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Netflix prices going up yet again
No, you aren't experiencing déjà vu. And no, you aren't accidentally reading a post from January 2025, which is the last time Netflix raised its prices.
Netflix is once again hiking the prices for its monthly streaming subscription service.
On Thursday, March 25, 2026, Netflix updated the "Plans and Pricing" page on its website and increased the subscription cost by $1 to $2 per month, depending on the plan. The price for a standard subscription is jumping from $17.99 per month to $19.99 per month. The standard subscription with ads is going from $7.99 to $8.99 per month. The Premium subscription, which includes 4K and extra simultaneous devices, has been raised from $24.99 to $26.99 per month.
The new prices go into effect immediately for new users. Netflix will update current subscribers about the price hike depending on their subscription's renewal date.
SEE ALSO: The 30 best comedies streaming on Netflix right nowThe price to add extra users outside of your household is also going up by $1 too. An extra user will now cost $7.99 on a plan with ads or $9.99 on a subscription tier without ads.
Netflix had more than 325 million subscribers at the end of 2025, so the streaming giant clearly isn't too concerned about losing customers over the price increase. This is the company's fifth price increase over the past six years.
While Netflix users aren't getting anything new with the increased pricing, the streamer has been increasingly moving into the live event broadcasting space over the past year. Netflix airs WWE Raw live every Monday night. Just last night, Netflix was the live broadcaster for the MLB opening game between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. In addition, Netflix is continuing its live combat sport events with the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA fight in May.
It's possible that Netflix is now viewing itself as a service more in line with other live sports streamers like ESPN+ and looking to charge likewise. Plans for ESPN+, which broadcasts WWE's monthly Premium Live Events, for example, start at $29.99 per month.
Dont pass up this perk: How to score an Amazon Prime gas discount
SAVE 10 CENTS PER GALLON: Prime members can save 10 cents per gallon at the pump at over 7,500 participating BP, Amoco, or AMPM gas stations.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Perk: Save 10 cents per gallon on fuel Get DealIf you're trying to get as much as possible out of your Amazon Prime subscription, there's one little-known perk you may never have used. We're all trying to save some extra cash these days, and this Prime-centric membership offering can help you reclaim some coin at the gas pump. Yes, the Amazon Prime gas discount is real, and you can start using it today as long as you're a Prime member.
Here's what you need to know: Prime members can save 10 cents per gallon at the pump at over 7,500 participating BP, Amoco, or AMPM gas stations.
SEE ALSO: 40+ deals under $50 from Amazon's Big Spring Sale — Amazon devices, earbuds, video gamesTo be clear, this discount only applies to the 7,500 participating BP, Amoco, and AMPM locations that you can find via the Earnify app. You'll need to download it to take advantage of the deal, in fact, so you can find a participating location.
First, link your Amazon account to Earnify, then enter your phone number or use the Earnify app when checking out at one of the gas stations marked as a participating location. Amazon and Earnify offer you 5 cents a gallon, with your Prime membership adding an additional 5 cents for a 10-cent total discount up to a potential $70 saved per year on fuel.
The Earnify account is free, and you'll be eligible for your discount as long as you have a Prime membership. If you decide to cancel, however, you'll lose access. So to recap, visit a location found via the app, enter your phone number in the app, and start saving.
There's no expiration date for the perk, either. That means you can focus your attention on shopping the Big Spring Sale for now and get that cash back when you pump your gas every time you visit the gas station without rushing to redeem the deal.
Saving money on gas is something just about everyone can participate in, after all. All those cents do add up.
3 outstanding Tubi movies to watch this weekend (March 27 - 29)
Are you looking to stream some movies without paying any money? Tubi could be the perfect solution to your problems. Tubi is an ad-supported streaming service that allows consumers to stream movies and TV shows for free. The only thing you have to worry about is ads, which will play during your feature presentation. I don't know about you, but I'll take a few ads if it means saving money on streaming subscriptions.
How to watch Switzerland vs. Germany online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. Germany in a 2026 International Friendly for free on RTS. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a number of really interesting International Friendlies taking place this week, including Switzerland vs. Germany.
This is a great opportunity for these sides to test out new formations, experiment with new players, and generally build some positive momentum before this summer's World Cup. We expect a competitive contest between two experienced sides.
If you want to watch Switzerland vs. Germany in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Switzerland vs. Germany?Switzerland vs. Germany kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 27. This fixture takes place at the St. Jakob Park.
