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After seven years, I was done with dating apps.

OK, I wasn't. Who was I kidding? I'm not an extrovert, and I write about sex and dating for a living. My "done" with dating apps didn't look like deleting my accounts or chucking the apps in a figurative trash can. But I was done relying on dating apps alone. 

I didn't know at the time how true this would end up being, or that another social media platform would be the catalyst.

Online dating sans dating apps

It was 2021, COVID restrictions had begun to lift, and I was ready to meet a steady partner. I was 27 years old and had been on dating apps since my study abroad semester in London in 2014, when I only knew a handful of people in my program. Years later, living in New York City with a support system around me, I had no excuse. It was time to get creative and try something new.

SEE ALSO: Tinder's top dating trends and predictions for 2025

At the beginning of the pandemic, I watched a lot of YouTube and discovered Kurtis Conner, a comedian who was going on tour in October. Knowing Conner's style of online engagement, this was a chance to get a date somewhere other than "the big three": Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. Instead, I scooped two tickets to one of his Manhattan shows.

At the time, Conner frequently replied to and retweeted his fans on Twitter (it was still Twitter back then!). If I didn't find someone to ask out IRL, I'd tweet at the social media-savvy comedian to help me find a date to his sold-out show. 

As the introvert I am, I didn't find a date IRL. It was time for the next stage of the plan: tweeting.

"Is this even a good idea?" I asked my friends. I felt vulnerable tweeting that I was looking for a date, let alone having my plea retweeted by someone with millions of followers. But my friends assured me the plan was solid. With risk comes reward. 

A week before Conner's show, I tweeted:

Tweet may have been deleted

A few minutes later, a message popped up in my inbox: "Omg I'm so invested in this now (also I am free but I assume u have 7,000 applicants at this point)."

The message was from Kat Tenbarge, a fellow journalist and Twitter mutual. I didn't know Kat personally but I was impressed by her work. Between that and the fact that she's cute, I was floored that she DMed me.

"Haha well you are the first person to DM and I'd love to go with you!" I replied, two minutes later, according to screenshots. It was true. Other people did DM me later, but Kat was the first.

Tweet may have been deleted

We exchanged numbers and agreed to meet at City Winery, the show venue and a restaurant that specializes in wine and cheese.

My first date from Twitter

I, chronically early, arrived first to line up in front of the venue. I had never met Kat before, and I had the same first date jitters I always did. That was on top of the classic sapphic quandary before a first date: Is this even a date?

Kat had shared photos for Lesbian Visibility Day earlier that year, so I knew she liked women, and I was pretty vocal about my bisexuality (including writing about it for Mashable), but still. We didn't explicitly say it was a date, and while I hoped it was, I also left room for the possibility that she just wanted a new friend.

Kat, chronically late as I would later learn, arrived after me. I had noticed the line's demographic and texted her how many femmes were ahead of me before I scoped out seats by the stage for us. I ordered a cocktail to ease my nerves and a charcuterie board for us.

Once Kat arrived, we chatted for a few minutes before the show started. Our conversation flowed easily before it was cut off by Conner starting his set. Afterward, we headed to a different bar near our neighborhood in Brooklyn, finding out we lived only four subway stops away from each other. 

Before the end of the night, I was emboldened by the alcohol and asked if this was indeed a date. With a bright smile I've seen many times since, Kat confirmed that yes, it was a date. Emboldened even more, I asked if I could kiss her. Again, she said yes(!).

I left tipsy from cocktails and giddiness. Not only was it a great date, but I landed it through my creativity (and, fine, a little help from Twitter).

A few months after that, I asked Kat to be my girlfriend and was finally, actually done with dating apps. I deleted my accounts and the apps off my phone and never looked back.

Nothing hits the spot quite like the perfect romantic comedy.

Whether you're single or happily cuffed for the season, these movies have a knack for making everything feel sweet and simple. Every problem has a solution, and the most pressing matter for everyone involved is that two likable and attractive people get together in 100 minutes or less. We can’t always explore nuances and gray areas. We’re busy!

So, in honor of those evenings when you’re hoping to turn your brain completely off, here are the best romantic comedies streaming for free on Prime Video, in no particular order. They’re simple, they’re soothing, and they go great with a glass of wine.

1. Red, White & Royal Blue  Credit: Amazon Prime Video

Alex Claremont-Diaz is the United States President's handsome son. Prince Henry is the Duke of Cambridge, second in line to the British throne, and completely misunderstood. The U.S. and the UK are allies — will these two high-profile men form their own "special relationship"? Yes, please! 

SEE ALSO: 'Red, White & Royal Blue' review: A sexy gay romance that will make you swoon

Red, White & Royal Blue was adapted by director Matthew Lopez and screenwriter Ted Malawer from Casey McQuiston's best-selling novel of the same name — and it keeps all of the charm and gleeful will-they-won't-they from the source material. Taylor Zakhar Perez is confident as the smiley, self-assured Alex, and Nicholas Galitzine is simply perfect as the tortured prince, dreaming of a better life. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Red, White & Royal Blue is now streaming on Prime Video.

2. Charade

This 1963 classic brings together two of the biggest stars of the era. Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant mix it up in a rom-com rife with intrigue! She's a recently widowed glamour girl being chased by a menacing and mysterious band of thieves. He's a dashing stranger who insists on being of assistance…but why?! Directed by Singin' in the Rain helmer Stanley Donen, Charade is full of twists and turns, both suspenseful and comical. Its charismatic leads handle both tones with aplomb, but are at their absolute best when it comes to flirty banter. Walter Matthau and James Coburn co-star. — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor

Where to watch: Charade is now streaming on Prime Video.

3. Priceless "You can resist beauty, but you can't resist charm." Credit: TFM Distribution

Attention anti-capitalists — this movie is not for you! Priceless is a French rom-com-slash-sex-farce about an honest, hardworking gold digger just trying to scrape together an opulent lifestyle in exchange for her companionship. Jet-setting through Europe with her wealthy lovers, Audrey Tautou (in an impossibly chic wardrobe) seems to have it all figured out — until she mistakenly spends the night with a luxury hotel waiter (Gad Elmaleh) she mistakes for another rich mark. In a different film, this story could be harsh or its characters unforgivable, but Priceless remains light and jubilant by keeping us laughing at the unchecked vanity and excess before us. So, then, maybe this is a movie for anti-capitalists. — K.G.

How to watch: Priceless is now streaming on Prime Video.

4. Fever Pitch

This British rom-com has a disappointingly low American profile, likely because we went and remade it with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore as Red Sox fans. The original Fever Pitch, itself based on a Nick Hornby book, stars Colin Firth (!!!) as a schoolteacher whose love for his soccer team, Arsenal, gets in the way of his budding romance with Ruth Gemmell. Guys and their sports, huh? If the tagline doesn’t thrill you (“Life gets complicated when you love one woman and 11 men”), then the kick of watching Mr. Darcy as a likable slob definitely will! — K.G.

