Mashable

TL;DR: For a one-time payment of $389.97, Internxt gives you lifetime access to 20TB of private, encrypted cloud storage across all your devices.

Running out of digital space is one of those slow-burn stressors no one wants to deal with. Whether you’re snapping endless videos of your dog, working with massive creative files, or storing years’ worth of family photos, it’s only a matter of time before that dreaded “storage full” message shows up. But what if you could mitigate all of that stress forever?

That’s exactly what you get with Internxt’s Lifetime 20TB Cloud Storage Plan. It’s serious storage, private by design, and available for life for one flat payment.

Unlike traditional cloud services that charge you forever (and slowly increase their fees), Internxt is refreshingly simple. You pay once — $389.97 through August 3 — and you’re done. That’s 20TB of encrypted, open-source, cross-platform storage that works seamlessly on every major device, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and even Linux.

But this isn’t just about space. It’s also about control (isn’t everything though?). Internxt is built for users who value security and privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge file handling, and even post-quantum encryption, which sounds like science fiction but is very real — and pretty cool.

You can store anything: media files, documents, backups, you name it, and preview them with an intuitive UI that won’t make your brain hurt. Share files with clients, upload entire folders with a drag, and sync across devices without worrying who might be peeking into your stuff. Even better, everything’s hosted with open-source transparency and GDPR compliance, so your data belongs to you, not some vague third party.

Enjoy digital peace of mind for the rest of your life.

Get a lifetime of 20TB cloud storage from Internxt for just $389.97, hundreds off the regular cost, through August 3.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $389.97
$4,900 Save $4,510.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Convert, edit, protect, and organize your PDFs with this all-in-one editor — yours for life for just $23.99 with code SAVE20.

Working with PDFs shouldn’t feel like a time-consuming chore. And yet, here we are, fighting uneditable forms, locked text, missing fonts, and files that just won’t convert cleanly. But what if one tool could flip the script?

The PDF Converter & Editor (available for a one-time payment of $23.99 with code SAVE20) lets you take control of your documents in the easiest way possible. Whether you’re merging, splitting, converting, unlocking, protecting, or even editing scanned PDFs with OCR, this tool helps make the whole process fast, flexible, and frustration-free.

You can convert PDFs to Word, Excel, JPG, HTML, and more without blowing up the formatting. Need to go the other way? It’s great at turning images, PowerPoints, and text files into shareable, compressed PDFs. The built-in OCR makes it possible to extract and edit text from scanned documents, too, so it’s especially handy for anyone dealing with image-based reports, old contracts, or digitizing physical files.

More than just a converter, it’s more like a full-fledged PDF toolbox. Annotate, watermark, compress, unlock, build forms, and even pull every image out of a PDF in one click. You can batch process files to save time, protect documents with custom passwords, and even use it as your go-to PDF reader.

And maybe the best part of all is that it’s a lifetime license. No subscriptions. No recurring payments. Just simple, powerful PDF control for two devices — Windows or Mac.

While the Mac version currently offers conversion and creation tools, editing features are on the roadmap (updates to come). Windows users get the full suite today.

Don’t miss getting the PDF Converter & Editor for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code SAVE20 for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
$99.99 Save $76 Get Deal

TL;DR: AdGuard Family Plan blocks ads, protects your privacy, and adds parental controls on nine devices — just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN.

Online life can be great. But the experience gets cluttered fast — pop-up banners, auto-play videos, data trackers, and sneaky malware links can turn everyday browsing into a bit of a mess. The AdGuard Family Plan offers a simple, one-time solution: block the noise, protect your data, and create a safer digital space for everyone in your home, for life.

What makes this deal stand out? You’ll pay just $15.97 once (using code FAMPLAN at checkout), and you’re covered for a lifetime across nine devices. That’s phones, tablets, laptops — whatever your household uses, AdGuard works across platforms and syncs quietly in the background to make everything run smoother.

But this isn’t just another ad blocker. AdGuard uses enterprise-grade filtering tools to remove everything from flashy banner ads to hidden video pre-rolls. It also offers advanced privacy protection, shielding your browsing activity from data collectors and trackers that follow you around the web. The result is faster load times, more peace of mind, and less junk cluttering your screen.

Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls, which let you restrict access to inappropriate content without relying on complicated router settings or third-party software. It’s an easy, one-click setup that adds a layer of digital safety you don’t have to think twice about.

And for users who care about security (without diving deep into VPNs or overly technical setups), AdGuard provides malware and phishing protection by filtering out shady links and sites before they load.

Everything runs through a clean, intuitive interface, with frequent updates included in your one-time purchase. You’ll get the same quality protection and features as any premium ad-blocking app, minus the monthly bill.

This is one of the rare tools that quietly improves your online experience every day.

Get lifetime access to AdGuard’s Family Plan for the one-time price of $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN for a limited time.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

On tour across the UK, Panic Shack tried an online experiment for the hell of it.

"we’re gonna do this dance in every green room til we get really good, follow us on tiktok to see the progress xxxxx," the Cardiff punk band wrote on Instagram in May 2025, posting a video of members Sarah Harvey, Meg Fretwell, Romi Lawrence, and Emily Smith doing a dance to Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much."

Multiple renditions on TikTok, 100,000 followers, and 15.4 million views later, Panic Shack were all over FYPs. And they've just released their debut album.

SEE ALSO: Le Sserafim on tech, style, and staying connected in a digital world

Formed in 2018, Panic Shack emerged from "daydreaming whilst at work," according to Harvey, and a shared love of karaoke and going to friends' gigs. A rambunctious, jubilant, loud punk outfit from the Welsh capital, Panic Shack brings perpetual Thelma and Louise energy to bangers about ride-or-die friendship, telling jerks to GTFO, bullshit body image expectations, smoking rollies, meal deals, London dudes, and the dreaded ick.

