Blogroll

Linux is an accepted OS in the tech world, but that hasn't stopped Linux developers from trying to shake things up. Sometimes it works, but here are the times it hasn't.

We're always looking for new and inventive ways to hit you with big savings on popular items. We cover hundreds of deals every month. You can find these deals on site, on socials, and on our newsletter. We've also launched a Mashable Deals text group. The daily deals that we send to this group are researched and assessed by the team with the same level of care that we dedicate to the rest of our shopping content.

You can find a live hub for those deals right here.

SAVE UP TO $50: Both the 11- and 13-inch M4 iPad Airs are discounted at Amazon. The 11-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) has dropped to $559 from $599 ($40 off). The 13-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) has dropped to $749 from $799 ($50 off).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $749 at Amazon
$799 Save $50   Get Deal

Apple's brand new M4 iPad Air models have landed, and if you've been hoping to scoop one up, Amazon has a surprise in store. As of March 13, both the 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Air models (with 128GB of storage and WiFi) are up to $50 off for a limited time.

This has dropped the price of the 11-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) from $599 to $559. The 13-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) is down from $799 to $749. Considering they only just came out a couple of days ago, this is an impressive price drop.

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!

We think this iPad Air model is worth every cent. Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth got his hands on the new M4 iPad Air and said in his review that it, "Looks identical to the previous-gen version with the M3 chip, though it delivers faster performance thanks to an improved neural engine and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips. Artists and note-takers will definitely appreciate this one." It even earned a Mashable Choice Award.

The standout new addition to this iPad Air is the M4 chip which, as Werth notes, delivers speedy performance. These particular models come with 128GB of storage, offering plenty of space for your favorite apps, photos, and much more. Plus, they each feature a sleek Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultra-low reflectivity.

Take this opportunity to save on the 11-inch iPad Air and 13-inch iPad Air 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 Friday, March 13, 2026:

Across"___, queen!"

• The answer is Yas.

Waiter's handout

• The answer is Menu.

Tiny invertebrate that, when grouped in the thousands, makes up a coral

• The answer is Polyp.

Scoop of sour cream

• The answer is Dollop.

Spicy wing, as seen on a popular YouTube talk show

• The answer is Hot One.

Comparative suggested by this visual puzzle: PQRSTUV

• The answer is Slower.

DownLike SpongeBob and Spirit airplanes

• The answer is Yellow.

"Bueller ...? Bueller ...?"

• The answer is Anyone.

Meal suggested by this visual puzzle: PQRSTUV

• The answer is Supper.

"___ bene" (Italian for "very good")

• The answer is Molto.

Amenity in a Florida backyard, perhaps

• The answer is Pool.

Agcy. at the center of a 2026 government shutdown

• The answer is DHS.

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 $400: As of March 13, the Shark Matrix Plus is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a 57% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Matrix Plus $299.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $400   Get Deal

If you're on the lookout for a great robot vacuum deal, don't let this latest Amazon discount on the Shark Matrix Plus pass you by. As of March 13, this impressive model is more than half off, down from $699.99 to $299.99. This is also its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The Shark Matrix Plus is an ideal choice for both vacuuming and mopping. It uses Matrix Clean to make multiple passes over dirt, and CleanEdge Detect to remove debris from hard to reach edges and corners. It even has a self-cleaning brush roll that picks up pet hair and dirt while preventing tangles, and the sonic mopping scrubs hard floors up to 100 times per minute. This can be controlled through an app, where you can activate Matrix Mop mode for extra stain cleaning.

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!

Maintenance is incredibly easy thanks to its self-emptying base where it holds dirt for around 60 days before needing to be manually emptied. It also uses 360° LiDAR mapping to self-navigate the home and avoid obstacles. And when the battery is low, the robot automatically recharges and resumes cleaning where it left off.

Get this Shark robot vacuum deal online at Amazon now.

SAVE $450: As of March 13, the EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is on sale for $749 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EF Ecoflow Delta 3 Max $749 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $450   Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for a good deal on a portable power station, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max has just dropped in price at Amazon.

As of March 13, the unit is down from $1,199 to $749, taking $450 off the usual price. The discount applies to the standalone power station, though there are also bundle options available if you want to add solar panels.

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!

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is a beast of a portable power station with a high capacity designed for reliable home backup. It uses EcoFlow’s X-Stream technology to recharge from 0 to 80% in just over an hour, so you can have it ready to go in no time at all.

