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Celebrities including Bebe Rexha, Quinta Brunson and Brett Goldstein appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to read weird and hilarious texts from their moms.

TL;DR: Access free live streams of Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're approaching that beautiful time of year when the whole world seems to slow down and dedicate themselves to sport, in this case for Euro 2024. The best international sides in Europe are heading to Germany to compete for the trophy, with a selection of superstars on show including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Kevin De Bruyne.

If you want to watch Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is Euro 2024?

The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2024) is an international football tournament organised by UEFA. The tournament is comprised of 24 European men's national teams, with a group stage followed by knockout fixtures.

Italy are the defending champions, after beating England on penalties in the 2020 tournament final.

When is Euro 2024?

Euro 2024 is the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. This year's competition takes place from June 14 to July 14.

How to watch Euro 2024 for free

There are a number of free streaming platforms offering coverage of Euro 2024:

• Austria — ORF and ServusTV

• Belgium — RTBF and VRT

• France — 6play and TF1

• Germany — ARD, RTL, and ZDF

• Italy — RAI and TV8

• Norway — NRK

• Netherlands — NOS

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer and ITVX (recommended)

Don't panic if your location is not listed, because you can access free live streams from other countries with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Euro 2024 by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

5. Watch Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Euro 2024 before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: As of May 13, you can learn in-demand skills with the ethical hacking and penetration testing course package while it's on sale for $49.99 (reg. $351).

In the digital age, cybersecurity is essential. As such, the demand for skilled ethical hackers has skyrocketed. Whether you're a beginner looking to enter the field or a tech enthusiast aiming to upgrade your skills, this ethical hacking and penetration testing training bundle could be a good place to start. These training courses will help you learn skills you could one day use as a certified cybersecurity expert — whether that's in business, healthcare, the government, or other industries. And for a limited time, it's on sale for $49.99.

This comprehensive training bundle has nine courses totaling over 88 hours. Covering the latest security domains and hacking techniques, the bundle helps prepare you for top industry-recognized certifications, potentially setting you on the path to what could become a cybersecurity career.

The Hands-On Hacking course gives you the opportunity to test out your new hacking knowledge in practical applications. The instructor will help you hone your ethical hacking skills to scan, enumerate, access, and escalate privilege against vulnerable machines.

This learning bundle also includes instruction for industry certification exams. The CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002) course prepares you for the CompTIA exam by diving deep into the complexities of penetration testing and vulnerability management. You'll use your skills to discover and exploit vulnerabilities, analyze any detected weaknesses, and showcase your ability to adhere to ethical behaviors.

It must be noted that none of these courses gives you any actual certification. Instead, courses only offer a certificate of completion and preparation material for exams.

With the latest tools, techniques, and expert guidance, this bundle provides a way to learn from the comfort of your own home.

Get this 2024 ethical hacking and penetration testing online learning bundle while it's on sale for $49.99 (reg. $351).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The Complete 2024 Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking Certification Training Bundle $49.99 at the Mashable Shop
$351.00 Save $301.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: As of May 13, score this HOTO Air Pump Pro portable air compressor and tire inflator on sale for $79.99 (reg. $119.99) for a limited time.

Have you ever found yourself with low tire pressure on a cold night? Or perhaps needed to inflate camping gear without any power source in sight? With the HOTO Air Pump Pro Portable Air Compressor, these common inconveniences can be a thing of the past. This week, the handy electric tool is on sale for just $79.99, a 33% discount from the usual price.

The HOTO Air Pump Pro is a versatile, lightweight (2.5 pounds), and highly portable air compressor that lets you quickly inflate tires, sports equipment, pool floats, and mattresses without the usual hassle. It has a soft-carry handle, giving you a quick, reliable air supply no matter where you are. HOTO also has a reputation for designing tools with slick, minimalist designs, and the Air Pump Pro is no exception.

The air pump features four presets: Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Ball modes. It also has a 12V pump motor that's designed to inflate a tire in just five minutes. After you set the PSI, you don't have to worry about over-inflating, as it has an auto-stop feature.

The HOTO Air Pump Pro features three 2500mAh high-capacity lithium batteries that. When fully charged, it can fill up to fifteen under-inflated tires. The large LED display makes everything your progress easy to read (and provides some extra light if you're on a dark road). It comes with nozzles and adapters to fit a variety of use cases, too.

This inflator is ideal for anyone who drives a vehicle, bicyclists, off road adventurers, those who use floats for the pool or lake, paddle board enthusiasts, and more.

Invest in safety, convenience, and peace of mind when you pick up the HOTO Air Pump Pro portable air compressor and tire inflator for $79.99 (reg. $119.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: HOTO HOTO Air Pump Pro Portable Air Compressor/Tire Inflator $79.99 at the Mashable Shop
$119.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: As of May 13, secure your documents and photos with a lifetime subscription to FolderFort's 1TB Storage Pro Plan for only $79.99.

Tired of your phone nagging you about hitting the storage limit every time you snap a photo? Consider that a wake-up call to bump up your cloud storage. But don't just blindly throw money at iCloud or Google Drive because your smartphone guilt-tripped you into it. There are better options that won't make you pay a monthly fee.

For starters, FolderFort is designed to function as your digital data keeper, securely storing all your files and media in the cloud. For a limited time, you can score a lifetime subscription to the service for a one-time payment of only $79.99.

With 1TB of ultra-secure storage, FolderFort lets you stash, manage, and share your digital life from anywhere, on any device — no pesky software installs necessary. Whether you're on your phone, tablet, or computer, it’s all accessible from your browser. Each file you upload is protected with top-notch encryption, making it virtually unreachable by anyone other than you.

Got a digital dump truck of data to upload? FolderFort can handle it all with lightning-fast transfer speeds, so you can move massive files in mere seconds. The platform is a breeze to navigate, letting you organize files effortlessly and create unlimited workspaces and folders for seamless management. Plus, you can bring in as many users as you like to these workspaces for free, and they each get a bonus 1GB of personal storage.

In case you ever run out of space, you can upgrade to a higher tier anytime you want, and increased storage will be provided in a snap. And should you feel the need to downgrade at any point, all you need to do is reach out to support, which is available 24/7.

Put an end to your storage woes with a lifetime subscription to a FolderFort 1TB Pro Plan, on sale for $79.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 1TB Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $79.99 at the Mashable Shop
$251.64 Save $171.65 Get Deal

SAVE $594.01: As of May 13, you can get a Canyon Pro Plan lifetime subscription for only $89.99, down from the regular price of $684, and have a multi-tool, AI-enhanced job application platform by your side for life. That's a huge 86% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canyon Canyon Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $89.99 at the Mashable Shop
$684.00 Save $594.01 Get Deal

Today's job market isn't like the one we had ten years ago — or even five. While change is inevitable with something as fluid as the employment market, many of us could use some supportive tools to help keep up with the competition. Canyon is a comprehensive platform designed to help streamline and optimize your job search from start to finish, and a lifetime subscription to the Pro Plan is majorly discounted today.

As of May 13, you can get a Canyon Pro Plan lifetime subscription for only $89.99, down from the regular price of $584, and have a multi-tool, AI-enhanced job application platform by your side for life. That's a huge $594.01 off, or an 86% discount.

Canyon uses modern tech and artificial intelligence to help optimize your resume, giving it a better chance to shine through the crowd. The app's AI resume builder suggests optimal wording, layout, and skills tailored to your industry and the specific jobs you're applying for. It even provides a score with tailored insights to see how well your resume is optimized and allows for unlimited resumes.

You can also autofill your job applications through this platform, which can save you crucial time and effort. To use this feature, you will have to download the Chrome extensions for free from the Google Chrome Store. It can then be used to autofill your info on almost any job application site.

To help you keep all of your job applications and resumes organized, there's a management feature that shows you where you've applied and tracks and prioritizes your job applications. And when you're ready to head in for an interview, there are AI-powered mock interviews specific to the job you're applying to that you can use to brush up on your interview skills.

