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Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $39.99$234.00 Save $194.01 Get Deal
50th birthday gifts to celebrate half a century on this planet
Take it from us: 50 is the new 40. For your special person rounding a half-century on this planet, not just any pretty wrapped parcel will do. Instead, we’ve found 25 of the perfect presents, from things they need but would never think to buy themselves, to gifts that will remind them how much they mean to you.
Oura sleep ring Credit: Oura / AmazonGive the gift of sleep data with the Oura ring. They wear it during the day and night and then when they check the app in the am they can see how restful their sleep actually was. Its addictive and educuational!
Opens in a new window Credit: Oura / Amazon Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage at AmazonShop Now
Heated bleacher seat Credit: HOPERAN / Amazon
A heated bleacher seat feels decadent until they’re on the sidelines and it's one of those 42-degree game days at the soccer field. This will be one of the most practical and oft-used gifts they’ve ever received.
Opens in a new window Credit: HOPERAN / Amazon Heated Stadium Seats $59.49 at Amazon$65.99 Save $6.50 Shop Now Ninja Air Fryer Pro Credit: Ninja / Amazon
If they haven't jumped into the air fryer game yet, then ignore everything else we’re suggesting and get them this. It's the gift of crispy veggies with minimal added fat and the perfect way to heat up last night’s pizza slices. You will change their life in one fell swoop.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja / Amazon Ninja Air Fryer Pro $149.99 at Amazon$169.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now Shaved Ice Machine Credit: shoxil / Amazon
This is way more grown-up than the Snoopy Snow Cone they had as a kid. Flavored, shaved ice is especially tasty when you add a little rum to the concoction.
Opens in a new window Credit: shoxil / Amazon Shaved Ice Machine at AmazonShop Now Hiboy S2 Electric Scooter Credit: Hiboy / Amazon
Definitely not just for the kiddos! All the coolest Gen Xers are taking to scooters, commuting home from work, hitting the grocery store, you name it. This one has a 17-mile range and can carry up to 220 lbs. Just don't forget the helmet.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hiboy / Amazon Hiboy S2/S2R Plus Electric Scooter $299.99 at Amazon$499.99 Save $200.00 Shop Now Portable Neck fan Credit: Gaiatop / Amazon
Such a practical and thoughtful gift at a time in life where their temperature regulation seems perpetually out of whack. They will appreciate the ability to bring cool relief wherever they roam – the garden, on a walk through the neighborhood, amusement parks, anywhere.
Opens in a new window Credit: Gaiatop / Amazon Portable neck fan $22.99 at Amazon$29.99 Save $7.00 Shop Now If I Live to Be 100 Credit: Welcome Books / Amazon
This milestone celebration is a great time to reflect on the next 50 birthdays to come. This tome includes portraits and interviews from centenarians across the country sharing the wisdom that only 100 birthdays can bring.
Opens in a new window Credit: Welcome Books / Amazon If I Live to Be 100: The Wisdom of Centenarians $45.10 at Amazon$55.00 Save $9.90 Shop Now Pendelton Glacier National Park Blanket Credit: Pendleton
A gorgeous (and warm!) addition to their perfectly decorated home, this classic, incredibly well-made blanket with its iconic stripes, sits beautifully on any sofa back or end of bed. Made in the U.S. from 100% pure wool.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pendleton / Amazon Pendelton Glacier National Park Blanket at AmazonShop Now Embr Wave Cooling Bracelet Credit: Embr / Amazon
Hot flashes be gone! This bracelet-like device sends waves of cool just when they need it most. Suggest they wear it to bed in case a sleep-disrupting flash hits – alternatively switch on the heat waves for the ultimately cozy sleep send-off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Embr / Amazon Embr Wave Cooling Bracelet at AmazonShop Now Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 Credit: Solo Stove / Amazon
These days the best nights revolve around a few close friends, free-flowing beverages, and a gorgeous fire. Solo stove makes the last part easy with this 27-inch fire pit, while minimizing smoke.
Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove / Amazon Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 at AmazonShop Now
Luxe and incredibly hydrating, this thick cream will instantly find a home in their purse or backpack, wherever they turn most. Apply it to face, hands, and feet. Everything is softer and smoother after an encounter with this cream.
Opens in a new window Credit: L'Occitane / Amazon L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream at AmazonShop Now
The internet darling culinary brand Our Place has a new digital cooker line – perfect for the busy 50-year-old who has (almost) everything. This one slow cooks, sautes, and pressure cooks, plus it will look amazing on their counter.
Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place / Amazon Our Place Dream Cooker at AmazonShop Now
These single-serve Keurigs come in amazing colors now (we love the green) and that means gifting a second machine for easy caffeine access in their office or bedroom (assuming they already have one in the kitchen) is just what your coffee-obsessed friend ordered.
Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig / Amazon Keurig K-Mini Plus 12 oz Coffee Maker $59.99 at Amazon$99.99 Save $40.00 Shop Now
Is this a gag gift or for real? The answer is, kind of both. I mean, who among us would not appreciate the ability to stretch their too-tight jeans now and then? It's also a practical fix for anyone who hates the constricting feel of brand-new jeans and wants to skip to the broken-in part.
Opens in a new window Credit: CANWUPON / Amazon Pants Stretchers for Jeans at AmazonShop Now
Up their martini game with these gorgeous goblets in sherbet colors. Handmade with delicate detailing, package these with your favorite Gimlet recipe and then invite yourself over to sample.
