Technology

SAVE $70: As of July 18, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (refurbished) is down to $129.99 at Amazon — a 35% discount off its usual $199.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Amazon Fire Max 11 (Refurbished) $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal

For those who’ve been dying for the latest Fire tablet for streaming, reading, and gaming, Amazon has a sweet deal on the Fire Max 11 (if you don’t mind a refurbished model). As of July 18, you can grab a refurbished Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $129.99 — 35% off its standard list price of $199.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s the lowest price this tablet has dropped to in 2025.

This Fire Max 11 model has been tested and certified to look and function like new and even comes with the same warranty as a brand-new device. 

SEE ALSO: The best Android tablets in 2025

With a whole $70 off the price tag, you’re getting a vibrant 11-inch display, a powerful octa-core processor, and 14 hours of battery life, making it a seriously capable all-around performer for the price.

The 2000x1200 resolution screen is built for watching shows, reading ebooks, and casual gaming — and it’s certified for low blue light, so your eyes won’t take a hit after hours of use. The aluminium build with reinforced glass also aims to add to its premium feel and durability. Amazon even claims it’s three times tougher than the 10.9-inch iPad in drop tests.

You’ll also get 64GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD), WiFi 6 support for speedy connections, and access to Alexa features like smart home control and Show Mode. 

You can easily download streaming services like Netflix to watch Stranger Things on the go, and be ready to watch the upcoming Wednesday Season 2 in style. Add on the optional keyboard and stylus (sold separately), and the Fire Max 11 starts to feel like a productivity tool, too.

If you’d also like an extra Kindle for reading, you can still score a like-new Kindle Paperwhite for $53 off at Amazon as well.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

If you want to start watching a new show but the thought of catching up with countless seasons is off-putting, I've put together this selection of high-quality Netflix series that you can realistically binge over the next few days.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 18 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 18, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A slow-moving animal.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

LORIS.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 18

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 18 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Pattern

• Green: To notice

• Blue: Stretches

• Purple: Charged

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

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

• Yellow: Sequence

• Green: Pick up on

• Blue: Yoga backbends

• Purple: Electric ___

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 #768 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Sequence: RUN, SERIES, STREAK, STRING

• Pick up on: CATCH, NOTE, SEE, SPOT

• Yoga backbends: BRIDGE, COBRA, COW, WHEEL

• Electric ___: BLANKET, EEL, GUITAR, SLIDE

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 18

Are you also playing NYT 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.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 18 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Abracadabra!

The words are magician-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are magic tricks.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Its Magic.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 18

• Escape

• Its Magic

• Multiply

• Levitate

• Transform

• Disappear

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Jlab's Epic Open Sport are a premium pair of air-conduction earbuds made to be worn while running, working out, or training. Yet their comfort and sound quality make them a good option for anyone who needs to be able to hear their surroundings or who finds in-ear earbuds to be uncomfortable, regardless of their lifestyle.

SAVE $90: As of July 18, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon — that’s 32% off its original price of $279.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazfit Amazfit T-Rex 3 Outdoor Smartwatch $189.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $90 Get Deal

Fitness fanatics seeking a smartwatch that’s a little cheaper than the big brands like Apple or Samsung have got a strong alternative on offer in the Amazfit T-Rex 3. 

As of July 18, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon — a 32% reduction from its standard $279.99 — its lowest price ever since launching last year (according to the camelcamelcamel). If you’ve been looking for a smartwatch that’s as tough as your trail shoes, this deal might be what gets you off the fence. 

SEE ALSO: We tested the top fitness trackers of 2025: See our favorite wearables and smart rings

This rugged-looking 48mm watch is designed for the outdoors, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits on its AMOLED display for clear map and workout visibility even under harsh sunlight. It’s also ready to handle some serious wear and tear, thanks to a 316L stainless steel bezel, freediving support up to 147 feet, and tested durability across extreme temperatures from -22 degrees farenheight to 158 degrees.

The battery life is another win here — the T-Rex 3 can go up to 27 days on a single charge with regular use or 180 hours in GPS mode. That’s a huge plus for anyone planning multi-day hikes or extended backcountry adventures. Speaking of GPS: with dual-band GPS, six satellite systems, and offline global maps, the T-Rex 3 offers precision location tracking even when you're off the grid. You’ll also get turn-by-turn navigation, a huge help when trails start to blur together.

For fitness junkies, this smartwatch covers a ton of ground with 170+ sport modes, AI-driven training plans, and real-time metrics across everything from hiking to surfing.

Alternatively, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is still on sale for $159.99 at Amazon. 

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Murderbot and Dexter: Resurrection star David Dastmalchian wears many hats: actor, writer, host, and devoted Muppets fan.

The last item started from a very young age, Dastmalchian told Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards as part of Mashable's Say More interview series.