Having this all-in-one job application tool at your disposal could be a game-changer in making the job hunt easier and less time-consuming.

Get a Canyon Pro Plan lifetime subscription for only $89.99 for a limited time only.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Hulu has always had access to a deep library of beloved hits, but in the past few years, the streaming service has upped the ante. Making a splash with its fresh original series, Hulu has been racking up Golden Globes and Emmys like it's their job… which it kind of is, actually.

Showcasing unique, modern narratives, Hulu’s hits can be found in every genre, from sci-fi comedy to subtitled historical epic and everything in between. There’s something for everyone here, and to help you find your next binge, we’ve gathered together some of the best original and non-original shows Hulu has to offer. 

1. Shōgun Credit: Katie Yu / FX

Just when the streaming landscape was feeling empty of sweeping period epics, Shōgun entered the chat. With dizzying political intrigue, intricate attention to historical accuracy, shocking brutality in the name of ambition, and a stunning title sequence, this gripping adaptation of James Clavell’s bloody 1975 novel quickly became one of the best TV shows of 2024. 

SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun's writers love all the Blackthorne and Yabushige memes

English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is marooned in 1600 feudal Japan, his fate now in the hands of the strategic daimyo Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). Both men view each other as barbarians, but Blackthorne's ship full of guns offers Toranaga a new piece to play in his ongoing political chess match with his fellow regents. He'll need a way to communicate with Blackthorne first. Enter Lady Mariko (Anna Sawa), the whip-smart translator with a troubled family history who helps Blackthorne understand the high-stakes social expectations and longstanding political struggles he's unknowingly stumbled into. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Shōgun is now streaming on Hulu.

2. Extraordinary Credit: Natalie Seery / Disney+

You might think you don't have space in your queue for another superhero show, but believe us, Extraordinary is not like the others. In a world where everyone gets a super power at the age of 18, Jen (Máiréad Tyers) is an outlier. She’s 25, and she’s completely ordinary. Her best friend can commune with the dead. Her stepsister is super strong. And her mother can control technology (which would be more helpful if she understood technology at all). But Jen never got her power, and she's miserable about it. Written by Emma Moran, Extraordinary is a smart, hilarious, irreverent comedy about not fitting in and the struggle to "find yourself." And also about a cat named Jizzlord.* — K.G.

How to watch: Extraordinary is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Only Murders in the Building

It’s got mystery; it’s got comedy; it’s got Steve Martin and Martin Short being criminally lovable — what more could you possibly need from a TV show? How about an endless revolving door of top-tier guest stars, tightly plotted scripts, and razor-sharp wit? Yes, please! 

Only Murders in the Building follows three misfits who live in the same Upper West Side building, the Arconia. Steve Martin is a lonely, has-been TV star. Martin Short is a former Broadway producer who can't scrape together his rent. Selena Gomez is a taciturn artist struggling to move past the traumas of her youth. The only thing that they have in common? A love of true crime! So when someone in their building kicks the bucket under suspicious circumstances, they do the only thing three directionless nobodies looking for a new hobby can do — they start a podcast! — K.G.

How to watch: Only Murders in the Building is now streaming on Hulu.

4. Life & Beth Credit: Scott McDermott / Hulu

Beth's (unfulfilling) NYC life is thrown into chaos when her mother unexpectedly dies. Seeking meaning, she heads back to where she grew up — Long Island — to confront the memories of her past… and spend time with a gentle, offbeat gardener (Michael Cera).

Amy Schumer's Life & Beth starts off leaning more into the drama half of comedy-drama, but as the series progresses, so does its humor. (Season 2 is downright silly!) This is an incredibly smart, sweet, and moving show based loosely on Schumer's own experiences in life and love. The cast is impeccable, Kevin Kane as Beth’s coke-addicted bf is a standout, and the laughs are well-earned and full of heart. — K.G.

How to watch: Life & Beth is now streaming on Hulu.

5. Fargo

Who doesn't love a little Midwest murder, huh? Based on the Coen Bros' 1996 film of the same name, Fargo was adapted into an anthology TV series by Noah Hawley — and each season hits harder than the last. From Minnesota to Missouri, you’ll get to know a range of fictional small-town killers and the detectives trying to catch them. With a cast that ranges from Kirsten Dunst to Billy Bob Thornton, Ewan McGregor to Carrie Coon, and Lamorne Morris to Jon Hamm, you’re guaranteed to get drawn into this addictive, unpredictable, larger-than-life (but surprisingly grounded) show. — K.G.

How to watch: Fargo is now streaming on Hulu.

6. The Bear Credit: FX

Jeremy Allen White became an instant star with his turn as Carmy, a tortured, talented chef who returns home to Chicago to take over his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop following the suicide of his brother. The Beef is a chaotic mess, and a far cry from Carmy's previous highfalutin gigs. Plus, each week there brings up a new, long-repressed childhood trauma he's been running from his whole life. Can he save his family’s restaurant? Is it even worth saving? 

Created by Christopher Storer, The Bear is a deeply stressful and deeply fascinating watch. It’s funny, it’s subtle, and it is so very, very Chicago (IYKYK). There’s a reason this dramedy quickly became one of the buzziest prestige watches of the 2020s and inspired everyone you know to say "Yes, chef!" — it's just that good. — K.G.

How to watch: The Bear is now streaming on Hulu.

7. Abbott Elementary Credit: Gilles Mingasson / Disney

Quinta Brunson struck sitcom gold with Abbott Elementary, an optimistic, The Office-style mockumentary series about the staff of an underfunded Philadelphia public school. Brunson shines as Janine Teagues, a chipper new teacher with a can-do attitude that exhausts her peers. Abbot Elementary is a lovable network hit that feels both fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

SEE ALSO: 'Abbott Elementary's talking heads have meaning all of their own

Like most of the best sitcoms, this cheerful comedy is all about character dynamics. The unflappable Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) thinks Janine is wasting her time by trying to change things at Abbott, while their boss, the deeply under-qualified Principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James), is determined to reject all of Janine's efforts. The rest of the outrageously charming cast (Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis) either aid or discourage Janine at every turn, but she has an ally in Gregory (Tyler James Williams), a handsome substitute who isn't sure teaching is for him. But Janine just might be...!!! — K.G.

How to watch: Abbott Elementary is now streaming on Hulu.

8. Reservation Dogs

Get ready to meet your new favorite squad: a group of Oklahoma reservation teens (the Rez Dogs) who steal a chip delivery truck. They're trying to scramble together enough cash to go to California and fulfill the dream of their late friend, whose death has left them rattled. But not everything goes as planned, because this isn't an action show about heists and capers. This is a coming-of-age show about Native teens trying to find their place in the world and struggling to cope with a shocking loss. 

Thanks to its almost entirely Native team of talent, both behind the camera and on, the heart of this show is in its authentic relationships and its loving slice-of-life depiction of a world that doesn't often get the limelight: life on a reservation. The young actors who lead the series (Devery Jacobs, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis) are all simply magnetic, and the writing is sublime. Reservation Dogs is a warm, touching, and funny treat. — K.G.

How to watch: Reservation Dogs is now streaming on Hulu.

9. The Great 'The Great' is the perfect streaming series for a twist on history. Credit: Ollie Upton / Hulu

Does The Great faithfully follow the true story of Catherine the Great's infamous coup against her husband Tsar Peter III? No. Is it a hilarious, wacky interpretation of Catherine's story, complete with frog guns, the invention of bowling, slap fights aplenty and an imperial ton of vodka? Yes, absolutely yes.

The Great is a fantastic Hulu Original comedy series draped with all the trappings of a big budget period story, and it's well worth a watch for fans of writer Tony McNamara's Oscar-winning The Favourite. —Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Great is now streaming on Hulu.

10. Love, Victor Love, Victor is one of Hulu's best shows Credit: Gilles Mingasson / Hulu

This TV spinoff from 2018's queer romantic comedy Love, Simon stars Michael Cimino as Victor, a new student at Simon's high school. He's a star athlete, a model son, a great friend... and he's beginning to think he might be gay.