How to watch Switzerland vs. Germany for freeSwitzerland vs. Germany is available to live stream for free on RTS.
RTS is geo-restricted to Switzerland, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Switzerland, meaning you can access free live streams on RTS from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Switzerland vs. Germany for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Switzerland
Visit RTS
Stream Switzerland vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Switzerland vs. Germany without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for RTS?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTS, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Switzerland
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Switzerland vs. Germany for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Spain vs. Serbia online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Serbia in a 2026 International Friendly for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are so many huge International Friendlies taking place this week. And no, we're not talking about games in which the dominant side can experiment with their selection and still win by a few goals. We're talking about genuinely competitive games between top sides, like Spain vs. Serbia.
If you want to watch Spain vs. Serbia in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Spain vs. Serbia?Spain vs. Serbia kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 27. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
How to watch Spain vs. Serbia for freeSpain vs. Serbia is available to live stream for free on RTVE.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can access free live streams on RTVE from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Spain vs. Serbia for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Stream Spain vs. Serbia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Spain vs. Serbia without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Spain
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Spain vs. Serbia for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Croatia vs. Colombia online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Croatia vs. Colombia in a 2026 International Friendly for free on Caracol TV. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching. Leading international sides are busy preparing with a string of high-profile friendly fixtures this week.
There are a number of interesting matchups on the schedule, including Croatia vs. Colombia. Both of these sides will be looking to perform strongly in this summer's tournament, so building some momentum here would be a good start. Expect the likes of Luis Diaz and Luka Modrić to star at the Citrus Bowl.
If you want to watch Croatia vs. Colombia in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Croatia vs. Colombia?Croatia vs. Colombia kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Citrus Bowl.
How to watch Croatia vs. Colombia for freeCroatia vs. Colombia is available to live stream for free on Caracol TV.
Caracol TV is geo-restricted to Colombia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Colombia, meaning you can access free live streams on Caracol TV from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Colombia
Visit Caracol TV
Stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Croatia vs. Colombia without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for Caracol TV?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Caracol TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Colombia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free with ExpressVPN.
Ive been poring over the best laptop deals from Amazons spring sale, and its a MacBook show so far
I've spent the last three years as Mashable's resident laptop expert, a job I take very seriously. The fact of the matter is that a good computer usually isn't a cheap one, so I go to great lengths to make sure any laptop I recommend is worth the investment. Put another way: I'm very picky because I look bad if I tell you to buy an expensive machine that actually sucks.
I'm so picky that I also have opinions on where you should buy your laptop. Admittedly, Amazon usually isn't my first choice: It doesn't stock as many models as other tech retailers like Best Buy, and it's filled with listings from third-party sellers I don't fully trust. (They can have different customer service policies than Amazon itself, and they might be advertising misleading specs.) But there are always some good laptop deals available during Amazon's sitewide sales throughout the year — including its Big Spring Sale, live now through March 31.
SEE ALSO: Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, and Kindle dealsSo far, the best laptop deals I'm seeing on Amazon this week involve MacBooks, MacBooks, and more MacBooks. Almost every Apple laptop from the past two years is on sale, if it's still in stock, with the biggest price cuts going to 2025's M4 MacBook Airs. They're all $200 to $300 off, making them significantly cheaper than their iterative M5 replacements, which Apple announced earlier this month. (Those are also on sale already, but only for about $50 off.)
Things are less exciting on the Windows side, but I managed to find a Samsung Galaxy laptop and an Asus gaming convertible on sale for record-low prices. Feel free to add those to your cart now. Several Microsoft Surface Laptop 7s are up to 26% off, but since all of them have been much cheaper before, I'd wait to see if their prices drop further later in the sale. It's very possible: An M5 MacBook Pro has gotten $70 cheaper on Amazon since the event started on Wednesday.
I've rounded up my top picks below. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price.
Best MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $949 at Amazon$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it
The 2025 MacBook Air is basically identical to its predecessor, save for its wireless chip and processor. (You're not missing out on much there: In our performance tests, the M4 version was only about six percent slower than the M5 model in both single- and multi-core workloads.) It features a vibrant Liquid Retina display, a backlit keyboard, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 12MP webcam with Center Stage support. At $949, this 13-inch configuration has never been cheaper.
Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4).