SEE ALSO: 'Murderbot' finale: David Dastmalchian breaks down Gurathin and Murderbot's heartbreaking goodbye

"When I was in kindergarten, having already become transported by the magic of The Muppet Movie and addicted to The Muppet Movie and so moved by all the themes and everything that matters about The Muppet Movie — which I still am, I think about that film every day, if not multiple times a day — I memorized the lyrics to 'The Rainbow Connection,'" Dastmalchian said. "I wanted to be Kermit the Frog. I did feel a little bit of an outcast and a loner and a little bit left behind because I was the baby of the family, and I had a difficult time at first just getting over the sads on a daily basis. And that song really lifted me up."

Dastmalchian would sing the song to his mother, and even dreamed of having a Muppet Movie–style road trip of his own. His love of The Muppet Movie led him to perform "The Rainbow Connection" at his kindergarten talent show, fake banjo and all. The only problem? Dastmalchian forgot the words.

"I completely fled the stage in abject terror, and I yelled out, 'I forgot!'" Dastmalchian recalled. "I was so ashamed, and I was so embarrassed, and I felt like I'd let everybody down. I went many years without ever wanting to get back in front of an audience."

Of course, audiences around the world now know Dastmalchian from his roles in everything from Late Night with the Devil to The Suicide Squad, so it's clear he found a way past that initial fear.

"I was always scared, but I learned to present and create something that wasn't," Dastmalchian said.

While Dastmalchian originally wanted to be Kermit the Frog, he realized around kindergarten that he actually felt a kinship with a different Muppet. "It's not Kermit who I was. It was his good friend Gonzo," Dastmalchian said. "Gonzo, having come from another planet, another galaxy, and very, very, very, very strongly connected to anything that's blue. I have a deep affinity for the color blue. I'll eat anything that's blue; I don't even care what it is. Could be rotten milk; I'll drink it."

Earlier in 2025, Dastmalchian got to live out his Muppets dream and performed as Gonzo in Dynasty Typewriter's live reading of The Muppet Movie script. Check out his moving performance of "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday."

For more Dastmalchian, check out Mashable's full Say More video on YouTube, where he breaks down the finale of Murderbot, his moving Mike Flanagan monologue from The Life of Chuck, and what to expect from his Dexter: Resurrection serial killer character.

Murderbot is now streaming on Apple TV+. Dexter: Resurrection is now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, with new episodes every Friday.

SAVE OVER $300: As of July 18, the Hisense Canvas TV is on sale for $688.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense Canvas TV $688.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $311 Get Deal

We love a TV discount here at Mashable, especially on something as impressive as the Hisense Canvas. And right now, there's an incredible deal at Amazon that you'll love almost as much as you love this TV.

As of July 18, you can find the 55-inch model of this TV priced at $688.99. Not only are you saving over $300 on list price, you're getting it for its lowest-ever price. If you want something a little bigger, you're in luck. There are discounts across all sizes.

SEE ALSO: My TV deal of the week — this massive 85-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV is over $1,000 off

There's so much to impress with this TV, just check out our review to see what we really thought. If you want the basics, it’s a 4K QLED that delivers rich, vibrant colors. But the real selling point is that when you’re not watching, the TV can be transformed into a digital gallery, displaying a single image or shuffling through a slideshow of your favorite photos or artwork. The hi-matte display makes the digital gallery look like the real thing, enough so that you'll be able to trick your friends and family into thinking it's the real thing.

Not only that, it's also a great option for gamers, boasting a 144Hz Game Mode PRO. This is designed with top gaming technology, with a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144Hz.

This deal is not one to miss. Head to Amazon now to save.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 18, 2025 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: Baseball abbreviations

• Green: Recent non-repeaters

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Comic connections

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: MLB teams, on scoreboards

• Green: Teams to lose their respective championships in 2025

• Blue: Famous Jackies

• Purple: Teams and players who share nicknames with Marvel characters

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 #298 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• MLB teams, on scoreboards - LAD, MIL, PIT, TEX

• Teams to lose their respective championships in 2025 - EDMONTON, INDIANA, KANSAS CITY, NOTRE DAME

• Famous Jackies - BRALDEY, JOYNER-KERSEE, ROBINSON, YOUNG

• Teams and players who share nicknames with Marvel characters - IOWA, MICHIGAN, PULISIC, RIPKEN

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.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades: Best paid Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $9.99 Shop Now A 2-for-1 deal 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' + 'Jamboree TV' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $19.99 Shop Now Best free Mario game upgrade 'Super Mario Odyssey' $59.99 to purchase (free to upgrade) Shop Now A free Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker' $39.99 (free to upgrade) Shop Now

If you're holding off on getting a Nintendo Switch 2 because you think that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are the only two games you can play right now, you're mistaken (although, you definitely need to play both of those games). In fact, there are a lot of games you can play on the new handheld, including the best titles from the original Nintendo Switch generation — and with better visuals than ever before. That's because Nintendo has released Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades for a slate of its most popular Switch games.

