)

• DeWalt 20V Max Circular Saw — $99 $159 (save $60)

• DeWalt Buffer Polisher — $134 $157.99 (save $23.99)

• Worx Cordless Pole Saw — $152.99 $189.99 (save $37)

• Bosch 12V Max Brushless 2-Tool Cordless Drill Kit — $159.99 $249 (save $89.01)

• Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver 5-In-1 Flexiclick System — $164.99 $275 (save $110.01)

• DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $179 $249 (save $70)

• Teeno Power Tool Combo Kit Brushless 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Set — $186.99 $219.99 (save $33)

• DeWalt 12V Max 3x360 Green Line Laser — $349 $499 (save $150)

• DeWalt 20V Max 5-Tool Power Tools Combo Kit — $449 $549 (save $100)

• Greenworks 24V Brushless Tool Kit — $516.79 $999.99 (save $483.20)

• DeWalt 20V Max 7-Tool Combo Kit — $649 $749 (save $100)

Time is running out for Prime members to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

The best October Prime Day deals on power tools:

---

Best DeWalt deal

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit

$138.99 (save $100.01)

Get Deal

---

Best DeWalt battery deal

DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack

$179 (save $100)

Get Deal

---

Best Craftsman deal

Craftsman V20 Max Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$99 (save $70)

Get Deal

---

Best Greenworks deal

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 (save $20)

Get Deal

---

Best Bosch deal

Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver 5-In-1 Flexiclick System

$164.99 (save $110.01)

Get Deal

---

Best Electric Screwdriver Deal

Hoto 12-in-1 Electric Screwdriver Set

$37.99 (save $12)

Get Deal

If you're tackling a DIY job at home or finally getting around to that project you've been putting off for months, a decent power tool can make things a lot easier. And if you're going to need one anyway, you might as well see if you can get it for less during Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon's "October Prime Day" sale. The event is live now through midnight PT on Oct. 7.

So far, some of the best October Prime Day deals we've spotted involve steep discounts on power tools from popular brands like Bosch, Craftsman, DeWalt, and GreenWorks. (Don't miss Amazon's deal on a DeWalt cordless drill set, which is now a whopping $100 off.) Now's the time to shop if you're ready to round out your home DIY toolkit.

Best DeWalt deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

$138.99 at Amazon
$239 Save $100.01

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This DeWalt set includes a compact impact driver and drill/driver, both designed for working in tighter spaces. The tools have built-in LED lights for better visibility. The impact driver has a one-handed hex chuck, and the drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck for quick bit changes.

Best DeWalt battery deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack

$179 at Amazon
$279 Save $100

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Need more juice for your DeWalt cordless tool collection? Instead of waiting for batteries to recharge, grab a few extras thanks to this deal on a two-pack. Each of these extra batteries takes about an hour to recharge and comes with a three-year warranty.

Best Craftsman deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Craftsman

Craftsman V20 Max Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This Craftsman set includes a drill/driver and impact driver, with two V20 batteries, a charger, and a storage bag. Both tools have LED lights and compact, contoured handles for working in tighter spaces. The drill has two speed settings, and the impact driver can give up to 1,460 inch-pounds of torque.

Best Greenworks deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Greenworks

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $20

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Now on sale for a new record-low price, this kit includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, along with two 2Ah batteries and a 30W charger. The brushless tools have variable-speed controls, and the reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe. The batteries can also charge devices via USB-C.

Even more power tool deals

• Black+Decker Detail Sander — $37.78 $64 (save $26.22)

• Hoto 12-in-1 Electric Screwdriver Set — $37.99 $49.99 (save $12)

• Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Drill Kit — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Fanttik E2 Ultra Electric Screwdriver — $52.99 $79.99 (save $27)

• Fanttik K2 Nano Mini Electric Drill — $55.99 $89.99 (save $34)

• Black+Decker 20V Max PowerConnect Cordless Drill Driver Kit — $59.99 $74.99 (save $15)

• DeWalt Orbital Sander — $61.55 $79 (save $17.45)

• Bosch 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder — $67.01 $82.99 (save $15.98)

• DeWalt Cordless Screwdriver — $77.99 $91.98 (save $13.99)

• Greenworks 24V Brushless Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit — $81.38 $199.99 (save $118.61)

• Craftsman V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit — $89 $129 (save $40)

• WorkPro Home Tool Set with 20V Cordless Drill — $93.85 $129.99 (save $35.14)

• DeWalt Buffer Polisher — $134 $157.99 (save $23.99)

• Worx Cordless Pole Saw — $152.99 $189.99 (save $37)

• Bosch 12V Max Brushless 2-Tool Cordless Drill Kit — $159.99 $249 (save $89.01)

• Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver 5-In-1 Flexiclick System — $164.99 $275 (save $110.01)

• DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $179 $249 (save $70)

• Teeno Power Tool Combo Kit Brushless 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Set — $186.99 $219.99 (save $33)

• DeWalt 12V Max 3x360 Green Line Laser — $349 $499 (save $150)

• DeWalt 20V Max 5-Tool Power Tools Combo Kit — $449 $549 (save $100)

• Greenworks 24V Brushless Tool Kit — $516.79 $999.99 (save $483.20)

Prime members only have 48 hours to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Don't worry if your summer hookup fizzled out. As Mashable's deputy culture editor, Olivia Tauber, wrote, fall is the best time to date.

Between cozy sweaters and dates at the apple orchard, autumn is a great time to find your special someone. And while several single women and men recently told Mashable that dating in 2026 isn't necessarily fun, that doesn't mean there's no hope.

While singles are increasingly frustrated with dating apps, one coach we spoke to said the apps aren't keeping people single; it's how they're using them. If you're swiping into the void and avoiding talking to people, yes, it may be hard to find a date! But it is absolutely possible to find your person online. In fact, Mashable recently interviewed several married couples who met on dating apps.

According to 2023 findings from the Pew Research Center, one in ten partnered adults (married, living with a partner, or in a committed relationship) met their partner on a dating app or site. If you're a younger adult and/or LGBTQ, you're more likely to have met your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four for LGBTQ adults.

The same study found that almost half (44 percent) of dating app users said a major reason for using them was to meet a long-term partner. So, if that's you, you're certainly not alone, despite what you might see people lament on TikTok. 

But with so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be challenging to determine which ones to invest in. And the discourse on dating app culture can be unrelenting. In 2025, singles told Mashable they'd rather meet a potential partner in person, but they're begrudgingly on the apps. Some, like Tinder, have seen their revenue decrease in recent years, while Hinge is growing. Even then, though, daters bemoan even the most popular of apps. A Kinsey scientist recently told Mashable where daters are going wrong: use dating apps as a tool, not to let them run the show — and stop self-optimizing, already.

Despite the frustration over The Apps™, it's undeniable that if you want to date from the comfort and safety of your home, they're the way to do it. If you're, say, introverted or have difficulty approaching someone in person, an app can still be useful.

What is the #1 best dating app?

Considering the variation in experiences on all the dating apps, it's difficult to quantify which ones are the "best." Some people find their spouses on Tinder, while others are disappointed that their matches are only looking for hookups. 

That being said, if you're looking for something serious, your best bet is likely an app with a large user base, options for you to indicate what you're looking for in your bio, and filters to weed out who you really want to partner with. There are also apps whose branding is geared towards finding one's ultimate match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with reputations for helping users find their spouse. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more "serious" connections.

Depending on the type of relationship you're seeking, you may also benefit from a more niche app. Take one app on our list, SilverSingles, for people over 50. Sure, there are older adults on apps like Tinder and Bumble as well, but you may have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you're in a space meant just for you.

Which dating site is best for serious relationships?

Mashable has researched to pick out a few from the plethora of dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available for both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have won't determine your options. In terms of monetary investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are more pay-to-play. We've also included some "niche" options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the standard buffet of dating apps.

Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:

It's October. At least in the northern hemisphere, the temperature is dropping, and the desire for hooking up may be weakening. If you want to cozy up with a sapphic love interest this autumn, consider finding one on a dating app.

As a lesbian, you probably know all about them. Lesbian Americans (along with bisexual and gay Americans) are far more likely to have ever used dating apps than straight Americans: 51 percent to 28 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.

​​Online dating as a lesbian can be a joyous experience, but it can also involve having your space invaded by straight people or seeing your ex-girlfriends (and your ex-girlfriends' ex-girlfriends) show up in your feed over and over. You might also be subject to lesbian vs. bi discourse, but that's not a prerequisite. Scroll on by and focus on doing you.

Over the decades, queer women have turned to personal ads, frequented bars, and relied on word of mouth to find love. These days, it's not too different. From trying to find a date on WLW TikTok to entrapranureal lesbians creating new apps just for them, LGBTQ women are down to get creative to find their special someone.

Thankfully, in 2026, there are both niche and general apps where queer women can find a partner — whether for one night or for life. Which ones are the best dating apps for lesbians? We tested the most popular dating sites and apps and drew on insights from our Dating & Relationships writers to find out.

How to find the best dating apps for lesbians

Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love. Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable

In Mashable's recommendations below, you'll find both general dating apps and apps specifically for queer people. As the former appeals to the general population, you'll find more users in these spaces. The caveat, however, is that when you swipe on other women, you might find those coupled with men who are looking for another woman to have a threesome with (aka unicorn hunters). No judgment here, but that's probably not what you're looking for. Then again, people of all types are on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You never know who you may come across.

Then there are apps specifically for the community, like HER and Lex. If you yearn for a smaller dating scene, head for these apps. While there's no "Grindr for lesbians" — we go into why in the FAQ section — these apps are more so like stepping into your neighborhood lesbian bar than an app like Bumble. 

You can also try multiple dating apps, as each one below has a free version. You can filter by the gender you identify with and are looking for, and sometimes, as with OkCupid, there are many options to choose from.

Diving into the dating pool isn't easy, but the water's fine. Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.

The best early Prime Day deals on power tools:

---

Best DeWalt deal

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit

$149 (save $90)

Get Deal

---

Best DeWalt battery deal

DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack

$179 (save $100)

Get Deal

---

Best Craftsman deal

Craftsman V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$00 (save $70)

Get Deal

---

Best Greenworks deal

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 (save $20)

Get Deal

---

Best Electric Screwdriver Deal

HOTO 12-in-1 Electric Screwdriver Set

$44.99 (save $5)

Get Deal

---

Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Husqvarna Power Axe 225i Battery Operated Chainsaw

$259.99 (save $120)

Get Deal

If you're tackling a DIY job at home or finally getting around to that project you've been putting off for months, a decent power tool can make things a lot easier. And if you're going to need one anyway, you might as well see if you can get it for less.

October Prime Day is still a couple of weeks away, but as ever, Amazon has already started cutting prices on power tools ahead of the main event kicking off on Oct. 6.

Some early discounts have already caught our eye, like saving nearly $100 on a DeWalt set, so we've rounded up the best early deals live right now. We've already found great discounts on everything from cordless drills to electric screwdrivers, so now's the time to shop if you're ready to round out your home DIY toolkit.

Best DeWalt deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

$149 at Amazon
$239 Save $90

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This DeWalt set includes a compact impact driver and drill/driver, both designed for working in tighter spaces. The tools have built-in LED lights for better visibility. The impact driver has a one-handed hex chuck, and the drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck for quick bit changes.

Best DeWalt battery deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack

$179 at Amazon
$279 Save $100

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

Need more juice for your DeWalt cordless tool collection? Instead of waiting for batteries to recharge, grab a few extras thanks to this deal on a two-pack. Each of these extra batteries takes about an hour to recharge and comes with a three-year warranty.

Best Craftsman deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Craftsman

Craftsman V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This Craftsman set includes a drill/driver and impact driver, with two V20 batteries, a charger, and a storage bag. Both tools have LED lights and compact, contoured handles for working in tighter spaces. The drill has two speed settings, and the impact driver can give up to 1,460 in-lbs. of torque.

Best Greenworks deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Greenworks

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $20

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This kit includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, along with two 2Ah batteries and a 30W charger. The brushless tools have variable-speed controls, and the reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe. The batteries can also charge devices via USB-C.

More power tool deals

• PULITUO 20V Cordless Drill/Driver, Electric Screwdriver — $35.98 $49.99 (save $14.01)

• Fanttik E2 Ultra Electric Screwdriver — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

• DeWalt Cordless Screwdriver — $79 $91.98 (save $12.98)

• DeWalt Random Orbit Sander — $79 $99 (save $20)

• WorkPro Home Tool Set with 20V Cordless Drill — $110.99 $129.99 (save $19)

• DeWalt 20-volt Jigsaw — $139.90 $239 (save $19)

• Worx Cordless Pole Saw — $152.99 $189.99 (save $37)

• DeWalt 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit — $157.80 $299.99 (save $142.19)

• Teeno Power Tool Combo Kit Brushless 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Set — $197.99 $219.99 (save $22)

• DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $209 $249 (save $40)

• Greenworks 24V Brushless Tool Kit — $679.99 $999.99 (save $320)

When it comes to accessing books (including audiobooks), nothing beats your local library. It's free and it’s what Dolly would’ve wanted. But that’s not why you’re here, so I digress. Let’s talk about Audible.

I’ve been an Audible subscriber on and off for a few years now, and there’s a reason I keep coming back. It easily has the most robust audiobook catalog around, offers unmatched convenience if you're also a Kindle user, and is packed with exclusive titles you can't find elsewhere. I'd rather have my money go to independent booksellers, but there's no denying Amazon's value here.

Audible is not Netflix for audiobooks

It's important to understand that Audible is not a "Netflix for audiobooks" app. It's more of a book-a-month membership that gives you one premium title each month for your entry fee, with no wait times. There are two different membership options, Standard and Premium, and the tier you choose definitely matters.

I'm usually the first person to recommend the cheaper option in subscription situations (I will gladly sit through ads while streaming to save money). In this case, however, I would spend the extra money on Premium. I've been a subscriber of both tiers, and I do not think the Standard membership is a good deal. Period.

What’s the difference between Audible Standard and Audible Premium?

Here's a breakdown of the different tiers:

Audible Standard

• Cost: $8.99 per month after 30-day free trial

• Includes: One audiobook selection per month and access to podcasts

• No annual subscription options

Audible Premium

• Cost: $14.95 per month after 30-day free trial

• Includes: One credit to "purchase" an audiobook each month, access to the Plus catalog with more than 150k audiobooks and podcasts, and exclusive sales and discounts

• Annual subscription options: 12 credits per year for $149.50/year or 24 credits per year for $229.50/year

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Credit: Audible

Audible

starting at $8.99 per month

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It may not sound all that different on paper, but the devil is in the details. While I was a Standard subscriber, I accidentally forgot to claim my audiobook pick one month. And guess what: I didn't get another chance. I basically had to forfeit that month entirely, throwing $8.99 in the garbage. Not to mention, if you don't finish your audiobook selection within the allotted month, it's gone forever. Or if you cancel your Standard membership, it's also gone forever.

Premium is a different story. For that extra $6 each month, you get a credit that allows you to purchase a premium title. That means you own it and it's yours to keep, even if you cancel your membership. And if you forget to use your credit one month, it rolls over to the next. Throw free access to over 150,000 audiobooks and podcasts from the Plus catalog into the mix and your subscription easily pays for itself each month.

One credit per month is not enough

Credit: Christina Buff / Mashable

As a speedy reader who can burn through a book in a few days, the one monthly credit you get with a Premium membership definitely feels restrictive. Any additional titles that aren't in the Plus catalog will cost extra. I try to use my credit for the most expensive audiobook on my wish list and utilize the plethora of exclusive member offers to score additional books for less.

Audible's sales do go pretty hard. There are daily deals, two-for-one credit deals, member rewards, referral offers, and so much more. You can also get a pretty sweet deal on an Audible book if you already have the Kindle book (i.e., $3.49 instead of $14.95). It's also worth noting that if you cancel often, you'll get a hefty discount offer when you come back. This is the real secret to making Audible worth it.

The Audible experience

If Amazon's ownership of Audible is a dealbreaker for you, there are plenty of other ways to listen to audiobooks, including paid subscriptions like Libro.fm, Everand, or Spotify. But the truth of the matter is, Audible basically has a monopoly over the audiobook industry. A lot of titles are exclusive to Audible, including the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Verity by Colleen Hoover, and the phenomenal Project Hail Mary.

Audible exclusives are fully immersive audio productions, not just someone reading you a book. You'll be transported into the story, often with the help of a full cast of voice actors. Project Hail Mary is the best audiobook I've ever listened to, hands down. It beats the production of any book I've listened to through Libby (the library app) or Spotify.

If you also read on Kindle, the Read & Listen feature lets you switch between listening on Audible and reading on your Kindle without losing your spot. This is limited to books listed as "Read & Listen" in the details (you'll see a badge next to the cover in the Audible app), but it's honestly pretty clutch. It doesn't always sync immediately on the spot, but for the most part, it works exactly how it's supposed to.

Credit: Christina Buff / Mashable

The app itself is overwhelming

You know how the Amazon app is both simple and overwhelming? That's also how the Audible app feels. There's just too much going on. When you're looking for your next read, you can filter by category, Audible charts, duration, new releases, author, bestsellers by year, series, niche topics, your Goodreads TBR (also owned by Amazon, btw), BookTok favorites, and so much more. Yes, the content selection is overflowing with options, but it's also easy to get lost in the massive library, continuously clicking filters and subcategories and forgetting how you got there. I often find myself scrolling and clicking around for way longer than I should.

Other app features worth mentioning are speed adjustments from 1x to 2x (.5 increments), the ability to download and listen offline and set timers, and a car mode that keeps your screen from sleeping and enlarges the buttons. None of these are groundbreaking, but they do boost the app experience.

It is hella convenient having access to my Goodreads TBR via Audible. Credit: Screenshot: Audible

If you're starting from scratch looking for your next read, prepare to be overwhelmed. Credit: Screenshot: Audible

Is Audible worth it?

There's a reason Audible is the leading audiobooks app. The exclusive audiobooks are exceptional. The sheer size of the content library is unbeatable. The seamless connectivity and extra discounts for Kindle users are unexpected life upgrades. And the regular sales and offers, including the free trials and discounted returning subscriber rates, make it an undeniably great value — but only if you opt for the pricier Premium subscription.

The app is overwhelming, it's expensive at $14.95 per month, and I've canceled my Audible subscription at least five times in the past three years. And yet, here I am, a paying Premium subscriber once again. Yes, I utilize my local library as much as possible, but variety is the spice of life, my friends.

What about the iPhone Duo?

Apple recently announced the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable phone. It's not out until Oct. 23, but Mashable's Stan Schroeder got to spend a little time with it at Apple Park earlier this month. (Read his hands-on first impressions.) Look for preorders starting on Oct. 16.

Check back by the end of the month to see if the foldable iPhone Duo earns a spot in our guide to the top smartphones of the year.

Why are the best phones so expensive right now?

The new Google Pixel 11 Pro has a $100 higher starting price than last year's Pixel 10 Pro. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

If you're in the market for a new phone right now, you should know that it'll cost you more than usual. The best phones were never cheap, but smartphone prices surged in 2026 amid a global RAM shortage driven by the AI boom (commonly known as "RAMageddon"). New AI data centers are hogging supplies of memory and SSD storage chips, driving up their prices. Consequently, consumer tech devices with memory components are also getting more expensive. RAMageddon price hikes have also taken their toll on laptops and gaming consoles.

So far, we've seen Apple, Google, and Samsung all raise the prices of their new smartphones at launch. Apple also increased the prices of some older iPhones by $100 following its iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and Duo announcements. Meanwhile, as of Oct. 1, Samsung has raised prices on its S26 line by $100 to $200.

With this in mind, it's especially wise to shop around for deals and carrier promotions before buying your new phone. Trading in an older device is the easiest way to save several hundred dollars on an upgrade. Some carriers will give you a new phone for free (in the form of monthly bill credits) if you also sign up for a new line or certain data plans. For example, the new iPhone 18 Pro is free with eligible trade-ins and plans through AT&T and T-Mobile.

What's new

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

In early October 2026, I added two new picks to this guide after our latest round of testing:

• The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is now our favorite iPhone for photography.

• The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is our new battery life pick. It's rated for up to 45 hours of video playback per charge, which makes it the longest-lasting phone we've ever tried.

What about the iPhone Air?

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Released in fall 2025, the iPhone Air is Apple's thinnest phone ever. Its ultra-sleek design is appealing, but it has worse battery life and inferior cameras compared to the standard iPhone 17 (which runs on the same processor... and costs $200 less). We think it's a very pretty and well-made phone, but not one of the best overall. For more info, check out our iPhone Air review and our dedicated guide to the best iPhones.

Some people just have a natural talent for finding gifts on a budget, whether it's Christmas, an anniversary, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or birthdays. Some people nail it every time, getting the "best gift-giver" award among those who are lucky to know them — wife, husband, boyfriend, teens, in-laws, and everyone else.

If you're not one of those people, don't fret. We're here to help no matter the occasion. We've put together a list of the best gift ideas for under $50, from expected-but-useful trinkets to cool items they definitely don't have yet. These unique, budget-friendly gift ideas come from a variety of categories, so you're sure to find something they'll love.

The best early Prime Day 65-inch TV deals:

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Best overall deal

Roku 65-Inch Plus Series

$449.99 (save $200)

Get Deal

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Best budget deal

Hisense 65-Inch Class E6SR Series

$399.99 (save $150)

Get Deal

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Best mini-LED deal

Hisense 65-Inch U6 Pro Series

$647.99 (Save $452)

Get Deal

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Best OLED deal

Hisense 65-Inch Class E6SR Series

$1,698 (Save $301.99)

Get Deal

If your current TV is looking a little small these days, a 65-inch model is the sweet spot.

Whether you're upgrading an aging set or finally moving up from a smaller screen, this is a good size for movies, TV, and sports without taking up too much space. And even though Prime Day is still to come (October 6-7), Amazon has already started discounting 65-inch TVs, with some early deals already impressing.

Below, we've listed some of the top deals you can show right now.

Best 65-inch TV deal

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Credit: Roku

Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV

$449.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $200

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This 65-inch Roku Plus Series TV features a 4K QLED Mini-LED display with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound, and a built-in subwoofer. It also comes with Roku's smart TV platform, voice control, personalized recommendations, and a smart voice remote with a lost remote finder.

Best budget 65-inch TV deal

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 65-Inch Class E6SR Series

$397.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $152

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

This 65-inch QLED TV has Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for more detailed picture quality. It also has AI processing that can upscale lower-quality content to 4K resolution. DTS Virtual is also included for clearer dialogue and virtual surround sound. And right now, it's down to $399.99 ($150 off).

Best mini-LED 65-inch TV deal

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 65-Inch U6 Pro Series

$647.99 at Amazøn
$1,099.99 Save $452

 

Get Deal at Amazøn

Why we like it

This Hi-QLED Mini-LED TV is ideal for streaming and gaming, thanks to it's 144Hz refresh rate for clear movement. It has hundreds of local dimming zones for improved contrast and features a built-in subwoofer, an anti-reflection screen, and AI picture processing, with support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, and IMAX Enhanced.

Best OLED 65-inch TV deal

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Credit: Sony

Sony 65-Inch Bravia 6 OLED

$1,698 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $301.99

 

Get Deal at Amazon

Why we like it

The Sony Bravia 6 is an impressive OLED TV that uses self-lit pixels to deliver deeper blacks and higher contrast. It also uses Triluminos Pro for a wide range of natural-looking colors. It supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS, and for streaming, you'll have Google TV with Gemini.

More 65-inch TV deals

• Insignia 65-Inch Class F50 Series — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40)

• Samsung 65-Inch Class M70H Series — $427.99 $477.99 (save $50)

• TCL 65-Inch F7D Series — $499.99 $599.99 (save $100)

• Hisense 65-Inch E7 Cinema Series — $597.99 $999.99 (save $402)

• TCL 65-Inch QM64L — $619.99 $699.99 (save $80)

• Samsung 65-Inch Class M80H Series — $647.99 $697.99 (save $50)

• TCL 65-Inch Class QM6K Series — $698 $799.99 (save $101.99)

• Amazon Ember Artline — $799.98 $1,099.99 (save $300.01)

• Samsung 65-Inch Class S90H Series — $1,697.99 $1,897.99 (save $200)

Why are Windows laptops so expensive right now?

The ongoing memory crisis, aka "RAMageddon," is the main reason why Windows laptop prices have skyrocketed this year. But it also doesn't help that Microsoft reportedly raised its Windows 11 licensing fees by abnormally high rates. In other words, PC makers are spending more on both hardware and software right now, so they're making consumers eat the extra costs.

Some of our current picks have faced price hikes in recent months, including the Asus Zenbook A16, the Dell XPS 14, XPS 13, and 14S, and the Framework Laptop 13. We've re-evaluated them and decided that they're still worth recommending at their higher prices, but will remove them from this guide if we find better-value alternatives or if their prices keep climbing to exorbitant levels.

What's new this month

I made several updates to this guide in late September 2026:

• I added the Asus ProArt PZ14 as a new pick following our latest round of testing. It's now our favorite Windows laptop for creators.

• I added the Dell XPS 13's results from our battery life test. It lasted 18 hours and 56 minutes — more than four hours longer than its Apple counterpart, the MacBook Neo.

• I added some information about a new Surface Laptop that Microsoft just announced (see below under "What to look forward to").