Opens in a new window Credit: LUXULISH / Amazon Art Deco Coupe Glasses at AmazonShop Now
Whether they have old 35mm negatives or even older vintage slides gathering dust in plastic sleeves, this slide scanner will create digital versions of all those old images so they can more easily sharing and preserve memories. It’s got a great big preview screen so they can see what they’re scanning and it USBs back to their computer for safekeeping.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak / Amazon KODAK 7" Digital Film Scanner at AmazonShop Now
What’s the doneness temp for a medium rare filet again? What about dark meat chicken? No guesswork or Google searches required when a big green circle pops up on the Meater app with a “Ready!” notification. Got an easily distracted griller on your list? This is for them.
Opens in a new window Credit: MEATER / Amazon Meater Plus: Bluetooth Meat Thermometer at AmazonShop Now
Haven't they always talked about starting a podcast? Give them a gentle nudge in the right direction with the gift of a professional-quality microphone. The mic comes with a pop filter and a desktop stand, but they’ll need to write the first episode themselves.
Opens in a new window Credit: Maono / Amazon MAONO XLR Condenser Microphone $129.99 at Amazon$149.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now
With 16 packs of popcorn and five different seasoning packets, this sampler pack will add some fun and variety to their next Netflix night. Choose from flavors like white cheddar, garlic parmesan, and hot pepper, or make ‘em all and do a popcorn taste test.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pop n'Dulge / Amazon Pop n' Dulge Movie Night Popcorn Set at AmazonShop Now
File these under things that no one would buy for themselves, but anyone would be pumped to get as a gift. These gloves have embedded super bright LED lights, making them ideal for night running, camping, working on the car, or just about anything else in low light.
Opens in a new window Credit: MOIPEJO / Amazon LED Flashlight Gloves $9.99 at Amazon$19.99 Save $10.00 Shop Now
A set of six gorgeous steak knives for the red meat lover on your list, each with a beautiful olive wood handle. Hopefully you get an invite when the steaks come off the grill.
Opens in a new window Credit: Laguiole Style de Vie / Amazon Laguiole Style de Vie Steak Knives at AmazonShop Now
All the things they need on their bedside table in one calming and pretty package: A glowy nightlight, a Bluetooth speaker, and place to wirelessly charge their phone.
Opens in a new window Credit: EZVALO / Amazon 3-in1 Charging Station $49.99 at Amazon$69.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now
They’ll love this retro wireless keyboard that looks like a pretty pink typewriter. Make them feel like a kid again while typing out their next business plan on this thing. (It makes working from home way more fun, too.)
Opens in a new window Credit: YUNZII / Amazon Typewriter Style Wireless Keyoboard at AmazonShop Now
Relaxing, cooling, and helpful in decreasing inflammation, this beautiful jade set that includes both the roller and the Gua Sha tool is great for the skincare-obsessed birthday boy or girl.
Best birthday gift ideas for women
The "best birthday gifts for women" is an almost laughably broad category. After all, the "best" gift depends on what the lady you're shopping for is into. Gifts for your mom tend to focus on a problem she needs fixed, while gifts for your wife lean into self care. There is also the tricky task of shopping for a teen girl, but really all that takes is a keen eye for trends.
If you're looking for a more general guide to gifts for women, there are a few stalwart picks you can turn to — and that's what we're here to reveal.
The key is to embrace two gift classifications: practical gifts and gifts she wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. Fancy candles, pretty totes, and elegant journals all fit the bill here, but so do cute Bluetooth keyboards, versatile mini speakers, and even reusable grocery bags. Just make sure they have a certain je ne sais quoi.
In fact, here's a shortcut. If you want to keep the gift for yourself instead of actually giving it to her on her special day, it's a good choice. Carry that powerful and jealous energy with you as you make your purchase.
Here are our picks for the best birthday gifts for women.
Otherland Matchpoint Candle Credit: Otherland / AmazonFor the Tennis Fan: Consider this quirky Otherland candle, which is formulated to smell like a tennis ball. Well, it's also formulated to smell like "cut grass and cucumber," but we're focusing on the tennis ball thing. Bonus: The candle jar is attractive enough that she'll want to clean it out and reuse it.
Opens in a new window Credit: Otherland / Amazon Otherland Matchpoint Candle at AmazonShop Now
For the Diffuser User: Or, if she's more of a reed diffuser fan when it comes to home scents, go for this Voluspa option, which features notes of moso bamboo, black musk, and Japanese cypress. It'll look pretty on a shelf, too.
Opens in a new window Credit: Voluspa / Amazon Voluspa Moso Bamboo Reed Diffuser at AmazonShop Now
For the Fashion Girlie: A cute gold watch goes with pretty much everything. This timeless yet retro pick is perfect for daily wear — and not so expensive that she'll be freaked out to wear it everywhere.
Opens in a new window Credit: Casio / Amazon Casio Vintage-Style Watch $29.95 at Amazon$42.95 Save $13.00 Shop Now
For the Writer: Journaling just feels more fun in a handsome notebook. This one from the German brand Leuchtturm 1917 is particularly aesthetically pleasing, with its faux leather cover and crisp dotted pages.
Opens in a new window Credit: LEUCHTTURM / Amazon LEUCHTTURM 1917 Notebook at AmazonShop Now
For the WFH-er: If she's a work-from-home warrior who wants to mix things up a little, this cute mechanical keyboard (yes, a cute keyboard) makes a great gift. Its keys imitate the sound of a classic typewriter.
Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech / Amazon Logitech POP Mechanical Wireless Keyboard $93.46 at Amazon$99.99 Save $6.53 Shop Now
For the Impromptu Grocery Shopper: If she's always running to the store to "just grab a few things," a packable set of Baggu bags will be a godsend. They pack down small enough to be stowed in her purse all the time, so she'll never be stranded without her reusable bags at checkout.