Can you upgrade your Switch 1 game for the Switch 2 for free? Yes and no. While you can upgrade some Switch games for free, others require you to purchase a Switch 2 upgrade pack, though these upgrades are much cheaper than a typical video game. Each upgrade brings new features, improvements, and in some cases, brand-new game modes and DLC packs that weren't included in their original releases.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy and Amazon are restocking the Nintendo Switch 2 just in time for 'Donkey Kong Bananza' How do Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades work?

As with most things Nintendo, upgrading your old Switch games can be confusing, and it requires a little bit of brain power to figure out exactly how it works. But, to keep things simple, it comes down to this: If you already own the original game on the old Nintendo Switch, you are eligible to either buy the upgrade pack (which costs much less than the full price of the game) or upgrade for free, depending on the title.

If you don't already own a particular game, you still need to buy the game at full price to enjoy those upgrades for the Switch 2. This also applies to the physical copies of each eligible game.

Which games are eligible for Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades?

Below, we've put together a list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades you can get, as well as how to get them.

Best paid Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $9.99 at Nintendo
Upgrade for $9.99 Shop Now Why we like it

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is considered to be one of the greatest Nintendo games ever made, so it's a no-brainer to either upgrade for just $9.99 or buy a new copy if you haven't yet played it. The Switch 2 edition of the game comes with Zelda Notes support (a "game-specific service via Nintendo Switch App"), better resolution and frame rates, faster load times, and HDR support.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' + 'Jamboree TV' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $19.99 to upgrade Shop Now Why we like it

Many of us grew up playing the Mario Party games with our loved ones, and Jamboree is the Mario Party formula perfected. The $19.99 upgrade includes new game modes that make use of the Switch 2's mouse controls and other accessories, CameraPlay support, GameShare compatibility, enhanced resolution and frame rates, as well as access to Jamboree TV — a new game show hosted by Toad himself.

More games

To see a breakdown of new features included in each Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, check out Nintendo's helpful guide.

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World — $79.99 or $19.99 to upgrade

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade

• PokémonLegends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Coming soon

Best free Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Super Mario Odyssey' $59.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Why we like it

Super Mario Odyssey is regarded as one of Nintendo's best-ever 3D platformers featuring the iconic Italian plumber, and its free upgrade comes with enhanced visuals, HDR support, GameShare features, and GameChat compatibility. It's the best way to play one of the best Nintendo Switch games, so don't skip over it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker' $39.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Why we like it

An underrated gem from the original Nintendo Switch, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's Switch 2 upgrade got all the same updates that Super Mario Odyssey did — better visuals, HDR support, and compatibility with the new GameShare and GameChat features. If you're looking for a fun, cute puzzle game to play through, look no further. If you already own Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, you can upgrade the title for Switch 2 for free.

More games

To see a breakdown of new features included in each free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, check out Nintendo's helpful guide. While you can upgrade these video games for the Switch 2 at no cost, if you don't already own the game, you'll still need to purchase the title.

• Arms — $59.99

• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain — $29.99

• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics — $39.99

• Game Builder Garage — $29.99

• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe — $59.99

• Pokémon Scarlet — $59.99

• Pokémon Violet — $59.99

• Splatoon 3 — $59.99

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — $59.99

• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom — $59.99

• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening — $59.99

It might come as a surprise that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark. Roombas are just robot vacuums made by iRobot, and looking for the best Roombas is a much more specific task than looking for the best robot vacuums in general. However, Roomba's Band-Aid or Kleenex level fame really does prove just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.

There's a good reason for that: Not only was iRobot first to the robot vacuum party, but the company has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but if you're looking for the best Roomba today, there are only a handful of models you need to know in 2025.

iRobot randomly released a ton of new Roombas this spring

iRobot released four new Roomba series in March 2025, deviating from its (unofficial) summer release schedule. I think iRobot had two reasons to hurry: the spring release of the top robot vacuums from CES and the company's rocky financial situation. As someone who tests robot vacuums for a living, I'll be the first to tell you that Roombas were flopping in a sea of smarter, more fairly-priced robot vacs from the likes of Roborock and Shark.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups

The new Roomba 105, Roomba 205, Roomba Plus 405, and Roomba Plus 505 series are further broken down into eight total models, many with completely different physical designs that don't scream "classic Roomba."

iRobot is playing catch-up with its competition, and for the first time, you can buy Roombas that use LiDAR for smart mapping, Roombas with dual spinning mopping pads, and a Roomba that compacts its own dust rather than self-emptying. Despite such innovations, the new 2025 Roombas are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the debut prices of past Roombas.

With all of these new Roombas thickening the plot, the same old question remains: "Which Roomba is the best?" I've tested nearly every Roomba released since 2019, and I'm regularly updating this guide as I test the 2025 models at home. After comparing suction, pet hair pickup, mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, and price, I chose the Roombas that offer the best value for different types of households.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The iRobot Roomba 105. The Roomba Combo i5+. The Roomba Combo j7+ (not to be confused with the Roomba j7). The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but we can teach you.

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll choose from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 105, 205, or 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).