I'm currently monitoring the availability of two of our existing picks: the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI and the Intel-powered Acer Swift X 14. Both were out of stock at the time of writing but could return, so I'm keeping them on this guide for now. If it turns out they've been fully discontinued, I'll replace them with other models. (As things stand, the Dell 14S would become my top choice for college students, and the AMD-powered Acer Swift X 14 AI would be my new pick for photo and video editing.)

As a quick note before we get into the picks, Mashable tests laptops on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value. We do so using a combination of synthetic benchmarking and real-world usage. You can read more about our testing process in the "How We Tested" section.

A note about ARM-based Windows laptops

Asus' Zenbook A-series laptops are two of the best ARM-based laptops I've tried. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips use ARM-based architecture, not traditional x86 architecture like Intel and AMD chips. As such, their compatibility differs. ARM-based laptops don't work natively with certain specialty software (like AutoCAD), nor can they run as many PC games.

ARM compatibility issues are a non-concern for the majority of general-purpose Windows users, but they'll be dealbreakers for some demographics — PC gamers being an obvious one.

College students should also steer clear of ARM laptops. When I examined the 10 top public universities' hardware recommendations for the 2026 fall semester, I found that a couple schools explicitly advised their students against getting ARM-based laptops to make sure they can run all of their necessary coursework without emulation. (This is one big reason why I recommend the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI and Dell 14S for college students, in particular: They have x86-based Intel chips.)

The good news is that ARM compatibility has gotten better over the past couple years, and it will definitely continue to do so now that Nvidia is coming out with its own RTX Spark "superchips," which run on ARM.

What we're testing right now

The Mashable team has a bunch of other Windows laptops in hand for testing right now, including the Alienware 16 Area-51, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1, Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, Lenovo LOQ Essential 15, Lenovo Legion 5i, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, MSI Prestige 16 AI+, Framework Laptop 13 Pro, Asus Zenbook Duo, and Acer Swift Air 14. Stay tuned to see if any of them make the cut for a future update to this guide.

What to look forward to

On Sept. 23, Microsoft announced a second-generation Surface Laptop 13-inch with the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip and a brighter display. It's a slightly cheaper and more portable version of the company's flagship Surface Laptop 8, which comes in two sizes and with Snapdragon X2 Plus or Elite chips.

Now available for preorder, the Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at $1,199.99 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS storage. It launches Oct. 13 alongside the Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd edition), a detachable tablet that starts at $1,149.99 with the same specs.

Earlier in September, several other PC makers announced new laptops at IFA, a tech trade show in Berlin. The models confirmed for an eventual U.S. release are:

• Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe, a budget laptop that comes in two sizes and seven colors

• Lenovo Yoga Pro 5n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1, two creator laptops powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark platform

• Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 9 and ThinkBook 14x Gen 2, two fresh business laptops

• Acer Swift Air 16, a slim 16-incher

• Another version of the Dell 14S with more colors, less powerful processors, and a cheaper price tag

Sonos' headphones have gone "Ultra," like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra before them. But what does that mean, exactly?

Launched in 2024, the Sonos Ace were the company's first wireless, over-the-ear headphones. Now, the company has a new version, and the name itself – Sonos Ace Ultra – positions them above the old model and implies that these are really something special.

Well, in a way, they are, but it really depends on how you plan on using them. I've spent a week with the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones to see how they compare to the noise-cancelling competition, and I enjoyed the comfort, the surround sound, and the fact that they're connected to the Sonos speaker system in my house. For pure music listening, though, they're just OK.

Design: Mostly unchanged

The Sonos Ace Ultra looks pretty much the same as the old model. It's an understated look that's typical of Sonos gadgets, and you do get two new colors on offer: Sand and Agave (besides the old Soft White and Black). The unit Sonos sent me was in the Agave color, and I love it; it's a very subtle shade of green-blue that goes well with anything.

What is this, a cable for ants? Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Don't expect anything flashy. The Sonos Ace Ultra looks like a nice set of headphones, nothing more and nothing less. Apple's AirPods Max 2 have a shinier, more recognizable look, despite also being available in very subtle colors. Sonos's headphones are lighter than the AirPods Max 2 (322g vs 386g), which makes them comfier during longer listening sessions.

There are a couple of clever design decisions here. I love how the right cup has a lighter color inside than the left one, making it easier to recognize which is which.

The controls are fairly standard, with one exception. On the bottom of the left cup, you've got your Power button, which doubles as a Bluetooth pairing button. On the bottom of the right cup, there's a button that switches between active noise cancellation (ANC) mode, aware mode (which lets in outside sounds), and "everything off" mode. And above it there's a volume key that doubles as a content key, allowing you to swap audio with nearby Sonos speakers. That particular feature is one of the main selling points for these: If you're already invested in a Sonos audio system, these are the only headphones that let you easily bounce audio between the speakers and the headphones.

Finally, there's a USB-C port for charging, or for plugging in a USB-C to 3.5mm cable, which Sonos thankfully includes with the headphones. There's a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, too, but it's ridiculously short and thus only useful for charging.

In terms of accessories, you get a semi-soft case that takes in those cables and the headphones while remaining very slim and light. The quality doesn't feel too great, though, and the zipper is finicky.

Good sound, but ANC has to be turned on

The one big difference the Ultra brings over the original Sonos Ace are the new custom, Sonos-engineered drivers. In theory, that should mean improved sound, but my impressions are mixed.

Finally, I know which side is right and which is left. Wait, which one is it again? Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Among all of the headphones I've tested, I've never seen headphones change their sonic signature so drastically when you switch between various listening modes. With noise cancellation or aware mode on, the sound is full and deep. But turn those features off, and the bass is gone completely, and the sound becomes flat and tinny.

This is very odd. Typically, headphones sound best with all digital enhancements, including noise cancellation, turned off. But Sonos' Ace Ultra sounds so much better with noise cancellation, so turning it off almost never makes any sense. I couldn't even fix this by increasing bass volume in the equalizer in Sonos' app. The effect was there even when I connected the Ace Ultra to my iPhone or Mac via a wired connection.

Since I couldn't get a very good sound without noise cancellation, I mostly used the Ace Ultra with the feature turned on. And when it's on, the sound is pretty good. Slightly too much bass, a little low on detail in the mids and highs, but a great fit for heavy rock tunes such as Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs.'

My direct comparison headphones were Apple's AirPods Max, and they have a sound that's far more open and bright, with more details, but less bass. Whenever I put the Ace Ultra on after the AirPods Max 2, the sound turned dark and closed. Some may prefer this sonic signature, and to be fair, the AirPods Max do cost a hundred bucks more. But the difference is there.

Lossless audio support over Bluetooth is a cool addition, but being in the Apple world, none of my MacBooks or iPhones support the required Qualcomm aptX codec. You can get it with a dedicated audio transmitter, but for true lossless audio, the easier and better solution is to just connect the headphones to the source with a cable.

Despite my facial expression, I like the headphones. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you do that, you will get a slightly brighter, fuller, and more detailed sound on the Ace Ultra. In fact, the sound improves so much that it actually becomes better than what I get out of Apple's AirPods Max 2, with an equal wired connection. This leads me to believe that Sonos needs to work on the way it handles Bluetooth codecs, with the possibility of wireless sound improving further down the road.

The Ace Ultra truly shone when I switched to movies and live shows on the TV, thanks to excellent Dolby Atmos support. It's almost uncanny to walk around the room and hear the sound adjust to where you're turned. Watching the first season of Amazon's new show Neagly, I was startled by a knock on the door that appeared to come way to the right of me. The effect is stronger and perhaps even a tad better than on any of Apple's headphones.

Nominally, the Ace Ultra also supports Apple's Spatial Audio, but I couldn't get it to kick in when listening to Apple Music.

So...many...features

The Sonos Ace Ultra come with a ton of features — some specific to Sonos — that make them one of the most complete wireless headphones on the market. This includes active noise cancellation, support for Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, lossless audio support even over Bluetooth (thanks to the Qualcomm aptX codec), and WiFi connectivity, which gives you the ability to swap sound between the headphones and a compatible Sonos soundbar.

The Beam Ultra is the perfect companion for the Sonos Ace Ultra Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Noise cancellation is pretty good; on par with what you'd get from other headphones in this range. Aware mode will let outside noise in, and you can additionally enhance human voices in the Sonos app, but I still had to stop the music to hear what people around me were saying.

If you've got small kids or simply don't want to annoy the rest of your family with a movie, you can switch the sound from the soundbar (Sonos sent me the new Beam Ultra to try this out) to the headphones, and you can continue to enjoy the movie in all of its surround audio glory.

Now, using the Sonos app for any of this isn't strictly necessary, but sometimes my connection would drop or switching wouldn't work, and the easiest way to see what's up was in the app.

This is the same app, mind you, that caused so many problems for Sonos; following a major redesign, the app was so bad that the company spent many months fixing it, and apologized to customers for the app's performance.

These are probably the comfiest headphones I've ever tested. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The app is better than it was at launch, but it is still another layer of potential trouble sitting in between me and my entertainment. Sometimes, the playback would stop for a few seconds, and just wouldn't resume on its own. Sometimes, I'd get lost in the app's many menus, and couldn't for the life of me find the thing I was looking for. Often, it felt easier to use Apple Music and find my content there, but then I felt cut off from the rest of my Sonos system (which, for the purpose of testing, consisted only of the headphones and the Beam Ultra).

It's not all bad, and parts of it can be attributed to the quirky mesh Wi-Fi network in my home, but the app is still not on par with the quality of Sonos' hardware.

A soundbar that goes up

Sonos sent me the new Beam Ultra to test together with the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, probably because these two products play the handoff game well. While this review focuses on the headphones, here are a few notes on the Beam Ultra.

Compared to Beam (Gen 2), the Beam Ultra has better side-firing speakers, additional upward-firing speakers, and more bass output. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It's an extremely simple, plug-and-play soundbar with Dolby Atmos and upward-firing speakers, meaning you'll get a nice, full surround sound just by plugging it into your TV. The soundscape it produces isn't the widest or the tallest, but it was plenty for my slanted-ceiling living room. Bass is well-defined, but there's not a ton of it. In short: It's good enough for most folks, but serious surround enthusiasts will want to consider additional left and right speakers, as well as a subwoofer.

In terms of connectivity, the Beam Ultra offers fairly little. You cannot plug additional speakers into it; it only has an HDMI eARC connector, which you'll probably use to connect it with your TV, and a USB-C line-in to connect it with an additional sound source. Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi are on board, and it works with AirPlay 2, so if your room is full of wireless Sonos speakers (or IKEA's Sonos-made Symfonisk speakers), you'll be able to tie it all together into a cohesive sound system.

Battery life for days, and you won't mind cause they're so comfy

The Sonos Ace Ultra has 35 hours of advertised battery life, a decent improvement over the 30 hours you got in the previous model. With pretty heavy usage over one week, I've only had to charge them once, which sounds about right. In other words, battery life isn't something you have to worry about with these.

The case is thin, light, and portable. Feels kinda cheap, though. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The long battery life matters most for long listening sessions, and the Sonos Ace Ultra are incredibly plush and comfy; possibly the most comfortable over-the-ear headphones I've ever worn. If you ever wear down the padding on the cups, don't worry, it's magnetically attached and easily replaceable.

Voice calls are good, too

Sonos Ace Ultra have 10 mics which it uses to pick up your voice during voice calls, as well as noice cancellation. In general, I had no trouble with voice calls, everything came through well and the people on the other side told me they can hear me fine.

Should you buy them?

The Sonos Ace Ultra costs $449, which puts them in a slightly uncomfortable position. For music listening, you can get better-sounding headphones at that price point. They do come with a ton of features, battery life is great, surround audio is pretty amazing, and the ability to take over the TV's sound is very handy in certain situations. But the entire experience across the Sonos app and the headphones can be quirky. I'd say you should consider them, but only if you're a Sonos fan.

Sonos Ace Ultra Over-Ear Headphones with Noise Cancellation - Black

$449 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

What I look for in the best MacBook alternatives

I've used a MacBook as my daily driver for 15 years now, so I have a pretty good handle on Apple's laptop hardware and software. (Shoutout to my fellow butterfly keyboard survivors.) IMO, a Windows PC or Chromebook is doing a great MacBook impression if it has above-average performance, decently long battery life, and a sleek, polished design — basically, if it's a superb Windows laptop or Chromebook. I'll add some extra qualifiers depending on the exact Mac model:

• MacBook Air alternatives should be super lightweight and portable

• MacBook Neo alternatives should cost well under $1,000 and have premium build quality

• MacBook Pro alternatives should have a crisp, rich 120Hz display and enough power for intensive tasks like video editing

Other Mashable staffers and I have tested nearly 100 laptops in the past two years (and counting). After combing through our database, I've landed on eight worthy MacBook alternatives for 2026 buyers — including seven PCs from Acer, Asus, Dell, and HP, plus one very nice Acer Chromebook. I've also lined up a fallback option for those who want to stay within the Apple ecosystem.

Which Windows laptops and Chromebooks can beat Apple?

As part of our review process, we quantify laptops' performance using Primate Labs' Geekbench CPU benchmark and measure their battery life with a video rundown test. All of the picks on this list beat MacBooks in one or both of those tests.

In the performance department, the M5 MacBook Air and M5 MacBook Pro earned the top single-core scores. (That tells us how snappy a laptop feels when you're just using it for basic things like sending emails and web browsing.) However, the Asus Zenbook A14, Asus Zenbook A16, Dell XPS 14, HP OmniBook Ultra 14, Acer Swift X 14, and Asus Expertbook Ultra all outpace one or both of them in heavier multi-core tasks like video editing.

When it comes to stamina, the Dell XPS 13 and Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 both outlast the MacBook Neo by at least three and a half hours. The OmniBook Ultra 14 and the Expertbook Ultra beat the MacBook Air on battery life by smaller margins, while the Zenbook A14 surpasses both the MacBook Air and Pro by up to nearly 10 hours. With 27 hours and 36 minutes of battery life, it's the longest-lasting MacBook alternative I recommend.

What's new

In September 2026, I added the Dell XPS 13 as the best MacBook Neo alternative after a new round of testing. (The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 Spin is now the best Neo rival for those who prefer ChromeOS.) I also checked all of our existing picks for pricing and availability changes. The Asus Zenbook A16 has gotten $300 more expensive since I last updated this guide over the summer, but I don't think its new price of $1,999 is outrageous in the current market, given its 48GB RAM capacity. Therefore, it retains its spot on this list.

Back in July, I added the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 and Asus ExpertBook Ultra as new picks.

Other contenders to consider

Not giving the ProArt GoPro Edition a 120Hz display was an odd choice on Asus' part. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The special-edition Asus ProArt GoPro Edition bundles MacBook Pro-rivaling multi-core performance and 128GB of RAM in a rugged convertible design. It's expensive at $2,999.99, but fairly priced for how much memory it has. (An identically configured MacBook Pro costs $6,699.) Still, I can't recommend it as a MacBook Pro alternative because it has a blurrier 60Hz display. That feels like a glaring omission on a premium creator laptop.

The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI is a shockingly thin-and-light ultraportable with a 2.8K OLED touchscreen. It only costs $1,499.99 with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It would make a very good MacBook Air alternative if it weren't such a mediocre performer: It's 48 percent slower than the latest MacBook Air in single-core scenarios and 33 percent slower in multi-core tasks. It's a closer rival to the M2 MacBook Air from 2022 when it comes to processing power. I would only pick it over the Zenbook A14 if you can't use an ARM-based laptop (see below).

We haven't tested them yet — stay tuned — but the Acer Swift Air 14 looks like another very promising MacBook Neo alternative, and the Framework Laptop 13 Pro seems like a neat repairable MacBook Pro alternative.

A note about ARM-based Windows laptops

The Asus Zenbook A14, Zenbook A16, and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 run on Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 series chips. These are ARM-based chips, which are built differently from traditional x86-based Intel and AMD chips. As such, they're not compatible with as many video games and certain specialty software. This isn't an issue for most general users, but if you do a lot of PC gaming or you're a college student, you should avoid them. You can read more about this in my dedicated guide to the best Windows laptops.

Your kids caught World Cup fever and now you'll be spending your weekends every fall and spring at the soccer field. Take it from a longtime soccer dad — you're going to love it.

In fact, you're going to get so wrapped up in this beautiful game that you're going to want to record those games for posterity. Here's another lesson this veteran soccer parent learned the hard way: You're not going to want to hold your arm up for an hour to record the match. Your arm will get tired, and you may find yourself paying more attention to your smartphone than to the moment itself.

That's where a sports tracking camera comes in. You set the camera up on a tripod on the sidelines of the pitch, hit record, and sit back and enjoy watching the game. The sports-tracking camera follows all the action, with an assist from AI.

For most parents, there's been one AI sports tracking camera that has risen above the rest: The XbotGo Falcon. And Mashable spent the last soccer season testing the camera out.

The problem with most sports tracking cameras

You may have heard of some of the big players in the space like Veo and Trace. Why not just go with those?

There's no doubt that Veo and Trace sports cameras have really good output. But, go take a look at their price pages. You'll find that you're spending hundreds of dollars on a camera that you can't even use without a subscription service, which often costs hundreds more per year. Before you know it, you're spending thousands of dollars annually. These services are more in line for soccer clubs, schools, leagues, or other situations where you're recording multiple teams and players on a regular basis.

You're just one parent. You have one (or at most a handful) of kids who play. You don't or can't spend that much on the camera, nor do you need anything fancy with player analytics and other bells and whistles. You just want to capture your kid making a great play or scoring a goal to share with the family.

XbotGo Falcon: No subscription required

I have long been searching for the perfect sports tracking camera. One where I can set it up and trust that it will reliably record the game, follow the action, and not require a subscription.

The XbotGo Falcon Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

This is where the XbotGo Falcon sets itself apart from other AI sports tracking cameras

So, why doesn't the XbotGo Falcon require a subscription? Sports cameras like Veo and Trace basically record the entire length of the field, upload the footage to the company's servers, and then track the action within the footage after the game. XbotGo Falcon avoids those post-processing costs, as the device actually physically moves left and right, up and down, and zooms in and out during the game.

XbotGo is a fairly new company that strictly makes AI auto-tracking sports cameras and related products. The company found success in 2024 with the XbotGo Chameleon, a tracking device that required a user's smartphone to record. In March 2026, XbotGo released its next-generation AI tracking camera, the XbotGo Falcon.

XbotGo Falcon inside of its case Credit: Matt Binder./ Mashable

XbotGo Falcon price

The XbotGo Falcon currently retails for $799.

There will no doubt be some initial sticker shock at the retail price. But, again, you need to look at its competitors. 

The Veo camera, for example, costs $1,299 just for the device, followed by a minimum of $84 per month for their Starter base plan. Paying $799 once is certainly a lot less than $2,298 upfront, followed by $999 every year after that.

You will also need to factor in the price for a tripod of at least 13 feet or more. XbotGo sells one for $189.99, but you don't necessarily need theirs. However, it's a must-have accessory, which I'll get to in a little bit.

XbotGo Falcon: By the numbers

Here are the key specifications to know:

• 4K video at 30fps or 1080p video at 60fps

• 1/1.8-inch Sony CMOS sensor

• 9,600 mAh battery that can last for approximately 4 hours

• 360-degree rotation

• 160-degree tilt

• Records to a MicroSD card of up to 1,024GB (sold separately)

• Weighs 1.8 pounds

• 134.2 × 116 × 71.7 mm

• Fully compatible with iOS and Android

XbotGo Falcon vs. XbotGo Chameleon

Technically, both the XbotGo Chameleon and XbotGo Falcon have a camera built into the device. But that camera is for the tracking technology that follows the action on the field. The XbotGo Falcon has a second camera built in that actually records the game instead of using a smartphone to do that, as required by the XbotGo Chameleon.

XbotGo Chameleon's one camera vs. XbotGo Falcon's two cameras Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

XbotGo still sells the XbotGo Chameleon at around $300 for people who prefer that more affordable option. Also, some users prefer the XbotGo Chameleon, as you technically upgrade the camera quality as you upgrade your iPhone, by attaching the smartphone to the device to record.

However, having also spent multiple seasons using the XbotGo Chameleon, the XbotGo Falcon would be my go-to for a few reasons

First of all, having my smartphone available while using the XbotGo Falcon is huge. I can use my smartphone as a remote to monitor the XbotGo Falcon in case I need to pan or zoom the camera if it gets lost in the action. The XbotGo Chameleon requires that you attach your iPhone to the device. And while the Chameleon also offers remote usage with a second smartphone, how often do you have two smartphones on you? I know I don't.

In addition, the XbotGo Falcon footage is a crisp, clear 4K from a 1/1.8-inch Sony CMOS sensor. I can't imagine getting much more out of a smartphone camera anytime soon. The quality also means the files are fairly big. My 128GB iPhone is already nearly full from everything else. I would be unable to store much on it, and I'd have to spend time managing and moving files around after every other game. Having the ability to swap MicroSD cards is a huge draw to the XbotGo Falcon.

Using the XBotGo Falcon

The first thing you'll notice when getting the XbotGo Falcon is, well, its size. It's big, and it comes in a nice big carrying case as well. Its size is especially standout if you're upgrading from the much more compact XbotGo Chameleon.

The size difference between the XbotGo Chameleon vs. XbotGo Falcon Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

To set up the device, you do need to sync the XbotGo Falcon hardware with the XbotGo app on your smartphone. The app is used to set up the recording, monitor the camera during the game, manually control the camera's movements, and update the device itself when XbotGo pushes out a firmware update. During your initial setup, there will most definitely be a firmware update so be sure to give yourself some time before you need to use the device.

From there, you pick your sport.

XbotGo says the Falcon is compatible with recording nine different sports, which include soccer, basketball, ice hockey, handball, tennis, pickleball, lacrosse, badminton, and volleyball. There are also three additional sports in beta — American football, rugby, and flag football.

For my XbotGo Falcon review, I focused on capturing soccer. Due to the larger field, this really pushes the tracking capabilities to the limit.

Once you've selected all the necessary settings, the camera will start to spin as it calibrates. Place the XbotGo Falcon on your tripod, which should be set up a few feet from the sideline near the midfield. Then, extend the tripod to at least around 12 feet in the air. The higher the better.

Users can add a scoreboard, set up a livestream of the event, record pan, tilt, and zoom manually during the game, and monitor what the camera is capturing, all from the XbotGo app.

And that's pretty much it. The XbotGo Falcon features physical buttons on the device for quick record options, but I prefer to use the smartphone to record, as the camera is already many feet in the air at kickoff.

Controlling the camera remotely is as simple as tapping on a sidebar menu option to call up an on-screen joystick, which allows the user to move the device around.

XbotGo Falcon performance

I tested the XbotGo Falcon to record at least a half dozen youth soccer games from full-field 11 versus 11 matches to smaller pitches for 9 versus 9 games. 

So, how did it do? Most importantly, how was the tracking? 

XbotGo Falcon in action, following the action Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

I was able to trust the AI tracking capabilities for the vast majority of each game. When referring to my iPhone to monitor the XbotGo Falcon, it properly tracked the game at least nine out of 10 times. In fact, I would say I only had to remotely control the device with my phone once or twice per game. Sometimes, I didn't have to touch the manual controls at all.

The camera produced very high-quality footage, too. In fact, recording in 4K allowed me to manually zoom even further using my editing software to get closer to the action when clipping highlights and still have clear HQ quality when exporting the punched-in clip.

Due to connectivity issues on my end at the fields, I was not able to test out the livestream capabilities in the proper setting. Personally, I prefer to record the games as the footage quality really matters when recording at a distance. Any sort of lower video quality due to livestream connectivity issues from your cellular or internet service provider will drastically reduce the watchability of the game. In addition, you'll most likely be clipping highlights from the full video rather than regularly watching the entire match, so again, the focus on the local recording is key for me.

XbotGo Falcon tracking from right to left Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

XbotGo Falcon issues

Now, as great as my time with it was, there are some negatives with the XbotGo Falcon.

First, for those looking to buy a sports-tracking camera that's completely hands-off, the XbotGo Falcon will disappoint. Yes, it is mostly hands off in my experience, but it's also not "set it and forget it." While you don't need to monitor the recording like you would if you were holding a camera, there are clear points in a soccer match where you'll have to check if the XbotGo Falcon is keeping up.

For example, the XbotGo Falcon seems to struggle with goal kicks, corner kicks, and penalty kicks. There's something about the lack of typical back-and-forth movement on the pitch that causes the device to seemingly try to find it sometimes. I've unfortunately experienced missed penalties to the point where I would just use my iPhone to record the penalty and leave everything else to the XbotGo Falcon.

There is another limitation to the XbotGo Falcon, which really isn't the device's fault. At a youth soccer game, there are going to be kids off to the sidelines practicing while they wait for their game. There may also be more than one field at a location with multiple games going on. If any of this is in the view of the XbotGo Falcon, the camera will often get confused.

I will say XbotGo devices are now much better at dealing with distractions thanks to recent firmware updates, which added the ability to draw field boundaries so your Falcon doesn't stray. However, I had an issue where the Falcon was focused on one side of the field as a free kick was set up, a ball being used on the sideline rolled onto the field with a kid in tow on the opposite side of the field, and the Falcon spun around to catch that while missing the goal scored off the free kick.

