Technology

When you really think about it, life is just a constant cycle of acquiring new stuff and figuring out what to do with the old stuff. And when there's not a one-size-fits-all way to properly get rid of that old stuff, clutter happens.

Most of us have been conditioned to recycle some common everyday materials, but curbside recycling isn't too helpful past paper, metal, glass, and certain types of plastic. Even then, a shockingly low percentage of recyclable items are actually recycled. I digress.

Other personal items, like clothes and shoes or electronics and batteries, are more confusing to deal with. Can they be recycled, or is throwing them away the only option?

SEE ALSO: Texas resident used Apple AirTags to track her recycling. It ended up in the middle of nowhere.

Perhaps you've Googled "how to recycle insert item here" just to be given some vague instructions like "Check locally." You'll quickly learn that most municipal recycling programs don't cover much beyond trash-like recyclables. Past that, it can be hard to pin down actionable ways to downsize sustainably.

Fortunately, getting rid of hard-to-recycle stuff isn't so mysterious. In many cases, there actually are solid options for recycling all of that junk crammed under your bed and into old shoeboxes. Once you hone in on a certain category — beauty empties, coffee maker pods, smartphones, old chargers — there's usually a super straightforward answer for how to recycle said items. In fact, you can often find easy (and free) drop-off or mail-in programs.

SEE ALSO: 15+ eco-friendly gifts that someone would actually use

It just takes a little more effort than plopping them in the curbside recycling bin and hoping the recycling fairy whisks it away to the right place. That's called wishcycling, or aspirational recycling, and I would definitely sleep better at night if I were still blissfully living in "everything can be recycled" ignorance.

So, to help you recycle electronics, clothing, beauty packaging, and other awkward items, let's break it down in the most candid way possible.

How to recycle electronics

E-waste is a doozy of a rabbit hole. As with plastic pollution, a good chunk of e-waste (the umbrella term for improperly discarded electronic devices) comes from big tech corporations. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group estimates that we generate around 6.9 million tons of e-waste each year. Of that, less than 18 percent is recycled properly.

But as a species that has treated our personal devices as extra limbs for almost two decades, it's also our personal responsibility to deal with our old devices in the most sustainable way possible. Not only do electronics in landfills leak dangerous toxins into the ground, but it's also a missed opportunity to recover metals and precious rare earth minerals.

SEE ALSO: How California's high-speed rail is already helping the planet

To be fair, people aren't exactly given clear instructions on how or where to safely recycle old devices. A recent CNET survey found that over 30 percent of U.S. adults hold onto old phones, tablets, and chargers simply because they don't know what to do with them.

Cellphones, laptops, TVs, and more

You're probably aware of the trade-in promos that your smartphone carrier offers. Similar incentives exist for devices like iPads and tablets. But even if the device in question isn't exactly in trade-in or sell-on-Mercari condition, there are still super accessible ways to recycle the gadget without smashing it for parts.

Best Buy actually has a super-expensive in-store electronics recycling program. Items accepted in store include TVs, computers and routers, audio gear (from headphones to old CD or cassette players), cameras and camcorders, and video game controllers. A household can recycle up to three items per day. You can also pay Best Buy to come haul away larger items, like an old fridge or treadmill.

No Best Buy store nearby? The company also offers a mail-in recycling service.

SEE ALSO: Want to avoid tariff price hikes? Shop our giant list of 91 refurbished tech deals.

Once received, recyclers disassemble the tech to pull out and properly get rid of ozone-depleting chemicals like PCBs, mercury, and insulation, then separate materials like plastic, glass, and metal to be repurposed when possible.

Samsung device owners can also conduct a similar zip code search to find participating Samsung e-cycling drop-off centers. They pop up all over in retail stores like Best Buy and Staples, and sometimes even at your local solid waste authority. Before recycling, check to see if Samsung will offer credit to trade in your old device — yes, cracked screens count.

Apple offers its own recycling program for old Apple devices, and you can even get a prepaid shipping label.

Chargers, cables, and dongles

That harrowing nest of old cords in your basement or junk drawer is growing more powerful by the day. Rather than continue feeding it, you can recycle old chargers and similar connectors through the Best Buy recycling program mentioned above. Apple's service also takes old Apple chargers.

Batteries

Call2recycle is a nationwide battery recycling program that offers free battery recycling at partnering stores like The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Staples. Head to the website and enter your zip code to find the closest drop-off location to you. Note that not all participating locations accept every type of battery, so be sure to check the box.

If no collection boxes are popping up in a practical distance, call2recycle also has a mail-in battery recycling program — though at $80 for the smallest battery and cellphone recycling kit, it's not exactly the cheapest route.

