Mashable

Valentine's Day shopping for your wife should be easy in theory. You've known her forever. You hear her talk about her interests and annoyances on a daily basis. But year after year, finding something to showcase how much she means to you is more of an enigma than it is on paper.

You may be stumped on what to get your wife for Valentine's Day this year, but we're not. We've curated a list of 25+ unique Valentine's Day gift ideas for wives of any sort, from the ones who dig romantic gifts (as long as they're not corny) to the ones who get heart eyes over practical gifts that prove you've been listening. For even more ideas, check out our guide to the best Valentine's Day gifts for her.

Grow a Garden. 99 Nights in the Forest. Steal a Brainrot. If you're a parent, you've likely heard your kids talk about one of these games at some point.

They're playing Roblox. Their friends are playing Roblox. Half of all kids under the age of 16 in the U.S. are playing Roblox. But with so many kids on Roblox, predators are taking advantage of the online gaming platform.

As a result, Roblox has been hit with a slew of lawsuits over its alleged failure to keep children safe on the platform.

So, is Roblox safe for your kids? And if your kid is already on Roblox, what should you do?

As a father of three young kids, two of whom play Roblox regularly and one who will likely start playing as soon as she learns to hold a tablet, I've written this guide to help other parents navigate Roblox and ensure their kids' safety while playing the game.

What is Roblox, and should my kids play it?

Roblox is an online game where your character can explore a virtual universe and interact with other Roblox characters. The Roblox world is cartoony, with the characters resembling LEGO people.

Roblox is more like a gaming platform than a standalone game. Users create their own games in the virtual world, which other gamers can play. Roblox even has its own economy, with some developers making hundreds of thousands of dollars or more if their game gets popular. There's an in-game virtual currency called Robux, which can be used to access premium features and items.

You may already have seen Roblox received an official ESRB rating of T for Teen. However, that's just because some of the games warrant that level of rating.

If your child tells you they're playing Roblox, that really doesn't give you much information. It's the equivalent of them telling you they're playing video games. You need to know specifically what games they are playing on Roblox to get an idea of what is or isn't appropriate.

Whether your kids play it or not is up to you. I believe it's fine for my kids in the same way I let them watch their favorite shows on Netflix. There are many movies for adults available on that platform too — but with the right parental controls and monitoring, you can ensure age-appropriate content for your children.

Getting started on Roblox

So, you've decided your child can play on Roblox. Now, this is where you'll discover that Roblox actually has several parental controls in place to keep kids safe on the platform. However, parents need to actually take the time to set these things up.

First things first: Creating your Roblox accounts. 

That's right, I said "accounts" as in more than one. Your child will have an account, and you will too. Create your accounts, and then from your child's account, navigate to Settings> Parental Controls> Add a parent. Input the email for your account, and then accept the link account request in your inbox. You'll need to verify your age and identification to show you are a parent. 

Link a Parent Account Credit: Roblox

Once your account is linked, parents will need to set up a Parental PIN number to access those parental controls and prevent their kids from changing them. After that, you'll then have full access to control your child's account settings and view any pending requests your child receives.

Age Verification: How it works

Starting in 2026, Roblox rolled out an extra layer of child safety measures targeted directly at the platform's most problematic feature: Chat.

All users who want to utilize the chat features must now first have their age estimated by Roblox in order for the platform to assign the account to an age category.

Roblox age verification Credit: Roblox

The mandatory age check can be performed by pressing the Unlock Chat button on the user's account page. Following that, Roblox will access the user's camera on their device in order to scan their facial features. Using that, Roblox then places a user to one of six age categories: Under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, and 21+.

Users cannot interact in chats with other Roblox gamers who are outside of their age cohort.

The age verification is performed by a third-party company called Persona. Roblox says the images used for age verification are deleted after the process, but you may still have privacy concerns. Users have reported being able to trick Roblox's age verification system into thinking a user is older or younger than they actually are.

The addition of the age verification system has basically turned the chat feature off for users who don't partake in the process. In short, there is now yet another barrier of protection for kids on Roblox.

Parental Controls and Content

Once your accounts are created, you'll find that Roblox offers several options to ensure your child's safety on the platform. However, you have to proactively set these things up.

In your account's Parental Controls settings, under Content Maturity, parents can set content restrictions based on the maturity level of the content itself, with levels ranging from Minimal, which means occasional mild violence, all the way to Restricted, which allows unfettered access to the most violence, scary, and crude content on Roblox. You probably don't want that last one. There are two in-between labels for older kids, Mild and Moderate, and these settings can be changed by a parent at any time.

Content Maturity settings Credit: Roblox

Blocked Experiences allows parents to block specific game titles within Roblox, even if they are technically within the Content Maturity options you set in the previously mentioned menu. As games are added to Roblox, parents may find a specific game that adheres to Roblox's content labels but still contains an attribute that makes the content inappropriate for their child. Parents can use the search bar to find these experiences and block them.

Similarly, there is a Sensitive Issues toggle to block games from your child that may be themed around social, political, or religious issues. Parents can choose to block games labeled as Sensitive Issues here, even if these titles fall within the previously set Content Maturity settings.

Sensitive Issues settings Credit: Roblox Child safety controls

Now come the privacy controls that directly address the child safety issues for which Roblox is under scrutiny.

In the Communications section of the parental controls, parents can set who their kids can communicate with in Roblox experiences. For young children, the option is simple: turn those chats off completely by selecting 'No One'.

Experience Chat settings Credit: Roblox

However, as your kids get a bit older and want to interact with their real-life friends from school, there are additional options you'll want to set. Roblox allows users to "friend" one another through Connections. Additionally, they can create a Party or a group of friends that can join experiences together.

Parents can view and manage all of their child's connections to ensure they are only connected with individuals they know and trust in real life. Furthermore, parents can adjust their child's profile visibility so that only Connections can view when their child is on Roblox and which game they are currently playing.

Visibility settings Credit: Roblox

Furthermore, parents can control the Party settings so that their child can only create a Party with users who are their Connections. Parents can also toggle Party options off entirely for small children who won't be interacting with anyone on Roblox. 

Party settings Credit: Roblox

Private Servers are another setting that will likely be vastly different for you based on your child's age. Private Servers essentially allow users to participate in Roblox experiences with a select group of people. For small children, you'll want to likely turn this off entirely. For older kids, setting Private Servers to Connections will allow them to play with their friends.

Private Servers settings Credit: Roblox

While Roblox can always do more to protect its youngest users, the platform does have pretty robust options for child safety. The problem is that parents need to be aware of them and learn how to use them. Hopefully, this guide helps. 

UPDATE: Jan. 26, 2026, 4:37 p.m. EST Added a section on Roblox's new age verification process to access chats on the platform.