Love, Victor is a pitch-perfect high school drama with all the sweeping musical cues and whispered secrets that entails, and its connection to the original movie is incredibly sweet — Victor reaches out to Simon (now graduated) on Instagram for advice, and the franchise's OG romantic hero periodically offers him advice on how to deal with life at Creekwood High. — A.N.

How to watch: Love, Victor is now streaming on Hulu.

11. What We Do in the Shadows A hilarious mockumentary based on the movie with the same name from creators Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. Credit: Russ Martin / FX

Season 1 of What We Do in the Shadows proved the show had what it took to live up to its screamingly funny predecessor; Season 2 left those comparisons behind altogether by expanding its universe and deepening its characters. For ten glorious weeks this spring, it was our pleasure to be invited into the day-to-day lives of these hopelessly clueless vampires as they tangled with ghosts and trolls, navigated chain emails, and "superb owl" parties, and, in one glorious instance, ran off to small-town Pennsylvania to reinvent themselves as a "human bartender" named Jackie Daytona to avoid paying back rent. (Okay, that last one was just Laszlo.) 

SEE ALSO: 'What We Do in the Shadows' Season 4 review: The undead really know how to live

But for all the vampires' quirky charms, the series' true secret weapon has turned out to be Guillermo, a put-upon familiar who is still, to his undying regret, still very human. Empowered with the discovery that he’s actually a vampire hunter by heritage, Guillermo realizes he doesn't have to take this crap anymore... but also maybe that he still kind of wants to. It's hard to blame him: Hanging with Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson makes for a devilishly good time. — Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: What We Do in the Shadows is now streaming on Hulu.

12. Pen15 A comedy for anyone who was super dorky as a kid. Credit: Alex Lombardi / Hulu

Pen15 is hard to watch, in a good way. It nails the awkwardness of middle school by having series creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle play fictionalized versions of themselves in 7th grade, surrounded by a cast of actors who are actually young enough to play their peers.

The inherent disconnect in watching made-up adults act like preteens heightens the comedy of its funnier moments, but also serves as a reminder that the drama of mid-puberty isn't any less important because it's experienced by children. Pen15 is cringey, sweet, hilarious, and wholly original comedy. — A.N.

How to watch: Pen15 is now streaming on Hulu.

13. Ramy Is Ramy a comedy? Is the show a drama? It's a little of both and so much more. Credit: Craig Blankenhorn / Hulu

Ramy Youssef’s self-titled TV debut is captivating, contemplative, and often uncomfortable.

The series tells the story of an Egyptian-American family — the father, mother, and sister as much as the eponymous son. For so much of it, Ramy focuses his energy on how to be a good Muslim, but it takes along time and a series of missteps with drugs and women for him to realize that he should learn to be a good person, too.

Though the best episodes almost barely involve Ramy (with Youssef himself behind the camera and script), there is a self-assured DNA throughout its two seasons, a voice that we hope to hear from much more. — Proma Khosla, entertainment reporter

How to watch: Ramy is now streaming on Hulu.

14. Friday Night Lights Credit: NBCUniversal via Getty Images

A common misconception in shows about sports is that you have to be interested in that sport to be interested in the show. This could not be less true, especially in the case of Friday Night Lights. Based on the movie that was based on the book of the same name, FNL is on its surface the story of a high school football team in Texas, but it's actually the story of a community, of all the individual triumphs and systemic failures that add up to the crazy little thing we call life.

Come to cry at Coach Taylor's epic pre-game speeches, root for the weaponized himbo Tim Riggins, or just marvel at the perfection that is Mrs. Coach's hair — all reactions are valid to the emotional glory that is Friday Night Lights. — A.N.

How to watch: Friday Night Lights is now streaming on Hulu.

15. Normal People A series for when you're ready for some feelings. Credit: Enda Bowe / Hulu

There's a reason that Normal People — based on Sally Rooney's novel of the same name — left viewers so emotionally saturated (or perhaps bereft). The story of school sweethearts Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal) and their years of noncommittally orbiting each other is just what the title says: normal. Whether it's a few months, two years, or close to the decade that these two characters experience, most viewers will recall some sort of sustained romantic turmoil in their own lives that mirrors this. The show explores intimacy as it manifests in romance, sex, conversation, and friendship and leaves us as beautifully heartbroken as if it were real. — P.K.

How to watch: Normal People is now streaming on Hulu.

16. Devs A streaming series that'll mess with your brain. Credit: Miya Mizuno/FX

Devs is what happens when you give filmmaker Alex Garland, the director of Sunshine and Ex Machina, the freedom to tell a story across eight hours. It’s a massive mindfuck of a sci-fi tale, following Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno) as she's drawn into a world of high-tech corporate espionage and international intrigue. It all starts when her boyfriend Sergei (Karl Glusman) joins a mysterious research unit at the tech company where they both work. Something strange is going on with the company's CEO and founder, Forest (Nick Offerman), and after Sergei disappears one day into his new job, Lily finds herself on an increasingly perilous journey to uncover some answers. — Adam Rosenberg, senior entertainment reporter

How to watch: Devs is now streaming on Hulu.

17. Atlanta Credit: Quantrell D. Colbert / FX

How does one describe Atlanta? It’s not like your modern serial sitcoms that follow a single narrative thread from episode to episode. The series starts with Earn (Donald Glover), who is broke and has no home or job, stepping up to help his cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) manage his rap career. But that basic description — which doesn’t even mention co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz — barely captures what Atlanta is actually about. Each vignette-ish episode presents a slice of life from the streets of the Georgia city, focusing on Earn and his friends, and often tackling social issues in intelligent and nuanced ways. — A.R.

How to watch: Atlanta is now streaming on Hulu.

18. Rick and Morty Credit: Hulu

This wildly popular animated comedy may draw attention for its Szechuan sauce-loving fans, but fans of Rick and Morty know that the show is way more than it seems. Its mile-a-minute jokes and irreverent...everything make it one of the funniest animated shows on TV, all the while delving into issues of loneliness, family, the validity of space various forms of space politics, and what happens when one asshole genius decides he's above the social contract. — A.N.

How to watch: Rick and Morty is now streaming on Hulu.

19. Monsterland Credit: Hulu

Each episode of Hulu original Monsterland takes place in a different, deeply haunted corner of the United States. Its horrors are both literal and metaphorical, with meat-eating mermaids and jazz vampires creeping around as extrapolations of the darkness hiding within humanity.

Kelly Marie Tran, Mike Colter, Taylor Schilling, and other big stars appear in Monsterland's anthologized episodes, though their stories challenge the audience to ask which characters are the monsters and which are simply human. — A.N.

How to watch: Monsterland is now streaming on Hulu.

20. Mrs. America Credit: FX

This FX miniseries dramatizes the 70's feminist attempts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and conservative spokeswoman Phyllis Schlafly's campaign to stop the ERA in its tracks.

Cate Blanchett plays Schlafly, whose conservative values clashed with the idea that political, civil, and legal rights should be equally extended to American men and woman. Rose Byrne plays legendary feminist activist Gloria Steinem, who supported the law. Mrs. America tells a heightened version of the incredible history of the ERA and the swaths of American women who fought for and opposed equal rights on the basis of sex and gender, and like many historical dramas is as entertaining as it is occasionally infuriating.— A.N.

How to watch: Mrs. America is now streaming on Hulu.

21. Woke Credit: Hulu

In Woke, Lamorne Morris plays a Black cartoonist whose perspective on life turns upside down after a run-in with the police forces him to reckon with the realities of racism and complacency. His character Keef Knight's growing wokeness is literally illustrated by his newfound ability to see inanimate objects as animated voices that berate him for ignoring the social influences that have affected his life and help him move towards greater consciousness in this "bold, irreverent" comedy. — A.N.

How to watch: Woke is now streaming on Hulu.

