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Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know Italian soccer teams.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: NO

• Green: Italian

• Blue: Scrap

• Purple: Sounds like a Yankee

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Reject a Shot

• Green: Serie A Teams

• Blue: Benches-Clearing Brawl

• Purple: Yankees Greats, With The First Letter Changed

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 #479 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Reject a Shot - BLOCK, DENY, STUFF, SWAT

• Serie A Teams - BOLOGNA, COMO, JUVENTUS, ROMA

• Benches-Clearing Brawl - BROUHAHA, FGHT, FRACAS, RHUBARB

• Yankees Greats, With The First Letter Changed - FUDGE, METER, TERRA, WORD

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 yesterday's Connections.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 11:37 p.m. ET : Verizon states that the outage has now been resolved, though hasn't yet shared any details on what caused it. If you're still having difficulty connecting to the network, Verizon recommends restarting your device. The company also confirmed again that it will provide account credits to impacted customers.

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Updated on Jan. 14 at 9:18 p.m. ET: In an apology to its customers posted on X and provided to Mashable on Wednesday evening, Verizon said that it would be providing "account credit" to users affected by the outage. The company also said it would provide further updates soon.

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Verizon customers from Los Angeles to New York City reported phones stuck in SOS mode on Wednesday afternoon as the mobile company experienced a major outage — with no explanation offered.

But as customers complained about the service disruption on social media, one Verizon support account suggested customers may see a discount on a future bill.

"I pay $175 for my Verizon phone bill I better get a discount next bill cycle," a user named "Kardashiangirl" wrote. A Verizon support account replied: "You are very welcome, once service is restored we can review and adjust based on how long the outage occurs." The message was signed by "Sydney," who also offered a happy smiling emoji

Many angry Verizon customers have been complaining on X (and elsewhere) about the cost of their bills and the length of the disruption. Meanwhile, statement from Verizon Support posted on X thanked users for their patience.

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This isn't the first time Verizon has experienced an outage in recent years.

In September 2025, and again in October 2025, many Verizon mobile customers experienced mobile outages, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A previous service disruption in 2024 sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode, as in this 2026 outage.

While in SOS mode, customers are only able to make emergency 911 calls.

As of this writing, T-Mobile and AT&T's networks appear to be operating normally.

This is a developing story...

Updated on Jan. 14 at 11:51 p.m. ET: Verizon states that the outage has now been resolved, though hasn't yet shared any details on what caused it. If you're still having difficulty connecting to the network, Verizon recommends restarting your device. The company also confirmed again that it will provide account credits to impacted customers.

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Updated on Jan. 14 at 9:22 p.m ET: Verizon has posted an update about the situation on X, stating that it is working through the night to solve the issue and has been "making progress." The company also apologised for the outage, and said it would issue account credits to impacted customers. Unfortunately, there is still no information on when service might be restored, or what caused it the outage.

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Updated on Jan. 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET: Eight hours after the mobile outage began, Verizon still hasn't made any statements on the cause of the problem, and customers are still reporting a lack of service. The problem is serious enough that the Federal Communications Commission has now weighed in:

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Updated on Jan. 14 at 5:57 p.m. ET: The platform Downdetector has now received more than 1.7 million user error reports for Verizon. By Wednesday evening, some Verizon customers reported restored service; however, many social media users are still complaining of ongoing problems.

Verizon has not yet explained the source of the outage or provided a timeline for a potential fix. On X, a Verizon support account suggested that customers may receive a discount on their phone bill based on the outage.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 4:46 p.m. ET: Verizon issued a new statement Wednesday afternoon, saying its team was on the ground working on a resolution.

"Verizon's team is on the ground actively working to fix today’s service issue that is impacting some customers," the company posted on X. "We know this is a huge inconvenience, and our top priority is to get you back online and connected as fast as possible. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue."

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Updated on Jan. 14 at 4:02 p.m. ET: As the Verizon outage continued, T-Mobile issued a statement on X confirming its own network was still working normally:

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At this time, only Verizon has confirmed a wireless network outage.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 2:27 p.m. ET: Verizon issued a new statement regarding its ongoing service disruptions. The company indicated the issues persisted, but that it was working on a fix.

"Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions," the company wrote on X. "Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible."

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On Wednesday afternoon, thousands of Verizon mobile customers reported an outage, with widespread service outages sending some customers' phones into SOS mode.

User-reported issues spiked at Downdetector around midday Eastern time. (Disclosure: Downdetector is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Mashable.)

"Verizon is currently grappling with a nationwide service disruption that has generated over 1 million reports (1,053,104) within the last 24 hours," noted Downdetector in an update Wednesday afternoon. The majority of Downdetector users reported problems with either "total loss of signal" or "mobile phone failure."

