Technology

Smartphones and the apps we use on them are designed to maximize screen time. You might pick up your phone to swipe away a notification alert, only to realize half an hour has passed and you haven’t looked away from the screen. That’s why I set up a notification system to alert me whenever that happened.

For a lot of us, streaming was supposed to be the end of expensive cable bundles. A way to pay only for what we actually watched. But somewhere along the way, that promise started to unravel. Every show seemed to live on a different platform, subscription prices crept up, and the once simple joy of flipping through channels turned into a spreadsheet of monthly charges. According to Consumer Reports, more than half of American households now subscribe to four or more streaming services, and nearly one in ten pay for nine or more. It’s a quiet kind of subscription fatigue that’s easy to ignore until you finally add up the totals.

Major shifts could be ahead for Android—the Epic vs. Google settlement will change app distribution. Motorola's new Moto G series starts at just $170. Plus, Google Messages can now pin 20 conversations, and Gemini is coming to Google Maps navigation. Read on for more!

Android is now over fifteen years old, and in that time, some truly great apps have come and gone. Let's take a moment to honor a few of our fallen brethren who truly did serve us well.

For people desperate to have the smallest eReader possible, the Durobo Krono is a new option. It’s a 6.13-inch phone-like device with an E Ink screen that tries to differentiate itself with a scroll wheel. Unfortunately, the device feels cheap to use.

In the past, we could only dream of staying online while camping off-grid. Instead, we told a family member or friend where we planned to be and when we planned to be back in the real world with a charged-up cell phone. But thanks to the best power stations for camping, those days are over. We now have the magical convenience of portable power stations. Some models are gigantic beasts that can keep an entire house going during an emergency power outage. Others focus on portability and can fit inside a backpack for a hiking and camping weekend. 

Regardless of the model’s size or features, portable power stations are excellent for keeping your phone charged while camping, keeping the string lights on to set the vibe at night, and powering up the induction cooker come dinner time.

Your ideal portable power station for camping depends on your overall power needs, how long you’ll be in the great outdoors, and whether you’ll be utilizing solar power to recharge. And after months of testing some of the top models, I'm finally ready to pick the best portable power station for camping in 2025.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) hot to go with the tap of a button. Thanks to the best hookup apps, finding a sexy new friend can be just as easy as ordering a pizza. As for the quality, well, that’s probably the same too — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you. I've personally vetted all of the best dating apps to separate the contenders from the pretenders. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

What to know before you swipe

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: My ghoster apologized to me. Here's what they had to say.

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

Recent updates to this guide

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

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

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

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few well-known hookup apps are missing here. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's popular; it has to be effective, safe, and actually worth your time.

The apps below were left out for a combination of reasons, from having what I consider an ancient interface to user reviews and Reddit threads complaining about everything from bots to questionable billing practices.

BeNaughty and Fling.com: On the surface, sites like BeNaughty and Fling.com look like they'd be a good time, but the user feedback I read (and I read a lot) paints a different picture. Reddit threads are filled with complaints about these platforms being overrun with what seem to be bots and fake profiles. One user reported that, within a minute of making the payment, they received over 20 messages. That's a major red flag in my book. Multiple users have also reported confusing "trial" offers that lead to unexpected, recurring subscriptions, sometimes from affiliated sites they didn't realize they were signing up for — a common trick on adult websites.

Kasual: Unlike the others, Kasual doesn't seem to be an outright "scam," but based on user feedback, it’s not very effective either. The biggest complaint is that the app feels like a ghost town, with a small and inactive user base, especially if you're not in a major city. Many users report that matches rarely reply or that conversations go nowhere, feeling forced or like people are just there to pass the time. While the platform itself seems legitimate, a dating app without enough active people is like a party with no guests. For that reason, I can't recommend it.

Apps I've cut from the list

• Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. At the end of the day, it just doesn't offer anything special that other apps aren't already doing better, so it's off the list.

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

Contrary to what you might think, you don't need to break the bank to get a great pair of earbuds. We spend a lot of time fawning over the latest tech here at Mashable, and as much as we love nerding out over the newest Sony headphones drop, we know that's not always relatable. New tech is often expensive tech, and a nearly $500 pair of headphones is certainly not always in the budget. That's why we're here to talk about the best budget earbuds.

A pair of cheap earbuds is a compact alternative to over-the-ear headphones, but let's be clear, just because these earbuds are affordable, doesn't mean they skimp on features. Two of the best earbuds we've tested are nearly $300 — Apple AirPods Pro costs $249.95, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds come in at $299 — but we've found models for even less. You don't need to spend $300 on a pair of great earbuds; in fact, you don't even need to spend $100.

Among all the earbuds we've tested, which is an extensive list, these are the best budget earbuds.

What's considered budget?

Budget is a relative term, so for this list, we're looking at earbuds under $200, but mostly under $100. Our top pick is the EarFun Air Pro 4, which have a list price of $79.99, and have the noise cancellation of a much more expensive pair of earbuds. Going the budget route might mean making compromises, but not sacrifices. For under $100, you can still get active noise cancellation and self-charging cases.

We do include a couple of models closer to $200, which we get isn't exactly everyone's idea of budget-friendly. For those models, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds and the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, we consider them budget pairs, relatively speaking. Compared to premium options, the Bose QC earbuds offer an awfully similar experience for significantly cheaper. In the case of Apple, AirPods' entire line runs at higher price points than most of the consumer audio market. That's why we recommend the AirPods 4 both with and without ANC for folks who want to stay in the Apple ecosystem, enjoy AirPods' quality sound, but aren't quite ready to make the jump to the Pros.

Currently testing

Another pair of earbuds that are currently in consideration for this list are the CMF Buds 2. We're currently testing these earbuds and will update this guide once complete.

Other models we've tested

The models on this list are pulled from our extensive testing here at Mashable. Our previous top pick on this list was the Apple AirPods 3; however, the AirPods 4 have replaced them, making them more expensive, and they also lack great Android compatibility.

Another pair of headphones we considered for this list were the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds with sound by Bose. We tested these buds, and while they're pretty good for $100, they have a bad case design and just aren't that comfortable compared to other models on this list — plus, the $100 introductory price went up to $129.99.

I ran the New York City Marathon wearing seven fitness trackers to see how they compare, and I left with a few favorites. I received a lot of strange looks, but if shame is the price to pay for finding the best fitness tracker for running a marathon, so be it.

While training for the race, I used 10 different trackers in total — deep breath — the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (which replaced my Apple Watch Ultra 2, which replaced my Apple Watch SE), the Garmin Forerunner 570, the Whoop MG, the Pixel Watch 4 (as well as the older Pixel Watch 3), the Suunto Run, the Oura Ring 4, and the Fitbit Charge 6.

In the end, I ran the marathon using the seven most updated models of our top contenders. I was most impressed by the Whoop MG, Garmin Forerunner 570, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The more affordable Suunto Run also has a lot to offer runners.

Fitness trackers tested for this guide BEST SPLURGE Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 at Amazon (Save up to $99 at Amazon) Get Deal BEST RUNNING WATCH Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin Shop Now BEST FOR HEALTH TRACKING Whoop MG $359 at Amazon Shop Now BEST GARMIN ALTERNATIVE Suunto Run Sports Watch $249.00 at Amazon Shop Now ALSO CONSIDER Pixel Watch 4 $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now SMART RING PICK Oura Ring 4 $348.97 at Amazon Shop Now BUDGET OPTION Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon Get Deal

I also wanted to find the most reliable fitness trackers for marathon training, so during each week of my training, I focused specifically on one tracker or smartwatch. To ensure the best data collection possible, I also wore it during the day and night outside of my workouts to test its battery life and recovery data collection.

While I focused on a different tracker each week, I wore all seven models during all of my workouts during the entire 18-week training season. In total, I ran 508 miles, had 30 weightlifting sessions, rode a bike for 110 miles, and practiced yoga or Pilates about once a week. And I did all of that looking like Bucky Barnes.

