IT General

While you might think having one drill, sander, or router is totally fine, you really should have multiple. Not every power tool needs a twin, but there are a handful that definitely do. Here are four power tools that I own multiples of, and why I think you should too.

Save $149.01: Amazon has the M5 Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) nearly down to its lowest price ever as of April 27. At $949.99, this 14% discount puts it just 99 cents away from the record low of $949, and a good deal cheaper than the $1,099 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $149.01   Get Deal

The MacBook Neo is an incredibly affordable MacBook, but its not necessarily the absolute best value for everyone, especially when a good deal strikes elsewhere.

Mashable's laptop expert Haley Henschel determined the M5 MacBook Air to be a better value, and as of April 27, it's getting the deal treatment at Amazon. Specifically, you can grab the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD for $949.99, putting it nearly back down to its record low price of $949 even. All told, that's $149.01 cheaper than its list price. And the deal is available in all four colorways.

SEE ALSO: We've tested over 30 laptops in the past year. Here are the 12 best for 2026.

So what makes the M5 Air such a great value? For starters, Apple bumped the starting storage to 512GB over the 256GB of the M4 Air. Yes, they also bumped up the price of the M5 Air by $100, but its still $100 cheaper than the M4 model with the same amount of storage, actually making the newer model a better value. While Mashable tested the 15-inch version, but Henschel still recommends the 13-inch model as a slightly cheaper, more portable option, with the main trade off being two less speakers and GPU cores.

For most everyday tasks, the M5 chip is more than capable to power you through. Only folks who are doing video editing on the daily might appreciate the fans of the Pro over the fanless Air. The Air also comes equipped with a nice 12MP webcam, and true to its name, plenty of portability. The 60Hz refresh rate is its major con, but if that doesn't bother you too much, this an excellent option for a new MacBook — and is much more futureproof than the cheaper Neo.

I'm pretty deep in the Roku ecosystem at this point. Between multiple Roku TVs and a couple of media PCs, it's what I use every day for streaming. In fact, this is the second time I've written about Roku in recent weeks. Last time, I focused on features most people never touch. This time, I'm going in the opposite direction and looking at something I care about a lot more: privacy.

SAVE OVER $10: As of April 29, the Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram is on sale for $84.64 at Amazon. This is $15.35 off its list price of $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram (75403) $84.64 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15.35   Get Deal

It's a great time to be a Star Wars fan right now, with May the 4th on the horizon and the brand new The Mandalorian and Grogu movie releasing soon. If you're particularly excited about the latter, Lego has some sets that are perfect to build ahead of the film, like the adorable Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram. As of April 29, it's even on sale at Amazon for $84.64.

This discount slashes just over $15 off this Lego Grogu with Hover Pram set's full list price of $99.99. It certainly looks like a delightful set to piece together, and one anyone from the age of 10 and up can enjoy.

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In total this Lego set comes with 1,048 pieces that create adorable little Grogu alongside his hover pram and an information plaque for when you have the whole build on display. Grogu's arms, head, and ears are all posable as well, and it even comes with some fun extras, like a brick-built Sorgan frog, a shifter knob, and a cookie.

If the Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram set is one you've had your eyes on, this is a great opportunity to pick it up and save at Amazon.Alternatively, if you're curious about other Star Wars Lego set deals, Amazon has quite a few more discounted right now that are worth checking out.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle on sale for $38.95, down from its $46.99 list price. That's its lowest-ever price on Amazon, and saves you $8.04 on a six-pack box.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle $38.95 at Amazon
$46.99 Save $8.04   Shop Now

Perfect Order has recently secured itself as the most affordable modern Pokémon TCG set on the market, but Amazon has just activated a price drop that’s made it the best place to buy the expansion’s most popular product.

As of April 29, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle on sale for $38.95. That’s a 17% discount from its $46.99 list price, and price tracker camelcamelcamel has confirmed that this is a new all-time low for Amazon. 

That price puts Amazon just ahead of TCGplayer, where unopened listings start at $38.98 with shipping included. Walmart is a little higher at $41.77, so Amazon is now the easiest pick for buyers.

