Technology

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have unveiled something delightfully geeky: LegoGPT, an AI model that builds Lego structures straight from text prompts.

The study, published last Thursday, explains the mechanics in depth. Armed with a massive dataset of Lego builds constructed by the team with captions, the researchers trained a model similar to ChatGPT — but instead of guessing the next word, it predicts the next brick.

[1/2] We've released the code for LegoGPT. Our autoregressive model generates physically stable and buildable designs from text prompts by integrating physics laws and assembly constraints into LLM training and inference. Code: github.com/AvaLovelace1... Website: avalovelace1.github.io/LegoGPT/

[image or embed]

— Jun-Yan Zhu (@junyanz.bsky.social) May 9, 2025 at 10:06 PM

It’s not the first foray into autonomous Lego construction, but the researchers say LegoGPT stands out by generating step-by-step blueprints designed to keep your builds structurally sound. The team’s research, available on GitHub, details how the AI was trained on a dataset of more than 47,000 Lego structures, featuring 28,000 distinct 3D components.

According to the researchers, designs generated by LegoGPT were physically stable 98 percent of the time.

There’s a hefty dose of math and physics behind it all — more than I can personally vouch for — but according to the paper, LegoGPT sticks to the laws of physics, so the results aren’t especially wild. Most of the team’s sample builds were practical pieces: couches, chairs, tables, and similar home designs.

The tool is available for free on GitHub for anyone who wants to explore or experiment.

SAVE 25% OR MORE: Through May 26, Hotels.com is running a Summer Getaway Sale for members. Save 25% or more on select hotels and get 50% more rewards on all properties. Not a member? It's free to join.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hotels.com Hotels.com Summer Getaway Sale Save 25% or more on select hotels Shop Now

Before you book your next vacation, head over to Hotels.com to save some money.

Hotels.com is running a Summer Getaway Sale where members can save 25% or more on select hotels, plus get 50% more rewards on all properties. You'll have to book your trip by May 26 and travel by Sept. 30, and blackout periods may apply. Otherwise, the terms are pretty minimal. Deals are only available to Hotels.com and One Key members, but fortunately, it's easy and free to join.

Whether you're headed to the beach for a relaxing stay or exploring a new city, the Summer Getaway Sale includes hotel deals in tons of locations across the globe. Book a stay at the adults-only Live Aqua Punta Cana resort and save 32%, head to the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas by Hilton and save 36%, or enjoy the sights and sounds of Tokyo at the ICI Hotel Asakusabashi and save 55%.

Better yet, instead of earning $14 in OneKeyCash rewards for a weeklong stay, you'll earn over $21 during the sale. OneKeyCash is basically like cash back that can be redeemed on future purchases at Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo. A dollar in OneKeyCash is equal to $1 to use on eligible hotels, car rentals, flights, and more.

Fill up your summer schedule with trips to your dream locations and spend at least 25% less during the Hotels.com sale. Just be sure to book before May 26.

LOWEST PRICES OF THE SEASON: Kohl's is offering its "lowest prices of the season" now through May 18. Plus, for every $50 you spend, you'll earn $10 in Kohl's Cash. Shop the deals now.

Kohl’s Lowest Prices of the Season Sale deals: Best robot vacuum deal iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (Q013420) $122.49 (save $122.50) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker $99.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet (32GB) $84.99 (save $55) Get Deal

Kohl’s may not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re shopping for tech or even home goods, but sometimes, the retailer’s got some pretty decent sales going on.

Today, May 12, kicks off Kohl’s Lowest Prices of the Season Sale. During this event, you’ll find prices that Kohl’s says are their lowest since their current shopping season began back on April 7. You can shop these deals on home goods, apparel, shoes, accessories, and more through May 18.

SEE ALSO: All the best kitchen gadgets we’ve tested and loved

And, for every $50 you spend, you’ll get $10 in Kohl’s Cash to use later in the month. Plus, if you're a Kohl’s credit card member, you can earn up to 7.5% in rewards.

Here are the best deals we spotted during Kohl’s Lowest Prices of the Season Sale:

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (Q013420) $122.49 at Kohl's
$244.99 Save $122.50 Get Deal Why we like it

This roundup wouldn’t be complete without a robot vacuum, so let’s start with the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (Q013420).

Right now, you can get this little vac for $122.49, down from $244.99. You’ll also get $20 Kohl’s cash and 5% rewards with your Kohl’s card. This is the cheapest you’ll be able to find this particular Roomba model right now. (We cross-checked prices at other retailers, including the iRobot site.)

The iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (Q013420) has a 120-minute runtime, three power levels, and spot cleaning to target messes. You’ll need a 2.4 GHz network for setup and operation, and it doesn’t come with a self-empty base, but still, this is a good option for anyone who wants to try out a robot vacuum without spending a ton of money.

Best portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker $99.99 at Kohl's
$129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker is $99.99 at Kohl’s right now. This isn’t a shockingly-low price; we found it’s the same price at Amazon and other retailers. The only difference is that when you buy it at Kohl’s, you’ll get the $20 Kohl’s cash bonus and 7.5% rewards with your Kohl’s card.

The JBL Flip 6 has a two-way speaker system, an IP67 waterproof rating, and 12 hours of battery life on a full charge. The racetrack-shaped driver, separate tweeter, and dual pumping bass radiators are designed to deliver great sound, no matter where you are. And, if you’d like to amp things up a bit, you can pair it with other JBL speakers using the PartyBoost feature.

Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet (32GB) $84.99 at Kohl's
$139.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The best tablet deal we could find is on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet (32GB). Yes, it’s a kid’s tablet, but it’s well-reviewed (my nephew has one, and he’s obsessed) and still worth considering, especially since it’s on sale for $84.99. You’ll also get $10 Kohl’s cash with this purchase and 7.5% rewards when you use your Kohl’s card.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet comes with six months of Amazon Kids+, which gives kids access to thousands of ad-free games, books, videos, and more. (When the trial period is up, your subscription will auto-renew for $5.99 per month until you cancel it.) You’ll also get a two-year “worry-free guarantee” — if it breaks, return it, and Amazon will replace it for free.

