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Yes, Legos are for adults, and yes, buying Legos is a valid way to spend adult money.

The plastic brick brand is constantly releasing new sets, and for collectors and casual hobbyists alike, this past year has been a great time to be a Lego fan. As of Dec. 2025, Lego's expanded its lineup to include iconic fixtures from Star Trek and The Goonies, as well as some creative decor in the form of their aquarium and fortune firecracker sets.

SEE ALSO: Lego has dropped the Icons Stranger Things: The Creel House to celebrate the show's final season

I spent my time combing through all of the best new Legos to pick out the best of the best, from the affordable options to larger investments. You can find them below, along with more of the best releases from earlier in the year, including the Lego Game Boy and a new Star Wars set that's officially the largest Star Wars Lego model of all time.

Best new Lego sets as of Dec. 2025Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope A tripod telescope is one of three available builds in this one set. Credit: Lego

What's just as cool as space? The fact that this 278-piece set can be built into three different configurations, including an adjustable telescope on a tripod, an adjustable microscope, or a UFO. It's the perfect set for the space enthusiast in your life, young or old, and best of all, it's just $34.99. Preorders ship out on January 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope $34.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Fortune Firecracker Legos that serve as wall decor are elite. Credit: Lego

Lunar New Year isn't until February, but you can get prepared by pre-ordering this Lego Fortune Firecracker. The eight firecrackers "crackle" when they're moved, and the entire set can be mounted on the wall. The center can also be opened to reveal one of two scenes of your choice — a firework display or God of Fortune celebration scene. Preorders will ship out on January 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortune Firecracker $89.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego

In classic Lego style, this replica brings you more than meets the eye. The 2,842-piece set functions as a 14.5-inch brick version of the iconic World Cup trophy, but unlike the real deal, the top can also be opened to reveal a World Cup scene. The actual World Cup isn't until July of next year, but preorders for this set ship out on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy $199.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Ideas The Goonies The Goonies Legos 'R' Good Enough. Credit: Lego

The Goonies turned a whopping 40 years old this year — what better way to celebrate than building this nearly 3,000 piece set, featuring the iconic Inferno pirate ship housing vignettes from the film? And unlike the full-scale ship built for the movie, it won't be devastating if you want to scrap this one and build it all over again. At the time of writing, this set is on backorder, but should be ready to ship out (no pun intended) 60 days from purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Goonies $329.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Your living room: The Final Frontier. Credit: Lego

The crew of the Lego U.S.S. Enterprise may be used to more exciting voyages than the one to your office shelves or living room sideboard, but the Star Trek fans will probably appreciate being greeted by the display every single day.

SEE ALSO: How 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' ruled the internet

This Next Generation-themed 3,600-piece set comes with nine minifigures, a detachable command saucer, secondary hull, warp nacelles with distinctive red and blue detailing, an opening shuttlebay, 2 mini shuttlepods, and an angled display stand with a schematic and ship statistics. Also currently on backorder, it will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D $399.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium All the aquarium essentials are in this set, including a treasure chest. Credit: Lego

This set may be a whopping 4,154 pieces, but after the initial build, it'll be way less work to maintain a real aquarium. Plus, it even comes with knobs and levers so you can "move" the sea life inside, from a striped brickfish to sea anemones and, of course, a sunken treasure chest. This backordered set will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium $479.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best Lego sets coming soon

The following sets aren't available to preorder, but will be available come January 2026.

Lego sets available for purchase January 2026 Coming January 1 Lego Wild Animals: Color Hummingbird $29.99 Learn More Coming January 1 Lego Minecraft The Fox $39.99 Learn More Coming January 1 Lego Bugs Bunny $39.99 Learn More Coming January 1 Lego Botanicals Peace Lily $49.99 Learn More Coming January 1 Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket $59.99 Learn More Coming January 1 Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape $139.99 Learn More Coming January 3 Lego Icons Shopping Street $249.99 Learn More Coming January 3 Lego Icons Stranger Things: The Creel House $299.99 Learn More Best new Lego sets as of Oct. 2025Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future Credit: Lego

It's relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It's on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn't the first time Marty McFly's DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Time Machine from 'Back to the Future' $27.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October? Credit: Lego

Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn't wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego's site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure $54.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth. Credit: Lego

Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it's still plenty to ring in the holidays with.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Game Boy The ultimate dose of nostalgia. Credit: Lego

I don't know if there's a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you're looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you'll have to go the same path as this modder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Game Boy $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Mineral Collection For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered. Credit: Lego

They're (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Mineral Collection $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Batman Logo This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman. Credit: Lego

It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don't live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it's only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Batman' Logo $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle One short day, in the Lego Emerald City. Credit: Lego

We're closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you're looking to kill some time before the film's release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Wicked' Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries. Credit: Lego

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you'll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons. Credit: Lego

The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean's popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it's part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it's on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you're wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Death Star This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star. Credit: Lego

Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego's ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Death Star $999.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of Aug. 2025Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan. Credit: Lego

The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O'-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck $14.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Arcade Machine The perfect desk accessory. Credit: Lego

What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Arcade Machine $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Halloween Wreath Credit: Lego

Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn't be the best outdoor option, Lego's Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Halloween Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego 'Mario Kart' Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit Switch 2 owners aren't the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content. Credit: Lego

Don't quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mario Kart Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees! Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don't have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it's just a little unnerving for some of us!).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hibiscus A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden. Credit: Lego

If there's a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn't gorgeous, I've yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hibiscus $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park Credit: Lego

The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy's rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show's unforgettable fight scenes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' Battle at Arlong Park $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Nike Dunk x Lego Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good? Credit: Lego

There's a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That's a slam dunk of a fun set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nike Dunk x Lego $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok What's more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok? Credit: Lego

Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could've made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Display some of Spider-Man's most iconic heroes and villains in your living room. Credit: Lego

This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C From afar, this set almost doesn't look like Legos. Credit: Lego

Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly's signature on the glovebox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C $159.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker A room isn't complete without a good statement piece. Credit: Lego

If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn't require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it's still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle From the Alps to your living room. Credit: Lego

Lego's architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you've got yourself a vibe. Credit: Lego

That's right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you'll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' The Baratie Floating Restaurant $329.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

A NASA spacecraft is making a close approach to the sun, repeating its record-breaking distance of 3.8 million miles from the solar surface. 

Parker Solar Probe reached "perihelion," the nearest point to the sun in its orbit, on Saturday, Dec. 13. This event is the spacecraft's latest flyby to study the corona, the outermost atmosphere of the sun. 

Parker also matched its record speed of 430,000 mph — fast enough to get from New York to Tokyo in less than a minute, according to the space agency. During this flyby, the probe will collect data on solar wind, flares, and coronal mass ejections — the mysterious solar activity that causes space weather. The spacecraft's four science instruments will measure solar particles and magnetic fields. 

The encounter comes one year after the historic flyby last December that saw Parker become the closest human-made object to the star. The findings and images from that event were published in two Astrophysical Journal Letters papers this week. 

"Eventually, with more and more passes by the sun, Parker Solar Probe will help us be able to continue building the big picture of the sun's magnetic fields and how they can affect us," said Nour Rawafi, Parker's project scientist, in a statement. "And as the sun transitions from solar maximum toward minimum, the scenes we'll witness may be even more dramatic."

SEE ALSO: 'Ice giant' planets Uranus and Neptune might not be full of ice after all

Parker’s mission, which launched in 2018, was to gain insight on how the sun and corona work. It "touched" the sun for the first time in 2021, traveling into a region where the temperature is 2 million degrees Fahrenheit. 

Right now, space weather isn't well understood, and forecasting blasts of solar material that could disrupt power grids, telecommunications, and GPS systems remains challenging. Fortunately, the atmosphere and magnetic field shield earthlings against the most harmful health impacts of radiation during solar storms. 

But these events can have repercussions for technology on which people have come to depend. A solar flare in March 1989, for example, caused all of Quebec, Canada, to experience a 12-hour power outage. It also jammed radio signals for Radio Free Europe.

Coronal mass ejections and flares both involve enormous solar explosions and sometimes happen together. Through telescopes, the flares appear as bright light and the ejections look like fans of gas flying into space. The difference between the two phenomenons can be compared to Civil War-era artillery, NASA explains: 

"The flare is like the muzzle flash, which can be seen anywhere in the vicinity. The (coronal mass ejection) is like the cannonball, propelled forward in a single, preferential direction … only affecting a targeted area." 

The hot plasma from the ejection usually takes up to three days to reach the planet, traveling over 1 million mph. A geomagnetic storm can happen when charged particles from that plasma interact with Earth's magnetic field. 

The data also helped scientists create the first detailed maps of the corona's boundary, the Alfvén surface, where solar material breaks free and becomes solar wind. Credit: CfA / Melissa Weiss illustration

Parker's observations revealed that some magnetic material launched during a coronal mass ejection last December actually fell back to the sun instead of escaping. This recycling seems to reshape the magnetic environment and even influence the direction of later solar eruptions. 

The data also helped scientists create the first detailed maps of the corona's boundary, known as the Alfvén surface, where solar material breaks free and becomes solar wind. The spacecraft's measurements show that this zone grows larger and more jagged as the sun's activity ramps up. 

"The insights we gain from these images are an important part of understanding and predicting how space weather moves through the solar system, especially for mission planning that ensures the safety of our Artemis astronauts traveling beyond the protective shield of our atmosphere," said Joe Westlake, NASA's heliophysics division director, in a statement.

NASA is reviewing next steps for the spacecraft in 2026 and beyond.

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

It feels like we're inundated with tennis tournaments over the summer months, and then nothing. After the US Open, tennis fans have a painful wait for the next Grand Slam. Well that wait is almost over. The 2026 Australian Open looms on the horizon, promising epic contests between the best players in the world.