At Amazon’s current price, you’re paying roughly $6.49 per booster pack before tax. TCGplayer comes out almost identical at about $6.50 per pack, while Walmart lands closer to $6.96 per pack. What’s more, TCGplayer’s current market price is $38.68, meaning Amazon is only 27 cents above market value.

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The Perfect Order Booster Bundle includes six booster packs from the expansion. Each pack includes 10 cards, one Basic Energy, and one Pokémon TCG Live code card, making this a great way to rip through a decent chunk of the set without jumping to a full booster box.

The expansion itself is built around Mega Zygarde ex, with Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex, and Meowth ex among its headliner cards. If you’ve been waiting for the Booster Bundle to drop under $40 at Amazon, this is the best chance you’ll get.

Amazon is also selling the Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for $83.90. As for the elusive Ascended Heroes, you can grab the Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box on sale. 

Hybrid. It is a word that used to be almost synonymous with the Toyota Prius, and because of that, car enthusiasts treated hybrids like pariahs. When the first-generation Prius debuted in the United States about 25 years ago, it changed the world. It was one of the first mass-produced hybrid cars ever made, boasting an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined rating and setting the benchmark for the eco-conscious car buyer.

The Raspberry Pi first rose to prominence as an educational tool before it was catapulted into the mainstream by hobbyists. Several hardware revisions later, this single-board computer has its own actively-maintained operating system and features prominently as the go-to pint-sized project computer.

Jimmy Kimmel has been under attack from the right over the past few days, with Melania Trump calling for him to be fired after a joke he made during an "alternative" White House Correspondents' Dinner he hosted the week before the event itself was called after after an armed man attempted to breach security.

And now, even after issuing a response on Monday, Rudy Giuliani is having a pop too, calling Kimmel "one of the most distasteful human beings in this country."

"I have to be say it hurst to be called distasteful by a man who farted his own pants off in front of Borat's daughter," says Kimmel, before playing another clip of Giuliani calling him an "incompetent jackass."

"I have to say it's confusing to be called an incompetent jackass by a man who accidentally held a press conference outside a dildo store."

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Do you spend most of your time in the terminal, or are you trying to learn? Bash is very mature, and it packs a lot of hidden features. Today, I have seven command-line tricks that will save you time typing and editing.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box on sale for $124.93, down from its $164.70 list price. That saves you $39.77 on a 30-pack booster display, with each pack containing 14 Magic cards and one guaranteed traditional foil. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box $124.93 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $39.77   Get Deal

Booster box prices for newer Magic: The Gathering sets can slide around after launch, and Lorwyn Eclipsed has now dipped to one of its most tempting prices since release.

As of April 29, TCGplayer has the Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Display listed from $109.49 shipped. TCGplayer’s own current market price sits at $111.12, while its listed median is still far higher at $144.99. Amazon, meanwhile, has the same box priced at $119.95, so TCGplayer is currently the better buy by a pretty comfortable margin. 

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This display box includes 30 Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Boosters, with each pack containing 14 Magic trading cards. Every booster includes one traditional foil card, plus 1 to 4 cards of rare or higher rarity, alongside uncommons, commons, and a land. That makes this box a strong fit whether you’re buying for Limited nights, cracking packs for collection value, or just trying to get into the set without paying inflated early pricing.

Lorwyn Eclipsed is also a fairly easy sell for longtime fans. The set heads back to the split worlds of Lorwyn and Shadowmoor, bringing back creature types like Kithkin, boggarts, merrow, and Elves while leaning into the contrast between eternal day and perpetual night.

Among the other newer MTG expansions, the Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box is also still available for around $140. Meanwhile, you can grab the MTG Avatar The Last Airbender Play Booster Box for under $125.

SAVE OVER $100: As of April 29, the Hisense 50-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV is on sale for $236.97 at Amazon. This is $143.02 off its usual list price of $379.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 50-Inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K UHD TV $236.97 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $143.02   Get Deal

From a new season of House of the Dragon to the return of Ted Lasso and so much more, there are so many exciting new things to watch in the coming months. If you want a new TV for enjoying it all on, Amazon's offering some stellar deals on select models at the moment. As of April 29, the Hisense 50-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV is included in the discounted range.

This popular TV is usually available for $379.99, but the Hisense 50-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV has dropped to $236.97 at Amazon for a limited time. It might not be on sale for long, given the retailer has it marked as a limited time deal.

