Technology

FREE LEGO: On April 27, build a Mother's Day Flower model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free Mother's Day Flower Learn More

Lego's make and take events provide an awesome opportunity for fans to take home something exclusive for absolutely nothing. In 2025, Lego has run a number of these generous events, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. Following in the footsteps of the popular Steering Wheel, Valentine's Day Heart, and Grogu events, Lego is now offering a Mother's Day Flower model for free.

Thanks, Lego.

SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I needed

Visitors to select Lego Stores on April 27 (from 12-2 p.m.) will have the chance to participate in a Lego Mother's Day Flower model make and take event. During this event, participants can build and bring home a stunning Flower model for free. This event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and the model will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis, at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada, while supplies last.

What's important to note is that the Flower model is not available for purchase. So you're getting your hands on something exclusive in this special event. The only catch is that you're limited to one build per participant, which seems fair.

Build and take home an exclusive Mother's Day Flower model for free on April 27.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, April 25, 2025:

Across"Beware the ___ of March"

• The answer is Ides.

Sends a message

• The answer is Texts.

Pond scum

• The answer is Algae.

Teeny-tiny bit

• The answer is Iota.

Doctor who might more aptly be called a "dogtor"

• The answer is Vet.

Down"Don't call ___ comeback!"

• The answer is ItA.

Supermarket section

• The answer is Deli.

Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short

• The answer is ExGov.

5-Across or 8-Across, if you change the T's in this answer

• The answer is State.

Musical chairs need

• The answer is Seat.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Netflix is introducing a new type of original language subtitles.

On Thursday, the company announced a new subtitle option: original language subtitles that only show the spoken dialogue.

The only option for subtitles in the original language before was Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH/CC). These subtitles include dialogue but also audio cues such as [dramatic music swells], as well as names of the people speaking on screen.

However, Netflix has realized that a lot of folks watch content with subtitles (fifty percent of Americans do it most of the time), and decided to offer a subtitle option that only covers spoken dialogue. If you're wondering why that is, you've probably never seen Brad Pitt's legendary performance in Guy Ritchie's "Snatch."

Now you get both the CC and the non-CC version. Credit: Netflix

Unfortunately, this will not be available for older titles, at least not right away. Netflix says the new subtitle option will first appear on new titles coming to the platform, with the first show to get it being the fifth season of You.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock and watch U.S. Netflix

Netflix also said that, going forward, the non-CC subtitles will be available on all new Netflix originals in every language that the platform offers.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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: Happens at a track competition

• Green: Descriptions given for athletes

• Blue: Heard their name called first

• Purple: Share a second word

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

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

• Yellow: Track and field events

• Green: Bio info for an NFL draft pick

• Blue: Previous No. 1 NFL draft picks

• Purple: _______ball sports

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 #214 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Track and field events - C100 METERS, DECATHLON, POLE VAULT, STEEPLECHASE

• Bio info for an NFL draft pick - HEIGHT, POSITION, SCHOOL, WEIGHT

• Previous No. 1 NFL draft picks - BURROW, FISHER, LONG, LUCK

• ________ball sports - FOOT, PICKLE, SOFT, VOLLEY

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You can feel the excitement building. The biggest international song competition in the world is fast approaching, so clear your calendar, prepare food from across the continent, and dress to impress.

The Eurovision Song Contest is back once again, promising incredible performances, dazzling choreography, and moments that you really can't explain. There isn't anything else like the Eurovision Song Contest. You just know it's going to be beautifully mad. We can't wait to watch, and you can do the same without spending anything.

Want to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is Eurovision?

The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union. This popular competition primarily features entries from European countries, with each participating nation submitting an original song to be performed on live TV. Competing countries cast votes to pick a winner.

Eurovision has a reputation for delivering truly memorable performances, and not always in a good way. Rules and convention go out the window with Eurovision, resulting in some absolutely unmissable moments.

Where is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is the 69th edition of the event. This year's competition will take place in St. Jakobshalle, Basel.

When is the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

The full schedule for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest can be found right here:

• First Semi-Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 13

• Second Semi-Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 15

• Grand Final — 9 p.m. CEST on May 17

Keep these times and dates in mind. No excuses.

How to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free

Audiences from all participating countries should be able to watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on local broadcasting services:

• Albania — RTSH

• Armenia — AMPTV

• Australia — SBS

• Austria — ORF

• Azerbaijan — İctimai

• Belgium — VRT

• Croatia — HRT

• Cyprus — CyBC

• Czechia — ČT

• Denmark — DR

• Estonia — ERR

• Finland — YLE

• France — FT

• Georgia — GPB

• Germany — ARD/NDR

• Greece — ERT

• Iceland — RÚV

• Ireland — RTÉ

• Israel — Kan

• Italy — RAI

• Latvia — LTV

• Lithuania — LRT

• Luxembourg — RTL

• Malta — PBS

• Montenegro — RTCG

• Netherlands — AVROTROS

• Norway — NRK

• Poland — TVP

• Portugal — RTP

• San Marino — SMRTV

• Serbia — RTS

• Slovenia — RTVSLO

• Spain — RTVE

• Sweden — SVT

• Switzerland — SRG SSR

• Ukraine — Suspilne

• United Kingdom — BBC

If you are based in a country not on this list, you will need to use a VPN to live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country. This simple process makes it look like you're connecting from a country with free access to Eurovision, so you can live stream the event for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access to Eurovision

4. Visit your favorite free streaming platform listed above

5. Live stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Something to note is that the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can live stream Eurovision without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream the event before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free streaming services, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest for free with ExpressVPN.