How to recycle clothes and shoes

There are paths forward for both gently-worn clothes and too-worn-to-donate clothes that aren't merely forcing them upon Goodwill and hoping they squeeze their way onto an overflowing rack.

If the clothes are in decent enough condition, consider trying to sell them online. You don't need a ton of followers to get eyes on your items on Depop, Mercari, or Poshmark — just take well-lit, clear photos, write a detailed and honest description, and add a price. (Check out my full guide to selling your stuff online.)

SEE ALSO: Zero Waste Daniel is drag's sustainable fashion pioneer

If you don't feel like getting into online resale, there are a few mail-back options for repurposing old clothing. Give Back Box is a non-profit that partners with a slew of small charities from which you can choose to send your items, depending on what they need (i.e., kids' shoes or gently used women's clothes). Once you find a good fit, Give Back Box will just ask for $20 to cover the pre-addressed shipping label and the weight of the box. Then, pack your items in any random box you were going to recycle anyway, and send it off.

Of course, there are always the straggler pieces of clothing that are probably too worn to donate. Sustainable clothing brand Girlfriend Collective has partnered with SuperCircle (a growing textile recycling platform) to facilitate ReGirlfriend, an amazingly easy mail-in garment recycling program. Shipping labels are free, and you can pack multiple pieces in each bag, regardless of brand. As a "thank you" for not contributing to the pile of textiles in landfills, Girlfriend offers credits to girlfriend.com.

How to recycle random household items

Ah, Swiffer pads. The ubiquitous mopping and dusting thingamabob that, turns out, is a pain in the ass to recycle. That's just one of a horde of everyday household items that folks mindlessly trash. But what's the alternative?

Well, my initial suggestion would be to retire the Swiffer and buy a robot vacuum and mop combo. Even if you insist on keeping the Swiffer as backup for some pesky corner cleaning (though I have a robot mop recommendation for corner cleaning), a robot vacuum that can mop at least minimizes your Swiffer use.

When you do collect enough used Swiffer refills, you can mail them to TerraCycle: a mega-recycling business that gives average consumers an easy way to recycle everyday items that don't play well with curbside recycling. Its free mail-back system covers a ton of household items, with the cost of shipping labels funded by participating brands like Swiffer, Tide, Brita, Black + Decker, and Febreze.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 10 products to cover all your bases Coffee pods

Nespresso has a ton of drop-off points across the country to recycle pods. You can also request free pre-labeled recycling bags on Nespresso's website to fill and eventually mail back to Nespresso. (Each mailer can hold up to 200 Original Line pods or 100 Vertuo pods.)

Keurig has a similar setup, but it's not free — and Keurig only describes the program through the lens of office use (like "use the small box in offers that brew 24 K-Cups or less in day") with no mention of keeping a box at home in a Keurig-heavy household.

How to recycle beauty and bathroom stuffMakeup and skincare

Though much of it looks recycling-friendly, most beauty packaging isn't. Many bottles that feel like glass aren't the same type of glass as a beer bottle or jelly jar, and many containers that feel like plastic are actually a peculiar type of mixed plastic, which doesn't fall under the number system used to sort at recycling plants. (This includes the pain in the ass plastic pump.)

The presence of the triangle of arrows symbol is misleading, and doesn't automatically mean that said material can be recycled. This is one time when checking locally is crucial — just Google what plastic numbers are accepted in your area. (For example, I live in Philadelphia, and plastics 1, 2, and 5 are cleared for curbside here.)

For beauty empties with a non-accepted number or no number at all, beauty-centric take-back programs are the move. Both Ulta and Sephora have partnered with Pact Collective to offer recycling bins for your empties in a ton of stores across the country. Nordstrom has a partnership with TerraCycle, offering a similar in-store drop-off option for beauty packaging.

SEE ALSO: Yes, there is a plastic bag at the bottom of the Mariana Trench

Project Beauty Share is one great option for giving opened skincare products a new home, as long as they're not expired. Accepted gently-used beauty items include moisturizers and serums, cleansers, body lotions, shower gels, perfumes, and sunscreens. Squeeze tubes of foundation or primer and pressed eyeshadow, blush, and highlighter are accepted if they're open but only barely used.

Hair tools

Beauty brand Mane repurposes hair tools also partners with Pact Collective to take your unwanted hot hair tools, whether they work or not. Hair tools in good working condition will be properly sanitized and shipped off to be distributed to young women through Project Glimmer, an organization dedicated to helping end gender and racial inequality for women and girls. Hair tools that don't work will be taken apart and processed for proper recycling. Labels are prepaid by Mane, as long as you use your own box.