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

What is the Australian Open?

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

The current singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys.

When is the 2026 Australian Open?

The 2026 Australian Open is the 114th edition of the tournament. This year's event will take place from Jan. 12 to Feb. 1.

How to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit 9Now

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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 $12.95.

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

TL;DR: Live stream Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA Cup final awaits for the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, but two doesn't go into one. The Thunder have looked unbeatable at times this season, but the Spurs possess the talent to give the champions some problems. Will Wemby play? It might be too risky to return so soon, but this huge game might tempt the Spurs organization to throw their star back into the mix.

If you want to watch Thunder vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Thunder vs. Spurs?

Thunder vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup starts at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 13. This game takes place at the T-Mobile Arena.

How to watch Thunder vs. Spurs for free

Thunder vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S., 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 the U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're fast approaching the business end of the NBA Cup. Only four teams remain in contention for the top prize, with the Orlando Magic facing the New York Knicks in the first semi final. The NBA Cup doesn't yet carry the significance of the playoffs, but at this late stage, expect teams to throw everything at it.

If you want to watch Magic vs. Knicks in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Magic vs. Knicks?

Magic vs. Knicks in the NBA Cup starts at 5:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 13. This game takes place at the T-Mobile Arena.

How to watch Magic vs. Knicks for free

Magic vs. Knicks in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S., 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 the U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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We spend way too much money on streaming services to sit there browsing endlessly without finding something to watch. If you’re looking for an alternative, it’s time to consider BitMar Streaming Content Finder. This innovative tool allows you to pay once and enjoy free entertainment online for life.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder is just $14.97 (reg. $150) until Jan. 11.

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Ready to ditch decision fatigue? We’ve all been there — endlessly scrolling to find something to watch, only to go to bed not having watched anything. BitMar offers a unique solution: a streaming content finder that gives you unlimited options from around the world.

With BitMar, there are no expensive monthly subscription fees. Pay once and enjoy this user-friendly platform for life, with AI-powered features and a Bing-powered search engine that helps you find free entertainment online. Discover full movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and music, all completely ad-free — even if you pick something on YouTube.

BitMar Streaming Content Finder only routes you to secure websites, helping you discover diverse content from around the world. If you’re wondering how it’s so affordable, it’s because you’re paying for the platform, not the content. All the creators earn revenue by monetizing the free traffic BitMar sends them, and the platform is fully DMCA-compliant.

A lifetime subscription works on up to five different devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and smart TVs. You can create themed content lists depending on your mood, the genre, or an occasion. BitMar can also suggest content for you based on your preferences and viewing history.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Entertain everyone on your gifting list with the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console, now just $84.97 (reg. $159.99), plus free shipping, through Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $84.97
$159.99 Save $75.02   Get Deal

Looking for a gift that will delight almost anyone — from Gen Z to Boomers? The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console offers something for everyone, from iconic games spanning multiple generations to streaming movies on Disney+.

Right now, you can bring home this entertaining device for just $84.97 (reg. $159.99) with free shipping. But you’ll have to act fast, this deal only runs through Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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From the avid gamer in your life to the mom who loves to host game night, the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console is a gift that works for nearly everyone.

The older generations will love the nostalgic games that are included on the Kinhank Super Console, with options from beloved retro consoles like Nintendo, Atari, and Sega Genesis. There are also classic arcade games, letting everyone take a stroll down memory lane. And for those who prefer more recent games, 3D games are available to download for free.

With thousands of games to choose from, you have endless entertainment at your fingertips. There are no cartridges or discs to keep track of because all games are preloaded.

For those who don’t love games, the Kinhank Super Console also doubles as a streaming device. Hop on your favorite apps and enjoy a good binge session with just a few clicks. It connects easily to your TV, laptop, or projector.

Entertain everyone with the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console, now just $84.97 (reg. $159.99), plus free shipping, through Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Scan anywhere, anytime with this lifetime subscription to the iScanner App for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) with code FLASH, now through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $27.99
$199.90 Save $171.91   Get Deal

Whether you need to submit a signature, keep an important document safe, or archive a sweet memory, it’s important to be able to scan things easily. And it doesn’t get much easier than the iScanner App, a convenient tool that turns your iPad or iPhone into a portable scanner.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to the iScanner App is on sale for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) with code FLASH through Jan. 11.

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Want to be able to digitize documents anywhere? iScanner App makes it possible, offering an easy and convenient way to save any piece of paper — and all you’ll need is an iPhone or iPad. With iScanner App, you just point your device’s camera at the pages you would like to scan. The app then uses AI-powered features to detect and adjust the document’s borders, preventing any distortions.

After scanning, you can take advantage of the editing tools, like color correction and noise-removing features, to make your scan shine. Once your file looks right, you can export it as a PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, or TXT.

iScanner App doesn’t just digitize your documents; it also doubles as a document manager. Organize things into folders with its convenient drag-and-drop functionality. And if you’re working with sensitive information, you can lock folders and files with a PIN.