Opens in a new window Credit: Baggu / Amazon Baggu Standard, Set of 3 at AmazonShop Now
For the Hydration Queen: Help her reach those lofty hydration goals with the extremely popular Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler. It'll keep her beverage of choice cold for a truly shocking amount of time — and it fits nicely into most car cup holders.
Opens in a new window Credit: Stanley / Amazon Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler, 40 oz at AmazonShop Now
For the Hydration Queen Who Doesn't Want a Stanley: If she's not a Stanley gal, no problem. An Owala FreeSip is another excellent option. We particularly like its cheery color options, including this one called "Summer Sweetness."
Opens in a new window Credit: Owala / Amazon Owala FreeSip Water Bottle, 40 oz at AmazonShop Now
For the Forgetful Friend: Is she constantly misplacing her things right before she needs to be somewhere? Time for some AirTags. This pack of four will give her enough gadgets to keep track of her wallet, keys, luggage, and more.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple / Amazon Apple AirTag, Pack of 4 $79.00 at Amazon$99.00 Save $20.00 Shop Now
For the Public Transit Commuter: A pair of AirPods is a must if she rides the train or bus to work every day. They're lightweight, easy to stow, and have noise-canceling and "transparency" modes for a safe, pleasant commute.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple / Amazon Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) $189.99 at Amazon$249.00 Save $59.01 Shop Now
For the Cocktail Drinker: A new set of coupe glasses will elevate her cocktail (and champagne, and champagne cocktail) game. These from Libbey are classic, elegant, and dishwasher-safe — and the price for four isn't too shabby, either.
Opens in a new window Credit: Libbey / Amazon Libbey Signature Coupe Glasses, Set of 4 at AmazonShop Now
For the Amateur Artist: If she wants to get into drawing but hasn't yet taken the plunge, help her get started with a sturdy, well-priced sketchbook. It comes in a bunch of cute colors, too – we particularly like the light purple.
Opens in a new window Credit: Soucolor / Amazon Soucolor 9x12 Sketchbook $8.99 at Amazon$14.99 Save $6.00 Shop Now
For the Cozy Girl: Help her enter hibernation mode this winter with a very, very soft blanket from Woolrich, which can also serve as extra bedding on a full or queen bed. We like the light blue option, but there are several pleasant, neutral hues available.
Opens in a new window Credit: Woolrich / Amazon Woolrich Burlington Berber Blanket $35.99 at Amazon$39.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now
For the Host: She can keep that champagne chilled to the bone with this Yeti wine chiller. It's great for outdoor gatherings, but if she wants to use it indoors, rest assured there will be no condensation leaving a ring on her table.
Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti / Amazon Yeti Rambler Wine Chiller at AmazonShop Now
For the Playlist Maker: A high-quality (and waterproof) portable speaker makes a good gift for pretty much anyone. This one is an "extra bass" version, so gift it to the gal who likes to crank up the tunes at pool parties.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / Amazon Sony SRS-XB13 Extra Bass Portable Waterproof Speaker $38.00 at Amazon$59.99 Save $21.99 Shop Now
For the Hair Care Expert: A silk pillowcase means she's less likely to wake up with a severe case of bedhead. More importantly, it feels sumptuous and amazing to sleep on. Grab her a set of two and wait for her to tell you how well-rested she feels.
Opens in a new window Credit: ZIMASILK / Amazon ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase $18.95 at Amazon$22.29 Save $3.34 Shop Now
For the Competitor: In this board game, players assume the role of cult leaders trying to recruit followers to their compounds. Don't worry; there's plenty of room to sabotage your fellow messiahs so you come out on top.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pops & Bejou Games / Amazon Cultivate Board Game at AmazonShop Now
For the Record Collector: Chappell Roan is everywhere. Make your giftee's record player yet another one of those places with a double vinyl of her glittery, fun pop album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
Opens in a new window Credit: Chappell Roan / Amazon The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Vinyl at AmazonShop Now
For the Tea Fiend: Make her nightly peppermint tea a more luxurious occasion with a Le Creuset tea bag holder, which could also be a spoon rest. It's a great way to gift something from a pricier brand without breaking the bank.
Opens in a new window Credit: Le Creuset / Amazon Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder at AmazonShop Now
For the Reader on the Go: Readers know the struggle: You're halfway through about three books at once (fiction, nonfiction, and a wild card pick, of course), but you can't fit them all in your backpack to take with you on the train. Well, with a Kindle Paperwhite, she can.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle / Amazon Kindle Paperwhite at AmazonShop Now
From studying to working out, these are the best earbuds to shop this Black Friday
If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming fast. Wasn't life easier when our iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?
Prices on earbuds range anywhere from under $10 to in the thousands (if you're going for professional-grade studio earbuds), but even in the narrower range most consumers occupy, you can easily spend up to $300.
Luckily, these gadgets often go on sale during major shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. That's why these shopping events are the best time to buy. For example, we've seen $299 Bose earbuds drop as low as $229, a great price for unbeatable sound.
So whether you need a pair of earbuds stat or are getting your holiday shopping list, these are the best earbuds of 2024.
SEE ALSO: I tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out during my daily run Are wired or wireless earbuds better?Though most earbuds are now wireless, this ultimately comes down to preference. If you have a tighter budget or don't want to worry about the battery running low all the time, wired earbuds are a great option. With that said, it is significantly harder to find wired earbuds with active noise cancellation (we're working on tracking down and testing a few pairs like this). So, if ANC is a priority for you, you'll be better off with a pair of wireless earbuds.
To help you decide, we put a range of wired and wireless earbuds to the test to determine which are worth your money. Whether you're simply looking for earbuds to get you through the work day, a pair to take with you on a flight, or a pair that you can live in 24/7, we have a set of buds for you. And if nothing on this list stands out too much, you can always expand your search to headphones as well.
