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TL;DR: Secure enough cloud storage forever with this Internxt Cloud Storage 100TB lifetime subscription, on sale now for $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $999.99
$9,900 Save $8,900.01   Get Deal

When it comes to smart financial decisions, buying is typically better than renting. That’s also the case when it comes to cloud storage. We’ll all continue to amass data daily, so our need for more space will continuously increase. If you’re looking for a large amount of storage that will accommodate your growing collection of important files, it’s time to check out Internxt Cloud Storage.

Right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to a giant 100TB of secure cloud storage for just $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

SEE ALSO: Go beyond vocabulary — build real language fluency with Babbel

How much are you currently paying for cloud storage? Not only does that payment continue month after month, but it can also get a whole lot higher when your storage needs increase. That’s where Internxt Cloud Storage really shines — offering you enough space for life with this deal on 100TB.

The largest amount of storage Apple currently offers is 12TB — and that sets you back $64.99 a month for the rest of your life. This 100TB one-time payment ensures you have enough space for your photos, videos, important files, and more forever, with a user-friendly interface and full control of your files.

Not only does Internxt Cloud Storage offer way more space than the competitors, but it also ensures your data is kept private. You’ll enjoy end-to-end encryption so tight that Internxt itself can’t even access your data, unlike the other guys who access your data and make money off it through ads and data sharing. Internxt Cloud Storage is also GDPR compliant, adhering to strict European privacy and data security laws.

Internxt Cloud Storage offers easy cross-platform compatibility, too. It works across devices and operating systems, so you can access your files from anywhere.

Take advantage of this amazing deal on a Internxt Cloud Storage 100TB lifetime subscription, now only $999.99 (reg. $9,900).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream the NBA for free with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. Live stream the NBA for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA is a unique sport. There's nothing else in which incredibly tall athletes can be made to look absolutely tiny by aliens who can dunk without leaving the ground. And almost all of these shockingly tall athletes display a skillset that mere mortals can't even fathom.

The NBA could make a legitimate argument that it hosts the very best athletes in the world. Sure, the NFL might disagree. And rugby definitely attracts some special specimens. But the NBA has a bunch of seven footers dunking on each other. That's tough to beat.

If you are interested in watching the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the NBA?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America made up of 30 teams (29 from the United States and one from Canada). The defending champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When is the NBA?

The 2025–26 NBA season is the 80th edition of the competition. The regular season runs from Oct. 21 to April 12. The play-in tournament is scheduled to be played on April 14-17, followed by the playoffs on the next day, and concluding with the NBA Finals from June 4 to June 21.

The in-season NBA Cup will take place from Oct. 31 to Dec. 16.

How to watch the NBA for free

The NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime in the UK.

86 regular-season games, the Emirates Cup Championship, the play-in tournament, one third of first and second round games of the Playoffs, a Conference Finals series, and the NBA Finals are available to Prime members in the UK. The full schedule can be found here.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 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 isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select NBA games 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 live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE OVER $300: The Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator is on sale for $399.96 at Amazon. That's over $300 off the list price for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grecell Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator $399.96 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $300.03   Get Deal

Oh look, Mashable is shouting about another deal on a portable power station. Change the record, Mashable. There are so many interesting deals out there right now as we build towards Black Friday, so why are we constantly banging on about these power banks?

Firstly, power stations are super useful devices that can provide vital backup for travel, camping, or really any outdoor activity. And also, these power stations are expensive but go on sale all the time. So we're motivated to make sure you never may full price. So maybe get off our backs, yeah? We're simply trying to find you the very best deal on the best power stations for your next trip.

SEE ALSO: Harness the power of the Bluetti AC200PL portable power station with the Charge 1 alternator charger while the bundle is $1,100 off at Amazon

And if you're really looking for the best right now, we would like to point you in the direction of the Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator. For a limited time, this power station is on sale for $399.96 at Amazon, down from $699.99. It's not the lowest price we've ever seen, but it's not far from that record-low level and there's no guarantee that we'll ever see that price again. A discount of over $300 is still significant.

The Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator produces a 1,000W pure sine wave output to power your laptops, tablets, phones, lights, CPAP medical devices, TV, mini-refrigerator, and everything else. It can be charged via an AC outlet, solar panel, or car outlet, and comes with a built-in MPPT that extracts the maximum power from the solar panel at all times. It's also designed to keep itself from overheating with silent built-in dual cooling fans.

