Technology

Bête Noire is a long way from the bleakest episode of Black Mirror Season 7, but its twist — or at least the sci-fi element of the episode — is probably one of the trickiest to get your head around.

The bulk of the episode plays out like a drama/mystery, only for the last 10 minutes to go impressively off the rails. So what happens at the ending of Bête Noire, and how does the device that Verity (Rosy McEwen) uses to alter reality actually work? We've done our best to break it down below.

SEE ALSO: 'Black Mirror' fans, be warned: DO NOT start with 'Common People' What's Bête Noire about? Credit: Nick Wall / Netflix

Maria (Siena Kelly) is cheerfully excelling at her confectionary company job when her world is (literally) rattled by the arrival of former schoolmate Verity. There seems to be some tension between the two of them, with Maria trying to sabotage her getting the job and telling colleagues there were rumours about her at school. The problem? Maria herself was involved in spreading said rumours, making Verity's life a misery in the process.

While Verity quickly settles in at her new workplace, Maria gets increasingly confused. First she finds herself misremembering the names of places, and then she sends an email to Verity in which she swears she wrote one thing, but is proven to have written something else. Eventually she comes to believe that Verity is responsible for her mistakes, and that she's somehow able to change reality without anyone else knowing.

What happens at the end of Bête Noire?

After getting fired from her job, Maria follows Verity back to an impressively massive house that has a room filled with computers on the ground floor. She steals Verity's necklace, which she believes is the device she's using to change reality, and then confronts her former schoolmate. Verity, however, is not worried.

"It's just a remote," she says. "It connects to the quantum compiler downstairs. That's what changes reality."

Maria continues hopelessly brandishing her useless necklace/remote until Verity gives a more detailed – albeit equally confusing – explanation.

"Technically, it's not really changing anything; it just retunes our corporeal frequency to one of the parallel realities where whatever I've said has always been true," she says. "There's infinite timelines, so I just pick the one where you're the only one that knows what's going on. So you feel really... special."

In simple terms, Verity is saying that there are an infinite number of universes, where every imaginable combination of possibilities has taken place. Her remote allows her to communicate with the quantum compiler she's built, dictating the reality she wants. The compiler then places her in a parallel universe where what she's said is true, and Maria is the only person that's aware things have changed.

Still confused? So is Maria. But as Verity puts it: "I don't care if you understand it. I'm doing it to hurt you."

Why does Maria kill Verity?

Correctly ascertaining that she's completely powerless and that Verity's quantum compiler makes her close to a god, Maria does the only thing she can: She shoots Verity in the head, and then uses her remote to tell the quantum compiler that she's the new boss.

"The pendant works for me, the pendant works for me!" Maria yells into it, before quickly issuing another instruction to get the police to stand down. "She shot herself. It wasn't me. You saw the whole thing."

Against all odds, Maria's plan works. She finishes the episode in the same position of power that Verity had previously, making herself the new "Empress of the Universe." The last shot shows her standing on a plinth on what looks like an alien planet, surrounded by loyal subjects calling out "Hail, Maria!" in unison.

So... a happy ending?

Black Mirror Season 7 is streaming now on Netflix.

Yep, we're going to need a while to recover from that one.

Black Mirror Season 7 starts off on an impressively depressing note with "Common People", a story about a woman forced to use a subscription service to stay alive.

But what exactly happens at the end? Why did Mike (Chris O'Dowd) do what he did, and what was he planning to do next? Let's unpack.

SEE ALSO: Do you need to rewatch 'USS Callister' before 'Black Mirror' Season 7's sequel episode? What is Black Mirror episode "Common People" about?

After schoolteacher Amanda (Rashida Jones) is diagnosed with a brain tumour, her husband Mike signs her up to an experimental procedure called Rivermind in order to keep her alive.

"We take an imprint of the affected part of her neural structure and we clone it on to our mainframe," explains sales rep Gaynor (Tracee Ellis Ross). "So basically...we make a backup of part of her brain onto our computer."

The catch? While the surgery is free, there's a monthly subscription fee to keep Amanda's brain active that the couple can barely afford. She increasingly needs to sleep for longer at night (the company essentially uses Amanda's brain to power their own servers, putting her in "sleep mode" instead of actually letting her rest). As this is one of those episodes where things just keep getting worse and worse, Amanda's geographical freedom then vanishes, when she's unable to go beyond her tier's allowed signal, and there's the eventual addition of ads played directly through Amanda, with opting out of them only available by upgrading to additional, more expensive Rivermind tiers.