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As far as screen sizes go, this 50-inch Hisense TV is a great mid-size pick. It's not going to feel too small in any room, but also won't feel like a gigantic display taking up a ton of space. It boasts great picture quality as well, with 4K resolution and Hi-QLED Color that makes images feel vibrant and sharp.

This picture quality is further elevated by Dolby Vision technology, which gives it a bit of a color boost, and sound quality feels immersive and crisp thanks to Dolby Atmos. On top of all that, it's also a Fire TV, so streaming can be done quickly and easily right from your home screen.

Act fast to take advantage of this offer on the Hisense 50-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV at Amazon.

Yes, the U.S. is still in the middle of a war with Iran, which is increasing consumer prices. And yes, America's affordability crisis remains serious. And yes, the President of the United States still wants his $400 million ballroom.

As The Daily Show's Josh Johnson unpacked on Tuesday night, Donald Trump's controversial White House building project remains a major point of conversation in the Capitol. In particular, a group of Senate Republicans led by Sen. Lindsey Graham are pushing a bill to fund the president's ballroom with taxpayer money, citing security needs.

"$400 million is way too much. Why is this ballroom so expensive? Is the roof going to be made of Coachella tickets?" asked Johnson during Tuesday night's show. "What could possibly make this thing cost so much? Be specific."

Cut to footage of Graham telling reporters, "Underneath, there will be a lot of military stuff."

"'Military stuff?' What military stuff? Name 10 military stuffs. I'll wait," said Johnson. "Lindsey Graham sounds like me in fifth grade trying to convince my mom to get me an Xbox: 'You know, they make educational games too!'"

SEE ALSO: 'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom

Notably, Johnson brings a sense of perspective to the whole ballroom debacle: "This is not what a president is supposed to be focused on, unless that president is seven years old. You know, they're writing a list like, 'I'm going to have a slide that goes right from my bed to the pool, and I want a suit made out of candy, so whenever I get hungry, I can just eat my shirt."

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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:

AcrossNotoriously antisocial pets

• The answer is Cats.

___ Sun (drink in a pouch)

• The answer is Capri.

Extremely excited

• The answer is Amped.

All-out fight

• The answer is Melee.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" writer

• The answer is Poe.

DownBrief appearance in a movie

• The answer is Cameo.

It doesn't fall far from the 3-Down, in an idiom

• The answer is Ample.

See 2-Down

• The answer is Apple.

Heads or tails

• The answer is Side.

Spend a few nights in the woods, perhaps

• The answer is Camp.

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

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

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

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box on sale for $81.91, down from its typical $89.95 price. That saves you $8.04 on a box that includes one foil Mega Feraligatr ex promo card, one oversize lenticular card, and four Ascended Heroes booster packs. 

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box $81.91 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $8.04   Get Deal

The Ascended Heroex ex Boxes are an exciting addition to the already immensely popular Pokémon TCG expansion, and you can already find deals despite high demand.

As of April 29, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box is on sale for $81.91 at Amazon, down from its typical $89.95 price. That’s a 9% discount, saving you $8.04 on the latest Mega Evolution promo box featuring one of Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s evolved starter Pokémon. That's also the cheapest it's been on Amazon so far (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel). 

Amazon’s listing is shipped and sold by Collectors Expedition, with free delivery currently shown for May 6-7. The retailer also shows 12 new sellers from the same $81.91 price with free shipping, so there are a few routes to the same Amazon deal if the main listing shifts.

Amazon is not technically the lowest price right now. Walmart has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mega Feraligatr ex Box listed for $81.90 with free shipping, also sold and shipped by Collectors Expedition. That makes Walmart a cent cheaper, and its delivery window is currently faster, arriving by May 2. Just note that Walmart marks the item as final sale and not returnable, while Amazon lists a 30-day refund or replacement window.

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TCGplayer is still far cheaper for anyone who’s comfortable shopping from marketplace sellers. Its lowest unopened listing is $49 plus shipping. That’s under TCGplayer’s current $54.24 market price and well below its $60 listed median.

Inside the box, you’ll get one foil promo card featuring Mega Feraligatr ex, one oversize lenticular promo card, and four Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes booster packs. Each booster pack includes 10 game cards, one Basic Energy, and one Pokémon TCG Live code card.