More MacBook Air dealsApple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,099 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,399 (save $250) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,599 (save $300) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449 $1,499 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449 $1,499 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649 $1,699 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,580 $1,699 (save $119)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799 $1,899 (save $100)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,149 $2,199 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,549 $2,599 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,649 $2,699 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,749.99 $2,799 (save $49.01) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,049 $3,099 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,549 $3,599 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,849 $3,899 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,349 $4,399 (save $50) 🔥
$1,699.99 Save $500 Get Deal Why we like it
This premium hybrid laptop features a crisp 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a slick 120Hz refresh rate. (At 3.73 pounds, it's pretty light for a device of its size.) Samsung has rated it for up to 25 hours of battery life per charge and throws in a free S Pen stylus for note-taking. Amazon is offering a Big Spring Sale discount of $500, which brings it down to a record-low price of $1,199.99. It's still full price at Best Buy and on Samsung's website, so don't bother buying it anywhere else.
More Windows laptop dealsMicrosoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949.99 $1,199.99 (save $250)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,599.99 (save $400)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,699.99 (save $400)
LG gram Pro 16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, Nvidia RTX 5050, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,499.99 $3,149.99 (save $650) 🔥
$2,399.99 Save $330 Includes free code for "Crimson Desert" Get Deal Why we like it
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a zippy gaming convertible with a detachable keyboard and a buttery 180Hz display — GTA V's Ned Luke is a fan. This configuration is powered by a high-end AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip with integrated graphics that performed on par with an RTX 4060 GPU when we tested it in another Asus laptop. Amazon has it marked down to $2,069.99, which is 14% off its MSRP and its best deal to date. (Ignore Amazon's deflated list price; it actually retails for $2,399.99, according to Asus' website.) It also comes with a free PC download code for Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss' huge new fantasy-action adventure game.
This ROG Flow Z13 deal is price-matched at Best Buy, but it doesn't include the Crimson Desert code there.
Gaming laptop dealsAsus TUF Gaming F16 (Intel Core i5-13450HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)
Asus ROG Strix G18 (AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,394.99 $1,699 (save $305) + free Crimson Desert code
Lenovo Legion 5i (Intel Core i7-14700HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,469.99 $1,669.99 (save $200) + free 3-month Xbox PC Game Pass subscription
Asus ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,464.99 $2,899.99 (save $435)
Android 17 Beta 3 is here with the floating window feature Google promised
It’s been exactly one month since the last Android 17 beta, and Google is releasing another one right on schedule. Android 17 beta 3 marks the Platform Stability milestone, which means we’re only a few months away from the final release.
Your Netflix subscription is about to get more expensive
Streaming services were supposed to free us from the high costs of cable subscriptions, but it didn’t turn out that way, Now, Netflix is raising prices yet again in the United States, with the standard subscription now reaching $20 per month.
If you think headlights are getting brighter, you’re right—and AAA has the data
If you have ever found yourself squinting or momentarily blinded by the searing white light of a large oncoming SUV during your evening commute, you are not alone. A recent AAA survey reveals that headlight glare has become a primary concern for the American public, with 60% of respondents reporting it as a problem while driving after dark.
How to watch Netherlands vs. Norway online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Netherlands vs. Norway in a 2026 International Friendly for free on NPO. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 World Cup is not too far away, so top international sides from around the world are using this domestic break to build momentum and find their best starting 11.
There are a number of interesting fixtures taking place this week, including Netherlands vs. Norway. On paper, there's not much between these talented sides. If Norway are to win, they'll need other players to step up in the absence of Erling Haaland. He's sitting this one out as he recovers from a busy schedule with Man City.
If you want to watch Netherlands vs. Norway in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Netherlands vs. Norway?Netherlands vs. Norway kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 27. This fixture takes place at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
How to watch Netherlands vs. Norway for freeNetherlands vs. Norway is available to live stream for free on NPO.
NPO is geo-restricted to the Netherlands, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the Netherlands, meaning you can access free live streams on NPO from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Netherlands vs. Norway for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the Netherlands
Visit NPO
Stream Netherlands vs. Norway for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Netherlands vs. Norway without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for NPO?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on NPO, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the Netherlands
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Netherlands vs. Norway for free with ExpressVPN.
The top finds from Amazons Spend $100, Get $20 Free sale: Nespresso, Sun Bum, Hydro Flask
SPEND $100, SAVE $20: As of March 26, spend $100 on eligible items at Amazon and get $20 in credit at checkout.