Mashable sat down with lead vocalist Harvey and guitarist/vocalist Fretwell to chat through their viral success and what to expect from their very first, self-titled LP.

Panic Shack stole TikTok's heart with a dance "everyone be quiet my show is on." Credit: Panic Shack / TikTok

"everyone be quiet my show is on," wrote TikTok user Morgana on a Panic Shack video. "Why is this so addictive to watch? I think I watch each of these at least 10x," wrote welsh_witchery on another. "Do you do divorce parties x," added Eviebop.

Maybe you've discovered Panic Shack at one of their live shows. Or perhaps you're one of the thousands who have found them through their series of "Miss You Much" dances posted since May.

The dance was originally choreographed by Ohio-based dance instructor Jezebel Shuvani (@JezFever). Posting to TikTok in February, she described it as inspired by the final scene from Lorene Scafaria's Hustlers, in which Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), Destiny (Constance Wu), Mercedes (Keke Palmer), and Annabelle (Lili Reinhart) do their own choreography to Janet Jackson's 1989 banger. (The artist's original "Miss You Much" video itself is ablaze with moves.)

Featured Video For You OK Go's Damian Kulash and Tim Nordwind reflect on how a viral music video changed their band forever

Fretwell had seen the dance JezFever had posted on TikTok and pitched it to her Panic Shack bandmates, Harvey, Lawrence, and Smith, who were all on board (who wouldn't be?). Finding tiny corners, sunny rooftops, and cramped corridors in venues across Manchester, Brighton, Norwich, Leeds, and more, Panic Shack carved out time to throw down moves without fail. They even dragged drummer Nick Doherty-Williams into one.

"I was like, girls, we should try that when we're on tour together. And we just did it, and did not expect it to take off," Fretwell tells Mashable. "It was so crazy, because so many people are, like, you're marketing geniuses! Who is running this? I think the combination of our stage outfits and the different locations and the consistency of doing it every day whilst we were on tour was really the secret combination. We absolutely did not expect it to go viral. JezFever and the troupe are so lush as well, we've got an online friendship with these women."

Credit: Ren Faulkner

The dance boosted Panic Shack's online fanbase tenfold, with a cursory calculation of the band's "Miss You Much" videos sitting at 15.4 million views alone. The comments are full of old faithful and shiny new fans, the latter of whom have also found their way to Panic Shack's YouTube channel. "Anyone else here because they were mesmerized by their TikToks? Now I’m addicted to their music," writes one commenter, and they're not alone.

"You couldn't write it, like, it could not have come at a better time," says Fretwell. "Honestly, before the dance, we had like, 6,000 followers before we went on tour, and we came off tour with over 100,000 followers. It's quite literally mind-blowing."

"It's interesting, because we've had a big following for a long time just for our live shows and now it's really interesting deciphering who knows us from TikTok or from a live show," she adds.

Panic Shack celebrates joy, calls out hate in the comments Credit: Ren Faulkner

Having experienced toxic trolls and hateful comments in the past, Panic Shack experienced the (unfortunately) rare wonder that is being women on the internet surrounded by positivity, fun, and empowerment — all while being their authentic selves.

"We almost couldn't believe that people were being so nice to us in the comments," says Fretwell."Some people have really emotional reactions to the dance as well. It absolutely, again, isn't our intention, but I'm just so glad that people have found so much joy from it."

"We're being ourselves and I think that gets lost in social media quite a lot," adds Harvey. "And our friendship, as well, probably shone through a little bit, as it always does with the band, and just when we're hanging out."

Alas, there are still dickheads online. In true punk form, Panic Shack often uses humour to call out misogynist comments on TikTok videos — including the tried and true TikTok strategy of highlighting heinous comments to name and shame them in new videos. In July, the band did send-ups of Robert Palmer's 1985 "Addicted to Love" video; Shania Twain famously gender-flipped the video in 1997 for "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Panic Shack's own punk version sees the band pin troll comments and crush a lip-synch of Palmer's song.

"Sometimes we like to highlight some of the troll comments, just because it's just our way of dealing with it, really," says Fretwell. "We've received so many troll comments over time, haven't we, Sarz? Even back then, years ago, that's how we would deal with it."

"We don't want sympathy. We're doing it just to fight back and show show them up a little bit," says Harvey.

"We've had some really horrible stuff said about us over the years, and it's just all misogyny," adds Fretwell. "Essentially, it's like, whatever they want to disguise it as it, the root of it is misogyny. Don't think they like seeing women having fun, or not doing something for male attention, for the male gaze."

Panic Shack keeps live shows and online moments separate Credit: Ren Faulkner

Sometimes artists see online moments as an accompaniment to their live shows — Charli XCX's "Apple" dance is the tip of the TikTok-to-stage iceberg. However, more often than not, there's a pretty solid line between what happens on an artist's online platforms and what happens on stage. For Panic Shack, it's the latter, especially when it comes to their viral dance — you will not see it on stage.

"People have asked. People have been like, can that be the encore? And I think we've always just said that's for the internet's eyes only, really," says Fretwell. "TikTok and online is like a separate entity, particularly the TikTok app. It's somewhere we can just try and test out different styles of like, content, I suppose. But yeah, the live show's nothing got nothing to do with it really."

"It's been thrown around a bit, but then I think we just thought it wouldn't feel authentic for us to do that on stage," says Harvey. "I guess part of the live show is the music and, yeah, fun and games. But I think the dance would just...if people were there, the gig, were there for music, and they saw us do that, they'd be like, what? To be fair they'd probably love it."

