Technology

Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly tablet or a compact laptop replacement, there are plenty of excellent options out there. If you're not exactly sure which tablet you should buy, we've got one simple question to help narrow down your search: Are you an Apple person? We tested the entire iPad lineup, and though iPads are our preferred tablets in 2026, we also love some of the best tablets from Samsung, OnePlus, and Microsoft. So, whatever your preferences, we've got a tablet to recommend.

What's new in this guide?

With ever evolving technology, this guide is never done. We're continuing to test new tablets for inclusion in this guide. At the end of 2025, we added the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S11 Ultra to this guide.

As of March 2026, we've updated this guide to include the iPad Air with M4 chip, replacing the previous Air model. We also added the iPad Pro (M5) as the best iPad for professionals, as well as the OnePlus Pad Go 2 as the best budget Android tablet.

We have more tablets in the testing pipeline and will be updating this guide with any standouts.

The often-imitated hair dryer has a lot of copycats that dupe Dyson's signature look but skimp on quality. A good rule of thumb: Avoid the $40 Amazon knockoffs that copy Dyson's signature fuchsia and nickel design. I promise they won't perform the same, and you'll be lucky if they last six months. However, in recent years, a handful of competitors have released Dyson Supersonic alternatives that truly offer similar results.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (with 3 attachments) $329.99 at Dyson
$449.99 Save $120   Get Deal So, what's the best Dyson Supersonic dupe?

To answer that question, I tested a bunch of hair dryers. Some look similar to the Supersonic, and some look nothing like it. I wanted to find the best alternatives to the Dyson Supersonic that replicate the experience: That is to say, they dry your hair in a way that feels quick, easy, and at least a little luxurious.

My top recommendation as of spring 2026? The Laifen Swift. Not only does it look like the real thing, but it utilizes ions to minimize damage and has a powerful 110,000 RPM high-speed motor. Plus, it's affordable, which is why it's held the top spot in this guide for more than a year.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option What makes the Dyson Supersonic special? 

The Supersonic has stood the test of time because with it, Dyson reimagined the hair dryer. Instead of a bulky, loud dryer, the Supersonic is sleek and compact yet more powerful than other dryers on the market (and a little less loud, too).

Dyson is known for this futuristic aesthetic on its products, but the look of this dryer also has a function. The ring-shaped head ditches the vented and coiled model of the traditional hair dryer and houses the tiny V9 motor in the handle. The combination of the V9 motor and the Air Multiplier technology makes for a dryer that clocks in at only 1.8 pounds yet still delivers a powerful airflow that’s notably quieter than the roar of a traditional dryer. That extra strong airflow also makes this dryer less reliant on heat and keeps hair damage to a minimum.

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

To further mitigate any heat damage, the Supersonic also measures the air temperature up to 20 times per second and uses a built-in ionizer to minimize static and give hair a sleek finish, which brings us to a quick ionizer science lesson.

Ionizers are pretty common in higher-end air dryers. Why? They blow negative ions at wet hair to reduce static electricity by sealing the hair cuticle and taking down the power of that positive ionic charge (aka what's causing that annoying frizz). As negative ions make contact with hair, they're also dispersing the positive ions of water, therefore cutting down on your drying time and reducing damage in the process.

SEE ALSO: All the best skincare tech that we tested and loved, and some that we didn’t

Basically, it's one of the reasons the Dyson Supersonic provides such quick and excellent results and why hair dryers with ionizers cost more money — they do more than simply dry hair.

Magnetic attachments designed to easily snap onto the blow dryer round out the futuristic feel of the Supersonic. Five are included: a styling concentrator, a flyaway attachment, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb. It's a nice array of included nozzles, even for high-end dryers, which might typically include three or four attachments at the most.

Why is the Dyson Supersonic so expensive?

At $519, the Supersonic is definitely an investment. However, you're paying for a high-end motor that's built to last, multiple heat settings to protect hair, an innovative design, and of course, the ionic tech. Other dryers from popular hot tool brands like T3, ghd, and Harry Josh boast some similar features and run you anywhere from $150 to $350, but none quite capture the magic of the Supersonic.

SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price?

When I tested the Supersonic, I found that it had a luxe feel that stands out from other hair dryers. But don't forget: the Dyson Supersonic is now almost 10 years old.

Last year, Dyson released the updated Supersonic Nural (which you can find more info on in the FAQ section of this article), but it's not a drastically different product, with the main upgrade coming in the form of smart features, including improved temperature regulation and attachment detection. I tested it for a few weeks and found the upgrades nice, but by no means game-changing, especially for a $549 hair dryer. I also tested it against other smart hair dryers and found that the T3 Aire IQ offered the best intelligent features for the price point (more on that below, too).