With that said, the XbotGo Falcon does catch the action most of the time. In fact, remember when I mentioned the necessity of a big tripod? Most of the complaints I've seen online regarding its performance mainly revolve around the fact that many users just don't seem to raise the tripod high enough. The XbotGo Falcon needs to basically hover high over the pitch at almost a bird's eye view to get the best performance from it. It needs to see everything in order to track and capture it. If you put it too low, it will not track to the best of its abilities.

You want to get the XbotGo Falcon up high on a tripod for the best performance. Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

I also faced one weird issue with the XbotGo Falcon that appears to be a one-off, but I have to mention it.

During the very first game with the camera, it inexplicably stopped recording with 20 minutes left to go in a 60-minute game. There was no battery life issue or lack of SD card space. The device just stopped recording. At first, I thought it had something to do with moving out of range of the device with my synced iPhone monitor, but XbotGo told me that wasn't the case. Their logs oddly showed that a second smartphone synced with the device, and that device stopped the recording. It seems unlikely that another individual knew I was using an XbotGo device, downloaded the XbotGo app, and synced it with my device to stop it. While I never figured out exactly what happened, the device never stopped recording again.

Finally, aside from tracking issues, there is one persistent complaint among users: the watermark on the videos. There is a decent-sized XbotGo Falcon logo embedded on the lower right-hand side of all videos taken with the camera. There is no way to remove it. That's right. There's not even an option to pay extra. For me personally, I didn't find it intrusive. You can always put your own logo over the XbotGo Falcon watermark, and I never found it in the way of any of my videos. However, it is odd that it is there no matter what.

The bottom line: Is the XbotGo Falcon worth it?

This soccer dad was happy with his experience.

I can see why the XbotGo Falcon is hands down the most popular sports tracking camera on the market without a subscription. While it is pricey, it's nowhere near as costly as the ongoing fees its competitors charge.

Credit: Matt Binder / Mashable

However, there are tradeoffs, too. The fact that the XbotGo Falcon has to physically follow the action means that it will sometimes miss a moment. At the same time, the ability to monitor the camera from your smartphone is extremely useful and means you can manually guide it along, too.

One thing I will say: The company is very proactive when it comes to releasing firmware updates, which often add brand new features and fix ongoing performance issues. It's a huge plus in my opinion, which should make you feel secure in knowing that there's significant support behind the product.

Is it the perfect sports tracking camera I've been searching for? No. But it's getting there.

All in all, if you're tired of holding up a smartphone camera for an hour at a time, I suggest you give the XbotGo Falcon a try.

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Credit: XbotGo

XbotGo Falcon AI Sports Tracking Camera

$799 at Amazon

 

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Solawave BOGO sale deals:

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Red light therapy has officially crossed over from high-end dermatologist offices straight onto our TikTok feeds and bathroom vanities. But between glowing face masks and vibrating wands, stocking up on high-tech skincare devices can get expensive.

Solawave's latest BOGO sale gives you a solid entry point to stock up on your red light therapy essentials without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you want to split the cost with a friend, stock up on holiday gifts early, or double down on your own targeted skin routine, the brand is letting you snag two of its top-rated LED tools for the price of one.

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Credit: Solawave

Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand

$169 at Solawave

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If you want targeted skin treatments without wearing a full face shield, Solawave’s flagship 4-in-1 Skincare Wand packs four technologies into one pocket-sized tool: 630nm red light therapy, galvanic current, gentle warmth, and facial massage. It is designed to de-puff, boost collagen, and smooth out fine lines around tricky spots like your under-eyes, jawline, and smile lines. The 180-degree rotating head pivots through every angle of your face, while built-in timers guide you through a quick three-minute treatment per zone (up to 12 minutes total).

Solawave Neck & Chest Pro LED Mask

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Credit: Solawave

Solawave Neck & Chest Pro LED Mask

$349 at Solawave

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Most skincare routines stop at the jawline, even though the delicate skin on your neck and chest often shows fine lines, sun damage, and sagging first. Solawave's Neck & Chest Pro addresses that exact gap with a quick, three-minute daily treatment. Made from flexible, medical-grade silicone, it uses 320 LEDs across four distinct wavelengths (Red, Deep Red, Amber, and Near-Infrared) to boost collagen, firm delicate skin, and brighten dull areas. The hands-free design makes it easy to wear while doing other things, and the battery lasts up to a full month — taking the guesswork out of building a consistent routine.

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Credit: Solawave

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If you want the collagen-boosting perks of a professional LED facial without losing 20 minutes of your day, this wrinkle retreat pro LED face mask delivers high-dose red light therapy in super-quick, three-minute sessions. It packs 320 dual-core LEDs across four distinct light wavelengths (Red, Deep Red, Amber, and Near-Infrared) to smooth out fine lines, calm inflammation, and firm deeper skin layers. Because it delivers more than double the energy intensity of standard home masks, it yields results faster. The medical-grade silicone also flexes naturally to fit facial contours, and the built-in battery lasts up to a month on a single charge.

A BOGO deal on FDA-cleared red light therapy tools doesn't come around often. Grab your favorite mask or wand at Solawave and lock in two high-tech devices for the price of one.

If you're on a budget, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds of dollars a year on dating apps to find a genuine connection. Dating itself is already expensive enough, so why should the apps eat at your wallet, too? While some platforms roll out premium tiers that cost as much as a car payment (looking at you, Grindr), you don't have to resort to buying credits or dating an AI bot just to save cash. Some of the best dating apps are still free to download and use, and even though some have features that are only free for women, we found $0 options for everybody.

But you do have to be smart about which apps you download. Some platforms claim to be "free" but immediately lock basic communication behind a paywall. Take eharmony, for example — you can spend 20 minutes on their quiz only to realize you can't even unblur a match's photo or send a message without paying for a premium subscription. Other niche options are disappearing entirely, like Match Group's queer dating app Archer, which shut down in June.

What dating apps are completely free?

The good news is that mainstream staples like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge still have functional free tiers that let you match and chat without spending a dime. Lex is also a great option for the queer community.

We tested out the best free dating apps to find the ones that really work. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without handing over any cash.

Note: All the dating sites in this guide offer a functional free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium upgrades, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay just to read a message. And if you're being pressured to send money to someone on a dating app, block them immediately — you might be dealing with a romance scammer.

The best early Prime Day deals on power tools:

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Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

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If you're tackling a DIY job at home or finally getting around to that project you've been putting off for months, a decent power tool can make things a lot easier. And if you're going to need one anyway, you might as well see if you can get it for less.

October Prime Day is still a couple of weeks away, but as ever, Amazon has already started cutting prices on power tools ahead of the main event kicking off on Oct. 6.

Some early discounts have already caught our eye, so we've rounded up the best early deals live right now.

Best DeWalt deal

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Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

$179 at Amazon
$239 Save $60

 

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Why we like it

This DeWalt set includes a compact impact driver and drill/driver, both designed for working in tighter spaces. The tools have built-in LED lights for better visibility. The impact driver has a one-handed hex chuck, and the drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck for quick bit changes.

Best Craftsman deal

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Credit: Craftsman

Craftsman V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set

$142 at Amazon
$169 Save $27

 

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Why we like it

This Craftsman set includes a drill/driver and impact driver, with two V20 batteries, a charger, and a storage bag. Both tools have LED lights and compact, contoured handles for working in tighter spaces. The drill has two speed settings, and the impact driver can give up to 1,460 in-lbs. of torque.

Best Greenworks deal

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Credit: Greenworks

Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit

$219.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $20

 

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Why we like it

This kit includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, along with two 2Ah batteries and a 30W charger. The brushless tools have variable-speed controls, and the reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe. The batteries can also charge devices via USB-C.

More power tool deals

• Aoben Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench Set — $62.99 $74.99 (save $12)

• DeWalt Random Orbit Sander — $79 $99 (save $20)

• DeWalt 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool Kit — $99 $131.51 (save $32.51)

• WorkPro Home Tool Set with 20V Cordless Drill — $110.99 $129.99 (save $19)

• Worx Cordless Pole Saw — $152.99 $189.99 (save $37)

• Teeno Power Tool Combo Kit Brushless 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Set — $197.99 $219.99 (save $22)

• DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $249 $192 (save $57)

The best early Prime Day 65-inch TV deals:

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Best overall deal

Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV

$449.99 (save $200)

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Best budget deal

Hisense 65-Inch Class E6SR Series

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If your current TV is looking a little small these days, a 65-inch model is the sweet spot.

Whether you're upgrading an aging set or finally moving up from a smaller screen, this is a good size for movies, TV, and sports without taking up too much space. And even though Prime Day is still to come (October 6-7), Amazon has already started discounting 65-inch TVs, with some early deals already impressing.

Below, we've listed some of the top deals you can show right now.

Best 65-inch TV deal

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Credit: Roku

Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV

$449.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $200

 

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Why we like it

This 65-inch Roku Plus Series TV features a 4K QLED Mini-LED display with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound, and a built-in subwoofer. It also comes with Roku's smart TV platform, voice control, personalized recommendations, and a smart voice remote with a lost remote finder.

Best budget 65-inch TV deal

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Credit: Hisense

Hisense 65-Inch Class E6SR Series

$399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150

 

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Why we like it

This 65-inch QLED TV has Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for more detailed picture quality. It also has AI processing that can upscale lower-quality content to 4K resolution. DTS Virtual is also included for clearer dialogue and virtual surround sound. And right now, it's down to $399.99 ($150 off).

More 65-inch TV deals

• Samsung 65-Inch Class M70H Series — $429.99 $477.99 (save $48)

• TCL 65-Inch F7D Series — $499.99 $599.99 (save $100)

• Samsung 65-Inch Class M80H Series — $649.99 $697.99 (save $48)

• Amazon Ember Artline — $924.98 $1,099.99 (save $175.01)

• Hisense 65-Inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD — $847.99 $1,499.99 (save $652)

• Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA XR8B OLED 4K HDR — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)

Online privacy comes at a premium — your personal information and internet habits are more valuable and more important than ever before. Everyone wants to know what you get up to, and where you're doing it online, whether it's businesses looking to target you with ads and mailing junk, or scammers who want to exploit you. That's why we recommend you do everything possible to protect yourself online. And if you watch porn, as so many of us do, you should be especially vigilant.

We're going to take a wild guess that you'd prefer to be protected from the prying eyes of advertisers, your internet service provider (ISP), and your roommates when you're engaged in the intimate business of visiting porn sites. If sounds right then we recommend investing in a VPN. These cybersecurity services provide everything you need to unblock porn sites and then stream anonymously.

What is a VPN?

VPNs offer a robust defense for both your data and identity on the internet. VPNs do this by creating a private network that can hide your IP address and connecting you to servers in other countries, which prevents unwanted eyes from spying on your digital and real world location. This ensures that all of your online activity is untraceable and secure.

If it sounds complicated, it's helpful to think of all your online traffic travelling through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected by an impenetrable wall, which holds back online threats such as viruses, hackers, malware, and scammers.

Do you need a VPN for porn?

There are two key reasons to get yourself a VPN for porn: Anonymity and access.

The first reason is perhaps the most important. If you're concerned about your ISP, housemates, landlord, or a more nefarious individual accessing your data, a VPN is a sensible choice. Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to anyone who knows how to access them.

Even a porn site can track your activity if you're unprotected, and bombard you with targeted ads and content. Pornhub tracks IP addresses for example, which means it can collect information about your site usage — something you might not want tracked and fired back at you. But a VPN will prevent that by keeping your IP address hidden.

Maintaining your privacy and anonymity is the primary reason for signing up to a VPN, but if you're in a location that blocks porn sites a VPN can also help access your favorite sites. A VPN can bypass these restrictions by connecting you to a server in another location, allowing you to circumnavigate firewalls and stream porn sites from anywhere in the world.

What features should you consider when selecting a VPN?

There are a number of different factors to consider before you pick a VPN for porn. Here are some of the VPN features and functions to know about:

• Connection speed — VPNs generally produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept any service that sees a major drop. Don't choose a VPN that impacts your connection speed to the point that you can't stream porn without disruption.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and while it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best services will all offer powerful protection for your data. This is obviously vital when navigating porn sites because you need to know that your data is secure.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, while others limit you to a certain number or just a single device. Look for services that offer multiple simultaneous connections so you can stay secure on all your devices at the same time. You may wish to stream porn on a number of devices, so it's best to secure everything with the same account.

• Privacy policy — This is something that some users might take for granted, but you need to pay special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of a VPN. These practices should be clearly laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't, you should not subscribe. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. Your chosen VPN should not store these details under any circumstances, as that would negate the whole principle of anonymity.

• Server network — The top VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. This is useful because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming porn.

You also need to consider things like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start when selecting a particular VPN service. Once you've picked a VPN, look at its selection of subscription plans.

Should you use free VPNs?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Cybersecurity is no different. There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, and free trials of VPNs with full access to premium features. The catch is that free versions usually come with limited data usage, meaning you can't do much in the way of streaming or downloading — and the free trials don't last very long. But trials allow you to get a feel for a VPN service before you committing your cash. Overall, a paid subscription is your best option for porn. Sorry about that.

What is the best VPN for porn?

There are lots of services offering similar packages, which makes it difficult to choose the best VPN for you and your specific internet needs. We've made things easier by researching all the best offers and lining up the below selection of VPNs for porn. We have found something for everyone and every budget, with popular services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list.

These are the best VPNs for porn in 2026.

What about the new iPhones?

Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and first-ever foldable iPhone Duo at its "Surprise and Shine" hardware event on Sept. 9. We just published our initial review of both Pro models and plan on adding at least one of them to this guide in the near future, once we've wrapped up a couple more performance and battery life tests. Both phones are available for preorder ahead of their release on Sept. 18.

As for the iPhone Duo: It's not out until Oct. 23, but Mashable's Stan Schroeder got to spend a little time with it at Apple Park earlier this month. (Read his hands-on first impressions.) It should give our current favorite foldable phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, a run for its money. Look for preorders starting Oct. 16.

Why are phones so expensive right now?

The new Google Pixel 11 Pro has a $100 higher starting price than last year's Pixel 10 Pro. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

If you're in the market for a new phone right now, you should know that it'll cost you more than usual. Smartphone prices have surged in 2026 because we're in the middle of a global RAM shortage caused by the AI boom (commonly known as "RAMageddon"). New AI data centers are hogging supplies of memory and SSD storage chips, driving up their prices. Consequently, consumer tech devices that use the same components are also getting more expensive. Along with phones, laptops, and gaming consoles have also been heavily affected by RAMageddon price hikes.

So far, we've seen Apple, Google, and Samsung all raise the prices of their new releases at launch. Apple also increased the prices of some older iPhones by $100 following its iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and Duo announcements. Meanwhile, Samsung is reportedly mulling another bump for its current lineup.

With this in mind, it's especially wise to shop around for deals and carrier promotions before buying your new phone. Trading in an older device is the easiest way to save several hundred dollars on an upgrade. Some carriers will give you a new phone for free (in the form of monthly bill credits) if you also sign up for a new line or certain data plans. For example, the new iPhone 18 Pro is free with eligible trade-ins and plans through AT&T and T-Mobile.

It'd be presumptuous to say, but the Silent Hill franchise might be back.

That is to say, if you consider Silent Hill 2 Remake to be a fluke, and Silent Hill f's critical success to be an aberration, then you'd hate to hear that Silent Hill: Townfall — the newest game from Konami and developers Screen Burn Interactive — is also a very good game.

If you're a diehard about the canon of Silent Hill, you're not going to like this. Townfall is the latest installment in the psychological survival horror franchise, and it's the first full game to shift to first-person instead of over-the-shoulder. More importantly, it continues Konami's direction of turning Silent Hill, the franchise, into an anthology series, focused on the vibes of its predecessors rather than continuing to create stories set within the namesake town.

The trend started with the short, not-that-good free-to-play game, The Short Message, which came out in 2024 and was set in a German apartment complex. With the success of Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 remake, Konami went full gear, making Silent Hill a yearly release with Silent Hill f, which was set in 1960's rural Japan. That brings us to Townfall, set in 1990's Scotland and featuring, to date, Silent Hill's first Black protagonist.

Having played through the game fully twice on PlayStation 5, thanks to an early access code from Konami, I can safely say that Townfall is not only a beautiful game, but it's also in general a good game. Though it may be lacking in enemy variety and is also a victim of third-act padding, Townfall's foray into first-person horror was dreamy, tense, and at times, annoyingly predictable.

Welcome to St. Amelia

Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

For starters, St. Amelia is no Silent Hill. Like f, the next stop in Silent Hill's international tour is the coast of Scotland, in the fictional town of St. Amelia. Set in 1996, you play as Simon Ordell, a Black American who's found himself washed up on the shore of this quaint fishing village, trapped in fog, despite having no connections to the town in the first place.

I'll try to remain as spoiler-free as possible, but Simon is not the only other playable character. For a couple of chapters, you'll also play as Zoe Ellis, a nurse from the local clinic who's harboring severe guilt over not being able to save lives after a mass casualty event rocked the town.

As far as the plot goes, the central mystery of the story, "what happened to the town," dangles enough carrots to keep me interested. Context clues and just using your brain will quickly piece together what did happen, as the game trusts the player to understand without being spoon-fed.

If anything, my biggest gripe is a lack of character development for our main protagonist. Simon's connection and importance to the town is an interesting thread to follow, but Simon himself is as charismatic as a block of wood. Most of Simon's dialogue is him trying to get someone, anyone, to tell him what's going on. His interactions with Zoe also offer nothing, as Zoe is a very muted and introverted person, so she's not much help in Simon's quest.

There's also Richard, a mysterious figure who reaches out to Simon, guiding him to where he needs to be.

Who dressed this man? Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

It, at times, feels so one-dimensional, and not to rant, I hate the way Simon is designed. For a game set in 1996, Simon is dressed like a 2010s-era hipster. The beanie, sleeveless puffer jacket, and flannel with rolled-up sleeves are the wardrobe of a Funko Pop-collecting IPA enthusiast. Even knowing why he's dressed like that, I hate that of the few Black protagonists in horror gaming, Simon has absolutely no drip.

What does have drip (i.e., a better design), is St. Amelia itself. Based on the fishing villages along the coast of Fife in Scotland, the true terror of St. Amelia is not the monsters themselves but the existential crisis that befalls the community at the hands of oil barons. The empty brick-laid stores and abandoned townhouses and duplexes reveal a dying town, and at the center, a mural for those lost by disaster. Townfall is very much about the many, many, many consequences of Thatcherism.

It truly captures the spirit of Silent Hill, even though it's not set in the town or shares any canon with it whatsoever. While the literal "whys" of the Silent Hill franchise have never really made much sense, the "vibes" of Silent Hill are present. It's a daunting task for Screen Burn, but they did a wonderful job in my opinion.

Can Simon "set things right"?

Despite my complaints about the plot of Town Hall, the gameplay itself is pretty good. Smooth, performs well, and does a lot of things right in this modern era of Unreal Engine survival horror games.

It seems Screen Burn's first focus was cinematic immersion. Townfall strives to be as diegetic as possible while navigating St. Amelia. Like the Silent Hill 2 remake, opening the map doesn't pause the game, and exploration will translate on the map in terms of locked doors/gates and points of interest.

Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

In addition, saving your progress requires a visit to the phone, either in a booth or on a landline you find throughout the map. Unlike, say, Resident Evil's typewriter, you have to physically put in the 1-0-0 number on the phone to access the save menu. At first, I was worried this would be tedious, but I got used to it quickly and found it effective at aiding the immersion Screen Burn was looking to achieve.

The star of the show is Simon's CRT monitor. Like the radio, this is how the game alerts you to nearby enemies. The big gameplay change here is that the monitor enables you to see enemies through the screen. This allows you to see enemies through walls, which is helpful; it comes with several caveats. The first is that the screen itself, when locked onto enemies, is visually similar to a Nintendo Virtual Boy. So, while you can see enemies behind objects, as they appear as black figures contrasting against the red screen, it's not helpful in figuring out their actual, physical proximity to you. The second caveat is that you can only lock onto one enemy at a time. In practice, when new enemies appear on screen, you have to manually change the CRT's frequency to lock onto them. However, once you do, you can use L1/R1 buttons to quick switch between them.

It makes the gameplay loop all the more tense, since stealth is crucial. Entering new areas can quickly put you in a panic, as you have to stop to manually find each new enemy's signal while having to mentally keep track of who belongs to what signal, and where, as you explore. And sometimes, they're not that close to you, and other times, an enemy could be moving around, but it turns out they're stuck in a locked room.

Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

Zoe functions similarly to Simon, except instead of a portable CRT, she has her pager. It doesn't alert you the same way the monitor does with static clicks, and it can only show the general direction of an enemy, rather than fully see them. Honestly, I think the pager is one, make it fit with Zoe being a nurse, and two, randomly scare the player because the pager makes a loud buzzing sound when it receives a message.

The enemies themselves are fine. There are only two main enemy types, plus a stalker enemy that pursues Simon in certain Otherworld sections. They're well-designed — shambling corpses that seem to suffer from severe burn scarring all across their bodies. One variation has an axe protruding out of its face and runs really fast, and the other one shoots an IV needle at you from range if you try to run away. Engaging with enemies should be your last resort cause they hit hard, and melee combat just kind of sucks in general.

For melee, there's the classic 2x4 plank or the lead pipe, both of which break if used too much. While nothing new, I did appreciate that finding supplies is very location-dependent. When you're rummaging through apartments and homes, you'll generally find health supplies rather than ammo. Planks can be found in the gardens and backyards of said homes, while the lead pipe is generally found within the rusted, industrial iron hell of the Otherworld. It's rare to find ammo anywhere except in little wood boxes left by Richard that you can find through your journey. It's not a big thing, but I did appreciate how the level design was crafted to fit the artificial scarcity inherent to survival horror games.

Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

For most of the game, you'll only have the revolver, but near the latter parts, you can find the flare gun, which is one shot and highly inaccurate, and the double-barreled shotgun, which you don't get to use until really late in the game.

Shooting your weapon is a bad idea because it will attract every nearby enemy to your location. Plus, even though the creatures don't have eyes, they can still see you, on top of being able to hear you. At extreme difficulty, they'll aggro at the sight of your flashlight as well, which is annoying cause the game is dark as hell. It's a minor nitpick of mine, but having blind enemies being capable of seeing you is dumb.

All in all, the tools present in Townfall are great ideas that elevate what is, for the most part, a standard modern survival horror game.

And, like any survival horror game, it has puzzles. To be quite honest, I found them lacking. Zoe's big puzzle in the hospital was a lot of fun; Simon's puzzles are not. Like its contemporaries, Townfall also suffers from the illness of item-retrieval puzzles set in large areas split into two halves. The first third of the game with Simon and Zoe in the Shorefront of St. Amelia, I think, was the best part of the game, puzzle and exploration-wise. There's so much environmental storytelling in the town that I missed severely when I was stuck in the Otherworld.

Depending on your tolerance and patience towards stealth-focused survival horror, I'd say you're in for a good time. My first playthrough took about 15-16 hours, and that's cause some of the puzzles required some close reading that I am not capable of at times. My second playthrough took 6 hours. I imagine if I played it again, I could finish it in four. Annoyingly, like its predecessors, you're going to have to play the game a second or third time to unlock the "true" ending. It wasn't a feat I could achieve because the requirements are arcane and esoteric. (The behavioral factors needed for SH2's good ending make me want to go insane)

Performance/Presentation

Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

In the 20+ hours I spent with Townfall, I was delighted with how well it performed on PlayStation 5. With games of this standard, I immediately switched to Performance Mode, and the graphical fidelity was still pretty good in my eyes. Townfall can be a pretty game at times, and I'd say the lighting is one of its greatest strengths in terms of presentation.

You should also turn off the black bars as well. Screen Burn really wants to make Townfall a cinematic experience, but it's just kind of jarring. Like, yeah, it makes certain scenes stand out, but I couldn't imagine playing this full 15-hour game in 4:3 aspect ratio.

Another plus is the sound. Produced by acclaimed musician Pilotpriest, the soundtrack is an amalgamation of atmospheric electronic synth that at times feels eerily similar to Stranger Things. It sets a moody, uneasy tone perfect for an environment that feels dreamy and out of time. It's unlike the series' usual industrial grind and heavy guitar tracks, and I imagine the aim is to highlight the contrast between the town's old-English architectural design and the creeping technology being introduced into it.

As stated earlier, almost everything you interact with is diegetic in some way. From entering numbers into the phone to using computers, printers, and even a tape recorder. It's purposeful but subtle in a way that doesn't remove the tension or immersion, and the ambient synth soundtrack brings it all together.

Should you buy Silent Hill: Townfall

Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

If you're a fan of the current era of survival horror, yes. Townfall is smooth, tense, and pretty, and it performs great on PlayStation 5. St. Amelia is also a wonderful place to get lost in, especially during that first stretch of the game.

Just know what you're getting into. Townfall introduces some new elements, but beneath them lies the standard formula. Personally, that formula can wear on me fast, especially near the end, but that's very plot-dependent. The central mystery of Townfall is engaging and was a driver for me to finish the game (other than having to review it for work), but I found the characters flat and the dialogue to be annoyingly allusive.

Lore and canon truthers should also temper expectations. This is a separate spin-off with nothing to do with the town, the previous games, or their characters, and if that's a dealbreaker, you'll be disappointed. Fans can be tough on anything that strays from the source. Resident Evil diehards already don't like the new movie, even though it was a critical success.

