IT General

In its third season, The Bear turned its spotlight on chef Tina Marrero (Liza Colón-Zayas), with its "Napkins" episode centering her in a similar way to how Season 2's "Honeydew" and "Forks" centered on Marcus (Lionel Boyce) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

That focus granted viewers a new appreciation of the longtime Beef/Bear staff member. "Napkins" offered up a thoughtful look at Tina's daily routine before she came to work at The Original Beef of Chicagoland. Viewers met her family, ached for her as she struggled to find a new job, and likely teared up during her first meeting with Mikey Berzatto (Jon Bernthal).

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear's biggest problem is time: Full season review

Absolutely one of Season 3's strongest outings, "Napkins" pushed Tina to the forefront in a way that mirrored her new importance and purpose in the kitchen of The Bear. Colón-Zayas even went on to win an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in 2024. (Eligibility-wise, the award was for her work in Season 2, but her performance in the far more recent Season 3 undoubtedly swayed voters' opinions.)

With Tina and Colón-Zayas both getting their flowers in Season 3, what new ways would Season 4 find to make them shine? What would be in store for Tina on her next steps on her culinary path?

The answer: pasta. Just... pasta.

For the entirety of The Bear Season 4 — which spans 60 days, according to the countdown clock in The Bear's kitchen — Tina has one goal, and one goal only: Turn a pasta dish around in under three minutes.

By the end of the season, she gets there, managing to make and plate a pasta dish in two minutes and 59 seconds. It's a professional victory for Tina, and a personal one too, given the amount of pressure she put on herself to overcome this obstacle. But also... that's it? After giving Tina more to do season over season, you're just going to stick her in pasta hell for all of Season 4? After the memorable highs of "Napkins," you're just going to relegate Tina to texting Sydney, "Mama this pasta is killing me" in the middle of the night? It's not just the pasta, this whole plotline is killing me!

Tina's one-note storyline this season — minus the "Mama this pasta is killing me" text, which might just be the comedic highlight of all of Season 4 — is a symptom of The Bear's broader pacing problems. Characters outside of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) get very little to do, stuck in repetitive loops. Look no further than Gary (Corey Hendrix), still struggling with wine dates by the end of the season. Or Marcus (Lionel Boyce), whose winning of Best New Chef from Food & Wine rings hollow given that we barely know a thing about the pastries he's been making all season-long. But forget about giving these established characters any time! Every second counts, and we have to spend a good chunk of those seconds on Teddy Fak's (Ricky Staffieri) burgeoning relationship with Kelly (Mitra Jouhari), for some reason.

The minimizing of Tina is extra frustrating following her role in Season 3, not just because it diminishes her previously established importance, but because it also reframes "Napkins" in a worse light.

While "Napkins" provides important context to Tina's character, I was also underwhelmed by its use of flashback, writing in my Season 3 review, "The flashback format of the episode is disappointing: We've already seen Tina grow leaps and bounds as a chef and a person since the beginning of The Bear. Why can't we hone in on that growth as The Bear gets up and running? Why do we have to look to the past, when other character-centric episodes root us in the present?"

In my mind, as solid as "Napkins" is, and as great as Colón-Zayas is in it, setting Tina's episode in the past suggested The Bear had little idea of what to do with Tina in the present. Season 4 proves that. Instead of growing her further as a chef and a character, The Bear gives Tina one repetitive task and pushes her to the sidelines, which I assume smell like pasta. And as we all know, that pasta is killing her.

Frankly, if all I can remember about a key character's storyline is one text, then that pasta might just be killing the show too.

All episodes of The Bear Season 4 are now streaming on Hulu.

In The Bear Season 4, episode 1, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) reaffirms his quest for The Bear to get a Michelin star. After all, if the restaurant earns one, the recognition could bring in more customers and save The Bear from financial ruin.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4 wastes everyone's time: Full season review

By the end of Season 4, The Bear has not heard whether they've earned the Michelin star. The lack of follow-through on this key plot point is just one of many ways in which Season 4 drops the ball on any kind of pacing and urgency, even though The Bear's crew are staring down a two-month doomsday clock reminding them of the restaurant's imminent closure. But every second counts, right?

Still, the Michelin star plotline wasn't entirely abandoned, because the show hints pretty hard that a Michelin inspector visited The Bear.

In Season 4, episode 3, after Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) gives a dining party the surprise of a sandwich from the Chicago Beef, he briefly connects with another impressed customer (Gary Janetti).

"You have a bunch of mind readers in here," the customer says, going on to praise Sydney's (Ayo Edebiri) new scallop dish and The Bear's "excellent vibe."

Later, he catches sight of Richie's other big surprise: turning the outside of the Beef sandwich window into a winter wonderland so that a recently cancer-free diner traveling in from Los Angeles can experience a Chicago snow in person. It's clear the customer Richie spoke to is touched by the display, which is a good thing, because he's definitely the Michelin inspector.

First, the show's outsize focus on an unnamed diner hints pretty hard that he's someone important. Second, the show drops a major, Chicago-specific hint about his role.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4 does Tina dirty

In Season 4, episode 2, The Bear's staff strategizes over how to spot a Michelin inspector. According to the former Ever staff and real-life Chicago restaurateur Donnie Madia (playing himself), no one knows who the inspectors are, but there are signs. Sometimes they fiddle with their reservation at the last second, or bring a celebrity as a distraction.

"You do hear things, though," Madia says. "Like they use a weird last name. Like a street in the city they're visiting."

What name does the mystery diner's driver call him as she comes to pick him up from the restaurant? None other than Mr. Clark — and Clark is a major street in Chicago! Case closed, Janetti's customer is the Michelin inspector Carmy and his team were so dreading serving.

The good news is that the inspector appeared impressed with his experience at The Bear. He enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, plus he got to witness some of Richie's surprises. Maybe he'll dock points for Richie securing him an extra sandwich from the Beef, since Madia advised staff not to pamper the Michelin inspector more than they would a usual guest. But it seems like Richie truly didn't know and was just providing a nice service, so maybe the inspector will let it slide.

The bad news? The inspector's visit has no bearing on the rest of the season. Instead, a late visit by a Food & Wine critic ends up having more of an impact.

I'm sure Michelin will come back into play in a potential Season 5. However, to front-load the season with mentions of it only never to circle back is a massive failure of pacing, as well as a sign that The Bear is confused about its own priorities. At least we'll always have that Clark Street Easter egg.

The Bear Season 4 is now streaming on Hulu.

Warning: Contains major spoilers for The Bear Season 4.

The Bear is a show that loves its famous guest stars, and Season 4 is no exception.

This season sees a mixture of new and returning faces, with some of the big names we saw in Season 2's "Fishes" episode making another appearance, and other new and very famous faces joining them for an episode or two.

From Francie Fak finally being unveiled to a recurring role for a very famous director, we've broken down all the Season 4 guest stars below.

New guest starsBrie Larson as Francie Fak

In the buildup to the wedding of Tiff (Gillian Jacobs) and Frank (Josh Hartnett), it's apparent that we may finally get a glimpse of Francie Fak — a character that Natalie (Abby Elliott) has long had beef with, even though we're never told why. Sure enough, Francie is indeed at the wedding in episode 7, and she's played by none other than Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson. The two of them rage at each other for a while, then ultimately make amends. (It's still not entirely clear why they fell out in the first place.)

Rob Reiner as Albert

Rob Reiner, legendary director of two of the all-time greatest Stephen King adaptations (Stand By Me and Misery), has a recurring role in Season 4 as Ebraheim's (Edwin Lee Gibson) business mentor, Albert. Albert helps Ebraheim come up with a plan to franchise The Beef sandwich shop by expanding into new territories.

Danielle Deadwyler as Chantel

Danielle Deadwyler (Till, Station Eleven) has a starring role opposite Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) in episode 4 (the same episode Edebiri co-wrote with Lionel Boyce), playing a hairdresser who's also a longtime friend of Sydney's.

Kate Berlant as an AI-Anon member

Comedian Kate Berlant only has a short scene at the start of episode 5, where she plays a member of the Al-Anon group that Carmy attends. But she absolutely crushes the monologue she does have, which is about her experience of leaving her brother — a recovering addict — at home by himself while she has to go out of town.

Alpana Singh as a sommelier

In episode 2, budding sommelier Sweeps (Corey Hendrix) visits a restaurant to get a wine lesson from another sommelier. The twist is the woman in question is actual real-life sommelier and restauranteur Alpana Singh.

Returning guest stars

There's no John Cena this season, but there are a lot of returning guest stars, many of whom appear at Tiff and Frank's wedding in episode 7.