Even with the original Supersonic being an older model, there is something to be said about it standing the test of time, and for providing a luxurious (yet efficient) drying experience, especially for folks with thick hair. On the other hand, Dyson competitors have had plenty of time to develop alternatives, all at a fraction of the price.

Recent testing updates

I'm in the process of testing newer hair dryers from Dreame, including the Dreame Miracle Pro.

The newest addition is the Supersonic Nural dupe, the T3 Aire IQ dryer, which I added in April 2025. Prior to that, I added the Dreame Gleam hair dryer, the Dreame Pocket, and the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex in November 2024. In the same month, I removed the Shark HyperAIR from my recommendations as it's largely been phased out from store shelves after Shark discontinued it. If you're still especially keen to get it, a version with just one attachment is available at Walmart.

I also replaced the BaBylissPRO with the Dreame Gleam as the best pick under $100 — though the BaByliss is still a solid hair dryer, it felt more like a standard blow dryer than a Supersonic dupe. Plus, it's less widely available these days.

In February 2025, I tested the L'Oréal Airlight Pro, which at $475 costs even more than the original Supersonic and almost as much as the Supersonic Nural. The Airlight Pro looked and functioned very similarly to the Zuvi Halo, which makes sense — the hair dryer was developed in partnership with Zuvi. At the time, I didn't include it as it wasn't that different than the Zuvi Halo, and cost significantly more. However, since then, the Zuvi Halo appears to be discontinued — it's been sold out for months on Zuvi's website after a drastic price hike to $634. I reached out to a representative from Zuvi to confirm the discontinuation, but didn't hear back. As a result, I've decided to remove the Zuvi Halo from our list of recommendations, and am reconsidering the inclusion of the Airlight Pro.

Finally, Dreame recently released the Dreame Pocket Ultra, an upgrade to one of our current recommendations, as well as the Dreame Miracle Pro, another Supersonic dupe contender. I'll be testing both for potential inclusion in this guide.

Fortnite developer Epic Games laid off over 1,000 employees on Wednesday, cutting a significant chunk of its workforce. In an open letter sent to employees, founder and CEO Tim Sweeney cited financial pressures on the popular multiplayer game as the reason for the layoffs. 

SEE ALSO: Inflation comes to Fortnite: V-Bucks prices increase

"The downturn in Fortnite engagement that started in 2025 means we're spending significantly more than we're making, and we have to make major cuts to keep the company funded," Sweeney wrote in Wednesday's open letter. "This layoff, together with over $500 million of identified cost savings in contracting, marketing, and closing some open roles puts us in a more stable place."

While Sweeney did not share Fortnite's exact engagement numbers, statistics trackers Fortnite.GG and ActivePlayer.io report that the game's player count has significantly slumped in recent months. For over two years Fortnite's average daily player count surpassed one million every month, reaching a peak of 3.1 million in December 2023. This number fell to approximately 835,000 last September, dropping its average below one million players per day for the first time since June 2023. Player numbers have remained lower than typical in the months since, now struggling to breach one million. 

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In his open letter, Sweeney stated that while the entire games industry is currently under strain, Epic Games is also facing specific challenges regarding Fortnite's return to mobile. Both Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their app stores in 2020 amidst antitrust disputes regarding in-game payments. In 2024, a new EU law forced Apple to reinstate Fortnite on iOS in Europe, with the app also eventually returning to U.S. iPhones in May 2025. Fortnite just made its global return to the Google Play store earlier this month, six years after initially being kicked off.

"Despite Fortnite remaining one of the most successful games in the world, we’ve had challenges delivering consistent Fortnite magic with every season; we're only in the early stages of returning to mobile and optimizing Fortnite for the world's billions of smartphones; and in being the industry's vanguard we have taken a lot of bullets in a battle which is only in the early days of paying off for ourselves and all developers," said Sweeney.

News of Epic Games' layoffs arrives just two weeks after the company raised prices for Fortnite's in-game currency V-Bucks, stating that the change was "to help pay the bills" after substantial increases in the costs of running the game. 

Epic Games previously laid off around 830 employees at the end of 2023, or 16 percent of its workforce. At the time, Sweeney stated that there would be no more layoffs following this, and that the cuts would "financially stabilize the business." Sadly, this no longer seems to be the case. 