How to watch: Fever Pitch is now streaming on Prime Video.

5. Runaway Bride Credit: Ron Batzdorff/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are a '90s rom-com dyad for a reason. Nine years after they paired up for Garry Marshall’s instant classic Pretty Woman, they returned as the central couple in the comedy helmer's Runaway Bride. Roberts is off-the-charts charming as Maggie, a woman known in tabloids for leaving three different men at the altar. Gere is swoon-worthy as Ike, a reporter assigned to cover the story of Maggie’s fourth and hopefully final wedding. Their attraction and mutual understanding are romance movie gold. Yet you can’t help but feel bad for poor Bob (Christopher Meloni), Maggie’s fourth fiancé, whose sports metaphors don’t stand a chance against that magical Gere/Roberts chemistry. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

Where to watch: Runaway Bride is now streaming on Prime Video with the MGM+ add-on.

6. What If "In fairy tales, love inspires you to be noble and courageous, but in real life, love is just an all-purpose excuse for selfish behavior." Credit: entertainment one

Daniel Radcliffe forms an instant connection with a woman at a party, only to find out she’s happily in a long-term relationship. The pair decide to just be friends, despite the doubtful scoffing of everyone around them. Though the premise sounds PTSD-inducing to those of us who wasted years pining over unavailable crushes, What If (or The F Word, if you live outside the states) is a deeply comforting watch. Playful and grounded, the film soars thanks to its cast, featuring a magnetic Zoe Kazan, Radcliffe oozing relatability, and an unexpected (and chaotic) Adam Driver predictably stealing his scenes. Because, duh. — K.G.

How to watch: What If is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

7. Overboard

A little zany, a little underrated, and very '80s, this Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell movie gained popularity over the years and deserves a spot on your binge list. Hawn plays the heiress Joanna Stayton, who ends up getting amnesia after falling off her yacht. Her husband uses this to abandon her, while local carpenter Dean (Russell) pretends Joanna is his wife and uses her for unpaid labor. The two fall in love in the way that only rom-com amnesia can bring people together, but Dean lives in fear that she might recall her own life and leave, hating him forever. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

Where to watch: Overboard is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Tortilla Soup "Tortilla Soup" is a family drama as much as a romantic comedy. Credit: Samuel Goldwyn / Starz! Encore Ent / Kobal / Shutterstock

Tortilla Soup is a cozy and heartwarming watch that remains pleasant from start to finish. The American remake of Ang Lee’s Taiwanese hit Eat Drink Man Woman, this romantic-comedy-drama features Héctor Elizondo as a retired chef worried about his three adult daughters still living in his suburban LA home. While the plot focuses heavily on the four main characters' romantic trials and errors, it also gives time and space to exploring their evolving familial relationships as well. This makes Tortilla Soup a broader entry than many others on this list, and a perfect pick for when you’re in the mood for something comforting — much like the many mouthwatering Mexican dishes this film serves up. — K.G.

How to watch: Tortilla Soup is now streaming on Prime Video.

9. Sleepless in Seattle Credit: Bruce Mcbroom/Tri-Star/Kobal/Shutterstock

It might get frequently confused with You've Got Mail, but Sleepless in Seattle is solid company in the niche but excellent Tom-Hanks-and-Meg-Ryan-fall-in-love-without-meeting genre. Hanks plays widower Sam, whose son (Ross Malinger) convinces him to talk about his late wife on the radio. His story captivates listeners around the country, including Annie (Ryan), who writes to Sam and asks him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. As the day ticks closer, life mostly goes on, but chance encounters and missed connections pile up until the fateful meeting.

We know what you're thinking: Do they go to the Empire State Building? Do they live happily ever after?? Who knows!! — P.K.

Where to watch: Sleepless in Seattle is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

10. (500) Days of Summer This is not a love story. Credit: Watermark / Kobal / Shutterstock

Sometime in the 2000s, romantic comedies stopped trying to be funny and started trying to say something meaningful, none more overtly than 500 Days of Summer. This indie darling breaks from rom-com formula to tell a non-linear story of a relationship coming together and falling apart. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s sincerity is palpable and Zooey Deschanel, as the object of his affection, is a quirky girl so quirky she single-handedly ushered in a new era of messy bangs for millions of women everywhere. With unexpected touches of surrealism and a stellar supporting cast, 500 Days of Summer is a satisfying watch for a love story that hits you right in the gut. —K.G.

How to watch: (500) Days of Summer is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

11. Love & Friendship

Based on Jane Austen’s posthumously published novel Lady Susan, Love & Friendship is an 18th-century rom-com that’s surprisingly raunchy for what we’ve come to expect from Austen. The titular character of Lady Susan is a widow and a notorious flirt whose reputation precedes her when she comes to live with her brother and sister-in law at their country manor and proceeds to seduce a variety of characters. Love & Friendship was adapted and partially rewritten by director Whit Stillman, who also released a version of the novel with the movie’s title to supplement a retelling that "vindicates" Lady Susan from the salacious gossip that, as seen in the movie, is pretty much entirely true. — A.N.

Where to watch: Love & Friendship is now streaming on Prime Video.

12. Marry Me Credit: Universal Pictures

Jennifer Lopez is a queen of rom-coms, having headlined The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, Jersey Girl (opposite her current husband Ben Affleck), and the recently released Shotgun Wedding (also on Prime). But the most charming of the bunch may be this 2022 treasure, which has JLo playing a pop diva who falls for a mild-mannered math teacher (Owen Wilson). The unlikely couple marry onstage the night they meet because fame is strange. But love can be even stranger — and sweeter. By breaking the rules of romantic comedies past, Lopez and Wilson bring fresh thrills and plenty of chances to swoon. Bonus: The fashion in this one is a love affair all its own. — K.P.

Where to watch: Marry Me is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

13. I Want You Back

A rom-com starring Charlie Day and Jenny Slate, I Want You Back enchanted Mashable's Nicole Gallucci with its willingness to skip over some of the most played-out tropes of the genre. "Every successful rom-com has a source of authentic chemistry, and Slate and Day's natural rapport delivers," she wrote in her review. "The two shine as heartbroken hot messes who desperately want their search for soulmates to be over, and their shared sense of humor proves to be ceaselessly charming."* — Caitlin Welsh, Australia Editor

How to watch: I Want You Back is now streaming on Prime Video.

14. Clueless

Clueless, first of all, is iconic. Nearly 30 years have passed, but it's still a cultural touchstone for today's teens. Perhaps its staying power comes from its plot, directly lifted from the literal founder of the romantic comedy, Jane Austen. Like Austen's Emma Woodhouse, Clueless' Cher (Alicia Silverstone) acts as a matchmaker to everyone around her but can't seem to get her own love life in order. The story alone does not fully capture the movie's charm. Clueless is both hilarious and sweet, features unforgettable costumes, and most importantly, is filled to the brim with memorable, quotable lines. Cinema has never heard a more cutting insult than "You're a virgin who can't drive."*  — K.G.