This multitasking app can also serve as your own PDF editor, allowing you to sign, add text, or auto-fill documents. And thanks to the power of AI, it’s also able to solve math problems and translate text in up to 20 different languages — all within the app.

A lifetime subscription to the iScanner App can be yours for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) with code FLASH now through Jan. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

There was big college football drama last week, with James Madison securing a playoff spot thanks to a series of championship game results. But the drama is far from over as we enter bowl season, meaning plenty more action and, of course, the playoffs.

Dec. 13. kicks off the bowl season action, with the Boise State Broncos vs. Washington Huskies in the LA Bowl from SoFi Stadium.

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Boise State are the Mountain West champions, having defeated UNLV in the Championship Game. It’s the Broncos’ third straight conference win — they’re also on a three-game streak entering this bowl game — but they’ll still face a tough challenge against the Power Four team of Washington, who have eight wins overall this season. Boise State haven’t toppled a Power Four team since 2019.

Add to that all the spectacle and excitement of bowl season, and this is a game not to miss. If you want to watch Boise State vs. Washington for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Boise State vs. Washington?

Boise State vs. Washington takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 13. This game takes place at SoFi Stadium.

Boise State vs. Washington is broadcast on ABC.

How to watch college football in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Boise State vs. Washington from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Boise State vs. Washington 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Boise State vs. Washington from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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 eight 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 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

DJI launched its latest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 8, in November, in markets across (most of) the globe. It's a decent option for budding content creators on a budget, offering straightforward controls and smooth performance that can also help jazz up home movies.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is a solidly built phone gimbal Credit: A. Yeo

DJI's Osmo Mobile 8 has solid build quality, largely made of a sturdy-feeling black plastic — but it also comes with a slightly textured rubberised grip on the handle's rear. This addition seems unnecessary, as the material feels barely different to the rest of the handle and adds little in terms of grip.

The seams interrupt the smooth, ergonomic feel of it in the hand. Making the handle's body a single piece may have been preferable; the micro-channel around the grip seems likely to collect dead skin and grime. Still, the Osmo Mobile 8 feels good overall.

The Osmo Mobile 8 comes with its multifunctional module, a clamp to hold your phone, and a fabric storage pouch. The phone clamp connects to the gimbal arm via a magnet, which is reassuringly strong enough to give users peace of mind. There are also two USB-C cables: A longer one for charging the Mobile 8, and a shorter one which connects the module to your phone when using a mic. 

Credit: A. Yeo

In addition to these accessories, the Osmo Mobile 8 has an inbuilt telescopic extension rod and a tripod, both of which are solidly built. Though the extension rod only adds around 8.5 inches, it's enough to get crowd shots or a decent selfie, and packs away so well that you're likely to forget it's there. You can fully extend it while using the tripod as well, though it feels just precarious enough that you wouldn't want to if there's much of a breeze.

Tripod legs stow away in the Osmo Mobile 8's handle, making for a very compact and elegant design solution. These legs pull out from the bottom and then fold out, attached with metal hardware that feels durable.

There is a nice amount of flex when you apply downward pressure to the Osmo Mobile 8, while the tripod is set up. It has the kind of bounce that makes it feel it's unlikely to break.

The bottoms of the tripod prongs end in relatively sizable rubber feet, which provide a good amount of stability and grip, as well as scratch protection for the surface you place it on. It does a decent job of standing on uneven surfaces, though isn't designed for anything extreme.

DJI recommends picking up its separately sold Grip Tripod accessory if you want to set up your Osmo Mobile 8 in less even, more windy conditions.

Travelling with the Osmo Mobile 8 isn't smooth Credit: A. Yeo

Unfortunately, even with its smart tripod storage, the Osmo Mobile 8 is bulky enough that carrying it around to shoot on the go feels like a hassle. The gimbal is over twice as heavy as DJI's popular Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera, weighing in at around 370g, and while the mobile phone arm folds down, it still leaves the Mobile 8 an awkward shape for transport.

The Osmo Mobile 8's included fabric storage bag offers little protection, alas, and doesn't feel sufficient for carrying it around. Realistically, many users are likely to leave the Osmo Mobile 8's magnetic phone clamp attached to the gimbal when not in use. (While DJI does have a flat quick-release mount accessory for MagSafe compatible iPhones, it's sold separately and isn't compatible with the multifunction module.)

The clamp can still be rotated even while the Osmo Mobile 8 is powered off, which can cause it to get caught in the storage bag's opening when being taken out or stowed. This part doesn't spin freely either, as the gimbal's mechanical range doesn't have a 360-degree roll. You wouldn't want to force it too far, which doesn't feel like an impossible mishap that might occur in the bottom of your bag.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is best when used hands-free Credit: A. Yeo

While the DJI Osmo Mobile 8's build is a bit clunky, it makes up for it with impressive performance. In addition to offering a fill light with eight levels of brightness and color temperature settings, the Osmo Mobile 8's incredibly handy multifunction module acts as a microphone receiver for compatible DJI transmitters as well as enables tracking of people or animals.

