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There is a quiet assumption that if you choose Xfce, you have made peace with a certain aesthetic. Functional, stable, slightly frozen in time. It works, it does not surprise you, and it does not try to look like anything else, and much like others, I also accepted it. Then I started making small, almost trivial changes, and something odd happened. The desktop stopped feeling like a compromise and started feeling intentional.

It's Tax Day in the U.S. and those super-charged tax refunds promised by Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" are on the way, right? Well...

As Stephen Colbert pointed out during The Late Show on Wednesday night, while the average individual tax refund will indeed be $748 higher this year due to the Republican-backed bill, the average U.S. household could pay $740 more for gasoline, thanks to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran. So, what's the difference?

"Let's see... that is...eight bucks. That's eight bucks. So congratulations, everybody," Colbert said. "Eight bucks doesn't sound like much, but may I remind you that'll get you eight lotto tickets, which also happens to be Trump's health care plan."

Colbert noted one person who's seemingly not concerned with oil prices and inflation, Trump's Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett, who told CNBC on Tuesday, "Imagine if oil prices start going back down, because the situation resolves itself somehow, that you could be looking at an inflation close to zero."

"Yes, the situation might resolve itself somehow," responded Colbert, in full sarcasm mode. "Until then, all America has to do is use their imagination. My friends, imagine a car made of liquorice somehow, and it somehow runs on dreams, and somehow your best friend is a musical dog and Kevin Hassett isn't an idiot, somehow."

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It's only been a few days since Donald Trump received criticism for attacking the Pope online and then sharing a now-deleted AI image of himself as Jesus a "doctor", but it appears the president is doubling down.

"Our Darth Vader president is lashing out at the Pope again," says Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above. "This is how he operates: he does something dumb, everyone around him tries to clean it up for him, and then he just does it again. He's mad at the Pope for being against war and lashed out last night just before midnight, which is not helping his 'I'm not the Antichrist campaign.'"

Kimmel goes on to show another AI image Trump posted on Truth Social, this time featuring himself standing next to Jesus in apparent harmony.

"He posted this image of Jesus quietly begging him to stop," says Kimmel. "Check out the chin and cheekbones. Somebody's been looksmaxxing."

TL;DR: As of April 16, you can get the LG 43-inch Class UA77 Series for free when you buy the LG 77-inch Class B5 Series at Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 77-Inch Class B5 Series OLED TV $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,999.99 Save $1,500.00 Get the LG 43-inch Class UA77 Series TV for free with purchase Get Deal

If you're shopping around for multiple TVs to kit out your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, Best Buy has a stellar deal right now that will see you get an impressive TV for free. Yes, really.

As of April 16, if you buy the LG 77-inch Class B5 Series TV, you'll get the 43-inch Class UA77 Series totally for free. But that's not all. You don't even need to pay full price for the B5 Series, because it's currently half off. For a limited time, the price is down from $2,999.99 to $1,499.99. So already you've saved $1,500 before you consider the TV thrown in for free.

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The LG 77-inch Class B5 Series TV offers native 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and a filmmaker mode for a more cinematic experience. It's powered by the α8 AI Processor, which automatically optimizes picture and audio based on what you're watching. And for gamers, it includes NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, VRR, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, along with LG Game Optimizer and Game Dashboard.

You can add $249.99 to your savings, because that's the list price for the UA77 Series that you're getting for free. That's a total saving of $1,749.99 when everything is added up.

Anything is good when it's free, but this TV shines at full price. It's a 4K TV with webOS 25, so you'll get smooth browsing, personalized recommendations, and access to over 300 free LG Channels. And just like the B5 Series, gamers are catered for thanks to the LG Game Optimizer.

Head to Best Buy to snag this BOGO deal.

TL;DR: Amazon has the LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor on sale for $1,547.52, which knocks $452.47 off its $1,999.99 list price. That’s a 23% discount on a huge 5K2K OLED display with a dramatic 800R curve, dual-mode refresh rates up to 330Hz, and a near-instant 0.03ms response time.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG OLED 45-inch Curved UltraGear Gaming Monitor $1,547.52 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $452.47 Get Deal

OLEDs are some of the most expensive screens you can buy, both for gaming monitors and TVs. And even more so when you look at curved models. However, the latest bargain from LG on one of its UltraGear units should help take the sting away from your upgrade.

As of April 16, the LG 45-inch UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor is listed for $1,547.52 at Amazon, down from $1,999.99. That saves you $452.47 on a monitor that feels built for gamers who want their setup to look as stellar as the games they’re playing.

With its 45-inch curved OLED panel, 21:9 aspect ratio, and a 5K2K WUHD resolution of 5120 x 2160, this LG monitor gives you a lot more room to work with than a standard gaming display. LG also says the aggressive 800R curve is designed to pull more of your peripheral vision into the action, which makes this a particularly tempting pick for the latest sprawling RPGs like Crimson Desert, and other single-player releases that are on a more cinematic scale — such as Pragmata and Saros.

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What’s more, LG’s Dual Mode lets you switch between 5K2K at up to 165Hz for sharper, more detailed visuals, or Wide Full HD at up to 330Hz when you want something even faster and more responsive for competitive matches.

When combined with its 0.03ms response time, NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, you’re not only all set for buttery smooth visuals with quick-moving racing games like Forza Horizon 5, but also fast-paced shooters like Fortnite and Marathon.