Sarah Paulson as Michelle Berzatto

Carmy's cousin Michelle (Sarah Paulson), who let him stay with her in New York after that nightmarish Christmas in Season 2's "Fishes", attends Tiff's wedding. She can't stay long, but she's in a few scenes with Tiff and the rest of the family.

John Mulaney as Stevie

Michelle's partner Stevie (John Mulaney) is in top comic-relief form in episode 7, helping the Faks pitch one of their quirky business schemes to Pete (Chris Witaske) and taking part in an amusing exchange with Syd and Carmy about the latter's time in New York.

Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee

One of the most moving scenes in episode 7 comes courtesy of a less-fiery Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk), the same man who had that horrendous argument with Mikey back in the "Fishes" episode. This time Lee finds Carmy hiding out in the kitchen, and shares some poignant words about the things Mikey used to tell him about his brother.

Jon Bernthal as Mikey Berzatto

Speaking of Mikey, Jon Bernthal is also back in Season 4, appearing in an opening flashback with Carmy that reveals where the idea for The Bear's name came from.

Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto

Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), the troubled and terrifying matriarch of the Berzatto family, has several key moments in Season 4. She's briefly at the wedding in episode 7, where she shares a surprisingly tension-free conversation with Sydney — and then she has a large role in episode 9 opposite Carmy, trying to make amends for her past behavior.

Will Poulter as Luca

Pastry chef Luca (Will Poulter), who trained with Marcus (Lionel Boyce) back in Denmark in Season 2, has a recurring role in Season 4 as a stage at The Bear — basically, he's a glorified unpaid intern. As such, Luca helps Marcus with the desert station.

The Bear Season 4 is streaming now on FX.

Warning: Contains spoilers for The Bear, Season 4.

After a lot of waiting around for characters to do things in Season 3, Season 4 of The Bear has a lot more stuff happening — from the literal ticking clock of the restaurant running out of money to Carmy's (Jeremy Allen White) quest to get a Michelin star.

And while the show's cliffhanger this time around isn't quite as abrupt as the one in Season 3, there is still a lot to unpack about how things end for the characters. Below, we've recapped what happened and speculated on what it might mean — and what comes next.

What happens in The Bear, Season 4?

The Bear itself isn't in a great place at the start of Season 4. The restaurant's first review from the Chicago Tribune (the review Carmy reads in the Season 3 finale) was a very mixed bag, with the resulting patchy press leading Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and Computer (Brian Koppelman) to install a countdown clock in the kitchen that shows exactly how long the team has to turn things around before they run out of money.

Things are looking bleak, but Carmy still holds out hope of getting a Michelin star and saving the restaurant. Meanwhile Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) is still struggling with the decision of whether to leave The Bear for Ever, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is coming to terms with the stepdad (Josh Hartnett) in his daughter's life, Marcus (Lionel Boyce) weighs up reconnecting with his dad, Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) wants to expand the success of the sandwich shop, and Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) is attempting to cook a pasta dish in under three minutes (yes, this is her entire Season 4 storyline).

What happens at the end of The Bear, Season 4?

The final episode of the season takes place almost entirely out the back of the restaurant, just after the clock has run out during the latest shift. Carmy makes the decision to quit The Bear for the good of the restaurant, sparking a heated argument between him, Sydney, and Richie that eventually leads to a deeper conversation about Carmy's brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal) and the wake of his death. It's a pivotal moment in the relationship between Carmy and Richie, in particular, with the shouting finally giving way to an honest sharing of emotion and apparent reconnection.

But Carmy's mind about quitting is still made up, and Sydney makes him a deal — she'll stay, rejecting Ever's chef de cuisine offer, provided Sydney, Richie, and Carmy's sister Natalie (Abby Elliott) are added to The Bear's ownership paperwork. Carmy agrees. In the final scene, Natalie arrives, Carmy tells her he's going to quit, and she hugs him.

Will the restaurant stay open in The Bear?

This is the big question of Season 4's finale. All the planning about whose name is going to be on the paperwork won't mean anything unless The Bear is actually able to stay in business, and the restaurant's numbers — despite an improvement over the season — still aren't looking great.

At the end of episode 8, with the clock about to run out, Natalie sits down opposite Computer to have a frank conversation about the state of The Bear.

"How long can you pay them?" Computer asks.

"We got a day left on the parachute," Natalie responds.

"How inspiring. What then?"

"Then it's what we bring in every night. We have a reduced payroll, we have a reduced menu, we can cover both."

Carmy quitting will reduce the payroll, and Sydney has already shown that she's able to effectively trim down the complexity of a menu and save money. But our best guess? The biggest help for The Bear will come from two other places: The chance of a surprise Michelin star (who is that mysterious diner in glasses, Mr Clark, from episode 3?) and the possibility of The Beef sandwich shop expanding into a franchise thanks to the work Ebraheim does with his new business mentor (Rob Reiner) throughout the season.

Is Carmy really going to quit The Bear?

In the season finale, Carmy says he's quitting because it's the best thing for the restaurant — but in this case, it may also be the best thing for him. As he explains to Sydney and Richie, Carmy wants to take time away from the kitchen to work on himself — and honestly, it's about time.

"I don't know what I'm like, Richie," Carmy says. "Like outside of the kitchen, I don't know what I'm like."

It's clear that although cooking was once his main purpose, Carmy has taken other steps towards personal growth this season. In addition to Richie, he's reconnected with both Claire (Molly Gordon) and his mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), conversations that mark important steps for a character who's spent previous seasons avoiding his own emotions.

Our best guess for Carmy in Season 5, should The Bear be renewed? We think he'll still be a big part of the show (Allen White is the Emmy-winning protagonist after all), but — initially at least — he'll be going on a journey of self-discovery outside the restaurant's walls.

The Bear Season 4 is now streaming on FX.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were first unveiled in 2023, the result of a collaboration between sunglasses company Ray-Ban and tech giant Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram. Appealing to the fashion-conscious tech nerd, the voice-operated wearable not only allows users to take photos and make calls hands-free, but can also use AI to describe a user's surroundings.

SEE ALSO: Meta partners with Be My Eyes for accessible Ray-Ban glasses upgrade

Though the Ray-Ban Meta was not designed as an accessibility device, its features may cause some to wonder whether it could moonlight as an accessibility device for people with low or limited vision. As such, Mashable spent a few days testing whether the gadget could be reappropriated for this purpose. 

Unfortunately, while it is a novel device, relying on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to help you navigate the world would be foolhardy at best.

What are Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses? Credit: Meta

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses boast a relatively compact form factor which looks very much like Ray-Ban's eyewear designs, with customers able to choose between Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner styles. The glasses utilise Meta's large language model Meta AI to answer users' queries, with a five-microphone system which can pick up voice commands while suppressing background noise. They also have small open-ear speakers designed to minimise audio leakage, and include a built-in 12 MP camera which can take photos and record video.

Despite its high-tech innards, the most noticeable visible difference between the Ray-Ban Meta and standard Ray-Bans is the missing metallic detail at the temples. Instead, the Ray-Ban Meta substitutes in a camera lens on the left and a notification light on the right (this activates when a photo or video is being taken, an effort to address concerns about privacy and covert surveillance).

At around 49 grams depending upon the frame selected, the Ray-Ban Meta's weight isn't outside what one may expect for a pair of sunglasses, though it's certainly on the heavier side. It is slightly bulkier than standard Ray-Bans, particularly at the arms (the right of which includes touchpad controls), but still streamlined enough that observers likely won't notice.

What accessibility features do Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have for people with low or limited vision? Credit: Meta

Ray-Ban Meta glasses are targeted at the average consumer, rather than catering specifically to people with disabilities. Even so, Meta does state that the glasses can be used to help people with "reduced vision, hearing, or mobility by offering the ability to perform tasks hands free." Users can also have their Ray-Ban Meta glasses fitted with prescription lenses, with the option to upload a valid prescription with a power ranging between -6.00 and +4.00 when ordering a pair. 

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are primarily operated by voice commands to Meta AI, requiring the app to be installed to your phone and connected to the device. The glasses can also be connected to Messenger, WhatsApp, or a users' phone via said app, which is needed to enable users to send messages and make calls using voice commands. This may help users conduct such tasks without having to look at their phone screen, however it's worth noting that both iPhone and Android can already be operated directly via voice commands without Meta AI.

Ray-Ban Meta users can also issue commands, such as asking Meta AI what they're looking at. The glasses will then take a photo and use Meta AI to analyse it, with AI-generated audio describing the scene to the user. Such images and conversation logs are saved to a user's History log in the Meta AI app, and can be shared to the public Discovery feed.