Overall, in terms of good games in 2026, Townfall is one of them. It's not in my top 10 list, but for the genre and series it's a part of, Screen Burn did an excellent job. I expect it to fade from my memory sooner than most. But if someone brings it up in conversation, my first reaction will be "oh, I really liked that game."

Silent Hill: Townfall is available for pre-order now for PS5; it will be available starting Sept. 24.

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Credit: Screen Burn Interactive / Konami

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What are the most comfortable headphones?

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The most comfortable earbuds and headphones shouldn't cause ear fatigue or pain, even after hours of listening to music or podcasts.

After extensive testing, we selected the five most comfortable headphones based on price, performance, and purpose. However, one product in particular stood out, and it's the one with "Comfort" literally in the name. Our audio reviewers are unanimous on this point: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) are the most comfortable headphones available right now.

Read on to find out what other pairs emerged as the top choices, including picks for those who want top-tier noise cancellation.

In-ear, on-ear, or over-ear?

If you're looking for comfort above all, over-ear headphones are almost always the way to go. They just wear better than earbuds or on-ear models. The latter is harsher on your ears, which can cause serious discomfort, depending on how long you wear them. In-ear buds are generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but they can still begin to hurt after just a few hours (they are jammed inside your ears, after all).

Although over-ear headphones are bulkier and less portable, it's worth the trade-off for comfort's sake. Plus, over-ear headphones can be safer for your ears compared to earbuds because the sound isn't being funneled directly into your ear canal. They also provide extra noise cancellation.

How much should you spend on comfortable headphones?

The good news is that comfortable headphones aren't locked to a specific budget range. You can find a super cozy pair at premium pricing just as easily as you can find them at the budget end of the spectrum. The extra features you're looking for are what really determine how much you need to spend.

Want unrivaled active noise cancellation or the best sound quality in the business? Then be prepared to spend a minimum of around $200, all the way up to $800. If comfort is literally the only thing you care about and the extra bells and whistles are just nice-to-haves, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300. Go any cheaper, and you're probably not going to get a lot of value for your money. No shade toward your favorite pair of gas station headphones, but they probably aren't the best option for all-day wear.

Apple's product lineup typically consists of a "regular" product and a pricier, Pro variant that comes with a number of extra features, at least a few of them so good that most people will always go for the Pro version if they can afford it.

Apple's latest AirPods 5 are so good that they flip this dynamic on its head. They're an improved, yet significantly cheaper version of the AirPods 4 released in 2024. In many ways, they're as good as the AirPods Pro 3. In some ways, they're actually better. And that's saying a lot given that the AirPods Pro 3 are my favorite earbuds ever.

AirPods 5: Compact yet versatile ANC earbuds

A couple of years ago, Apple made a big leap by introducing two versions of the AirPods 4, one with ANC (active noise cancellation) and one without. I remember the company's briefings on those products, in which they put extra emphasis on how hard their engineers had to work to create proper active noise cancellation on earbuds that don't have an acoustic seal. That design choice was on purpose: Not everyone likes to have earbuds with foamy seals stuck in their ear canal (that's what the best noise-cancelling earbuds do to get additional passive noise cancellation).

Apple's AirPods 5 are a big upgrade over last year's model, and the price is even better. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

But the AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179, a significant price hike from the basic version that cost $129 (and often go on sale for only $99).

This year, Apple decided to completely forego that price premium by adding an improved version of ANC to the basic AirPods 5, which still start at $129. Even better, the premium AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case are actually cheaper than their predecessor at $149, even as Apple raises prices on the rest of its product line.

What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?

The biggest difference between the $129 and $149 Airpods 5 is the wireless charging case, but Apple also added another "Pro" feature to the AirPods 5 — a special area on the neck of the earbuds that you can swipe on to adjust volume. It's a nifty feature that I use all the time, though it does take some time to get used to.

So, are the more expensive AirPods 5 worth the investment? If it were just the case, I would say no, as wireless charging isn't essential for me; plugging a nearby USB-C cable into the case was almost always a more convenient option.

But you lose out on other features if you buy the cheaper variant. Battery life is shorter (four hours vs. five hours), and you don't get that volume swipe sensor.

So, I think you should definitely dish out those extra 20 bucks for the wireless charging variant, if you can.

Great sound has never been cheaper

A lot of features packed into a small case. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The common wisdom about headphones and earbuds is that those with an "open" design will have a brighter, more airy sound, and that's pretty much the case here. The AirPods 5 have a clear sound with punchy drums and plenty of bass, but not so much to make it overwhelming. You won't get crazy levels of detail here, but for earbuds at this price range, they sound pretty great.

I was particularly interested in how they'll handle live performances, as that's where open-design earbuds should shine. One of my favorite tracks for this is Cage the Elephant's cover of The Stranglers' 'Golden Brown,' and it sounds excellent, with every instrument perfectly balanced in the mix. Arne Domnérus' legendary 'Jazz at the Pawnshop' album is another live favorite of mine. The AirPods 5 handled it well; I got a decent sense of the stage width (not so much the depth, though) and heard the clapping and the chatter of the people at that concert.

The AirPods 5 will struggle with very complex stuff such as large classical ensembles. Dense, heavy songs, like Meshuggah's 'Clockworks' can sound slightly muddled. But that's true of pretty much every pair of earbuds I've ever tested. On the flip side, intimate performances such as Portishead's 'Roseland NYC Live' sound wonderful.

You can swipe on the side of the earbuds to adjust volume; another feature inherited from the Pro model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Comparing them to other Apple earbuds, they sound pretty much the same as the AirPods 4 to me, which isn't a bad thing. The AirPods Pro 3 do sound quite a bit better, with more details across the entire range, but again, some may prefer the slightly more open sound of the AirPods 5.

No tip, no problem

When it comes to noise cancellation, there's no comparison. The AirPods Pro 3 do it better. In fact, that particular model has such a strong passive/active noise cancellation combo that it beats Apple's own AirPods Max 2 headphones, and has basically reduced my need to carry larger headphones around to zero.

However, what Apple has done with the AirPods 5 in terms of ANC is impressive. During a briefing at Apple, I heard the AirPods 5 reduce (simulated) airplane engine noise, and it was just OK, probably because the room was dead quiet otherwise. But later, on an actual plane, I realized they did a pretty good job of reducing both the engines' drone and the passengers' chatter.

It's far from perfect. The AirPods 5 are pretty great at reducing the lower portion of the audio spectrum, but a higher-pitched hiss always remains audible. But for buds that just sit freely in your ear without a snug fit, turning on ANC and hearing it do its thing feels almost like magic.

Note to future users: The actual position of the buds in your ear matters a lot; if you feel the ANC isn't working as good as it should be, try adjusting the AirPods 5 in your ears a little and see if you can hear an improvement.

Battery life isn't great, but who cares

The AirPods 5 come in two flavors: With or without a charging case. You can recognize the ones with the charging case by the tiny speaker grille on the bottom. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Battery life on the AirPods in general has never been a big issue for me. I don't think about it much, and both the buds and the case charge quickly enough that I just plug them in whenever it's convenient, and I almost never run out of battery.

That said, if you're a heavy user, have in mind that the AirPods 5 have four to five hours of battery life on their own (with ANC on), and up to 20 to 22 hours of battery life if you count the extra juice you get from the case (depending on the variant). The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, last eight hours on one change, and get up to 24 hours of battery life with the case.

Despite this drawback, the AirPods 5 have a big advantage over the AirPods Pro 3: Their case is a lot smaller and more likely to fit even in the tightest of pockets.

A few "pro" extras

The new AirPods 5 also inherit a few software features from the Pro model, including Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency. You also get Live Translation and Siri AI.

I use all of Apple's headphones and pretty much skip Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness completely. I'm just too used of switching noise cancellation on and off myself, as well as physically removing my earbuds/headphones when talking to someone. Transparency, however, is pretty great for those moments when you don't want to stop the music, but still need to hear what's happening around you.

Finally, thanks to iOS 27, you can now find a custom EQ equalizer for your AirPods, Pro or otherwise.

Credit: Screenshot by Stan Schroeder

Credit: Apple

If you're counting, the list of features that the AirPods 5 get from the AirPods Pro 3 is long enough that it almost feels like Apple is undercutting its own pricier model. Somewhat unusual for Apple, but I'm not complaining.

As for the software features that remain exclusive for the Pro, this includes some health-related features such as Hearing Test and Hearing Protection, as well as a heart rate sensor for workouts. They're nice features to have, but not essential for music listening.

AirPods 5: Should you buy them?

The AirPods Pro 3 are still my favorite earbuds. They have better noise cancellation and better sound than the AirPods 5. But I don't mind the tight seal of their foamy tips in my ear.

If you want earbuds without such tips, or if you want earbuds under $150, then the AirPods 5 are actually a better option. They're smaller, have comparably great sound, a similar set of features, and decent noise cancellation despite the lack of a proper seal of your ear canal. Yes, the battery life is a little shorter, but they also come at half the price. At $129 (or $149 if you opt for the wireless charging case), the AirPods 5 are a no-brainer.

Now, fingers crossed, we'll see these buds go on sale during the upcoming October Prime Day or Black Friday events.

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This is going to be a review in progress. The reason is simple: the new Apple Watch Ultra 4, unveiled last week and launching properly tomorrow, touts numerous new features that won't be available until later this year (if you're in Europe, the timeline is unknown).

Apple provided me with a review unit of the new Ultra 4, and all I could do was focus on what was there. The highlights: longer battery life (huge!) and a new heart rate monitoring system, which Apple says is best in the business.

First, the specs:

• Case: Titanium

• Colors: Natural or Black

• Case size: 49mm

• Display resolution: 422x514 pixels, 1,245 square mm display area

• Display brightness: Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness

• Display type: Wide-angle OLED and LTPO3

• Chip: S11 with a 4-core Neural Engine, W3 wireless chip

• Storage: 64GB

• Connectivity: GPS, Cellular (5G and LTE), WiFi4, Bluetooth 5.3, satellite connectivity, second-gen Ultra Wideband chip

• Battery life: up to 50 hours of normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode

• Charging: Up to 80 percent charge in about 45 minutes

• Durability: Water resistance 100m, recreational scuba diving to 40m, dust resistance IP6X, tested to MIL-STD 810H standard

• Special features: Second-generation electrical heart sensor, always-on optical heart sensor

So what's new here?

Apple Watch Ultra 4 repeats the colors from last year: Black Titanium (pictured) and Natural Titanium. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you take a closer look at those specs and compare them to the Ultra Watch 3, you'll see they're almost identical, with the only differences being the new chip, better battery life, and the second-gen heart-monitoring system. That's right: Even the colors are the same as last year and boil down to Natural Titanium or Black Titanium (my unit was of the Natural Titanium variety).

This is the rare gadget where I don't really mind the lack of visual updates. The Apple Watch Ultra has looked pretty much the same since the first version, but it looks rugged, powerful, and mighty, with a beautiful display that puts most other smartwatches to shame. I wouldn't mind a new case color just for variety's sake, but the design is (still) great.

It does, however, mean that I have little to report on display size, brightness, or basic functionality. It's all the same as last year's version.

The Siri Modular Watch Face has a special complication in the middle that always surfaces the most relevant widget. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As for new watch faces, Apple's new watchOS 27 (which is what my unit is running) brings only one: Siri Modular. It's available for both the Series 12 and Ultra 4, but thanks to the Ultra 4's larger display, it has an additional bezel and a different (optional) Ultra font.

The new trick Siri Modular does is dynamically change the center complication to display whatever the top Smart Stack widget is at the moment. Turn the Watch's crown, and that widget will start rotating between the other widgets in your smart stack.

While the new Siri Modular face is a cool addition, I do regret that Apple didn't add additional new faces with the launch of the Watch Ultra 4. While its physical design remains the same, new watch faces are the easiest way to make the watch feel fresh.

I'm sticking with the Translucent Gray Ocean Band. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

One fresh thing is the wide range of bands on offer. Apple added numerous new versions across all of its band types, including Sport Band, Sport Loop, Nike Sport Band, and Hermes. Apple sent me a few to try out; by far my favorite was the new Translucent Gray Ocean Band, which is a perfect match for the Apple Watch Ultra 4's Natural Titanium color.

Battery life fit for athletes

The Apple Watch Ultra has always been advertised as a watch for athletes and adventurers, but the first couple of iterations just didn't have the battery life to match that claim. Now, with the Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple says the battery will last up to 50 hours in normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 18 hours in outdoor workout mode.

This should now be enough to finish an Ironman race, which is pretty much all you can ask of any sports watch. I haven't tried that and have no plans to, but I did take the Watch for an hour-long workout that included some calisthenics and bag work. The watch was fully charged that morning, and by evening it still had 81 percent battery remaining.

Overall, I had to charge the Watch roughly every third day, and could extend that by another day by using low power mode. This is a big deal for me as it means I don't have to worry about charging when I take the Watch on a weekend trip.

New heart rate monitoring system

The biggest hardware change on both the Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 is the completely new Health Sensing System, which includes a new optical and electrical heart sensor. It can take heart rate measurements far more frequently throughout the day, thereby collecting more data, which is used to calculate metrics such as HRV (heart rate variability), a stress indicator. Apple pointed to a scientific study that singles out this new system as the best among wearables right now.

The new heart rate monitoring system takes measurements far more frequently than before. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This new system also paved the way for Readiness, a feature that takes a bunch of data and essentially tells you how well you're doing and how ready you are to tackle a workout. Readiness takes a week of data to start showing up; I don't have a score yet, but will add it here as soon as I get that first reading.

Other health-related apps, such as Vitals and Heart Rate, now provide more precise, granular data thanks to the new heart rate monitoring system. One metric I find particularly useful is the ability to see at a glance how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after a hard workout.

The new heart rate monitoring sensors do fire more often, which can be a nuisance while you sleep or in a dark theater. Apple has thought of this, and the sensors will fire less often when the watch is in Theater or Sleep Focus mode.

In a dark room, the constant flickering of the heart rate sensors can be annoying, but fortunately there are ways to temporarily (and automatically) turn it off. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Step tracking has also been improved, with Apple calling it "the most accurate in any smartwatch." I've been getting slightly lower step counts than on the Apple Watch Series 11, but it's hard to say whether that's more accurate than before. I have, however, enjoyed the new Steps complication, which shows me the number of steps I've taken today in real-time.

The stuff that's not here yet

Now we come to the complicated part. The new Apple Watch Ultra 4, as well as Series 12, come with several AI features. These are part of the Audio Intelligence suite of features, enabled by the new S11 chip, which includes four new features: improved Shazam, Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, and Siri Recap.

Shazam, which comes in the form of the Music Recognition widget, is simply better at identifying the song playing nearby. I've tried it out on numerous songs, even some obscure YouTube remixes, and it recognized them all instantly.

Sound Recognition is primarily aimed at people with hearing impairments, as it can help them recognize important sounds such as sirens, doorbells, or a baby crying.

Music Recognition now works incredibly fast, and I couldn't find a song it couldn't recognize. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Those two are live now, but Live Rewind and Siri Recap are coming "later this year." Live Rewind gives you an AI-powered recap of the last 15 seconds of your life, so you can recall, for example, which menu items the restaurant waiter just listed for you. Siri Recap creates a "high-level summary" of your day.

Apple has pointed out that these don't store any audio data and are completely private to the user, but they still sound like potential privacy trouble to me. The features are opt-in to you, the user, but they listen to everyone around you, and these people may not always get a chance to opt in or out. Live Rewind does, however, play an audible sound, even if the Watch is on silent, and displays an animation, so that people nearby can see that it's being used.

We'll know more about these features when they go live. In Europe, where the privacy rules are pretty strict, it might take a while.

All of the health and fitness data collected by the Watch feeds into the Health app on the iPhone, which has undergone a big redesign. That, however, also isn't live yet; as I wrap up this text, it just became available in the iOS 27 developer beta. At first glance, I think the new Health app is a huge improvement, as it offers a clearer overview of various aspects of your health, including sleep quality, fitness level, heart health, and overall vital signs. I'll need more time (and a more finalized version) to assess how well it works, though.

Should you buy it?

It's an amazing smartwatch, but not an essential upgrade from last year's model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Whether you need the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 depends on how you use it. If it's just a cool watch on your wrist that you sometimes use for workouts, and you don't require very precise sports metrics, then the old Ultra 3 or even Ultra 2 will continue to serve you well.

If you're an athlete, especially an endurance athlete, who needs the best battery life and the best heart rate measurement system available, then the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is an essential upgrade, even if you have an older version.

This is an unusual moment for Apple's iPhone Pro. Last year’s model was a big redesign; this year’s is all about refinement. At the same time, the company launched its first-ever foldable, the iPhone Duo. While it doesn’t have all the top features of the Pro models, the Duo is, by virtue of its massive inner display and the novelty of it all, the more intriguing model.

What can the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max do, then, to grab your attention? They don’t look very different, and the new phones lack the types of flashy upgrades that you can point to as must-haves in 2026. Inside, however, the refinement has been substantial. But whether you need the more expensive iPhone 18 Pro Max very much depends on the type of user you are.

Not everyone should upgrade their phone this year.

iPhone 18 Pro Max review: By the numbers

Here are the key specs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max:

• Display: 6.9-inch, Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate / 6.3 inches for the iPhone 18 Pro

• Design: Aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back

• Rear cameras: 48 megapixel triple rear camera array with 8x optical-quality zoom (main camera has variable aperture)

• Front camera: 18-megapixel selfie camera

• Processor: A20 Pro chip (6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine)

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB

• Battery life: Up to 45 hours of video playback (36 hours for the iPhone 18 Pro)

• Fast charging: Up to 50 percent of charge in 15 minutes with a 60W adapter

• Software: iOS 27

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating

• Special features: Improved vapor chamber cooling system, spatial reframing for photos

The new iPhone Pro looks the same, except for the colors

Apple says the colors on the back are a little more uniform than before, but it doesn't make a big visual difference compared to last year's design. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Starting with the design, the new Pro-level iPhones are pretty much the same as the 17 Pro. This year you can choose from four colors — black, silver, glacier blue, and burgundy, with silver being a carry-over from last year — and the colors are slightly more uniform on the back. The Dynamic Island is also smaller than before. Oh, and the new model is quite a bit heavier than the last one; we’ll go into reasons for that later.

In a briefing following the launch, Apple showed us just how much work went into reducing the size of the Dynamic Island. The company hid the infrared sensor underneath the display, roughly halving the number of pixels in that area to let the light in, but arranging them in a different way. The image quality is not as good in that little area, but as Apple’s engineers showed us, the difference is essentially imperceptible to the human eye.

In other words, Apple is still working hard to improve its phones, but those improvements don’t always show up very dramatically in the final product. There are physical limitations on just how much tech you can cram into a device that still fits in your pockets and hands. Incremental progress, folks.

The new colors are nice. Apple sent me the iPhone 18 Pro Max in Burgundy and the 18 Pro in Glacier. Burgundy is beautiful, but not as flashy as last year’s cosmic orange. Glacier, on the other hand, is not as subdued as Apple’s colors typically are; it’s an icy blue that really shines through, even in low light, and it’s my favorite color in this lineup.

Mix and match. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you want to customize your new phone to your liking, there are already plenty of iPhone 18 Pro cases, not to mention accessories like wallets, grips, and wrist straps. Apple itself launched six new TechWoven cases, six new silicone cases, and new straps and MagSafe wallets for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. So, everyone should be able to find something they like.

The iPhone 18 Pro underwent an overhaul internally

For my review, I've focused my testing on the iPhone 18 Pro Max due to time limits (and the fact that the 18 Pro is identical in most respects). Inside, both smartphones have a new heart, Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which makes them blazing fast. Nothing you’ll notice browsing the web or even playing games, mind you, but the 16-core Neural Engine that powers AI tasks has been doubled, and that makes AI tasks a lot faster — in theory.

In practice, it depends on the task. I asked the Playground to create an image of a “futuristic city with a river running through it" and hit the "Go" button at the same time on my iPhone 17 Pro Max and 18 Pro Max. Both phones completed the task in exactly the same time. Visual Intelligence, on the other hand, was a little faster on the newer phone.

The new burgundy color is fairly subdued. But the Glacier iPhone 18 Pro, which I'm holding in my hand here, is a very nice and striking shade of icy blue. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Another big internal change: Thanks to Apple’s new cooling system, which includes a massive vapor chamber that covers nearly the entirety of the phone, the phone is noticeably cooler than before. I tested this out by playing a few games of PUBG: Battlegrounds on the highest settings for a full hour. The phone barely got warm.

What you will notice is the battery life, and it’s the one new thing most users will feel in daily use. My testing confirms that Apple has significantly improved the battery, now offering up to 43 hours of video playback, up from 37 on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple has rearranged the phone’s internals to put in a massive new battery. I suspect this is the main reason the phone now weighs 249 grams, up from 231 on the 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max already delivered a significant leap in battery life compared to its predecessor, making the iPhone 18 Pro Max even more impressive. We’re reaching the point at which battery life doesn’t matter that much; chargers are everywhere, and Apple’s phones have made leaps and bounds in this regard over the past couple of years. But it’s still a big deal, especially for video lovers, photographers/videographers, and creators.

Simply put, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, you don’t have to worry about battery life at all. That one-hour session of PUBG? It only took my battery from 62 percent to 53 percent.

iPhone 18 Pro Max review: This is the camera for pros

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max both get exactly the same camera system. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The camera improvements mostly have to do with the main, wide camera, which has a new sensor and, for the first time on an iPhone, a physical variable aperture. On top of that, iOS 27 brings crucial new photography and videography tools. New software features include the Pro controls in the camera app and new cinematic mode effects for video. These features are geared more toward photographers and video creators, but new AI photo editing tools like spatial reframing and picture clean-up will appeal to everyone, I think.

Your aperture may vary. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The variable aperture has been made possible by adding six hair-thin blades that open and close to let more or less light into the camera sensor. When you’re shooting in the dark, you want more light in the sensor, but when it’s broad daylight, you’ll get a better result with a higher aperture, meaning less light is hitting the sensor.

This happens automatically, but you can also adjust it manually through one of Apple’s new Pro controls, available if you tap the dot grid icon in the lower right portion of the Camera app (you can only use this for the main camera, though). Other new features, such as manual white balance, focus, and shutter speed settings, used to be available only through third-party camera software; now it’s all there in the Camera app.

Even if you're not a pro, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max take excellent photographs:

Fortunately, you don't have to touch any of the Pro settings to take photos like this. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I welcome the ability to set the white balance manually; automatic white balance often gets it wrong (not just on the iPhone; on standalone cameras too), resulting in photos that look too cold or too warm. The aperture setting can be used to create certain cool effects, but it’s not something I’ll use regularly, and the same goes for most of the other new settings.

Playing with the new Pro camera coontrols such as aperture and shutter speed can help you capture sharp photos of fast-moving wildlife. This guy wasn't moving very fast, though. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It’s a recurring theme in Apple’s “Pro” devices, be it Macs, iPads or iPhones: They truly are aimed at pros. That doesn’t mean the regular user won't benefit, but I do bet that the majority of people will try out the manual aperture setting once and then leave it on auto. (You can always hold out for the new iPhone 18 base model, which we expect to arrive in early 2027.)

The telephoto camera doesn't seem to have been upgraded since last year, but it's still very good. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The most important part of Apple’s new main iPhone camera is that it is an entirely new system. The sensor is new, and the maximum aperture now goes to f/1.48 (the iPhone 17 Pro models had an f/1.78 aperture), which, in theory, improves low-light performance. The new A20 Pro chip should also help with image and color quality.

The night photos I got with the iPhone 18 Pro Max were gorgeous. But so were the ones taken with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It’s definitely true that the iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras take excellent nighttime and low-light photographs, but it’s not immediately apparent unless you dig in. In my camera testing, I was often getting better results on my iPhone 17 Pro Max. But that’s because its Night Mode automatically fired for 3 seconds, whereas the 18 Pro Max only needed 1 second, precisely because the sensor was getting more light. When I manually disabled Night Mode, the results were clearly better on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with far more details and an overall sharper photo with less noise.

Left: The iPhone 17 Pro Max did a oood job, but when you turn off Night Mode, the differences are obvious. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Right: The iPhone 18 Pro Max took a sharper, less noisy image. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

That’s a problem modern smartphone manufacturers are facing; the tricks they’ve been using to improve phone photography can overcome the constraints of the physical lens and sensor. Putting a new lens and sensor in might not mean you’ll get better photos, at least not at first glance. But make no mistake, the iPhone 18 Pro Max does have a better main camera.

The telephoto camera and the ultra-wide camera, as well as the 18MP Center Stage selfie camera, produced very similar photos as the ones I took with last year’s models, however. Apple does say all of the cameras' capabilities have been enhanced through software improvements, but the differences are small.

Selfie camera: Unchanged. Face expression: Unchanged. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple also launched a feature called Apple Reference Image, and it can be used to verify whether a photo is authentic, as it stores only the data that was captured by the camera sensor at the pixel level, at the moment of capture. You have to manually turn it on in the Camera Settings, as it’s off by default; once it’s on, you can decide to share the reference image together with the regular image to prove your work isn't AI-generated.