For those who are open to a smaller model, LG’s 27-inch Ultragear gaming monitor is only $749.99. Elsewhere, Samsung’s 40-inch Odyssey G7 is now just under $700. 

SAVE $60: As of April 16, the Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE) has been marked down to $389.99 at Amazon. This is $60 off its list price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) $389.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $60   Get Deal

Have you considered investing in a smartwatch to help keep track of your workout or health goals? Amazon has a few deals worth checking out right now. Among them is the Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE), our favorite Android smartwatch, which is $60 off right now.

This deal has dropped this Pixel Watch 4's price from $449.99 to $389.99. What's even better is every available color is on sale at this price, so you can pick out your favorite from the range.

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The Pixel Watch 4 boasts a wide variety of health and fitness features, including over 40 exercise modes, a high-precision dual-frequency GPS, heart rate tracking, and sleep tracking, just to name a few. Mashable's Christianna Silva called it a "true runners' watch" in her review, also mentioning that it's "faster, brighter, and more customizable than ever."

On top of all that, the Pixel Watch 4 has a solid battery life. Silva noted in her review that it, "charges 25 percent faster than the Google Pixel Watch 3" and that, "The Google Pixel Watch 4 has up to 48 hours of battery life on the 41mm or 72 hours on the 45mm in Battery Saver Mode."

Keep in mind that this deal on the Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE) is currently marked as a limited-time offer at Amazon. So if you're hoping to grab it at this price, act fast before it's gone.

SAVE OVER $80: As of April 16, the Bluetti Elite 10 Mini is on sale for $112.98 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 10 Mini $112.98 at Amazon
$199 Save $86.02   Get Deal

A reliable power backup source doesn't need to break the bank, especially when you don't need a unit to power a whole home for days.

If you're looking for something to keep your main devices going, you need the Bluetti Elite 10 Mini. And as of April 16, it's on sale at Amazon. Right now you can take home this model for just $112.98, saving you over $80. This price is for the gray model, but for one cent more you can opt for the meadow green color.

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This power station is designed to be a step up from a power bank. It has enough capacity to power small devices like laptops, drones, and cameras while on the move, so it's a great choice if you have lots of personal devices. It includes a 200W AC outlet, 100W USB-C fast charging, and multiple DC ports, so it's handy for camping, travel, or even emergency use. And despite its powerful output, it's light enough to carry around (just 4.0 lbs).

For charging, it has multiple methods of powering, including 150W AC charging that reaches full power in around 70 minutes, 100W solar input for off-grid use (solar panels are sold separately), and car charging via a 12V outlet.

You can find this limited-time Bluetti deal at Amazon.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, April 16, 2026:

AcrossBow ties and ribbons that you can't wear?

• The answer is Pasta.

Opposite of lower

• The answer is Upper.

Flappable origami creation

• The answer is Crane.

Where the Hangul alphabet is used

• The answer is Korea.

Apparatus under a trapeze

• The answer is Net.

DownDisc dropped on center ice

• The answer is Puck.

One might read "Kiss the Chef"

• The answer is Apron.

Unlikely outcome after a 7-10 split

• The answer is Spare.

Fundamental belief

• The answer is Tenet.

Bay ___ (part of California)

• The answer is Area.

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of April 16, the Anker Solix F2000 is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon. That's a 55% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix F2000 $899.99 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $1,099.01   Get Deal

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a reliable portable power station for home backup, travel, or camping, there are plenty of great deals at Amazon right now, including this latest offer on the Anker Solix F2000.

As of April 16, this powerhouse of a unit is reduced by over $1,000, bringing the price down from $1,999 to $899.99. That's more than half off. This deal is for the unit alone, however there are upgrade options to add solar panels or expansion batteries.

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This is a high-capacity portable power station designed for long-term use. It delivers 2400W of output with a wide range of ports, including AC outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, car sockets, and an RV port. It can even keep a fridge running for up to 32 hours.

It supports fast recharging, reaching around 80% in about 1.4 hours, and has the ability to handle higher-wattage devices up to 3,600W using its SurgePad feature. And thanks to Anker’s InfiniPower technology, this unit has a lifespan of up to 10 years, so you'll truly get your money's worth.

You can find this portable power station deal at Amazon.

SAVE $350: As of April 16, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is on sale for $449 at Amazon. That's a 44% discount off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $449 at Amazon
$799 Save $350   Get Deal

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is back on sale at Amazon, and if you've been looking for a reliable portable power station to see you through power outages, this is the ideal unit. And as of April 16, there's currently $350 off the list price, bringing the cost down to $449. This price is for the unit only, however there are various upgrade options also on sale. You can add solar panels, charging cables, or carrying bags for less right now.

With 1,500W of AC power (3,000W surge) and a 1,070Wh capacity, this power station is ideal for running all types of appliances, from fridges to keeping your phone charged.

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Despite being so powerful, it doesn't need long to charge up. It actually supports fast charging, reaching full battery in around one hour with the Jackery app’s emergency mode, or 1.7 hours when charged normally. And this battery will last. It has an LFP battery that's rated for over 4,000 charge cycles. This worsk out to around 10 years of use.

For your devices, you'll get multiple ports you can use at the same time, including USB-C, USB-A, DC car output, and three AC outlets. And it's a great unit for taking with you on the go, weighing just 23.8 lbs and including a foldable handle, making it ideal for camping or road trips.

Get this Jackery power station deal at Amazon now.