A TV is the centrepiece of most living areas — not only a source of constant entertainment, but the thing that all your furniture is pointed towards — so it's vital that you get it right. Even when you're shopping on a budget.

The great thing about modern tech is that when you are shopping on a budget, there's a surprising number of features that you can get for your money. 21st Century TVs can do much more than just tune into a couple of channels.

If you need some help choosing a TV, we've trawled the internet to find a selection of the best models. We have information on the best 4K TVs, TVs for gaming, and TVs for under £500. We wouldn't want budget shoppers to feel left out though, so here’s a quick guide to buying a cheap TV, along with some of the very best models.

How much do budget TVs cost?

As you can see, we’ve kept it to £300 or below. Indeed, there’s lots of talk about huge, mega-resolution smart TVs — eye-popping 4K sets and eye-watering prices — but it’s perfectly possible to get a good television set for a few hundred pounds. In some cases around the £150 mark. It’s worth remembering that if you’re not fussy about having the very latest model, you’ll find that more expensive models from the last few years are now marked down to a more agreeable price.

Do budget TVs offer smart features?

Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean lacking in quality. Because some of these models even offer impressive features like Ultra HD image resolution and HDR support. Enormous QLED TVs are obviously not going to make this list but you can still find real quality, if you know where to look. All the TVs featured in this roundup have smart platforms that offer a selection of streaming apps as well access to free-to-view channels. You’ll also find features such as Alexa compatibility, gaming modes, and audio technology.

What is HDR?

This is a common selling point in modern TVs, so it’s worth knowing about — especially if you’re particular about having the best quality image. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This essentially means a wider gamut of colours and shades of light and dark. It produces more vivid, nuanced colours — deeper, richer, and more detailed. There are different HDR formats — notably Dolby Vision and HDR10 — and you’ll find that certain TVs support certain formats (or both).

Can you get 4K for under £300?

In years gone by, most TVs at this price range were either HD Ready (720p) or Full HD (1080p), but that seems to be changing. It's relatively easy to find 4K in the budget price range now, as you can see from the selection below.

Can you watch streaming apps on a cheap TV?

Streaming apps are a feature of smart platforms, which you'll find on all of the TVs we've selected. You'll be able to watch the likes of Netflix, Disney, and iPlayer — though you need a subscription in some cases and an internet connection, of course. You can watch live digital channels through platforms such as Freeview Play and Freely, which may also be included on budget TVs.

What is the best TV for under £300?

We have painstakingly checked out everything on offer at this price range to bring you a selection of your best options. Whether you want something for your spare room, university halls, or home office, there will be something for you in this list. We’ve done the hard work so you can focus on the more important details, like where the TV is going to live in your room and what you're going to sit on. You know, all the fun stuff.

These are the best TVs for under £300 in 2025.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Wired headphones are making a comeback with Gen Z — and wired headphones have always been the choice for true audiophiles — but wireless headphones are still the direction of technological travel. In fact, lots of up-to-date devices don't even have headphone jacks, so going wireless is now the universal option.

And we are talking headphones here, not earbuds. Sure, earbuds might be more convenient for on-the-move lifestyles and fitness, but headphones tend to deliver superior sound. And they do a great job of shutting out the outside world. That's because headphones create a seal over your ears to block out exterior noise, so even if they aren't technically "noise cancelling", they will still do a decent job preventing unwanted sound from interfering with your music or podcast.

But buying headphones can be hard. The sheer number of available headphones, combined with ever-advancing tech — which is all designed to cater to different listening habits and lifestyles — makes it tricky to pick the best pair of headphones for you and your ears. Let us help by offering some handy headphone information.

How do wireless headphones work?

Most wireless headphones are Bluetooth-enabled, the standard technology these days for hooking your headphones to a smart device. Other options include old radio frequency technology. Bluetooth is the standard and work perfectly well for music and podcasts, but if you’re using wireless headphones to hook up to your TV, radio frequency might be a better choice because there’s less chance of lag between picture and audio — sometimes an issue with Bluetooth unless your device and headphones support the latest and best performing Bluetooth codecs.

What are the most important headphones features?

Some of the jargon around headphones can be confusing, so we've broken down some of the most important headphone features to help you pick the perfect pair:

• Bluetooth codecs — As referenced above, these are clever bits of software that encode and decode digital audio signals. The codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), measured in milliseconds. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.

• Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which directs sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Closed-back are often the go-to choice for commuting and noisy environments. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — in and out. This is sometimes found on very expensive headphones for clearer, natural sound.

• Drivers — These are little cone-shaped gadgets in the ear cups that are responsible for your tunes. They convert electrical signals into sounds. For over-ear headphones, they usually measure between 20mm and 50mm in headphones.

• On-ear and over ear — These are self explanatory but it's always good to be clear. On-ear headphones sit on your ear, while over-ear have bigger cups that go over the entire ear. On-ear are usually more portable, with better battery life, while over-ear create a more immersive experience and often support noise cancellation. Over-ear is becoming the more common style.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next pair of headphones.