How to watch: Clueless is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

15. The Idea of You Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Anne Hathaway gives a significantly better performance than she needed to for this sexy little rom-com about a single mother falling for a younger pop star (Nicholas Galitzine). It was inspired by a Harry Styles fantasy — we were going to watch it no matter what! But Hathaway, who also produced the film, gives a simply captivating performance, elevating this crowd-pleasing romance to a complex story about a woman reinventing herself. You'll be surprised how quickly and how deeply you become invested in this sparkling 2023 hit. — K.G.

How to watch: The Idea of You is now streaming on Prime Video.

16. Notting Hill

The movie that cemented Hugh Grant's place in cinema history as one of the most lovable bumbling Brits of all time, Notting Hill is a rom-com hall-of-famer. This dreamy and captivating love story, bursting with heart, is just as poignant now as it was in 1999. If you aren't moved by the final scene, then we're sorry, your heart is simply made of stone, and there's not much we can do about that. 

Julia Roberts absolutely glows as international movie star Anna Scott, who tries to hide from the paparazzi by wandering into an adorable bookstore owned by an equally adorable dude named William Thacker (Grant). Because, as previously mentioned, Grant is at his most criminally charming here, an unlikely romance blooms between the pair from completely different worlds. A superb supporting cast and an airtight script from rom-com veteran Richard Curtis (Bridget Jones's Diary, Four Weddings and a Funeral, About Time) makes Notting Hill the definitive take on the "celebrity falls for regular person" genre — the standard to which all subsequent romances have been held.* — K.G.

How to watch: Notting Hill is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

17. Warm Bodies

Whoever says romantic comedies can't also be zombie thrillers just hasn't seen Warm Bodies  yet. Nicholas Hoult is a zombie who lives in an abandoned airport and spends his time consuming human flesh so he can experience the memories of his victims before they die. But when he sees Julie (Teresa Palmer), everything changes. He doesn't want to eat her. He wants to protect her. The more time he spends in her company, the more human he feels. His heart begins to beat, and slowly, he even regains the ability to speak. Now the misfit pair must not only save themselves from the hordes of zombies they're surrounded by, they must also find a way to share the discovery that zombie-ism might be reversible.

Written and directed by Jonathan Levine, and adapted from Isaac Marion's novel, Warm Bodies is both romantic and gory, touching and irreverent. It straddles multiple genres with confidence and style: a captivating and utterly unique love story that you won't forget anytime soon. — K.G.

How to watch: Warm Bodies is now streaming on Prime Video.

18. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

Mark (Kyle Allen) is a teenager stuck in a time loop, living the same day over and over, and he has completely perfected it. He knows exactly where and when he needs to be to help his family, friends, and the attractive girls around town with their tasks to make his repeatable day as enjoyable as possible. Until the day something happens he does not expect: Margaret (Kathryn Newton) interrupts his routine. She's stuck in a time loop as well! Will they find a way to escape… together? (Yes, it's basically Palm Springs, with teenagers!) 

Written by Lev Grossman, based on one of his own short stories, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is a sweet and entertaining romantic comedy about getting stuck in patterns and the courage it takes to break out of them. — K.G.

How to watch: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things is now streaming on Prime Video.

19. Emma

If you've seen the Gwyneth Paltrow Emma from 1996 or even Clueless, then you know all about this beloved Jane Austen tale of romance and missed connections. Emma Woodhouse fancies herself a matchmaker and sets up all her friends — but in doing so, she realizes she might not know as much about love as she previously thought. 

The best part about Autumn de Wilde's excellent and sumptuous 2020 adaptation is that this film understands more clearly what its predecessors did not: Emma is kind of a brat. She ignores her friends' wishes, insisting she knows better; she infantilizes them and pushes them toward men who aren't interested. Allowing a beloved heroine to exist in a gray area, both sparkling and fallible, makes this version of a well-loved tale more complex and satisfying than many of those that come before. And the top tier cast doesn't hurt: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, and Bill Nighy all give sublime performances. — K.G.

How to watch: Emma is now streaming on Prime Video.

20. Four Weddings and a Funeral

With multiple Academy Award nominations and Golden Globe wins, Mike Newell's Four Weddings and a Funeral is about as big as a romantic comedy can get. Though Hugh Grant was launched to stardom by this, his original bumbling romantic role, the film's strength is in the chemistry of the entire friend group who laugh and lovingly tease their way through the year's social events. As if you needed another reason to watch after you learned Hugh Grant was in it, Four Weddings and a Funeral was written by Richard Curtis, an absolute rom-com legend who also penned Notting Hill, Bridget Jones's Diary, and Love, Actually.* — K.G.

How to watch: Four Weddings and a Funeral is now streaming on Prime Video.

21. His Girl Friday

This classic screwball rom-com, adapted from the play The Front Page, sees star reporter Hildy Johnson take on one last assignment with her editor ex-husband before she gets out of the game for good to remarry and retire to a quiet life of motherhood. If you're a little burned out on contemporary comedy, there's nothing better for the soul than watching a dame with moxie stalk around in gorgeous skirt suits tossing out rapid-fire banter in a Mid-Atlantic accent. As Hildy Johnson, Rosalind Russell does it better than just about anyone. Throw in Cary Grant as the former boss who's still in love with her — and still gives as good as he gets — and this 1940 film still crackles with energy and wit.* — C.W.

How to watch: His Girl Friday is now streaming on Prime Video.

22. Upgraded

Ana (Camila Mendes) is a long-suffering intern at an auction house, dreaming of a lavish career in art while sleeping on the couch at her sister's apartment. But one day, after finally getting promoted to assistant, she finds herself on a first class flight to London. Seated next to her is the handsome William (Archie Renaux), who assumes Ana is wealthy like himself — and Ana doesn't correct him. Upgraded is a surprisingly funny modern-day Cinderella retelling directed by Carlson Young. It's got everything you want from a romantic comedy: charismatic leads, over-the-top villains (Marisa Tomei is excellent as the nightmare boss), and ridiculous, low-stakes shenanigans you can get behind. — K.G.

How to watch: Upgraded is now streaming on Prime Video.

23. Bridget Jones's Diary

Bridget Jones's Diary is a perfect movie, and we're not hearing any opinions to the contrary, thank you! Renée Zellweger gained 20 pounds to snag the role of Bridget, already a beloved character in the UK thanks to Helen Fielding's wildly popular Bridget Jones novels. The Brits were in an uproar about an American being cast as in a role that was archetypally British, but Zellweger's performance (and accent!) were so spot-on, the complaints quickly gave way to rave reviews.

The start of a film franchise and the best movie of the lot, Bridget Jones's Diary introduces us to an ordinary thirtysomething woman in London who, after turning 32 alone, vows to lose weight, quit smoking, stop drinking, and find love. Enter Hugh Grant as Bridget's preternaturally charming boss, and, because this is a Pride and Prejudice adaptation, Colin Firth as the man who couldn't seem more wrong for Bridget (his name is literally Mr. Darcy!!!). Even if you know where this funny and grounded rom-com is going, you're sure to have a blast along the way.* — K.G.