Panic Shack released their debut album on July 18, with a huge UK and European tour ahead of them. On Friday, Panic Shack is playing a launch day gig and running a pop-up merch shop in Cardiff's The Sustainable Studio. But first? Well-earned bevs. "Meg said she's got a bottle of Champagne for us to pop," says Harvey. "I've been reserving a special bottle of Champagne I got for my birthday that I've not found a reason to drink, so I can't wait to pop it with the girls," says Fretwell.

What can people expect from the self-titled release? "Lots more calling people out closer to home, lots of female friendship vibes, just to step into the Panic Shack world, really, just from start to finish," says Harvey.

"It's very much like, welcome to our universe, you know?" adds Fretwell. "We do want everyone to be a part of it. We want people to feel like they can be friends with us."

Panic Shack is out now.

Comedy is tragedy plus time. There may be a day when critics look back on Ari Aster's COVID-19 comedy Eddington with kinder eyes. However, just five years after this virus threw the world into lockdown, we are still living in the brutal realities created not only by the pandemic that killed millions but also further polarized American politics to horrifying results. So, watching movie stars crack wise about face masks, conspiracy theories, and political rivalries? Right now, it's not funny. It's mostly irritating. 

Props to Aster for his continued fearlessness. The writer/director broke through with his daring debut feature Hereditary, then cemented his reputation as an American filmmaker to watch with its chilling follow-up Midsommar, which in turn helped launch Florence Pugh to stardom. Then, he threw his fans (and critics) for a loop with Beau Is Afraid, which starred Academy Award–winner Joaquin Phoenix in a prolonged anxiety attack of a movie that skewed genre and concluded with the epic revelation of a giant penis monster. 

For Eddington, Aster reteams with Phoenix, who once more plays an anti-hero gripped by his failings instead of his virtues. But this time, the punchline isn't one of mommy issues or social anxiety. Instead, the New Mexico-set Eddington pokes fun of both sides of the political divide. But far from being even-handed or even all that funny, the result is a movie that might be seen as a wild ride if it nailed the landing. Instead, it's a wonky head-scratcher that feels more smug than sharp. 

Joaquin Phoenix is a right-wing clown in Eddington.  Joaquin Phoenix plays Sheriff Joe Cross in "Eddington." Credit: A24

At a glance, Joe Cross (Phoenix) is a familiar American archetype, with his white hat, cowboy boots, and sheriff's badge. He's a lawman who fights against the injustices of a wild world that knows no decency. In Westerns, he'd be the good guy, except Aster steadily undercuts this American icon, both visually and contextually in this Western/thriller/comedy. For instance, Joe is introduced patrolling an area that's outside his jurisdiction on tribal ground, sparking a confrontation with the Native American police, who chastise Joe for trespassing and for breaking the mandate by not wearing a face mask (both tribal officers are masked). 

On one hand, Joe's sitting alone in a car. So, yeah, wearing a face mask is unnecessary, even absurd. But Joe will continue to push the masking issue, knowingly making his neighbors uncomfortable as he strides into a grocery store where everyone is masked and keeping a six-foot distance from each other. His frustration over what he sees as an attack on his freedom even sparks him to begin a haphazard campaign against the beloved Eddington mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). But the more Aster reveals about Joe, the more it's clear the mask is not about freedom, but about Joe asserting dominance wherever he can, so he can feel like a man. 

At home, Joe is emasculated by his vicious mother-in-law (Deirdre O'Connell) and barely acknowledged by his depressed wife, Louise (Emma Stone). At work, he cowers in the shadow of the admired sheriff who came before, who happens to have been his late father-in-law. Unable to live up to the ghost of the man who haunts him figuratively in his personal and professional life, Joe picks another target for his wrath: Ted Garcia.

Joe chooses Ted not only because the mayor is more well-liked than he, but also because Ted is Louise's ex. Joe burns with jealousy over their shared past, which he imagines as scandalous. All of this leads Joe down a path that feels vaguely Coen Bros.-esque in its rancid Americana and self-destruction. But whether he makes hasty campaign posters with embarrassing misspellings or dives into the violent fantasy of being an American action hero through bonkers and abrupt battle scenes, Joe is unquestionably a clown.

Though the protagonists of Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau Is Afraid were deeply flawed, Aster also found room for us to relate to their heartache and anxieties. We were as scared as they were, or even more scared for them than they could be for themselves. Joe, however, is not richly developed or relatable. He's a vexing sketch of the anti-masker movement and all its toxic masculinity and privilege. Pushing this symbolism past its breaking point, Aster also wedges in subplots where Joe must deal with the online conspiracy theories about child exploitation and a flurry of Black Lives Matters protests organized by a local white girl (Amélie Hoeferle), who is often on the verge of tears. 

The criticism is uneven and shallow in Eddington.  Emma Stone and Deirdre O'Connell play daughter and mother in "Eddington." Credit: A24

In a Q&A for press following a screening of Eddington, Aster expressed his hope that the film would speak to both sides of the political divide. He further noted the final act — which features a prolonged shootout — could read totally differently depending on what side of the divide you're on. But frankly, he misreads his audience. The film is not that textured. The climax, chaotic and grisly, is shocking, but not awing. 