Subject tracking is smooth, easy to operate, and works well. When using the DJI Mimo app, users choose a subject to lock on to simply by tapping them while they're in frame. (Subjects are automatically tracked instead when using AppleDockKit in the iPhone camera app — more on that later.)

The gimbal will then follow the selected subject as long as they move at a moderate, reasonable speed, making it suitable for vlogging. We did successfully dodge it when attempting to do so, meaning people can duck out of frame when needed.

The Osmo Mobile 8 is great if you want to set up your gimbal for hands-free filming. Aside from the built-in tripod and heavier weight helping to keep it sturdy, the large phone screen enables you to check your framing from a further distance (provided you're using your phone's front camera).

Unfortunately, its weight acts against it when used as a handheld device. DJI's smaller and lighter Osmo Pocket 3 is a far superior handheld gimbal experience, though it's also three times the price and has a comparatively tiny inbuilt screen which makes filming from a distance trickier.

Credit: A. Yeo

When you've finished filming, turning the Osmo Mobile 8 off feels a bit like putting it in a sleeper hold. Powering it off involves folding down the gimbal arm and rotating it so that it locks in place, aligning the small, subtle indicators to guide you. At first it feels as though you're doing something you aren't supposed to, as the unit will struggle against you, twitching and turning as you force it into position.

When using the Osmo Mobile 8, the camera quality depends on the phone you use. The DJI Mimo app supplements this by offering a few basic beauty filter options. All of these work quite well, and can be adjusted in strength if you prefer more subtle touchups.

However, the iOS app applies face slimming by default, even if you move its slider down to zero. You'll have to completely turn off all beauty filters to disable it, meaning you can't just smooth your skin or get rid of your dark circles. In contrast, Android offers more beauty filter options, and doesn't apply face slimming automatically.

DJI Osmo Mobile 8 vs 7P: What are the differences? Credit: A. Yeo

The Osmo Mobile 8 is the same size and roughly the same weight as its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 7P. DJI also states that both models have 10-hour run times and charge in about 2.5 hours. The primary upgrades between the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 and Osmo Mobile 7P are the mechanical range of the gimbal and AppleDockKit support. 

While the Osmo Mobile 7P's mechanical range limited it to -109 to 222 degrees of panning, the Osmo Mobile 8 allows for full 360-degree pan rotation. This means that you can set it to track you via DJI's Mimo app, then walk in circles around the gimbal and have the camera follow you. Such a wide range of motion makes the Osmo Mobile 8 much easier to set and forget, for when you want to catch moments like running around with the kids at a family picnic.

The Osmo Mobile 8 also introduces AppleDockKit support, enabling iPhone users to track subjects in the native iPhone camera app. Pairing is easy, simply requiring you to tap your phone to the NFC tag on the side of the gimbal's handle. Even so, you can't directly choose what AppleDockKit tracks, making it most suitable for less busy shots where there's a higher chance it will lock on to your desired subject.

AppleDockKit tracking works with the Osmo Mobile 8's phone clamp, but won't activate if you have the multifunction module attached. It's far more practical to use the gimbal's quick-release mount instead if you have it, as its AppleDockKit tracking doesn't use the multifunction module anyway. 

Native iPhone camera tracking isn't necessarily a groundbreaking new addition to the Osmo Mobile 8, as tracking in the DJI Mimo app works well. However, it may improve workflow for people who prefer to film footage directly to their camera roll instead of via the app.

Should you buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 8? Credit: A. Yeo

With compact gimbal cameras such as DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 available, comparatively bulky gadgets like the Osmo Mobile 8 can be a harder sell even for those willing to pay a premium. The Osmo Pocket 3 is notably more compact and lightweight, and doesn't require you to relinquish your phone to use it.

Even so, the Osmo Mobile 8's significantly lower price makes it a much more attractive option for those who dabble in content creation, primarily film at home, and are curious to find out how a gimbal might upgrade their setup.

If you're after smooth subject tracking on a budget, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is a versatile, well-built gimbal that will likely suit your needs.

Unfortunately, while the Osmo Mobile 8 is currently available in many markets, the U.S. remains a notable exception. DJI continues to deal with notable obstacles from the U.S. federal government, which have hindered its business stateside. For now, getting your hands on DJI's Osmo Mobile 8 in the U.S. may require going through third parties.

Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus brought their A-games with new phone releases in 2025.

Not every aspect of every new device that those companies released was great. Some of the devices themselves were disappointing. Still, whether you want a mid-range powerhouse or a fabulous foldable, or anything in between, you have plenty of great options in 2025.

