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

It's no surprise that Iga Swiatek is one to watch in the 2026 French Open. The Polish superstar is the world No. 3 and won last year's Wimbledon.

A tournament win at Roland-Garros would have special significance. At just 24-years-old, she's already a four-time French Open winner, and taking the title for a fifth time would put her in an elite bracket — something that hasn't been done since Steffi Graf became a five-time French Open Champion exactly 30 years ago.

But Swiatek must now get through a second-round match with Sara Bejlek, an unseeded 20-year-old from the Czech Republic. Bejlek exited in the second round last year, but she did win the Abu Dhabi Open in February.

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

How to watch Bejlek vs. Swiatek for free

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

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

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

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Bejlek vs. Swiatek in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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

The 2026 French Open is now entering its second round and the action is already hotting up. Elena Rybakina coasted through the first round in straight sets, setting up this match with the unseeded Yuliia Starodubtseva.

Rybakina is the obvious favorite to win this contest — the Kazakhstani superstar is the No. 2 seed and has already won the Australian Open title this year, her second Grand Slam title. That said, it wouldn't be a tennis tournament without some surprises in the early rounds, and Ukrainian hopeful Starodubtseva showed respectable form at last year's Roland-Garros, reaching the third round. Can she cause the biggest upset so far at the French Open and knock out Rybakina?.

If you want to watch Starodubtseva vs. Rybakina in the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Starodubtseva vs. Rybakina for free

Starodubtseva vs. Rybakina in the 2026 French Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 French Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 French Open for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Connect to 9Now

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

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 French Open before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Starodubtseva vs. Rybakina in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Just in time for summer gaming and streaming shows while we hide away from the heat, Samsung is dropping new gaming monitors, work-worthy monitors, and an updated portable monitor with a stand. Some of these Samsung upgrades are industry firsts and will set the benchmark going forward.

Now, all but one of the new monitors are available to order on Samsung's website and at major retailers. Shoppers who buy direct will earn a free Samsung credit worth up to $300, which you can put toward on a future purchase, or a bonus Samsung gadget worth up to $499.99.

Shop Samsung's new monitor lineup: Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G8 G80HS 6K Gaming Monitor $1,599.99 (includes free $300 credit or Music Studio 7) Shop Now Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G8 G80HF 5K Gaming Monitor $949.99 (includes free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or Galaxy Buds4 Pro) Shop Now Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G7 G73SH 4K Gaming Monitor $1,099.99 (includes free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or Galaxy Buds4 Pro) Shop Now Samsung 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH 4K Gaming Monitor $1,299.99 (includes free $300 credit or Music Studio 7) Shop Now Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G8 G80SH 4K Gaming Monitor $1,099.99 (includes free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or Galaxy Buds4 Pro) Shop Now Samsung 40-inch ViewFinity S8 S85TH 5K2K Curved Monitor $1,399.99 (includes free $300 credit or Music Studio 7) Shop Now Samsung 43-inch The Movingstyle Essential $899.99 (includes free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or Galaxy Buds4 Pro) Shop Now High-performance gaming monitors with better resolution

The Samsung Odyssey lineup of gaming monitors has long been considered some of the best. Naturally, Samsung has decided to outdo itself and we now have 5 and 6K monitors to replace the previous 4K. Both new models feature a DisplayPort 2.1 and have computability with both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync.

The Samsung Odyssey G8 is the world' first 6K gaming monitor. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Samsung's new 32-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HS) marks the very first time we've seen a 6K gaming monitor. That means we'll be treated to better clarity and exceptional details. Samsung used a 224PPI and an IPS panel on this model that'll reach the wild 6K resolution with a refresh rate of 165Hz. Dual mode will give access to up to 330Hz at 3K resolution. It retails for $1,599.99 and comes with your choice of a free $300 credit or a free Music Studio 7 smart speaker (worth $499.99).

Going a bit smaller in size, the new 27-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HF) comes with 5K resolution at up to 180Hz with 218PPI. Dual mode brings that to 360Hz. It costs $949.99 and nets you a free $200 credit, a Music Studio 5 smart speaker (worth $299.99), or a pair of Galaxy Buds4 Pro (worth $249.99).

Upgrades to OLED gaming monitors

For great contrast and ultra-quick performance, you might prefer to head into the OLED range of gaming monitors. Samsung has a couple new models to check out.

The 32-inch Odyssey OLED G7 (G73SH) comes with 4K resolution at up to 165Hz which is great news for high-performance with smooth gameplay. A 0.03ms response time is also welcomed for competitive, fast-paced games. Priced at $1,099.99, it comes with a free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or pair of Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

The OLED G8 is ready for gaming at 240Hz with a focus on deep blacks. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The 27- and 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 monitors (G80SH) have a higher refresh rate of 240Hz. Samsung also used its Glare Free technology on these models, which might make them a more appealing option for those who game in bright rooms or during daylight hours. Samsung also mentioned the 32-inch model has VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification which is an ideal feature if you prioritize deep black and bright, vibrant colors.

The 27-inch Odyssey OLED G8 costs $1,099.99 and unlocks a free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or pair of Galaxy Buds4 Pro. The 32-inch version is $1,299.99 and comes with a free $300 credit or Music Studio 7.

Work stations made better

Of course, Samsung didn't forget about those of us who are looking for an upgrade to monitors designed for work.

The curved 40-inch ViewFinity S8 adds in a Thunderbolt 5. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The 40-inch Samsung ViewFinity S8 (S85TH) has a curved display with 144Hz and a Thunderbolt 5 for intensive tasks and 80Gbps data transfer. Going smaller, the 27-inch ViewFinity S8 (S80HF) has impressive 5K resolution and USB-C connectivity.

The 40-inch model costs $1,399.99 and includes a free $300 credit or Music Studio 7. Samsung hasn't announced pricing for the 27-inch model yet.

Improvements to a versatile, rolling display

For those who want ultimate versatility, Samsung's new The Movingstyle Essential is designed for portability. It has a 43-inch display with 4K UDH resolution that sits on a rolling stand with adjustable height. Plus, it can tilt, swivel, and pivot to your needs. It's ideal for home use that spans gaming, working, or viewing your favorite shows from whatever room you're currently in.

The 43-inch 4K display on the Movingstyle Essential is ready to move from room to room. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The Movingstyle Essential is going for $899.99 and comes with a free $200 credit, Music Studio 5, or set of Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

UPDATE: May. 27, 2026, 5:00 a.m. EDT Most of Samsung's new monitors are now available for purchase. This story has been updated with pricing and links.

As a full-time content creator and the person behind the popular BookTok account aymansbooks, influencer Ayman reads upwards of 70 books in a year. 

