IT General

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available for free on edX.

edX is a popular platform that hosts a large bank of free online courses from some of the top educational institutions in the world, including Harvard University. Yep, you could become a student of this famous school without ever stepping foot outside.

You can find online courses on a wide range of topics, including Python programming, AI, cybersecurity, and much more. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection to get you started. We're nice like that.

These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:

• American Government: Constitutional Foundations

• Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

• Applications of TinyML

• Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

• Calculus Applied

• Cell Biology: Mitochondria

• Child Protection: Children's Rights in Theory and Practice

• CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

• CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

• CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers

• CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

• CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

• CS50's Introduction to Game Development

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with R

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

• CS50's Understanding Technology

• CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

• Data Science: Capstone

• Data Science: Inference and Modelling

• Data Science: Machine Learning

• Data Science: Productivity Tools

• Data Science: R Basics

• Data Science: Visualization

• Deploying TinyML

• Electrochemistry

• Energy and Thermodynamics

• Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

• Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up

• Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1

• Fundamentals of TinyML

• High-Dimensional Data Analysis

• Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Cases

• Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

• Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health

• Introduction to Data Science with Python

• Introduction to Digital Humanities

• Introduction to Probability

• Islam Through Its Scriptures

• Justice

• Justice Today: Money, Markets, and Morals

• Leadership: Creating Public Value

• Leaders of Learning

• Machine Learning and AI with Python

• Managing Happiness

• Masterpieces of World Literature

• MLOps for Scaling TinyML

• Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

• Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology

• Remote Work Revolution for Everyone

• Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

• Shakespeare's Life and Work

• Statistics and R

• Super-Earths and Life

• Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market

• The Architectural Imagination

• The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life

• Using Python for Research

The only catch is that these free courses don't include a certificate of completion. Students can still enroll at any time and start learning at their own pace, so what's stopping you from trying out these online courses for yourself?

Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harvard University Harvard University Courses Free at edX Get Deal

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 5, the 65-inch Hisense QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV is marked down to $999.99, $300 off its $1,299.99 list price. That's a 23% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV $999.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

4K TVs come in many different styles and sizes. For those looking to have something that blends in a bit more with a living space, you may have gravitated towards the options that double as frames for art pieces, like The Frame TVs from Samsung. However, those screens can come with quite a hefty price tag. If you want a slightly cheaper alternative that delivers a lot of the same features, the Hisense CanvasTV is here to help.

It's even better when TVs like this are on sale, and Amazon is here to assist. Right now, you can get Hisense's 65-Inch QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV for $999.99, $300 off its list price of $1,299.99. On top of that, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is also its lowest-ever price. So if you've had your eye on getting an artsy TV for your home, now's your chance to scoop one up.

SEE ALSO: Save $170 on this stunning gaming-friendly LG TV

Alongside a sleek design with a frame that can blend in as just another piece hung up on your wall, this TV also features 4K QLED for rich, vibrant colors and an anti-glare panel with a hi-matte display that showcases the art pieces without any pesky reflections getting in the way. And the art is where it truly shines. You can show off your favorite pieces or photos when not using it for watching shows, films, or playing games.

It's an excellent two-in-one TV and worth jumping on at this all-time low price. Don't miss out on this deal at Amazon.

And if you're hoping to find even more deals on TVs, you're in luck with Black Friday on the way. The sale event normally boasts discounts on a wide variety of TVs, so there will be plenty of options to pick through. Some retailers are already getting in on the seasonal sale action — like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy — so you can have an early look at what deals they've got up their sleeve.

SAVE $600: As of Nov. 5, the Hisense 65-inch Class U8 TV is on sale at Amazon for $899.99. That's a saving of 40% on list price, and its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch Class U8 TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal

There couldn't be a better time to upgrade your TV than right now. As nights draw in and Christmas movie rewatches approach, check out this great deal on the Hisense 65-inch Class U8 TV.

As of Nov. 5, not only is this fantastic TV reduced to $899.99 (saving you $600) but it's the lowest it has ever been priced at Amazon, a real score. This particular deal is specific to the 65-inch model, but you can find discounts on the 55-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch options.

SEE ALSO: Save $170 on this stunning gaming-friendly LG TV

This TV benefits from a Google operating system so you can organize movies, shows, live TV, and more from your apps and subscriptions, giving you personalized recommendations based on what you enjoy. It also benefits from 2.1.2 multi-channel sound with Dolby Atmos, surrounding you with a rich, deep, and immersive sound. And the five-speaker setup means don't need to invest in any additional sound systems.

The picture quality is top-notch too, combining Mini-LED Pro+ and QLED technology to deliver sharp, vibrant images with deep contrast and over a billion colors. Perfect for movies and gaming alike.

And as a bonus, with the purchase of this TV you'll also get NBA 2K25 for free.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

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 5'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 5 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 5 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Group of eight.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter O.

