IT General

Ikea has embraced smart home tech—so much so that it is becoming one of the more interesting tech companies. I've bought quite a few IKEA gadgets over the past year, and now that I have firsthand experience, let me tell you which ones I would buy again.

Asus revealed pricing for the standalone version of its ROG Xbox Ally X20 today at Gamescom, Europe's biggest video game expo. The special-edition OLED gaming handheld will cost $1,299.99, or $300 more than last year's original Xbox Ally X.

Shoppers can also purchase the Xbox Ally X20 as part of a $2,499.99 AR glasses bundle. Asus was initially only planning on selling the Xbox Ally X20 in this bundle form, but changed its mind over the summer.

Preorders for the standalone and bundled Xbox Ally X20 are now live at Best Buy and on Asus' website, with a launch date for both set for Oct. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 $1,299.99 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 Bundle $2,499.99 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Xbox Ally X20 specs: What's new and improved

Asus took the wraps off of the Xbox Ally X20 in June in honor of the 20th anniversary of ROG ("Republic of Gamers"), its PC gaming brand. It upgrades the $999.99 Xbox Ally X handheld with a slightly bigger, much brighter 7.4-inch OLED screen and a see-through black chassis that shows off some gold internal hardware.

Pair the ROG Xbox Ally X20 with AR glasses for a massive playing screen. Credit: Asus

Asus has reworked the Xbox Ally X20's thermal system to support that new screen. As the company noted in its June announcement, "OLED panels are more sensitive to heat than traditional LCD displays."

Additionally, the Xbox Ally X20 has flatter face buttons, rubberized handgrips, premium TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) joysticks, and a "transforming" D-pad that can switch between four- and eight-way controls.

Left: The front of the ROG Xbox Ally X20. Credit: Asus Right: The back of the ROG Xbox Ally X20. Credit: Asus

The new handheld runs on the same chip as the standard Ally X version, and it's equipped with the same amount of memory and SSD storage (24GB and 1TB, respectively). Like its predecessor, it also supports Windows 11's Auto Super Resolution AI upscaling tech. The feature is currently available in preview to members of the Xbox Insider Program, which is free to join.

What comes in the Xbox Ally X20 bundle? Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X20 on its own or bundle it with accessories. Credit: Asus

The splurgy Xbox Ally X20 bundle includes a pair of Asus' impressive ROG XREAL R1 AR glasses, which produce a colorful 240Hz virtual screen. (They retail for $849 on their own.) They plug right into the handheld via USB-C port. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth got to try them at CES earlier this year and said they "made me feel like I'm living in the future."

Asus also throws in an adapter and two matching custom cases for the Xbox Ally X20. One is a dbrand Killswitch case with a build-in kickstand; the other is a rugged Pelican Protector Case that can hold the handheld and any accessories you might use with it.

Ninja created a whole new type of blender with its BlendBoss, a single-serve blender that blends directly into a tumbler cup. But now it's bringing the tumbler design to its kitchen systems. Meet the CrushBoss, a new Ninja kitchen system that combines a traditional pitcher blender, single-serve blender, and food processor in one. But rather than the traditional single-serve cups, you get a 26-ounce tumbler. AKA, one less dish to clean after your morning smoothie.

The CrushBoss kitchen system from Ninja comes with three different attachments. Credit: Ninja / Mashable

The CrushBoss comes with Ninja's Detect technology. So rather than the classic settings of a blender or food processor, it auto-detects how long and how much power is needed, taking a little bit of guesswork out of the kitchen. The whole system comes with a 72 oz. pitcher, an 8-cup food processor, and a 26-ounce tumbler.

The food processor is going to do more than puree or chop. In addition to its dough mixing attachments, it now offers precision dicing and slicing, cutting multiple vegetables in less than a minute.

Ahead of the CrushBoss's launch, we got to give Ninja's new kitchen system a try to see if it's worth its $319 price tag.

Ninja CrushBoss first impressions Putting the CrushBoss to the test by making a refreshing smoothie. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I got to give the Ninja CrushBoss a whirl before its launch, trying out its chopping and blending skills.

A kitchen system is my ideal blender set-up as it's essentially multiple kitchen appliances in one, which, as a small space dweller, makes all the difference. Not to mention, you can easily spend $319 on a quality blender, personal blender, or food processor, so to get all three in one is major added value.

The prompt before you attach a vessel to the CrushBoss. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I first tried out the food processor on the CrushBoss to make a batch of pesto. The machine automatically detects which vessel is placed on the motor base, meaning you don't need to manually change any of the settings. I started using the smart sensing feature, but giving up control isn't always a good thing, especially when you're making something that requires ingredients to be added at different times. However, using the controls was a breeze with the responsive touchscreen.