Based just outside of Chicago, Ayman has amassed a large audience of like-minded readers on TikTok, where her following is quickly approaching 1 million. (As of this writing, the count is 911.2K on TikTok and just over 300K on Instagram.)

SEE ALSO: BookTok made reading cool again — but it also turned authors into content creators

The 25-year-old weaves together regular posts about daily life, celebrations of Pakistani food and culture to celebrate her family’s heritage, and a steady stream of book-related posts, memes, reviews, and more.

Ayman says that when it comes to posting content, window lighting is preferred. 

“Sunlight is the best,” she says.

Her favorite products include the DJI Pocket 3, which she calls “the best nonchalant camera,” or simply her iPhone.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $419 at Amazon
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For shooting still photos, Ayman says that 35mm film is her “recent hyper fixation because it’s so nostalgic.”

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm x100VI $2,459 at Amazon
“These photos come out so dreamy.” Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon PowerShot G7 X $1,649 at Amazon
“Best when I’m working with low light, the photos come out so crispy!” Shop Now

Ayman says she edits everything on CapCut because “it’s so easy to use and there’s so many creative features on there.”

Credit: Ayman / Mashable

We caught up with the content creator about her favorite books, her opinion about e-readers, and the other gear she relies on as a BookTok regular.

Favorite bookish gear and accessories while reading?

Annotating tabs and pens, a really nice bookmark, a reading light, and a good comfy place to sit (my bed usually).

Opens in a new window Credit: Kicnic Sticky tabs $5.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Gritin Reading light $15.99
  Shop Now
Printed books or e-reader?

It really depends because I love both. If I already have the physical book, I’ll read that. If it’s on [Kindle Unlimited], a fanfic, or I just wanna save money, then e-reader. Even through I have a huge books collection, I believe I would still end up choosing e-reader if that was my last option, simply because it’s convenient. I currently use a Kindle Colorsoft and Kobo Colour with the Kobo Stylus 2. I really like both but now I keep most of my fanfics on my Kobo since they take up so much storage. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Clara Colour $179.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now What is your preferred reading set-up?

In bed at night with my lamp on. The setting has to be quiet. No sounds at all. Pillows all around me. 

Top 5 desert island books?

• The Scorched Throne by Sara Hashem

• Alchemised by SenLinYu

• Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi

• The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab

• Mate by Ali Hazelwood 
  

If you start reading a book and realize you don’t like it — what do you do?

It depends. 90% of the time I push through because when I review the book I wanna stay honest and let my audience know it doesn’t get better. I’ve been getting better at DNFing recently because life is too short to read boring books.

Editor’s note: DNF stands for “Did Not Finish” and is an abbreviation that has been widely adopted by the BookTok community.

What do you love about what you do?

I love that I get to connect with like-minded people that love and enjoy the same books I do. I love that this jobs gives me opportunities that I could only dream of, [for example] attending premieres and meeting authors.

What goals do you have for your digital footprint:

My thoughts lately have been “full-send, just go for it, cringe is dead,” while also staying safe of course. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices

SAVE $230.50: As of May 27, the Aiper Scuba S1 is on sale for $549.49 at Amazon. That's a 36% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aiper Aiper Scuba S1 $549.49 at Amazon
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Having a pool on hot summer days is one of life’s biggest luxuries. Keeping it clean and properly maintained, however, is anything but.

That’s where a robot pool cleaner comes in. Instead of spending your time skimming and scrubbing the pool, these smart devices do the hard work for you. And as of May 27, the Aiper Scuba 1 is on sale for $549.49 at Amazon. That's over $200 off the list price and the best-ever price at Amazon.

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This robotic pool cleaner is designed to make pool maintenance easy and low-effort. In Eco Mode, it can run for up to 240–270 minutes for general daily upkeep, while Auto, Floor, Wall, or Scheduled modes will provide up to 180 minutes for more intensive cleaning. There is also a Scheduled mode that allows a weekly custom cleaning plan, so your schedule can be totally hands-free.

It also uses a dual-path navigation system that's powered by 11 high-precision sensors, to make sure the whole pool is cleaned efficiently, without missing any spots. And to make sure even the smallest dirt and debris is caught, it used a dual-layer filtration system, combining a 180-micron filter with a 3-micron ultra-fine filter.

This robot pool cleaner deal can be found at Amazon now.

Whether you should get a robot vacuum or a stick vacuum boils down to one question: How picky are you about cleaning?

Everyone can probably acknowledge the appeal of not lifting a finger to clean their floors. But to some, that convenience may not be worth the cringe sparked by watching a robot vacuum ignore a crumb or eat a phone charger. Despite notable upgrades in smart mapping and cleaning performance over the past half-decade, even the best robot vacuums of 2026 can't match the precision of the best cordless stick vacuums operated by, you know, an actual human with a brain.

SEE ALSO: The best way to make your Dyson stick vacuum last? Clean it regularly.

Cordless vacuums also just have the physical advantage in a lot of tricky spots. If you'd like to keep up with couch cushions, car seats, stairs, or the dusty abyss lying behind every door, a stick vacuum that can go handheld (and go outside) is the only option with that flexibility.

But to be real, your willingness to do all the cleaning yourself also matters — if you dread vacuuming by hand so much that you'll just put off doing it, your floors might actually be cleaner with a robot vacuum. I personally have both at the ready at all times and can argue for the value and practicality on either side, depending on the situation. And while the convenience of a robot vacuum is undeniable, I still reach for a cordless vacuum in more cases than not.

Other cordless vacuums I've tested

I've tested several other vacuum cleaners that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Shark Detect Pro with auto-empty station and LG All-in-One Cord Zero with auto-empty station, were a top recommendation at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck.

There are also a few Dyson vacuums from years past that still garner substantial search interest, but that I no longer think are worth your money compared to what else is out there. The Dyson V8 and (seemingly discontinued) Dyson V10 that my parents have lying around have a tendency to push large debris like cat food and rocks around, and leave behind a layer of pet hair on many dark rugs. While these Dysons may have been powerhouses in the late 2010s, $300 could get you a more powerful option — maybe even automatic emptying, like with the Shark Detect Pro I just mentioned. The only upside would be that Dyson includes the motorized hair screw tool with the V8 and V10.

I also bumped the Dyson V15 Detect Submarine out of the list. The Roborock 2-in-1 cordless mop that took its place just offers a more seamless mopping system all around. The swappable wet roller head that turns the V15 Detect into a "mop" completely cuts off airflow to the dust bin of the vacuum, meaning there's no real wet suction going on. During my testing, this just pushed liquid around instead of soaking up spills, which then led to a soggy manual cleaning process that was super prone to leaks and weird smells. It just required way too much maintenance by hand, compared to the self-cleaning features of the Roborock F25 Ace Combo.

I also test robot vacuums. Are they as powerful?