For power, it delivers up to 3,400W with X-Boost mode, allowing it to run most household appliances, including big items like fridges. The unit also features a fast 10ms transfer time for backup power, helping to keep your most important devices running with no cut out. It's a durable option too, built with a reliable LiFePO4 battery that is designed for years of daily use.

This deal has a limited-time stamp at Amazon, so don't miss out.

FREE SAMSUNG GALAXY S26 ULTRA: Sign up for any T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan for 24 months and get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) which ordinarily costs for $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with T-Mobil   Shop Now

Apple had an incredible month of announcing new iPhones, iPads, and the budget-friendly MacBook Neo. But we cannot forget that Samsung is right beside Apple, offering awesome new products for those on team Android. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is one heck of a phone, and if you're interested in the upgrade, check out this free deal from T-Mobile.

As of March 13, get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) when you sign up for or add a line to any T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan with no trade-in required. In order to snag this deal, you'll need to sign up for a 24-month plan, and pay taxes plus a $35 connection fee. The 256GB version of the Samsung Galaxy Ultra 26 comes with a price tag of $1,299.99, so you'll be saving nearly $1,300 with this deal. You can also upgrade this free offer to to the 512GB version which will come with a monthly fee of $8.33.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases: Where to get fun ones right now

Late last month, Samsung unveiled the S26 lineup at sathe annual Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. Arguably, the show-stopper this year goes to Samsung's new Privacy Display feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This fully customizable feature gives you better control over what others can see on your phone, whether you're showing a meme to a friend of taking the train home from work.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth went hands-on with the new Galaxy S26 Ultra and said this could be the model that convinces him to switch to Android. "For my Galaxy S26 Ultra review, I spent two weeks with this flagship. I took 1,461 photos and 93 videos. I doomscrolled in bed. I made so many frivolous demands of Gemini, Perplexity, and Bixby. I even used it to report live from an Apple event," he wrote. "And the more time I spent with it, the harder it was to go back to my iPhone."

The list of things that impress on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra include its processor, cameras, display, and extra features like the privacy. In Timothy Werth's testing, he mentioned the cameras on this fresh model has a wider aperture and videos are improved thanks to Super Steady capabilities and Enhanced Nightography Video. Samsung also improved the phone's ability to take photos at night.

If you're in line for a fresh Android device or you've been considering getting on team Android, this T-Mobile deal might be your sign. Get the new 256GB Galaxy S26 Ultra for free when signing up for T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plans.

SAVE UP TO $1,100: Get a free iPhone 17e when signing up for a T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required. Alternatively, get any model of the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing up for an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible device.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Get a free iPhone 17e from T-Mobile   Get Deal

March has been an incredible month for Apple fans. We have fresh iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads, and most of them came with really awesome upgrades. For example, the MacBook Neo comes in at just $599 and we have upgraded chips in many of these new Apple devices for speedier performance. But if you have your eyes set on the new iPhone 17e, you can get it for free at T-Mobile.

Sign up for almost any T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e with no trade in required. The iPhone 17e comes with a price tag of $599 for the 256GB and $799 for the 512GB model. If you're in the mood for the new top-tier iPhone, you can snag the iPhone 17 Pro for free when signing on for 24 months of an Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone. Keep in mind T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals and a $35 device connection fee.

SEE ALSO: Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new $599 phone good enough?

The iPhone 17e comes with some pretty great upgrades compared to the iPhone 16e. For starters, the base storage starts at 256GB, up for 128GB on the 16e. Even more impressive, Apple started both models at $599 which makes the 17e's double storage feel like an excellent "free" upgrade.

It's also the first budget-iPhone to come with MagSafe ability. That means your phone can now join your AirPods and Apple Watch when it comes to recharging on a MagSafe base. Apple also introduced a new colorway with the iPhone 17e — soft pink. Since we now have awesome MagSafe cases that are clear, the colorway does matter, and the pink is undeniably lovely.

Additionally, Apple is using the A19 chip in the new iPhone 17e which is said to lead to better performance and AI compatibility. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the iPhone 17e and wrote, "The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years."

Since getting something for free these days is rare, it's worth considering snagging a free iPhone 17e from T-Mobile. This deal applies to signing up for nearly any T-Mobile plan and you don't need to trade in your current phone. All in all, it's a great offering for those interested in the latest iPhone.