Verizon's support page on X wrote that it was aware users were having issues and that it was working on fixing the problem. A company representative provided the same statement to Mashable.

"We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," the account posted. "Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

As the outage continued, users shared their frustration on social media.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What does SOS mean on your phone?

In short, when you see SOS on your phone, it means you're not connected to a cellular network. "If you see SOS or 'SOS only' in the status bar, your device isn't connected to your cellular network, but you can still make emergency calls through other carrier networks," reads an Apple support page on the feature.

In short, while affected customers will be unable to make or receive calls and texts or access data services, they should still be able to place emergency 911 calls via satellite.

Are T-Mobile, AT&T having issues, too?

Around the same time user-reported issues for Verizon spiked, the same trend occurred for T-Mobile and AT&T. Both services experienced spikes in reports on Downdetector. That does not mean, however, that the carriers were necessarily experiencing the same issue confirmed by Verizon. Downdetector tracks user-reported issues, which can be made in error or for an entirely different problem.

What is the cause of the Verizon outage?

So far, Verizon has not released any information on the cause of the January 2026 outage. However, this isn't the first time Verizon customers have dealt with service disruptions.

Verizon mobile customers also experienced brief outages in August and October 2025, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A service disruption in 2024 also sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode.

This story is developing and will be updated as necessary...

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2026, 11:28 p.m. EST Verizon states that the outage has now been resolved, though hasn't yet shared any details on what caused it. If you're still having difficulty connecting to the network, Verizon recommends restarting your device. The company also confirmed again that it will provide account credits to impacted customers.

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UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2026, 9:45 p.m. EST Verizon has posted an update about the situation on X, stating that it is working through the night to solve the issue and has been "making progress." The company also apologised for the outage, and said it would issue account credits to impacted customers. Unfortunately, there is still no information on when service might be restored, or what caused the outage.

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In the midst of a widespread service disruption affecting Verizon Wireless customers in the United States, the company is facing a deluge of angry customers on social media.

The company has made a series of statements about the outage, which is ongoing as of this writing.

But what caused the Verizon outage that affected so many mobile customers all over the country? While Verizon hasn't issued any statements addressing the cause, we'll provide more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, here's everything we know so far.

The Verizon service outage cause: What we know

Starting around 11:55 a.m. ET, the platform Downdetector started to receive a spike in user error reports from Verizon customers. Error reports peaked around 12:45 p.m. ET, when Downdetector received "178,284 concurrent reports" within a 15-minute period." So far, the platform has received more than 1.7 million error reports. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

Mashable reporters reached out to Verizon with questions about the outage, but the company has yet to say anything concrete about the source of the problem.

SEE ALSO: Verizon support hints at phone bill 'discount' for outage

Instead, the company responded with the same statements it's posted to its website and social media platforms. The statements thank customers for their patience and promise that Verizon engineering teams "remain fully deployed" to address the issue.

A recent statement on X reads:

"Verizon's team is on the ground actively working to fix today’s service issue that is impacting some customers. We know this is a huge inconvenience, and our top priority is to get you back online and connected as fast as possible. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue."

At this time, it's not clear where on the ground Verizon is working, or what they're working on.

Verizon outage cause: What we don't know

Global mobile networks involve a vast infrastructure, and we don't yet know which part of Verizon's telecommunications system has malfunctioned. It's even possible that the outage was caused by a third-party contractor or vendor that works with Verizon, rather than the company itself. Likewise, the outage could be the result of a cybersecurity attack by an unknown actor.

If the outage did originate with Verizon, we don't know if it's a software problem, a hardware problem, or both, though Verizon has blamed previous outages on software problems.

Mashable reported on several major internet outages in 2025. Typically, the companies responsible for an outage provide an initial update the day of the disruption, followed by a more in-depth report in the weeks ahead.

We will update this story as we learn more about the outage.

Verizon Wireless outage timeline

Verizon experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday, Jan. 14, with confused customers taking to social media to report that their phones were suddenly stuck in SOS mode.

The outage began around noon ET, and Verizon quickly acknowledged the outage in a statement posted on X; a Verizon spokesperson also provided the same statement to Mashable reporters.

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By the evening, some customers reported restored service, though many customers on social media still complained of ongoing problems. While the service was down, many angry Verizon customers criticized the company in social media posts.

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This isn't the first time Verizon customers have experienced an outage.

In September 2025 (and again in October 2025), thousands of Verizon mobile customers experienced brief outages, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A service disruption in 2024 also sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode.

Before Reddit became the de facto "front page of the internet," there was Digg. 