Get prepped for your next outdoor adventure and save over $300 on the Grecell 1,000W Solar Generator. This deal expires on Oct. 29, so act fast to secure this low price.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 28. The Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, offers free romance books in a variety of subgenres for your e-reader.

We warned you that the Stuff Your Kindle Day calendar was getting out of hand towards the end of October. We told you all about the squashed schedule, so don't act all surprised that we've got another giveaway going live.

Following on from the Stuff Your Kindle: Crime Edition, Cozy Mystery eBook Blast, Spook Your Kindle, and Get Spooked events that all went live in the latter stages of the month, the Romance Book Blast is ending things in style on Oct. 28. The Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, is offering you the chance to download free romance books in a variety of subgenres. And everything that you download is yours to keep forever, so stock up while you can.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

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?

The Romance Book Blast takes place on Oct. 28. In contrast to the Get Spooked event that runs for five days, this giveaway only lasts through the day. There's no need to panic, but you do need to act fast to stock up on everything you want to read. If romance is your thing, this is your best opportunity to bolster your reading list.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

A great thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them directly from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

The Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Authors, has a helpful hub page for the event. Here you can find 1,250+ books organized into subgenres so you can find exactly what you want:

• Steamy Romance 1

• Steamy Romance 2

• Sweet and No Spice

• Small Town Romance

• Sports Romance

• Romantic Comedy

• Dark Romance and Romantic Suspense

• Paranormal Romance

• Fantasy Romance

• Young and New Adult

• Historical Romance

• Science Fiction

• Erotica and Erotic Romance

There really is something for everyone here, so take your time, pick your favorites, and download for free.

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

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, 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. There's no reason to hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite + Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Plan)   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 Paperwhite. Prices start at $159.99, but you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 29, the Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G55C is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G55C $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100   Get Deal

If it's time for a gaming upgrade, check out this deal on the Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G55C. It's a high-quality, curved gaming monitor, and right now it's $100 off. As of Oct. 29, you can make this monitor yours for just $199.99. It's the perfect option if you need an upgrade without a hefty price tag.

This monitor features a QHD display with 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD, so your games will all appear sharp and detailed. The curved screen is a real plus too, and the 1,000R display is designed to fill more of your field of view. And say goodbye to annoyingly slow, laggy visuals. This screen has a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, so everything will move as fast as you do.

SEE ALSO: Upgrade to a curved OLED gaming monitor for 44% less with this LG UltraGear deal

AMD FreeSync support helps minimize screen tearing, and HDR10 enhances contrast and color range. For long periods of gaming, this monitor also benefits from Eye Saver Mode and flicker reduction settings. These features help protect your eyes from strain after extended use.

Get this gaming monitor deal from Amazon before it goes back up in price.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 26-30. Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering free paranormal, mystery, thriller, and horror books for your e-reader.

Opens in a new window Credit: Indie Author Central Get Spooked (Oct. 26-30)   Learn More

We know, we know. We've only just got through the last three Stuff Your Kindle Days, and now another? Listen, we don't set the schedule. We just report on new events going live. We're happy to admit that the schedule has got out of hand recently.

Fresh from the Stuff Your Kindle: Crime Edition, Cozy Mystery eBook Blast, and Spook Your Kindle events, a new free giveaway has gone live until Oct. 30. Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering you the chance to download free paranormal, mystery, thriller, and horror books. And better yet, everything that you download is yours to keep. So yes, the schedule has been ridiculously busy lately. But free books are free books.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

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?

Get Spooked takes place on Oct. 26-30. Unlike a lot of the recent events that have only lasted 24 hours, this monster event runs for five days, providing you with the opportunity to assess your options and stock up on exactly what you want to read. Bookworms, take your time.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The best thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day (besides all the free books) is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them directly from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

Spook Your Kindle, hosted by Indie Author Central, has a hub page for the event. Everything is neatly organized by genre, content level, spice level, and availability, so you can head directly to what you want to read most.

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

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, 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. There's no reason to hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite + Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Plan)   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 Paperwhite. Prices start at $159.99, but you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

Samsung is actually doing it: The company is launching ads on its Family Hub smart refrigerators.