How to watch: Bridget Jones's Diary is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

24. Molli and Max in the Future

Let's get one thing out of the way. Michael Lukk Litwak's quirky, sci-fi rom com is absolutely bonkers — and that's what makes it so dang lovable. It's When Harry Met Sally, set a billion years in the future! 

Molli (Zosia Mamet) is an impulsive, wannabe space witch, and Max (Aristotle Athari) is a methodical robotics whiz. The two crash into each other, literally, and quickly form a friendship. Over the course of 12 standard galactic years, their paths diverge and come back to each other, again and again. Are they friends? Or could they be something more? — K.G.

How to watch: Molli and Max in the Future is now streaming on Prime Video.

25. Legally Blonde

What can we possibly say about this truly perfect movie that hasn't already been said? Written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, Legally Blonde is bright, bubbly, and seriously smart — just like its main character, Elle Woods. Reese Witherspoon is iconic as the blonde bombshell who gets into Harvard Law School with the goal of wooing back her old boyfriend, only to learn that loving herself gives her much more satisfaction. Luke Wilson is a perfect supportive new flame, and Jennifer Coolidge is peak Jennifer Coolidge as Elle's BFF. 

Endlessly quotable, inspiring a successful Broadway musical, and garnering multiple awards, Legally Blonde is both a smash hit and a honest-to-goodness cultural milestone.* — K.G.

How to watch: Legally Blonde is now streaming on Prime Video.

UPDATE: Feb. 7, 2025, 4:38 p.m. EST Originally published in February 2022, this post has been updated to reflect Prime Video's current offerings.

A lot of guys have a love-hate relationship with the apps, but what's the alternative?

Sure, even the best dating apps for men can be a pain, yet meeting someone organically can feel nearly impossible. Between work and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, who has the time to actually meet people? That's the promise of online dating.

The apps promise to deliver an unlimited number of meet-cutes right to your phone — no serendipity required. Some dating apps also use in-depth questionnaires and research-backed matching algorithms to connect you with a curated selection of singles. This means less time swiping and more time on dates with actual potential.

What dating apps actually work?

Look, we get it — a lot of guys are burned out on the apps.

Dating as a man in the 21st century is tough. It's not just the pressure to make the first move or the fear of rejection if you do — it's the endless swiping through fake profiles, AI-generated thirst traps, bots posing as potential matches, and the relentless Instagram models trying to lure you into their OnlyFans scam. Men also face matches with impossibly high expectations. (Have you heard of the 6-6-6 rule? Believers only date men who are six feet tall, have a six-figure income, and a six-pack of abs.)

SEE ALSO: From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men to try in 2025

Despite these challenges (and the very long list of others we didn't mention), there are still plenty of real people out there looking for love, just like you. It's just a matter of finding the best dating apps and putting in the effort to weed out the fakes and the flakes.

Don't get discouraged — plenty of men and women are looking for love, friendship, and lust online. Credit: Zain Awais / Mashable

We're not going to sugarcoat it and say everyone finds love on their first swipe (or even their first app). But real men and women are finding connections online every day. One 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other through online dating. The numbers are even higher for young people and the LGBTQ+ community.

When asked about their experiences with dating apps, 53 percent of users said they had a positive experience, with 14 percent rating it as "very positive." And there's more good news — 57 percent of guys reported positive experiences and results compared to 48 percent of women.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know The best dating apps for guys who know what they want

This guide is your cheat sheet for the best dating apps for men in 2025. We've done the research and found the apps that are actually worth your time. Whether you're looking for something casual, something serious, or something free, we have a dating app to recommend

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out a few different apps and see what works for you. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! Sometimes, the occasional bad date or disappointing flirtation is just the price you pay to meet the match of a lifetime.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £197.40 at the Mashable Shop
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StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Brighton vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup fourth round includes some really interesting matchups, including Brighton vs. Chelsea. Both sides will be coming into this fixture expecting to win. We're not sure which way it'll go, but we're expecting an entertaining game between two attacking teams.

If you want to watch Brighton vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Brighton vs. Chelsea?

Brighton vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 8. This fixture takes place at the American Express Stadium.

How to watch Brighton vs. Chelsea for free

Brighton vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream Brighton vs. Chelsea 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream Brighton vs. Chelsea for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 Brighton vs. Chelsea without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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.

Stream Brighton vs. Chelsea in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. France in the 2025 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The second weekend of the 2025 Six Nations showcases some really interesting matchups, but England vs. France is probably the biggest game this round. England are looking to bounce back after losing against Ireland in the first round, whereas France are hoping to build momentum after thrashing Wales.

If you want to watch England vs. France in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. France?

England vs. France in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 4:45 p.m. GMT on Feb. 8. This fixture takes place at Twickenham Stadium.

How to watch England vs. France for free

England vs. France in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Access a free live stream of England vs. France 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream England vs. France for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 England vs. France without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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.

Live stream England vs. France in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Italy vs. Wales in the 2025 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first weekend of the 2025 Six Nations delivered some big moments without any major shocks. Italy and Wales both suffered defeats, but Wales would have been hoping for a slighter closer game against France. They were demolished, so they'll be hoping for a much more positive showing against Italy this weekend.

If you want to watch Italy vs. Wales in the 2025 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. Wales?

Italy vs. Wales in the 2025 Six Nations starts at 2:15 p.m. GMT on Feb. 8. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Olimpico.

How to watch Italy vs. Wales for free

Italy vs. Wales in the 2025 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Access a free live stream of Italy vs. Wales 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream Italy vs. Wales for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 Italy vs. Wales without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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.

Live stream Italy vs. Wales in the 2025 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

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

If you're a bookworm but haven't yet upgraded to an Amazon Kindle, you're a few pages behind. It's time for an upgrade.

Sure, we know nothing compares to the feel of a book in your hands — or even that distinctive smell of the pages — but since the Amazon Kindle's 2007 debut, it's hard to imagine the world without a handily portable device that stores thousands of books.

But we get it. There are a lot of Kindles out there to consider. Whether you're new to e-readers or simply can't decide which Amazon Kindle you should purchase, it's worth getting guidance on the best available models. We've put together some information — which should make very interesting reading — to help you get started.

What is a Kindle?

They may be similarly sized, but these handheld reading devices are not to be confused with a tablet or even a smartphone. Kindles are designed specifically for reading. This is made possible by the Kindle's distinctive black-and-white-only, glare-free display that reads like paper, even when you're sitting under a bright sky. 

Kindles boast a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity to download all the reading material you want. You can find books through the Amazon Kindle eBooks store, Prime Reading, or via a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

What should you consider before buying a Kindle?