22. The Bold Type Credit: Freeform

Listen, is The Bold Type a practical depiction of what it's like to work for a women's magazine? No. Is it a fun adventure rife with unpredictable plots, romance, and enough fantastic outfits to drive any reasonable person to attempt a complete closet overhaul? Hell, yes. The Bold Type paints New York's aspiring writers in bright colors and offers a glossy alternate universe where writing for the dot com is one small step away from a corner office and expense account. — A.N.

How to watch: The Bold Type is now streaming on Hulu.

23. You're the Worst Credit: Getty Images

It’s almost too perfect that FXX’s existentially dark romantic comedy takes place in the bleached sunny scenery of Los Angeles.

Jimmy (Chris Geere) and Gretchen (Aya Cash) are not known to their respective friends for being outgoing or even likable, but they meet at a wedding and hit it off. The series follows their relationship from hot sex to mortified attachment, blind panic, and then some. Stephen Falk and his writers create a twisted, raucous take on comedies about adult friendship, with Kether Donohue and Desmin Borges superbly rounding out the cast (Borges' Edgar and his PTSD plotline is some of the best black comedy writing of the decade).

Come for the cringe, stay for Sunday Funday, and just skip to Season 4 to maximize your enjoyment. — P.K.

How to watch: You're the Worst is now streaming on Hulu.

24. Bob's Burgers Credit: FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

I consider it a tremendous privilege — nay, a tremendous honor! — to convince anyone who isn't already watching Bob's Burgers to watch Bob's Burgers.

Originally conceived as an adult series about a family of cannibals (seriously), Loren Bouchard's beloved animated sitcom follows a family of five struggling to keep their restaurant afloat. Across 14 seasons (and counting), Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, and Louise have faced all sorts of restaurant-related quandaries, ranging from a persnickety health inspector to an unexpected case of meat fraud. But more than an underdog tale of a small business succeeding against the odds, Bob's Burgers has developed a unique knack for capturing what it means to really be a family in the modern age.

SEE ALSO: Every 'Bob's Burgers' Thanksgiving episode ever, ranked

A complex and touching blend of compassion and exhaustion, this series has become the go-to comfort watch for many. Turn on one episode, any episode, and you'll see why. The characters are supremely likable, the world feels fully lived in, and the one-liners will follow you wherever you go. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Bob's Burgers is now streaming on Hulu.

25. The Golden Girls Credit: NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Classic shows are classics for a reason, but The Golden Girls has more reasons than most. Its jokes hold up decades years later, its theme song is iconic, and Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty's legendary on-screen chemistry is the gold (no pun intended) standard to which all other sitcom friendships are judged.

The Golden Girls took seven excellent seasons to prove its television thesis that older characters, especially women, could be funny, emotionally developing, and romantically involved stars of their own show, and looking at modern hits like Grace and Frankie, it's easy to see its impact on TV today. — A.N.

How to watch: The Golden Girls is now streaming on Hulu.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Watch Now

UPDATE: May. 10, 2024, 1:22 p.m. EDT This list was updated to reflect the most current streaming options.

Dearest gentle reader, it's almost time to return to the Ton for another simmering season of courting, crushes, and conniving in Netflix's Bridgerton.

Having spent the last two seasons pursuing the romantic, deeply horny long-games of the Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton, then Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton, and a spinoff season on Queen Charlotte and her beloved King George, Season 3 shifts attention to another leading pair.

This time, based on the fourth book in Julia Quinn's novel series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Shondaland and new showrunner Jess Brownell focus on the covert heart of the series, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), and her longtime crush Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

SEE ALSO: All your 'Bridgerton' Season 2 crushes, ranked

But before we get there, what happened again last season and where did everyone end up? We've done a quick rundown of everything you need to remember from Season 2 of Bridgerton before you watch Season 3, from the enemies-to-lovers tale of the Viscount and Viscountess to the worst friendship fallout in the Ton, all of which culminated in the gilded Featherington Ball.

Penelope and Eloise's friendship sits in ruins BFFs no more. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

At the end of Season 1, Penelope Featherington was revealed as the secret identity of the Ton's prolific scandal sheet publisher, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). But while we're allowed in on it as viewers, there's only a few people within the series who know, and by the end of Season 2, unfortunately one is now her best friend Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie).

Eloise has been hunting Lady Whistledown's identity for two seasons, but in Season 2 her enthusiasm made her a target of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) as her number one suspect. If you remember, the Queen despises the author's influence and recruited Eloise to find out who they really were in Season 1. In Season 2, Eloise followed the trail to the printing shop used by Whistledown, where she met young printer and covert women's rights campaigner Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch), and their romance blossomed. Unfortunately for Eloise, her visits (along with her outspokenness on society) drew the Queen's suspicions. Eloise swore her innocence to the monarch, but it was no use, as the Queen threatened Eloise and her family with social ruin unless she confessed to being Lady Whistledown.

SEE ALSO: It's time for 'Bridgerton' to say gay

With Eloise about to falsely confess with a counterfeit society paper, Penelope took matters into her own hands, writing a scathing blast about her best friend's visits with Theo — "unchaperoned, with improper company, political radicals in fact" — to disprove Eloise's guilt. The pamphlet diverted the Queen's wrath but socially ruined Eloise. Suffice to say her romance with Theo crumbled too.

Following this, Penelope rested her pen after being "done ruining the lives of others" through gossip. However, in the Season 2 finale, Eloise figured out her friend's secret identity when Penelope flexed her keen powers of observation at the Featherington Ball. While Pen danced with Colin, Eloise stole into her friend's room and discovered her secret stash of money hidden beneath the floorboards (the profits made from her publications) and confronted Penelope, running through the juicy details only Pen would have known about. It's a horrible fight, with Eloise feeling deeply betrayed, and the two parted on non-speaking terms.

However, Penelope's fight with Eloise did not obliterate her penchant for writing, as we saw her return to her writing desk at the end of Season 2.

Colin scorned Penelope romantically in public Pen heard what you said, Colin! Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

It's one of the biggest moments in Bridgerton Season 2 that will be important for Season 3, and honestly, we're still reeling from it. Penelope has long yearned for the affections of her friend Colin, though has remained firmly in the Regency friend zone — including through Colin's engagement to Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker) in Season 1. But things seemed slightly flirty in Season 2.

Channelling big "I've just returned from my gap year" energy after returning from Greece, Colin strolled around Season 2 with suddenly mature pep in his step. Though he danced often with Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), he sent Penelope mixed signals, praising her "constant and loyal" personality throughout the season. Penelope's hopes were high at the Featherington Ball, and when Colin asked Pen to dance, he dropped some big words: "I will always look after you, Penelope. You are special to me." 

However, after her fight with Eloise, Penelope stumbled upon Colin speaking about his dance to a group of young men on the terrace. When they questioned him on his intentions with Pen, he scoffed, "Are you mad? I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest dreams."

NO! NOOOOO. NO. We were all crushed right there with Pen in this scene, and this is where Season 3 will pick up. Perhaps, if there's forgiveness elsewhere on the horizon, we can still hope for a Peneloise romance?

Kate and Anthony are happily married These two. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

After the steamy enemies-to-lovers romance between Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the pair were finally married at the end of Season 2. Remember the Viscount was engaged to Kate's sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran), but she absconded from the altar the minute she realised her sister and Anthony were very obviously in love. This pissed off Queen Charlotte for a moment, as she does not like to be wrong about things, and she'd chosen Edwina as her "diamond" of the season.

The Bridgertons and Sharmas were publicly ruined by the scandal, but not for long — and MVP Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) never abandoned them, despite being socially ostracised by association.

At the end of the season, after Anthony and Kate had sex in the garden, Kate galloped off into a storm, fell off her horse, and was badly injured. Anthony was riddled with guilt. However, his mother Viola, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), helped him embrace his true feelings, speaking to their shared unprocessed grief over Lord Bridgerton's sudden death years earlier. Anthony proposed at Kate's bedside, a move she assumed was a "misguided obligation of duty". Deciding to return to India, she sent him away. 