I also test a ton of robot vacuums at home. While I think the convenience of robot vacuums is worth for, say, keeping up with the layer of dust and crumbs that accumulate during the work week, I have found that cordless vacuums are consistently tougher on elusive debris like pet hair or fine powders. This is especially when they've been pressed down into rug fibers or have been caked into corners.

Cordless stick vacuums are generally more powerful than robot vacuums. The upright design is optimal for airflow and has the real estate to house larger motors and more complex cyclone systems that create extra force on top of suction power alone. A robot vacuum's motor can't exceed the three or four-inch clearance that the vac needs to scoot its whole body under furniture. The motor of an upright vacuum typically lives completely separately from the vacuum head and roller brush and is thus under fewer constraints.

Physics aside, you could argue that a cordless vacuum is less likely to leave debris behind because a person is actively assessing where the suction needs to be focused. This includes tricky spots that aren't even on a robot vacuum's radar, like staircases or cars.

There are some one-to-one comparisons where a robot vacuum could be as powerful or more powerful than a stick vacuum. For instance, I've tested both the Roborock Saros 10R robot vacuum and Roborock F25 Ace cordless vacuum, and both offer 20,000 Pa suction power. But robot vacuums with that kind of power typically reside in the $1,000+ category, while it's much more affordable to hit that number with a stick vacuum. Even with identical stats on paper, the cordless vacuum would probably have a higher pickup rate over time just because the person operating it can see when more passes are necessary.

Dyson has a slew of new cordless vacuums up its sleeve for 2026. Most of them are apparently being saved for the second half of the year, but one unique little machine was squeaked out in February. Whatever comes to mind when you picture a traditional Dyson stick vacuum, I promise the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones isn't that.

The PencilVac is so thin that it could be stored in just a few inches of free space. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Prior to the PencilVac's launch, Dyson hadn't released a new cordless vacuum since 2023, and even those weren't overly groundbreaking. (We've seen what happens when a once-prestige brand gives up on innovating, à la The Fall of the House of iRobot.) I've had the PencilVac at home for nearly four months now, and the delightful experience further validates my stance that Dyson is such a pro cordless vacuum company that there's no reason to keep forcing the Dyson robot vacuum thing.

SEE ALSO: I tried the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai at home. I was cursing it out more often than I was cheering it on.

Considering that the PencilVac is somewhat a successor to my absolute favorite cordless vacuum of the past three years, I jumped at the opportunity to test them against each other in my apartment. Since 2022, I've been recommending the Dyson V12 Detect Slim nonstop for two main reasons: It's incredibly lightweight, and the dust-illuminating laser completely changed the way I clean. The Dyson PencilVac weighs even less and has two lasers instead of one. Is unseating the GOAT really that simple?

Comparing the Dyson V12 Detect Slim (left) and PencilVac (right). Credit: Leah Stodart Four "Fluffycones" give the PencilVac an unbelievably smooth sweep on hardwood and tile. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Setting up the vacuum itself is incredibly easy because the PencilVac design is the definition of minimal. The box is compact and flat, and since it only comes with one attachment, you don't have to dig around through a ton of packaging. Just click the motor, wand, and cleaning head together and find a spot near an outlet for the charging stand. I'm not a huge fan of being forced to use an app with an appliance just for the sake of using an app. But since the PencilVac's screen is so tiny, I'm sure the app will come in handy for notifications about clogged airways or filter replacement.

What's special about the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones?

The Dyson PencilVac is a stick vacuum in the most literal sense of the term. It's legitimately shaped like a pencil and measures less than 1.5 inches around. The battery, motor, dustbin, buttons, and screen are built into the wand, lying completely flush. That means that the wand can reach much further into tight spaces without being hindered by a big cylindrical dustbin or heavy battery pack.

The Fluffycones head can spin vertically to fit right between these table and stool legs. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable In wand form, the PencilVac can slip behind my dresser to reach the dusty baseboards. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Fluffycones cleaning head can swivel 360 degrees around, so it can spin to clean in awkward spots that would typically require you to move furniture or be at a really specific angle. (There's also a cheaper version of the PencilVac with a "Micro Fluffy" cleaner head, which has a singular roller like the V12 Detect Slim's.)

The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones weighs in at less than four pounds with the main Fluffycones cleaning head attached and less than three pounds with the precision wand attachment. That's more than a pound lighter than the V12 Detect Slim (that I already find incredibly ergonomic), and less than half of the weight of the heaviest Dyson stick vacuum.

Holding the PencilVac in the air doesn't feel like a workout. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The PencilVac can go the whole way to the back of my Litter-Robot's waste drawer slot. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

One of my first orders of business with the PencilVac was to vacuum the ceiling corners and any cobwebs that I'd previously been pretending weren't there. Without the top-heaviness from a clunky dustbin, the PencilVac was comfortable to hold above my head with one hand. (I certainly can't say the same for the 8.6-pound Dyson Gen5outsize that my mom has.)

The wand doesn't bend, so you'll have to be awkwardly far away from certain nooks and crannies while you're detailing them. But the long wand also makes it easy to keep up with dusty baseboards without kneeling down, and that's huge news for my allergies and my back.

I'm definitely being normal about the double laser situation

The PencilVac also has two of my favorite Dyson feature ever, the dust-illuminating laser: One that lights the cleaning path ahead and one that lights the trail directly behind the cleaning head.

SEE ALSO: Dreame's X60 Max Ultra Complete is the best robot vacuum for pet hair I've tested. Sucks that it's so expensive.

I've been religiously laser vacuuming since I got my V12 Detect Slim in 2023, so the concept of dual lasers is monumental to someone who can barely remember life B.L. (Before Laser). You truly have no concept of how much dust, dander, and hair accumulate on your floors within the span of a day. Barring any egregiously huge obvious crumbs, hardwood and tile always look pretty spotless to the naked eye... until the laser enlightens you. You can never go back after that.

I can simultaneously see how much litter was tracked in and out of the bathroom. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable For such a tiny vacuum, the PencilVac musters some pretty strong suction. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I love that the double-headed laser provides a 360-degree view of the floor before and after you sweep it. After making a pass with my V12 Detect Slim, I'd often turn around to shine the laser where I just cleaned to make sure no minuscule stragglers would get stuck to my bare feet later. The double-headed laser shows you where the dirty spots are, then provides real-time proof of its debris pickup in the path behind it.

With this flexibility and precision, the PencilVac quickly became a core piece of my cleaning routine. A routine that actually takes longer now, but only because the PencilVac unlocked easy access to spots that were a pain to clean before: the tight space between furniture or the washing machine and the wall, beside and behind the toilet, and small slivers of open floor under crap in various closets.

