Technology

Most people hang onto an old laptop out of guilt, or because they're not sure what to do with it. It feels wasteful to recycle it, but a second laptop doesn't have to be a backup device or an emergency spare. It can make your main machine better by taking over the background tasks that would otherwise slow you down or eat your battery.

Wired earpods have become quite trendy right now. The shift back to this somewhat retro technology is fueled by celebrities being spotted ditching wireless AirPods for wired earphones. They've become pretty fashionable, with stars like Harry Styles, Zendaya, and Bella Hadid turning them into cool accessories that the masses want to copy.

My homelab started with a single service, and before I knew it, I had a few dozen services running. In reality, I only use a handful of services every day—most of them sit idle or even offline.

The number of features packed into Home Assistant is insane. The problem is that there are so many features that it can be easy to overlook some of the best ones. I slept on some of Home Assistant's features for far too long; here are some more of the best features that I wish I'd started using much sooner.

Desktop upgrades are usually either expensive, underwhelming, or both. It’s easy to spend a fortune on some piece of equipment, only to realize later that it’s completely useless. However, with this particular gadget, the opposite is true—it’s both cheap and incredibly effective.

Google wants Android phones to connect seamlessly to Googlebooks. Meanwhile, Samsung and Motorola both offer apps that pair phones with Windows PCs. What about Linux? The tech giants won’t help you make your phone and Linux PC work together smoothly, but other app developers have stepped in to fill the gap.

Gemini is Google’s big bet on AI that has made its way into the company’s search, mobile, and smart home offerings. The only issue is that Google doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo that new technologies are supposed to improve the user experience, not make it worse.

Linux has a reputation for giving people control over their computers, but plenty of commercial products use Linux without giving their owners much control at all. They ship with proprietary software, restrict access to source code, or lock down the hardware so thoroughly that installing a modified operating system becomes impractical.

I've been pretty transparent about the fact that the best PC upgrade is one that costs exactly zero dollars. But aside from that? The next-best thing is using stuff you might already have lying around to give your PC a bit of a boost. If you keep most of your old hardware, chances are you'll have one (or some) of these in a drawer somewhere, and they could come in handy when you least expect it.

I've watched plenty of people (and I've been one of them) navigate a big Excel workbook by scrolling, squinting at tab names, and hoping for the best. It works, but it's slow. Excel has several lesser-known navigation tools that get you to the right sheet, cell, or result much faster.

Every few months, Google rolls out a "Pixel Drop" update with a few little goodies. Last year, "Pixel VIPs" was one of them, but it wasn't particularly useful at the time. The most recent update finally improved things, and you may actually want to use it now.

Milwaukee makes excellent tools across its expansive M12 and M18 lineup, tools that are loved by DIYers and trusted by professionals. The company gets a lot right, and hey, it invented the Sawzall, but that doesn't mean there aren't tools to avoid or that cost way too much for what you get.

Sony and Bose duke it out for the best mid-range headphone. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): SpecsSony WH-1000XM4C specs

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Processor: QN1 for ANC

• Microphones: Four

• Equalizer: 10-band custom equalizer on companion app

• Spatial audio: Yes, but limited use

• Battery life: 27 hours

• Quick charge: Three-minute quick charge for one hour of playback

• Connection: Bluetooth 6.0

• Multipoint: Connect up to two devices at once

• Weight: 0.61 pounds

• Colors: Black, lavender, platinum silver

Bose QC (2nd gen) specs

• Active noise cancellation: Yes, with manual adjustment available

• Microphones: Six

• Lossless playback: Wired USB-C audio up to 24bit/48kHz

• Equalizer: Three-band custom equalizer

• Spatial audio: Bose TrueSpatial technology with Immersive Audio modes for Still, Motion, and Cinema

• Battery life: 24 hours per charge (18 hours with Immersive Audio)

• Quick charge: 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours of playback

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.4

• Multipoint: Yes

• Weight: 0.5 pounds

• Colors: Black, white smoke, eucalyptus green*, dewdrop mint*, rosewood mauve* (*limited edition colors)

Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Sound quality The Bose QuietComfort (Gen 2) headphones come in black, white smoke, eucalyptus green, dewdrop mint, and rosewood mauve. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The Sony WH-1000XM4Cs are available in black, lavender, and platinum silver. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Sony headphones are known for their superior quality, and that trend holds true between these two headphones. Without any adjustments to the sound, the XM4C headphones produced a more nuanced and detailed sound profile with noticeably more clarity. The piano and vocals in Fiona Apple's rendition of "Why Try to Change Me Now" put me in a cozy jazz bar, while I found myself bumping the volume up on the Bose headphones to try to capture the same immersion.