I presume this will mostly benefit journalists and media outlets, who will be able to verify whether a photo has actually been taken by someone’s camera or if it’s been visually altered. In the era of omnipresent AI slop, it’s the type of feature that could soon become a must-have.

Other new tricks

There are other improvements, though they really are tiny. The Dynamic Island, for example, can now support three live activities at the same time. Have a workout timer on while waiting for Uber Eats and your favorite team is playing? Great, you can get info on all of those at a glance.

Wired charging is a little faster, too. You can now get up to 50 percent charge in 15 minutes (it was 20 minutes on last year’s model) using a 60W-capable adapter.

Finally, iOS 27 brings a whole new Siri AI experience and various Apple Intelligence upgrades. Mashable will have more to say about Siri AI once we've done a bit more testing, and we didn't want to wait to get readers our initial iPhone 18 Pro review.

Should you buy or wait?

It's a tough choice this year. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max start at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively, a $100 price hike over last year’s smartphones. They look and feel largely the same, and while they do bring a few big improvements, including better camera, cooling, and battery life, they don't make this phone a necessary upgrade for folks who already have the 17 Pro. If you have an even older model, the 18 Pro will be a massive upgrade, especially when it comes to battery life.

If you’re a photographer, videographer, creator, or simply an advanced user who runs through battery life at twice the speed of mere mortals, then the new iPhones are pretty amazing, and you should get them despite the higher price.

With the iPhone Duo being held until October, a lot of people will wonder whether they should hold out for that model. I’ve only spent a very short time with the Duo (full review pending), but I can already tell you it’s a completely different beast. It’s almost twice the price, has a less powerful camera, but comes with that gorgeous foldable display. It’s a tough call at this point; if you’re not sure, maybe wait until you can actually try the Duo in person.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

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iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

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A little more than a year into its lifespan, the Nintendo Switch 2 has almost everything you could ask for. We've gotten a great 3D platformer from the core Mario team, the triumphant return of Star Fox, a bevy of excellent third-party ports, and a library full of older games that look and run fantastic on the new console.

But one thing it's been lacking is a new, exclusive, original RPG to sink dozens and dozens of hours into. I feel the pain of people who have been begging for this since launch; I put a collective few hundred hours into the Xenoblade Chronicles series on Switch 1, and while The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not strictly an RPG, it was a huge game you could devote your entire life to right when the older console came out in 2017.

Without beating around the bush, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave fixes that problem. Developer Intelligent Systems' latest entry in the long-running series of tactics RPGs is almost exactly what I wanted out of the true follow-up to 2019's Three Houses: A big, dense tactics game with memorable characters, a setting with lots of cool stories to tell, and multiple ways to experience it all.

While Fortune's Weave falls short of Three Houses in some respects, it outshines its predecessor in others, and gives Switch 2 owners exactly what they've been missing since last June.

Fire Emblem weaves a compelling, if occasionally scattershot, tale

Part of what endeared Three Houses to so many, including myself, was its grandiose story that followed a few dozen characters in a large-scale conflict across a period of years. Fortune's Weave is broadly similar, though it carves its own path, for better and worse.

After a relatively quick prologue, you're asked to choose from one of four protagonists for the first part of the story, which revolves around a large martial tournament in Dagsion, the capital city of the massive Dagdan Empire. The winner of the tournament will have one wish granted, and naturally, each of our heroes has their own motive for being there. Leda is a dancer hell-bent on revenge for the death of her father, Cai is a teenage boy who wants to rescue his father from prison and certain execution, Dietrich is a foreign warrior who live to fight increasingly stronger opponents, and Theodora is the newly crowned queen of a semi-autonomous nation within the empire with distinct cultural needs.

There isn't a dud among the crowd here, which is one of Fortune's Weave's strengths. I like all four protagonists a great deal, and thoroughly enjoyed playing through all four of their campaigns. What makes it work is that each of them gives the player roughly 25 percent of the information they need to piece together what's going on in the grander story, while showing off different parts of the very cool setting. Leda's campaign takes you through Dagda's seedy underworld, Cai's exposes some of the underlying tensions in its system of worship, Dietrich's illuminates the continent's relationship with wider Fire Emblem lore, and Theodora's adeptly sets up the latter half of the story.

Eventually, this is a story about saving the world, and that's a little bit less compelling than where it starts. Credit: Nintendo

Where things get a little jarring is that the tournament only represents a third of the story. Parts two and three almost tell entirely different stories of their own, though the events of each part do lead into the next. My problems begin here, as I found more to chew on and enjoy in the tournament arc than in the arcs that come after it. I became invested in each of the four protagonists' individual struggles, only for those struggles to largely get resolved and fall by the wayside about halfway through the game in favor of something grander and a little more conventional.

In contrast, from beginning to end, Three Houses had a pretty consistent thematic throughline about class stratification and the role of the church in that game's setting from beginning to end. Fortune's Weave touches on a lot of different things, like the relationship between the Dagdan populace and its gods to the way that seemingly minor decisions about imperial land transfers can destroy the lives of regular people. But ultimately, there isn't one single thread carrying you all the way through the story, and it's a slightly lesser experience for it.

You're doing tactics even when you're not doing tactics in Fortune's Weave

Battles look like this, which is nothing new for the series. Credit: Nintendo

Of course, Fortune's Weave is a video game, so there's more to it than just watching cutscenes and pondering themes. As with every other Fire Emblem game, it's a turn-based tactics game with a strong emphasis on individual units in your army having their own personalities and relationships with one another that you nurture as you go along. That includes doing things like inviting people out to meals or to theatrical performances in order to increase their bonds with each other, which in turn has benefits in battle.

Battles work about the same as they always have. Each unit has its own class, which dictates what kinds of weapons and abilities they can use, as well as how many spaces they can move on the grid-based map. Different maps will have their own bespoke hazards and objectives, and these become increasingly challenging to work around as the game progresses. I am honestly not much of a tactics game guy, but I found myself consistently engaged with what Fortune's Weave threw at me. Some of the later battles are so large in scale and complex in strategy that I found myself legitimately exhausted by the time they were over, in a good way.

When you're not engaging in these chess-like battle sequences, Fortune's Weave throws almost an entire other game's worth of things to do at you. Aside from the aforementioned character-building activities, there is a board-game-like world map to traverse, and a limited number of turns with which to traverse it, depending on which part of the story you're in.

The world map is great. Credit: Nintendo

I really, really liked this aspect of Fortune's Weave, as it adds a second layer of strategizing on top of the tactical thinking you have to do in battles. It pays off to look at the world map and decide what you want to accomplish before the story deadline, and how you plan on accomplishing it without running out of time. Each protagonist also has unique actions only they can perform on the map, such as Dietrich's ability to conjure powerful opponents and Theodora's ability to recruit soldiers for her army in towns and cities. These serve to make each campaign feel a little different from one another, even when what you're doing is broadly the same across all of them.

All of that expands even more in the third part of the story, as you'll eventually have to command several squads on the map at once. At that point, Fortune's Weave feels like a tactics game on top of another tactics game, and it's absolutely riveting. I love being forced to think strategically outside of battles, and there's plenty of that here.

My only real issue with this aspect of the game is that one of the main activities on the world map becomes a little tiresome over time. I'm talking about dungeons, which are short, little areas you explore in third-person to find treasure and fight enemies. Dungeons are extremely useful for leveling up several units at a time, and the treasures hidden within can be game-changing. But the conventional RPG-style combat in these dungeons is fairly simple, and over time, I found myself opting to just let the game auto-battle my way through all of them.

These dungeons typically don't take longer than about 10 minutes to complete, but you might find yourself doing the same ones multiple times before the story is over, and that's kind of a bummer. I respect the ambition of adding these onto an already very large and experience-rich game, but they're not the best part of it.

The structure fixes the biggest problem with Three Houses

Quickly, I'd like to mention that Fortune's Weave allows you to play through each of the four protagonist campaigns in parallel with one another. You can bookmark and suspend one and go to another at any time with no penalty. This stands in contrast with Three Houses, which had several branching paths in the story, but no real way to see everything in one playthrough.

Fortune's Weave is structured in such a way that playing through each campaign is not only encouraged but also extremely rewarding. Not only do you get the full breadth of the story that way, but you can bring the armies you've recruited in each campaign into the game's exceptionally challenging final act. I sincerely cannot imagine finishing this game without doing all of that. It just wouldn't be a great experience, narratively or mechanically.

Be ready to lock in for the long haul with this one

Well, hello, stranger. Credit: Nintendo

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave took me a clean 100 hours to finish. Yes, that says 100. This is a beast of a game, almost as if it's trying to over-compensate for the lack of a big Switch 2 RPG up to this point. Fortune's Weave does earn that length, as you'll get as much out of it as you put into it, but the fact that it's so long means it isn't for the faint of heart.

One minor disappointment I should acknowledge before closing out here is that Fortune's Weave is not exactly a visual showcase for the Switch 2 hardware. Character models are largely excellent, thanks in part to outstanding art direction, but environments are pretty plain. It is also one of the few first-party Nintendo games to be locked to 30 frames per second, despite looking worse than several games that run more smoothly. This is not a particularly huge deal, as frame rate does not impact playability in turn-based tactics games to any real extent, but it does stand out among Nintendo's other Switch 2 titles.

Despite a handful of shortcomings, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is that beefy, juicy Switch 2 RPG you've been looking for. It marries great character work with demanding tactics, battles, and a lot of things to do when you're not engaging in said battles. Even with its somewhat unfocused story and some kinda boring dungeons, this is one of the best Switch 2 games yet, and one of the best games of 2026 so far.

Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave

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TL;DR: Get an extra $50 off the iRESTORE Elite helmet and Laser Face Mask Pro red light therapy bundle with the coupon code EMW50.

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iRESTORE Elite and Laser Face Mask Pro

 

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Red light therapy and LED masks are having a moment. How do we know this? Because two of these devices just appeared on Alix Earle's Netflix series Earle Meets World, the reality show about the TikTok influencer and her family.

Alix’s fans and followers will know that she only showcases the hottest, most on-trend products — in this case, the iRESTORE Elite helmet and Laser Face Mask Pro. The red light therapy devices are seen in the final episode, when Alix’s dad and stepmom try them out. 

iRESTORE is now offering the Elite helmet and the newly-launched Laser Face Mask Pro as a bundle for $2,698, saving $1,100 off the list price of $3,798. And now you can save an extra $50 off the bundle with the coupon code EMW50.

The iRESTORE Elite uses clinical-grade red light to thicken and strengthen your hair. It uses 500 lasers and LEDS to deliver triple-wavelength red light. According to iRESTORE, it’s been clinically shown that the combination of lasers and LEDs is effective for treating hair loss. The helmet is designed to cover the entire head for maximum protection. All you need to do is wear it for 12 minutes a day, and you should see results in 3-6 months.

The iRESTORE Laser Face Mask Pro is a new addition to the brand’s product lineup. It uses similar technology for firmer, younger-looking skin. It’s iRESTORE’s most powerful mask ever, boasting 800 lasers and LEDS for 8 wavelengths of red light. You just use it for 10 minutes, 3-5 times per week. With five smart modes to choose from, it helps smooth out lines, brighten your complexion, and tackle blemishes — not to mention generally tighten and brighten your skin.

Don’t miss your chance to get an extra $50 off the iRESTORE Elite helmet and Laser Face Mask Pro bundle with the coupon code EMW5. This coupon deal is available through Sept. 27 and is limited to one bundle per customer. 

TL;DR: McAfee+ is on sale for $89.99 for your first year. This limited-time offer saves you $110 on the list price.

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In 2026, antivirus software is an absolute must. In fact, we’ll go one step further and say you need to be thinking beyond just regular antivirus software. This is the age of AI-powered scamming, and every day internet users — that means pretty much all of us — are vulnerable to all kinds of bad faith actors and online conmen.

Indeed, AI has raised the game with deepfakes, phishing, and other tricks designed to target your personal and financial details. Fortunately, there’s a solution to protecting yourself in 2026 — and one that will actually save you money. 

McAfee, one of the top names in online protection, has launched an AI-powered scam-protection feature called Scam Detector, which integrates with McAfee’s award-winning antivirus, identity monitoring, privacy tools, VPN, and financial protection as part of the straightforward, easy-to-use McAfee+ Individual and Family plans. 

You can save up to $110 on a yearly individual plan when you sign up for the McAfee+ Advanced tier, which costs just $89.99 for the first year, down from $199.99. You can also save up to $150 when you opt for the family plan, which covers six family members for $119.99 — down from $269.99. As an added bonus, all plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Your protection plan will pay off in the long run. McAfee research found that Americans are bombarded with an average of 14 scam messages every day, resulting in almost 114 hours per year spent trying to determine what’s real and what’s fake online. The research also found that one in three Americans has lost money to online scammers, losing an average of $1,160.

McAfee’s Scam Detector is the antivirus equivalent of fighting fire with fire. In the battle against sophisticated AI scams, it uses its own AI to identify scams before they have a chance to impact you. It does by automatically identifying suspicious texts, emails, deepfake videos, and social media DMs — as well as identifying risky sites — and providing you with warnings.

It also includes a QR code safety check. This combats one of the new ways scammers are targeting unsuspecting people: QR codes that send an increasing number of people to untrustworthy sites.

The great news is that Scam Detector is included across McAfee’s core plans at no extra cost. Whatever plan you sign up for, McAfee Scam Detector has your back.

Sign up for McAfee+ with Scam Detector and save up to $110 on a yearly individual plan.

Warning: This story contains bloody video game images that some readers may find disturbing.

Developer Insomniac Games found massive success with Marvel’s Spider-Man, as well as its Miles Morales spin-off and direct sequel. Now, the PlayStation studio has taken another stab at another Marvel hero, the angry and animalistic Wolverine.

Insomniac Games attempts to inject Marvel’s Wolverine with what made its web-slinging previous adventures so resonant with audiences, namely its powerful storytelling, to resounding results. While the combat initially starts off one-dimensional, it eventually opens up with more options and sinks its claws into you.

Team X vs X-Men

Credit: Marvel / Insomniac Games

Marvel’s Wolverine follows the titular character’s journey with Team X as they fight for a better future where mutants can live without being feared or discriminated against. What the story and setup do well is feel familiar yet distinct from other Wolverine-related media.

Team X consists of some lesser-known characters, such as Wolverine’s mentor figure, Nathaniel Essex (Mister Sinister), and the brilliant scientist Walter Langkowski (Sasquatch). They feel like stand-ins for Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Hank McCoy (Beast), who are often used for those equivalent roles. This approach to cast selection for Team X gives Marvel’s Wolverine its own unique sense of identity since audiences have become so accustomed to seeing X-Men.

Of course, there are also recognizable names, including Jean Grey, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Bolivar Trask. They’re more or less similar to their comic book counterparts, which helps fans, whether hardcore or casual, get acquainted with them more easily. My main exposure to Marvel is through the MCU. Even though I don’t read comics at all, I knew enough about Marvel lore and its characters to stay absorbed with Insomniac’s world here.

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

The story in Marvel’s Wolverine is rather poignant as well. It deals with heavy themes such as genocide, betrayal, and trauma, which are the ingredients of any competent X-Men story. Each of our heroes has their own personal demons to deal with, and the story allows us to authentically and emotionally connect with their inner turmoil.

It’s all couched in a cinematic globetrotting journey. Unlike Spider-Man and New York, Wolverine isn’t tied down to any specific city. As a result, Team X’s expedition takes them to places like Canada, Japan, and the fictional Southeast Asian country Madripoor. The art design and environments shine, delivering a fresh change of scenery every few hours.

'Wolverine' lets you go feral

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

The combat in Marvel’s Wolverine is straightforward and fast-paced. It’s heavily melee-focused with Wolverine gauging his claws into every orifice of his enemies. When I say it’s bloody, it’s bloody. The amount of red liquid that comes spewing out and the flying dismembered limbs really gives the moment-to-moment gameplay a real visceral and satisfying feeling.

You’ll often be fighting multiple enemies at once, balancing between parrying and unleashing relentless assaults on them. You have to rein in your own bloodthirstiness and know when to momentarily take a breather to fend off an incoming attack from the side. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get overwhelmed when you’re surrounded. This prevents you from endlessly spamming attacks.

Wolverine also has a Rage meter that builds up by playing aggressively. Starting at Rage Tier 2, he can come back from death once by depleting the remaining meter. And at Rage Tier 3, Wolverine’s attacks deal significantly more damage. The combat might come off as button-mashy, but the Rage meter provides structure, flow, and a goal to aim for when trying to clear a room full of enemies.

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

At first, the combat feels a bit too simplistic and repetitive. But that’s alleviated by the excellent progression systems. As Wolverine levels up, he can learn a variety of skills such as counters, jump attacks, and tackles. Furthermore, the collectibles scattered throughout the stages are vital. Material Chests let you unlock more suits from Wolverine’s extensive media history, which in turn increases his maximum HP. Finding Whisky Bottles and completing timed trials in Nightmare Doors expand his Adaptations, which grant him passive abilities, like automatic health regeneration at a certain threshold or extending the timing window of parries. So even though Marvel’s Wolverine isn’t an open-world game like Marvel’s Spider-Man, it’s always worth exploring every nook and cranny on each stage.

However, the biggest oversight is the poorly implemented stealth mechanics. Like many other action-adventure games, Wolverine can sneak around in grass and if he gets close enough, kill them in one strike without alerting nearby enemies. Unfortunately, his range is very limited, and the targeting feels off. Larger stages leave more wiggle room for him to pounce around, but in smaller arenas, it’s just a nonstarter. It feels like many of the stages just aren’t built adequately for stealth. It’s really only helpful for picking off a few enemies before you inevitably get spotted. At the start of every encounter, you might as well just jump in guns blazing…or claws out.

Again, again, again!

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

After completing the story, the game allows you to replay levels to pick up any collectibles you may have missed the first time around. Additionally, New Game Plus increases Wolverine’s level cap to make him stronger and unlocks new Adaptations. While a linear action-adventure game like Marvel’s Wolverine doesn’t have as much replayability as an open-world game would, there’s enough warranted here for repeated playthroughs, especially on higher difficulties.

As with many other PlayStation first-party games, Marvel’s Wolverine boasts a large suite of accessibility options. These include motion sensitivity sliders, colorblind options, and audio cues. Also, if the gore proves too much, you can toggle the dismemberment and blood off in the gameplay settings. They’re boons for all sorts of players, even if you don’t have any disabilities. For example, the High Contrast Background setting makes your surroundings grey while keeping interactable objects bright. This makes it easier to hunt down collectibles.

My final verdict: I didn't want to put this game down, and it's a bloody good time.

Marvel's Wolverine

$69 at Amazon

 

See It at Amazon

Whenever my friends ask me about the apps, they’re focused on the Big Three: Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.

While these are all good places to start, they’re not the only apps out there. Take Pure, for example; it’s super niche and super fun. But almost no one in my inner circle knew about it until I told them.

That’s why I’m writing today’s review: It’s on Hily (short for “hey, I like you"), and I wanted to see if this lesser-known platform deserves a spot on your home screen.

What is Hily?

Hily, despite literally no one I talk to knowing about it, isn’t a new dating app. It officially launched in August 2017, and get this: it used AI to improve its safety features back then! According to a TechCrunch article, the app had 35,000 users during beta testing. By 2019, that number grew to over five million active users.

Now, the app has more than 42 million users (according to the Hily website).

What’s it like to sign up?

I’ll be the first person to tell you that signing up for a dating app is a lot of work (well, if you’re serious about finding someone). There are all the questions, and the thought that goes into crafting a profile worth swiping right on or “liking.”

Fortunately, Hily lets you decide how much you want to spend on your profile. If you’re raring to go, you can fill out the basics and start swiping. Or, if you’re interested in finding your forever person, you can include all the quirky things that make you you through its various questions and profile add-ons.

Here’s a play-by-play of signing up for the Hily dating app.

First, it asks for a few simple details: how you identify (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), who you’re looking for (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), your name (you don’t have to use your full name), your birthdate (you have to be at least 18 to use the app), and how you heard about the app.

It’ll also ask you to enable your location and notifications. I liked that I could skip the notification part, though (I have enough notifications on my phone as it is).

The next set of questions is obviously a little more detailed, but it looks as though you can skip anything you’re uncomfortable answering up to this point. It’s kind of nice that they let you decide how much effort you’re willing to put in — this helps weed out potential partners, too. If their profile is low-effort, what’s their dating etiquette going to look like? (Something to think about!)

It asks for your ethnicity, highest level of education, things you’re passionate about, and favorite movies or TV shows.

When you get to the “Things you’re passionate about” section, you can add up to 12 items to your profile. Examples include what kind of music you like, what you enjoy doing for fun, whether you like sports, and, of course, personal values like self-care and body positivity.

Then, it gets a little Hinge-y. There’s a section that asks for “profile answers.” The app reads: “Share your character with your future matches.” Unlike other apps, you can skip this section if you choose. Though I filled it out because I want all you hopefuls out there to see the process start to finish.

When you click the little plus button, you can choose from multiple profile answers from three categories: About Me, My Dating Guide, and Life Vibes. Some of these answers look very similar to prompts from other apps.

Credit: Hily

You’ll also be asked to add some photos. You can add up to six.

What are you looking for?

After you’ve answered the questions about yourself, the app asks you what you’re looking for in a partner.

The first screen offers:

• Committed relationship

• New friends

• Something casual

• Physical connection

• Going with the flow

You can select two.

The next screen asks, "What vibe are you looking for?" Options include things like “sense of humor” and “emotional availability.”

You can choose three.

Credit: Hily

You’ll also be asked how old your date should be. There’s a sliding scale from 18 to 80. If you want to change this later, you can in the “filters” section.

There’s also a distance filter, which I appreciated. You can slide the scale anywhere from one mile to 200. However, it’s important to know how this filter works: it only controls who you see in the “Finder” swipe deck. Every other user has their own radius, so someone 40 miles away with a wide filter can still find and “like” you, regardless of your distance settings.

Once you fill out that section, you may get hit with the “Roulette.” This is a little wheel that lets you tap the center to earn a perk, like “rollbacks” or a “profile boost.” (I’ll go over these features in a little bit.) These perks are apparently free as long as you use the app every day. So, that’s cool.

It looks like you’ll also get a “feature pack,” which is just a random set of features the app decides to give you after you spin the wheel.

I liked that there was a toggle that said: “Stop showing Roulette at startup.” Other apps (looking at you, eharmony) won’t let you skip these pop-ups.

Now, you’re ready to start browsing!

If you want to add more to your profile, you can.

One of the nicest things about Hily, as I mentioned above, is that it lets you decide how much you reveal about yourself. If you’re good with the pre-set questions and setup, you can move on to browsing, but if you want to add more, you can.

If you go back in to edit or add new photos, you’ll get a little notification that your new photos are “in review” and won’t be available to the public until they’re approved.

You can also add a photo to showcase your top interest (the passions you chose earlier). I chose a photo of the day I took home my late beagle, Biscuit.

How does matching work?

Hily is a swiping app, but there are a few different ways to find a potential match. Also, instead of swiping left/right, you swipe up/down.

Finder

The “Finder” section lets you discover new people, “like” them, or skip them. People here should match your filters (e.g., age, gender, location, etc.).

To learn more about a potential match in “Finder,” all you have to do is scroll up to see their profile details. If you’re into them, you can tap the heart button. If you’re not, click the “X” to skip. You can also send a “Major Crush” to message them immediately.

Discover

The “Discover” tab shows you profiles that Hily thinks you’ll “vibe with” based on what you’re looking for, your filters, and your interests. It’s basically a menu of potential suitors the app thinks you’ll hit it off with, based on the data you’ve shared.

This page updates every day, so there’s always someone new in here. There’s a “Top picks” carousel at the top, followed by a “Shared interests” carousel, and then the last carousel is filled with people who have similar dating goals. There are about 15 profiles total within this tab.

“Likes”

The “Likes” tab shows you everyone who’s already “liked” you.

In my experience, the people in this section aren’t within the location range I chose when I signed up — some were in totally different states! (Again, this is because their search radius reached you, not the other way around.)

The other issue with this section is that sometimes the faces are blurred. This means you’ll need to use an “Unblur” to see them, or you’ll have to purchase a Premium+ plan.

If you don’t want to spend any money (I get it), just go back to the “Finder” to keep searching. You might be able to match with someone from your “likes” list there.

The “Finder” is the best way to match with people for free. Hily usually puts the people who’ve already “liked” you back into your swipe deck. If you “like” them there, it’s an instant match.

What do you get with the paid version vs. the basic free tier?

OK, so here’s where it gets hairy. There are a ton of features, and it’s kind of confusing figuring out what’s what.

In short, free Hily members can browse profiles in “Finder,” use basic filters, and chat with their matches. (So, you don’t have to pay to browse, “like,” or chat!) You’ll also get up to 100 “likes” per day. That said, you’ll have to deal with ads and pay a la carte if you want to use “Unblurs,” “Boosts,” or “Rollbacks.”

Basic filters include search radius, age, gender, showing profiles without photos, and showing only verified profiles.

Paid members get a suite of features, including:

• Compatibility Check: The “Compatibility Check” is a quick test you can take to see how compatible your profile is with potential matches. If they’ve also taken the test, you’ll see a compatibility score on their profile and where you have things in common. The app calls this “Icks & Clicks.” Note: If you decide to end the quiz early, your compatibility score may be off. So be sure to answer all the questions first! I think there were 40 total.

