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TL;DR: Stop worrying about how you’re going to keep your files safe with this 20TB Scramble Cloud Storage lifetime subscription, on sale now for just $314.95 (reg. $1,440) through Oct. 11 with code CLOUD.

Opens in a new window Credit: Scramble Cloud Scramble Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $314.95
$1,440 Save $1,125.05   Get Deal

The best storage solution is one you don’t have to think about all the time. Scramble Cloud Storage serves up just that — allowing you to pay once and secure an ample 20TB of space for life.

Right now, you can even lock in that 20TB Scramble Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just $314.95 until Oct. 11 with coupon code CLOUD.

If you’re tired of paying a small fortune in cloud storage fees year after year, it’s time to check out another option. Scramble Cloud Storage lets you own your space outright —offering long-term file freedom and peace of mind for a fraction of the price you’ve been paying to rent it.

This deal secures you 20TB of space, a high-capacity option designed for serious storage needs. Save your photos, videos, important files, and more right in the cloud without a second thought — for less than you’d pay to rent 6TB of iCloud storage for a year.

Aside from offering a more affordable option, Scramble Cloud Storage also provides peace of mind by using the Advanced Encryption Standard before uploading to the cloud. It also offers zero-knowledge architecture, so you’re the only person with access to your content.

An easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface ensures you can start using Scramble Cloud Storage right away. It has a familiar folder layout and works via a desktop client, WebDAV, CLI, or web app.

You can preview files instantly, share links, stream videos, and view Word and Excel files right in your browser.

Snag your lifetime subscription to 20TB Scramble Cloud Storage for just $314.95 until Oct. 11 with coupon code CLOUD.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get seven apps with this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license for only $14.97 (reg. $229) through Oct. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $14.97
$229 Save $214.03   Get Deal

If it’s been a while since you took advantage of the wonders of Microsoft Office, consider it time to reintroduce yourself. Whether you’re knocking out essays in college, crafting presentations for work, or just building the family budget, there are tools to help you tackle even the most eclectic to-do list.

Right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for just $14.97 through Oct. 11.

Give your PC a total fall refresh with Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows. This license even allows you to pay once and keep the apps for life, unlike the usual way of accessing Microsoft tools by paying month after month.

For less than the cost of lunch, you can give your PC the keys to seven apps. You’ll have old classics like Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, Outlook for emails, and PowerPoint for presentations.

This version includes three newer favorites as well — OneNote for note-taking, Publisher for professional document creation, and Access for large database management.

Don’t let the year on this Microsoft Office license give you pause — it includes updates and redesigns, such as improved cloud connectivity and enhanced inking across all Office programs. You’ll also have new analysis capabilities in Excel, new presentation tools in PowerPoint, and updated features in Outlook.

Quick note: make sure your device is running Windows 10 or Windows 11 prior to purchase.

Lock in your own Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license for just $14.97 (reg. $229) now through Oct. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

We're all hungry for savings amidst all of the price hikes this year, so Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, has arrived just in time.

Prime Big Deal Days event takes place Oct. 6 and 7, and Amazon's major sales offer lots of legitimately good discounts worth adding to your cart. But there are also a number of not-so-amazing deals floating around the internet. Not to mention, with the RAMageddon price increases, it's hard to gauge whether a deal is actually considered good anymore. How do you sort out what's worth your money and what to avoid?

Mashable's shopping team knows a thing or two about finding the best deals. And we're going to let you in on some of our secrets. Your first line of defense should be your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, there's a pretty good chance it is. But if you need to know for sure, here are a couple of ways to get the scoop.

SEE ALSO: 15 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget experts Verify the MSRP on the brand's website

We've seen product list prices fluctuate, which can make discounts look steeper than they really are or downplay how good a deal actually is. A good rule of thumb before you buy is to cross-check the listing with the actual manufacturer's website. If you can't seem to find the exact product on the brand's website, you can also cross-check the price with competing retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, or Target, which will give you some insight into the MSRP. These retailers will sometimes match (or even beat) Amazon's prices.

Take the Anker Solix power station below, for example. Amazon lists the MSRP at $1,199, highlighting a 43 percent discount. However, a quick search on Anker's website shows the MSRP for the same power station is actually $999.99. While the sale price is the same on both websites, the discount isn't quite as steep as it seems.

Left: Amazon's listing for the Anker Solix S2000 power station inflates the MSRP to $1,199. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon Right: A quick cross-check on Anker's website shows that the MSRP is actually $999.99. Credit: Screenshot: Anker Check price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel

Our secret weapon, particularly during sales like Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days, is the Amazon price-tracking tool CamelCamelCamel.