When shopping for the best Kindles to fit your lifestyle, consider the following factors that are most likely to vary between models:

• Battery Life — Kindles generally have outstanding battery life (depending on your usage), but some models are even more impressive. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Display Size — The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage Capacity — Depending on the model, Kindles can have anywhere from 8GB to 64GB of storage capacity to stash thousands of your favourite reads at a time.

• Waterproof Protection — Not all Kindles are waterproof, but those that are provide peace of mind in case of accidental immersion in water without incurring damage.

Keep these features in mind when considering your options.

What features do Kindles offer?

Beyond the standard features that are found across most (if not all) of the latest Kindle models, there are also specialised features that you'll find on the higher-end models.

If you like to read outside, choose a Kindle with an auto-adjusting light. Or if you read during your daily commute, select want a Kindle with easy page-turn buttons so you can get to the next page with a one-handed action. There's even a Kindle that will allow you to jot down notes on your texts for later reference.

All Kindles offer parental control options as well. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via any Kindle's built-in Bluetooth connection.

You'll usually have the choice to select either an ad-supported or an ad-free experience, with the latter option typically costing about £20 more. If you don't want to go for the mini splurge of nixing the ads, you'll get ads on your lockscreen whenever you open the cover of your Kindle. That's fine if you don't mind swiping them out of the way.

Is there a monthly cost for Kindles?

All Kindle devices allow for instant access to the Amazon Kindle eBooks store where you can buy individual titles with no monthly subscription fee required. That said, Amazon Prime members can access free books via the Prime Reading service which would be subject to the current Prime membership rate. 

Beyond that, you can get a Kindle Unlimited subscription for £9.49 per month to gain unlimited access to more than three million titles and thousands of audiobooks, and borrow up to 20 eligible Kindle Unlimited titles at a time at no extra cost. You can typically opt into a few free months of Kindle Unlimited to trial it.

What is the best Kindle?

There is no such thing as a best Kindle for everyone, because everyone will have different reading and lifestyle needs. To help you pinpoint the best model for you, we've lined up a selection of devices to suit everyone. We recommend checking out everything listed here, and carefully considering your options.

These are the best Kindles in 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: More than one player

• Green: Things used in baseball

• Blue: Run the ball in football

• Purple: Share a first name

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: Group of players

• Green: Baseball equipment

• Blue: NFL running backs

• Purple: Jason ________

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 #138 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Group of players - CLUB, SIDE, SQUAD, TEAM

• Baseball equipment - BAT, CLEATS, GLOVE, HELMET

• NFL running backs - BARKLEY, COOK, HENRY, SWIFT

• Jason ______ - DAY, GIAMBI, KELCE, WITTEN

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.

Marko Elez, a 25-year-old engineer, is the first of Elon Musk's DOGE crew to lose their job.

Elez resigned from his post at Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE, on Thursday after the Wall Street Journal uncovered that Elez had published racist statements on an anonymous account that once bore his name. 

However, on Friday, Musk confirmed he could bring Elez back to DOGE.

"He will be brought back," Musk posted to his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, while quoting Vice President JD Vance's post supporting Elez's rehiring. "To err is human, to forgive divine."

Tweet may have been deleted

On Friday morning, Elon Musk posted a poll on X asking his followers if he should reinstate the engineer who posted racist remarks.

"Bring back @DOGE staffer who made inappropriate statements via a now deleted pseudonym?" posted Musk alongside a poll on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

The poll received more than 385,000 votes, which were overwhelmingly in favor of Musk rehiring Elez.

Tweet may have been deleted

When working for DOGE, Elez was assigned to the Treasury Department. As Wired reported, Elez was given direct access to the federal government's payment system, which includes U.S. citizens' tax returns and Social Security payment information.

"Normalize Indian hate," posted Elez under the username @nullllptr on X in July. The account formerly was tied to Elez directly by name before he changed it to an anonymous handle.

"Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool," Elez also posted. "You could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity."

Elez also reportedly advocated for "eugenic immigration policy" and rolling back the Civil Rights Act.

The 25-year-old Elez resigned from DOGE after the Wall Street Journal reached out to the White House.

Along with his poll to bring Elez back, Musk also called for the WSJ journalist, Katherine Long, to be fired for her reporting.

Trump's Vice President, JD Vance, shared his own thoughts referring to Elez as a "kid" and backing bringing him back to DOGE.

Shortly after Musk's and Vance's remarks, two new reports dropped detailing concerning history about two other DOGE employees. Reuters published a report about DOGE employee Gavin Kliger and his history of amplifying white supremacists like Nick Fuentes. In another report, Bloomberg uncovered that 19-year-old DOGE employee Edward Coristine was previously fired from his internship with hosting and data security firm Path Network for leaking company information to a competitor.

These three DOGE employees, along with the rest of Musk's DOGE team, are currently rifling through the federal government's networks, accessing the private data of American citizens.

And when Elez returns to his DOGE post at the U.S. Treasury, it appears that he'll have access to rewrite the code controlling trillions in spending, despite Trump officials falsely claiming he did not have those permissions.

Since late January, Elon Musk and the staff of his Department of Government Efficiency task force, or DOGE, have systematically accessed the digital networks and information databases that power the federal government.

Among their first targets were the Treasury's payment system and the government's human resources department, known as the Office of Personnel Management, which maintains information on millions of federal employees. DOGE staff have also reportedly accessed payment and contracting systems for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as similar databases for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Musk is the CEO of companies with billion-dollar government contracts as well as a political operative. Last year, he spent more than $290 million to help elect President Trump and other Republicans. He claims that DOGE's activities are purely aimed at identifying waste and fraud.

SEE ALSO: 'The Daily Show' gets real about Elon Musk's White House takeover

But political experts say that the systems and data potentially available to Musk also give him unprecedented power over his allies, enemies, business competitors, and the American people. One expert on authoritarianism, historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, called his actions a "new kind of coup." Many of Musk's actions appear to violate federal law, according to The Washington Post.

Georgetown University Prof. Abraham L. Newman told Mashable that the information Musk and DOGE have reportedly accessed "basically tells you everything about our society."

When this data is maintained by neutral civil servants to execute core government functions, like issuing Social Security payments to beneficiaries, that digital infrastructure is simply part of making "the trains run on time."

And yet "when they start to be used for other purposes, for political purposes, then they can be extremely extremely dangerous," and used to "achieve political objectives," says Newman, author of Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy.

What data do Musk and DOGE have?

The information Musk has access to now, even if in a read-only format as one Treasury official insisted, may include Social Security numbers, federal employee health and personnel records, as well as federal student loan data.

Speaking anonymously to The Atlantic, one federal contractor with experience working on classified government information-security systems called the situation "The largest data breach and the largest IT security breach in our country's history — at least that's publicly known."

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said this week that Musk may be able to view Americans' payment history and bank account numbers, among other types of personal data.

"Elon now has the power to suck out all of that information for his own use," she said.

Musk may also be able to view federal contracts held by companies that may or may not be competitors to Musk's own businesses, which include Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X.