As a society, we're down to spend money on a nice new living room TV every so often. But smaller spaces like the kitchen or a bedroom seem to have been dubbed undeserving of a TV upgrade — even if the current TV is crappy, or even if we spend a lot of time in that room. To be fair, there weren't many exciting options to choose from. I don't know how the stylish budget-friendly small TV market went so untapped for so long, but Hisense was genius for throwing the S5 Déco QLED TV into the mix.

What's special about the Hisense Déco TV

The Hisense Déco TV is a 32-inch QLED TV with a chic white "art-inspired design." That's not to be confused with matte art TVs that lie flat against the wall like framed art. So while the Hisense Déco isn't a direct dupe for The Frame or the Hisense CanvasTV, it still speaks to the style-conscious part of your brain that cares about the cohesiveness of a space. Why settle for a blatantly techy TV if your bedroom's decor calls for something more whimsical?

The case for an aesthetically pleasing bedroom TV

I've been carefully curating my bedroom's ambiance for years, as most of us do. There are few places more comforting than the personal cave we've designed for ourselves, few activities that sound better than watching something cozy in bed. Doesn't it just make sense for the TV to mesh with the rest of your decor?

The Hisense Déco TV matches my room's color scheme and level of whimsy. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Outside of expensive art TVs with swappable frames, I don't think I had ever seen a TV that strays from the standard black design. Apparently, neither had all of the people who flooded my DMs when I posted the above photo on my Instagram Story.

"What is this?!", "I've literally never seen a white TV before omg", "I'm scared to know how much this costs but I need it", and "This pic is literally so chic omg" were just a few of the replies. You get the point: There was clearly a need for a classy little decor-centric TV that doesn't cost $600, like the smallest Frame TV.

The display flows right into the central stand, so you don't need to screw on legs. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The remote is your average Fire TV remote. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

My current dresser was my mom's when she was a teenager in the '70s. It's an eggshell color with swirly gold handles, topped with various trinkets like antique jewelry boxes, perfume, a skeleton hand from Michaels' Halloween section that I use as a ring holder... the classics. I always thought that the arrangement was way too elegant for the old black plasticky TV that also lived there. (The mismatch would probably be less obvious if I mounted the TV on the wall instead, but I ain't doing all that.) The Hisense Déco is the seamless addition that I had unknowingly been waiting for.

Instead of standing on two stubby legs, the Déco's curved white bezels flow directly into the base of the TV. The sculptural one-piece build feels avant-garde for TV standards, but also means that no assembly is required.

Picture quality is actually quite sharp for non-4K

The Hisense Déco's screen has some serious pop, especially compared to a dull LED screen. The Déco's full HD resolution isn't as granular as the 4K you'll see on 90 percent of TVs, but I don't think the average $200 32-inch TV buyer will be that picky about upscaling. Shadows aren't pixelated like they were on my old TV, and there's no overall fuzziness. I was thoroughly impressed by the sharpness of subtitles, despite the letters being so small.

A coral reef wouldn't be nearly this colorful on my old TV. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The layer of quantum dots picks up a lot of the slack from the lack of 4K. While LED vs. QLED and FHD vs. 4K are talking about two different TV specs (light and resolution, respectively), the range of a QLED TV's color palette does create a crispier image than an LED TV. These tiny nanocrystals can emit over a billion different colors, deepening black levels and brightening light tones to create a more contrasted picture. The colors on the Hisense Déco are legitimately stunning. They were even rich enough to hold their own against the color-changing bulbs in my nightstand, which are the only lights on in my room at night.

SEE ALSO: I've sucked at sleeping for a decade. The Hatch Restore 3 makes bedtime feel less chaotic, but it's not a cure-all.

I struggle to wind down at night as it is, so I typically don't watch anything that I actually need to pay attention to before bed. If I absolutely need some background noise, Planet Earth or Our Planet for the 40th time it is. The Déco really did the habitats on these shows justice. Between spot-on color accuracy and vibrant hues across the board, it's quite the immersive experience for such a little TV.

Bright objects in dark scenes do sometimes have a glow around them. The Déco's screen uses a direct backlight rather than full-array local dimming, so it doesn't benefit from little clusters of bulbs that turn off to reduce the halo effect. But the casual watcher probably won't even notice — a TV this small isn't meant to have the picture quality of an advanced home theater TV.

I hate when movies show the demon. Anyway, the dark scenes in "Rosario" looked awesome. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Déco didn't muddy the overnight recordings from "Paranormal Activity 3" at all. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The occasional blooming didn't affect my weekend horror movie watching, at least. In my time with the Déco TV so far, I crossed Hallow Road and Rosario off my list and threw in a comfort rewatch of Paranormal Activity 3. Dark scene details in all three films were less gray and significantly more legible from a few feet away in my bed than on my old TV.

If you haven't switched to a smart TV yet, do it

Many small space TVs are such an afterthought that they haven't made it out of the dumb TV phase yet. That was me using my bedroom TV from high school at age 30. The ol' Fire Stick rig can make it possible to access streaming apps on a regular TV for several years. But as I learned, a TV can simply get so old that it can't handle an external streaming device anymore.

A single arrow click on the Fire TV remote was enough to send my old TV into shock. It was so frustrating that I stopped bothering trying to watch anything at all. So not only was that TV an ugly plastic box that didn't match my room at all, but it was doing nothing but collecting dust.

SEE ALSO: Did Amazon brick your Kindle? The pros and cons of switching to Kobo e-readers.