Joe and his family offers plenty of opportunities to mock the right for their anti-masking attitudes, Pizzagate conspiracies, and general "fuck your feelings" MAGA attitude — though Aster tries to have it both ways by not using such explicit buzzwords. By contrast, Mayor Garcia is a gentle lampoon of liberal politicians. Where Joe is stern, speaking like he's spitting, Ted is determinedly soft-spoken, and listens to Katy Perry while entertaining. ("Firework," naturally.) In a promotional video for his campaign, Ted reenacts a tragic personal memory to win sympathy, then inexplicably plays piano in the middle of Eddington's dirt roads. It's a gentle ribbing of quirky political ads. But even as Aster mocks the virtue signaling of the left through a subplot about Ted's son (Matt Gomez Hidaka) using political patter to impress the aforementioned female protester, the barbs feel like a nudge instead of a punchline. 

Perhaps this is because both sides of the argument, as Aster presents them here, just aren't equally worth mocking. Maybe that's because the foibles of one side lead to cringe moments, while the other might lead to death and disaster. But for a runtime of two hours and 28 minutes, Aster doesn't uncover anything all that deep or surprising about this divide beyond how dangerous it can be. Neither side will learn much new about themselves or their perceived opponents by watching Eddington. It's hard to say if more time would make a difference.

While the cast is committed to Aster's vision of this New Mexico town, the depth is lacking. That a cop has a thirst for control, that a smiling politician has a dark side, that a depressed woman has a hidden heartache — none of this is a surprise. Yet Eddington treats each reveal with a ghoulish giddiness, as if they're all deeply transgressive. The result is a movie that feels passionate, but is ultimately shallow and messy.

Far from the thriller its trailers suggest, Eddington is a cynical dark comedy that mistakes empathy for weakness, offering plenty to react to but little to provoke thought.

 Eddington opens in theaters on July 18.

SAVE OVER $1,000: The 85-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED 4K Smart TV is just $2,197.99 at Amazon — its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Mini-LED 4K UHD Google Smart TV $2,197.99 at Amazon
$3,498 Save $1,300.01 Get Deal

This latest price cut on a massive 4K TV is so big, you’d be forgiven for thinking Prime Day was still live.

As of July 18, the 85-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K Google Smart TV (the 2025 model) is down to $2,197.99 at Amazon — that’s 37% off its original price of $3,498, and one of the best deals we’ve seen on a premium big-screen set this year. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s its lowest price yet. In terms of size and specs, this TV brings serious firepower. 

SEE ALSO: The best budget TVs for gaming, according to the experts

With Mini-LED Pro backlighting, up to 5,000 local dimming zones, and a blisteringly bright 5,000 nits peak, picture contrast and detail are dialled up to much higher levels compared to standard LED TVs — due to the much higher amount of LEDs at a smaller size. 

The near-cinematic quality is great for bingeing blockbusters like Superman or Jurassic World Rebirth on home release, or tuning into any late-night football matches. The QLED panel supports over a billion colors, while the Anti-Reflection Pro screen means nothing washes out your view, even in bright rooms.

Gamers shouldn’t feel left out either. With a native 165Hz refresh rate, VRR up to 288, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, this TV is ready for smooth, responsive play on current-gen console games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Donkey Kong Bananza. There's even a built-in Game Bar to tweak your settings on the fly.

The sound is just as impressive: a 4.1.2-channel system with eight built-in speakers, including up-firing drivers, aims to bring Dolby Atmos audio to life without the need for a separate soundbar.

Google TV is baked in as well, so you can stream, search, and customise your content hub with ease — which is great if you’re a smart TV-streaming purist who doesn’t like to use consoles or dedicated Blu-ray players.

If you want an even bigger display than 85 inches, you can save nearly $500 on this massive 100-inch Hisense TV, also at Amazon.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

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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 Friday, July 18, 2025:

AcrossAppropriate word that can precede 7-/8-Across and 3-/10-Down

• The answer is Half.

Remy's brother in "Ratatouille"

• The answer is Emile.

Missouri's postal abbreviation

• The answer is MO.

Light switch position

• The answer is On.

Done for laughs

• The answer is In fun.

Richard of "Pretty Woman"

• The answer is Gere.

DownPrefix that means 1-Across

• The answer is Half.

In the midst of

• The answer is Among.

Super Bowl that featured a 28-3 comeback win by the Patriots

• The answer is LI.

Baker's powder

• The answer is Flour

Dated feminine suffix

• The answer is Enne.

Iron, on the periodic table

• The answer is Fe.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

SAVE $30: As of July 18, the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is on sale for $99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 23% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is back on sale at Amazon, this time for $30 off. As of July 18, it's now priced at $99 — an absolute steal. So why this version over other Apple Pencil models?

This Apple stylus is noticeably better in design than the previous iteration, especially for those who love to sketch, take notes, or use their iPad for lots of heavy editing. The stylus has a magnetic attachment, so it's nice and easy to both store and charge. Double-tap gestures let you switch tools effortlessly, and performance-wise, it’s incredibly responsive with near-zero lag.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: Shop MacBook Air, AirPods, iPads, and more

Whether you’re drawing fine lines, shading, or jotting down fast notes, it feels almost the same as writing with a real pen or pencil. And unlike the 1st Gen, these smart features make the 2nd Gen much more seamless to use day to day.

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is compatible with the following iPad models: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); and iPad mini (6th generation).

Get this deal from Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Late Show host Stephen Colbert made a shocking announcement on Thursday, revealing that the long-running talk show had been axed after more than 30 years on air. The news comes mere days after Colbert accused CBS' parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to President Donald Trump.

"Next year will be our last season," said Colbert to his audience's dismay. "The network will be ending The Late Show in May."