Meet my marathon training partners for the past four months... Credit: Joe Maldonado

Reader: It was humiliating, and I did it all for you.

I wanted a wearable that had a comfortable design, easy-to-understand workout metrics, useful recovery metrics, a long battery life, and was worth the price. I wanted it to help me train, recover, and run the marathon. So, here's everything I learned during my 508-mile quest to find the best fitness trackers for running a marathon.

Best health tracker for marathon trainingMy pick: Whoop MG 4.0 I wore the Whoop MG for 18 weeks and 500 miles of training. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The new Whoop MG is an incredibly comfortable, minimalist tracker designed for health and recovery rather than in-the-moment performance, and I really liked it. 

Its soft, lightweight band feels almost invisible, and because there’s no screen, you’re blissfully free from constant notifications or distractions — something I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. 

That said, the lack of display, GPS, and heart rate feedback during workouts makes it essentially useless for live training metrics, such as pace or distance. So, like with many health trackers, you'll likely need to also use a secondary fitness tracker to get real-time data on your run, including pace, heart rate, and elevation.

Still, the post-workout insights are impressive: you can literally see spikes in strain or stress — even pinpointing moments like a fall or tough interval — making it feel personal and validating. 

The recovery metrics are where Whoop truly dominates. Its journal feature is flexible, allowing you to log habits like alcohol use, weed, or even eating beans, all of which are correlated with sleep, stress, and recovery. The sleep tracking is top-tier, breaking down stages, disturbances, and recovery readiness into clear, actionable data that helps you decide when to push or rest. The battery system is genius — a slide-on charger means you never have to take it off, not even in the shower. 

While the subscription model is financially frustrating, Whoop’s depth of recovery data makes it arguably the best tool for understanding your body.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG fitness tracker $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Oura Ring 4 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Oura Ring is probably the best-looking wearable I tried during training season. It's sleek, comfortable, and surprisingly unobtrusive, and it excels at recovery tracking. Obviously, much like the Whoop MG, this shouldn't be the only wearable you use for marathon training — there's no workout data, because there's no screen, and it has no ability to provide live training feedback like pace or heart rate. It provides almost no useful data during or immediately after workouts, making it more of a wellness tracker than a performance tool.

It never pinched or became uncomfortable — though I wouldn’t recommend wearing any rings at all while lifting weights. When it comes to workout metrics, the Oura Ring simply isn’t built for live training feedback. 

However, where it truly shines is in recovery tracking. It monitors key health indicators such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, sleep quality, and general activity, delivering consistently insightful data that helps you understand your readiness and recovery trends. 

It’s also surprisingly useful for cycle tracking (if you're into that sort of thing), offering accurate temperature-based insights. The Oura Ring 4 battery life is excellent — it can easily last several days, and I simply charge it while showering without ever running into low power issues. 

Though it’s pricey and requires a subscription, it’s HSA/FSA eligible, which helps. Overall, the Oura Ring is an exceptional sleep and recovery tracker, best paired with a dedicated fitness device for training.

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring 4.

Oura Ring 4 $348.97 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target Best lifestyle smartwatches for marathon trainingMy pick: Apple Watch Ultra 3 The Ultra 3 easily beat other smartwatches, but it's also pricey. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the most advanced smartwatches yet — powerful, durable, and thoughtfully designed, though not without its quirks. 

Its massive screen and hefty build make it feel substantial on the wrist, but despite its size, it remains surprisingly comfortable, even for sleeping. It’s not the lightest watch out there, but it’s well-balanced enough for all-day wear. 

During workouts, the metrics are simple but reliable, giving you accurate readings of heart rate, pace, and time, with the option to plan structured workouts directly on the watch. You can pause your run by clicking any two buttons at once, and start a new segment by clicking the orange button. I appreciate how easily I can switch between media, segments, and workouts.

Post-run data is basic compared to dedicated running watches, but still plenty for casual runners. The recovery and health tracking features are robust — it tracks sleep, cycle phases, blood oxygen, respiration, and cardio fitness, and you can manually add data on nutrition, medication, or symptoms for a more holistic picture. 

Battery life is the best of any Apple Watch, lasting through a full marathon without dying and recharging quickly. For instance, I wore it all day and all night, during workouts and travel, but just charged it while I showered, and had no problem with the battery life. 

At $799, it’s by far the priciest watch I tested, but its massive screen proved unexpectedly useful during my marathon — I could easily read notes and spot friends on the course, and even reply to texts mid-race without missing a step. For runners who aren't training for a marathon, the new Apple Watch Series 11 also impressed our Apple expert.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $99.01   Get Deal at Amazon Also tested: Google Pixel Watch 4 If you're looking for an Android smartwatch for running, Mashable has been very impressed with the Pixel Watch 4. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I really enjoyed using the Pixel Watch 4 for my training, but it had one huge flaw that moved it below the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for marathon training: it died during the marathon. I never had an issue during marathon training, including a long run that was 22 miles long. So, it's still one of the best smartwatches for running in general. But during the race itself — which includes leaving my apartment about five hours before actually starting the race, sitting in a relatively cold start village, and running the race — my Pixel Watch 4's battery died. My Apple Watch SE also died during the 2023 New York City Marathon, so I'm not unfamiliar with the pain, but it's not what you want. 

However, during training, I was pleased with the watch. It's a solid, well-rounded smartwatch that balances comfort, performance, and smart integration. It’s lightweight and easy to wear around the clock — comfortable enough to sleep in, with no irritation or bulk. During runs, it delivers all the essential workout metrics like pace, heart rate, and time, displayed on a bright, easy-to-read screen that holds up even in direct sunlight. 

The buttons feel a bit mushy, but their presence is still appreciated for sweaty workouts when touchscreens fall short. Post-run, the Fitbit app provides deeper insights such as stride length, step cadence, ground contact time, vertical ratio, and oscillation. 

While Fitbit isn’t my favorite tracking platform, its integration here is smooth and responsive, especially with the option to create custom workouts, from interval sessions to threshold runs, and even receive AI-powered daily run recommendations. 

Recovery tracking is solid, too, with accurate sleep scoring that aligns closely with health trackers like the Oura Ring and Whoop. 

The battery life (say it with me: boooooo) is supposed to last around 48 hours for regular use, which isn’t stellar for hardcore fitness users but is fine for a lifestyle watch, and charging is faster and more reliable than previous Pixel Watches.

At $350, it’s a fair value — particularly if you already own a Pixel phone.

Read my full review of the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Pixel Watch 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now Best fitness tracker for running and marathon trainingMy pick: Garmin Forerunner 570 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I'm not saying anything revolutionary or shocking when I say Garmin is a runner's watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is one of the most advanced fitness watches on the market, and it's obvious from the second you wear it for a run. The workout metrics are nothing short of incredible. During workouts, it covers all the essentials — pace, heart rate, time — and presents them clearly on a bright, easy-to-read display. I don't love the buttons (they're a bit mushy for my taste), but they’re responsive enough.

Post-run data is where Garmin really shines: run/walk detection, training effect, power output, and running dynamics like vertical oscillation and stride length offer a level of insight few devices can match. It even provides adaptive training plans based on your data. 

On the recovery side, Garmin’s training readiness and body battery features combine sleep, stress, and HRV for actionable insights that rival Oura and Whoop.

Of course, it isn’t without its drawbacks — starting with comfort. I struggled with how it felt on my wrist; during a rainy run in the middle of my training block, the band dug into my skin and rubbed it raw, leaving it sore enough that I couldn’t wear it for the rest of the day. Other people have complained that they've gotten rashes from the Garmin, too. You can get new straps that might solve the issue, but boy was it unpleasant.