After a month or so with the Hisense Déco, I can't believe I put up with a non-smart TV setup for so long. The Déco's Fire TV interface is highly responsive and as easy to navigate as Fire TV always is. You mean I can just click on a streaming app and it plays the content? Without the possibility of spontaneous combustion?

Is it a reach to classify a reliable bedroom TV as a productivity hack? That's one surefire way to pair some universally-hated chores — like folding laundry or cursing out the fitted sheet while you make your bed — with an activity you enjoy, like catching up on a show. It's also nice to not be relegated to the living room couch if I want to watch something live. Now, I can throw the new episode of Abbott Elementary or an NBA game on in my room without propping my phone up to watch YouTube TV. (That app would have sent my old TV into orbit.)

Factors to keep in mind

The Hisense Déco TV is the rare QLED TV that isn't 4K. The difference between the Déco's FHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) would be most noticeable when intently watching a dark film in a dark room or playing video games. But no one would realistically be shopping for the decor-focused Déco TV with expectations for an elevated streaming or gaming experience.

The reflection of my makeup desk in the top left corner was getting distracting. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

QLED TVs are naturally brighter and easier to see in sunlit rooms than LED TVs. That doesn't automatically make them immune to glare in a bright room. The Déco TV definitely struggles to neutralize reflections when watching TV during the day. Because it's designed for such casual use, I'm not that pressed about the lack of glare reduction — plus, there are significantly more expensive QLED TVs that struggle just as much in lit rooms.

The competition

For those in the market for a small budget TV, it makes the most sense to compare the Déco TV to other TVs in its price range. Barring any extra wild discounts that could pop up during an event like Prime Day, a hard $200 cutoff will typically have you looking at 32- through 50-inch 4K LED TVs.

Best Buy often has the TCL 40-inch Q35F QLED FHD Fire TV on sale for $149.99 or the 50-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV on sale for $179.99. Both are obviously larger screens for a little bit less money, but both are the exact plasticky black box design that we were trying to get away from. Hisense can't just make the prettiest small TV you've ever seen and then make it the same price as a boring small TV, you know?

SEE ALSO: If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settings Is the Hisense Déco TV worth it?

I'd recommend the Hisense Déco TV to anyone looking for a small space TV. You really couldn't ask for a more seamless TV setup: It's bright and responsive when you are watching it, stylishly camouflaged when it's off, and costs $400 less than The Frame of the same size.

I've been firmly on the living room side of the "bedroom person vs. living room person" conversation forever. Now, I'm convinced that some of my living room tendencies stemmed from the fact that my old bedroom TV sucked. The switch to the Hisense Déco has genuinely been such a delight, and I find myself carving out time to hang out in there instead. It's bright and bold enough for the full range of my TV watching needs, but more importantly, the satisfaction of its cohesiveness with the rest of the room never gets old.

With the world as overwhelming as it is, the safe space that is your bedroom deserves a little extra adornment. In this case, that adornment is a TV that serves c*nt.

Hisense Déco 32-inch TV $194.96 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

TL;DR: Work smarter, not harder, with an operating system made for professionals, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, on sale now for just $12.97 (reg. $199) through May 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $12.97
$199 Save $186.03   Get Deal

You’d be surprised at the difference a new operating system can make. From fresh tools to a new interface, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is ready to streamline your workflow, designed with modern professionals in mind. Right now, you can give your PC this upgrade for only $12.97 until May 3.

If you’ve got a PC that can’t upgrade through Windows Update, we have some great news. This Windows 11 Pro license provides a good upgrade for less than the cost of your lunch.

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The first thing you’ll notice with this new operating system? An enhanced, easy-to-use interface, with better ways to multitask. Snapping windows, virtual desktops, and snap layouts make things easier, while you can also take advantage of a powerful search experience, voice typing, and easy redocking.

This OS sets itself apart by including its own AI-powered assistant, Copilot. This handy tool is right on your desktop, ready to answer questions, help with tasks, and even change settings, summarize web pages, or open apps.

You can sync your iPhone and Android devices right to the computer for better efficiency. You’ll also enjoy improved cybersecurity with biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection to help keep your data safe.

Regularly $199, this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license is now just $12.97.

Grabbing this deal? Build your cart to $100+ and score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 free with code GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) through 4/19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get multiple AI model responses in one window with this lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, now only $74.97 (reg. $619) through April 26.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $74.97
$619 Save $544.03   Get Deal

Not all AI responses are created equal. With dozens of models on the market, it’s hard to keep up with what each one does best. That guesswork also adds a lot of time to your workflow, as you tab-hop and compare results. ChatPlayground AI lets you check out multiple answers side-by-side, all in one convenient window.

Right now, you can lock in permanent savings with this lifetime subscription to the Unlimited Plan for $74.97 until April 26.

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Everyone talks about AI being a huge timesaver, but it really requires the right tools. ChatPlayground AI lets you query dozens of models in one place — and it’s a Chrome extension, so it’s easily accessible when you need it.

With ChatPlayground AI, you can enter your prompt and see answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek, Llama, and over 20 more models in seconds. Not only do you get easy access, but you also avoid paying subscription fees for multiple models.

No matter your AI need — from generating code to creating images to answering simple questions — ChatPlayground AI gets you answers for all of it. Need help with prompt building? Prompt engineering tools are available to help you get more accurate responses.