Conveniently, I got the PencilVac around the same time that I started spiraling over the fact that microplastics live in dust. I'm not sure that I would have been able to sleep without an easy way to keep up with the dust that builds up behind the dresser and TV in my bedroom.

Considerations: The dustbin, carpet use, and one other annoying thing

To empty, you still point the dustbin over the trash and click a button to release debris. But any veteran stick vacuum user knows that a piece of the dust bunny will inevitably need to be pulled out by hand. Since it's so damn thin, the PencilVac dustbin and suction airway are a little harder to keep clear. I realized that a water bottle sponge (one we will NOT be using to wash dishes) fits well enough to wipe out any fine hairs or dust stuck to the sides, but I'm not sure what to do when a wad of hair gets wrapped around up there.

The tiny dustbin just wouldn't be practical for large homes. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Debris compresses in layers that looks like nasty sand art. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

If the 0.02-gallon dustbin sounds tiny, that's because it is. I'm always shocked by the chunk of brown and gray fluff that compiles on the first cleaning session after I've emptied it. I swear it's nearly half full after vacuuming the kitchen, bathroom with a litter box, and living room once — and that's without even attempting the living room rug, because the PencilVac's suction and fluffy fibers just aren't built for digging into carpet.

The PencilVac is also one of the only Dyson stick vacuums in recent memory that doesn't come with a mini motorized pet hair tool. I'm just picturing the PencilVac as the sole vacuum in my friend's and her golden retriever's apartment and can't help but laugh. Since I'm constantly testing robot vacuums at home, my Dyson PencilVac's dustbin probably doesn't fill up as fast as it would without all of the automated help with shedding from two cats. Shoppers centering their vacuum purchase around serious pet hair pickup should definitely keep looking for something stronger with automatic emptying.

SEE ALSO: If your apartment's trash always stinks, consider Dreame's food waste disposer — it's been great for my small space

Lastly, the Dyson PencilVac's battery life isn't great. You're lucky if you get 30 minutes out of the lowest cleaning mode, and maybe 10 minutes out of the strongest. With that in mind, the charging stand situation is also worth complaining about. It'd be a lot more convenient to have the PencilVac charging all the time if it could charge lying down under a couch or something — aren't we trying to sell the small space fantasy here? Instead, it has to charge between magnetic prongs on the stand, which doesn't feel super stable in a high-traffic area.

So while I would call it the best cordless vacuum for small spaces and hardwood, it'd be an equally bad choice for homes larger than 1,000 or 1,500 square feet or homes with multiple pets.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is on sale for $44.97 (reg. $219) through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $44.96
$219 Save $174.04   Get Deal

Paying monthly just to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can add up without you even realizing it. If you prefer to own your word processing suite outright, this Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 deal trims the price down to $44.97 (reg. $219) through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This deal is aimed at Mac users who want the classic Microsoft Office experience without overcomplicating things.

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You’ll get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote installed on one Mac device. Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, building presentations, organizing email, or drafting documents, the core Office apps are all here in one bundle.

Word is still one of the most widely used document editors around, while Excel remains a staple for budgeting, data tracking, and business tasks. PowerPoint continues to be useful for presentations and school projects, and Outlook helps keep email and scheduling in one place.

Office 2021 may especially appeal to students, freelancers, remote workers, and small business owners who want dependable desktop apps they’re familiar with. Since this is a standalone version, the features stays consistent, which some users may actually prefer over constantly changing software layouts and tools.

The system requirements are also relatively manageable, requiring at least 4GB of RAM and 10GB of storage space.

Unlike Microsoft 365, this version doesn’t include bundled cloud storage or ongoing major feature updates, so if your priority is reliable access to the traditional Office apps on your Mac, this deal keeps the upfront cost low.

Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is currently available for $44.97 through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Pok Pok Lifetime for $44.97 through May 31 and give kids 2–8 an ad-free, Montessori-inspired play app designed to encourage curiosity and learning.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

If you’ve ever handed your toddler a tablet and instantly regretted it, Pok Pok might just restore your faith in screen time. This innovative, Montessori-inspired app turns digital play into something that actually feels okay for both kids and parents.

Designed for ages 2 to 8, Pok Pok replaces those noisy, overstimulating apps with calm, open-ended play that encourages creativity, independence, and curiosity.

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Kids explore a beautifully hand-drawn world filled with toys that grow alongside them — from early cause-and-effect puzzles to more advanced STEM-style challenges. It’s like a digital game sandbox for little minds.

Every sound, color, and motion in Pok Pok is crafted to feel soothing and natural — no flashing ads, no pressure to “win,” and no hidden purchases. It’s also fully COPPA-certified, meaning it meets strict safety standards for children’s digital content. Parents can relax knowing their kids are learning, not zoning out.

Perfect for travel, quiet time, or rainy afternoons, Pok Pok runs offline, so playtime never depends on WiFi.

At this low price, this lifetime subscription is the kind of tech investment that doesn’t come with a side of parental guilt — giving your child a fun, educational start in a calm digital space built just for them.

Get lifetime access to Pok Pok while it’s on sale for just $44.97 (reg. $250).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a Grade A refurbished Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop for $129.97 (reg. $299.99) and let it vacuum, mop, and empty itself.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix™ Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop (Refurbished) $129.97
$299.99 Save $170.02   Get Deal

There’s definitely optimism involved when you spot some debris and tell yourself you’ll vacuum later. Later turns into tomorrow, tomorrow turns into next weekend, and suddenly there’s a suspicious amount of dust under the dining table that everyone has collectively agreed not to acknowledge.

That’s why robot vacuums are becoming less of a gadget and more of a lifestyle adjustment. For $129.97 (reg. $299.99) through May 31, this Grade A refurbished Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop makes a pretty compelling argument for retiring at least one household chore.

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This one has been cleaned and inspected to work like new, which is the reason why your are getting it for much less than retail.

The Shark Matrix Plus combines vacuuming and sonic mopping in one machine while using Matrix Clean technology to make multiple passes over dirt and debris instead of assuming one lap was enough.

It also uses 360° LiDAR mapping to build a layout of your home, navigate around objects, and clean more methodically.

The details are what make this feel like a practical buy. CleanEdge Detect helps pull dirt out of corners. The self-cleaning brush-roll handles pet hair without turning maintenance into another chore. The HEPA filtration system helps trap dust in the base.

And, amazingly, the self-emptying base can hold up to 60 days of dirt without requiring replacement bags.

For less than the cost of ordering takeout for a group, this is one of those purchases that doesn’t feel like simply buying a gadget; It really is like buying back a little of your time.

Get the Grade A refurbished Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop for just $129.97 (reg. $299.99) through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

So, you've decided to watch Spider-Noir. Good choice, it's a fun ride! But before you press play and settle in for an episode of Nicolas Cage slinging webs and taking names, Prime Video offers you one more choice. Do you want to watch the series in "Authentic Black and White" or "True-Hue Full Color"?

