IT General

If you can spend a few hundred bucks on a 3D printer and some filament, you can afford to spend a little on a few upgrades to ensure that your hobby is a safe one.

SAVE $50: As of May 27, the Garmin Lily 2 is on sale for $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

Retailers like Amazon have wrapped up their Memorial Day sales, but if you're quick, you can still score some excellent savings. The Garmin Lily 2 is one deal that's still hanging around, though not for long.

As of May 27, the Garmin Lily 2 is discounted to $199.99 at Amazon, but the countdown has already started on how long it'll stay at this price. Through the rest of May 27, shoppers can take advantage of this $50 discount before it goes back up to its full price of $249.99.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

What makes the Garmin Lily 2 stand out is it doesn't have the chunky design of most other smartwatches. It's much sleeker, and can blend in as more of a stylish watch on your wrist rather than a bulky tracker. Our review from writer RJ Andersen said it's "a great option for someone who wants a stylish, simple smartwatch to track activity without a ton of bells and whistles."

If you're just looking to track the basics, the Garmin Lily 2 still boasts plenty of features to help with your day-to-day routines. These include a sleep score, respiration tracking, hydration tracking, all-day stress tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a Body Battery energy monitor. It can even track a variety of activities like yoga, pilates, dance fitness, and more. Plus, it offers up to five days of battery life before it needs a recharge.

If you're not looking for a techy timepiece packed with advanced features, the Garmin Lily 2 is a stylish pick worth checking out.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

There's a massive difference between a spreadsheet that looks good and one that actually works. Many beginner spreadsheet habits are secretly ticking time bombs for your data. Here are the core mistakes messing up your files, and the simple settings that fix them.

SAVE OVER $60: As of May 27, Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $134.99 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $134.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $64.96   Get Deal

The 1st generation edition of the Beats Fit Pro are back on sale, and according to camelcamelcamel, they're at their best-ever price at Amazon.

Beats audio is always impressive, and I've said before that the Fit Pro are my favorite earbuds of all time. Years down the line, that hasn't changed.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

There's a lot that makes these earbuds so good, but their secure-fit wingtips stand out for making them the perfect workout earbuds. This design helps keep them firmly in place during workouts of all intensities, as well as for general use.

The custom acoustic platform also delivers powerful sound, and you'll get Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking to create a more immersive listening experience for music. You'll also get three different listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive EQ, so you can switch between blocking out noise completely or staying aware of your surroundings.

And for battery life, these will not let you down. They promise up to six hours of listening time on a single charge, extending to up to 24 hours with the charging case. Having used these for several years, I've never been let down by the battery.

Get this Beats deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Triple Pack on sale for $37.72, which is $5.01 off its current $42.73 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Triple Pack (3-Pack Blister) $37.72 at Amazon
$42.73 Save $5.01   Get Deal

Since its release last week, products across the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising expansion have taken dips in market price — resulting in price drops that make it the best time to expand your trading card collection with more boosters for less. 

As of May 27, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Triple Pack (the 3-Pack Blister) available from $37.72, down from its usual $42.73 price. That knocks 12% off the sealed blister, with this lowest Amazon listing shipped and sold by Collectors Expedition for June 2-3 delivery. 

If you want your new Chaos Rising Blister as soon as possible, the $37.74 listing from TCG & MORE has an option for delivery as soon as May 29 at the time of writing. 

This 3-Pack Blister comes with three booster packs from the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution set’s Chaos Rising expansion, plus a special foil promo card featuring Charmeleon. Each booster pack includes 10 cards, one Basic Energy, and one Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Chaos Rising is built around a city falling into havoc, featuring many Pokémon from the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game as valuable chase cards (available to buy separately) — including SIR Mega Greninja ex, the Mega Hyper Rare Mega Greninja ex, SIR Cinccino ex, SIR Mega Dragalage ex, and SIR Mega Floette ex. 

If you’re open to saving more money by shopping beyond Amazon, Walmart currently has the Chaos Rising 3-Pack Blister listed at $29.95 with free shipping, sold by Realgoodeal and fulfilled by Walmart, while TCGplayer listings start at $21.50 plus shipping.

Buying the 3-Pack Blister at Amazon will still save you 38 cents per pack compared to buying single Chaos Rising Boosters individually — with the Charmeleon promo card included as a great bonus.

To save even more money per pack, Amazon also has the Pokémon TCG’s 36-pack Chaos Rising Display Box for around $275. Meanwhile, a surprising Amazon price drop now has the Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box available for just under $95. 

