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With modern-day whodunnit shows like Only Murders in the Building and A Murder at the End of the World embracing the mystery-solving power of technology, sometimes it's nice to see a show go back to basics. And when I say "go back," I mean "travel back in time to Tudor England," which is where Hulu's Shardlake takes place.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV Preview: Every show you must see

Based on the novels by C.J. Sansom, Shardlake is a (literally) old-school whodunnit. There's nary a phone or a mention of DNA samples in sight, but there is still hardboiled case-cracking — with plenty of atmosphere and historical intrigue to boot. And while its conspiracies and perils can sometimes run overlong, the show truly excels when it embraces the unconventional pair of detectives at its center: Matthew Shardlake (Arthur Hughes) and Jack Barak (Anthony Boyle).

What is Shardlake about? Sean Bean in "Shardlake." Credit: Adrienn Szabo / Disney+

Shardlake embroils us in the religious reforms taking place in England in 1536. King Henry VIII has rejected the Roman Catholic Church and wishes to shutter the monasteries who continue to resist him. So when his emissary Robin Singleton turns up beheaded at the monastery of Saint Donatus, there can only be one explanation: An act of treason against the king.

Still, the law must carry out a thorough investigation of Singleton's death, complete with evidence against any murderers, before the crown can shut Saint Donatus down for good. Enter barrister Matthew Shardlake, Thomas Cromwell's (Sean Bean) detective of choice. Clever, and with a nose for the truth, Shardlake is ready to confront the supposedly corrupt monks of Saint Donatus. But once he arrives at the monastery (and once more bodies start piling up), he'll uncover a mystery-within-a-mystery — one that may just shake the foundations of his faith in crown and country.

SEE ALSO: 'Big Mood' review: A brilliant dramedy that captures friendship and mental health in all its messiness

As Shardlake gets to sleuthing, the series offers some wonderfully moody visuals. Saint Donatus becomes a foreboding maze of religious iconography, its surrounding marshes as perilous as the potential murderer lurking within its walls. Religion, too, remains a driving factor throughout, as Shardlake observes the different ways in which the monks engage with their faith and weather the disdain of members of the Church of England. But it's Shardlake's contentious relationship with Cromwell's rogue of a henchman Jack Barak that really makes Shardlake tick.

Arthur Hughes and Anthony Boyle make Shardlake a surprising buddy comedy. Arthur Hughes and Jack Barak in "Shardlake." Credit: Adrienn Szabo / Disney+

From the moment Barak walks onto the scene, it's clear Shardlake wants nothing to do with him. Barak is everything he's not: a conventionally attractive womanizer who's always wearing the most distracting codpieces. Shardlake, meanwhile, has a physical disability that is mocked, making him an outsider in Tudor society.

The two also butt heads on how to solve Singleton's murder. Barak views all papists as degenerates and would love to tear Saint Donatus down as soon as possible, but Shardlake follows the letter of the law. If he were to find out the monks were not responsible for Singleton's death, he would not twist the truth.

Thanks to Hughes' cool-headed, analytical performance and Boyle's hot-headed turn, Shardlake and Barak become the unlikeliest of collaborators — and the most fun. It's delightful to watch them poke fun at each other, or to get excited about a break in the case. Other aspects of their relationship fare less well, such as an underwritten love triangle with monastery maid Alice (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis), or most segments when they're separated. But that just speaks to the power of their dynamic.

At four episodes long, Shardlake never really drags — but it's certainly a more dynamic, more propulsive whodunnit when Shardlake and Barak share the screen.

Shardlake is now streaming on Hulu.

Challengers is on everyone's minds, and for good reason.

Luca Guadagnino's riveting tennis drama about the relationship between tennis players Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and Patrick Zweig (Josh O'Connor) is already one of 2024's best films. It's sensual, it's heartbreaking, and it'll pump you full of so much adrenaline, you'll leave the movie theater feeling like the Energizer Bunny.

SEE ALSO: 'Challengers' review: You're not ready for Zendaya's horny love-triangle drama

It's also chock-full of moments that'll get people talking, whether they want to nerd out over a cool craft choice or plot beat, or only want to ask, "What just happened?" To celebrate these moments, we've rounded up a list of the 18 biggest, most shocking, most WTF moments from Challengers — and you can bet those sexy churros are on it.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score — and that damn phone alarm.

Challengers kicks off with a techno-flavored bang. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' score pulses into earshot over images of Tashi, Art, and Patrick preparing for the final match of the Phil's Tire Town challenger tournament in New Rochelle. Its thumping synths and volleying vocals turn the tennis court into a sweaty, desire-filled nightclub. But just as the score really gets going — and just as you really get grooving in your theater seat — Challengers cuts it off with Art's phone alarm. Rude!

These beginning moments aren't the first time Challengers cuts its own score short. The entire film is built on stops and starts: Music swells, then vanishes, mimicking the pattern of play of a tennis match. But only this opening sequence jump scares us with the blaring of a default phone alarm, taking us from dancing to breaking out in a cold sweat in a matter of milliseconds. Honestly, that's a pretty good description of the Challengers viewing experience overall.

Zendaya's onscreen daughter wants to watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

This moment isn't that WTF in comparison to some of the other craziness Challengers gets up to, but you're telling me you're going to make a Spider-Man reference in a movie starring Zendaya — MJ herself! — and expect me not to get distracted? That would be like dropping a Paul Atreides joke in the middle of Bones and All. Clearly, nowhere is safe from the multiverse.

"I love you." "I know." Mike Faist and Zendaya in "Challengers." Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

After a humiliating defeat, Art wallows in his losing streak. He reaches out to Tashi for some kind of comfort, but she's more focused on dragging him out of his tennis spiral. The two are on very different wavelengths, resulting in a quietly brutal exchange.

"I love you," Art tells Tashi. She responds with a matter-of-fact, "I know." Han Solo and Leia these two are not.

SEE ALSO: The internet can't get enough of 'Challengers' and, honestly, same Art and Patrick watch Tashi play tennis for the first time.

Let's flash back to 2006. Art and Patrick have just won the boys' doubles championship at the Junior U.S. Open — but more importantly, they're now watching Tashi slaughter her opponent in the women's singles final. The pair might be in the middle of a crowd, but as they watch her play, the world narrows to the three of them: Art and Patrick, in awe of her skill (and her beauty), and Tashi, killing it on the court. It's intimate, it's sexy, and it's surprisingly funny, as Art and Patrick get so into the game that they sync up, from leaning back in the bleachers to whipping their heads back and forth in time with the ball. They're the "one brain cell" meme, personified.

"I'd let her fuck me with a racket."

Patrick drops the above line at an Adidas afterparty celebrating Tashi, and while no tennis racket sex actually happens in the rest of the film, his raunchy turn of phrase certainly paints a picture. Good luck getting that out of your head.

The hotel room scene. Mike Faist, Zendaya, and Josh O'Connor in "Challengers." Credit: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Ever since the the first Challengers trailer dropped, people have been clamoring for Tashi, Art, and Patrick's hotel room hookup. And boy, does it deliver.

The whole scene is full of WTF-ery, from Patrick recounting the time he taught Art to masturbate — don't worry, they were in separate beds! — to him smacking Art's erection after Tashi leaves. But of course, the centerpiece of the scene, and the product of all its exquisite sexual tension, is the trio's three-way kiss, which Tashi quickly engineers into a two-way kiss between Patrick and Art. With Tashi's knowing smile, Art and Patrick's roiling desire, and the killer use of Blood Orange's "Uncle ACE," how can you not be captivated?

Art and Patrick come up with the racket signal.

After Art loses out on Tashi's number when Patrick beats him in the Junior U.S. Open singles final, he begs to know every detail of Patrick and Tashi's date. Well, really one detail in particular: Did the two sleep together?

Patrick promised Tashi he wouldn't kiss and tell, but that promise didn't account for tennis-based signals! He abandons his trademark flashy serve and adopts Art's technique instead, placing the ball right in the notch of the racket, to tell him that he and Tashi did, in fact, have sex. The subterfuge is WTF-worthy enough, but what takes it over the line is Art's face after Patrick's serve: He smiles, then drops the facade into something colder and far more jealous.

SEE ALSO: 'Challengers' love triangle is 'Twilight' for people not afraid to see boys kiss Patrick's Tinder date.

In an attempt to find a place to sleep before the challenger tournament starts, Patrick turns to Tinder. He meets up with Helen (Hailey Gates) at a hotel bar, but as soon as he sees that Tashi is staying there, he abandons the date to speak to his ex. He almost leaves the hotel entirely after the conversation, only to realize that he still needs a place to sleep. I don't know what's worse: Patrick kissing Helen out of nowhere in a desperate attempt to save the situation, or her kissing him back. Helen, have some self-esteem!

"Your mom looks good." "I know she does, Patrick."

Consider this violently whispered exchange between Patrick and Tashi to be their hornier, more Oedipal equivalent of Tashi and Art's "I love you," "I know."