Soon Amanda's job is at risk due to her randomly blurting out commercials at school children, and Mike decides to sign up to a seedy website called "Dum Dummies", where internet strangers pay money to watch people hurt themselves on camera.

And as grim as all that is, it only gets worse in the final act...

Rivermind is able to help, but there are catches. Credit: Netflix What happens at the end of "Common People"?

Things reach breaking point when Mike loses his job after a violent altercation. No longer able to afford Rivermind+, the more expensive service that stops Amanda from playing ads and sleeping for 16 hours a day, they head back to the company to appeal for help — and are turned away.

One year later, Mike and Amanda celebrate their anniversary with a 30-minute booster for Rivermind Lux — an advanced tier of the service that allows users to upgrade different emotions and experiences by tapping into the Rivermind cloud. With her serenity levels turned up to the max, Amanda tells Mike, "I think it's time."

Laying her down on the bed, he tells her that he loves her — and then suffocates her with a pillow as she delivers a final advertisement. The episode's last shot shows Mike going into the spare bedroom with a scalpel in his hand. In the background his computer is still open on the Dum Dummies website.

What is Mike planning to do at the end?

While some Black Mirror episodes end with major twists or reveals, "Common People" follows something of a downward spiral structure. Things start off well, get steadily worse, and then — just when you think they can't possibly get any worse — they somehow do!

The final sequence of the episode shows us Mike and Amanda at rock bottom. They feel as though they've run out of options — neither of them have jobs, and their only means of paying to keep Amanda alive is by Mike finding increasingly worse ways to hurt himself for the entertainment of internet strangers.

With Amanda dead, the implication of the final shot seems to be that Mike is planning to die by suicide — and given that the computer is still open in the background, it's hinted that the violence will be livestreamed.

Black Mirror Season 7 is streaming now on Netflix.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

SAVE $25: As of April 10, get the Xbox Wireless Controller - Velocity Green for $34.99 at Lenovo, down from its original price of $64.99, with promo code SPRINGBACK. That's a discount of 42%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Xbox Wireless Controller - Velocity Green $34.99 at Lenovo
$64.99 Save $30.00 Promo Code: SPRINGBACK Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time on your Xbox, you probably end up with a dead controller more often than not. Instead of having to charge or swap batteries, using an additional controller is a great idea, because that means you always have one at the ready in case the one you're using dies in the middle of a boss fight. Or when you're ready to play, perhaps worst of all, meaning you have to wait to juice one up before you can get your game on. Having options is awesome, and you can make sure you do by grabbing an additional controller.

As of April 10, get the Xbox Wireless Controller - Velocity Green for $34.99 at Lenovo, down from its original price of $64.99, with promo code SPRINGBACK. That's a discount of 42%. The discount only applies to this colorway, and you'll need to enter the promo code at checkout for it to automatically be applied.

This is the base Xbox controller, with no additional bells and whistles beyond what you'd expect from one out of the box when you buy a console. But that's all you need when it works this well. It has dual analog sticks, a textured grip, and a hybrid D-pad. Its buttons are remappable by way of the Xbox Accessories Pack too, so if you need to accommodate special play styles, it's capable of handling that, too.

Use AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack to make sure this controller is ready when you need it. And it doesn't matter which Xbox model you have, as it's compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs, Android, and Steam. If you need an extra controller to make sure you're always ready to get in the game, this is a great option.

SAVE $70: As of April 10, the Beats Studio Buds + earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $99.95, 41% off their list price of $169.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds + $99.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're spending more time outside going on walks or traveling, a pair of earbuds is a must so you can keep busy with great music and more. If you're in the market for a new pair, you're in luck, thanks to some great deals now available at various retailers. At the moment, one of our favorite deals is on the Beats Studio Buds +, which are back to their lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The Beats Studio Buds + are on sale right now for $99.95, a 41% discount from their list price of $169.95. There are two color options available at this price, so you can choose between the transparent earbuds or the cosmic silver ones. They're currently listed as a limited time deal, though, so if they've caught your eye you'll want to be quick to add them into your cart.