What is noise cancellation?

Noise cancellation is exactly as it sounds — a method of cancelling out external noise to help you shut off the outside world and get deep into the listening zone.

There are two kinds of noise cancellation: Passive and active noise cancellation. Passive noise cancellation happens by design as the physical build of the ear cups creates a seal to block incoming sounds. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a bit more complicated. It uses tiny microphones within the ear cups, which detect incoming noise and emit sound waves to cancel out that noise.

Some headphones feature different ANC modes, such as “transparency mode”, which allows certain noises to get through, such as voices. That means you can immerse yourself in the music but always know when a friend or colleague starts a conversation.

What are the best wireless headphones?

To help you decide, we've rounded up the best wireless headphones based on researching the reviews, listening experience, and customer comments. They range in quality, features, and price, so there's something for everyone.

These are the best wireless headphones for 2025.

Working from home — or WFH to use the modern parlance — is now well established. That means you can no longer get away with an uncomfortable or amateurish setup in your home office. It's time for a serious upgrade. It's time to get profresional.

If you regularly WFH, consider a good quality computer monitor. Your desk chairs, keyboards, and mouse would seem pretty useless without one. A good monitor can also be essential for boosting productivity, helping you to organise, prioritise, and focus. It could be just what you need to overcome productivity issues. Because it is easy to get distracted when you're at home, even if you are technically on the clock.

But how to choose a monitor? As with all tech purchases, it’s easy to get blindsided with spec and jargon. But we can help with choosing a monitor to upgrade your office. Here’s some handy information to get you started.

What size are computer monitors?

Computer monitors are somewhere between a laptop and a TV. They tend to average out at around 24 or 27 inches, though there are definitely bigger options available. If you like to mix up work and play — as in, use the monitor for gaming as well as WFH — a larger monitor might be best. We’ve included a range of sizes below.

What is the best resolution for a computer monitor?

If you’re using the monitor just for work — spreadsheets, documents, and video calls — regular HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) will do the trick. But if you are also using it for gaming or streaming in your downtime, consider a monitor that goes all the way up to 4K. You’ll find a selection of resolutions in this roundup. And it's not just about resolution. Monitors may also be equipped with HDR (high dynamic range), which means the monitor can produce richer colours and sharper details.

What features do monitors offer?

You might come across some jargon and tech speak while shopping for monitors, so here's a simple breakdown of key features:

• Eye Protection — Some monitors are built with technology to protect you from blue light or reduce eye fatigue — always a problem when you’re staring at a screen for the whole working day. There are also features that make it easier to read on the screen, and display technology that ensures you see the monitor clearly from any angle.

• Ergonomic Features — Ergonomic is a term that comes up with lots of office equipment. It basically means that it’s built for the most efficient and safest use. In the case of monitors that means they can be adjusted to tilt, pivot, and angle at a position that’s comfortable and reduces the chance of neck and posture problems. Sitting at a desk poorly can have bigger health impact than you might realise.

• Built-In Speakers — Basic monitors tend to not have speakers, which means you’ll need to add external speakers if you want audio. More advanced monitors like gaming monitors are more like little TVs, so may come with speakers already built-in.

• Ports and Connections — Depending on the price, different monitors will come with a different selection of ports. This will of course depend on your home set-up and what devices you need to connect. But look for monitors that have a range of HDMI and USB connections. And take note whether they offer USB A or C.

• AMD FreeSync — You'll find this technology on monitors that are designed for video playback and gaming. It helps minimise issues such as screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag, and improves the overall fluidity of the monitor's visuals.

Keep these features in mind when shopping for a monitor.

What is the best monitor for working from home?

To help you find a monitor that works for you and your budget, we have tracked down a selection of devices from a bunch of top brands. We're confident that there's something for everyone — not to mention every budget — on this list.

These are the best monitors in 2025.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The French Open isn't all that far away, so it's time for the best players in the world to take to the clay to sharpen up before the second Grand Slam of the season. The good news for top players is that there is ample opportunity to do just that, with a number of high-profile tournaments taking place at this time of year.

Following on from the Barcelona Open is the Madrid Open, with the likes of Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Djokovic, and Swiatek heading the line-up for this popular event. For many, this will be a dress rehearsel for the main event at Roland-Garros.

If you want to watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Madrid Open?

The Madrid Open is an annual professional tennis tournament played on clay courts at the Caja Mágica in Madrid. The defending singles champions are Andrey Rublev and Iga Świątek.

When is the 2025 Madrid Open?

The 2025 Madrid Open is the 23rd edition of the event on the ATP Tour and 16th on the WTA Tour. This year's event takes place from April 22 to May 4.

How to watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free

The 2025 Madrid Open are available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

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 crest.

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

RIDGE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Mushrooms.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FUNGI

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Lopsided.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 25, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

WONKY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An imposter.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 25 Hurdle Word 4 answer

FRAUD

Final Hurdle hint

A popular seed.

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

POPPY

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

You’re wrong if you think that the ability to sync files is a new feature offered by tech companies. Microsoft has actually offered this feature since Windows 95 with a virtual folder called Briefcase.