• Personalized Finder and Advanced Filters: While free users get basic age, gender, and distance filters, paid members have access to more advanced filtering options, including height, education, occupation, whether someone has kids, smoking/drinking habits, and even a "nearby search" that's restricted to a 30-mile radius.

• Extra Shows: Think of “extra shows” as extra visibility.

• Incognito Mode: Incognito mode removes your profile from “Finder.” Just note: it’s not a full invisibility cloak. Anyone you “like” or send a Major Crush to will be able to see you, and your existing matches (or anyone who's already interacted with you pre-incognito-mode) are unaffected.

• Remove Ads: Paid members won’t see ads.

Bonus features include:

• Major Crush: The “Major Crush” feature lets you message someone before you even match. It’s kind of like Hinge’s “Match Note.”

• Boost: The “Boost” feature puts your profile front and center, so more people will see you and “like” you.

• Rollback: If you accidentally skip someone you didn’t mean to skip, the “Rollback” feature lets you use the “undo” button to bring them back into your feed.

Hily Premium gives you an ad-free experience, unlocks the advanced filters and incognito mode, and gives you two "Major Crushes" a day, five "Crushes" per day, and five "Rollbacks." Your “likes” are capped at 100 per day, and you won’t get any free “Unblurs” or “Boosts.”

Hily Premium+ gives you unlimited “likes,” two “Unblurs” a day, two “Boosts” a day, five “Major Crushes" a day, 10 “Crushes,” and 10 “Rollbacks.”

How much does Hily cost?

Hily has a weird pricing structure compared to other apps I've tested, but here's the breakdown:

• Premium: One week for $9.99 (I do not see a monthly pricing option for this tier)

• Premium+: One week $14.99 / One month $29.99 / One year $119.99 / Lifetime $199.99

You can also buy "Unblurs" and other features separately or as a bundle. One "Unblur," for example, is $7.99.

Note: These prices are based on the 40 percent discount that's showing in my app. Your app may show different pricing options.

What's it like to use Hily?

In my personal experience, Hily seems to be for the blue-collar crowd. This could be because I'm in a southern beach town, but when I tested Hinge in this same area, the guys weren't as bearded or burly as they are on Hily. Almost every profile I saw was of a bearded, traditionally "masculine" man posing with a fish, deer antlers, a gun, or something like that. And even though I am bi and set my filters as such, I only saw two women (the rest were couples looking for a third) the entire month or so that I tested the app.

Something else that stood out to me is that most of these men had "conservative" listed on their profile, so this could be an OkCupid alternative, maybe for those who are looking for a right-wing crowd. (Again, I live in NC at the moment, so that could definitely be a factor.)

That said, the profiles I saw were definitely honest in every way. The men on here put exactly what they're looking for in their bio, so that's refreshing. Those who were looking for something serious specifically said so.

I think Hily is probably a good option for anyone who's looking for a sexting partner, too. Tons of guys on here are just looking to "swap nudes," and I had more than a few spicy messages come through my chat inbox.

I liked that the Premium+ version let me change my location to France (or wherever else), so there's definitely potential to have your Princess Diaries moment. (A journalist for Business Insider did it, and now she's moving to Europe to be with her forever person — nothing's impossible.)

How does Hily handle safety and security?

Hily has quite a few tools to keep you safe and in control of your inbox:

• Consent Guard: This is easily Hily's best safety tool. Launched in late 2025 to replace their older photo-blurring filter, Consent Guard uses AI to scan incoming messages for explicit text or visuals. If someone tries to send you something spicy (or just straight-up unsolicited nudes), the app pauses the message and asks if you consent to seeing it. It's very similar to Pure's new My Media Rules feature.

• Photo Verification: Users who do a quick photo check to prove they look like their profile pictures get a blue "Verified" badge, so you know you aren't being catfished.

• In-App Video Calling: If you want to vibe-check a match before meeting IRL, Hily lets you start a video call right inside the app so you don't have to give out your phone number. (Though if you do want to take things off the app, I recommend using Signal.)

• Standard Block and Report: If anyone makes you uncomfortable, asks for money, or acts suspiciously, you can tap the three dots in the corner of their profile to instantly block them and report them to Hily's moderation team.

Is Hily worth it?

Overall, I think Hily is worth the download. The free version is generous once you've figured out what all the features mean/can do, and there are plenty of options to show off your personality and interests.

The app has a smaller dating pool than the mainstream apps, but my screen always told me there were 1,400+ men online at any given time. That's a substantial group of suitors to choose from. I also received 1,560 "views" and 868 "Likes" in the month that I tested it. (You can view these stats right in the app.)

However, if you live in a southern town and you're not into the typical southern man, or if you're a bisexual woman, lesbian, trans, or non-binary dater looking for similar partners, you might want to try a different app like HER first.

Here at Mashable, we're constantly reviewing the best laptops based on an exhaustive in-house methodology that combines real-world use with performance benchmarking. In the past two years alone, we've tried over 90 different models across a range of price points.

To determine which of them fit the bill for college students, specifically, I researched the top 10 public universities' hardware recommendations for the fall 2026 semester and honed our pool of contenders based on the common threads I noticed for different majors.

I also gave special preference to laptops that are long-lasting and portable enough to be toted around campus, and those that are competitively priced for the current market. Laptops aren't cheap right now, but a solid splurge can last you well past graduation. Take advantage of student discounts whenever possible.

I eventually settled on six top picks that make the best laptops for college students. Whether you're a humanities student, a STEM major, or still undeclared, I'm confident that at least one of my options will be your ideal machine. Here's a quick overview of my recs for popular majors:

• Best for communication, fine arts, education, humanities, and healthcare majors: 13-inch Apple MacBook Air

• Best for business and economics majors: Acer Swift Edge 14 AI and Dell 14S

• Best for liberal arts majors with tight budgets: Apple MacBook Neo

• Best for engineering, computer science, and architecture majors: Acer Swift X 14 or Acer Swift X 14 AI, based on availability

• Best for graphic design, animation, and video production majors: 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro

Read on to find out why these laptops made the cut.

What to look for in a college laptop, based on my research

A Windows laptop with a mid-tier Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 7 processor is suitable for most college students. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Six of this year's 10 top-ranking public universities tell their incoming students to purchase Windows 11 laptops or MacBooks that are less than two years old. I wouldn't go any older than that for the sake of future-proofing.

Most of those schools tell their students to purchase laptops with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage at minimum. (Liberal arts majors might be able to get away with 256GB of storage, but you'll probably have to supplement that with an external hard drive.) More RAM and storage is better if your budget allows; more is mandatory if you're an engineering, design, or computer science major. Students in those fields are generally advised to get a laptop with at least 24GB to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

Your processor options are a similar story. For Windows laptops, most schools suggest a mid-range CPU like an Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 5 at minimum, and a mid- to high-end Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 chip for more demanding workloads. Several schools recommend tacking on a dedicated GPU for such coursework, too (i.e, Nvidia GeForce RTX/Radeon RX graphics). On the Apple side, the MacBook Air and Pro with the base M5 chip are go-to recs for most students.

Two schools tell their students not to buy ARM-based Windows laptops (with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors) because they can't run certain software natively. One software example is AutoCAD, a popular 2D and 3D design app that engineering and design students rely on heavily. I love a lot of ARM laptops because they're fast and long-lasting, and I will say that their compatibility is improving every year. Still, I've opted to keep them off my list of 2026 picks out of an abundance of caution; stick with Intel and AMD CPUs for now.

Be sure to budget for an extended warranty with accidental damage protection, as suggested by over half of the top 10 public universities. For reference, AppleCare+ for Mac costs $67.99 to $139.99 a year for students, depending on the MacBook model.

What type of laptop should college students buy?

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This is a question that only your college can answer for sure, as laptop type recommendations can vary by major. For example, the University of Virginia and the University of California, Davis approve MacBooks for their general student populations, but their engineering departments tell certain tracks to avoid them. Likewise, UCLA's Anderson School of Management hardware requirement page says, "Mac computers are acceptable to use as primary computers for study at Anderson. However, please note that some elective course software is only available for Windows. Students are responsible for ensuring compatibility and configuring their Macs accordingly."

I can say for sure that you probably shouldn't buy a Chromebook. Three schools in my research pool discouraged them for some or all majors, and one school — the University of Florida — only recommended them "as supplemental devices." I included a Chromebook in a previous version of this guide as a secondary option for note-taking, but price increases amid the ongoing RAM shortage have made many of them just as expensive as Apple's budget MacBook Neo (if not more so), which is a much nicer and more powerful computer, relatively speaking.

Do you need your own laptop for college?

Yes, you should have your own laptop at college. Most universities let students temporarily borrow laptops through their libraries and/or tech desks. However, these loaners are available on a first-come, first-served basis and wiped upon return (i.e., you can't save anything on them long-term).

I wouldn't rely too heavily on your school's computer lab, either, because you can't take bring those desktops to class or your dorm. Ultimately, owning your own laptop is way more convenient and ensures you'll have the exact specs needed for your major's coursework.

Recent updates to this guide

• Sept. 3, 2026: I updated this guide to reflect recent pricing and availability changes for three of our picks. The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI was out of stock in new condition at the time of writing, but could return. (I'm monitoring retailers' inventories closely and will remove it from this list if it's sold out for good.) If it's unavailable when you go to buy it, you could snag a refurbished model or fall back on the Dell 14S. The latter just got an $80 to $130 price hike at different retailers, which isn't disqualifying, but you should wait to buy it on sale if possible. Finally, the Acer Swift X 14 was also out of stock when I went to check its listings. The Acer Swift X 14 AI is still a good secondary option if you can't find it.

• July 30, 2026: I added the results of the Dell 14S' battery life test. It was able to loop a video for 34 hours and 29 minutes before dying — very impressive!

• July 25, 2026: My preferred configuration of the Acer Swift X 14 is back in stock, so I added it to this guide in place of the Acer Swift X 14 AI. They're both smart buys, but the non-AI version is more powerful and lasts much longer.

• July 18, 2026: I overhauled this guide to the best laptops for college students ahead of the start of the 2026 school year. I added fresh picks from Apple, Acer, and Dell based on all-new testing and research.

Google didn't really bring the heat with most of the Pixel 11 lineup this year. The base Pixel model and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold are both totally fine, but they don't stand out among the competition thanks to minor and unremarkable changes.

That's mostly true for the flagship Pixel 11 Pro as well, but what it lacks in incredible innovations, it makes up for in being a very good, very easy-to-use Android device with excellent cameras. Photography is fun on the Pixel 11 Pro, which is not something I feel about many handsets these days. A combination of hardware and software makes your images consistently look nice, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Between that and acceptable levels of performance and battery life, the new Pro is the smartphone I recommend getting in the Pixel 11 lineup. Just don't buy it for HiLight.

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: The inevitable price increase

Nice display. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Despite filling the lede for review with a bunch of praise for the phone, I'm going to pivot right away into something I dislike about it: the starting price. At $1,099, it's $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro was at launch. There are some caveats to that, as I'll cover momentarily, but the fact of the matter is that you can't get a Pixel 11 Pro for (technically) less than $1,000 anymore. That stinks.

But at least the colors this year are nice: Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian. I reviewed the Canyon model and I found it pretty easy on the eyes. Here are the basic specs for the Pixel 11 Pro:

• Display: 6.3 inches with 1280x2586 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,600 nits peak brightness

• Processor: Google Tensor G6

• RAM: 12/16GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Battery: 4,850mAh

• Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto

• Front camera: 42MP

Alright, so, there are a few things to clarify here. The display's size and resolution haven't changed at all since the Pixel 10 Pro, but the peak brightness has, with an extra 300 nits on this year's device to boost daytime performance. In outdoor usage, I had no problem clearly seeing what was on the screen, so I'd say that little boost did its job. The base Pixel 11 didn't get the same upgrade, so that's one of the things you get for the extra money.

Camera bar is a little thick. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

One major drawback, though, is that Google has cut the RAM on the lowest-end model to 12GB. Last year, you could get a Pixel 10 Pro with 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. This year, the 256GB model is tied to 12GB of RAM, while the 512GB and 1TB models get those four extra gigs of memory. I totally get that we live in the world of RAMageddon, but it still blows to see a phone downgrade year-over-year like that. I guess I should get used to it.

HiLight doesn't impress me much

HiLight is a little light module built into the camera bar on Pixel 11 Pro devices. This is supposed to be the one major hardware innovation this year, but I just don't see it. It only lights up when Gemini is in use or when someone calls you on the phone, two use cases that almost never happen in my life (aside from spam calls). It's theoretically a decent way to notify the user that something is up when the phone is turned over, but as it is right now, HiLight is a dud.

Lastly, I'll mention that the camera bar on the Pixel 11 Pro is much bulkier than on the base model. That's not a huge deal, especially if you put a case on the phone, but it is noticeable if you happen to have used both phones.

HiLight stinks. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Performance

I would describe the Pixel 11 Pro as "performant." Everything loads quickly and smoothly, and on-device AI tasks process in just a few seconds. It's not outstanding among other flagship smartphones, but these days, it's almost impossible for everyday performance to do that. Every phone is fast now. It's great.

Weirdly, the Geekbench 7 benchmarking software didn't agree with my IRL assessment. The Pixel 11 Pro got stunningly low scores on the test I ran: 1,448 for single-core CPU testing and 4,642 for multi-core testing. That's multiple thousands of points worse than the base Pixel 11, but I swear there is not a meaningful difference in practical use. Google's Tensor chips have always underperformed in Geekbench tests, so I'm guessing there's just something odd happening here that isn't really reflective of reality.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: AI features

One nice thing Google does is provide AI feature parity across its entire device lineup each year, and the Pixel 11 series is no different. As with the base Pixel 11 and the Pro Fold, the Pixel 11 Pro will use contextual on-screen prompts, such as a text message someone sent about a restaurant reservation, to surface relevant information or create calendar entries for you. These aren't exactly life-changing features, but they might save you a little bit of time.

The real AI juice this year is in Magic Capture and Rambler. Magic Capture is a new capture mode built into the Camera app that works the same as recording video, but once you're done recording, the phone will slice up the video into several clear, pristine still images for you, complete with automatic cropping and unblurring. I have found this great for getting good photos of pigeons around New York City, as they're fidgety and quick to scatter if you move too suddenly or get too close.

This guy really didn't want to be my friend. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

I'm as big an AI skeptic as there is, but Magic Capture works for me because it's genuinely useful and isn't really trying to replace any of your cognitive functions. It's not creating new information; it's just giving you usable still images from videos.

Rambler, meanwhile, is a new function built into Gboard that's able to clean up your speech-to-text recordings. If you're prone to "umms" and changing direction mid-sentence, Rambler does a nice job of turning whatever nonsense you give it into a readable sentence. I imagine this will be a godsend for people who like to dictate their text messages.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: Battery life

Who among us doesn't like lying flat on our faces? Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Google rates each Pixel 11 device for 30 hours of battery life, and in my testing, that's about what I got out of them. The Pixel 11 Pro is no different.

Our testing method involves playing an HD video in full-screen on the device until it dies. Using that rubric, I got about 29.5 hours of juice out of the Pixel 11 Pro. As always, there are plenty of ways to squeeze even more life out of a phone, such as turning off 120Hz support and using battery-saving modes. I am confident you can go more than a full day without charging this phone.

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: The camera test

The real reason to get a Pixel 11 Pro (and this is true most years of the Pixel Pro phones) is the camera array. The rear cameras may not wow you with giant megapixel counts, but between the hardware and Google's patented software magic, it's so easy for even someone like me who knows nothing about photography to get great photos on a Pixel 11 Pro.

Every photo I took came out looking roughly like this, with clarity, vividness, and great color accuracy.

These won't be in bloom for long. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Fall is almost here. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Night Sight is excellent, too. These plants are nigh-invisible at night, but with Night Sight, it looks like I photographed them during the day.

Left: No Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Right: Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

I'm always a fan of macro photography, and the Pixel 11 Pro takes pristine shots of things like plants up close and personal.

Macro rocks. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

I'd also like to shout out the digital zoom, which Google upped to 120x this year after it topped out at 100x on Pixel 10 Pro. This has been my favorite parlor trick on Pixel phones for a few years now. It's really amazing how good photos taken from super far away can look on this device. In the image on the left, you can't even see the church steeple that's the subject of the image on the right, but I was standing in the same place, looking in the same direction for both shots.

Nothing to see here, right? Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

It's not perfect, but for 120x zoom, that's really good. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Between all of that and the addition of Magic Capture, this is a great phone for photography.

Google Pixel 11 Pro: The verdict

In case it wasn't clear, if you absolutely must have a phone from the Pixel 11 series and the extra money is not a hurdle for you, I'd recommend the Pixel 11 Pro. It's just a rock-solid Android phone with a really great photography suite. Sure, HiLight is a bust, and the camera bar is a little bulky relative to the base Pixel 11, but those are compromises that are worth living with if you want the best Pixel 11 phone.

Google Pixel 11 Pro

$1,047.58 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $51.42

 

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Boox e-readers are causing quite the buzz on BookTok. As Amazon raises prices on its e-readers and discontinues support for older models, plenty of users are seeking alternatives. The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is a particularly appealing option when hunting for an e-reader. It's like a combination of the basic Amazon Kindle and the Paperwhite. It comes with 32GB of storage and runs an open Android system, giving you access to all your favorite reading apps. That means no matter what system you're switching over from — Kindle or Kobo — you can access your library on the Boox Go 6 (Gen II).

At $199.99, it's the same price as the Kindle Paperwhite, but the Boox Go 6 promises a lot more. But all those extra features can weigh on such a small device. So, to see if it's worth the price and a worthy alternative to an Amazon Kindle, I used the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) for weeks to see if it could replace my Paperwhite.

Boox Go 6 (Gen II) at a glance

Have you used Kobo, Libby, and Kindle? Access all of your libraries on the Boox Go 6 (Gen II). Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is the brand's answer to Amazon's Kindle. With a 6-inch screen, it fits comfortably in your hand for hours of reading. With an open Android system, you can download any app in the Google Play Store, so you can access any book across any app, including Kindle, Rakuten Kobo, and Libby. However, it suffers from significant lag and screen response issues that make it frustrating to use.

Perfect size and shape

If the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) looks familiar, that's not surprising. It looks like a cross between an Amazon Kindle (or Kobo Clara) meshed with the Kindle Paperwhite. The screen of Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is flush to its border. When I added a PopSockets to its MagSafe case (sold separately), my hand perfectly cradled the side. The power button is on the top of the device, which I love compared to Kindles, which have the power button on the bottom.

The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) comes in shell (pictured), stone, custard, and plum. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

It also features writing capabilities, making it a digital notebook on top of a library. That gives it a big boost over other e-readers of that size, which don't typically come with stylus compatibility.

While the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is not a revolutionary design, it is well done and hyper-portable.

The Boox interface has a bit of a learning curve

Like a Kindle or smart phone, the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) has a pull down menu to quickly adjust settings. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Boox e-readers are nowhere near as straightforward as Kindle or Kobo. The first time I set up a Boox e-reader, I needed to do some research via YouTube and TikTok tutorials. You'll need to set up a Boox account and use a Google account to access the Google Play Store.

Take the time to play around with display settings to customize your Boox experience. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

It takes some time to play around with the settings and get a sense of how you want your Boox set up. I prefer to use the navigation bar rather than gestures to switch between apps and the library. Other settings to adjust include auto-sleep, front light, and display darkness.

But if you're looking for an e-reader that you can start reading with right out of the box, the Boox won't be it.

Every reading app on one device

If you have books across many different digital apps, a Kindle or Kobo won't cut it since they can only handle books made for those devices or DRM-free/EPUB files. However, you can access all of those digital libraries on the Boox Go 6. Like the Durobo Krono e-reader we previously tested, the Boox Go 6 has the Google Play Store pre-installed, so any app available in the store can be installed on your Boox. That means you have access to all the reading apps, including Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Audible, and more. The only app not available is Apple Books since it is an Android device.

The only reading app not on the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is Apple Books. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Having tested many e-readers means my digital libraries are spread across different devices and platforms. I'm used to having to switch between my Kindle Paperwhite for one book and a Kobo Libra for another, but having all those libraries on one device is really the dream. Using it is like getting the best of both worlds: It's as flexible as my iPad, but so much easier on my eyes, like a classic e-reader.

The downsides: A sometimes unresponsive screen and freezing

Boox asks a lot of its e-readers without giving them much computing power. I ran a Geekbench 7 test on it, as I would with a tablet or laptop. It scores very low, lower than any tablet I tested, so its performance isn't going to be at lightning speeds; in fact, it'll be a little slow.

The Boox Go 6 runs more slowly than other similar e-readers we've tested, like the Amazon Kindle and Kobo Clara. It can lag between taps, and I do worry about its screen response time. The screen can be finicky and often doesn't register when I'm trying to turn the page. When quickly tapping through pages, the Kindle app stalls on the Boox Go 6, making it unresponsive and requiring a refresh.

So, although it can do much more than a Kindle or Kobo, it is slower than both.

Is the Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) worth it?

Switching over from a Kindle? The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) could be for you. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best part of the newest Boox, the Go 6 (Gen II), is its price. At $199.99, it's the same price as the Kindle Paperwhite (which recently saw a price increase) but comes with twice the storage and access to many more apps. The only thing that dampens its value is its performance issues. It's not quite as speedy as competitors, and it needs to refresh more often than we'd like. However, these issues do not affect the Boox Go 6's usability.

But before you commit to buying, know that it will take a little bit of commitment to adjust the Boox's settings to your liking. If that works for you, the Boox is a fantastic alternative to other e-readers. If you want a more straightforward device, go with an Amazon Kindle or Kobo Clara.

More expensive doesn't always mean better, and the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones are proof of exactly that.

No shade to the second gen Bose QC Ultra headphones — they are still the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. Good as the brand's premium flagship model is, however, it was a boring upgrade upon launch and remains so now (such is the case with many a tech release these days).

That's because the name of the game these days is that making small tweaks — like 10 percent better noise cancellation or a new colorway — constitutes an entirely new generation release. The latest Bose QuietComfort headphones, on the other hand, actually make real changes while retaining the same $359 price tag as the original QuietComforts.

Sure, Bose didn't go totally into left field, but they made tweaks where it mattered most, closing the performance gap between the QCs and the $449 Ultras, and resulting in the most well-rounded pair of headphones I've seen from the brand to date. Let's get into why.

The Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) headphones at a glance

I requested the eucalyptus green pair because look at them. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

What I liked: The list is long, but I'll aim to keep it brief. These QuietComforts are wearable for hours and hours on end with earrings and glasses, feature some of the best (though not quite industry leading) active noise cancellation that's manually adjustable, solid sound quality without any adjustments, several ways to listen, fun colorways that make them feel like a real accessory, intuitive touch controls, replaceable ear cups for future proofing, and most importantly, are a good deal cheaper than most other premium options available.

What I didn't like: The app only has a three-band equalizer, the noise cancellation can get staticky with sudden spikes of noise (just like the first gen QuietComforts), and despite offering USB-C listening for lossless audio, these headphones feature no options for passive playback.

Specs

• Active noise cancellation: Yes, with manual adjustment available

• Microphones: Six

• Lossless playback: Wired USB-C audio up to 24bit/48kHz

• Equalizer: Three-band custom equalizer

• Spatial audio: Bose TrueSpatial technology with Immersive Audio modes for Still, Motion, and Cinema

• Battery life: 24 hours per charge (18 hours with Immersive Audio)

• Quick charge: 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours of playback

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.4

• Multipoint: Yes

• Weight: 0.5 pounds

• Colors: Black, white smoke, eucalyptus green*, dewdrop mint*, rosewood mauve* (*limited edition colors)

Pricing and availability

As I mentioned up top, these headphones retail for $359 — the exact same list price as the first generation QuietComfort headphones. At the time I'm writing this review, the first gen headphones are on sale for $199 in one colorway, with the remaining options available for $229. While these prices are likely reflective of the release of the new generation, I wouldn't be surprised if we see the second gen QuietComforts drop down to $299 (or lower) during the upcoming Black Friday season.

Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen)

$199 at Amazon
$359 Save $160

 

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Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) performance

Sound quality

The standard listening experience of these headphones didn't feel all that different from other QuietComfort headphones I'd tried, but that's not a knock against them. Bose's sound on this line tends to lean warm and rich, but I wouldn't describe the clarity as one of the standout features.

The mids also run a little low for my taste, so I tend to bump them up on the equalizer. That said, if you often like fine-tuning your sound just so, these might not be the headphones for you — the equalizer is limited to one treble, one mid, and one bass adjustment band.

However, Bose does offer more options in listening with the inclusion of Immersive Audio, which is designed to open up the soundstage of your audio and more closely mimic a live performance. From the first generation QC headphones to the QC Ultra headphones, this was one of the biggest discrepancies — the cheaper headphones simply didn't have it. With its inclusion, a significant gap has been closed. Granted, I've never been the biggest fan of Bose's Immersive mode — to me, it can make music sound too flat, which especially stands out against the richness of Bose's standard mode. However, this can really come down to personal preference (and it's worth mentioning I've rarely preferred any headphones' spatial audio modes in the past).