Art tries to snake Tashi and Patrick. Mike Faist and Zendaya in "Challengers." Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

As Zendaya has said time and time again on the Challengers press tour, Art is a snake! And as he and Tashi begin to practice together at Stanford, we see that snakiness in full effect. Art suggests to Tashi that Patrick isn't in love with her — who says she wants that? she counters — and later tells Patrick that he doesn't think Tashi is serious about them. It's hardly subtle manipulation, and both Tashi and Patrick know exactly what Art is up to. For Tashi, it's infuriating, but for Patrick, it's exhilarating, as jealousy and desire intertwine.

Sexy, sexy churros. Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor in "Challengers." Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Art's snakiness and Patrick's exhilaration combine over a snack of sexually-charged churros in the Stanford cafeteria. These cinnamon sugar treats are far from the only phallic food in Challengers — hot dogs, bananas, and suggestively-sipped Coke bottles all make appearances. But nowhere else do we see Patrick and Art chomping down on each other's food, or wiping sugar off of each other's cheeks. And who could forget Patrick pulling Art's stool closer to his with his foot?

Here, their repressed desires for each other simmer just under the surface, the closest they've gotten since the hotel room. Once again, Guadagnino strikes the perfect balance of sexy and funny — one that will leave you craving fried dough.

Tashi's knee injury.

After a harsh argument with Patrick (aided in no small part by Art's snakiness) disrupts her pre-game stretches, Tashi takes the court at Stanford. For a moment, it's as if we're back at the Junior U.S. Open: She's totally in the zone, attacking the ball in time to Reznor and Ross' banger "Yeah x10." Then Tashi slips, her knee pops, and she falls on the court in total agony.

If you'd seen any Challengers trailer, you knew this was coming. Yet in every screening I went to, audiences gasped and winced at this moment in particular. Perhaps it's the visceral close-up on the knee that does the trick, or the loud crunch that breaks us out of our dance music trance. Or maybe it's the tragedy of the injury that really gets us. In just one second, Tashi loses out on a lifetime of doing what she loves. Even if you disagree with her actions in the present, how can you not feel for her?

SEE ALSO: Why Zendaya says you gotta see 'Challengers' twice  "You'd have a better shot with a gun in your mouth."

Tashi utters this scorcher right after slapping Patrick halfway across New Rochelle, and while it is certainly one way to respond to someone asking for your coaching help, I wouldn't say it's the most constructive.

The sauna scene.

It's been years since they last spoke, but Art and Patrick finally collide in the most unexpected of places: a sauna. However, there's no sense of reconciliation here, nor any of the playfulness we saw in their younger scenes. Instead, Art brushes Patrick aside, telling him time and time again he doesn't matter.

"I'm just stopping by," he tells Patrick when Patrick points out how humiliating it is he's playing in a challenger tournament. "This is where you live." Harsh.

Tashi and Patrick's Atlanta affair. Josh O'Connor and Zendaya in "Challengers." Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Turns out, Tashi and Patrick didn't have an entirely clean break. Years before New Rochelle, and not long after Tashi and Art's engagement, the two had a one-night stand at the Atlanta Open. (They start making out mere seconds after discussing Art's dead grandma, mind you!)

Making matters worse is the fact that Art briefly sees the two talking, only to notice after a brief chat with a fan that they've disappeared. Tashi tells Patrick that Art doesn't know about Atlanta, so he clearly never brought it up — but how did it impact their relationship? Or his game?

Tashi asks Patrick to throw the match. Josh O'Connor and Zendaya in "Challengers." Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Tashi and Patrick have one more tryst, the night before the Phil's Tire Town final, and that whole encounter is full of WTF moments. Tashi makes Patrick pose as her Uber driver, he calls her a MILF, Tashi spits in his face, they make out in a windstorm in front of Tashi and Art's Aston Martin ad...

But perhaps the most WTF moment of all is when Tashi asks Patrick to lose to Art the next day. This is Tashi "I want to see some good fucking tennis" Duncan we're talking about here, the fiercely competitive woman who puts the sanctity of the game above everyone. No matter how much she needs Art to win the challenger — which would put him on track to perform better at the U.S. Open — this isn't something anyone would ever expect of her. Patrick tells her this, saying it's worse than the cheating. It's unforgivable.

Patrick gives Art the signal.

We all knew this moment was coming, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. Patrick switches up his serve during what would have been match point for Art, using their adolescent code to signal that he and Tashi slept together.

Art's reaction — a loud, penalty-inducing "fuck off" — is to be expected, but what really makes this scene is the build-up. Patrick's hesitation, the repeated slo-mo, the starting and stopping of the score... If you thought the tension in the hotel room sequence was exquisite, then this whole scene is damn near heavenly.

That ending.

Patrick's signal is what Art needs to find his competitive edge again, and their tie-break gets off to a rapturous start. They're playing their longest rally yet, they're trading volleys, and they're grinning like best friends again. They're having fun, and everyone around them knows it: Tashi finally looks impressed by the tennis on display, Reznor and Ross throw some strings into the score, and Guadagnino kicks it into high gear. The audience is the ball! Now we're the players! Now we're the court! Now Art is leaping over the net, about to smash the winning point down on Patrick! Instead, he falls into Patrick's arms and the two embrace, while an ecstatic Tashi lets out a primal, "Come on!"

Who won? Who cares! Art and Patrick finally played some of that "good fucking tennis" Tashi always wanted from them. It went beyond individualistic play and became a relationship, where Art and Patrick connected and went somewhere special together. Remember what Tashi said about her best rally with her Juniors opponent Anna Mueller? "It was like we were in love."

Come on, indeed.

Challengers is now in theaters.

TL;DR: Through May 5, a lifetime license to VSDC Video Editor Pro is on sale for $24.97 (reg. $49).

Video editing is as much of an art as it is a skill. Many need to edit videos for work, whether they're a vlogger, marketing manager, or small business owner getting their name out there. Others just enjoy the process and the end result. If you're looking to elevate or begin your video editing skills, this lifetime license to VSDC Video Editor Pro is on sale for $24.97 (reg. $49) through May 5.

What sets the VSDC Video Editor Pro apart is its versatility and speed. It's a hardware-accelerated, non-linear system that can handle imports from any camera or device without sacrificing quality. Plus, it boasts double export speed (even for HD files) and the ability to edit multiple files at the same time.

This editing suite lets you cut, trim, merge, and reorder video segments with precision. You have access to visual effects and filters to make your edits uniquely your own. It also uses sub-pixel resolution to more precisely process image and video transformation. You can even implement voiceovers, a mask tool, and other creative options.

If you'd like to create a real studio look for your videos, the multiple color chroma key tool helps you remove green backgrounds and overlay videos like in sci-fi movies. VSDC also includes the ability to adjust parameter settings and create curved motion paths for objects and animation.

Don’t let overly complex software or high prices keep you from bringing your creative ideas to life. Get this affordable option with many bells and whistles at an affordable price while you can.

Through May 5, a lifetime license to VSDC Video Editor Pro is on sale for $24.97 (reg. $49).

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Opens in a new window Credit: Flash-Integro VSDC Video Editor Pro: Lifetime License $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: Through May 5, stop wasting time fussing over passwords, because a lifetime subscription to Sticky Password Premium is just $24.97 (reg. $199).

Most of us have multiple passwords guarding our devices and accounts. That number rises when you have them for both work and home. It can be frustrating — and a waste of time — when you forget your password. A clever solution comes in the form of Sticky Password Premium, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for just $24.97 (reg. $199) through May 5. 

The winner of PCMag's Editors' Choice Award, this tool simplifies the password game, allowing you to utilize secure passwords without the need to remember them. (PCMag is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis.) In an effort to protect your identity and information, it creates encrypted, strong passwords for all of your accounts — all managed by one primary password.

This password management system is compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. You can even safely and securely share your chosen passwords with others, which is helpful for family members and your team at work.

This offer also gets you one year of dark web monitoring via ARC. This monitors your info for data breaches and helps to stop potential misuse of your credentials online.

Sticky Password Premium Plan gets you unlimited encrypted passwords and data storage. It also allows for auto-login to recognized sites and form-filling. It also comes with a secure digital wallet and notes, as well as the option to store your password library on the cloud or locally. 

This lifetime access includes all major and minor updates. It also supports multiple languages.

Enjoy quick logins, seamless web forms, and peace of mind with the help of this platform.

You can get a lifetime subscription to Sticky Password Premium for just $24.97 (reg. $199) until May 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Sticky Password Sticky Password Premium: Lifetime Subscription $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $174.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 5, this ChatGPT and Automation course bundle is on sale for $29.99.

Artificial intelligence and automation have taken the world by storm. While they might be controversial subjects, it can be beneficial to understand them and use them to our advantage. This ChatGPT and Automation course bundle is on sale for $29.99 and can help you add AI and automation to your skillset to stay in step with the changing times.