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Sweeney specifically noted that Epic Games' most recent layoffs have nothing to do with AI, indicating that it isn't using the tech to replace employees. Developers and players alike have expressed concern about artificial intelligence in the video game industry, with a recent report finding that one in five new games on Steam use generative AI. In January, publisher Ubisoft announced it is making "accelerated investments behind player-facing Generative AI" amidst ongoing layoffs, while NVIDIA received severe backlash last week for an AI-powered rendering model which players labelled an "AI slop filter."

"Since it's a thing now, I should note that the layoffs aren't related to AI," said Sweeney. "To the extent it improves productivity, we want to have as many awesome developers developing great content and tech as we can."

Still, it's likely cold comfort for all the developers who have been suddenly put out of a job this week. Laid off Epic Games employees will receive at least four months' base pay, as well as extended healthcare coverage.

The video game industry has been plagued with layoffs in recent years, with big publishers such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, PlayStation, and Xbox all making significant cuts as well. Unfortunately, it seems as though the mass layoffs won't be easing off any time soon.

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SAVE $400: As of March 25, the Apple Watch Series 9 is down to its lowest-ever price of $299 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's $400 off the list price of $699.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 $299 at Amazon
$699 Save $400   Get Deal

If you’re looking for a tech upgrade — and let’s face it, who isn’t? — there’s no better time than the Amazon Spring Sale We’re scouring Amazon to help highlight the very best bargains. If it’s an upgraded smartwatch you’re after — specifically an Apple Watch — there’s a monster deal of the Apple Watch Series 9 right now.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is currently priced at just $299. That’s a massive $400 off the regular list price of $699. According to camelcamelcamel, that’s its lowest ever price by quite a way — more than $130 below its last record low price. But don't miss out: This Apple Watch Series 9 price is available for today only.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple Watch deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale — save on Series 11 and SE 3 models

Though it's not the very latest generation of Apple Watch, the Series 9 isn’t far behind. For dedicated Apple users an Apple Watch is a no-brainer, of course, with seamless synchronicity and a fluid user experience across your Apple devices. 

The Series 9 is notable for introducing the brilliant Double Tap feature, giving you an all-new level of control over the watches many, many functions — which include on-board Siri and excellent health features — and boasts a souped-up S9 chip. The difference between this watch and its successor, the Series 10, generally rated as the best Apple Watch around, is marginal, so you can be sure that this Spring Sale discount really is a steal.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal at Amazon on the Apple Watch Series 9. For more Apple deals from the Amazon Spring Sale, check out our live hub.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2026?

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. So, which brand comes out on top?

For most people, we think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) offer the best overall value, with the ideal blend of comfort, sound quality, and ANC. However, if you're looking for the best active noise cancellation overall, we have to give it up to the Sony XM6 headphones. Fortunately, there are no bad choices here.

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 options at every price range.

SEE ALSO: How we test headphones and earbuds 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 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 Bose QuietComfort Ultra 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.

Recent testing updates

• March 2026: We removed the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds from this guide and added the Sony WF-1000XM6 as our new pick for the best noise-cancelling earbuds. The Bose QC Ultra 2 earbuds are now our most comfortable noise-cancelling earbuds pick.

• December 2025: We removed the Dyson On-Trac headphones from this guide. While they had unbeatable battery life when they were first released, that's no longer the case.

• December 2025: We added the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as the best sports earbuds.

• December 2025: We added the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones as the best splurge.

• September 2025: We replaced the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the updated second-gen model.

• July 2025: We added the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

• February 2025: We added the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100, replacing the Beats Studio Buds+.

• August 2024: With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC.

Netflix has officially announced Bridgerton Season 5, and it looks like it's time for quiet pianist Francesca (Hannah Dodd) to get a second chance at love.

Based on When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in Julia Quinn's Regency romance series, Bridgerton's fifth season will focus on Lady Francesca Stirling (née Bridgerton). Francesca was tragically widowed during Season 4 after suddenly losing her beloved husband John (Victor Alli). Picking up two years later, pragmatic reasons have now pushed Francesca to search for a new spouse.

Meanwhile, John's cousin Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) has just returned to London. Michaela fled the city in the Season 4 finale despite Francesca's request that she stay as they both grieved. Now she's finally back, bringing an opportunity for her relationship with Francesca to evolve in ways neither of them expected.

Named Michael in Quinn's original novels, Michaela's character was changed from male to female for Netflix's adaptation. Bridgerton Season 5 will be the series' first season centred on a LGBTQ romance, with the series promising copious amounts of sapphic yearning.