Choose between Smooth Sense or custom settings when running the CrushBoss. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

My only complaint when using the manual settings is that you have to scroll through the different options rather than seeing them all laid out. Other than that, though, it helped me make a divine summer pesto.

Finally, I got around to using the star of the show — the 26-ounce blender that Ninja is making a signature part of their blenders. While it looks totally ridiculous when flipped upside down and blending, it makes a great smoothie.

Ninja is really onto something with the tumbler design. There's nothing worse than making too much smoothie for your cup. So filling up the tumbler with exactly the right amount of ingredients makes sure nothing goes to waste.

Using the Smooth Sense take, I let the blender decide how long and how much power to use on my smoothie. I was surprise how long it ran for, certainly longer than I would have run it for. No complaints here though, as it turned out a perfectly creamy smoothie.

The Smooth Sense setting turned out a seriously creamy smoothie — no weird chunks in sight. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Included with the CrushBoss is a tumbler lid and straw, and although I just enjoyed the smoothie at my desk, it would have been great if I were headed out on my morning commute.

The best part of the CrushBoss is that all of the components are dishwasher safe, so I didn't have to spend time delicately cleaning the blade attachments.

The Ninja CrushBoss makes a great first impression, with noticeably powerful performance and strong overall value.

SAVE $140: As of Aug. 25, the Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses are down to $548.98 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount off their $689 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Viture Viture Beast XR glasses $548.98 at Amazon
$689 Save $140.02   Get Deal

The Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses are down to their best-ever price of $548.98 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount off their $689 list price, saving you $140.02.

The glasses pack a 174-inch virtual display powered by Sony Micro-OLED panels, 1200p resolution, 1250-nit peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate, all wrapped into a pair of AR/XR glasses you can plug into your iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC.

Everything is built into the hardware, and you can pin the screen in place, resize it, or spread it out into an ultra-wide setup. A sensor keeps the image locked in place even if you move your head, so it doesn't drift. There's also a dimming feature with nine levels, so you can go from a fully see-through look to a total blackout for movie-watching, and it'll auto-adjust based on how bright the room is.

SEE ALSO: How to process grief — in interactive virtual reality

Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Werth recommends these glasses to gamers: "I've tested a lot of smart glasses, and the Beast Viture are easily the best ones for gaming. They have the best touch controls of all of the glasses I've tested, and they let you disappear into a game no matter where you are. If you like to game on the go with a handheld, these glasses can drastically improve the experience by giving you a huge display, which is also great for watching movies on planes."

Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Werth repping the Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses. Credit: Viture

Sound comes from Harman, so you're getting real bass and clarity instead of the thin, hollow audio a lot of glasses like this get stuck with. And there's also a feature that converts regular 2D video and games into 3D on the fly.

Grab the Viture Beast XR/AR Glasses for their best-ever price at Amazon.

Vehicles used to be finished the day they left the assembly line. Whatever the powertrain output, whatever the infotainment system menus, and whatever extra options and packages there were, they all stayed the same for as long as the buyer owned that vehicle. If they traded it in or sold it later, the second owner had all the same "fixed" features.

Bluetooth is a great technology, especially if your expectations are low. However, anyone who has switched from using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to ones with proprietary USB receivers knows that the ease of use and improved performance are very much worth it.

One way to become more efficient in Excel is to learn keyboard shortcuts. The problem is that there are so many that trying to remember them all is pretty much impossible. That's why I narrow my shortcuts down to a select few that really help with my workflow—and Ctrl+Enter is one of those. You might already know that this shortcut lets you commit a value or formula without moving to the next cell, but it has some even more useful tricks up its sleeve.

Not every 3D printing problem ends in a failed print or a mess of spaghetti. In order to catch problems early, you should keep an eye out for warning signs that things are wrong. Doing so can prevent greater problems down the line, and even result in better quality prints.

The full lineup of free phones at T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 Free with a new line and port-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond — no trade-in needed. Get Deal Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in needed. Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Free when you trade in an eligible device on an Experience Beyond plan. Get Deal Google Pixel 11 Free when you activate a new line on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in needed. Get Deal Google Pixel 11 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Get Deal Motorola Razr Free when you activate a new line on an Experience More plan — no trade-in needed. Get Deal Motorola Razr+ Free when you activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in needed. Get Deal

Getting a new phone usually means paying for it, one way or another. But right now, T-Mobile is handing out some of the biggest names in the mobile game — the iPhone 17, Galaxy Z Fold 8, Pixel 11, Razr, and more — for free. Tax and a $35 connection fee still apply at signup.