Digg, the crowdsourced content platform, is where "upvoting" links was popularized. However, a failed redesign wrecked the site's popularity with its user base, who fled to Reddit – and the rest was history. Digg flailed under different curated, editorial visions and Reddit became one of the internet's biggest websites.

Now, Digg's original founder Kevin Rose is teaming up with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian to relaunch the platform. Digg is back (again) and looking to take on Reddit with the help of the guy who founded Reddit. (Ohanian left Reddit in 2020.)

On Wednesday, the beta version of Digg officially launched to the public at Digg.com. Interested users can sign up for the beta now.

SEE ALSO: Verizon support hints at phone bill 'discount' for outage

In an interview with TechCrunch, Rose shared his goals with the newly relaunched Digg of building trust with its user base and making sure it's not overtaken by AI bots looking to manipulate the platform. For example, a Digg community for those who own a particular piece of tech hardware could be asked to prove they own said piece of technology.

At launch, the new Digg has 21 general communities around topics such as science, funny, tech, gaming, and entertainment. Around 67,000 users were invited on the platform before the public launch.

With the public launch, anyone can now sign-up and a community could be created around any specific topic or niche. However, at the time, each community can only have one manager. Digg CEO Justin Mezzell told TechCrunch that the company wanted to launch the platform and then build and ship features weekly as Digg evolves.

Digg is also launching with an AI-created podcast called Digg Daily which recaps the biggest stories on the platform each day. According to the company, it's considering bringing in human hosts after hearing feedback from users.

Following the aforementioned failed 2010 redesign which led to the platform's downfall, Digg has been bought and sold by various entities, until Rose and Ohanian acquired the platform and subsequently announced their intent to relaunch Digg last year.

Users can sign up for the new Digg at Digg.com now.

SAVE $400: As of Jan. 14, get the TCL 85-inch T7 QLED 4K TV for $999.99. That's down from its usual price of $1,399.99.

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$1,399.99 Save $400   Get Deal

New year, new TV? If adding to your home entertainment setup in 2026 is on the agenda, you can't go wrong with a big screen TV. Whether it's for enjoying movies, sports, or your favorite shows, it's a great idea. And you can save big on one right now.

As of Jan. 14, get the TCL 85-inch T7 QLED 4K TV for $999.99, down from its usual price of $1,399.99. That's $400 off and a discount of 29%.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's new OLED TVs will probably be expensive. Meanwhile, the 2025 S90F OLED is almost 50% off.

This massive screen is part of TCL's more affordable T7 Series, which offer tons of screen real estate with budget-friendly features and options. The quantum dot display offers a crisp picture with a 144Hz refresh rate, an AI processor to optimize color, contrast, and other settings all its own, and support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. In short, you're getting a ton of great features even for balling on a budget.

In addition to Google TV integration, which means you have plenty of streaming options built-in, you also get settings that work great for gamers: Motion Rate 490 with MEMC Frame Insertion, Game Accelerator 288, and an Auto Game Mode for the best lowered input lag and latency.

There's a lot to love here, so don't count it out for its discount heritage. Snag this TV ASAP before it's no longer available at its discounted price.

TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable replaces multiple chargers and tools in one compact keychain design, and it’s currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00   Get Deal

Most of us don’t actually need more chargers — we just need smarter ones, or at least ones that do more than just take our phones to 100%. If your bag is still a tangled mess of different cables for every device you own, an all-in-one option can simplify things fast. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable replaces multiple cords with a single, compact setup, and it’s marked down for a limited time.

Labubus are cute, but this keychain actually does something. The GoCable packs eight functions into one everyday carry tool, including, but not limited to, fast charging, data transfer, a bottle opener, cutter, carabiner clip, and multiple connector options — all in a small, pocketable form factor.

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On the charging front, it’s built for speed. If your devices always feel stuck in slow-charging purgatory, the cable is often the culprit. This one supports up to 100W fast charging, which means you can power up phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and handheld consoles significantly quicker than with standard cables. It also handles high-speed data transfer when you need to move files between devices.

Device compatibility won’t be an issue either. Whether you primarily use Apple gear, Android devices, or a mix of both, the GoCable works across ecosystems with Type-C-to-Type-C and Lightning connector combinations. Built-in magnetic cable management keeps the cord tangle-free so you’re not fishing knots out of your backpack on the subway or mid-flight.

Since it’s meant to live on your keys or bag, it earns its space. A built-in bottle opener is there for off-the-clock moments, and the hidden safety cutter can help open packages or slice tags without exposed blades.