SAVE $30: Through April 2, save $30 on the Kobo Libra Colour. That brings the e-reader down to $199.99, saving 13% off its $229.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Libra Colour $199.99 at Kobo
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale running from March 25 to 31, we're obviously on the hunt for great deals on the retailer's Kindles. But to only be looking at Kindles would be a mistake. There's a whole wide world of e-readers out there, including those that happen to also be on sale. While it's not technically part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, Kobo is running a deal on its Kobo Libra Colour, marking it down $30.

Usually $229.99, the Kobo Libra Colour is our favorite color e-reader. With its under-$250 price tag, it's cheaper than Kindle's Colorsoft (16GB) and comes with twice the storage. On sale, the Kobo Libra Colour is down to $199.99, saving you $30 for 13% off.

Amazon already dropped the price on its Colorsoft ahead of the Big Spring Sale, down to $169.99, so while it's technically cheaper than the Kobo Libra Colour for a limited time, the Libra Colour is still the superior e-reader. It comes with 32GB of storage, adjustable warmth and brightness, and it's fully waterproof. Plus, it has writing capabilities and is compatible with the Kobo remote. But maybe the best feature of the Kobo Libra Colour is its page-turning buttons, a rare but sought-after feature in an e-reader.

Shop the Kobo Libra Colour for just $199.99 and save $30 while jumpstarting your spring reading.

Save $31.99: Get the new Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds for just $298 at Amazon, down $31.99 from their $329.99 list price. This deal, which is live as of March 25, saves you 10% total on the noise-cancelling earbuds.

Sony WF-1000XM6 $298 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal at Amazon

As a professional headphones reviewer, I make sure to keep a sharp eye out for any audio deals during events like Amazon's Big Spring Sale, especially for (ever-increasingly) expensive flagship models.

The sale runs from March 25 to 31, and while that may bring some temptation to wait for the best possible deals, Amazon's already dropped what I anticipate will be one of the best earbuds deals of the sale: the discount on the Sony WF-1000XM6 that brings them down to $298.

If you just rolled your eyes, I get it. Yes, it's only a $31.99 markdown, but it's worth zooming out. These earbuds dropped just last month on Feb. 12, and though the upgrades weren't revolutionary, they improved on what was already a really solid product in the XM5 earbuds. Honestly, it's not a given that a product this new gets any discount at all, so it's notable that the XM6 buds have dropped to their lowest price ever, and dipped under $300 for the first time.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals to shop from the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

In my review of the earbuds, I determined that, as expensive as they are, Sony justifies the price point by bringing to the table the most well-rounded earbuds on the market. The noise cancellation is on par with that of Bose (the usual leader in the ANC space), the sound is the best I've personally heard on a pair of earbuds (and is only improved with the app's equalizer features), and the battery life runs for an impressive eight hours. And I say this as an ardent budget earbuds defender.

The only real feature of these earbuds that felt incongruent with their price point was that the touch controls took some getting used to — there's a smaller surface area for activating them, so there was somewhat of a learning curve to using them. That said, they felt less obviously flawed than the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds, and emerged as the clear winner for anyone looking for the best premium earbuds available.

If you're not quite sold on them, you can also check out more discounted noise-cancelling and wireless earbuds available during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. So, if you're gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you'll love.

Plus, with Amazon's Big Spring Sale, we're expecting to see big discounts on e-readers, specifically Kindles.

Featured Video For You Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The latest e-readers I tested were the Kindle Scribe (2025) and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Previously, Kindle Scribes were disappointing e-readers, but Amazon made major improvements on these devices, and now, they're worthy of your attention. We've included the Kindle Scribe (2025) on this list because it's a better value, even if the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is technically more impressive. For more details on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, you can read our full review.

We've also tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy.

Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It's the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

An e-reader we haven't gotten around to testing is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which is now available for purchase. We're trying out some newer names in the e-reader game, including the Xteink X4 and DuRoBo Krono.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.

If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale sex toy deals 2026: Best overall Satisfyer Pro 2 $48.40 (save $21.55) Get Deal Best budget pick plusOne vibrating bullet $8.99 (save $6) Get Deal

It’s almost springtime (regardless of what the weather might suggest), and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale will be here before we know it. This year, it’s running from March 25 to March 31 (the same dates as last year's sale), and shoppers can expect discounts on tons of products across just about every category.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned.

One category you won’t see Amazon advertising, however, is sex toys. They’re literally not allowed to promote these items in their major sale pushes (I'm so done with the censorship), but that’s OK — because I know exactly where to look to find the best deals.

Wait, I thought buying sex toys on Amazon wasn’t a good idea?