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...

OCTET.

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 5

Reporting 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.

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 5'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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 5 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Has fuzz

• Green: Hard-shelled

• Blue: Shrek characters

• Purple: Magic things

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Things that are Fuzzy

• Green: Things with Shells

• Blue: Figures in Shrek

• Purple: Magic___

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 #512 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Things that are Fuzzy: CATERPILLAR, FLEECE, PEACH, PIPE CLEANER

• Things with Shells: CLAM, EGG, NUT, TURTLE

• Figures in Shrek: DONKEY, DRAGON, OGRE, PRINCESS

• Magic___: CARPET, KINGDOM, MARKER, MUSHROOM

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 5

Are 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.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 5 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Tuesday, November 5, 2024:

Across____ Chi

• The answer is Tai.

Second-longest river in Central Europe

• The answer is Rhine.

Pieces

• The answer is Shards.

Armed robbery

• The answer is Holdup.

Eastern VIPs

• The answer is Emirs.

Body of water

• The answer is Bay.

DownMuse of comedy

• The answer is Thalia.

Hang on a clothesline

• The answer is Airdry.

Eighth-longest river in Asia

• The answer is Indus.

Equilaterial quadrilateral

• The answer is Rhomb.

Sixth sense

• The answer is ESP.

Female

• The answer is She.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

Astonishing life dwells in the deep sea.

An ocean expedition to a dynamic marine realm off the little-explored Chilean coast — with seeps and vents emitting nutrients into the water — has spotted a curious, almost alien-looking species. The mission, undertaken by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and its 7,055-pound robotic explorer ROV SuBastian, documented a shimmering species of polychaete crawling on the seafloor. It's a psychedelic marine worm.

"Some polychaetes are bioluminescent; this sassy sparkler has protein structures in the bristles, making them iridescent," the institute posted online.

SEE ALSO: A dominant shark lurks in the deep, dark ocean. Meet the sixgill.

You can see this slowly-moving creature's sparkling bristles, or chaetae, in the video below.

Tweet may have been deleted

Polychaetes are extremely diverse organisms.

"The visual variety among the more than 10,000 described species means a polychaete enthusiast is never bored," Karen Osborn, the curator of Marine Invertebrates at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, explains. "They come in every imaginable color and pattern, from completely transparent to iridescent to candy-striped. You can find polychaetes of every shape from spherical to sausage-shaped to pencil thin, and every size from microscopic to several feet long. Some are smooth and sleek, others frilly and elaborate."

"They come in every imaginable color and pattern, from completely transparent to iridescent to candy striped."

But they're not just wild sights. "Polychaetes are critical members of all ocean food webs," Osborn added. "Some are voracious, jawed predators; others are delicate filter feeders, scavengers, farmers, symbionts, or even bone-eaters. These sometimes beautiful, in many cases tiny, and often abundant animals play a crucial role in structuring and oxygenating the sea floor, much like their earthworm cousins on land."

This ongoing mission, dubbed Chile Margin 2024, focuses on deep sea seeps — where gas from decomposing creatures escapes through the seafloor — allowing methane-munching microbes to flourish and establish alien ecosystems thousands of feet below the ocean surface. The researchers will also examine hydrothermal vents, found near the boundaries of Earth's tectonic plates, which emit hot, chemical-rich fluid into the ocean. These, too, often harbor rare marine communities.

Ocean research organizations are now vigilantly documenting and mapping the deep sea. Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. For example, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The best headphones of 2024: Best noise-cancelling headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra $429 at Amazon Shop now Best sound-first headphones Sony WH-1000XM5 $398 at Amazon Shop now Best noise-cancelling earbuds Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $299 at Amazon Shop Now Best AirPods Apple AirPods Pro $199 at Amazon (Save $50) Shop now Best AirPods alternative Beats Studio Buds + $169.95 at Amazon Shop now Best workout headphones Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 $229.99 at Amazon Shop now Best wired earbuds Marshall Mode $34.62 at Amazon Shop now

There are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and of course, prices. These days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine" when it comes to the gadgets that you use for hours every day, then it's worth investing in the best headphones. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted through dozens of headphones to find the very best models.

And if you're gearing up to make a big purchase, we recommend waiting to shop during a shopping event like Black Friday. During Prime Day we saw many of the headphones on this list drop to their lowest price ever, and we're anticipating equally great (or better) sales leading up to and during Black Friday 2024.

How to choose the best headphones for you

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

SEE ALSO: Review: Dyson's new headphones have awe-inspiring features and a clunky design

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

If you're worried about the price tags on this list, we get it. In our experience, the headphones on this list are usually on sale during shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday. But if you need to buy a new pair before then, everything here is a good value.

To help you pick, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut) to bring you the best for noise cancellation, music, budget shoppers, and wired connections. So, read on to find the perfect new pair of headphones or earbuds.