If you don’t feel like typing, you can use image and PDF chat features. ChatPlayground AI also saves your past conversations, so you can reference them or keep up an ongoing project with just a few clicks.

This Unlimited Plan means you’ll have unlimited monthly messages, priority customer service, and priority access to any new features and future models.

Score a lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for just $74.97 (reg. $619) now through April 26.

Grabbing this deal? Build your cart to $100+ and score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 free with code GWP4MAC (for Mac) or GWP4WIND (for Windows) through 4/19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get eight apps for one low price with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, on sale now for just $32.97 (reg. $219.99) through April 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $32.97
$219.99 Save $187.02   Get Deal

It turns out the go-to tools of yesteryear can still get the job done. Before you start hunting down the newest, coolest apps, give the old classics of Microsoft Office a try. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license for Windows equips your PC with eight staples and new favorites, all for just $32.97 — less than $5 each — now through April 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Whether you’ve got a new computer, an old device in need of Microsoft Office, or you’re sick of paying monthly subscription fees for your apps, we’ve got a permanent solution for you. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license gives your PC a fresh set of tools — eight to be exact — from ’90s classics to newer essentials.

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Curious what’s included? This edition gives you Word for your document needs, Excel for spreadsheet building, Outlook for email management, and PowerPoint for creating presentations. There’s also Access for managing large databases, Publisher for professional document design, Teams for staying connected with others, and OneNote for digital note-taking.

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Get a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license for only $32.97 (reg. $219.99) through April 19.

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Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
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For years, AI companies have trained their models on artists' copyright-protected work, without permission or payment.

That's because training data is the fuel that powers new AI models, and in the AI arms race, companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, Meta, and Google are mining every corner of the internet — and our shared cultural heritage — for untapped data.

When I talked to Daniel Roher, the Oscar-winning co-director of The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist, he had a blunt message for tech CEOs who lay claim to protected work: "Fuck you."

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When I spoke to Roher and producer Ted Tremper about the AI copyright issue in recent interviews, I mentioned a conversation I had with the CEO of a leading AI video company. The CEO told me training is fair use, full stop. ("It's not called learning right, or training right. It's called copyright.") And to that attitude, Roher had a blunt response.

"The guy who has a financial vested interest is saying that he's gonna train his model on what the fuck he wants?" Roher told me. "It's kind of like the guy who runs the tobacco company saying that, you know, smoking is good for you. Everyone should have a cigarette, and if you say differently, fuck you. And to that, I'm like, 'Dude, go fuck yourself.'"

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AI companies offer several defenses for using copyrighted material without paying. There's the cost argument — models have billions of parameters, and it would be too expensive to compensate individual rights holders. The China argument (an argument President Donald Trump has echoed) — Chinese AI companies aren't asking for permission, so neither can we. Then, there's the fair use argument — training AI models on copyrighted work falls under the fair use legal doctrine.

Right now, dozens of lawsuits from authors, musicians, journalists, and entertainment giants like Disney are tackling the fair use question, arguing that AI companies have to abide by copyright law like everyone else.

Last year, the U.S. Copyright Office issued a report concluding that training is likely not covered by fair use, though it isn't legally binding. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

Early court rulings on this topic have so far favored AI companies, and Big Tech is forging ahead with its quintessential "move fast, break things" ethos. You've heard of "ask forgiveness, not permission," but AI companies typically aren't asking for either.

SEE ALSO: Judge in 'Kadrey v. Meta' AI copyright case rules for Meta, against authors

So, is the David versus Goliath AI copyright battle already lost, I asked Roher?

"Language like 'the battle's already been lost'? [Dude], relax. The battle hasn't already been lost," Roher said. "This is just a unique challenge of 25th-century technology that's crash-landed into the 21st century, being regulated by legislative processes forged in the 17-fucking-hundreds. And court cases take a long time, but I think, at the end of the day, the book is still very much open on whether the IP battle has been won or lost."

Roher also urged anyone with an interest in artificial intelligence to push back against overreach from Big Tech.

"So, yeah, for the tech CEO to be like, you know, 'Fuck you, I will come for your shit.' My response is, 'Fuck you back. No, you're not.' And I applaud media outlets like the New York Times, which are standing up for their material and doing the very, very good public work of fighting companies in court."

After finishing The AI Doc, producer Ted Tremper founded the Creators Coalition on AI along with Daniel Kwan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and others to protect artists' rights. And as more artists file suits, some AI companies are striking deals with IP holders like Disney and Universal Music Group, but Tremper said that's not necessarily a positive development.

"What they're doing is making deals with the people who have the biggest, scariest lawyers," Tremper said. "To me, what that indicates is that they are fine with having a two-tiered system for considering data. That if you have big, scary lawyers and you're a multi-million or billion-dollar company, you can have the right to have your creative work and your IP protected. However, if it's you and me and things I post online, the photographs of your children. Those things are fair game."

Tremper said there's nothing fair about Big Tech companies harvesting books, movies, TV shows, and newspapers at scale.

"The idea that saying that a machine that has perfect memory, that is able to have perfect recall of an amount of data that would take dozens of human lifetimes, if not hundreds of human lifetimes, to actually read, and is being made by some lab or a company whose explicit goal is to replace human labor — I feel like that falls outside the scope of any reasonable fair use argument."

Whether the courts will ultimately agree is still an open question. In the meantime, both artists and AI companies are gearing up for a legal fight that could define the future of AI development.

