Blogroll

Who says electric cars have to be boring? One high-performance crossover is flipping the EV script by delivering an exhilarating 641 horsepower, track-ready tuning, and a driving experience that rivals gas-powered performance machines. It's proof that electrification doesn’t have to mean the end of driving excitement.

The Alien films' Xenomorphs are, in my mind, the greatest movie monsters ever created. It's shocking, then, that they're the least interesting part of FX's Alien: Earth.

That isn't to say that the Xenomorphs in Alien: Earth are bores. Far from it! These seminal horror creatures get more than enough moments to shine in the series, slashing victims to shreds, flashing those double mouths, and drooling bucketloads. Classic Xenomorph stuff, and awesome to boot, but not much that we haven't already seen. After four main Alien movies, two prequels, "interquel" Alien: Romulus, and the canonically wonky Alien vs. Predator movies, audiences are as well acquainted with the Xenomorph as can be.

SEE ALSO: Where does 'Alien: Earth' sit on the Alien franchise timeline?

Alien: Earth creator Noah Hawley (Legion, Fargo) recognizes this, deploying the Xenomorph not even halfway through the first episode and pulling few punches when it comes to concealing its appearance. (That appearance, by the way, is magnificent, and created through mostly practical effects and stunt performer Cameron Brown.) Hawley instead reserves Alien: Earth's mystery for new creatures and factions who come in contact with the formidable Xenomorph. It's these parties who end up outshining my beloved monster, but for good reason. With them, Hawley expands on the world of Alien, taking it to fascinating new places and crafting sequences as gripping as a Facehugger. Yet the series never loses the strangeness or existential dread at the center of the franchise.

Alien: Earth pits children against Xenomorphs... kind of. Jonathan Ajayi, Adarsh Gourav, Sydney Chandler, Timothy Olyphant, Kit Young, Erana James, and Lily Newmark in "Alien: Earth." Credit: FX

As its name suggests, Alien: Earth imagines what would happen if the Xenomorph wound up on our planet. Here, it arrives as part of the cargo of the USCSS Maginot, a Weyland-Yutani research vessel that crash lands in New Siam, Prodigy City, named after Weyland-Yutani rival Prodigy Corporation.

Prodigy CEO Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin) decides that he wants whatever deep space goodies are on that ship, so he sends a squad of soldiers to get the job done. However, these aren't just any soldiers. These are hybrids: synthetic bodies that have been implanted with human consciousness. Since Prodigy's hybrid technology is in its early days, the only consciousnesses malleable enough to make the jump from body to body are those of children. That means Boy Kavalier is sending children — granted, in billion dollar robot bodies — into a disaster zone where a Xenomorph lurks.

Featured Video For You 'Alien' was my gateway to horror. Now I'm obsessed with the franchise.

Boy Kavalier's first hybrid test subjects are all terminally ill children given a second chance at life. The first among them, and therefore the de facto leader, is Wendy (Sydney Chandler), named after Wendy Darling from Peter Pan. Her fellow hybrids are also named after the Lost Boys (Nibs, Slightly, Curly, and Tootles, with Smee being the only outlier), and Boy Kavalier fancies himself their version of Peter Pan. He's even named his island research center Neverland, reads J. M. Barrie's tale to the hybrids at bedtime, and plays Disney's 1953 Peter Pan on the roof of his lab.

The Peter Pan allusions unfortunately wear thin pretty fast, serving as a repetitive reminder that the hybrids won't grow up — at least, not physically. Mentally is a different story, and that's where Alien: Earth spends much of its time. How do these new forms of human — if they can even be called that, Wendy wonders — mature? Especially when they're treated as experiments? Not only that, but how will these innocent children react when faced with the deep space horrors on the Maginot?

Alien: Earth's hybrids and aliens are exciting additions to the Alien franchise. Sydney Chandler in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

Alien: Earth's hybrids present several exciting opportunities for the show beyond just the thrill of watching a human hold their own in a hand-to-hand fight against a Xenomorph. (Although that is, in itself, extremely hype-worthy.)

