IT General

The used-car market is packed with Volkswagen Arteons at surprisingly low prices, making it a tempting pick for anyone after a slick, tech-loaded luxury sedan that won’t break the bank.

Are you concerned about your digital footprint? Does it bother you that anyone listening can observe which websites you visit? Most people don't know what DNS is or how much information it leaks. I'll share with you what the problem is and how to fortify yourself against snoopers.

Not all Raspberry Pi projects require a display, like home servers and DNS sinkholes. But not all projects are alike, and sometimes your choice of display can greatly influence the end result.

Without Spotify Premium, I've been building out my collection of MP3s and lossless FLAC song files. I still miss the Spotify interface for when I'm working on my desktop, though. Fortunately, I found a replacement that works with my media server.

If you associate IKEA with affordable flat-pack furniture and kitchen utensils with unpronounceable names, you might have overlooked the fact that the company has been at the forefront of the smart home revolution for decades.

People often confuse Excel's LAMBDA and SCAN functions because they often appear together in formulas. However, they aren't the same: LAMBDA is the "brain" that defines the logic, and SCAN is the "vehicle" that carries it out. Here's how to tell them apart.

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 10 Aura Edition is a powerful laptop capable of doing most anything you'd ever ask of it. Unfortunately, there is one minor quirk that makes it difficult to recommend.

TL;DR: Live stream Rams vs. Bears for free on TVNZ+. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Chicago Bears mounted an exciting comeback against Green Bay in the Wild Card Round, marking their first NFL playoffs win in 16 years. Now they face tough competition from the Los Angeles Rams, who sneaked past the Panthers last weekend.

This is also the Bears' first winning season since 2019, so it could be their year in the playoffs — it feels like a story to follow as we head into the Divisional Round. The Rams have posted just one more win than the Bears, making them a fairly even match on paper. But we know anything can happen in the playoffs. And whoever wins this will meet the San Francisco 49ers or Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

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If you want to watch Rams vs. Bears in the NFL playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Rams vs. Bears?

Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears takes place at 6.30 p.m. ET on Jan. 18. This fixture will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

How to watch Rams vs. Bears for free

Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere by using a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, allowing you to unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world. Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with TVNZ+

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Rams vs. Bears and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Texans vs. Patriots for free on TVNZ+. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Last week saw a dramatic Wild Card Round, with the Houston Texans trouncing the Pittsburgh Steelers for a spot in this weekend's Divisional Round against the New England Patriots.

It's not quite unknown territory for the Texans in the NFL playoffs, but they've never once advanced beyond this stage in their 24-year history. A spot in the Championship Game is a huge prize to fight for, let alone the Super Bowl itself. The Texans have a stellar defense this season, but they'll now face an MVP contender in the Patriots' Drake Maye. And the Patriots are back on form in a big way following a few very underwhelming years. All of which means this could be a Divisional clash for the ages.

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If you want to watch Texans vs. Patriots in the NFL playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Texans vs. Patriots?

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 18. This fixture will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

How to watch Texans vs. Patriots for free

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere by using a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, allowing you to unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world. Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with TVNZ+

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Texans vs. Patriots and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Give your PC a total refresh with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license, on sale now for $9.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

You can’t get much for $10 these days. But if you’ve got an older PC lying around in need of some TLC, you can totally revamp it with a new operating system. Right now, you can get it for just $9.97 with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license — less than your lunch.

Give an old device a reboot with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license. This operating system was designed with the modern professional in mind, so you can rest easy knowing it will streamline your workflow and give your productivity a much-needed boost.

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Windows 11 Pro helps you tackle your to-do list with new features, including a seamless, easy-to-navigate interface. You can also work smarter, not harder, thanks to snap layouts, easy redocking, a more powerful search experience, and improved voice typing.

This new operating system includes access to a Microsoft Office favorite, Microsoft Teams, which helps you stay in touch with family, friends, and coworkers. It also puts Copilot right on your desktop, your very own AI-powered assistance that can answer questions, help with tasks, and even take actions like changing settings, summarizing web pages, or opening apps.