This free tool can help you determine whether a product's sale price is actually a great deal or if it's an everyday occurrence. You plug a product's Amazon listing into the search bar at the top of the website or use the Camelizer browser extension and get insight into the product's price history over the last weeks, months, or even years. It can sometimes miss short-term discounts and Lightning deals, but it's pretty accurate for the most part.

Walmart offers a similar tool called Camelmart, if you choose to shop its fall savings event or compare prices.

Camelcamelcamel shows the Kindle's price history. Credit: Screenshot: CamelCamelCamel Use Alexa for Shopping for insights

Amazon has put some work into its Alexa for Shopping feature this past year, so don't be afraid to utilize it. The tool is available on the app, website, and Echo Show devices and combines Amazon's AI assistant Rufus with Alexa+. The personalized AI assistant is designed for your shopping needs, so you can ask it direct questions about products. That includes viewing up to a full year of price history for specific items. If you're eyeing a certain product, you can also set price alerts to notify you when a good deal pops up.

You can ask Alexa for Shopping directly about a specific product's price history for up to one year. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon You can also choose the pre-written prompt for the price history when you're on a specific product listing page. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon Follow Mashable's shopping experts' Prime Day coverage

Mashable's shopping team has been covering Prime Big Deal Days since its inception, and it's our job to know what deals are actually worth adding to your cart.

Our Prime Day hub can save you from wasting time skimming websites on your own. If there's a great deal you need to know about, we've got you. Head over to the hub for links to all of our coverage, including a regularly updated guide to the best October Prime Day deals, the latest fall sales at Walmart and Target, as well as category-specific shopping guides for TVs, Apple products, home improvement, and headphones.

We'll be updating all of these lists regularly before, during, and after the sale, so keep checking back for all the latest and greatest deals that drop.

Check if the product is Shipped and Sold by Amazon

Amazon is home to thousands of third-party sellers. Some of these third-party sellers are perfectly legit, and others are operated directly by brands themselves. However, some of these sellers have not-so-great reviews, which is why Mashable tries to recommend products shipped and sold directly by Amazon whenever possible.

You can check this information on a product page, though the text is easy to miss.

Look directly under the "Buy Now" button or search the page for the phrases "Ships from" or "Sold by" to see the actual seller.

For instance, Samsung recently raised prices on its Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphones, but these phones are listed with discounts at Amazon. However, check the "Sold by" section, and you'll see the seller is actually an entity called ReNew Pros (We Record Serial Numbers). Many people shopping this deal might not realize they're not buying directly from Amazon. This seller only has a 78% positive customer rating at Amazon, which is useful information if you're considering a purchase.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $173.99 at Amazon, down from its $198.98 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box $173.99 at Amazon
$198.98 Save $24.99   Get Deal

Prismatic Evolutions remains one of the pricier Scarlet & Violet-era Pokémon TCG expansions to buy sealed, but Amazon now has an Elite Trainer Box listing below $175 — going far cheaper than the last notable deal we saw on the box. 

As of Oct. 5, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is available for $173.99 at Amazon through third-party seller Non_StopGaming. Along with a saving of $24.99, you’ll also get free delivery — estimated for Oct. 19 at the time of writing.

That said, Amazon isn’t the only online retailer going for deals on this ETB right now. Walmart also lists the Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box for $157.99, down from $199.99 and with free shipping. Meanwhile, legit listings on TCGplayer are going for $140.20 at the cheapest — only $4.27 above its estimated market price of $135.93. 

SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day deals on Pokémon, including Perfect Order Booster Bundle for under $45

The box packs in nine Prismatic Evolutions booster packs, one full-art foil Eevee promo trading card, 65 Eevee card sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice, condition markers, a player’s guide, a collector’s box with four dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

If there are any particular singles you’re after from the expansion (including the $1,300+ SIR Umbreon ex), you can buy individual Prismatic Evolution cards from TCGplayer.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Booster Bundle is on sale for $88 at Walmart, down from its $99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle $88 at Walmart
$99 Save $11   Get Deal

The 30th Celebration expansion has seen some fluctuating prices since launch, and a Walmart seller has taken a new swing in the price war on the Booster Bundle. 

As of Oct. 5, the Pokémon TCG’s six-pack 30th Celebration Booster Bundle now costs $88 at Walmart, shaving $11 from the current $99 listing price. Marketplace seller PhTCG handles the order, with free shipping currently included and an estimated arrival of Oct. 10. 

