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SAVE $7.99: As of April 26, the Anker Soundcore V20i open earbuds are marked down to just $31.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 20%, but it's only available until April 28.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Soundcore V20i open earbuds $31.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $8.00 Save 20% with on-page coupon Get Deal

If you need an affordable new pair of wireless earbuds, but also value situational awareness, this deal might be for you. They may not be the swankiest new AirPods Pro, but Anker's Soundcore V20i headphones are substantially cheaper on Amazon right now, and may just be what you're looking for out of a pair of wireless earbuds. They're available on Amazon for 20 percent off right now, but only until April 28. Look for an on-page coupon that knocks 20% off the price.

In our guide to the best cheap wireless earbuds, two Anker Soundcore products made the list, and the V20i headphones are a top contender for 2025 (they're also very popular among Mashable readers).

Featuring 16mm drivers to deliver big sound in a small body, the V20i wireless earbuds also have adjustable ear hooks for maximum comfort. They can be worn in different positions and allow for greater awareness of your surroundings due to an open-ear design. In other words, they don't have active noise cancellation of any kind, but that's the point. You can wear these, enjoy your music and podcasts, and pay attention to the world around you at the same time.

Aside from that, they come with multiple microphones so you can make phone calls, and even customizable lights for a little stylistic flair. Anker also promises 36 hours of playtime, if you include the charges in the charging case.

Again, head to Amazon to pick up the Anker Soundcore V20i open earbuds for 20% off the usual price. You'll need to "clip" the 20% on-page coupon to save, and you'll see the discounted price when you check out.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump unveiled a new line of presidential swag, including a bright red cap emblazoned with the words "Trump 2028." Pundits and journalists honed in on the new swag immediately, as the president and his allies have previously alluded to poking at presidential term limits. In March, Trump said he was "not joking" about a third term, citing unspecified "methods" for winning another term in the White House. 

The hat, dropped unceremoniously on the Trump Organization's official store with the description "break the rules," runs for a whopping $50, which doesn't include the cost of the potential constitutional crisis it opens up. 

SEE ALSO: Slate's $20K made-in-America electric truck is the opposite of a Cybertruck

Americans are well aware of Trump's touted business acumen, but some might know that the now iconic red baseball cap is simply the tip of a vast merchandising iceberg, with the official Trump store a veritable treasure trove of questionably branded objects.

Presidential merch is extremely common and there are items that make sense for the Trump brand, given its longstanding place in the world of hospitality — pickleball paddles and golf accessories, for example, and the Trump Organization's Mar-a-Lago line, which includes unsurprising array of resort logo robes and slippers. 

But then there's some truly fascinating listings (among, let's be clear, hundreds of products). Fine jewelry featuring presidential motifs? Or maybe a Trump candle is more your vibe? Mother's Day creeping up on you and still giftless? Visit the Trump store's Mother's Day gift guide (maybe mom would appreciate MAGA stud earrings?). 

If you have a few spare minutes (read: an entire afternoon) to scroll through every listing, don't! We've picked out some highlights below. 

Trump sweets Credit: TrumpStore

Movie night lovers and candy aficionados can stock up by shopping the Trump Sweets line, which definitely don't appear to be the same wholesale repackaged candy that TikTok creators peddle to millions on livestreams everyday.

Trump brand coffee Credit: TrumpStore

When I slither out of bed in the morning, dreading my daily news scroll, nothing can help me wake up quicker than a mug of Trump-branded gold roast coffee, made in America at the Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery. "Locally sourced java for Big Thinking."

Trump EarPods Credit: TrumpStore

"Add a touch of luxury" to your daily music listening, reads the product listing for these golden Trump earbuds that cost only $35. The specs? Fast pairing, rechargeable, 2-3 hours of music and talk, Trump logo. 

Trump USB drive Credit: TrumpStore

If I'm looking to store some precious family photos or international war plans, I am definitely NOT going to upload them to a cloud service or an encrypted messaging app full of investigative journalists. Instead, I will store them on my trusty gold bar Trump USB drive! 