Threads, Meta's alternative to X, formerly Twitter, had almost everything it needed to succeed. It's backed by one of the biggest of the Big Tech companies. It's directly integrated with Instagram, the mega popular photo sharing app. With all its powers combined, Threads was able to grow to 100 million users in just 5 days.

However, there was one crucial element that the platform was missing: A 'dot com' domain name.

But, as of April 24, Meta has solved Threads' URL problem. Threads.com now officially points users to the web version of the Threads platform.

"Today, we’re moving from Threads.net to Threads.com," Meta said in an announcement posted on the company blog alongside feature updates to the platform.

As Elon Musk continues to put his unique stamp on X, many liberal users are seeking out new social media homes. X competitors like Bluesky and Threads appear to have won out as the official Twitter replacements, although neither have come close to achieving critical mass.

Threads finally using Threads.com as its official URL won't beat out X alone, but studies have shown that internet users still use and trust .com domain names more than any other domain extension. This move from Threads.net to Threads.com will only help the platform.

Threads originally launched in July 2023 strictly as a mobile app. One month later, Threads rolled out the web version of the social media platform. However, Threads on the web was previously located at Threads.net.

Why? At the time, Meta simply did not own the dot-com domain. Plenty of users went to Threads.com when Meta launched the platform. However, users who visited the URL were then directed to a website for a startup company that was building a Slack alternative called Threads — not exactly an ideal user experience.

Unsurprisingly, the Slack alternative unfortunately named Threads later noted that it received acquisition interest from Meta. The following year, the startup announced that Shopify had acquired the company. Then, in September 2024, tech outlets noticed that the ownership information listed in the Whois domain records for Threads.com pointed to a new owner — Meta.

It's unclear how much Meta paid for the domain name, but on Thursday, the company made Threads.com official.

One way to speed up your browsing experience in Microsoft Edge is to use keyboard shortcuts. Indeed, they can help you quickly navigate and organize various elements of the Edge user interface, such as the tabs, favorites bar, sidebar, address bar, or active web page. Keyboard shortcuts can also be handy when you're using Microsoft Edge as a PDF reader.

Motorola finally shut off all the leaks surrounding its new Razr phones on Thursday by just announcing them officially.

The American tech firm announced its latest batch of foldable phones, which consists of three new Razr devices: The Razr (2025), Razr Plus (2025), and Razr Ultra. You can see a full rundown of specs and features in Motorola's company blog post, but suffice it to say, the Ultra with the wood finish is probably the star of the show here.

Motorola claims that thanks to its Snapdragon processor, the new Motorola Razr Ultra will be the world's most powerful flip phone, as well as the fastest-charging flip phone.

The new Motorola Razr comes in a sick wood finish. Credit: Motorola SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the new Motorola Razr: Leaks, launch date, price The Motorola Razr Ultra: Flagship specs and a Snapdragon processor

It's the most expensive phone of the bunch at $1,300, but you get what you pay for, specs-wise. The Razr Ultra has a 4-inch cover display on the exterior and a 7-inch display on the interior, with a beefy 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. You'll also get a big 4,700mAh battery on top of a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, plus a trio of 50MP camera lenses to play with. It also comes in a swaggy new faux-wood finish as an option, which is definitely one of the coolest-looking phones I've seen in a minute.

Here are the key specs:

• Displays: 4-inch external screen, 7-inch internal screen

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite processor

• RAM: 16GB

• Storage options: 512GB, 1TB

• Battery: 4,700mAh

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP selfie

• Colorways: Pantone Cabaret, Pantone Scarab, Pantone Rio Red, Pantone Mountain Trail (wood finish)

The Motorola Razr Ultra also has a dedicated AI button, though the features you can access with it as a shortcut are also available on the other new Razr devices.

The Motorola Razr 2025 lineup comes with Moto AI

"Moto AI," as it's called, can do interesting things like keep a pin in items you specifically ask it to remember for you to bring up later. There's also a "Group Shot" photo feature similar to what's been on recent Google Pixel phones, which lets you put multiple group photos together into one, giving you a "perfect" shot where no one is making a funny face.

AI features like this are becoming standard now in the smartphone market, with each successive launch bringing new AI features to the market. Moto AI gets a boost from Google Gemini, including Google Gemini Live mode.

Credit: Motorola SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel 9a is available now: How to buy The new Motorola Razr and Razr Plus

The other two new Razr phones aren't quite as fancy as the Ultra, but as a consolation, they're also considerably cheaper. The base model starts at $699 and comes with a smaller 3.6-inch cover screen and a slightly smaller 6.9-inch interior display. You only get an older MediaTek Dimensity 7400X processor to go along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and the camera array isn't as impressive, but if you want an affordable foldable, this is an affordable foldable.

Here are the base model's specs:

• Displays: 3.6-inch external screen, 6.9-inch internal screen

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7400X

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 256GB of storage

• Battery: 4,500mAh battery

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie

The $999 Razr Plus is an interesting middle-ground. It retains the 4-inch cover screen from the Ultra and the 6.9-inch display from the base model. It uses a slightly newer Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 processor than what's in the base model, but it still probably won't be as performant as the Ultra. You get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage here, as well as a 50MP wide lens and 50MP telephoto lens to play with on the back.