These twelve online learning courses are brought to you by industry pros at Eduonix Learning Solutions, which has been creating high-quality tech training for over ten years. These courses cover twenty-five hours of learning content to give you a better understanding of AI and automation. One of the benefits of learning from home is that you can learn whenever it fits your schedule and from the comfort of your own space.

The ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree covers a wide range of topics essential to understanding and leveraging AI and automation tech. Learn practical applications of technologies like ChatGPT and more than 20 other AI tools that can support you in marketing, coding, and business. 

Since efficiency is universally admired across industries, learning to streamline your business processes through automation could be a key skill learned from this course bundle. You'll even learn how to customize ChatGPT for optimization for different fields.

Communication is also a key part of most professional positions. These courses help you amp up your communication skills by helping you conquer the art of conversations with ChatGPT. You'll even gain knowledge of how to turn raw data into easier-to-understand, visually compelling narratives.

These courses only offer a certificate of completion, not an actual degree. However, exploring these topics allows you to bring AI and automation experience and knowledge to your professional journey. 

For a limited time, get this ChatGPT and Automation course bundle on sale for just $29.99.

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TL;DR: Through May 5, pick up this 6-in-1 laptop stand hub for just $94.97 (reg. $129).

In today's modern workspace, efficiency and organization are big parts of the success equation. With so many of us working from home, it's easy for organization to fall by the wayside, especially if you're working in a tight space. This 6-in-1 CASA HUB Stand Pro Laptop Stand Hub might be able to help with that. It's on sale for just $94.97 (reg. $129) through May 5.

The design allows for a little extra desktop space, as it allows for an extended work area. Made from durable aluminum, the base rotates 360 degrees horizontally and offers adjustable angles and heights for the best, ergonomic view of your laptop's screen.

It fits laptops up to 17 inches and is a solid option for those who utilize multiple screens at work. And if you're worried about putting your expensive machine up on top of the stand, it might ease your mind to know it has an anti-slip grip via silicone rubber pads to help keep it safe. 

The laptop stand includes a hub with a USB-C host port, a USB-C PD port, an HDMI port, two USB-A ports, and one RJ45 (ethernet). The port hub is also detachable. Another thoughtful feature is the right-angle cable that allows for less pull and better connection.

This stand hub offers an optimized workspace, as well as a more comfortable and functional work experience.

You can get the 6-in-1 CASA HUB Stand Pro USB-C Laptop Stand Hub for just $94.97 (reg. $129) when you order by May 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements 6-in-1 CASA HUB Stand Pro USB-C Laptop Stand Hub $94.97 at the Mashable Shop
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We're going to need a bigger antenna.

For the first time, NASA's Deep Space Network — which communicates with the agency's legendary Voyager 1 spacecraft — pointed all six of the large antenna dishes at its Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex at the interstellar craft. Combining antennas together, aka "arraying," allows NASA to create a bigger overall antenna and pick up ever-fainter signals from Voyager 1, a craft over 15 billion miles away — and counting. Already, engineers need a five-antenna array to gather unprecedented data from a Voyager instrument.

"As Voyager gets further away, six antennas will be needed," the space agency explained in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA's Voyager is in hostile territory. It's 'dodging bullets.'

Voyager 1 and 2, launched in 1977, have left the sun's influence and are the only human-built craft to enter interstellar space. So the data they're returning is invaluable.

"The science data that the Voyagers are returning gets more valuable the farther away from the Sun they go, so we are definitely interested in keeping as many science instruments operating as long as possible," Linda Spilker, Voyager’s project scientist, said last year

"As Voyager gets further away, six antennas will be needed."

The instrument that requires six antennas, the Plasma Wave System (PWS) instrument, detects the interstellar gas the craft are passing through.

The Deep Space Network's Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex, with all six antennas arrayed together. Credit: MDSCC / INTA / Francisco "Paco" Moreno Tweet may have been deleted

NASA's Deep Space Network, or DSN, has three disparate locations spaced around Earth, allowing different missions to connect with the network (it currently supports over 40 space endeavors). They're located in Barstow, California, near Madrid, Spain, and near Canberra, Australia. "Madrid is the only deep space communication complex currently with six operational antennas (the other two complexes have four apiece)," the agency explained. "Each complex consists of one 70-meter (230-foot) antenna and several 34-meter (112-foot) antennas."

The Voyager craft, nearing a half-century of operation, may potentially return unprecedented science data through the mid-2030s, when they exhaust their finite nuclear fuel supply. Yet out in interstellar space, another threat looms, too: harmful radiation called galactic cosmic rays. These high speed particles, many of which are created by dramatic star explosions called supernovae, can trip Voyagers' memory, or permanently damage aging computers (which may have recently occurred). It's dangerous in the realm between the stars, billions of miles away.

"We are dodging bullets out there," Alan Cummings, a cosmic-ray physicist at Caltech — the research university that manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory — recently told Mashable.

How to watch 'The Iron Claw' at a glance: BEST MAX DEAL FOR MOST PEOPLE Max With Ads annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST MAX DEAL WITH NO ADS Max Ad-Free annual subscription $149.99 per year (save 22%) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'The Iron Claw' $3.74 or $17.74 (reg. $5.99 or $19.99) (save $2.25 as a Prime member) Get Deal

You might not think of pro wrestling as "gorgeous" or "evocative," and yet that's exactly how Mashable's reviewer described The Iron Claw. With a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, the A24 drama tackles the real-life story of the Von Erich's wrestling dynasty. A commercial and critical success, earning $35 million at the U.S. box office and plenty of glowing reviews, The Iron Claw is finally coming to streaming. (If you can't wait, it's available now through video-on-demand platforms.)

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Iron Claw at home.

What is The Iron Claw about?

Directed by Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene), The Iron Claw tells the tragic story of one of pro wrestling's most famous families, the Von Erichs. It follows four brothers — Kevin (Efron), Kerry (Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons) — who fight for their family legacy while suffering under the training of their ruthless father Fritz (Holt McCallany). As tragedy after tragedy befalls them, people begin to think the family is cursed.

"Most wrestling fans know the details of this family saga, but others might be shocked by the accumulation of misery, pushing the limits of how much one family can endure," Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable.

Read our full review of The Iron Claw.

Here's a glimpse at the film's official trailer:

Is The Iron Claw worth watching?

As mentioned above, The Iron Claw was largely a success, boasting glowing reviews and solid box office numbers. In fact, it's one of only six A24 films to reach the $35 million domestic earnings milestone. At Rotten Tomatoes, it's sitting at an 89 percent critic rating and 94 percent audience rating — neither of which is an easy feat.

While our reviewer ultimately thought it pulled its punches a bit and could've hit even harder, he also dubbed it a career-best performance for Efron. Whether you're a fan of Efron, of pro wrestling, or A24 dramas, it's certainly one you won't want to miss.

SEE ALSO: How to watch your favorite A24 films, from 'The Zone of Interest' to 'Talk to Me' Can I watch The Iron Claw at home?

For those wanting to watch the tear-jerking wrestling drama at home, The Iron Claw is available to rent or buy on digital on-demand platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. It will also make its streaming debut in May (more on that below).

Here are some of the platforms where you can rent or purchase the film:

• Prime Video — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy ($3.74 and $17.74 for Prime members)

• Apple TV — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy

• YouTube — $5.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy

• Google Play — starting at $4.99 to rent or $19.99 to buy

When is The Iron Claw streaming?

After opening in theaters on Dec. 22, 2023, The Iron Claw is set to make its streaming debut on Max on May 10, 2024.

Before you sign up for a Max subscription, it's worth double checking that you don't already have access to the streamer through a prior subscription, a third party, or a cable, internet, or wireless provider. If you do still need to sign up for access, check out the streaming deals below.

The best Max streaming dealsBest Max deal for most people: Save up to 20% on an annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max annual subscriptions Save up to 22% on Max Watch Now

Rather than paying a monthly fee, you can opt for a Max annual plan and save up to 22%. Max With Ads typically runs you $9.99 per month, which ends up adding up to $119.88 for the year. If you go with the annual plan instead, you'll pay just $99.99 — about 17% in savings. The Ad-Free annual plan goes for $149.99 per year, which saves you 22% compared to the regular price of $191.88 (the biggest savings of all three plans), and the Ultimate plan goes for $199.99 per year (reg. $239.88), which saves you 17%. It may be more to pay up front, but in the long run, it'll keep more money in your wallet.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with Ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max With Ads Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

If you're looking for a way to get Max for free, listen up. Those on the Cricket Wireless $60 per month unlimited plan get access to Max With Ads with their account (as long as it remains in good standing). Head on over to the Max app or navigate to Max on a browser, then sign in using Cricket as your provider. Once you enter your credentials, you'll unlock full access to Max With Ads (typically a $99.99 per year value) for free. If you're a Cricket customer, but on a different plan, you can upgrade or switch over to secure the deal at any time. Head over to the Cricket website for the terms and conditions.

What are the different Max subscription tiers?