'USA bear' clothing line and plushies Credit: TrumpStore

The official store boasts dozens upon dozens of pieces of attire, including official MAGA merch lines, Mar-a-Lago swag, and other America-themed outfits. And I would be remiss to leave out the store's only exclusive designer collection: Lara Trump's own line of athleisure wear. 

However, it's the "USA Bear" line that really stands out. Who can afford a real Ralph Lauren bear crewneck in this economy? Give me USA Bear any day.

Trump flag wrapping paper Credit: TrumpStore

American flags aren't just for the Fourth of July people! They work great for birthdays, anniversaries, and even Christmas gifts, as is proven by the stunning pattern on Trump's own presidential wrapping paper. 

Trump beach set Credit: TrumpStore

Families will be flocking to the beach and setting up lakeside this spring and summer, especially as our planet is increasingly warmed by our ongoing climate crisis. A classic sand bucket and beach ball, sporting the all-caps Trump marquee, would be the perfect addition.

Trump skincare Credit: TrumpStore

A little self care never hurt anyone. So throw on your Trump rose chemise slip, light up your Trump incense, and indulge in the Trump store's polish and plump skincare offering from brand HydroPeptide, strangely, one of the only third-party products on the site.

It's okay, though, the store has a Trump (ignore the EOS resemblance) brand lip balm. 

Scientists have found an unusual neon glow near the center of the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy for the first time. 

This gas needs an enormous amount of energy to shine — more than normal stars can supply. The discovery, based on data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, likely means the barred spiral galaxy, sometimes called Messier 83 or M83, has been harboring an active, supermassive black hole in secret. 

The new research, published in The Astrophysical Journal, upends prior thinking about the galaxy. Previously, it was assumed that if there were a hole in its heart, it would be dormant and certainly not shooting out high-energy radiation.

"Before Webb, we simply did not have the tools to detect such faint and highly ionized gas signatures in M83's nucleus," said Svea Hernandez, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, in a statement. "We are finally able to explore these hidden depths of the galaxy and uncover what was once invisible."

SEE ALSO: These scientists think alien life best explains what Webb just found Dust and gas obscure the view to extremely distant and inherently dim light sources, but infrared waves can pierce through the clouds. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

Black holes are some of the most inscrutable phenomena in outer space. About 50 years ago, they were little more than a theory — a kooky mathematical answer to a physics problem. Even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. Today, not only are black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. 

Unlike a planet or star, black holes don't have surfaces. Instead, they have a boundary called an "event horizon," or a point of no return. If anything swoops too close, it will fall in, never to escape the hole's gravitational clutch.

The most common kind, called a stellar black hole, is thought to be the result of an enormous star dying in a supernova explosion. The star's material then collapses onto itself, condensing into a relatively tiny area. 

But how supermassive black holes, millions to billions of times more massive than the sun, form is even more elusive than typical stellar black holes. Many astrophysicists and cosmologists believe these invisible giants lurk at the center of virtually all galaxies. Recent Hubble Space Telescope observations have bolstered the theory that supermassive black holes begin in the dusty cores of starburst galaxies, where new stars are rapidly assembled, but scientists are still teasing it out. 

The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy — about 15 million light-years away in the constellation Hydra — is one such starburst galaxy. It has baffled scientists for decades as they struggled fruitlessly to find signs of a black hole at its center. 

Webb, a collaboration with the European and Canadian space agencies, was mainly designed to study the early universe, star formation, and distant galaxies. But its extreme sensitivity to infrared light, invisible to peoples' eyes, gave it the power to find clues that other telescopes couldn't, said Linda Smith, a co-author on the paper. 

Infrared light can shine through dust, which often blocks other forms of light. This gives Webb an advantage in studying cloudy areas where stars are forming or giant black holes might be active.

Though the detected signals strongly suggest the presence of a black hole, the team is considering other possible sources, such as powerful shock waves moving through space or inordinately massive stars. The researchers plan to follow up their observations with other telescopes to look at the galaxy in different ways.