Noise cancellation

Bose claimed that these new QuietComforts came with improvements in noise cancellation, so I was thrilled to put them to the test in all my usual scenarios — noisy cafes, on walks around town, in my home, and during some travel from California to the Pacific Northwest.

These headphones are a godsend on a long travel day. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

I'll start with the cons, because they are minimal: all three times I was on a plane, I wore these during takeoff, and all three times, the noise cancellation got real staticky. It wasn't a huge bummer, and it was over in a matter of seconds, but it did echo a complaint my colleague Samantha Mangino faced when she wore the first generation QuietComforts around an approaching train.

To their credit, Bose does say their Aware Mode is better at dealing with sudden bursts in sound (in that they're not over-amplified), so it's possible a fix for this is in the pipeline for future generations.

Now, onto the pros: these headphones are just really solid at blocking out sound from the world around you. Without any music, I can barely hear myself type on my laptop — with the volume at 50 percent on my music, my typing disappears completely. On a plane, some low engine hum still comes through, but other passengers and the majority of the plane sounds get dampened to an impressive degree.

It's not quite the cocoon of silence offered by the QC Ultra 2 headphones (and it shouldn't be, these headphones have six microphones to the Ultra's 10), but it gets close enough that the price difference starts to look less justifiable.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) design and build quality

Whenever someone asks me for a rec on the most comfortable headphones, I point them in the direction of Bose, and these headphones will only have me pointing with more vigor.

The full carrying case arsenal. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The tactile controls all live on the bottom of the ear cups, making for a sleeker appearance over the previous gen. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Before I full-on gush over how much I loved wearing these headphones, let's go over the design changes. Bose changed the shape of the second gen headphones slightly, opting for more of an oval leaning rounded rectangle than true oval shape of the ear cups on the OG QuietComforts. They also now feature an indent around the perimeter, more closely following the design of the Ultra headphones, and offering a convenient spot to hide all the on-ear controls and power switch.

OK, let's get to the good stuff — these headphones added a more plush headphone and ear cushions over the previous gen and it shows. Not once did I experience even the slightest bit of wear fatigue, even when I wore them pretty consistently through full work days and travel days. The QC Ultra headphones are ever so slightly more comfortable, but these still fall into the category of some of the most long-wearing headphones I've ever tried.

My only real gripe, which I noticed most during my time in the airport, was that these headphones won't fold flat down when you wear them around your neck. It's a small grievance, but if you travel a lot or simply prefer around-the-neck wear, it's worth being aware of.

That said, the overall portability of these headphones is a 10/10 for me. The case is compact, but I also tried simply folding them up and throwing them into my bag, and they took up as minimal space as I could expect from over-ear headphones.

Yes, it popped back on with ease, and yes, replaceable parts cannot be undervalued. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Finally, it's not a new feature, but I continue to appreciate the inclusion of replaceable ear cushions on these headphones. When I used QC 35 II's, the ear cups were the first part to show their age, and being able to simply swap them out breathed new life into the headphones.

Are the Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) headphones worth it?

If I had to buy new headphones today, these would be the ones I'd buy for myself.

It's hard to find top-of-the-line features for under $400, so I was impressed in all the ways that these headphones went head-to-head with their more expensive counterpart in the QC Ultras. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say the Ultras are roughly 10 percent better, but there's a 20 percent price difference between the two headphones. In other words, the math doesn't add up.

Unless you need sound-first headphones (in which case, might I introduce you to the Sony XM6 headphones), the second gen QuietComfort headphones offer the best blend of high-end noise cancellation, wear, durability, and value.

Your ideal portable power station for camping depends on your overall power needs, how long you’ll be in the great outdoors, and whether you’ll be utilizing solar power to recharge. And after months of testing some of the top models, I'm finally ready to pick the best portable power station for camping in 2026.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying?

Anyone who's ever forgotten their pair of headphones on a travel day can attest to their utility, but not all noise-cancelling options are made the same. Plus, the pool to choose from is ever-expanding: plenty of headphones, from over-ear headphones to wireless earbuds, offer active noise cancellation.

So which ANC headphones are worth bringing on a plane in 2026? Plenty of budget models to premium options can do the job, but for the purposes of this guide, I've gathered a list of the best headphones for flying by prioritizing the best combination of comfort, portability, noise-cancelling power, battery life, and value. As a baseline, all of our picks feature above average sound quality and a solid build (to withstand any banging around in a carry-on).

The final picks for the best headphones to use at 35,000 feet aren't just the most expensive options available. Case in point: The second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones aren't the most premium option on this list, but they did just earn their spots as one of my favorites on a recent plane trip. Below, you can learn more about them and our other top seven headphones for flying.

How much should I spend on noise-cancelling headphones?

If you want to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying, you should be prepared to pay $200 to $450 for most options. Premium headphones offer improved active noise cancellation, customizable settings, and transparency modes that allow you to hear those all-important gate announcements.

Many cheap headphones claim to offer "noise-cancelling" features, but a random pair of $50 over-ear headphones with passive noise cancellation will let a lot of sound through. They'll also struggle to connect and switch between devices easily, or simply feel uncomfortable.

At the end of the day, going for that good all-around pair is worth it, because on a flight, ANC on its own won't save the day — otherwise, we'd just direct you to our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones. For long flights, comfort is also key. It won't matter if your headphones block sound if you only want to wear them for two out of five hours of your flight. And because this is a flying-focused roundup, we did give extra points to headphones with thoughtful design that makes storage easy.

If that $200-plus price range feels totally out of the question, we've included a couple of budget earbuds and headphones in the under-$100 category, but they come with tradeoffs. If you're okay with a mid-range pick, consider buying wireless earbuds with ANC instead of over-ear headphones.

If the cost of a pair of headphones is off-putting, you can always wait for a sale to start. We see headphones from Bose, Sony, and Apple get marked down year-round — if you don't want to keep your eyes peeled yourself, Mashable's deals coverage is a great place to find any noteworthy headphone deals.

How to choose the best Bose headphones

Overall, Bose's headphones prioritize comfort and audio quality, and you really can't go wrong with any model. There are truly no bad products here. Having tested every product in this guide (and plenty more high-end audio products), we can verify that they're all high-performing options.

So, the bulk of your decision comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you care deeply about audio quality and want a personalized experience, you'll want a pair of headphones that offers adaptive noise cancellation and spatial audio. For athletes or commuters who need to be aware of their surroundings, a pair of open earbuds that provide rich audio while letting you hear the world around you is great. And if you don't want to spend $450 on flagship headphones, Bose still has a few great options for a lot less.

So, here are the best Bose headphones of 2026, hands-on tested by Mashable staff:

Sleep trackers — wearable devices that monitor all your vitals — provide detailed summaries of your sleep cycle so you know how many hours of REM, deep, and light sleep you're getting. Most fitness trackers come equipped with sleep tracking these days, but choosing the best from that bunch is not as straightforward. These days, sleep trackers come in all shapes and sizes, and fortunately, our experts here at Mashable have tested them all.

So if the magnesium supplements and pillow sprays in your sleepmaxxing routine aren't working, here are the best sleep trackers of 2026.

In 2025, Google packed the Pixel 10 full of upgrades over its predecessor. New features like a telephoto lens, a brighter display, and improved battery life made it feel like a real upgrade over the previous base-model Pixel. That is, unfortunately, not really the case with Pixel 11.

That's not to say the Pixel 11 is bad in any way, really. This is a perfect respectable Android phone, but a lack of standout new features (aside from a slimmer camera bar) make it feel significantly more incremental than the Pixel 10 did. It doesn't even have HiLight, the lone hardware "improvement" that graces the Pixel 11 Pro devices. Between that and specs that mostly line up with last year's model, the Pixel 11 sorta feels like a phone that only exists because Google makes a new base model every year and skipping a year would cause business problems.

It also doesn't help that 2026 is a great year to not buy a phone, thanks to RAMageddon price increases.

Google Pixel 11: Design, specs, and price

It really is a much smaller camera bar. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

With an $899 starting price, the Pixel 11 does unfortunately separate itself from the Pixel 10 by being $100 more expensive than its predecessor. There is some important context to note with that, though: Google has excised the 128GB storage option this year. That means this isn't technically a price increase because the 256GB Pixel 11 costs the same as the 256GB Pixel 10 did. However, not giving consumers a 128GB option (even if that's a pretty small amount of storage in 2026) means the starting price is higher than last year's model, and that's not great!

The new Pixel 11 comes in four colors: Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio, and Obsidian. I'm pretty partial to the Frost variant, but the rest of them are pretty plain, as far as I'm concerned.

Here are the rest of the basic specs for Pixel 11:

• Display: 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution, 60-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,000 nits peak brightness

• Processor: Google Tensor G6

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256/512GB

• Battery: 4,985mAh

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

• Selfie camera: 10.5MP

As far as tech specs are concerned, the Pixel 11 is barely any different from a Pixel 10. I could've copied and pasted most of those specs from last year's review. The Tensor G6 processor is new, but basically everything else is the same. Display size, resolution, and brightness are all identical, which is a mild bummer because the Pro devices this year all got their peak brightness numbered bump up to 3,600 nits. Perhaps Google didn't see fit to improve the base model's brightness two years in a row, but that is one area where the Pro is more enticing, as it should be, I suppose.

Another color for you. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

One thing Google did change is that the camera bar is now a good deal thinner than it was on the Pixel 10. The phone is almost able to lie completely flat on a table, and would definitely do that if you put the right case on it. It's also 0.3 oz lighter than the Pixel 10, so overall, this is a more comfortable phone to hold, and one that will be slightly less awkward in taking up space in general. That's probably the best aspect of the Pixel 11, and the main reason why I would recommend it over the 10.

Speaking of the camera bar, it's worth mentioning that the regular Pixel 11 does not have HiLight, which is the only substantial hardware change made on the Pro-level Pixel 11 phones. It's a little light that lives in the camera bar and illuminates in different colors to do things like notify you of an incoming phone call, but for whatever reason, Google did not see fit to include it in the base model Pixel 11.

That's disappointing considering the starting price increase, but for what it's worth, HiLight is not exactly a show-stopping feature on the phones that do have it. Frankly, you're not missing much if you opt for a Pixel 11 over a Pro, at least in that regard.

Google Pixel 11: Performance

On the Geekbench 7 benchmarking app, the Pixel 11 recorded a single-core CPU score of 2,337 and a multi-core CPU score of 7,085. For reference, that's a few thousand points below something like a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Google's Tensor-powered phones have always come up short in these benchmarking apps, but luckily, that doesn't affect the user experience that much.

I can personally vouch for the Pixel 11's performance profile being totally fine. Apps load quickly and smoothly, on-device AI processing happens in a fairly snappy fashion, and the phone doesn't run all that hot, even without a case. The only minor (and I mean minor) qualm I have is that Google is promising faster Night Sight processing on Pixel 11, but in my testing, it didn't feel noticeably faster than in previous years. It's also not slower, though, so it's no big deal.

Google Pixel 11: AI features

Absent any major hardware upgrades, Google did include some new AI trickery in the Pixel 11's software.

First and foremost is Magic Capture, a new image capture method available in the Camera app. Magic Capture works the same as recording a video, except when you're done recording, the device takes a few seconds to select a few choice stills from the video, complete with optional auto-cropping and unblurring. The idea is to get multiple usable stills of something that's moving or otherwise dynamic and difficult to photograph, like a subway train, small children, or animals.

I used Magic Capture to get these stills of a train and some relatively fast-moving street traffic. The vehicles in these photos are, indeed, moving, but it's hard to tell thanks to whatever software magic is powering Magic Capture. It's honestly a pretty neat and useful feature.

Zooming by. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

This truck was moving pretty fast. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Google has also built on its contextual AI suggestions feature from previous years, so you'll get proactive suggestions about what's happening on-screen. If someone texts you asking about a flight reservation, you'll get flight info right in the text chat. Similarly, visual cards with information about a recommended restaurant can also show up if someone asks about the restaurant. You can also make Google Calendar entries straight from texts using this feature, too.

Again, that's all building upon things Google was already doing, but those features might still be nice for saving a little bit of time here and there. I'm more partial to Rambler, a new speech-to-text feature built right into Gboard. If you want to dictate a text or email to someone, Rambler will remove "ums" and "ahs" and other speech errors to produce a more sterile, normal-sounding sentence. I'd argue this strips some personality out of what you're saying, but it does work as advertised. It was able to turn a mush-mouthed sentence I made up on the spot into something readable.

Of all of these, I would say Rambler and Magic Capture are the real highlights. Magic Capture, in particular, is one of the only reasons I would say someone looking to upgrade from an older Pixel should opt for the 11 rather than try to find a deal on the Pixel 10.

Google Pixel 11: Battery life

Nice profile. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Google rates the Pixel 11's battery for 30 hours of life on a single charge, which is the same as what the Pixel 10 was rated for. The battery cell in this device is a little larger than the Pixel 10's, but not enough for Google to alter its official prognostication.

At any rate, using our testing method of playing an HD video on the display until the phone dies, I was able to get a little less than 30 hours of use out of the Pixel 11. For a base-model flagship, that's totally fine, even if it's not all that different from last year.

Google Pixel 11: Cameras

Speaking of things that aren't all that different from last year, the Pixel 11's rear camera array has the exact same megapixel count as the Pixel 10's. One great thing about the Pixel 10 was that it added a telephoto lens to the proceedings, something you don't normally get on base-level phones. The Pixel 11 kept that, which is nice, but nothing here feels as innovative as that did.

Still, the cameras get the job done, thanks in part to Google's classic software processing that makes everything look super nice.

Your friendly neighborhood such-and-such. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

While Night Sight is not quite as instant as Google's marketing would have you believe, the effect is still pretty great. This plant on our windowsill has literally almost no light exposure at night, but the photo came out crystal clear.

No Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Yes Night Sight. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

The telephoto lens is only good for 5x optical zoom, but the 30x digital zoom is really no slouch here. I was able to get a clear photo of some graffiti on the top of a building that was pretty far away, and it didn't have that typical smeary look that you get when using digital zoom on other devices.

You can barely see the graffiti here. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Pretty good for digital zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

And, as always, I'm a fan of using the macro lens to get in real close on things like flowers.

Macro photography rocks. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Between the quality of the cameras themselves and the addition of Magic Capture, this is a pretty good phone for taking photos, even if it's not going to give you the same kind of output as a Pro device.

Google Pixel 11: The final verdict

I'm a little torn because the biggest problem with the Pixel 11 is that it's just not a very interesting year-over-year upgrade. Aside from slimming down the camera bar and adding a couple of (admittedly neat) AI doohickeys, you could spend less money to get a Pixel 10 and still largely have the same experience if you're upgrading from something significantly older.

As I said, the Pixel 11 feels like it exists out of an obligation to always provide a base-level phone in every annual upgrade cycle. But that doesn't make it a bad device at all. It's comfortable in the hands, the battery lasts a pretty long time, and it takes nice photos. If you get a good enough trade-in deal or something, you'll probably be happy with what you get. But make sure to do your research and check on deals for a Pixel 10, too, because you won't really miss that much if you opt for that route.

Pixel 11, 256 GB, Unlocked

$899 at T-Mobile

 

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Aside from taking it off to recharge, I've worn the Fitbit Air nonstop for over three months. Google's first take on a faceless fitness tracker launched in late spring, and I was smitten from the beginning. The tracker has a simple and non-flashy design that I love. Plus, it sells for under $100.

Google offers several bands for the Fitbit Air including a silicone Performance Band. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

My favorite element of the Fitbit Air has to be how it feels to wear. By far, it’s the most comfortable smartwatch or fitness tracker I've ever experienced. And since this is an honest review, I even like the Google AI fitness coach, which has given me almost daily workouts and has kept me on track more than any other fitness routine I’ve tried in recent years. But after three months of use, I have a few complaints. Here are my thoughts about the budget-friendly Fitbit Air and who should consider owning one.

Worth the $100 for the comfort and simple looks

Google designed the Fitbit Air to feel as if you’re wearing nothing, and I can confirm this is the most comfortable thing I’ve worn on my wrist. I’ve been wearing my beloved CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro for months now, but I set it aside to test the Fitbit Air. The difference in comfort, size, and weight on my wrist was significant, especially while sleeping.

The Fitbit Air is tiny compared to my CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The Fitbit Air weighs 12 grams or 0.03 pounds. I don’t notice that I’m wearing it during the day or while sleeping. That’s about half the weight of the popular faceless fitness tracker, the Whoop 5.0, which clocks in at 26.5 grams. 

I took off the Fitbit Air to shower and swim in saltwater. That’s not necessary since it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, but Google recommends taking it off to shower, as soaps could cause damage. Other than that, I wore it nonstop and got several compliments on the look. Some friends at dinner even assumed it was a bracelet and not a fitness tracker. 

Week-long battery life and quick recharging

Google claims the Fitbit Air will get up to seven days of battery life on a single charge, and they weren’t lying. In my testing for over three months, I got a bit over eight days of wear before my watch got to about 4 percent, and I set it on the charger to make sure I didn’t miss a night of tracking sleep. For comparison, the Apple Watch 11 gets about 24 hours of battery life per charge. 

The brain of the Fitbit Air easily pops in and out of the bands. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

In addition to the impressive one-week battery life, the Fitbit Air takes hardly any time to recharge. On my first test, I reached a 100 percent charge in 67 minutes. That dropped to 65 minutes on my second recharge. After just 10 minutes of the Fitbit sitting on the charger, it had reached 44 percent.

After three months of using the Fitbit Air, I'm still totally shocked by how quickly it recharges. If I don't have an hour to spare, I love knowing that I can stick it on the charger for 10 minutes and get several more days of life.

Because of this excellent battery life and quick recharging, you don’t have to worry about skipping a night of sleep tracking or missing out on steps on account of the fitness tracker recharging.

Google Health Premium kind of rocks 

I tested the Fitbit Air with Google Health Premium, which comes free for the first three months. After that, it costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 for an annual plan. Built with Gemini, Premium comes with advanced AI features like the ability to ask Coach health and fitness questions, dive into mindfulness sessions, and get a customized weekly fitness plan. I told Coach I was focused on getting stronger and lowering my resting heart rate, and it popped out a five-session plan each week that incorporated my Hydrow rowing machine.

The Google Coach formulated a weekly fitness plan for me that was simple to adjust. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

Video of each activity helps with understanding each workout or stretch. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

I’m not heavily on the AI train, so I’m a bit ashamed to say I love Google Health Premium, specifically the personalized workouts. I grew up in a Catholic school, which is to say, I’m a hardcore follower of the rules. So when the Google Coach told me to stretch, row for 20 minutes while keeping my heart rate in zone 2, and then stretch to cool down, I damn well did it. And that was enough to majorly up the frequency of my workouts.

After the first few months, I gave my Google AI Coach extra fitness goals. I explained I wanted to do two core workouts each week and add in a morning stretching routine. It took me less than five minutes to add both of those goals into my routine on the Google Health app. It all immediately populated in the "fitness" tab on my home screen. Because of how easy Google makes this, I think the Fitbit Air is an awesome tracker for people who want more consistency with weekly workout goals.

Sleep, nutrition, and hydration tracking on the Fitbit Air are exceptional, mostly

We’re all looking for a fitness tracker that gives us great sleep metrics in detail. Since I barely noticed wearing the Fitbit Air, I’m giving this the award of my new favorite sleep tracker. The detailed sleep metrics are insightful, and with each night I wear it, they get even better since Google is getting used to my sleep norms.

If you tend to nap like I do, the Fitbit Air might prove frustrating. It picks up maybe 50 percent of my naps. In addition to the tracking struggles, it often takes hours for nap metrics to land on my daily report after I wake up, even with manually refreshing the Fitbit several times in the Google Health app. When it didn't capture my naps, I asked the AI Coach what happened. It said either the watch band was too loose or I slept for under 20 minutes, which is the threshold for detecting naps.

Since the band was just as tight as it was the night before when it accurately tracked my sleep, that wasn't the issue, nor was the time since I slept for about 45 minutes. This scenario has happened plenty of times, which means I'm not convinced the Fitbit Air is a great model for those who like to nap.

The Fitbit Air has been inconsistent with automatically detecting naps. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

Testing out the ability to capture a photo of food to log in the app. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

Google lets you track nutrition with the Fitbit Air, and that can be as easy as scanning a barcode or taking a photo of your plate. It even breaks down macro goals, so you can aim for the ideal amount of carbs, fat, and protein each day. Hydration tracking is also simple, and Coach would even send me a reminder to get my ounces in before it was time to wind down for the night, since I have a tendency to chug 20 ounces right before bed, leading to a midnight wake-up.

The Fitbit Air does not like cycling or stairs

I loved the fitness tracking on the Fitbit Air when I was rowing indoors during spring pollen season and when the temperatures got way too sticky in the summer. But when August rolled around, I committed to getting on my bicycle. I cycled almost everywhere I needed to go, like to the grocery store and a doctor's appointment. Overall, I got quite frustrated with the Fitbit's automatic cycling detection. It only captured about 75 percent of the rides I took.

Over the weekend, for example, I took off on my bike for groceries. I cycled for about 12 minutes to reach the store, spent 20 minutes walking while in the store, and another 12 or so minutes cycling home. When I got back, my Google Health app had notes about my walk but nothing about either biking session.

I have location permission open all the time for my Fitbit to access, but the lack of built-in GPS on the fitness tracker has proven to be a downside. If you're heavy into cycling, I'm not sure I'd recommend the Fitbit Air. You can manually tell the Google Health app you're heading off on a ride, but I'm not thrilled about going to the extra effort.

Zero total floors climbed, just like last week and the week before and the week before and... Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

The Fitbit Air will also not track stairs climbed. I didn't notice this at first, but Google Health sends me a weekly progress report that lists total steps, total miles, active minutes, sleep, heart rate, and more. Front and center of this report is total floors climbed, which forever remains at a giant zero, the same as last week. This isn't a dealbreaker for me, but if you're a stair-stepper person or like to make sure you're getting those flights in, the Fitbit Air will have no idea besides adding the steps to your daily total.

Like all AI-driven tech, the Fitbit Air has some flaws

No AI is perfect, and when testing the Fitbit Air, I landed in some errors. I skipped my daily workout, and Coach asked me if I did any other activity. When I said I had picked blueberries in the yard in the afternoon (gotta be some yoga moves in there), the Fitbit said it had logged that I ate one cup of blueberries. While that was probably true, I was trying to log light movement.

In all fairness, I did probably eat one cup of blueberries while picking. Credit: Screenshot: Google Health

I also noticed some inaccuracies when working out. Each Fitbit Air workout crafted by Coach begins with a warmup, which is usually stretching. Start the workout, and the app shows you a video of a person doing the stretch, which is incredibly helpful. However, the written description of the stretch didn’t always match the movements the person was doing in the video.

And of course, using AI health and fitness is not meant to be a replacement for getting professional medical care.

I'm still in love with the overall look, and durability is awesome

I've mentioned it before, but the look of the Fitbit Air is something I can't get over. I dig it, and it makes me happy to look down and see how simple and effortless it looks and feels. I've also spotted a few other people sporting the Fitbit Air while out in public, and I think it looks awesome on them, too.

I can also speak to its durability. After three months of non-stop wear, the included band, made of recycled polyester and elastane yarn, looks brand new. I wear the fog colorway band, and while that seems light enough to get super dingy, it has zero evidence of wear.

Although I haven't tested it out, the Fitbit Air Elevated Modern Band looks awesome, and I've added it to my Christmas wish list.

Is a screen-less fitness tracker right for you?

It took me a while to get accustomed to wearing something on my left wrist that did not tell me the time. I’m used to it now, but I could see this driving some people nuts. However, I prefer not to have instant access to my emails or text messages, so the faceless design is my ideal, though I understand it’s not for everyone.

In a way, the Fitbit Air is a great option if you’re heading more into the analog life and you’ve Bricked your phone, for example. But because there’s no face, everything about the Fitbit Air is done via the app, which is located on (you guessed it) your phone. So while you won’t get texts on your wrist, you do have to look at your phone to check steps, heart rate, and other metrics.

Is the Fitbit Air worth it?

After testing for over three months, I’d recommend the Fitbit Air to anyone who likes the idea of an affordable fitness tracker that doesn’t double up as a smartwatch. It’s a simple fitness tracker that’s comfortable to wear and includes plenty of health and fitness tracking. It’s also one of the budget-friendly options, costing $99.99. However, I found the added features from Google Health Premium to be well worth the price, so add on another $99.99 per year for access to those deeper insights.

I also think the Fitbit Air is a great tracker and well worth the price if you don't want a massive watch on your wrist. The level of comfort and minimalist style is something I'm still in awe over. Durability is also exceptional.

I don’t think the Fitbit Air is great for people who are strongly anti-AI. The benefits of health and fitness tracking lean heavily on AI. At times, it felt creepy to get a Google Health notification that confirmed I had arrived on vacation at my destination and had already gone for a walk on the beach. It's also proven it's not a great fitness tracker if you cycle often or you want to keep track of climbing stairs.

Google Fitbit Air

$99.99 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

It's 2026, and times are good for getting what you want, when you want it, at the tap of a phone screen. That's right, there's a whole world of consumer brilliance behind an endless selection of apps. You can get almost anything you desire via your smartphone: Your weekly shopping, your favorite pizza, your high-end tech, even — our personal favorite — a red-hot hookup.

