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How to watch NRL live streams online for free

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 13:01

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

There are few other sports that can compete with rugby league when it comes to physicality and skill. It's clever handling and outrageous trickery combined with absolute brutality, and that's why love it.

And if you're looking for all of that and more on a weekly basis, you should check out the NRL. It's an electric competition featuring some of the best players and teams in the world. We're definitely not knocking what you get in the Northern Hemisphere, but there's something special about the National Rugby League. It feels like something wild happens every week.

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

What is the NRL?

The National Rugby League (NRL) is a professional rugby league competition in Australasia, including clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.

Each team plays 24 matches in the regular season, with the first-placed team at the end awarded the minor premiership. This is followed by a finals series contested between the eight highest-placed teams from the regular season, culminating in the NRL Grand Final.

The defending champions are the Brisbane Broncos.

When is the 2026 NRL?

The 2026 NRL season is the 119th edition of professional rugby league in Australia and the 29th season run by the National Rugby League. This season runs from Feb. 28 to Sept. 5.

How to watch the 2026 NRL for free

Select fixtures from the 2026 NRL season are available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NRL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 NRL from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Live stream the 2026 NRL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 NRL without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select NRL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 NRL for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying USB sticks: An M.2 SSD in a $15 case is infinitely better

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 13:00

Just 10 years ago, thumb drives were commonplace everywhere. You probably carried one around in your keys, or you had one in your backpack. Things have changed a lot, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 online for free

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:46

TL;DR: Live stream the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are so many incredible sporting events taking place in 2026. Fans can look forward to the Winter Olympics, World Cup, and so much more this year. And cricket fans really don't need to wait long for arguably the biggest showpiece event on the calendar: the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The best international T20 teams are heading to India and Sri Lanks to compete for the top prize. You can expect the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and England to be fighting it out in the knockout rounds. Those teams are the pre-tournament favorites, but don't count out the likes of Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Anything can happen in this electric form of the game.

If you want to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the T20 World Cup?

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a Twenty20 International cricket tournament organised by the International Cricket Council. The event is generally held every two years. India are the defending champions.

In 2026, 20 teams will compete in 55 matches across five venues. The 20 qualifying teams are divided into four groups of five. In the group stage, each team will play four matches in a round-robin format, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the Super 8 stage. At this point, teams will be placed into two groups of four, and will play three matches. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.

When is the 2026 T20 World Cup?

The 2026 T20 World Cup is the 10th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Feb. 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.

How to watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free

The 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup 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 ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, 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 $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 silent Excel spreadsheet killers (and how you can stop them)

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:30

Your Excel spreadsheet might be lying to you. No, it's not a conspiracy—it's just a collection of common, invisible killers that bypass error checks and ruin your reporting. So, let's hunt down these silent traps and fix them for good.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 21, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:21

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love comics.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 21, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Reuse

  • Green: Needed to sleep

  • Blue: To copy

  • Purple: Associated with a famous superhero

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Items to recycle

  • Green: Bedding

  • Blue: Plagiarize

  • Purple: Batman's "Bat" things

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #955 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Items to recycle: BOTTLE, CAN, CARDBOARD BOX, NEWSPAPER

  • Bedding: BLANKET, SHAM, SHEET, THROW

  • Plagiarize: COPY, CRIB, LIFT, PIRATE

  • Batman's "Bat" things: CAVE, MOBILE, SIGNAL, SUIT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 21, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for January 21, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:21

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't have proper etiquette.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 21, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 21, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: That's not very polite

The words are related to ettiquette.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things that are impolite.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Don't Be Rude.

NYT Strands word list for January 21
  • Gloat

  • Tease

  • Burp

  • Shout

  • Don't Be Rude

  • Stare

  • Point

  • Interrupt

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 21, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:20

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love geometry.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 21, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 21, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Cube-shaped.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CUBIC

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 21, 2026

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for January 21, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:17

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 Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026:

AcrossThe slightest amount
  • The answer is A bit.

With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts
  • The answer is Rage.

Dirty stuff
  • The answer is Filth.

Five Below or 7-Eleven
  • The answer is Store.

Something used to steer a rowboat
  • The answer is Oar.

DownSounds from a doggy daycare
  • The answer is Arfs.

See 5-Across
  • The answer is Bait.

See 5-Across
  • The answer is Igloo.

Small, colorful fish that's popular in aquariums
  • The answer is Tetra.

2013 film in which Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with an A.I. operating system
  • The answer is Her.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection has hit a record-low price at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:14

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is down to $149.99 at Amazon. That's a massive 40% discount off its $249.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100   Get Deal

Since its launch alongside the Phantasmal Flames era of releases, the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection has regularly been marked up well above market value due to limited stock and strong collector demand. But the picture is finally changing.