"Now we have fresh evidence that challenges past assumptions," Smith said. 

From the moment I laid eyes on the baby Ochi in The Legend of Ochi's first trailer, I knew I had a new fantasy film creature to obsess over.

SEE ALSO: 'The Legend of Ochi' review: This beautifully crafted fantasy adventure will make you feel like a kid again

The baby Ochi love didn't just start with his physical appearance, although he is unfathomably adorable: golden fur, small blue face, elongated ears, and precious eyes you could just get lost in. Instead, I was also struck by the filmmaking techniques used to make the Ochi a reality. The adult Ochi were portrayed by performers in suits, while the baby Ochi came to life through a combination of animatronics and puppetry. The result is both tactile and otherworldly, like a real creature caught just out of time.

The Legend of Ochi draws inspiration from real animals. Isaiah Saxon directs the mother Ochi. Credit: A24

For director Isaiah Saxon, who makes his feature debut with The Legend of Ochi, that realism was key to developing the Ochi's look. "The intention behind the design of the Ochi was that a kid or even an adult could believe or maybe misunderstand these animals as being a real species that they just hadn't seen the BBC nature documentary on yet," Saxon told Mashable over Zoom

Saxon turned to real-life animals as opposed to other film creatures for inspiration. Chief among them was the Chinese golden snub-nosed monkey, as well as lemurs and tarsiers.

"The hope was that [the Ochi] felt like a real, undiscovered primate," Saxon said.

SEE ALSO: The unicorns in 'Death of a Unicorn' are total 'movie magic'

To capture that primate feel, The Legend of Ochi creative supervisor John Nolan, who has worked on animatronics for the Harry Potter and Jurassic World franchises, suggested Saxon bring in primate expert performer Peter Elliott to consult on the Ochi's movement. Elliott, who has played apes in films including Gorillas in the Mist and Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, started by leading a half-day "ape out" for puppeteers to understand how to move like primates. His work proved especially vital for the shaping of the adult Ochi's movement, as they have a similar heft and strength to gorillas.

Baby Ochi carries some of that type of ape-like movement, but there's more baby-like wriggling and uncertainty to him, too. "Baby Ochi is still figuring out his body," Saxon said. "He's a lanky little guy."

Baby Ochi is a result of masterful puppetry. Helena Zengel and the Baby Ochi puppeteers. Credit: A24

The mastermind behind Baby Ochi's movement is lead puppeteer Robert Tygner, who helmed the team of puppeteers controlling the baby Ochi puppet (four controlling the body and two controlling the animatronic face), and whom Saxon describes as the "quarterback and choreographer" of Baby Ochi.

During filming, Tygner would call out emotions and reactions for the baby Ochi puppet. Three were used during shooting: a principal puppet, a stunt puppet, and a backpack puppet for the scenes the Ochi spends riding on Yuri's (Helena Zengel) back.

"It felt almost like you [were] the internal monologue of the baby Ochi," Saxon told Tygner on a joint Zoom call.

Tygner's credits include 1986's Labyrinth, 1990's The Witches, and 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all of which fit into a tradition of puppetry and animatronics that The Legend of Ochi carries on. (Tygner isn't the only Labyrinth alum on the film: Labyrinth hair and fur specialist Vicky Stockwell also worked on the Ochi's fur.)

"A lot of the legends are around," Saxon said.

"We're still here!" Tygner added.

That these legendary craftspeople who worked on projects that inspired The Legend of Ochi ended up working on the film itself was a gift to Saxon.

SEE ALSO: Watch the incredible puppets from A24's 'The Legend of Ochi' in action

"The greatest privilege of the whole project is when you get the best people in the world at their craft, just give them a spotlight and let them cook," Saxon said. "I feel the same way about Robert as I do about Willem Dafoe [who plays Maxim in The Legend of Ochi]."

For Tygner, The Legend of Ochi is both a continuation of great practical filmmaking, as well as proof of how technology has shifted on-screen puppeteering.