It has an 8-inch HD display, 32GB of storage, and up to 13 hours of battery life, making it a solid choice for road trips and plane rides. The tablet also has easy-to-use parental controls, so you can filter content, set time limits, and more.

SAVE $100: As of May 12, you can grab the Dyson Supersonic for $329.99 on Dyson's website, giving you a 23% discount on the $429.99 hair dryer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic $329.99 at Dyson
$429.99 Save $100 Get Deal

As someone who has tested the Dyson Supersonic and its many dupes, there's one recommendation I consistently make to anyone interested in buying it: wait for a sale.

As of May 12, there's no need to wait. Dyson marked down the Supersonic to $329.99, shaving $100 off its full price. Whether it be Dyson, Amazon, Best Buy, or Sephora, this hair dryer doesn't really get price cuts that take it below the $100 off mark. What that means is that based on historical pricing, you're not likely to get a better deal by waiting for Memorial Day, Prime Day, or any other big savings event.

SEE ALSO: All the best Dyson beauty dupes we've tested

At $329.99, the Supersonic is still a pricey hair dryer, relatively speaking. While I do recommend at least looking at a few cheaper options before pulling the trigger, it is undeniably one of the best on the market. The design is relatively compact, but still provides incredibly powerful air speed that doesn't rely on ultra-high heats, getting your hair dry without completely sacrificing its health. The controls are intuitively placed on the back of the nozzle, so the chances that you'll accidentally switch your settings are minimal.

The five attachments also give you some styling flexibility (though I do think you'd be hard-pressed to find the person who gets regular use out of all five). Along with the attachments, you'll also receive a carrying case for storage.

Convoluted, jargon-laden hardware specifications (specs) can make laptop shopping difficult for those of us who aren't especially tech-savvy. But as Mashable's resident laptop expert, I know that being able to decipher them is essential to pinpointing PCs that fit your needs and identifying when deals are actually worthwhile. So, a basic working knowledge is valuable.

Below, I walk through common specs for today's Apple MacBook and Windows laptop components in plain language, and dole out some recommendations for different types of users. (For a deeper dive into specs for Chromebooks, which are cloud-based laptops that run on Google's ChromeOS, read our dedicated "Chromebooks versus laptops" guide.) Spoiler alert: The RAM in question is not a horned sheep, the chiclets are not edible, and the nits you'll encounter don't have the potential to hatch your scalp.

Processor Credit: Intel

The central processing unit (or CPU) is a chip inside a laptop's motherboard that's responsible for executing all tasks and commands. It's often referred to as the machine's brain or control center.

Modern MacBooks run on Apple's custom-made M-series chips. In Windows laptops, you'll find CPUs made by Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm (i.e., its Snapdragon line). Qualcomm processors are based on a different kind of Windows architecture than Intel and AMD chips, and as such, they don't work with some games and certain specialty apps.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for 2025, tested by our experts

I don't typically recommend buying a laptop with a processor that's more than two generations removed unless your needs are basic, or if you care more about saving money than future-proofing. (Older laptops tend to be way cheaper and easier to find on sale than newer ones.) It's really easy to tell the age of a MacBook's CPU: The bigger the number in its M-something processor name, the newer and faster it is. Intel and AMD's naming schema is a bit more complex — the former has a CPU generation guide on its website — but put simply, they follow the same "higher model number equals newer/better" logic.

Shoppers can pick from three different Qualcomm chips in Windows laptops as of mid-2025: the Snapdragon X, Snapdragon X Plus, and Snapdragon X Elite. I've listed them in order from least to most powerful, but the low-end Snapdragon X chip is the company's latest release.

Graphics processor

The graphics processing unit (or GPU) is a specialized chip that's responsible for rendering the visuals on a laptop's screen.

There are two different species of GPUs out there. One is an integrated GPU, which is built into the laptop's CPU and shares its memory with it. They're cheaper than the alternative, but they're also not powerful enough for serious gaming or multimedia editing. Integrated GPUs have the same manufacturer as their CPU (Intel goes with Intel, Qualcomm with Qualcomm, etc.).

The other type of GPU you'll come across is a dedicated GPU, aka discrete GPU, which is a standalone graphics card that has its own memory. They offer more power for intensive tasks but consume a lot more of it: Laptops with dedicated GPUs (e.g., gaming laptops) tend to have lousy battery lives. They also cost a premium. Among dedicated GPUs, the biggest names are Nvidia's GeForce RTX series and AMD's Radeon RX series. GeForce RTX GPUs can be paired with CPUs from any manufacturer, but Radeon RX GPUs only come with AMD CPUs.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2025

In comparing dedicated GPUs between different laptops, I usually advise prospective buyers to go up to two generations back if they want a good deal or if they mainly play casual and indie games. If you're someone who keeps up with the latest Triple-A games (and you've got cash to burn), a current-gen GPU is worth the investment. When it comes to decoding GPU model numbers, higher numbers still indicate brawn and brand-newness.

Memory Credit: HUIZENG HU / Moment via Getty Images

A laptop's random-access memory (RAM) is where it temporarily stashes the data its CPU needs for any active applications. The more RAM a machine has, the more tasks its system can handle simultaneously.

Sixteen gigabytes of RAM has become the industry standard as of late, even among MacBooks, and that's going to be a great starting point for most people. You can bump that up to the next configuration tier (usually 32GB) or higher if you do a lot of demanding gaming or content creation. Those with basic workloads can get away with 8GB of memory — "basic" meaning sending emails, writing documents, watching YouTube, and maybe playing Minecraft — but don't go any lower than that.

As mentioned, dedicated GPUs have ready access to their own little stockpile of RAM called VRAM, or video random-access memory, for handling graphics data. The more visually intricate Triple-A games you play, the more VRAM you'll want.