Razors

Sure, most disposable razor handles are plastic, and razor blades are metal. Both materials are recyclable separately, but mixed materials like that bar disposable razors from being curbside recyclable. Luckily, TerraCycle has a free recycling program for common shaving brands like Gillette and Venus, from handles, to blades, to the bags the replacements come in. Consider keeping a separate receptacle to safely house a few months' worth of used razors, then send them back to be properly taken apart and recycled. If people caught onto this, just think of the dent that could be put into the estimated two billion disposable razors thrown out each year.

Toothbrushes

The number of toothbrushes thrown out each year is just as grim. National Geographic clocks around one billion plastic toothbrushes ending up in landfills annually, and toothpaste tubes are a similar story. If you use Colgate, Arm & Hammer, or Tom's of Maine toothbrushes, tubes, caps, and more, there's a free mail-in TerraCycle program for that.

SEE ALSO: Bite Toothpaste Bits are the first eco-friendly bathroom swap I'll tell anyone to try

For old toothbrushes, electric toothbrush replacement heads, used flossers, and toothpaste tubes from Crest, Oral-B, or Fixodent, you can collect and mail those in for free through Oral-B's direct recycling program.

Building out fiber optic network over thousands of miles to provide internet to millions of people is a difficult, time-consuming, and expensive task. What if you could cut out the physical connections entirely and only use wireless? That is exactly what Starlink aims to do.

SAVE UP TO $280.99: The Samsung Re-Newed program has certified refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones on sale that take between up to $280.99 off retail.

Samsung Re-Newed deals S24 deal Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB) $619 (save $80) Get Deal S24+ deal Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB) $799 (save $200) Get Deal S24 Ultra deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,019 (save $280.99) Get Deal

It's Earth Day, which means many of us are considering ways we can make our existence slightly less taxing on Mother Earth. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to reduce our impact is to purchase reused goods, including refurbished tech. And as a bonus, buying refurbished gadgets also means sweet discounts, like today's deal at the Samsung Re-Newed storefront.

As of April 22, refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones are on sale for as low as $619.99 (Galaxy S24, 128GB) at Samsung Re-Newed. That's $80 in savings compared to buying a new Galaxy S24 with the same storage for $699.99. The savings increase if you're interested in the Galaxy S24+, but the highest discounts come when buying a refurbished Galaxy S24 Ultra, which comes in at $1,019 (a new model sells for $1,299.99). That works out to a savings of $280.99.

Here's a breakdown of the refurbished options available:

• Galaxy S24 Re-Newed: $619 (128GB) and $669 (256GB)

• Galaxy S24 Plus Re-Newed: $799 (256GB) and $919 (512GB)

• Galaxy S24 Ultra Re-Newed: $1,020 (256GB) and $1,139 (512GB)

Keep in mind that the refurbished models only come in black, but that's what cases are for, right?

All Samsung Re-Newed phones come with new batteries

We understand that buying used can sometimes feel iffy, but the Samsung Re-Newed program offers reassurance that you're still getting a great product, just one that's undergone a facelift. For starters, Samsung equips all Re-Newed S24 smartphones with a brand new battery, and if it needs other repairs, Samsung uses authentic parts. The brand also assigns a new IMEI number and upgrades to the latest software.

Plus, before it goes back on the shelf, Samsung puts it through a quality test that includes 147 checkpoints. Finally, it's given new packaging, a new data cable, and fresh quick-start guide. Boiled down, you won't need to worry you're buying a lemon.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and improve your summer playlist experience

The Samsung Galaxy S24 family was announced in January 2024, but the smartphones still hold up as solid contenders, offering some of Samsung's best features. All S24 models come with Samsung's live translate function and circle to search. The included S Pen with the S24 Ultra is always useful, and it works as a remote trigger to take photos.

For budgeting or Earth-saving reasons, buying a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 via the Samsung Re-Newed program is a great option. You'll be reducing your impact while saving some money, and we could all use a win-win these days.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Shop Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,019 at Samsung
$1,299.99 Save $280.99 Get Deal

Sharing your Max account with someone outside of your household? You're not alone, and Max has a new way to handle it that looks awfully familiar. Just like Netflix, Max is now letting you add an "Extra Member" to your account, but it'll cost you.

President Donald Trump's tariffs continue to cause mayhem upon the gaming industry, disrupting the global economy in the process. As a result, various gaming companies have cranked up their prices, pushed back pre-orders, and even increased how much subscription services would cost players—we're looking at you, Nintendo, and Sony. But they're not the only companies that have responded to Trump's tariffs.