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 11 days, and while the $550 price tag is steep, it’s easy to see why athletes swear by it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin
  Get Deal More affordable running watch: Suunto Run Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Suunto Run also has so, so, so much data. What makes it slightly lower on the list than the Garmin Forerunner 570 is that it has fewer smartwatch perks than the Garmin does — it doesn't have the third-party app support, music, and contactless payments available on the Garmin and, in general, it feels kind of cheap — especially the charger.

But I did really like the Suunto Run. It delivers an impressively balanced experience for runners who want reliable data, comfort, and battery life without overcomplication. Its Velcro strap is lightweight, breathable, and secure — it doesn’t rub, slip, or shift during workouts, and it’s comfortable enough to sleep in, which makes wearing it around the clock surprisingly easy. 

During runs, the watch focuses on the essentials: pace, heart rate, and cadence, all displayed clearly on a bright, easy-to-read screen. The physical buttons feel responsive and satisfying to press, a big plus when you’re sweaty mid-run. 

After workouts, the Suunto app unlocks a deeper layer of training metrics, including training load, stress score, and normalized graded pace. While not every stat will matter to a casual marathoner, the breadth of data is impressive and well-organized. 

On the recovery side, Suunto nails clarity: it combines heart rate variability, sleep quality, and training balance into a single, easy-to-read recovery score that aligns closely with results from Oura and Whoop, though HRV readings can vary slightly. 

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 12 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours in performance mode, so you’ll rarely think about charging. At $249, the Suunto Run is a smart, well-priced choice for dedicated runners who don't want all the fuss of a smart watch but do want all the data of a running watch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Suunto Suunto Run sports watch $249 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Fitbit Charge 6 Good for counting steps, but not much more. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the least expensive option I wore, and it shows. It's lightweight, but don't let that fool you — it's a relatively uncomfortable tracker in comparison to the other trackers I tested. In fact, after two nights of sleeping with it on, my wrist was bruised. 

During workouts, it struggles to keep pace with more advanced fitness watches. The GPS accuracy is inconsistent, overestimating distance on one run and underestimating on the next, which throws off pace data — a dealbreaker for serious runners. It also doesn't track elevation gain, which is an important part of training for a particularly hilly race like the New York City Marathon. 

Mid-run readability isn’t ideal, and the connection with my phone dropped more than once, but heart rate tracking shines — responsive, accurate, and enhanced by helpful haptic alerts when you shift zones. 

Recovery tracking is surprisingly strong, offering clear sleep scores and resting heart rate data that feel well-calibrated for general wellness, even if not the most detailed. The real standout, though, is battery life, which easily lasted a full week with heavy use — truly impressive for a device at this size and price point. 

At $159, the Charge 6 delivers solid value for everyday athletes who want the very least. If you're looking for the best fitness tracker for running for beginners, this is a budget pick worth considering. For marathon training, it can't keep up. It's effectively a fancy pedometer, and you might be better off buying one of those.

Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00   See It at Amazon See It at Amazon See It at Walmart After 500 miles, what would I recommend to a friend?

So, after 18 weeks of training, 500 miles, and so, so many funny looks (that's what happens when you wear seven fitness trackers at the same time), what did I decide?

Here's what I'd recommend to a friend training for a marathon: I'd wear the Whoop MG for health tracking, particularly during training and recovery. I'd wear the Suunto Run during training, unless I had a lot of money to play with, and then I'd get a Garmin Forerunner 570. If I was specifically running the NYC Marathon and was worried about finding people, I'd keep the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist for the marathon. 

For now, I think I might go without any device for a few weeks. Free me from the data.

First off: What is a Chromebook, exactly? The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is one of the newest Chromebooks. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Chromebooks are laptops that run on Google's ChromeOS instead of Microsoft's Windows 11 or Apple's macOS. They support Android apps from the Google Play Store as well as cloud-based apps (meaning apps you access over the web). Google offerings like Gmail, Drive, Meet, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and YouTube come pre-installed on all Chromebook models.

ChromeOS is basically just the Chrome web browser, so Chromebooks work best when they're connected to the internet. However, you can change your Google Drive settings to enable offline use of Docs, Sheets, and Slides files and folders.

Google rolled out an initial batch of Chromebooks in 2010 as part of a school pilot program, and the first consumer-facing models made by Acer and Samsung hit shelves a year later. (We reviewed the latter.) Additional manufacturers entered the fray soon after, including Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Google itself. Google now no longer makes its own Chromebooks, called "Pixelbooks," having discontinued the line in 2022.

What is a Chromebook Plus? The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a great mid-range option. Credit: Sarah Chaney / Ian Moore / Mashable composite

In late 2023, Google expanded the Chromebook category to include Chromebook Plus laptops. These models are guaranteed to meet certain upgraded hardware and performance requirements, and they support some exclusive software features. More on those momentarily.

Chromebook vs. laptop: Specs Chromebooks don't look much different from regular laptops. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

When most people think of Chromebooks, they probably picture the bulky, thick-bezeled education models that schools often issue to K-12 graders, which are designed to be rugged above all. But most consumer-ready Chromebooks look like any other budget laptops, save for an identifying logo in the corners of their lids.

Chromebooks range in size from 11 to 16 inches and come in both clamshell and convertible designs. (Convertible/hybrid laptops have touchscreens and 360-degree hinges so they can double as tablets.) Chromebooks' chassis are usually made from plastic in boring shades of silver and gray. Because of their plastic builds, and because they lack heavy-duty hardware, they skew lighter than other cheap laptops.

SEE ALSO: Laptop specs explained: A jargon-free guide to what's inside your computer

Chromebooks and traditional budget laptops are also very similar on the inside. Both are designed for basic everyday tasks, such as browsing, word processing, and streaming, so their specs are equally basic. You'll generally get a small amount of RAM (either 4GB or 8GB), an entry-level processor, integrated graphics, and a teeny chunk of onboard storage — anywhere from 64GB to 256GB. Some low-end Windows laptops have 512GB of local storage, but that's not necessary in a Chromebook, which stashes most of its data in the cloud.

Chromebook Plus models have to meet some spec minimums that guarantee better-than-baseline performance. These include:

• At least a 12th-generation Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processor

• At least 8GB of RAM

• At least 128GB of storage

• A 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction

• An IPS display with a resolution of at least 1080p (Full HD)

Again, those are just minimums. Google's most recent Chromebook Plus devices blow past them with OLED and 2.8K touchscreens, 256GB of fast SSD storage, 5MP webcams, 12 to 16GB of RAM, and high-end chips with neural processing units (NPUs) for handling AI tasks.

What are the advantages of a Chromebook? Chromebooks are ideal for workloads that revolve around the Google ecosystem. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Cheapness is a Chromebook's most obvious appeal. Prices range from the low $200s for the most primitive configurations and top out around $800 with the latest, most advanced Plus models. As with any kind of laptop, specs and build quality improve the more you spend.

Affordability aside, there are several other reasons to consider buying a Chromebook.

Simplicity and ease of use

If you've ever used Chrome, you've low-key used a Chromebook. Between their simple OS and their pre-installed Google apps, Chromebooks will make people embedded in the Google ecosystem feel right at home.

Setting up a Chromebook is as easy as picking a WiFi network and signing into a Google account. Android smartphone users can get started even faster by scanning a QR code that kicks off a data transfer.

Chromebook users also have the option of syncing their Google account activity to the device for an even more seamless setup experience. Chrome tabs, bookmarks, passwords, themes, and browsing from previous sessions will populate automatically, so you can pick up right where you left off on another computer or phone.

Built-in security

Chromebooks have several layers of built-in protection against malware, viruses, and other security attacks, including automatic software updates every four weeks. All models released since 2021 get 10 years of these updates.

Great battery life

Recent-gen Chromebooks tested by me and other Mashable writers are slower than most cheap Windows laptops and MacBooks. However, they're very strong competitors on battery life.