The fridges have a large display that typically shows stuff like time, the weather, camera streams, and family photos. They are being updated with a new design, smarter AI, and a new widget for the Cover screen that will show news, weather forecasts, and – fanfare – "curated advertisements."

The idea is not entirely new; Samsung piloted this idea last month, but now the ads are going to show on more fridges.

Notably, these fridges start from $1,899 in the U.S. and can go up to $3,499, which is a sum you typically pay for a home appliance with the expectation of not having to suffer through advertisements.

Fortunately, owners can get rid of these ads in two ways. First, they can dismiss the ads on the Cover screen, but that will only get rid of specific ads that won't appear again during the campaign period. They'll also be able to go to Settings - Advertisements and turn off the Cover screen ads completely.

Mercifully, ads will not appear when the Cover screen displays art or album themes.

SEE ALSO: Samsung unveils its tri-fold phone with a sneak peek

While the ability to turn ads off is great, this type of advertising often ends up being mandatory. At least the fridges aren't (currently) tracking consumers or collecting their personal information.

FREE IPHONE 17 PRO: You can get a free iPhone 17 Pro when you trade in any eligible phone and sign up to an Experience Beyond plan at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Free iPhone 17 Pro at T-Mobile   Get Deal

A new wave of iPhones were released this year, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. We've given the new releases the full review treatment, and if you're itching to upgrade your smartphone to something from this selection, T-Mobile has a deal that should be something to carefully consider.

Right now, T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 17 Pro for free via 24 monthly bill credits when you trade in any eligible device, in any condition, and sign up to the Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. This equates to a $1,100 discount, and it can even be applied against iPhone models down to the 14.

SEE ALSO: Somehow, Apple AirTags are still at their low Prime Day price — buy now to save over $30

The Experience More plan is also included in this promotion. With this deal, you can get $900 off any iPhone 17 model, as well as older models, also spread across 24 bill credits. To qualify for all of these plans, you’ll need to purchase the phone on a monthly payment plan, pay the sales tax on the full retail price, and pay a $35 connection charge upfront.

Be sure to browse all the deals on offer, because there really is something for everyone, including some that don’t require a trade-in. For example, you can get a $830 discount when you switch to T-Mobile Experience Beyond. These offers apply to well-qualified customers only, and if you cancel before your contract is up, you'll be asked to pay the full balance.

Head to T-Mobile to grab this free iPhone deal now.

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025:

AcrossSkill taught at lifeguard training, for short

• The answer is CPR.

Bop it!

• The answer is Head.

Not given anything to eat

• The answer is Unfed.

Twist it! Pull it!

• The answer is Taffy.

Best of the best

• The answer is Elite.

DownMeans of getting trash to a basement dumpster

• The answer is Chute.

Word that can precede "code" or "colony"

• The answer is Penal.

"Baby Beluga" musician

• The answer is Raffi.

Neatly skillful

• The answer is Deft.

Change the color of, as hair

• The answer is Dye.

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.

After Edward Berger's visually rich and thematically intense film Ballad of a Small Player has ended, is there more?

The Conclave director returns with a Colin Farrell-led spiral into gambling addiction in Macau, a dazzlingly filmed story that goes all in — fistfuls of lobster included. After premiering at Telluride Film Festival, then hitting Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, Ballad of a Small Player is out now in limited cinemas in the U.S. and UK. And we're here to tell you whether to stick around for the end credits or not — without spoiling anything.

SEE ALSO: 'Ballad of a Small Player' review: Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton front a trippy thriller

Adapted from Lawrence Osborne's 2014 novel, the film sees Berger and screenwriter Rowan Joffé plunge Farrell into the unravelling character of sharply tailored Lord Doyle, whose thirst for the big win may never be quenched. Over a few tempestuous days, as his debts overwhelm him, he befriends the mysterious Dao Ming (Fala Chen) while trying to avoid British tourist Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton), who finds herself scoffing at the invitation of "dinner and a dance" with Lord Doyle for various reasons.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko wrote of these performances in her review: "Farrell is solid as a scam artist whose charm is a blessing and a curse. Swinton's a joy in a bit part that at least gives her opportunity for eccentric choices and even more eccentric outfits. Chen is enigmatic and lovely as a loan shark haunted by her past."

And it's these characters you should stick around in the end credits for.