The Pokémon TCG’s newly-announced Pitch Black expansion is available to pre-order at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're an avid reader.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 27, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A collective

• Green: Game night picks

• Blue: To glare

• Purple: Classic literary characters

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Small community

• Green: Classic board games

• Blue: Homophones of ways of looking

• Purple: Ending in the "Little Women" March sisters

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1081 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Small community: COMMUNE, HAMLET, TOWNSHIP, VILLAGE

• Classic board games: BATTLESHIP, OPERATION, OTHELLO, TROUBLE

• Homophones of ways of looking: AYE, LEAR, PIER, STAIR

• Ending in the "Little Women" March sisters: BANJO, MACBETH, MONOGAMY, NUTMEG

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 27, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love a good dog.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 27, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Ketchup or mustard?

The words are related to food.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a sausage.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Hot Diggity Dog.

NYT Strands word list for May 27

• Brat

• Banger

• Weenie

• Hot Diggity Dog

• Footlong

• Frankfurter

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you tend to overpack.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 27, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 27, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To cram.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter F appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

STUFF

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

Apple is reportedly working on a new iOS feature that will lock users' phones immediately should they get grabbed by a phone snatcher.

The new feature would leverage technology already on the iPhone, including its accelerometer as well as potentially its connection to an Apple Watch, to detect the snatching and immediately lock the device, according to 9to5Mac.

SEE ALSO: What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone and how do you enable it?

Phone snatchers in large metropolitan areas often use motorbikes to steal phones from the hands of the unwary. In addition to a quick escape, this strategy allows phone snatchers to potentially obtain unlocked phones. An unlocked phone can be worth up to $1,000 to a thief, about $800 more than a locked phone, according to a recent Wired report.

An unlocked device is more valuable because thieves can access users' personal data and apps and have a much easier route to the phone owner's bank account, the publisher wrote.

Featured Video For You How 6 generations of iPhone captured 20 years of motherhood in 'Motherboard'

This new feature would be the latest in Apple’s Stolen Device Protection features that include Activation Lock, which stops thieves from disabling tracking or resetting the phone without the correct Apple Account login, and the Find My app, which allows users to track their missing or stolen Apple devices.

Users already have access to features requiring biometric authentication to unlock their devices, as well as other security features like Security Delay, which forces anyone changing major passwords or performing similar actions to wait an hour and confirm the decision with an additional biometric authentication.

It’s unclear when Apple might debut this new feature if the 9to5Mac report proves accurate. The next opportunity would be at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Scheduled for June 8-12, this is where Apple often reveals details about the next iOS. So we may hear more about this feature sooner rather than later.

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, May 27, 2026:

AcrossRare U.S. bills

• The answer is Twos.

94-foot-long model at the American Museum of Natural History

• The answer is Whale.

"Cool it, okay!"

• The answer is Relax.

Bohemian

• The answer is Arty.

Candy in a dispenser

• The answer is Pez.

DownWhen repeated, "It'll be all right"

• The answer is There.

Classic ballroom dance

• The answer is Waltz.

Maker of the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

• The answer is Olay.

Reason for an R rating

• The answer is Sex.

Tortilla sandwich

• The answer is Wrap.

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: Watch the 2026 French Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The world of tennis is focused on clay courts right now. Top players sharpened up in the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open, and now it's time for the main event: Roland-Garros.

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his title, but this year's tournament is not short of star names. Expect the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek to be battling it out in the latter stages. It's always a special tournament filled with huge moments.

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

What is the French Open?

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. It's the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay surface, and is the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments.

The current singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

When is the 2026 French Open?

The 2026 French Open is the 131th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from May 18 to June 7.

How to watch the 2026 French Open for free

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) $12.99 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 the French Open?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free 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 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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

We're only a few days into the 2026 French Open but already it feels blockbuster, with a triple header today that sees Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Iga Swiatek all take to the clay.

As always, Djokovic will be one of the most intriguing players of the tournament. Though he's almost 40-years-old, the Serbian remains world class and reached the final of this year's Australian Open. That said, it has been three years since he won the last of his 24 Grand Slam titles, so the No. 3 seed is sure to give everything he's got to make it 25 at Roland-Garros.

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

How to watch Royer vs. Djokovic for free

Royer vs. Djokovic 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 Royer vs. Djokovic in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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

There's nothing quite like the sizzling excitement of a major tennis tournament, and the 2026 French Open is no exception.

Next up in men's singles action is Tomas Machac vs. Alexander Zverev. German star Zverev is the No. 2 seed, having bumped up a place due to the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, and he powered through the first round in straight sets.

Zverev has already ruffled some feathers at the tournament with comments about the gulf in quality between Jannik Sinner and the rest of the men's field, saying that Sinner is in a league of his own and that himself, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz are just a step behind. Now it's up to Zverev to prove he belongs in that group by claiming a trophy.

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

How to watch Machac vs. Zverev for free

Machac vs. Zverev 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 Machac vs. Zverev in the 2026 French Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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
$499 Save $80   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart

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
$799.99 Save $250.50   Get Deal

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.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

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.