For starters, hybrids act as a counterpoint to the Alien franchise's synthetics, like Ash (Ian Holm) or David (Michael Fassbender). Alien: Earth's resident synthetic is Prodigy employee Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant), an android tasked with supervising (aka babysitting) the Lost Boys on their mission. His monitoring of the Lost Boys doesn't just read as very, very detached parenting, it also reads as him shepherding the next generation of tech that will make him obsolete. Tough gig. In Olyphant's hands, Kirsh is coolly cynical about humanity, a contrast with Chandler's sweetly earnest Wendy, who's still attached to her brother Joe (Alex Lawther), a Prodigy military medic who believes she died.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the entire 'Alien' franchise — from the 1979 classic to the new 'Alien: Earth' series

That earnestness offers up another intriguing layer to the show, as the Lost Boys' adult actors — Chandler, Kit Young, Adarsh Gourav, Erana James, Jonathan Ajayi, and Lily Newmark — must channel children. Their performances create a dissonance between their physical appearances and their thoughts and actions, and the effects can range from disquieting to hilarious in the span of a scene. Special shout out to Ajayi as Smee, who manages to bring ultra-believable childhood petulance and confusion to any sequence, even when he's investigating a lab full of aliens.

Speaking of aliens, the Xenomorph isn't the only extraterrestrial beastie the hybrids have to contend with. In fact, it's one of five alien species in the Maginot cargo. Smartly, Hawley makes all the new aliens smaller than the towering Xenomorph, not attempting to top it physically. However, this fresh lineup of aliens each come with their fair share of stomach-churning, parasitic behavior, proving worthy successors to the head honcho. To delve too much into these creatures would risk spoiling the fun, but I will say that T. Ocellus — an unholy cross between an eyeball and an octopus — damn near steals the show.

Despite all the newness, Alien: Earth still feels like Alien. Babou Ceesay in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

While Alien: Earth abandons deep space for humans' home turf, it's undoubtedly an Alien project, even beyond the involvement of the Xenomorph and Weyland-Yutani. Setting his story two years before Ridley Scott's original film, Hawley explores similar themes, from the horror of losing bodily autonomy (you know pregnancy shows up) to the Corporations' callous mistreatment of workers. The latter especially shines through in Weyland-Yutani cyborg Morrow's (Babou Ceesay) storyline, where he often thinks about how the company takes everything from its laborers, even as he does their dirty work.

Alien: Earth draws from the Alien films aesthetically too. The Maginot is modeled directly on Alien's Nostromo, crafting an eerily accurate visual bridge between the projects that comes to a head in one of the season's standout episodes, itself a mini Alien movie. (The latter brings a nice shot of adrenaline to the show's occasionally plodding pacing, which can feel like Alien: Earth treading water until it reaches its full potential.)

Along with these familiar nods, there's also an undeniable thrill in seeing Alien: Earth take the franchise somewhere new. Crashing a spaceship into a skyscraper? Introducing synthetic-hybrid-cyborg rivalries? Dropping a Xenomorph in a rainforest? Those all get enthusiastic "hell yeahs" from me, and you can believe there are many more where those came from.

Unsettling, bizarro, and contemplative in equal measures — just how I like my Alien! — Alien: Earth proves an exciting new entry in the franchise. Come for the Xenomorph, but stay for all the exquisite nightmares Hawley is cooking up.

Alien: Earth premieres Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX.

Alien: Earth is the first TV series of the Alien franchise, sitting in the earlier batch of films. But where exactly does it sit chronologically in the canon timeline?

Set in 2120, Alien: Earth takes place just two years before Ridley Scott's original 1979 film, Alien. In the film, which takes place in 2122, almost the entire crew on the Earth-bound Nostromo space vessel is turned into Xenomorph fodder after they decide to investigate a mysterious distress signal.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth' trailer: What happens when Xenomorphs crash land on our planet?