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.

13. The Heartbreak Kid: Becoming Shawn Michaels

If you're into WWE documentaries and have exhausted both seasons of Netflix's WWE: Unreal, check out Peacock's new deep dive into the career of the legendary Shawn Michaels. The Heartbreak Kid: Becoming Shawn Michaels tracks the highs and lows of the Hall of Famer's life in and out of the ring, comebacks and all. Expect interviews with Michaels himself, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, Bret Hart, Mark "The Undertaker" Calaway, and more. — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor

How to watch: The Heartbreak Kid: Becoming Shawn Michaels premieres on Peacock April 17.

12. Roommates

Following in the footsteps of Adam Sandler, his daughter Sadie Sandler is headlining the kooky comedy Roommates. In director Chandler Levack's follow-up to her semi-autobiographical coming-of-age comedy Mile End Kicks, Sadie stars as college freshman Devon, who hopes her new roommate will be a path to coolness and fun. But Celeste (Heretic's Chloe East) is a bit much with no boundaries.

Will they become friends? Or make each others' lives a living hell? Tune in to find out. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Sadie Sandler, Chloe East, Sarah Sherman, Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll, Storm Reid, Janeane Garofalo, and Carol Kane

How to watch: Roomates begins streaming on Netflix April 17.

11. Ramy Youssef: In Love

Comedian Ramy Youssef returns for his third HBO special, Ramy Youssef: In Love, directed by The Bear creator Christopher Storer. (Youssef directed The Bear's superlative "Honeydew" episode, making this a true crossover event.) This time around, Youssef is touching on hot-button topics like the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival and Grok's production of sexualized images, but he's also taking time to talk about love — including the perils of being a dog dad. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Ramy Youssef

How to watch: Ramy Youssef: In Love debuts on HBO and HBO Max April 17.

10. Trevor Noah: Joy in The Trenches

Trevor Noah's newest Netflix comedy special, Joy in the Trenches, hits the streaming platform this week, with the comedian, former Daily Show host, philanthropist, and podcaster digging into the state of the world today as only he can. Filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the set sees Noah speaking to topics including the time Donald Trump threatened to sue him over his Epstein joke at the Grammys. Noah has multiple Netflix specials in the catalogue now, with the latest following Afraid of the Dark, Son of Patricia, I Wish You Would, and Where Was I, so you could essentially have a five-hour Trevor Noah-a-thon this week. — S.C.

Starring: Trevor Noah

How to watch: Trevor Noah: Joy in The Trenches debuts on Netflix April 14.

9. A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough

At 99 years old, Sir David Attenborough has brought a wealth of knowledge to the world through his broadcasts about nature. In his latest, he looks back at a gorilla he met 50 years ago. With A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough, this celebrated natural historian walks us through the life of Pablo, who grew from a curious infant to a top silverback leading his own pack. Beyond that, Attenborough shows what Pablo's descendants are up to now.

If you got caught up in Punch the monkey's zoo dramas, we suspect you'll fall hard for this intimate documentary. — K.P.

Starring: David Attenborough

How to watch: A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough debuts on Netflix April 17.

8. Noah Kahan: Out of Body

"Stick Season" singer/songwriter Noah Kahan takes fans behind the curtain in this intimate documentary. Out of Body sees Kahan returning home to Vermont, where he reconnects with his family and wonders what's next for his skyrocketing career. From looks inside Kahan's creative process to frank discussions about his experience with body dysmorphia, Noah Kahan: Out of Body promises to be an insightful peek behind the curtain for Kahan fans. — B.E.

How to watch: Noah Kahan: Out of Body debuts on Netflix April 13.

7. Big Mood, Season 2

Camilla Whitehill's brilliant dramedy Big Mood is back for a second season, and it's once again examining the messy, difficult Venn diagram of friendship and mental health. The show focuses on 30-year-old Londoners and inseparable best friends Maggie (Nicola Coughlan) and Eddie (Lydia West), who are navigating bipolar disorder and grief, respectively, and feeling misunderstood by each other. Season 1 left them in relationship rubble; Season 2 examines the awkwardness of patching things up after such a friendship breakup — and realising boundaries must be drawn.

Coughlan and West capture that heart-in-throat feeling of seeing an ex-friend, one who you've rehearsed what you'd say to. Eddie's been off-grid in the U.S. making a new bestie in Whitney, a Californian boho chic wellness influencer armed with ginseng gummies, amethyst suppositories, and unity crystals (a "TikTok hippie," Maggie calls her). Maggie, despite taking charge of her health and declaring she's in her "stable girl era," is dubbed a loose cannon by others, and is even demoted to junior bridesmaid at a wedding. So, can the pair rekindle their friendship? What happens when one person feels they've moved on, the other left behind? Come for the Rupert Everett cameo, stay for the complex portrayal of modern friendship. — S.C.

Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Lydia West, Robert Gilbert, Eamon Farren, Niamh Cusack, Amalia Vitale, Luke Fetherston, Rebecca Lowman, Stephen Sobal, and Kate Fleetwood

How to watch: Big Mood Season 2 premieres on Tubi April 16 and is streaming on Channel 4 in the UK.

6. Undertone

Maybe don't wear headphones for this one if you scare easily, because Undertone is all about audio horror. Directed by Ian Tuason in his directorial debut, the film introduces podcaster Evy (Nina Kiri), who gets wrapped up in a series of creepy audio recordings teeming with hidden messages.