And you don't necessarily need a trade-in to get there — most of these deals just require a new line, or a new line plus porting in your number from another carrier.

The catch is that "free" means the cost is paid off through monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months. As long as you stick around for the whole term, you'll never pay for the device itself. Switch carriers or downgrade early, and the remaining balance becomes due right away.

Our favorite free phone deal at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free with a new line and port-in on an Experience Beyond plan — no trade-in required. Up to 36 monthly bill credits cover the full cost, plus tax and a $35 device connection charge apply at signup. Get Deal Why we like it

What makes the iPhone 17 Pro deal stand out is how many paths there are to finding real value:

• New line + port-in on Experience Beyond: Free, no trade-in needed, no strings beyond the plan itself

• New line + port-in on Experience Beyond w/ 55+, Military, or First Responder Savings: Up to $900 off, no trade-in needed — built for people already on a discounted plan tier

• New line + port-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond: Up to $830 off, no trade-in needed — the pick if you're not on a savings plan but still want a big chunk covered

• New line + port-in on Experience Beyond or Experience More w/ 55+, Military, First Responder, or Student Perks Savings: Up to $630 off, no trade-in needed

• Switching carriers with a port-in and new line on Experience Beyond: An extra $100 back via prepaid Mastercard (allow eight weeks after submission), stackable on top of your device discount

Bottom line: whatever your current T-Mobile setup looks like, there's almost certainly a version of this deal that gets you to $0 or close enough.

It's rare to see this many flagship phones from so many different brands — Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola — all free on the same carrier at the same time. If any of these phones have been on your radar, this is about as good a moment as you're likely to get to make the jump for free.

Picking up new skills can be tricky, and the Linux command line is so powerful, there’s always something more to learn. Fortunately, you can have a bit of fun while you do it.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is on sale for $43.80 at Amazon, down from its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite/The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle $43.80 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $16.19   Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG deals keep on coming at Amazon, which means you can keep bolstering that collection at knockdown prices. One deal that's caught our eye is on the Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle, which is available at Amazon for a little over the market price, according to TCGPlayer.

As of Aug. 25, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is on sale for $43.80 at Amazon. That's a 27% discount, saving you $16.19 in total. And you’ll get free delivery as soon as Aug. 30 at the time of writing.

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With six booster packs in each box, this is a super deal — 60 cards and a price of just $7.30 per booster pack. That's a great offer for anyone looking to add to their collection with up-to-date expansion cards. Featured cards from the Chaos Rising expansion include Mega Greninja ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dregalge ex.

Don't miss your chance to save over $16 on the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle — available at Amazon now for just $43.80.

Scientists have transformed PET plastic into nutritious edible cookies, an innovation that could help address both pollution and hunger in one fell swoop. That is, if people can accept the idea of eating it.

Dubbed "µBites" (pronounced "microbites"), the cookies are made using yeasts that have been programmed to turn plastic into edible protein. Sandhya Jayasekara, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate research assistant, presented the project during the American Chemical Society's Fall 2026 meeting on Monday.

SEE ALSO: Yes, alternative meat can help stop climate change. Here's why.

Commonly used to make disposable water bottles, PET plastic has low impurities, and is composed of approximately 60 percent carbon, 30 percent oxygen, and four percent hydrogen. Meanwhile, protein is formed from amino acids, which consist of a central carbon atom bonded to four other groups.

"We were trying to develop technologies for plastic upcycling to make more valuable products," associate professor Lahiru Jayakody said in a statement. "We thought, why not focus on making food? Because plastic is carbon and food is carbon."

To transform PET plastic into food, researchers went through a 32-step process which included using microorganisms to convert molecules into proteins, vitamins, and even flavourings. Microbes such as fungi and bacteria are already commonly used in the food industry, such as in fermentation, as well as to make molecules like insulin. Specific strains of bacteria have also been found to be capable of breaking down PET plastic. However, breaking down plastic then reforming it into something edible is newer territory. 

“Global food demand is expected to rise 35 to 56 percent by the year 2050, and about 30 percent of the world population will be at risk of hunger in the future," said Jayakody. "The way to address that, I believe, is by using microbes."

How do you make a cookie out of plastic?

Starting with PET plastic and agricultural waste such as corn stalks, the scientists first put the material through an environmentally friendly process called oxidative hydrothermal dissolution. Also developed at Southern Illinois University, this subjects biomass to small amounts of oxygen in water at high pressure and temperature. Doing so breaks down the solid biomass into water-soluble fragments that are a low molecular weight, making them easier for microorganisms to handle.