TL;DR: Simplify your AI workflow with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for just $79.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $79
$619 Save $540   Get Deal

Is your browser filled with tabs of all your go-to AI models? ChatPlayground AI streamlines that workflow by consolidating over 25 popular models in one place, so you don’t have to hop between tabs.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for just $79.

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 all AI models are created equal. What some are good at, others don’t get right. If you’re tired of keeping this information straight and staying on top of each individual model’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s time to get ChatPlayground AI. This lifetime subscription lets you work with multiple models in one window for life — all without having to pay for multiple subscriptions.

ChatPlayground AI works as a Chrome extension and puts ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, Perplexity, and over 20 more models in one window. Just enter your prompt, and the answers will be displayed side by side, so you can find the best answer for your queries.

Get help with creating images, writing code, or answering questions. ChatPlayground AI even helps you build the right prompt with prompt engineering, so you can get the best response possible. You can use image and PDF chat features to save yourself time and access past conversations for future reference.

Your lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan includes unlimited monthly messaging, priority customer service, and priority access to new features and future models.

Get this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for just $79.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get six apps for one low price with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021, now only $59.97 through April 12.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $59.97
$219 Save $159.03   Get Deal

Ten bucks doesn’t stretch very far nowadays — it won’t even cover your lunch. So getting apps for life for that low price is a steal, making this Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 lifetime license pretty tough to beat. It outfits your Mac with six Microsoft tools for the low price of $59.97 — just $10 each — if you act before April 12.

It seems like every app comes with a monthly subscription these days, so scoring Microsoft staples that have been around for decades for your Mac at a one-time low price sounds too good to be true. But that’s exactly what this Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 provides.

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!

With this Microsoft Office license, you can give your Mac the gift of easy document creation with Word, simple spreadsheet building with Excel, and powerful presentation designing with PowerPoint. Handle all your emails in Outlook, stay connected to coworkers, friends, and family in Teams, and then elevate your note-taking in OneNote.

After you purchase, you’ll receive an instant delivery and download. This gives you permanent access to the Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 apps for life, no subscriptions or cloud connectivity required. Just be sure your Mac is running macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 15 Sequoia, or macOS 26 Tahoe before buying.

Get this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 for just $59.97 now through April 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free on Tele Rebelde or Venevision. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic has already delivered loads of big performances and dramatic moments. There was a point when it looked like USA might not make it out of the pool stage, but after Italy's victory over Mexico, USA did indeed advance to the knockout rounds.

Now USA face Canada in the second quarter final on the schedule. We're expecting an improved performance from USA after a disappointing defeat to Italy.

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

When is USA vs. Canada?

USA vs. Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic starts at 8 p.m. ET on March 13. This fixture will take place at Daikin Park.

How to watch USA vs. Canada for free

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

• Cuba — Tele Rebelde

• Venezuela — Venevision

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Live stream USA vs. Canada in the World Baseball Classic 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 a location with access

4. Visit Tele Rebelde or Venevision

5. Live stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic 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 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 every game from the 2026 World Baseball Classic before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch USA vs. Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream South Korea vs. Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free on Tele Rebelde or Venevision. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic pool stage is completed. Now things get serious in the knockout rounds. Places in the semi finals are up for grabs as South Korea and Dominican Republic face off in the first quarter-final matchup on the schedule.

Dominican Republic come into this clash with a perfect record from the pool stage, topping Group D against tough opposition like Venezuela. South Korea placed second in Group C, narrowly qualifying ahead of Australia and Chinese Taipei. We're expecting an exciting contest when these teams meet at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

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

When is South Korea vs. Dominican Republic?

South Korea vs. Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on March 13. This game will take place at LoanDepot Park.

How to watch South Korea vs. Dominican Republic for free

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

• Cuba — Tele Rebelde

• Venezuela — Venevision

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Live stream South Korea vs. Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic 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 a location with access

4. Visit Tele Rebelde or Venevision

5. Live stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic 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 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 every game from the 2026 World Baseball Classic before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch South Korea vs. Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races live. Watch the Chinese GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Australian GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

The new F1 season started in the way most fans expected. There was a lot of good, but plenty of bad.

I still don't really know where we stand this season after the introduction of regulation changes, but that uncertainty mostly feels like a good thing. Sure, the cars sound funny and there definitely seems like a lot of unnecessary complication, but there was also some genuinely thrilling racing from the first race weekend. And that's not always the case with F1, so I'll take that as a win.

