Technology
7 iconic movie props to 3D print this weekend (July 17 - 19)
The most dedicated movie fans with cash to splash can sometimes get their hands on real movie props, but even mass-produced replicas demand a premium. With a 3D printer and a bit of spare time, you can make your own.
4 Google Maps features that make public transit less confusing
Public transportation can feel intimidating, especially when you're visiting a new city, exploring more efficient routes for your daily commute, or simply trying to reach your office on time before rush hour swallows you up. Thankfully, Google Maps has many public transit-focused features that can make your journey feel hassle-free and strip the stress from navigating unfamiliar routes and locations. Here are four features that you should check out now.
Cheap Raspberry Pi clones aren't the bargain you think they are
I get it, Raspberry Pi prices have gone through the roof, and what was once a cheap little single-board computer you could buy on a whim is now practically an investment. But, what about the cheaper alternatives?
The Pokémon TCG Pitch Black Display Box with 36 Boosters drops to record-low price at Amazon — save over $40
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Display Box is on sale for $229.99 at Amazon, down from its $279.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Display Box $235.48 at Amazon$279.99 Save $44.51 Get Deal
Pitch Black has only just landed in the Pokémon TCG, but Amazon has already made it so you can score a lower price-per-pack on its 36-pack display box.
As of July 17, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Display Box has been slashed in price on Amazon to $235.48. That’s with a new $229.99 base price and $5.49 for shipping. You're getting a $44.51 discount from the usual $279.99 list price. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is indeed the lowest price we’ve ever seen.
It works out at roughly $6.54 per booster before tax, comfortably below the $7.08 per pack we saw in the preorder deal we covered earlier this week.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Walmart has the Pitch Black Booster Display Box for $228.95 with free shipping, sold by Realgoodeal and fulfilled by Walmart. TCGplayer is cheaper still, with unopened listings starting at $189.99 plus $3.59 shipping — impressively undercutting the box’s $209.79 market price.
Inside the Pitch Black Booster Display Box, you’ll get 36 sealed booster packs, with 10 random trading cards from its total of over 115 in each. Among the 115+, you can find over 20 Trainer cards and more than 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations, with Mega Darkrai ex leading the expansion.
There are plenty of pricey chase cards you can pull (or buy individually on TCGplayer) — including SIR Mega Darkrai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, SIR Morpeko ex, and SIR Mega Zeraora ex — all with exceptional market prices up to just under $400.
Your router has a hidden setting that stops smart TVs from spying on your network
Most people worry about outsiders breaking into their home network, but few think about what the devices already inside their home can access. While your trusted devices talking to each other is usually harmless, smart TVs are a different story: many models collect viewing habits, run outdated software, and frankly have little reason to see everything else connected to your network.
Amazon has slashed $18 off the Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat — buy now for $81.99
SAVE OVER $10: As of July 17, the Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat is on sale for $81.99 at Amazon. That's $18 off its full price of $99.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat (21349) $81.99 at Amazon$99.99 Save $18 Get Deal
If you've had your eyes on the adorable Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat, but have been waiting for it to be discounted before buying, today is your lucky day. Amazon's dropped it to a 90-day low that's also incredibly close to its lowest-ever price.
As of July 17, you can scoop up this Lego set for $81.99 at Amazon. That saves you $18 compared to paying the full amount, which is a pretty nice deal on its own, but what makes it better is it's just a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever Amazon price of $79.95. If it's one you've been hoping to get, now is as good a time as any to shop.
SEE ALSO: Lego is releasing the biggest Art Masterpiece ever: Everything you need to know about Gustav Klimt – The KissIt comes with 1,710 bricks that create an incredibly cute tuxedo cat, complete with yellow or blue eyes and different mouth pieces, depending on if you want to pose it with an open or closed mouth. And speaking of poses, the cat's head, ears, paws, and tail can all be rotated and adjusted, so you can find an adorable way to display it after you've finished building.
There's no telling how long this Lego set will be on sale, so be quick to score this deal on the Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat at Amazon.