A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. "Max" is a new Roomba term introduced with the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a hybrid Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, meaning no smart mapping.

Other Roombas I've tested

I've tested several Roombas that are no longer main players in the Roomba guide for 2025. The Roomba Combo j9+ doesn't wash or dry its mopping pad, and is simply too expensive to be worth buying over its siblings like the Roomba Combo 10 Max, Roomba Plus 505. or Roomba Max 705. Plus, the j9's increasing obsoleteness has pretty much halted its ability to get a noteworthy discount nowadays.

I have also removed any 600 series Roombas from this guide for a similar reason: They just can't compete with the newer cheap Roombas that have stronger suction and smart mapping. When I tested the Roomba 694, it pissed me off more than it impressed. The Roomba 694 and Roomba 692 are hard to find in stock, anyway, and it's rarely for less than the Roomba 105 (my new top pick for the best cheap Roomba).

TL;DR: Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays (July 18) for free on MLB.TV. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new MLB season is finally here. The opening weekend of games includes some really interesting matchups, including San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays. And the best thing about this game is that you can follow all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays?

San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays starts at 7:07 p.m. ET on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Rogers Centre.

How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free

San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays is available to live stream for free on MLB.TV.

You can watch this free MLB game anywhere that MLB.TV is available, although local blackout restrictions apply in the U.S. and Canada. If you're unable to access this free live stream in your location, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays from anywhere in the world.

Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays 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 access

4. Visit MLB.TV

5. Stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream a wide range of MLB games before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to 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 MLB.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for live streaming sport for free on platforms like MLB.TV, 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free with ExpressVPN.

Recently, I had to hop on a very long eight-hour flight. And with a journey like that, it's always nice to have headphones or earbuds to keep you busy with music, podcasts, or the selection of in-flight movies and shows on offer. In my case, I don't go anywhere without my AirPods Pro 2. They're an absolute must-have on journeys of any length.

There's a couple of different reasons for this. Of course, one is the sound quality. These earbuds sound great, so I can enjoy whatever I'm listening to on a long journey with great quality. But my main reason for keeping these wireless earbuds with me at all times is their noise-canceling features. In my opinion, this is the best feature of the AirPods Pro 2, especially on a flight. People chatting a bit too loud? Doesn't bother me. Crying baby? Can't hear a thing. The drone of the engines? Gone. Personally, I think the noise-cancelation alone makes the AirPods Pro 2 a worthy investment.

The Active Noise Cancelation isn't the only noise-focused feature worth shouting about, either. The AirPods Pro 2 have multiple sound options to choose from. These include a Transparency mode that allows you to hear more of the outside world, which is helpful if you want to be a bit more aware of your surroundings while you're listening (for example, when walking on a road where you need to listen out for traffic.) Then there's an Adaptive Audio feature, which serves as a blend of the noise-canceling and transparency features, adapting to the sounds in your environment.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: Shop MacBook Air, AirPods, iPads, and more

While we recently saw an absolutely stellar deal over Prime Day, you can still score the AirPods Pro 2 at a great discount right now of $169. But I'm a firm believer that these earbuds are worth picking up at full price if you're an Apple user.

The sound of silence

As an Apple user, I've found the AirPods Pro 2 fit perfectly into my ecosystem of Apple devices. No matter if I'm using my iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, these earbuds switch between devices seamlessly. And alongside their noise-canceling features, they also offer a comfortable design with silicone tips that fit nicely in your ear and serve as an extra seal to keep sound out.

Getting set up with these noise-canceling features is very straightforward. If you're already a frequent user of Active Noise Cancelation, the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically select the mode when you've got them in your ears and use your connected device. But if you want to swap to Transparency mode or Adaptive Audio, simply follow these steps:

1. With your AirPods in your ears, go to 'Settings' on your iPhone or iPad

2. Go to the 'AirPods Pro' section just below your 'Apple Account'

3. From here, under 'Noise Control', you can swap between Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancelation

SEE ALSO: The 9 best earbuds to buy in 2025, selected by Mashable experts

Depending on where you are, each of these noise-canceling settings can be very helpful. In the case of a long flight, Noise Cancelation is great for keeping noisy sounds out while you're trying to relax or focus on the songs, podcasts, or audiobooks you're listening to without any interruptions. The AirPods Pro 2 helped my flight feel far more comfortable and less distracting.

Where to buy the AirPods Pro 2

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 can be bought from a variety of retailers. We've included the Amazon listing below, where they're currently on sale for $169.

What's nice is that these AirPods can frequently be found discounted during sale events, too. Recently they dropped to a new low price during the Amazon Prime Day sale event, and even though they've started going back up in price, there's still plenty of opportunities to save this year. Black Friday is the next big sale event on the horizon, so it's worth marking your calendar for November if these earbuds have been on your radar.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

TL;DR: New members can join Sam’s Club for just $25 (reg. $50) with 1-year access and auto-renew.