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

No matter if you're enjoying a new album or are completely absorbed in an audiobook, the Beats Studio Buds + boast high-quality, rich sound that's made all the better with noise-canceling features. When choosing between Active Noise Cancelling or Transparency mode, you can either completely block out noise around you or remain a bit more aware of your surroundings without cutting the music off entirely. They even offer spatial audio to surround yourself with the sounds you're listening to.

On top of the audio quality and noise-cancellation, the Beats Studio Buds + also boast up to 36 hours of battery life with the help of the charging case, so there's no need to worry about frequent charges.

There's no better time than now to treat yourself to an earbud upgrade. Pick up the Beats Studio Buds + at their lowest-ever price while the deal is still live.

Looking for more discounts on earbuds and headphones? Amazon's also offering a great deal on the Sony WF-C700N earbuds right now and, in the realm of headphones, you can also score $70 off the Beats Solo 4 at the moment.

Founded by engineers from Perth, Australia, Mobile Crisis Construction is a nonprofit creating machines that turn debris – cement, glass, and local raw materials — into interlocking blocks, just like a Lego set. Their design allows even untrained workers to build housing, and do so quickly, which is crucial in areas where shelling has destroyed the homes of entire communities.

The nonprofit began operations in an attempt to help rebuilding efforts in Ukraine after witnessing the destruction imposed by Russia's full-scale invasion.

A long-term goal for Mobile Crisis Construction is to deploy their machines in other war-torn countries too, but the biggest challenge ahead is the cost of producing a single mobile factory, which currently amounts to $120 000 AUD per unit. To continue their work and expand beyond Ukraine, the nonprofit is currently raising donations.

Researchers at Bioinspired Robotics and Design Lab, UC San Diego created a fully 3D-printed, six-legged robot that walks using compressed air. It has no electronics, motors, or batteries—just soft actuators powered by gas. Tested on various terrains, it operates continuously with a steady air supply.

I'm always itching to revisit the Pokémon games of the Game Boy, GBA, and Nintendo DS—scurrying through the tall grass to battle my first Pidgey or hunt down a Pikachu in Viridian Forest. Well, thanks to emulators, you can replay these classic Pokémon games with right on your smartphone.

SAVE $40: As of April 10, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch FE smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $159.99, 20% off its list price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch FE 40mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40 Get Deal

Smartwatches come in a variety of price ranges, depending on what kind of features you're looking for. If you don't care about splashing out on the fancier models and are just looking for a simple option that won't make a big dent in your wallet, there are a few picks out there that are worth a look. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is among them, and the good news is that you can pick it up right now at an even lower price than usual at Amazon.

At the moment, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch FE has received a 20% discount at Amazon, dropping its price from $199.99 to $159.99. This is a deal worth taking advantage of while it's still live, as it's only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $152.98. It's currently listed as a limited time deal, though, so you'll want to act fast to grab it at this price before the offer disappears.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

Now is a good time to pick up a smartwatch if you're spending more time outside in the warmer weather. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is a great workout companion to keep up with your outdoor activities. It has a variety of features to kickstart your fitness journey and keep you on top of your health goals this year, including step counts, showing how many calories you've burned, insights into your sleep patterns, heart rate tracking, and more. If you just want to cover the health and fitness basics, this smartwatch is here to help.

This limited time deal may not last for long, though. Don't miss out on 20% off the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch FE at Amazon.

If you're curious to see more fitness-focused smartwatch deals, you can also save on the Garmin vívoactive 5 right now at Amazon and, if you don't mind spending some extra cash, the fancy Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is also discounted there at the moment.

SAVE $80: As of April 10, Soundcore AeroFit open-ear wireless headphones are just $49.99 on Amazon, down from $129.99. That’s a 62% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit $49.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $80 Get Deal

I want headphones that don’t stab my ears after an hour. Is that too much to ask? Apparently not, because Soundcore AeroFit headphones are on sale for just $49.99 right now. That’s a 62% drop from their usual $129.99 price, and I’m honestly surprised these haven’t sold out already.

In my opinion, the open-ear design here is the real game-changer. Instead of jamming silicone tips into your skull, these AeroFits gently rest outside your ear canal with flexible, soft hooks that don’t dig in. They’re so comfortable I keep forgetting I’m wearing them, which is a dangerous game when your playlist includes ‘90s club bangers on shuffle.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

These are also weirdly good at balancing situational awareness with audio quality. I can hear approaching traffic while still vibing to my very questionable running playlist. The sound isn’t just “good for open-ear,” it’s genuinely crisp, with titanium-coated diaphragms that deliver clear highs and full mids. No, the bass won’t knock your teeth loose, but that’s not the point here.