Google rates Chromebooks at up to 10 hours of use per charge, but the median battery life for our testing pool is 12 hours and 47 minutes. One new Chromebook Plus we tried lasted just over 18 hours, putting it on par with M4 MacBooks and Qualcomm-powered Windows laptops. Now that's impressive.

Gaming is workable The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a gaming-ready Chromebook. (That's a thing!) Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Chromebooks can run the Android versions of games like Roblox, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Among Us locally, but they lack the necessary hardware to support more graphically intensive PC games (i.e., dedicated GPUs). Fortunately, cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming offer an easy workaround: They let you stream games from powerful remote servers right onto your Chromebook's screen.

SEE ALSO: I played AAA games on a 'gaming Chromebook' with GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass — which one is better?

All Chromebooks support cloud gaming, but some of them are better at it than others. One such model is the $649 Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (short for "Gaming Edition"), which features a large 120Hz display, an RGB keyboard, and a mid-range Intel processor.

Chromebook Plus is AI- and creator-ready

Chromebook Plus models have exclusive AI features that you won't find on standard Chromebooks. These include a built-in Gemini chatbot, custom-generated wallpapers, Live Translate, Help me read, and webcam enhancements. Two of the newest, priciest Plus models throw in an additional tab-sorting tool and an on-device image editor within the Gallery app. (They're the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 and Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.)

Chromebook Plus owners also get complimentary trials of Adobe Express Premium, a photo editing app called Luminar, and Google's AI Pro service, which unlocks tools like Veo 3 Fast and Gemini 2.5 Pro. These perks are meant to highlight the machines' ability to handle light multimedia editing and AI tasks.

What can a normal laptop do that a Chromebook can't? The Asus Zenbook A14 is my No. 1 budget Windows laptop. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The biggest difference between Chromebooks and regular budget laptops really boils down to the kind of software they can run.

Robust desktop apps

Some popular productivity and creative apps are only available for Windows 11 and macOS. Two popular examples are the Microsoft 365 apps and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Free, pared-down web versions of them work on Chromebooks, but the full-featured desktop versions do not.

Most top public universities actively discourage their students from using Chromebooks as their primary computers for similar reasons: They don't support the programs needed to complete some college coursework. (Conversely, Chromebooks make great laptops for younger students because they're not very robust.)

The Android version of the Slack app is optimized for mobile view. You can't resize these windows on Chromebooks. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

I'll also add that Android apps can look funky on Chromebooks if they're only designed for mobile view. You won't be able to make their windows any bigger than the size of a phone or tablet screen. They still run, but you won't get the full, laptop-y desktop experience.

Full-fledged PC gaming

As mentioned earlier, Chromebooks don't have the brawn to download and run AAA PC games locally (and starting in January 2026, they won't support Steam). You're also limited to the games in cloud streaming services' libraries, so titles like Elden Ring, The Last of Us, and Red Dead Redemption 2 are all off limits.

Furthermore, the quality of a cloud gaming session is heavily dependent on the strength of your internet connection. You might run into issues with input lag.

Final thoughts: Which is better, a Chromebook or a regular laptop? The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is my favorite Chromebook for most people. Credit: Lenovo

I think a lot of people might be surprised to find out that the best cheap laptop for them is actually a Chromebook.

In 2025, Chromebook hardware is better than ever. Sure, most traditional laptops still outpace them, and options with dedicated graphics are nonexistent. But a lot of modern Chromebooks translate to really good deals on nicer specs in the budget market.

Take the newer Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which starts at $649.99 with a 2K OLED display. The cheapest OLED Windows laptops are at least $50 to $100 pricier unless you find them on sale. The $699 Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514, another 2025 release, has a 120Hz touchscreen, 12GB of RAM, and a 5MP webcam. It's only $50 more expensive than the cheapest MacBook you can buy these days, the 13-inch M1 MacBook Air, which has a crappier 60Hz display, 8GB of RAM, and a 720p webcam.

This continues at lower price points. You won't find a 2-in-1 Windows laptop that's cheaper than the $399.99 Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11, for example.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of 2025: Compare the M4 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and more

I encourage any Chromebook skeptics to think hard about what kinds of apps they actually, truly use on a regular basis. Is the versatility of a traditional laptop a necessity or a glut? Are you sure the web versions of Microsoft 365 and Adobe Photoshop don't already have what you need? Would a Chromebook limit your workload, or would it actually streamline it?

Our reviewer said the original 2011 Chromebook was great at "anything most people would want to do with a small laptop," and I still think that's true. If you're someone with a chill email job who's just bopping between Chrome, Gmail, and YouTube all day, a Chromebook is totally up to the task.

Between the two Chromebook tiers, I like standard Chromebooks for kids and for adults who want a secondary device they'll use occasionally when traveling or working remotely. (These start at $229.) If you want a peppier, premium-feeling Chromebook that's relatively future-proofed and suitable for use as a daily driver, upgrade to a Chromebook Plus model. They start at only $369.

Full-time creatives, hardcore PC gamers, and college students should think of Chromebooks as fallback plans. They tick many of your boxes, but they make some crucial compromises that lessen their long-term viability for your particular use cases. You'll miss the software flexibility of a cheap Windows laptop or MacBook. You'd also benefit from the additional onboard storage they offer.

As of late 2025, I think the best Chromebook for most people is the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, an attractive mid-range convertible that retails for $599.99. If you can splurge a bit, I'm obsessed with the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 ($699 to $799.99). If you're on a stricter budget, I recommend the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 ($449.99). Check out my complete guide to the best Chromebooks for more buying guidance.

Shop the best Chromebooks we've tested: Best Chromebook for most people Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1334U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $349.00 at Best Buy Shop Now Best splurge Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $799.99 at Acer Shop Now Best budget Chromebook Acer Chromebook Spin 312 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC) $379.99 at Acer Shop Now

What is Moravec's Paradox? This robotics theory from the '80s is still extremely relevant today, and it actually explains exactly why the new generation of humanoid robots still can't master simple tasks like loading a dishwasher or buttering your toast.

Posed by robotics researcher Hans Moravec in 1988, Moravec's Paradox states that tasks that are simple for humans are actually very difficult for machines to replicate, and vice versa. Robotics has come a very long way since 1988, and yet Moravec's Paradox is just as true today.

This year, we've seen the introduction of several new humanoid robots, as well as the strange phenomenon of "arm farms." The Los Angeles Times first reported on these so-called arm farms, where an "army" of workers in countries like India strap cameras to their faces and spend all day folding towels and doing other menial tasks so that the footage can be used to train humanoid robots.

As the LA Times reported, "The carefully choreographed movements are to capture all the nuances of what humans do — arm reaching, fingers gripping, fabric sliding — to fold clothes."

Extensive training is required, as Moravec explained, because the simple everyday tasks we take for granted are incredibly difficult for robot helpers. So, while humanoid robots like Iron from EV maker Xpeng may look futuristic, they're often surprisingly incompetent.

X1 recently introduced the humanoid robot Neo, a household helper robot available for pre-order now. Yet videos show Neo trying and failing to do mundane tasks like loading a dishwasher. Of course, humans would struggle to do tasks that robots could do nearly instantaneously, like performing complex calculations or bending steel parts into a precise shape on a factory floor.

Likewise, Tesla and Elon Musk were excited to launch their Optimus robots, promising that a fleet of these bots would soon be available worldwide. Yet, as it turns out, the Optimus robots on display were actually being controlled remotely by humans.

That's Moravec's Paradox in action.

But just because this paradox has held true since the '80s doesn't mean it will always be that way. In fact, artificial intelligence proves that rapid breakthroughs are possible.

AI and Moravec's Paradox Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Moravec's Paradox applies to AI as well as robotics.

Just a few years ago, even advanced machine learning tools struggled to perform tasks humans take for granted, such as identifying the objects in a photograph or taking part in a natural language conversation. Even basic translation proved awkward and difficult for artificial intelligence.