If your grocery bill has started to feel like a jump scare, or your holiday shopping list is looking a little too ambitious, here’s one simple solution: a Sam’s Club membership — on sale at the moment for just $25 for your first year (regularly $50).

From everyday staples to seasonal steals, Sam’s Club is where smart shoppers stock up without overspending. With this limited-time offer, new members get full access to an entire year of warehouse-size savings, whether you’re filling your fridge, refreshing your home office, or prepping for the holidays early.

It’s not just groceries either. You’ll have access to household items and a variety of seasonal goods. Think electronics, furniture, clothes, tools, toys, travel deals, and even discounted tickets to concerts and theme parks. Oh — and that rotisserie chicken? Still delicious and super budget-friendly.

This membership auto-renews, so once you’re in, you’re in. And with nationwide locations and online shopping options, it’s an easy way to streamline your shopping while stretching your dollar.

Just a heads up: this deal is only for new members in the U.S. If you’ve been a member in the past six months, you’ll need to wait before jumping back in.

But if you’re new to the warehouse game — or just finally ready to make the Sam’s Club leap — this is your sign. Grocery hauls, holiday prep, and everyday savings? All in one stop. You’ll wonder why you didn’t join sooner.

Get a 1-year Sam’s Club membership for just $25 (reg. $50) for a limited time only.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club 1-Year Sam's Club Membership with Auto-Renew $25
$50 Save $25 Get Deal

TL;DR: For a one-time payment of $389.97, Internxt gives you lifetime access to 20TB of private, encrypted cloud storage across all your devices.

Running out of digital space is one of those slow-burn stressors no one wants to deal with. Whether you’re snapping endless videos of your dog, working with massive creative files, or storing years’ worth of family photos, it’s only a matter of time before that dreaded “storage full” message shows up. But what if you could mitigate all of that stress forever?

That’s exactly what you get with Internxt’s Lifetime 20TB Cloud Storage Plan. It’s serious storage, private by design, and available for life for one flat payment.

Unlike traditional cloud services that charge you forever (and slowly increase their fees), Internxt is refreshingly simple. You pay once — $389.97 through August 3 — and you’re done. That’s 20TB of encrypted, open-source, cross-platform storage that works seamlessly on every major device, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and even Linux.

But this isn’t just about space. It’s also about control (isn’t everything though?). Internxt is built for users who value security and privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge file handling, and even post-quantum encryption, which sounds like science fiction but is very real — and pretty cool.

You can store anything: media files, documents, backups, you name it, and preview them with an intuitive UI that won’t make your brain hurt. Share files with clients, upload entire folders with a drag, and sync across devices without worrying who might be peeking into your stuff. Even better, everything’s hosted with open-source transparency and GDPR compliance, so your data belongs to you, not some vague third party.

Enjoy digital peace of mind for the rest of your life.

Get a lifetime of 20TB cloud storage from Internxt for just $389.97, hundreds off the regular cost, through August 3.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $389.97
$4,900 Save $4,510.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Convert, edit, protect, and organize your PDFs with this all-in-one editor — yours for life for just $23.99 with code SAVE20.

Working with PDFs shouldn’t feel like a time-consuming chore. And yet, here we are, fighting uneditable forms, locked text, missing fonts, and files that just won’t convert cleanly. But what if one tool could flip the script?

The PDF Converter & Editor (available for a one-time payment of $23.99 with code SAVE20) lets you take control of your documents in the easiest way possible. Whether you’re merging, splitting, converting, unlocking, protecting, or even editing scanned PDFs with OCR, this tool helps make the whole process fast, flexible, and frustration-free.

You can convert PDFs to Word, Excel, JPG, HTML, and more without blowing up the formatting. Need to go the other way? It’s great at turning images, PowerPoints, and text files into shareable, compressed PDFs. The built-in OCR makes it possible to extract and edit text from scanned documents, too, so it’s especially handy for anyone dealing with image-based reports, old contracts, or digitizing physical files.

More than just a converter, it’s more like a full-fledged PDF toolbox. Annotate, watermark, compress, unlock, build forms, and even pull every image out of a PDF in one click. You can batch process files to save time, protect documents with custom passwords, and even use it as your go-to PDF reader.

And maybe the best part of all is that it’s a lifetime license. No subscriptions. No recurring payments. Just simple, powerful PDF control for two devices — Windows or Mac.

While the Mac version currently offers conversion and creation tools, editing features are on the roadmap (updates to come). Windows users get the full suite today.

Don’t miss getting the PDF Converter & Editor for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code SAVE20 for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
$99.99 Save $76 Get Deal

TL;DR: AdGuard Family Plan blocks ads, protects your privacy, and adds parental controls on nine devices — just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN.

Online life can be great. But the experience gets cluttered fast — pop-up banners, auto-play videos, data trackers, and sneaky malware links can turn everyday browsing into a bit of a mess. The AdGuard Family Plan offers a simple, one-time solution: block the noise, protect your data, and create a safer digital space for everyone in your home, for life.