It's certainly not the only Lego set worth grabbing, though. If you want to see some of our favorite picks from this year, have a look at our breakdown of the best Lego sets of 2026 so far for more recommendations.
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These 5 Linux distros finally got DNS privacy right—most others don't
Every time your system needs to know the IP address of a domain, it uses DNS. When contacting your DNS server, it sends the domain that you’re trying to access in plain text, for anyone in the middle to see. It also means responses can easily be spoofed, so there are clear risks involved.
The Pokémon TCGs Pitch Black expansion has launched — buy the Booster Bundle for $55 at Amazon
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Bundle is on sale for $54.95 at Amazon, down from its $58.49 typical price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Bundle $54.95 at Amazon$58.49 Save $3.54 Get Deal
Release days normally bump the prices of new Pokémon TCG expansions, but the launch of the Pitch Black Booster Bundle has already seen a price drop on Amazon.
As of July 17, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Bundle is available at Amazon for $54.95. That's $3.54 off its typical price of $58.49, taking 6% off the six-pack box just as the new Mega Evolution expansion launches. Confirmed when checking price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s the lowest price we’ve seen since the listing went live in May.
It also brings the bundle down to roughly $9.16 per booster pack before tax. That’s still above the lowest marketplace prices, but it is a much sharper Amazon deal than the $67.92 preorder we covered earlier this month. There are a few new listings at this price, but the one with the best delivery window is with third-party seller BetterShopping4You — getting it to you as soon as July 22 at the time of writing. This also includes Amazon’s 30-day refund or replacement window.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!That said, TCGplayer remains cheaper overall. Unopened Pitch Black Booster Bundles start at $42.99 with shipping included, which is undercutting its market price of $47.12.
You’ll get six sealed titular Pitch Black booster packs. Each contains 10 trading cards, one Basic Energy card, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card, making this a straightforward middle ground between buying loose packs and spending much more on a 36-pack Booster Display Box.
The most valuable chase cards you can pull are also available to buy individually on TCGplayer right now. You can find SIR Mega Darkrai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, SIR Morpeko ex, and SIR Mega Zeraora ex — which are worth up to almost $400.
The new Withings BodyScan 2 smart scale tracks 60 biomarkers — buy it now for under $600
TL;DR: The Withings BodyScan 2 is now available in the U.S. for $599.95. The smart health station tracks up to 60 health measurements, with results shown on its built-in HD handle display.
Opens in a new window Credit: Withings Withings BodyScan 2 $599.95 at WithingsShop Now
Withings is giving its smart scale lineup a major upgrade. The company’s new BodyScan 2 smart health station is now available in the U.S., building on the original BodyScan with more detailed health insights, a redesigned HD handle display, and expanded tracking features focused on heart, metabolic, and body composition trends.
It can measure up to 60 biomarkers in as little as 90 seconds, including body composition, heart health insights, blood oxygen levels, and more. Results appear in real time on the built-in color display, and the device is also FSA/HSA eligible.
The BodyScan 2 offers two types of scans: a quick Daily Scan for everyday tracking and a deeper Longevity Scan for a more detailed weekly check-in. The Daily Scan takes about 30 seconds and tracks basics like weight, body fat, muscle mass, water levels, heart rate, and Vascular Age, which estimates how your blood vessels compare with typical aging patterns.
The Longevity Scan takes around 90 seconds and adds advanced insights, including a 6-lead ECG for heart rhythm tracking, Heart Age, blood oxygen levels (SpO₂), and a Nerve Response Score. These measurements are combined in the Withings app to help users spot changes in their health trends over time.
Credit: WithingsUsing a 13-frequency Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) system, it can estimate fat and muscle levels across six different areas of the body, including your arms, legs, trunk, and core. The scale can also track blood pressure trends and blood oxygen levels, giving you more information to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Withings says the battery can last up to 15 months on a single charge. Each purchase also includes a one-month trial of Withings+, which unlocks extra features like advanced health scores, personalized insights, and an AI health assistant.
The Withings BodyScan 2 is available now in the U.S. for $599.95 from Withings.