Here are the best smartphones that launched in the past 12 months.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best video games of 2025 OnePlus 15 It's a little generic-looking, but who cares? Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

For the past few years, Chinese firm OnePlus has offered pretty excellent flagship phones at competitive prices. If you want to escape the Apple/Google/Samsung ecosystem and go with something a little different (but arguably just as good, if not better), the OnePlus 15 is a great way to go.

There's nothing especially distinctive or gimmicky about the OnePlus 15 — just a reliable, solid Android handset. For $899, you get three good rear cameras, a huge display with a staggering 165Hz refresh rate, and a gargantuan 7,300mAh battery that holds up for exceptionally long stretches of time.

The OnePlus 15 is the most recently released phone on the list, and absolutely stands its ground against the rest.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 It's simply absurd how thin this phone is. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

One of the big problems with tablet-style foldables (which I personally prefer to clamshell-type phones) is this: most feel bulky when folded up. You can use the outer display like a normal phone — but on almost all of these devices, the form factor doesn't make that a super fun thing to do.

That's what makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 so remarkable: Samsung fixed that problem entirely. The solution, it turned out, was just to make the phone extraordinarily thin.

The Fold 7 has the most impressive physical design of any device on this list; it really needs to be seen to be believed. It's a great phone in many respects, but the fact that it actually feels like a regular phone when you fold it up is a true game-changer. This is easily the best foldable I've ever used.

Motorola Razr Ultra

Samsung's Z Flip 7 has gotten the most attention among foldable fans, but don't count out the premium Razr Ultra.

This smartphone has an incredible battery life, and it lasted over 24 hours in our rundown tests. On top of that, it starts with 512GB of storage and comes with a Snapdragon processor, unlike the Z Flip 7.

In short, the Razr Ultra feels more like a flagship phone, whereas Samsung's flip phone is a clear step down from the flagship Z Fold 7. The early versions of the foldable Razr had some problems, which we've covered in depth. But the 2025 version fixes these bugs, and it's a satisfying flip-style phone that actually fits in your pocket.

This phone went a long way in convincing our tech editor that foldables are finally ready for the mainstream market; he called it the "unsung hero" of the year.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Not the most exciting color options, sadly. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

I'm an iPhone guy and probably will be for the rest of time — but if I ever had to move to Android, Google's Pixel line is where I'd go.

The Pixel software is always clean and intuitive, and Google tends to favor Pixel phones when it comes to releasing new Android software features first. Then there's the fact that they have some of the best cameras in the business.

Most of that remained true with the Pixel 10 Pro this year. It delivered amazing photos (at least during the daytime) and some of its new AI features, like Daily Hub, can be useful. Google didn't do much tweaking to Pixel this year, but it didn't need much.

iPhone 16e It's a blend of old and new. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

For years, Apple's mid-range iPhone was the iPhone SE. These were generally pretty good devices, and in particular, they appeased folks who yearned for the physical home button.

Unfortunately, Apple never got into the habit of releasing new SE models annually, and the line was sent out to pasture.

The good news is that Apple didn't give up on mid-range iPhones entirely. The iPhone 16e is the first in what we expect to be an annual line of cheap-ish iPhones, and while its $599 starting price is a bit on the high end for a mid-range device, the phone itself is great.

For far less than the price of a flagship iPhone, you get a nice A18 chip for quality performance, outstanding battery life, and all of the current Apple Intelligence features you could ask for. Hopefully Apple keeps up the momentum and eventually gets the iPhone e-series up to par with the next phone on this list.

Google Pixel 9a Nice color. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Google's Pixel A-series has been its budget-friendly standard bearer for years, and the Pixel 9a was no different. Aside from a somewhat dull redesign, this $499 handset is almost as good as the regular Pixel 9.

All the AI features are here, the cameras aren't bad, the battery lasts a long time, and you can get it in pink. As a budget phone, it doesn't bring any new features to the table, but the fact that you don't really miss out on much from the regular Pixel 9 is a great selling point in itself.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Sadly, we didn't get the orange one. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

No, we were not going to end this list without talking about 2025's new flagship iPhone. You can breathe easy.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a powerhouse. You can get up to 2TB of onboard storage, it has some of the best smartphone cameras money can buy, and you will never have any concerns about performance thanks to powerful internal hardware.

Oh, and the battery is pretty great too; we noted as much as 39 hours of battery life when it comes to video playback. It's not a cheap phone, but if you can afford it, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth the investment.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are some of the best features in newer cars, but if you've ever wanted to upgrade from a wired system to a wireless one, the options were somewhat limited—until now. Don't waste your money on a no-name adapter from Amazon, and buy this one instead.

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

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

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

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

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

A load.

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

CARGO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Open land.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GLADE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A slant.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SLOPE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To delay.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 13 Hurdle Word 4 answer

STAVE

Final Hurdle hint

Clearheaded.