The mobile carrier Google Fi is now 10 years old, and Google is celebrating with a new unlimited plan for $35 per month, eSIMs for data-only devices, and helpful updates to its other plans.

Whether you're shopping for Mother's Day or looking for a new portable Bluetooth speaker for warmer weather, my favorite mini speaker is at its lowest price yet. I'm talking about the Soundcore Select 4 Go, which is 41% off for a limited time.

Scientists have identified a planet that has a turbulent relationship with its parent star: it is being disintegrated, and leaving a spectacular trail of dusty debris in its wake. Within a few million years, the planet will be completely destroyed.

You typically get phones through carriers, but with the rise of other kinds of devices with cellular support, lines are needed for those devices as well. Most carriers offer tablet and smartwatch lines, and now, Boost Mobile is joining the fray.

Whether you work from home, spend a lot of time on airplanes, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones are exactly the tool you need.

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Apple, and more

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking at low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Bose is often a top name (and in our top picks) when it comes to noise-cancelling audio, often leading the industry for the best ANC available.

With that said, it's not the only brand worth checking out. If you want top-notch ANC with great sound quality, Sony makes excellent options. On the other hand, folks looking for a more affordable option might be drawn to EarFun, which brings great value to the noise-cancelling space. Essentially, what makes the best noise-cancelling headphones depends on what other features and price range you're looking for in a pair of headphones — our guide below lays out where each of our picks shines.

Every year, fans and Apple enthusiasts eagerly await the new iPhones. This year, it will be the iPhone 17 that breaks cover, likely in September. But what if you need a new iPhone right now, in the middle of the company's product cycle? Let's find out which iPhone model suits you best.

Looking forward to Tesla's long-awaited "affordable" electric vehicle? Well, prepare to wait even longer.

For years, Tesla has promised a cheaper, affordable version of its electric vehicles. And each time one of those reports breaks, they are usually followed by news that Tesla CEO Elon Musk "killed" the company's latest affordable car project.

However, the most concrete news of an affordable Tesla came late last year when the company gave an update during its earnings report.

"Preparations remain underway for our offering of new vehicles — including more affordable models — which we will begin launching in the first half of 2025," Tesla said in the report, even doubling down on the timeframe.

So, how's that affordable electric vehicle coming along?

It's been delayed once again, according to a new report from Reuters.

It's unclear exactly why the affordable Tesla model, known internally at the company as E41, has been pushed back this time. Reuters' sources say that the company is still planning to make the vehicle, with production expected to begin in the U.S. soon.

The current timeframe for Tesla's seemingly eternally delayed affordable EV? Sometime between the third quarter of this year and early 2026. Next year, the company could produce as many as 250,000 affordable Model Y vehicles. 

While the price point for an "affordable" Tesla hasn't been revealed, Musk has long talked about an affordable EV for around $25,000, which would be roughly half the price of the current Tesla Model Y. The company may be hoping that a cheaper Tesla would help the company boost sales during a difficult time period. 

Tesla sales have taken a hit in recent months. (And as a result of Tesla's sales woes, Tesla's stock has fallen, too.) The company has experienced blowback from consumers over CEO Musk's relationship with President Donald Trump and Musk's involvement in the federal government cost-cutting project known as DOGE. Tesla protests have become global as well. In Germany, Tesla sales have plummeted by 76 percent. 

Tesla customers are also seeking to get rid of their vehicles through trade-ins and on the used car market at record-highs.

Rumors about iPhone 17e production suggest Apple's budget-friendly iPhone might be a regular part of its product cycle moving forward.

Questions around Apple's somewhat sporadic launch of the iPhone SE were revisited this year, when it launched the iPhone 16e, the fourth generation of Apple's more affordable model, this past February. The previous three iPhone SEs launched in March 2016, 2020, and 2022 respectively, so that roughly lines up with this year's product cycle.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17 Pro leaks highlight major new design change

Here's the wrinkle: Because this year's device was called the iPhone 16e (instead of the iPhone SE 4), Apple followers are speculating on whether the "e" model will now sync up with the regular batch of iPhones released annually.

And according to a credible leaker, reported by 9To5Mac, this looks to be the case. The source shared on the Chinese social media app Weibo that the iPhone 17e is underway. "There will still be 17e next year, and it is almost in the trial production stage​​​," the source wrote (translated to English via Google Translate).

So, per the leak, Apple is working on an iPhone 17e, and it's in Foxconn's small-scale production phase, which occurs before mass production, as 9To5Mac explained. At the very least, this means Apple is planning a consecutive iPhone "e" model launch, and it could mean the company will continue to release a new budget model annually.