And here are the key specs for the Razr Plus, with our colleagues at CNET filling in some details on the processor and battery:

• Displays: 4-inch external screen, 6.9-inch internal screen

• Processor: Snapdragon 8S Gen 3

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256GB of storage

• Battery: 4,500mAh battery

• Cameras: 50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie

One thing is clear: Motorola has come a long way since the first, very disappointing attempt at bringing back the Razr as a foldable five years ago.

The 2025 editions of the Motorola Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra will be available for pre-order for U.S. customers starting May 7 at Motorola, Best Buy, and Amazon. For now, you can register for updates at the Motorola website.

We'll update this post with additional purchase details when we have them, and we're hoping to have a full hands-on review of the new phones soon.

UPDATE: Apr. 24, 2025, 4:30 p.m. EDT Following President Trump's tariffs, the Ozlo Sleepbuds increased in price from $299 to $349 on Ozlo's website and Amazon in the United States. We'll be evaluating whether or not this changes our rating, and will be updating this review once we do. Below is our review as it was written when the earbuds cost $299.

Who among us hasn't used earbuds to help them quiet an overly active brain (or a snoring partner) when going to bed at night?

Personally, bedtime is when I'm most likely to be using earbuds in the course of my day. Prior to this review, I used my first-gen AirPods Pro for listening to podcasts and video essays as I drifted off to sleep — on my more mindful nights, I opted for Loop earplugs. While I knew sleep earbuds existed, I never got on board with the idea they'd offer anything that different from my existing system (even though my existing system often meant I could only wear one AirPod comfortably as a side sleeper and that I often woke up to that AirPod dying).

Thankfully, the universe knew I deserved better, so when the chance to test out the Ozlo Sleepbuds came up, I took it.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling earbuds include the most comfortable buds I've ever tested

As someone who's tested many (and owned a pair of) Bose headphones, my curiosity was piqued by Ozlo being founded by former Bose engineers — especially considering Bose discontinued its Sleepbuds line. After a few weeks of testing them nearly every night under my belt, I've ended up more of a sleep earbuds convert than I expected — let's get into why.

The sleep earbud market

If you've Googled "best sleep earbuds" anytime recently, you'll likely see a rotation of the following: sleep headbands from Amazon, the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds, Loop earplugs, and of course, the Ozlo Sleepbuds.

If you don't like the idea of a headband and if you're sticking to more recognizable brands (not Amazon keyboard smash brands), you'll soon realize that sleep earbuds are one of the less saturated product markets out there. They also tend to be a market where if you want under-triple-digit prices, you'll be making some sacrifices: in my research, I couldn't find a budget pair that promised at least eight hours of battery life.

The Ozlo Sleepbuds... Credit: Ozlo Compared to the Bose Sleepbuds II. Credit: Bose

That market space for sleep earbuds that could deliver a more premium experience (and battery life that actually lasts the length of a full night of sleep) is the reason the Bose Sleepbuds came up in the first place. With the Bose earbuds discontinued, the Ozlo Sleepbuds tried to take the passive noise cancellation and comfortable design that made them great and add in the ability to stream your own audio and track data around your sleep.

SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2025

At the time of writing, the only other sleep earbuds that claim to perform similarly are the Soundcore A20 earbuds — interestingly, the Soundcore earbuds are also about $120 cheaper, retailing at $150. I haven't tested them (yet), so I won't be comparing them head to head in this review, but it's worth knowing that while the Ozlo Sleepbuds don't have a ton of competitors, they aren't totally unique.

Here's why you might want to invest in the Ozlo Sleepbuds.

Comfort: Arguably the most important factor

First and foremost, the Ozlo Sleepbuds are incredibly comfortable. Their wingtips kept the earbuds in my ears without ever making me feel sore, and they sat at just the right point in my ears so that I could sleep on both sides without issue.

SEE ALSO: The most comfortable headphones we've ever tested will take care of your ears

Once I found the right tip and wing size out of the four sizes included in the box, I never experienced any issues with them falling out. In other words, they absolutely blew my experience with my AirPods out of the water, making a strong starting case for why someone might want to switch to sleep earbuds.

The choice of four different wingtip sizes made it easy to find the right fit. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable A streaming experience catered to actually sleeping

I also appreciated that the experience of using these earbuds truly felt tailored for falling and staying asleep. Ozlo could've relied on the side sleeper-friendly design for doing the heavy lifting, but it went a step further with how the earbuds stream audio and sleep sounds.

With the app, you can select your preferred "Sleep Sound," with options like Fireglow, Misty Rain, and Into the Woods that mask sounds in your environment to assist with the earbuds' passive noise cancellation. (I was partial to the default "Crimson Cloak" sound).

In addition to these sounds, you could stream your own audio and toggle when you'd like your sleep sound to kick in. You can delay it for any time between 15 minutes to two hours (within 15-minute increments) or choose a Beta feature that switches to your sleep sound once the earbuds recognize you've fallen asleep. I selected the Beta option for about a week of my testing period, and only woke up to a YouTube video once. (As a side note, streaming with Bluetooth does require that you keep your phone at least within 10 feet of the smart case for it to work, but that never presented any issues for me).