Aside from new tools that make life a little easier, Windows 11 Pro also keeps your PC’s cybersecurity top of mind. It includes biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection. You’ll also have tools like Azure AD, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption at your fingertips.

Get a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for just $9.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Another Game of Thrones show means another Targaryen family tree to memorize, and HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no exception.

The prequel series primarily centers on lowborn knight Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), following their time at a tournament at Ashford Meadow. However, despite A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' focus on Westeros' smallfolk, it's not long before the Targaryens show up to bring drama (and tons of "ae" names) to the tourney.

SEE ALSO: 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' review: 'Game of Thrones' prequel is a surprising comfort watch

If you're wondering how all these new members of the House of the Dragon are related to one another, you've come to the right place. Below, we've laid out the Targaryen family tree as it stands heading into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1. For simplicity's sake, we've pruned some of the branches to show how these family members tie back to House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, and we've focused on the major Targaryen players you'll meet early on. Read on to meet your newest crop of Targaryens — and see how they all connect.

Behold, the Targaryen family tree. Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable King Daeron II Targaryen

The current head honcho of Westeros is King Daeron II Targaryen, the great-grandson of House of the Dragon's Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen. You won't actually meet him in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, but his reign has molded the Westeros you'll see in the series.

By this point, almost 80 years after the events of House of the Dragon, Westeros is experiencing a period of peace, and it's all thanks to King Daeron II. He put an end to the Blackfyre Rebellion, a bloody coup attempt by legitimized Targaryen bastards, and he also managed to bring Dorne peacefully into the Seven Kingdoms. They don't call him "Daeron the Good" for nothing!

SEE ALSO: Is 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' kid-friendly? Daeron II's sons: Baelor and Maekar Targaryen Bertie Carvel and Sam Spruell in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." Credit: Composite: Mashable / Images: Steffon Hill / HBO

King Daeron II has four sons with his wife, Dornish Princess Myriah Martell: Baelor, Aerys, Rhaegal, and Maekar. For the purposes of this show, you really only need to care about the first and fourth sons, Baelor and Maekar.

Prince Baelor "Breakspear" Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) is the eldest of Daeron II's sons. Not only is he heir to the Iron Throne, he's also Hand of the King. Like his father, he's deeply respected and viewed as wise and just. He has two sons with his wife Jena Dondarrion: Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan) and Prince Matarys, but only Valarr appears in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Notably, Baelor doesn't have the Targaryens' silver hair, but instead favors his Dornish side with darker hair.

Harsher than his brother (but with much more silver hair), Maekar (Sam Spruell) is the Prince of Summerhall. He also has six children compared to Baelor's two, and several of them will play a larger role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Maekar's children: Daeron, Aerion, Aemon, Daella, Aegon, and Rhae Finn Bennett in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." Credit: Steffon Hill / HBO

Maekar and his wife Dyanna Dayne have six children together: Daeron, Aerion, Aemon, Daella, Aegon, and Rhae. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms primarily focuses on his sons, leaving Daella and Rhae out of the story.

His first son, Daeron (Henry Ashton), is also known as Daeron the Drunken, and he has the prophetic dragon dreaming gift of select Targaryens. House of the Dragon's Helaena Targaryen is similarly gifted.

Maekar's second son, Aerion (Finn Bennett), fits the bill of the classic "mad" Targaryen. Thinking he's a dragon in human form, he dubs himself "Aerion Brightflame" and wears a fiery helmet that is, admittedly, pretty sick. Still, his fashion choices can't make up for his cruelty and sadism.

Game of Thrones fans have already met Maekar's son Aemon: He's none other than Maester Aemon from Castle Black. Don't expect to see him in Season 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, though, as he's currently studying to be get his maester chain in Oldtown. However, his existence in the world of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms serves as a reminder of how the show connects to Game of Thrones, whose events are a little under a century away.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

TL;DR: Live stream Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA has been on tour this week. First the Orlando Magic took on the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin, and now the same sides face each other again in London. There's always something special about these European games. The fans don't get to see NBA action all that often, so there's palpable excitement when the show comes to town.