And now the attention turns to China, and the first Sprint of the season. Can anyone stop Mercedes from flying to the front? I honestly have no idea at this stage, but I can't wait to see how Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren respond to Russell's dominant performance at Albert Park.

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Chinese GP?

The Chinese GP is the second race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Shanghai International Circuit:

• Practice 1 — 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET on March 12

• Sprint Qualifying — 3:30-4:14 a.m. ET on March 13

• Sprint — 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET on March 13

• Qualifying — 3-4 a.m. ET on March 14

• Race — 3 a.m. ET on March 15

It's possible for fans to follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Chinese GP for free

I'm a paid-up member of Amazon Prime. You probably know by now that Amazon Prime comes with fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. That Prime Video access is crucial for this season of F1.

It's now possible to sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by gaining access to this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch the Chinese GP for free this weekend and then back out before needing to pay anything. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

I already pay for Amazon Prime, so is this really a free hack? That's up for debate, but Amazon Prime does offer a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can watch select races without spending anything.

If you've already used this method for the Australian GP, I suggest you go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026 Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance: Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

This season of F1 could be special. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but Ferrari and Red Bull have shown pace at points.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

4. Bahrain Grand Prix — April 12

5. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — April 19

6. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

7. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

8. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

9. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

10. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

11. British Grand Prix — July 5

12. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

13. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

14. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

15. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

16. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

17. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

18. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

19. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

20. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

21. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

22. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

23. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

24. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it's possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.

Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop Now

It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free on Tele Rebelde or Venevision. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spring Training is underway for the new MLB season. That's incredibly exciting news for baseball fans, but there's more: The 2026 World Baseball Classic is here to deliver weeks of top-quality international action from around the world.

USA lost in the 2023 final to Japan. That final will always be remembered for Japan's Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout in the ninth inning to seal the game. Can Ohtani lead Japan to glory once again? Or will USA bounce back to win its first title since 2017? This edition of the competition has already thrown out some huge performances and shocking results.

The pool stage is over. Now things get serious.

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

What is the World Baseball Classic?

The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation. In 2026, the tournament is organized into four pools of five teams. Teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.

Japan are the defending champions.

When is the 2026 World Baseball Classic?

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5-17. Pool rounds will be played in Miami, Houston, San Juan, and Tokyo. The quarter finals will be split between Miami and Houston. The semi finals and final will be played in Miami.

How to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

• Cuba — Tele Rebelde

• Venezuela — Venevision

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Access free World Baseball Classic live streams 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 a location with access

4. Visit Tele Rebelde or Venevision

5. Live stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic 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 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 every game from the 2026 World Baseball Classic before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $200: As of March 13, the Google Pixel 10 is on sale for $599 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 $599
$799 Save $200   Get Deal

The Google Pixel 10 just got a great new discount at Amazon. If you've been looking to upgrade your smartphone, this deal will save you $200. As of March 13, the 128GB indigo and frost model is down to $599 from $799. For lemongrass and obsidian, the price is slightly higher at $629.

It's a seriously impressive smartphone. With a mix of strong hardware (namely the new Tensor G5 chip) and Google’s latest AI features, you'll get a faster performance and improved efficiency. It also has Gemini AI built directly into the device to help with everything from everyday questions to getting tasks done faster.

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!

There's great camera quality too, with an upgraded triple rear camera. It now includes a new 5x telephoto lens with up to 20x Super Res Zoom, alongside Night Sight for clear low-light photography and Camera Coach to help you capture better photos.

And for the clumsy among us, this phone's durability is a lifesaver. It has scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 rating for water and dust protection.

Get this Google Pixel deal at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box is down to $119.95 at Amazon, which saves you $44.75 off its list price and marks a new low price for this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box $119.95 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $44.75 Get Deal

Prices on Magic: The Gathering booster boxes can move around fast, and this latest drop on Lorwyn Eclipsed is one of the strongest we’ve seen in some time. As of March 13, the Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box is available for $119.95 at Amazon, cutting $44.75 off its $164.70 list price. 

Not only is this the lowest price we’ve seen for the Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box this year (as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel), but it is also only 18 cents short of reaching its market price on TCGplayer.

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!

This booster box includes 30 Play Boosters, which is the best way to open and explore Lorwyn Eclipsed. These are especially well-suited for Limited play, while still offering the kind of creature synergies and guaranteed foil card in every pack that makes opening boosters appealing even if you’re mostly collecting.