Storage

A laptop's storage is the space where it keeps long-term data — your documents, downloads, photos, videos, and audio files.

You'll run into a few different types of storage at different pricing levels. SSD (Solid-State Drive) storage is used in mid-range and premium laptops, while UFS (Universal Flash Storage) and eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) flash storage are common in budget PCs. They go in that exact order from fastest to slowest data transfer speeds.

SEE ALSO: Chromebook vs. laptop: What are the differences?

Casual users can get by with 256GB of storage, the standard starting configuration for most laptops, but you'll want to upgrade to at least 512GB for a daily driver, especially if you do any sort of regular gaming or creative work. Keep in mind that the laptop's operating system takes up a chunk of its storage space, so you won't get to utilize the full advertised capacity.

Display Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

A laptop's display (or screen) is the panel on which it produces text and visuals. It's the focal point of the device's lid, the thin slab attached to its base (or chassis) with hinges. It also serves as your main way of interacting with the laptop's software, so it's crucial that it's relatively nice and apt for your needs. Consider the following display specs:

Screen size

Laptop screens range in size from 11 to 18 inches, and like TV screens, they're measured diagonally from corner to corner. Stick with the lower end of that range (11 to 13 inches) if you frequently work on the go and prioritize portability. Stay in the middle (14 to 15 inches) if you want a machine that has more power and screen real estate for multitasking, but is still relatively easy to tote around. Go for the upper end (16 to 18 inches) if you'll mainly be using your laptop for gaming or multimedia work, and you're OK with it staying parked in one spot most of the time.

Screen type

Delving into laptop display technologies gets convoluted and acronym-heavy fast, so I've done my best to compile a brief, no-nonsense rundown of the two-ish types you'll encounter most often. Touchscreens come in both varieties, for what it's worth.

LCD screens are the standard among low-end to mid-range laptops. They look fine and don't suck up a ton of power. There are two notable LCD subtypes, one being IPS displays, which have better, more realistic colors from wider viewing angles compared to regular LCD displays. The other is mini-LED displays, which are brighter and have better contrast. They're newer and pricier.

SEE ALSO: When to buy a laptop, whether you need the latest specs or a great deal

The other main type of laptop screen out there is the thin OLED display, which features rich colors with deep blacks and stark contrast. They can be decently energy-efficient if their picture isn't constantly super bright or white. (The main trade-off is a proclivity for burn-in.) They used to be reserved for high-end laptops, but nowadays they're available on models at a variety of price points.

Resolution

A laptop screen's resolution refers to its dimensions in pixels. (Pixels are teeny little light-emitting dots that make up the screen's picture.) The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture is going to be. Full HD (or 1920 x 1080 pixels) is a good baseline for general-purpose usage and even some gaming, but feel free to go up from there if there's some wiggle room in your budget, or if your workflow necessitates it. Gamers and creatives who like detailed visuals should look into QHD (2560 x 1440) or 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) options.

Resolution is directly tied to another minor display spec called aspect ratio, which is basically just a width to height comparison. A wider 16:9 aspect ratio has traditionally been the go-to, but 16:10 and 3:2 aspect ratios with more vertical space are getting more popular. They're considered better for general productivity versus entertainment.

Refresh rate

A laptop screen's refresh rate (measured in hertz) refers to the number of times it updates its picture per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother motion looks. General-purpose laptops typically have 60Hz displays, while fancier gaming laptops range from 120Hz to 240Hz so action-packed titles look clean. There are some gaming laptops out there that go all the way up to 480Hz, but that's way overkill.

Brightness

The brightness of a laptop's screen (that is, the amount of light it produces) is measured in nits. The more nits, the brighter the screen and the easier it is to see its picture in direct sunlight.

Laptop displays generally range from 250 nits on budget models to 600 nits on premium PCs, with some elite content creation laptops capable of cranking up to 1,000 nits and beyond. I wouldn't go any lower than 300 nits, but I also don't think it's necessary to buy the brightest screen possible: There's a good chance you'll hardly use it at its maximum setting because it'll strain your eyes. It'll also zap the laptop's battery life. (For reference, I can work all day with my 500-nit MacBook Pro set to about 75 percent brightness.)

Webcam Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

A laptop's webcam is the front-facing camera built into its display. It's located in the top bezel (screen border), or in the case of MacBooks, in a small notch that juts down into the screen. Some webcams come with physical privacy shutters that you can slide open or closed with a finger.

Laptop webcams aren't as lousy as they used to be: While some gaming PCs still have 720p webcams, manufacturers have mostly (finally) moved on to 1080p as the standard resolution, and many newer models boast 5MP, 9MP, or 12MP options. That said, most of them are still pretty lousy compared to smartphones' front-facing cameras, no matter the resolution. If you care deeply about video call quality, I'd just resolve to buy an external webcam.

Keyboard Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Laptops have "island-style" keyboards with low-profile, spaced-out keys. They're also frequently called "chiclet" keyboards (as in Chiclets, the square-shaped gum candies). Some include numeric keypads, or numpads, next to their QWERTY setups, but they feel rarer nowadays, with most keyboards opting for just the top row of numbers.

Most modern laptops have backlit keyboards; snazzy gaming laptops' keyboards sport colorful "RGB" backlighting. They also typically have fingerprint readers built into one of their keys for security purposes. Windows laptops from 2024 on have dedicated Copilot keys — Copilot being Microsoft's AI assistant.

Touchpad or trackpad

A laptop's touchpad or trackpad is the touch-sensitive rectangle below the keyboard that allows you to control its cursor without needing a separate mouse. It can be made of plastic (on cheap laptops) or glass (on nicer laptops).

Touchpads on MacBooks and Windows laptops support gestures — e.g., pinching your fingers on the surface to zoom. Some higher-end models have haptic touchpads that produce subtle vibrations when certain actions are performed.

Connectivity Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Every laptop has a selection of ports on the side of its chassis — or in the case of some gaming laptops, the rear portion below its hinges — which let the user connect different accessories and peripherals. Think external monitors, keyboards, and wired headphones.