If you want to watch Grizzlies vs. Magic in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Grizzlies vs. Magic?

Grizzlies vs. Magic in the NBA starts at 12 p.m. ET on Jan. 18. This game takes place at The O2 in London, UK.

How to watch Grizzlies vs. Magic for free

Grizzlies vs. Magic in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S. or UK

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers a first for HBO. It's a Game of Thrones spin-off without the Iron Throne.

In both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, characters want nothing more than to park their butts in that spiky chair so they can rule the Seven Kingdoms — and they're willing to start brutal wars to get there. But in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, there is no war for succession. There isn't even a shot of the Iron Throne!

SEE ALSO: 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' trailer promises epic Westerosi jousting action

Instead, the series focuses on a time of relative peace for Westeros, when hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his new squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), venture to a tournament at Ashford Meadow. At first, most of the people they'll cross path with are smallfolk, none of whom have the kingly or queenly aspirations of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon's leads. Instead, they're most concerned with making coin and enjoying the tournament.

However, it's not long before the Targaryens enter the fray. Now dragon-less, Westeros' favorite incestuous family still rules the Seven Kingdoms. But which member of the family sits atop the Iron Throne?

Who is the king in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

The current Lord of the Seven Kingdoms in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is Daeron II Targaryen, who doesn't actually appear in the show. He's presumably off in King's Landing while his sons Maekar (Sam Spruell) and Baelor (Bertie Carvel) head to Ashford Meadow.

To put King Daeron in the context of other Targaryens you may be familiar with, he's the great-grandson of House of the Dragon's Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). He's also the great-great-great-grandfather of Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).

But just because King Daeron doesn't make an appearance in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms doesn't mean he's not interesting in his own right. George R.R. Martin's The World of Ice & Fire lays out key elements of his rise to power and his rule.

King Daeron had a contentious relationship with his father, King Aegon IV. While the latter wanted to go to war with Dorne, which was not yet a part of the Seven Kingdoms, the former encouraged peace.

Aegon began to sow rumors that Daeron was not his legitimate son, and was instead the product of an affair between his wife (and his sister) Naerys and their brother Aemon. While he never formally disowned Daeron as his heir, Aegon did legitimize all his bastards on his deathbed in the ultimate "screw you" to his son. His bastard sons with noble mothers came to be known as the Great Bastards, and they went on to cause major drama. But then again, would we expect less from the Targaryens?

One of the Great Bastards, Daemon Waters, dubbed himself Daemon I Blackfyre and made a claim for the Iron Throne. So began the First Blackfyre Rebellion, which tore across Westeros and lasted from 195 AC (After Aegon's Conquest) to 196 AC. Daemon and his sons perished by the end of the rebellion, and Daeron retained the Iron Throne. That would be the last major point of conflict during his reign, although it wouldn't be the last Westeros saw of the Blackfyre Pretenders. (After all, it's the "First" Blackfyre Rebellion for a reason.)

Outside the Blackfyre Rebellion, Daeron's reign was a peaceful and important one. He managed to do what Aegon the Conqueror and several of his descendant could not: incorporate Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms, all without bloodshed.

Before Daeron even became a prince, he married Princess Myriah Martell as part of a peaceful pact with Dorne. Once he became king, he negotiated with Prince Maron Martell of Dorne to bring Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms.

For his kindness and wisdom, King Daeron became known as Daeron the Good, making him a massive step up from most of the other Targaryens we've met across Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. And while we won't meet him in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, you can thank him for the peaceful version of Westeros we witness in the series.

Seven knows we won't be getting that level of peace in House of the Dragon Season 3, that's for sure.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There is quite simply no tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. It's an electric combination of heated rivalries, colorful fans, and flair that is sometimes lacking from elite competitions. We know that the eyes of the footballing world are already fixed on the 2026 World Cup, but this incredible tournament should whet the appetite of fans before the main event next summer.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mane, Bryan Mbuemo, and Victor Osimhen have been battling it out in Morocco. After weeks of fantastic competition, the trophy is up for grabs. Hosts Morocco are facing off against Senegal in the final. It's going to be fascinating to watch these talented sides battle it out in front of a passionate home support.