As for the new expansion, you can preorder the Pokémon TCG’s new Chaos Rising Booster Box for as low as $238.99. If you want to grab some cheaper Pokémon TCG packs right away, you can find the Perfect Order Booster Box for $229.

SAVE $50: As of April 29, the Garmin Lily 2 has been discounted to $199.99 at Amazon. This is $50 off its list price of $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Lily 2 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal

If you're in the market for a smartwatch that can help you out with everyday health and fitness tracking — and looks good on your wrist while doing it — the Garmin Lily 2 is one worth checking out. As of April 29, it's $50 off at Amazon, making now a great time to throw it in your online shopping cart.

This discount has brought the price of the Garmin Lily 2 down from $249.99 to $199.99, and it applies to both the coconut and lilac colored watches. Keep in mind that it's currently marked as a limited time deal, so make your move quickly before the offer is gone for good.

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The Garmin Lily 2 covers quite a lot of bases in terms of tracking, including steps, calories, intensity minutes, sleep, respiration, Body Battery energy monitoring, all-day stress tracking, heart rate monitoring, and more. It's a lot to have packed into a smartwatch that offers so much style.

Writer RJ Andersen reviewed it and said: "It's beautiful and has great tracking for the casual user, but fitness-obsessed people might want to look for a more advanced option." It also offers up to five days of battery life, so it can carry you through the work week before it needs a recharge.

If you're not looking for a stat-heavy smartwatch, this deal on the Garmin Lily 2 is well worth a look.

SAVE $10: As of April 29, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick 4K $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10   Get Deal

Streaming devices are one of the greatest inventions for home entertainment. You can take streaming with you on the go, transform an older TV, or just upgrade your OS to something more user-friendly. And if you're a fan of Roku, you'll be pleased to know the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is back on sale for $10 off the list price. As of April 29, you can make it yours for just $39.99.

This streaming stick is ideal if you want sharp 4K resolution with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Basically, if you like watching all your favorite shows and movies in great quality, you'll love this device. And with Roku, it’s designed to be simple to use, with a straightforward interface that puts all the major streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) alongside hundreds of free live TV channels.

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It also keeps things convenient with a single remote that can control both your TV and the streaming stick. It even has voice search capabilities to help you find content quickly across platforms. And if you travel, you can easily take it with you and plug into another TV without needing to sign in on shared devices.

Get this Roku Streaming Stick deal online at Amazon now.

The White Lotus Season 3 star Aimee Lou Wood has had a rocky relationship with SNL in the past, famously calling the show out last year for a sketch in which Sarah Sherman impersonated her character using large false teeth — but ahead of hosting the UK version of the show this weekend, she's keen to wipe the slate clean.

"I cannot wait to get started, you know especially after the whole thing in America with my teeth," says Wood in the promo skit above, addressing the cast as they cover their mouths with their hands. "Wait, why are you all covering your mouths? Oh my God, have you guys got fake teeth in? Wow, this is all one big setup to humiliate me then? I thought SNL UK would be different."

The twist? Everyone is actually wearing fake moustaches, trying to capture some of the love "Weekend Update" star Paddy Young has been getting for his facial hair online.

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Tesla is in a pickle.

Company CEO Elon Musk has been promising fully autonomous driving via Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) package for years. However, in January, it turned out that older Teslas — those with HW3 hardware, as opposed to newer, HW4 hardware inside — don't really support it, and never will.

This wouldn't be such a big deal if numerous HW3 Tesla owners hadn't already purchased the FSD package, which cost thousands of dollars (the price changed a lot over the years).

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says Tesla's Cybercab has started production

To appease these owners, Tesla previously promised a stripped-down version of the software, called FSD V14 Lite, that will run on Teslas with HW3 hardware, but only in the U.S. On Wednesday, the company expanded that globally, but with caveats. Many, many caveats.

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"Following future rollout of FSD V14 Lite for HW3 vehicles in the US, we plan on expanding V14 Lite to additional international markets. This update ensures that HW3 vehicle owners will continue to benefit from ongoing software updates," the company wrote in a tweet. "Since international rollout is subject to several factors (completion of technical verification, regional adaptation & relevant regulatory approvals), we can't provide definitive dates at the moment, but will provide updates on a rolling basis."