With Walmart’s new offer, you’ll only be paying about $14.67 per 30th Celebration pack — with the expansion featuring hit cards for Mewtwo ex, Mew ex, Umbreon ex, Salamence ex, Greninja ex, and plenty more. Plus, each pack contains one of 30 different rare Pikachu cards spread across the collection.

SEE ALSO: Shop the best early Prime Day deals on Pokémon, including 30th Celebration trading cards for under market price

That puts Walmart ahead of Amazon, where the same Booster Bundle goes as low as $93.88 through third-party seller AIGDistributionLLC — making Walmart $5.88 cheaper at the time of writing. 

TCGplayer is once again the site with the lowest price altogether. Against its estimated market price of $75.09, you can find plenty of listings under $80 — with the lowest currently sitting at $73.99. 

Speaking of TCGplayer, the trading card marketplace is also the go-to for single cards, as you can buy almost any individual 30th Celebration Pokemon card online right now. 

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 5, the Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen headphones are discounted by $40 at Amazon. They're on sale for $319, down from the regular list price of $359.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen $319 at Amazon
$359 Save $40   Get Deal

The 2nd-Gen Bose QuietComfort headphones just dropped to $319 at Amazon, knocking $40 off their usual $359 retail price across all colorways ahead of October Prime Day.

The 2nd-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones sport a refreshed look with modern pill-shaped earcups, a wider headband with plush synthetic leather, and a lightweight 0.5-pound design to reduce ear fatigue. They feature upgraded QuietControl active noise cancellation with adaptive ActiveSense Tech to smooth out sudden spikes in ambient noise, and the new Bose TrueSpatial Technology, which adds Cinema, Still, and Motion immersive listening modes.

SEE ALSO: The 15 best noise-cancelling headphones deals live ahead of October Prime Day: Shop Bose, AirPods, and Sony

Awarded a 4.5-star rating and a Mashable Choice Award by Bethany Allard, the 2nd-Gen QuietComfort headphones hit the absolute sweet spot between comfort, noise cancellation, and price. Bethany called them "one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones money can buy," noting that Bose effectively closed the performance gap between these and the pricier $449 QuietComfort Ultras.

The addition of USB-C lossless audio playback, spatialized Immersive Audio modes, and replaceable ear cups makes them an incredible daily driver for long travel days or office work. While Bethany noted that the app's equalizer options remain basic, these deliver "the best blend of high-end noise cancellation, wear, durability, and value" from the brand to date.

Ditch the $549 AirPods Max and lock in $40 off our favorite Bose over-ears today.

SAVE $32: As of Oct. 5, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $17.99 at Amazon. That's a 64% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $32   Get Deal

With Prime Day about to drop, we can expect many deals, including discounts on tech, robot vacuums, and of course, Amazon's own devices like Echo speakers and Fire TV Sticks.

If your streaming setup needs an overhaul but you don't want to splash out tons of cash, this early deal on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is ideal. Normally $49.99, it has dropped in price to just $17.99. That's a saving of $32, and its lowest-ever price.

And it's so simple to use, too. It's designed to make any compatible TV feel a little smarter, and once you've plugged it in and connected to WiFi, you can use the included remote to navigate Fire OS, adjust your TV's volume, and switch the power on and off without juggling multiple remotes. The latest model also brings a refreshed design and new Alexa+ recommendations.

Of course, as it's a streaming device, you'll have access to popular services such as Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, with support for 4K Ultra HD and HDR10+.

It can even double as a gaming device. With an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you can use Xbox Cloud Gaming to play compatible Game Pass titles directly through your TV.

This Fire Stick deal is available at Amazon right now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Fire Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)

• AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)

• Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 — $319 $359 (save $40)

• iPad mini — $499 $599 (save $100)

• MacBook Air M5 — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 5, the Apple Watch SE 3 is on sale for $229 at Amazon. That's an 18% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 $229 at Amazon
$279 Save $50   Get Deal

Waiting for Prime Day to upgrade your fitness tracker? There may be no need, because the Apple Watch SE 3 is already on sale, dropping from $279 to $229 and saving you $50. It's available in three colors: starlight aluminum with a sand band, midnight aluminum with a navy blue band, and starlight aluminum with a starlight band.

Just in case there was any doubt about the quality of this deal — it's a record-low price for this model.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced way to track your health and fitness. It has features like temperature sensing for insights in the Vitals and Cycle Tracking apps, sleep tracking and sleep apnea notifications, and support for a wide range of workouts. If you're into running, strength training, swimming, and more, you can track all of your workouts on this watch.