Common ports on today's laptops include USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3.5mm audio jacks, and a charging port. Some models still tack on a USB-A port, but those are being phased out. (Such older ports are referred to as legacy ports.) Laptops geared toward multimedia editing come equipped with HDMI ports and SD/microSD card slots.

Battery life

A laptop's battery life is a measure of how long it lasts on a single full charge. This can vary greatly depending on the specs of its other components, their settings, and the tasks the machine runs throughout the battery cycle. Manufacturers typically list laptops' battery lives as potentials — "up to 18 hours," for example — and in my experience, they rarely hit their advertised maximum in practice.

Weight

Laptops keep getting thinner and lighter as time goes on, which is stellar if you value portability and sleekness. (Models under three pounds are deemed lightweight.) However, gamers and creative professionals shouldn't shy away from heavier options. In the laptop world, heft is associated with power.

Final thoughts: What's the best laptop for you?

If you live near a major tech retailer like Best Buy or Costco, consider paying them a visit to see some laptops in person. You'll be able to check out different brands' keyboards, touchpads, displays, webcams, and overall build quality — maybe not for the purpose of actually buying one of the models on display, but just to figure out your preferences for certain components so you can hone a pool of contenders.

Of course, you won't be able to get a real feel for a laptop's internal specs until you take it home and start using it. That's why we put myriad laptops through an exhaustive real-world testing process involving performance and battery life benchmarks (which we combine with design and value judgements to produce final ratings). We want to give our readers the knowledge to make smarter buying decisions from the jump.

For the latest takeaways from our testing, check out Mashable's guides to the best laptops we've tried, including breakouts for the best MacBooks, Windows laptops, gaming laptops, and cheap laptops. At the time of writing, we think the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) is the best MacBook for most people. Among Windows laptops, the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is our top pick. And for gamers, the Alienware m16 R2 is the best option we've tested to date.

Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,049 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $150 Shop Now Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $200 Shop Now Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549.99 at Best Buy
$1,899.99 Save $350 Shop Now

SAVE UP TO 51%: As of May 12, save up to 51% on Beats earbuds and headphones. Get the Beats Studio Pros for $169.95 — that's 51% off for $180.04 in savings.

Best Beats Deals Best Beats deal Beats Studio Pro $169.95 (Save $180.04) Get Deal Best budget headphones Beats Solo 4 $99.95 (Save $100) Get Deal Best earbud deals Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 (Save $70) Get Deal Best workout earbud deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 (Save $50) Get Deal

We're used to seeing discounts across entire brands during big shopping events like Prime Day or Black Friday, but sometimes, on a random Monday in May, a brand will surprise you with a bunch of savings. As of May 12, that brand is Beats, and through Amazon you can score a pair of headphones or earbuds for up to 51% off.

Right now, you can find huge discounts on Beats earbuds and headphones — and this is a deal for Android and iPhone fans alike to enjoy. For iPhone users, you'll enjoy the same easy connectivity as AirPods with Beats, but unlike AirPods, Beats are also compatible with Android devices.

Here are all the best Beats deals we found at Amazon this week.

Best Beats deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.04 Get Deal Why we like it

Beats Studio Pro headphones are the elite model from the brand. They're wireless and feature active noise cancellation and lossless audio. With up to 40 hours of battery life, you can work all week before needing a charge. We happen to know from experience that these headphones work great for taking phone calls on the go, dulling background noise so the person on the line can hear you clearly. Plus, every color is on sale right now, including the trendy shades from the Beats and Kim Kardashian collab.

You can take over half off the Beats Studio Pro headphones at Amazon. The headphones are down to $169.95, saving you $180.04. But don't fear: if the Beats Studio Pros aren't your speed, you can explore all the current savings on Beats now.

More Beats deals

• Beats Solo 4 — $99.95 $199.95 (save $100)

• Beats Studio Buds+ — $99.95 $169.95 (save $70)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — $199.95 $249.95 (save $50)

SAVE $10: From May 12 to June 8, Amazon Prime members using the Grubhub+ account included with their Prime membership can score $10 off any order of $20 or more with the code GOLD10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Grubhub+ deal Save $10 off an order of $20 or more with code GOLD10 Get Deal

We are officially entering the season where some nights, it's simply too hot to turn on the stove. Luckily, for the next month, folks with an Amazon Prime account have a backup plan.

From May 12 to June 8, Prime members who have an active Grubhub+ subscription can save $10 off one order of $20 or more with the code GOLD10. The deal comes as a part of the Gold Days of Grubhub+ sale, which also brings savings from select restaurants and stores, every week through June 8.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

All you need to grab this deal is an active Grubhub+ membership through Amazon, so as long as you're a current member, or activate it between now and June 8, you will be able to use the coupon code. If you have a Prime membership but haven't yet signed up for a Grubhub+ membership, you can activate your account through Amazon for free. As of last year, as long as you have your Prime membership, you have a Grubhub+ membership, granting you $0 delivery fees, lower service fees, and exclusive discounts (like this one).

If you haven't yet signed up for an Amazon Prime membership, you can either sign up with a 30-day free trial as a new member, or re-up your subscription for $14.99 per month or $139 per year as a returning subscriber.

Buying a new TV is intimidating. Look for one online and you’ll get bombarded with acronyms and numbers. Visit a store and you’ll come face-to-face with a wall of images that are more confusing than helpful. But we all know that once it’s in our living rooms, we’ll spend thousands of hours relying on that screen to transport us to The White Lotus, make sure we’re caught up on Oscar-worthy films, show us all the NFL action, and even serve as a hub for learning basically anything via YouTube. 