Typically, Apple leaves models from previous generations on the market, and their prices naturally drop. So, a new iPhone 17e doesn't necessarily mean Apple will do away with older models. It could also mean that Apple is experimenting with different iPhone offerings to see what resonates with consumers, like it did with the iPhone mini (RIP).

A new survey is a wakeup call for parents who believe their teen would never exchange sexually explicit imagery of themselves for money or other valuable items like gift cards, clothing, gaming currency, and social media followers and likes.

The survey, conducted in fall 2024, found that 1 in 7 young people participated in a "commodified sexual interaction" at least one time before they turned 18.

Thorn, a nonprofit organization that builds technology to defend children from sexual abuse, surveyed 1,200 teens and young adults. One in four teens said they were sexually solicited online for money, gifts, or social opportunities. The respondents who received solicitations got them from both minors and adults, as well as from strangers and known contacts, offline and online.

SEE ALSO: Parents need to talk to their kids about this online danger right now

The findings illustrate the surprising prevalence of commodified sexual interactions. And while it's not news that teens actually receive solicitations online, anecdotal evidence suggests that they are being offered social media perks such as likes and followers in return for complying, according to Thorn's research.

Melissa Stroebel, Thorn's vice president of research and insights, says that it can be less clear that an exploitative transaction is occurring when the offer is something of value other than money.

The dynamic also indicates that the marketplace for child sexual abuse material, in which explicit imagery is bought, sold, and traded, is becoming responsive to young people's interest in building an online following.

Though parents have to manage an ever-growing list of online threats to discuss with their children, Stroebel says there are ways to talk about commodified sexual interactions in order to emphasize that teens' bodies "are private and they are personal, and they are not commodity to be traded, for money or for likes, or anything else, whether that is with another minor or with somebody they haven't met, online."

Here's what Stroebel says parents should know:

1. This overlaps with other risky situations and behaviors.

Some parents may understandably assume that their child will never receive or comply with a request for an explicit image in exchange for something of value. But Stroebel says young people need to know their parents can and will help them with this and other difficult challenges they'll encounter online.

When parents have already talked to their teen about sending or receiving nude images, or the threat of sextortion, they can draw on previous discussions related to consent, healthy relationships, and personal agency to talk about commodified sexual interactions.

Stroebel says that teens may resist conversations that pivot around specific examples. Instead, Stroebel recommends speaking plainly about the risks, and being curious, candid, and supportive.

Parents can also give particular attention to how their teen reacts to online celebrity and whether they understand what influencers are willing to trade for popularity. Parents may be surprised to learn about young adult influencers who embrace selling imagery of themselves to online buyers as an act of empowerment or autonomy.

2. Some solicitations are coming from minors.

Thorn's research shows that, of the minors who previously engaged in commodified sexual interactions, 65 percent and 42 percent of them believed the age of the buyer to be an adult or another minor, respectively. Nine percent were unsure of the age. (Respondents could choose multiple answers.)

While 59 percent of respondents knew the buyer exclusively online, 40 percent said that they knew the buyer offline.

In other words, it's much more complicated for parents than just warning their teens to stay away from strangers online who ask them for imagery. Instead, they'll need to help their teen understand that anyone, including minors they know from school, might make this request.

3. Teens can get hurt quickly.

Stroebel says that teens are in a developmental stage where they often feel invincible and are more prone to risk taking. This combination might work against parents who try to raise the topic of commodified sexual interactions. Teens may not grasp the danger of sending imagery. They might even think their parent is being over protective.

But the risk is real, Stroebel says. What begins as an exchange for material that's rewarded with money, goods, or social opportunities can quickly turn into ongoing abuse and sextortion.

When a teen waves away a parent's concerns and shuts down the conversation, Stroebel says that it can be helpful to try a different approach, like waiting for another opportunity, rather than trying to force the issue.

"You just have to keep coming back," Stroebel says.

If you are a child being sexually exploited online, or you know a child who is being sexually exploited online, or you witnessed exploitation of a child occur online, you can report it to the CyberTipline, which is operated by the National Center for Missing Exploited & Children.

SAVE $49.12: As of April 22, get the PlayStation Portal in Like New condition from Amazon for $149.88, down from its usual price of $199. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon PlayStation Portal (Like New) $149.88 at Amazon
$199 Save $49.12 Get Deal

Playing your favorite games on the couch is a staple of every gaming enthusiast's life. But sometimes, sitting on the couch can cramp your style. Maybe you want to game somewhere more comfortable, like in bed, or another part of your home. Consoles like the PlayStation 5 can be unwieldy, so dragging them into another room to play isn't always the best option. But there's a solution in the form of the PlayStation Portal that can make enjoying your PS5 games in another room super easy, and you can get one for a great price today.