Normally $49.99, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W cable is on sale for $21.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Anthropic’s newest productivity experiment, Cowork, is notable not just for what it does, but for how it was made. Cowork is essentially a version of the AI coding tool Claude Code for non-developers. And according to the company, much of Cowork was built by Claude Code itself, turning the AI into both the product and a key part of the development process.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic AI research model hacks its training, breaks bad

Instead of writing software, users grant Claude access to a folder on their computer and ask it to perform real work, such as organizing files, drafting reports, compiling spreadsheets from screenshots, or cleaning up documents. Unlike a standard chat, Cowork operates with more autonomy. You assign a task, and Claude plans and executes it step by step, keeping you informed as it progresses.

Anthropic says that after launching Claude Code, it noticed users repurposing it for everyday tasks far beyond programming, from planning trips to managing personal data. That behavior directly inspired Cowork’s agentic design.

When asked on X how much of Cowork was built using Claude Code, Boris Cherny, Anthropic’s head of Claude Code, replied simply: "All of it."

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Cowork is launching as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers on macOS, with Anthropic emphasizing that this is an early step toward more agent-like AI tools.

SAVE $150: The Ninja Slushi Max is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, down from the standard price of $499.99. That's a 30% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

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$499.99 Save $150   Get Deal

We're down to the final weeks of football season. That means just a few more opportunities to host the football party of all football parties. If you've mastered the snacks, upgraded to a massive TV, and have the most comfortable couch ever, there's only one upgrade left — turn every beverage into a slushy. Thankfully, there's a great deal on an at-home slushy machine today.

As of Jan. 14, the Ninja Slushi Max is on sale at Amazon for $349.99, down from the standard price of $499.99. That works out to a savings of $150 from a 30% discount. This sale price also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

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Ninja makes some of our favorite kitchen appliances, and the Ninja Slushi is a highlight. In testing the original Slushi machine, Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart found it to be "a serotonin booster worth trying." She slush-ified White Claws, protein shakes, a pre-workout electrolyte drink, and straight Pepsi, finding the machine to get weekly use in her home.

But Ninja went ahead and outdid themselves with the Ninja Slushi Max. It's a steroid-ridden version of the original with a much larger capacity and more versatility in terms of what it can turn into a slushy. For starters, Ninja considers this the party drink machine, crafting up to 150 ounces of frozen dreams.

Perfect for particular parties, the Ninja Slushi Max is also a much better bartender compared to the original. This model can slush cocktails that contain up to 20% alcohol. Ninja notes that'll get you access to enjoying a slushy version of mudslide cocktail, a cosmo, or a Long Island iced tea. On the non-alcoholic side, the machine has a setting for the perfect milkshake or frozen juice. The kids will be thrilled about this treat on warm summer days.

While hosting the final few football parties of the year, impress your guests with the Ninja Slushi Max. You'll be able to get 150 ounces of frozen goodness from each batch and be able to wash most elements in the dishwasher come cleanup.

SAVE $1,200: The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $1,599, down from the list price of $2,799. That's a 43% discount.

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$2,799 Save $1,200   Get Deal

Not many people love a power outage. Sure, the first two hours might be fun cuddled up on the couch with a blanket and whatever phone battery you have left, but that charm tends to fade quickly. The moment your phone enters 20% power left or you consider what you'll eat for the next meal, the novelty of relaxing on the couch is gone. Instead of dealing with this inconvenience, a portable power station eases those issues, and there's a beast of a model on sale right now.

Plenty of portable power stations are designed to keep small gadgets charged up while camping or during a short power outage. But for longer outages or for keeping big appliances online, you want something hefty.

SEE ALSO: The Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off at Amazon

The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus gives off 3,584Wh of battery capacity which can keep your refrigerator going for up to three days. You'll be able to make coffee in the morning or even wash a load of clothes in the washing machine. Don't forget the advantage of being able to keep the WiFi router online, so long as that service is still up and running during the storm.

The wheels and telescoping handle on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus means it'll be easy to roll this around your home from the kitchen to the living room. Another benefit is major expandability. Jackery made this model compatible with the Jackery Battery Pack 3600 which adds an additional 3,584kWh to the system, doubling the power.

Before the next winter storm hits that knocks out power, upgrade to the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. You'll be able to keep lights on, make coffee, keep the refrigerator cooling, and even stay connected to to WiFi.

Verizon is suffering from a massive outage today with cellular service down for many of Verizon's customers across the country.

How can it get any worse for Verizon? Well, what if one of their biggest competitors was spiking the football right now on social media, bragging about how their service is still working perfectly?

Because that's exactly what T-Mobile is doing.

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"T-Mobile’s network is keeping our customers connected, and we’ve confirmed that our network is operating normally and as expected," T-Mobile said in a post on X. "However due to Verizon’s reported outage, our customers may not be able to reach someone with Verizon service at this time."