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

SOBER

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 returning to its crescent shape as we head towards the New Moon. We're still a few days away from total darkness, so for now there's still a few features to be spotted on the surface. Read on to find out what you can see.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Dec. 13, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means 34% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Tonight, without any visual aids, you'll be able to see Kepler Crater and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and the Mare Humorum. With a telescope, Reiner Gamma, Schiller Crater, and Fra Mauro Highlands will also become visible.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

NASA says the Moon goes through a cycle of about 29.5 days, and during that time we see its different phases. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the sunlight hitting it changes as it orbits Earth. That’s what makes it look full, half-lit, or sometimes completely hidden. The cycle has eight main phases:

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.

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There is quite simply no tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. It's an electric combination of heated rivalries, colorful fans, and flair that is sometimes lacking from elite competitions. We know that the eyes of the footballing world are already fixed on the 2026 World Cup, but this incredible tournament should whet the appetite of fans before the main event next summer.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mane, Bryan Mbuemo, and Victor Osimhen will be taking center stage in Morocco. We're expecting some scintillating football from the best of the best.

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If you're interested in watching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Africa Cup of Nations?

The Africa Cup of Nations (or AFCON) is the main biennial international men's association football competition in Africa. 24 teams are drawn into six groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout rounds.

The defending champion is Ivory Coast. Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, winning seven times and securing three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

When is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is the 35th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 in Morocco.

How to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4. All matches will be live across Channel 4’s network, including Channel 4, E4, 4Seven, and Channel 4 Sport YouTube. 

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 the UK

4. Connect to Channel 4

5. Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch AFCON without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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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 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

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

Released in August 2025, the 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 onto 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 for 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 December 13, 2025

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 December 13, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 13 Pips

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

Number (7): Everything in this red space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this orange space must add up to 11. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 13 Pips

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

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 13 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-1, vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're stylish.

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 December 13, 2025 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: Bottoms

• Green: Unspoken

• Blue: Baseball stars

• Purple: Ancient legends

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Wide-legged pant styles

• Green: Silent "T"

• Blue: New York Mets legends

• Purple: Greek mythology figures minus a letter

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 #916 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Wide-legged pant styles: CULOTTE, GAUCHO, HAREM, PALAZZO

• Silent "T": APOSTLE, DEPOT, MORTGAGE, POIROT

• New York Mets legends: GOODEN, PIAZZA, SEAVER, STRAWBERRY

• Greek mythology figures minus a letter: AJA, ARE, HER, HERCULE

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 December 13, 2025

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 the latest Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love chaos.

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 December 13, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: All over the place

The words are related to structure.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe disorder.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Thats Wild.

NYT Strands word list for December 13

• Unruly

• Chaotic

• Thats Wild

• Disorderly

• Tumultuous

• Stormy

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 the latest Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're frugal.

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 December 13, 2025 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 December 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A penny-pincher.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

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...

MISER

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 December 13, 2025

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 the latest Wordle.

Million-dollar diamonds, priests with neck tattoos, full-on resurrection... These are all elements of the narrative puzzle Rian Johnson pieces together in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

The latest Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) whodunnit transports audiences to the quiet town of Chimney Rock, where local church Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude has been rocked by a murder most foul, that of controversial Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Following a Good Friday mass, Wicks popped into a sealed room just off the altar, where he collapsed, stabbed by a dagger with a devil wolf head pommel.

SEE ALSO: 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' trailer sees Josh O'Connor accused of an impossible crime

The clearest suspect in this textbook locked-room mystery is Reverend Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor), a young priest who challenges Wicks' prejudiced teachings. He's also been caught on camera threatening to cut Wicks out of the church, so things don't look great for him.

But of course, as in any Knives Out mystery, things are rarely as they seem. Although there was animosity between Wicks and Jud, it wasn't Jud who killed him. Instead, the murder came from within Wicks' own flock of religious followers. Was it lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) or her adopted son and incendiary political hopeful Cy (Daryl McCormack)? Wicks' number-one devotee Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close) or sci-fi writer Lee Ross (Andrew Scott)? Doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) or cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny)?

Let's break down the killer's twisted plot.

Who killed Jefferson Wicks in Wake Up Dead Man? The ensemble of "Wake Up Dead Man" lays eyes on a murder. Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Not one, but two members of Wicks' flock were behind his murder. It was Nat who dealt the killing blow, but it was Martha who set the whole plan in motion.

Before we get into Martha's motive, let's get into her and Nat's methodology. It starts with the two devil wolf head lamp toppers from local bar Il Diavolo. Nat stole one, and Martha nabbed the other when Jud hurled it into the church in anger. She painted the heads red and sewed one into Wicks' Good Friday vestments, which explains the red thread the police found by Wicks' body. That head was also attached to a remote control device. When Wicks went into the side room to drink from his flask, Nat set off the device, which popped a squib of blood onto the robes. Martha and Nat also laced the flask with medical-grade tranquilizer, causing Wicks to fall unconscious.

That means Wicks wasn't dead when Jud initially found him. His actual death came when Nat entered the room in order to investigate. Using Martha's horrified reaction as a distraction, Nat stabbed Wicks with the devil wolf knife and got rid of the device. That's how you pull off a locked-room murder in a church, folks!