Each booster pack includes 14 Magic trading cards, with 1 to 4 cards of rare or higher rarity, 3 to 5 uncommons, 6 to 9 commons, and 1 land. Every pack includes one traditional foil card, with a foil borderless mythic rare appearing in under 1% of boosters. 

Lorwyn Eclipsed itself is a pretty easy sell as an expansion for longtime fans. This set was a return to a Lorwyn that’s now split between light and shadow, with players crossing from the ordered world of eternal day into the chaos of Shadowmoor’s endless night. 

For even more money-saving deals on Magic: The Gathering, you can still buy the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for under $175 at Walmart. Meanwhile, the Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is now below $110 at Walmart. 

TL;DR: Battlefield 6 is free from March 17-24 through Battlefield REDSEC, giving players access to three playlists and four maps, including the new Season 2 battlegrounds Hagental Base and Contaminated.

The best 'Battlefield 6' deals at a glance: Best PS5 Deal Battlefield 6 $52.60 (save $17.39) Shop Now Best XBOX SERIES X Deal Battlefield 6 $46.48 (save $23.51) Shop Now Best PC Deal Battlefield 6 $69.99 Shop Now

If you’ve been curious about Battlefield 6 but haven’t yet made your move, EA is willing to give you a taste for free, right in time for its Season 2: Nightfall update. 

From March 17-24, Battlefield 6 will be free to try for everyone through Battlefield REDSEC on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, opening the door to a sizable slice of the game’s multiplayer offering for one week. Rather than tossing players a tiny demo and leaving it at that, this free trial will act more like a dress rehearsal of what Season 2 has lined up.

The big draw of this update is Nightfall, a playlist built around the new Hagental Base map. It includes Team Deathmatch, Squad Deathmatch, and Domination, with a twist — the lights are out. That means players will need to rely on Night Vision Goggles, weapon attachments, and anything else that can help cut through the darkness.

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!

Battlefield 6 is also making room for players who want the more traditional large-scale experience. The All-Out Warfare playlist includes Conquest, Breakthrough, and Escalation, the latter being the mode that gradually intensifies as map boundaries shift and extra vehicles enter the fight. That playlist spans four maps in total: Season 2’s Contaminated and Hagental Base, plus Eastwood from Season 1 and Mirak Valley from the game’s launch lineup.

For anyone who doesn’t want to be immediately thrown into the more intense gaming side of multiplayer, there’s also Casual Breakthrough. This mode is aimed at newer or less competitive players, with smaller squads of real players supported by bots on both sides. You’ll still be able to earn progression and work through challenges, but with a softer landing than a full PvP lobby. Casual Breakthrough will run across Hagental Base, Contaminated, and Eastwood.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites from Australia is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn continues to be impacted by age-verification laws. Early in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws for online adult content. Pornhub responded by blocking users from those locations. A similar situation hit France and the UK, and now Australians are facing the same set of challenges.

The porn blocks arrived just days before new online safety codes came into effect, requiring organisations to verify the ages of users. It's the same story, with the same straightforward workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Australia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Australia

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub from Australia by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment. There's a chance that the situation may have changed before the free trial comes to an end.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% 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).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Australia with ExpressVPN.

The fact that there are people who can simply fall asleep when they're tired is mind-blowing to someone who's had serious trouble sleeping for over a decade. (Like, what do you mean you just go to bed at night?) After years of feeling like a zombie 24/7, relaying the same story to different doctors, and feeling resentful when someone in my life casually takes a nap, I've developed a serious "that won't work on me" attitude about most sleep products.

At the risk of sounding like I'm trying to win the insomnia competition, that's all just background on why I roll my eyes at trendy melatonin gummies or sleepy teas. So I'm kind of shocked that a Hatch alarm clock — perhaps the mother of all viral sleep products — is actually somewhat helping me wind down at night.

What does a Hatch alarm clock do?

The Hatch Restore 3 is a premium sunrise alarm clock that's also a sound machine and color-changing lamp. Sunrise alarm clocks use gradual brightening light to signal to our body that it's time to wake up, promoting a more natural transition out of sleep than being jolted awake by an annoying siren.

The Restore 3 is the newest Hatch. It has a knob on the top for easier controls. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Restore 3's clock can be always on, always off, or automatically off at night. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

But the Hatch Restore 3 acts like just as much of a sunset alarm clock. Our bodies respond similarly well to light cues to get sleepy at night, and the bulk of Hatch's features actually come into play the evening before. If you have the paid subscription, the Restore 3 provides a ton of calming wind-down entertainment content like bedtime stories and podcasts to keep you from craving phone stimulation before bed.