Both options will give you the same story, just in a different color format. The former mimics the black-and-white look of film noir movies, which Spider-Noir references heavily throughout. The latter, on the other hand, offers up a vibrantly colored experience, but one that still feels fairly vintage.

SEE ALSO: 'Spider-Noir' review: Nicolas Cage rules in a Spider-Man story unlike any you've seen before

According to star Cage, either option is great, with the color potentially appealing to younger audiences. "The truth is, they both work and they're beautiful for different reasons," Cage told Esquire. "The color is super saturated and gorgeous. I think teenage viewers will appreciate the color, but I also want them to have the option. If they want to experience the concept in black and white, maybe that would instill some interest in them to look at earlier movies and enjoy that as an art form as well."

But Cage's endorsement of both choices aside, which Spider-Noir option really wins out? I watched the season in both black-and-white and color, and one format does reign supreme. However, the race was closer than I thought, and the runner-up does have some merits that make it worth checking out.

You should watch Spider-Noir in black and white.

The show is called Spider-Noir for a reason. It — and the very character of Spider-Man Noir! — is inspired by classics of the film noir genre, the majority of which are shot in black and white. (While "noir" is French for "black," not every film noir movie is in black and white. The "noir" refers more to films in the genre's pessimistic outlook.)

Spider-Noir wears these influences on its sleeves, especially when it comes to lighting. The show is chock-full of chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts bright highlights with dark shadows, and the result is a visual feast. Light frames detective Ben Reilly's (Cage) head in a darkened bar, cut occasionally by the blades of a fan. Street lamps cast long shadows down New York City streets. Lounge singer Cat Hardy's (Li Jun Li) sparkly gowns stand out against pitch-black mirrors.

SEE ALSO: 'The Boroughs' review: Stop what you're doing and watch retirees fight monsters in this fantastic sci-fi series

These images and more immerse you fully in the world of Spider-Noir, drawing you back into a bygone era. Here, the power of good lighting is more apparent than ever, especially in a growing crowd of underlit TV shows. (Remember the too-dark House of the Dragon debacle?)

To put it more bluntly, Spider-Noir just looks cooler in black and white. That option most clearly matches the show's inspirations, plus it offers viewers the novelty of seeing a new show that's mostly missing from the current TV landscape.

Be sure to check out Spider-Noir in color too!

That being said, you should definitely make time to watch at least one Spider-Noir episode in color. In this format, you're able to see the wide array of hues the show's creative team was working with, from set designers to costume designers to makeup artists.

Take Robbie Robertson's (Lamorne Morris) suits. They're sharp in black and white, but they truly pop in color. At one point he sports an orange ensemble that I wouldn't expect many people to carry off, but somehow he manages it!

The same goes for Cat's dazzling makeup looks, or the walls in almost any room. As I alternated between black-and-white and full-color episodes, I was always astonished that people had been having discussions in bright yellow- or red-painted rooms. Clearly, the interior designers in Ben's New York were having a blast.

Just like how Spider Noir's black-and-white version outdoes underlit TV shows, its colorful version fixes another complaint I tend to have with modern film and TV. They tend to be undersaturated to the point of flatness, but Spider-Noir is happy to go buck wild and prove just how vibrant TV can be.

My only complaint with the colorful version of Spider-Noir is that occasionally, surfaces take on a waxy or even plasticky sheen. This is especially true for flat, unadorned walls, although the effect was lessened somewhat when I moved from a laptop to a TV.

Both Spider-Noir options offer viewers to appreciate different elements of the show's craft, and I'd recommend checking out both just to take in what a difference a lack of color can make. Still, if you want the best encapsulation of the show's tone and atmosphere, you can't beat black and white.

Spider-Noir is now streaming on Prime Video.

Out of SXSW, Power Ballad got a lot of love from critics, who cheered its feel-good comedy vibe. I'll concur that it's a warmly silly movie with a big heart, an appreciation of music, and a happy ending. But frankly, I still hope for more from writer/director John Carney. 

In 2007, he gave audiences the wondrous Once, an original musical drama about an Irish busker (Glen Hansard) who falls for a struggling musician (Markéta Irglová) in Dublin. Visually, it was scrappy, shot in the early days of digital filmmaking. But emotionally, it resonated with lived-in performances and a soundtrack that won an Academy Award for Best Song, launched a real band, and led to a Broadway adaptation. That movie felt like magic. And I know that by writing this I risk turning this review into a reprise of my take on his last film, Flora and Son. But Carney can do — and has done — better. 

Once was so alive in its songs and their performances that it felt blisteringly original, like no one but Carney could make it. Then in 2016, he thrilled with Sing Street, a enchanting coming-of-age comedy that also relied on a crackling soundtrack and lesser-known actors. But then Carney made Begin Again, Flora and Son, and now Power Ballad, all of which lean into tedious Hollywood tropes about love and music, making for middling movies. 

Sure, the promotional posters and feisty trailers for Power Ballad promise comically fired-up Paul Rudd facing off against an untouchable Nick Jonas, a busted has-been versus a pop prince. But Power Ballad itself never ignites, or even sizzles. Its flame is squelched before it begins. 

What's Power Ballad about?  Credit: Lionsgate

Paul Rudd stars as Rick Power, a middle-aged American who came to Dublin 15 years ago on tour with his rock band. What might have been a path to fame and fortune was rerouted when Rick met the cool girl who'd become his wife (Marcella Plunkett), and they had a daughter (Beth Fallon) together. Nowadays, he still rocks, but as the lead of a wedding band called the Bride and Groove. As such, he mostly plays cover songs, though he still yearns to make music of his own. So, when one wedding gig throws him in the path of former boy bander Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), Rick is giddy to spend the night jamming and talking shop. 

Both men walk away feeling great and grateful for the camaraderie. That is, until Danny struggles to create a single for his first solo album. That's when he snatches a chorus Rick played for him to construct a song that becomes a smash hit in record time. Now, in a genuinely charming turn, Carney scripts Rick to be not furious but hopeful. He believes he just needs to get in touch with Danny to get his due, be it credit or a check. But when it becomes increasingly clear that Danny is dodging him — thanks to his snarling manager, Mac Darling (Jack Reynor) — Rick and his weird bestie, Sandy (Peter McDonald), set off to Los Angeles to set things right. Hollywood hijinks ensue, but the laughs are cheap and the humanity is shallow. 

Power Ballad is infuriatingly thin.  Credit: David Cleary / Lionsgate

After their pivotal meeting, it seems Power Ballad will shift into two-hander mode, by paralleling each man’s journey home. Rick returns to the cozy but cramped house he shares with his wife and child in the suburbs of Dublin, Danny nods to fans at LAX, piles into a luxury convertible, then pulls up to a mansion in the Hollywood hills, with no one to greet him. 