Alien: Earth is also set 16 years after the events of 2017's Alien: Covenant, which takes place in 2104, when the crew of the titular colonist vessel investigates yet another mysterious signal on the inhabited planet of Origae-6. (It never pays to investigate in Alien films.) Covenant is the sequel to Prometheus, which takes place between 2089 and 2093.

Here's the timeline in which Alien: Earth sits, so you can get a handle on the chronology (and though Alien vs. Predator films are set in 2004, we're not including them here).

Featured Video For You 'Alien' was my gateway to horror. Now I'm obsessed with the franchise. The Alien films (and the TV series) in chronological order:

1. Prometheus: 2089-2093

2. Alien: Covenant: 2104

3. Alien: Earth: 2120

4. Alien: 2122

5. Alien: Romulus: 2142

6. Aliens and Alien 3: 2179

7. Alien: Resurrection: 2381

Now, here's how to watch every Alien movie online, so you're all over the timeline.

Alien: Earth premieres Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX with two episodes, then weekly on Tuesdays.

Loot drops, level requirements, skill trees, equipment stats: these are all defining parts of the RPG genre, but they're making their way into many modern action games. As a fan of action RPGs like Kingdom Hearts and Diablo, that sounds like a dream come true, but recent action games often forget that there's more to RPGs than slapping numbers on everything.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is available to purchase for $299 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Drone $299 at Amazon
Shop Now

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, with a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots. The DJI product range is the top choice of TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone as one of the best-sellers in recent months. We knew these drones were popular, but surely not as popular as AirPods?

Then the real reason hit us like a drone to the head.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been doing the rounds for a while now. That uncertainty is clearly causing an uptick in sales.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news for anyone hoping to get ahead of a potential ban is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon, listed for $299 right now. This popular drone is being sold by Fly Image Tech at the time of writing. We generally don't recommend third-party sellers, but they have decent reviews and times are tough right now. We'll take what we can get at this point.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features for beginners and advanced users alike. It has a one-tap takeoff function and a helpful return to home feature. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that we think creators will appreciate.

Get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $300 at Amazon.

Most people these days get "4K" content for their 4K TVs from one source—streaming video. Streaming services like to put the 4K label prominently in their marketing, and if you want 4K you'll have to pay a premium for it to separate yourself from the HD commoners.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: They share the same number

• Green: They all have separate pathways

• Blue: Found in The Big Apple

• Purple: They have openings

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Groups of ten

• Green: Places with lanes

• Blue: Landmarks in Downtown NYC

• Purple: Things with holes

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 #794 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Groups of ten: BOWLING PINS, COMMANDMENTS, DECADE, FINGERS

• Places with lanes: BOWLING ALLEY, HIGHWAY, SUPERMARKET, SWIMMING POOL

• Landmarks in Downtown NYC: BOWLING GREEN, BROOKLYN BRIDGE, CITY HALL, WALL STREET

• Things with holes: BOWLING BALL, COLANDER, GOLF COURSE, SPONGE

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 August 4

Are you also playing NYT 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 today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Spitting image

The words are twin-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to describe clones.

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 Copy That.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 12

• Lookalike

• Duplicate

• Copy That

• Replica

• Facsimile

• Double

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 today's Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for August 4 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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A migrant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

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...

NOMAD.

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 August 4

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 today's Wordle.

After giving a nonsensical press conference about crime levels in Washington D.C., Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard in the U.S. Capitol and placed it under federal control.

During her first episode guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, comedian and actor Nicole Byer responded directly to Trump's widely criticised actions by highlighting an important episode of recent history.

"I mean the man's got a point, D.C. can be a very, very dangerous place," Byer says in the clip above. "I remember on January 6, 2021, when someone told an angry mob to get their steps in by storming the Capitol, and that someone was the president."

Taylor Swift announced her upcoming 12th studio album on Tuesday and the vigilante sh*t has already begun among sleuthing fans.

The pop icon appeared in a clip from her partner Travis Kelce's New Heights podcast, revealing her latest era, The Life of a Showgirl, by pulling a blurred-out vinyl from a personalised suitcase. The post was scheduled for 12:12 a.m. on Aug. 12 for Swift's 12th album, to follow The Tortured Poets Department released in April 2024.