Yet in 2025, AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT can perform all these tasks with ease. The Turing Test seems almost quaint in the era of large language models.

Yes, AI does still struggle with some human tasks — like, say, telling the truth or fact-checking its answers — but the pace of progress since 2023 has been remarkable. Image and video models have gone from mangled fingers and Will Smith eating spaghetti to true photorealism in the blink of an eye.

It's entirely possible a similar breakthrough will occur in robotics, possibly with an assist from AI.

However, there is one fact that might hold humanoid robots back: The fact that the human body is a terrible model for a robot. Humanoid robots may ultimately prove to be a novelty, even as robots in other forms advance quickly.

For now, Moravec's Paradox holds.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

Finding the best gifts for teen girls is not for the faint of heart. Trends among teen girls are an ever-changing hellscape. Even millennials — people who are not that old, thank you very much — can have trouble navigating the world predominantly ruled by TikTok and content creators. Funneling those trends into a gift that she’ll like and use for longer than a month is tricky.

Rule number one when brainstorming a good gift for a teenager: Don't just wing it. Gen Z girls are clearly loyal to a defined handful of brands and have very specific aesthetic goals. Goals that could be torched by the honest mistake of grabbing generic white earbuds instead of the new AirPods or buying a Lafufu instead of a Labubu. (And what if she actually hates Labubus?)

SEE ALSO: How 'KPOP Demon Hunters' became the biggest hit of the year

But you know who does know what teenage girls want this year? Other teenage girls. I've been tracking viral TikTok products amongst young girls for months, compiling the most popular stuff with items that the high school girls in my own life have requested. The 2025 edition of Google's Holiday 100 list (literally based on the most-searched products of the year) inspired a few ideas, too.

So, whether you need Christmas gifts or birthday presents, here are 30+ of the best gift ideas for teen girls in 2025:

The U.S. space agency has fallen silent amid the federal government shutdown, but it's about to slingshot a pair of robotic spacecraft to Mars.

NASA's Escapade mission will test a new way of traveling to Mars. Instead of the traditional fuel-efficient route used by past missions — a narrow launch window every two years that leverages an alignment of the planets — the spacecraft will take a path that first carries them around a stable point between Earth and the sun. After a year of loitering, they will swing back toward Earth and then head for Mars. 

The trajectory, which became necessary after two previous launch postponements, could prove useful when future human missions require many spacecraft to depart over several months instead of just a few weeks. Escapade, a nickname for Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers, is expected to blast off on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as early as Sunday, Nov. 9. 

The mission will get to the bottom of how solar radiation strips away the tattered Martian atmosphere. Scientists know Mars once had a thicker atmosphere, perhaps capable of supporting life. But the planet's climate has changed dramatically over billions of years, from a world with lakes and rivers to an arid desert. The air is mostly gone, yet no one knows exactly where it went. 

SEE ALSO: Video captures meteor explosively striking the moon. See it now.

The project is NASA’s first planetary mission led by UC Berkeley. The university designed the science instruments and will operate the spacecraft from its control center. Rocket Lab built the spacecraft, named Blue and Gold after Berkeley's school colors, each about the size of a stacked washer and dryer.

Escapade could set a precedent for how NASA and the commercial space industry approach interplanetary missions in the future. From soup to nuts, Escapade had a budget of $80 million, under NASA's Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration program. Rocket Lab built the twin probes in just 3.5 years for $57 million, a relatively cheap price compared to the billions the agency would normally spend. Those costly missions are a product of legacy aerospace contracts based on the cost-plus-fixed-fee model, which allowed the builders to run over budget without picking up the tab. 

"Rocket Lab undertook a task that, to be honest, I'm not going to name names, but at least one of those prime contractors said, 'We're not interested in this because if you need to fit everything into a $57 million cost cap, we can't build you two spacecraft for the price you'd be willing to pay us,'" Rob Lillis, the mission's principal investigator, told Mashable last year. "Actually, two said that."

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Together the spacecraft will map Mars’ magnetic fields, upper atmosphere, and ionosphere, the layer of charged particles surrounding the planet, giving scientists a stereo view of its space environment. Mapping the magnetic field is critical because Mars lacks the global magnetic shield that protects Earth from harmful effects of solar radiation. Without that protection, solar storms can deliver bursts of energetic particles that could endanger anyone living or working on the Martian surface. The mission’s data will help researchers learn how to forecast those storms and how to shield future astronauts from them.

Previous orbiters have studied how this "solar wind" interacts with the Martian atmosphere but have been hamstrung: One spacecraft alone can't measure the real-time consequences of solar storms. 

"It only takes one or two minutes for one of these space weather disturbances to propagate through the system and, for example, tear out a whole bunch of atmosphere," Lillis previously said. "Single spacecraft missions cannot separately measure the cause and the effect."

Rocket Lab engineers and technicians prepare Escapade's twin spacecraft, Blue and Gold, at the Astrotech launch processing facility in Titusville, Florida. Credit: Rocket Lab

Once in orbit, Blue and Gold will follow nearly identical paths around Mars, separated by minutes. That formation flying will let scientists watch how the planet’s upper atmosphere changes over time. Instruments aboard the spacecraft will track how particles escape from Mars into space.

Accurate models of Mars' ionosphere will also help engineers develop better navigation and communication systems, whose radio signals would pass through it, for human missions.

The Escapade spacecraft will travel for 22 months to Mars. The pair will then adjust their orbits over nine more months before beginning their primary science mission in June 2028.

Ready to start shopping for the holidays? The Black Friday buzz is officially in full swing, with plenty of retailers already rolling out deals and discounts ahead of the biggest shopping day of the year. We're here to help you navigate the sales going on, and that starts with diving into the early Black Friday ads from top retailers like Best Buy, Target, and now Kohl's, too.

Kohl's already has a wide selection of essentials you can save on right now for Black Friday across its entire retail footprint: home goods, clothes, electronics, and more.

Good news: We've already done the digging for you. We've gone through all the early Kohl's Black Friday ads to give you a clear picture of what's already available and what to expect for 2025. Check out some of the deals below that you can go ahead and shop right now.

Best early Black Friday tech deals

• Amazon Fire 32 GB HD 10 Tablet — $69.99 $139.99 (save $70)

• Skullcandy Kilo Compact Wireless Speaker — $27.99 $39.99 (save $12)

• Victrola Journey+ Bluetooth Record Player — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• iLive 5.1 Home Theater Bluetooth Audio System 6 — $64.99 $129.99 (save $65)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Altec Lansing 2-in-1 Kid-Safe Headphones — $9.99 $19.99 (save $9.99)

• iLive 5.1 Home Theater Bluetooth Audio System 6 — $64.99 $129.99 (save $65)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Echo Pop Kids — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

Best early Black Friday home deals

• Keurig K-Duo Gen 2 Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker — $99.99 $259.99 (save $160)

• Toastmaster 2-Slice Toaster — $99.99 $259.99 (save $160)

• Shark Rocket Pro DLX corded stick vacuum — $119.99 $199.99 (save $80)

• Crockpot Countdown Cook & Carry slow cooker (7-quart) — $54.99 $74.99 (save $20)

• PowerXL Vortex Pro air fryer (8-quart) — $79.99 $149.99 (save $70)

• Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruPet upright vacuum — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)

• Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop — $249.99 $449.99 (save $200)

Best early Black Friday toy deals

• Disney Princess Jasmine styling head — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• Little Tikes Easy Score basketball set — $24.74 $29.99 (save $5.25)

• Potato Head Super Spud — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• Hot Wheels City Ferris Wheel Whirl playset — $37.49 $49.99 (save $12.50)

• Hot Wheels Auto Lift Expressway track and toy cars playset — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

TL;DR: Give a gift they’ll actually use with the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card, on sale now for just $23.99 (reg. $59.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: MagTag MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card $23.99
$59.99 Save $36   Get Deal

Looking for a practical gift that will have your loved ones thanking you again and again? The MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card helps your favorite people keep tabs on their most important belongings — like wallets, passports, and keys — as it fits into spaces too slim for AirTags

Just in time for the holiday season, you can now snag a MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card for 60% off at just $23.99 (reg. $59.99).