OK, so you all probably already know how I feel about buying sex toys on Amazon: it’s usually a bad idea. BUT, there are ways to get legit deals on premium sex tech without compromising on product safety or quality.

Here are a few quick pointers:

• Never buy from sketchy third-party sellers (that’s where I come in!).

• Always, always check for official brand storefronts to double-check product authenticity and warranty info.

• Do NOT buy anything that’s made with “jelly” or “rubber.” Anything porous is a no-go.

• Read the reviews! If a product has zero reviews or the reviews look suspiciously generic, move on.

When in doubt, buy directly from the manufacturer’s website.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale sex toy deals you can buy right now

To help you out, I went through hundreds of pages of products and hand-selected a list of high-quality sexual wellness items that are not only on sale but also safe for you to use.

Best overall Opens in a new window Credit: Satisfyer Satisfyer Pro 2 $48.40 at Amazon
$69.95 Save $21.55   Get Deal Why we like it

Satisfyer is famous for its suction toys and right now you can get the Satisfyer Pro 2 for just $48.40 (a 31% discount). This brand also leans into just about every holiday sale, so you’ll usually see its top vibes discounted during these promotional periods (especially Prime Day and Black Friday).

This toy looks like a face massager/cleaner, but it's actually a super-powerful suction toy designed to provide clitoral stimulation through non-contact pressure waves. (The company is pretty much known for its suction/airpulse tech.) This particular toy (which I own) has more than 61K reviews and a 3.9-star rating.

At under $50, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re into indirect clitoral stimulation. It’s also really easy to hold (which is always a plus).

Best budget pick plusOne vibrating bullet $8.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $6   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

As far as the best “deal” goes, you can’t go wrong with the plusOne vibrating bullet. PlusOne is a well-known (more affordable) sex toy brand that’s widely recognized for its no-frills toys. (I own a ton of plusOne toys.) They lack bells and whistles, but they’re reliable, and I haven’t had any complaints about the orgasm-inducing efficacy of their vibrators.

I chose the bullet vibe because it’s only $8.99. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal elsewhere. Plus, it has more than 7K reviews — one of which says, “For such a compact toy, it's surprisingly powerful and definitely worth having.” Can’t argue with that.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale sex toy deals worth considering

• Tracy's Dog OG Dual-vibe — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• plusOne dual rabbit vibrator — $33.97 $39.99 (save $6.02)

• Tracy's Dog Bumpa 3-in-1 anal vibrator — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• Tracy's Dog Passion Kit — $45.99 $49.99 (save $4)

Looking for lube? Check out LubeLife, Astroglide, and pjur.

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.

And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

Plus, we're in one of the best times to purchase a Kindle. Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 to 31. Before the sale officially started, Amazon already marked down the Kindle Colorsoft, and we expect to see all Kindles discounted throughout the sale.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

The best Amazon Spring Sale Dyson deals at a glance: Best Dyson Corded Vacuum Deal Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum $549.99 (save $155) Get Deal Best Dyson Cordless Vacuum Deal Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum $375 (save $164.99) Get Deal Best Dyson Air Purifier Deal Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $499 (save $160.99) Get Deal

It's that time again. The Amazon Big Spring Sale is back, and it's set to run from March 25 through March 31. You'll be able to score some serious savings across every conceivable category on the site, so it's time to lock in some of those must-have purchases that have been on your list.

One thing you'll definitely want to keep an eye out for is deep discounts across the Dyson brand, from sales on vacuums to air purifiers. There are already several early deals popping up ahead of the sale that you can shop before the madness.

While there are currently no savings opportunities on Dyson's hair tools and scant savings on its audio products, there are plenty of deals to be found on vacuums and more. That could likely change in the coming days as the sale begins, however.

Right now, we've gathered together the best Dyson deals we could find on Amazon. So if you can't wait, the good news is that you can shop these products right now ahead of the sale.

Best Dyson corded vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum $394.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $155   Get Deal Why we like it

This powerful corded vacuum can tackle even the toughest of pet messes and then some. With its tangle-free turbine tool, it offers high-performance cleaning with whole-machine filtration to make sure all those dust and dirt particles it captures don't get released back into the air in your home. It can handle dirt and pet hair no matter where you decide to run it, with three suction modes perfect for deep-, medium-, and low-pile carpets as well as hard floors and other high-traffic areas. It even comes with pet tools for removing hair from upholstery and fabric as well as your car.