Featured Video For You Ralph Fiennes and Isabella Rossellini on the subtle comedy in their new thriller 'Conclave'

So, does Ballad of a Small Player have an end-credits scene? Yes, yes it does. And you should absolutely watch it.

Ballad of a Small Player is out now in cinemas before streaming on Netflix starting Oct. 29.

Yes, Legos are for adults, and yes, buying Legos is a valid way to spend adult money.

The plastic brick brand is constantly releasing new sets, and for collectors and casual hobbyists alike, this fall has been a great time to be a Lego fan. Notably, we've gotten fun new Lego sets from beloved franchises like Back to the Future, Batman, and Wicked (right in time for Wicked: For Good's impending release, of course), plenty of holiday sets, Lego Advent calendars, and of course, the Lego Game Boy, which finally became available after a months-long preorder period. Also in October, we saw the release of a unique new Star Wars set, a 9,000-piece Death Star building kit that's the largest Star Wars Lego model of all time.

SEE ALSO: Save up to 42% on Lego Advent calendars at Amazon

I spent my time combing through all of the best new Legos to pick out the best of the best, from the affordable options to larger investments. Best of all, the new releases from September and October include seven sets under $100, making this a relatively affordable time to build (considering the prices of Lego).

Best new Lego sets as of Oct. 2025Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future Credit: Lego

It's relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It's on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn't the first time Marty McFly's DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Time Machine from 'Back to the Future' $27.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October? Credit: Lego

Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn't wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego's site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure $54.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth. Credit: Lego

Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it's still plenty to ring in the holidays with.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Game Boy The ultimate dose of nostalgia. Credit: Lego

I don't know if there's a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you're looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you'll have to go the same path as this modder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Game Boy $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Mineral Collection For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered. Credit: Lego

They're (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Mineral Collection $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Batman Logo This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman. Credit: Lego

It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don't live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it's only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Batman' Logo $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle One short day, in the Lego Emerald City. Credit: Lego

We're closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you're looking to kill some time before the film's release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Wicked' Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries. Credit: Lego

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you'll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons. Credit: Lego

The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean's popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it's part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it's on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you're wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Death Star This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star. Credit: Lego

Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego's ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Death Star $999.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of Aug. 2025Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan. Credit: Lego

The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O'-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck $14.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Arcade Machine The perfect desk accessory. Credit: Lego

What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Arcade Machine $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Halloween Wreath Credit: Lego

Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn't be the best outdoor option, Lego's Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Halloween Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego 'Mario Kart' Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit Switch 2 owners aren't the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content. Credit: Lego

Don't quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mario Kart Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees! Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don't have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it's just a little unnerving for some of us!).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hibiscus A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden. Credit: Lego

If there's a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn't gorgeous, I've yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hibiscus $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park Credit: Lego

The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy's rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show's unforgettable fight scenes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' Battle at Arlong Park $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Nike Dunk x Lego Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good? Credit: Lego

There's a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That's a slam dunk of a fun set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nike Dunk x Lego $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok What's more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok? Credit: Lego

Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could've made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Display some of Spider-Man's most iconic heroes and villains in your living room. Credit: Lego

This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C From afar, this set almost doesn't look like Legos. Credit: Lego

Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly's signature on the glovebox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C $159.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker A room isn't complete without a good statement piece. Credit: Lego

If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn't require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it's still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle From the Alps to your living room. Credit: Lego

Lego's architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you've got yourself a vibe. Credit: Lego

That's right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you'll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' The Baratie Floating Restaurant $329.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is simple if you understand basketball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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: Refreshment

• Green: Basketball venues

• Blue: Offense stoppers

• Purple: Almost football teams

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: Things a stadium vendor sells

• Green: NBA arenas

• Blue: Famous nicknames for NFL defenses

• Purple: NFL teams, with the second-to-last letter changed

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 #401 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Things a stadium vendor sells - BEER, COTTON CANDY, HOT DOGS, PEANUTS

• NBA arenas - BARCLAYS, LITTLE CAESARS, SMOOTHIE KING, UNITED

• Famous nicknames for NFL defenses - LEGION OF BOOM, ORANGE CRUSH, PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS, STEEL CURTAIN

• NFL teams, with the second-to-last letter changed - BEADS, BILES, COLAS, PACKETS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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.

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 29, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 29, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 29 Pips

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically..