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert takes aim at Trump/Paramount settlement as a 'big fat bribe'

The Late Show's first iteration premiered in 1993, with renowned host David Letterman behind the desk for 22 years. Colbert took the reins following Letterman's 2015 retirement and quickly made it his own, scoring multiple Emmy nominations in the decade since. The Late Show regularly tops the Nielsen ratings, outstripping competing talk shows, and it attracted over 2.4 million viewers across 41 episodes in Q2 alone this year. As such, few in his audience likely expected the popular show's untimely demise.

"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of 'The Late Show' on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away." - Stephen Colbert

Colbert's announcement of The Late Show's cancellation on Thursday sparked a loud round of booing, to which the host responded that he shares such sentiments. The unhappy news is apparently still fresh to him, with Colbert stating that he'd just found out the previous night.

"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS," Colbert continued. "I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."

Despite the sudden cancellation, Colbert still thanked CBS as well as his audience and the 200 people who work on the show.

"We get to do this show for each other every day all day, and I've had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years," said Colbert. "And let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it. And it's a job that I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months."

CBS claims 'Late Show' cancellation unrelated to Colbert's criticism

CBS issued a statement on Thursday night following Colbert's announcement, in which it confirmed its decision to end The Late Show.

"This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night," wrote CBS executives. "It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount."

Said "other matters" appears to reference the recent lawsuit Trump filed against Paramount in October. In it, Trump alleged that Paramount had deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to be favourable to her ahead of the November presidential election. Paramount agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the suit earlier this month, a decision that has been lambasted by First Amendment and press freedom advocates.

Colbert has also been vocally critical of this settlement, labelling it a "big fat bribe" on Monday and stating that Paramount itself called the lawsuit "completely without merit." He further noted that Paramount has been trying to secure the Trump administration's approval of its proposed merger with Skydance Media — an effort that likely wouldn't be helped by an ongoing lawsuit with the president.

The Skydance-Paramount merger is yet to be approved by the FCC. However, on Wednesday, Trump appeared to support the merger and praised Skydance CEO David Ellison when speaking to reporters, the same day Colbert was informed of The Late Show's cancellation. The president then immediately began speaking about his lawsuit with Paramount.

Colbert has been a prominent critic of Trump for years, and on Monday acknowledged speculation that he may be pressured to lay off the president should Paramount's merger with Skydance go through. It now looks as though this won't be a concern any longer.

Of course, not everyone is buying CBS' explanation, particularly in light of Colbert's recent comments and The Late Show's steady success with viewers.

"CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery," Senator Elizabeth Warren posted to X. "America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."

"Just finished taping with Stephen Colbert who announced his show was cancelled," wrote Senator Adam Schiff. "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better."

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on July 14-18. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering science fiction and dystopia books for Kindle e-readers for free or $0.99.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back with a bang for fans of science fiction and dystopia books. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering books from these popular genres for free. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.

This is your chance to give your library a serious boost without spending anything.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Something Strange takes place from July 14-18. Unlike a lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days that take place over 24 hours, this event runs for five days. That gives you time to properly peruse the options and find exactly what you love to read.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

Finding all of these free science fiction and dystopia books is straightforward thanks to the helpful hub page on Indie Author Central. Everything is nicely presented with filters so you can head directly to the books you actually want to download.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months at a time. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

TL;DR: Skoove Premium Piano Lessons uses advanced AI to give you curated virtual piano lessons, and right now a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99
$299.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Whether you've dabbled in lessons as a kid or never sat on a piano bench, Skoove Premium Piano Lessons can help you master the keys from the comfort of home. All you'll need is a tablet, a keyboard, and this AI-powered app. 

Right now, you can save 50% on a lifetime subscription and keep honing your craft for life for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Learn piano on your lunch break

Skoove offers AI-powered piano lessons that let you tickle the ivories in your spare time. That means even people with the busiest schedules can pencil in time to pound the keys and elevate their skills, with Skoove providing curated feedback and useful resources as you learn. 

These virtual piano lessons only require a piano or keyboard and your tablet, so you don't need to buy anything else to get started. And this lifetime subscription lets you work at your own pace.

You'll get access to 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos, but don't think you'll just be sitting back and repeating after the video. Thanks to AI, you play and Skoove listens, recognizing your notes and offering real-time feedback so you can continuously improve. 

Learn what you love, thanks to Skoove's wide range of genres. Practice playing with tunes from Adele or John Legend, or go old school and work on some Bach or Beethoven. Monthly updates bring new song choices, so you never have to worry about running out of material. 

While learning from the AI is interactive, there's also backup if needed. If you ever get stumped, Skoove's music instructors are available for one-on-one support. 

Ready to join over one million people already mastering piano with Skoove?

Get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299) right here. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We know that everyone is counting down the days until the first Lions vs. Australia game, but there are some really interesting international fixtures taking place elsewhere. And for the players who didn't make the Lions tour, this is a chance for retribution.

Samoa vs. Scotland is the first game taking place this weekend, and it looks set to be explosive.

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

When is Samoa vs. Scotland?

Samoa vs. Scotland starts at 8:35 a.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at Eden Park.

How to watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free

Samoa vs. Scotland 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 tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer 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. Stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain are the favorites to win the Women's Euro 2025, but next they face a tricky matchup with the hosts. On paper, Spain should win this one comfortably and book a spot in the semi finals. But you can never count out the host nation.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Switzerland?

Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Wankdorf Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Switzerland for free

Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 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 tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer 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. Stream Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Spain vs. Switzerland (plus the rest of the tournament) 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

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

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

To encourage.

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

CHEER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Showy.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GAUDY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Assertive.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PUSHY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A human.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

WIGHT

Final Hurdle hint

Cruel.