As of Jan. 21, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is available to buy for only $149.99 at Amazon, with a Snorlax-sized cut of $100 off its $249.99 list price. This is the cheapest we’ve seen the set listed at Amazon, and undercuts TCGplayer once shipping is factored in. In fact, it's only just above market value.

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For that bargain price, you’re getting one of the most packed Pokémon TCG bundles available. Inside the box are 18 booster packs pulled from a range of modern sets (Phantasmal Flames, Mega Evolution, Destined Rivals, Journey Together, and Surging Sparks) along with two foil promo cards — Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex. You’ll also find a full set of premium accessories, including 65 Mega Charizard X card sleeves, a themed playmat, deck box, metal coin, six damage-counter dice, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

To get even more Pokémon TCG packs at a steal, the Phantasmal Flames booster bundle is also on sale at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The TCL 75-Inch Class S5 TV is under $500 right now at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:09

SAVE OVER $150: As of Jan. 21, the TCL 75-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV is on sale for $479.99 at Amazon. This is $170 off its list price of $649.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV $479.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $170   Get Deal

Whether you're hoping to catch some of the new shows and films heading to streaming this year, or counting down the days to the Super Bowl, it's worth considering a TV upgrade. If an upgrade has been on your mind for some time, there have been some great discounts popping up lately. Over at Amazon, this includes the huge TCL 75-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV, which has dropped to $479.99.

This discount saves you $170 on this TCL TV's usual list price of $649.99. Considering the quality it offers and how big it is, this is a pretty sweet deal to take advantage of. It likely won't last for long either, since it's marked as a limited-time deal.

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This TCL TV offers crisp 4K resolution on its LED display — alongside image enhancing tech like HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG — that make every color and detail shine on screen. Pair that with the massive 75-inch display and you're sure to feel fully absorbed in whatever you're watching. Even your ears are in for a treat with Dolby Atmos Audio, which helps you feel truly immersed.

On top of that, it's a Fire TV, so streaming from your favorite apps is simple and easy. If it sounds like the TV upgrade you've been searching for, act fast to grab the TCL 75-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV on sale at Amazon.

If you want an even bigger TV for your home, Amazon's also offering a discount on the massive LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV that's worth checking out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert offers a bleak recap of Trumps first year back in office

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:02

Donald Trump is one year into his second presidential term, and like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert is feeling reflective.

In the Late Show clip above the host rattles through a recap of some of the president's lowlights from the past 365 days, painting quite the bleak picture.

"A lot has happened in a short time," says Colbert. "This year alone: Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, held a giant military parade on his birthday, said he wants Canada to be our 51st state, signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship, tore down the East wing of the White House to build a ballroom, covered the remaining parts of the White House in golden geegaws, forced Paramount to make Rush Hour 4, made himself the chair of the Kennedy Center board and then renamed it the Trump Kennedy Center, and personally pocketed over $1.4 billion.

"And guess what? You didn't remember most of that stuff."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Antigravity A1 Drone review: An easy-to-fly 8K 360-degree camera

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:00

The Antigravity A1 isn't just another drone, but a flying invisibility cloak for an 8K 360-degree camera. While established brands focus on better flying, Antigravity focuses on better seeing, though that vision comes with a steep price and some limitations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Does the Apple Watch Ultra 3s training load feature actually prevent overtraining?

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:39

When training for a specific goal, a smart fitness tracker is an essential. Aside from simply tracking your activities, it can support your training through suggested workouts, fatigue tracking, and health stats that can relay the stages of your recovery. Many of these smartwatches now also offer insights into your training load, providing a readable stat that shows just how your workouts are impacting your body.

This is a popular feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple's most rugged smartwatch. But is this data actually useful?

What is Apple's training load feature and does it prevent overtraining?

Apple’s Training Load feature helps you see how hard your body is working over time, rather than just how tough a single workout was. It looks at the intensity and duration of your workouts over the last seven days and compares them to your previous 28 days of activity. Using this comparison, it puts your current workout load into categories from "well below" to "well above" your normal level. This gives you a sense of whether your training is sustainable.

Credit: Apple

It's a handy stat to have on hand, but it's also designed to support smarter training decisions, especially when it comes to rest. Now, the biggest indicator is always how you feel. Data can be wrong, so always listen to your body first and foremost. But the training load feature is a nice extra, and it even uses insights like how you slept to provide extra context on recovery. If your watch is telling you that you're overtraining, chances are you could do with another rest day.

The training load feature isn't specific to the Ultra 3. In fact, you can find it on watches like the Series 11, Ultra 2, and Series 10.