Once complete, the resulting carbon-rich liquid was fed to several strains of pre-programmed yeasts, which used metabolic processes to turn them into food components such as proteins, fats, and acids. The researchers also developed yeasts that create components which improve the µBites' nutritional value and taste, or even alter its colour. This includes one that uses plant biomass to make vanillin molecules, imparting the cookies with a vanilla smell and flavour, and another that produces beta-carotene to give them a golden colour as well as vitamin A.

The researchers then added fibre, starch, and sweeteners to the thick biomass, put the whole mix in a 3D printer, and printed themselves out some protein-rich µBites cookies. Pop them in a microwave to cook, and bon appétit.

Featured Video For You These foods can help save the planet, if we overcome some prejudice Can you try a plastic cookie yet?

Well, bon appétit in theory. Exactly what the µBites taste like is still unknown. The researchers have yet to sample the cookies themselves, showing remarkable self-restraint as they wait for approval to conduct taste tests (meaning the official go-ahead to test on humans). However, the µBites have reportedly "received high marks on aroma," with most of the team indicating they'd be willing to try out this particular culinary experience in situations where food is scarce.

Further development is underway to make the cookies into a "more attractive, consumer-friendly product" according to Jayasekara, with the intention that they eventually become more than a last resort food option. Even so, it will likely be a while before you see µBites on supermarket shelves. Jayakody hopes the cookies might be ready for public consumption within a few years, and could assist with feeding astronauts, submariners, and others in extreme circumstances.

If µBites are cleared for public consumption, there's also the psychological barrier that potential diners will have to overcome. Though research indicates that the cookies are safe to eat, convincing people of this will likely be difficult considering the well-known dangers of ingesting plastic. The µBites may not be plastic anymore, but their origins will certainly spark some apprehension.

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale team originally developed the µBites technology for the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge. Running from 2021-24, this competition incentivised novel innovations that could help address food needs during space travel as well as in harsh environments on Earth. µBites won a small grant as a Phase 1 winner, before receiving further funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER).

TL;DR: Disney, the NFL, Champion, and Fanatics just revealed all 32 team-character pairings for their new apparel collection — including the Eagles as Doctor Doom and the Packers as Chewbacca — with tees, crewnecks, and fleece now available online.

Disney just completed one of its biggest crossovers yet.

Disney Consumer Products, the NFL, Champion, and Fanatics revealed the final wave of team-character pairings in the Disney x Champion NFL Collection, completing a lineup that matches all 32 NFL teams with characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. The collection includes tees, crewnecks, and fleece for every team, and it's available now online and at select retailers nationwide.

Credit: Champion / Disney / Fanatics / NFL

Here's every team's match, broken down by division:

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: Beast — strong, a little wild, fiercely loyal underneath it all

• Miami Dolphins: King Triton — royalty of the sea, fitting for a franchise with real staying power

• New England Patriots: Captain America — the embodiment of legacy and leadership

• New York Jets: Buzz Lightyear — fast, high-flying, and full of confidence

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: Diaval and Maleficent — dark, calculated, and hard to shake

• Cincinnati Bengals: Shere Khan — all stripes and swagger

• Cleveland Browns: Pluto — loyal and always down for a scrap, just like the Dawg Pound

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Pete — tough, no-nonsense, and built for physical football

AFC South

• Houston Texans: Jessie — fearless and gritty, with that classic Texas spirit

• Indianapolis Colts: Horace Horsecollar — a steady, hardworking Midwest workhorse

• Jacksonville Jaguars: Pepita — a spirit guide whose courage matches the team's identity

• Tennessee Titans: Thanos — locked in, relentless, and impossible to look away from

AFC West

• Denver Broncos: Maximus — tough and pioneering, always pushing forward

• Kansas City Chiefs: Big Bad Wolf — impossible to ignore, just like Chiefs Kingdom

• Las Vegas Raiders: Darth Vader — all mystique and menace

• Los Angeles Chargers: Hercules and Pegasus — legendary strength paired with serious flair

NFC East

• Dallas Cowboys: Woody — classic cowboy charm with real staying power

• New York Giants: Wreck-It Ralph — big, tough, but with heart underneath

• Philadelphia Eagles: Doctor Doom — commanding and hard to beat, cape and all

• Washington Commanders: Hamm — a nod to "The Hogs" and their grounded strength

NFC North

• Chicago Bears: Baloo — laid-back, fun-loving, and right at home in Chicago

• Detroit Lions: Simba — pride, strength, and a team on a mission

• Green Bay Packers: Chewbacca — loyal through the cold, no matter the conditions

• Minnesota Vikings: Thor — an obvious pick for a fan base that already yells "SKOL"