Best noise-cancelling headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $329.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $100.00 Shop Now

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

Who it's for:

If you're looking for a headphone experience built around top-of-the-line ANC, all-day wear, and premium features, you'll find that in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Yes, they're an investment — for what it's worth, they're still a good deal less than the AirPods Max on sale — so they might not be for everyone, but for those who wear their headphones more often than not, it could very well be worth it.

And if you need more convincing, we also named these Bose headphones our top pick for the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying.

Why we picked this:

Due to our prior experience with the QuietComfort line, we weren't at all surprised that these QuietComfort headphones delivered all-day wear without issue. What we were impressed with was that they were noticeably even more comfortable than past QuietComfort headphones, never squeezing our ears from the sides, or weighing down on the top of our head even after hours of use. Even with glasses on, they never felt too tight or heavy, despite being over-ear headphones with earcups that sealed out sound. Speaking of sound, it always came out well-rounded and functioned well with the immersive audio (which, by the way, is a new feature for the QuietComfort line). Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino deemed the Ultras "the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn" in her review.

They don't have adjustable ANC like the discontinued Bose-700s, but the one ANC level definitely sits at the higher end of what's available on the market, though it will shine the most with lower-pitched tones (for higher tones, a bit of music or a podcast will go a long way in assisting the built-in noise cancellation). Mangino did find that the slightly looser fit of these headphones means there's less of a tight seal on the earcups — that helps with comfort, but it sacrifices some noise-cancelling efficacy.

As for the major downsides, these headphones are expensive at $429 (though you can find them on sale), so we expected a lot out of them. The pairing can be a little touch and go at times and completely fine at others — that definitely dampens the premium feel. A small consolation is that this inconsistency is characteristic of other Bose headphones we've tested, but we wish it was a feature they fixed in the Ultras.

The most baffling flaw of these headphones is the lack of passive playback, meaning you have to turn on the headphones to use the wired connection. Though these are clearly meant to be wireless headphones first and foremost, this feels like a weird oversight (and a deviation from older models). Still, on balance, we think they justify the investment — they're really comfortable.

Battery life: 24 hours | Colors: White, black, sandstone, lunar blue

Best sound-first headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $379.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $20.99 Shop Now

Read our full review on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Who it's for:

For music lovers, we have to recommend the latest flagship Sony headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver top-notch ANC and audiophile-level sound quality, with a hefty 30-hour battery life. Their design offers a less expensive alternative to the AirPods Max, for those who like their headphones to sound and look good.

Why we picked this:

Often, people herald Bose as having the superior ANC but Sony as owning the sound space. Our Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern definitely noticed that these headphones excelled in the latter arena when she tested them out: "[The sound] is full and clear, and feels like surround sound. I’m a big fan of power ballads (I’m not allowed to pick the music at parties), and Brandi Carlile’s 'Right on Time' sounded like it was meant to be listened to on these headphones. The vocals and instruments all got to shine, and the headphones made it feel like I was there in the studio. These are probably the best-sounding headphones I’ve ever tried." The Sony companion app equalizer also allows plenty of fine-tuning, and guides the less-audio savvy among us to figure out the settings they prefer with the "find your equalizer" feature.

The active noise cancellation is also still pretty stellar, despite usually falling second in line to Bose. It'll do a great job of significantly reducing the bulk of noises during a workday, like loud typing or chatty coworkers. The touch controls on the right ear cup can be a bit finicky at first, but once you get the hang of it, are easy to use to start and stop music, as well as adjust the volume. Plus, unlike the Bose Ultras, the Bluetooth connection and multipoint pairing work without a hitch.

We do wish they folded up so they weren't so bulky to take on the go, but it's a relatively small con compared to the pros, especially if you're planning on wearing these headphones all day long. As for buying advice, these headphones do go on sale less often than others on this list like the Bose QC Ultras, but they also cost less at full price than the Ultras.

Battery life: 30 hours | Colors: Black, blue, silver

Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Shop Now

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Who it's for:

Truthfully, we can't imagine a person who won't appreciate the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. The noise cancellation is some of the best we've ever experienced, and the music feels like it surrounds you thanks to spatial audio. Plus, the fit is like no other.

If you've ever struggled with ear fatigue or getting earbuds to fit comfortably, these earbuds work for multiple sizes of ears, providing a secure yet comfortable fit for hours. You might be put off by the $299 price tag, but they're worth every penny.

Why we picked this:

Right off the bat, these earbuds are impressive when it comes to fit. If you have a difficult time finding earbuds that fit well but remain comfortable, the Bose QuietComfort Ultras strike that balance.

If you're after noise cancellation, you really can't beat these. When we first put the earbuds in and the ANC kicked in, it felt like magic. Even without music playing it created total silence.