TL;DR: Protect your data and your peace online with a lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, now only $19.97 until Feb. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $19.97
$169.99 Save $150.02   Get Deal

If you want to experience the internet as it was meant to be enjoyed — freely without annoying pop-ups, videos, and banner ads — it’s time to get AdGuard. This tool lets you avoid all the frustrating ads while also keeping you safe from hackers, and right now you can get the AdGuard Family Plan for just $19.97 through Feb. 8.

Get ready for a peaceful internet experience thanks to the AdGuard Family Plan. This tool lets you browse seamlessly by blocking all types of ads, so you can enjoy your time online with no distractions or frustrations.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Not only will AdGuard provide more than your average ad blocker, but it will also protect your privacy by blocking trackers, hiding your data, and stopping malware, phishing sites, and cyberattacks in their tracks.

This family plan lets you protect up to nine devices for life. AdGuard works on both Android and iOS operating systems, so you can equip smartphones, computers, tablets, and more with this handy tool. If you have kids at home, AdGuard also includes parental control features that help keep a watchful eye on them online and shield them from inappropriate content.

This $19.97 lifetime subscription comes to less than $3 per device and includes continuous updates and new features.

Protect the whole family with this lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, now just $19.97 until Feb. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2025, and where to stream them 14. Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing

Ice skating is a beautiful display of athletics and artistry. But it take a lot of strength for partners to find their rhythm on the ice. This Netflix documentary mini-series will get you pumped up for the Winter Olympics with its deep dive into the work, intricacies, and politics of ice dancing.

They have their eyes on the Olympics, but can't afford to lose sight of each other. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Piper Gilles, Paul Poirier, Laurence Fournier Beaudry, Guillaume Cizeron, Tara Lipinski, and Adam Rippon

How to watch: Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing debuts on Netflix on Feb. 1.

13. Miracle: The Boys of ‘80

Want to get pumped for the Winter Olympics? (Or want more hockey, because you've already rewatched Heated Rivalry five times?) We've got you.

Documentarians Max Gershberg and Jacob Rogal offer a look back at the "Miracle on Ice." It was the 1980 Olympic semi-finals. The U.S. Hockey Team were considered underdogs against the team from the USSR, and yet, despite the odds and naysayers, they came home with gold. This is their story, with firsthand recollections from the players who hit the ice and never-before-seen 16mm footage that's sure to give you chills. — K.P.

How to watch: Miracle: The Boys of ‘80 debuts on Netflix on Jan. 30.

12. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards

The biggest night in music comes this Sunday. Presented by the Recording Academy of the United States, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards will celebrate the best in music across 95 categories, with nominees that including Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Chappell Roan, Rosé, and Bruno Mars — just to name the Record of the Year contenders.

Tune in for the big wins, powerful speeches, incredible fashion, and live performances from a thrilling array of musical acts. Trevor Noah hosts. — K.P.

Starring: Trevor Noah, Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Clipse, Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Pharrell Williams, Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, and The Marias

How to watch: The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+ on Feb. 1, from 8 p.m. ET to 11:30 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PT.

11. Old Guy

Christoph Waltz has sunk his teeth into juicy roles, from a charming bounty hunter (Django Unchained) to a gleeful Nazi (Inglourious Basterds), to a mad scientist patron in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. So, who better to play an aging hit man, whose dwindling physical health pushes him into a mentor role for a killer protege (The Long Walk's Cooper Hoffman)?

From Con Air director Simon West comes an action comedy about some really wild on-the-job training. Generations clash, gunfire kicks off, and dark laughs explode like so much dynamite. — K.P.

Starring: Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, Cooper Hoffman, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen

How to watch: Old Guy debuts on Paramount+ on Feb. 1.

10. Pike River

Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey and Top of the Lake's Robyn Malcolm headline this tearjerking true story about Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two women who lost a husband and son respectively in the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion. Twenty-nine people died in the tragedy. After the disaster, it wasn't just grief that tormented their loved ones — it was the decision to close the mine permanently, without retrieving the remains of the dead.

Seeking closure, but more than that justice, Anna and Sonya will go from everywoman to advocate, giving voice to those they lost. For a tale of grief, resilience, and inspiration, don't miss Pike River. — K.P.

Starring: Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm

How to watch: Pike River is available for rental or purchase on Jan. 30.

9. Ella McCay

Writer/director James L. Brooks has brought us such treasures as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Simpsons, Terms of Endearment, and Broadcast News. Ella McKay is his latest, focusing on the titular lieutenant governor (Emma Mackey) as she struggles to balance her personal life and her professional career. Reluctantly connecting with her estranged father (Woody Harrelson), Ella is forced to look back to move forward.

Critics have panned Ella McCay pretty hard, earning it a 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. So, while Brooks is a legendary storyteller, this is not a must-see. — K.P.

Starring: Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Julie Kavner, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson

How to watch: Ella McCay is now available for purchase on Prime Video.

8. School Spirits, Season 3

If you like your teen drama with a touch of macabre, you'll fall hard for School Spirits, which offers plenty of angst and a solid slathering of the supernatural.

In Season 1, Maddie Nears (Peyton List) joined the spookiest clique in her high school, one made up of students who'd died over the decades. But Maddie couldn't remember how she'd died. That mystery reveal led to Season 2, when Maddie returned to the land of the living. But her dealings with the dead aren't done. And for bonus horror thrills, Bride of Chucky's Jennifer Tilly joins the cast as Split River High's District Superintendent. — K.P.

Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Peyton List, Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, Spencer MacPherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, Rainbow Wedell, and Josh Zuckerman

How to watch: School Spirits Season 3 is now playing on Paramount+.

7. Greenland 2: Migration

In 2020, Gerard Butler had audiences at the edge of their seats with the nerve-shredding apocalyptic thriller Greenland. In that disaster movie, everything that could go wrong did, and then some. And yet, the family of three at its center survived!

Greenland 2: Migration picks up five years after the comet Clarke hit Earth with massively devastating effects. In their bunker, John Garrity (Butler), his family, and their neighbors are running out of resources. There's scientific speculation that a far-flung crater in southern France could grant them a new home, untouched by Clarke's worst effects. But getting there will be a harrowing journey, studded with new obstacles and fresh fears to face. Can the Garrity family survive this too? We're already holding our breath to find out.* — K.P.

Starring: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, Amber Rose Revah, Gordon Alexander, Peter Polycarpou, William Abadie, and Tommie Earl Jenkins

How to watch: Greenland 2: Migration is now available for rental or purchase on Fandango at Home.

6. Wicked Little Letters

If the Academy Awards nominations have you hankering for more from Best Actress frontrunner Jessie Buckley, check out this quirky and profane 2023 period piece.