Musk has yet to publicly produce an ethics waiver for his work with DOGE, as required by government employees who have conflicts of interest, nor has he publicly divested himself from his companies.

An attempt by Congressional Democrats to subpoena Musk over DOGE's recent actions failed.

What could Musk do with the digital power he now possesses?

1) Stop government payments.

Though the Treasury Department says DOGE has read-only access to its payment system, WIRED reported that one engineer linked to Musk had gained administrative privileges over the software that controls Social Security payments and tax returns, among other critical payments made by the federal government.

That DOGE employee resigned Thursday, after the Wall Street Journal identified his previous social media posts that promoted racism and eugenics. By Friday, Musk was lobbying for him to return via a poll on X.

While the Justice Department has limited DOGE's access to the payment system for now, any renewed administrative privileges could be used by Musk to stop payments he deemed fraudulent or wasteful, Newman says.

Indeed, CNN has reported that Musk's associates at the Treasury Department asked its acting secretary to cease all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) payments via the department's own processing system.

The agency, which Musk succeeded in gutting this week, provides food, disaster relief, and medical assistance to some of poorest people in the world.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk killing USAID would hurt America's future. Here's why.

University of Michigan professor Elizabeth Popp Berman, in a recent Liberal Currents essay called "Personal Discretion Over the Treasury's Payments System Means the End of Democracy," outlined the stakes of Musk's control over the government's payment systems, particularly if courts do not restrain him.

"Having a president — or, even more so, an unelected billionaire — hold direct, granular control of nearly seven trillion dollars is power beyond the Founders' wildest dreams," Berman wrote.

2) Reward allies and punish enemies.

Newman says that Musk could use administrative power over payments systems to divert resources to allies and target people or entities that he, or President Trump, doesn't like.

Both men are known to attack their enemies on social media and in public. Trump, for example, said those involved with the House committee that investigated the January 6 attack "should go to jail." On his social media platform X, Musk recently accused Treasury officials of "breaking the law," without providing evidence.

3) Gain a massive competitive advantage over other business leaders.

Since there seems to be no firewall between Musk's activity as a special government employee and his role as a CEO, Newman says people in business should be particularly alarmed by his access to federal data.

A rival company could never outcompete a Musk enterprise that understood the government's inner workings, contracts and payment systems, Newman says. He adds that such a dynamic has the potential to undermine fair and free markets in the U.S.

In the midst of DOGE's digital government takeover, Musk's social media company X announced that it was partnering with Visa to let users connect their checking and debit accounts in order to transfer funds to their X account.

Musk has long wanted to transform X into a payment system for "everything." It's possible that DOGE's scouring of the federal government's own payment system could also benefit Musk's business aspirations, and would create conflicts of interest for any business leader in that position.

4) Use AI to analyze federal spending and contracts.

Musk plans to use some form of artificial intelligence to analyze federal spending and contracts, according to the New York Times. It's unclear whether this would be an AI system that Musk owns, or AI programs that the federal government already uses.

The Washington Post reported on new DOGE efforts to analyze spending at the Department of Education, using AI software accessible via Microsoft's cloud computing service Azure. That service offers access to a number of AI tools. DOGE and Microsoft declined to comment on the details to the Post. Azure did recently add the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek to its suite of tools, according to Reuters.

At this moment, there's no clarity on the risks of the AI software DOGE is using — or the safeguards in place to prevent it from making mistakes or committing hallucinations.

5) Consolidate and centralize power over the government's basic functions.

Up until a few weeks ago, America's basic but vital bureaucratic functions were managed by career civil servants with background clearances, all of whom took an oath to serve the United States Constitution. Those civil servants didn't have access to a centralized system they could command on their own.

As Musk gains entry to multiple vital systems across the government, it may be possible for him to consolidate and centralize those powers so that only a handful of Trump loyalists can control them.

Potential consequences of Musk's new digital power for you

1) The government's digital infrastructure breaks.

As DOGE engineers work, at apparent breakneck speed, to access and analyze key systems, Newman says that there's a very real chance they may unintentionally break them.

For example, unapproved software changes could hobble systems that distribute Social Security and Medicare payments, Newman says.

"Mucking about with systems that are built on sixty-year-old code could be deeply disruptive to vital government functions, shutting down the Social Security payments many rely on or cutting off payments to small businesses that depend on government contracts for survival," Berman wrote in her essay.

2) Bad actors breach Americans' data.

The fact that Musk and DOGE have collected vast amounts of Americans' data in ways that may not comply with the government's security practices is likely of interest to foreign governments and bad actors, says Newman. That information is highly valuable to anyone who can steal it.

The Atlantic reported that some of the government's databases requiring a security clearance — including those for the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — can include sensitive personal information, such as sexual history or mental health records.

For many of us, data breaches have become a mundane fact of life. But as Newman notes, the scale and scope of this case make it unique. One person — Musk — has the potential to know something about everybody in the U.S., and that person works for the government.

As the situation unfolds, Newman encourages Americans to consider the fate of the country's digital bureaucracy as key to democracy.

"I think we should be very cognizant of the fact that these things that seem boring, and often have boring names, are often the place where power lies," he says.

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and even if you're not a football fan, you’re still pretty much required to watch the showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Super Bowl Sunday has become as much of a U.S. tradition as the Fourth of July.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or someone who actively avoids the sport, we've got you covered with a cheat sheet to help you follow along. From the star players to the halftime show and all the online buzz, here’s everything you need to know.

Super Bowl LIX: The facts

The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. There are a few basic facts you should know to understand the stakes of the big game:

• The game kicks off at around 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. It's being played in New Orleans and will air on Fox.

• The Chiefs are going for an unprecedented three Super Bowl wins in a row. And when we say unprecedented, we mean it literally. No team has ever won three Super Bowls in a row.

• The game is a rematch of Super Bowl 57. The Chiefs (obviously) won that match-up two years ago in a close game, 38-35.

• The Chiefs are considered slight favorites by sportsbooks, but the vast majority of experts are backing them to win — and that’s largely thanks to the brilliance of one player. This brings us to our next section...

SEE ALSO: Legal gambling has kind of ruined sports The football stars you need to know

The magic of the Super Bowl is that unlikely heroes often make the big play. It's impossible to predict who that could be. But we can at least share the biggest names you should know heading into the Big Game.

• Patrick Mahomes: The undisputed best football player alive and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback. As mentioned in the last section, his excellence may be why most people have picked the Chiefs to win. His stats are difficult to comprehend, but he's likely already had the second-best career of any quarterback in history before turning 30. You've probably also seen him in many commercials.

• Jalen Hurts: The Eagles quarterback. He's not Mahomes good, but he has won many games.

• Travis Kelce: Taylor Swift's boyfriend, guy in every commercial, and perhaps the best tight end in NFL history.

• Andy Reid: The Chiefs coach, who was also the Eagles coach back in the day. One of the best of all time. The big, mustached man you might've seen in commercials.