Sleep is second nature for some, but I have to hone it like a skill

OK, but what about the people who... don't really get sleepy at night?

I don't know what I did to so royally cook my circadian rhythm and nervous system, but it's not just that I don't necessarily get tired at night — it's that my mind is also wired at night. And scrolling too late is just a fraction of my issue. There are nights when I effortlessly don't look at my phone for an hour or two before bed, but only because I randomly got the motivation to scrub my bathtub at 11 p.m. To be fair, I only got in the habit of squeezing tasks in while I'm "up" because I spent years trying to stick to a "normal" bedtime, lying awake until the wee hours of the morning (often not sleeping at all), regardless of if I was physically exhausted.

The ~night owl~ thing was a silly little quirk in high school and college. But nowadays, my late-night brain activity is now spiked with adult worries that weren't on my radar back then: Health anxiety, productivity anxiety, and general state of humanity anxiety are the big ones, all floating alongside anxiety about not being able to sleep. I'm not sure how much of my insomnia stems from severe racing thoughts, but it's unsustainable now.

SEE ALSO: Shark CryoGlow mask review after 10 months: The only way I'll ever stop using this is if Shark releases a new one

I spent months using my insatiable late-night need to Google everything in the world to figure out how to get myself back on track. It became clear that making my room pitch dark and 68 degrees wasn't enough. I needed to start being just as strict with my sleep routine as I was with my skincare routine or cleaning routine. Part of that just requires the discipline to get my non-negotiables done earlier, but I was curious about whether a sunrise alarm clock could help my schedule (or lack thereof) feel less overwhelming.

The Hatch Restore 3 is helping me romanticize routine

Up until a few months ago, I would have died on the hill that a sound machine was no better than letting an eight-hour YouTube video of rain sounds play out of your phone. But after having the Hatch Restore 3 on my nightstand, I'll vouch for the Hatch experience being much different than simply using my phone.

First, I have to note that the Restore 3's speaker quality is divine. Sounds are velvety smooth without the faint crackle that you hear with an iPhone speaker, and there's never a harsh cutoff between sound loops. But the audio quality is hardly the most important difference — it's the whole pre-sleep routine that the Hatch inspires.

My favorite Hatch feature is the "cue to unwind." Every night at 10:30, my Hatch automatically starts glowing and playing dreamy music. I use "Lavender Sky," the average ambient tune that sounds like something you'd hear at the massage studio, plus a matching light that flickers between purple and blue. The human brain really likes repetition — repeated actions are how we form a habit that feels subconscious, not forced.

The purple Hatch light and red light bulb in my lamp create the most heavenly scene in this corner. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I clearly struggled to start my bedtime process at a decent hour on my own, so the Restore 3's cue to unwind has been a helpful tangible reminder that it's time to start chilling out. The sound and light combo makes me want to be responsible and read instead of immediately opening TikTok when I get in bed. Any mental chatter that I need to remember (an idea for work, a chore, a text I need to send, even a new outfit brainstorm) gets written down by hand in a notebook instead of my Notes app. Then, it's up to my self-control to actually save those tasks until tomorrow.

Like unwind cues, Hatch sleep routines can involve whatever combination of sound and light that helps you doze off. (The sound options are different, though.) I opt for thunderstorm sounds or "shower in the next room." One press of the big top button shifts your Hatch from unwind to sleep mode.

There's a sunset gradient for any mood — not just typical sunset colors. Credit: Screenshot: Hatch I appreciate the variety of those cozy, familiar household options. Credit: Screenshot: Hatch

There are a ton of free sunset routines that gradually dim the clock's light to help lull you to sleep. Sleep routine duration can be set to last for a few minutes, a few hours, a full day, or just until you tap the clock. I feel like the whole sunset thing isn't that helpful if you use a sleep mask, so I've actually been utilizing the sunset sleep routines while I'm still awake and trying to get tired.

It's a bummer that the Hatch Restore 3 isn't waterproof. The cozy lighting would be much more valuable in my bathroom when I'm showering and self-caring. All of my steps take forever, and the harsh bathroom lighting certainly isn't conducive to mellowing out.