The Oscar–nominated Hamnet lead stars opposite Oscar winner Olivia Colman in a comedy about a ferocious feud between two neighbors in 1920s Littlehampton. Buckley plays a coarse but loving single mother who is the burr in the sensible shoes of her prim and easily perturbed neighbor (Colman). So when the latter starts being harassed by a barrage of "wicked little letters" (meaning hateful handwritten missives full of expletives), she points the police to her nonconforming neighbor. This is a charming — while a bit rude — comedy. And for bonus bonkerness, it's based on a true story, known as the Littlehampton libels! — K.P.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, Tim Key, and Timothy Spall

How to watch: Wicked Little Letters is now playing on Hulu.

5. Peter Hujar's Day

In his Mashable review, Siddhant Adlakha praised this "buzzy Sundance fave," writing, "From Ira Sachs — director of the striking contemporary queer drama Passages — the 1970s New York-set Peter Hujar's Day is a confined, two-character experiment that's far more about mood than plot. Set almost entirely in one apartment over the course of a single day, its mere 76 minutes are languidly paced, though that's a major part of its success. Few filmmakers have so distinctly evoked an era without so much as pointing their camera out through a window to capture the street below.

"The film is reconstructed from a transcript, once thought to be lost, of an interview with gay New York photographer Peter Hujar (Passages star Ben Whishaw) conducted by writer Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall). The recording resurfaced in 2019 — Rosenkrantz has since published it as a book under the same title as the movie — but Sachs doesn't merely restage the interview as written. Rather, he extrapolates what feels like an entire lifetime from words alone."* — K.P.

Starring: Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall

How to watch: Peter Hujar's Day is now streaming on The Criterion Channel.

4. The Wrecking Crew

Aquaman's Jason Momoa and Guardians of the Galaxy's Dave Bautista team up with Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Soto for a buddy-cop action-comedy that goes hard.

The stars play a pair of estranged half-brothers, reunited over the mysterious murder of their father. Soto offers plenty of action sequences, which Momoa and Bautista make the most of with their nearly blinding cumulative star power. Then, there's an earnest family drama thrumming at the heart of these bonkers stunts and occasional dick jokes. As I cheered in my review, "Soto blends these bits of comedy, drama, action, suspense, and style into a movie that's a real banger. Here's hoping we get a sequel." — K.P.

Starring: Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams, Miyavi, Stephen Root, and Morena Baccarin

How to watch: The Wrecking Crew is now streaming on Prime Video.

3. Shrinking, Season 3

Apple TV's beloved comedy Shrinking returns for its third season in 2026, and I wouldn't blame you for already tearing up at the thought of the laughs and life lessons the show has coming down the line. The gang's all back in Season 3, with therapists Jimmy (Jason Segel), Gaby (Jessica Williams), and Paul (Harrison Ford) continuing to navigate their own changing lives alongside those of their patients. Season 3 is also introducing some big-name guest stars, including Candice Bergen and Jeff Daniels. Most notable is Michael J. Fox, who will be playing someone in Paul's orbit as he deals with his Parkinson's disease. Fox himself has Parkinson's, even retiring from acting in 2020 due to the condition. However, Shrinking marks an exciting return for the actor.* — B.E.

Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Ted McGinley, Brett Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, Cobie Smulders, Jeff Daniels, Candice Bergen, and Michael J. Fox

How to watch: Shrinking Season 3 premieres Jan. 28 on Apple TV.

2. Wonder Man

The MCU goes to Hollywood in its latest TV outing. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor hoping to earn his big break in the upcoming remake of 1980's superhero film Wonder Man. He finds a surprising friend in Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), an actor whose most well-known role is playing the terrorist known as the Mandarin. The two make an endearing pair, but there's a catch: Simon is hiding destructive superpowers, and Trevor is working undercover for the Department of Damage Control to catch him.

Wonder Man soars thanks to the power of Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley's crackling chemistry, which creates an irresistible MCU bromance. As I wrote in my review, "These unlikely kindred spirits may be the best thing to ever happen to one another, and the resulting relationship is among the most rewarding in the MCU." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, X Mayo, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed, Shola Adewusi, Demetrius Grosse, Béchir Sylvain, Kameron J. Meadows, Olivia Thirlby, Byron Bowers, Joe Pantoliano, Josh Gad, and Ben Kingsley

How to watch: Wonder Man is now streaming on Disney+.

Best of Streaming this week:
Bridgerton, Season 4 - Part 1

Dearest gentle readers, I have the great delight to inform you that the new season of Bridgerton is here, and it's downright enchanting. Season 4 focuses on the romance between the ton's well-known rake Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and servant Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). The pair cross paths at a masquerade ball, where dreams can briefly become reality. But when midnight strikes and the masks come off, how will this class-spanning love story continue?

The first four episodes of Bridgerton Season 4 spin the beginnings of a swoon-worthy Cinderella story, with Ha and Thompson giving it their all as the show's latest romantic leads. As I wrote in my review, "[T]he results, like any good fairy tale love story, will sweep you off your feet." — B.E.

Starring: Yerin Ha, Luke Thompson, Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Nicola Coughlan, Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, and Emma Naomi

How to watch: Bridgerton Season 4 - Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

TL;DR: Get new tools and a fresh operating system with the Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle, on sale now for just $39.97 through Feb. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $39.97
$418.99 Save $379.02   Get Deal

When you think of making a big upgrade, you probably picture a pretty big price tag. Fortunately for your wallet, The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle delivers two Microsoft products ready to totally refresh your computer for one surprisingly low price.

For the next three days, you can get the whole bundle for only $39.97 — but you’ve got to act fast because the deal ends on Feb. 1.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If you’ve got an old computer lying around, don’t count it out. The Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle gives it some fresh tools and a brand new operating system to bring it back up to speed.

This bundle kicks off with a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 lifetime license, giving you access to a suite of Microsoft essentials that can help you get things done. It gives you eight different apps to work with, geared toward assisting you with both personal and professional tasks, and you’ll have permanent access with no subscription fees required.

This Microsoft Office edition includes well known classics like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It also includes newer favorites like Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. They’ve all been redesigned and set up to work for everyone from designers to data analysts.

Next up? A sparkly new operating system thanks to Windows 11 Pro. This OS was created with the modern professional in mind, so you can enjoy an improved workflow thanks to a seamless interface, snap layouts, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience. It also takes cybersecurity seriously, so you have one less thing to worry about.

Get the Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle for just $39.97 now through Feb. 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I spent many nights of sleep over a few months trying out earplugs and earbuds ranging from $50 to $349 to find the best of what's out on the market — and to see if getting earbuds just for sleep is actually worth it.