In fact, it's become the standard way to meet a date or potential partner. Online dating replaced the process of chatting someone up in a bar years ago, with the phenomenon of dating websites now going back decades. Some of these sites started up in the 1990s, in fact, though most of the modern-day dating action happens via apps. And as with all technology, the world of online and app-based dating continues to evolve.

According to the top sex-perts at Lovehoney — the popular sex toy brand and retailer that sells everything from lingerie and lubricants to dildos and tech-based toys — we're living in horny-but-wholesome times. Lovehoney has named 2026 "The Year of Pleasure."

But it's not about frivolous flings and one-night stands. It may be a surprise to some dating app users, but the humble one-night stand is on the decline. Wannabe daters are apparently searching for "purposeful pleasure" and "meaningful connections" instead of quick-and-easy sex.

People are still hooking up. Sex itself is still very much a No. 1 activity. But daters are on the hunt for hookups of substance — flings that actually mean something. We're becoming increasingly selective about who we hookup with and why. That's why it's important to use the right dating app. Each one offers something a little different, so the type of connections will vary from app to app.

To help you get started, we’ve looked at the top apps and taken advice from sex and relationship experts.

What to know before you swipe

Before you start downloading apps and sending a "hey" to anyone who catches your eye, it’s best to know just how to approach online dating. Our advice is to be 100 percent up front about who you are and what you’re looking for. And if you're interested purely in hooking up, maybe pass on more mainstream dating apps — apps such as eharmony that focus on romance and long-term relationships. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the best free apps have ironclad safety features like profile verification.

Our main advice, though, is to stick to apps that are specifically designed for hookups and casual fun. Or even apps that are made to satisfy your kink (trust us, whatever that kink is, the likes of AdultFriendFinder have you covered). It can be freeing, not to mention productive, to be open about your desires. The ways in which we understand sex and relationships are changing all the time — just look at fast-growing "heteroflexible" sexuality, for instance. Hookup apps will allow you to explore any and all curiosities — but without any judgment or social anxiety.

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for. It could be the chance to explore a new sexual frontier or a friends-with-benefits situation. And just because the one-night stand is in decline, it's still fun — just ensure it's safe and on your terms.

Whatever it is, we can help make it happen with this guide to the best hookup apps. Our selections are based on Mashable’s own real-world testing, expert input, and general dating app experience. We’ve broken down each of these hookup apps by features and function, and we've offered an option for every type of dater and every dating desire.

These are the best hookup apps for 2026.

It's frustrating to sit down at your laptop for an afternoon of work, only to realize that it's hovering at two percent battery. Oh, and you forgot your charger at home. Perfect.

That's why battery life is one of the most important factors shoppers consider when searching for the best laptops, according to a 2025 CNET survey. (FYI: Mashable and CNET are both owned by the same parent company, Ziff Davis.) That makes total sense. While not everyone needs a marathon runner — PC gamers and creative professionals will probably prioritize performance — a laptop that constantly leaves you stranded without juice is an inconvenience. It's not truly portable, which is basically the whole point of buying a laptop instead of a desktop PC. This is why Mashable tests every laptop we review for battery life using a standardized video rundown exercise.

Modern laptops should provide an all-day charge

The battery lives of laptops have improved dramatically as of late — Windows laptops, in particular. In 2024, only one PC we tested lasted over 20 hours. In the last two years, three models have surpassed the 30-hour mark, two have lasted over 24 hours, and 10 more have lasted at least 20 hours. Our median battery life for 2024-model-year PCs was 12.5 hours; for this year's models, it's at 18.5 — a 48 percent increase. This boost was fueled by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips and Intel's Panther Lake chips.

In the MacBook realm, Apple's switch to custom M-series silicon in 2020 was a game-changer. With a rated battery life of up to 18 hours, the original M1 MacBook Air had 50 percent more stamina than its Intel-powered predecessor. Subsequent M2, M3, M4, and M5 Pro and Air models we've tested have lasted for up to 21 hours per charge. And the new budget MacBook Neo, while short-lived for a modern MacBook, outlasts the average cheap PC or Chromebook with roughly 15 hours of battery life.

These massive battery life bumps aren't the result of laptop batteries getting bigger. They've happened because laptop chips are getting smaller and more efficient, according to another CNET analysis. Tinier processors don't need as much juice to work.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips and Apple's M-series chips are further aided by the fact that they're both based on ARM instruction set architecture, or ISA. Put simply, ISA determines how a laptop's chip talks to its software. ARM ISA is less complicated than the traditional x86 ISA used in Intel and AMD chips, so ARM-based laptops tend to be more power-efficient. (The only catch is that you might run into compatibility issues with some specialty software and PC games.)

Which laptop has the highest battery life in 2026?

The best battery life laptop we've ever tested is the HP OmniBook 3 16, which held out for 40 hours and 14 minutes in our video rundown test. No other laptop we've tested has surpassed the 35-hour mark, though one comes close.

The best family phone plans of 2026:

---

Best overall phone plan for families

T-Mobile Experience More 2.0

$140/month for 3 lines (save $45/month)

Get Deal

---

Best basic plan for families who don't need extras

Verizon Unlimited Welcome

$27.50/line/month for 4 lines

Get Deal

---

Best budget family plan

T-Mobile Essentials 2.0

$90/month for 3 lines (save $30/month)

Get Deal

---

Best no-contract plan for bigger families

Boost Unlimited+

$36.67/month for 3 lines (save $13.33/month)

Get Deal

Every family with more than two phones knows the drill: someone's always maxing out data, somebody forgot to add the new line, and the bill never quite matches what the website promised. Picking the right plan can save real money — but with every carrier claiming to have the "best" deal, it's hard to know which one actually delivers.

We compared plans across carriers to find the ones that are worth your money. T-Mobile's Experience More 2.0 stood out as the strongest all-around pick, with truly unlimited data and a built-in Netflix bundle, while Boost's Unlimited+ is the one to grab if you want no contract and the lowest per-line price as you add more family members.

Here's the full breakdown.

Best overall phone plan for families

Opens in a new window

Credit: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Experience More 2.0

Unlimited premium data, Netflix included, and 4K streaming — T-Mobile's step-up family plan starting at $140/month for three lines with AutoPay.

Get Deal at T-Mobile

Why we like it

For families that go through data fast, Experience More 2.0 is the sweet spot. At $140 per month for three lines (with the free third-line promo), you get truly unlimited premium data instead of a capped allowance, plus a real entertainment bundle — Netflix Standard with Ads — and Apple TV is just $3 per month. With 4K streaming, a locked-in five-year rate, and 60GB of hotspot data on top, this plan does a lot more than keep everyone connected.

The travel perks push it further: a full year of AAA membership, unlimited data in Canada and Mexico, and coverage in over 215 countries make it a strong pick for families who travel. You're also getting Scam Shield Premium and upgrade eligibility every three years at new-customer pricing. It costs more than Essentials, but if your family's leaning on streaming and hotspot data daily, Experience More earns the upgrade.

Best basic plan for families who don't need extras

Opens in a new window

Credit: Verizon

Verizon Unlimited Welcome

Unlimited talk, text, and 5G data with no frills — Verizon's most affordable line starting at $27.50/month with AutoPay.

Get Deal at Verizon

Why we like it

If your family just needs a reliable line, Unlimited Welcome is Verizon's answer to a truly no-frills plan. At $27.50 per month per line for four new lines with Auto Pay, it's the cheapest way onto Verizon's network, with unlimited talk, text, and data plus 5G access — no data caps to worry about, even if speeds can dip during heavy network traffic. For a family stacking up several lines, that starting price adds up to real savings compared to Verizon's pricier tiers.

Just know what you're giving up: no mobile hotspot, no international data or calling perks beyond Mexico and Canada, and streaming tops out at 480p SD, so it's not the plan for a household of binge-watchers.

Best no-contract plan for bigger families

Opens in a new window

Credit: Boost mobile

Boost Unlimited+

Unlimited talk, text and data with no contract — Boost's family plan drops to $36.67/month per line the more lines you add.

Get Deal at Boost mobile

Why we like it

Boost's Unlimited+ plan is the value pick for bigger families. Add three lines and the per-line price drops to $36.67 per month with AutoPay — unlimited talk, text, and 40GB of premium data included, with no contract locking you in. You can cancel anytime as long as you're not financing a device, which isn't something you'll find with most carriers' standard plans.

It also comes with some surprisingly solid extras for the price — mobile hotspot, global talk and text to over 100 countries, and up to $300 in device savings if you need a new phone. Speeds do drop to 512kbps after you burn through 40GB of premium data, so heavy streamers in the family might feel the pinch toward the end of the billing cycle. But for families prioritizing savings and flexibility over top-tier perks, Unlimited+ delivers a lot of value per dollar.

The often-imitated hair dryer has a lot of copycats that dupe Dyson's signature look but skimp on quality. A good rule of thumb: Avoid the sketchy $40 Amazon knockoffs that merely copy the iconic design. I promise they won't perform the same, and you'll be lucky if they last six months. The good news? In recent years, plenty of worthwhile competitors — or dupes — to the Dyson Supersonic have emerged on the scene.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Dyson

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (with 3 attachments)

$399.99 at Dyson

 

Shop Now at Dyson

So, what's the best Dyson Supersonic dupe?

To answer that question, I tested a bunch of hair dryers. Some look similar to the Supersonic, and some look nothing like it. I wanted to find the best alternatives to the Dyson Supersonic that replicate the experience: That is to say, they dry your hair in a way that feels quick, easy, and at least a little luxurious.

My top recommendation as of August 2026? The Laifen Swift. Not only does it look like the real thing, but it utilizes ions to minimize damage and has a powerful 110,000 RPM high-speed motor. Plus, it's affordable, which is why it's consistently held the top spot in this guide.

What makes the Dyson Supersonic special? 

The Supersonic has stood the test of time because with it, Dyson reimagined the hair dryer. Instead of a bulky, loud dryer, the Supersonic is sleek and compact yet more powerful than other dryers on the market (and a little less loud, too).

Dyson is known for this futuristic aesthetic on its products, but the look of this dryer also has a function. The ring-shaped head ditches the vented and coiled model of the traditional hair dryer and houses the tiny V9 motor in the handle. The combination of the V9 motor and the Air Multiplier technology makes for a dryer that clocks in at only 1.8 pounds yet still delivers a powerful airflow that’s notably quieter than the roar of a traditional dryer. That extra strong airflow also makes this dryer less reliant on heat and keeps hair damage to a minimum.

To further mitigate any heat damage, the Supersonic also measures the air temperature up to 20 times per second and uses a built-in ionizer to minimize static and give hair a sleek finish, which brings us to a quick ionizer science lesson.

Ionizers are pretty common in higher-end air dryers. Why? They blow negative ions at wet hair to reduce static electricity by sealing the hair cuticle and taking down the power of that positive ionic charge (aka what's causing that annoying frizz). As negative ions make contact with hair, they're also dispersing the positive ions of water, therefore cutting down on your drying time and reducing damage in the process.

Basically, it's one of the reasons the Dyson Supersonic provides such quick and excellent results and why hair dryers with ionizers cost more money — they do more than simply dry hair.

Magnetic attachments designed to easily snap onto the blow dryer round out the futuristic feel of the Supersonic. Five are included: a styling concentrator, a flyaway attachment, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb. It's a nice array of included nozzles, even for high-end dryers, which might typically include three or four attachments at the most.

Why is the Dyson Supersonic so expensive?

At $399.99 and up, the Supersonic is definitely an investment. However, you're paying for a high-end motor that's built to last, multiple heat settings to protect hair, an innovative design, and of course, the ionic tech. Other dryers from popular hot tool brands like T3, ghd, and Harry Josh boast some similar features and run you anywhere from $150 to $350, but none quite capture the magic of the Supersonic.

When I tested the Supersonic, I found that it had a luxe feel that stands out from other hair dryers. But don't forget: the Dyson Supersonic is now over 10 years old.

In 2024, Dyson released the updated Supersonic Nural (which you can find more info on in the FAQ section of this article), but it's not a drastically different product, with the main upgrade coming in the form of smart features, including improved temperature regulation and attachment detection. I tested it for a few weeks and found the upgrades nice, but by no means game-changing, especially for a $449 hair dryer. I also tested it against other smart hair dryers and found that the T3 Aire IQ offered the best intelligent features for the price point (more on that below, too).

Even with the original Supersonic being an older model, there is something to be said about it standing the test of time, and for providing a luxurious (yet efficient) drying experience, especially for folks with thick hair. On the other hand, Dyson competitors have had plenty of time to develop alternatives, all at a fraction of the price.

Recent testing updates

With the release of Supersonic Travel in 2026, I'm testing compact, travel-specific hair dryers.

In August 2026, I also removed the Dreame Pocket from our list of recommendations as the best option if you also want an Airwrap. Dreame no longer sells the Coanda curling wand with the standard Pocket model — or the handful of other Pocket dryers it's released since — making it a less viable Airwrap alternative. That said, there is one version — the Dreame Pocket Aura — that does feature the barrels. I've added the product to my testing pipeline, but it is $100 more than the original Pocket dryer. At $199, it's a price that the Shark FlexStyle occasionally drops down to.

The newest addition is the Supersonic Nural dupe, the T3 Aire IQ dryer, which I added in April 2025. Prior to that, I added the Dreame Gleam hair dryer, the Dreame Pocket, and the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex in November 2024. In the same month, I removed the Shark HyperAIR from my recommendations, as it has largely been phased out of stores after Shark discontinued it. If you're still especially keen to get it, a version with just one attachment is available at Walmart.

In February 2025, I tested the L'Oréal Airlight Pro, which at $475 costs even more than the original Supersonic and approaches the price point of the Supersonic Nural. The Airlight Pro looked and functioned very similarly to the Zuvi Halo, which makes sense — the hair dryer was developed in partnership with Zuvi. At the time, I didn't include it as it wasn't that different than the Zuvi Halo, and cost significantly more. However, since then, the Zuvi Halo appears to be discontinued — it's been sold out for months on Zuvi's website after a drastic price hike to $634. I reached out to a representative from Zuvi to confirm the discontinuation, but didn't hear back. As a result, I've decided to remove the Zuvi Halo from our list of recommendations, and I'm reconsidering the inclusion of the Airlight Pro.

It might never have occurred to you to go bladeless when looking for a new fan, but there are plenty of reasons to do so. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing than traditional fans, but they’re also much safer for kids and pets, easier to clean, and more energy efficient.

Most of the country (most of the world, in fact) has to cope with relentless summer heat, and a bladeless fan promises to offer some relief without running up an electric bill like air conditioning does.

And to help Mashable readers find the best bladeless fans and escape the summer heat, we tested top models from popular brands so you can stay cool.

What to consider before buying a bladeless fan

Most bladeless fans are more energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing than their traditional counterparts, but you’ll still want to take the time to read the specs and decide which features you’re willing to splurge on. Do you want a bladeless fan that also purifies your air and acts as a cooling system? If so, it might be worth investing in the famous Dyson Pure Cool bladeless fan. If you’re looking for something to simply circulate the air in your living room, the Lasko WindCurve will do.

What features should I consider in a bladeless fan?

When choosing the best fans to beat the summer heat, you should consider both the size of the space you're trying to cool (in square feet) and whether your new fan will live on the floor or on a table. You’ll also want to consider oscillation, which is how far the fan swings to the left and right. Greater oscillation will provide you with more coverage. Fan speeds, timers, and energy efficiency are other important factors to consider. If you have allergies, you’ll want to opt for Dyson bladeless fans that also include a HEPA filter, as these products can do double duty as air purifiers. Lastly, most bladeless fans include a remote control and automatic shut-off for safety.

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is an interesting phone in a time when most phones are aggressively boring.

Flip it open in front of someone for the first time, and they will inevitably ask questions about it or ask if they can hold it.

When the pink colorway first appeared on the Galaxy Unpacked livestream, the Mashable group chat blew up — and we're a bunch of phone snobs with most of our feet firmly planted in Apple-land.

But the Z Flip 8 is more than a pretty face. While the new $1,199.99 price tag is definitely a big pain point, it's an easy recommendation unless you need Ultra or Pro-level cameras for creative or professional reasons. And if you do, you'll be paying a lot more for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, or Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra anyway.

Galaxy Z Flip 8: By the numbers

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

This phone has mostly iterative upgrades over last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7, and despite rumors to the contrary, it does have a new Snapdragon chipset.

• Inner display: 6.9-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Outer display: 4.1-inch HD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset

• Colors: Pink, cream, graphite, mint

• Unfolded dimensions: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1 mm

• Folded dimensions: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1 mm

• Weight: 180 grams

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB

• Battery: 4,300mAh

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie camera

Galaxy Z Flip 8 review: Design

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The new Samsung flip phone is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 7. It still has ultra-thin bezels, and while it's not quite as thin as the excellent Galaxy Z Fold 8 (or the Z Fold 8 Ultra), Samsung did shave off 0.6mm.

When unfolded, it feels nice and light in your hand, and even when it's folded, it slips right into your pocket like a flip phone should. I'm one of the few phone reviewers who has hated the trend of bigger and bigger phones, which is why I held onto my iPhone SE as long as I could. I love the way phones like the Z Flip 8 and the Motorola Razr Ultra feel in my pocket compared with iPhone or the oversized Galaxy S26 Ultra.

For the Galaxy Z 8 series, Samsung also added flex titanium hardware, which results in a more durable hinge and less visible crease. The phone certainly feels solid, and the crease on the flexible display really does disappear.

Credit: René Ramos / CNET Group

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The phone also won me over with its charming good looks. This is a smartphone with good vibes. I love the pink color (which is more of a purple-pink than a bubblegum or millennial pink), and I really like the white color as well.

For a lot of reasons, I think this would be the ideal phone for a young person or college student, or as a starter phone for a cool teen, if your parents love you enough to splurge on a $1,199.99 device.

Galaxy Z Flip 8 review: Performance

Credit: René Ramos / CNET Group

Last year, we complained about the Z Flip 7's Exynos processor, but this year, Samsung opted for the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset found in the Z Fold 8 Ultra. When we ran the Geekbench 7 benchmarking test, the phone received a single-core score of 2,658 and a multi-core score of 7,157.

That single-core score is actually a little higher than the Z Fold 8, though the Z Fold 8 had a higher multi-core score of 9,919. Its scores are also significantly higher than those of the Motorola Razr Ultra, the flagship entry in the Razr lineup this year.

What this means is that the phone can handle basic AI processes on the device without breaking a sweat, and you can run tons of apps at the same time without slowing it down. The processor is also critical for photo processing, which is one of the few pain points with this phone. I found the color and light balance to be much better on the Z Fold 8, but the Z Flip 8 actually performed better with digital zoom (we'll come back to this in the camera test section).

Samsung also redesigned the outer display experience from the ground up, and it's now easier to access apps and widgets when the phone is closed (though not all apps will work on the front display).

Galaxy Z Flip 8: Setup, migration, and software

Setting up the Z Flip 8 was incredibly easy. Assuming you already have another Galaxy device, you can quickly transfer the contents. You do have to scroll through and accept a lot of terms of service and other screens when you first boot up the phone, which was annoying. Samsung was also keen to stress that it has made it as simple as possible to migrate from iOS to Android, and overall, the phone has better compatibility with Apple devices.

Crucially for me, Samsung has introduced Quick Share, an AirDrop-like feature that lets you quickly and wirelessly send photos, videos, and other files to nearby devices, including Apple devices. I was able to select all of the photos and videos I took for this review and send them to my MacBook Pro work laptop in seconds.

Like last year, the phone is also equipped with a fingerprint sensor.

Setting up the phone Credit: Screenshot by Timothy Werth

Credit: Screenshot by Timothy Werth

Galaxy Z Flip 8: The cameras are just OK

There's a simple reason that the Z Flip 8 couldn't be my everyday phone: the cameras.

The Z Flip 8 has a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP selfie camera. By comparison, I got good results with the larger Z Fold 8, which has dual 50MP cameras. The Z Flip 8's cameras suffer in comparison, especially for a phone that costs over $1,000.

Samsung redesigned the outer display experience for the Z Flip 8. Credit: René Ramos / CNET Group

If you're a professional who depends on high-quality pictures and videos (like, say, a tech journalist), this phone won't meet your needs. Likewise, even if creators love the design of this phone, it won't suit their video needs the way the iPhone 17 Pro Max would, for example.

However, for the vast majority of people, I think the cameras are good enough. Hence, why I think this phone makes sense for young people, or folks who prefer a small phone that disappears in their pocket.

The results of my camera test

Ultimately, I found that the Z Flip 8 sometimes oversaturated my photos, as you can see in this New York City park scene. The sky wasn't quite so blue that day, I'm afraid.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

I also found that in bright sunlight, some of the photos looked a little overexposed. The highlights were too bright in some cases, giving the photos a glossy sheen.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Strangely, the digital zoom on the Z Flip 8 seemed to work better than on the Z Fold 8, for reasons I don't understand. Both phones lack a telephoto lens for high-quality zoom shots. Still, it worked well enough, and better than expected in some cases.

Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

However, I did get great results with selfies, so long as I didn't rely on the front-facing 10MP selfie camera. One of the coolest features of the Z Flip 8 is that you can see a live video of the camera preview when the phone is folded, letting you line up the perfect selfie. This is so handy that I don't think you ever need to use the inner 10MP selfie camera, and I don't know why it's included at all. The drop-off in photo quality is very apparent.

Left: A selfie taken with the main camera. Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Fortunately, Portrait mode works well, so long as you're using the main cameras.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

A full suite of AI features

If you're an AI user, there's a lot to love about the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Thanks to the Snapdragon processor, you can get a lot accomplished on device.

With the Z 8 series, users get access to Gemini LM, which is a great perk. On top of that, you can get free six months of Google AI Pro, unlocking a ton more AI features (just be sure to cancel after six months if you don't want to be charged!).

However, the only AI feature I really find myself using on these devices are the AI photo editing tools, which work very well.

The AI eraser can help you eliminate unwanted pimples, photobombers, or other details from your shots. The tool easily erased a tote bag strap from one of my selfies, and eliminated people in the background of photos I took at a dog park.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

You can also have more fun with your photos, by adding fantastical details. Crucially, when you edit photos with AI, an AI content watermark is added automatically to your photo (in addition to a digital watermark), which I very much appreciate.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Is the Galaxy Z Flip 8 worth it?

While this isn't the right phone for me, I'm a big fan of foldable smartphones, and I had a lot of fun testing this phone. If you don't need a 200MP camera or 8K video recording (and who does, really?), then this phone will suit your needs just fine.

I do resent the $100 price increase for the new generation of Samsung foldables, but the global memory crisis has driven up prices on almost everything this year. If you can take advantage of trade-in offers from your mobile carrier, that should help offset the cost.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

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Last year, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold was technically in competition with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but in reality, it was no contest. Google's phone was just too bulky to really be a true peer of Samsung's excellent foldable.

This year, while one might arrive at the same ultimate conclusion, it is more of a real competition. The $1,899 Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a clear, marked improvement over its predecessor, thanks largely to a remarkably thinner and lighter form factor. While there are some software improvements to chew on, the fact that the new Pixel foldable is so much more comfortable in the hands than the 2025 model is enough to make it feel more on par with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Even so, a noticeable price increase year-over-year and Samsung's continued excellence in the space still mean that you're probably better off with a Z Fold. But the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is a very nice phone in its own right, and there are some good reasons to get one if you're in the market for a premium foldable.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold review: A $400 price increase hits hard

It's a lot thinner this time. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Speaking of price increases, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launched at $1,499, and the 11 Pro Fold is launching at $1,899. There are noteworthy improvements from one device to the next, as I'll cover extensively in the rest of this review, but not to the tune of an extra $400. You can blame RAMageddon and the rapid spread of AI data centers for that.

Still, even with a valid economic justification, a price hike is a price hike. It's not good, and I don't want to normalize that sort of thing, no matter how normal it is in 2026.

Easily the biggest change Google made between the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and this model is in the physical design of the device itself. Last year's Pixel foldable was notably thicker and bulkier than the Z Fold 7, to the point where I couldn't earnestly recommend it to anyone, even though it was a perfectly OK device in its own right. Google trimmed the Pixel 11 Pro Fold down substantially, bringing it down to 10.1mm of thickness when folded and 5.0mm when unfolded.

That's compared to 10.8mm and 5.2mm last year, respectively. Google also pared the weight down from around 258g to 239g. All of that is to say that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is significantly better from an ergonomic and design standpoint than its predecessor. As soon as I picked it up for the first time, I was immediately impressed by how much more svelte it is. The only problem is that the Z Fold 8 Ultra is an even tinier 4.1mm when unfolded, so Samsung still wins in that regard.

Still, Google is closing the gap.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Design, specs, and price

Boring colors this year. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The new Pixel 11 Pro Fold also only comes in two very drab and boring colors: Olive and Obsidian. Blegh. Here are the rest of the basic specs for the device:

• Exterior display: 6.5-inches with 1080x2342 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,600 nits peak brightness

• Interior display: 8-inches with 2076x2152 resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 3,600 nits peak brightness

• Processor: Google Tensor G6

• RAM: 16GB

• Storage: 256/512GB, 1TB

• Battery: 4,806mAh

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

• Selfie cameras: 10MP outer and inner cameras