"So, I wanted to show you something," she says in the clip to Kelce and his co-host brother Jason Kelce. "This is my brand new album, The Life of a Showgirl."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

On Monday, Swift had posted an album tease on Instagram with a carousel of images from the artist's history-making Eras Tour with the caption, "Thinking about when she said 'See you next era…' ❤️‍🔥" In each image, Swift is wearing an orange-hued costume, now the brand palette for The Life of a Showgirl.

Essentially, you're about to see a lot of orange in your feed. The Empire State Building, Swift's social media pages, and Swift's website have pivoted to the album's branding of sparkling orange and greenish cyan, and fans can now preorder the vinyl, cassette, or CD versions.

Preorders ship before Oct. 13, but the website states this is not the release date for The Life of a Showgirl, which is yet to be announced.

Taylor Swift's website is all cyan and orange. Credit: Taylor Swift Taylor Swift's X page... Credit: X / Taylor Swift ...and Instagram... Credit: Instagram / Taylor Swift And TikTok. Credit: TikTok / Taylor Swift

Spotted by Billboard, Swift also launched a Spotify playlist named And, baby, that’s show business for you to accompany Tuesday's announcement. There's 22 songs on the playlist from Swift's previous albums like Red, 1989, and reputation, and the publisher notes they're all tracks produced by Max Martin and Shellback, possibly hinting at their involvement in The Life of a Showgirl.

As is the custom for Swifties with a new album release, the fans are in full sleuth mode. Some are drawing lines between what Swift said during the Eras Tour to invite Sabrina Carpenter onstage, and what Carpenter has posted on Instagram, to suggest she may feature on the album.

Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter performed during night two of The Eras Tour on Oct. 26, 2024 in New Orleans. Credit: TAS2024 / Getty Images for TAS

It's time to red yarn wall it, people. No one Poirots like a Taylor Swift fan. A good starting point will likely be the full New Heights episode, which lands on Wednesday at 7pm ET.

UPDATE: Aug. 12, 2025, 12:48 p.m. UTC Added Billboard's keen-eyed spot of Taylor Swift's new Spotify playlist.

Writing term papers and essays is part of the college experience, whether you like it or not. These open-source apps can help you organize your sources and get your writing done, as well as present your work with style. These apps are free, cross-platform (including Linux), and will help take the stress out of writing papers, whether you're running Linux, macOS, Windows, or something else.

SAVE $150: As of Aug. 12, the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 256GB, WiFi) is on sale for $749 at Amazon. That's down from $899, saving you 17% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13‑inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128 GB, WiFi) $749 at Amazon
$899 Save $150 Get Deal

If you’ve been torn between an iPad and a MacBook, the 13-inch M3-powered iPad Air might just settle the debate.

Amazon has the 256GB model for $749 — knocking $150 off the $899 list price. That’s the lowest we’ve seen since launch, and a compelling entry point for anyone who wants a large-screen iPad without going full Pro.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro M4 is $200 off at Amazon, and it’s basically future-proof

This isn’t just a bigger iPad, it’s a productivity powerhouse from streaming to almost any digital creative endeavor. The M3 chip delivers fast, smooth performance from juggling apps, editing photos, or streaming in 4K to 3D design and modelling. The 13-inch Liquid Retina display offers plenty of real estate for multitasking, with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultra-low reflectivity making everything from spreadsheets to Netflix pop.

• Price: $749 $899 (save $150)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 13-inch Liquid Retina, 2732 × 2048 resolution

• Processor: Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)

• Storage: 256GB

• Connectivity: WiFi 6E

• Battery Life: All-day

• Cameras: 12MP Wide (rear), 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage (front)

• Special Features: Apple Intelligence, Touch ID, Apple Pencil Pro + USB-C Pencil support, Magic Keyboard compatibility

Apple Intelligence is built in, meaning you’ll get AI-assisted writing, smart search, and advanced image editing right on your tablet. Pair it with the Magic Keyboard (this official model is 10% off at $287.09) and Apple Pencil Pro (which is also $30 off), and you’ve got a device that can handle both work deadlines and creative side projects.