Similar to the old HBO Max streaming service, Max offers three unique subscription tiers: With Ads, Ad-Free, and Ultimate Ad-Free. Here's a brief breakdown of the different tiers and what they include.

Max With Ads

• Two concurrent streams

• 1080p resolution

• 5.1 surround sound quality

• Light ads

• No offline downloads

Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year Watch Now

Max Ad-Free

• Two concurrent streams

• 1080p resolution

• 5.1 surround sound quality

• No ads

• 30 offline downloads

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TL;DR: Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 season of the IPL is exciting cricket fans once again, and we've got all the information you need to tune into your favorite teams. The next fixture will see the Chennai Super Kings face off against the Punjab Kings in the 49th match of the season.

If you want to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading. We know a handy hack to help you stream all the games you want.

When is Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings?

Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings starts at 3 p.m. BST on May 1. This game will take place at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India.

How to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings for free

JioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app. So how do you access it?

JioCinema is technically geo-restricted to India, but don't let this put you off. Anyone can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in India. So you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world and catch all the IPL you can handle.

Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

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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 India

4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)

5. Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings for free from anywhere in the world

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Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without parting with any of your hard-earned cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the biggest IPL fixtures for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

You only meant to watch a video of an influencer sharing a funny story, but a puzzling collection of comments sent you down a news rabbit hole — one where you incidentally learned about the starving children of Northern Gaza. The comments on an Usher dance video unexpectedly got you fired up to decry the systemic bombing of a Palestinian refugee camp. Influencer clips about pregnancy soon necessitate follow-ups in which those same posters speak out about the harsh reality of pregnant women in Gaza.

That's the version of TikTok that online activists, specifically those associating with a movement known as Operation Watermelon, are trying to create with the help of the platform's algorithm-based blue comments.

TikTok was seemingly not built with activism in mind, despite its present invocation as the digital voice of the revolution. Following its Musical.ly origins, ByteDance re-envisioned the app as a trendsetter and money-maker — a renaissance app for users of all ages (entertainment behemoth, trend curator, and new age Google). In its efforts, TikTok's algorithm has become a character of its own. As both the app's Big Evil but also the purveyor of taste, even celebrities and politicians have made their issues with the algorithm known.

SEE ALSO: Apple workers urge leadership to 'end their silence' on Palestine

But as TikTok adds more and more customizable features intended to keep users glued to the app, those same users are becoming more savvy about the algorithm's tactics — including how to co-opt them for their own means. 

Turning TikTok comments into SEO hubs 

It all started out innocuously. Timed with the initial launch of suggested searches, and quietly introduced in 2022, TikTok rolled out blue, clickable highlights to specific keywords or phrases within user comments. These keyword suggestions take the user to a page of related videos that match the highlighted search term. A variety of blue comments may also trigger a more general suggested search term at the top of a comment section. As its expanded, the feature has been advertised as an enhancement of the app's search capabilities and an extension of the company's efforts to be Gen Z's go-to search engine.

Simply, suggested searches are just a new type of algorithmic recommendation. In a comment to Business Insider, a TikTok spokesperson explained the searches are not human-influenced, and that they're sorted by user relevance and engagement. "To make recommendations, the company uses artificial intelligence to identify conversations around a video, such as by scanning user comments or looking at what other people type into the search bar after watching a video. The search results reflect what users are saying about the TikTok video," the publication reported. 

The feature was, of course, quickly noticed by TikTok advertising strategists and creator tips accounts. 

One, known as @jera.bean or "Jera Bean TikTok Expert", spotted comment searchability for celebrity names and quickly theorized it would start applying to more phrases and keywords — she was proved right soon after. Another TikTok strategist, @LikeLaurenTaylor ("Lauren Taylor, TikTok Growth"), drew follower attention to TikTok's video-specific search bar and "hyperlinks" as the new foundation for TikTok SEO strategies, claiming it could increase discoverability for brands. 

A June 2022 blog from Sprout Social called TikTok's comment sections the "best part of the app" or the "playground for internet lore, themed threads, and belly laugh-evoking jokes." According to the blog, the most important goal for a brand (or influencer) is to build "comment-generated reach," and that is done by feeding into what the algorithm likes: highly engaged comment sections with tons of likes per comment. To gain the top-liked comment is to hit TikTok gold. 

But the blue comment algorithm — which started with seemingly random assignments of blue links — evolved, and users soon found that they could influence what shows up as a suggested search through the strategic use of certain phrases or keywords in comments. It didn't take long for users to transform this into an attention-grabbing exploit, turning suggested searches into cogs in the app's rumor mill. Months after launch, users began gaming the system to get their least liked creators trending, using blue comments to suggest the account was the center of an unnamed controversy. As awareness of the feature and its quirks grew, creators used it to enhance viewer curiosity, posting videos replying to their previous posts with captions like "Why did TikTok make that the suggested search?!" in order to draw attention back to their original post. 

Even now you'll still see users attempting to pull attention to their comments by "stealing" the blue search term. "Did I get the blue comment?" users will ask, an evolution of the "first comment" or "first like" game. And, much like "First!" comments, they're often successful, populating the suggested search and claiming prime real estate at the top of the comment section. But even if they're unsuccessful, the question itself — and the obsession with blue comment baiting — is enough to garner the likes and replies needed to redirect the spotlight anyway. 

Credit: TikTok screengrab / @ElijahNelsonn

The automatic suggested searches have also been criticized, and treated as a microcosm for TikTok's broader media literacy problem. Users flocked to the site last year to call out the algorithm's problematic lack of moderation for blue comments, allowing for the spread of tabloid-like drama and misinformation. Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Bebe Rexha have been the target of blue search suggestions focused on the size of their bodies, while famous TikTok couples fall victim to breakup rumors. LGBTQ influencers and creators of color have had to navigate an entirely new form of targeted hate. 

Users can report suggested searches for potential removal — and the platform occasionally turns off the feature entirely for certain videos — but the apparent hands-off approach leaves most search curation in the hands of users themselves, for better or for worse. 

Blue comments as the new protest sigil 

With its ingrained connection to virality, engagement, and branding, suggested comment searches are now part of the bedrock of platform usability. Users attempt to research the brand name of a popular designer handbag, where to snag a trending food item, or find out more about a creator's political stances, for example, via blue comments. And if the blue comments don't lead them to the information they seek, many appear eager to abandon the mission. 

On a video of a woman sharing her rare health conditions, users try to find out more using blue comments. Credit: TikTok screengrab / @Warrenit4Love  A video sharing the history of iPhones shows people in the comments trying to search specific models and accessories. Credit: TikTok screengrab / @isheep_pro

But over the last few months, blue comments have also become a large part of a social justice organizing strategy. They're a deceptively simple way to use an influencer's already established platform, and their priority within the app's algorithm, to get around shadowbans, raise awareness, and, hopefully, push the creator into speaking out about issues. As one of the internet's preferred hubs for pro-Palestinian sentiment gathering, it's now being used to call attention to mass violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza. 

The strategy, stated by TikTok's participants, is simple: 

1. Target an influencer that has stayed silent on the crisis.

2. Flood the comment section in order to create a wave of blue, linked comments that will also change the suggested search bar to a Gaza-related term.

3. Increase engagement on the video and use the now-viral video to educate the influencer's followers via comments.

The most common way this is accomplished is by nestling the calls for attention inside normal looking comments or eye-grabbing sentiments. During coverage of the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, comments like "Bisan and Motaz would absolutely crush this!!!" and "Usher should've had Motaz or Bisan as guest performer" attempted to draw eyes back to the accounts of Palestinian citizen journalists Bisan Owda and Motaz Azaiza." Others flooded videos with "All eyes on Rafah." The repeated comments led to multiple suggested searches of "Bisan and Motaz NFL" across videos. Blue comments have since been removed from the videos. 

Credit: TikTok screengrab / @NFL Credit: TikTok screengrab / @NFL

These comments aren't just a trend, but an official TikTok movement organically coined "Operation Watermelon," a riff on names of grassroots pro-Palestinian movements like Operation Olive Branch (not to be confused with the Turkish military operation of the same name). Operation Olive Branch's purpose is to amplify the voices of Palestinian creators, activists, and families on the ground, led by a network of grassroots volunteers trying to connect families with aid. Operation Watermelon, meanwhile, is less officially organized, with a few creators continuously swapping leadership. 

The original organizer is user @Angie__Mariie, who asked her followers to flood comments with watermelon emojis and called the effort "Operation Flip the Rhythm." Angie has since left the app, passing along Operation Watermelon's reins to user @TooMeanToBean, known for videos on revolutionary organizing and political activism. Targets appear to happen organically, with comments from just a few users snowballing into entire comment section takeovers. 

SEE ALSO: The watermelon emoji indicates solidarity with Palestine

Ahead of the primetime broadcast of the Academy Awards ceremony, @TooMeanToBean and Operation Watermelon organizers flooded the comment sections of the official Oscars, Entertainment Tonight, and Vogue profiles with mentions of Yazan al-Kafarna, a 10-year-old Palestinian boy who died from malnourishment during the ongoing famine in North Gaza. "First! Yazan Kafarnah deserved better ❤" wrote one user. 