Speaking of immersion, Bose does have the advantage in offering spatial audio in the form of its proprietary Immersive Audio. While it's not the best spatial audio I've heard, it does help live performances and more soaring songs shine — Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" was especially pleasing in this mode.

Sony's equalizer... Credit: Screenshot / Sony versus Bose's. Credit: Screenshot / Bose

Sony technically offers a spatial audio mode in the form of its 360 Reality Audio, but it's only functional with select apps (and none of the major music streaming ones). The lack of spatial audio, however, can be forgiven due to the excellent equalizer found on the companion app, which offers six presets, in addition to three custom settings. Users can also fine-tune their settings with a 10-band equalizer, compared to Bose's three-band equalizer and four presets. Ultimately, Sony provides a much more dynamic listening experience.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Active noise cancellation

Where Sony generally takes the audio cake, Bose is known to be the master of ANC. While Sony's most recent flagship XM6 headphones have reversed that trend, Bose is back to taking the crown between these mid-range headphones.

Sony's headphones use adaptive sound control and a four microphone system, compared to Bose's manually adjustable ANC and six microphone system. The result is slightly better ANC on the Bose headphones, with more flexibility in how much sound actually comes through. That said, Sony does offer an ambient reduction sound. In either case, you probably wouldn't be too mad to have either pair with you on an airplane or commute.

Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Design and comfort Bose has a fun party trick Sony can't quite match up to. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Bose headphones boast comfort in the name, and they live up to the expectations they set. They have a slightly looser fit than the Sonys, which also helps, but ultimately have more plush ear cushions. The cushions are also replaceable, which is useful for future-proofing. Don't get me wrong, the Sony XM4Cs are still plenty comfortable, but if you're a chronic headphones wearer, the Bose headphones may suit your needs better.

The headphones fold up to roughly the same size. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Bose relies on tactile controls, however. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Travel-wise, both these headphones fold up to a similar compact position that makes them easy to pop into a bag. The biggest difference in their design is down to preference: the Bose QC rely solely on tactile controls (buttons and a power switch), while the Sony headphones use touch controls predominantly for playback, with the addition of a power button and ANC button.

Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Companion app

I'd never recommend buying one pair of headphones over another based on their companion app, but because these headphones are still an investment, it's worth knowing the ins and outs of the experience. Bose's app layout leans more elegant, showing all the customization options on one screen, while Sony requires a scroll.

The Sony companion app requires some scrolling to see all the options. Credit: Screenshot / Sony While Bose's has it all laid out. Credit: Screenshot / Bose

They're relatively equal in terms of customization — where Sony headphones offer much more audio customization, Bose headphones offer more noise cancellation customization.

Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Battery life Both headphones have decent battery life. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable But Sony beats out Bose by three hours. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

While I was somewhat disappointed Sony cut the 30-hour battery life from the original XM4s to the 27 hours on the XM4C headphones, the 24-hour battery life on the Bose QuietComfort headphones puts the extra few hours into perspective. It's a decent amount of battery life in both cases, but the three-hour edge from the Sony headphones could be the difference between struggling on the last stretch of a long flight.

Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Value

This comparison would be much more difficult without a price difference between these two headphones. The Sony XM4C headphones retail for $299.99 and have already gone on sale a couple of times, dropping as low as $248. The Bose QC 2 headphones are more expensive at $359, with a price drop just below $290. Considering the relatively similar experience between the two headphones, the Sony headphones are undeniably the better value.

Sony WH-1000XM4C vs. Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Which is better?

If you struggle to find over-ear headphones that you can comfortably wear for long stretches of time, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are likely your best choice.

For everyone else, the trade-off in slightly worse ANC is worth the price difference, sound quality jump, and better battery life on the Sony XM4C headphones. Though I wish they also had replaceable ear cushions for stretching out more years of use, the immediate advantages of these headphones are too good to ignore.