Some of the top replies on T-Mobile's post are from Verizon customers openly pondering whether they should switch cellphone carriers.

"Ice cold," replied one user on X.

However, T-Mobile's post serves an actual purpose beyond just trolling Verizon.

When Verizon went down, many other cellular customers with companies like T-Mobile and AT&T also started reporting that their service was down. Downdetector saw a spike in downtime complaints for T-Mobile, AT&T, and other wireless carriers right around the time Verizon's network experienced outages.

However, as T-Mobile shared, the company wasn't experiencing any network issues. Instead, T-Mobile customers were likely trying to contact Verizon customers and couldn't get through because of the Verizon outage. As a result, some customers may have incorrectly assumed they were experiencing issues too.

So, yes, ice cold comments from T-Mobile, but also a much-needed statement to set the record straight.

For the latest news, Mashable is providing live updates on the Verizon outage.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 6:48 p.m. ET: Users from a variety of mobile networks reported service disruptions today. However, Verizon appears to be the source of the outage, and the company has confirmed it's experiencing an ongoing service issue.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 4:13 p.m. ET: In an emailed statement to Mashable, an AT&T spokesperson said the company’s network is "operating normally at this time."

Like T-Mobile, it seems that the spike in error reports for AT&T stems from customers attempting to reach people affected by Verizon’s outage, rather than a problem with AT&T’s own service. AT&T's X account also confirmed that its coverage was fine and that the problem was with "the other guys."

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Updated on Jan. 14 at 3:55 p.m. ET: T-Mobile issued a statement on X confirming that its cellular network was operating normally — and taking a subtle jab at Verizon.

"T-Mobile’s network is keeping our customers connected, and we’ve confirmed that our network is operating normally and as expected. However due to Verizon’s reported outage, our customers may not be able to reach someone with Verizon service at this time."

This update could explain why some T-Mobile customers reported problems even as the company's network was fully operational. Users may have tried calling Verizon customers and been unable to complete the call, which they incorrectly interpreted as a problem with their own service.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 2:59 p.m. ET: The Verizon outage appears to be widespread, severe, and ongoing, with some mobile users' phones stuck in SOS mode.

According to Downdetector, the carrier is experiencing "a catastrophic break in standard cellular connectivity," with more than 1 million reports (1,053,104) logged in the past 24 hours. The situation peaked at 5:45 p.m. UTC, when Downdetector recorded 178,284 reports within a 15-minute window. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

Per Downdetector, the highest concentration of Verizon user error reports is coming from New York City and Atlanta. Significant outage volumes have also been recorded in Charlotte, Houston, and Dallas, indicating a national event rather than a localized issue. Verizon also added a new statement on social media, although it's phrased similarly to the previous update:

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T-Mobile, meanwhile, said its own network is functioning normally. In a statement to Mashable over email, the carrier said:

“T-Mobile’s network is keeping our customers connected, and we’ve confirmed that our network is operating normally and as expected. However, due to Verizon’s reported outage, our customers may not be able to reach someone with Verizon service at this time.”

There’s been no official comment yet from AT&T.

A major telecommunications outage is unfolding, with a surge of error reports pointing to widespread service disruptions across Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. In particular, many Verizon customers are reporting that their phones have gone into SOS mode, though they should still be able to make 911 calls via satellite.

According to Downdetector, user error reports started to spike around 11:55 a.m. ET on Wednesday. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.) While some users on AT&T and T-Mobile networks have also reported issues, Verizon customers appear to be bearing the brunt of the disruption. On X, "Verizon" quickly began trending as users attempted to figure out what was happening.

With the outage still developing, details remain limited. So far, Verizon is the only carrier to publicly acknowledge the issue.

In a post on X, the company said: “We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience.”

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

That same message has been repeated in replies to multiple users who tagged Verizon Support seeking help. Mashable reached out to Verizon for comment, and we received the same message that was previously posted on social media.

Downdetector categorized the Verizon outage as "Very High," and the service received a peak of 178,284 error reports within a 15-minute window on Wednesday afternoon. In total, Downdetector says it's received more than 1 million Verizon user error reports. Among those users, 59 percent reported "mobile phone failure," while 34 percent reported "total loss of signal."

Downdetector also reports that Verizon user error reports have spiked in New York City, Houston, Atlanta, and Charlotte in particular.

In a response to users on X, T-Mobile stated that it was not currently experiencing any widespread coverage issues on its network.

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This story is developing and will be updated as necessary...

Many Verizon mobile users experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday afternoon, with customers reporting that their phones suddenly went into SOS mode.