SEE ALSO: Prep for holiday travel with 34% off a 4-pack of Apple AirTags

If you’re looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy-for loved one on your list, the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card is something they’ll never want to regift. It’s a sleek tracking device that measures just 1.5mm thick, about the size of a credit card, so it can fit into spaces that AirTags can’t. And just like the AirTag, it is compatible with the Apple Find My app so you can find your things with just a few taps.

With the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card, it’s easy to keep tabs on your most important valuables — like wallets and passport cases. It also features a built-in keyring hole, making it simple to attach to keys, bags, name tags, or ID lanyards. It’s IP68 waterproof and dustproof, too, so it’s ready to withstand the elements.

If you lose something with the MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card inside, you can trigger a loud beeping sound to help locate it. And if you leave it behind, you’ll get a notification before you wander too far.

You don’t need to worry about constantly charging your tracker — its rechargeable battery lasts up to five months on a single charge. It’s also easy to recharge on any Qi wireless charger.

Save 60% and get a MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card for just $23.99 (reg. $59.99) now.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Own the Microsoft Office staples for life with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, on sale now for just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Nov. 16.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $39.97
$219.99 Save $180.02   Get Deal

2025 is almost over — how many subscription fees are you still paying for every month? If one of your goals for the new year is to cut down on recurring charges, this Microsoft Office deal lets you finally cancel that Microsoft 365 subscription for good.

Own your Microsoft Office tools with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license, on sale now for just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) through Nov. 16.

SEE ALSO: Get 7 powerful Microsoft apps for life for just $20 with this deal

For the cost of just four months of a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can now own the Microsoft Office staples you know and love with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows deal. It equips your PC with eight essential apps for everyday life, eliminating the need for monthly fees and providing the option to work offline whenever necessary.

Wondering what this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license includes? You’ll own all the old favorites — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook — to help you tackle personal and professional tasks from document creation to building out budgets.

You’ll also receive newer additions to the Microsoft lineup, such as OneNote, a digital note-taking tool, and Teams, a great way to stay in touch with coworkers. Rounding out this suite of apps? Access, which makes managing databases easier, and Publisher, which helps you create professional documents quickly.

This 2021 edition features a ribbon-based user interface that provides quick access to all available features, tools, and customizations. You can rest easy knowing that everything has been redesigned to be helpful for everyone, from designers to data analysts.

Note: Ensure your PC is running Windows 10 or 11 before purchasing.

Act fast to secure this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license for just $39.97 (reg. $219.99) until Nov. 16.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

We're moving towards to the New Moon, which means for the next few nights the moon is going to look smaller and smaller to us. This is normal as we work though the lunar cycle, and we're currently on day 18.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Nov. 8, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This means 87% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

No visual aids? No problem, there's still lots for you to see tonight, like the Copernicus Crater, the Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Tycho Crater. A pair of binoculars will let you see even more, including Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Alphonsus Crater. If you’ve got a telescope handy, it’s worth using to check out Reiner Gamma, the Apollo 17 landing site, and the Fra Mauro Highlands.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

NASA notes that as the Moon orbits Earth over about 29.5 days, it goes through a series of phases. These phases occur because of the changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Depending on its position, the Moon can appear fully illuminated, partly illuminated, or completely hidden, even though we always see the same side. What changes is how much sunlight reflects off its surface, creating a repeating sequence known as the lunar cycle.

The eight main moon phases are:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Here are some rom-coms, picked just for you.

Are you in the mood for a one-night stand? A workplace fling? A full-blown commitment stretched over 30 episodes? More importantly, are you looking to laugh the whole time you're watching whichever sort of relationship you choose? We've got you covered with a selection of the best romantic comedies now streaming on Netflix. (If you're just looking for romance and not so much comedy, we've got you there, too, with a guide to the best romantic movies on the streaming service.)

We combed through Netflix's extensive catalog of will-they-won't-theys and could-they-should-theys, movies and TV shows included, to find the titles sure to give you that perfect balance of giggles and butterflies. Settle in with your chocolates, wine, and a cuddly blanket. Here are the best romantic comedies now streaming on Netflix.

25. A Perfect Story

Margot is an engaged hotel heiress crumbling under the weight of her family's expectations. David is a struggling bartender who sleeps on his friends' couches and can't get over a recent breakup. The unlikely pair meet at the exact moment when they each need someone in their lives to lean on. A Perfect Story is an incredibly watchable and breezy romantic comedy series from Spain that will leave you smiling. The two leads, Anna Castillo and Álvaro Mel, are bursting with charisma. Sure, Margo and David have got some shit to sort out before a romance can bloom, but boy, are we here for the journey! — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributing Writer

How to watch: A Perfect Story is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Love at First Sight Credit: Rob Baker Ashton / Netflix © 2023

Based on a hit novel by Jennifer E. Smith, Love at First Sight is a delightful romance with an airport at the center of its meet-cute. Haley Lu Richardson is a perpetually late, underprepared American student heading to London for her dad’s wedding, and Ben Hardy is a charismatic Brit who offers to lend her his phone charger at a crucial moment. They fall in love during the flight, but a mix-up at baggage claim prevents the star-crossed pair from sharing their contact information. Will they ever see each other again? Love at First Sight is a champion charmer, but it also packs a more weighty emotional punch than your standard rom-com. Gut-wrenching moments from a particularly unique costume party will stay with you for days.* — K.G.

How to watch: Love at First Sight is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Nobody Wants This, Seasons 1-2

Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) are not an obvious pair. She's a sex and dating podcaster who often pushes people away, and he's a rabbi coming out of a long-term relationship his entire community supported. But when the two meet at a dinner party, they can't seem to stop thinking about each other… And a delightful romance begins. 

The best part about Nobody Wants This is that the characters are adults. They're in their late thirties, and the problems they face aren't the result of immature games but real issues that arise when two very different people try to build something together. At one point, Noah tells a panicking Joanne: "I'm on your side. I can handle you." Created by Erin Foster, Nobody Wants This is a truly sublime, relatable, and refreshing rom-com series that boasts laugh-out-loud punchlines and steamy kisses in equal measure. — K.G.

How to watch: Nobody Wants This Seasons 1-2 are now streaming on Netflix.

22. Falling Inn Love Credit: Nicola Dove

Imagine a home improvement show. Take that home improvement show and make it a scripted Bachelor spin-off. Now, take that home improvement show-turned-scripted Bachelor spin-off and set it in New Zealand. Finally, sprinkle in some puns and you've got Falling Inn Love.

Starring Christina Milian and Adam Demos, this delightfully delirious romp into renovation romance is the perfect comfort movie for a cozy afternoon on the couch. Marvel at the pretty settings, lust after the linen shirts, stare at the goat named Gilbert. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Falling Inn Love is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Holidate Credit: Netflix

Directed by John Whitesell (Deck the Halls), Netflix's Holidate takes the "fake relationship" trope to new, seasonally decorated heights. Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey star in this will-they-won't-they about two friends who agree to be each other's "holidates" — specially dedicated plus ones for occasions where the pressure of an actual romantic partner is the last thing anyone needs. Of course, with all the flirty fun of events like Christmas, Valentine's Day, and [checks notes] St. Patrick's Day, it's not long before these not-lovers start making eyes over the dinner table. — A.F.

How to watch: Holidate is now streaming on Netflix.