Other features of the Apple Watch Ultra 3

Training load is just one of many great features of the Ultra 3, and if you're serious about data and sports tracking, you'll fall in love with this watch. Training features include precision dual-frequency GPS for accurate pace and distance, heart rate zones and running power for more detailed effort analysis, pacer tools for structured sessions, and fully customizable workouts. There's also the Workout Buddy feature which gives you live guidance during sessions.

SEE ALSO: Can the Apple Watch Series 11 actually support marathon training?

The design of the watch is impressive too, and it's seriously robust. The titanium case and sapphire crystal display are built to last, and the large, bright screen is easy to read in all conditions, even in direct sunlight. The display also doubles as a bright flashlight. It’s water resistant to 100 meters, so it handles swimming, diving, and any water sports.

This watch is also a great companion for endurance activities and off-grid, multi-day tracking. The battery life won't fail you, lasting up to 42 hours in normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Safety is also covered, as the watch can detect hard falls or severe car crashes and will automatically alert emergency services if needed. If you’re off the grid, it also supports satellite emergency messaging, so you can get help even without cell signal.

Where to buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available to buy at many major retailers, including, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS, Cellular, 49mm, Black Ocean Band) $779.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Walmart
Categories: IT General, Technology

Weve tested over 30 laptops in the past year. Here are the 12 best for 2026.

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:18
What is the best laptop for 2026?

My answer ultimately boils down to your operating system preference: Windows or macOS?

As of January 2026, I think the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) is the best MacBook for most people. It's a sleek-as-ever notebook featuring impressive performance, open-lid support for two external displays, a great 12MP Center Stage camera, and an extremely reasonable starting price of $1,199 (making it $100 cheaper than its M3 predecessor).

The best Windows laptop for most people is the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated and snappy Copilot+ PC boasting a stellar battery life of nearly 23 hours. Note that Microsoft makes an Intel version that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it's a business-oriented model with a significant markup.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of CES 2026

Need something different? I've selected ten other options that are ideal for strict budgets, ultra-basic workloads, frequent travelers, content creation, PC gaming, and beyond.

A quick note before we get into the full list: A third of my picks received next-gen updates at CES 2026, and while most of their successors don't have official release dates or prices yet, the ongoing memory shortage is expected to make most new laptops more expensive later this year. Because of this, I'd strongly consider buying a last-gen model and springing for a RAM or SSD upgrade if possible. (More on this below.)

If you'd rather roll the dice and see how the latest laptops fare in testing, stay tuned. We'll be putting them through our extensive review process as soon as they start trickling out.

A note about laptop prices

Over the past 12 months, laptop prices have remained largely reasonable and stable despite a tumultuous economic climate. Last spring's tariff-related price increases wound up being minimal, and we saw affected models go on sale frequently throughout the year. In one impressive anomaly, Apple managed to release faster-than-ever MacBook Airs that were $100 cheaper than their 2024 predecessors, and ever since they turned five months old, they've enjoyed regular $200 discounts at major retailers.

Unfortunately, 2026 is probably going to look a lot different. As Mashable's Alex Perry reported, the global surge of AI data centers has created huge demand for DDR5 RAM and SSDs. Laptop manufacturers who put those same components in their PCs are now facing a shortage, and experts say this could lead to significant laptop price hikes or more limited configuration options. (Read: We might be going back to the days of 8GB RAM in mid-range laptops. It's so over.)

Since most manufacturers have yet to confirm price and availability details for the 2026 models they unveiled at CES, we have yet to see exactly how this RAM famine shakes out in reality. For their part, Windows laptops might be fine in the short term. Intel told Tom's Guide that PC makers have “about nine to 12 months of inventory" in stock as a buffer from the shortage. But what happens if it lasts beyond a year, as one Micron exec predicts?

This is all to say that if you're currently in the market for a new laptop, I'd buy one soon and equip it with as much storage and memory as you can afford. For what it's worth, the last-gen models I currently recommend won't feel outdated for years, and they've all held steady at their current prices so far.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score the Roborock Q8 Max robot vacuum and mop for its best-ever price at Amazon — save $90

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:15

SAVE $90: As of Jan. 21, the Roborock Q8 Max robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. This is $90 off its retail price of $259.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q8 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner $169.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $90   Get Deal

Buying a robot vacuum doesn't have to break the bank. If you've been curious about getting something to help with the constant cleaning around the house, there are some nice options available that are kinder on your budget. The Roborock Q8 Max robot vacuum and mop is one that's worth considering, and it's even on sale right now at Amazon.