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 29 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Greater Than (34): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 29 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add to 7. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally..

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.

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

Robotics company 1X launched the NEO Home Robot on Tuesday, declaring preorders open for the "world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot." It seems it may have beaten Tesla to the punch.

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Optimus robot with Grok shown on video. We're not impressed.

Designed to assist in household chores, the NEO Home Robot stands 5'6" (168cm) tall, weighs 66lb (30kg), and is covered by a soft 3D lattice polymer which comes in three colourways: Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G capabilities which, paired with the NEO's inbuilt speakers, enables users to utilise it as a very weird sound system.

"Humanoids were long a thing of sci-fi... then they were a thing of research, but today — with the launch of NEO — humanoid robots become a product," 1X CEO and founder Bernt Børnich said in a blog post announcing NEO's launch.

1X states that the NEO can be operated using verbal commands as well as via a mobile app, and is capable of lifting over 150lb (68kg) and carrying 55lb (25kg). Even so, you may not want it to carry your groceries in from the car. The company notes that while NEO's hands are waterproof, the rest of it is not, and that the robot is designed to be used "in and around your own home and on firm ground."

"Should your NEO get wet, an automatic order will be placed for a child sized plastic swimming pool and 100kgs of Basmati rice," 1X jokes on the NEO's frequently asked questions page. "Not really, but please don't get NEO wet."

Unsurprisingly, the NEO also doesn't seem to have the independence, dexterity, and efficiency that sci-fi enthusiasts dream of quite yet. Cooking is currently beyond its capabilities, and while the NEO can apparently perform tasks such as folding laundry and tidying up, it can take a while. In a demonstration by 1X, the Wall Street Journal observed the NEO taking two minutes to fold a shirt, as well as struggling to maintain its balance while closing a dishwasher. The robot has four hours of battery life.

The NEO isn't completely autonomous either, the Journal reporting that it didn't see the robot do anything without human guidance. Instead, users can schedule time for an 1X employee to don a VR headset and connect to their NEO in order to guide it through unfamiliar tasks, which will help it learn. In this regard it seems like just one expensive, inefficient step removed from hiring a housekeeper.

Having a human pilot a robot in other people's home does raise some security issues as well. 1X states that employees won't be able to jump into a NEO without the owner's authorisation, and that the light rings around its ears will change colour to indicate when they are operating the robot. Even so, allowing a stranger in to see, hear, and explore what's happening in the privacy of your home may be unnerving for some people.

How to preorder the NEO humanoid robot

Even so, the mere concept of a humanoid household robot will no doubt be enough to excite some tech enthusiasts. Unfortunately, if you do decide to bring a NEO robot into your home it will cost you a pretty penny. 1X is charging $20,000 to buy the NEO outright, including a $200 deposit upon preorder. Those without 20 grand to spare can instead pay $499 per month to lease a robot for a minimum of six months, returning it once their subscription expires.

Preorders are available via 1X's website. Deliveries will begin primarily in the U.S. next year, with other markets to receive the NEO in 2027.

Featured Video For You How Humanoid Robot Neo is Learning to do Laundry (and More)

NEO isn't 1X's first humanoid robot, having launched wheeled robot EVE in while still operating under its previous name Halodi Robotics. However, EVE was designed to assist humans in warehouses rather than in domestic settings, and could only be called humanoid from the waist up.

Several other tech companies have also been working to develop humanoid robots capable of performing household chores. Tesla has conducted a few sluggish demonstrations of its Optimus robot, but it isn't scheduled to move beyond the prototype stage to production until next year. Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG also aims to mass-produce its humanoid Iron robot in 2026, and is currently testing it by having it assist in the company's Guangzhou factory. Even so, neither have announced when customers might purchase them, leaving 1X the first out of the gate with preorders.

So, you’ve just unboxed a shiny new tablet, a next gen PC or console, or a gorgeous new smart TV. The money is spent, you’re excited; You’re ready to dive into 4K streaming, smooth gaming, and instant web browsing. But then… reality hits. Brutal buffering times, lag spikes, that spinning wheel of bitter disappointment. But how? You’ve got the latest devices, and a high-speed nbn® plan on a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection, so what gives?