Best earbuds for sound: Sony WF-1000XM5 Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $298.00 at AmazonShop Now Who it's for:
People who enjoy great active noise cancellation and even better sound quality will appreciate the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds — the full package.
Why we picked this:Even if you're not a full-blown audiophile, we're betting you'd be impressed by just how good these earbuds sound. Though they're great when you plug and play, the highly customizable equalizer allows these earbuds to really shine. If you're not quite sure what you enjoy when it comes to EQ, no problem.
The companion app has a "find your equalizer" feature that lets you play a song and select between six EQ settings to find the one that sounds best to your ears. Once you do, you get more options to select, with that choice marking the "custom" EQ you like best. To make sure you're satisfied, the app then lets you easily compare the new and original settings side by side. That's just one of several sound features built into the app that allow you to customize your experience, far surpassing every other pair of earbuds on this list.
Wear-wise, the ear tips on these buds forego the usual silicone for a foamier alternative that's more reminiscent of the material you might expect from earplugs. We found this material to wear comfortably and snugly, staying in place in your ear better than AirPods typically do. On a further design note, these are also a great option for folks who don't like the stemmed look made popular by AirPods.
Finally, the ANC. You're paying high-end prices for these earbuds, and they do deliver on high-end ANC. If noise cancellation is your biggest concern, you might want to go for the Bose earbuds instead, but these still do an excellent job (plus, their multipoint pairing actually works, unlike Bose's). We will say that with ANC on, we did tend to get closer to seven hours of listening time before running out of juice, instead of the eight Sony claims.
Battery life: 7-8 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L
Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $229.00 at Amazon$299.00 Save $70.00 Shop Now
Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.
Who it's for:For those who value noise cancellation above all else, the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are worth the investment, offering the best ANC experience we've had with a pair of earbuds.
Why we picked this:Over-ear headphones are the typical pick for those who want the best noise cancelling, but in recent years high-end earbuds have started to prove themselves worthy competitors. Bose is already known for offering some of the best ANC, so it's no shock that these earbuds, which were released just this past fall, showcase what the brand is best at.
Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth said that these earbuds offer the best ANC of any he's tested, a lineup that includes products from Apple, Beats, and Jabra. In fact, he writes, "Bose's noise cancelation is so good that I often use these earbuds when I'm not even listening to music." Customizable stability bands help create a tight but comfortable seal that helps unwanted sound stay out (and sets these earbuds apart from other ANC buds on the market).
Though we appreciate the QC Ultra's noise-cancelling first and foremost, we also enjoyed Bose's foray into spatial audio with the Immersive Audio feature that can be toggled on and adjusted via the companion app. It's good, not great, and definitely not the top reason to get these earbuds, but still a pretty nice feature — and certainly welcome at this price point.
Speaking of the price point, we were shocked that at $299, these earbuds don't offer functional multipoint pairing. While you can technically connect more than one device at a time, you do have to manually change your device with the app, instead of switching back and forth simply by changing your audio output, like you can with the Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro. While we do think Bose needs to update this feature ASAP, the ANC, combined with the comfort for long-term wear and sound quality, still earned these earbuds a spot on our list.
Battery life: 6 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L | Stability band sizes: S, M, L
Best for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $269.99 at WalmartShop Now
Check out our full review of the USB-C AirPods Pro.
Who it's for:Apple device owners will appreciate how easily these earbuds pair with multiple devices and their impressive active noise cancellation.
Why we picked this:The AirPods Pro are incredibly popular for several reasons. They produce a sound that's rich and well-balanced, they have excellent noise-cancellation (that falls just behind the Bose QC Ultras), and they work seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.
What exactly does that mean? Whereas earbuds like the aforementioned Ultras might struggle to pair, and then swap between, an iPhone and an iPad quickly, the AirPods Pro were built to do exactly that. And as you'd expect from an Apple product, they do have some nice features built around convenience. In addition to great ANC and sound, Apple hones your listening experience with three modes: Conversational Awareness, which automatically lowers the volume of your music when you're talking to someone and raises it when you're done; Adaptive Audio, which functions as an ultra-smart transparency mode; and Personalized Volume, which automatically adjusts the volume based on your environment.
Outside of those listening modes, you also get lossless audio support with the Apple Vision Pro (in case you happen to own the $3,500 headset). With the new USB-C port, you can also charge the case by connecting it to any iPhone 15 device, though we don't consider that the most useful feature out there. If you're not a fan of touch controls, you're also likely to appreciate that the touch commands only require you to press the stem of the earbuds. Our biggest gripe with these earbuds? Even though they sound great, they don't offer customizable EQ like Bose and Sony.
Battery life: 5.5 to 6 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L
SEE ALSO: I tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out during my daily run Best wired earbuds: Marshall Mode Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Marshall Mode earbuds $37.02 at AmazonShop Now Who it's for:
Whether you're looking to save some cash, prefer the better signal that wired headphones can offer, or simply hate charging earbuds, these Marshall Mode earbuds are sure to satisfy.
Why we picked this:We know it's 2024 and everyone has Bluetooth everything, but some people genuinely prefer wired headphones. For those people, we recommend the Marshall Mode headphones.
As you would expect from wired headphones, these earbuds aren't too terribly expensive at $59.99 (though you can often find them on sale in the $39 to $49 range. Despite their affordability, they produce clean, well-rounded audio comparable to earbuds in the $100-plus price range. The wire itself is lightweight but durable and not at all tangle-prone, making these earbuds plenty comfortable to wear for long stretches of time. We do wish it was detachable, and therefore replaceable, but that's not a dealbreaker, especially at this price point.