"Be the sister I know that you are" 😭 Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Edwina and Kate's sisterly relationship was rattled after the wedding fail, however Edwina's wisdom and forgiveness helped them through Kate's guilt. After Edwina gave her sister the major "be the sister I know that you are" pep talk at the Featherington Ball, Anthony and Kate danced together in full view to a string version of "Wrecking Ball", despite the judgmental stares of the Ton. But Queen Charlotte stepped in to quiet the haters, with Edwina giving her blessing. Both the Bridgertons and the Sharmas are saved from ruin, hurrah!

In the garden, Anthony declared his love for Kate, and she the same, and we left them in newlywed bliss playing croquet on the lawn with the rest of the Bridgertons.

The Featheringtons almost lost it all — again Lord Jack Featherington almost got away with passing off glass as gemstones. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

While the Bridgertons and the Sharmas spent much of the end of Season 2 in social ruin, the Featheringtons had clawed their way back from financial destitution after Lord Featherington's gambling debts saw him murdered in Season 1. Their troubles seemed solved with the arrival of the family's smarmy cousin Jack (Rupert Young), whose engagement to Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter) proved one of the ickier pairings in the Ton. The season crescendoed with the family's opulent Featherington Ball, a grand show of stability and wealth. With the Queen herself in attendance, the Featheringtons were back in the game.

In the season finale, however, at the Featherington Ball, Colin Bridgerton exposed Jack as a charlatan selling fake glass jewels as gemstones. Having previously been interested in investing in the gems, Colin demonstrated the scam by smashing Cressida's "ruby" necklace into smithereens in front of Penelope, Lady Featherington (Polly Walker), and Jack himself. Out of respect for the Featheringtons, Colin did this dramatic exposé in private, telling Jack to return the money he'd spent on this crooked scheme and to leave town — a move that made Pen fall even harder for her crush.

J'accuse! Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

Jack tried to convince Lady Featherington to leave town with him for America, suggesting a romantic future for the two of them despite his engagement to her daughter (the two had kind of been in cahoots the whole season). But if there's one thing you shouldn't come between, it's Portia and her daughters. Lady Featherington sent Jack packing without a penny and the forged signature promise that once one of her daughters has a son the Featherington estate will transfer to him. Byeeee.

Will had a tough start opening his gentlemen's club Colin had to eat some humble pie after Will told him so about Jack. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix

What of Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe), the best mate of the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page)? In Season 2, Jack Featherington had also blackmailed his way into holding court in Will's new bar, after convincing the boxer to throw a match to split the winnings — Will wanted to provide for his wife Alice (Emma Naomi) and their children. Will had opened a gentlemen's club that aimed to be a more inclusive alternative to the posh White's club (IRL it's the oldest gentlemen's club in London, founded in 1693). But business was slow and he was indebted to Jack, who wielded it over him.

When Colin got wrapped up in Jack's dealings, taking a meeting at the bar, Mondrich tried to warn him of Jack's shady side, but Colin defended him as the head of the Featheringtons. So, at the end of the season, after Jack's corruption was exposed, Colin ate humble pie with Mondrich and brought all his mates back to his bar, apologising. But as you've already read, it's not all Colin needs to apologise for.

How to watch: Bridgerton Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix. Season 3 will drop in two halves, with Part 1 streaming on May 16 and Part 2 on June 13.

Overview Best for adjustable ANC Bose 700 headphones $379 at B&H Photo Video Shop now Most comfortable headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra $429 at Amazon Shop now Best for audiophiles Sony WH-1000XM5 $398 at Amazon Shop Now Best for bass lovers Sony ULT Wear $199.99 at Amazon Shop Now Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users Apple AirPods Pro $189 at Amazon (save $60) Shop Now Best sounding earbuds Sony WF-1000XM5 $299.99 at Best Buy Shop Now Best mid-range earbuds Beats Studio Buds+ $169.95 at Amazon Shop Now Best budget earbuds Anker Soundcore Life P3i $49.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Whether you work from home, find yourself on an airplane more often than not, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend.

Even the best value headphones can feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool only gets bigger day by day) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC. If you're spending some cash on noise-cancelling headphones, you should feel more than happy with your investment.

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks: Which Apple laptop would we buy in 2024?

To help you pick the right set, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds and picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024 (so far).

Do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

There's a big difference between outside noise being blocked and music simply being loud enough to drown it out. There's also a difference between true active noise cancellation and hissing or white noise that some headphones rely on to "block out" sound.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings by using internal microphones that listen to what's happening in the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. Over-ear headphones can also create a tight seal around your ears that adds another layer of sound blocking.

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged. It is possible to get headphones that quiet the hum of people talking around you, or noises from the street that invade your home office. While we haven't found the headphones yet that completely silent the world around you, we've found ones that have gotten pretty dang close.

SEE ALSO: Should you sign up for Peacock?

In the past, not many earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, you might be happier with over-ear headphones. However, if you want to cut down on the bulk, earbuds make for great alternatives.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones to buy?

Bose and Sony are both top names when it comes to any type of audio, but especially when it comes to noise cancellation. Both brands feature industry-leading ANC on top of superb sound quality. There are also some other brands and models worth checking out, so if you want to tune out ambient sound, we've laid everything out for you below.

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

Read our full review of the Bose 700 headphones.

Who it's for:

For some people, active noise cancellation might be too intense. Sometimes, you need a little ambient noise. Maybe you're not a fan of this lack of awareness, or maybe it actually causes physical discomfort. That doesn't mean you have to forego ANC altogether — the Bose 700 headphones offer 10 different levels of active noise cancellation (as well as a transparent mode), so you can adjust based on what feels right for you.

Why we picked this:

One of the biggest cons of the Bose 700s is the cost, as Mashable tech reporter Alex Perry noted in his review. However, these headphones came out in 2019, and they're being phased out in place of Bose's new QuietComfort Ultra (another pick on this list). That means while they're still around, you can get top-notch adjustable ANC for $379, and often for less — they were on sale for a flat $300 following Black Friday and have dropped even further in 2024.

They won't be as comfortable for all-day wear as Bose's QuietComfort headphones, but if the best ANC is your priority above all else, these headphones are likely worth the trade off for you. If you are interested in buying them, you'll want to act sooner rather than later. Already, we've seen them sell out at Amazon, and once at Best Buy (though they appear to be back in stock and on clearance at the time of writing). Our next pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, were recently released to replace the Bose 700s.

Battery life: Up to 20 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black

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

Over-ear headphones can be great for blocking out noise, but less great for comfort. If you're someone who wants to wear your headphones all day, the Bose QuietComfort line was made for you. We've previously tested the QuietComfort 35 IIs and the QuietComfort 45s, and the QuietComfort Ultra was easily the most comfortable of the three. They're also the most expensive at $429, so be ready to pay for that comfort.

Why we picked this:

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones up the ante on the long-popular line from the brand, giving you all day wear with spatial audio. They're also supremely comfortable.

We wore these headphones for hours — on flights, with glasses on, all day — and they wore through it all without squeezing or feeling heavy. Even more importantly, they sound incredible, complete with Bose's new immersive spatial audio, which gives you a concert-like experience when listening to music, all the while blocking out the world around you.

We occasionally need to turn the headphones on a couple times for them to connect, but their multipoint pairing works better than past QuietComfort headphones (with the QC 45s, we needed to disconnect one of the two connected devices from the app to avoid annoying skips in the audio). We were also surprised that these headphones don't support passive playback, especially for their price point (which is still $100 less than the Apple AirPods Max at full price).

Still, if you're willing to live with those minor annoyances, you will be rewarded with excellent ANC on the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones we've tested yet.

Battery life: 24 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, sandstone, white

Best for audiophiles: Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5 $348.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $51.99 Shop Now

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Who it's for:

If you want good ANC, but especially value clear and well-rounded sound, these are your headphones. Whether you really like to blast your music, or just want to hear the lows, highs, and mids of a song, the WH-1000XM5s are the headphones on our list most likely to deliver.