As a note, we generally no longer recommend the Ozlo Sleepbuds as their price point isn't on par with the features offered by their competitors. At their full price point, I'd say to skip them. However, if you're especially intrigued by their design (and have no qualms with the lack of ANC), grabbing them for $299 instead of their usual $349 is the absolute most we'd recommend paying for these earbuds to get true value.

SEE ALSO: Dodow review: A simple sleep gadget that's best for back sleepers The best earbuds for sleeping

Below, I pulled three of the best sleep earbuds on the market. Between the overall best, budget, and earplug picks, there's a wide range of price points, but as with any product, the most expensive of the bunch isn't necessarily the best overall. With that in mind, I highlighted where each earbud excelled, whether that be in comfort, noise cancellation, or ease of use, to help you pick the best sleep earbud possible.

UPDATE: Jan. 29, 2026, 5:00 a.m. EST We've replaced our recommendation for the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds with a recommendation for the Sleep A30 Special earbuds, due to their lower price point and better features. As such, we now consider them the best all-around pair of sleep earbuds. The Sleep A20 earbuds were formerly our top pick in this category — we've since updated them as our favorite budget pick (especially if you can grab them on sale).

How are sleep earbuds different than normal earbuds?

A confession: I used to wear AirPods nearly every night to sleep. More accurately, I used to wear a single AirPod so I could actually sleep on my side.

After testing earbuds designed for sleeping, I can tell you that everyday earbuds don't match up to the sleep earbud experience. For starters, standard earbuds aren't designed to be worn while you're lying on your side, so they often stick out of your ears and put hard plastic in contact with your ear. Not to mention, earbuds typically cap out at six to seven hours of battery life per charge, so if you're getting at least eight hours of sleep, you run the risk of interrupting it with the sound of your earbuds powering off.

Sleep earbuds, like the Soundcore A20 ones pictured in the middle, have a much thinner profile than traditional earbuds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Sleep earbuds, on the other hand, can offer white noise options, better battery life, and significantly more comfort (that actually allows you to wear more than one earbud at a time). The pairs I tested came without microphones and with touch controls that worked but were less sensitive than traditional earbuds, so you can lie on your side without activating them. When I initially tested options for this guide, there weren't really any with active noise cancellation, but that has since changed thanks to the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds' release in August 2025, and the Sleep A30 Special release in January 2026. Still, you'd be surprised at how well passive noise cancellation, a good fit, and white noise work.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more Is it safe to wear earbuds to sleep every night?

First and foremost, it's important to consider that sleep earbuds aren't the only way to approach nighttime noises that might be keeping you up.

I consulted Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA, to discuss any risks associated with wearing earbuds all night. While she didn't warn against using earbuds, she suggested that if what's keeping you up is a partner's snoring, you start looking for solutions there.

SEE ALSO: Loop earplugs are actually worth it — here's how to choose the right pair

"If you're doing all of this to avoid a partner who is snoring, sometimes gently encouraging that person to investigate why they're snoring is kind of an important consideration," Kita said. "Because we find that obstructive sleep apnea is really underdiagnosed, and snoring, for some people, is the only sign of it."

If, however, what's keeping you up is less in your control, then you do want to be aware of three main aspects of using earbuds all night: proper hygiene, safe noise levels, and your ear comfort.

Proper hygiene

When I started testing these earbuds, I realized I was now wearing earbuds uninterrupted for longer than I typically would in the course of a day, even as someone who tests headphones for a living. When I asked Dr. Kita how that wear time might raise someone's risk for infection, she drew a comparison to the wear time of hearing aids:

"Many individuals wear hearing aids for longer hours during the day than they sleep at night," she said. And yet, folks who wear hearing aids don't often have ear infections, though long wear times may increase their risk.

SEE ALSO: How to set up Hearing Aid mode on your AirPods

With the long wear times, Kita said the main concern she could anticipate was wax buildup since the natural path for wax to exit the ear canal would be blocked. However, she said it's not necessarily a cause for concern, as wax can typically exit the ear canal at other points during the day when you're not wearing earbuds (or blocking your ear canal in any other way).

As for any heightened infection risk, Kita shared that it can increase when there's greater wax buildup that can then trap bacteria. She recommended cleaning the buds with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after each use, if possible. (One of the brands we tested, Ozlo, recommends a weekly cleaning.) With all that said, someone's risk for infection really comes down to personal susceptibility — some people are more prone to ear infections than others. If you fall into that category, being more proactive about cleaning your earbuds is a good practice.

Noise levels

Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss (behind age-related hearing loss), so it's important to be aware of the level of noise you expose yourself to. Kita pointed me in the direction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) chart for how long people can be exposed to certain decibel levels safely.

In its FAQ, Ozlo also cites OSHA's recommendation, as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommendations, which top out at 90 decibels and 85 decibels for eight hours, respectively. We reached out to a rep from Soundcore to see if its earbuds have specific upper decibel limits, and will update this guide when we hear back. In general, though, Kita said the less noise, the better, recommending that you always try to use the lowest volume possible.

SEE ALSO: Video game industry makes it easier to find accessible games for disabled players

"While I don't necessarily love the idea of extra noise when you're not even conscious to appreciate it, if it's the thing that's keeping you asleep or letting you sleep, it just comes in this category of risks and benefits," Kita said. "Just make sure that it's quiet enough, then it really isn't that much different than using a white noise machine on your nightstand."

Comfort

Earbuds fitting comfortably is important for you to be able to fall asleep, but also for your ear health.

"Everyone's ear canal is shaped differently," Kita said. "And so something that might be really comfortable for your ears might really cause my ears to ache."

In other words, giving yourself earbuds-induced earaches every night can actually impact your ear health. If one of the below recommendations really isn't sitting right, even with adjustments to the ear tip sizes, don't be afraid to return them.

Other sleep earbuds we tested

At the end of the initial testing period, the one product that didn't make the cut was the 1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30, which, at $89.99, were the least expensive earbuds I tested. While significantly cheaper than the earbuds that did make the cut, their battery life, app features, and fit didn't quite match up to the other options on my list. However, if you're looking for very barebones low-profile earbuds (and don't mind hearing them die in the early hours of the morning), these aren't a bad option under $100.

1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30 $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

In keeping up with my value criteria, I decided to ultimately pull the Ozlo Sleepbuds as our best upgrade pick. After their price jumped up from $299 to $349 — far outpricing our existing picks (and most premium standard ANC earbuds, for that matter) — I determined their features didn't justify their price tag. The addition of sleep tracking (which is in the works) or ANC would make these earbuds much more competitive. On that note, the newly-released Soundcore Sleep A30 took their spot, as the only sleep earbuds with ANC on the market at the time of writing.