Credit: TikTok screengrab / @EntertainmentTonight Credit: TikTok screengrab / @Oscars

Efforts like these do sometimes have a direct impact on popular influencers. Following Operation Watermelon comments flooding her profile, popular labor and delivery nurse Jen Hamilton posted a video ruminating on her own ignorance about lost Palestinian lives. 

"Yesterday I started getting comments about things I had never heard before," Hamilton said to camera in a Jan. 22 post. "Things like 'Did you know that women in Gaza are having C-Sections without anesthesia? Did you know that the miscarriage rate has gone up 300 percent?' These are all things that I care deeply about, and no. I did not know that. I did not know why there were watermelons in my comment section. Today was the very first day, moment, time, that I intentionally looked at what is happening."

Other efforts have spammed comment sections of major accounts like Alix Earle, MrBeast, Dixie D'Amelio, and Hank Green — a group with a cumulative 161 million followers. In March, popular TikTok creator Elyse Meyers officially departed the platform following an announcement that she was taking time to focus on the health of one of her children. Users, however, felt it was in response to her being a recent target of Operation Watermelon, following months of her own followers attempting to get the creator to speak out for the cause. 

While Hamilton's video was celebrated by many as a victory for the cause, it would be a stretch to call an event like Meyers' departure a resounding success — especially with Meyers' loyal fan base calling the blue comments and subsequent stitches directed at Meyers a form of online harassment. Some organizers in Palestinian liberation spaces questioned how targets were decided, or wondered why commenters didn't also direct attention to political targets, like the recently created TikTok account for President Joe Biden. Others view Operation Watermelon as the "schoolyard bullies" of TikTok, asking why the cause doesn't just share "thoughts and prayers" for those affected. 

SEE ALSO: Is the White House being hypocritical about TikTok?

In a recent case, Operation Watermelon targeted lifestyle influencer Abbie Herbert, a creator with more than 15 million followers. In the call to action, organizers asked users to flood her comments with mentions of al-Kafarna once again, which effectively got the attention of the popular creator. But follow-up posts accused Herbert of deleting Operation Watermelon comments and silencing the calls to action. A clarification was posted by @TooMeantoBean shortly after, alleging that TikTok was actually removing the comments for "bullying and harassment." TikTok's automatic cyberbullying warning has appeared on other videos filled with Operation Watermelon comments, as well. 

The blue comment strategy is clearly churning up the TikTok waters, which is something disruptive political organizing aims to do. And Operation Watermelon's problems, while thorny, reflect the deeper problems facing digital organizing at large. How can organizers and supporters create centralized, thoughtful movements in inherently impersonal spaces? How can they do so effectively and with nuance, without facilitating trolls or wider backlash? 

TikTok organizers deal with an additional digital question: Should you hedge your movement's bets on an algorithm that arguably works against you by keeping users glued to screens and out of the streets?

As TikTok continues evolving, so too do creators, brands, and, now, social movements who use the platform to make a living, garner attention, and attempt to make tangible change. Blue comments may be a timely symbol for failed digital organizing — or they may be just the beginning.

Best earbuds for 2024 Best earbuds for sound Sony WF-1000XM5 $299.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best noise-cancelling earbuds Bose QuietComfort Ultra $299 at Amazon Shop Now Best for Apple users Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $249 at Amazon Shop Now Best wired earbuds Marshall Mode $59.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget earbuds Anker Soundcore P20i $24.99 at Amazon Get Deal

They let you listen to your music wherever you go, from flights to walks to the corner store — it's no wonder earbuds are a modern day necessity.

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 it can get overwhelming fast. Prices on earbuds range anywhere from under $10 to in the thousands (if you're going professional-grade), but even in the narrower range most consumers occupy, you can easily spend up to $300.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops you can buy in 2024 for work, school, and gaming

Whether you're simply looking for earbuds to get you through the work day or earbuds that you can live in 24/7, we've checked out the most popular options to determine which earbuds are actually the best. And if nothing on this list stands out too much, you can always expand your search to headphones as well.

Are wired or wireless earbuds better?

Though most earbuds are now wireless, this ultimately comes down to preference. If you have a tighter budget or don't want to worry about the battery running low all the time, wired earbuds are a great option. With that said, it is significantly harder to find wired earbuds with active noise cancellation (we're working on tracking down and testing a few pairs like this). So, if ANC is a priority for you, you'll be better off with a pair of wireless earbuds.

To help you decide, we put a range of wired and wireless earbuds to the test to determine which are worth your money — check out our top five picks below.

Best earbuds for sound: Sony WF-1000XM5 Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

People who enjoy great active noise cancellation and even better sound quality will appreciate the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds — the full package.

Why we picked this:

Even if you're not a full-blown audiophile, we're betting you'd be impressed by just how good these earbuds sound. Though they're great when you plug and play, the highly customizable equalizer allows these earbuds to really shine. If you're not quite sure what you enjoy when it comes to EQ, no problem.

The companion app has a "find your equalizer" feature that lets you play a song and select between six EQ settings to find the one that sounds best to your ears. Once you do, you get more options to select, with that choice marking the "custom" EQ you like best. To make sure you're satisfied, the app then lets you easily compare the new and original settings side by side. That's just one of several sound features built into the app that allow you to customize your experience, far surpassing every other pair of earbuds on this list.

Wear-wise, the ear tips on these buds forego the usual silicone for a foamier alternative that's more reminiscent of the material you might expect from earplugs. We found this material to wear comfortably and snugly, staying in place in your ear better than AirPods typically do. On a further design note, these are also a great option for folks who don't like the stemmed look made popular by AirPods.

Finally, the ANC. You're paying high-end prices for these earbuds, and they do deliver on high-end ANC. If noise cancelling is your biggest concern, you might want to go for the Bose earbuds instead, but these still do an excellent job (plus, their multipoint pairing actually works, unlike Bose's). We will say that with ANC on, we did tend to get closer to seven hours of listening time before running out of juice, instead of the eight Sony claims.

Battery life: 7-8 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L

Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Jae Thomas / Mashable Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds
Shop Now

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

Who it's for:

For those who value noise cancellation above all else, the $299 Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are worth the investment, offering the best ANC experience we've had with a pair of earbuds.

Why we picked this:

Over-ear headphones are the typical pick for those who want the best noise cancelling, but in recent years high-end earbuds have started to prove themselves worthy competitors. Bose is already known for offering some of the best ANC, so it's no shock that these earbuds, which were released just this past fall, showcase what the brand is best at.

Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth said that these earbuds offer the best ANC of any he's tested, a lineup that includes products from Apple, Beats, and Jabra. In fact, he writes, "Bose's noise cancelation is so good that I often use these earbuds when I'm not even listening to music." Customizable stability bands help create a tight but comfortable seal that helps unwanted sound stay out (and sets these earbuds apart from other ANC buds on the market).

Though we appreciate the QC Ultra's noise-cancelling first and foremost, we also enjoyed Bose's foray into spatial audio with the Immersive Audio feature that can be toggled on and adjusted via the companion app. It's good, not great, and definitely not the top reason to get these earbuds, but still a pretty nice feature — and certainly welcome at this price point.

Speaking of the price point, we were shocked that at $299, these earbuds don't offer functional multipoint pairing. While you can technically connect more than one device at a time, you do have to manually change your device with the app, instead of switching back and forth simply by changing your audio output, like you can with the Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro. While we do think Bose needs to update this feature ASAP, the ANC, combined with the comfort for long-term wear and sound quality, still earned these earbuds a spot on our list.

Battery life: 6 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L | Stability band sizes: S, M, L

Best for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) Opens in a new window Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) at Amazon
Shop Now

Check out our full review for the USB-C AirPods Pro.

Who it's for:

Apple device owners will appreciate how easily these earbuds pair with multiple devices and their impressive active noise cancellation.

Why we picked this:

The AirPods Pro are incredibly popular for several reasons. They produce a sound that's rich and well-balanced, they have excellent noise-cancellation (that falls just behind the Bose QC Ultras), and they work seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.

What exactly does that mean? Whereas earbuds like the aforementioned Ultras might struggle to pair, and then swap between, an iPhone and an iPad quickly, the AirPods Pro were built to do exactly that. And as you'd expect from an Apple product, they do have some nice features built around convenience. In addition to great ANC and sound, Apple hones your listening experience with three modes: Conversational Awareness, which automatically lowers the volume of your music when you're talking to someone and raises it when you're done; Adaptive Audio, which functions as an ultra-smart transparency mode; and Personalized Volume, which automatically adjusts the volume based on your environment.

Outside of those listening modes, you also get lossless audio support with the Apple Vision Pro (in case you happen to own the $3,500 headset). With the new USB-C port, you can also charge the case by connecting it to any iPhone 15 device, though we don't consider that the most useful feature out there. If you're not a fan of touch controls, you're also likely to appreciate that the touch commands only require you to press the stem of the earbuds. Our biggest gripe with these earbuds? Even though they sound great, they don't offer customizable EQ like Bose and Sony.