The best Amazon Spend $100, Get $20 Sale picks Best Coffee Deal Nespresso Capsules - Vertuo, Melozio, Medium Roast Coffee $42 Get Deal Best Sunscreen Deal Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen $18.49 Get Deal Best Tumbler Deal Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler $34.99 Get DealIf you're anything like me, you've been waiting for the absolute best time to save before making an Amazon run. And I'm not just talking about an item here and there that you "can't live without", like some of the goodies discounted as part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale. I mean the things you come back to time and time again, like coffee re-ups, socks, and other goodies.
Right now, as part of the Big Spring Sale, Amazon is sweetening the deal if there's a long list of items you want to pick up, but still save some cash on. When you purchase $100 of select items, Amazon will give you a $20 promotional credit at checkout. That means you're getting a decent discount by buying these everyday items, even though most aren't even technically on sale.
SEE ALSO: The best deals under $25 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale — save on Lego, Fire TV Sticks, and moreTo qualify for this discount, all you have to do is shop the highlighted products from the sale page. You can sort by department to find what you're most interested in, and then start adding items to your cart until you meet the $100 threshold. When you're finished, go to your cart and check out, where you'll see the $20 credit automatically applied, as long as you purchased eligible items.
We've gone through and hand-picked some of the best items you'll want to stock up on during this sale, so check out our picks below.
Best coffee deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nespresso Capsules - Vertuo, Melozio, Medium Roast Coffee $42 at AmazonGet Deal Why we like it
If you've got a Nespresso Vertuo machine, stock up on these Nespresso Capsules in a variety of flavors. The Melozio Medium Roast is a light, pleasing flavor with a slight sweetness that translates well to espresso. These capsules make it easy for the Nespresso Vertuo to brew a variety of cup sizes and blends with the press of a button, so you can enjoy all your coffeehouse-quality drinks without having to leave the house. This deal makes it cheaper to stock up, though the capsule bundles aren't individually discounted.
Best sunscreen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen $18.49 at AmazonGet Deal Why we like it
The weather's getting warmer, so prep for all the time you're planning to spend in the sun with this Sun Bum sunscreen. It's non-comedogenic so it won't block your pores, and it offers UVA and UVB protection with Vitamin E. And if that isn't enough, it smells like summer. If you prefer not to slather on lotion, however, there are tons of other Sun Bum options on sale, including lip balm and sunscreen spray that can help keep your skin protected while you're living it up outdoors this season.
Best tumbler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler $34.99 at AmazonGet Deal Why we like it
Stay hydrated while you're soaking up the sun, or meet your water goals from day to day. It's a lot easier to do when you have a cute tumbler to drink from. This one comes in multiple colors and includes a straw with a 32-ounce capacity for whatever beverage you want to take on the go. There are also plenty of other additional Hydro Flask options and form factors available as part of the sale if you prefer a different model. No matter which you choose, you can count on your drink staying cold and looking chic while you take your cup everywhere you go.
5 Netflix movies starring Spider-Man: Brand New Day's cast
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be released worldwide soon, with its trailer going viral across social media apps. In the film, Tom Holland's Peter Parker returns to a reality where the world does not remember him, and new threats appear on the horizon.
How to watch England vs. Uruguay online for free
TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Uruguay in a 2026 International Friendly for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching. It can't come soon enough for most football fans, so huge International Friendlies like England vs. Uruguay are a welcome taster of what's to come. It's at this time that sides will look to hone in on their best 11 and build some momentum before this summer's tournament.
England are favorites to win this contest at home, but Uruguay are stacked with elite talent. It's going be a fascinating battle at Wembley Stadium.
If you want to watch England vs. Uruguay in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is England vs. Uruguay?England vs. Uruguay kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 27. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.
How to watch England vs. Uruguay for freeEngland vs. Uruguay is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream England vs. Uruguay for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Stream England vs. Uruguay for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch England vs. Uruguay without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream England vs. Uruguay for free with ExpressVPN.
I test headphones and earbuds nearly every day. These are the best deals on both during Amazons Big Spring Sale.
As a shopping reporter, trust me when I say I get better than most that Amazon's sale schedule can feel a little fatiguing. However, as a headphones reviewer, I also can't deny that this year's Big Spring Sale offers a great opportunity to upgrade your audio game on the cheap.
Having spent a few years testing headphones, and the last year covering the latest in noise-cancelling tech, open earbuds, and sleep earbuds, I went into this last week of March curious to see what the third iteration of Amazon's Big Spring Sale could bring. Sure, I'd seen the mega-retailer offer some solid tech deals in the two years prior, but the second day of this sale is proving that Amazon isn't playing with the headphones' savings this year.