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons: The Millennium Falcon — a fan favorite that's built a following through every twist and turn

• Carolina Panthers: Bagheera — disciplined and sharp, matching the team's black-and-blue identity

• New Orleans Saints: Louis — full of New Orleans energy and enthusiasm

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Captain Hook — expressive, unmistakable, and leaning fully into the pirate theme

NFC West

• Arizona Cardinals: Jafar and Iago — a fittingly dramatic desert duo

• Los Angeles Rams: Sulley — big presence, big city, big championship energy

• San Francisco 49ers: Stinky Pete the Prospector — a nod to the team's Gold Rush roots

• Seattle Seahawks: The "Mine, Mine, Mine" Seagulls — a playful callback to the team's loud, dedicated fan base

The full lineup is out now. Disney says the collection is part of a bigger push tied to Disney and ESPN's "Year of the Super Bowl," building toward ESPN's first-ever Super Bowl broadcast on Feb. 14, 2027.

Shop the full Disney x Champion NFL Collection at NFLShop, Fanatics, and Disney Store.

If your gas bill is continuing to soar thanks to the U.S. war with Iran, just know that Donald Trump will "never apologize" for it.

At a Long Island rally last week, the president dismissed concern over high gas prices. "For you to pay a tiny little bit more for your gasoline, just remember, you're doing it so that a very evil country cannot have a [nuclear weapon]," Trump said. "So remember that when you have to pay a little bit more. You're at $4. It’s OK. I'll never apologize. I did the right thing."

On Monday, Seth Meyers reacted to Trump's statements in A Closer Look: Out of Office, a summer video podcast version of his popular Late Night segment, presented with supervising writer/producer Sal Gentile.

"A lot of people are focused on that: 'I'll never apologize. I did the right thing.' My favorite part is, 'It's OK,'" said Gentile.

"'It's OK, you guys. I know you're upset, but it's OK,'" responded Meyers. "It's very weird for a guy who's never apologized about anything to say, 'I'll never apologize' for that. You don't apologize for anything."

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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $73.88 at Amazon, down from its list price of $119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite/The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box $73.88 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $46.11   Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box has seen some encouraging price drops since first arriving earlier this year. Now the set has leveled out at a price not to miss.

As of Aug. 25, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $73.88 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount, saving you an impressive $46.11 overall. You’ll get free delivery as soon as Aug. 28 at the time of writing. That puts it close to the current market value, according to TCGPlayer.

SEE ALSO: Rare Pokémon TCG deal: Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Bundle is down to $44 at Amazon

This set comes with nine Mega Evolution Pitch Black booster packs, with featured cards that include Mega Darkrai, Mega Zeroaora, Mega Excadrill, and Mega Chandelure. It also includes 40 energy cards, a foil Zarude art card, rare special illustration cards, and a selection of dice.

Don't miss the Pokémon Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box for just $73.99 — a can't-miss saving of $46.11.

The best red light therapy mask deals on Amazon: Best beginner-friendly deal Inteo Red Light Therapy Mask $89.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best versatility deal Ulike ReGlow LED Face Mask $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best 360-degree deal iRestore LED Face Mask $399 (save $400) Get Deal

Red light therapy masks have gone from dermatologist's office treatment to something you can strap on while watching TV, and right now, a handful of top models are discounted.

The tech uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate collagen production and boost circulation, which can help smooth fine lines, calm inflammation, and give skin a healthier glow over time — though results build gradually with consistent use, not overnight.

Whether you're looking to dip your toe in with a budget option or go all in on a dermatologist-grade device, there's a mask on sale here for you. Here are the best deals on red light therapy masks, including picks from iRestore, Ulike, and Inteo.

Best beginner-friendly deal Opens in a new window Credit: Inteo Inteo Red Light Therapy Mask $89.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

The Inteo gives you three therapies in one mask — red and near-infrared for glow, blue to even things out, and yellow for calming redness — so you're not stuck with a one-trick device. With 180 LEDs spread across the whole face and a timer that auto-shuts off, it's an easy add to a nightly routine without extra effort. At under $90, it's the cheapest way to try red light therapy without committing to a splurge.

Best versatility deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ulike Ulike ReGlow LED Face Mask $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Ulike runs four modes — Glow, Firm, Rejuvenate, and Clear — combining red, yellow, blue, and infrared light so you can target redness one day and fine lines the next. The 360-degree coverage boosts light irradiance by 77.4% compared to direct exposure, and the one-slot, four-light setup packs in 272 LED beads for even treatment across the whole face. It's cordless with a remote for hands-free sessions, and the design is built for comfortable, consistent use at home.