Ray-Ban Meta's Be My Eyes partnership connects users to volunteer helpers 

Aside from this voice command functionality, the Ray-Ban Meta feature most specific to people with disabilities is its partnership with Be My Eyes. This free service connects users with low or limited vision to volunteers who will look through the Ray-Ban Meta's camera and describe the person's surroundings. According to Be My Eyes, it is "the first and only accessibility tech for blind or low vision users available on Meta AI Glasses."

The Be My Eyes app does work without Ray-Ban Meta, with users simply pointing their phone cameras at whatever they want described. As such, people who primarily want to take advantage of this free service could just download the app to their phone rather than shelling out a few hundred dollars for the Ray-Ban Meta. Using Be My Eyes with the Ray-Ban Meta requires users to download the app and connect it to the Meta AI app anyway.

However, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses do enable users to use Be My Eyes hands-free. They may help frame shots as well, as users merely have to direct their gaze toward whatever it is that they want described to them. Whether it's worth picking up the Ray-Ban Meta to assist in accessibility may depend on how often a user utilises Be My Eyes. Even so, Meta states that the glasses have just four hours of battery life with moderate usage, which means that wearing them all day in order to repeatedly use Be My Eyes may not be realistic. Be My Eyes is also only available in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, and only supports the English language.

Meta AI isn't intended to be an accessibility device, and it shows Credit: Amanda Yeo

Unfortunately, aside from its Be My Eyes functionality, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses seem largely unsuitable as an accessibility aid. While Mashable found them an interesting novelty at least (though the Meta AI app's Discovery feed felt like the quiet death of humanity), relying on these glasses to help you navigate the world is an impractical proposition.

As previously mentioned, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses can describe a user's surroundings when asked. However, such responses are relatively vague and don't appear useful for orienting yourself unless you're so lost that you can't tell whether you're in a car park or a playground. For example, Meta AI responded to one query by telling me that I was "looking at the interior of a train, specifically the seating area." While this was true, it wasn't terribly useful information, and missed the display I was facing, which indicated where the train was going.

Credit: Amanda Yeo

When asked to read a sign bearing a single word, Meta AI was able to do so. As such, it may be useful to help someone determine the appropriate bin to throw their waste in, for example. However, asking it to read an article open on a computer screen produced unsatisfactory results. Looking at the first paragraph of my colleague Belen Edwards's article "The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them," I requested my Meta RayBan glasses read it to me. The result was a bizarre mix of text out of order, with some lines skipped altogether. When I scrolled down and asked it to continue reading, it would simply recite the text it had already read.

Asking again on another day produced even less accurate results. Instead of reading the text, Meta AI offered a vague description of what it seemed to think the article was about. Repeated requests produced different results each time, with Meta AI sometimes even telling me "the text reads" before offering an inaccurate approximation of the text.

Further tests on a later date showed improved accuracy, with Meta AI reciting much of the article visible on screen. Even so, it still took liberties with the text, inventing a headline and referencing fake shows "The Pilt" and "The Iceberg." After I scrolled down and asked Meta AI to continue reading, it stated that it "can only provide general information, and [is] not able to read articles in real-time."

Being able to simply look at any screen and have Ray-Ban Meta glasses smoothly read it out would theoretically be a boon to many users with low or limited vision. Unfortunately, people who need such assistance would be better off relying on dedicated screen readers for now.

News headlines get muddled by Meta AI Credit: Amanda Yeo

Mashable's testing found the Ray-Ban Meta glasses' AI assistant also struggled when it came to matters that weren't literally in front of it. When we tried asking for the day's news headlines, Meta AI confidently offered a humorously incoherent response: "Here are the top three news. First, latest news and stories from around the world are available. Second, latest U.S. news updates are available. Third, latest news headlines are available." Repeating the question produced the same answer.

Asking for a specific publication might get you actual news items, however they may not be from the outlet you requested. While Mashable didn’t report on Jonathan Joss’ death, Meta offered this news as the top headline on the site at time of testing. It then offered Mashable’s coverage areas of "tech, culture, and everything in between" as a second ostensible headline, before again informing us that "the latest news headlines are available."

Requests for the New York Times' headlines fared better, producing news items that the publication had reported on. However, the given headlines seemed to have been paraphrased, and the information supplied was outdated at best. For example, Meta AI stated that "Israel appears ready to attack Iran," however the first story on the New York Times' website was "Israel Says It Attacked Headquarters of Powerful Iranian Military Unit." Further, while Meta AI stated that 242 people had been killed in a plane crash in India, the death toll had already climbed to 270 days prior to our inquiry.

I also tried asking Meta AI for a recipe for a vanilla cake. In response, it provided a list of ingredients and measurements which seemed to be in roughly the right proportions. However, it only partially fulfilled my request, as no instructions were provided. Once again, Meta AI demonstrated approximate knowledge of many things, but was still unable to offer useful, usable information.

Meta AI struggles with dinner and travel plans Credit: Amanda Yeo

Meta AI also struggled with more personally immediate matters. While it did suggest a nearby restaurant when asked for a "good place to go and get dinner in Sydney," Meta AI stated that it would be open until 10 p.m. that day. In actuality, the restaurant had been closed for months, which was reflected both on their Google Maps listing and Instagram page. Despite there being hundreds of operating restaurants in the city, Meta AI somehow managed to select one that had shut down.

The chatbot also fell short when asked to assist with travel plans. Requesting help getting around seems like an obvious and expected use of an AI assistant. Despite this, Meta AI was unable to assist when asked when the next train between two stations would arrive, stating, "I can't help with that yet, but I'm learning every day!" When asked for assistance with transport plans more generally, it told me to visit my local transport website to check the timetable. It couldn't advise if or when such features might be added either, telling me to check the Ray-Ban Meta Help Center.

Asking whether a train station was wheelchair accessible was hit and miss, with Meta AI bizarrely responding to my first request by offering the address for a KFC. Fortunately, subsequent inquiries produced more relevant answers, however considering the quality of previous responses, users will probably feel uneasy about blindly trusting Meta AI's word for it.

The Ray-Ban Meta may be an interesting toy, but it isn't an accessibility device Credit: Meta

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses aren't primarily marketed as an accessibility device. Actual medical devices designed to assist people with low or limited vision typically retail for a significantly higher price. For example, an OrCam MyEye 3 Pro will drain your bank account to the tune of $4,490, which is over 10 times the price of the most expensive Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

In light of this, it's unsurprising that the Ray-Ban Meta glasses underwhelm as an accessibility device for people with low or limited vision. While the Ray-Ban Meta glasses may assist users by enabling them to conduct tasks such as messaging, playing music, and taking photographs hands-free, they struggle when asked to interpret text in front of them and underperform when asked to provide information more generally. Like all generative AI algorithms, Meta AI simply can't replace going direct to reliable sources yourself.

If you just want to take a few hands-free photos and calls, the Meta Ray-Bans may have you covered. However, this gadget wasn't designed to be an accessibility device, and certainly should not be relied upon as such.

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Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new-to-streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most-watchable. Whether you're in the mood for drama-rich romance, nail-biting horror, side-splitting comedy, heart-wrenching documentaries, or the most anticipated TV shows of the summer, we've got something just for you.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

10. The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Season 2

The Ultimatum is back, and ready to rock its Pride. Season 2 of The Ultimatum: Queer Love puts gay couples into the heartbreaking pressure cooker of this reality TV series.

Six couples, made up of women and non-binary people, are at their make-or-break moment. Do they marry? Do they split up? To decide, they spend time living with a new partner to see if their lover is the one — or their next ex. "Marry me, or move on." That's the gist. But shacking up on a steamy beach with innuendo-filled activities (pottery!) means things are going to get hot, bothered, and "brutal." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Season 2 is now playing on Netflix.

9. The Woman in the Yard

Director Jaume Collet-Serra's brand of horror has traveled from The Shallows and House of Wax, and now he reveals The Woman in the Yard.

Danielle Deadwyler (Station Eleven, Till) stars as Ramona, a mother of two who is struggling with grief, guilt, and depression in the wake of the death of her husband. And now there's a strange woman wearing a long black veil sitting in her yard. Now, Ramona and her kids live way out in the country in a fixer-upper, so surprise guests aren't common, and this stranger is even... stranger — especially when she ominously proclaims, "Today's the day."

SEE ALSO: 'The Woman in the Yard' review: A baffling mix of horror ideas

While the setup is solid and Deadwyler is committed, the scares in The Woman in the Yard don't hit as hard as one might hope, considering Collet-Serra's reputation. Rather than a physical threat, there's something more supernatural and psychological brewing here. (Think The Babadook.) And the helmer is less skilled at grounding such slippery horror. Still, in the heat of summer, the fear of being trapped at home with a family falling apart over stress could prove scary enough! — K.P.

Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Peyton Jackson, and Russell Hornsby

How to watch: The Woman in the Yard begins streaming on Peacock on June 27.

8. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

Pete Browngardt makes his feature directorial debut with The Day the Earth Blew Up, a Looney Tunes movie starring Daffy Duck and Porky the Pig.

This is the first fully animated feature-length Looney Tunes movie, so naturally it has a plot that goes big! Inspired by '50s B-movies, Browngardt dreamed up an alien invasion story. Porky and Daffy start out as down-on-their-luck farmers, doing whatever it takes to keep the family farm alive. But when some suspect bubble gum and a UFO crash into their lives, they'll have to go from goofballs to heroes! — K.P.

SEE ALSO: Shelved 'Coyote vs. Acme' will finally get a theatrical release

Starring: Darrick Bachman, Pete Browngardt, Kevin Costello, Andrew Dickman, David Gemmill, Alex Kirwan, Ryan Kramer, Jason Reicher, Michael Ruocco, Johnny Ryan, and Eddie Trigueros

How to watch: The Day the Earth Blew Up will begin streaming on HBO Max June 27.

7. My Mom Jayne

You might know Mariska Hargitay as the epic Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She is also the daughter of the late Jayne Mansfield, a 1960s sex symbol who died young and tragically.

Hargitay was three years old when Mansfield passed. And though she followed in her footsteps by also becoming an actress, Hargitay sought to avoid the exact path her mother had tread. Now, Hargitay makes her feature directorial debut with My Mom Jayne, a documentary that welcomes audiences into her understanding of "the most photographed woman in show business." Where did the persona collide with the personal? What was real? What was Hollywood fiction? There's only one way to learn the truth. Watch. — K.P.

Starring: Mariska Hargitay

How to watch: My Mom Jayne debuts on HBO and HBO Max on June 27 at 8 p.m. ET.

6. Enigma

Celebrate Pride Month with a bit of trans history. LGBTQ+ activist and filmmaker Zackary Drucker explores two captivating icons with the documentary Enigma.

April Ashley was a model, an author, an advocate, and a trailblazer, making headlines and history whether marrying a royal, pursuing her true self, or being made a member of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Amanda Lear was a French fashion model, actress, and singer, who refused to accept the world's labels.

SEE ALSO: LGBTQ+ creators come together to discuss living out and loud on the internet

Through interviews and archival footage, Drucker ushers audiences through these women's life stories, shining a light on celebrity, trans experience, and a history that's cruelly repeating. — K.P.

Starring: April Ashley, Amanda Lear, Bambi, Dolly Van Doll, and Allanah Starr

How to watch: Enigma is now streaming on Max.

SEE ALSO: 75 best LGBTQ films to stream right now 5. Eric LaRue

Acclaimed actor Michael Shannon takes the helm of Eric LaRue, a powerful drama adapted by Brett Neveu from his moving stage play. Critically heralded character actress Judy Greer steps into the leading lady role as Janice LaRue, a middle-aged mother whose vision of her town, family, and faith is horrifically rattled after her teen son perpetrates a deadly school shooting.

Where Netflix's hit mini-series Adolescence focuses on the immediate aftermath of such violence, Eric LaRue offers more distance. Its characters, including Janice's husband Ron (Alexander Skarsgård), are searching for how to heal, with varying degrees of success.

SEE ALSO: Michael Shannon and Judy Greer on the profound poignancy of 'Eric LaRue'

In her review of Eric LaRue, Belen Edwards cheered, "Shannon and Neveu don't focus on the larger political implications of Eric's crime, nor do they necessarily answer the tough questions Eric LaRue lays out. What they do do, however, is create a painful, intimate, and thought-provoking portrait of a deeply hurting couple. And in assembling such a stellar cast led by the remarkable Greer, they've embodied that portrait onscreen to the fullest." — K.P.

Starring: Judy Greer, Paul Sparks, Alison Pill, Tracy Letts, Annie Parisse, and Alexander Skarsgård

How to watch: Eric LaRue is available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Ironheart, Season 1

Marvel's latest series, Ironheart, picks up with genius inventor Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Now back in her hometown of Chicago, Riri finds herself with precious few resources to continue perfecting her own Iron Man-style armored suit. To pick up extra cash, she joins up with criminal Parker "Hood" Robbins (Anthony Ramos), whose magical powers pose a serious threat to her own trust in technology.

SEE ALSO: 'Ironheart' review: Grief and AI collide in Ryan Coogler's Marvel series

Ironheart contains its fair share of bombastic fights and major villain reveals, but its most interesting aspect is Riri's accidental creation of an AI assistant based on her late best friend, Natalie (Lyric Ross). Here, Ironheart examines how Riri uses technology as a method of processing grief. While these ideas could use more focus, they remain the beating heart of an otherwise fairly solid MCU show. As I wrote in my review, "Ironheart still finds ways to craft a heartfelt, complicated relationship between Riri and the best friend she thought she'd lost." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White

How to watch: Ironheart is now streaming on Disney+.

3. Smoke

As a novelist, Dennis Lehane has inspired such thrilling crime dramas as Mystic River, Shudder Island, and Gone Baby Gone. As a producer, he teamed with Taron Egerton for the critically heralded Apple TV+ series Black Bird. Now, he's back with Egerton and Apple for a mini-series that's inspired by a real string of fires in the Pacific Northwest, seemingly sparked by two different arsonists.

If you've listened to the podcast Firebug, you'll recognize some details. (And podcast host Kary Antholis is credited on Smoke as an episode scribe.) Egerton co-stars with Jurnee Smollett as an arson investigator and a detective who team up to chase down these fire-starters before it's too late. A slow-burn thriller (pardon the pun), Smoke will unfurl its character-based crime thriller over 9 episode. So, it'll heat up all summer long. — K.P.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, John Leguizamo, Rafe Spall, Greg Kinnear, Ntare Mwine, and Hannah Emily Anderson

How to watch: Smoke premieres on Apple TV+ on June 27.

2. The Bear, Season 4

FX's Emmy–winning dramedy The Bear is back for a fourth season, and it has a lot of work to do if it's going to make up for its underwhelming third season. Chefs Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) are back in the kitchen trying to keep their struggling restaurant afloat, all while dealing with their own intense personal issues, from family ailments to conflicting job offers. With so much turmoil inside and outside of the kitchen, is there any hope for The Bear?

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4's biggest problem is time: Full season review

I wish I could say that The Bear overcomes the problems it faced in Season 3: its repetitive blandness, its over-reliance on big-name guest stars, its poor pacing, its hackneyed attempts at recreating the glory days of episodes like "Forks" and "Fishes." Instead, it crashes back into these bad patterns, to the point that not even excellent performances or the occasional meaningful conversation can save it. As I wrote in my review, "The Bear has been spinning its wheels for 10 episodes and 60 whole days, creating the illusion of progress with a lot of sound and fury, but very little payoff. For a show that won't let us forget that 'every second counts,' The Bear commits a cardinal sin: It wastes its own characters' time." — B.E.

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson

How to watch: All episodes of The Bear Season 4 are now streaming on Hulu.

1. Squid Game, Season 3

Netflix's biggest series ever comes to a bloody end in Squid Game Season 3. The season picks up in the wake of Gi-hun's (Lee Jung-jae) failed rebellion against the despicable people behind the games. Now a shell of his former self, he must play through the remaining games until their brutal conclusion, which may very well be his death.

Expect many more games, including the show's deadly take on jump rope, this season. But more importantly, expect answers to some of your burning questions from Season 2. How will Gi-hun react when he finds out the Front Man's (Lee Byung-hun) true identity? Will Detective Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) ever find the island where the games take place? And of course, who will survive this round of the games? It all comes down to these last six episodes, so strap in (and maybe prepare for a heart attack or two). — B.E.

Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Yim Si-Wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Roh Jae-won, and Jo Yuri

How to watch: Squid Game, Season 3 premieres on Netflix on June 27.

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list.

TL;DR: Ditch expensive roaming charges with aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan, now only $24.97 for $50 in credit.

Opens in a new window Credit: aloSIM aloSIM Traveler's Mobile Data Plan: Pay $24.97 for $50 Credit $24.97
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As if we all don't order enough Amazon packages on any given day, it's time for Prime Day once again (the shopping event kicks off on July 8). In other words, even more packages are about to pile up on doorsteps all over the world. That leaves us with a glaring issue: How do you recycle all those damn boxes, bubble envelopes, and paper bags?