I used Claude to fix 4 Windows problems that Microsoft's tools couldn't solve
Windows has a way of breaking in ways that feel almost personal. What makes these issues so draining isn't that the problems are complicated; it's that the built-in tools Microsoft gives you to fix them either don't work or don't even come close to addressing what's actually wrong. I started handing these problems to Claude instead, to see if it can do more than just free up space on your Windows PC. I was surprised at how good it was at finding a reasonable solution.
Score $12 off the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer at Amazon
SAVE OVER $10: As of July 17, the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is on sale for $67.99 at Amazon. That's $12 off its full price of $79.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer $67.99 at Amazon$79.99 Save $12 Get Deal
Capturing photos digitally may be the easiest way to do it while you're out and about, but there's something special about a physical photo you can actually hold. If you want a way to take some of your favorite digital captures from your phone's camera and turn then into physical copies, the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer can help you out.
Even better, the white model is on sale right now at Amazon.
As of July 17, the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer (in white) is on sale for $67.99 at Amazon. That's a $12 discount from its original list price, though this offer is only available for a limited time. In the top right corner, there's a bar that indicates what percentage of this deal has been claimed already. Once that's complete, the deal will disappear.
SEE ALSO: 16 summer hosting essentials that cost under $25 at AmazonThere's no need to worry about a complicated setup with this Kodak printer. It connects to any iOS or Android device through Bluetooth, allowing you to take your favorite digital pics and print them out on 2x3-inch sticky-backed photo paper. If you download the Kodak app, you can also create collages, add filters, borders, stickers, and more for a little extra customization.
The Kodak Step Instant also has a compact size that weighs less than a pound, so you can easily throw it in a bag to take with on your adventures this summer. And on top of that, it has a built-in Lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can print up to 25 photos on a full charge.
Be quick to save on the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer (in white) at Amazon.
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Kimmel guest host Ike Barinholtz reacts to the Trump teleprompter scandal
Big day for insider trading in the White House, with a staff teleprompter investigated for allegedly making nearly $100,000 betting on Donald Trump's speeches. Gabriel Perez is accused of using prediction market platform Kalshi to place bets on the words the president would use in his addresses.
The scandal headlined late night shows on Thursday, with Jimmy Kimmel Live! guest host Ike Barinholtz reacting to the news in his monologue.
"We learned today that the guy who operates Trump's teleprompter has reportedly made more than $100,000 betting on stuff that Trump would mention in his speeches, for which he clearly had inside information," said The Studio star.
"He's a regular Pete Rose Garden."
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The Pokémon TCG Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box has dropped below $95 on launch day — save nearly $25
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $89.99 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box $94.98 at Amazon$119.99 Save $25.01 Get Deal
Pitch Black has officially launched as part of the Mega Evolution set, and the new Pokémon TCG expansion’s Elite Trainer Box has conveniently dropped to the lowest price we’ve ever seen.
As of July 17, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Elite Trainer Box is on sale at Amazon for $94.48. That’s a $30 drop from its $119.99 list price, plus $5.49 for shipping — leading to the lowest total we’ve seen this nine-pack box with the retailer so far, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.
At the time of writing, delivery is set between July 24 and Aug. 7, so you should go for one of the slightly more expensive listings if you want yours by the end of the month at a guarantee.
Away from Amazon, TCGplayer has the lowest price altogether, with unopened boxes starting at $85.93 with shipping included, undercutting the Amazon total by $9.55 and landing below the ETB’s current $88.40 market price. Walmart is much closer, listing the Pitch Black ETB for as low as $89.79 through third-party sellers.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Packed inside are nine Pitch Black booster packs of trading cards, a full-art foil Zarude promo card, 65 sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, storage dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.
For anyone aiming to pull the Pitch Black expansion’s most valuable Pokémon chase cards worth up to nearly $400, you can buy them individually on TCGplayer right now — including SIR Mega Darkrai ex, MHR Mega Darkrai ex, SIR Morpeko ex, and SIR Mega Zeraora ex.
Seth Meyers reacts to Trumps catapult rant despite what happened last time
Seth Meyers took "A Closer Look" at Donald Trump's recent catapult-focused press comments on Thursday's Late Night, a longtime favourite topic of the president's.