Wait, why did Martha want to kill Wicks in the first place?

But hold on, why did Martha, Wicks' ride-or-die disciple, want him dead? You think he'd be the last person she'd wish death on, right?

The answer is a tale 60 years in the making, and it all starts with Wicks' mother Grace (Annie Hamilton), also known as "the harlot whore." Grace remained under her father Reverend Prentice Wicks' (James Faulkner) roof until his death, hoping to gain access to his hidden fortune — and a ticket out of her miserable existence in Chimney Rock. However, Prentice didn't want Grace to succumb to the temptation of Eve's apple, and so he passed away without telling her where he'd hidden it.

Turns out, Eve's apple wasn't just a metaphor for temptation. It was Prentice's fortune: a literal diamond, worth millions, that Prentice swallowed as his final communion. He invited Martha to witness it, telling her that with the fortune gone, it would no longer be a corrupting force within his family.

Martha harbored this secret for 60 years, never once giving it up. (Although she certainly goaded a distraught Grace about it.) But when Jud questioned whether she or anyone in Wicks' flock could actually confess their deepest sins at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, she decided to take him up on that challenge. She revealed the location of Eve's Apple to the priest hearing her confession. The big problem? She thought she was talking to Jud, when in reality, she was talking to Wicks.

Knowing his grandfather's fortune lay close at hand changed Wicks. He ordered a construction company to open his grandfather's mausoleum so he could remove Eve's Apple from his skeleton. After that, he planned to fly the coop and burn his flock in his wake, including busting Nat for treating patients while under the influence of alcohol. Following his grand exit, he would embrace the grander political aspirations of Cy, who is actually his son. For Martha, these were all signs of the corruption of temptation. Wicks' covetous sin would bring the downfall of the church she'd worked to uphold for decades, and she couldn't fail her duty to the church. Sure, she can excuse the bigoted rhetoric, but this is where she draws the line.

So how could Martha preserve both the church and Wicks' image? By killing him, obviously. Oh, and then reviving him.

How did Martha "revive" Wicks? Kerry Washington and Glenn Close in "Wake Up Dead Man." Credit: Netflix

In waking up dead man Wicks, Martha hoped to stage "a holy mystery, unsolvable and divine." Of course, she couldn't really resurrect Wicks. But she could enlist the help of a surprisingly accurate Wicks body double: her husband Samson (Thomas Haden Church).

A very alive Samson was entombed in the mausoleum, not Wicks' corpse. When Nat sent him the signal, Samson burst out of the purposefully shoddy coffin he'd built himself, went digging in Prentice's rib cage for Eve's Apple, then opened the mausoleum's Lazarus door from the inside. Anyone watching the security footage of Samson emerging into the night would see what looked like a newly revived Wicks reuniting with Samson. The reality of the scene was that Samson, dressed as Wicks, was reuniting with Nat, dressed as Samson.

From there, Nat, Samson, and Martha were supposed to dispose of Eve's Apple. Samson would then tell the world his story of meeting the resurrected Wicks, who gave him his blessing before ascending to heaven. It would be Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude's own miracle, one in the vein of the resurrection of Lazarus, or even Jesus Christ himself.

But Martha didn't count on Jud stumbling onto the scene, or Samson knocking him out. Nor did she factor Nat's greed into the equation. When he lays eyes on Eve's Apple, it's like Gollum catching sight of the One Ring for the first time. And just like Gollum, he jumps straight to murder. He takes out Samson, then stages the scene to look like Jud did it.

Nat attempts to continue his murder spree by poisoning Martha with a lethal dose of pentobarbital. Unluckily for him, she already knew about Samson's death, so she pulled a Reverse Uno straight out of the Sicilian's challenge in The Princess Bride, switching their tea cups so he drinks the poison instead. From there, all Martha had to do was stage Nat's corpse to look like he was drowning Wicks in a vat of acid. Talk about improvise, adapt, overcome.

What happens to Martha in the end? Josh O'Connor and Glenn Close in "Wake Up Dead Man." Credit: Netflix

Martha winds up confessing all of her sins of her own free will to Jud. She does so after taking pentobarbital herself, passing away in the church. Before she does, though, she finds forgiveness for those she harbored hate for in life, including Grace. Jud recites the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gives her the grace of forgiveness. I'm not sure I could look past the full-on murder or hero worship of a monstrous man in order to forgive someone, but then again, I'm not a priest, and Jud is just better than me.

As for Eve's Apple, it officially "disappeared." However, Jud cheekily hid it within the new crucifix he made for Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude. With that, the ugly legacy of the Wicks family, including Wicks' nasty teachings and rants against his own mother, fades away, leaving the church in a better place. Yes, there are unfortunately still Wicks truthers out there who believe in the miracle, all based on Cy's inflammatory videos. But in Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude itself, the future looks bright for Jud, who prepares to welcome everyone who steps through his doors.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.