Since we spend so much time with our TVs, it’s worth doing a bit of research to make sure you’re buying the right TV for your preferences, including budget, made by a trustworthy brand. But instead of opening 57 browser tabs to Google all of the TV jargon, we’ve checked in with home entertainment expert Will Greenwald, a Lead Analyst at PCMag, which Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis, also owns.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

Following Greenwald’s expertise (he and the PCMag team use high-end equipment to test each TV) and Mashable’s experience, we’ve narrowed down the best TV brands to a list that’s easy to digest. Below, we’ll explain which TV brands excel where and mention a few top picks from each brand to help narrow down your endless options.

Best OLED brand: LG

LG makes some of the best OLED TVs on the market today. They offer superior image contrast and close to perfect black levels, and they tend to be great when viewed from an off-angle. The LG lineup of sizes and prices is also noteworthy, allowing shoppers to spend less than $1,000.

Best LG OLED TV LG Evo G5 OLED 4K TV (65-inch) $3,396.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why we like it

Without wasting any time, Greenwald wrote to Mashable, “The LG Evo G5 is the best OLED TV I've seen yet,” which is truly impressive since he’s tested more than 170 TVs with highly specialized equipment. “If you can afford it, the stunning LG Evo G5 is simply one of the most gorgeous TVs you can buy,” Greenwald explained in his review.

The LG Evo G5 knocks it out of the park in terms of brightness, with super accurate colors. The “G” is LG’s Gallery series, which comes with a slim design meant to be hung on the wall, sitting nearly flush. The modern edge-to-edge screen comes with hardly any bezel.

In terms of gaming, the LG Evo G5 has a 144Hz refresh rate that can reach up to 165Hz with variable refresh rate (VRR). Greenwald’s testing shows input lag of 4.8 milliseconds, which is well below the 10-millisecond threshold considered to be acceptable for gaming. In simpler terms, that’s less than one frame of latency per second.

Size options

The LG Evo G5 comes in 55, 65, 77, 83, and 97 inches. 

Another pick worth considering LG C4 OLED 4K TV (65-inch) $1,496.99 at Walmart
$2,699 Save $1,202.01 Shop Now Why we like it

If you’re looking for an LG TV that’s less expensive than the Evo G5, the C4 is a standout model. Mashable’s sister publication, CNET (also published by Ziff Davis), considers the LG C4, which debuted in 2024, to be an excellent OLED TV. This model is brighter than its C3 predecessor and comes with a 144Hz refresh rate. CNET’s review said, “The LG C4 combines superb picture quality with a price that's not incredibly unreasonable, making it a top dog among its competitors.”

The size range here leans smaller, with the option of 42- and 48-inch versions, which are smaller than the LG Evo G5 goes (the smallest G5 is 55 inches). Of course, smaller means a more affordable price, and the 42- and 48-inch LG C4 come in at under $1,000.

Size options

The LG C4 comes in 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches.

The best TV deals to shop this week

• Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99)

• Amazon Fire TV 4-Series (43 inches, 2024) — $269.99 (List Price $329.99)

• 55-inch Sony Bravia 3 4K LED Smart Google TV (2024 Model) — $578.00 (List Price $699.99)

• LG 65-inch Class UR9000 Series 4K Smart TV — $496.99 (List Price $629.99)

• Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV — $1,697.96 (List Price $1999.96)

Best budget brands: Hisense and TCL

You don’t need to spend several thousand dollars to get a great TV. Budget-friendly options come with plenty of features packed into a high-quality screen, and many options cost less than $1,000. In terms of brands, Greenwald says Hisense and TCL lead the way as the best options that offer affordable prices without skimping on quality. Here are a few picks Greenwald recommends after extensive testing.

Best Hisense Hisense U8N QLED 4K TV (65-inch) $947.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $552 Shop Now Why we like it

The 4K QLED Hisense U8N comes with features and a display that feels like it should cost much more. “Hisense once again hits it out of the park with a premium TV that rivals much more expensive competitors,” mentioned Greenwald in his PCMag review, while listing it as a “fantastic value.”

In Greenwald’s testing, the U8N was shockingly impressive, hitting 920 nits in HDR Theater mode and then achieving 2,755 nits when testing with an 18 percent white field. For comparison, the Samsung QN90D (which costs more than double the U8N’s price) only gets to 1,253 nits with an 18 percent white field. Greenwald also mentioned that off-angle viewing of the U8N is pretty perfect with no desaturation.

Best TCL TCL QM8 4N QLED TV (65-inch) $897.96 at Amazon
Shop Now Why we like it

On Mashable’s list of the best 65+ inch TVs, the TCL QM8 earns the top spot. Finding the balance between affordable price and great image quality, we consider the TCL QM8 to be an excellent option for most people. Greenwald’s testing showed incredible brightness levels thanks to the 4K QLED with HDR content in Dolby Vision. Greenwald also mentioned “very good color performance, and loads of useful features,” which add to the attractively affordable price. “It beats rival Hisense models in peak brightness, so it's the TV to get if you simply want the highest light output.”

Gaming stats are also impressive, with a 120Hz native refresh rate that can reach up to 144Hz with VRR support from AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Input lag is also impressive, measuring just 6.4 milliseconds in Game Mode, according to Greenwald’s testing, which makes it slightly quicker than the Hisense U8N. 

The TCL QM8's size options are also impressive, ranging from 65 to a massive 115 inches.

Size options

The TCL QM8 comes in 65, 75, 85, 98, and 115 inches.

Best brand for unique features: Samsung

Samsung earns the top spot as the best TV manufacturer with unique feature offerings. The brand has several impressive models that wow in terms of performance, plus it's one of the only manufacturers to release 8K TVs (but you don’t need one). Samsung’s The Frame lineup is also noteworthy. 

Best Samsung for displaying art Samsung The Frame QLED 4K TV (65-inch) $1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $700 Shop Now Samsung The Frame Pro QLED 4K TV (65-inch) $2,197.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why we like it

Without a doubt, Samsung’s family of The Frame models is what you want if you like the idea of your TV also serving as a digital picture frame. When you’re not watching TV, The Frame can go into Art Mode, giving you access to the library of graphics or giving you the option to display your own photos. Customizing The Frame’s functions is also possible, so the TV (including Art Mode) can power off when it detects no one is in the room. Greenwald also mentions that many libraries and museums offer free high-resolution images of paintings that you can add to The Frame’s library to display in your home.