The news coincides with recent approval of FSD in the Netherlands, which will likely open the door to the software being allowed in the rest of the European Union. Tesla has been running supervised FSD tests across Europe; having tried it out in Croatia, I can say that it works reasonably well. But HW3 owners who have purchased FSD aren't particularly happy to be left behind; some have already banded together and launched a claims site, asking for their money back.

Featured Video For You I took a ride in a robotaxi: How close are we to a driverless future?

Tesla's FSD Lite is likely a way to appease HW3 owners. It's worth pointing out, however, that FSD and FSD Lite are not the same, and in some ways, they aren't even close. FSD should ultimately provide a truly autonomous driving experience, while FSD Lite gets some FSD features but will likely always remain just a driving assistance package. And no, true FSD is never coming to HW3 vehicles; during Tesla's Q1 2026 earnings call, Musk said that "Hardware 3 simply does not have the capability to achieve unsupervised FSD," due to memory bandwidth, lower camera resolution, and processing power constraints.

Now, about those caveats. We don't really know much about FSD V14 Lite, except, as Tesla's VP of AI Ashok Elluswamy said during the call, it's a "distilled version of the same V14 software that we released for Hardware 4." Furthermore, he said FSD V14 Lite would be coming to the U.S. by "end of June." International rollout will start sometime after that, and is subject to regulatory approvals, technical verification, and regional adaptation. Add to that Musk's propensity to set unrealistic timelines, and it could be a long wait for HW3 Tesla owners in Europe and elsewhere.

During that same earnings call, Musk also said Tesla will at some point be offering the ability to retrofit an older car with HW4 hardware, but it's unclear when that will start, who will be eligible, or whether it would incur additional costs to owners.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past three years (yes, years) researching, downloading, and testing dozens of the top dating apps to find the best ones for all kinds of daters, including the one-night-stand crowd. From discrete sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships, I've swiped through them all. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My number one rule is to be brutally honest about what you’re looking for. You’re here for a good time — so own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony.

"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little insider secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.

Recent updates to this guide

• Hinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.

• Sniffies (added September 2025): I've added Sniffies, the map-based app for queer men, because it's been gaining a lot of traction. (It got a little too spicy for Apple and was pulled from the App Store, so it's now technically a dating site.) Don't say I didn't warn you about the NSFW content.

• FetLife (added September 2025): FetLife is my new favorite "Honorable Mention." It's not your typical hookup app; it's more of a social network for the kink community (and, oddly enough, the best hookup app for gamers). Just remember: it's a community, so don't treat it like Tinder.

• Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles.

• Match (removed August 2025): I know some people say they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. Match is where you go to find a serious, long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut this year:

• Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels limited compared to more open apps like Tinder.

• DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

• Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for hookups specifically.

For years, content creator Amira Virgil longed for an online space that could offer support for other Black female creators. So she decided to make one. 

In 2021, the Brooklyn-based Twitch streamer launched Noir Network.

“The more I learned about the business side of being a creator, the more I realized that this was information that my peers needed to know as well,” Virgil says.

In the first six months of Noir Network, the community was able to bring in more than $50K in brand deals for its members.

“I think community and having people to talk to, relate to, learn from, and collaborate with is very important," says Virgil. "I hope that Noir will continue to inspire others to create, whether they're creating collectives or collaborating in smaller creator groups.” 

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Better known online to her thousands of followers as Xmiramira, the 32-year-old has consistently pushed for inclusion and representation within the gaming community.

Beyond Noir Network, Virgil is the founder of The Black Simmer, a digital community for Black Sims players, is the creator behind the Melanin Pack for The Sims 4, and serves as a consultant for various gaming publishers. (Also worth noting is that Virgil was featured on the Mash101 in 2025 — Mashable's list of the top content creators who are helping to shape our digital spaces.)

We caught up with Virgil to learn more about the gear she relies on when it comes to making content, which games she can’t live without, and what her goals are for the future.

What are your content creation essentials?

Sony A6400 mirrorless camera

Sony A6400 mirrorless camera $818 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $181.99   See It at Amazon

Virgil: It has been my primary camera for YEARS. I love the quality and ease of use. Once I discovered that you can use mirrorless cameras in OBS (streaming program), I never looked back. I will always recommend that creators get a mirrorless camera if it's in their budget.