Where to buy the Sony XM4C and Bose QC 2 headphones Amazon Sony WH-1000XM4C $299.99 Shop Now Amazon Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) $359 Shop Now Sony Sony WH-1000XM4C $299.99 Shop Now Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) $359 Shop Now

In our world of rising tech prices, when a new device hits the scene, the ultimate question is: is it worth it? If you're going to spend your money, you want it to be the best of the best. But the so-called best really depends on your priorities — do you want something that's the best value, best performance, or has the best features?

As someone who spends nearly every day writing about e-readers, Boox devices have shaken things up. These E Ink tablets challenge what we previously thought an e-reader could be, with added features you won't find on a Kindle or Kobo. But are they worth it? Well, that depends on what you're looking for.

Boox pricing: Is it more expensive than a Kindle?

First things first, let's talk price. Boox e-readers are really E Ink tablets, which means they can do a lot more than Kindle or Kobo e-readers. But does that affect their price? Less so than you'd think. Especially with tech prices on the rise, e-reader prices have been evening out across the board. Generally, Boox e-readers are more expensive than both Kindle and Kobo devices, but not by much.

The best way to compare prices is to look at each brand's 6-inch e-reader prices. The Kindle is cheapest at $149.99, the Kobo Clara BW is $159.99, while the Boox Go 6 is $199.99.

Get a Boox if you want an e-reader that can do more

Typically, on an e-reader you can access your library and all the books in it, but that's about all you can do. Boox e-readers do more.

So while you might be paying a little more for a Boox than you would for a similar Kobo or Kindle e-reader, you're also getting far more features. All Boox e-readers besides the Picco are Android devices, meaning they have access to the Google Play Store. That allows you to download any app. Yes, that means Libby, Kindle, and Kobo, but it also means you can get virtually any other app on there.

Use Libby and Kindle? Access them on one device with ABoox e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

In perusing BookTok to see how Boox users maximize their e-readers, it's clear that Boox tablets are almost like distraction-free phones. You can download Goodreads and StoryGraph to update your reading progress or even your fitness tracker app, all the things you might want to check before bed. It just means not having to pull out your phone and instead staying on a more distraction-free tablet.

But keep in mind, Boox devices are about as distraction-free as you make them. Since you can download any app, that also means you could get social media on there too.

How does the Boox perform against Kindle and Kobo e-readers? The Boox Go 6 e-reader has solid performance but occasionally stalls out. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Kindle and Kobo devices are quick, but they're not as advanced as Boox e-readers. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While Boox devices are tablets, they're a little slower than other tablets. For example, the Boox Palma 2 has a Geekbench multi-core score of 1,872 compared to Apple's iPad, which scores 6,233. However, if you're comparing the processing power of a Boox to other e-readers, it'll seem on par.

It has plenty of power to do what you need it to, like load books and turn pages. The only time Boox e-readers stalled out while I was testing them was when I was trying to turn a lot of pages in quick succession.

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Skip it if you're a bath or beach reader

If you live luxuriously and look forward to hours in the bathtub reading or taking your e-reader poolside, Boox e-readers are not for you. None of Boox's e-readers are submersible or have IPX waterproof ratings. Boox states that its Palma e-readers are water-repellent.

Boox specifically notes on the Palma: "The water-repellent design protects against daily water exposure, including accidental spills, splashes, or light rain. It is not intended to be submerged in water, or exposed to high-pressure water, or other liquids. The water-repellent effect may decrease over time. Please note that it is not waterproof."

So if you're reading around water, Boox e-readers aren't going to be worth it since you're so limited in where you can bring them.

Is a Boox worth it? A Boox e-reader is worth the money, but is it right for you? Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Boox e-readers are definitely worth the time and money, but who are they right for?

Perhaps you're an e-reader user who is sick of being limited to one brand's ecosystem, or you want to buy a device that's more multi-purpose than a Kindle or Kobo. If you fall into either category, a Boox will be a great e-reader for you.

When is a Boox not worth it? If you want an e-reader to take to the beach, skip it.

But overall, Boox e-reader are solid, well-priced E Ink tablets that are definitely worth it for the right person.