Given the huge variety in packaging, the answer isn't so clear.

SEE ALSO: Regretting your purchase? Here's how to return Amazon packages in 2025. The reality of Amazon recycling

According to a 2024 report from ocean conservancy organization Oceana, Amazon generated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste from U.S. transactions in 2022. Despite a global decline in plastic waste, the number for U.S. shipping saw a 9.6 percent increase. "This amount of plastic, in the form of air pillows, would circle the Earth more than 200 times," the organization says.

Amazon, for what it's worth, does provide guidelines around the topic. U.S. customers whose orders are fulfilled by Amazon can click on any order in the Amazon app and scroll down to the bottom to view recycling or discard instructions. Customers can also ask Alexa or Siri "How do I recycle my Amazon packaging?" and both will direct them to Amazon's guidelines.

But David Pinsky, a senior plastics campaigner at Greenpeace, doesn't think this information's very useful.

"While it is helpful to provide information, Amazon is continuing to place the burden on customers to manage its enormous packaging footprint. As U.S. and global recycling markets collapse, the truth is that very few plastics are still recyclable and, even if they are collected for recycling, most are not recycled. It's time for Amazon to ditch all single-use packaging and transition to reuse and refill systems," Pinsky, who works to make large companies reduce their single-plastic use, wrote in an email.

Large corporations like Amazon need to take responsibility by eliminating throwaway packaging and switching to reuse and refill systems, Pinsky explained.

In a December 2022 blog post, Amazon acknowledged this disparity: "Although the plastic packaging Amazon uses today is recyclable, it generally requires our customers to take the materials from their homes to store drop-off locations. As a company that obsesses about our customers, we recognize it's not the easiest customer experience."

What Amazon is doing for the planet

Amazon does offer a program called Frustration-Free Packaging, which includes products designed to ship in their own packaging without the need for additional Amazon mailers or boxes. According to Amazon, "products in 'Frustration-Free Packaging' offer more sustainable packaging that is right-sized, reduces damages, is made of recyclable packaging materials, and is easier to open." It is also made of 100 percent curbside recyclable materials. And the option is working, to some extent. Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging by 38 percent and eliminated more than 1.5 million tons of packaging material, thanks to programs such as Frustration-Free Packaging.

"In the midst of a rapid increase in customer orders throughout the pandemic, we continued to take steps to reduce single-use plastics in our outbound packaging," the company wrote.

In 2019, Amazon debuted its fully recyclable paper padded mailer. The company had shipped more than 200 million new mailers to customers as of mid-2020 and replaced nearly 70 percent of its mixed material bubble mailers by 2021, offering the same recyclability as Amazon's cardboard box but taking up less space in the recycle bin, says an Amazon spokesperson.

The company also debuted its "Less Packaging, More Smiles" campaign in 2020 as a way to use less packaging materials in its shipments while helping customers repurpose boxes before recycling. For example, you can reuse Amazon cardboard boxes in fun ways — like to build a rocket, fort, or car for your cat or dog — all via a QR code on the box that provides instructions.

In 2021, the company attempted to address the plastic-film concerns and redesigned many of these plastic products to be more sustainable, increasing the recycled content of plastic film bags from 25 percent to 50 percent, and from 15 percent to over 40 percent for its plastic padded bags. The improvements are expected to eliminate more than 25,000 metric tons of new plastic each year moving forward, according to the company. In March 2022, the company also announced its partnership with the BOTTLE consortium, a U.S. Department of Energy research initiative to reduce plastic pollution, to design new modes of plastic chemical upcycling.

The company encourages customers to shop with Amazon Day Delivery in mind to take advantage of flexible options for when and how packages arrive. "On top of making deliveries work for their personal schedule, choosing Amazon Day is a great way to combine multiple orders into one delivery, potentially reducing the amount of packaging they receive. On average, Amazon Day uses 30 percent fewer boxes and Amazon Day users saved 136 million boxes in 2022," Amazon explained.

But these sustainability efforts might not be going far enough. As the Washington Post reported, in an effort to pack more shipments into delivery planes and trucks, Amazon is using more small plastic mailers rather than cardboard boxes.

SEE ALSO: The 2025 guide to recycling electronics, beauty empties, and clothing The long road to plastic-free Prime

Many of the plastic mailers it uses (like its regular and bubble-lined plastic bags) include plastic film.

In its latest report, Oceana estimated that up to 22 million pounds of such plastic packaging waste would end up in the world’s waterways and seas, noting that plastic film is the most common form of marine plastic litter in nearshore ocean areas and the deadliest to marine life.

Amazon notes on its website that some cities have curbside recycling programs for film, and if your city doesn't, Amazon utilizes a directory to find a drop-off location that will take compatible plastic film, wrap, and bags. However, Pinsky says this website isn't exhaustive because it doesn't include a list of complete options for some areas.

There also aren't that many cities with recycling programs that accept plastic film, says Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist who works on plastic waste issues at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental advocacy organization. When it comes to recycling centers, even if they do accept plastic film, it can be hard, if not impossible, to process, as they often get caught in the center's machinery, a spokesperson from the recycling, landfill, and compost operator Recology wrote in an email.

To avoid this problem, Recology workers try to manually remove loose plastic film before it enters the machinery, but this doesn't always work. "Amazon packages represent a challenging new packaging trend," a Recology spokesperson explained.

Pinsky still suggests conducting your own research to find drop-off locations and asking your supermarket if they recycle plastic film.

And then there's the paper address label. If it's a self-adhesive label, it's probably not recyclable, Hoover says. "It's pretty upsetting to see Amazon has gone in this direction by putting more single-use plastics on the market," Pinsky says.

Although online shopping has become the de-facto way of living, it shouldn't just be the customer's responsibility to figure out how to recycle. Companies need to step up too, Hoover says.

How to recycle Amazon's packaging

Whether you're expecting to splurge on Amazon Prime Day or are interested for everyday orders, here's how you can do your part to recycle all of Amazon's packaging.

1. Paper padded envelope mailer Amazon's paper padded envelope mailer. Credit: Amazon

Amazon says these paper padded mailers are recyclable, just like cardboard boxes and other paper items.

Paper products should be accepted by most curbside recycling programs, says Pinsky.

2. Bubble-lined plastic bag and plastic bag Amazon's bubble-lined plastic bag. Credit: Amazon Amazon's plastic bag. Credit: Amazon

Some cities offer curbside recycling, Amazon writes on its website. If your city doesn't, Amazon suggests using a directory where you can enter your ZIP code to find a drop-off location that accepts plastic film, which these bags contain.

Still, it's questionable if some drop-off locations will accept bubble-lined plastic bags, Pinsky says. Hoover advises people to check drop-off centers' websites to see what they can recycle.

3. Cardboard box and cardboard folder Amazon's cardboard box. Credit: Amazon Amazon's cardboard folder. Credit: Amazon

Cardboard boxes and folders can be recycled in most curbside recycling, Amazon states on its website. It also says to remove any tape before recycling.

Still, you should check with your local government to see what is recyclable and learn how and if you're supposed to prepare these materials in a particular way, Hoover says.

For example, New York City advises people to flatten cardboard boxes and then tie them together with strong twine before setting them out for recycling.

You can also use your cardboard boxes to start composting.

4. Paper Envelope Amazon's paper envelope. Credit: Amazon

Amazon says its paper envelopes are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs.

5. Give Back Box partnership (for cardboard boxes) Give your Amazon cardboard box another life by donating your stuff with it. Credit: Amazon

If you have an extra box lying around, you can also give it a second life. Just fill a box with items you wish to donate, print out a label for free, and ship it at no cost to you through UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Your old things will be re-homed to charities through Amazon's partnership with Give Back Box, and you can write off the donation on your taxes.

6. Packing paper Amazon's brown packing paper. Credit: Amazon

Packing paper is recyclable through most curbside recycling programs, according to Amazon.

7. Air pillow Amazon's air pillow. Credit: Amazon

Amazon suggests you either recycle its air pillows curbside, if possible, or find a drop-off location that accepts them. Like Amazon's plastic bags, air pillows contain plastic film, which means the packaging is harder to recycle.

When you are able to recycle them, Hoover suggests first popping the air out of the pillow and then bringing it to a drop-off location.

8. Bubble-lined paper mailer Amazon's bubble-lined paper mailer. Credit: Amazon

Paper mailers with air bubble padding are not recyclable and should be put in the trash, Amazon says on its website, though also suggests checking with your local recycling program for more details.

Pinsky, for his part, advises throwing out these mailers.