Plus, the audio quality was superb. Bose offers immersive audio mode on these wireless earbuds, but it feels like the music is all around you even when not in spatial audio mode. They helped get us in the zone, thumping the beats of Nelly Furtado's "Man Eater" as we stomped the pavement. Every note of the delicate instrumentals of the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack was crisp and clear even while walking alongside a busy road. Plus, we felt like we were in the room listening to a live recording of Daft Punk's "One More Time."

In Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth's standalone review of the earbuds, he says that they are wasted on podcasts. While he's right, they do shine when playing music, and they also make podcasts sound better. When listening to episodes with lower-quality tracks, they made even the worst audio sound crisp and distinct without having to crank up the volume.

Battery life: 6 hours (24 hours with the charging case) | Colors: Black, white, diamond, moonstone blue, lunar blue

Best AirPods: Apple AirPods Pro Apple AirPods Pro $269.99 at Walmart
Shop Now

Read our full review of the second-generation USB-C AirPods Pro.

Who it's for:

If you like the ease of iOS connectivity, you probably want a pair of AirPods. For portability, active noise cancellation, and balanced sound, your search ends with the AirPods Pro. It's not uncommon for earbuds to have active noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro deliver an impressive performance. Plus they're versatile — whether you like to wear your headphones around the house, on a run, or as you're falling asleep at night, the AirPods Pro fit the bill. For obvious reasons, they're also the best headphones for iPhone users.

As of September 2024, Apple announced two new features to the AirPod Pros, which include a hearing test and hearing aid feature. Both new additions are part of Apple doubling down on hearing health, which may be appealing to users with or concerned about hearing loss.

Why we picked this:

Last year, Apple finally gave their AirPods Pro a much-needed upgrade in the form of a USB-C charger. Other than the charging port, they're identical to the second-gen Pros released in 2022, which Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder described as "the first pair of earbuds I'd actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones)." He went on to say "In some aspects, the active noise cancellation was even better than on my daily drivers: B&W's excellent PX7 over-ear headphones."

Despite their size and enhanced ANC, the Pro's battery still lasts for up to six hours on a single charge and 30 hours overall with the case. However, it is worth noting that the battery life will noticeably decline after a few years.

But why pick Apple's AirPods Pro over the newest AirPods 4 with ANC? While the latter is the brand's latest addition to the line-up, they don't quite stack up to the Pros in terms of fit and active noise cancellation.

These earbuds are so frequently on sale that we don't recommend buying them at their full $249 price tag. You can often find them at Amazon (and Walmart) marked down to at least $199. If you want a true sale price, we recommend waiting until they hit $189 or lower.

Battery life: 6 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Colors: White

Best AirPods alternative: Beats Studio Buds + Beats Studio Buds + $149.99 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $19.96 Shop Now Who it's for:

If you're into earbuds with good ANC but less into shelling out $299 or $249, you'll find your happy medium in the Beats Studio Buds +. There's a reason we've consistently named them the best AirPods alternative.

Why we picked this:

The AirPods Pro are great, but these popular wireless earbuds aren't in everyone's budget. These Beats will run you about $80 less (or more, if you catch them on sale), give you some more leeway with color options, integrate just as well into an Apple ecosystem as AirPods, have the same battery life as AirPods, and still deliver pretty good ANC. If you're into a more bass-heavy sound, you'll definitely be happy with them. We've seen them drop down to $129.95 regularly at Amazon, making them an even more affordable AirPod alternative.

While we didn't find them to be a one-to-one experience during our testing — you should expect the AirPods to block out more noise, and we missed wireless charging — they were still incredibly comfortable. We also found them to fit better than AirPods, so if those Apple earbuds usually slip out of your ears, you'll want to try these buds instead. And for Android users, Google Fast Pair makes these earbuds a much better option than AirPods.

We do want to mention that if $169.95 is still fairly steep, you can also get ANC through Amazon's Echo Buds for just $119.99. (Echo Buds were our former budget pick, but we found the Beats have more to offer all-around.) For another solid option in the budget wireless earbuds space, try the Anker Soundcore Life P3i earbuds, which offer ANC and great battery life for under $50. Though, they do lack multipoint pairing and have a less rich sound profile than Beats earbuds.

Battery life: 6 hours with ANC, 9 without (27 hours with charging case) | Colors: Ivory, black, transparent, silver

Best workout headphones: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 $229.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it’s for:

If you want a pair of fail-safe, trusted headphones for working out, go with the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds. Whether you're running on pavement or at the quick pace of the elliptical, these earbuds fit securely in your ear.

But what if you're a trail runner and you're worried about them falling out in tough conditions? Well, even if they do slip out, these are the only earbuds we tested with a U.S. military-grade standard of durability, meaning they won't crumble if you step on them. Plus, they're IP68 dust- and water-resistant.

While the sound won't impress the pickiest audiophiles, the Elite 8 Active buds deliver clear, consistent sound. 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, 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 wore them. 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.