With all-day battery life, WiFi 6E speeds, and a slim design, the 13-inch iPad Air fits right into your bag and your workflow. This $150 discount makes the jump to a bigger, better iPad easier to justify.

SAVE $150: As of Aug. 12, the 11‑inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128 GB, WiFi) is on sale for $449 at Amazon. That's down from $599, saving you 25% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11‑inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128 GB, WiFi) $449 at Amazon
$599 Save $150 Get Deal

If the iPad Pro is overkill for your needs (and your wallet), the new M3-powered iPad Air might be your perfect match.

Amazon has the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128GB) for $449, slashing $150 off the usual $599 price. Not only is that a hefty 25% discount, but it’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this model since launch.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s 13-inch iPad Pro M4 is $200 off at Amazon, and it’s basically future-proof

Powered by Apple’s solid M3 chip, the Air breezes through multitasking, creative workflows, and even graphics-heavy gaming. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display brings your content to life with rich colors, True Tone adjustments, and ultra-low reflectivity makes editing photos, watching movies, or scrolling through your TikTok feed easy.

• Price: $449 $599 (save $150)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 11‑inch Liquid Retina, 2360 × 1640 resolution

• Processor: Apple M3 chip (8‑core CPU, 9‑core GPU)

• Storage: 128 GB

• Connectivity: WiFi 6E

• Battery Life: All-day

• Cameras: 12 MP front (Center Stage) and rear

• Special Features: Apple Intelligence, Touch ID, Apple Pencil Pro + USB-C Pencil support, Magic Keyboard compatible

It’s also ready for Apple Intelligence, so you can take advantage of AI-assisted writing, photo editing, and productivity tools right on your tablet. Pair it with the Apple Pencil Pro (which also has $30 crossed out on Amazon) or Magic Keyboard (here's a third party one for $69.99 with a one-site coupon) for a true laptop alternative that still slips easily into a backpack.

With all-day battery life, WiFi 6E speeds, and a sleek, lightweight build, the M3 iPad Air is built for both work and play if you want it. This is a rare $150 discount on one of the best tablet brand on the market, with bonus points and functionality if you're already in the Apple ecosystem.

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. And these days, you can get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds. We also just updated our picks for the best earbuds for working out and best open earbuds.

Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach.

Major shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day are usually the best time to buy these gadgets; however, good deals pop up year-round, and we're particularly good at tracking them.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2025.

Types of earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

New additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.

As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2025. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 12, the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (M4, 256GB, WiFi) is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's down from $1,299, saving you $200 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (M4, 256GB, WiFi) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200 Get Deal

A top-tier iPad deal doesn’t come around too often, especially on the latest model.

Amazon has dropped the price of the new 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (M4) with 256GB of storage to $1,099, shaving $200 off its $1,299 list price. That’s a rare discount for a device this new, and given Apple’s track record, you probably won’t see much better until the holidays.

SEE ALSO: iPhones, Macs, and iPads will get GPT-5 via Apple Intelligence. Here’s when it happens.

Powered by Apple’s blazing-fast M4 chip, this iPad Pro is built to handle everything from 4K video editing to running next-gen AI features via Apple Intelligence. The Ultra Retina XDR display is nothing short of gorgeous, with true-to-life colors, extreme contrast, and buttery-smooth ProMotion refresh rates that make everything feel instantly responsive. 13-inch might sound huge, but for creatives and a cheeky streaming binge in bed, it's a fantastic bit of real estate (slaps iPad Pro box).