20. 10 Things I Hate About You

Craving some enemies-to-lovers fun? Then check out this high-school-set adaptation of William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Julia Stiles stars as Kat Stratford, a brilliant and guarded girl whose disinterest in dating makes her the bane of her younger sister Bianca's (Larisa Oleynik) existence. Due to their dad's archaic dating rule, Bianca can't date until Kat does, and while Bianca is chomping at the bit, Kat could not care less about dating. So, what's the clever Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who's crushing on Bianca, supposed to do? Naturally, hired the school's ill-reputed bad boy (Heath Ledger, in a star-making turn) to woo Kat and get her to go prom.

At first, it's hard work catching her eye. But before long, these two misfits find they have things in common where it counts. A rousing romance with plenty of '90s flair, and a killer soundtrack featuring music from Letters to Cleo, 10 Things I Hate About You is still worth swooning over. — K.P.

How to watch: 10 Things I Hate About You is now streaming on Netflix.

19. When We First Met Credit: Jami Saunders

Somewhere between Hot Tub Time Machine and Some Kind of Wonderful, When We First Met imagines the perfect first date over and over and over again.

Adam DeVine and Alexandra Daddario star as one couple that just couldn't get the timing right, with supporting performances from Robbie Amell and Shelley Hennig. This movie's saccharine tone and overdone premise shouldn't work, and yet they do. It's...fate? — A.F.

How to watch: When We First Met is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Love, Seasons 1-3 Credit: Suzanne Hanover / Netflix

As series go, Love is a bit all over the place — but, so is its namesake.

Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust star as Mickey Dobbs and Gus Cruikshank, two Angelenos who serendipitously meet at a gas station and fall hopelessly, madly in...something. Over the show's all-too-brief three seasons, viewers are treated to the ups, downs, and sideways of finding the one. Come for the promise of happily ever after, stay for everything that really isn't that. — A.F.

How to watch: Love Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix.

17. Love, Guaranteed

Incredibly silly and deeply improbable, Love, Guaranteed is a sweet little ditty about a perpetually single man, Nick (Damon Wayans Jr.), and a lawyer, Susan (Rachael Leigh Cook), who team up for a predatory lawsuit against a dating company that “guarantees love.” But uh oh, this hopeless, lonely pair might find something more than they bargained for when they decided to sue the fictional version of Match.com together. 

I mean, look. The premise is ridiculous — but it’s unique! No fake-dating tropes here, folks! And luckily, the cast is deeply likable, making Love, Guaranteed a perfectly pleasant way to spend an hour and a half! — K.G.

How to watch: Love, Guaranteed is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Been So Long Credit: Netflix

Adapted from the musical of the same name, Been So Long offers a dreamy look at a chance encounter between two people in desperate need of a break from reality. With electric interactions between stars Michaela Coel and Arinzé Kene, this poppy romance will have you from the moment the first words are sung — and won't let go until the very last verse. — A.F.

How to watch: Been So Long is now streaming on Netflix.

15. The Lovebirds Credit: Skip Bolen / Netflix

Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani play a charming couple stuck in a seriously screwed-up situation in the spectacularly funny The Lovebirds. When our titular lovebirds are blamed for a vehicular homicide, date night becomes a race against the clock to solve the crime they didn't commit. It's the perfect popcorn flick with enough heart to get you invested in its leads. — A.F.

How to watch: The Lovebirds is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Wedding Season

Fluffy, energetic, and fun, Wedding Season is a cheerful, low-stakes rom-com. Pallavi Sharda and Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi, How I Met Your Father) are Asha and Ravi, two thirty-somethings tired of being set up on Indian dating websites by their parents. So what do they do when faced with a long season of weddings where they’ll face endless questions about their dating lives? You guessed it! They fake-date! It’s the only reasonable course of action!!!

The best romantic comedy trope gets new life in Wedding Season, with its super-charismatic cast and delightful wedding montages. If you like bright and shiny rom-coms and romantic leads with great chemistry, then RSVP "yes!" to Wedding Season.* — K.G.

How to watch: Wedding Season is streaming on Netflix.

13. The Half of It Credit: Netflix

Director Alice Wu's The Half of It hinges on straight-A student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) and her journey toward self-acceptance. It does wonders for the streaming service's rom-com catalog, not because it's especially new in its ideas, but because Wu executes them with a flair all her own.

A charming combination of unique subject matter and clichéd storytelling, The Half of It explores the perspectives of characters rare to the genre — namely, Ellie who is a queer Chinese-American teenager — with some pretty predictable narrative turns. You haven't seen this story done with these characters anywhere else before, but you'll feel like you have. That's a victory for the genre in its own right.* — A.F.

How to watch: The Half of It is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Easy, Seasons 1-3 Credit: Netflix

Joe Swanberg's Easy covers a lot of emotional ground, but the more romantic episodes definitely stand out.

An intimate anthology examining relationships in Chicago, this series weaves together so many genuine displays of feeling that it can be hard to keep your heart in check. Not all the characters fall in love, but you'll absolutely fall in love with all the characters. Start anywhere during any of the three seasons, and see where it gets you. (Tears. Tears is where it gets you.) — A.F.

How to watch: Easy Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix.

11. The Incredible Jessica James Credit: Netflix

Get a masterclass in self-confidence and healthy communication from The Incredible Jessica James. Jessica Williams stars opposite Chris O'Dowd, with a supporting performance from LaKeith Stanfield. This charming tale of a woman who will stop at nothing to be loved the way she deserves explores so much of what makes romance the sticky business that it is. But this rom-com boasts just the right amount of optimism to keep you invested until its stunningly grounded happily ever after. — A.F.

How to watch: The Incredible Jessica James is now streaming on Netflix.

10. XO, Kitty, Seasons 1-2

Sometimes you just want to watch teens fall in love, and XO, Kitty — a spinoff of To All The Boys I've Loved Before — delivers in spades. Lana already has her match; now it's her younger sister Kitty's turn. 

Tired of the inconvenience of a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend Dae (Choi Min-young), Kitty (an exuberant Anna Cathcart) gets herself a year's scholarship to his boarding school in Korea. Here's hoping her perfectly planned romantic surprise goes exactly how she dreams it will, without any external complications whatsoever!!! With a boppy K-pop soundtrack, an endless series of juicy, if somewhat convoluted, plot twists, and a bright, cheerful vibe, XO, Kitty is the perfect kind of fun summer fluff.* — K.G.

How to watch: XO, Kitty Seasons 1-2 are now streaming on Netflix.

9. Alex Strangelove Credit: Walter Thomson / Netflix

To find true love, you've first got to find yourself.

Featuring heartbreaking performances from Daniel Doheny, Antonio Marziale, and Madeline Weinstein, Alex Strangelove is a coming-of-age story designed to make your palms sweat. A poignant and touching look at coming out, this world is filled with good people doing good things that will make any viewer need a handhold. — A.F.

How to watch: Alex Strangelove is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Always Be My Maybe Credit: Netflix

Fans of Netflix comedy special Baby Cobra were long overdue for a fictional Ali Wong fantasy, and Always Be My Maybe really, really delivers. Wong and Randall Park make for a delightful will-they-won't-they, complete with love triangles, awkward childhood flashbacks, Keanu Reeves in the role he was born to play, and authentic representations of the Asian-American experience. — A.F.

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Emily in Paris, Seasons 1-4 Credit: Netflix

Created by Darren Starr (Sex and the City, Younger), Emily in Paris is the poppy Parisian fantasy you'll lap up like a "chatte" drinking "lait." Lily Collins stars as the titular expat, a young marketing professional from Chicago who gets an unexpected promotion that takes her to France. There she sells perfume, eats fine cheese, and, of course, falls for a hunky chef, played by Lucas Bravo. This show isn't 100% rom-com, but it's at least 75% rom-com. — A.F.

How to watch: Emily in Paris Seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix.

6. Sex Education, Seasons 1-4 Credit: Sam Taylor / Netflix

Sex Education had us from the moment its lead pretended to pretend to masturbate.