9. Reusable gift bags Amazon's reusable gift bags. Credit: Amazon

As you've probably guessed by the name, Amazon encourages you to reuse these gift bags. But once they're no longer presentable, you'll have to chuck them in the garbage bin. Amazon says it is "currently transitioning to gift bags made of 100 percent recycled material that will replace this version."

Pinsky advises avoiding these gift bags altogether. Most of the bags will end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment.

Instead, he says, "get creative with other ways to share gifts that don’t require single-use plastic bags, paper, or other materials."

10. Amazon Fresh paper bag Credit: Amazon

Since they're paper, Amazon Fresh paper bags are recyclable through most curbside recycling programs.

11. Paper ice cream pouch Credit: Amazon

Paper envelopes, including the insulation inside, are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs and also can be used again if clean and dry.

12. Amazon Fresh water bottle Amazon Fresh water bottle. Credit: Amazon

This is just a water bottle and can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. Amazon states on its website that these water bottles are used to cool items like food, but you can also drink the water, so don't let it go to waste.

13. Produce bag Amazon's produce bag. Credit: Amazon

Again, because the product has plastic film it may be tricky to recycle because the film often gets stuck in recycling centers' machinery. Amazon says some cities offer curbside recycling for its produce bag, but when not available, you can "use designated store drop-off locations where plastic film is accepted."

It's worth checking where you can recycle it first. Amazon provides a website to find a drop-off location to do so, but you should do your own research and ask your supermarket if they accept the film, says Pinsky.

14. Bottom board and paper insulation Credit: Amazon Amazon's paper insulation. Credit: Amazon

Both products are made of 100 percent cardboard. As such, Amazon says you can recycle both in your curbside recycling program.

SAVE $105: As of June 26, the Amazon eero 6+ router is on sale for $194.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero 6+ $194.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $105 Get Deal

Prime Day discounts are on the horizon, but Amazon has a great deal live right now for anyone fed up with slow, laggy internet. As of June 26, the Amazon eero 6+ mesh router system is at its lowest price this year, now priced at $194.99. This deal saves you $105 on list price.

This deal is specific to the three-pack bundle, but you can find great deals across all packages, excluding the four-pack option.

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day headphones and earbuds deals: Shop, watch, or wait?

The eero 6+ is an exceptional router system that offers gigabit WiFi speeds at an affordable price. It is backward-compatible with older eero devices, making it flexible for all home setups. It also benefits from an extra boost with the 160 MHz radio channel, so your whole house has a strong connection.

But how does it work? A mesh WiFi system is the perfect way to eliminate dead spots in your home, and is ideal for when you need the WiFi to reach a long way from the router, or through very thick walls. The setup includes a main router and extra nodes (satellites) placed around your home. They work together to provide reliable WiFi coverage all over your home.

Grab this great deal before the Prime Day rush.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Hisense 55" Class QD6 Series (2025 Model) QLED 4K UHD TV — $259.99 (List Price $379.99)

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

It is not possible to navigate the online world with total freedom. There are content restrictions and blockades in every corner of the web, and that very much includes adult content.

Porn comes with a lot of restrictions — the reasons for which are clear — but there's really nothing wrong with visiting your favorite sites at an entirely appropriate moment. When the time is right, you should be able to bypass content restrictions to access sites like Xnxx from any network and location.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

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

SEE ALSO: How to unblock Pornhub for free

Unblock porn sites like Xnxx by following these simple steps:

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 Xnxx

4. Visit Xnxx

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

The best VPNs for 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 like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from a secure network.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for porn is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch day has come and gone, and those lucky enough to get a console are already happily playing Mario Kart World and other launch titles.

Starting on June 5, gamers could finally purchase the Switch 2 console for $449.99 and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99 — if you could find it in stock, that is. Well, after weeks with precious few supply drops, we finally had an official Switch 2 restock alert to share.

Starting Wednesday, June 25 at 9 p.m. ET, Walmart had both the Switch 2 and Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle in stock. Walmart+ shoppers had an hour head start, and typically, consoles sold out before the hour was up. This might be a good time to sign up for a free Walmart+ trial.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Switch 2 console Check prices at Walmart Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle Check prices at Walmart Shop Now

Where else can you buy the Switch 2 online? As of this writing, it's out of stock at all of the official retailers, but you can always check the product listing pages and smash that refresh button like you're playing Super Smash Bros. for the first time.

Every way to buy the Switch 2 online Credit: Nintendo

Check for Switch 2 restocks at the My Nintendo Store and via Nintendo online retailers:

• Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo

• Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at GameStop — Check stock in stores

• Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy — Check stock in stores

• But the Switch 2 at Costco — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at Target — Unavailable

• Staples — Check stock in stores

To avoid hoarding and reselling, Nintendo and retailers are limiting orders per person. That means you'll need to make an account to successfully place an order. We also recommend reviewing our tips for tracking restocks, and in the meantime, try all the links below.

Place an order with Nintendo

You can't simply go to the My Nintendo Store and buy the Switch 2. To order the Switch 2, you need to log in with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account. Once you do that, you can choose either a Switch 2 standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle and then hit the confirm button to "register your interest" in ordering a Switch 2.

Now for the weird stuff. Only Switch Online members who have paid for at least 12 months of service and registered at least 50 hours of gameplay on their Switch consoles can purchase through Nintendo. In other words, you better be a true Switch gamer if you want to buy the Switch 2 this way. If you're eligible and follow these steps, watch your email for an invitation link.

Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Learn More Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499 Learn More How to order Switch 2 at Walmart

Unlike Nintendo, purchasing the Switch 2 online at Walmart is pretty simple. Technically, Walmart shoppers have been able to preorder Switch 2 consoles on Walmart's website since midnight ET on April 24. In reality, the console has been sold out consistently, with only intermittent supply available from third-party sellers. Our advice? Go to the Walmart Switch 2 listing a few times a day and smash that refresh button, but be wary of price gougers.

We'll update this article as soon as we find Switch 2 consoles in stock at Walmart (or anywhere). Walmart also sells a lot of Switch 2 launch titles and accessories.

Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 at Target

Target stores opened as usual on launch day, and according to a press release, Switch 2 hopefuls were directed to a "designated queuing location" near the entrance. Target workers reportedly gave out reservation tickets to a lucky few. Buyers were whisked off to the electronics department, where they could finally purchase either the Switch 2 or a Switch 2 bundle.

Buy the Switch 2 at Target: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 at GameStop

GameStop is the one retailer of the four listed here that's doing things a little bit differently. If you were lucky enough to get a GameStop preorder, you could pick up your console at midnight on June 5. GameStop stores also hosted midnight launch events (though supplies were limited), and gamers can go to GameStop locations to participate in a "Transfer and Trade," where they trade in their original Switch and transfer data to the new console.

You can also try your luck online or sign up to get updates when new inventory becomes available. You can also buy Switch 2 games and accessories at GameStop, including those all-important MicroSD Express cards.

Buy the Switch 2 at GameStop: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 consoles at Best Buy

Best Buy joined GameStop in hosting Switch 2 midnight launch parties, but the tents and lawn chairs have been packed away by now. If you weren't one of the chosen ones who got a console at these events, you'll have to rely on the Best Buy website. So far, we haven't seen any inventory available, unfortunately.

As a “high-demand item,” Best Buy customers have to follow specific steps to buy a Switch 2 online:

• Create a My Best Buy account and sign in

• Confirm your location

• Add the item to your cart

• Follow the on-screen prompts and check for available inventory

• If you get a Switch 2 console in your cart, you’ll have 10 minutes to complete the purchase

Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now Can you buy the Switch 2 at Amazon?

You'll notice there's one major retailer conspicuously missing so far — Amazon. That's because Amazon is not an official Nintendo retailer, so any Switch 2 consoles you find there are likely listed by resellers of dubious legitimacy. However, Amazon shoppers can preorder some Switch 2 titles ahead of the launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion Limited Edition $99.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma Standard Edition $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now How to buy the Switch 2 at Staples

As we noted in our Switch 2 preorder guide, select Staples stores will sell the Switch 2 on a first-come, first-served basis starting June 5. Most Staples locations open at 8 a.m., but we recommend showing up bright and early. Staples will also be selling an unnamed Switch 2 game bundle, and we know it's not the standard Mario Kart World bundle. As with other retailers, Switch 2 consoles are currently listed as "Out of stock" at the Staples online store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at Staples
Learn More How to buy the Switch 2 at Costco

Are you a Costco member? Then you may be able to secure your Switch 2 at the mega-retailer, which has been one of the few retailers with actual inventory available on June 5. Costco members can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle online starting June 5, though there's a limit of one console per membership (every seven days). As of this writing, the console and Mario Kart bundle are both sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at Costco
Learn More Popular Switch 2 accessories

If you want to console yourself by stocking up on Switch 2 accessories, chargers, and cameras, these products are much easier to "Add to cart."