• Price: $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR, 2752 x 2064 resolution

• Processor: Apple M4 chip (up to 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)

• Storage: 256GB

• Connectivity: WiFi 6E

• Battery Life: All-day

• Cameras: 12MP Wide (rear), 12MP Ultra Wide (front)

• Special Features: Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, LiDAR scanner, Face ID, ProMotion, P3 wide color

You can look forward to sketching with Apple Pencil Pro (which is also has $30 crossed out on Amazon), multitasking in Stage Manager, or gaming with console-level visuals. M4 iPad Pro is designed to keep up without breaking a sweat, I even used to sculpt 3D models for 3D printing a year back, and that was an older generation iPad Pro. Its all-day battery life and ultra-thin build mean you can carry it anywhere without compromise too.

And it’s not just a productivity machine; the 12MP cameras, LiDAR scanner, and four-speaker audio system make it a creative powerhouse, whether you’re shooting 4K ProRes video or diving into AR experiences. Apple make some of the best tablets on the market today and have been doing so for over 15 years now, so grabbing a discount on their current flagship iPad is always a wise choice.

The Satechi FindAll Collection (Card, Keychain, Luggage Tag, and Glasses Case) is a family of tracking devices that are easy to set up and feature seamless integration with Apple’s Find My network. I thought all four trackers worked incredibly well, and outside of a few complaints, I was quite impressed by Satechi's lineup.

Another day, another Donald Trump press conference that made little to no sense.

During Monday night's episode of Late Night, Seth Meyers broke down the president’s recent conference on crime in Washington D.C., during which Trump reeled off some stats that were proven wrong in real-time by CNN.

"We've had presidents who've lied before, but we've never had a president who was this easy to fact check," says Meyers. "But who are you going to believe? The stat nerds at CNN, or the guy who says we can lower drug prices by 1500 percent?"

Trump then proceeded to hold up a random chart that he introduced by saying, "These are different cities throughout the world...red is...OK?"

"Is this his new catchphrase now? He's just going to hold up a chart and say 'OK'?" asks Meyers. "He's like a lazy magician who doesn't make you take a card, he just holds one up and acts like that's what it was gonna be. 'You kids like magic? Watch this. Jack of Diamonds...OK?'"

SAVE $50: As of Aug. 12, the Apple iPad 11-inch is on sale for $299 at Amazon — save $50 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 11-Inch $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal

Good news if you're looking to pick up an iPad at a heavily reduced rate — Amazon has been dropping the price of a wide range of models over the last few weeks, and it's showing no signs of slowing down.

As of Aug. 8, the Apple iPad with A16 chip is on sale for $299. That knocks $50 off the list price, and is only $20 off the record-low price for this model.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still $80 off at Amazon — get them before the price jumps back up

The latest Apple iPad 11-inch debuted in March 2025, upgrading to the A16 chip. It's the most affordable tablet in Apple's line-up, even with the storage upgrade. It's a solid all-rounder for work and play. You can even stream on the vivid 11-inch retina display and take notes with the help of an Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard Folio.

Score the Apple iPad 11-inch for $299 at Amazon right now.

Both Beats' and Sony's portable speakers have impressive features. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable SpecsBeats Pill

• Retail Price: $149

• Dimensions: ‎2.8 x 8.6 x 2.8 inches

• Weight: 2.1 pounds

• Battery Life: 24 hours per charge; 10-minute quick charge = 2 hours of playback

• Audio Components: 1 woofer, 1 tweeter

• Frequency Response: Not available

• IP Rating: IP67 dust and water resistant

• Special Features: Automatic switching, Amplify and Stereo modes, Find My Device support (iOS/Android), lossless audio via wired connection, multipoint technology, portable charging, Tone Volume, speakerphone, voice assistance (Siri/Google Assistant)

• Available Colors: Blush pink, champagne gold, dark gray, light gray, navy blue, matte black, statement red

Sony ULT Field 3

• Retail Price: $199

• Dimensions: 3.11 x 10.08 x 5.24 inches

• Weight: 2.69 pounds

• Battery Life: 24 hours per charge; 10-minute quick charge = 2 hours of playback

• Audio Components: 1 woofer, 2 passive radiators, 1 tweeter

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

• IP Rating: IP67 dust and water resistant

• Special Features: 7-band EQ, Google Fast Pair, multipoint technology, Party Connect mode for pairing up to 100 speakers, portable charging, Sound Field Optimization, Stereo Mode for 2-speaker pairing, speakerphone, ULT mode for more bass

• Available Colors: Black, forest gray, and off white

Equally engaging sound performance that caters to different crowds

Beats’ portable speaker leans more toward audiophile territory, whereas Sony’s speaker targets casual listeners with an affinity for punchy sound.