Plenty of alarm sounds are available. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo Users also have a decent amount of choice for sleep sounds. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo

The app also has a feature that stops any sound from your audio — streaming and white noise alike — at 15-minute increments all the way up to seven hours and 45 minutes.

The sleep timer in the app offers flexibility on how (and when) you want any audio to stop. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo Alarm feature

Though not the most unique feature among sleep earbuds, I still have to give the alarm on the Ozlo Sleepbuds a shoutout. Working with an East Coast-based team while living on the West Coast has made me intimately familiar with the guilt of setting an alarm that my partner probably wishes was a tiny bit later. This simple feature basically solved that problem, alleviating my guilt and giving him another hour of sleep back. The snooze feature was also useful and reliable.

The Ozlo alarms function almost exactly the same as your phone's built-in alarm. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo No Bluetooth necessary

In my heart of hearts, I know I get better sleep when I don't fall asleep to videos. That's part of the reason I initially invested in Loop earplugs — I wanted the noise cancellation provided by an earbud without the temptation of YouTube's autoplay feature keeping me up.

While part of the Ozlo Sleepbuds' appeal is in their ability to stream whatever you want, I also really appreciated that the earbuds are completely functional without the app, giving them the flexibility of being more like a really fancy earplug. All you need is to connect them to the app during initial setup, but after that, the earbuds can be set to play white noise as soon as you take them out of the case. For anyone trying to sleep with their phone outside of their bedroom, this is a very useful option.

And while there were a lot of positives about the Sleepbuds, there were also a few shortcomings.

No sleep data (yet)

Currently, the Ozlo Sleepbuds offer no sleep metrics. Maybe you have a fitness tracker or Oura Ring (or even a bed) that takes care of that for you, so the lack of this feature isn't a big deal. However, for $299, I would've expected some sort of sleep analysis features. After all, the much cheaper Soundcore earbuds offer them.

The Ozlo app has a "My Sleep" tab, which says an update will unlock sleep data in the future. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo

With that said, the app does indicate that some sort of update for sleep data is in the pipeline. I reached out to Ozlo's team to see if they had a more specific estimate as to when and I will update this review once I hear back.

Battery life could be better

The earbuds themselves have exactly the battery life most people will need for a nightly basis. The case, on the other hand, could use an upgrade. I found that after two nights, I would need to recharge the case to juice the earbuds back up.

The workaround for this is leaving the case plugged in 24/7, but if that's not an option, I did find it a little too easy to forget to plug the case back in after it felt like I'd charged it up recently.

Leaving the case plugged in helped me get around its shorter battery life. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Connecting the earbuds wasn't a flawless experience

In the roughly three weeks I used these earbuds, there were only a couple of times that I had trouble connecting them, but those nights do stick out to me.

Generally, you connect the earbuds by opening up the case and waiting for the blinking lights below each earbud to appear solid, indicating that they're ready for playback. It takes a little longer than a standard pair of earbuds, but no more than 10 seconds. Once they're ready, you pop them in, and your app switches from the connection screen to the main page where the settings live.

Before... Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo ...and after successfully connecting the sleepbuds to the Ozlo app. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo

On the two nights I had trouble connecting the earbuds, I struggled getting the solid light to appear and then getting the app to talk to the earbuds. One night, after closing and opening the case a few times, it worked, while the other night, I could not make it happen. As I was going to bed a little late and already tired, I decided to sleep earbuds-less that night.

Only once did I see these screens while trying to connect my earbuds. Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo Credit: Screenshot: Ozlo

To give the benefit of the doubt, that night, I also needed to update the earbuds for around 30 minutes, but I didn't see that until right before bed, so I decided to use them as is. My theory is that ignoring the update might have interfered with the connection.

While it was annoying, there is a silver lining: the update changed it so the Sleepbuds stay in a connectable state in the case, if the case is connected to power. While I've only used them for a couple of nights since updating them, they do connect much faster and without issue, so Ozlo does seem to be interested in improving its existing product.

On the expensive side

At the end of the day, these are pricey sleep earbuds. Directly from Ozlo's site and from Amazon, they'll run you $299. For comparison, the original Bose Sleepbuds and their second generation cost $250. Sure, the Ozlo buds have a couple more features, but a main critique of the Bose earbuds was that they were light on features you'd expect at $250, like audio streaming and sleep data.

While the Ozlo Sleepbuds are definitely an improvement, their lack of sleep data features does feel a bit like following a similar pattern. Ozlo also sells a travel case you can purchase separately for $30, which again, feels like something you should just get with the core product if you're shelling out nearly twice the price of a competitor that has similar features.

All of that said, you can purchase these earbuds with an HSA or FSA, or rent a pair for $22 a month through Ozlo if you want to try them out before committing.

Are the Ozlo Sleepbuds worth it?

The Ozlo Sleepbuds were a strong introduction to the world of sleep earbuds, and I can definitely see a world where I'd take the plunge and invest in them. Their streaming capabilities actually help me fall and stay asleep, and they successfully block out everything from my heating unit to cars on the street outside. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they performed exactly as promised.