Battery life: 6 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: XS, S, M, L

SEE ALSO: Apple to launch a new, 'mid-tier' version of AirPods, report claims Best wired earbuds: Marshall Mode Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Marshall Mode earbuds at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

Whether you're looking to save some cash, prefer the better signal that wired headphones can offer, or simply hate charging earbuds, these Marshall Mode earbuds are sure to satisfy.

Why we picked this:

We know it's 2024 and everyone has Bluetooth everything, but some people genuinely prefer wired headphones. For those people, we recommend the Marshall Mode headphones.

As you would expect from wired headphones, these earbuds aren't too terribly expensive at $59.99 (though you can often find them on sale in the $39 to $49 range. Despite their affordability, they produce clean, well-rounded audio comparable to earbuds in the $100-plus price range. The wire itself is lightweight but durable and not at all tangle prone, making these earbuds plenty comfortable to wear for long stretches of time. We do wish it was detachable, and therefore replaceable, but that's not a dealbreaker, especially at this price point.

The mic works well for calls, and it's separate from the remote button that allows you to answer and hang up calls, as well as play and pause your music. There isn't too much more to say about these earbuds beyond this: They do what you expect them to do.

Battery life: N/A | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L, XL

Best budget earbuds: Anker Soundcore P20i Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

If you don't want to be too precious about your earbuds (there's nothing wrong with being accident prone) the Anker Soundcore P20i earbuds will be the kindest to your wallet, while still delivering an all-around decent listening experience. If ANC is essential for you though, you'll want to pass on these buds.

Why we picked this:

We'll be honest: We weren't expecting much from a pair of earbuds that cost $25. However, we were shocked to find that these earbuds not only had an impressive array of features, but in some cases also had better features than earbuds that cost hundreds of dollars more.

First, let's start with the sound. Admittedly, we weren't too blown away by how they sounded at first. However, once we played around with the equalizer presets on the companion app, we found the Treble Boost produced the kind of well-rounded sound we expect from pricier earbuds. The app also allowed you to set up to three touch controls on each earbud, which actually worked decently well once we played around with them (the touch controls have just the right level of sensitivity). However, the most exciting feature on the app was the "find device" tab. Unlike Apple AirPods, which only play a sound from the case when you're trying to find your earbuds, the Soundcore earbuds each play a loud tone when you activate this feature, making it easier to locate a single bud.

The P20i buds also best AirPods in battery life. Per charge, we were able to get about nine and half to ten hours of battery life. The case overall holds 30 hours of charge total. Admittedly, these earbuds don't have ANC, so that helps, but we were still impressed. (For comparison, the most recent AirPods Pro and standard AirPods without ANC offer six hours per charge).

Obviously, a budget pair of earbuds will have some more noticeable drawbacks. For the P20i, that would be the lack of multipoint pairing. Not only can you not pair more than one device at a time, but we also found that we often had to manually unpair the earbuds from one device before pairing with another. The lack of pairing capability also meant that to use the companion app, you have to be connected to your phone.

Battery life: 9.5 to 10 hours per charge (30 hours with case) | Ear tip sizes: S, M, L

How we tested the best earbuds

Each pair of earbuds selected for this guide was hands-on tested by a Mashable staffer or contributor. Along with earbuds tested specifically for this article, we also combed through our existing reviews to pick the best of the best earbuds for 2024. When testing earbuds, we consider criteria such as:

• Battery life: For the Anker Soundcore P20i and Sony WF-1000XM5, we tested their battery life by letting the earbuds run interrupted with music at 50% volume until they died. For the remaining earbuds, the Bose QC Ultras and Apple AirPods Pro, we referred to the battery tests conducted when we first reviewed them.

• Sound quality: We tested out these earbuds with a variety of songs, from live performances, to bass-heavy electronic music, R&B, rock, and folksy guitar songs. We evaluated how they sounded out of the box, along with any EQ presets or custom controls.

• Comfort: Though this category can be subjective, we made sure each of our selections at least had several different ear tip sizes and were comfortable to wear for stretches of three hours or more.

• Microphone quality: Realistically, you'll make calls when using your earbuds, which is why we put each of these earbuds through a call test, making sure the person on the other end of the phone could hear us clearly and consistently.

• Special features: Especially for pricier earbuds, we took into consideration what they offered beyond a solid listening experience. In Sony's case, that was an incredibly customizable and user-friendly experience with the equalizer. For the Soundcore earbuds, that was the "find device" capability (considering the buds' price range) and general app compatibility. Basically, any feature that made the earbuds stand out, and also performed consistently well, earned it points in this category.

• Price: Earbuds can easily run into the hundreds of dollars, and we wanted to make sure if you're paying that much, it's worth it. We took into consideration how the earbuds performed in each of the above categories to make sure they justified their price.

As of April 2024, we're in the process of testing more budget-friendly ANC earbuds. We'll also be testing more sports earbuds to add a recommendation for workouts.

Best noise-cancelling headphones for flying: Best overall Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $429 at Amazon Shop Now Best earbuds for travel Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $299 at Amazon Shop Now Best for comfort Bose QuietComfort 45 $329 at Best Buy Shop Now Budget pick Anker Soundcore Life Q20 $59.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best sound quality Sony WH-1000XM5 $399.99 at Amazon Get Deal Best for Apple loyalists Apple AirPods Max $549 at Amazon Shop Now Best for adjustable ANC Bose 700 headphones $379 at Amazon Shop Now Best earbuds for Apple users Apple AirPods Pro $249 at Amazon Shop Now

Flying was never the most stress-free way to travel, but thanks to never-ending airline delays, unruly passengers, and the incredible shrinking airline seat, it's become a nightmare. If you've decided it's finally time to invest in a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones for flying, we've got you covered.

SEE ALSO: How to clean your AirPods the right way

The good news is that plenty of headphones, from over-ear headphones to wireless earbuds, offer active noise cancellation. And in 2024, it's not too hard to find ANC headphones cost under $100.

Even so, if you want to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes, you should be prepared to pay closer to $200 to $500 (exempting our budget pick from Anker Soundcore). Premium headphones offer improved active noise cancellation and transparency modes that allow you to hear those all-important gate announcements.

Let's not forget that ANC on its own won't save the day — otherwise, we'd just direct you to our review of the best noise-cancelling headphones. For long flights, comfort is also key. It won't matter if your headphones block sound if you only want to wear them for two out of five hours of your flight. A few extra features — like balanced sound and spatial audio — can't hurt either.

SEE ALSO: New Apple AirPods Max expected to launch next year — 2 new features to watch out for

With all that in mind, we've rounded up the best headphones for flying based on our extensive research and hands-on testing.

Because shopping for headphones shouldn't be as stressful as heading to the airport, we've answered every question you need to know before purchasing. Read on for essential info as well as the very best noise-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024.

Does paying more really get me more noise cancellation?

Generally, yes. Many cheap headphones claim to offer "noise-cancelling" features, but a $40 random pair of over-ear headphones won't compare to Sony noise-cancelling headphones. Typically, the more you pay and the better known and regarded the brand is, the better the noise cancellation. Brands like Bose and Sony offer multiple levels of noise cancellation so you can choose to be completely blocked off from the world or opt to allow some environmental noises to come in while flying. 

SEE ALSO: What to look for when shopping for the best headphones

Paying more can also get you some nice features to supplement your ANC, like voice assistant support, expansive battery life, advanced codec support for better-sounding music, or better call quality. If you're a frequent flyer, the cost is almost certainly worth it.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying?

Noise-cancelling headphones are at their most useful on airplanes. While flying, it's difficult to find a moment's peace when so much is going on around you. Frequent flyers may prefer to rest or work, and the best way to do this is by using the best noise-cancellation methods to block out the chaos. 

With that in mind, some headphones' ANC works best on blocking out people talking more than ambient engine sounds, and vice versa, and people will have different preference levels for how much ANC they actually like. In addition, for long-haul flights, you may also be interested in the best noise-cancelling headphones for sleeping

With all that in mind, we've included the best ANC headphones for every traveler. So, read on to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes in 2024 — all based on Mashable's in-depth research and hands-on headphones reviews.

Best overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $379.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $50.00 Shop Now Who it's for:

If you're looking for over-ear headphones that sound great and can give you all day wear, making the hefty investment in the Bose QuietComfort Ultras may well be worth it. While we tested these headphones over a period of a couple weeks, we were especially impressed when we wore for the entirety of a five hour flight (and about an hour before getting on the plane), while also wearing glasses — never once did we feel the need to take them off.

Why we picked this:

Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard here. Personally, I've owned and used Bose QuietComfort 35 IIs for several years, and tested the QC 45s for a couple months before testing the latest pair. Between the former two, I can't say I noticed a huge difference in quality — both are excellent. But, with the Ultras, I feel like Bose really stepped up the QuietComfort line. They feel durable, but just as comfortable. The sound profile feels richer, and the immersion mode allows for a spatial audio experience that amps up the experience.