SEE ALSO: We found the best Apple deals from Amazon's Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooksAlready, the newly announced Apple AirPods Max 2 are $19 off, even though they're still in their preorder phase. Sony's latest flagship headphones and earbuds are both marked down, and Shokz has plenty of deals for anyone looking for a new pair of workout earbuds. The only major brand opting out of the discounts so far is Bose.
This sale is on for one week, from March 25 to March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Anything is possible, but with most of the below deals, I don't imagine we'll see wild fluctuations in price. In other words, if you see a pair of headphones or earbuds you like, I recommend scooping them up.
My colleagues and I will be updating this post throughout the sale, so we'll let you know if anything new and major drops.
Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon$459.99 Save $61.99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Sony's flagship headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6, are still relatively new, all things considered, meaning that catching them on sale isn't always a given. Granted, even though their sale price of $398 does net you a nice $61.99 price cut, they're still expensive headphones. (If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, I recommend the Sony WH-CH720N). That said, if you're looking for the best of the best, these Sony headphones offer some of the best sound, noise cancellation, and all-day wear I've ever tried. Plus, unlike their predecessor, their ear cups actually fold. Grab them on sale in any of the available four colorways.
If the WH-1000XM6 are out of your price range, go for a more budget-friendly option. The JLab Lux are surprisingly great for a pair of headphones under $100, and right now you can get them for just $41.99.
Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM6.
More headphones dealsJLab JBuds Lux ANC — $41.99 $79.99 (save $38)
Sony WH-CH520 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)
Soundcore Q30 — $55.99 $79.99 (save $24)
Sony WH-CH720N — $98 $179.99 (save $81.99)
Sennheiser Accentum — $99.95 $189.95 (save $90)
JBL Live 770NC — $119.94 $199.95 (save $80.01)
Sony ULT Wear — $148 $249.99 (save $101.99)
Beats Solo 4 — $149.95 $199.95 (save $50)
Beats Studio Pro — $159.99 $349.99 (save $190)
Marshall Monitor III — $248.99 $379.99 (save $131)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $249.95 $449.95 (save $200)
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e — $274.99 $399 (save $124.01)
Sonos Ace — $299 $399 (save $100)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $529.99 $549 (save $19.01)
$129.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
As much as I love a good pair of premium earbuds, I'm less in love with the idea of paying over $200 for quality ANC and sound when you can get that for much, much cheaper. For day-to-day use, I often find myself reaching for the Sony WF-C710N earbuds. They have great battery life, a compact case for easy portability, really solid ANC, and a rounded sound profile worthy of the Sony name. Bracetti called them the best Sony earbuds you can get for under $100 (when they're on sale), and I'm comfortable saying they're some of the best earbuds under $100, period.
Check out our full review of the Sony WF-C710N.
More earbuds dealsCMF Buds 2a — $24.65 $39 (save $15.35)
JBL Vibe Beam — $29.94 $49.95 (save $20.01)
Sony WF-C510 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)
Nothing Ear (a) — $58.99 $109 (save $50.01)
Nothing Ear — $77 $129 (save $52)
OnePlus Buds 4 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE — $128.21 $149.99 (save $21.78)
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $169 $229 (save $60)
Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds — $179.99 $199.99
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Technics EAH-AZ100 — $247.99 $299.99 (save $52)
Sony WF-1000XM6 — $298 $329.99 (save $31.99)
$229.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
People love the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, but the Sony LinkBuds Clip are just as comfortable, sound at least as good, and at their full price, cost about $70 cheaper than the Bose buds. I have testing samples of both on my desk, and I find myself reaching for the Sony buds more.
On sale, they're over $100 cheaper than the Bose Ultra earbuds. Mashable contributor Simon Cohen deemed these earbuds a Mashable Selects winner, which means they're a favorite of the Mashable team. This sale price of $198 marks their biggest discount ever, and the first time they've ever gone below $200. For earbuds that just launched in January, that's not too shabby.
Check out our full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.
More open earbuds dealsSoundcore V20i — $26.99 $49.99 (save $23)
Soundcore C50i — $39.98 $69.99 (save $30.01)
Baseus Bowie MC1 Pro — $47.49 $89.99 (save $42.50)
EarFun Clip — $48.98 $69.99 (save $21.01)
Nothing Ear(Open) — $98.99 $149 (save $50.01)
Shokz OpenSwim Pro — $139.95 $179.95 (save $40)
Shokz OpenRun Pro — $159.95 $179.95 (save $20)
Shokz OpenDots ONE — $159.94 $199.95 (save $40.01)
I test laptops for a living. Here are my favorite MacBook deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale.