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Hori Piranha Plant Camera $59 at Walmart
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller $84.99 at Target
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 (256GB) $59.99 at Target
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip $39.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo GameCube Controller $64.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Why is the Switch 2 so hard to find in stock?

Simply put, it's a matter of demand far outpacing supply, though tariffs definitely didn't help.

Since opening for preorder on April 24, the Switch 2 has been sold out pretty much everywhere, like the PS5 before it. In fact, so many gamers tried to place preorders on April 24 that they immediately crashed the GameStop, Target, and Walmart websites. That's left many Switch fans wondering how to buy the Switch 2 online. So, if you aren't buying a Switch 2 in person, keep checking this page for the latest stock updates on Switch 2 launch day and beyond.

Still want more information? Read our full Switch 2 review Mashable reporter Alex Perry plays the Switch 2 at a Nintendo event. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Mashable reporter Alex Perry was lucky enough to play the Switch 2 ahead of its launch. "I think it’s awesome," Perry wrote in his Switch 2 early review. "Most of the games I’ve played have been impressive in one way or another, and the hardware is a clear improvement over the first Switch. It’s not perfect, but nothing is."

After spending more time with the console, Perry also wrote an in-depth review of the Switch 2 for Mashable.

Put simply, the Switch 2 is full of so many thoughtful little considerations that I’ve frequently found myself amazed at how often it just works...The Nintendo Switch 2 is great. This is a fabulous console/handheld hybrid with hugely improved system software, much beefier horsepower for playing games, and a more premium form factor that doesn’t succumb to the same bulk as its handheld PC counterparts.

Perry also praised the social features as truly game-changing for Nintendo.

While you wait for your console to arrive, read all about the Switch 2 launch titles we're most excited to play. And if you still haven't secured an order, keep checking this page for updates — and good luck!

UPDATE: Jun. 25, 2025, 3:15 p.m. EDT We've updated this page with information about an imminent Switch 2 restock for Walmart+ members.

Last week, the Trump Organization announced the Trump Mobile wireless service as well as the T1, a gold-plated, Trump-branded smartphone that it claimed would be made in America. Many were doubtful of such assertions, including Mashable's own tech reporters, as it's no secret that the U.S. lacks the infrastructure to manufacture many critical smartphone components.

After just 10 days, Trump Mobile is already softening its language regarding exactly where the T1 will be manufactured.

SEE ALSO: The 'made-in-America' Trump Mobile phone sure looks like a made-in-China phone

As first spotted by The Verge, the T1 phone's listing on the Trump Mobile website has been quietly updated to remove all references to the device being made in America. While earlier this week it described the T1 as "proudly made in America," as of June 25, the page merely states that the phone has an "American-proud design."

Below this, Trump Mobile's previous claim that the T1 is "proudly made right here in the USA" has been replaced with the much more ambiguous statement that "it’s brought to life right here in the USA," declaring that there are "American hands behind every device."

Left: Trump Mobile's T1 Phone listing on June 23. Right: The same listing on June 25. Credit: Mashable

Such changes are also reflected on the Trump Mobile homepage, which previously encouraged people to pre-order the "MADE IN THE USA" T1 phone (emphasis original) and stated that it would be available from September. While the homepage does still encourage users to order a T1, it no longer claims that the device is made in the U.S., and the delivery date has been removed altogether. 

Top: A banner on the Trump Mobile homepage on June 17. Bottom: The same banner on June 25. Credit: Mashable

The T1's advertised manufacturing location isn't all that's changed either. The phone's specs have also been slightly tweaked, downgrading its previously advertised 6.8-inch punch hole AMOLED screen to 6.25 inches. Its previously listed 12GB of RAM has been entirely removed as well, with no further information added to replace it.

Exactly what an "American-proud design" entails is unclear; however it seems reasonable to conclude that the T1 will not be made in America in light of these changes to its webpage. Even the claim of "American hands behind every device" could merely mean that people in the U.S. handle the phone at some point before it reaches customers. 

Trump Mobile's T1 smartphone has an American flag etched on its back. Credit: Trump Mobile

Despite this, Trump Mobile is reportedly maintaining that the T1 will indeed be made in the U.S., though it has not addressed the change in language on its website. 

"The T1 phones are proudly being made in America," a Trump Mobile spokesperson said in a statement to Ars Technica. "Speculation to the contrary is simply inaccurate. We're excited to launch the phones later this year."

It would be unsurprising for Trump Mobile to walk back its promises of a U.S.-made smartphone. Analysts have determined that an iPhone manufactured in the U.S. would have a potential retail price of up to $3,000, six times the T1's $499 price tag.

Mashable has reached out to Trump Mobile for comment.

Contains spoilers for The Bear Season 4.

In one of the early scenes of The Bear Season 4, chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) watches the time-loop classic Groundhog Day.

"What would you do if you were stuck in one place?" Bill Murray's weatherman Phil Connor asks while Carmy looks on. "And every day was exactly the same, and nothing you did mattered?"

It's a sentiment that resonates with Carmy, who spent much of The Bear's underwhelming Season 3 trapped in a self-destructive loop of his own. He hyper-fixated on his professional traumas in toxic kitchens, his breakup with Claire (Molly Gordon), his dysfunctional family, and of course, the ever-present grief of losing his brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal). As if that wasn't enough, The Bear received a middling review in the Chicago Tribune — basically a death knell for the restaurant. After all that, it's easy to feel, like Groundhog Day's Phil, that nothing he does matters.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

Still, the review is the kick in the chef's whites Carmy needs to take steps towards self-improvement, with much of Season 4 focusing on him trying to make things right with Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Claire, and more.

Unfortunately, while Carmy looks to learn from his mistakes, The Bear finds itself in a Groundhog Day-style time loop all of its own. That's because Season 4 falls right back into the pitfalls of Season 3 — and then some. Worst of all is a lack of general urgency, one that's at odds with this season's ticking-clock structure.

The Bear Season 4's biggest problem is that damn clock. Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in "The Bear." Credit: FX

In Season 4, episode 1, Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and his numbers guy, "Computer" (Brian Koppelman), bring a large countdown clock into The Bear's kitchen. It's set for 1,440 hours, or 60 days. That amount of time represents the restaurant's parachute as it loses money. By the time it reaches zero, The Bear will have to stop operations. (Unless it gets a Michelin star, which might be enough to turn things around.)

In theory, the clock serves as both a doomsday countdown and a motivator for The Bear's staff to get it together. In reality, though, it becomes evidence of The Bear's ridiculously frustrating pacing problem, which has carried over from Season 3.

To recap: In Season 3, episode 2, Carmy tells Sydney she needs to sign a partnership agreement to make her an official restaurant partner. By the end of Season 3, she had yet to sign said agreement. In Season 3, episode 7, Sydney received a job offer from former Ever chef Adam (Adam Shapiro). Just like with the partnership agreement, Sydney did not give Adam a response by the end of Season 3.

SEE ALSO: Did you catch the Michelin star man in 'The Bear' Season 4? We did.

These are huge plot points, with the potential for changing up the entire course of The Bear. You'd think they'd be a major focal point early on in Season 4, right? Right?

Wrong! It takes almost all of Season 4 for Sydney to get back to Adam, and it flat-out takes the entirety of Season 4 for her and Carmy to discuss the partnership agreement. It's already aggravating enough as a viewer to be strung along for this long, even if you're binge-watching The Bear all the way through. But the clock makes this aggravation so much worse, because it tells you exactly how much time it's taken Sydney to come to these decisions. You're telling me it takes her just under 60 days — more, when counting Season 3! — to make these important, time-sensitive career moves? I'm willing to suspend my disbelief to a certain extent, but for a TV show that has frequently been praised for its realistic depictions of restaurant work, Adam and Carmy giving Sydney this much time to decide rings false.

The timing problems even extend to smaller details that poke holes in the otherwise lived-in, grounded environment The Bear has built. For example, it takes Carmy 46 days to hold Sugar's (Abby Elliott) baby for the first time. 46! Sure, the Berzattos are dysfunctional, but not dysfunctional enough that they wouldn't go visit their newborn niece who lives in the same city. Elsewhere, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) only starts coaching servers Neil Fak (Matty Matheson) and Gary (Corey Hendrix) on how to properly walk through the restaurant on the clock's final day. Why wasn't this a restaurant priority beforehand?