What makes this deal stand out? You’ll pay just $15.97 once (using code FAMPLAN at checkout), and you’re covered for a lifetime across nine devices. That’s phones, tablets, laptops — whatever your household uses, AdGuard works across platforms and syncs quietly in the background to make everything run smoother.

But this isn’t just another ad blocker. AdGuard uses enterprise-grade filtering tools to remove everything from flashy banner ads to hidden video pre-rolls. It also offers advanced privacy protection, shielding your browsing activity from data collectors and trackers that follow you around the web. The result is faster load times, more peace of mind, and less junk cluttering your screen.

Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls, which let you restrict access to inappropriate content without relying on complicated router settings or third-party software. It’s an easy, one-click setup that adds a layer of digital safety you don’t have to think twice about.

And for users who care about security (without diving deep into VPNs or overly technical setups), AdGuard provides malware and phishing protection by filtering out shady links and sites before they load.

Everything runs through a clean, intuitive interface, with frequent updates included in your one-time purchase. You’ll get the same quality protection and features as any premium ad-blocking app, minus the monthly bill.

This is one of the rare tools that quietly improves your online experience every day.

Get lifetime access to AdGuard’s Family Plan for the one-time price of $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

On tour across the UK, Panic Shack tried an online experiment for the hell of it.

"we’re gonna do this dance in every green room til we get really good, follow us on tiktok to see the progress xxxxx," the Cardiff punk band wrote on Instagram in May 2025, posting a video of members Sarah Harvey, Meg Fretwell, Romi Lawrence, and Emily Smith doing a dance to Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much."

Multiple renditions on TikTok, 100,000 followers, and 15.4 million views later, Panic Shack were all over FYPs. And they've just released their debut album.

SEE ALSO: Le Sserafim on tech, style, and staying connected in a digital world

Formed in 2018, Panic Shack emerged from "daydreaming whilst at work," according to Harvey, and a shared love of karaoke and going to friends' gigs. A rambunctious, jubilant, loud punk outfit from the Welsh capital, Panic Shack brings perpetual Thelma and Louise energy to bangers about ride-or-die friendship, telling jerks to GTFO, bullshit body image expectations, smoking rollies, meal deals, London dudes, and the dreaded ick.

Mashable sat down with lead vocalist Harvey and guitarist/vocalist Fretwell to chat through their viral success and what to expect from their very first, self-titled LP.

Panic Shack stole TikTok's heart with a dance "everyone be quiet my show is on." Credit: Panic Shack / TikTok

"everyone be quiet my show is on," wrote TikTok user Morgana on a Panic Shack video. "Why is this so addictive to watch? I think I watch each of these at least 10x," wrote welsh_witchery on another. "Do you do divorce parties x," added Eviebop.

Maybe you've discovered Panic Shack at one of their live shows. Or perhaps you're one of the thousands who have found them through their series of "Miss You Much" dances posted since May.

The dance was originally choreographed by Ohio-based dance instructor Jezebel Shuvani (@JezFever). Posting to TikTok in February, she described it as inspired by the final scene from Lorene Scafaria's Hustlers, in which Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), Destiny (Constance Wu), Mercedes (Keke Palmer), and Annabelle (Lili Reinhart) do their own choreography to Janet Jackson's 1989 banger. (The artist's original "Miss You Much" video itself is ablaze with moves.)

Featured Video For You OK Go's Damian Kulash and Tim Nordwind reflect on how a viral music video changed their band forever

Fretwell had seen the dance JezFever had posted on TikTok and pitched it to her Panic Shack bandmates, Harvey, Lawrence, and Smith, who were all on board (who wouldn't be?). Finding tiny corners, sunny rooftops, and cramped corridors in venues across Manchester, Brighton, Norwich, Leeds, and more, Panic Shack carved out time to throw down moves without fail. They even dragged drummer Nick Doherty-Williams into one.

"I was like, girls, we should try that when we're on tour together. And we just did it, and did not expect it to take off," Fretwell tells Mashable. "It was so crazy, because so many people are, like, you're marketing geniuses! Who is running this? I think the combination of our stage outfits and the different locations and the consistency of doing it every day whilst we were on tour was really the secret combination. We absolutely did not expect it to go viral. JezFever and the troupe are so lush as well, we've got an online friendship with these women."

Credit: Ren Faulkner

The dance boosted Panic Shack's online fanbase tenfold, with a cursory calculation of the band's "Miss You Much" videos sitting at 15.4 million views alone. The comments are full of old faithful and shiny new fans, the latter of whom have also found their way to Panic Shack's YouTube channel. "Anyone else here because they were mesmerized by their TikToks? Now I’m addicted to their music," writes one commenter, and they're not alone.

"You couldn't write it, like, it could not have come at a better time," says Fretwell. "Honestly, before the dance, we had like, 6,000 followers before we went on tour, and we came off tour with over 100,000 followers. It's quite literally mind-blowing."