The Restore 3's sunrise is adjustable, from brightness to duration before your alarm goes off. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Restore 3 gradually shifts between shades of orange and peach, then to bright white. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

In the morning, the gradual sunset starts five minutes to an hour before your alarm goes off. It slowly brightens while shifting between orange and peach tones — it's kind of dull in my room that gets a lot of sun in the morning, but it probably hits so hard in a dark room. I appreciate that the alarm sound fades in instead of hitting at full volume immediately. The bird chirps are a cute touch.

Isn't this all just stuff you could do without a $170 alarm clock?

When all of the premium features come at an extra monthly cost, the Hatch Restore 3 feels a bit overpriced — especially considering many of its features can be replicated with less expensive devices. Smart lightbulbs could be set to turn a certain color at a certain time. It's not hard to find a dedicated sound machine for $40 or $50, or a cheaper sunrise alarm clock in general. If you're most concerned with staying off your phone before bed, you could just buy a Brick for $59.

SEE ALSO: I ran the Dyson HushJet 24/7 for a week. It's so quiet that I forgot it was on, but I did notice fresher air. Can you use the Hatch Restore 3 without a subscription?

Yep, you can technically get full use out of the Hatch Restore 3 without paying extra (that's what I do). Free audio options include 40+ sleep sounds and 20+ alarms spanning nature sounds, color noises, fans and other humming appliances, and soothing lo-fi beats. There are definitely enough options for my needs, mostly because I don't care enough to pay for anything more elaborate. But without the ability to filter out Hatch+ exclusive sounds in the app, it does get frustrating to see a lock on nearly every sound you swipe past.

The paid Hatch subscription costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Aside from the larger sound library, Hatch+ unlocks access to a ton of sleep content like sound baths, bedtime podcasts, guided meditations, and audiobook snippets. So, without paying for Hatch+, you're losing out on most of the entertainment options that were supposed to help build your phone-free nightly routine.

SEE ALSO: From Oura to Whoop, we tested the best sleep trackers of 2026

Hatch+ also gatekeeps many more alarms than sleep sounds. Most genres of music (grunge, '90s and "Hatchstreet Boys," elegant instrumentals, etc.), anything seasonal, and meditation shuffles are all locked. Maybe you've seen a Hatch ad involving a celebrity recording a funny or inspirational wakeup call — yep, locked. The celebrity ones might be mildly amusing the first few mornings, but hearing the same voice yapping about how it's going to be a great day feels like severely unserious long-term alarms.

The actual sunrise part needs a relatively dark room

You may not be able to take full advantage of the Hatch Restore 3's actual sunrise sequence if your room gets blindingly bright in the morning, or if you wear a sleep mask.

Since all of the blinds in my apartment are borderline worthless, I sleep with a black t-shirt over my eyes. (I can't stand a sleep mask strap.) Even though it's not attached to my head, I usually wake up with it repositioned to block out morning light. So am I really getting the full effect of the gradual rosy glow that comes on before my alarm goes off? Doubtful.

My coworker Samantha Mangino, who also has a Hatch Restore 3, made an interesting point: She wishes that it had a normal alarm sound. Hatch is so set on waking you up gently that it doesn't consider heavy sleepers who want to try the sunrise function, but need a noise less gentle than wind chimes.

Is a Hatch alarm clock worth it?

If you always feel chaotic at bedtime or upon waking up, the Hatch Restore 3 could be really helpful in getting your rest routine under control. You'd be surprised at how much stress is simply coming from being scared awake by a blaring phone ringtone.

The nightly unwind cues automatically create the relaxing environment that you may have been struggling to create for yourself. My decade-long inability to sleep at a normal time has hardly been cured by scheduled ambient sound and lighting, but the Restore 3 has made me take my bedtime routine more seriously — successfully leading to dozing off a tiny bit earlier on some nights. Is that worth $170? Maybe, if other sleep products haven't been effective.

But a Hatch alarm clock can only build the phone-free routine it claims if you're making a conscious effort to stay off your phone — or if you're paying for Hatch+. The gradual dimming light won't magically knock you out if you're still on TikTok in bed, and most pre-sleep anti-phone entertainment is exclusive to the $4.99 per month subscription. If you don't want to pay for Hatch+, you'll need to be strict about sticking to screen-free entertainment when your unwind cue comes on. Otherwise, a $170 alarm clock won't be much more than a color-changing lamp on your nightstand.

Hatch Restore 3 $144.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $25   Shop Now at Amazon