Don't expect a jump-scare-filled fright fest from Undertone. It's a slow burn of a horror film. That didn't work for Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, who wrote in her review, "The film's slow-burn approach, and my patience for it, didn't pay off. In the end, I was more impressed by Undertone's concept than I was entertained by its execution." — B.E.

Starring: Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff Yung, Sarah Beaudin, and Brian Quintero

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

5. Margo's Got Money Troubles

A24 and David E. Kelley's much-anticipated adaptation of Rufi Thorpe's Margo's Got Money Troubles hits Apple TV this week. Elle Fanning stars as Margo, a bright young writer and single mother who's struggling to make ends meet. She soon finds financial success on OnlyFans, as well as a dysfunctional but loving support system from her parents, ex-Hooters waitress Shyanne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and ex-wrestler Jinx (Nick Offerman).

Margo's Got Money Troubles is undeniably heartwarming, thanks in no small part to its tremendous ensemble, led by a luminous Fanning. Yet it often skews towards narrative convention, even as Margo and her family break the mold. As I wrote in my review, "There's no denying that Margo's Got Money Troubles and this stellar cast will melt your heart. Yet overall, I just wish that the series could have been just as fearless and imaginative as Margo herself." — B.E.

Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, Nick Offerman, Thaddea Graham, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington

How to watch: Margo's Got Money Troubles premieres on AppleTV April 15.

4. Dust Bunny

After giving audiences such sensational (and sensationally twisted) shows as Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies, and Hannibal, Bryan Fuller makes his feature directorial debut with a monster movie that feels like Amélie meets Léon: The Professional.

The story centers on a young girl (Sophie Sloan) who's plagued by the monster under her bed — a massive dust bunny. So, naturally, she looks for a hitman to take care of the creature. Lucky for her, there's one living in her building. And he's played by Hannibal's Mads Mikkelsen. The result is a monster movie that is whimsical, gnarly, thrilling, and fun.

In my review, I wrote, "Dust Bunny is exactly the kind of movie fans should expect from Fuller, but it's also wildly surprising. As soon as it ended, I wanted to watch it again — not just for the fun of it, but to assure myself it was real and not some strange dream sparked from too much sour candy."* — K.P.

Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sigourney Weaver, David Dastmalchian, Rebecca Henderson, and Sheila Atim

How to watch: Dust Bunny debuts on HBO Max April 17.

3. The Pitt, Season 2 finale

For 14 episodes of The Pitt Season 2, we've stressed about Baby Jane Doe, Dr. Robby's (Noah Wyle) upcoming motorcycle trip, and Dr. Santos' (Isa Briones) charting woes. Now, it all comes to a head in the Season 2 finale, which picks up right after Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) reveals to Dr. Robby that she has a seizure disorder. What will he do with that information, and how will the rest of the day shift close out their 4th of July? — B.E.

Starring: Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Sepideh Moafi

How to watch: The Pitt, Season 2 finale airs April 16 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

2. The Dark Wizard

Any fans of Free Solo will want to tune in for this one. Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen's The Dark Wizard tells the story of Dean Potter, a legendary figure in the climbing community who made a name for himself doing a variety of increasingly risky extreme sports. Over the course of four episodes, the HBO docuseries does an excellent job of unpacking Potter's personal motivations, showing his struggles with mental health as he throws himself into free soloing, highline walking, BASE jumping, and wingsuit gliding. Acting almost as a prequel to Free Solo, the series also features climbing legend Alex Honnold talking about the rivalry the two once shared.

"Yes, there's breath-taking footage of the many awe-inspiring acts that made Potter famous," I wrote in my review. "But rather than purely mythologising him, the filmmakers have gone to great lengths to give insight into his personal struggles and motivations. The end result is nerve-wracking, enthralling, and — in the documentary's final moments — almost unbearably sad." — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK

Starring: Dean Potter

How to watch: The Dark Wizard debuts on HBO and HBO Max April 14.

Best of streaming this week: Beef, Season 2

Beef is back, this time with a whole new cast (and a whole new beef). Creator Lee Sung Jin drops viewers into a feud between two couples: country club manager Josh (Oscar Isaac) and his interior designer wife Lindsay (Carey Mulligan), and club employees Austin (Charles Melton) and Ashley (Cailee Spaeny). When the latter record a compromising video of the former, they kick off a chain of blackmail that escalates all the way to the club's new billionaire owner, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung).

While Beef's second season doesn't reach the highs of Season 1 (a near-impossible task), it still delivers an ambitious, riveting, and can't-miss showdown between four incredible actors. As I wrote in my review, "Everything involving the couples is divine: a dizzying whirlwind of blackmail, shifting allegiances, and astounding performances from the show's core four. It's when Beef Season 2 moves beyond them that it loses some of its focus (although it never lets up on the stress)." — B.E.

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny, Youn Yuh-jung, Song Kang-ho, Seoyeon Jang, Mikaela Hoover, BM, and William Fichtner

How to watch: Beef Season 2 premieres on Netflix April 16.

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

Here's an open secret: almost every major dating site and most of the internet's hookup sites have been victims of major data breaches at one time or another. In fact, some of them have even undergone multiple data breaches. We're talking full names, addresses, billing information, and in some cases extremely personal information about sexual preferences. 