Shop Boox e-readers and tablets Boox Go 6 (Gen II) $199.99 at Walmart Shop Now Boox Palma 2 Pro $399.99 at Amazon Shop Now Boox Tablet Go 10.3 Gen II $449.99 at Amazon Shop Now Boox Note Air6 C $579.99 at Amazon Shop Now

A faster, simpler plan can still put astronauts on the moon in 2028, despite a space rehearsal ahead of that landing running three months behind schedule, NASA leaders said Friday. 

Administrator Jared Isaacman made the case at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where crews have already started stacking the mega moon rocket for the expedited Artemis III mission. The two-week spaceflight around Earth would see four astronauts — Randy Bresnik, Andre Douglas, Frank Rubio, and Luca Parmitano — in the Orion spacecraft, connecting with two landers built by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX in orbit. 

Their new plan for the moon-landing mission, Artemis IV, scraps a distant orbit around the moon where the landers were once expected to pick up the crew, and it also cuts the number of rocket launches each landing needs. But NASA's timeline leaves almost no margin for error. 

The stakes reach beyond science. Isaacman warned that NASA is in a new space race with China, which could land its own people on the moon within about three years. 

"This is a story as much about their discipline, focus, and urgency, [as] it is about the weight of [NASA's] institutional inertia and displaced priorities and decades of decisions — some imposed upon us, and others of our own making — that have held America's space program back," Isaacman told reporters at a news conference. 

SEE ALSO: Panel urges NASA to fetch Apollo 15 poop bags and hardware from moon

The new plan to return to the moon depends on unproven technology. SpaceX's Starship lander burns so much fuel climbing to orbit that it can't reach the moon unless it fills up again in space. Other Starships would fly up as tankers and pump fuel into it, much like a fighter jet refueling in midair. Nobody has moved rocket fuel between spaceships on that scale. 

SpaceX plans its first full attempt early next year, and that test should show how many tanker flights each moon trip takes. Once fueled, Starship would meet the astronauts near Earth and push their capsule to the moon. Starship only entered orbit for the first time last month.

Blue Origin, on the other hand, skips the refueling but takes on a first of its own. It plans to launch three smaller spacecraft that work like tugboats. They would link up with the lander in orbit around Earth, then take turns hauling it to an easier lunar orbit than the one NASA originally conceived. 

First, though, the company has to get flying again. Its New Glenn rocket hasn't launched since a catastrophic mishap in May that destroyed its launch pad. 

Previously, NASA had chosen SpaceX's lander for its first two moon landings. Now the agency will keep both companies in the running before picking which one carries astronauts down first. 

"Regardless of who goes first, both providers are planning for lunar landing missions in 2028," said Jeremy Parsons, NASA's Artemis program manager.

The Artemis III mission is running about three months behind schedule, but NASA officials expect it to launch next year. Credit: NASA / Bill Stafford

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NASA attributes most of the Artemis III delay to late electronics parts for Blue Origin's lander. To claw back time, NASA has planted its own engineers inside suppliers' factories and requires daily progress reports from its major contractors. When a huge piece of Blue Origin's lander needed to cross the country fast, the agency borrowed a military cargo jet to fly it there, officials said.

NASA also has started building more of its own hardware instead of outsourcing it to the private sector. A connection that feeds super-cold hydrogen into the Space Launch System rocket has had leaking issues in the past. The original fix would have taken years and tens of millions of dollars, Parsons said. NASA engineers redesigned and built a new one themselves for a fraction of the price in less than five months, he said. At a NASA center in Alabama, engineers also designed and built a part for the Artemis III rocket without hiring a contractor at all.

That push comes from an unlikely source. The administrator is a tech billionaire, who made his fortune building a payments company. Business leaders usually argue that private companies beat the government on speed and cost. But when it comes to NASA, Isaacman argued nearly the opposite on Friday. He blamed bloated programs and a lobby of suppliers for slowing the agency down. The solution, he said, was more designing, welding, and machining performed in house.  

"It's not entrepreneurial thinking or tech industry pixie dust or some new management philosophy," Isaacman said. "It's a playbook this agency knows really well — the same playbook that went from Apollo 7 splashdown to Apollo 11 in just nine months."

NASA and Axiom Space are developing a pared-down Artemis IV spacesuit to speed up development. Credit: NASA / Bill Stafford

To save time, NASA also has trimmed its own ambitions. NASA and its contractor, Axiom Space, are developing a pared-down spacesuit for the first short moonwalks that would weigh about 250 pounds, roughly half as much as the original. The agency also scrapped an expensive, delayed new top section for its rocket, the part that gives the capsule its final shove toward the moon, and picked a stretched version of one that United Launch Alliance already builds for its own rockets.