"When we were doing Labyrinth, there weren't any computers around," Tygner told Mashable over Zoom. "Nothing could be digitally removed. Everything had to be done in camera, so a puppeteer is always at the end of that puppet, and they had to be out of shot. Now with the advent of digital technology, the puppeteer can be in shot and then be digitally removed."

Other changes in puppeteering in the decades between The Legend of Ochi and Labyrinth include new materials — older puppets used latex foam, whereas silicon is more common now — and improved animatronics. Look no further than Baby Ochi for proof.

"Baby Ochi is a marvel of miniaturization because the actual animatronics that are inside that head are the size of a grapefruit," Saxon said. "It you peel back that skin, it's so dense with gears and servos and little wires that it makes your head spin looking at it."

The Legend of Ochi celebrates the magic of practical effects. Helena Zengel in "The Legend of Ochi." Credit: A24

To perfect Baby Ochi's movement, Tygner and his puppeteers underwent an extensive rehearsal period, breaking down every scene beat by beat to figure out the creature's emotion. Before heading to Romania for the actual film shoot, The Legend of Ochi team also recreated cardboard and duct tape replicas of every set so that the puppeteers could practice operating the puppets within the exact dimensions needed.

"That's a benchmark for me now," Tygner told Saxon.

The Legend of Ochi budget was $10 million, with a $1 million creature budget, and after years of development — Baby Ochi prototype development began in 2018 — the results are spectacular. Like the movie as a whole, Baby Ochi's existence is a celebration of puppetry and practical effects.

"It's fun to build stuff and do real things," Saxon said of The Legend of Ochi's reliance on practical effects. "But it also has this benefit: When you see something and you know it's practical because there are imperfections, but you can't fathom how it exists, you ask, 'How could it be real? How did they do this?'"

He continued: "There's so many techniques happening. We're shooting on location with matte paintings, with a puppet, with suit performers, mixing it with real actors. Hopefully the brain can just surrender and say, 'I don't know how they're doing this. This is magical.'"

The Legend of Ochi is now in theaters.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, April 26, 2025:

AcrossFancy party

• The answer is Gala.

Five ___ (discount store chain)

• The answer is Below.

Bottom stripe on a pride flag

• The answer is Purple.

Bedtime outfit, informally

• The answer is Jammies.

Task to "run"

• The answer is Errand.

Actress Keaton of "Father of the Bride"

• The answer is Diane.

Car ride game

• The answer is ISpy.

DownCountry in which the automobile, aspirin and the accordion were invented

• The answer is Germany.

Mountain-related

• The answer is Alpine.

Was audibly amused, slangily

• The answer is LOLed.

Really impresses

• The answer is Awes.

Unfair reputation

• The answer is BumRap.

Host of the 2024 Summer Olympics

• The answer is Paris.

"Warrior-monks who keep peace in the universe," per George Lucas

• The answer is Jedi.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE OVER $900: The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni robot vacuum is on sale for $589.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you over $900 on list price.

Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni $589.99 at Amazon
$1,549.99 Save $960 Get Deal

Mashable's review of the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni robot vacuum is mixed. Leah Stodart states that it "skimps on multiple features that make it so pricey in the first place," but it's important to note that these comments were made when asking whether anyone should be dropping $1,500 on a robot vacuum. That's the list price, but this robot vacuum just got a massive discount.

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni robot vacuum is on sale for $589.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you over $900 on list price.

SEE ALSO: Tesla has launched a robotaxi service, but only for employees

Mashable's review does praise this robot vacuum for being "quieter than most, including automatic emptying," and flags that "the roving camera feature puts you in the action by letting you watch a live stream of what the vacuum sees as it's maneuvering." Sure, it's probably not a $1,500 robot vacuum. But for under $600? That's something to seriously consider.

Save over $900 on the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni robot vacuum at Amazon.