Ozlo Sleepbuds $274 at Amazon
$349 Save $75   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Ozlo

We've also added the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds as one of our official recommendations as of January 2026. At a lower price point of $199.99 to the original A30's $229.99, these earbuds are a better value, especially considering their improved battery life. As such, we removed the original A30s from our recommended earbuds (especially as it appears they will be phased out in favor of the Sleep A30 Special earbuds).

SAVE $60: As of Jan. 29, the Insignia 32-inch Class F20 is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 32-inch Class F20 $69.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $60.00   Get Deal

A new TV doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, we love it when they don’t. If you shop around a little, chances are you can find a great smart TV for under $100. And that’s exactly what’s on offer right now at Amazon with this great new deal on the Insignia 32-inch Class F20.

As of Jan. 29, the Insignia 32-inch Class F20 is down to its lowest-ever price of $69.99 at Amazon. A new TV for under $70? Sign us up.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

And it’s a great TV for the price, with incredible picture quality and Fire TV built in. It offers 720p HD resolution, whether you’re watching films, shows, or playing games. It also comes with Alexa voice control via the remote, so you can search across apps, launch content, or ask questions using your voice. 

And with Fire TV built in, you’ll get access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes across popular streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, etc,) all in one place. The sound is premium thanks to the DTS Virtual-X which delivers a more immersive audio experience using the TV’s built-in speakers. You can also connect a soundbar via the HDMI ARC.

Get this TV deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $40: As of Jan. 29, the Dyson V8 cordless vacuum is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 10% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V8 $349.99 at Amazon
$389.88 Save $39.89   Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for a new cordless vacuum, you really can't go wrong with a Dyson. And as of Jan. 29, the Dyson V8 is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon.

If you have pets in your home, or end up with particularly stubborn messes, this vacuum will become your new best friend. The motorbar cleaner head can work across all floor types and even detangles long hair and pet hair as you go. There's three attachments to handle everything from corners to awkward gaps, and it also has a wall dock and charger for storage.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

You get up to 40 minutes of consistent suction, or a short boost in Max mode for tougher spots, with two power settings so you can balance suction and battery life. It also converts easily into a handheld vacuum, so it's perfect for cars, stairs, and upholstery. The hair screw tool is also perfect for picking up long hair and pet hair without tangling.

The whole-machine has a filtration system that captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.3 microns and releases cleaner air, so you can say goodbye to dust allergies.

Shop this Dyson deal on Amazon.

SAVE $100: As of Jan. 29, the Google Pixel 9a is on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9a $499 at Amazon
$599 Save $100   Get Deal

The Google Pixel 9a is back on sale at Amazon, and as of Jan. 29, you can get the 256GB option for $100 less than usual. This discount sees the price reduced from $599 to $499. The phone is unlocked and is available in the colors iris or obsidian.

This is an impressive phone with a whole lot going for it. It even made it onto our list of the best smartphones in 2025. And if you appreciate good camera quality on your phone, then you'll love the Pixel Camera's features like Add Me, Best Take, and Macro Focus to improve group shots and close-ups.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Battery life is a strong selling point too, with Adaptive Battery lasting over 30 hours, or up to 100 hours if you switch on Extreme Battery Saver. It has Gemini built in too, Google's AI, which can help you get things done faster by pulling information from apps like Maps, Calendar, Gmail, and YouTube Music.

And if you're clumsy, don't worry, this is a robust and durable phone. It has an IP68 water and dust resistance and a scratch-resistant display.

You can find this Google Pixel deal at Amazon.

Welcome to snow season. Tons of states in the U.S. got significant accumulation thanks to winter storm Fern. For some folks, the snow is a welcomed sight, offering a fun opportunity to head outside or stay indoors for some serious Lego building. But for others, dealing with snow accumulation is a huge pain. Anyone who has to get the car out of the driveway or walk out the front door might not love running into a foot of snow.

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

In viral videos that are sweeping our social channels, people have found a unique solution to dealing with snow that doesn't involve shoveling. It's a robot snow blower, specifically the Yarbo Snow Blower Robot. Serving as the only robot snow blower on the market, the Yarbo takes center stage in viral videos that show it working snowy magic.

It comes with a premium price, but for those who deal with constant winter snow clogging up the driveway or walkway, it could be well worth the investment.

Where to buy the Yarbo Snow Blower Robot Yarbo Snow Blower Robot $4,599 at Amazon (save $400) Shop Now Yarbo Snow Blower Robot $4,999 at Best Buy Shop Now Yarbo Snow Blower Robot $4,999 at Yarbo Shop Now Yarbo 4-in-1 Modular Robot (Lawn Mower, Snow Blower and Leaf Blower) $6,399 at Amazon (save $600) Shop Now

When it comes to getting rid of snow, the Yarbo is at your service. With throwing ranges from six to 40 feet, the Yarbo can handle snow as deep as 12 inches. It works in a similar way as a robot vacuum, mapping your driveway, yard, or walkway. You can also set zones and schedules, or let the Yarbo automatically detect storms and take off all on its own. That means the Yarbo can take off to clear the driveway in the middle of the night, without you even knowing the snow has begun.

View this post on Instagram

With a single charge, the Yarbo can clear about 6,000 square feet of snow, and it's capable of operating in temps as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit. When the snow-gobbling robot gets down to 20% battery, it'll automatically return home to recharge. With about 90 minutes of recharging, it'll be back at 80% battery power.

The stats get even more impressive when we factor in that the Yarbo can even handle plowing on gravel and on slopes as steep as 36%. Plus, it's capable of handling wet and packed snow.

It turns out, the Yarbo Snow Blower has been around for a few years. At CES in 2024, Yarbo introduced the snow-plowing robot as the latest attachment to what Yarbo calls the Yarbo Core. This robot can server as a lawn mower, leaf blower, and a snow blower, depending on which attachment you use. Snag all three and you'll be set for every season.

Sure, dropping $5,000 on a snow-blowing robot isn't gonna be for everyone, but if you live in an area that deals with non-stop snow for months at a time, it could be well worth the investment.

SAVE $50: The M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, down from the normal price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple M4 Mac Mini (2024, 256GB) $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50   Get Deal

Silicon Valley is going wild for the 2024 M4 Mac Mini, but it's not for the reason you might think. No, it's not being used as a traditional desktop computer in the way we assume. People are using it to run the latest AI assistant, Clawdbot. With a cute lobster mascot, the Clawdbot hype is driving up sales and snatching up stock of the Mac Mini with an M4 chip. Before it becomes impossible to find in-stock, check out this sale price.

As of Jan. 28, the M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $549, marked down from the standard price of $599.