And then, of course, there's the ANC. I work from home and live about 50 feet across the street from a massive construction project, so some form of ANC is a necessity to me. The Ultras block out the sound better than the other two QuietComfort models. As mentioned above, I took them on a plane ride, and was impressed at how comfortable they stayed and how well they blocked out the sound of the airplane and fellow passengers. As for portability, the hinge on the earcups allows them to fold flat and in, so they fold up smaller than other headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5s can.

With all that said, they're not perfect. For starters, the battery life could be better. The stand-by mode doesn't work the most consistently either, and similar to past QC headphones I've tried, connecting to multiple devices can occasionally take a few tries upon power up. These issues are annoying, but manageable enough to troubleshoot, and worth dealing with for the comfort and noise-cancelling power these headphones offer.

One Ziff Davis staffer mentioned that after about a month of usage, the power button on his headphones stopped working. We haven't been able to find any more reports of this online, but it's definitely concerning. It's good to know that Bose offers a one-year product warranty.

Battery life: 24 hours | Bluetooth range: 30 feet | App-connected: Yes

Best earbuds for travel: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $249.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $50.00 Shop Now Who it's for:

If you're not an over-ear headphone stan, the Bose QuiteComfort Ultra earbuds offer similarly impressive noise cancellation and comfort as our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones. If you like to lean against the window to nap during flights or just need a lower-profile set of headphones so you can travel a bit lighter, the QC Ultra buds are the way to go. They're also a cool $130 less than our top pick, making them easier on the wallet.

Why we picked this:

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds were just released in October 2023, and they've already snagged a Mashable Choice award for their stellar noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and impressive Immersive Audio tech. Per usual for the brand, Bose's ANC drowns out a ton of background noise, making these buds a perfect fit for flights. In his review of the QC Ultra buds, Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth mentioned that Bose's noise cancellation is so good, that he often wears these buds even when he's not playing music.

"When I want to take a nap on a plane or focus on my work, I pop in these earbuds and let the noise-cancelling cocoon wash over me," Werth says. "Do they offer 100 percent sound dilution? No, but all but the loudest and closest sounds should disappear. On airplanes, they significantly reduced noise, making it much easier to take a nap. I have to warn my partner when I'm putting on these earbuds, otherwise she'll think I'm giving her the silent treatment."

In terms of complaints, we noticed that the design of the case makes it a bit difficult to remove the buds. We also experienced some finicky Bluetooth connection during long-term testing, but these are minor qualms — the pros of the QC Ultra buds absolutely outweigh the cons.

Battery life: Six hours (Up to 24 with charging case) | Bluetooth range: 30 feet | App connected: Yes

Best for comfort: Bose QuietComfort 45 Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones $312.99 at Best Buy
$329.00 Save $16.01 Shop Now Who it's for:

The Bose QuietComfort line has earned its spot as one of the most popular headphones for travelers thanks to incredible comfort, and the QuietComfort 45s are no exception.

During our testing, we wore the QC 45s for eight-plus hours, some days with glasses, and never once did we experience unpleasant squeezing or feel the weight of these headphones. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel said that prior to having the Bose QC 45s, most name-brand models made her head ache after just minutes of wear, but she can wear the Bose headphones all day without an issue. For comfort-first folks, these are your headphones. They are being phased out for newer models (see our pick right above this one), but while they're still around, you can typically find them on sale.

Why we picked this:

Though you can't fine-tune the ANC as you can with the Bose 700s, the active noise cancellation on these headphones still does a more than adequate job for your flight, managing to block out higher-frequency sounds that most ANC-enabled headphones typically struggle with. A single press of the button on the left ear cup allows you to easily switch between quiet and aware modes when the flight attendant comes around to take your drink order.

Up to 24 hours of battery life is not stellar but not bad either. For one, it's the same battery life as the more expensive QC Ultras, and you can always plug them in for 15 minutes to get back three hours of charge for when you're on the move or taking a short flight. As for the Bluetooth connection, it can be a bit spotty when switching among devices (especially if two are connected at the same time), but the Bose app helps smooth out the process — plus, we're willing to bet you won't be switching between too many devices on a flight.

Battery life: 24 hours | Bluetooth range: 30 feet | App-connected: Yes

Budget pick: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones $54.99 at Amazon
$65.99 Save $11.00 Shop Now Who it's for:

While having active noise cancellation at the ready while traveling might sound great, spending hundreds of dollars sounds decidedly less so. (Airline tickets are expensive enough, thank you.) If you're not looking for the most elite ANC, sound, or build quality, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20s don't break the bank. And while they may not have more premium features, we found they wore comfortably and got the job done.

Why we picked this:

The Life Q20s are a fraction of the price of the other headphones on our list, but their merits go far beyond their budget status. The cushioned ear pads make them easy to wear comfortably for the length of a long flight. The active noise cancellation is strong enough to block out the ambient airplane sounds, and the battery life is also impressive. It took us several days of use to run it down listening at about 50 percent volume — and that was with noise-cancelling engaged.

Plus, unlike higher-end headphones in this guide (namely, the Bose QC Ultras), these headphones support passive playback via a 3.5 millimeter aux cable. In other words, if you do happen to run out of battery on your flight, you're not completely out of luck. As for the actual listening experience, these headphones provide a surprisingly well-balanced sound, but if you don't like how they sound out of the box, you are unfortunately out of luck. Part of the reason they clock in at such a good price (and even more so when they're on sale) is because these headphones are an older model, so they're not compatible with the Soundcore app and its equalizer features. Overall, these headphones epitomize the word decent — but that's not a knock against them at all.

Battery life: 40 hours | Bluetooth range: 33 feet | App-connected: No

Best sound quality: Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $348.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $51.99 Shop Now

Read Mashable's full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Who it's for:

Sony's latest and greatest over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are the WH-1000XM5. Though they're not an essential upgrade for those who already own the ultra-popular WH-1000XM4s, the improved noise cancellation and fuller sound make these the stronger pick for airplane travel in 2024.

While the ANC is solid, it's not a standout among other high-end noise-cancelling headphones. However, they still pack impressive noise cancellation and stellar audio quality for music. Considering noise cancellation is most effective in tandem with music, these headphones should appeal to music lovers and audiophiles. In her review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, Mashable's Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern said the XM5s were "probably the best-sounding headphones I’ve ever tried," making them a great pick for folks who take pride in their Spotify playlists.

Why we picked this:

Besides sounding amazing, they offer exceptional travel functionality with the "quick attention" mode, activated simply by covering your right ear cup, allowing you to hear gate change announcements and flight attendants without completely stopping your music. Voice assistant support, crisp call quality, and a great battery life of up to 30 hours complete the package.

Though they look great, the biggest drawback is that these headphones don't fold up, and the carrying case is quite tall, though slim. Still, if sound quality is more important than portability, they're not that much bulkier than other headphones on this list (and they are more travel-friendly than the AirPods Max).

Battery life: 30 hours | Bluetooth range: 33 feet | App-connected: Yes

Best for Apple loyalists: Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max $519.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $30.00 Amazon Shop Now

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

Who it's for:

These headphones are expensive as all hell, but for those deep in the Apple ecosystem who want a pair of over-the-ear headphones, they could very well be worth the price. Plus, the noise cancelling is pretty great. You can't find these headphones on sale these days (there is rumor that they might get an upgrade this year), so anyone who's not already a diehard Apple fan will probably want to skip these.

Why we picked this:

The AirPods Max aren't just a pretty pair of headphones. With the help of eight microphones, these headphones provide excellent active noise cancellation. Switching into transparency mode happens with the push of a button, so there's no messing with finicky touch controls to hear what's going on around you. In addition to ANC, they have fantastic sound quality, and support for spatial audio will make cinephiles happy.

Their battery life, however, is a bit lacking compared to similarly priced headphones, thanks to the fact that they have no power button. (They're also missing a headphone jack, for those who like the option of wired listening). They will go into a low-power mode, but you can never completely turn them off. However, this does allow for easy switching in between devices, and for the "Find My" feature to always work. Plus, 20 hours of battery isn't bad, as that should last for even the most long-haul flights. In a pinch, five minutes of a charge can get you an hour and a half of battery life.

The carrying case is unfortunately, as former Mashable Tech Reporter Brenda Stoylar wrote in her review, "possibly the dumbest thing Apple has ever designed," so these headphones are probably best for people who don't mind wearing them around their neck for the entirety of their trip.

Battery life: 20 hours | Bluetooth range: Up to 300 feet | App-connected: Yes

Best for adjustable ANC: Bose 700 Bose 700 headphones $379.00 at Amazon
Shop Now

Read Mashable's full review of the Bose Noise Cancelling 700 headphones.