Best 360-degree deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRestore iRestore LED Face Mask $399 at Amazon
$799 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

iRestore covers all the bases with 360 LEDs and three wavelengths (red, infrared, and blue). Fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone, dullness, and even blemishes are all fair game here. It's also the steepest discount of the three at 50% off, so you're getting the most tech and the most savings in one mask. Sessions are quick — 10 minutes, three to five times a week — easy to stick with.

The best deals to watch college football without cable: BEST overall ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle $39.99 per month (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal Best for Fox and Big Ten Network games Fox One annual subscription $99 for your first year (save $100.99 through Sept. 7) Get Deal BEST cable alternative deal YouTube TV Sports plan Free 10-day trial, then $54.99/month for your first year (save $120) Get Deal MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Hulu + Live TV (also includes ESPN and Disney+) Free 3-day trial, then $89.99 per month Get Deal Best Fubo deal Fubo TV Sports plan Free 5-day trial, then $54.99 for first month (save $10) Get Deal BEST FOR CBS BROADCASTS Paramount+ Premium $139.99 per year (save $27.89) Get Deal BEST FOR NBC BROADCASTS Peacock Premium $129.99 per year (save $25.89) Get Deal

Another college football season is upon us, so get ready to spend some money on streaming services. The season officially kicks off with Week 0 games on Saturday, Aug. 29 (Aug. 27 for FCS games), and the first full Saturday arrives the following weekend.

As with every year, there are a few tweaks and changes to make note of for the 2026 season. Debates rage on regarding playoff formats and conference realignments. This season brings the third iteration of the 12-team playoff format in three years. Plus, the Pac-12 is back as a real conference (as in, more than just two teams), thanks to some shakeups to the Mountain West conference. Don't get too used to the new rules and formats, though. If the last few years are any indication, we'll likely see things shaken up again next season.

Even with all the changes, the most complicated thing about college football remains how to watch it. We've got you covered, though. Keep scrolling to learn how to watch the 2026–2027 NCAA football season, which channels you're going to need, and the best (and cheapest) ways to get them without cable.

Can I watch college football games without cable?

Yes, you can watch every college football game without cable. The only problem is that you may need a patchwork of streaming apps, depending on which teams and how many games you want to watch. The 2026 NCAAF season will be broadcast across an array of local channels, specialty sports networks, and even a couple of streaming services.

ESPN and Fox really changed the game last season with their new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming services, making it a wee bit easier to watch live sports in general, including college football. ESPN Unlimited now encompasses the full suite of ESPN networks and services for $29.99 per month, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. Meanwhile, Fox One is a one-stop shop for the entirety of the Fox TV portfolio. It costs $19.99 per month and includes access to Fox News, Fox Sports, Fox Weather, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network (B1G), local Fox stations, and Fox Network. These two apps alone will give you access to a majority of college football games this season, and you can even bundle them together for a discounted rate.

A live TV streaming service or cable replacement will give you the most comprehensive channel selection overall, but will also cost you the most money (i.e., YouTube TV or Fubo). You can also subscribe to a standalone service like Peacock or Paramount+ or grab a digital antenna if you just want to casually tune into some games throughout the season. As the cheapest option, it's also the most limited.

TL;DR: You get what you pay for.

What channels or streaming services do I need for college football?

Before you decide on which live TV service or streaming app you need to watch NCAA college football games, you need to know which networks your team(s) plays on. Check the conference list below to see which channels and streamers will air games for each conference in 2026. Not sure which conference your team is in? Check out the list over at ESPN.com.

• American Athletic Conference (AAC) — ABC, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+

• Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) — ABC, ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, The CW

• Big 12 — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, Fox, FS1, TNT

• Big Ten — Big Ten Network, CBS, Fox, FS1, NBC, Peacock

• Conference USA — CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+

• FBS independents — CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN+, NBC, Peacock

• Mid-American Conference (MAC) — CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+

• Mountain West Conference (MW) — CBS, CBS Sports Network, Fox, FS1, FS2, MW+, The CW

• Pac-12 Conference — CBS, CBS Sports Network, The CW, USA

• Southeastern Conference (SEC) — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, SEC Network, SEC+

• Sun Belt Conference — ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+

What are the best streaming services for college football? Can you watch football without cable? It's complicated. Credit: Pexels / cottonbro studio

As I mentioned above, the best streaming service for college football depends on your team and budget. The best streaming apps for live sports run the gamut of pricing — from eight bucks per month to a monstrous $100 per month. The more you pay, the wider selection of games you'll have access to.