The overall look of The Frame is meant to be similar to a hanging piece of art, sitting nearly flush with the wall, and the matte finish cuts down on glare while also adding to the overall art aesthetic. Greenwald explained in his review, “You can even set the ambient art mode to display a matte frame around the picture to further improve the illusion. With the backlight set to a moderate level, the effect is striking and stealthy enough that guests could mistake what appears on screen for a framed painting at first glance.” Thanks to these features, he’s ranked it as his top pick for a digital picture frame. 

Sadly, Greenwald doesn’t feel that The Frame’s performance as a TV justifies the price. He noted, “For watching videos, the TV's performance is more in line with very good budget models.”

The Frame Pro is an updated version of the original offering, and the nearly wireless design is a cool upgrade. It still needs a power cord, but everything else, like HDMI ports, is stored in a Wireless One Connect Box. Samsung also upgraded to a Neo QLED 4K display with The Frame Pro. But again, Greenwald thinks more affordable options, specifically the Hisense U8N, offer a better value unless you find the Art Mode features worth the cost.

Size options

Samsung The Frame comes in 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches.

Samsung The Frame Pro comes in 65, 75, and 85 inches.

Best Samsung OLED Samsung S95D OLED 4K TV (65 inch) $2,297.99 at Amazon
$2,797.99 Save $500 Shop Now Why we like it

The Samsung S95D is a great option, performing well in terms of contrast, variety of features, and gaming specs. Greenwald said it has “fantastic contrast and color that OLED TVs typically offer, along with light output that rivals many high-end LED models.” The S95D earned a PCMag Editors’ Choice award thanks to its specs, including almost undetectable input lag. But the real appeal of the Samsung S95D is the picture quality with perfect black levels and detailed shadows, as seen by Greenwald’s testing results.

The included Eco Remote has solar recharging capabilities, which feels like a modern and thoughtful touch on Samsung’s part. Plus, it comes with Samsung’s One Connect Box, which is always welcomed since it moves all connection ports to an external component, allowing for a slimmer design.

Size options

The Samsung S95D comes in 55, 65, and 77 inches.

A Samsung OLED to keep an eye on Samsung S95F OLED 4K TV (65 inch) $3,297.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why we like it

The 4K OLED Samsung S95F impressed Greenwald when he tested a pre-production version, being the brand’s brightest OLED yet, dethroning its predecessor, the Samsung S95D. The built-in speakers on almost all TVs aren’t worth using (you should probably upgrade to a soundbar), but Greenwald was actually impressed with the advanced speaker system on the Samsung S95F. The 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and acceptable input lag also make the S95F a nice gaming TV option.

Size options

The Samsung S95F comes in 55, 65, and 77 inches.

SAVE $200: As of May 12, the Microsoft Surface 7 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Best Buy for $799.99, down from $999.99. Take advantage of this deal to save $200, or 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface 7 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $200 Get Deal

If you've been tracking Microsoft Surface laptops, you may have noticed that the base model is harder to come by. Microsoft might not be carrying the base model of its newest generation of Surfaces on its website anymore, but you can still find them.

Right now, Best Buy is running a sale on the newest Microsoft Surface 7 base laptop, making the already sub-$1000 laptop even cheaper. Get the Microsoft Surface 7 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $799.99, down from $999.99, and save $200. That's 20% off.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft reveals 2 compact Surface devices starting well under $1,000

We loved the new Microsoft Surface 7 line. With interesting AI features packed throughout, it makes versatility its business. It also packs an all-day battery that will appeal to the productivity-minded.

The base model of the Surface comes with 16GB of RAM, outfitting its 10 core, Snapdragon X Plus processor. The processor features an integrated GPU. While it won't trounce computers with dedicated GPUs, it should handle basic games without trouble.

A gorgeous, 2304 x 1536 resolution screen ensures art displays in rich detail, and speedily too, with a refresh rate of 120Hz. If you're looking for a capable laptop, this is a solid pick for the price.

SAVE $70: The Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven is on sale at Amazon for $229.99, down from the normal price of $299.99. That's a 23% discount and the first sale price we've ever seen on this model, making it the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Memorial Day weekend is almost here and since that marks the unofficial start of backyard season, it's time to get ready. Hose off the patio furniture, make sure the cooler doesn't have any leaks, and uncover the barbecue. From here on out, you can find us outside for every dinner. But if your backyard feasts could use some Italian zest, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of May 12, the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven is on sale for $229.99, marked down from the list price of $299.99. That's 23% off, or a savings of $70. Launched less than two months ago, this is the first discount we've seen on the pizza oven, which makes it the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.

Thanks to Ninja, you can become the neighborhood's best pizza chef. The Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven comes with five pizza settings including Neapolitan, thin crust, pan, and New York style. How does the Ninja make such great pizza? The secret is in the super hot 700-degree oven, of course. And since the ranges in our kitchens aren't capable of getting that hot, it's time to turn to Ninja.

SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is back down to its lowest price ever

In just three minutes, you can bake up restaurant-quality pies topped with only your favorite ingredients. Of course, since this model is designed to be used outdoors, the exterior is weatherproof, and you won't need to worry about it getting a bit of morning dew.

A secret to perfect pizza dough is proper proofing, which can be tricky to get right with fluctuating summer temperatures, so Ninja went ahead and helped us all out with that. The onboard proofing function keeps the oven at the optimal 90 degrees for the best rising results.

Don't want pizza for every meal? The Ninja comes with five settings — pizza, bake, broil, warm, and proof — so you can bake up a casserole, pop in chicken, or bake a fresh loaf of sourdough.

The oven comes with a 12 by 12 inch pizza stone, a baking pan, and a quick start guide to get you going with recipes and instructions.