Speed makes some people nervous, and with reason. In 1967, a fire during a launch pad test killed three Apollo astronauts. Isaacman and Amit Kshatriya, NASA's associate administrator, argued that moving fast doesn't mean cutting corners. 

"Speed and rigor are not the same dial. They're just not," Kshatriya said. "We can dial them separately. Just because we go fast doesn't mean we're not doing the right things."

All three rockets in NASA's plan head back to the launch pad within months. SpaceX could fly Starship again as soon as November, and Blue Origin hopes to return New Glenn to flight around the turn of the year. Before the close of 2026, NASA plans to load its own rocket with fuel at the launch pad. 

Save $50: The DJI Mini 3 drone is down to $369 at Amazon. That's a $50 savings off the regular list price of $419.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 $369 at Amazon
$419 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

While shoppers are buzzing for the big Black Friday discounts, Amazon has plenty of deals available right now — particularly if you know how to navigate the listings. Fortunately, we've always got our eye on the latest and best deals, and we've spotted a discount for drone fans this weekend.

As of Oct. 24, the DJI Mini 3 drone is down to $369 at Amazon, giving you total savings of $50.

It's worth grabbing this while it's marked down, as recent changes in U.S. law have effectively banned the future import of China-made DJI drones. Prices are likely to soar when existing stocks become increasingly scarce.

The DJI Mini 3 is super fun to fly, but it's also perfect for content creators thanks to a range of shooting features in 4K HDR, including QuickShots, True Vertical filming, and Helix and Boomerang shots. A 3-axis gimbal ensures your images are always stable, while one-tap editing lets you edit your footage on the spot.

As for actual flying, it takes off from the palm of your hand and boasts a return-to-home feature and robust wind resistance.

Don't miss your chance to save $50 on the DJI Mini 3 drone at Amazon.

TL;DR: Pokémon Center revealed a sneak peek at its upcoming holiday plush collection, featuring Pikachu as a Christmas tree, riding a Clodsire sleigh, and driving a Porygon-mobile. The new winter lineup drops ahead of the holiday season, with official release dates and pricing coming soon.

With winter right around the corner, it's almost time to transform your room into the ultimate cozy cave. And if your seasonal setup is currently missing a Pikachu dressed like a Christmas tree or an absolute unit of a Clodsire pulling a sleigh, the Pokémon Center is about to fix that.

The official store just dropped a preview of its upcoming holiday plush collection, giving us a first look at a fresh wave of insanely cute winter releases. We've already covered all the best highlights from the full holiday drop, from Mew tree toppers to Snom beanies, so consider these plushies the festive cherry on top.

We don't have exact prices or an official launch date yet, but the drop will feature Pikachu taking on all kinds of festive roles across both full-sized plushies and plush key chains.

Credit: Pokémon Center

Here's what's coming:

• Tree-kachu — Pikachu went all-out this year and straight-up dressed as a holiday tree. The floppy-eared fit features pastel ornaments, a glittery red bow, and a shiny golden Minior sitting on top instead of a regular star.

• Clodsire Sleigh — Stantler and Sawsbuck can take the year off because Pikachu has a very gallant Clodsire pulling its sleigh this time around. Both of them are rocking matching winter hats, and the back of the golden-trimmed sleigh even sports Pikachu's signature ears and lightning-bolt tail.

• Porygon-mobile — Pikachu apparently got its top wishlist item this year and is now flexing on everyone while cruising around in a toy car modeled after an upgraded Porygon.

• Tangela Cookie — Easily the most relatable one of the batch, this plush catches Pikachu in full holiday snack mode. It's blissfully munching on a cream-filled Tangela cookie with its eyes closed in pure happiness.

• Snowman Pikachu — Channeling classic Santa vibes with a floppy cap and a fluffy white beard, Pikachu gets rolled up into a perfect little snowball with its bright red cheeks poking out.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Pokémon Center site over the next few weeks so you can scoop these up before the holiday rush sells them out.