The mic works well for calls, and it's separate from the remote button that allows you to answer and hang up calls, as well as play and pause your music. There isn't too much more to say about these earbuds beyond this: They do what you expect them to do.
Battery life: N/A | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L, XL
Best budget earbuds: Anker Soundcore P20i Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds $19.99 at Amazon$24.99 Save $5.00 Shop Now Who it's for:
If you don't want to be too precious about your earbuds (there's nothing wrong with being accident-prone) the Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds will be the kindest to your wallet, while still delivering an all-around decent listening experience. If ANC is essential for you though, you'll want to pass on these buds.
Why we picked this:We'll be honest: We weren't expecting much from a pair of earbuds that cost $25. However, we were shocked to find that these earbuds not only had an impressive array of features, but in some cases also had better features than earbuds that cost hundreds of dollars more.
First, let's start with the sound. Admittedly, we weren't too blown away by how they sounded at first. However, once we played around with the equalizer presets on the companion app, we found the Treble Boost produced the kind of well-rounded sound we expect from pricier earbuds. The app also allowed you to set up to three touch controls on each earbud, which actually worked decently well once we played around with them (the touch controls have just the right level of sensitivity). However, the most exciting feature on the app was the "find device" tab. Unlike Apple AirPods, which only play a sound from the case when you're trying to find your earbuds, the Soundcore earbuds each play a loud tone when you activate this feature, making it easier to locate a single bud.
The P20i buds also best AirPods in battery life. Per charge, we were able to get about nine-and-a-half to 10 hours of battery life. The case overall holds 30 hours of charge total. Admittedly, these earbuds don't have ANC, so that helps, but we were still impressed. (For comparison, the most recent AirPods Pro and standard AirPods without ANC offer six hours per charge).
Obviously, a budget pair of earbuds will have some more noticeable drawbacks. For the P20i, that would be the lack of multipoint pairing. Not only can you not pair more than one device at a time, but we also found that we often had to manually unpair the earbuds from one device before pairing with another. The lack of pairing capability also meant that to use the companion app, you have to be connected to your phone.
Battery life: 9.5 to 10 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L
Best workout earbuds: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 $229.99 at AmazonShop Now Who it’s for:
If you want a pair of fail-safe, trusted earbuds for working out, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is the one. Whether you're running on pavement or at the quick pace of the elliptical, these headphones aren't moving in your ears.
If you are concerned about them falling out in tough conditions — maybe you're a trail runner — these are the only headphones on this list with a US military-grade standard of durability. Aka, they aren't going to crunch if you step on them. Plus, an IP68 rating makes them dust- and water-resistant.
While the sound might not impress the pickiest audiophiles, it delivers clear, consistent sound, while the ANC quiets the surrounding world so you can focus on your music as you move through your reps.
Why we picked this:For a pair of headphones designed for working out, we want to see all of the following: a secure but comfortable fit, sweat resistance, easy connectivity, good sound quality, active noise cancellation, and responsive touch controls. The Elite 8 Actives measure up on every front.
The ear tips come in three sizes; the small ones fit perfectly in narrow ear canals. The buds sit snugly in the ear and don't budge when chugging along on the stair climber or elliptical. Plus, the touch controls have an actual button to press that's responsive but not too touchy, unlike the Beats Fit Pro (which previously held this superlative), that leave you vulnerable to accidentally ending calls.
For the weeks we tested them, the headphones instantly connected every time we opened the case and put them in. The AirPods Pro were the only other earbuds with such easy connectivity. Plus, the battery life can't be beat. The earbuds run for nine hours, and the charging case provides another 32 hours with ANC and 56 hours without ANC.
They deliver good sound, but not quite as rich as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. The sound from the Jabra Elite 8 Active is flatter compared to those more audio-focused earbuds, not to mention they have weaker ANC, but ultimately, they're still our ideal earbud for working out.
Battery life: 9 hours (56 hours with charging case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L
How we tested the best earbudsEach pair of earbuds selected for this guide was hands-on tested by a Mashable staffer or contributor. Along with earbuds tested specifically for this article, we also combed through our existing reviews to pick the best of the best earbuds for 2024. When testing earbuds, we consider criteria such as:
Battery life: For the Anker Soundcore P20i and Sony WF-1000XM5, we tested their battery life by letting the earbuds run interrupted with music at 50% volume until they died. For the remaining earbuds, the Bose QC Ultras and Apple AirPods Pro, we referred to the battery tests conducted when we first reviewed them.
Sound quality: We tested out these earbuds with a variety of songs, from live performances to bass-heavy electronic music, R&B, rock, and folksy guitar songs. We evaluated how they sounded out of the box, along with any EQ presets or custom controls.
Comfort: Though this category can be subjective, we made sure each of our selections at least had several different ear tip sizes and were comfortable to wear for stretches of three hours or more.
Microphone quality: Realistically, you'll make calls when using your earbuds, which is why we put each of these earbuds through a call test, making sure the person on the other end of the phone could hear us clearly and consistently.
Special features: Especially for pricier earbuds, we took into consideration what they offered beyond a solid listening experience. In Sony's case, that was an incredibly customizable and user-friendly experience with the equalizer. For the Soundcore earbuds, that was the "find device" capability (considering the buds' price range) and general app compatibility. Basically, any feature that made the earbuds stand out, and also performed consistently well, earned it points in this category.
Price: Earbuds can easily run into the hundreds of dollars, and we wanted to make sure if you're paying that much, it's worth it. We took into consideration how the earbuds performed in each of the above categories to make sure they justified their price.