It’s a common, soul-crushing scenario; your exciting, brand new tech being held back by a slow or unreliable internet connection. You can spend a fortune on the latest gadgets, but if your Wi-Fi router is hiding in a dusty cupboard (or worse, is older than your dog), those brand-new gadgets could feel just as slow as your old ones. 

If your Wi-Fi setup is outdated or poorly configured, even the most powerful processor and the clearest display may not save you from a sluggish online experience. In particular, if your Wi-Fi router is more than five years old, it may be time to consider whether it’s still suitable for the rest of your tech. Don't let your new gear get held back by a tired old Wi-Fi signal. Let's fix that!

Location, location, location: Where your wi-fi router sits matters

Think of your Wi-Fi router as a mini broadcasting station. Just like a radio station, its signal needs a clear path to reach you effectively. And just like a radio, it struggles with interference and distance. This is why placement is often the easiest win when it comes to optimising your home connection. Here are some quick fixes that can help improve your browsing and streaming:

Bring it out of hiding

While your Wi-Fi router might not match your aesthetic, it doesn't belong tucked away in a cabinet, behind the TV, or under a pile of magazines. These obstacles can act like signal blockers, weakening your Wi-Fi. Give your router some breathing room!

Keep it elevated

Wi-Fi signals spread out and tend to go downwards. So, placing your Wi-Fi router on a shelf at about waist height, mounting it on a wall, or even just putting it on top of a desk rather than underneath it can help its signal reach further and with less interference, bypassing floor-level clutter.

Go central

If your Wi-Fi router is tucked away in a back room, it can struggle to reach devices at the opposite end of your home. Aim for a central spot, ideally where you use your internet the most, to help ensure a more even and stronger signal distribution throughout your entire living space.

Beware of Signal Bullies 

Some household items are notorious Wi-Fi disruptors. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even large metal appliances (like your fridge) can interfere with your signal. Try to keep your router clear of other electronic signals to prevent interference.

How big is the area you're covering?

In bigger or multi-storey homes, a single Wi-Fi router might not be enough to give you the coverage you're looking for. If you've got dead zones, consider whether you’d benefit from a Wi-Fi mesh system. These clever setups use multiple units or 'access points' to create a single, streamlined network that can help with signal strength around your home.

The answer could lie in your device's updates and settings

Beyond the physical placement of your router, there are also some digital tweaks that can possibly make a huge difference. If moving your Wi-Fi router hasn’t solved your connectivity woes, these device optimisations are all about ensuring your gadgets and your Wi-Fi router are properly working together to help get you the best download and browsing speeds.

First up, your Wi-Fi router's firmware. This is basically the operating system for your Wi-Fi router. Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, boost security, and enable compatibility with newer, faster internet standards. An outdated Wi-Fi router firmware can actually prevent your newer devices from reaching their full potential. Most modern Wi-Fi routers have an auto-update feature, but it's worth logging into your router's settings occasionally (usually via a web browser) to make sure everything is current.

Next, there’s your devices themselves. Just like the Wi-Fi router, your laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV all benefit from regular software updates. These can provide network driver improvements and performance enhancements that can directly impact your Wi-Fi speed and stability. Don't hit "remind me later" forever, download those updates!

Finally, a quick pro tip: sometimes, simply switching Wi-Fi channels on your router can make a difference. These Wi-Fi channels can get congested much like lanes on a highway. If too many cars (devices) are using the same lane, traffic (your data) slows down. You can try changing your Wi-Fi channel in your router's settings to a less congested one, and there are online resources you can use to scan for the least crowded channels in your area.

By taking these simple steps – optimising your router's location, keeping its firmware updated, and ensuring all your devices are compatible with your needs – you'll help ensure smoother browsing, faster downloads, and a better online experience across all your devices. So go forth, update, move things around, and give your gadgets the best chance to perform at their peak! 

To find out more tips on improving your internet setup, visit the nbn website.

The VPN — virtual private network — used to have a bit of a dodgy reputation. It was once considered a means for conducting nefarious activities online. These days it just makes sense for everyone to have an extra layer of security when browsing online. Especially when doing things like checking your internet banking.

Without a VPN, your data is effectively open to anyone because it's not encrypted. While most people don't have to worry too much about being spied on, it's still an unnecessary risk. Circumvent that risk by installing a VPN. It's simple enough to find a good quality VPN.