• Saquon Barkley: The new Eagles running back who used to play for their rivals, the New York Giants. He's in the midst of perhaps the best season for a running back in history.

• Chris Jones: The best Chiefs defender. He's nearly unstoppable and plays on the defensive line.

• Jalen Carter: The best Eagles defender. He's nearly unstoppable and plays on the defensive line.

This game has so many other great football players, but this is a cheat sheet, not a textbook.

The other names you need to know

Let's be honest: The Super Bowl is about so much more than football. Here are some of the people not playing in the game that you need to know.

• Taylor Swift: Duh. You can expect to see her at the game, cheering on her boyfriend in Chiefs red.

• Kendrick Lamar: He's performing the halftime show and is expected to perform songs dissing his rival...

• Drake: Said rival.

• Tom Brady: The greatest quarterback of all time and the person whose legacy Mahomes is chasing. And he just happens to be announcing the game for Fox.

• Jason Kelce: Retired Eagle and Travis' brother. You'll likely see him on the broadcast, and you've probably seen him in commercials, too.

The online discourse, gossip, and memes

The storylines are half the fun of the Super Bowl. It's as much about the drama as it is about football. Before the Big Game, here's what you should know about the memes, online discourse, and major stories.

The Kelce of it all

Travis Kelce is 35 years old. That's young, in general, but kinda ancient for an NFL tight end. Folks have speculated Kelce could retire after the game, perhaps riding off into the sunset with an unprecedented third-straight championship. He's indicated, however, that he will not quit after the game. That doesn't stop folks from wondering.

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Also, expect many TV shots of Jason Kelce, his wife (and fellow celeb) Kylie Kelce, and Swift. There will be lots of talk about their divided loyalties since all are close to Travis and have ties to the Eagles. (Never forget Swift is a Philly girl.)

Featured Video For You Why Super Bowl Parties Suck The Trump of it all

President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to attend the Super Bowl. It became a bigger story when Kelce told reporters that it was "pretty cool" and "a great honor" that Trump was attending, even after the president had previously said he hated Swift. Some folks were not happy with Kelce's answer.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted The big questions about the halftime show

There are two big questions about Kendrick Lamar's halftime show. First: Will he go after Drake? We covered this question in detail at Mashable, but it seems likely he'll at least perform "Not Like Us," the uber-popular Drake diss track that won five Grammys last weekend.

The second question about the halftime show is who Lamar will bring onstage. Again, Mashable has covered the potential guest performers in detail, but we know that at least longtime collaborator SZA will join Lamar. And if you want to know which songs he'll be performing, Mashable has covered that, too. (Of course, it's all just speculation until the Big Game.)

SEE ALSO: 6 Super Bowl halftime shows that were better than the big game The ref memes, jokes, and conspiracies

Lots of NFL fans have grown tired of the Chiefs consistently winning. In the wake of those feelings, the online discourse has turned to jokes (and not-joking conspiracies) about the refs helping Mahomes and Kansas City win. And, to be fair, there have been multiple instances where the Chiefs seem to get the exact penalty they need at just the right time — including the previous Super Bowl between Kansas City and Philly.

An analysis at The Ringer found that the Chiefs haven't received extra calls overall, but they have received far more calls in the playoffs. So, anyway, (likely bitter) NFL fans have taken to both joking about KC getting all the calls and really believing it. 

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted The Super Bowl commercials

The commercials are a huge part of the Super Bowl. We don't know all of the ads that will run, but many of the big spots have already debuted online. Some of the early favorites from fans seem to be a spot from Bud Light with Post Malone and Jeremy Strong as the newest DunKing for Dunkin'.

So, if you're looking to watch only for the ads, you're off to a strong start.

There are, of course, endless bits of info, stats, and stories surrounding the Super Bowl. But this cheat sheet should be enough to get you through the game with a decent understanding of what's happening. And, when in doubt, go refill on snacks.

When Nintendo first unveiled the Switch 2 last month, we (and everyone else) noticed something peculiar about the new Joy-Con controllers. Now, some recently unearthed patent filings more or less confirm all the theories.

Specifically, there are now publicly viewable patents for the Switch 2's controllers that tell us what we already basically knew: You can use them like computer mice. The patent filing, which is largely in Japanese and thus is not especially informative to a native English speaker, includes at least plenty of drawings that explicitly showcase someone using the Joy-Con as a mouse.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2: Every new feature and game spotted in the announcement Tweet may have been deleted

It's still not entirely clear what this feature will be used for. One's mind can easily wander to level creation in Super Mario Maker or house decoration in Animal Crossing as mechanics that could be enhanced by mouse functionality, but those are just two of Nintendo's many first-party gaming properties.

Nintendo has a long history of hardware innovation, but it also has an equally long history of theoretically innovative hardware features that are ultimately forgotten after being used in just a few games.

Still, aside from more horsepower, these mouse features are (so far) the only part of the Switch 2 that looks really distinct from the first Switch. We'll probably find out more when Nintendo holds its big Switch 2 reveal livestream on April 2 at 9 a.m. ET.

SAVE $25: As of Feb. 7, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $24.99 at Amazon using promo code ANKER1685011 at checkout. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 with promo code ANKER1685011 Get Deal

No one likes dealing with low battery notifications — it always seems to pop up when you're trying to do something important. If you're tired of dealing with battery emergencies, it's time to get a reliable power bank — and Anker has one that's on sale right now.

As of Feb. 7, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $24.99 at Amazon using promo code ANKER1685011. Though it's on sale for $29.99 currently, that code knocks the price down to $24.99, which nets you a 50% discount and $25 off its normal price. This deal currently applies to all colorways including Black, Blue, Pink, and White.

SEE ALSO: Charge 6 devices at once with this Anker Prime 200W charger — now under $60

This magnetic power bank boasts a 10,000mAh battery that can help you keep your devices fully charged, no matter where you are. In fact, it can do it twice with a smartphone like the iPhone 15. It also has fast charging options, so you can use the 7.5W wireless charging magnetically as your phone sticks to the charger like a stand, or the built-in USB-C cable for 30W charging.

When you have your phone connected magnetically, you can adjust the stand so you can watch your favorite shows or movies or just scroll or text while you're out and about. And you never have to worry about losing any moving parts or remembering to bring a cable with you to get some charging done. For this price, it's a no-brainer.

GET $90 OFF: Get the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 at Amazon for a savings of $90, or 35% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169.00 at Amazon
$259.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal

Hit the backcountry without going off-grid with this 7.1 pound portable power station. The Jackery Explorer 300 is a battery bank meant to go along for the ride. Whether you pair it with a solar panel to make it into a portable generator, or carry it with you, it will keep your devices juiced.

Right now you can get the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 at Amazon and save $90, for a price drop of 35%.