That's despite what happened the last time Meyers responded to Trump's catapult fixation in 2025, when the president accused the host on social media of being the one who's catapult-obsessed — the ol' "I know you are but what am I" strategy.
"In case you're not familiar, this is a long-running obsession for Trump," said Meyers. "And I'm loath to even bring up his catapult obsession because the last time I did, the president posted on Truth Social that I, your beloved talk show host, 'talked endlessly about electric catapults on aircraft carriers.'"
SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers responds to Trump's targeted Truth Social rant about himNonetheless, Meyers unpacked Trump's latest rant about steam catapults on U.S. aircraft carriers, on Wednesday, during a defense summit at the U.S. Army War College. In particular, the host remarked on Trump's use of the word "catapulter" to describe a technician he talked to about the project.
"Is there actually a person with the job title catapulter, or did he just make that up?" said Meyers. "Because I could definitely see Trump saying, 'I want to meet the catapulter,' and everyone's like, 'Who?' and Trump's like, 'The catapulter, the guy who does the catapult,' and they say, 'What does he look like?' and Trump says, 'You got a long green body and a red head, and they call him The Very Hungry Catapulter. Very hungry. He's not done with the leaf."
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Boses QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are now under $250 at Amazon — act fast to save $50
SAVE $50: As of July 17, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen) are down to $249 at Amazon. That's $50 off their full price of $299.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $249 at Amazon$299 Save $50 Get Deal
Our favorite comfy earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen), are back to their Prime Day price at Amazon. If you've been hoping to snag them, now is a great opportunity while this limited-time offer is still available.
As of July 17, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are available to grab for $249, a $50 cut from their usual list price of $299. Plus, every available color is on sale at this price. Some models are even at their lowest-ever price, including white smoke and midnight violet.
SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2We've certainly sung the praises of these earbuds. Alongside being our top earbud pick in our list of the best Bose headphones and earbuds, they're also among our favorite wireless earbuds overall as the most comfortable option.
Our review from Mashable's Bethany Allard called them "one of the best noise-cancelling earbuds available." She notes that sound quality is "really good" but ANC is where they really shine. Allard notes: "I found their noise cancellation to be even more seamless than that found on the first generation, where I occasionally dealt with some louder hissing, and occasionally even crackling noises (though I could've been using a faulty unit)."
If the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen) have been on your radar, now is an excellent time to pick them up and save.
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NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 17, 2026
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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, July 17, 2026:
AcrossSpanish question wordThe answer is Que.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
National Ice Cream Month and National Hot Dog MonthThe answer is July.
The answer is Juice.
The answer is Antes.
The answer is Moor.
The answer is Quito.
The answer is Ulcer.
The answer is Eyes.
The answer is Juno.
The answer is Jam.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
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.
How to watch F1 live streams online for free
This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.
Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. The likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton are all challenging for race wins this season. Mercedes are the team to beat this season, but Ferrari are not far behind.
If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
What is F1?Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.
Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.
When is F1 in 2026?The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:
Australian Grand Prix — March 8
Chinese Grand Prix — March 15
Japanese Grand Prix — March 29
Miami Grand Prix — May 3
Canadian Grand Prix — May 24
Monaco Grand Prix — June 7
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14
Austrian Grand Prix — June 28
British Grand Prix — July 5
Belgian Grand Prix — July 19
Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26
Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23
Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6
Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13
Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26
Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11
United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25
Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1
São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8
Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21
Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6
It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.
How to watch F1 for freeFor the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available for free to viewers in the U.S., with live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix from June 26–28. Fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.
In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. If you want access to the whole season, an Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year.
Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop NowIt's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.
Nintendo and Hasbro are teaming up on Legend of Zelda toys — heres what fans can expect
TL;DR: Hasbro has announced a new multi-year partnership with Nintendo to create toys based on The Legend of Zelda franchise. The first three 6-inch action figures will debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 before the toy line officially launches in 2027.
Nintendo and Hasbro are officially joining forces to bring The Legend of Zelda to the toy aisle.