Credit: Pokémon Center

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 3-day free trial, then $199.99/year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 5-day free trial, then $63.99/month for 1 month (save $25) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Orange & Blue $60.99/month Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 5 months (save $110) Shop Now

The Alabama Crimson Tide were riding high in the rankings at the start of this season but have dropped down after two straight losses and poor scorelines. They're now 5-2 overall and ranked at No. 13, while their Week 8 opponents remain unranked with a record of 3-2.

Alabama will likely see this as an opportunity to score a win and get back on track, particularly given the Aggies' 1-3 SEC record. But nothing's for certain, and Texas A&M are sure to put up a fight in an effort to turn their own fortunes around.

If you want to watch Texas A&M vs. Alabama for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Texas A&M vs. Alabama?

Texas A&M vs. Alabama takes place at 3.30 p.m. ET on Oct. 24. This game takes place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Texas A&M vs. Alabama is broadcast on ABC.

How to watch college football in 2026

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $31.99 per month, but for an extra $4 per month you can secure a plan that also includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99/year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $38.89 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a three-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers more than 250 live TV channels and lets you watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a five-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters with a trial before you make any commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $99.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). Plus, the first month will only cost $49.99.

The included ESPN+ access provides bonus coverage of even more college football games, on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $60.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sports streaming service that offers a wide range of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue package gives you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, plus ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

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

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Texas A&M vs. Alabama from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Texas A&M vs. Alabama from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Texas A&M vs. Alabama from anywhere in the world

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

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

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 3-day free trial, then $199.99/year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 5-day free trial, then $63.99/month for 1 month (save $25) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Orange & Blue $60.99/month Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 5 months (save $110) Shop Now

The No. 15-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes go on the road for a scheduled Week 8 game against the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. Iowa are 5-1 overall, and Minnesota are 4-2, with the teams separated by just one spot in the Big 10.

Iowa bounced back from their only loss of the season with a dominant win over Washington last week, while Minnesota took a tough loss to Purdue in their last game. Both teams have had a bye week, so they'll be looking to return to action with a win.

If you want to watch Iowa vs. Minnesota for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Iowa vs. Minnesota?

Iowa vs. Minnesota takes place at 3.30 p.m. ET on Oct. 24. This game takes place at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Iowa vs. Minnesota is broadcast on FS1.

How to watch college football in 2026

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $31.99 per month, but for an extra $4 per month you can secure a plan that also includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99/year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $38.89 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a three-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers more than 250 live TV channels and lets you watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a five-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters with a trial before you make any commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $99.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). Plus, the first month will only cost $49.99.

The included ESPN+ access provides bonus coverage of even more college football games, on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $60.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sports streaming service that offers a wide range of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue package gives you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, plus ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

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

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Iowa vs. Minnesota from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Iowa vs. Minnesota from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Iowa vs. Minnesota from anywhere in the world

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

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

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 3-day free trial, then $199.99/year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 5-day free trial, then $63.99/month for 1 month (save $25) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Orange & Blue $60.99/month Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 5 months (save $110) Shop Now

The Mountain West Conference offers a crucial game this evening, as the New Dakota State Bisons go on the road against the New Mexico Lobos.

The winner of this Week 8 showdown will take the top spot in MW and stay in contention to take the G6 playoffs bid — though either team will have to keep racking up the wins to fend off the unbeaten 7-0 James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference. The Lobos have an overall record of 5-1, while the Bisons are at 6-1. Whatever happens, this is a can't-miss college football clash.

If you want to watch New Dakota State vs. New Mexico for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is New Dakota State vs. New Mexico?

New Dakota State vs. New Mexico takes place at 10 p.m. ET on Oct. 24. This game takes place at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

New Dakota State vs. New Mexico is broadcast on The CW.

How to watch college football in 2026

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $31.99/month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $31.99 per month, but for an extra $4 per month you can secure a plan that also includes Disney+ and Hulu.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99/year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $38.89 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a three-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers more than 250 live TV channels and lets you watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a five-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters with a trial before you make any commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $99.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $99.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). Plus, the first month will only cost $49.99.

The included ESPN+ access provides bonus coverage of even more college football games, on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $60.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sports streaming service that offers a wide range of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue package gives you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, plus ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

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

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch New Dakota State vs. New Mexico from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream New Dakota State vs. New Mexico from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch New Dakota State vs. New Mexico from anywhere in the world

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

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

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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