Where the Jabra earbuds fall flat (literally) is with sound. The ANC isn't the strongest on this list; there is some sound leakage; however, for working out, this isn't much of an issue since we prefer to stay aware of our surroundings. They deliver good sound; we didn't feel like we were missing anything while tuning into podcasts. But the sound wasn't quite as rich as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Beats Studio Buds+ headphones while listening to music. They provide a clear but flatter sound than the more audio-focused headphones. But overall, it's one shortcoming that didn't detract from our enjoyment of the headphones as we blasted Brat while getting our sweat on.

Battery life: 9 hours (56 hours with case) | Colors: Black, olive, coral, navy

Best wired earbuds: Marshall Mode Marshall Mode earbuds $37.70 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

There are a lot of good reasons to consider wired earbuds. Some people simply don't want the hassle of constantly charging their headphones. Fair enough. Some people want impressive audio quality without shelling out $100 or more, and some simply aren't buying what Big Bluetooth is selling. For shoppers who fall into any of the above groups, we recommend the affordable Marshall Mode earbuds.

Why we picked this:

Though they're only $60 (and usually on sale for less than $40), Marshall Mode earbuds deliver better sound than most wireless earbuds that are triple the price. The bass is clear but not overpowering, and the highs bright but never too thin or tinny-sounding.

As for how you sound on the headphone's built-in mic, friends we spoke to on the phone said we came through with perfect clarity (the same can't be said for our tester's two-and-a-half year-old first-generation AirPods Pro). Lower down on the wire is a separate remote, so you can pause and play your audio or hang up your calls without fiddling around with the mic. If you're sensing a theme, these earbuds are well-designed, and that comes through in how they wear and store.

During our testing, we had no trouble with the wire tangling, and it never felt too long during everyday wear. The buds themselves come with three ear tip sizes and wear comfortably all day. If you're not a fan of the shape of AirPods, then you're likely to find these a better shape for actually keeping your earbuds situated in your ears. There is one major downside with these wired earbuds, however. Unlike their more expensive wired counterparts, Marshall's don't come with a replaceable wire, so you'll want to take extra care to be as gentle as you can with the wire to extend its lifespan.

Battery life: N/A | Colors: Black

How we tested the best headphones

Over the years, we've tested out a lot of headphones and wireless earbuds at Mashable. To determine the best of the best, and not just pick what's trendy at the moment, we went back through our reviews from former and current tech reporters, editors, and shopping reporters. From JBL and Sony to Samsung and Anker Soundcore, we did our research to make sure we left no major headphone stone unturned, and the result is this guide — our favorite vetted and tested headphones of 2024.

All of the headphones in this guide were hands-on tested. In making our selections, we weighed:

• Sound: Since headphones are first and foremost a way for you to listen to audio, if a pair of headphones didn't sound good, they didn't make the list — that goes for our budget pick, too.

• Noise cancellation: These days, some form of noise cancellation is near-essential for any pair of headphones. We prioritized models that feature solid noise cancellation.

• Comfort: What's the point of a great pair of headphones if they're too uncomfortable to wear?

• Customization: Whether it be for ANC levels, transparency modes, or touch controls, headphones that allow you to adjust the settings will make them feel like they were made for you.

• Battery life: Most wireless headphones on the market rely on Bluetooth connectivity, so having a battery you can rely on for at least a few hours of listening time is key.

• Special features: When testing headphones and earbuds, we also take into consideration any other special features they offer. For headphones in the $200-plus price range, we expect at least a few special features.

You might notice that the Apple AirPods Max are missing from our top picks. It's not that we don't like them — in fact, we think they sound and look great. But when we reviewed them, we found that they didn't have a practical storage option, they never really turn off (thus draining the otherwise long battery life), and are just too expensive to justify a wholehearted recommendation. We understand if you like them regardless, but personally, we think there are better options at lower price points.

Recent testing updates

As of Feb. 2024, two of our former recommendations, the Skullcandy Sesh Evo earbuds and Sennheiser IE 300 have been discontinued. We're in the process of testing new headphones to take their place, and we chose the Marshall Mode earbuds as our new budget pick for earbuds. We also added in the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones as an upgrade recommendation in March 2024.

From April to May 2024, we also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point.

For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.

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

As of June 2024, we've removed the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones as they're officially discontinued and unavailable online. In Aug. 2024, the Bose 700 headphones met the same fate, so we've removed them as our pick for the best noise-cancelling headphones. In their place, we're recommending the Bose QC Ultra headphones, which were formerly our top pick for best premium noise-cancelling headphones.