As of April 22, get the PlayStation Portal in Like New condition from Amazon for $149.88, down from its usual price of $199. That's a discount of 25%. This condition, according to Amazon, means it will look and function as if it's new, with its original packaging. So if you need to give it as a gift, you'll be able to have the original box.

The PlayStation Portal is a remote player that lets you play your PS5 games over Wi-Fi at home in handheld form. You don't need a TV, and you can play anywhere you want as long as you're connected to your home network. Just jump in and choose your favorite game, and you can play from bed, your porch, your bathtub, wherever.

It features an 8-inch LCD screen with DualSense Wireless Controller features and buttons that feature the same haptic feedback the full-size options do. It runs games at 60fps with 1080p resolution, and will play most PS5 games and some PS4 titles as well.

If you're used to playing games via handheld, it shouldn't take much to get used to, and it's a great way to clear out your backlog if your kids or family are using the TV, so it's a good time to nab at this price.

Duolingo isn't just for languages anymore. Now, the app can teach you chess.

Duolingo is set to launch a new course to help folks learn chess in the coming weeks. Right now, the course is only available in beta form in iOS and will roll out to other iOS users in the next 4-6 weeks, the Verge reported. The course will use mini-games and puzzles to teach you the basics of chess and allow you to play matches against Duolingo’s Oscar character as you progress.

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The goal from Duolingo was to "make chess as accessible as possible," the Verge noted.

"[Chess is] one of those things that … any age group can learn … but then also something that takes the 10,000-hour theory to really master," Edwin Bodge, a senior product manager with Duolingo, told CNET. "We thought it would fit with the Duolingo medium really well."

SEE ALSO: Duolingo partners with Sony Music to bring pop songs to its music course

So if you ever had dreams of becoming a chess master, it might be time to download Duolingo.

GET 6% OFF: Amazon just dropped prices on the 2025 MacBook Air M4 models — their biggest discounts to date. Right now you can get the 13-inch Macbook for $939 and the 15-inch laptop for $1,129.

MacBook Air M4 2025 Laptop deals Apple MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,129.00 (Save $70) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $939.00 (Save $60) Get Deal

The M4 series of chips is startlingly capable. If you're in a spot where you're looking to upgrade to a new 2025 model but you've been wary of the price of the new line, your opportunity has arrived. Amazon's just published its steepest price cut on the MacBook Air M4 series of laptops, which we loved.

Right now, 2025 MacBook Air M4 models are on sale for 6% off, their best price yet on Amazon. Move quick and you can get the get the 13-inch model for $939 and the 15-incher for $1,129.

SEE ALSO: The best Earth Day 2025 deals — find sustainable savings from Apple, Sonos, and Blueland

Apple's new M4 chips are incredibly powerful, further improving on a series of chips that are already so advanced that they exceed the needs of most people.

The new MacBook Air models are available in classic silver, midnight black, metallic-taupe "starlight," and baby blue. The models sport Apple's impressive retina displays and 12MP cameras.

Both the 13- and 15-inch models support their processors with 16GB of RAM and 256GB SSDs. Whether you're using them as live performance rigs running Ableton Live, or trawling huge multi-media spreadsheets, the M4 Air models are more than capable.

On April 22, the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 2025 models are on sale at Amazon for $939 and $1,129, respectively.

Despite their 18-hour battery life, the 2025 MacBook Air models are lightweight and bring exceptional power wherever you roam — be that coffee shops, coworking spaces, or abroad.

The best refurbished tech deals of April 2025: Best refurbished Amazon device deal Like-New Amazon 55-inch Fire TV 4-Series 4K TV $199.99 (save $140) Get Deal Best refurbished Apple device deal Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $89.99 (save $89.01) Get Deal Best refurbished Dyson device deal Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long (Refurbished) $379.99 (save $120) Get Deal Best refurbished Samsung device deal Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro $99.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best refurbished gaming console deal Nintendo Switch (Refurbished) $259.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Buying refurbished is an excellent way to save on tech. That's true even when historic tariffs aren't threatening to raise prices on brand-new devices. (As an added bonus, you're also diverting still-usable products from a landfill.)

Refurbished devices are effectively immune from the recent price hikes triggered by President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported goods since they're already made and readily available. That could change if current-generation prices get so high that secondhand demand skyrockets, or if trade-in inventories dwindle as consumers hold onto their existing devices for longer. For now, there are still plenty of refurbished deals on tech gadgets, including popular laptops, smartphones, earbuds, smartwatches, gaming consoles, and vacuums.