The best live TV cable alternatives include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling. Sling is the most affordable of the bunch, but it gives you access to a more limited live channel selection, while YouTube TV, Hulu, and Fubo offer hundreds of channels but cost a bit more. YouTube TV and Fubo both recently debuted a new "Sports" plan, which cuts the number of channels available down to about 30. These plans will cover most, if not all, of the essentials for watching college football and cost a lot less than the full base packages.

ESPN Unlimited and Fox One offer a wide selection of games at a mid-range price point, making us more inclined to recommend these services for most people. ESPN Unlimited includes games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN U, ESPN+, SEC Network, and ACC Network, while Fox One includes games on Fox, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. You can also watch limited live games on Peacock, Paramount+, and HBO Max — some of which will exclusively host games this season.

It's a bit confusing, but at least it's not as difficult as figuring out how to watch every NFL game this season. To help with your decision, we've rounded up the best streaming deals for college football fans. You can also check out the complete broadcast schedule on the NCAA website.

The best live TV streaming deals for NCAAF 2026Best overall: ESPN Unlimited + Fox One bundle Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN / Fox One ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle $39.99/month (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, ACCNX, Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

ESPN's newly launched Unlimited plan gives you access to the entirety of ESPN's suite of networks and services. For college football, you'll have live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. That's a pretty big chunk — nearly 50 percent — of the channels you'll need to tune into games this season. The Unlimited plan on its own costs $29.99 per month, but you can bundle it with Fox One for just $10 more. Fox One gives you access to Fox, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network, giving you an even wider range of games.

More ESPN deals:

• ESPN Unlimited annual subscription — $299.99/year $359.88/year (save $59.89/year)

• ESPN Unlimited and NFL+ Premium — $39.99/month $44.98/month (save $4.99/month)

• Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle — $35.99/month $53.97/month (save $17.98/month)

Best for Fox and Big Ten Network (B1G) games only: Fox One annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One annual subscription $99 per year (save $100) through Sept. 7 Get Deal

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

If you just want access to Big Ten Network and Fox's array of networks, you can sign up for Fox One for $19.99 per month or for just $99 for your first year if you sign up by Sept. 7. After the promotional cut-off date, it'll cost you $199.99 per year, which is still a pretty solid deal that saves you $40.

Best cable alternative deal: $54.99/month for your first year of YouTube TV Sports Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV Sports Plan Free 10-day trial, then $54.99/month for first year (save $120) Get Deal

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, The CW, TNT, and USA

The best value for a live TV cable alternative is YouTube TV's new Sports Plan. It gives you access to over 30 live channels, including most of the ones you need to watch college football games live — NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, as well as specialty networks like FS1 and SEC Network. For a limited time, YouTube TV is offering new users a $10 per month discount on their first year of the Sports Plan. Plus, you can kick things off with a 10-day free trial. The plan usually costs $64.99 per month, but you'll pay just $54.99 per month (save $120) for your first whole year.

More YouTube TV deals:

• YouTube TV Base — free 10-day trial, $67.99/month for your first 3 months $82.99/month (save $45)

Most bang for your buck: Get Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN together Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV (with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN) Free 3-day trial, then $89.99 per month Get Deal

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, ESPN+, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, The CW, TNT, and USA

While other live TV streamers might cost less, Hulu's live TV service definitely offers the most bang for your buck. You'll pay $89.99 per month (after a three-day trial) and get access to over 100 live TV channels, plus the full Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Unlimited libraries (a $51.97 value on their own). For comparison, YouTube TV's base plan is $82.99 per month and only includes the live channels.

Best Fubo deal: Take $10 off your first month of Fubo Sports Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo Fubo Sports Free 5-day trial, then $54.99 for your first month (save $10) Get Deal

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, and SEC Network

Fubo isn't our first choice for a live TV streaming service, but we do like that it offers a cheaper Sports plan like YouTube TV. With the Sports plan, you'll get access to 29 channels and unlock a good chunk of college football broadcasts for $64.99 per month. You can test the waters for five days before you're charged, then save $10 on your first month of streaming.

Best for CBS games only: Paramount+ Premium annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium annual subscription $139.99 per year (save $27.89) Get Deal

Channels: CBS

CBS's college football lineup for 2026 includes 22 games, including Big Ten games on Saturday afternoons, the Pac-12 Championship Game on Dec. 6, and the 127th Army-Navy game on Dec. 12. A Paramount+ Premium subscription will grant you access to all of these games and costs $13.99 per month. You can save 17% or $27.89, however, by signing up for an annual subscription instead for $139.99.