Best Dyson cordless vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum $375 at Amazon
$539.99 Save $164.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Dyson is known for its many cordless vacuum options that are just as powerful as its corded models, and this one is no slouch. It has the same powerful motorbar cleaner head to cut through dirt and debris in your home as well as pet hair, with two power modes. Its "Powerful" mode is perfect for regular cleaning across the board, while "Max" mode is better for spot cleaning when you have tough stains and other difficult issues to tackle. Plus, it gives you 40 minutes of runtime so if you have a larger area to clean, it won't run out of battery in the middle of your session. Even better, it can be converted into a handheld vacuum to get in those nooks and crannies or clean out your car, couch, or furniture.

Best Dyson air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $499 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $160.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Clear the air in your home with this air purifier that uses both an activated carbon filter and HEPA filter to remove gases and 99.97% of the microscopic allergens that make their way inside. The entirety of the purifier is sealed so it all stays contained, while you breathe fresher air all throughout your home. It claims to capture up to 97% of odors as well, so if you have pets or you've been cooking something pungent, it can trap those smells and make things a bit fresher. Set your own cleaning schedules via the MyDyson app and control and monitor the air quality from there as well. It's simple to set up and keep a tidier home with this Dyson air purifier, and the cherry on top? It can heat and cool your home as well.

More Dyson deals

• Dyson Car + Boat Handheld Vacuum — $229 $299 (save $70)

• Dyson OnTrac Headphones — $301.60 $499.99 (save $198.39)

• Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A — $385 $549.99 (save $164.99)

• Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum — $549 $629.99 (save $80.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum — $692.99 $849.99 (save $157)

• Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP02 — $927.50 $1,099.99 (save $157)

• Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Wet Dry Vacuum — $949 $1,049.99 (save $100.99)

SAVE $11.80: While Amazon's Big Spring Sale kicks off, shop the Brick for 25% off. Shop now on Brick's site and save $11.80 off its $59 price tag. That brings the subscription-free screen time device down to $47.20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick Brick $47.20 at Brick
$59 Save $11.80   Get Deal

Now that warmer weather is finally here for most of the country and we're no longer stuck inside, it's time to get your screen time under control. A little spring reset could do everyone some good, especially when you've been inside all winter staring at a screen. There's no better way to get off your phone than with the Brick. I've long sung our praises of the screen time device that helped me cut my screen time in half. I've convinced my coworkers and friends to get the Brick, and I endorse buying it at full price, so when it's on sale, I say buy, buy, buy.

Just in time for spring, Brick is marking down its screen time device. Now 25% off, you can shop the Brick for just $47.20. That saves you $11.80 off its $59 list price. This sale isn't technically part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale since the Brick isn't on sale at Amazon — you can only shop the sale on Brick's website. However, the timing of Brick's sale is likely no coincidence.

Unlike screen time limits or apps, the Brick is a physical device to manage your screen time. To use, open the Brick app (available for both iOS and Android devices) on your phone and tap against the Brick. You can customize your Brick modes to include whatever apps you need blocked. You can block your most problematic apps like TikTok and Instagram, or go full dumb phone. Plus, multiple people can use the Brick, so you and a partner or roommate can go halfsies on it. Not to mention, the Brick is a one-time purchase, aka there are no subscription fees.

Get the Brick for 25% off now, just $47.20.

A quick look at the best cordless vacuum deals ahead of Amazon's spring sale Best vacuum deal for homes with pets Shark PowerDetect Pet Plus Clean & Empty $399.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best budget stick vacuum deal Shark Pet IX141 $149.00 at Amazon (save $150.99) Get Deal Best wet dry cordless vacuum deal Roborock F25 Ace Combo $459.99 at Amazon (save $290) Get Deal

Take it from someone who tests multiple robot vacuums each month: Not even the best robot vacuum AI features are immune to screwing up. If you're inclined to just do the job yourself — or if the concept of a robot vacuum with a camera sketches you out — at least make the chore enjoyable with a good stick vacuum. Amazon has a ton of well-reviewed cordless vacuums on sale ahead of the Big Spring Sale kickoff on March 25.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both

Our favorite cordless vacuum deals so far are all vacuums that someone at Mashable has tested at home and loved. I'll admit that any list of top stick vacuums feels weird without multiple Dyson mentions — Amazon typically isn't a reliable spot to find good deals on Dyson vacuums (even though Amazon's deals on other Dyson products can be quite good.) Most worthwhile Dyson deals simply tend to pop up Dyson.com, like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim on sale for $479.99. Maybe it's delusional, but I'm optimistic about the possibility of a discount on the new Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones.