Upgrade your summer dinners by snagging the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven while it's down to just $229.99, which is the lowest price we've ever seen. Forget about dealing with pellets or charcoal briquets this summer and go with the convenience of electric heat to make delicious pizzas in your own backyard.

SAVE $130: As of May 12, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is on sale again for just $199.99. That's about 39% in savings and only cents away from its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (64GB) $199.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $130 Get Deal

Although some tablets now rival laptops with their fancy specs, some folks just want a device to bridge the gap between their tiny phone screen and their clunky laptop. If you want something portable that can tackle light work and keep you entertained on the go, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite checks all the right boxes. Plus, it won't cost you a fortune.

As of May 12, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with 64GB is back down to $199.99. That's about 39% off its MSRP of $329.99, though Amazon's list price sells it short. That's also just a few cents away from its best price on record. Need more storage? The 128GB version is also on sale for $269.99, down from $399.99.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2025

An Amazon-exclusive tablet, the 2024 Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers the same basic design as its previous iteration, but packs an updated Exynos processor and comes with Android 14 out of the box. We loved its predecessor and named it one of our favorite tablet options for kids, largely due to the included S Pen stylus, dazzling display, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, and ability to simply switch from kids mode to parent mode with a PIN. We can only expect that the newer version's boosted processing power would make us like it more, though we haven't had a chance to test it out.

It weighs in at just over a pound, yet features an expansive 10.4-inch screen and can last up to 14 hours on a single charge. It probably won't wow you like a Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and serve as a laptop alternative, but it'll also only cost you 20% off the cost. And it'll certainly get the job done — and then some.

SAVE $1,000: As of May 12, the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from $1,499.99, saving you 67%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum $499.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $1,000 Get Deal

If you're in search of a new lease on cleanliness, this high-tech robot vacuum deal is here for you. The Dreame L40 Ultra has a cleaning toolkit that includes a mop, side brush, and automatic self-cleaning — and it can be yours at a serious discount today.

As of May 12, the Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum is on sale for a whopping $1,000 off at Amazon. Get it for just $499.99, down from $1,499.99, and save 67%.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums and mops of 2025 so far, tested hands-on at home

This robot vacuum is powerful, with five suction levels up to 11,000Pa. It handles wet messes with a built-in mop, and its mop lifts away when the vacuum detects a carpet, or even disconnects entirely.

What would a robot vacuum be without smart navigation? This one uses a few tools to navigate your home, including a camera and LEDs. In the app, you'll be able to set zones that will trigger custom actions. Use this tool to trigger the vacuum to skip carpeted areas when it's in mop mode or set pet zones. You can also interact with the vacuum with your voice.

The L40's side brush is useful for getting into tricky lateral spots, like the underside of a piano, or the dust prone reaches beneath a wicker shoe basket.

SAVE $550.02: The EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with waterproof bag is on sale at Amazon for just $448.98, down from the usual price of $999 listed at EcoFlow. That's a 55% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with waterproof bag $448.98 at Amazon
$999 Save $550.02 Get Deal

Camping season is right around the corner. Before everything gets booked up, it's time to make those campsite reservations and make sure last year's gear is still up for the adventure this year. If you hated dealing with a dead phone on day two of camping last year, there's an easy remedy — and it's on a super discount today at Amazon.

As of May 12, the EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with waterproof bag is on sale for $448.98 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $999 listed at EcoFlow. That works out to a 55% discount, shaving $550.02 off the normal price tag. This sale also happens to match the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Jackery's monster power station is over $500 off right now

A portable power station that can keep all your gadgets powered up while camping is one of the best items you can pack along. The EcoFlow Delta 2's capacity lets you recharge your phone up to 89 times, keep your TV going for eight hours, or recharge your laptop 16 times. That power means you'll be in good shape for off-grid camping with the ability to recharge phones, keep camp lights on, and power up the electric grill.

The EcoFlow Delta 2 comes with quick recharging, going from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes with AC power. Another major benefit is the variety of port options including USB-A, USB-C, and six AC outlets.

Not only is the EcoFlow portable power station great for summer camping trips, it's essential to keep around for when fall storms hit and knock out power. The Delta 2 can keep a refrigerator cooling for up to 14 hours and power up the coffee maker come morning. It's also awesome for taking along in the RV during summer adventures.

Before you get to packing crunch time for your upcoming camping trip, snag the EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station while it's back at the lowest price ever of $448.98. This bundle also includes a waterproof bag so you'll have an easier time getting the power station from the car to the campsite. Plus, the waterproof material means you're free to set that down on the damp ground.

SAVE $120: As of May 12, get the Dyson V8 Plus for $349.99, down from $469.99, at Amazon. That saves you 26%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V8 Plus vacuum $349.99 at Amazon
$470.02 Save $120.03 Get Deal

With the change of seasons, it's time for a refresh. If you're going all in on spring cleaning this year, you're going to need a great vacuum. It'll clean up all the dirt and mud you're tracking in from outside, plus, for pet owners, it will suck up all the spring shedding your furry friend is going through. So if you're in the market, we spotted a fantastic deal for you.

As of May 12, the Dyson V8 Plus vacuum is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's down from its usual price of $469.99 to save you $120. That takes 26% off this lightweight, cordless vacuum.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums and mops of 2025 so far, tested hands-on at home

So what's so special about the Dyson V8 Plus? It comes with two speeds: powerful mode for everyday cleaning and max mode for spot cleaning. The head of the vacuum features the motorbar cleaner that detangles hair as you go, so you don't end up with a clogged vacuum. However, if you're sucking up a lot of hair, you can use the hair screw tool that is designed to sweep up pet hair and detangle as it works.

It converts to a handheld vacuum so you can tackle furniture or car upholstery, plus, it will run for up to 40 minutes at a time.

Get the Dyson V8 Plus for $349.99 at Amazon and save $120.