TL;DR: Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (regularly $199) and enjoy enhanced security, productivity features, and the AI-powered Copilot assistant.​

In the ever-evolving world of technology, keeping your operating system current is essential for optimal performance and security. For a limited time, you can upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97, a significant reduction from its regular price of $199.​

Why upgrade to Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro offers a sleek and user-friendly interface designed to enhance your computing experience. Features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops allow for efficient multitasking and enable you to organize your workspace with ease. The redesigned Start menu provides quick access to your apps and documents, streamlining your workflow.​

Security is a top priority with Windows 11 Pro. The operating system includes advanced features such as BitLocker encryption and Windows Information Protection, providing robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. These tools are especially beneficial for professionals handling sensitive information.​

Integrated AI and better graphics

One of the standout additions is Windows Copilot, an AI-powered assistant integrated into the system. Copilot assists with tasks like answering queries, generating images, summarizing web pages, and even planning your next trip, streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity.​

Gamers and creative professionals will appreciate the inclusion of DirectX 12 Ultimate, which delivers enhanced graphics and immersive experiences. Additionally, features like Auto HDR improve color and contrast in games, providing a more vibrant visual experience.​

Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro at this price point offers an affordable way to enhance your PC's functionality, security, and overall performance.​

You can pick up Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97. (reg. $199)

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro £14.97
£199 Save £184.03 Get Deal

SAVE OVER $2,000: The 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV is on sale for $1,849.99 at Woot, saving you over $2,000 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV $1,849.99
$3,997.99 Save $2,148 Get Deal

When you spend hours and hours every day trawling through the best and worst deals that the world has to offer, you become slightly numb. It takes something special to make an impression, and that actually happened when I came across this Samsung TV.

The first thing I noticed is that it's 98 inches. Does anyone need a TV that big? And the second thing I noticed is the discount. The 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV is on sale for $1,849.99 at Woot, saving you over $2,000 on list price. That's an absolutely enormous discount on a really enormous TV. That's a deal that gets you up out of your seat.

SEE ALSO: Tesla has launched a robotaxi service, but only for employees

This TV offers an AI-enhanced picture optimized for a super large screen. The Supersize Picture Enhancer reduces noise and increases sharpness, so you get a picture that’s bold and big. 4K Upscaling also transforms each pixel for improved content, so whether you're watching a movie, following your favorite team, or gaming, this TV really delivers.

Save over $2,000 on the 98-inch Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000 TV at Woot.

TL;DR: Live stream Arnaldi vs. Djokovic in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The latest round of 2025 Madrid Open games includes some really interesting matchups, but Djokovic is often the main attraction of any tournament he's playing in. The Serbian faces off against Arnaldi in the Round of 64.

If you want to watch Arnaldi vs. Djokovic in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Arnaldi vs. Djokovic for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Arnaldi vs. Djokovic.

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Arnaldi vs. Djokovic without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Arnaldi vs. Djokovic in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Noskova vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The latest round of 2025 Madrid Open games includes some really interesting matchups, including Noskova vs. Swiatek. Fans will be expecting last year's winner to progress, but Noskova is no slouch. This should be a real battle between two strong players.

If you want to watch Noskova vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Noskova vs. Swiatek for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Noskova vs. Swiatek.

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Noskova vs. Swiatek without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Noskova vs. Swiatek in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Li vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open has attracted some of the best players in the world as preparations for the French Open ramp up. There are a number of interesting games in the Round of 32, including Li vs. Gauff. This all-American contest is arguably the pick of the round.

If you want to watch Li vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Li vs. Gauff for free

The 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Li vs. Gauff.

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Li vs. Gauff without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Li vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final for free on RTVE. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

In the world of football, it really doesn't get any bigger than Barcelona vs. Real Madrid. And when these two famous sides meet in a final, the world stops and watches.

The 2025 Copa del Rey final brings together these star-studded teams for a showdown in Seville. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski will battle it out for the trophy. It's going to be an epic night, and fans from around the world can watch all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Real Madrid?

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final starts at 9 p.m. CEST on April 26. This fixture takes place at the Estadio La Cartuja.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

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

Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in the 2025 Copa del Rey final for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup is creeping towards its dramatic conclusion, with the four remaining teams heading to Wembley. Crystal Palace face off against Aston Villa in the first semi-final matchup. It's set to be a really close contest between two evenly-matched teams, with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford taking center stage.