If the Soundcore A20 earbuds didn't exist, it'd be very easy to say the Ozlo earbuds are absolutely worth it. Again, while I can't personally speak to the A20s' performance, it is hard to completely discount how many features these two earbuds have in common for vastly different price points, especially with the generally favorable reviews I've seen around the Soundcore buds' performance.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best budget wireless earbuds vetted by our headphones experts

For the time being, I'll say that Ozlo seems like a company committed to improving its product over time and is starting from a really solid baseline. The inclusion of sleep features could do a lot for their value, and the experience they offer does feel premium. Most importantly, at the end of the day (literally), these are now what I reach for most when I'm going to sleep. If you have the $299 (or the $22 to check them out), you likely won't be disappointed with how they perform.

However, if streaming audio or white noise isn't as important to you, something like the Loop Quiet 2 or Dream earbuds will more than do the job. If it is, and you can't quite swing the price, the Soundcore earbuds might be the place to look instead.

Ozlo Sleepbuds $349 at Amazon
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UPDATE: Apr. 1, 2025, 2:35 p.m. EDT This review formerly stated that the Ozlo Sleepbuds cost $279 from Ozlo's website, but that was only a limited-time sale price. The earbuds cost $299, at Ozlo and other authorized retailers. We've corrected the pricing and regret the error.

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as teams look to land their next big star from a deep pool of collegiate talent.

If the draft feels overwhelming, you're not alone. With hundreds of college prospects, complex draft mechanics, and constant speculation about which teams are eyeing whom, it can be a lot to take in. Thankfully, draft coverage is practically its own industry. The NFL reigns supreme in American sports, and that means there’s no shortage of expert analysis, tools, and resources widely available online.

SEE ALSO: How much would it really cost to watch every NFL game on TV?

We’ve rounded up a few to help you navigate it all.

NFL mock drafts

Everyone and their second cousin has a mock draft these days, so knowing where to start can be overwhelming. But my personal favorite resource is The Ringer's NFL Draft Guide, for a few reasons. First, I listen to their NFL podcasts and trust their coverage. Second, the guide is comprehensive. They have four different mock drafts from four of their experts (Danny Kelly, Diante Lee, Danny Heifetz, and Todd McShay), a big board, and a team need guide. And, finally, the Ringer's NFL Draft page is wildly easy to use. It's simple to navigate and allows you to dive deeper into every pick or player.

You can also find mock drafts at ESPN, CBS, Yahoo, or pretty much anywhere else online.

top 100!

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— Danny Kelly (@dannybkelly.bsky.social) April 23, 2025 at 9:05 AM NFL Draft simulators

If you want to try your hand at a mock draft or a draft simulator, you can do that, too. ESPN has a simulator tool that'll let you play out the dream of being your favorite team's GM — so you watch the other teams pick and then make your selections for one franchise.

If you want to control every team — aka make your own mock draft — you can do so at NFL Mock Draft Database, which also has a comprehensive list of expert mock drafts.

What's one more mock draft for the road, eh? Our expert's final iteration of the first round features just one trade, two quarterbacks... and no Shedeur Sanders. :link: http://dlvr.it/TKLYm1

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— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) April 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM NFL Draft expert opinions and who to follow online

Let me be clear: There are so, so, so many draft experts, and there is no way I know them all. But I do consider myself a bit of an NFL draft sicko and, thus, have my favorites. So here is a quick list, with their social media account linked, of some of my favorite follows for NFL Draft content:

• Ben Solak, ESPN

• Robert Mays, The Athletic

• Danny Kelly, The Ringer

• Mina Kimes, ESPN

• Danny Heifetz, The Ringer

• Diante Lee, The Ringer

• Dianna Russini, The Athletic

• Dane Brugler, The Athletic

• Charles McDonald, Yahoo

• Nate Tice, Yahoo

• Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

• Colleen Wolfe, NFL Network

• Peter Schrager, ESPN

The draft's first round is scheduled to begin on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. It seems certain that Miami QB Cam Ward will go first overall to the Tennessee Titans. After that, who knows? But at least now you'll be informed and prepared.

UPDATE: Apr. 24, 2025, 4:30 p.m. EDT Following President Trump's tariffs, the Ozlo Sleepbuds increased in price from $299 to $349 on Ozlo's website and Amazon in the United States. We'll be evaluating whether we can still recommend them as our upgrade pick at this increased price point, and will update this guide once we make a decision. Below is our guide as it was written when the earbuds were priced at $299.

Getting proper sleep can help improve nearly every aspect of your health, but over a third of adults in the United States don't get enough of it, according to the CDC.

If a noisy environment is what's keeping you up at night, you've likely considered foam earplugs, but those are no longer the only option available on the market — reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds offer a more convenient alternative.

I spent the past month and a half trying out earplugs and earbuds ranging from $50 to $300 to find the best of what's out on the market — and to see if getting earbuds just for sleep is actually worth it.

How are sleep earbuds different than normal earbuds?

First, a confession: I used to wear AirPods nearly every night to sleep. More accurately, I used to wear a single AirPod so I could actually sleep on my side.

After testing earbuds designed for sleeping, I can tell you that everyday earbuds don't match up to the sleep earbud experience. For starters, standard earbuds aren't designed to be worn while you're lying on your side, so they often stick out of your ears and put hard plastic in contact with your ear. Not to mention, earbuds typically cap out at six to seven hours of battery life per charge, so if you're getting at least eight hours of sleep, you run the risk of interrupting it with the sound of your earbuds powering off.