Amazon's third annual Big Spring Sale runs through March 31. The event mainly revolves around seasonal essentials like cleaning supplies and outdoor gear, but it also prompts some good deals on must-have tech — including flagship Apple products like MacBooks. As Mashable's resident laptop expert, I'm on the case.
Apple actually just refreshed its MacBook lineup earlier this month, announcing updated MacBook Airs and Pros in addition to an all-new budget MacBook Neo. Most configurations of these new releases are seeing their very first (tiny) discounts during the Big Spring Sale, while their predecessors are priced to move at up to $300 off.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is surprisingly good: We found 111+ deals on Apple, DJI, Sony, and DysonKeep in mind that Apple has discontinued its last-gen MacBooks, which means they'll only be available on the refurbished market once third-party retailers' inventories dry up. So, if you see a good deal on an M4 MacBook Air or Pro on Amazon this week, don't wait too long to add it to your cart. I think they'll sell out there long before this summer's Prime Day sale.
I'll continue to monitor Amazon's Big Spring Sale MacBook deals as the sale continues into next week, so check back if nothing catches your eye just yet. At least one model has gotten cheaper since the sale started on March 25, FYI. (That would be the base M5 MacBook Pro, which was $1,649 on Wednesday and $1,580 at the time of writing.) Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price.
Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $949 at Amazon$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal Why I like it
The M4 MacBook Air may be a last-gen laptop, but it's still an incredibly capable ultraportable. (In our testing, it proved much faster than much pricier Windows laptops.) It has the same 12MP Center Stage webcam, Liquid Retina display, and 18-hour battery life as its new M5 counterpart, which just offers slightly faster performance and newer wireless connectivity. This 13-inch configuration has 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage just like the M5 base model, which is going for $100 more.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).
More MacBook Air dealsApple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $899 $999 (save $100)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,099 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,399 (save $250) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,599 (save $300) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449 $1,499 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449 $1,499 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649 $1,699 (save $50) 🔥
$699 Save $9.01 Get Deal Why I like it
Nine bucks off barely counts as a discount, but this is the best MacBook Neo deal I've seen outside of the Apple Store itself. (You can get $100 off there, but only if you're a college student, a parent of one, or school faculty.) This colorful little laptop has the same premium aluminum build as any other MacBook, and it boasts incredibly impressive single-core performance; in basic everyday tasks like web browsing, it's just as fast as an M4 MacBook Air. This particular model comes with Touch ID.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Neo.
Best MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,580 at Amazon$1,699 Save $119 Get Deal Why I like it
A MacBook Pro has more ports and a brighter, smoother display than a MacBook Air. It's also better at handling heavier workloads (like video editing) over a long period of time since it has fans. I recommend it as an upgrade pick for power users like content creators and developers. This is the new base configuration of the M5 MacBook Pro; Apple just bumped it up from 512GB of storage. It's been cheaper on Amazon recently — $1,499 is its all-time low — but it's not currently cheaper anywhere else. Best Buy is selling it for full price.
Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M5).
More MacBook Pro dealsApple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799 $1,899 (save $100)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,149 $2,199 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,549 $2,599 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,649 $2,699 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,749.99 $2,799 (save $49.01) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,049 $3,099 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,549 $3,599 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,849 $3,899 (save $50) 🔥
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,349 $4,399 (save $50) 🔥
Don't make these 4 mistakes when building a DIY SSD
If you've got an old SSD lying around, one of the best things you can do with it is repurpose it into an external SSD. A DIY external SSD can also end up being lighter on your wallet than a regular external drive, especially now that storage prices have gone through the roof.
How to watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a number of vital World Cup qualifiers taking place this week, including Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina. This one-off semi final takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium in Wales.
This is a really difficult contest to predict. The winner will face either Italy or Northern Ireland for a place in this summer's tournament. Wales might have the edge playing at home, but Bosnia-Herzegovina possess the talent to give any team problems on their best day.
If you want to watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina?Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium.
How to watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina for freeWales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Lve stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.