• Price: $49.99 $129.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Form Factor: Open-ear wireless headphones with ergonomic ear hooks

• Battery Life: Up to 42 hours total

• Waterproofing: IPX7 rated with Soundcore’s SweatGuard technology

• Sound: Balanced audio with titanium-coated diaphragms

• Call Quality: 4 mics with AI noise reduction

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with app controls

• Design: Ultra-lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear

• Extras: Keeps you aware of surroundings — perfect for commuting or outdoor workouts

Calls? No problem. There are four mics and some AI wizardry making sure your voice cuts through wind, noise, or whatever chaos is happening behind you. I’ve used these during outdoor walks and Zooms alike and haven’t gotten a single “you sound like you’re in a tunnel” comment.

The IPX7 waterproofing is the cherry on top. I’m not planning on swimming laps with them, but knowing they can handle sweat and rain without flinching is a relief. And 42 hours of playtime? I’ll forget where the charger even is.

SAVE $650: As of April 10, Sony 75-inch X85K 4K Google TV is available at Walmart for $648. That’s a wild $650 discount off its usual $1,298 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 75-inch X85K 4K Google TV $648 at Walmart
$1,298 Save $650 Get Deal

I want to make it very clear that I’m not exaggerating when I say this might be one of the best bang-for-your-buck TV deals of the month. Sony’s 75-inch X85K is now down to $648 at Walmart, and if your first thought is “That’s got to be a typo,” trust me, I checked twice. You're saving $650 here. That’s half off a Sony TV with native 120Hz and HDMI 2.1. I need a moment.

In my opinion, the picture quality on Sony TVs has always been a few notches above your typical “big screen on a budget” options. This one uses the 4K HDR Processor X1 and TRILUMINOS PRO, which is Sony’s way of saying “we care about color accuracy more than your last landlord cared about plumbing.” It handles fast motion like a pro too, thanks to the native 120Hz refresh rate and Motionflow XR tech. Sports, action movies, and late-night Mario Kart marathons? All covered.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

This is where it gets spicy. The X85K includes HDMI 2.1 with support for 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. Translation: you’re getting buttery-smooth gameplay with reduced input lag and auto low latency. Sony even included PlayStation 5-specific features to make your games look better. It’s practically winking at PS5 owners.

• Price: $648.00 $1,298.00

• Retailer: Walmart

• Display: 75-inch 4K UHD LCD with HDR

• Processor: 4K HDR Processor X1

• Color Technology: TRILUMINOS PRO for wider color range

• Smart TV: Google TV with Google Assistant

• Gaming Features: HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, PS5 enhancements

• Refresh Rate: Native 120Hz with Motionflow XR

• Audio/Video Support: Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

• Upscaling: 4K XR-Reality PRO upscaling for non-4K content

• Design: Flush surface, narrow bezel

• AirPlay 2: Stream from Apple devices

• BRAVIA CAM Compatible: Optional camera for video calls and gesture control

Google TV is here too, organizing your apps and watchlists with the smug efficiency of a straight-A student who color codes their notes. Google Assistant is built in, and you can stream from Apple devices via AirPlay 2. Dolby Vision and Atmos support round things out for those who like their movies dramatic and loud.

The design doesn’t scream "budget" either. It has a slim, flush-bezel look that keeps the focus where it should be: on the fact that you now own a 75-inch TV for under $650.

It's over a week since "Liberation Day", and Trump's tariff-induced chaos shows no signs of slowing down.

The latest development? A 90-day pause on tariffs for countries engaged in negotiations with The White House, which saw tech stocks and crypto making a small recovery on Wednesday and has led to Republicans saying that this was the president's plan all along.

The Daily Show's Desi Lydic, meanwhile, remains unimpressed.

"Ah yes, The Art of the Deal," the host says in the monologue above. "Create a global crisis and then dig yourself halfway out. It's truly masterful, Donald."