SEE ALSO: All the tariff price increases in the tech world so far (updated)

UPDATE: Apr. 22, 2025, 12:11 p.m. EDT This story has been to reflect current pricing and availability, and to add some new top picks.

Read on for the Mashable Shopping team's running list of the best refurbished tech deals as of April 22. The U.S. tariff drama isn't ending anytime soon, so we plan on updating this guide weekly as it continues.

How will President Trump’s tariffs affect you? Keep checking Mashable for our latest tariff news and explainers, from delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to reports of iPhone 16 panic buying.

Refurbished Amazon device dealsEcho devices

• Like-New Amazon Echo Auto — $39.99 $44.99 (save $5)

• Like-New Amazon Echo — $58.99 $89.99 (save $31)

eero mesh WiFi routers

• Like-New Amazon eero Pro — $61.99 $89 (save $27.01)

• Like-New Amazon eero Pro 6 — $128.99 $174.99 (save $46)

Fire tablets

• Like-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus (32GB) — $58.99 $99.99 (save $41)

• Like-New Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) — $169.99 $239.99 (save $70)

Fire TVs and media players

• Like-New Fire TV Stick — $17.99 $34.99 (save $17)

• Like-New Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — $26.99 $44.99 (save $18)

• Like-New Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $35.99 $53.99 (save $18)

• Like-New Amazon 55-inch Fire TV 4-Series 4K TV — $199.99 $339.99 (save $140)

Refurbished Apple device dealsAirPods

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods 4 — $89.99 $129 (save $39.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $89.99.99 $179 (save $89.01)

• Refurbished Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-‍C) — $209 $249 (save $40)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) — $429.99 $549 (save $119.01)

Apple accessories

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) — $74.99 $129 (save $54.01)

• Refurbished Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) — $249 $299 (save $50)

• Refurbished Apple Studio Display (Nano-texture glass, tilt- and height- adjustable stand) — $1,949 $2,299 (save $350)

Apple Watches

• Refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 45mm) — $319 $379 (save $60)

• Refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $379 $449 (save $70)

• Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) — $589 $699 (save $110)

iMacs

• Refurbished Apple iMac, 24-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $929 $1,199 (save $270)

• Refurbished Apple iMac, 24-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

iPads

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished iPad mini, 8.7-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $269.99 $499 (save $229.01)

• Refurbished Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi, 256GB) — $339 $399 (save $60)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPad Air, 10.9-inch (M1, WiFi, 64GB) — $349.99 $599 (save $249.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished iPad mini, 8.7-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi + Cellular, 64GB) — $429.99 $649 (save $219.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPad Air, 10.9-inch (M1, WiFi + Cellular, 256GB) — $479.99 $999.99 (save $520)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 256GB) — $529.99 $599 (save $69.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $589.99 $799 (save $209.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $629.99 $799 (save $169.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPad Pro, 12.9-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $719.99 $1,099 (save $379.01)

• Refurbished Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M2, WiFi + Cellular, 512GB) — $1,059 $1,299 (save $240)

• Refurbished Apple iPad Pro, 12.9-inch (M2, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) — $1,059 $1,299 (save $240)

iPhones

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (128GB) — $499.99 $999 (save $499.01)

• Refurbished Apple iPhone 14 Plus (128GB) — $619 $729 (save $110)

• Refurbished Apple iPhone 14 Pro (512GB) — $929 $1,199 (save $270)

Macs

• Refurbished Apple Mac mini (M2 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999 $1,299 (save $300)

• Refurbished Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,189 $1,399 (save $210)

MacBooks

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $649.99 $1,099 (save $449.01)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $729.99 $1,299 (save $569.01)

• Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,399 (save $200)

• Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,359 $1,599 (save $240)

• Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,699 $1,999 (save $300)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799.99 $2,499 (save $699.01)

• Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,119 $2,499 (save $380)

• Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,719 $3,199 (save $480)

Refurbished Dyson device dealsDyson air purifiers

• Refurbished Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus fan heater AM09 — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

• Refurbished Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A Purifying Fan — $209.99 $349.99 (save $140)

• Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 — $229.99 $459.99 (save $230)

• Refurbished Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool — $279.99 $649.99 (save $370)

• Refurbished Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 — $349.99 $479.99 (save $130)

• Refurbished Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04 — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)

Dyson beauty tech

• Refurbished Dyson Supersonic — $219.99 $349.99 (save $130)