Below, I'm tracking the best cordless vacuums on sale at Amazon pre-Big Spring Sale, including deals on cordless wet and dry vacuums.

Best Amazon cordless stick vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect Pet Plus Clean & Empty IP3253 $399.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200   See It at Amazon Why we like it

There are actually two great Shark stick vacuum deals live at Amazon: The $249 Shark Clean & Empty model is probably the most affordable self-emptying stick vacuum you'll find this season. The other, which I'm highlighting here, is probably the most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum you'll find. $399.99 for that title is more than reasonable.

Though I'm constantly recommending the lightweight Dyson V12 Detect Slim for dust and pet hair on hard floors, the Shark PowerDetect is easily the beastliest vacuum I've tested on carpet — you can literally feel the vigorous double brushroll system digging into the floor. The Clean & Empty Sharks automatically empty the dustbin every time they're hung on the dock to charge, so you won't have to deal with emptying the larger dock dustbin for at least 45 days (it's much longer in my experience). Past the mega convenience, an always-empty dustbin provides visible proof of just how much gunk the PowerDetect has sucked up in the area you're currently sweeping.

More cordless stick vacuum deals at Amazon

• Black+Decker Powerseries 20V Max — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

• Shark Pet IX141 — $149 $299.99 (save $150.99)

• Levoit LVAC-200 — $149.94 $199.99 (save $50.05)

• Bissell Cleanview XR Pet — $149.97 $229.99 (save $79.03)

• Dreame Z30 — $199.98 $469.99 (save $270.01)

• Bissell PowerClean FurGuard — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Shark Clean & Empty BU3521 — $249 $399.99 (save $150.99)

• Shark Stratos IZ862H — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Roborock H60 Hub with auto-empty dock — $329.99 $599.99 (save $270)

• Tineco Pure One Station 5 with auto-empty dock — $349 $459 (save $110)

• Miele Duoflex — $498.99 $699 (save $200.01)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus — $599.99 $849.99 (save $250)

Cordless wet dry vacuum deals at Amazon

• Mova M10 — $199 $349 (save $150)

• Tineco iFloor 5 Breeze — $199 $299.99 (save $100.99)

• Dreame H12 Pro — $199.99 $309.99 (save $270.01)

• Dreame Aero Pro — $379.99 $449.99 (save $70)

• Tineco Floor One S7 Stretch — $449 $649 (save $200)

• Roborock F25 Ace Combo (stick vacuum + cordless mop) — $459.99 $749.99 (save $290)

• Roborock F25 Ultra Steam — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

• Tineco Floor One Switch S6 — $549 $799 (save $250)

A quick look at the best deals on self-emptying robot vacuums at Amazon Best budget robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ $279.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best roller mop robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best premium robot vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,359.90 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

The question isn't whether it's worthwhile to get a self-emptying robot vacuum. It's simply which self-emptying robot vacuum you should get. And the list of potential options in your budget is much longer around Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which will run between March 25 and 31. A ton are already severely discounted in the week before the sale, including a few of my favorites that I've tested so far this year.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is stale in 2026, but at least Shark is trying to revive its robot vacuum line

Automatic emptying isn't at all reserved for the best of the best robot vacuums as was the case five years ago — I'd argue that it's the most normalized feature outside of the vacuuming itself, even in the realm of cheap robot vacuums under $300. The unspoken agreement is that if you're buying a robot vacuum to avoid vacuuming by hand, you're not going to feel like manually dumping a dust bin every day, either.

Below, I'm tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's 2026 spring sale. More good deals are likely to drop in the coming days, and I'll be updating this post accordingly.

Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy Why we like it

I tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out in February 2026. And I have a feeling it'll remain one of my most recommended robot vacuum and mop combos for the next year or so.

On sale for less than $600, the Eufy C28 is probably the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find. The fluffy roller spans the entire bottom of the vacuum and rinses itself with fresh water as it's mopping, making it a far more reliable choice for soaking up large liquid spills (without smearing them around) than other cheap mopping robot vacuums. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning, so it's easier to forgive how painfully loud it is.

Its small obstacle avoidance was surprisingly accurate during my testing — it avoided slippers and hand towels, cat toys, and (most) phone chargers as well as many premium vacuums.