More Paramount+ deals:

• Paramount+ Student Discount (save 50% on any Paramount+ plan through SheerID)

Best for NBC and Peacock games: Peacock Premium yearly subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $129.99 per year (save $25.89) Get Deal

Channels: NBC, Peacock

Similar to Paramount+, Peacock offers simulcasts of games airing on NBC throughout the 2026 season. Plus, Peacock offers exclusive broadcasts as well. In order to watch live games, you'll need at least the Premium plan, which starts at $12.99 per month after its latest price hike. You can save about 17% or $25.89, however, by paying for a year up front. That knocks the monthly price down to about $10.83 per month.

More Peacock deals:

• Peacock Premium Student Discount (save $7 per month)

• Peacock Premium First Responders Discount (save $6 per month)

• Peacock Premium Teachers Discount (save $6 per month)

• Peacock Premium Military Discount (save $6 per month)

• Free Peacock Premium with Instacart+ (save $12.99 per month)

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 25, the Luna Wireless Controller is on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. That's a 29% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Luna Luna Wireless Controller $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

If you're looking for a new controller for cloud gaming, the Luna Wireless Controller is on sale for a limited time.

It's designed specifically for Amazon Luna, with a familiar console-style layout and wireless connectivity for a more classic gaming experience. And as of Aug. 25, you can find it on sale for $20 less than usual, at $49.99. And according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest it has ever been priced.

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This wireless controller is designed specifically for Amazon Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming service. It works across a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Fire TV, Fire tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, and Android.

Luna gaming lets you jump between different devices. For example, you can pause a game on one screen and pick it up right where you left off on another, and you can use the controller across them all. For low-latency gameplay, the controller can connect directly to Amazon's custom game servers over WiFi using Cloud Direct technology. It can also connect via Bluetooth to compatible devices or via USB for Windows or Mac.

For gaming, it has all the classic controller features you'd expect, like offset thumbsticks, easy-access bumpers, precise triggers, responsive action buttons, and a four-way directional pad.

Find this limited-time deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Watch Lions vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry for free on RugbyPass TV. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

New Zealand's tour of South Africa is being billed as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. The rivalry between these two juggernauts is well-documented. So far it's all going the way of the All Blacks, with a clean sweep for the visitors so far — including a win over South Africa in the first of four crucial Test matches.

The All Blacks have beaten three South African clubs so far, the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls. Next up, they face the Lions, a team based in Johannesburg. Will the Lions be the first team to hurt the Kiwis?

If you're interested in watching Lions vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Lions vs. New Zealand?

Lions vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Aug. 25. This fixture takes place at Ellis Park.

How to watch Lions vs. New Zealand for free

Lions vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is available to live stream for free on RugbyPass TV.

This RugbyPass TV livestream is geo-restricted to the U.S., but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can live stream Lions vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Lions vs. New Zealand for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit RugbyPass TV

5. Watch Lions vs. New Zealand 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 Lions vs. New Zealand without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus other tour fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RugbyPass TV?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Lions vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: This refurbished 2020 Apple Watch SE tracks workouts, heart rate, and Activity Rings while handling texts, calls, Apple Pay, and more. It’s $89.99 (reg. $249) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 1 (2020) 40mm (Refurbished) $89.99
$249 Save $159.01   Get Deal

Smart rings and fitness bands may be all the rage now, but a smartwatch like the Apple Watch still packs a lot more functionality onto your wrist. You don’t necessarily need the newest one to count your runs, check a text without pulling out your phone, or close your Activity Rings, though. This refurbished 2020 Apple Watch SE covers plenty of the smartwatch basics without the current-generation price tag, and for a limited time, you can grab it for $89.99 (reg. $249).

It’s the first-generation SE, so you’re not getting the newest Apple Watch hardware. What you do get are plenty of the everyday features that made the device useful in the first place: workout tracking, heart-rate monitoring, Activity Rings, Maps, Siri, Apple Pay, and calls and texts when paired with a compatible iPhone.

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If fitness is what finally convinced you to consider one, the SE tracks running, walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, HIIT, and more. It’s water-resistant to 50 meters, and the optical heart rate sensor can track your heart rate throughout the day. Fall Detection and Emergency SOS add a couple of safety features you hopefully won’t need.

The 40mm aluminum case won’t swallow your entire wrist, while the Retina LTPO OLED display reaches up to 1,000 nits of brightness. Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours, enough to get through a typical day before heading back to the charger.

There is one trade-off worth knowing before you buy: This is a Grade B refurbished Apple Watch, so some cosmetic wear is expected. It comes with a Sport Band, a magnetic charging cable, a wall adapter, and a third-party 30-day parts-and-labor warranty.

Normally $249, you can get this new-to-you 2020 Apple Watch SE for only $89.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.