If you want to watch Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa?

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup starts at 5:15 p.m. BST on April 26. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa for free

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

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

Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa for free 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

5. Live stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA playoffs is delivering a number of really interesting first-round series, including LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets. These star-studded teams have both had their issues this season, but anyone with Kawhi Leonard or Nikola Jokić will always have a chance of moving through the rounds.

If you want to watch LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4)?

LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) starts at 6 p.m. ET on April 26. This game takes place at the Intuit Dome.

How to watch LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) for free

LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) in the 2025 NBA playoffs is available to live stream for free on Ran.de.

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

Stream the NBA for free 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 Germany

4. Connect to Ran.de

5. Watch LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

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

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Ran.de, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream LA Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Game 4) for free with ExpressVPN.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: The holy grail

• Green: A slot

• Blue: They lead a team

• Purple: Share a first word

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

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

• Yellow: What one strives for

• Green: Room to run

• Blue: College football coaches

• Purple: Box ___

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #215 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• What one strives for - AIM, GOAL, OBJECTIVE, TARGET

• Room to run - GAP, HOLE, OPENING, SPACE

• College football coaches - DAY, LANNING, SMART, STOOPS

• Box ___ - LACROSSE, OFFICE, SCORE, SEAT

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.

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

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

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

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

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 26 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Face time

The words are primarily used by women.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things that are meant to be used on the face.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is MakeupExam.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 26

• Concealer

• Foundation

• Powder

• Bronzer

• Primer

• MakeupExam

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 26 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Tinge

• Green: Land between hills

• Blue: They share a first name

• Purple: Tints unscrambled

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: Tint

• Green: Valley

• Blue: Bobs

• Purple: Color anagrams

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #685 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Tint: COLOR, HUE, SHADE, TONE

• Valley: DALE, DELL, GLEN, HOLLOW

• Bobs: DOLE, HOPE, MARLEY, ROSS

• Color anagrams: DRE, GARY, GENRE, LUBE

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 26

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 26 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 26, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To fight.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter 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 today's Wordle is...

CLASH.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A plant native to Mexico.

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

AGAVE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Typically sung during the holidays.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CAROL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A common sleeping position.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FETAL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A tropical fruit.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 26 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MANGO

Final Hurdle hint

A measuring device.

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

SONAR

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

The best streaming deals to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs at a glance: BEST OVERALL Sling TV Orange $23/month for your first month (save $23) Get Deal BEST FOR TNT GAMES Max Standard annual plan $139.99 for your first year (save $30) Get Deal BEST INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $59.99/month for two months (save $46) Get Deal HONORABLE MENTION Hulu + Live TV 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month Get Deal

It's the most wonderful — and stressful — time of year for hockey fans: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first round of the 2025 NHL playoffs kicked off in mid-April after a record-breaking year (literally). After a historic 20th season in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin is now the greatest goal scorer of all time, breaking Wayne Gretzky's record that many thought was unbreakable. Not to mention, the Washington Capitals as a whole have had a tremendous season — falling only to the Winnipeg Jets in the standings.

Of course, as hockey fans know, anything can happen in the NHL playoffs. If you want to witness the excitement (and frustration) of playoff hockey live, here's everything you need to know.

When do the Stanley Cup playoffs start?

The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs kicked off on April 19 with a matchup between the St. Louis Blues and No. 1 seed Winnipeg Jets. Teams generally play every other day, with games scheduled through May 4 if necessary. The dates for the second round, third round (conference finals), and Stanley Cup final will depend on how the first series pans out. The final will take place no later June 23. You can check out the full schedule on the official NHL website.

What channels are the NHL playoffs on?

If you have cable or access to a cable login, live games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks throughout the postseason. Each series is not strictly designated to one broadcaster — for example, games in a series could air on TNT, ABC, and ESPN within the same week.

Check out the official playoffs schedule on NHL.com to find out which channel to tune into for specific games.