SAVE $120: As of May 12, the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum is on sale for $159.99, down from the usual $279.99. That's 43% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum $159.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $120 Get Deal

There are literally hundreds of fancy robot vacuums to choose from these days. And we've tested a ton of them. But not everyone is looking for the latest and greatest tech that'll cost you upwards of $1,600. Sometimes you just want something that'll get the job done without breaking the bank. That's where this Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum comes in.

As of May 12, the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum is on sale for just $159.99 at Amazon. That's 43%, or $120, off its usual cost of $279.99. While that's not its lowest price on record, it's the first time it's dropped this low in over a month.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best self-emptying robot vacuums for hands-off cleaning in 2025

The Eufy 11S Max packs over 10 infrared sensors to keep it aware of its surroundings, including anti-collision and anti-drop sensors. It also offers 2000Pa of suction power, a three-point cleaning system, and a remote control to help you set up schedules and pick cleaning patterns. It's not the best choice for high-pile carpets, but it can glide over just about any other floor type with ease.

It may not have a ton of fancy features on board, but its no-frills design is a breath of fresh air for those overwhelmed by smart home components. If you want to invest in hands-free cleaning, but don't want to dig into your savings account, the Eufy 11S Max can help you get the job done for cheap.

SAVE 42%: As of May 12, you can get the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum with XL dust cup for $149.99, down from $259.99 at Amazon. That's a 42% discount and a $110 saving. It's also a mere $0.99 more than its lowest price ever.

Shark Rocket Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum $149.99 at Best Buy
$259.99 Save $110 See It

As a pet parent of two beagles, I know vacuuming is a serious chore (I vacuum twice a day minimum). For those of us with fur babies, dealing with pet hair and dander can be a constant battle, especially if you don’t have the right tools. That’s where a good vacuum cleaner comes in handy. If you’re looking for a new vacuum that can handle your pet’s daily shed, Amazon’s got a great deal on a Shark right now.

As of May 12, you can snag the Shark Pet IX141 cordless stick vacuum with XL dust cup for $149.99, down from $259.99 at Amazon. That’s a 42% discount and a saving of $110. It’s also just $0.99 higher than its all-time low price according to camelcamelcamel. (The last time we saw it at this price was back in July of 2022.)

SEE ALSO: Best vacuum cleaners 2025, from cordless stick vacuums to robot vacuums

This vacuum has a runtime of 40 minutes (in standard mode), comes with a crevice tool, and transforms into a hand vacuum with the touch of a button. The XL dust cup with CleanTouch Dirt Ejector makes it easy to dispose of debris without getting your hands dirty, and the LED headlights help you spot hidden dirt and pet hair.

It’s also super lightweight, works on carpets and hardwood floors, and has surprisingly powerful suction for its size.

Apple's iPhones might get pricier this fall.

This is according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, which cites people familiar with the matter as saying that Apple is "weighing price increases" for its fall iPhone lineup.

The tariff ping-pong that the Trump administration has been playing with China (the two countries agreed on Monday to greatly reduce the recently imposed sky-high tariffs) is certainly partially to blame — and that's despite Apple saying that it moved most of its U.S.-bound production to India. According to the WSJ, Apple is still producing its high-end phones, including the iPhone Pro and Pro Max, in China.

Apple, however, reportedly doesn't want to blame any price increases on tariffs — though it's unclear whether or not the company will justify the higher prices with new features, either.

SEE ALSO: Apple is working on a feature that will make connecting to hotel Wi-Fi easier

There's also no word on just how much pricier Apple's iPhones might be come fall.

Right now, Apple's iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. The iPhone 17 lineup will reportedly have an entirely new member, a super-thin model presumably called the v, which will likely replace the "Plus" model. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said that this model will start at roughly $899.

During our first day with the Unitree Go2 Pro Robot Dog, we put its AI to the test. We challenged its object avoidance with an obstacle course, checked its balance on stairs and rocky terrain, and brought it to a dog park to see how it would interact with real dogs.

What the Future is your futurism destination, brought to you by the CNET Group. It delivers expert insight and front-row seats to the most innovative, futuristic and cutting-edge technology. From humanoid robots to fantastical flying machines, if it makes sci-fi feel less like fiction, you're likely to find it on What the Future

SAVE OVER $40: As of May 12, Sony WF-C700N earbuds are on sale for $78 at Amazon. That's 35% off their list price of $119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-C700N Earbuds $78 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal

Whether you want them for workouts, traveling, or just hanging out at home, it's always worth investing in a good pair of earbuds. If you're on the hunt for something new but don't want to spend too much cash, there are some excellent discounts available right now. One of our favorites is on the Sony WF-C700N, which are marked down below $100.

Sony WF-C700N earbuds are on sale for $78 at Amazon. This marks a 35% discount from their list price of $119.99, but is also a return to their lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. If you've had your eye on them, there's no better time than now to pick them up.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more

With great sound quality and noise-canceling features, Sony's WF-C700N earbuds will have you kicking back and relaxing to your favorite sounds right away without any outside disruptions. Or, if you'd prefer to stay more connected to your environment while listening, they also feature an Ambient Sound mode. On top of that, they offer up to 15 hours of battery life with the charging case so you can listen for longer.

They're currently listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to save on the Sony WF-C700N earbuds at Amazon.

These aren't the only earbud deals worth checking out right now. If you're an Apple user who doesn't mind spending a little extra cash, the AirPods Pro 2 are also on sale at Amazon right now.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baskets

• Green: On the ice

• Blue: Skippers

  Purple: One act, four meanings

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Ways to score in basketball

• Green: Areas in a hockey rink

• Blue: MLB managers

• Purple: Things one breaks

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #231 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Ways to score in basketball - 3-POINTER, DUNK, FREE THROW, LAYUP

• Areas in a hockey rink - CENTER ICE, CREASE, NEUTRAL ZONE, PENALTY BOX

• MLB managers - CASH, CORA, COUNSELL, HINCH

• Things one breaks - HUDDLE, RACKED POOL BALLS, RECORD, SERVE

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

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

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

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