Bass is the driving force behind every Sony audio product, and it doesn’t disappoint on the ULT Field 3. This speaker pumps out crisp, robust lows right out of the box. Sony’s ULT Mode increases bass levels for more emphatic delivery. The feature can be overly aggressive on certain recordings, so if you value mids and highs, then keep it turned off. Playing around with the custom seven-band EQ will balance out sound. You just need to be proficient in frequency adjustment to utilize the tool properly. This is where Sony’s well-engineered presets could have come in handy (they work wonders on the company’s wireless headphones). As an alternative, you’re given Sound Field Optimization technology that automatically tweaks sound based on the noises around the speaker. I found it useful in rowdy environments. The midrange was clearer, and percussion had more oomph. 

SEE ALSO: What is DSEE? My favorite feature to enhance the sound on my Sony headphones

There was a time when Beats was primarily defined by its excessive bass response. Well, eight years of improved engineering accomplish a lot. The second-gen Pill is a massive audio upgrade over its predecessor. It employs a brand-new tweeter design and remade woofer system that dishes out a fine mix of impactful bass, refined treble, and stabilized mids. Highs are given some attention for full frequency response. Two listening modes are selectable — Amplify and Stereo — each requiring two Pill speakers for use. Amplify doubles audio output by having the speakers play the same sound, and Stereo splits audio into separate left and right channels, which is more immersive. Lossless audio debuts on the Pill and sounds exceptional. It only works in USB-C mode, meaning the speaker must be tethered to a computer or mobile device to hear more clarity and depth when indulging in hi-res music streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Tidal). 

The Pill and ULT Field 3 have a speakerphone for hands-free voice calling. Each model comes in handy when you need to jump on last-minute conference calls from your hotel room. Beats’ and Sony’s mic arrays demonstrate quality vocal capture, but they pick up a substantial amount of ambient noise that causes muffle. We really like the Pill’s Tone Volume setting that adjusts volume and sound effects for clearer output.

Winner: Tie

Stylish and outdoor-ready handheld speakers

Beats’ exquisite design pedigree is on full display. The Pill maintains signature details like the rounded speaker grille and trademark capsule frame. Controls are placed at the top, and the B logo is now relegated to the front. A trio of bold colorways — black, gold, and red — are sold across all major online retailers. Beats recently launched its blush pink and navy blue versions that are exclusive to Target and Walmart, respectively. Collectors may want to seek out the limited-edition Kim Kardashian collaborations in dark gray and light gray. There is a built-in lanyard loop on the side for convenient portability. However, you’ll feel safer carrying the speaker in hand because dropping it will dent the metal grille. That’s what happened with my model. It’s worth noting that despite the speaker being small, it feels heavier than it looks.

The Beats Pill comes in an array of attractive colors. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable The Sony ULT Field 3's design and included shoulder strap make it ultra-portable. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The ULT Field 3 is one of Sony’s more attractive portable speakers. It is notably larger in size, but it feels similar in weight to the Pill. The bundled shoulder strap makes it less cumbersome to lug around. Exposing the Sony logo to light reveals a cool, bright purple shimmer. All three colorways (black, forest gray, white) look nice. The hard woven fabric wrapped around the drivers is durable, along with the rubberized coverings that protect the charging port and strap inputs on top. My unit experienced zero damage when dropped on hard surfaces.

IP67 certification means that each speaker is dust-, rust-, shock-, and waterproof. 