Who it's for:

The Bose 700s are truly top-of-the-line headphones for active noise cancellation, which makes them one of the best noice-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024. Frequent flyers don't want to be reminded that they're surrounded by a bunch of stressed-out strangers, and these premium over-ear headphones will get the job done.

Why we picked this:

They offer 10 levels of ANC so you can finely tune your experience, blocking out as much or as little as you want. You can create up to three different presets between 0 and 10, so you won't have to filter through all ten options every time you want to change the settings. This level of customization is not common among headphones, really setting the Bose 700s apart from its competitors. Alongside that, they sound great, with bass strong and mids suitably crisp, delivering the audio quality you'd expect from Bose.

In his review, Mashable's Alex Perry noted how comfortable the rubber padding on the headband and the foam ear cups were, even when worn for long periods. He also said these headphones are great at blocking out background sounds while on calls, which makes them especially ideal for frequent travelers who often find themselves on the phone while waiting in noisy airport terminals. To top it all off, they fold flat and come with a zip-up case for safe transport. A downside of these headphones is the battery life, which like the AirPod Max, maxes out at 20 hours. However, the biggest downside is that like the QC 45s, these headphones are also being phased out of Bose's line, so they can be harder to find and aren't likely to be restocked.

Battery life: 20 hours | Bluetooth range: Up to 33 feet | App-connected: Yes

Best earbuds for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro Apple AirPods Pro $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Shop Now

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPod Pros.

Who it's for:

If you prefer something more lowkey than a bulky pair of over-the-ear wireless headphones, opt for a pair of earbuds for travel instead. Though this usually means noise cancelling takes a big hit, that's not the case with the second-gen Apple AirPods Pro. Mashable Tech Reporter Stan Schroeder deemed these, "the first pair of earbuds I'd actually consider taking on an airplane," due to the quality of their ANC.

Why we picked this:

The ANC ante has been upped with the latest Pros, which offer even more sound-blocking power than the already great first-generation model. The design remains essentially the same, so you can easily stow the charging case in your bag or pocket. Plus, with last year's upgrade, the USB-C charging port likely means you have to lug around one less cable. Adaptive transparency mode allows you to hear outside noise once more with a press of the stem, while still dampening unwanted noise. To add to the aural experience, these buds do have spatial audio, though that feature is infamous for working great with some songs and not working at all with others.

Plus, the easy pairing AirPods are known for being even more efficient thanks to the upgraded H2 chip found in these earbuds. The especially great thing about AirPods is that though they're expensive, they do go on sale regularly throughout the year.

Battery life: 6 hours (up to 30 hours with charging case) | Bluetooth range: Up to 60 feet | App-connected: Yes

How we test noise-cancelling headphones for flying

All eight of these headphones were hands-on tested by Mashable staff, including past and current tech reporters, senior tech editors, as well as shopping reporters and editors. Most recently in April 2024, we added the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones into our lineup of hands-on tested products. (Prior to this update, we recommended them based on research and customer reviews.)

Other more recent additions include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which we added in Nov. 2023. As of Feb. 2024, we tested the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and the JBL Tour One M2 headphones, and added the former. The JBL headphones didn't make the cut even though we liked their long battery life, comfort, and surprisingly functional multipoint pairing — we just didn't think the $300 price tag matched up to the quality of the active noise cancellation. It wasn't bad, but it didn't wow us, and if you're willing to spend that much, we'd recommend going with Bose instead.

All of these headphones were chosen with the following criteria in mind:

• Comfort: As we mentioned above, active noise cancellation becomes much less enjoyable if the headphones delivering it squeeze your head for the entirety of your flight. Any headphones that weren't favored for long-term wear didn't make our list.

• Battery life: If your headphones' battery is going to die 30 minutes into your flight, they're not going to cut it for even the shortest of trips. Our picks were typically in a higher price range that have better battery life and quick charge options for the times when you forget to juice up your headphones the night before you leave.

• Active noise cancellation quality: There are lower cost options for ANC, but not all active noise cancellation is delivered the same. That's why we focused on picks that either offered multiple levels of ANC, or delivered a strong level of ANC on its own, that didn't require music to make a noticeable difference.

• Portability: Over-the-ear headphones are going to deliver the best noise cancellation possible, but they are bulky. To keep these picks travel-friendly, we looked for headphones that fold up or that come with sleek carrying cases.

• Durability: Taking your headphones with you through TSA lines just opens them up to more wear and tear, so we went for higher-cost picks that are likely to survive the journey. Plus, we made sure to choose headphones that will last you for years, so the upfront investment is worth it.

Bad days at work are inevitable, and frustration is bound to be a part of almost any job. But if your dissatisfaction is pushing you to consider quitting, how can you assess whether your job is salvageable—or a sunk cost? Start by asking yourself these questions. Is the workplace toxic? If you feel as though your […]

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TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available to take for free on edX, including lessons on AI, Python, JavaScript, and more.

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TL;DR: A lifetime Dollar Flight Club membership (Premium Plus+ Plan) is on sale for £55.91, saving you 86% on list price.

From going on incognito mode to setting price alerts to booking months in advance, there are a plethora of tips doled out by folks in the name of cheaper airfare. But the truth is scoring deals on flights is much harder now than it used to be, with most purported tricks falling short of delivering substantial savings.

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TL;DR: Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is arguably the most prestigious club competition in the world of football, and now only four teams are left with a chance of lifting the trophy. Did Borussia Dortmund expect to be here? Probably not, but they are now only two games away from the biggest game of their lives. Unfortunately for them, PSG and Kylian Mbappé stand in their way.

If you want to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG?

Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG will begin their first-leg match at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on May 1. This fixture takes place at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany.

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TL;DR: Stream the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free on SBS on Demand, RTBF, or RaiPlay. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It really doesn't get much tougher than cycling. We'll be honest and say that we don't fully understand the appeal of setting out in the morning to punish yourself over long climbs through potentially miserable conditions, but this sort of thing clearly works for a lot of people, because we see plenty of enthusiasts out there on the roads every day.

What we can see the appeal of is watching the very best cyclists in the world going wheel to wheel in one of the most prestigious cycling events on the calendar. We're talking about the Giro d'Italia, and we've got all the information you need to follow along from the comfort of your home.

What is the Giro d’Italia?

The Giro d'Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy. The Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's most prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours, and is the world's second most important stage race after the Tour de France.

When is the 2024 Giro d’Italia?

The 2024 Giro d'Italia is the 107th edition of the famous race. This year's event takes place from May 4 to May 26.

How to watch the 2024 Giro d’Italia for free

It's possible to live stream the 2024 Giro d'Italia for free on these streaming platforms:

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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 May 1's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

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

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 used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A secret journal.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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 Wordle #1047 is...

DIARY.

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.

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

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 May 1's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Breaking down a pair of pants

• Green: Geometry terms

• Blue: Navigating a web browser

• Purple: '60s band group names

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: Features of a Pair of Jeans

• Green: Objects in 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-Dimensional Space

• Blue: Web Browser Menus

• Purple: Member of a '60s Band

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 Connections #325 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Features of a Pair of Jeans: BUTTON, FLY, POCKET, RIVET

• Objects in 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-Dimensional Space: LINE, PLANE, POINT, SOLID

• Web Browser Menus: FILE, HISTORY, VIEW, WINDOW

• Member of '60s Band: ANIMAL, DOOR, KINK, SUPREME

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.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

What does AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile all have in common?

Aside from being the four major mobile carriers in the U.S., these companies have also just been slapped with millions in fines from the FCC.

Why?

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile allegedly provided location data to third parties without their users' consent, which is illegal.

“Our communications providers have access to some of the most sensitive information about us," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement. "These carriers failed to protect the information entrusted to them. Here, we are talking about some of the most sensitive data in their possession: customers’ real-time location information, revealing where they go and who they are.” 

FCC fines the biggest U.S. mobile carriers

According to the FCC, T-Mobile has been fined the largest amount: $80 million. Sprint, which has merged with T-Mobile since the FCC's investigation began, also received a $12 million fine.

AT&T will have to pay more than $57 million and Verizon will dole out close to $47 million.

In total, the four major mobile carriers in the U.S. will be paying out more than $200 million in fines for sharing sensitive customer data without their knowledge or permission.

What happened?

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile allegedly sold access to its own customers' location data to "aggregators." These aggregators then resold the access to other third-party, location-based service providers. 

"Each carrier attempted to offload its obligations to obtain customer consent onto downstream recipients of location information, which in many instances meant that no valid customer consent was obtained," the FCC said.

The FCC says these four carriers broke the law set in the Communications Act that requires these companies to protect confidential data, including location information.

The specific case that led the FCC to carry out its initial investigation is also laid out in the FCC's announcement and it's certainly alarming.

A Mississippi sheriff was tracking the location of people through their cell phones via a prison communication service company called Securus. Securus was getting this location data through the four major wireless carriers.

This case perfectly shows the important role mobile carriers play in protecting our data – and the consequences when they fail to do so. Now, these companies will pay millions in fines, thanks to the FCC.