Missteps like this make it clear The Bear is losing sight of the details — ironic, given Carmy and his staff's pursuit of culinary perfection, where every component matters. But on a broader level, this season's egregious timeline proves that The Bear is just punting its most crucial confrontations further down the line. Unfortunately, it can't find much else of substance to sustain it in the meantime.

The Bear Season 4 gives its most interesting supporting characters nothing to do. Ayo Edebiri and Liza Colón-Zayas in "The Bear." Credit: FX

What else does The Bear's staff have cooking this season, you may ask? Not much.

Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) spends two months trying to plate pasta in under three minutes. So much for the spotlight she got in Season 3's "Napkins." Meanwhile, Marcus (Lionel Boyce) sells his mother's house then considers reconnecting with his father. Do we get a deeper sense of his grief, or actually meet his father? No, like so much of The Bear's most fascinating threads, that's a problem for next season.

The same goes Ebraheim's (Edwin Lee Gibson) intriguing plotline this season, which sees him examining the idea of franchising The Beef. But once again, that's something The Bear kicks into the undefined future.

SEE ALSO: 'The Bear' Season 4 fails Tina

Instead, we're treated to more of the Fak family, who work fine in small doses but are absolute menaces in the larger roles they've been granted season over season. As The Bear continues to veer further into straight drama as opposed to the comedy it originally billed itself as, the show hopes these bumbling brothers and their penchant for overlapping talking and bad side hustles can bring some levity to the show. But crosstalk and yelling do not a comedy make, and The Bear's most obvious attempts to remind us it can be funny won't make you laugh as much as make you need an Advil.

The Bear actually wrings its funniest moments from small frustrations, like Richie realizing a profound voicemail he's leaving has been cut off, or Tina texting Sydney, "mama this pasta is killing me." Here, we get shades of the very funny, very human comedy that buoyed Season 1 and much of Season 2, but they're few and far between.

The Bear Season 4's big standalone episodes are a mixed bag. Jeremy Allen White in "The Bear." Credit: FX

Every season of The Bear features episodes that play with the show's formula, from Season 1's one-take "Review" to Season 2's nightmarish Christmas flashback "Fishes." The series has found particular success with character-centric episodes, too, like the Marcus-focused "Honeydew," the Richie-focused "Forks," and the Tina-focused "Napkins." In Season 4, The Bear tries to recreate the success of these kinds of episodes, just as it did in Season 3. But it leaves us only with diminishing returns.

The strongest of the bunch is episode 4, written by Edebiri and Boyce and directed by Janicza Bravo. Here, Sydney's trip to get her hair done leads her to bond with her hairdresser Chantel's (Danielle Deadwyler) daughter TJ (Arion King). TJ's middle school friend troubles become a lens through which Sydney examines her career dilemma, giving us some much-needed insight into a decision-making process that has so far been shrouded in mystery or flat-out abandoned. Of course, what would have made the episode stronger is seeing it have a faster impact on her choice — which, again, takes 60 days to make! — but it's overall a welcome window into Sydney's life beyond The Bear. Bonus points for the scene in which Sydney and TJ make Hamburger Helper together, a cooking sequence reminiscent of Sydney's Season 2 omelette-making montage, both centered around elevating simple dishes and cooking for people you care about. The show could afford to have more like it.

If episode 4 feels like a sister episode to "Honeydew," "Forks," and "Napkins," then Season 4, episode 7 feels like an attempt to create a cheerful companion to "Fishes." In this 69-minute monster, the entire Berzatto clan attends Richie's ex Tiff's (Gillian Jacobs) wedding to Frank (Josh Hartnett). Thankfully, no forks go flying and no cars crash into living rooms. Unfortunately, though, the show veers far, far from that stress, instead crafting an overly saccharine love fest that doubles as a showcase of The Bear's biggest (and, frankly, most distracting) guest stars.

There are high highs, like a poignant discussion between Carmy and Lee (Bob Odenkirk) about Mikey, or Richie and Frank's panic about their father/stepfather dynamic. But mostly, it's an episode of low lows, including more unfunny Fak drama and an interminable sequence involving everyone hiding under a table. Much of the dialogue in the latter sounds like a bunch of platitudes hurled back and forth. That problem extends across the rest of the season, to the point that some characters, like Claire or new hire Jessica (Sarah Ramos), sound like self-help books in human form.

The season's last Very Special Episode is its finale, a tightly contained argument in the back alley behind The Bear, where Carmy, Sydney, and Richie finally let loose about all their grievances. It's cathartic and gripping and gritty — everything The Bear has been missing for the past two seasons. As excellent as it is, it's also deeply frustrating. These issues should have come to a head long, long ago. Instead, The Bear has been spinning its wheels for 10 episodes and 60 whole days, creating the illusion of progress with a lot of sound and fury, but very little payoff.

For a show that won't let us forget that "every second counts," The Bear commits a cardinal sin: It wastes its own characters' time.

All episodes of The Bear Season 4 are now streaming on Hulu.

TL;DR: Enjoy dependable, secure, and private data storage with a 1TB lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage, now just £88 with code KOOFR.

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If you're already established with another service, Koofr offers unmatched accessibility. Easily access your files from Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive — making Koofr your all-in-one cloud storage hub. 

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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

To throw out.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

EXPEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A Spanish cousin.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PRIMO

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To reallow.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

UNBAN

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Detects distance

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 25 Hurdle Word 4 answer

RADAR

Final Hurdle hint

A base of eight.

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

OCTAL

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

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Cordless vacuums are sometimes pegged as inferior, but here's the truth: Cordless vacuum cleaners have reached a new level. Thanks to ever-developing tech, they’re more powerful, more convenient, and longer-lasting than ever before. And they stack up pretty well against their corded, clunkier, upright counterparts.

So, who can argue with the convenience of a cordless vacuum? No plugging and unplugging — and plugging and unplugging again — as you clean different rooms. And no struggling to chase down pet hair or dust bunnies hiding in the trickiest, hardest-to-reach spots of your home. Plus, they’re easier to store away.

The best stick models are also just fun (yes, really) to use. Some transform into handheld vacs with one easy click. It's enough to make cleaning a chore that you actually look forward to. Or at least, make it less of a pain.

What are the benefits of a cordless vacuum?

We’ve already mentioned the big ones. A cordless vacuum is generally more convenient — easier to store, lighter to carry around the hone, and more dexterous. They can reach overhead spots with little effort and often come with useful attachments too.

The other thing worth noting is that they’re often best suited to smaller homes and spaces, or homes with less carpets. That’s because the capacity is generally smaller and the lighter handling makes it easy to whizz around the place in no time. That doesn’t mean they’re only for small homes, of course. Some cordless models have a bigger capacity. If you need more, look out for vacuums that have around a 1-litre capacity.

Is Dyson the best cordless vacuum brand?

In a word, yes. Or, more precisely, Dyson is the standard — the standard that other manufacturers try to match or beat. That doesn’t mean that Dyson is the only name in town. Oh no. Shark, Vax, and Samsung are all solid choices with lots of features. We’ve included examples from each of those brands in the list below.

How long does a cordless vacuum battery last?

This is one important feature to consider. Average battery power will last around 40 minutes and top-end batteries max out at 60 minutes. Be warned, however: That’s usually when the cordless vac is on its lowest power setting. When on the highest power setting — in other words, when the vacuum is doing its hardest sucking — around 20 minutes from a single charge is average.

Some models come with two batteries, so you can swap them mid-clean and save waiting for the vacuum to recharge. Something to bear in mind is that these cordless vacuums can take a surprisingly long time to recharge — anything up to an hour.

What should you consider when shopping for cordless vacuums?

As well as good battery power, there are other things that cordless vacuums might include:

LED lights — Some cordless vacuums have mini headlights so you don’t miss dirt.

Digital display — Look out for vacuums that give you real-time information on battery power and other vitals.

Attachment tools — Crevice tools, brushes, pet hair tools, or even mini mop heads are among the extra attachments you might find.

Charging stand — These can be wall mounted or free standing, allowing you to dock and safely store the vacuum while it charges.

You should also keep price and storage in mind, but these features are a good place to start when searching for cordless vacuum cleaners.

What is the best cordless vacuum?

We get it, that’s a lot of information to keep in mind when researching and choosing a cordless vacuum cleaner. To make it easier, we’ve done the hard work of searching the internet and sucking up all the relevant information on your behalf. All you need to do is read on and choose one that suits you and your home.

These are the best cordless vacuum cleaners in 2025.

If you're looking to get away from Microsoft Word, and Microsoft, or if you're just looking to support a free and open-source project, there are a dizzying array of solid options out there. Here are four that are great all-rounders, and that can run on most PCs or laptops with an issue.