To be fair to these sites, their success paints a giant target on their backs. If you're a hacker, you're going to target the largest websites with the most users, because that's where your exploit is likely to return the most value for your (illegal) work. These big sites now spend millions of dollars on cybersecurity, hoping to stave off future attacks.

But then there are the hookup sites that fly under the radar, the sites that aren't yet large enough to attract the attention of malicious actors. If you're looking to experience the internet's hookup culture without exposure to the most popular sites, here are three solid adult dating sites that haven't experienced a data breach:

Friends with Benefits

Think of Friends with Benefits like a website version of Tinder or a slightly toned down version of AdultFriendFinder. Setting up an account is easy and requires very minimal personal information, so it's a great starting spot for people wary of sharing their data, but it's also vulnerable to bots and fake profiles, and you'll spend as much time weeding out the obviously AI-generated profiles as you will messaging people. 

If you live in or near a large metropolitan area, Friends with Benefits can work for you, because that's where their users are most concentrated, and as of this writing, they have yet to have a data breach. 

Guilty Affairs

We don't condone cheating on your partner or spouse, but it's a simple fact that a huge draw of online hookup sites is how much easier they make stepping outside of your relationship. Unfortunately, that also makes them a desirable target for hackers, who get not only your personal information but some excellent blackmail material ("You wouldn't want your wife to know…") — just think of the damage done to Ashley Madison users after more than 60 gigabytes of data were leaked.

If you're looking to explore some extra-marital fun but want to keep a low profile, Guilty Affairs is a good place to start. The interface is incredibly simple and easy to use, and doesn't require a ton of sensitive personal information before you can create an account and explore your options — there's nothing like their Roulette wheel of local singles to build excitement, for example.

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

Best of all, they're very transparent about their dedication to cybersecurity, with 256-bit encryption as standard and PCI DSS certification across all of their payment methods, so if you do decide to purchase tokens (called "Coins" on the site) to boost your profile or browse incognito, you can be assured of high levels of payment protection. 

Senior Sizzle

Okay, granted, if you're not a bit advanced in years, a hookup site whose tagline is "intimate encounters over 50" might not sound that enticing, but there are a whole lot of single seniors out there looking to get frisky, and the site is well designed to help them find their "sizzle." 

From a security standpoint, the site touts an in-house security team as well as "industry standard" efforts like firewalls and data encryption to help keep your personal information safe. And as of the time of this writing, they've been successful, with zero data breaches, which is no small feat given the site was first launched more than 20 years ago. 

How to protect yourself from data breaches

While it's a good idea to audit your website choices before you sign up, ensuring they have a history of good cybersecurity practices, it's also important to realize that you have a major role to play in protecting your own data. Here are a few best practices to follow to ensure your online safety:

1. Limit your exposure. The less data you share with each dating website, and the less specific that data is, the better.

2. Sign up using a personal email. Never use your work email, and consider creating a backup email specifically for online dating signups. 

3. Don't divulge personal information to unverified people. The person you're talking to might be a cute, fun single, but they could also be a chat bot or scammer eager to learn everything they can about you for nefarious ends. Save the detailed conversations for in-person meet-ups.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on April 15-18. Stuff Your E-Reader, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering books in a variety of genres for Kindle and Kobo.

A lot has been said about Kindle in the last week or so, and we've tried our best to make sense of the situation. We're not going to get into the weeds of why "BookTokers, Bookstagramers, and the most passionate Kindle users across the internet are fuming this week," because another Stuff Your Kindle Day is live right now.

Stuff Your E-Reader, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering participants the chance to download books from a variety of genres without spending anything. Everything that you download is yours to keep forever, and unlike a lot of these giveaways, Kindle and Kobo readers can stock up during this limited-time event.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your E-Reader takes place on April 15-18. A lot of these free giveaways only last 24 hours, so it's refreshing to have so much time to consider your options. You can relax and make a plan without stressing about missing the deadline.

Which ebooks are free?

Stuff Your E-Reader is an all-genre book blast for Kindle and Kobo readers. Stuff Your Kindle Days usually focus on a particular genre, which can exclude large portions of the reading world who might not be interested in downloading hundreds of romance titles. This event is truly for everyone.

The Indie Author Collective has launched a hub page for this event, with filters for promotions, genre, and representation. Check out everything on offer here.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.

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

All the single ladies — as well as the single fellas — are complaining about the same thing lately. Everyone's exhausted from the stress, admin, and the general minefield that is online dating. App fatigue isn't just a buzzword term. It's a real phenomenon, and it makes connections all the much harder to find. Sometimes it feels actually impossible, like getting lost in the never-ending app-scroll. We understand the basic problem all too well: You just want the dating apps that actually work. Which begs the question: Which dating apps do actually work?

There are no right answers, of course. Because it’s less about finding an app that works than finding the right app for what you actually want. People on eharmony are probably looking for long-term commitment, while people swiping through hookup apps such as Tinder are after… well, let’s just say we know what they’re looking for.

The crucial thing is to remember you'll get results if you know how to navigate the right apps. Sure, we're all suffering from dating app burnout, but research proves that they do get job the done. A SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged between 18 and 29 have used dating apps, while a 2023 report found that one in five young people met their partner via an app. The best dating apps are one of the most reliable ways to meet a partner.

Thankfully, Mashable’s dating experts know what they're talking about here. They've put valuable hours into testing and using datings apps IRL, determining the best apps for every kind of dater. So, to help you make a match, we've put together this roundup of the dating apps worth downloading in 2026.