As of November 2024, we've rounded up some more budget-friendly earbuds in this guide. We've also tested, Bose's latest earbuds, the QuietComforts, which are a more affordable option but not quite as good as the QuietComfort Ultras. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 have replaced the Beats Fit Pro as the best headphones for working out, and if you're interested in more exercise-oriented buds our guide is now live.
'Arcane' Season 2 review: The best fantasy show of 2024, hands-down
Oh Arcane, how I've missed you.
Netflix's League of Legends-based series rocked my world when it first came out in 2021 — and I didn't even know the first thing about League! But despite my lack of knowledge of the source material, I found that Arcane had everything I wanted in a fantasy series: a richly developed world, distinct factions full of nuanced relationships, and breathtaking magical powers and action sequences. Plus, there's no beating that animation.
SEE ALSO: You don't have to play 'League of Legends' to enjoy the masterful animation of Netflix's 'Arcane'With Arcane Season 1 setting the bar so high, I was worried there was no way its second (and tragically final) season would live up to that standard. Thankfully, Season 2 measures up in every conceivable way and then some, with the first six episodes made available for review raising the stakes to stunning, often unexpected new heights. Brutal, gorgeous, and absolutely devastating, Arcane Season 2 demands to be seen right when each new batch of episodes drops.
What's Arcane Season 2 about? Jinx causes mischief in "Arcane." Credit: Courtesy of "Arcane."Let's start with the primary reason for wanting to watch Arcane Season 2 as soon as possible: to find out who lived after the explosion at the end of Season 1.
For three years, we've wondered whether Hextech creator Jayce (voiced by Kevin Alejandro), Piltover Councilor Mel (voiced by Toks Olagundoye), and inventor Viktor (voiced by Harry Lloyd) survived Jinx's (voiced by Fallout's Ella Purnell) shark rocket attack on the Council of Piltover. Arcane wastes no time informing us that there were, in fact, survivors (I'll give you time to learn their exact identities for yourself). However, there were also several catastrophic casualties, and these losses drive Piltover's reaction to the blast.
SEE ALSO: 'Flow' review: An animated animal adventure unlike anything you've seen beforeWhile the Council voted to give the undercity of Zaun sovereignty mere seconds before Jinx's rocket hit, that chance at peace is now officially off the table. Now, the twin cities threaten to spill into all-out war. Mel's mother and Noxian warlord Ambessa (voiced by Ellen Thomas) is ready to crack down with martial law. But Enforcer Caitlyn (voiced by Katie Leung), herself recovering from deep loss, has other plans. She assembles a strike force that includes herself and Jinx's sister Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) to take Jinx down for good, especially since she's become a symbol of resistance for the Zaunites. Now, the stage is set for a knockdown, drag-out fight between sisters.
Arcane Season 2 offers a painful look at war, and so much more. Ambessa rallies her troops to war in "Arcane." Credit: Courtesy of NetflixThat Vi-Jinx showdown, when it comes, is a perfect encapsulation of what makes Arcane's approach to conflict so brilliant. Yes, there's an undeniable cool factor here: We're watching two great fighters pummel each other with supercharged gauntlets and guns, complete with prolonged slow-mo shots to emphasize the badassery on display. Yet all the character work that has led us here is on display too, with Jinx and Vi's every move informed by the love they once shared and the horror at what the other has become. It's the tragedy that wins out over the coolness, and that's the same with Arcane's larger portrayal of war in the League world.
That's because war pushes every Arcane character to an extreme, sometimes taking them in the total opposite direction from Season 1. Vi joins up with the Enforcers, even though they killed her parents, because she thinks it's an unavoidable necessity. A grief-stricken Caitlyn becomes a destructive monster in her pursuit of Jinx, unleashing hell upon the Zaunites. The latter is particularly painful to watch, as chemical warfare and police brutality become the norm in Zaun, and as characters we've grown to love grow corrupted by power and the need for vengeance.
Jinx and Vi battle it out in "Arcane" Season 2. Credit: Courtesy of NetflixBut as much as Arcane's marketing pushes that this season is all about war and how it links to the rift between Vi and Jinx, Season 2 actually makes some strides into more cosmically weird territory. Innovations in the Hextech space push the boundaries of what is possible in Piltover, igniting discussions about transhumanism in ways that are both disquieting and utopic. That these conversations are happening alongside the Piltover-Zaun war is a reminder that the world of Arcane is so much bigger than these two cities — and so much stranger.
SEE ALSO: The 5 best fantasy shows to watch if you liked 'House of the Dragon' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'That strangeness also manifests in the arrival of new forms of magic and new factions for Arcane's players to contend with. And as exciting as that expansion is, it also threatens to cause issues for the series in terms of sticking the landing. Can the three episodes of the season that I still haven't seen wrap up these many loose ends, especially given Arcane's breakneck pacing? (Sometimes, I do wish these episodes were an hour long instead of 40 minutes, and I don't say that often.) Arcane has yet to steer me truly wrong, but the jury's still out on whether it can fully stick the landing while juggling so many complex ideas and storylines.
Arcane continues to push the boundaries of animated TV. Hextech gets weird in "Arcane" Season 2. Credit: Courtesy of NetflixEven if Arcane doesn't fully nail its ending, there's no doubt about how incredible it looks. Fortiche's animation was always masterful, but Arcane Season 2 somehow levels up.
Once again, we're treated to the show's combination of hand-painted and computer-animated visuals, which bring Piltover's soaring towers and Zaun's grimy underground to life. Now, though, Arcane plays further with animation styles that speak to specific characters' points of view. We saw a bit of this in Season 1, with scribbled line drawings and text overlaid on certain scenes bringing Jinx's perspective to life. In Season 2, it's a whole new ballgame.