In September 2024, Apple announced the release of the AirPods 4. While we've yet to test this new generation of AirPods, we're eager to experience their noise cancellation feature, seeing how they stack up against Apple's AirPods Pro.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Nov. 5, the 2024 MacBook Air is on sale for $1090 at Amazon. That's a 16% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch $1,090.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $209.00 Get Deal

If a laptop upgrade is on the horizon, look no further than the 2024 MacBook Air. Beloved by students and workers alike, it's no surprise it was named one of Mashable's best laptops of the year.

And as of Nov. 5, this MacBook is reduced by over $200 to $1,090 at Amazon. This price is for the 8GB RAM model with a 256GB capacity. You can choose from the colors midnight, space grey, silver, and starlight. The 516GB model is also reduced by $208, from $1,499 to $1,291.This model was only released in March this year, so it's a great discount to see so soon.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — here are the best ones leading up to Black Friday

The 2024 model of the MacBook Air benefits from the new and improved M3 chip. But what does this mean? Well, according to extensive Mashable testing, the M3 chip proved to be about 20% faster than the previous generation M2 chip. It also boasts an 18-hour battery life, perfect for working or studying away from home when you don't have access to a charging outlet.

This model includes all the essential MacBook Air features, such as a backlit keyboard, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless connections. Plus, its stunning 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display supports an impressive 1 billion colors.

Don't miss out on this great deal, head to Amazon now.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Peaches might feel like this.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 5 Hurdle Word 1 answer

FUZZY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A short metal pin or to engage someone's interest

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 5 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

RIVET

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Go get.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 5 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FETCH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Profound strength or influence.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 5 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MIGHT

Final Hurdle hint

Opposite of upper.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

LOWER

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Nov. 5, the De'Longhi Eletta Coffee Machine is on sale at Amazon for $1,549.99. That's a 14% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Eletta Coffee Machine $1,549.99 at Amazon
$1,799.95 Save $249.96 Get Deal

Why settle for less-than-perfect coffee? Make your morning jolt a more enjoyable experience with Amazon's latest discount on the De'Longhi Eletta coffee machine. As of Nov. 5, you can grab this impressive coffee machine for the reduced price of $1,549.99, saving you 14% on list price.

The machine comes with a whole host of fancy coffee-making abilities, including a milk frother, a cold brew, and a built-in bean grinder. It even has a touchscreen display with pre-loaded recipes so you can make your perfect lattes, cappuccinos, and cortado from the touch of a button.

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

According to the listing, it was even featured in Oprah's Favorite Things 2024, writing: "I know, this one’s a splurge, but it grinds coffee beans, makes lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, cold brews, and more than 50 other recipes. But for certain caffeine-aholics, the math might mean it pays for itself within a year."

Our favorite feature is the hot and cold foam technology, meaning you can have creamer foam on both your hot and iced coffees, thanks to the Two LatteCrema Systems. It also textures milk or your favorite milk alternatives to perfection for your favorite classic espresso beverages?

This deal is only available for a limited time at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 October 28'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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 5 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Time to play

• Green: Gridiron jobs

• Blue: Streaming sports stories

• Purple: Same second name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow - Sections of a game

• Green - Football positions

• Blue - Netflix sports documentaries

• Purple - ____ Court

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 Sports Edition #42 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Sections of a game: HALF, INNING PERIOD, QUARTER

• Football positions: KICKER, LINEBACKER, SAFETY, TACKLE

• Netflix sports documentaries: CHEER, DRIVE TO SURVIVE, FULL SWING, QUARTERBACK

• ____ Court: CLAY, FULL, HOME, MARGARET

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.

Are 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.

SAVE $179.99: As of Nov. 5, the MAXSHOT Electric Scooter is on sale at Amazon for $220, saving you 45% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: MAXSHOT MAXSHOT Electric Scooter $220.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $179.99 Get Deal

If you've been looking for an electric scooter to get you from point A to B, now is your chance. You can find the MAXSHOT Electric Scooter on sale at Amazon at a heavily reduced price. As of Nov. 5, it is reduced to $220, saving you 45% on list price. It's also the lowest it has ever been priced, so you're getting a great bargain.

The scooter boasts a 350W motor, giving you speeds of up to 19mph. And the battery life can take you up to 21 miles, however, MAXSHOT notes this range is only under "specific conditions".

SEE ALSO: This commuter-friendly electric scooter is at its lowest-ever price

The scooter can be locked and managed from an accompanying app. Just connect the scooter to see the customized speed and cruise control options. You can also see current speed and cruise control options from the LED screen on the scooter.

And for those who hate clutter, the e-scooter won't take up unnecessary space in your home. It folds for easy storage in car trunks, closets, and other compact spaces.

This is a limited-time deal, so scoot on over to Amazon and save.

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE: As of Nov. 5, Best Buy is running a two-for-one deal on Google Nest Audio Smart Speakers. Get a pair for just $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Audio $99.99 at Best Buy
$199.98 Save $99.99 Get Deal

Consider this your sign if you’ve been waiting for the right time to invite Google’s Nest Audio into your home. With this two-for-one deal, you’re doubling up on rich sound and smarts without doubling the price tag. Your living room, kitchen, or bathroom just got a major audio upgrade for less than $100.