You'll also get a battery that lasts up to 18 hours, and fast charging provides up to 8 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes. Siri is also built in to help with everything from finding information to suggesting post-workout stretches, recipes, and wellness tips.

And for added safety, it can also detect hard falls and severe car crashes, then automatically help connect you with emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.

Find this Apple Watch deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 5, the Echo Show 5 is on sale for $59.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

Prime Day is about to get underway, but the discounts have already started creeping in. From Apple products to robot vacuums, you can find a discount on just about anything.

And Amazon has been discounting its own products, including the Echo Show 5. Normally $99.99, you can save $40 on this handy smart home hub at the new price of $59.99. It comes in three colors: glacier white, charcoal, and cloud blue, so you can blend it seamlessly into your home decor.

This device gives you a compact screen for checking things like the weather, catching up on the news, or putting on some music. You can stream from services including Amazon Music and Spotify, or from Prime Video if you want to watch shows and movies.

It also has a built-in 2MP camera. You can use this for video calls or to keep an eye on things at home when you're out. And when you don't need it, the screen can double as a digital photo frame with rotating slideshows. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage for their pictures.

This Echo Show deal is available at Amazon right now.

SAVE $200: As of Oct. 5, the Apple 2026 MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's a $200 discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2026 MacBook Air M5 $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal

It's officially Prime week, with just one day until the two-day sale gets underway. Early discounts have been popping up for weeks, and we're now seeing some stunning deals on Apple products.

We didn't expect this latest MacBook deal, but we're so glad to see it. If the latest MacBook Air has been in your sights, you're in luck. As of Oct. 5, the 13-inch, 512GB model is on sale for $1,099, down from $1,299. This deal applies to all colorways, so you're not stuck with one option.

If you want a laptop that can handle everyday work with ease, the MacBook Air with the M5 chip is a great choice. It's no wonder it's one of our best laptops for 2026. It has the performance to handle creative projects and AI-assisted tasks, and its slim, lightweight design makes it a convenient pick if you work on the go. You'll also get Apple Intelligence built in and 512GB of SSD storage.

It has all the basics you need too. Apple says the battery can last for up to 18 hours, and the 12MP Center Stage camera is ideal for video calls. There's also a three-microphone setup and a four-speaker system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, so you've got great audio at all times.

This MacBook deal is available at Amazon right now.

SAVE $60: As of Oct. 5, the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5, 256GB) is down to $1,139 at Amazon. That's marked down from its $1,199 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 256GB) $1,139 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $60   Get Deal

The 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5, 256GB) is down to $1,139 at Amazon — a $60 discount off its $1,199.00 list price, marking a 5% markdown on Apple's flagship tablet ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

The M5 iPad Pro delivers speed and effortless multitasking on a stunning display. Built with Neural Accelerators for on-device AI and Apple Intelligence, it runs the revamped iPadOS 26, which brings a sleek Liquid Glass look and flexible desktop-style windowing to handle heavy-duty workflows.

Crowned Mashable’s "best for professionals" tablet by shopping reporter Samantha Mangino, the 11-inch M5 iPad Pro is the ultimate setup for creative power users who want a true laptop replacement. In his 4.6-star review, Mashable’s Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth called the M5 iPad Pro "a victory lap for Apple," describing it as the kind of tech that "makes you feel like you're living in the future."

At just 5.3mm thin and under a pound, it’s somehow thinner than the iPhone Air, yet it packs mind-blowing performance. Werth found that the M5 chip easily handles demanding programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, giving it a Geekbench score that puts it in the top 8% of all laptops Mashable tested.

SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day deals on iPads, according to Mashable's tech experts

Paired with the Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display, which delivers up to 1,600 nits of brightness for insanely vibrant HDR video, it’s an absolute dream for creators and power users. While Timothy warned that "everyday use is wasted on this tablet" because it's overkill for basic tasks, catching it on sale makes the extra power and high-end tech completely worth the buy.

Grab the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro (M5, 256GB) before this rare pre-Prime Day discount disappears.

TL;DR: Watch France vs. Belgium in the Nations League for free on TF1. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League brings together Europe's top teams for exciting matchups. We weren't always convinced by this new competition, but we're into it. We get to see France take on Belgium just days after seeing Zidane's team play Italy. That's what it's all about.

If you're interested in watching France vs. Belgium in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is France vs. Belgium?

France vs. Belgium in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Oct. 5. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.