Why use a Mac Mini for running Clawdbot? The answers are pretty similar to why you'd want a Mac Mini in the first place. Like the name implies, it's a tiny beast that has 16GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD. Plus, you can leave it running at all times with no issue. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and plan to adopt Clawdbot, a dedicated Mac Mini could be an awesome sidekick.

SEE ALSO: Clawdbot is a viral AI assistant: What it is, how to try it

This 2024 version of the Mac Mini comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, ethernet, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. All of that is housed in the compact five inch by five inch Mac Mini housing. This size makes it simple to add to your current desktop setup or take along on the next work trip.

If you're looking for the smallest possible personal assistant, running Clawdbot on a Mac Mini might be your best option. Before demand reaches even higher levels, snag the M4 Mac Mini from Amazon while it's on sale for $549. That's $50 off the normal price.

TL;DR: Live stream Pegula vs. Rybakina in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open final is calling for Pegula and Rybakina. Both players have looked incredibly impressive on their way to this fascinating semi-final matchup. In fact, neither player has lost a single set.

Something has got to give when they come together to battle it out for a place in the showpiece event taking place this weekend.

If you want to watch Pegula vs. Rybakina in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Pegula vs. Rybakina for free

Pegula vs. Rybakina in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open 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 leading services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Pegula vs. Rybakina without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Pegula vs. Rybakina in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

I spend a lot of time trawling through the depths of the online world to find deals that are genuinely worth your time and money. And no, I'm not talking about those heavily discounted products that have actually been stuck at that "low price" for months. I'm talking about limited-time discounts on the products that I'd actually recommend to a friend.

That's the aim of the game for Mashable's team of shopping experts. We're constantly scanning leading retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy to bring you new opportunities to save your precious cash. But we're not satisfied with the current state of affairs. We don't want you to miss a thing, and that's why we landed on the Mashable Deals text group.

Become a subscriber of the Mashable Deals text group and I'll send you the very best deals directly to your phone. You don't need to pay anything to get access to these deals. Simply sign up above and you'll be the first to know about huge savings on MacBooks, limited-time discounts on AirPods, price cuts on items under $50, and all of those other deals that drop throughout the week.

I'll send a Deal of the Day most days. During major shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday, we may bump this up to a couple of sends per day. But that's only if we come across multiple offers that are truly worth the send. If we track down a bunch of impressively low prices during a busy shopping event, we'll drop those in a single text.

We're not going to spam you. The daily deals that we send to the Mashable Deals text group will have been researched and assessed by the team with the same level of care that we dedicate to the rest of our shopping content.

Signing up for the Mashable Deals text group is quick, safe, and totally free. You can also opt out anytime you like. I hope you give it a try.

Stephen Colbert has mocked U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's attempts to walk back her allegations against nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot dead by ICE on Saturday. Noem quickly accused Pretti of "domestic terrorism" after he was killed, though provided no evidence to back up her claims. Widespread video evidence also appeared to debunk the narrative that he was attacking ICE agents, showing that Pretti never drew his firearm, and that said agents had removed it from his holster before he was shot.

Now the Trump administration is backtracking, and apparently throwing each other under the bus in the process. While a few Republicans have called for her resignation, Noem has claimed that she only acted according to the direction of President Donald Trump and U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller.

"Oh, so you were just following orders," said Colbert. "This was all just a nothingburger. Oh, I'm sorry. I misread that. It's a Nuremberg-er."

The Nuremberg defense, also known as the superior orders defence, is a legal plea arguing that an individual should not be found guilty for carrying out crimes if they were ordered to do so by their superior. This defence was famously attempted during the Nuremberg trials, which prosecuted Nazi war criminals following World War II. The defence was rejected.

Colbert further noted that while Noem claimed that she was simply following directions, Miller has stated that his comments were based on information provided by Customs and Border Protection.

"So Kristi Noem, who runs Customs and Border Protection, heard it from Stephen Miller, who says he heard it from Customs and Border Protection, run by Kristi Noem," said Colbert. "This is a real snake eating its own tail, which I believe is how Stephen Miller reproduces."

If you planned on buying a Tesla Model S or a Model X, better hurry: These two models will be discontinued soon.

The plan was mentioned by company CEO Elon Musk during Tesla's earnings call on Wednesday. It was later confirmed in a tweet from Tesla's official account.

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

"As we shift to an autonomous future, Model S & X production will wind down next quarter," the tweet said. "If you’d like to own one of them, now’s a good time to place your order."

The move doesn't come as complete surprise. Tesla kept its two premium models alive with small updates over the years, but never really gave either model the complete overhaul it deserved (this especially goes for the Model X, which still looks almost the same now as it did when it first launched in 2015).

Instead, the company focused on its best-selling SUV and sedan, the Model Y, and Model 3, while sales of the Model S and X dwindled. When reporting sales, Tesla lumps all of its premium models together in the "other models" category, and in the last quarter of 2025, it sold only 11,642 of these, a 51 percent year-over-year decrease.

Still, the discontinuation of Model S and X is a huge deal for the company and will likely cause a lot of grumpiness among fans. The Tesla Model S was the company's first family sedan, and the first car it sold at any sort of meaningful volume (the Tesla Roadster was the original Tesla car, but it was more of a showcase of what electric cars can do).

Perhaps most importantly, unless it comes up with something new, Tesla will now have a pretty big gap in its lineup. The Model 3 and Y are a compact sedan and SUV, respectively. The Model S is a large family sedan, and the fastest Tesla car you can get; The Model X is the company's most luxurious vehicle and the only truly large family SUV it had in its lineup.

Now, if you want something a bit more posh or spacious from Tesla, you'll have to go for the divisive Cybertruck, which is selling abysmally. That "other models" category we mentioned above? It also includes the Cybertruck and Tesla Semi.

Tesla's next car should be the self-driving Cybercab/Robotaxi, which isn't something regular people will want to own. The much-delayed new Tesla Roadster should arrive in 2027, but that's a pretty extreme sports car that even Elon Musk admits not everyone should own.

SEE ALSO: Tesla cars in the U.S. no longer come with Autopilot

Instead, Tesla is increasingly focusing on its humanoid robot, Optimus. In fact, the company's production line in Fremont, California, where it used to manufacture the Model S and X, will now be replaced by a production line for Optimus.

What about the cars, though? Per Elon Musk: "The only vehicles that we'll make will be autonomous vehicles, with the exception of the next generation Roadster."

After three seasons of waltzing around it, Bridgerton has finally taken a lesson from Downton Abbey and properly addressed the c-word: class. But it's complicated.