"It's interesting, because we've had a big following for a long time just for our live shows and now it's really interesting deciphering who knows us from TikTok or from a live show," she adds.

Panic Shack celebrates joy, calls out hate in the comments Credit: Ren Faulkner

Having experienced toxic trolls and hateful comments in the past, Panic Shack experienced the (unfortunately) rare wonder that is being women on the internet surrounded by positivity, fun, and empowerment — all while being their authentic selves.

"We almost couldn't believe that people were being so nice to us in the comments," says Fretwell."Some people have really emotional reactions to the dance as well. It absolutely, again, isn't our intention, but I'm just so glad that people have found so much joy from it."

"We're being ourselves and I think that gets lost in social media quite a lot," adds Harvey. "And our friendship, as well, probably shone through a little bit, as it always does with the band, and just when we're hanging out."

Alas, there are still dickheads online. In true punk form, Panic Shack often uses humour to call out misogynist comments on TikTok videos — including the tried and true TikTok strategy of highlighting heinous comments to name and shame them in new videos. In July, the band did send-ups of Robert Palmer's 1985 "Addicted to Love" video; Shania Twain famously gender-flipped the video in 1997 for "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Panic Shack's own punk version sees the band pin troll comments and crush a lip-synch of Palmer's song.

"Sometimes we like to highlight some of the troll comments, just because it's just our way of dealing with it, really," says Fretwell. "We've received so many troll comments over time, haven't we, Sarz? Even back then, years ago, that's how we would deal with it."

"We don't want sympathy. We're doing it just to fight back and show show them up a little bit," says Harvey.

"We've had some really horrible stuff said about us over the years, and it's just all misogyny," adds Fretwell. "Essentially, it's like, whatever they want to disguise it as it, the root of it is misogyny. Don't think they like seeing women having fun, or not doing something for male attention, for the male gaze."

Panic Shack keeps live shows and online moments separate Credit: Ren Faulkner

Sometimes artists see online moments as an accompaniment to their live shows — Charli XCX's "Apple" dance is the tip of the TikTok-to-stage iceberg. However, more often than not, there's a pretty solid line between what happens on an artist's online platforms and what happens on stage. For Panic Shack, it's the latter, especially when it comes to their viral dance — you will not see it on stage.

"People have asked. People have been like, can that be the encore? And I think we've always just said that's for the internet's eyes only, really," says Fretwell. "TikTok and online is like a separate entity, particularly the TikTok app. It's somewhere we can just try and test out different styles of like, content, I suppose. But yeah, the live show's nothing got nothing to do with it really."

"It's been thrown around a bit, but then I think we just thought it wouldn't feel authentic for us to do that on stage," says Harvey. "I guess part of the live show is the music and, yeah, fun and games. But I think the dance would just...if people were there, the gig, were there for music, and they saw us do that, they'd be like, what? To be fair they'd probably love it."

Panic Shack released their debut album on July 18, with a huge UK and European tour ahead of them. On Friday, Panic Shack is playing a launch day gig and running a pop-up merch shop in Cardiff's The Sustainable Studio. But first? Well-earned bevs. "Meg said she's got a bottle of Champagne for us to pop," says Harvey. "I've been reserving a special bottle of Champagne I got for my birthday that I've not found a reason to drink, so I can't wait to pop it with the girls," says Fretwell.

What can people expect from the self-titled release? "Lots more calling people out closer to home, lots of female friendship vibes, just to step into the Panic Shack world, really, just from start to finish," says Harvey.

"It's very much like, welcome to our universe, you know?" adds Fretwell. "We do want everyone to be a part of it. We want people to feel like they can be friends with us."

Panic Shack is out now.

Comedy is tragedy plus time. There may be a day when critics look back on Ari Aster's COVID-19 comedy Eddington with kinder eyes. However, just five years after this virus threw the world into lockdown, we are still living in the brutal realities created not only by the pandemic that killed millions but also further polarized American politics to horrifying results. So, watching movie stars crack wise about face masks, conspiracy theories, and political rivalries? Right now, it's not funny. It's mostly irritating. 

Props to Aster for his continued fearlessness. The writer/director broke through with his daring debut feature Hereditary, then cemented his reputation as an American filmmaker to watch with its chilling follow-up Midsommar, which in turn helped launch Florence Pugh to stardom. Then, he threw his fans (and critics) for a loop with Beau Is Afraid, which starred Academy Award–winner Joaquin Phoenix in a prolonged anxiety attack of a movie that skewed genre and concluded with the epic revelation of a giant penis monster. 

For Eddington, Aster reteams with Phoenix, who once more plays an anti-hero gripped by his failings instead of his virtues. But this time, the punchline isn't one of mommy issues or social anxiety. Instead, the New Mexico-set Eddington pokes fun of both sides of the political divide. But far from being even-handed or even all that funny, the result is a movie that might be seen as a wild ride if it nailed the landing. Instead, it's a wonky head-scratcher that feels more smug than sharp. 