Winner: Sony ULT Field 3

Identical battery life, distinctively different feature sets

Each speaker gets you up to 24 hours of continuous playback when fully charged. High volume and special features decrease battery life by about two to five hours. These numbers held up during testing. The ULT Field 3 entertained crowds for nearly 10 hours over a weekend and had close to 50 percent battery left in the tank. Sony’s Battery Care function works well for preserving the battery long term by limiting the maximum charge to 90 percent. Meanwhile, the Pill retained 45 percent battery in the same time frame. Quick charging is the same: 10 minutes plugged into a USB-C cord nets you two hours of listening time. Don’t forget about the Pill and ULT Field 3 power banks to recharge devices.

Beats and Sony equipped their speakers with many popular features (e.g., multipoint technology, speakerphone). They also provided exclusive perks that distinguish each model. 

No one (publicly) knows what processor is inside the Pill. We think it’s a new version of Beats’ proprietary chipset that was introduced on the Studio Buds and optimizes performance on iOS/macOS and Android devices. You’ll gain automatic switching, Find My Device support, and Siri voice assistance. Prime sound features include the aforementioned Amplify and Stereo modes, lossless audio, and Tone Volume. Only two Pill speakers can be paired at the same time.

Many of Sony’s upscaled sound features were previously discussed: EQ, Party Mode, Sound Field Optimization, and ULT Mode. Stereo mode allows for dual-speaker connectivity, and Party Mode pairs up to 100 speakers simultaneously. 

Winner: Beats Pill

Setup and ease of use

Getting these speakers set up is a breeze. Turn on the Pill or ULT Field 3 to enable pairing mode and select the product from the Available Devices list in the Bluetooth settings of your media device. Apple users with an iPhone or iPad can instantly connect the Pill via one-tap pairing, while Android users have Google Fast Pair to do the same with either speaker. The ULT Field 3 is compatible with Apple devices as well. 

Connectivity holds up well on these two speakers. The Pill seamlessly pairs to Apple devices that are registered to your iCloud account and plays nicely with Android, especially when using multipoint to pair to two media devices at the same time. There is no connection scramble or lag. On the opposite end, the ULT Field 3 operates exceptionally well on all operating systems. Multipoint is spot-on. Its biggest strength might be range; streaming quality remains smooth within a 45-foot range before dropout occurs. 

Both speakers grant user-friendly functionality. Their respective control panels differ in presentation, with Beats’ buttons being indented and Sony’s buttons protruding. Expect solid tactility that ensures intended commands are being met with every single/multi-press or long-hold gesture. You can enable call management, listening modes, playback, volume, and voice assistance (Google Assistant/Siri), all of which function well on these two competitors. The ULT Field 3 has on-screen controls through the Sound Connect app to manage playback and turn off the device. iPhone and iPad users can enable/disable functions through iOS widgets or the product’s dedicated settings page.

Our winner: Tie

Beats Pill vs. Sony ULT Field 3: The final verdict

You can’t go wrong purchasing either speaker, but we can acknowledge that their comparable performance in key areas (e.g., battery life, call quality, portable charging) makes choosing very difficult.

The Beats Pill appeals more to Apple users with its excellent iOS/macOS integration. Android users get great use out of the speaker as well. Sound is vastly improved from the original, and the addition of lossless audio over USB-C enhances fidelity on Apple Music tracks. There’s no denying that Beats has the more attractive design, even if certain components are fragile (*cough* the metal grille cough). Playtimes are also noteworthy. 

The ULT Field 3’s versatile soundstage complements all music genres and is customizable in various ways to equalize frequencies or raise bass levels. Sony’s powerful audio architecture allows the speaker to fill most environments with loud, energetic sound. Special features like the DJ Control mixer give spin masters and producers some creative control over mixes. The bundled strap and sturdier aesthetics are also much appreciated for travel.

In the end, it all comes down to preference, and both are outstanding speakers.

Shop Beats Pill and Sony ULT Field 3 Beats Pill $99.95 at Amazon Shop Now Sony ULT Field 3 $134.95 at Amazon Shop Now