Not only has the Roborock Q8 Max dropped to $169.99 at Amazon, saving you $90 off its list price of $259.99, but this drop marks a return to its lowest-ever price. Keep in mind that this is a limited-time deal, so the clock is ticking to score it at this price.

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No matter if there's dirt on the floor or hair stuck in the carpet from your pets, the Roborock Q8 Max can handle it. It features 5,500 Pa suction, complete with dual rubber brushes for cleaning up hair while minimizing tangles. Its mopping system, which features 30 adjustable water flow levels, also works to get out stains on harder surfaces.

There's no need to worry about it running into any obstacles, either. The Roborock Q8 Max features PreciSense LiDAR navigation that maps out your home to find the best cleaning path.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Roborock Q8 Max robot vacuum and mop at Amazon. And if you're curious to see other budget-friendly picks we recommend, check out our breakdown of the best cheap robot vacuums.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Upgrade your streaming — score $15 off the Fire TV Stick 4K at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:11

SAVE $15: As of Jan. 21, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale for $34.99 at Amazon. That's a 30% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal

Looking to give your TV a new lease of life and avoid the need to purchase a whole new TV? Why not try the Amazon Fire Stick 4K. This streaming device can truly transform your streaming setup.

As of Jan. 21, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale for $15 off. Right now, you can get it for just $34.99 at Amazon. This is specific to the 4K option which includes advanced 4K streaming.

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 Fire TV stick plugs into your TV's HDMI port, as well as a wall outlet. It comes with an Amazon remote that will now control all of your TV's functions (including volume and power). When you login to your Amazon account, you'll see all your favorite movies, shows, and streaming apps all in one place. And if you have another Fire TV product elsewhere in your house, they'll all keep in sync so you can move from room to room and pick up where you left off.

This Fire Stick deal is available at Amazon right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reveal how The Rip was shaped by music...and Bens mom

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:00

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck became Hollywood golden boys with Good Will Hunting before the childhood friends forged their own distinct paths in movie-making. Now they reunite for writer/director Joe Carnahan's The Rip, a Netflix action-thriller that's currently streaming.

In The Rip, Damon and Affleck play narcotics police officers whose long-time friendship is challenged when they discover $20 million in cash. Should they steal "the rip"? Their team is divided over the temptation to turn corrupt cops. And to hammer home some of the film's most dramatic moments, Carnahan blasted music between setups to give his cast, which includes Catalina Sandino Moreno and Sasha Calle, a sense of the tone he was building.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Jan. 16, 2026)

In an interview with Mashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, Carnahan, Damon, Affleck, Moreno, and Calle spoke about this use of music on set. Then Carnahan shared how he used an unconventional audio tool for the film's final moments. To hammer home the loss Affleck and Damon's characters feel over the death of their captain, Jackie Velez (Lina Esco), Carnahan recorded audio of their children and moms yelling "Jackie!" so he could play that on set.

Affleck explained how "trigger objects" can be a tool for actors to channel an emotion, and how that came into play in shooting The Rip.

The Rip is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Indiana

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:00

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

More than a third of U.S. states still have restrictions in place for online adult content, leaving users searching for a solution.

Millions of users in Indiana are unable to access popular sites like Pornhub after the introduction of age verification laws. The reasons for this situation are complicated, but the workaround is quick and easy. In just a few simple steps, users in Indiana can secure access to Pornhub without spending anything.

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Indiana

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 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) $12.99 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 actually 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.

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 $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 Indiana with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Musetti vs. Sonego online for free

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:00

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

It may be the 2026 Australian Open but this match is an all-Italian showdown, as No. 5 Lorenzo Musetti faces unseeded compatriot Lorenzo Sonego in a second-round draw.

Though Lorenzo is the favorite on paper, he had a tougher first-round contest that went to four sets before opponent Raphael Collignon retired injured. Sonego, meanwhile, smashed his way to the second round in straight sets. Can Sonego do the unexpected and eliminate Musetti? Or will Musetti advance to face the the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner in the latter stages?

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

How to watch Musetti vs. Sonego for free

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

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

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

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Sonego without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Musetti vs. Sonego in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Pegula vs. Kessler online for free

Mashable - Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:00

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

The second round of the 2026 Australian Open will serve up an interesting battle for U.S. tennis fans — an all-American showdown between Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler.

On paper, this women's singles match should go to Pegula, who entered the Melbourne-hosted tournament as the No. 6 seed and stormed the first round in straight sets. That said, Kessler is sure to make this an interesting match. The 26-year-old is unseeded but she also scored straight sets to advance. Can Kessler ride that momentum and cause an early upset over Pegula?

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

How to watch Pegula vs. Kessler for free

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

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit 9Now

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

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology
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