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

HARSH

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

As Mashable's Tech Editor, I have way too many charging cables, power blocks, and USB-C blocks in my apartment. But there aren't many that I actually like to use. While most chargers are simply necessary evils, only one of these products has earned permanent status in my bedside AC outlet.

The Charger, from under-the-radar brand Counterpart, solves the biggest problem with most USB-C wall chargers — it features a retractable cable that snakes up inside the device when it's not in use. That means no annoying cable cluttering up your desk, countertops, or bedroom. It's one of those ingenious product innovations that makes you wonder, "Why aren't all chargers like this?"

Opens in a new window Credit: Counterpart The Charger, 35W USB-C Wall Charger $44 at Counterpart
Shop Now

You have to be pretty confident in your charger to name it The Charger. And I think it's worthy of the name. Because on top of its innovative design, this puck-shaped charger also looks attractive, which isn't something I can say about any other charging product I own. (And, again, there are so many).

This 35W USB-C charger features a retractable four-foot ribbon cable. When not in use, simply press a button on the front of the device, and the cable retracts like a tape measure. As you can see in my video review, it's immensely satisfying. And as a GaN charger, it offers more efficient charging than the average device. While you can find some chargers with retractable cables for cars, this is one of the only options for the home.

Yes, the $44 price tag may give you pause, but it's well worth it for a product that's attractive, functional, and comes with a two-year warranty. These chargers also make great gifts, especially if you're looking for stocking stuffers or under-$50 gift ideas.

The Charger comes in five different color options and can be purchased at the Counterpart online store.

Pornhub stopped operating in France last month in anticipation of the country's age-verification law going into effect. When the law was suspended weeks later, Pornhub restored itself in France. Now, Pornhub has blocked itself once again.

France's age-verification law requires porn sites to install a third-party system to check visitors' ages. This system must also be "double-blind," meaning the porn site doesn't know the visitor's age, and the verification system doesn't know which site they are accessing.

SEE ALSO: Do age-verification laws work? Not according to this study.

On June 16, the Administrative Court of Paris suspended the law, citing EU regulations. On July 15, the Council of State, the top French court, annulled the suspension. That same day, Aylo (which owns Pornhub and other adult sites like YouPorn and Redtube) released a statement that it will again stop operating in France.

"While important questions about the implementation of the law in France are still being considered, we maintain that French citizens deserve regulation that will prevent children from accessing adult content and that can be effectively enforced," Aylo states. "They also deserve that their privacy and sensitive data be protected. Again, we believe the current approach faces significant challenges in achieving these important goals."

The company goes on to state that verifying one's age every time one visits a site doesn't protect minors but instead endangers privacy through potential data breaches. It also said these laws put children at risk by driving them to websites that don't comply with the laws.

"To the French government and [France's communication regulator] Arcom we ask, how many minors have been protected in the six weeks since this law came into effect?" the statement says. "Provide the data on how this reduced access to age-inappropriate content."

These are the same concerns free speech advocates have expressed to Mashable: that age-verification sites won't work, are easily circumvented with VPNs, and have internet privacy and security concerns. In terms of the former, Proton VPN saw a 1,000 percent increase in sign-ups in France in the 30 minutes following the initial block.

Aylo advocates for device-level filters to prevent minors from accessing these websites.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed Texas's age-verification law constitutional, setting a precedent for similar laws. Pornhub has blocked itself in most states with such a law. The UK's own age-verification law goes into effect on July 25, and Pornhub will comply and operate within the region.

Did you know Apple's CarPlay will let you make anything — and I mean truly anything — the sound that plays when you start up your car? Well, TikTok found out, and now it's a quickly spreading trend.

It has almost become competitive at this point: How weird, funny, or esoteric can you make your start-up sound?

It's become a trend to start your car and begin filming as it slowly loads, then plays the sound. (The custom sound is played only when your phone connects to CarPlay, so that builds a natural bit of tension as the audience waits for the reveal.) Here are just a few we've spotted on TikTok.

This person used the race sound from Nintendo's Mario Kart.

This person gets greeted by Taylor Swift.

This driver gets a little motivation from the internet's new favorite character, Chit.

This person has a sound from the classic film Billy Madison.

This driver recycles an old meme sound.

It's a funny, silly trend that brings a little bit of whimsy each time you start up your car. I live in New York City and don't have a car, but if I did, I'd probably choose something from the Tim Robinson/I Think You Should Leave/Conner O'Malley extended universe.

Still, if you want to set up your own sound via CarPlay, we can show you how.

How to change your CarPlay start-up sound like the TikTok trend

Per usual, TikTok itself is very helpful for this trend. This post from @cronloya does a really good job of breaking it down step-by-step.

Here's another quick tutorial from @JimKirkVO on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

I was able to recreate the process, though I could not test it out in my non-existent car. But here's how you do it, in seven steps.

Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Go to the Shortcuts app.

It should already be installed on your iPhone.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 2: Create a CarPlay automation.

Navigate to the "automation" tab at the bottom of the screen, click "new automation," then scroll down and select CarPlay.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone / Mashable

Step 3: Select "run immediately."

Then hit "next."

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 4: Create a "new blank automation" and navigate to "files."

You may need to hit the button for "add action" to find the files tab, depending on your iOS.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 5: Select "file," then click the blue "file" to pick your sound.

You need to select "file" within the "files" tab... then click the blue word "file" to actually pick the sound. A bit confusing, but you've got this.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone / Mashable

Step 6: Select your sound from within your files.

Once you see the file is uploaded, hit the "done" button. (For some reason, the only sound I could find on my phone was The Rock telling someone it doesn't matter what their name is.)

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Step 7: Click into the automation, search for "play sound," and select that automation.