Danny has a girlfriend. But she is barely given a name, much less any personality, which is a real waste of Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms). This thinness applies to the women in Rick‘s life too. His daughter, in her early teens, chiefly exists to roll her eyes at her dad. His wife either bursts with horny enthusiasm for him, or stern scorn. 

This might be expected if this was supposed to be about two men in arrested development facing their own shortcomings, but the film quickly loses interest in Danny’s psychological journey. There are some glancing scenes where he talks about whether or not he feels like he stole the song, but there will be no satisfying answer on who he is and what he wants, beyond avoiding the pitfall of being a failed solo artist.

This leaves the film to center firmly on Rick Powers. His middle-aged bitterness is tempered by his chaotic sidekick Sandy, who is similarly undeveloped, though thoroughly entertaining. The same cannot be said for Power Ballad as a whole.

The film's pace is meandering at best, swerving from moments of sentimentality to scenes of Rick’s impotent frustration, to comedy set-ups that are just never as funny as one might hope for a Paul Rudd movie. For a film that is centered on someone who is undeniably angry, Power Ballad is weirdly toothless. The aforementioned happy ending feels like a forgone conclusion, even if it’s not remotely earned by plotting or emotional flow. 

And none of this is helped by the fact that the music is just not that good. When Carney broke out with Once, he offered songs that felt soul-shakingly earnest. They were so beautiful that the tiny Irish film with no big stars would not be ignored by the world at large. Power Ballad isn’t looking to change the world. In playing to mainstream audiences who love Paul Rudd, pop music, and Nick Jonas, Carney has sacrificed spark and soul. 

To Paul Rudd's credit, he throws himself into the comedy here. But when it comes to singing, everything feels processed and potentially enhanced with autotune, which undercuts the movie's message about musical authenticity. Jonas, on the other hand, can sing the hell out of these pop songs. But when it comes to the comedy, he's as wooden as the acoustic guitar Danny gifts to Rick.

In the end, Power Ballad is an unchallenging comedy that is sure to make many smile, maybe even laugh. But it’s a far echo from the cinematic magic that Carney has shown himself to be capable of. 

Power Ballad opens in limited release on May 29, expanding on June 5. 

Dr. Matthew Leahy, a licensed psychologist, treats adolescents who've developed such an intense relationship with an artificial intelligence chatbot that they stop confiding in their parents.

Sometimes, their parents are shocked to discover a chatbot has won over their child so dramatically. In other cases, the parents seek out Leahy at the Momentous Institute, a Dallas mental health services provider, precisely because they know the extent of their child's chatbot relationship and want his help regaining their child's confidence.

SEE ALSO: Why friction-maxxing could be good for your tech usage

Intense chatbot relationships can have disastrous mental health consequences for adolescents who become isolated, develop a romantic relationship with the chatbot, or routinely consult a chatbot instead of a human for anything. Last fall, child experts declared AI chatbots unsafe for teen mental health.

"When you're talking to a computer as opposed to even your peer, but especially your parents, that's when it starts to get really messy, really quickly," Leahy says.

The effects can be short-lived if parents spot chatbot dependency and work on it with their child, Leahy says. The goal? Rebuilding the rapport that convinces a child their parent is willing to guide them through anything.

Just how much are teens talking to chatbots?

Leahy's anecdotal observations about childhood and adolescent chatbot relationships might seem like outliers. Reddit posts authored by concerned parents who've experienced something similar, however, suggest the phenomenon isn't unique to Leahy's office.

Recent survey data from Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) also illustrate a broader gravitation toward AI assistants and chatbots, at least among girls.

Nearly half of the 1,000 girls ages 5 to 13 surveyed believe AI is superior to their parents for homework help. Admittedly, some parents might be relieved to let AI handle that work, but they might be unnerved to learn that a full 50 percent of respondents preferred it for music, TV show, and movie recommendations.

The start of chatbot intimacy

If tutoring and entertainment suggestions lay the groundwork for a child-chatbot relationship, then asking more sensitive questions is likely to deepen it. Half of 11 to 13-year-old girls surveyed said they'd asked AI for help when they felt sad, anxious, or lonely.

The survey, which polled girls and their guardians, also indicates that parents significantly underestimate how frequently their child talks to a chatbot. Half of girls said they used AI once a day, but only a third of parents believed their child used it that often.

Sarah Keating, vice president of Girl and Volunteer Experience at the GSUSA, told Mashable that the survey data demonstrates that girls turn to AI chatbots and advice apps when dealing with topics that are uncomfortable to discuss with their parents or trying to understand questions they don't think their parents can answer.

"What that says to me is that it's all about opening up lines of communication again," said Sarah Keating, vice president of Girl Experience at the GSUSA.

Get your child to start opening up to you instead of a chatbot

When he's working with parents, Leahy maps out a strategy to help them do exactly that.

But first, he must persuade parents skeptical that there's even a problem with their child's relationship to a chatbot. The parents may think it's entertaining or educational, not dangerous in any way.

To reframe their thinking, Leahy closes his laptop, points to it, and says, "That's your child's best friend right now." Leahy says he watches the parent's face change in real time as they register the alarm.

The importance of one-on-one time

Leahy's approach to helping parents re-establish a relationship with their child varies depending on the context.

Some parents, he says, are starting from scratch. Others once had close ties to their child that weakened with adolescence and chatbot use.

Either way, it's crucial that parents intentionally set aside one-on-one time with their child. One father he works with plays catch with his son. Another parent has a standing boba date with their child.

Leahy says parents shouldn't start out by asking their child deep questions. The point of these experiences is to build rapport, which is why parents must stay present rather than distracted by their phone. The groundwork laid in those moments, over weeks or months, eventually gives way to conversations about their life.

Be curious instead of offering advice or judgment

This is where things get tricky, Leahy says. Once adolescents open up, they might share something that makes their parent feel uncomfortable. A chatbot, by contrast, is unlikely to have the same reaction.

"Especially if you're not used to these conversations, it's going to raise emotion in you," he says. "You might be disappointed in what you hear. You might get angry pretty quick about what you hear, and that's where the test is."

To pass this test, Leahy recommends listening with curiosity and not offering advice. While that skill takes time and effort to hone, Leahy says the payoff is invaluable because it demonstrates trustworthiness.

That doesn't mean parents silence concerns about safety or behavior. Instead, Leahy suggests coming back to those issues and asking the child to collaboratively discuss them.

Don't expect them to immediately abandon their chatbot

In Leahy's experience, it takes time for teens to reset their chatbot use. In the beginning, they might still talk to it "feverishly," but Leahy generally recommends gradual scaling back. Parents can consider limiting the time the child is on their device.