These Nest Audio speakers aren’t here to play around (unless you ask them to). They’ll make your playlists sound better than ever with powerful bass and clear vocals. Please place them in separate rooms for that whole-home audio experience, or pair them up in one room for a proper stereo setup. Nest Audio’s adaptive sound tech tweaks audio to fit the space so every song, podcast, and movie hits just right.

SEE ALSO: Google's Android 15 uses AI to lock your phone when someone grabs it

Google Nest aren’t just speakers, they’re personal assistants that happen to sound fantastic. Just say, “Hey Google, turn it up,” or ask about the weather, news, or even the meaning of life. They’ll handle your questions, keep you on schedule, and let you control compatible smart devices without lifting a finger. You can even broadcast a message across the house to rally the troops for dinner (or a movie marathon).

When it’s time to keep things private, Google makes it easy. You can delete your Assistant history by simply asking or flipping the mic switch on the back for total quiet mode. Because sometimes, even smart speakers need a break.

The Nest Audio speakers work seamlessly with other Nest or Chromecast devices, so expanding your setup is a breeze. Their sleek and eco-friendly design will look just as good as they sound. With two speakers for the price of one, this Nest Audio deal is too good to pass up. Treat yourself to a double dose of smart sound.

SAVE $25: As of Nov. 5, grab the Govee RGBIC Gaming Light Bars with Smart Controller for $64.99 on Amazon by applying the on-page coupon. That’s a solid 28% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee RGBIC Gaming Light Bars $64.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Ready to make your gaming setup a little less “meh” and a lot more “wow”? Govee’s RGBIC Gaming Light Bars are the perfect addition to take your space from ordinary to epic. With these lights, your game room doesn’t just look cool; it becomes part of the action. Thanks to Amazon’s coupon, you can snag this upgrade for $25 off.

What sets these lights apart? Govee’s RGBIC technology lets different sections of each light bar display unique colors for a seriously immersive vibe. With a palette of over 16.8 million colors, you can customize these bars to match your mood or create your own lighting effects for maximum style points. With 60+ scene modes, you’ve got options for everything from battle-mode intensity to post-game chill .

SEE ALSO: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review: The best gaming headset I've ever used

Here’s a bonus for Razer fans: these light bars sync up with Razer Chroma, letting you bring your lighting in line with your gameplay. The smart desktop dial controller gives you quick access to brightness, color changes, and modes, so you can tweak your lighting without missing a beat. And these lights don’t just look good — they also react to sound, pulsing and shifting to match audio cues from your game, movie, or playlist, bringing your experience to a whole new level.

Controlling these lights is a breeze with the Govee Home App, offering Bluetooth and WiFi options for easy setup. Plus, they’re compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can go hands-free when you need to adjust the lighting.

With this discount, the Govee RGBIC Gaming Light Bars are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to make your gaming space much more exciting.

SAVE $800: As of Nov. 5, the LG 65-inch Class G4 Series OLED 4K UHD TV is on sale for $2,299.99 at Best Buy, down from $3,099.99 — a 26% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-Inch G4 Evo OLED UHD TV $2,299.99 at Best Buy
$3,099.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal

For anyone dreaming of a home theater setup that could make their local cinema jealous, the LG G4-Series OLED EVO is just the ticket. This 65-inch beast isn’t just a TV; it’s a personal IMAX experience; with vivid colors and contrasts, you might feel a little like royalty just watching Friends reruns. And with a rare $800 discount, there’s no better time to snag this premium display without emptying your savings.

So, what makes the G4 so grand? First, LG’s α11 AI Processor steps up to smooth out visuals and bring clear sound, whether you’re watching an action flick or a nature doc. With over 8.3 million self-lit pixels on the OLED EVO panel, you get pitch-perfect blacks and eye-popping colors. The Brightness Booster Max cranks things up another level, so your screen will look crystal clear even in a bright room.

SEE ALSO: The LG OLED evo G4 55" smart TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

LG G4 is ready for games too. With built-in NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, you’ll get silky-smooth gameplay without lag. And when it’s movie night, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos team up to bring immersive sound and visuals that make you feel like you’ve walked into a blockbuster, not just another night on the couch.

LG’s webOS 24 is also onboard, serving up your favorite streaming apps and 300+ free channels through LG Channels. The Quick Cards feature means no more endless app-scrolling, just tap into what you want and you’re ready.

All this with a five-year panel warranty, so you can watch (or binge) in peace for years. If you’re ready to take your screen time to the next level, the LG G4 OLED Evo is here to help you live the luxe life at home.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 5 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: More than just sports

These words are educational.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words that refer to extracurriculars. 