Why we picked this:

Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones produce a balanced sound that let your music shine, while giving you enough ANC to block ambient noise.

Here's what Mashable Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern had to say about listening to Brandi Carlile’s “Right on Time” on the XM5 headphones: "The vocals and instruments all got to shine, and the headphones made it feel like I was there in the studio. These are probably the best-sounding headphones I’ve ever tried." That audio quality, combined with their comfort and effective noise cancelling, are what earned them a Mashable Choice Award.

Their portability factor could be a little better — the ear cups don't fold in — but chances are, you'll want to be listening to them most of the time, anyway. When you are on the go, the microphone is another standout feature. Kern relayed that even on a walk home in New York City, she could hear who she was calling perfectly, and be heard herself without any background noise getting in the way. As an added bonus, they have a battery life that beats the Bose QC Ultras by a good six hours.

Battery life: 30 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, navy, silver

Best for bass lovers: Sony ULT Wear Sony ULT Wear headphones $198.00 at Amazon
Shop Now

Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Wear headphones.

Who it's for:

If you don't need a fancy custom equalizer to know you like punching up the bass ten out of ten times, the new Sony ULT Wear headphones are made for you. Our reviewer praised these headphones for offering balanced sound and powerful bass, a rare combo. These are also a great pick for those looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to the WH-1000XM5s.

Why we picked this:

Sony just released the new ULT line in April, and considering the price, they're some of the best Sony headphones ever made. They're designed for anyone who's a fan of bass. In addition to the equalizer in the app, the headphones have a dedicated ULT button that lets you bump up the bass on demand. The 40-millimeter driver keeps it sounding clear and not crispy, making these headphones a worthy competitor to the WH-1000XM5s, our top pick for the best sounding noise-cancelling headphones.

When testing the two headphones side by side, Mashable's Miller Kern found that while both headphones sounded great, "the ULT Wear’s sound was fuller and felt more like surround sound. And even on the standard setting, the bass sounded richer on the ULTs." We still stand by the WH-1000XM5s as a better pick for audiophiles, but Kern makes a strong case for buying these over the XM5s. "[To] the average person, I’d say the ULT Wears are the winners — especially for those who prioritize bass and fullness in their audio."

For $100 cheaper, these are a more than fair alternative to Sony's flagship headphones.

Battery life: 30 hours | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, off-white

Best noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro Apple AirPods Pro $179.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $69.01 Shop Now

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (Generation 2).

Who it's for:

If you want ANC without all the bulk, the AirPods Pro are small, discreet, and (thanks to the their long-awaited USB-C charging port) easier to charge. Though headphones typically provide superior ANC, these AirPods have impressive noise cancellation for a pair of buds. You'll probably enjoy them a little extra if you have other devices within the Apple ecosystem.

Why we picked this:

Are they pricey? Absolutely. Is their ANC worth it? Here's what Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder had to say: "These are the first pair of earbuds I'd actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones)." Though these aren't the only Apple headphones with ANC, we highly prefer these over the AirPods Max, which we think are way overpriced (they're double the cost of these Pros) and don't have the performance to justify that price tag.

Other than that killer ANC, AirPods are great for travel because they take up minimal space in your carry on, they sound great, and they have a Conversation Awareness mode which automatically lowers the volume when you're talking, so placing a drink order is easy as can be. And with their new USB-C port, you can charge them directly from an iPhone 15.

To get a perfectly snug fit to maximize your listening experience, you'll have your choice between four ear tips. Apple claims these buds support lossless audio, but as of right now, only with the Apple Vision Pro, so you'd have to shell out an additional $3,500 for that experience.

Battery life: 6 hours (up to 30 hours with charging case) | App-connected: No | Colors: White

Best sounding earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5 Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $298.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

Love high-quality audio but not so fond of the feeling of headphones over your ears? These Sony earbuds have got you covered on both fronts, all the while providing some pretty impressive active noise cancellation.

Why we picked this:

These earbuds deliver a rich, well-balanced sound profile, without the weight of over-ear headphones. The ear tips material are not the usual silicone found on AirPods and other earbuds, but a more foam-like material you'd find on an ear plug, allowing for all-day wear that creates a firm seal without sacrificing comfort.

The Sony companion app allows for a ton of customization, including touch controls, paired devices, and of course, an equalizer. Those who feel a bit intimated by a completely custom equalizer will appreciate the "Find Your Equalizer" feature, which gives you two rounds of options to select from while listening to music to narrow down what settings actually sound the best. Once you've made your selection, a final before and after sound test confirms you're happy with the mix, making it easier than ever to get the most out of your music.

We also enjoyed the Adaptive Sound Control, which switches the earbuds automatically from noise cancelling to ambient sound transparency modes based on whether you're sitting or walking around (settings that can be adjusted). Multipoint pairing also lets you switch between two devices with next to zero lag. If you hate using transparency mode because of how it amplifies outside sounds, you can adjust that, too. Admittedly, these earbuds are pricey, but we think the premium features and quality sound justifies the cost for someone who wants a lot out of their earbuds.

Battery life: 7-8 hours per charge (24 hours with case) | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, silver

Best mid-range earbuds: Beats Studio Buds+ Beats Studio Buds+ $169.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

We don't think these earbuds perform quite as well as the newest AirPods Pro, but they also cost $80 less. If you're trying to get quality ANC earbuds for under $200 (but are willing to spend more than $50), then the Beats Studio Buds+ are the way to go. Plus, with Google Fast Pair support, they're better suited for Android users than the AirPods Pro.

Why we picked this:

We love a good dupe, what can we say? While these Beats aren't a one-to-one match for the AirPods Pro, they give a lot of the same basic functionality at a much more affordable price. And at six hours per charge with ANC, they match the Pro's battery life exactly.

As for how they sound, these are Beats headphones, so expect the bass to come through nice and clear. They're not too bass heavy though, and they give plenty of balance on higher frequencies. Their ANC definitely isn't at the same level as the Pros, so having a well-rounded sound is nice, as playing music in tandem with ANC will give you your best shot at blocking out the world around you.

You'll have your choice between four colorways, including black, silver, ivory, and transparent. During our testing, we also found these earbuds fit more comfortably than the AirPods Pro, so if you tend to have trouble getting AirPods to stay in your ears, these are a better option for you. If you can, we recommend waiting for these earbuds to go on sale — you can often find them for $149.95 or $129.95.

Battery life: 6 hours with ANC, 9 without (27 hours hours with charging case) | App-connected: No | Colors: Black, silver, white, transparent, pink

Best budget earbuds: Anker Soundcore Life P3i Anker Soundcore Life P3i $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for:

If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy noise cancelling, the Anker Soundcore Life P3i earbuds offer a surprisingly solid performance. Don't expect elite ANC, but these affordable earbuds don't require too much of a sacrifice in sound quality.

Why we picked this:

We're going to start with the major hitch of these earbuds: switching between devices sucks. They don't have multipoint pairing, and if you want to use them with your phone after using them with your laptop, you have to manually disconnect them (or in our experience, sometimes outright unpair them), with your laptop first. It's easily their biggest flaw, and most obvious indicator of their price point.

With that out of the way, these earbuds still have a lot going for them. For starters, they cost $50, and can often be found on sale for even less. For that price, you get earbuds that are comfortable to wear all day, have a custom equalizer in the app plus 21 presets (we're fans of the Treble Booster), customizable touch controls for each earbud, and a battery life that outdoes the Apple AirPods Pro. You won't have extras like spatial audio, and the ANC leans on background hiss more than premium models, but not terribly so. For a pair of $50 earbuds, we're impressed, and we recommend them for anyone who doesn't want to shell out $100 plus for a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds.