Affected customers who want to check their local area for network problems have several options.

SEE ALSO: Verizon support hints at phone bill 'discount' for outage

The platform Downdetector has a regularly updated Verizon outage map available online. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

The Downdetector heat map shows widespread Verizon outages, as reported by users. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Downdetector

The heat map shows clusters of user error reports in major U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The outage map also indicates Verizon customers in Los Angeles and Seattle are experiencing problems, suggesting this is a true coast-to-coast problem.

You can also go to the Verizon website to check the company's network status; however, this page appears to be experiencing intermittent problems. Mashable reporters were unable to access an updated map at Verizon's website, and instead received the same statement Verizon posted on X previously.

"Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions. Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible."

Verizon has a tool to check network status, but it did not appear to be working as of this writing. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Verizon

Mashable has been providing ongoing coverage of the Verizon outage, which the company acknowledged in a statement: "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

The company later said that its "engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions."

So far, Verizon has not indicated what caused the ongoing outage or when service would be fully restored.

This is a developing story...

YouTube is adding more ways to ensure the content your kids consume on their feeds is age and developmentally appropriate.

Starting today, parents can set screen limits for teen accounts that specifically monitor the amount of time young users spending scrolling through their Shorts feed. As the feature rolls out, parents will also get the option to set Shorts scrolling time to zero. Time controls can be set for specified periods of the day, and caretakers can also create custom reminders that alert their teens to bedtimes or recommend taking a break.

SEE ALSO: Google reverses key parental control policy

"This is an industry-first feature that puts parents firmly in control of the amount of short-form content their kids watch. This also gives parents flexibility," said YouTube.

The company has also penned new best practices for teen users, which will power an updated recommendation engine specific to minor accounts that amplifies what YouTube and consulted professionals deem "high quality" content. Examples given include videos from education accounts like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and TED-Ed.

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms among adults and teens, and is used by 9 out of 10 teens in the country, according to a recent report by the Pew Center. It's the only site frequented in equal measure by older and younger adolescents, compared to social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram. The platform has struggled to button up its content moderation and advertising for young users, with past reports of minors encountering graphic content even while scrolling its kids-specific offerings.

YouTube has released a suite of well-being and safety features in response, including a new age verification system powered by AI that flags suspected minor accounts and automatically applies age appropriate settings. Users can upload their IDs to confirm they're adults if they are incorrectly flagged as under 18. The platform joins many other companies cracking down on child safety risks using age assurance technology, as the industry faces ongoing pressure from federal leaders.

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming, fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.

SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. These days, you can even get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds. Our guide also includes our picks for the best earbuds for working out and the best open earbuds.

Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. That's also why we recommend shopping for earbuds during Black Friday season. As sales start to kick off, the QC Ultra earbuds are down $50 (their lowest price since their September release date). As we approach the actual day of Black Friday on Nov. 28, we expect to see even more markdowns on our favorite earbuds.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2026.

Types of earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

New additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.

As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2026. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

Last call: The Kindle, Kindle Scribe, and Kindle Colorsoft are still on sale for up to 31% off through tomorrow morning. Secure your e-reader for a steal while you still can.

Kindle deals at a glance: Kindle $89.99 (save $20) Get Deal Kindle Scribe (32GB) $289.99 (save $130) Get Deal Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Several Kindle e-readers have been chilling at discounts up to 31% off for the past few weeks, but all good things must come to an end. If you want to double down on your reading in 2026, an e-reader is definitely a great choice — and Kindles are at the top of the pack. Mashable's e-reader expert calls them "a true must-have device for avid readers" and I must say, I agree wholeheartedly. While they're not overly expensive, they're not exactly cheap either. That's why we suggest snagging them while they're still on sale.

For those who require zero bells and whistles, the basic Kindle is the way to go. It's my pride and joy and I will rave about it until the cows come home. It's the most affordable option in Amazon's lineup on a normal day at $109.99, but with the current discount, you'll only pay $89.99. That's not quite as good as its Black Friday price, but it's still the only option under $100. It's also the smallest option at only six inches, making it the best pick for one-handed reading and traveling.

If you like to scribble down your thoughts and make annotations in the margins of books, the Kindle Scribe is for you. While there's a newer version on the market, you'll save over $200 by opting for the previous generation while it's on sale. It's a bit bigger than a typical Kindle at 10.2 inches, making it a solid choice for someone with vision issues as well.