There's plenty to love about this perfectly cast teenage dramedy. But in light of the events of Seasons 2 and 3, nothing feels more pressing than the relationship between Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Maeve (Emma Mackey) — except maybe Eric's (Ncuti Gatwa) ongoing love antics. At the heart of every great story is a great romance, and Sex Education has more than its fair share. — A.F.

How to watch: Sex Education Seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix.

5. Never Have I Ever, Seasons 1-4 Credit: Netflix

Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, this smart, sweet coming-of-age story was among the most fulfilling new Netflix binges of 2020. And it just keeps wowing us.

Lead Maitreyi Ramakrishnan will steal your heart as Devi, a high school sophomore reeling from the loss of her father the year before — but with big plans for a future as vibrant and fearless as she is. As culturally important as it is authentic, Never Have I Ever serves not only as a critical step for representation, but also as a dreamy teen rom-com you'll adore.* — A.F.

How to watch: Never Have I Ever Seasons 1-4 are now streaming on Netflix.

4. Bridgerton, Seasons 1-3, plus Queen Charlotte, A Bridgerton Story Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Where to begin with the scandalous, sexy, and silly sensation that is Bridgerton? In this period dramedy, Regency-era Londoners look for love under the critical eye of the Queen and a host of courtiers while dodging scandal at every turn. It's Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey with a How to Get Away with Murder-type twist that's undeniably Shonda Rhimes. You're going to love it, so much so that you should plan on bingeing both seasons straight through. — A.F.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, is a lavish, ebullient triumph, and further evidence that Shonda Rhimes just doesn't miss. Delving into the personal history of the tragic, impulsive, and steely queen we know and love from Bridgerton Seasons 1 and 2, we watch a young girl transform into a formidable monarch — and fall in love along the way. The costumes are sumptuous, the drama juicy, and the romance slow-burning. It checks all the boxes while still making space for a thread of sadness that lends gravitas and complexity to the entire Bridgerton world. An ambitious and beautiful show that fully earns its shining crown as Netflix's newest darling.* — K.G.

How to watch: Bridgerton Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix, as is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

3.Younger, Seasons 1-7

Bright, bubbly, and addictive, Younger is primed and ready to be your next rom-com binge. The plot is ridiculous, the outfits are loud, and the cast is beautiful — is this heaven? Sutton Foster is Liza Miller, a 40-year-old mom attempting to reenter the workforce after a messy divorce. But when no one will hire her because of the gaps in her resume, she gets hair extensions and pretends to be 26. And everyone believes her! Without Botox!!! With a new assistant job, a new young boyfriend, and a new twentysomething life, Liza is finally feeling like herself again… But how long can she go before the lies catch up with her?

Younger was a 2015 hit for creator Darren Star (Sex and the City, Emily in Paris) and it's still as juicy and fun as ever — as well as a nice nostalgic trip to a time when millennials were the young ones! — K.G.

How to watch: Younger Seasons 1-7 are now streaming on Netflix.

2. Set It Up Credit: Netflix

An enticing combination of The Devil Wears Prada and Jim and Pam's The Office romance, Set It Up makes workplace love almost seem like a good idea. Almost.

Starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell as two overworked assistants intent on making their bosses fall for one another, this breezy comedy delivers on laughs and butterflies in equal measures. Plus, Taye Diggs and Lucy Liu hook up and it is very, very appealing. You're welcome. — A.F.

How to watch: Set It Up is now streaming on Netflix.

1. To All the Boys I've Loved Before Credit: Netflix

If you're reading this list, there's just no way you haven't seen To All the Boys I've Loved Before and its two sequels, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and To All the Boys: Always and Forever. Then there's XO, Kitty, the spinoff series about the fan-favorite little sister played by Anna Cathcart, which has a season two on the way. As you wait for it, go ahead: Bask in the chemistry of Lana Condor and Noah Centineo. Delight in the drinkable yogurt representation. Consider why you never dressed this well in school. Then, send out your letters. — A.F.

How to watch: To All the Boys I've Loved Before is now streaming on Netflix.

Asterisks (*) indicate the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Nov. 7, 2025, 2:50 p.m. EST This story was originally published in February 2020 and has been updated since to reflect Netflix's catalogue.

Opens in a new window Credit: Courtesy of Netflix Netflix   Get Deal

Sexting can open up a whole new frontier for your sex life. In my experience, it’s an exciting form of digital foreplay that builds anticipation like nothing else. But you can't just slide into someone's DMs on a random dating app and start a spicy conversation (unless you're on a site like AdultFriendFinder, where that's the whole point). Real sexting requires more thought, especially when it comes to your privacy.

As Mashable's resident dating app expert for the last three years, I've tested dozens of platforms to find the best and most discreet apps for the job. My highest priority is always user safety. I spoke with security expert Gary Orenstein, who stressed that for sharing intimate content, "privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential." He recommends looking for apps with three key features: end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting

After all, if you believe in safe sex, you should practice safe sexting, too. Based on my hands-on testing and these expert criteria, I’ve picked the best sexting apps that will keep your chats private.

Recent updates to this guide:

We regularly test new apps and dating platforms. For our most recent update to this guide in November 2025, we made the following changes:

• Added a new section explaining why some apps (especially those using paid chat operators) didn't make our list of recommendations.

• Confide: We've once again named this the best overall sexting app, replacing Signal as the top pick. We still recommend Signal as the best free secure messaging app. On balance, we think Confide's security and privacy tools give it the edge.

• Lovesense Remote: We added Lovesense Remote as the app that's "Best for Group Sexting." Lovesense Remote is also a fun way for couples (and polyamorous folks) to incorporate sexting and Bluetooth sex toys to their love life.

• FetLife: We named FetLife "Best for Niche Kinks & Fetishes." This social networking platform is popular in the kinkster community and can be a good way to connect with sexy new friends.

What about other sexting sites?

You've probably seen other "best of" lists that include apps I've left off. As Mashable's dating expert, I've tested dozens of platforms, and my goal is to recommend apps for genuine connections that prioritize your safety. Here's why some popular platforms didn't make the cut.

• A note on "paid operator" sites: Many platforms marketed for sexting (like InstaBang, Arousr, SweetSext, and SextLocal) don't primarily connect you with other real users. Instead, they often use "paid operators" or "professional chat partners" to provide a fantasy-driven, transactional experience. While there's nothing wrong with that, it's a paid fantasy service, not mutual sexting. My list (with the clear exception of SextPanther, which we've labeled as the "Best Sexting Service" for connecting with actual adult performers) focuses on apps for genuine, user-to-user interaction.

• Couple's apps: You also won't find apps like Between on this list. While it's a private messenger for couples, it's not really a sexting app. For couples who want to enhance their digital intimacy, our picks (like We-Vibe and Lovesense Remote) offer a much more interactive experience by integrating with teledildonics.

If you're on a budget and things look bleak in the relationship department, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds to find a genuine connection. There are dating apps you can use for free — so you can meet a partner with potential without shelling out cash up front.

Yes, dating itself will cost you between the commute, the drinks, and the time, but why should dating apps eat at your wallet? You don't have to resort to dating an AI to save money. Simply use a dating app's free tier. The good news is, the most popular apps are free to use — no credit card required.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps, reviewed: I swiped until my thumb hurt

(And you shouldn't have to pay someone to keep talking to you either. If you're being pressured to, you might be involved in a romance scam.) 

What dating apps are completely free?

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

These days, some people argue that big-name dating apps (read: Match Group apps, such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge) are all the same and have formed a single, amorphous dating platform. However, these apps still have distinct differences between them, as you can see below. 

And even though a lot of daters want to meet someone IRL, let's face it: Dating apps aren't going anywhere. Whether you're an introvert, a college student, or just looking for some steamy sexting action, we've got you covered.

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

Note: All the free dating sites listed below offer a free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to match or chat with other users.

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