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Afterschool.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 5

• Drama

• Debate

• Choir

• Band

• Yearbook

• Afterschool

• Orchestra

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

SAVE $600: As of Nov. 5, the KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers are on sale at Best Buy for $999.99, down from $1,599.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: KEF KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers $1,000.00 at Best Buy
$1,599.99 Save $599.99 Get Deal

For those who take their tunes seriously (and we mean seriously), the KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers offer an audio experience worth every cent. Thanks to this $600 off deal, these speakers are easier on the wallet, but they pack the power, precision, and style to make any audiophile lose it. With their sleek design and state-of-the-art audio tech, the KEF LS50 Meta speakers easily stand out in the high-end speaker world.

These speakers aren’t just for show, though. Featuring KEF’s 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, the LS50 Meta brings audio detail usually reserved for concert halls and recording studios. The Uni-Q driver places the tweeter right at the center of the midrange cone, creating a broad, immersive sound field that lets you catch every subtle beat and note. And thanks to KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which absorbs 99% of high-frequency distortion, you’ll experience crystal-clear audio free of the usual clutter.

SEE ALSO: The best free VPNs for PC users

And yes, that eye-catching curved design isn’t just about aesthetics. The cabinet shape and off-set port are crafted to cut down on unwanted vibrations, ensuring that you only hear pure, uncolored sound. So whether you’re catching up on your favorite album or diving into a movie, you’ll hear everything the way it was meant to be heard.

At $600 off, the KEF LS50 Meta Speakers are an investment that finally feels more reachable. Boasting a 4.8-star rating and rave reviews, they’re ideal for turning any room into a personal sound sanctuary. If you’re ready to elevate your audio game, this KEF pair has the chops to deliver sound and style.

TL;DR: Unblock your favorite porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

This is probably a good thing, but your access to your favorite porn sites is not always guaranteed. There are many locations that will restrict your access to certain sites, and we totally understand that.

But we also understand that when the time is right, you should be able to navigate the online world without restrictions. Fortunately, a VPN can help with that. These services can bypass online restrictions to secure your access to everything the web has to offer at all times.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock porn for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite porn sites from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:

1. Sign up for a 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 that supports access to porn

4. Watch porn from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking porn sites, 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

• Fast streaming 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock porn for free with ExpressVPN.

Election Day is finally upon us, with millions of Americans heading to the polls to decide who the next President of the United States will be. For many, today means dropping off your ballot, turning off your phone, and spending as long as you can in blissful ignorance of the results. For others, it's a day for staying glued to their device, fervently checking on every live update as the votes are counted.

SEE ALSO: How to take a mental health day after Election Day

While it's likely to be a turbulent time regardless of your approach, tracking the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election will at least be a little easier for American iPhone users . Apple News is offering real-time election updates on your Home and Lock Screens via its Live Activities feature, allowing users to stay informed without actively camping news websites. Whether this is a blessing or a curse really depends on your point of view.

Apple News' Live Activities feature for the 2024 U.S. election will prominently place a widget on your Lock Screen, showing the real-time electoral count as it's updated so you can keep up with the race without even unlocking your phone. It will also offer such updates on your Home Screen, with Apple Insider reporting that they'll be shown on a Dynamic Island. Apple Insider further reports that the Lock Screen widget will be interactive, taking you straight to the latest election coverage.

Here's how to get Apple News' Live Activities presidential election updates.

Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• iPhone 14 Pro or later running at least iOS 16.1
• or iPad running at least iPadOS 17

Step 1: Open the Apple News app.

Credit: Kimberly Gedon / Mashable screenshot: Apple

Step 2: You should see a prominent notification saying, "Follow the election live." Tap the big red "Follow Live" button at the bottom of your phone screen.

If the prompt doesn't appear, you can also activate U.S. election Live Activities by tapping on "Following" in the bottom right corner of the Apple News app, scrolling down to "Special Coverage," and tapping "Election 2024."

Credit: Kimberly Gedon / Mashable screenshot: Apple

Step 3: You'll then be taken to a page with a banner that says "Follow the 2024 election live." Tap it, and you should be good to go.

You can't tap said banner quite yet, though. Apple News' Live Activities will only commence from Election Day, Nov. 5, with Apple Insider reporting that it will start late in the day.

This feature is also only available on devices that support Apple News' Live Activities. Specifically, you'll be able to U.S. election updates via Live Activities if you have either an iPhone 14 Pro or later running at least iOS 16.1, or an iPad that has iPadOS 17 at minimum. You'll only be able to get the Dynamic Island on your phone though, as we're still waiting for this feature to come to iPads.

Finally, it's worth noting that this U.S. election Live Activities feature is not available in all regions (Mashable was unable to access it from Australia). Apple News itself is not available in all regions either; for a full list of availability per country or region, go here.

Additional reporting by Kimberly Gedon.