15+ deals on Ninja kitchen appliances in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Air fryers, blenders, and the Creami
Now that we're celebrating warmer weather, the schedule is getting busier and the time you want to spend on dinner is dwindling. The phrase "work smarter, not harder" can certainly apply to cooking, and Ninja makes some of Mashable's favorite kitchen appliances that help whip up excellent meals with less hassle. A lot of the best Ninja air fryers, blenders, and more are currently on sale for the Amazon Big Spring Sale.
As the "big" in the name suggests, the massive seasonal sale is also an opportunity to get major discounts across tons of staple categories like TVs, robot vacuums, Kindles, Apple devices, and other kitchen products from brands like Breville and Chefman. The Big Spring Sale officially kicked off on March 25 and runs through March 31.
SEE ALSO: The Shark UV Reveal robot vacuum came out less than a month ago. It's already on sale for Amazon's spring sale.Unlike Black Friday, when sharkninja.com turned out to be a far better spot to find good Ninja deals than Amazon, nearly every Ninja steal from the website also appears at Amazon's spring sale. A Ninja Slushi deal is the only elusive one — you'll need to head to SharkNinja or Target to find the frozen drink maker on sale.
Otherwise, these are the best Ninja deals to shop during the sale.
Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 at Amazon$219.99 Save $90 Get Deal Why we like it
Serving as a blender and a food processor, the Ninja Kitchen System is a do-it-all appliance. You'll be whizzing up morning smoothies, fresh salsa for barbecues, homemade salad dressings, and even mixing doughs thanks to the powerful Ninja blender. Plus, many of the components are safe to clean in the dishwasher.
The system comes with the blender base, a food processor bowl, two serving cups, and a 72-ounce blender pitcher. Usually, it sells for $219.99, but it's on sale at Amazon today for $129.99. That matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
More Ninja blender dealsNinja Blast Portable Blender— $54.94 $69.99 (save $15.05)
Ninja Nutri-Blender Plus Compact Personal Blender — $69.98 $89.99 (save $20.31)
Ninja Professional Plus Blender — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)
Ninja Professional Plus Duo Blender — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30 + get a free $6 Amazon credit)
$349.99 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it
There's arguably no better way to celebrate warmer temps than with ice cream. The only thing that could make this better would be if you got to enjoy homemade ice cream with your own custom flavor combinations. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl. This worthy countertop appliance serves up your own scoopable ice cream, soft serve, frozen custard, sorbet, gelato, and more.
In Mashable's review of the best Ninja appliances, the Scoop & Swirl earns the top spot as the best model in the Ninja Creami lineup.
More Ninja frozen treats dealsNinja Creami Ice Cream Maker — $199.99 $229.99 (save $30 + get a free $30 Amazon credit)
Ninja Creami Deluxe Ice Cream Maker — $249.98 $279.98 (save $30)
Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker Pro — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker — $99.98 $129.99 (save $30.01)
Ninja NeverClog Cold Press Juicer — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro — $139.95 $169.99 (save $30.04)
Ninja Specialty Hot & Iced Coffee Maker — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)
Ninja Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Ninja Flip Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)
Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill and Air Fryer — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)
Ninja EverClad Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Set (12 piece) — $279.99 $329.99 (save $50)
Ninja NeverDull Premium Knife System and Sharpener — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)
Ninja FlexFlame ProConnect Grill & Smoker — $1,099.99 $1.299.99 (save $200)
AsgardBench: A benchmark for visually grounded interactive planning
- To successfully complete tasks, embodied AI agents must ground and update their plans based on visual feedback.
- AsgardBench isolates whether agents can use visual observations to revise their plans as tasks unfold.
- Spanning 108 controlled task instances across 12 task types, the benchmark requires agents to adapt their plans based on what they observe.
- Because objects can be in different positions and states (e.g., clean or dirty), the same instruction can require different action sequences, even in the same environment.
Imagine a robot tasked with cleaning a kitchen. It needs to observe its environment, decide what to do, and adjust when things don’t go as expected, for example, when the mug it was tasked to wash is already clean, or the sink is full of other items. This is the domain of embodied AI: systems that perceive their environment and act within it.
The field has made rapid progress, but evaluating these systems is harder than it looks. Many benchmarks test perception, navigation, and physical control all at once, making it difficult to isolate whether an AI agent is actually using what it perceives to make better decisions or just getting lucky because the environment is predictable enough to script around.
To address this, we created AsgardBench. In the paper, AsgardBench — Evaluating Visually Grounded Interactive Planning Under Minimal Feedback,” we describe how this benchmark poses a simple but demanding challenge: give an AI agent a household task, let it observe the environment through images, and see whether it can adjust its plan when what it perceives contradicts what it anticipated. Can it notice that the mug it needs to clean is already in the sink, or that it isn’t, and behave accordingly? That is the core question AsgardBench is designed to answer.