SAVE $300: As of April 10, Insignia 85-inch F50 Series Fire TV is on sale for $599.99 at Best Buy. That’s $300 off its usual $899.99 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 85-inch F50 Series Fire TV $599.99 at Best Buy
$899.99 Save $300 Get Deal

I never thought I’d say this, but here we are: I’m seriously considering hauling an 85-inch television into my living room because Best Buy is selling Insignia F50 Series 4K Fire TV for just $599.99. That’s a $300 discount, and yes, that price is real. For the cost of a mid-range smartphone or three semi-ironic trips to Erewhon, you can slap an 85-inch screen on your wall and turn your place into the cheapest IMAX in town.

In my opinion, you’re not sacrificing much to get this kind of size at this kind of price. It supports 4K UHD resolution and HDR10, so you still get solid contrast and clarity. The DTS Studio Sound isn’t going to rival a theater setup, but for casual watching, it’ll absolutely get the job done. Plus, with Fire TV built in, the interface doesn’t feel like it was coded by a toaster. It’s responsive, smooth, and loaded with every app you’d expect.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

I’m also a sucker for hands-free everything, and the Alexa voice remote seals the deal. It’s one of those little conveniences that makes you feel like you’re living in the future. Say the name of a movie and boom, it’s on. Say you’re tired and boom, the volume’s down. Honestly, it’s probably the closest thing to actual magic in my apartment.

• Price: $599.99 $899.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Display: 85-inch LED with 4K UHD resolution

• HDR: HDR10 for solid contrast and detail

• Audio: DTS Studio Sound with stereo playback

• Smart TV: Built-in Fire TV interface

• Voice Control: Alexa voice remote included

• Ports: 3 HDMI inputs, composite AV, optical audio out, USB, headphone jack, Ethernet, coaxial

• Connectivity: WiFi and Ethernet

• Extras: Apple AirPlay support, HDMI ARC/eARC, parental controls, VESA 500 x 400 wall mount compatibility

If you’re into streaming, gaming, or just want a screen that’ll make your guests say “Are you serious?”, this is it. I think three HDMI ports are more than enough for a console, a soundbar, and something weird you bought off Etsy that needs its own screen. It even supports ARC and eARC if you want to keep things simple and cable-light.

And hey, Insignia even threw in a VESA-compatible wall mount design, sustainable packaging, and parental controls for the responsible adults among us. I can’t relate, but I respect it.

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

The White Lotus Season 3's Jason Isaacs may be British, but in the show he adopts a fairly specific North Carolina accent.

Speaking to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show about his own accent journey growing up, the actor uses a map of the UK to take the host on an accent-themed tour of his home country.

It's fair to say that Fallon finds a few of the accents tough, but you can't fault his effort.

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 Thursday, April 10, 2025:

AcrossSmoke tendrils

• The answer is Wisps.

Undo, as "I do's"

• The answer is Annul.

What's the point of church?

• The answer is Spire.

Adorable flab?

• The answer is Pudge.

Some prices and precipices

• The answer is Steep.

DownApple orchard pests

• The answer is Wasps.

Two cents, so to speak

• The answer is Input.

Like a sarcastic dig

• The answer is Snide.

Get rid of

• The answer is Purge.

Succumb to a lullaby

• The answer is Sleep.

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.

SAVE $132: As of April 10, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is on sale for $359.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 27% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 955 $359.99 at Amazon
$491 Save $131.01 Get Deal

Garmin is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracker game. With watches for lifestyle, beginner athletes, serious endurance athletes, and everything in between, you can find a product for everyone.

And if you're a runner, chances are you've heard of the popular Forerunner range. This range varies in price and ability, but I can't help but share my love for the Forerunner 955, easily my favorite Garmin of all time. And it's now on sale at Amazon.

As of April 10, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is reduced to $359.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of $132. This deal is for the whitestone colored watch, and it comes with an enhanced 2-year protection pack.

The 955 has a whole lot of fancy tools, tracking features, and training tips. My favorite features are the training readiness, training load, HRV, and sleep monitoring, so you can schedule your training according to your recovery and body readiness. If you love data like me, you'll love this watch.

The battery life is also seriously impressive, and a godsend for those of us who regularly forget to charge our devices. It can last up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode, so it's also great for endurance sports.

The 955 also supports full GPS tracking, which makes runs, rides, and even open-water swims incredibly accurate. And for swimming, it has 5 ATM water resistance.