Finally, the newest Kindle Colorsoft is on sale for $50 off. It's essentially like the Kindle Paperwhite, but with a color screen. It's waterproof, has adjustable warmth and brightness, a long battery life, and it's just seven inches. Mashable's Kindle expert, Samantha Mangino, said she wouldn't recommend it at full price, but for just under $200, it's a much better buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (32GB) $289.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $130   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal

Roblox kicked off 2026 by attempting to deal with its most pressing issue: Predators taking advantage of kids playing and socializing on the video game platform. Last week, the company rolled out AI-powered age checks provided by third-party processor Persona for all of its users in order to place them in age-appropriate chats. The age verification process is mandatory if users want to chat on the platform.

Unfortunately, according to a new report from Wired, there have been some real issues with the age verification system, and the result has led to backlash among users, parents, and Roblox developers alike.

However, in a statement to Mashable, Roblox said it was pleased with the implementation of the new AI age verification system so far.

"To suggest that our age check technology isn't working is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to shift safety at scale," said Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman in a statement to Mashable. "With a global community of over 150 million daily active users, we are pleased with where we are in the roll out process...Expecting the system to be flawless overnight is ignoring the scale of this undertaking."

What's going on?

As mentioned, in order to utilize the chat features on Roblox, users are now required to verify their age. To do so, Roblox users need to either upload a selfie for facial age estimation or provide a government-issued ID. Based on a user's age, Roblox then places the account in a specific age group category in order to help ensure that adults and children can't interact on the platform.

SEE ALSO: Roblox: A parent's guide to keeping your kids safe

However, just a week into the rollout of the age verification system, Wired has found that the AI has been making significant mistakes to the detriment of the platform. The report details how users over the age of 18 are being mistakenly labeled as kids and placed in the wrong age group category. The reverse has occurred as well, with users under 18 being placed in adult age groups.

"ROBLOX AGE FACE SCAN VERIFICATION SAID MY 10 YEAR OLD LITTLE BROTHER WAS 16-17????" posted one user on X.

"I'm 23 (nearly 24) and it's forced me as a 16-17 year old," said another user on X. "I don't want to be chatting with fucking children."

Users under 18 have also posted videos of how they've tricked Roblox's age verification system.

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One user posted a video of a 3D animated avatar they uploaded, which Roblox's system identified as over 18. Another user, a young boy, posted a video of themselves fooling the Roblox' age verification system by drawing a mustache and beard on his face with a marker. The system indicated that it thought he was over the age of 21.

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And in a dark twist, Wired found that there was a black market growing on eBay where sellers were auctioning off Roblox accounts that were already age-verified, providing potential predators with yet another workaround to the system.

Roblox game developers have also complained that the age verification system is hurting their games by decimating their chat activity. One developer shared an analytics screenshot that showed chat activity on their game declining by an average of 50 percent over the last week.

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Roblox is extremely popular with young children and teens. The company has previously said that half of the U.S. population under the age of 16 is on the platform. Because of this, predators have targeted the platform's user base and, as a result, Roblox has been hit with a number of lawsuits regarding child safety over the past year. For the good of both the user base and the platform, it's critical that Roblox gets this right.

Roblox's creator forum has since been filled with complaints regarding the new age verification system. The company responded with its own post on the forum about how it will address some of the issues.

"Roblox may periodically re-check users’ age if fraud is suspected or take appropriate action if there we see signs of potential age misrepresentation," Roblox said in a post. "As part of our ongoing investment in safety, we will also be developing and improving detection for such behavior."

Roblox also added an update to share privacy details regarding the age verification process. For example, Roblox says Persona does not retain any data and deletes a user's image as soon as the age verification process is complete. 

Mashable reached out to Roblox for comment regarding the situation and received a statement from the company's Chief Safety Officer, Matt Kaufman:

“To suggest that our age check technology isn't working is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to shift safety at scale. With a global community of over 150 million daily active users, we are pleased with where we are in the roll out process. It’s a process that will take time, you can’t flip a switch while building something that hasn’t existed before. 

Tens of millions of users have already completed the process, proving that the vast majority of our community values a safer, more age-appropriate environment. Expecting the system to be flawless overnight is ignoring the scale of this undertaking. We’ve already shared updates with our creator community to make this a smoother transition. This technology is the foundation of a new gold standard that limits communication between adults and minors by default. 

We are building for the next decade of the internet, not the next news cycle. We will continue to innovate, continue to require age checks, and continue to lead the industry where others have been too hesitant to go.”

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2026, 2:15 p.m. EST This story has been updated with a response from Roblox.

SAVE 9%: As of Jan. 14, you can get the Magic: The Gathering March of the Machine Draft Booster Box for $136.83, down from $149.99, at Amazon. That's a $13.16 savings.

Magic: The Gathering March of the Machine Draft Booster Box $136.83 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $13.16   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re ready to relive the massive finale of the Phyrexian invasion, grabbing an older draft box is a great way to do it without the "new set" price hike.