You'll have to search for "play sound" to find it. Once you click that option, hit done and your custom sound is complete.

Credit: Screenshot: iPhone

Now, you'll need to download a sound file — an MP3, most likely — to do this trick. Luckily, Mashable has some tutorials on how to do just that. Typically speaking, you can also Google a popular sound and find a downloadable version.

So, with just a little bit of effort, you can add a pinch of whimsy to your daily commute.

The Trump administration has struck an agreement to hand over the personal data of 79 million Medicaid users, part of the President's effort to "crack down" on undocumented communities across the country.

In documents obtained exclusively by the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to provide demographic and location data to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, including names, addresses, and ethnicities, in order to more efficiently track down undocumented individuals living in the U.S.

SEE ALSO: 988's crisis services for LGBTQ youth are now silent

"ICE will use the CMS data to allow ICE to receive identity and location information on aliens identified by ICE," the agreement reads. In response to the Associated Press, Health and Human Services assistant secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, said the two agencies "are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans."

Officials have contended that the Medicaid data will be used as a cost-cutting measure to reduce health care costs. But, according to data from the U.S. Commission on Sentencing, more than 90 percent of individuals who commit entitlement fraud are U.S. citizens, and undocumented individuals are only able to enroll in emergency health insurance coverage, not standard policies.

The move to collect information on undocumented individuals through government agencies, anticipated by activists and experts, is fast becoming the largest effort to consolidate Americans' personal data. According to the agreement, officials cannot download any personal data from CMS's databases indefinitely. Instead, officials will be able to access information from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until September 9.

In June, the administration attempted a mass data seizure of personal health information from citizens in states that allow undocumented residents to enroll in state-funded health care. State officials have since sued the administration for illegally exposing the personal information of residents, arguing that the move would have a "chilling" effect on those seeking medical attention and creating a culture of fear.

"By turning over some of our most sensitive healthcare data to ICE, Health and Human Services has fundamentally betrayed the trust of almost 80 million people. This jaw-dropping development proves that the Administration’s claim of using this information to prevent fraud is a Trojan horse that instead will primarily advance their goal of deporting millions of people," said Elizabeth Laird, director of equity in civic technology for the Center for Democracy and Technology.

"Over 90 percent of entitlement fraud is committed by U.S. citizens, underscoring the false pretense of sharing this information with ICE. The results of this decision will be devastating. It will sink trust in government even lower, force individuals to choose between life-saving care and turning over data to immigration authorities, and erode the quality and effectiveness of government services,” Laird said.

The Trump administration's One Big, Beautiful Bill, which Trump signed into law on July 4, includes a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding over the next 10 years — a move that will affect an estimated 11 million Americans and hundreds of rural hospitals. It strikes $186 billion from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, which benefits 5 million adults and children. And it allocates another $108 billion to immigration enforcement initiatives, including continued construction of a southern border wall, new immigrant detention centers, and logistic operations in the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice.

TL;DR: Create anything, even NSFW art, with a lifetime subscription to Imagiyo for only A$45 through July 20.

Digital creativity has never been more accessible, yet many of us remember the days when crafting a single image meant wrestling with layers and plugins for hours on end. Now there’s a way to generate stunning visuals in seconds simply by typing a description of what you have in mind.

Imagiyo uses Stable Diffusion AI alongside FLUX AI to turn text prompts into high-quality images ready for commercial use, and there aren’t many limits to what you can create. Here’s what that means.

What art can you make with Imagiyo

What do you want to make first? It only takes a brief description to put Imagiyo’s advanced algorithms to work, and unlike other image generators, Imagiyo actually lets you really follow your creativity. Craft stunning landscapes, visualize characters from books, or go for something a little more daring. Imagiyo supports NSFW content creation. Just set your prompts to private and let your mind run wild.

Imagiyo’s commercial-use license means you can take some of the images you generate and incorporate them into client projects, social media campaigns, or personal portfolios without fear of copyright issues.

Each month, you receive 500 image-generation credits and can submit up to two prompts at once. Unused credits roll over, so you never lose access to your creative potential. Best of all, Imagiyo delivers your purchased engine updates and feature improvements automatically, ensuring you always work with the latest AI models.

You have two days to get an Imagiyo AI Image Generator lifetime subscription for A$45 (reg. A$756). This sale lasts through July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) AU$45
AU$756 Save AU$711 Get Deal

The best Ninja Swirl alternatives Best overall deal Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (1.5 quart) $69.95 (save $20) Get Deal Best upgraded ice cream maker Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (2 quart) $129.95 Shop Now Best stand-mixer ice cream attachment KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment $79.95 (save $40.04 + get a $4 Amazon credit) Get Deal Best from Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $166 (save $33) Shop Now Best budget ice cream maker Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker $59.99 Get Deal

If we're all being honest with ourselves, ice cream is an essential part of life. Imagine a warm summer night without savoring a bowl for dessert? It just doesn't add up. Enjoying a banana split after a major accomplishment, adding a scoop to warm pie, or taking a spoon to a pint while standing in the chill of the freezer: they're all magical moments. But if you don't feel like dishing out top dollar at the local artisan ice cream shop or watching your ice cream melt on the drive home from the store, why not make it at home?

Adding an ice cream maker to your collection of kitchen appliances will never, ever disappoint. Making ice cream at home gives you unlimited flavor possibilities while also nailing any dietary restrictions. Go dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free while making your own personal flavor creations to the exact level of sweetness you prefer.