Leahy isn't necessarily worried about teens who spend a half hour talking to a chatbot then return to their regular activities. That might be the sweet spot of engagement, he notes.

Importantly, parents should ensure their child has in-person activities like sports or social engagements so a chatbot can't so easily command all of their attention. Those experiences can also help build their confidence in ways that a chatbot cannot.

It's normal for teens to not tell their parents everything

Dr. Dana Suskind, a pediatric physician and child development expert who studies how language and human connection shape the developing brain, says teens typically seek counsel from sources who aren't their parents, like peers, trusted adults, and the internet.

The challenge with chatbots, she explains, is that they're very effective at building intimacy and attachment, which can displace human relationships.

Suskind encourages parents to reflect on AI technology, particularly with their child, and consider questions such as what the product was designed to do, whether it interacts with them and their child, and how so.

"It is the slippery slope issue, because these technologies...engage the social aspect of us," says Suskind, author of the forthcoming book Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.

Red flags to watch for

Leahy says parents should be concerned and consider consulting a mental health professional in the following circumstances:

• A child under 12 years old using a chatbot for personal conversations.

• When chatbot use takes up a lot of time and displaces other healthy activities, including socializing, exercise, and sleep.

• Constant consultation of a chatbot, including for basic decision-making.

• When a child personifies a chatbot so that it seems like a real person to them, or they believe they're talking to a sentient being.

• Regular sexual role-play with a chatbot.

• Developmental conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder, that may put the child at risk for dependency.

Leahy is optimistic that parents can restore their relationship as their child's guide with the right investment of time and energy.

"A restored relationship looks like parents feeling they have their child back, and children feeling their parents have their back," Leahy says.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world will stop this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will welcome the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition. It's going to be a wild ride.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — M6

• Germany — ARD and ZDF

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Italy — RAI

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for accessing live sport on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

If you’ve even so much as glanced in the direction of the online dating world, you're surely aware of AdultFriendFinder. It's one of the founding fathers of online hookups. Created all the way back in 1996, it had become one of the 100 most popular sites in the U.S. by the late 2000s. But despite its obvious popularity, it’s never managed to break into mainstream consciousness like Tinder or Hinge.

There’s a very good reason for that.

AFF, as it’s known among members, is explicitly an “adult” dating site (and we do mean explicit). It's a badge that AFF wears proudly, but one that also has hindered its mainstream reach. Users aren't likely to talk about their AFF activity in the same way they talk about their Tinder hit rate.

But what if you’re curious about how it works, whether it works, or who it works for? What if you’ve always wondered whether you’re missing out on the best-kept online dating secret and want to join the party? Or maybe you’re worried it’s more hype and chatbots than organic, spicy fun. Don't fret about FOMO — we've done the work for you.

Here's a breakdown of the AdultFriendFinder experience and what you can realistically expect to get from it if you decide to dip your toe into these naughty waters.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating site

If you sign up for AdultFriendFinder expecting a traditional online dating experience, you’ll be disappointed. It’s not that AFF members aren’t interested in serious dating; it’s more that sex and sexuality are placed front and center, with everything else emerging from there.

You'll see that for the first moment to logon. Unlike mainstream dating sites, which ban nudity from profile photos, AFF allows it — encourages it, even — so that regular dating-app selfies sit side-by-side with full-on full-frontal nudity and live webcam feeds. There is a content filter, accessible in your profile settings, but it defaults to "off," so if you would rather not see any nudity, or only see it when you deliberately choose to click on a NSFW picture, you should navigate to this setting ASAP.

For some people who aren't looking for a bare-all experience, this might be off-putting, but to those who are looking for exactly that, it’s refreshing. (And if you're not on AFF to see a little nudity, what are we even doing?) Unlike traditional dating apps, where early conversations often revolve around figuring out what the other person actually wants, AFF members tend to be refreshingly upfront and transparent (wink wink) about their intentions. Kinks and sexual preferences are the whole point.

How to meet people on AdultFriendFinder

Every online dating site lives or dies by its algorithm, with new platforms constantly rolling out novel ways to connect singles. AdultFriendFinder, however, takes a maximalist approach to interacting with strangers.

You can search for members the conventional way, using specific criteria like gender, sexual orientation, age, location, and more, but you can also jump into themed chat rooms or follow members’ live streams. Through the “Who’s Hot” tab, which highlights popular members as well as trending photo and video uploads, you can easily discover someone you might otherwise never have come across.

One thing you’ll notice quickly, however, is the presence of obviously fake profiles. When I searched for singles near me, I encountered a surprising number of stunningly beautiful women in a small rural town near my city — all with airbrushed photos and vague, AI-sounding profile descriptions.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Tinder subscription

AFF makes it extremely easy to sign up and create a profile, requiring little more than a username, password, and basic personal information. The upside is that it lowers the barrier to entry; the downside is that scammers can exploit that same simplicity. You'll be fine as long as you're aware of scams and stay vigilant on AFF and use good old common sense.

To help counter this, AdultFriendFinder offers a blue checkmark verification system and even incentivizes users to complete it by boosting their visibility as a reward. Verification requires a government-issued ID, which AFF uses to confirm your age, photo authenticity, location, and gender. It's an optional step, but one worth completing since it helps you signal to others that you are who you say you are.

If avoiding scammers and catfishers is a priority, looking for that blue checkmark before engaging is a smart move.

What kind of success rate can you expect from AdultFriendFinder?

So far, so good, but there is a catch. While you can browse and explore AFF for free, meaningful one-on-one interaction requires a paid Gold membership, available in one-month ($39.95/month), three-month ($26.95/month), or one-year ($19.95/month) packages, all of which renew automatically.

Understandably, most people hesitate to pay for a dating site from the off. And because AFF places its best features behind a paywall, it requires a leap-of-faith to enter those credit card details. But in our experience, a premium AFF membership largely justifies its price.

With an AFF Gold membership, you unlock all kinds of features including unrestricted messaging, high-resolution member videos and webcam streams, expanded profile galleries, and advanced filters that make narrowing down potential matches far easier. You'll quickly see the benefits of AFF's paid tier.

Does paying guarantee attention from everyone you message? Of course not. The usual dating-app dynamics still apply — heterosexual men, for instance, should expect to work harder for responses than heterosexual women. Being attractive, fit, or witty helps. Being all three helps even more, though we're not all so lucky when it comes to attracting the opposite sex.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting

What will work in your favor regardless is the sheer breadth of the AFF community. Members span a wide range of ages, body types, orientations, and interests, all of which makes it easier to find someone — particularly if you’re looking for something casual and fun as opposed to a long-term commitment.