• Dyson Airstrait (Refurbished) — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

• Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long (Refurbished) — $379.99 $499.99 (save $120)

Dyson vacuums

• Refurbished Dyson V8 Origin Extra — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

• Dyson V10 Animal+ (Refurbished) — $219.99 $349.99 (save $130)

• Refurbished Dyson Outsize — $269.99 $399.99 (save $130)

• Refurbished Dyson V11 Torque Drive — $279.99 $429.99 (save $150)

• Refurbished Dyson V15 Detect Total Clean Extra — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)

• Refurbished Dyson V15 Detect — $419.99 $549.99 (save $130)

Refurbished Samsung device dealsGalaxy Buds

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — $39.99 $99.99 (save $60)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Buds3 — $79.99 $179.99 (save $100)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — $99.99 $249.99 (save $150)

Galaxy phones

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB) — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB) — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S25 (128GB) — $719.99 $799.99 (save $80)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) — $749.99 $1,299.99 (save $550)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S25+ (256GB) — $899.99 $999.99 (save $100)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G (256GB) — $1,049.99 $1,199.99 (save $150)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (256GB) — $1,099.99 $1,799.99 (save $700)

Galaxy Watches

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch6 (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (Bluetooth + LTE, 43mm) — $199.99 $449.99 (save $250)

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (Bluetooth + LTE, 47mm) — $199.99 $479.99 (save $280)

Refurbished gaming console dealsNintendo Switch

• Nintendo Switch Lite (Refurbished) — $169.99 $199.99 (save $30)

• Nintendo Switch (Refurbished) — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40)

• Nintendo Switch - OLED Model (Refurbished) — $319.99 $349.99 (save $30)

PlayStation

• Certified Refurbished PlayStation 5 — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)

Xbox

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Xbox Series S (512GB) — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40)

• Xbox Series X (Certified Refurbished) — $449.99 $499.99 (save $50)

Instagram just launched its own standalone video-editing app.

The app, Edits, is live globally in the App Store and Google Play Store. Much like TikTok's CapCut, Edits is intended to help users make and edit videos on their phones for Instagram Reels or whatever other platform they want to post them on.

Features include long-camera capture, project management, and a watermark-free export. According to Instagram, the app offers frame-accurate timeline with clip-level editing, features specifically designed to enhance audio, green screen, transitions, and AI-image animation.

SEE ALSO: Instagram tests Storylines, a collaborative twist on Stories

Edits will also include an "Inspiration" tab that allows users to "get inspired" by browsing Reels with trending audio and saving trending Reels for later. The "Ideas" tab is intended to help users keep track of their ideas, notes, saved Reels, and more. We haven't tried the app yet, but if it's anything like CapCut, it's sure to be a beloved tool among content creators.

"We want to build the best creative tools to help creators express themselves, not just on Instagram or Facebook, but on any platform," a press release from Instagram stated. "We have more exciting features coming soon and will keep listening to feedback to improve the app every week."

This announcement comes about three months after Instagram head Adam Mosseri said the company was working on Edits, which he described as a "full suite of creative tools."

SAVE $60: The Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro corded stick vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $139.99, down from the standard price of $199.99. That's a 30% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro $139.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $60 Get Deal

A versatile and convertible vacuum is essential in any home or apartment. It also needs to be lightweight, unless you're looking to ditch your gym membership in exchange for struggling with a heavy vacuum. But if not, there's a great model on sale at Amazon today that ticks all the boxes.

As of April 22, the Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro corded stick vacuum is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon, marked down from the typical price of $199.99. That works out to a 30% discount, saving you $60.

SEE ALSO: This $41 smart air quality monitor is half the price of the competition, just in time for allergy season

Weighing just 8.5 pounds, the Shark Rocket Deluxe is ready for any vacuuming task, made even easier thanks to the swivel steering. We're used to headlights on our cars lighting the way, and the Shark Rocket does the exact same: it gives you a better view of hidden dust and debris that need a once-over with the corded vacuum. The light is especially helpful when cleaning under furniture like the couch or getting all the dust bunnies out from under the bed.

Shark installed an extra-large dust cup on this model, which can hold 0.68 quarts, meaning you won't have to empty it out as often. It also easily converts into a handheld model, and the upholstery tool is great for getting stuck-on pet hair off the couch. The anti-allergen dust brush employs the help of nylon bristles to rid your home of pesky dust that loves to accumulate on top of picture frames and behind vases.

If you're not in the mood to battle your heavy vacuum anymore, snag the lightweight Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro while it's 30% off at Amazon. Plus, the corded model means you'll never need to worry about battery life.