We absolutely love the Ninja Swirl (and the Ninja Creami, too). Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino's review of the Ninja Swirl awarded it a prestigious Mashable Choice honor. "There's nothing I love more than leaving the house on a late summer evening to indulge in a cone of soft serve. It's something you can't get at home, unlike a pint of ice cream you buy at the grocery store. But now, with the Ninja Swirl, I don't have to leave the house for soft serve," said Mangino in her review.

That said, we don't love the price, and the best Ninja Swirl alternatives offer a more affordable way to get your homemade ice cream fix.

Ninja Swirl ice cream and soft-serve maker $348 at Amazon
See It

While the Ninja Swirl serves up both soft serve and hard, scoopable ice cream, it's hard to get past the $348 price tag. The machine also tends to sell out and is super rare to find on sale. Mangino also notes the machine takes up some serious real estate on your kitchen counter.

SEE ALSO: My new favourite air fryer upgrade — grab the Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer for only $159.99

Since National Ice Cream Day is just around the corner on Sunday, July 20, why not treat yourself to an ice cream maker that will supply endless joy and a refreshing dessert? Here are some of our favorite Ninja Swirl alternatives that might work better for your kitchen and your budget.

Best overall ice cream maker Opens in a new window Credit: Cusinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (1.5 quart) $69.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $20 Get Deal Why we like it

Consistently making excellent ice cream, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine produces 1.5 quarts of perfection with each use. It's a versatile machine that can make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and even frozen drinks. All of that for under $90 feels like this is the ultimate summer treat-maker that sticks to a budget-friendly price. This model is currently on sale for under $70 at Amazon.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth says, "This is the ice cream maker my mom has been using for years, and it's awesome. I highly recommend finding a good chocolate malt recipe and making a pint with your mom." You can make ice cream in 20 minutes or less with this ice cream maker. Just pour ingredients into the feeding spout, press the "on" button, and the powerful motor and mixing paddle will take care of the churning. Cuisinart also includes a recipe book to help you get started, but a major benefit of making ice cream at home is coming up with your own creations.

Best upgraded ice cream maker Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (2 quart) $129.95 at Williams & Sonoma
Shop Now Why we like it

Making four pints with each batch, the 2-quart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is perfect for feeding a crowd or a family who likes to have Friday night ice cream parties. It uses a simple on-off dial and a double-insulated freezer bowl to churn out perfect ice cream in under 30 minutes. If ice cream is not your thing, this machine can also whip up frozen drinks, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or gelato. All you'll need to do is all your favorite ingredients (or follow a recipe from the included book of inspiration) and turn the machine on. When it comes time for cleaning, you'll be in good hands — the freezer bowl easily lifts out. Plus, the brushed stainless steel design looks pretty great on a countertop.

Best stand-mixer ice cream attachment Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment $79.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal Why we like it

If you already have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, you can actually just grab some add-ons to transform your mixer into an ice-cream production factory. The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment churns up to two quarts of your favorite frozen dessert, and is compatible with most KitchenAid mixers except Mini models. This set includes all three accessories to make ice cream, including the ice cream bowl, the dasher, and the hub assembly piece.

To make awesome ice cream with your KitchenAid, you'll need to stick the ice cream bowl in the freezer for at least 24 hours before use. After that, you'll be able to add in your desired ingredients, churn for under 30 minutes, and then enjoy. KitchenAid redesigned the dasher with this model to ensure your ingredients and add-ins are fully incorporated. After enjoying the best ice cream you've ever had, the KitchenAid bowl is easy to hand-wash once it's up to room temp.

Best Swirl alternative from Ninja Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $165.97 at Walmart
$199 Save $33.03 Get Deal Why we like it

The original Ninja ice cream maker is still a popular gift, though it's getting harder to find. While it's low in stock at both Amazon and Walmart, it's currently on sale at the latter, where you can pick it up for $169. Our reporter Samantha Mangino also enjoyed the Creami in her review for Mashable. "The Ninja Creami has taken over our social media feeds, and maybe for good reason. Besides the 24-hour freezing time, it creates creamy, smooth ice cream in just minutes with the press of a button (or two). But beware: it's loud as hell."

Best ice cream maker for small kitchens Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker $119.95 at Cuisinart
Get Deal Why we like it

What happens if you want homemade ice cream but are short on kitchen space or really don't want another kitchen appliance? No need to cry over a lack of ice cream since you can go with the Cuisinart FastFreeze Ice Cream Maker. Its compact design is perfect for kitchens that don't have extra counter space for another appliance, and it can easily be stored in a drawer, cupboard, or the pantry. It whips up half a pint of ice cream in just three minutes. Although it's worth mentioning that you'll need to use pre-frozen ingredients, so some prep is necessary for the FastFreeze.

If you're craving a different type of chilled treat, the Cuisinart FastFreeze can also make milkshakes, slushies, and sorbets. You'll be able to select one of these options on the handle and then all you need to go is press "go" to be on your way to frozen delight. Did we mention the FastFreeze clocks in at under six pounds? Cuisinart includes three half-pint containers and lids with this model.

Best budget ice cream maker Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker $46.02 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $13.97 Get Deal Why we like it

Dash makes some incredibly fun and functional kitchen appliances, and they're all offered at an affordable price. That's all true of the Dash Deluxe Gelato & Ice Cream Maker, which makes two quarts of your favorite flavors — that's the equivalent of four pints. Dash lists this model's MSRP at $59.99. Say a pint of Ben & Jerry's comes in at $6.99, you'll only need to make 8.5 pints in the Dash to break even, which is about two batches.

To use the Dash, you'll want to freeze the included bowl for at least 24 hours and get your desired ingredients into the freezer, too. Once you add those frozen ingredients into the bowl, switch the machine on, and watch it churn until it reaches your desired consistency.