Once again, we get Jinx's frenzied drawings. But we also get entire sequences made up of black-and-white charcoal drawings, neon panels straight out of a comic book, and watercolor flashbacks. Strange glitches in Hextech allow animators to go buck-wild with flesh-and-metal fusions, trippy space scapes, and bizarro architecture that calls to mind the warped biology of Annihilation. In one of Season 2's biggest swings, the series places us within the perspective of the beastly wolf-creature Warwick, to the point where all we see is a nightmarish frenzy of red blood trails and the clawed hands carrying us forward.
The versatility of Arcane's art style is just one of many reasons why it's going to hurt so much to say goodbye to this series, even if it's getting a conclusive ending. However, according to a Nov. 6 report by Variety, the series was originally budgeted for a five-season arc. Variety also reported that Arcane cost roughly $250 million to produce, making it the most expensive animated show of all time. Due to its hefty price tag, it's unlikely we'll see anything quite like it again — at least, not for a few more years. Until then, we can continue to appreciate Arcane for the marvel that it is: a true Hextech gem in the rough.
How to watch the 2024 WTA Finals online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 WTA Finals for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The WTA Tour has travelled all around the world this season, with everything coming to a conclusion in Riyadh. The best singles and doubles players will battle it out in a round-robin tournament, followed by knockout games to decide the winner. We're excited to follow all the action.
If you want to watch the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What are the WTA Finals?The WTA Finals is season-ending championship of the WTA Tour. The tournament features the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams based on their results throughout the season.
When are the 2024 WTA Finals?The 2024 WTA Finals is the 53rd edition of the singles event and the 48th edition of the doubles competition. This year's tournament takes place from Nov. 2 to Nov. 9.
How to watch the 2024 WTA Finals for freeThe 2024 WTA Finals are available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.
If you're outside the country during this tournament, you might need to use a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ in a few simple steps.
Access free live streams of the 2024 WTA Finals 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 New Zealand
Visit TVNZ+
Watch the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the WTA Finals before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the WTA Finals?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free on Sport1. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Clear your schedule, because the Grand Slam of Darts has got you covered for the foreseeable future. Close the door, roll down the blinds, gather together enough snacks to last you all week, and settle in for a marathon of live darts action. It couldn't get any better.
If you want to watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the Grand Slam of Darts?The Grand Slam of Darts is one of the last major tournaments of the year before the World Darts Championship. 32 players compete for £650,000 in prize money.
The tournament is held at the WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton.
When is the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts?The 2024 Grand Slam of Darts is the 18th edition of the tournament. This year's tournament takes place from Nov. 9 to Nov. 17.
How to watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for freeThe 2024 Grand Slam of Darts is available to live stream for free on Sport1 in Germany.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock Sport1. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Grand Slam of Darts from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts on Sport1 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 Germany
Connect to Sport1
Watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the tournament before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for live sport?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Germany
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Angers vs. PSG online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free on TV5Monde. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are many interesting games in this weekend's batch of Ligue 1 fixtures, but PSG's game is always top billing. PSG visit Angers in the next round of games, and will be expected to secure three points against a team struggling near the bottom of the table.
If you want to watch Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Angers vs. PSG?Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 9. This fixture takes place at the Stade Raymond Kopa.
How to watch Angers vs. PSG for freeAngers vs. PSG is available to live stream for free on TV5Monde.
TV5Monde is geo-restricted to Europe, but anyone from around the world 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 France, meaning you can unblock TV5Monde to stream Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Angers vs. PSG 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 France
Sign in to TV5Monde
Watch Angers vs. PSG 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 access free live streams of Ligue 1 action without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Angers vs. PSG (plus more Ligue 1 fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for TV5Monde?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TV5Monde, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including France
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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The final of the 2024 WTA Finals is here, with Gauff taking on Zheng for the chance to win millions in prize money. Both players have looked really impressive in this end-of-season showdown, but it all comes down to this electric finale. It's going to be a battle.
If you want to watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for freeThe 2024 WTA Finals are available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, including the final between Gauff and Zheng.
If you're abroad for this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2024 WTA Finals 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 New Zealand
Visit TVNZ+
Watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world
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 access free live streams of Gauff vs. Zheng without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every WTA Finals match before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the WTA Finals?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the WTA Finals for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand
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 eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch France vs. Japan online for free
TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series for free on TF1+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Rugby World Cup is obviously the biggest event on the rugby calendar, but the Autumn Internationals deserve their moment in the spotlight. This series of fixtures brings together the best international sides from both sides of the equator.
The next match from the Autumn Nations Series sees France welcome Japan to the Stade de France. France will be favorites to win this one, but don't count out Japan. They've surprised a lot of teams in recent years, and will be coming into this game with no fear.
If you want to watch France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is France vs. Japan?France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series kicks off at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 9. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.
How to watch France vs. Japan for freeFrance vs. Japan is available to live stream for free on TF1+ in France.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TF1+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can unblock TF1+ to stream the Autumn Nations Series for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream France vs. Japan 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 France
Visit TF1+
Watch France vs. Japan 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 access free live streams of the Autumn Nations Series without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream France vs. Japan (plus more Autumn Nations Series fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for TF1+?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TF1+, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including France
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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series for free with ExpressVPN.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 9
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 9's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 9 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 8 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Excellent; very good.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There is one letter that appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
SWELL.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 8Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 9
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 9's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 9 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Out of shape
Green: Just a little bit
Blue: Math
Purple: Places to use the toilet
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Contorted
Green: Smallest Amount
Blue: Algebra Terms
Purple: Words Before "Room" To Mean Lavatory
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #516 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayContorted: ANTIC, CAPER, EXPLOIT, STUNT
Smallest Amount: DILL, KOSHER, SOUR, SWEET
Algebra Terms: ADULT, BLUE, SPICY, SUGGESTIVE
Words Before "Room" To Mean Lavatory: CHEESE, CORD, DECK, MUSTARD
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 8Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.