Unlike some of the newer models, including the Forerunner 965, you won't have an AMOLED display. However, I've found that the colors are still vibrant and bright enough, and brighter than older MIP watches.

Head over to Amazon to grab this deal while it's available.

Don't let it go to your head, but everybody wants you — more specifically, your browsing data. Personal information about the links you click on and the sites you visit is highly valuable to third parties, including your internet service provider (ISP) and Google, who may want to share or monetize it. Certain government and law enforcement agencies may also be eager to peek at your activity online for their own surveillance purposes.

One way to reclaim some of your digital privacy is by getting a virtual private network, or VPN, a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and one of the VPN provider's private, remote servers before spitting it out onto the open web. In plain English, a VPN lets you browse the internet more stealthily than usual.

The best VPN deals this week

• Surfshark VPN — $1.99 Per Month + 3 Months Free (87% Off 2 Years Starter Plan)

• Norton VPN Standard — $3.33 Per Month for 5 Devices (50% Off 1 Year Plan)

• NordVPN — $3.99 Per Month + 3 Months Free (73% Off 2 Years Plus Plan)

• ExpressVPN — $4.99 Per Month + 4 Months Free (61% Off 2 Years Plan)

Why do you need a VPN?

Even the best VPNs can't make you totally anonymous on the web — the VPN companies themselves can still see what you're doing while you're using their servers. But they can secure your personal info and hide your true IP address from prying eyes on the outside. The most trustworthy VPN providers operate transparently and abide by independently verified no-logs policies to prove that they don't collect or store user data in this process.

SEE ALSO: What is a VPN? Here’s what you need to know

Because VPN services conceal your real IP address, they're also useful for spoofing one's location. By connecting to a VPN server across a border or ocean, users can bypass geo-restrictions on content that's not available in their own country or region. (This is newly pertinent intel for horny Floridians, South Carolinians, and Tennesseans now that a certain adult site is blocked in their states.)

What is the No. 1 best VPN?

After new testing, I believe Proton VPN is the top VPN for most people. It's the most privacy-forward VPN I've tried, with open-source apps, a proven no-logs policy, and a history of supporting digital freedom efforts. It's also a stellar value: Paid Proton VPN users get full access to its huge fleet of reliable servers and useful features like multi-hop and split tunneling (on some platforms), with up to 10 simultaneous connections per account. The free version of Proton VPN is extremely limited in comparison, but it's the only free VPN I've encountered that doesn't have any data limits. For all these reasons, Proton VPN is the first (and only) VPN to win a Mashable Choice Award.

My runner-up is TunnelBear, a veteran VPN service with a simple, adorable app that offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a paid subscription. (It also offers a free tier, but users are capped at 2GB of data per month.) TunnelBear supports some form of split tunneling on all platforms, and it's been undergoing security audits longer than any other consumer VPN. It wasn't able to unblock regional content in my testing, but it was sufficient for everyday browsing. Overall, I think it's the best VPN for beginners and casual users.

In light of these new top picks, I've bumped NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost VPN off my list of recommended VPN services. You can read more about this decision in the "How we tested" section of this guide.

Read on for Mashable's guide to the best VPN services of 2025. FYI: Prices for most VPN providers' long-term plans change frequently. The rates listed here were accurate at the time of publication.

It’s a tradition like no other: Come early April, sports fans flock to the App Store to re-download The Masters app. It’s a highly anticipated event because — somehow, some way — a four-day golf tournament has created the best app in sports. Consider this your reminder: It's time to start downloading because the iconic tournament kicks off Thursday morning.

So, what makes it the best app in sports? In short, it's likely because Augusta National — the ultra-exclusive club that hosts the event — has enough resources to drain oceans and move mountains. When you're snapping up every available property in town, a stellar app is a reasonable splurge.

downloading the Masters app just hit my body like a bolt of lightning

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr.bsky.social) April 9, 2025 at 11:50 AM

We here at Mashable covered how amazing The Masters app is back in 2022. Tech reporter Rachel Kraus wrote at the time:

"But content-wise, frankly, it just has everything that someone who wants to watch a heck of a lot of high-level golf would want. A leaderboard with up-to-the-minute scoring? Check. A livestream of the broadcast that isn't buggy? Naturally. A latest news tab, a schedule, a map of the course, highlight videos, a birds-eye-view showing the location of every player? But of course.