SEE ALSO: No one cares about AI on our phones. We just want better battery life

This 300 Watt power bank delivers stable power that's compatible with multiple plug types. It features two AC outlet plugs that are compatible with computers, speakers, or small appliances. Smaller electronics can also charge directly through the USB-A and USB-C ports. A DC car port enables still more plug types.

The battery itself charges quickly. It can top off with up to 80% charge within two hours.

Right now, get the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 and save 35%.

Whether you're looking to bring a solar generator with you on long fishing weekends, you want a backup battery bank to get you through lapses in the grid, or you want a battery bank that will live permanently in the back of your pickup truck, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a solid pick.

It looks like Mark Zuckerberg is further cozying up to President Donald Trump. The Meta chief was spotted exiting the White House Thursday afternoon.

Molly Nagle, a White House reporter at ABC News, tweeted: "Spotted at the White House: Mark Zuckerberg. He was seen leaving the West Wing earlier today. We've asked the White House why he was there."

Zuck can be seen in a somewhat blurry photo exiting the White House in a navy suit.

Tweet may have been deleted

Meta spokesman Andy Stone wrote on X: "Mark Zuckerberg was at the White House today to discuss how Meta can help the administration defend and advance American tech leadership abroad."

That's a rather broad description, so it's unclear what the conversation actually entailed. It's worth noting, however, that America's tech overlords have grown concerned about China's ascending tech influence through TikTok and DeepSeek. And just last month on The Joe Rogan Experience, Zuckerberg praised Trump for his America-first initiative.

SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg wants more 'masculine energy' in corporate America

"The American technology industry is a bright spot in the American economy," Zuckerberg said. "It's a strategic advantage for the United States that we have a lot of the strongest companies in the world. And I think it should be part of the U.S.' strategy going forward to defend that. And, one of the things that I'm optimistic about with President Trump is he just wants America to win."

So it's unsurprising to see Zuckerberg already at the White House. He's gone out of his way to cozy up to the Trump administration. Ahead of Trump's taking office, Zuckerberg worked to reshape Meta in the president's image by rescinding DEI initiatives, changing its hate speech policies, and dropping fact-checkers in favor of community notes. He also sat on the de facto billionaire's row at Trump's inauguration. Not to mention, Zuckerberg reportedly told employees at Meta that the company is actively courting the president's favor.

SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on Meta's submission to Trump

"I want to be clear, after the last several years, we now have an opportunity to have a productive partnership with the United States government," Zuckerberg said, according to a report in the New York Times. "We’re going to take that."

So it's hardly a shock Zuckerberg is already at the White House — it's more of the same.

SAVE UP TO 39%: Shop Ninja appliances at Best Buy and save up to 39% on blenders, air fryers, and more. Get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL for just $169.99, saving $110 for 39% off.

Best Ninja appliance deals at Best Buy Best Ninja deal Ninja Foodi Smart XL indoor grill $169.99 at Best Buy (Save $110) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Prestige Smart XL air fryer $249.99 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best blender deal Ninja Mega kitchen system $149.99 at Best Buy (Save $50) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $50) Get Deal

In need of a kitchen refresh? Maybe your blender's motor finally kicked the bucket, or you're sick of turning on the oven for every meal. Whatever cooking dilemma you may find yourself in, you can upgrade your countertop appliances with Best Buy's Ninja deals.

Right now, you can find Ninja appliances over $100 off at Best Buy. Bestselling devices like the Foodi are on sale, helping make dinner time a breeze. These are all the best deals to shop on Ninja devices at Best Buy.

Best Ninja deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Foodi Smart XL indoor grill $169.99 at Best Buy
$279.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You can grill all year round without ever stepping a foot outside. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL is an indoor grill that can sear and sizzle proteins and vegetables, but it does much more than that, too. The Foodi Smart XL bakes, broils, and air fries food. If you're nervous about cooking — especially meat — this Foodi comes with an included thermometer so you can make sure everything is up to a safe temp.

Right now, you can get the Foodi Smart XL for just $169.99. That saves $110 for 39% off this do-it-all appliance.

More Ninja deals

• Ninja Blast portable blender — $79.99 $89.99 (save $10)

• Ninja Foodi smoothie bowl maker — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Ninja XL Pro coffee maker — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Professional Plus blender — $91.99 $119.99 (save $28)

• Ninja Professional Plus food processor — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Sizzle countertop indoor grill — $119.99 $139.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Foodi DualZone FlexBasket air fryer — $149.99 $179.99 (save $30)

• Ninja Mega kitchen system — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Ninja Foodi Power blender — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen system — $179.99 $219.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista system — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Ninja Combi all-in-one multicooker — $199.99 $229.99 (save $30)

• Ninja Prestige Smart XL air fryer — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)

GET 15% OFF: Feb. 7th, ProFlowers is offering 15% off on bouquet delivery ahead of Valentine's Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: ProFlowers ProFlowers Get 15% off of bouquet delivery at ProFlowers Shop Now

When Valentine's Day is coming up, finding that perfect bouquet can be stressful (mentally and financially). ProFlowers is making it easy this year by offering two savings options on bouquet delivery.

Right now you can get 15% off flower bouquet delivery on the ProFlowers website. Alternatively, you can choose an option to get $10 off, however this provides less savings since it's only valid on items from $49 and up. We recommend taking advantage of the 15% off coupon while the sale is still live.

SEE ALSO: These Lego Botanicals deals keep blooming, even after Valentine's

Valentine's bouquets include dozens of roses and mixed bouquets with lilies and carnations. If you want to swerve the normal pink and red, the site also features alternative bouquets with delphiniums and eucalyptus.

While Valentine's Day delivery is very much on the table, the savings won't be as deep. ProFlowers charges fees for delivery on Valentine's Day and the day before. Day-of delivery will cost an extra $4.99, while day-before delivery will charge an extra $2.99.

Right now, get 15% off on flower bouquet delivery at ProFlowers.

Whether you're after traditional Valentine's roses, or an ornamental bouquet with with surprising additions, shop ProFlowers now to get 15% off.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 7, get a Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.95. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

We're several weeks into 2025 already, so if you already broke your New Year's resolutions, it's totally fine. But that doesn't mean you can't start them back up again. If part of your resolution is getting in shape, now's a great time to grab a fitness tracker that can help you reach your goals now that it's on sale.

As of Feb. 7, get a Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.95. That's $50 off and a discount of 25%.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is an excellent pick if you're looking to get more steps in per day, lower your stress, or monitor the quality of sleep you're getting. It has 40 exercise modes, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, and blood oxygen sensor. It can also track your sleep and sleep stages to see if you're actually getting quality shut-eye at night.

Additionally, the Fitbit Versa 4's stress management score is useful for figuring out how you can tackle the day and if there are small ways you can make helpful changes. If you're not exactly into all that, well, you can still use it as a smartwatch and take calls and texts.

If you want to try and make lifestyle changes and see where you're going in terms of fitness, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a no-brainer at this price. And with its help, you can go back and retry your resolutions as many times as you like. No one's judging here.