Battery life: 7 hours with ANC, 8.5 without (36 hours with charging case) | App-connected: Yes | Colors: Black, white

How we tested the best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds

Every single pair of headphones we included on this list was hands-on tested by a Mashable reporter or editor. What exactly makes a good noise-cancelling headphone? Here's what we considered: the effectiveness of active noise cancellation in relation to price, comfort, battery life, audio quality, and any premium features offered (like spatial audio) and how those features perform.

We pulled these recommendations from our existing pool of headphone reviews and from hands-on testing performed specifically for this buying guide. A couple of options that didn't make our updated list include the AirPods Max, which do have good ANC and sound quality, but also a less impressive feature to price ratio, especially compared to newer options from Sony and Bose. We also tested the JBL Tour One M2 headphones, and while we appreciated their excellent multipoint pairing, battery life, and balanced sound, we didn't find that their noise cancellation matched up with similarly priced headphones.

As of Jan. 2024, we removed the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones from this list not because they're not excellent headphones (they are), but because they're an older model that's harder to find in-stores and online these days. We're in the process of testing the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones to see how they stack up. And as of April 2024, we've added the Anker Soundcore Life P3i earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, and Sony ULT Wear headphones to our list of recommendations.

Dating isn't just hard; it's expensive. Luckily, modern tech has made dating more accessible and affordable, and the best free dating apps promise to connect you with your potential soul mate — no credit card required. (We know, it sounds too good to be true.)

Thanks to advanced filters, matching algorithms, and location-based features, dating apps have made it easier to connect with others without worrying about your wallet or whether or not you're meeting an axe murderer (we're looking at you, Craigslist).

Are any dating apps completely free?

Dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge have a free version that holds its own against its paid counterparts. That said, there are also some completely free, more niche dating apps worth checking out too, like Archer, Lex, and heybaby.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know

Finding love (or a fun distraction) shouldn't cost a fortune. That why we tested dozens of dating platforms to find the best free dating apps. Whether you're an introvert, a college student, or just looking for some steamy sexting action, we've got you covered.

Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between without paying a dime.

Note: It's almost impossible to find a dating site or app without some sort of paid upgrade feature, but all of the dating sites below have a free membership option that gives you almost everything you need for the full experience. These aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to do basically anything.

Featured Video For You These dating sites and apps are perfect for people on a budget

When it comes to shopping for the best cheap laptops, you can do a lot with $1,000. (Heck, even $500 cuts some mustard nowadays.) But you'll probably have to make some compromises along the way to stay below that price point.

That doesn't mean you have to settle for a total clunker that doesn't tick any of the boxes on your must-have specs list. It just means you have to shop a little smarter than someone with unlimited funds — and that's where we come in.

After meticulously hands-on testing the best laptops, we can recommend several affordable laptops for different budgets, operating system loyalties, and use cases. Read on for our guide to the best cheap laptops of 2024.

FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

UPDATE: May. 11, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT Two top picks in this story have shifted after Mashable writers were able to hands-on test CES 2024 releases from Roborock and Eufy in their own homes.

Nearly any robot vacuum can sufficiently clear a hardwood, tile, or laminate floor of the hair and crumbs blowing across it like tumbleweeds. But a robot vacuum working on carpet requires much more meticulousness to uproot the debris embedded in the pile.

In homes with more than hard floors and light foot traffic, buying the cheapest robot vacuum you can find will likely create more hassle than it's worth. Every time that bot gets stuck on a rug corner or welcomes you home to pet hair still visibly clinging to the living room carpet, you'd probably rather just do the job yourself — but rest assured that that's not an inevitable experience with every robot vacuum. Not if you buy one specifically designed to master carpet.

SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2024: Consider these 5 features before buying

The best robot vacuums for carpet have powerful suction, of course, aided by brush roll systems specifically designed to attract small debris and pinch large pieces while still managing hair tangling. And if they're good on carpet — the hardest floor type to tackle — these models won't let you down on other floor types, either.

The Mashable team is on a continuous mission to narrow down those options for you. We've hands-on tested dozens of robot vacuums on several pile lengths of carpets, rugs, and bath mats in a variety of home layouts. Here are our favorites for every carpeted situation in 2024.

TL;DR: Bypass geo-restrictions to unblock free porn sites with a high-speed VPN. The best VPN for unblocking and watching Xnxx is ExpressVPN.

There is a time and place for visiting your favorite porn sites. There are a lot of locations around the world that block access to sites like Pornhub and xHamster, and that's probably for the best. However, there is something to be said for retaining your online freedom (when the time is right).

We're not suggesting that you bypass online restrictions to access porn sites in inappropriate moments, but sometimes you'll want to watch your favorite sites in a totally appropriate time and place, but you won't be able to do that because a block is in place. In this situation, you should consider using a VPN.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really straightforward.

Unblock Xnxx by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Visit Xnxx

5. Watch Xnxx videos from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top pick for unblocking porn sites like Xnxx, for a number of reasons:

• Fast servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy to protect your data

• Fast streaming speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

Google I/O 2024 is finally on this Tuesday, becoming the next tech event to take centre stage after Apple's iPad event last week. Commentators are expecting Google to make a swathe of announcements, including revealing new Android 15 updates, a progress report on its AI chatbot Gemini, and news on the next Pixel Fold.

Fortunately, you don't have to trek all the way to Silicon Valley to keep up to date. Here's how to watch Google I/O no matter where you are.

SEE ALSO: Google I/O 2024: What to expect What is Google I/O?

Google I/O is a developer conference held by the tech giant in the U.S. every year. Initially called Google Developer Day when it first took place in 2007, the annual event's name was changed to Google I/O for its second year — a moniker which has stuck since.

"A googol is a one, followed by 100 zeroes, so that's where the I/O name and logo came from," Google's director of US events Lorin Platto explained last year. "We just took the first one and zero, and we left off all the other zeroes. It all goes back to Google."

The conference includes numerous talks and workshops advising developers how they can use Google's products. However, the average person will primarily be interested in two sessions: the Google keynote and the Developer keynote. With Google I/O having been the platform for big product announcements in the past, any significant reveals are likely to take place during these sessions. Google I/O was previously used to launch Android, Google Assistant, and Google Home.

When is Google I/O 2024?

This year Google I/O will take place from Tuesday, May 14. Google's keynote is scheduled to start the proceedings at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, with the Developer keynote set to follow at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET. The 2024 event will run for two days, though in the past it has been as short as one or as long as three.

Tweet may have been deleted Where is Google I/O 2024?

Google I/O 2024 will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The Shoreline Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue with a capacity of 22,500 people, though Google has stated that this year's event will only have a "small live audience." Google I/O has been held at the Shoreline Ampitheatre almost every year since 2016, the only exceptions being when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then conducted entirely online in 2021.

The annual conference has since been held both in-person and online, allowing developers around the world to join in for free.

How to watch Google I/O 2024

If you aren't attending this year's Google I/O in person, you can still watch a livestream of the keynotes on Google's official YouTube channel. The video is embedded below:

The nerds won't have to miss out Google I/O's technical and educational information either. All content will be available on demand from Thursday, May 16 at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET on the Google I/O website, and will even be translated into different languages. Google has also stated that some content such as captioned videos might be viewable "shortly after the event."

It’s common for parents to feel grief and instability when their kids leave the house. If you’re an empty nester (or will be soon), here are some strategies to help you reshape your life and find meaning—both personally and professionally. Take time to rest. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions as you adjust to […]

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TL;DR: As of May 13, you can get a Microsoft Visio Professional (2021) lifetime license for Windows on sale for £15.93 (reg. £199.45).

While we all know (and love-hate) the classic suite of Microsoft Office apps — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and their siblings — you're missing out if you’ve never looked beyond the major players. And if you're the type of person who owns their own label maker and loves to make charts that really pop, then we’d like to introduce you to Microsoft Visio. This visualisation software lets you create diagrams and flowcharts more efficiently than the above tools. And as of May 13, you can get a lifetime license for Visio for Windows on sale for £15.93 (reg. £199.45). 

We should note that this Microsoft Visio deal is only available to new customers at this time.