Though Shonda Rhimes' Netflix series has long luxuriated in the ballroom gowns, glimmering tea sets, and manicured lawns of the nobility, it has avoided any direct confrontation with the complicated social structure of Regency society, instead living in a fantasy for three seasons. The show's multiracial casting has raised conversations about historical context, but class politics hasn't played a major part in the narrative, only being glimpsed fleetingly through characters like Lady Whistledown's printing press staff and the Featheringtons' fiercely loyal housekeeper, Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne). The bourgeoisie have had their moments — the Mondriches' (Martins Imhangbe and Emma Naomi) social standing rose in Season 3 — but the working class has never starred in their own storyline.

So Season 4 comes as a refreshing surprise, as Bridgerton actually gives airtime (and names) to the folks who keep the Ton and the houses of nobility running. Namely, the sublime Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a Cinderella-channelling maid in disguise who meet-cutes Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) at his family's own fancy masquerade ball. She knows who he is. He doesn't have the foggiest.

Featured Video For You ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 has the internet upset for all the wrong reasons

"Having one half of a Bridgerton couple be a servant immediately injects the show with new energy," Mashable's Belen Edwards writes in her review. "The Downton Abbey-esque move offers up a much-needed new perspective on the Ton, one where we see the work that goes into maintaining its lush fantasy. It also prepares the audience to see the world through Sophie's eyes."

Though it wasn't perfect in its representation of class divide, Julian Fellowes' Downton Abbey became synonymous with its social commentary on the overlap between the aristocracy and their servants under the same roof, the "upstairs" and the "downstairs." Like Bridgerton, Downton somewhat unrealistically presents members of the English nobility as benevolent pals of their servants, while the social line between them remains — this becomes an issue in Bridgerton this season with Mrs Varley's treatement by Portia Featherington (Polly Walker). The storylines involving the upper classes are undeniably prioritised in both series, with everyone else constantly dreaming of moving up, of "bettering" themselves. As Lady Whistledown writes in Season 4, episode 1 of Bridgerton, "This author knows best that a small amount of make-believe often has the power to remake reality to lift us up from the drudgery of a humdrum existence." Girl, steady on.

Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in "Bridgerton." Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

This season, our lovers are from two households, both alike in dignity, but they're sleeping on different floors — one upstairs, one downstairs. Through Sophie's socially complicated backstory and Benedict's flippant privilege, the show asks interesting questions about class, inheritance, and Regency society. And it's not just because Benedict cannot marry someone from a lower social class; we've seen this love story before in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (though heroine Elizabeth Bennet hails from the country gentry, not the working class). Bridgerton leans more into the practical implications of a class divide between protagonists. Sophie needs stable employment to survive, period — Season 3 also examined the sexist links between romance and "financial security" for women. When Benedict saves Sophie from an abusive employer, she's frustrated knowing she has little chance of finding another job. Yes, Bridgerton is a fantasy, but it makes contextual sense for this woman to fear losing her role, despite the open threat within her workplace. Benedict jumps into saviour mode, employing Sophie in his own home while foolishly pretending the unequal power dynamic won't impact their crush. He's wrong. And don't even get me started about the amount of Bridgertons shocked over Sophie being an educated maid.

Wait, this isn't a still from "Downton Abbey"? Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

With this Cinderella story afoot, it's prudent for showrunner Jess Brownell to take a leaf from Downton and spend actual time "downstairs." (Even Jane Austen herself made room to acknowledge the inability of the rich to function without servants.) So, we meet the Bridgerton House staff, including housekeeper, lady's maid, and event manager Mrs. Wilson (Geraldine Alexander). From director of photography Jeffrey Jur and editor David Greenspan, we're given shots of the servants fluffing pillows, dusting pianos, folding sheets. We follow Mrs. Wilson into the kitchen, pantry, and scullery where napkins are being pressed, pheasants plucked, dough rolled, and staff reprimanded for leaving bootprints in the hall. We observe who delivers the desserts and dance cards for the Bridgertons' masquerade ball. "Thrilling for them, chaos for us," Footman John (Oli Higginson) remarks.

Just like the famous bell board of Downton, we see just how many rooms the staff in Bridgerton must manage, with various shots of the bells connected to Lady Violet's (Ruth Gemmell) room, the dressing room, and the children's bedrooms. We later see the same bell service setup in the servants' quarters of Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung)'s home, Penwood House. In these quarters, we meet servants like Celia (Sophie Lamont) of Bridgerton House, and Sophie's fellow servants Alfie (David Moorst) and Irma (Fiona Marr), who get their own scenes largely making fun of their employers — once, Mrs. Wilson remarks that the Bridgertons having children means more work for the servants: "They're sweet as long as you are not the one who has to look after them and mind their cries." And the Crabtrees (Susan Brown and Billy Boyle) should know — the pair who turn up in episode 3 manage Benedict's "cottage" have basically raised him since working at Bridgerton House.

Oli Higginson, Sophie Lamont, and Geraldine Alexander in "Bridgerton." Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Crucially, servants see behind the curtain in pristine Regency households (they're the ones drawing them, after all). The value of keeping up appearances can easily make way for gossip between household staff — and as Lady Whistledown can attest, information is power, especially in the marriage mart. Mrs. Varley would do anything for the Featheringtons to shield them from public ruin, and has. In Season 4, we see Bridgerton staffers, including valet Hatch (Esh Alladi), covering for Benedict's rakish behaviour on more than one occasion. Mrs. Wilson is Lady Violet's closest confidante, becoming the ultimate wingwoman. In fact, Bridgerton champions the value of servants so hard this season it muscles in a storyline referred to by Lady Whistledown as "the Maid War," in which staff are in such short supply that households are fighting over them — and Lady Araminta pretty much wins this war by offering higher wages. Shocking.

Make no mistake, Bridgerton Season 4 still holds the aristocracy as its core, covetable class, just as Downton did. In fact, Lady Araminta tells Sophie that impersonating nobility is a "crime." However, it's high time the show gives its working class characters dialogue and importance to the series narrative. It's not perfect, but it's a start.

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.

Bridgerton has never met a romance trope it didn't love.

Season 1 introduced us to the fake relationship-turned-true love of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). Season 2's Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) ushered in Bridgerton's swoon-worthy take on enemies-to-lovers, and Season 3 paid off Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton's (Luke Newton) slow burn friends-to-lovers arc.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to remember before 'Bridgerton' Season 4

Now in Season 4, Bridgerton turns to another timeless romance trope: that of the Cinderella story. And the results, like any good fairy tale love story, will sweep you off your feet.

What's Bridgerton Season 4 about? Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in "Bridgerton." Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Playing the role of Bridgerton Season 4's Prince Charming is none other than Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). The family's second son and eternal rake spent the first three seasons pursuing an art career, exploring his queerness, and just mostly having a fun, if irresponsible, time about town. In Season 4, he steps into the spotlight, albeit through no desire of his own. Bridgerton matriarch Lady Violet (Ruth Gemmell) is tired of her son's carousing and demands that he set his sights on marriage. Just like that, Benedict is on the market — and he's Queen Charlotte's (Golda Rosheuvel) favorite prospect.