Robot vacuum mop combos with self-washing mopping pads

• Roborock Qrevo QV35A — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Dreame L40 Ultra (Gen 2) — $479.99 $649.99 (save $170)

• Eufy X10 Pro Omni — $499.99 $699.99 (save $200)

• Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni — $599 $1,099.99 (save $500.99)

• Eufy C28 — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)

• Eufy E25 — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)

• Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)

• Roborock Saros 10R — $1,099.99 $1,599.99 (save $500)

• Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete — $1,299.99 $1,499.99 (save $200)

SEE ALSO: I tried the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: It's cracked the code to roller mopping along edges Robot vacuum and mop combos

• Dreame D20 Plus — $259.99 $359.99 (save $100)

• Roborock Q7 M5+ — $249.99 $329.99 (save $80)

• Narwal Freo S — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70)

• Roborock Q5 S10+ — $299.99 $549.99 (save $250)

• Mova P10 Pro Ultra — $399 $499 (save $100)

Big Spring Sale MacBook Deals at a glance: Best MacBook Neo deal (that's barely a deal) Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Best MacBook Air Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inches (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,799 (save $200) Get Deal Best price deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 (save $100) Get Deal Also consider Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon's third annual Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 to 31, and the opening day of the sale already features deals on must-have tech — including flagship Apple products. Apple just refreshed and expanded its MacBook lineup earlier this month, and some of the new Apple laptops are already on sale.

The colorful new MacBook Neo with Touch ID is a whopping — wait for it — $9 off. (Don't forget about the Apple Store's $100 education discount.) Of course, there are better deals to be had.

Amazon's biggest discount thus far is going to a 15-inch M4 model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is now $300 off — its lowest price ever. You can also score 13-inch M4 MacBook Airs starting at $899. Remember: Apple has discontinued the M4 MacBooks, so once supplies dry up, they'll only be available on the refurbished market.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back: The best deals already live on Apple, robot vacuums, headphones, and more

The brand-new M5 MacBook Airs and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros are all $50 off for the Big Spring Sale, and that's probably going to be as cheap as they get for now. (The then-new M4 models got the same discount last year.) Look for better deals in a couple of months come Prime Day.

This is just day one of the Big Spring Sale, and Mashable will be keeping track of all the latest MacBook price drops. Check back to be the first to know about the top Apple deals.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air may be a last-gen laptop, but it's still an incredibly capable ultraportable, now $250 off for its lowest-ever price. It's faster than much pricier Windows laptops, and it has the same 12MP Center Stage webcam, Liquid Retina display, and 18-hour battery life as its new M5 counterpart. This particular model is also well future-proofed amid the ongoing RAM crunch — thanks, AI.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

MacBook Neo deals

• Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $689.99 $699 (save $9.01) 🔥

More MacBook Air deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $899 $1,199 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,099 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,399 (save $250) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449.99 $1,499 (save $49.01) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449.99 $1,499 (save $49.01) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649.99 $1,699 (save $49.01) 🔥

MacBook Pro deals

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649 $1,699 (save $50)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799 $1,899 (save $100)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,149 $2,199 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 15-core CPU/16-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,549.99 $2,599 (save $49.01) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,649 $2,699 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,749.99 $2,799 (save $49.01) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,049 $3,099 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,549.99 $3,599 (save $49.01) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,849 $3,899 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,349.99 $4,399 (save $49.01) 🔥

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 25, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 25, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 25 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 25 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 25 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically; 0-2, placed horizontally.

Less than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Greater than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is -3, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who like sneakers.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.

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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.

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Table games

• Green: Sneakers

• Blue: San Francisco legends

• Purple: NBA events

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Games Played on a Table

• Green: Nike Shoes

• Blue: Giants Greats

• Purple: NBA___

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 #548 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Games Played on a Table - AIR HOCKEY, FOOSBALL, POOL, SNOOKER

• Nike Shoes - AIR FORCE 1, BLAZER, PEGASUS, SHOX

• Giants Greats - BONDS, MAYS, OTT, POSEY

• NBA___ - ALL-STAR, CUP, DRAFT, FINALS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 yesterday's Connections.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A woven hairstyle.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

BRAID

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An excursion.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

JAUNT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Shine.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GLEAM

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Not height.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

WIDTH

Final Hurdle hint

Moon-related.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

LUNAR

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you keep up with the news.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 25, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: To fog

• Green: Popular publications

• Blue: Ways to use funds

• Purple: Measurements

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Obfuscate

• Green: Magazines

• Blue: Payment methods

• Purple: Units of volume with last letter changed

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 #1018 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Obfuscate: BLUR, CLOUD, MUDDY, OBSCURE

• Magazines: FORTUNE, PEOPLE, SPIN, TIME

• Payment methods: CASH, CHARGE, CHECK, WIRE

• Units of volume with last letter changed: CUR, GALLOP, PING, QUARK

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 25, 2026

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

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

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