The companies announced a new multi-year licensing partnership on July 16, with the first products set to launch in 2027. Fans won't have to wait that long for a sneak peek, though — the first three 6-inch action figures will make their debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, which runs from July 23-26.
What can fans expect?Hasbro hasn't revealed the figures just yet, but it has confirmed that the first wave will include three 6-inch-scale collectibles inspired by The Legend of Zelda. The reveals will take place during San Diego Comic-Con next week, with more details about the lineup expected closer to the toys' 2027 release.
“For decades, The Legend of Zelda franchise has captivated fans through its deep lore, unforgettable characters and enduring sense of discovery,” said Billy Lagor, President Toys and Board Games at Hasbro. “By combining Nintendo’s iconic storytelling with Hasbro’s leadership in action and role-play, we’re delivering toys that invite fans to play, explore and forge their own epic adventures.”
While specific characters haven't been announced, fans will be hoping to see familiar faces like Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganondorf from Nintendo's long-running fantasy series.
This marks the first major toy partnership between Nintendo and Hasbro for The Legend of Zelda. Nearly 40 years after the first game launched in the U.S., The Legend of Zelda remains one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises.
App fatigue is real. I tested the best dating apps of 2026 to find the ones that really work.
If you've grabbed drinks with any single friend lately or scrolled through TikTok, you know the general consensus: dating apps are exhausting. App fatigue is very real, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel like a second full-time job. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question over and over: Which dating apps actually work?
My answer is always the same: The only real "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone on eharmony is looking for a ring, while users on hookup apps like Tinder are... well, you know what they're looking for. You can't bring casual energy to a serious platform and expect good results, and vice versa.
"Dating apps can feel overwhelming because there are so many of them, but the truth is the platform matters a lot less than the mindset you bring to it," Davide De Pierro, author of The Letters I Never Sent, tells Mashable. "You can download all of them if you want, but eventually you still have to show up as yourself, which is the scary part, but also the freeing part. Because once you do that, you don’t have to keep track of which version of yourself you’re pretending to be. If you’re honest about who you are and what you want, the right connection can happen anywhere."
So, before you delete your profiles and swear off romance forever, take a breath. Despite the burnout, dating apps are still one of the most reliable ways to meet a partner. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged 18 to 29 have used a dating app, and a 2023 Pew Research Center report found that one in five young people met their significant other on one.
You just need the right tool. That's why I swiped, matched, and messaged my way through dozens of platforms to find the best dating apps of 2026. Whether you're looking for a serious commitment or just a casual weekend fling, these are the only apps worth downloading this year.
If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and the LGBTQ community.
The dating apps I'd skip (and why)You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — it has to be effective and safe.
Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:
Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it's a dating app ghost town. POF launched as a dating site back in 2003, and it shows. In my experience (and based on widespread user feedback), the platform is filled with bots and scams, and the odds of finding a quality connection are stacked against you. Unless you enjoy sifting through fake profiles, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.
Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application to use it, and the vetting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few years. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)
Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I'd advise you to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices, with users reporting unexpected and hard-to-cancel subscription charges.
Daily Show rips into JD Vances interview on Joe Rogan
JD Vance sat down with controversial podcaster Joe Rogan for a three-hour interview on Wednesday, covering topics as sweeping as how the vice president finds photos of Joe Biden eating ice cream "suggestive" to his refusal to eat corn dogs in public.
"You have to be a very manly man to be able to confidently eat a corn dog," Vance said. "That's between me and my kitchen."
On The Daily Show, Michael Kosta unpacked the interview, including said corn dog comment.
"That's between you and your kitchen?" he responded. "Yeah, that's right, JD's not one of those losers eating corn dogs in public. He's eating his corn dogs alone over his sink in the dark. Who's making a fool of himself now? Why do you have this gay panic, dude?"
Kosta also rips into Vance's discussion of the ongoing U.S. war with Iran as well as the vice president's boast that he doesn't shop for his own groceries anymore, saying instead, "People go to the grocery store for me."
"Maybe you should go to the grocery store," Kosta said. "You might learn some stuff. Like, oh, were beans always $85? No, they weren't, and it's actually your job to fix it."
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