Sleep earbuds, like the Soundcore A20 ones pictured in the middle, have a much thinner profile than traditional earbuds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Sleep earbuds, on the other hand, can offer white noise options, better battery life, and significantly more comfort (that actually allows you to wear more than one earbud at a time). The pairs I tested came without microphones and with touch controls that worked but were less sensitive than traditional earbuds, so you can lie on your side without activating them. There aren't really any options for active noise cancellation, but you'd be surprised at how well passive noise cancellation and a good fit can do for most nighttime noises.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more Is it safe to wear earbuds to sleep every night?

First and foremost, it's important to consider that sleep earbuds aren't the only way to approach nighttime noises that might be keeping you up.

I consulted Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA, to discuss any risks associated with wearing earbuds all night. While she didn't warn against using earbuds, she suggested that if what's keeping you up is a partner's snoring, you start looking for solutions there.

"If you're doing all of this to avoid a partner who is snoring, sometimes gently encouraging that person to investigate why they're snoring is kind of an important consideration," Kita said. "Because we find that obstructive sleep apnea is really underdiagnosed, and snoring, for some people, is the only sign of it."

If, however, what's keeping you up is less in your control, then you do want to be aware of three main aspects of using earbuds all night: proper hygiene, safe noise levels, and your ear comfort.

Proper hygiene

When I started testing these earbuds, I realized I was now wearing earbuds uninterrupted for longer than I typically would in the course of a day, even as someone who tests headphones for a living. When I asked Dr. Kita how that wear time might raise someone's risk for infection, she drew a comparison to the wear time of hearing aids:

"Many individuals wear hearing aids for longer hours during the day than they sleep at night," she said. And yet, folks who wear hearing aids don't often have ear infections, though long wear times may increase their risk.

SEE ALSO: How to set up Hearing Aid mode on your AirPods

With the long wear times, Kita said the main concern she could anticipate was wax buildup since the natural path for wax to exit the ear canal would be blocked. However, she said it's not necessarily a cause for concern, as wax can typically exit the ear canal at other points during the day when you're not wearing earbuds (or blocking your ear canal in any other way).

As for any heightened infection risk, Kita shared that it can increase when there's greater wax buildup that can then trap bacteria. She recommended cleaning the buds with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after each use, if possible. (The brand behind one of our picks below, Ozlo, recommends a weekly cleaning). With all that said, someone's risk for infection really comes down to personal susceptibility — some people are more prone to ear infections than others. If you fall into that category, being more proactive about cleaning your earbuds is a good practice.

Noise levels

Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss (behind age-related hearing loss), so it's important to be aware of the level of noise you expose yourself to. Kita pointed me in the direction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) chart for how long people can be exposed to certain decibel levels safely.

In its FAQ, Ozlo also cites OSHA's recommendation, as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommendations, which top out at 90 decibels and 85 decibels for eight hours, respectively. With that in mind, Ozlo designed its earbuds so that their masking white noise tops out at 75 dB. We reached out to a rep from Soundcore to see if its earbuds have specific upper decibel limits, and will update this guide when we hear back. In general though, Kita said the less noise, the better, recommending that you always try to use the lowest volume possible.

SEE ALSO: Video game industry makes it easier to find accessible games for disabled players

"While I don't necessarily love the idea of extra noise when you're not even conscious to appreciate it, if it's the thing that's keeping you asleep or letting you sleep, it just comes in this category of risks and benefits," Kita said. "Just make sure that it's quiet enough, then it really isn't that much different than using a white noise machine on your nightstand."

Comfort

Earbuds fitting comfortably is important for you to be able to fall asleep, but also for your ear health.

"Everyone's ear canal is shaped differently," Kita said. "And so something that might be really comfortable for your ears might really cause my ears to ache."

In other words, giving yourself earbuds-induced earaches every night can actually impact your ear health. If one of the below recommendations really isn't sitting right, even with adjustments to the ear tip sizes, don't be afraid to return them.

The best earbuds for sleeping

Below, I pulled three of the best sleep earbuds on the market. Between the overall, upgrade, and earplug picks, there's a wide range of price points, but as with any product, the most expensive of the bunch isn't necessarily the best overall. With that in mind, I highlighted where each earbud excelled, whether that be in comfort, noise cancellation, or ease of use, to help you pick the best sleep earbud possible.

YouTube has quietly rolled out many design changes, but for the most part, they've either been inoffensive or people have quickly adapted to them. This one, however, might be the most sensitive yet, and I'm not sure many will embrace it with open arms.

You can now get the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse in white for just $89.99 on Amazon. This gives you a rare chance to buy a high-end mouse at 40% off MSRP, and it's the lowest recorded price.

Super Massive, the developer behind the PlayStationexclusive Until Dawn, The Quarry, and the Dark Pictures Anthology series, has reportedly canceled a Blade Runner game. Super Massive's latest release was The Casting of Frank Stone, a narrative-horror game set in the Dead by Daylight universe. It released to middling reviews, sitting at a 68 on Metacritic for the PS5 version. Supermassive Games also has another game set to release later in 2025, Directive 8020, the next entry in the Dark Pictures series, featuring more action and a sci-fi setting, which sounds pretty similar to the pitch for a Blade Runner game that the company had apparently been working on.