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If you're interested in watching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Africa Cup of Nations?

The Africa Cup of Nations (or AFCON) is the main biennial international men's association football competition in Africa. 24 teams are drawn into six groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout rounds.

The defending champion is Ivory Coast. Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, winning seven times and securing three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

When is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is the 35th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 in Morocco.

How to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform 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 stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Connect to Channel 4

5. Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch AFCON without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms 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 Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like Channel 4, 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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

As an iPhone user, I tried to buy into the hype of Apple's earbuds, but they just don't work for me. As I've learned, their one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for everyone. I find them to be too big, and rather than keeping me tuned into my music, I spend more time tracking down a lost AirPod that's fallen out of my ear.

After losing two pairs of AirPods (yes, two), I gave up on Apple's earbuds. For a long time, I wrote off all earbuds, instead opting for over-ear headphones. But over-ear headphones are bulky, not ideal for working out, and difficult to store. So, is there a great, affordable alternative to AirPods? Yes, and I found it. Let's talk about the Soundcore P41i earbuds.

Soundcore P41i Earbuds $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Earbuds that actually fit These earbuds actually fit my ears compared to Apple AirPods. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Basic AirPods don't come with the option to customize the ear tips; for that, you'll have to get a pair of the more expensive AirPods Pro. Soundcore's P41i earbuds possess both affordability and a custom fit. The P41i comes with five different ear tips: extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. As someone with smaller ears, I appreciated the extra-small ear tips, which made the P41i earbuds have a secure and snug fit.

The buds have a far more secure fit than AirPods. While wearing the P41i buds, I was never concerned about the earbuds falling out, especially when exercising or out running errands. Not to mention a better fit means better sound quality and less audio leakage.

To shop for an adjustable fit on a pair of AirPods, you'll need to opt for the AirPods Pro 3, which cost $239. Meanwhile, the P41i buds are just $79.99.

Easy connectivity for both iOS and Android

The biggest perk of AirPods, and why so many iPhone and iOS users go for the earbuds, is their seamless connectivity that doesn't require an app. Simply open the case, put in the earbuds, and you're ready to start listening. Well, the P41i can do that too.

While Soundcore does have its own app, it's not required to use these earbuds unless you're looking to adjust the audio settings. Once you initially set them up through the Bluetooth settings on your device, they'll stay connected. That means, just like AirPods, you can open the case, put in the buds, and be ready to go. Additionally, the Soundcore P41i supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your phone and laptop.

A charging case that's also a charger The P41i's charging case is the ultimate travel companion with its USB-C cord and phone stand. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Most earbuds these days come with a charging case specifically designed to recharge your earbuds when not in use, but few charging cases are also equipped to serve as a charger. The Soundcore P41i comes with a built-in USB-C adapter. This means you can easily charge the entire case without scrambling to find a cord, or charge your phone on the go via reverse charging. Inside the charging case is also a small stand for you to prop up your phone on if you want to watch a show on the go. For those with older iPhone models that have a Lightning port, there's an option to buy a Lightning adapter with the earbuds.

Yes, they sound good too

OK, I've done a lot of talking about the P41i earbuds as an affordable alternative to AirPods, but how do they sound? Compared to top-tier earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Ultras or the Technics AZ100s, the P41i's audio quality is not that elite. The earbuds are perfectly suitable, able to deliver music and podcasts accurately and clearly, but I wouldn't say they elevate the music. Active noise cancellation keeps out the hubbub so you can focus on your music.

Having used Apple's basic AirPods, I believe the P41i earbuds are comparable. Like AirPods, they won't be for the audiophile, but rather for the person prioritizing affordability, convenience, and ease.