Shure SM7B Microphone

Shure SM7B Microphone $395 at Amazon
$439 Save $44   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart

Virgil: The quality [of this microphone] is unmatched. I will say though, it takes some additional setup based on your environment — things like a Cloudlifter and a nice rug in your office space — to minimize noise. So, keep that in mind. 

Sabrent 5 Bay Docking Station

Sabrent 5 Bay Docking Station $236.99 at Amazon
$279.95 Save $42.96   Shop Now at Amazon

Virgil: It helps me store and organize files and assets for streams, YouTube videos, and gaming mods.

The Hohem iSteady X3 Gimbal stabilizer

The Hohem iSteady X3 Gimbal stabilizer $236.99 at Amazon
$279.95 Save $42.96   Shop Now at Amazon

Virgil: I'm currently making the transition from long-form content to short-form and it has been SO good for Instagram stories. It has really good battery life and it fits perfectly on my desk and vanity. Later this year, I'm starting reels and this will be the main tool I use.

The Neewer ring light

The Neewer ring light $112.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Virgil: When you're a creator, lighting is super important! It helps to keep my quality on point. It's easy to set up and get straight to work. I love the different color panels that allow you to change the tone of the lighting. 

Sigma 16mm lens

Sigma 16mm lens $449 at B&H Photo Video
  Shop Now at B&H Photo Video

Virgil: It gives my content a look that I LOVE, and captures my room really well. If you're taking the dive into DSLR cameras, be sure to look up the different types of lenses that are out there. The default lens (if you have one) may not be your thing. 

Wireless Lavalier Microphone

Wireless Lavalier Microphone $449 at B&H Photo Video
  Shop Now at B&H Photo Video

Virgil: Other than being super cute, it has great sound quality, it's really good with noise cancelling, and it is a nice, affordable starter microphone for creators looking to dip their toe into short-form content. 

Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Chainway/Sony/NEEWER/KLSMYHOKI/HOHEM How about your favorite gaming gear and accessories? Logitech G715 Wireless Tactile Mechanical Keyboard With Palm Rest $159 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $60.99   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy

Virgil: Logitech G705 mouse, and my G715 keyboard — or any Logitech products really. One thing about me, I'm always going to have a Logitech mouse and keyboard in my office.

Sony Earbuds

Sony Deep Bass Wired Earphones with Smartphone Control and Mic - Metallic Black $24.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Virgil: I love a nice pair of Sony earbuds. Oftentimes I wear big hair, so me and headsets don't typically get along. This is where earbuds come in. My current earbuds are the Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud Headphones.

What are your top five desert island video games?

1. The Sims 2: TS2 was a game truly made with love. From the little things. Even with minimal mods, I can very easily get immersed.

2. World Of Warcraft: A lot of people don't know that I had a WoW binge in high school. It was bad lol.

3. Dynasty Warriors: Any of them really. The most recent title is SO good.

4. Assassin's Creed 2: I still remember the feeling I had when my brother introduced me to that franchise.

5. Diner Dash: Any games in that genre really. If you know, you know. 

What do you love about what you do?

Virgil: The thing I love most about what I do is how unconventional it is and how unpredictable it can be. This line of work has given me experiences that I never thought I would have. 

Who is your ideal audience?

Virgil: My ideal audience consists of people who love FUN. People who know how to have a good time and find the whimsy in life. The world is not in a good place right now for a lot of people, and the state of the internet really reflects that. I think that it's important to try your best as an entertainer to bring the good vibes and to make people happy. 

What goals do you have for your digital footprint?

Virgil: I have a few actually. For over a decade, I created content and I never made archiving a priority. Last year, I decided to change that.

I have had so many different experiences that are gone forever because I didn't make the proper efforts to archive them either locally or on YouTube. So, the goal is to play everything I've ever played (again), alongside new titles, and make sure ALL of them are available on my YouTube channels.

But my general goal is to inspire the young women and girls who come after me and for them to know that they can do whatever they put their mind to, even when things may not be in their favor. 

This interview has been edited and condensed 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, meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices, and tell us about your favorite creators today.