As of Jan. 14, the Magic: The Gathering March of the Machine Draft Booster Box is on sale for $136.83, down from $149.99, at Amazon. To give you an idea of the value, the current market price for this box is hovering around $132.01, with some recent sales going as high as $145.01. Getting this for under $137 with Prime shipping is a solid deal for anyone looking to host a draft night.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: Dell teases new ultra-slim and entry-level Alienware gaming laptops

The box includes 36 Draft Booster packs, each with 15 cards. This set was a huge deal when it launched because it introduced the Battle card type, which lets you and your friends fight over different planes for tactical advantages. Every single pack is also guaranteed to have at least one Multiverse Legend — a reprint of an iconic legendary creature with a special showcase frame from its home plane.

You're also looking at one to two cards of rarity Rare or higher in every pack. While the most valuable serialized cards are exclusive to Collector Boosters, you can still find a Traditional Foil Borderless Mythic Planeswalker in about 1 percent of these draft packs.

TL;DR: Live stream Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Nigeria will not be competing in this summer's World Cup, which is a real shame for dedicated fans. They're stacked with talent, including attacking stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. With their squad, they should be qualifying for the biggest tournaments. But alas, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is all they've got right now.

Nigeria face off against hosts Morocco in the second semi-final matchup. It's an absolutely huge fixture between two star-studded teams. Nigeria have looked really impressive so far, but Morocco are the pre-tournament favorites for a reason. The hosts haven't really been tested yet, but that's about to change.

If you want to watch Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Nigeria vs. Morocco?

Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 14. This fixture takes place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

How to watch Nigeria vs. Morocco for free

Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

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Live stream Nigeria vs. Morocco 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 Channel 4

5. Watch Nigeria vs. Morocco for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Nigeria vs. Morocco (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

UP TO 70% OFF: Lovehoney's Valentine's Day Sale is live. Get up to 50% off select sex toys (including vibrators, male masturbators, and butt plugs), $25 and under lingerie, and a free gift when you spend $89 or more. Bonus: You can still get up to 70% off clearance items.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Valentine's Day Sale Get up to 50% off select sex toys and more Get Deal

Valentine’s Day is exactly one month away, and if you haven’t planned anything yet, now’s the time to do it. Tons of sex toy retailers still have New Year’s sales going on, but Lovehoney is getting a head start on V-Day with discounts on vibrators, lingerie, and more.

PSA: You don’t have to have a partner to buy yourself a little treat for V-Day. Valentine’s is for everyone, and sometimes, having a sexy solo date at home is the best way to celebrate.

Here’s the lowdown on how to get the best bang for your buck.

Select vibes are up to 50% off

Lovehoney still has quite a few items that aren’t on sale, but the dedicated sale page and clearance section have hundreds of products available for unbelievable (not to be dramatic) prices. For example, you can get the Lovehoney Romance Gift Set (12 Piece) for just $129 — that’s 60% off the list price and a damn good deal for a 12-piece set that includes heavy hitters like the We-Vibe Jive 2. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more festive, the Lovehoney Rose (with 1,500+ reviews) is only $42.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Romance Gift Set (12 Piece) $129 at Lovehoney
$321.88 Save $192.88   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator $42.99 at Lovehoney
$59.99 Save $17   Get Deal Lingerie is $25 and under

Believe it or not, lingerie is a super effective way to get in the mood, whether you’re alone or with a partner. An everything shower, some candles, and a new set of sexy lace (or whatever you’re into) is the perfect setup for a saucy evening (or afternoon!).

Right now, Lovehoney has a wide selection of intimate apparel, from teddies to crotchless bodysuits to “wet look” BDSM-inspired sets, all available for $25 and under. I’m literally adding this Escante Stretchy Wet Look Body Set to my cart as we speak.

Get up to 70% off clearance, plus a free gift

The clearance section has even steeper deals. Some standouts include the ROMP Switch for $24.99, the Womanizer Starlet 2 for $39.99, and many, many more. And, if you spend $89 (which shouldn’t be hard to do), you’ll get a free gift. This could be a Lovehoney dildo, G-spot vibrator, bullet, textured stroker, or butt plug. (There are also a few Fifty Shades of Grey items on offer.)

Score free shipping when you spend $59+

One thing to love about Lovehoney is that they keep things low-key. Every order is sent in plain, discreet packaging, so your nosey neighbors won't have a clue what’s inside.

If you're aiming for that Feb. 14 deadline, keep in mind that standard shipping is free when you spend $59 or more. It usually takes about four to six working days to arrive, so ordering now means you won't be sweating it out as the holiday gets closer.