How can I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs without cable?

Here's where things get complicated. If you don't have cable access or a cable login, you'll need at least one streaming service to catch all the playoff games live. To watch games that air on the TNT family of networks, you can either tune in through the Max app or via a live TV streaming provider like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. You'll be able to catch a fraction of the games that air live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 through ESPN+, but definitely not all of them. Instead, you'll need a paid TV provider (either cable or live TV streaming via YouTube TV, Sling TV, etc.).

For die-hard hockey fans who can't fathom missing a live game, your best bet is to subscribe to a live TV streaming service. You'll get the most bang for your buck, despite the cost being a bit higher.

Different from cable, live TV streamers rely on the internet and offer you a live channel lineup without a monthly contract. You can cancel any time it no longer suits you — no strings attached. These services aren't cheap, but many offer introductory rates and are still generally more affordable than a monthly cable bill. Plus, you get your money's worth with access to live and local channels spanning news, sports, and entertainment. It'll serve you long after a team is awarded the coveted Stanley Cup, should you choose to keep your subscription.

Here's a breakdown of the best services and streaming deals to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs live.

Best for TNT, TBS, and truTV games: Max yearly plan Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Standard yearly plan $139.99 for your first year (save $30), then $169.99/year Get Deal

Through May 7, you can save $30 on a yearly Max Standard plan, dropping the cost down to just $139.99 per year or $11.67 per month. That's about 32% in savings compared to paying for the monthly plan. A Max Standard subscription includes the B/R Sports add-on, which includes access to the NHL on TNT games (and simulcast TBS and truTV games). Of course, this only covers about half of the postseason, so you'll still need another way to tune into ESPN and ABC broadcasts. Also note that after your initial discounted year is up, the price will revert to the typical annual plan fee, which is $169.99.

The most games for the lowest price: Sling TV Orange plan Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Orange plan $23 for your first month (save $23), then $46/month Get Deal

Sling TV's Orange plan is your best bet to watch the most postseason NHL games for the lowest price. The Orange plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, plus 30 other channels. While that doesn't include ABC, most ABC NHL games are also available through ESPN3, so you'll be all set. Sling subscriptions are a la carte, so you can add to and take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause your subscription at any time. The Orange plan costs $46 per month, but new users can slash 50% off their first month, knocking it down to just $26.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV free 5-day trial, then $59.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

We're big fans of YouTube TV's massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes all of the networks you'll need to tune into the Stanley Cup playoffs live. On the other hand, we're not the biggest fans of the $82.99 per month cost. Fortunately, through July 31, new users can sign up with a killer introductory offer. Kick off your subscription with a five-day trial, then pay just $59.99 per month for your first two months — long enough to last through the Stanley Cup final. After your introductory period, the price will revert to $82.99, so be sure to cancel ahead of that.

Honorable mentions:

• Fubo TV (no TNT or TBS) — 7-day free trial, then $54.99 for first month $84.99 per month (save $30)

• Hulu + Live TV (all networks) — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month

• ESPN+ (select games) — $11.99/month or as part of $16.99/month Disney+ bundle

Can I watch the NHL playoffs for free?

Penny pinchers can watch at least part of the postseason for free by utilizing free trials. You'll have to be extremely strategic to get the most out of it, but we'll leave all the details up to you. Here are your options.

• YouTube TV currently offers a free 20-minute preview, then a free five-day trial. To unlock the trial, you'll have to enter your credit card information. After your five days are up (you can keep an eye on how much time you have left), you can either cancel or pay $59.99 per month for your first two months — that's $46 in savings.

• You can also unlock a free seven-day trial through Fubo TV, then cancel before you get charged $54.99 for the first month. The only downside is that fuboTV doesn't give you access to TNT networks.

• Hulu + Live TV gives you another three days for free when you sign up. Just be sure to cancel before the three days are up to avoid that steep $82.99 per month fee.

That's a grand total of 15 days of free live NHL games. If you plan accordingly, you can watch a pretty big chunk of the Stanley Cup playoffs for free.