But the feature that really pushes this baby over the edge is its "Every Player, Every Shot, Every Hole" feature. The Masters has taken it upon itself to film and broadcast, um, every shot of every player at each hole."

A common refrain among golf diehards — I'm more of a casual, but I get it — is that broadcasts don't show enough actual golf shots. By the nature of a large tournament with lots of players, some shots have to be omitted. But there are also endless commercials, too much time spent on pre-planned video packages, or just plain screw-ups. The Masters solved that problem by deciding to pay to film every single shot and broadcast it live on its app. In fact, this year the app took it even further. You can now track every single shot, including data like distance, ball speed, and much more, on the practice range. Further, according to a press release from IBM, which helps The Masters make the app, it also added enhanced visuals for people using the Apple Vision Pro.

In other words, the best app just keeps getting better. There’s no premium version, no intrusive ads, and no need to sign into a cable subscription to watch the action. It’s completely free. Full stop.

And in an era where tech grows increasingly frustrating, the app works impossibly well. The live broadcast is smooth, the leaderboard updates immediately, and you can even create a group of golfers to track closely, helping you parse through all those meticulously filmed shots. And again, all of this is entirely free for the user. It’s the only sports app I know of that people genuinely express their love for year after year.

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The Masters app has no business being this good for a four-day event — and not for nothing, the tournament's website is excellent, too. So, consider this your yearly reminder that the seasons have turned, spring is here, and it's time for the dulcet greenery of Augusta National to take over our phones.

TL;DR: Through April 27, you can get a Microsoft Office lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro on sale for $45.97 (reg. $428).

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $45.97
$428 Save $382.03 Get Deal

What’s on your 2025 to-do list? Whether it’s earning a promotion, graduating from college, or just making it through another year, you’re going to want to see this deal that’ll help you get there.

For a limited time, you can get lifelong access to Office apps and Windows 11 Pro for $45.97 (reg. $428). 

Microsoft Office lifetime license

Like it or not, we all rely on productivity apps for school, work, and even at home — and Microsoft’s are just the best. Unlike the 365 subscription-based version, this Office permanent license doesn’t require any recurring fees.

Here’s a list of the included apps:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

After completing your purchase, you’ll receive an email with a download link and your unique software license key. Install the Office suite and enjoy unlimited offline access for the life of your PC.

Windows 11 Pro

The other half of this bundle allows you to upgrade your PC to the latest, most advanced Microsoft operating system. You’ll get more done with new productivity tools and the AI assistant, Windows Copilot.

Copilot is like having ChatGPT built right into your PC. It can answer questions, generate images, summarize web pages, change system settings, write website code, and more. 

Windows 11 Pro also gives your PC a completely new appearance, enhanced security, and exclusive features like BitLocker hard drive encryption that you don’t get on the Home version.

Get this complete computer upgrade on sale for $45.97 (reg. $428) until April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Save over 70% on lifetime access to Pok Pok, the app filled with Montessori-inspired games that can educate and help your kids develop independence, using code SAVE10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$250 Save $200.01 using code SAVE10 Get Deal

Letting your kids watch Peppa Pig or Bluey while you're driving, grocery shopping, or traveling will definitely keep them entertained. But are those games doing anything else for them, other than make them laugh? If you'd like to keep your kids happy and grow their mind, consider switching their entertainment to educational games.

Nope, these games aren't like the ones your parents might've told you would rot your brain. Pok Pok is the award-winning Montessori app that's filled with games designed to stimulate your kid's creativity, learning, and independence. Grab lifetime access while it's only $49.99 (reg. $250) using code SAVE10.

• Spark their creativity: Pok Pok can help your kids think outside the box and enjoy their limitless imagination.

• Specially designed graphics and sounds: Engages your kids without overstimulating them, offering a calming, gentle gaming experience.

• Montessori method: This learning method was created by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s to encourage greater creativity and exploration among children, all while helping them gain essential life skills. Pok Pok's games are inspired by Montessori, making them better than most other games.

• Regular updates: New toys and updates are continually added to keep Pok Pok fresh and exciting for your kids.

• COPPA-certified: It's compliant with COPPA and GDPR regulations, meaning the app doesn't advertise to children or trick them into buying things.

Entertain your kids and grow their minds with lifetime access to Pok Pok, now just $49.99 when you use code SAVE10 at checkout.

StackSocial prices subject to change.