A worthy AirPods alternative under $100 For $50 less than AirPods, the Soundcore P41i earbuds are an affordable alternative. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I've already mentioned the price, but it's worth stating again just how affordable these headphones are. The Soundcore P41i earbuds cost $79.99, which is $50 less than the AirPods 4, but with more benefits, including ear tips. Even if you upgrade to the P41i earbuds with a Lightning adapter, it's only $10 more.

Apple AirPods 4 reached a more affordable price of $69 during Black Friday 2025, but if you can't wait to buy AirPods until Prime Day or Black Friday 2026, the P41i earbuds are an affordable alternative. They sound good, connect to your phone easily, and fit ears far better than standard AirPods do.

TL;DR: Live stream Yuan vs. Swiatek in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's an exciting time for tennis fans, as the 2026 Australian Open delivers the year's first Grand Slam action. And if you're talking about the women's game, you simply have to be talking Polish star Iga Swiatek, who enters these two weeks of tennis action as the No. 2 seed.

Swiatek faces unseeded competition from China's Yue Yuan in this first-round matchup. Most fans should expect Swiatek to breeze through this match, but we predict she'll have even more fire than usual. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam she's yet to win. Does her road to Australian glory begin here?

If you want to watch Yuan vs. Swiatek in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Yuan vs. Swiatek for free

Yuan vs. Swiatek in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Yuan vs. Swiatek without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Yuan vs. Swiatek in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open serves up the first of this year's top tennis action. While names such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominate the men's side of the game, one name stands above all the competition in the women's game — Arnya Sabalenka.

Sabalenka has been an absolute machine on the court in recent years. She's a two-time Australian Open winner and won the French and US Open last year and reached the Wimbledon final. It's little wonder that the 27-year-old Belarusian enters this tournament as the No. 1 seed. She faces unseeded French youngster Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the first round. The must-watch opener is one of the biggest challenges of the youngster's career so far.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Rakotomanga Rajaonah for free

Sabalenka vs. Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sabalenka vs. Rakotomanga Rajaonah without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Sabalenka vs. Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Berrettini vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open is here, which means two weeks of world class action from Melbourne Park. The early rounds pit top players against unseeded competition, and they always throw up surprises and unexpected excitement.

Among those top players taking to the court is 26-year-old Aussie star Alex de Minaur, who enters the tournament as the No. 6 seed and hopes to bring the trophy home for compatriot tennis fans. But he has a tricky first round draw against 29-year-old Matteo Berrettini, who's unseeded but has valuable experience in Grand Slam semi-finals and the Wimbledon final. If de Minaur can get past Berrettini, he'll then face tough challengers such as defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.

If you want to watch Berrettini vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Berrettini vs. de Minaur for free

Berrettini vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Berrettini vs. de Minaur without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Berrettini vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Musetti vs. Collignon in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There really is nothing like the thrill of a tennis Grand Slam tournament. And as ever, the tennis season kicks off with 2026 Australian Open from Melbourne Park.

Italian star and No. 5 seed Lorenzo Musetti takes to the court against Belgian hopeful Raphael Collignon. This will be a a major test for the Belgian. Mosetti, who's just 23, reached a Grand Slam quarter final and two semi finals last year. Musetti will feel confident that he can take the game to the likes of Alcaraz and defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner this time around.

If you want to watch Musetti vs. Collignon in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Musetti vs. Collignon for free

Musetti vs. Collignon in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Collignon without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Musetti vs. Collignon in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first Grand Slam of the year is here, with the world's top tennis stars taking to the courts of Melbourne Park for the 2026 Australian Open.

This first round match sees No. 4 seed Novak Djokovic face unseeded opposition in the form of Spanish 28-year-old Pedro Martinez. We're expecting a dominant showing from Djokovic, but anything can happen on any given day. Djokovic is a 10-time winner of the Australian Open, though he hasn't won it — or any Grand Slam competition — since 2023. Is the Serb's time up as a top contender? Or can he challenge defending champion Jannik Sinner in Melbourne?

If you want to watch Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Martinez vs. Djokovic for free

Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Martinez vs. Djokovic without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Martinez vs. Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.