Based on my personal experience of using AFF, as well as the limited statistics AFF has released, the platform skews male (roughly 60:40 in my area) and slightly older. That male/female ratio mirrors most dating sites, which tend to edge towards more men. The older skew can actually be an advantage if, like me, you prefer connecting with people closer to your own age.

Here's one final piece of advice: Don’t ignore AFF’s broader community features. If you rely solely on search results and direct messages, you’ll face roughly the same odds as any other dating app. But if you explore the themed chat rooms — which can span everything from erotic fiction to body modification (whatever floats your boat) — you’re more likely to find a connection you’re actually looking for.

If you're on a budget and things look bleak in the relationship department, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds to find a genuine connection. As the weather warms up and the spring dating pool thaws out, there are plenty of free dating apps that let you chat, match, and meet a partner without shelling out cash upfront.

Dating itself will cost you time and money, so why should dating apps eat at your wallet, too? Especially when some platforms are rolling out premium subscriptions that cost as much as a car payment (yes, we're looking at you, Grindr). You don't have to resort to dating an AI to save money. Most popular apps are free to use — no credit card required.

SEE ALSO: I had a Grindr sugar daddy for a day. Then he tried to get a refund. What dating apps are completely free?

Mainstream dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge all have robust free membership tiers that compete with paid subscriptions. Some free, more niche dating apps, like Archer and Lex, are also worth checking out. It just depends on what you're looking for and how much work you're willing to put in to get it.

Critics will tell you that the big-name dating apps (like Bumble, or Match Group giants such as Tinder and Hinge) are all the same, forming a single, amorphous dating platform. However, these apps still have distinct differences. For instance, Bumble just announced it's officially killing its iconic swipe feature to change how users match. That said, dating app companies are moving more features behind paywalls, frustrating daters on a budget.

Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without paying a dime.

Note: All the free dating sites listed below offer a free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to match or chat with other users. And if you're being pressured to send money to someone on a dating app, you might be involved in a romance scam.

Featured Video For You These dating sites and apps are perfect for people on a budget

TL;DR: PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League final is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The top club competition in the world of football has to be the Champions League. There is nothing else that brings the very best teams in the world together in a battle for footballing immortality. Sure, winning your domestic league is great. But winning the Champions League is on another level.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Bayern Munich vs. PSG online for free

If you want to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Champions League?

The Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by UEFA and contested by top-division European clubs. This year's tournament begins with a 36-team round robin group stage to determine which sides qualify for the double-legged knockout rounds, followed by a single leg final.

The defending champions are PSG.

When is the 2025-26 Champions League?

The 2025-26 Champions League is the 71st edition of the competition (and the 34th since it was renamed the Champions League). This season's tournament runs from July 8 to 30 May.

How to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free

It is possible to live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free on the following streaming platforms:

• Ireland — RTÉ Player and Virgin Media (select fixtures including the final)

• Turkey — tabii (select fixtures)

• UK — Prime Video (select fixtures including semi final with 30-day free trial)

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTÉ Player, Virgin Media, tabii, or Prime Video (free trial)

5. Watch Champions League fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, the fact is you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the Champions League?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

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

SAVE $61: As of May 27, Sony XM6 headphones are on sale for $398 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal

If you're looking for a quality pair of headphones for a great price, head to Amazon because the Sony XM6 headphones are on sale for an all-time low price. As of May 27, these popular headphones are on sale for $398, down from $459.99.

These headphones are truly designed to give you the best possible sound at all times. They have been specially designed with a carbon fiber dome driver to keep sounds true to the original recording. If you're a true audiophile, these are a great choice.

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These are also designed with long listening sessions in mind, with a comfortable foldable build with a compact carry case to make listening on the move easier. Plus, they have a wider headband and smooth synthetic leather for reduced pressure over time.

The battery life is impressive, giving you up to 30 hours of listening. It also has a quick charging feature that gives you three hours of playback in just three minutes. You'll also get different listening options, with support for both Bluetooth and wired listening. And to suit your environment, you can choose between different noise cancellation: Adaptive NC Optimizer and Auto Ambient Sound modes.

Get this Sony deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $190: As of May 27, the Dyson V8 is on sale for $349.95 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V8 $349.95 at Amazon
$539.99 Save $190.04   Get Deal

The Dyson V8 is back on sale at Amazon. As of May 27, this vacuum is down to $349.95 from $539.99, saving you $190 on list price.

This cordless vacuum is ideal for whole-home cleaning, capable of cleaning messes of all levels. This is thanks to its Motorbar cleaner head that deep cleans all floor types at the same time as actively detangling long hair and pet hair as you go. It comes with three attachments, all designed for different cleaning needs and those hard-to-reach areas.

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For run time, you'll get up to 40 minutes of suction when in standard mode, or up to five minutes of maximum power for tougher, targeted messes.

It's also lightweight and incredibly easy to handle, and it even converts into a handheld vacuum for cars, stairs, or upholstery. And like you'd expect from a Dyson, it has an advanced filtration system that captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, helping to put out cleaner air while you clean.

Get this Dyson vacuum deal from Amazon for a limited time only.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle on sale for $55.49, down from its $59.99 price. That's a $4.50 discount on the six-pack bundle, with this listing shipped and sold by Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle $55.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $4.50   Get Deal

Chaos Rising preorder prices were on the high side, but now that the Mega Evolution set has fully hit the Pokémon TCG, we’re starting to see welcome price drops from various retailers. 

As of May 27, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle available for as low as $55.49, after knocking 8% off its $59.99 list price. At the time of writing, this listing is shipped and sold by Amazon, with free delivery for June 5-19.

This bundle includes six booster packs from the Pokémon TCG’s titular Mega Evolution Chaos Rising expansion. Each pack includes 10 trading cards, which puts Amazon’s $55.49 listing at about $9.25 per pack before taxes. 

The Booster Bundle has dipped in price, but there are still plenty of high-value individual chase cards you can pull — such as SIR Mega Greninja ex, the Mega Hyper Rare Mega Greninja ex, SIR Cinccino ex, SIR Mega Dragalage ex, and SIR Mega Floette ex.

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There are cheaper listings elsewhere if you’re open to buying trading cards from sites other than Amazon. For instance, TCGplayer has unopened Chaos Rising Booster Bundles starting at $49.98 with shipping included (only $1.11 above market price), while Walmart has a marketplace listing at $52.95 — but is sold and shipped by third-party retailer VMG Enterprise.  

To add more packs to your Pokémon TCG haul, you can buy single Chaos Rising Booster Packs at Amazon for just under $13. To get the lowest price per pack, you can purchase the 36-pack Chaos Rising Booster Display Box for under $275. 

Although currently not available on Amazon, the Pokémon TCG’s newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

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