Built on AI2-THOR, an interactive 3D simulation environment used to train and evaluate AI agents on household tasks, AsgardBench positions agents near objects and gives them a small, fixed set of actions, such as find, pickup, put, clean, and toggle_on/off. At each turn, the agent proposes a full sequence of steps to complete the task, but only the first step executes. Throughout, the focus is squarely on plan adaptation, not whether an agent can navigate a room or manipulate an object, but whether it can use what it perceives to revise its next step.
For example, the agent may discover a mug to be clean, dirty, or filled with coffee, or it may observe that a sink contains many other items, so the same instruction can require different action sequences as the task unfolds. This process is illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Agent observations and corresponding action plans in AsgardBench. Each image is paired with the plan generated from that observation. This illustrates how AsgardBench requires agents to update or change their plans based on new visual evidence rather than following a fixed sequence. How it worksAgents start in interaction-ready positions, so navigation and viewpoint selection are not factors. A find action brings objects into view, and the environment handles the details of container sizing and placement, so the agent does not need to reason about which cabinet or countertop to use. The only inputs are color images, a history of attempted actions with simple success or failure signals, and the agent’s own record of what it plans to do next.
At each turn, the agent proposes a complete sequence of steps to finish the task, but only the first step proceeds. It then receives new images and a simple signal—did that action succeed or fail? This prevents the agent from scripting everything upfront and forces it to re-evaluate and revise its plan at every step. Built-in limits on total steps and repeated actions prevent endless loops. Because the environment provides only simple feedback, the agent must be able to notice what it perceives (e.g., whether a mug is dirty, whether a faucet is running) and keep track of where it is in the task from one step to the next.
Evaluating AsgardBenchWe tested several leading vision-capable models on AsgardBench and observed that high-performing models require visual grounding to consistently succeed. Across the models, visual input substantially improved performance: most models more than doubled success rates when given images versus text-only descriptions of the scene. This is in contrast to some prior benchmarks where agents could perform reasonably well without vision by relying on textual feedback on what went wrong.
Providing that kind of detailed failure information raises performance for all models in AsgardBench, too, but it can mask the real problem. The strongest vision-capable models still outperform text-only agents even when those agents are given detailed feedback, demonstrating that the benchmark requires visual grounding that text alone cannot replicate. AsgardBench’s performance is illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Success rates for image-based and text-only conditions. Visual input substantially improves performance for all but the weakest agents, while text-only performance remains low, indicating that AsgardBench requires perception-based reasoning.The results also revealed where today’s agents consistently fall short. Across all models, the same problems kept appearing: agents attempted undoable actions (e.g., trying to clean a mug that was not in the sink), got stuck in repeated action loops, misinterpreted subtle visual cues (on/off, clean/dirty), and lost track of where they were in the task progress from one step to the next. This points to three weaknesses: the inability to distinguish subtle visual details in cluttered scenes, the inability to maintain an accurate picture of task progress across multiple steps, and the inability to consistently translate what the agent sees into timely updates to its plan. Taken together, these point to where the next generation of embodied agents will need to improve.
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Listen now Opens in a new tab Implications and looking aheadAsgardBench is useful as both a diagnostic and development tool. By varying what feedback agents receive (none, minimal, or detailed), researchers can isolate whether performance gains come from better perception, better memory, or better planning. Promising directions include systems that combine stronger visual understanding with better state tracking, training approaches that emphasize learning to repair plans mid-task, and evaluation methods that measure not just whether an agent succeeds but how well it adapted along the way.
The failure patterns AsgardBench surfaces point toward a concrete next step: building systems that can make finer visual distinctions, keep track of what changed more reliably across steps, and learn to revise plans mid-task rather than plowing ahead on a script. Agents that make progress on these challenges should be meaningfully better equipped for the messiness of real-world environments: unexpected object states, cluttered scenes, and the constant need to adapt.
AsgardBench is open source and available on GitHub (opens in new tab), providing a foundation for advancing research in visually grounded planning.
AcknowledgementsWe thank the AI2-THOR community for building the simulation platform and making reproducible embodied evaluation possible.
Opens in a new tabThe post AsgardBench: A benchmark for visually grounded interactive planning appeared first on Microsoft Research.