But before you just buy yourself a VPN, we'd recommend getting a router to install it first. It's easier than installing a VPN client into every single device. Confused? It does sound a bit complicated if you're not tech-minded. To help, we've put together a guide and a list of the best routers for VPNs.

What is a VPN?

The world of VPNs can quickly become quite complicated, but we’ll give you a quick rundown. A virtual private network encrypts your activity to shield your data and let you use the internet anonymously. It gives you an extra layer of privacy and security against hackers and data collectors. A VPN on your device will make your IP address untraceable and keep your data secure, which is especially handy if you’re using an unsecured public WiFi network. Even in your own home, a VPN is useful for secure browsing, bypassing some regional restrictions, and more.

How do you install a VPN?

The set-up is where things can get fiddly. One method is to install a VPN client onto every single device in your home. The odds are though, you have multiple devices that connect to your WiFi network, from your laptop and phone to your TV — maybe even kitchen appliances if you've gone all-in with a smart home. Installing a VPN on every device takes time and effort. Instead, you can download a single VPN client directly to your router. That way, every device connected to your router will use the VPN automatically. It's the safest option, especially if you have kids or tech novices in your home, and if you want to keep things secure with minimal hassle.

What is a VPN router?

Routers don’t (usually) have a pre-installed VPN, but you can download a VPN onto them. Some support the OpenVPN standard which means you can configure a VPN with any provider that supports this, while others can have their firmware changed to a third-party alternative that supports VPNs. Setting up a VPN on your router can be tricky. But if you know what you’re doing and you have lots of devices you want to be covered by a centralised VPN, you’ll probably find that the benefit outweighs the trouble — it's certainly less hassle than setting up a VPN on each device separately.

Should you use a VPN with your router?

Configuring your router with a VPN means that any device connected to your router is protected under that VPN. So, you don’t have to get multiple VPNs, and smart devices that can’t otherwise be configured to use a VPN are protected. Most VPN subscriptions limit the number of devices you can connect to, and you have to pay extra if you want to add on any additional devices. Configuring your router to a VPN acts as a sort of loophole that gets around those limitations. Because the router pairs with any device connected to your wireless network, they’re all protected by that one VPN.

One instance where a VPN router is actually very useful is if you happen to own a small business like a cafe where random people will be connecting to your WiFi throughout the day. The VPN router will help protect customers’ data and it falls to the individual if they want protection on their devices once they leave.

What are the downsides to using a VPN on your router?

As already mentioned, VPNs can be a pain to set up. It’s not like downloading an app on your phone. Just looking at the ExpressVPN setup instructions might be enough to discourage the average person from trying. But if you're tech-minded or good at following instructions, you'll be able to master it. We believe in you. And remember that protecting your devices via a VPN on your router means that devices won’t be protected when you leave your home and are no longer connected to your network.

Additionally, not every service you use functions properly under a VPN. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu work to block VPN usage to prevent users from accessing geo-blocked content (i.e. only available in other countries). Banks might also block VPNs to prevent cybercriminals from accessing accounts.

What are the best VPNs to use with routers?

Our top picks are probably NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It's worth taking your time when it comes to selecting a VPN, because there are a lot of different services out there offering similar sets of features. Fortunately, we can help you find the best VPN.

What is the best VPN router?

The decision is ultimately yours and depends on your own smart home set-up and internet usage, but we've done the hard work of researching and put together this list of top VPN routers. There's something for everyone here.

These are the best VPN routers in 2025.

When your emotional energy is running low, it’s easy to fake your way through the day. But leaders who consistently “surface act” by suppressing their true feelings while putting on a front risk falling into a loop of exhaustion and disconnection. Research shows that breaking this cycle doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with these […]

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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 coating.

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

LAYER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

An accused criminal needs a good one.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ALIBI

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Pairs well with olives.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CAPER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A lump.

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

BULGE

Final Hurdle hint

Serious.

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

STERN

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

Windows 10 has reached end of life, which means Microsoft has backed off support for the operating system unless you opt in to get extended service updates. If you've recently switched to Windows 11 and find some of the changes annoying, here are a some ways to quickly fix a few of them.

Checkboxes in Microsoft Excel are a great tool for tracking progress, improving data organization, and adding an extra layer of automation to your spreadsheet. What's more, you can format a whole row in your worksheet when a corresponding checkbox is checked.