So who is our Cinderella to Benedict's Prince Charming? Newcomer Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), the servant to widow Lady Araminta Penwood (Katie Leung) and her two daughters.

SEE ALSO: 'Bridgerton' Season 4 finally wants to talk about class

Having one half of a Bridgerton couple be a servant immediately injects the show with new energy. Throughout the series, we've primarily seen the "upstairs" of the Bridgerton household. That all changes in Season 4's first moments, which bring us "downstairs," where all manner of servants toil away to make sure the Bridgertons' teas and balls go off without a hitch. We see them fashioning showstopping desserts, debating dance card logistics, and even gossiping about the Bridgerton family while waiting on them. The Downton Abbey-esque move offers up a much-needed new perspective on the ton, one where we see the work that goes into maintaining its lush fantasy. It also prepares the audience to see the world through Sophie's eyes.

Sophie Baek and Benedict Bridgerton have impeccable chemistry. Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in "Bridgerton." Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

When you first meet Sophie, you won't know right away that she's a servant. That's because she's at the Bridgertons' lavish masquerade ball to open the season. Hidden behind a silver mask and matching gown, she could be anyone. Yet even a disguise can't hide Sophie's wonder at the spectacle of the ball, an appreciation that endears her immediately to Benedict, who's already tired of the advances of young women clamoring for marriage. It's not long before sparks fly between the two as they share a private dance lesson full of witty repartee, longing glances, and sensuous glove touches. Gentle reader, I was kicking my feet so much during this scene, you might be fooled into thinking I was a soccer player.

Of course, like all good Cinderella stories go, the clock must strike midnight, and the mysterious princess must run back to her humble beginnings, but not before leaving behind a token of sorts. Don't fret: Benedict and Sophie will cross paths again. This time there are no masks between them, yet this makes their blooming romance all the more difficult. Benedict cannot marry a woman below his social class, nor can he fully forget the Lady in Silver he fell for at the ball. So begins what feels like a love triangle between two people: Benedict, Sophie, and Sophie's alter ego.

SEE ALSO: 'Bridgerton' Season 4 soundtrack, song-by-song

The hidden identities of it all risks becoming infuriating. (How many times did I yell, "Just tell him!" at Sophie? Too many to count!) Yet Ha and Thompson's performances manage to sell even the most ridiculous plot contrivances.

Let's start with Benedict's seeming inability to recognize a woman's voice or face. What could be sheer stupidity transforms into daffy unawareness thanks to Thompson's affable turn as a (mostly) oblivious noble man. Sorry to the Benedict haters, but for all his faults, the man is impossibly charming, and a damn delightful romantic lead.

Where Benedict is charming and free-spirited, treating the world as an adventure, Sophie is cautious. As a servant to a cruel family, she can't afford to take anything for granted, and Ha carries the weight of that harsh reality in every scene. Yet when she and Benedict cross paths, she lights up, and he learns to listen better — even empathizing with the young débutantes he used to scorn. People use the phrase "they complete each other" often in romances, and here, it's triply true. Sophie brings Benedict some much-needed seriousness, while he brings her some much-needed joy, and what follows is a potent cocktail of sweet banter and quiet yearning.

Bridgerton still suffers from too many side plots. Golda Rosheuvel and Hugh Sachs in "Bridgerton." Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Bridgerton Season 4 is blessed with an enchanting central couple and two luminous lead performances. So why does it keep cutting away from them?

Bridgerton's glut of subplots isn't a new problem, although it became exceptionally glaring in Season 3, when it robbed us of further development of Penelope and Colin's relationship. That issue persists in Season 4, with Bridgerton overstuffing its episodes fit to bursting.

Some of these subplots work well. Everything Leung does as Lady Araminta is delightfully sinister, and Violet's tentative courtship with Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) is a moving examination of finding love long after the loss of a partner. Others, on the other hand, are less successful. A growing rift between Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) nicely complicates one of the show's longest standing relationships, but it's not long before it feels like Bridgerton is spinning its wheels with these two. The same goes for Francesca's (Hannah Dodd) sexual dissatisfaction with her husband, Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli). While the story leads to some funny, then downright sweet moments, it also suffers from being a relationship caught in the shadow of Sophie and Benedict's. To paraphrase The Simpsons, whenever Sophie and Benedict aren't on screen, everyone should be asking, where are Sophie and Benedict?

Contrast Bridgerton's desire to heavily populate its world beyond its lead romance with the hottest show right now, Heated Rivalry. (Spoiler alert: Both shows involve key trips to a "cottage" that is actually a big-ass house.) That series succeeds thanks to its tight focus on its central couple, to the point that the rest of the world fades away to give them more space. In Bridgerton, the rest of the world is often overbearing. Not in a "These societal expectations are crushing us!" kind of way, but more in a "Wait, we're leaving Benedict and Sophie behind again?" kind of way.

Thankfully, the power of Sophie and Benedict remains strong enough to fuel the first half of Bridgerton's otherwise captivating Season 4. As Cinderella stories go, it's downright enchanting.

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Only a handful of players are still in contention to win the 2026 Australian Open. We've reached the semi-final stage of the first Grand Slam of the season, with Sabalenka vs. Svitolina serving up the first game of this round.

Elena Svitolina has never made a Grand Slam final, but she's fresh from beating Coco Gauff in straight sets. She'll need to carry that impressive form into this matchup, as top seed Sabalenka is incredibly tough to beat. Sabalenka has already won this competition twice before, and will be looking to move on from last year's final defeat to Madison Keys.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Svitolina for free

Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open 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 leading services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sabalenka vs. Svitolina without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Smooth.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

SLEEK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A small fish.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 29, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GUPPY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A large horned mammal.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 29, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

RHINO

Hurdle Word 4 hint

That one.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

WHICH

Final Hurdle hint

A baby cat.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

KITTY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It feels like we're inundated with tennis tournaments over the summer months, and then nothing. After the US Open, tennis fans have a painful wait for the next Grand Slam.

But thankfully, the 2026 Australian Open has come to the rescue to deliver epic contests between the best players in the world. It's the first chance to see the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka on the biggest stage. And better yet, it's possible to follow all the action from this showpiece event without spending anything.

If you want to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Australian Open?

The Australian Open is a tennis tournament held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. It's the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, followed by the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.

The current singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys.

When is the 2026 Australian Open?

The 2026 Australian Open is the 114th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1.

How to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free

The 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2026 Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight 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).

Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.