8 Quick Access Toolbar Must-Haves in Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint offers many tools for perfecting your presentation, from animations and transitions to shapes and text boxes. However, finding the right one among such a broad choice can significantly slow your workflow, so using the program's Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is the way to go.
Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for November 8 (#516)
Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn'tConnections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.
YouTube Premium Is Getting More Expensive for Long-Time Subscribers
YouTube Premiums early adopter pricing is set to increase. This is the original subscription paid by those who joined when the service was in beta/early adopter status.
How to find online updates on California's Mountain Fire
While the presidential election was the big national news story this week, a major natural disaster has gone under the radar: southern California's Mountain Fire.
The enormous blaze has burned at least 19,643 acres, destroyed homes, forced the evacuation of residents, and blanketed cities like Santa Barbara in shrouds of smoke, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom recently proclaimed Ventura County — north of Los Angeles — in a state of emergency.
SEE ALSO: Crisis hotlines see huge increase before and after Trump win"This is a dangerous fire that's spreading quickly and is threatening lives," Newsom said in a statement. "California has mobilized state resources, including personnel, engines and aircraft from CAL FIRE and Cal OES, to protect communities as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat this fire. Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue."
State officials advise those looking for the latest information to visit the CAL FIRE website (fire.ca.gov), which includes the latest details on warnings and evacuation warnings. CAL FIRE includes updates on all California wildfires, of which there are 10 listed as of Friday, though many of them are nearly fully contained. The website includes detailed maps of the fires' paths, the number of acres they're burning, the causes when known, which fire departments are battling them, and the most recent updates, which include road closures and summaries of the fires' situations.
Of the Mountain Fire, the website notes, "The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, with dry and receptive fuels, which have challenged containment efforts. Fire activity moderated due to the decrease in winds over the fire. The fire continued to back in areas where it had not been tied into control lines."
As of Friday afternoon, "The fire remains a threat to critical infrastructure. Islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn within the fire footprint."
Google is testing a feature for real-time conversations within Search
As OpenAI enters the search engine market with ChatGPT Search, Google is ramping up its AI efforts to maintain its search engine dominance.
The latest move? A real-time, conversational, voice-to-search feature right within Google Search.
Google app tipster @AssembleDebug on X posted a video of a new feature that Google is currently testing out, which allows users to talk to Google Search within the Google mobile app.
Tweet may have been deleted How to use the new AI voice-to-search featureYou must provide a question or search query to Google by speaking into your device — and Google will provide search results in response. You can then ask follow-up questions and Google Search will update in real-time to provide relevant search results for those queries, too.
While Google already offers voice-to-search capabilities, it was previously limited to one query at a time. To ask another question, the user had to restart the process by tapping the microphone button. With this new update, voice-to-search will now be contextual and conversational. Once a user starts the process, they can continue to ask follow-ups without further manual input.
In return, Google will continuously provide search links and AI-powered summaries in response to those queries.
The feature is not yet publicly available in the Google app — and it’s uncertain whether it will be released. However, as OpenAI and other AI companies move toward voice-to-text capabilities, Google will likely also release similar features to keep up, so expect this one, or some version of it, sometime in the near future.
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1194 #rev_slider_100_1_wrapper .hesperiden.tparrows{cursor:pointer;background:#3b2170;width:40px;height:40px;position:absolute;display:block;z-index:1000; border-radius:50%}#rev_slider_100_1_wrapper .hesperiden.tparrows.rs-touchhover{background:#74248c}#rev_slider_100_1_wrapper .hesperiden.tparrows:before{font-family:'revicons';font-size:20px;color:#ffffff;display:block;line-height:40px;text-align:center}#rev_slider_100_1_wrapper .hesperiden.tparrows.tp-leftarrow:before{content:'\e82c'; margin-left:-3px}#rev_slider_100_1_wrapper .hesperiden.tparrows.tp-rightarrow:before{content:'\e82d'; margin-right:-3px}Notes are disappearing from iPhone devices for some users — but there's a fix
Some iPhone users are reporting the sudden disappearance of content from the Notes app. Luckily for them, there seems to be a quick fix for it.
According to 9to5Mac, this insidious little glitch can happen to anyone running an iPhone with any version of iOS 18 installed on it. I haven't been able to recreate it, but the way it reportedly works is that users are losing all of their notes after agreeing to new iCloud terms and conditions. The prompt comes up, people hit "agree," and the notes vanish.
SEE ALSO: Apple is planning a massive iPhone camera upgrade, but it won't come soonSounds awful, right? The good news is you most likely didn't actually lose all of your notes.
Notes app fixThe issue has been rectified for some users, but if you want to execute the fix manually, here's what you should do, per 9to5Mac:
Go to Settings
Tap on your name
Tap "iCloud"
Tap "Notes"
Enable "Sync this iPhone" if it's not toggled on
If you wait a minute or two after doing this and open the Notes app, your notes should start downloading from the cloud. One potential issue is that "Sync this iPhone" may already be toggled on for you. If that’s the case, turn it off, then back on, and reboot the phone.
If all goes well, you should get your notes back eventually. If not, it might be time to reach out to Apple support.
US Cellular Sells Some of Itself to AT&T
US Cellular will sell select spectrum licenses to AT&T in a $1.02 billion cash deal, continuing to monetize the spectrum not part of the proposed sale to T-Mobile.