Joaquin Phoenix is a right-wing clown in Eddington.  Joaquin Phoenix plays Sheriff Joe Cross in "Eddington." Credit: A24

At a glance, Joe Cross (Phoenix) is a familiar American archetype, with his white hat, cowboy boots, and sheriff's badge. He's a lawman who fights against the injustices of a wild world that knows no decency. In Westerns, he'd be the good guy, except Aster steadily undercuts this American icon, both visually and contextually in this Western/thriller/comedy. For instance, Joe is introduced patrolling an area that's outside his jurisdiction on tribal ground, sparking a confrontation with the Native American police, who chastise Joe for trespassing and for breaking the mandate by not wearing a face mask (both tribal officers are masked). 

On one hand, Joe's sitting alone in a car. So, yeah, wearing a face mask is unnecessary, even absurd. But Joe will continue to push the masking issue, knowingly making his neighbors uncomfortable as he strides into a grocery store where everyone is masked and keeping a six-foot distance from each other. His frustration over what he sees as an attack on his freedom even sparks him to begin a haphazard campaign against the beloved Eddington mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). But the more Aster reveals about Joe, the more it's clear the mask is not about freedom, but about Joe asserting dominance wherever he can, so he can feel like a man. 

At home, Joe is emasculated by his vicious mother-in-law (Deirdre O'Connell) and barely acknowledged by his depressed wife, Louise (Emma Stone). At work, he cowers in the shadow of the admired sheriff who came before, who happens to have been his late father-in-law. Unable to live up to the ghost of the man who haunts him figuratively in his personal and professional life, Joe picks another target for his wrath: Ted Garcia.

Joe chooses Ted not only because the mayor is more well-liked than he, but also because Ted is Louise's ex. Joe burns with jealousy over their shared past, which he imagines as scandalous. All of this leads Joe down a path that feels vaguely Coen Bros.-esque in its rancid Americana and self-destruction. But whether he makes hasty campaign posters with embarrassing misspellings or dives into the violent fantasy of being an American action hero through bonkers and abrupt battle scenes, Joe is unquestionably a clown.

Though the protagonists of Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau Is Afraid were deeply flawed, Aster also found room for us to relate to their heartache and anxieties. We were as scared as they were, or even more scared for them than they could be for themselves. Joe, however, is not richly developed or relatable. He's a vexing sketch of the anti-masker movement and all its toxic masculinity and privilege. Pushing this symbolism past its breaking point, Aster also wedges in subplots where Joe must deal with the online conspiracy theories about child exploitation and a flurry of Black Lives Matters protests organized by a local white girl (Amélie Hoeferle), who is often on the verge of tears. 

The criticism is uneven and shallow in Eddington.  Emma Stone and Deirdre O'Connell play daughter and mother in "Eddington." Credit: A24

In a Q&A for press following a screening of Eddington, Aster expressed his hope that the film would speak to both sides of the political divide. He further noted the final act — which features a prolonged shootout — could read totally differently depending on what side of the divide you're on. But frankly, he misreads his audience. The film is not that textured. The climax, chaotic and grisly, is shocking, but not awing. 

Joe and his family offers plenty of opportunities to mock the right for their anti-masking attitudes, Pizzagate conspiracies, and general "fuck your feelings" MAGA attitude — though Aster tries to have it both ways by not using such explicit buzzwords. By contrast, Mayor Garcia is a gentle lampoon of liberal politicians. Where Joe is stern, speaking like he's spitting, Ted is determinedly soft-spoken, and listens to Katy Perry while entertaining. ("Firework," naturally.) In a promotional video for his campaign, Ted reenacts a tragic personal memory to win sympathy, then inexplicably plays piano in the middle of Eddington's dirt roads. It's a gentle ribbing of quirky political ads. But even as Aster mocks the virtue signaling of the left through a subplot about Ted's son (Matt Gomez Hidaka) using political patter to impress the aforementioned female protester, the barbs feel like a nudge instead of a punchline. 

Perhaps this is because both sides of the argument, as Aster presents them here, just aren't equally worth mocking. Maybe that's because the foibles of one side lead to cringe moments, while the other might lead to death and disaster. But for a runtime of two hours and 28 minutes, Aster doesn't uncover anything all that deep or surprising about this divide beyond how dangerous it can be. Neither side will learn much new about themselves or their perceived opponents by watching Eddington. It's hard to say if more time would make a difference.

While the cast is committed to Aster's vision of this New Mexico town, the depth is lacking. That a cop has a thirst for control, that a smiling politician has a dark side, that a depressed woman has a hidden heartache — none of this is a surprise. Yet Eddington treats each reveal with a ghoulish giddiness, as if they're all deeply transgressive. The result is a movie that feels passionate, but is ultimately shallow and messy.

Far from the thriller its trailers suggest, Eddington is a cynical dark comedy that mistakes empathy for weakness, offering plenty to react to but little to provoke thought.

 Eddington opens in theaters on July 18.