How to watch France vs. Belgium for free

France vs. Belgium in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on TF1.

TF1 is geo-restricted to France, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can live stream France vs. Belgium for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream France vs. Belgium for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit TF1

5. Watch France vs. Belgium 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 they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch France vs. Belgium without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TF1?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TF1, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including France

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream France vs. Belgium for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Italy vs. Turkey in the Nations League for free on RaiPlay. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first break for the UEFA Nations League is coming to an end, but there are still some exciting fixtures to play out. That includes Italy vs. Turkey.

These sides met last week at the Centennial Atatürk Stadium, with Italy securing an impressive win. Turkey will be looking to improve and avenge that heavy defeat.

If you're interested in watching Italy vs. Turkey in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Italy vs. Turkey?

Italy vs. Turkey in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Oct. 5. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

How to watch Italy vs. Turkey for free

Italy vs. Turkey in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on RaiPlay.

RaiPlay is geo-restricted to Italy, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy, meaning you can live stream Italy vs. Turkey for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Italy vs. Turkey for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit RaiPlay

5. Watch Italy vs. Turkey 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 they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Italy vs. Turkey without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RaiPlay?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Italy

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Italy vs. Turkey for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for who watch baseball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Just for fun

• Green: Where to play tennis

• Blue: Florida baseball players

• Purple: Scoring streaks, big leads

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Game with no Stakes

• Green: Types of Tennis Courts

• Blue: Tampa Bay Rays

• Purple: ___Run

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #742 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Game with no Stakes: DEAD RUBBER, EXHIBITION, FRIENDLY, SCRIMMAGE

• Types of Tennis Courts: CARPET, CLAY, GRASS, HARD

• Tampa Bay Rays: BAKER, CAMINERO, JAX, WALLS

• ___Run: EARNED, HOME, INSURANCE, STRETCH

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

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 5, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 5, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 5 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Less than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-6, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 5 Pips

Less than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Less than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 5 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ring.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

CHIME

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An Asian prince.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

RAJAH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Location.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 5, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PLACE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Bulk.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BATCH

Final Hurdle hint

Soup spoon.

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

LADLE

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

The Moon is nearing the end of its current lunar cycle, with the New Moon now just around the corner. The cycle takes roughly 29.5 days to complete, taking the Moon from New Moon to Full Moon and back again. We're now in the final stages, so here's what the Moon will look like tonight.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Monday, Oct. 5, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, with 31% of its surface visible.

With just your naked eye, tonight you can see the Oceanus Procellarum and the Kepler Crater. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Grimaldi Basin, the Copernicus Crater, and the Mare Humorum. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 12 landing spot and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 5, 2026 Content meaning

A state of being satisfied.

Peaceful meaning

Free from war, violence, noise or worry.

Placid meaning

Calm, peaceful and not easily upset.

Serene meaning

Calm, peaceful and free from disturbance or worry.

Explicit meaning

Stated clearly and in detail.

Graphic meaning

Something very clear and powerful.

Strong meaning

Having the power to exert great force.

Suggestive meaning

Implying or hinting at sexual matters.

Parent meaning

Someone's mother or father.

Please meaning

A polite word used to make a request sound more courteous.

Sapphire meaning

A precious gemstone famous for its rich blue color.

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Sloan meaning

An army raid or expedition.

Advisory meaning

An official notice that alerts the public of a potential hazard or danger.

Chess meaning

A two-player strategy board game played on a sqaure grid.

Ironing meaning

The process of using a heated tool to straighten out clothes or fabric.

Message meaning

A piece of information or news sent from one person or source to another.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a chill guy.

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 October 3, 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: Cool and collected

• Green: NSFW

• Blue: A slab

• Purple: To let

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Calm

• Green: Adjectives for mature content

• Blue: Kinds of boards

• Purple: Ending in ways to temporarily acquire

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 #1211 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Calm: CONTENT, PEACEFUL, PLACID, SERENE

• Adjectives for mature content: EXPLICIT, GRAPHIC, STRONG, SUGGESTIVE

• Kinds of boards: ADVISORY, CHESS, IRONING, MESSAGE

• Ending in ways to temporarily acquire: PARENT, PLEASE, SAPPHIRE, SLOAN

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

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're a Debbie Downer.

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 October 5, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Oh well, too bad, such a shame

The words are related to disappointment.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe negative reactions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Sad Trombone.

NYT Strands word list for October 5

• Bummer

• Sucks

• Boohoo

• Sad Trombone

• Alas

• Sorry

• Unfortunate

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.