The missing piece in your Microsoft toolkit

Microsoft Visio helps you visualise your ideas, processes, reporting structures, or anything else you want to bring to life. Start with premade templates, starter diagrams, or stencils made for flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, or brainstorming maps. Or, freestyle your own creations from scratch.

Then, browse from more than 250,000 shapes to customise the look and feel of your projects. Visio is a lot more intuitive than trying to create similar charts using Microsoft 365 tools like PowerPoint or Word.

Visio also lets you link diagrams to internal and external data sources, helping you share data with team members, draw additional insights, and stay organised. You can even upload an Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID file and have Visio automatically generate an accompanying chart. That’s just one advantage of expanding your Microsoft toolkit.

Another unique feature is being able to use your stylus or finger on touch-enabled devices to draw or annotate your projects. You can start creating with Visio right here, right now with this limited-time offer.

Secure your Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 lifetime license for Windows while it’s on sale for £15.93 (reg. £199.45) — a huge 92% discount — for a limited time. No coupon is needed for this low price, although existing Visio customers aren't eligible for the discounted pricing.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows £15.93 at the Mashable Shop
£199.45 Save £183.52 Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Gujarat Titans vs. Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The IPL is in its final few weeks after an incredible season of talent and fierce competition. The next fixture will see the Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders take to the pitch as some of the best cricket players in the world go head-to-head.

If you want to tune in to Gujarat Titans vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading.

When is Gujarat Titans vs. Kolkata Knight Riders?

Gujarat Titans vs. Kolkata Knight Riders starts at 3 p.m. BST on May 13. This fixture will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.

How to watch Gujarat Titans vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free

For free live streams of every IPL cricket match, head to JioCinema. The streaming service is providing streams in 4K resolution on its app, so cricket fans can tune into all the action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Watch Gujarat Titans vs. Kolkata Knight Riders for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Most of the best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. If you use these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing any cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including India

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

Lestat de Lioncourt has risen! Sort of. 

In the first episode of Season 2, titled "What Can the Damned Really Say to the Damned," Sam Reid reprises his role to torment Lestat's treacherous children. But not exactly as you might expect. He's not flesh and blood — though he is bleeding profusely. In Interview with the Vampire: Part II, as the second season's opening title card calls it, Lestat's return to Louis begins as a delusion. 

How did we get here? For those in need of a refresher: At the end of Season 1 of AMC's audacious adaptation of Interview with the Vampire, Lestat was ambushed by his vampire family, Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia (Bailey Bass), then left for dead in the swampy dumps of New Orleans. When human journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) interviews Louis decades later — with Claudia's diaries in hand — he calls Louis out for knowing damn well that attack wouldn't kill the vampire Lestat.

Could this be true? Will the real Lestat catch up with Louis and Claudia as they search for a coven that might be more cuddly than the Brat Prince? 

Let's dig in. 

How does Lestat return in Interview with the Vampire?  Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson return as Lestat and Louis in "Interview with the Vampire: Part II." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMC

In "What Can the Damned Really Say to the Damned," Lestat resurrects from his shallow grave as a bad dream, a guilty conscience, or a delusion. Pick your poison. 

Guided by old-world legends, Louis and Claudia (now played by Delainey Hayles) have left the luxuries of New Orleans behind for battle-torn squalor in Europe during World War I. There, as Claudia scours for evidence of vampires and searches the pockets of dead soldiers for camping essentials, Lestat returns to Louis — a vision with a slit throat and a smile. 

"Bonjour, mon amour," Lestat says, adding, "Do you miss me? I miss you — despite our recent unpleasantness." What a cool, casual way to refer to your lover plotting to kill you, then fleeing the country! At this point it's been "four years of grim wayfaring," and Louis is mad with grief. Or as he puts it, "You're not here, I'm just fucked in the head." 

Lestat taunts him with playful banter that's cut off by a live bat crawling out of his slit throat and flying into the night. But the maybe-slain sire will not accept apologies. "You ruin it with remorse," Lestat scolds Louis, "You gave me a death of distinction."

Now, even if this Lestat is just Louis' guilty conscience, this line suggests Louis believes Lestat is really dead. But then Lestat declares, "But in answer to your question: Yes. I'm going to fucking kill you."

Louis argues in response that if Lestat were alive, he'd already have tracked them down and murdered them by now. Again, it's been four years. To this Lestat says with a wicked grin, "Oh love, I'm merely waiting until you're happy. So hurry up, mon cher!" 

Next, this vision of Lestat lovingly bites Louis's neck, as Louis grimaces in a pain reflected in the voice-over: "I had taken 7,000 souls by then. But Lestat's was the only one that felt like murder." 

What does it mean that Lestat is back?  Delainey Hayles and Jacob Anderson reach Paris as Claudia and Louis in "Interview with the Vampire: Part II." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMC

Well, for one thing, it means showrunner Rolin Jones knows what his audience wants.

In season 1, Anderson and Reid had a passion so hot it threatened to burn viewers down in their awe and longing. It wasn't just that Jones gave explicit sex scenes between the two where Rice had not. It was also that the chemistry between these actors was explosive, and the toxic romance between Louis and Lestat as chaotic as it was compelling. 

This first chapter back is alive with twisted turns, including revenants, Romanian superstition, and an ancient vampire choosing a fiery exit over a new lease on undead life. But amid the unrelenting muck and grays of this grisly chapter, Jones smartly laid in a bit of tried and true (and entertaining) toxicity, as only Lestat can give it.

While Louis tries to keep these delusions to himself, his regret — and lingering love for Lestat — is a gulf widening between him and Claudia. He asks her when they can go home, and in doing so refuses to see that New Orleans is not home to her; home is what she is seeking as she digs for other vampires. Her diaries reflect her ire, and Louis weeps remembering more clearly who she was — even if that means more sharply understanding how she had come to loathe him. 

In the flashbacks of their time in Romania, Claudia snarls at Louis, "I forgave you for fucking up my plan. I did not forgive you for bringing him with you." Louis argues that sure, he didn't set Lestat on fire as Claudia wanted — but their bad dad is in a landfill a continent away. "In here," she responds, prodding at Louis's chest. "You carry him in here." It's a sin Louis cannot deny, a fate he cannot escape.  

Later, after the two have seen more deaths that hang on them like an anchor, Louis offers a pep talk to Claudia, spurring her to hope. "As long as you walk the earth, I'll never taste the fire," he declares, promising never to leave her. "You understand? We're going to find others like us." Violin music plays in the background, frenzied and hopeful. "If you were the last vampire on earth," he says softly, "it would be enough." 

In the shot, he's looking dead into Claudia's mournful eyes. But then the camera shifts to the right, revealing Lestat, throat still slit, eyes sharp, pouty lips in a slight smile. So, who is Louis really talking to? "Me and you. You and me." He repeats it over and over, perhaps willing himself to believe he means him and Claudia. Perhaps he says this to chase away the memory of Lestat. But as this tormented family arrives in Paris at episode's end, book readers know the real Lestat's return is drawing ever nearer. 

How to watch: Interview with the Vampire: Part II airs Sundays on AMC and AMC+.

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 12'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 spice.

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 C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1059 is...

CUMIN.

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 11'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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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: Stylish products

• Green: Fun actions

• Blue: Non-Disney species

• Purple: Broadway soundalikes

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: FASHION DESIGNER'S OUTPUT

• Green: PLAYGROUND VERBS

• Blue: LOONEY TUNES FIGURES

• Purple: HOMOPHONES OF MUSICALS

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 #336 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Yellow: FASHION DESIGNER'S OUTPUT - BRAND, COLLECTION, LABEL, LINE

• Green: PLAYGROUND VERBS - DODGE, HIDE, HOP, TAG

• Blue: LOONEY TUNES FIGURES - BUNNY, DUCK, MARTIAN, PIG

• Purple: HOMOPHONES OF MUSICALS - GREECE, HARE, KATZ, MAIM

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.