Mashable

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is $1,000 off with T-Mobile. To claim this offer, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro   Shop Now

The iPhone Duo is now available to preorder, but actually getting your hands on Apple's first foldable is almost impossible. So what are iPhone fans supposed to do now? Consider the best deals on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro, of course.

For a limited time, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for under $200 when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. That's a ridiculously low rate to pay for a phone that was released just weeks ago.

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the three-year commitment, you will be charged the remaining balance. You're paying an incredibly low upfront cost, but you are committing to stick it out with T-Mobile. That's how they get you.

You do also need to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout. That's something you simply can't escape with this type of mobile carrier deal.

Get the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for under $200 this week with T-Mobile.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 20, the Asus ROG Strix 27-Inch OLED gaming monitor is back to its lowest-ever price of $549 at Amazon. That's $100 off its full price of $649.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Strix 27-Inch Tandem OLED Gaming Monitor $549 at Amazon
$649 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon

While Black Friday sales don't officially start until November, you don't have to wait until then to shop discounted tech. If you're hoping to use the upcoming sale event to upgrade your PC setup with a new monitor, Amazon actually already has some exciting offers available. Among them is the Asus ROG Strix 27-Inch OLED gaming monitor, which is back to its lowest-ever price.

Normally, this Asus ROG Strix monitor is listed for $649, but shoppers can snag it for $100 less right now. Along with that discount, your purchase includes a 90-day free trial of the Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan (if you're a new subscriber).

SEE ALSO: When will 'GTA 6' launch on PC? We may have good news.

In terms of picture quality, this Asus ROG Strix monitor is a stunner, with sharp QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution and a TrueBlack Glossy WOLED display. Because of the latter, colors and contrast in your favorite games will be vibrant and deep, so you can really enjoy every detail while you play. It also features a 280Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, so gameplay is responsive and runs smoothly, with no lag or blur to ruin immersion.

To add to that, this monitor is also NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible and comes with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology, which helps prevent tearing and reduce latency. Plus, it also comes with ASUS OLED Care Pro with a Neo Proximity Sensor to keep the OLED screen protected. This sensor detects when you've moved away from the screen, so it switches the screen to black to help prevent burn-in.

If you're in need of an upgrade, don't wait until Black Friday. Grab the Asus ROG Strix 27-Inch OLED gaming monitor on sale at Amazon now.

There may be quite a lot going on in the world right now, but Trump is laser-focussed on the things that matter — one of which is apparently the renovation of a golf course in Washington D.C. Seth Meyers is, unsurprisingly, unimpressed.

"So gas is over $4 a gallon, inflation's climbing, the Iran war is deadlocked, measles is spreading, AI might kill us, and there's a new strain of drug-resistant, sexually-transmitted diarrhea – sorry to be the bearer of that news – but don't worry everyone, there's going to be a new golf course close to the president's office!" says Meyers, blowing a party popper while confetti rains downs.

"Republicans must be so happy that Trump is finally giving them a closing message to run on. Michigan and Texas are going to be filled with lawn signs that say 'Fore! More years?'"

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $75: The Coway Mighty is on sale for $154.98, saving you $75. Named Mashable's best air purifier value in hands-on testing, this compact unit cleans spaces up to 1,748 square feet and features four-stage filtration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Coway Mighty $154.98 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $75.01   Get Deal at Amazon

You can't always control what gets tracked into your house, but keeping your indoor air clear is a whole lot easier today. The Coway Mighty AP-1512HH(W) is down to $154.98, 33% off its usual $229.99 list price. That gives you a flat $75.01 discount on a heavy-duty home purifier.

In Mashable's hands-on testing of top air purifiers, this unit took top honors as our best air purifier for value. It manages to pack heavy-duty room coverage — cleaning spaces up to 1,748 square feet in 60 minutes — into a sleek, low-profile square frame that sits flat against your wall without hogging floor space.

SEE ALSO: The ultimate air purifier buying guide: Match your space, budget, and needs

Behind the compact front panel sits a four-stage filtration setup. It combines a washable pre-filter that catches pet hair and dust bunnies to protect the inner components, a deodorization carbon filter for kitchen smells, a Bipolar Device, and a true HEPA filter. Together, they pull 99.97% of microscopic particles down to 0.3 microns out of circulation — trapping fine dust, pollen, pet dander, and household odors.

Operation is hands-off thanks to a built-in air-quality sensor that continuously monitors your room and communicates its status via a real-time, color-coded LED display (which you can turn off at bedtime). In Auto Mode, the internal fan automatically adjusts based on current pollution levels to keep power consumption low, while built-in filter indicators let you know when the pre-filter needs a quick rinse or the main filters need replacing.

Breathe easy without suffocating your wallet — grab the Coway Mighty AP-1512HH(W) at Amazon.

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 20, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 upright vacuum is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from $199.99. The top-rated cleaner features a detachable pod for stairs, HEPA filtration, brushroll shutoff for hardwood floors, and specialized pet tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

Keeping your floors clean doesn't require spending half a paycheck on a fancy cordless stick vac. Right now, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from its usual $199.99 list price. That is a flat 25% discount, saving you $50 on a versatile upright vacuum.

The main draw here is the detachable canister pod. Instead of wrestling a full 13-pound upright up a staircase, you press a latch to lift the motor and dust bin off the floor nozzle frame. That turns it into a handheld unit you carry in one hand, while using the stretch hose and wand in the other to tackle couch cushions, baseboards, and ceiling vents.

SEE ALSO: We found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness

When it comes to floor performance, it handles both thick rugs and hard surfaces without forcing you to swap attachments. A handle-mounted switch lets you turn the motorized brushroll off completely, so you can transition from agitating buried dirt out of high-pile carpet to sweeping hardwood or tile without spraying debris across the room. It also uses smooth swivel steering, giving you control around chair legs without straining your wrist.

Inside the machine, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system works alongside a washable HEPA filter. Rather than letting dirty exhaust leak through plastic seams, air is drawn through a fully sealed chamber that traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and fine particles. The package comes with a 0.9-quart clear dust cup, a crevice tool, and a dedicated pet upholstery tool — giving you a heavy-duty setup that skips unnecessary app gimmicks in favor of cleaning power.

Get the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) at Amazon while it's still discounted.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Oct. 20, the Hisense 85-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV is on sale for $797.97 at Amazon. That's a $102.02 discount off its full price of $899.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $797.97 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $102.02   Get Deal at Amazon

Black Friday sales may be starting soon, but why wait until then to upgrade your TV?

Amazon has some great discounts already available on select models. If you're looking to upgrade to a huge new screen for streaming or gaming — especially with GTA 6 dropping soon — the Hisense 85-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV is among the options on sale right now.

You can snag this TV for $797.97 from Amazon, rather than its full price of $899.99. You'll want to add it to your cart quickly, though. It currently has a "limited time deal" tag, so time is of the essence to secure this deal price.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

While its 85-inch screen size is mighty impressive, this Hisense TV's display also boasts 4K resolution, Hi-QLED Color, and Dolby Vision HDR to make what's on screen really pop with stunning colors, contrast, and detail. It even features an AI 4K Upscaler that can enhance low-resolution movies or shows to 4K resolution. On top of that, it supports Dolby Atmos, which makes the audio feel as if it's all around you while you're watching or playing.

Another cool feature of this TV is its AI light sensor, which automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient light to reduce energy use. Plus, it's a smart Fire TV, so streaming exciting new shows this fall is quick and easy from the home screen.

This deal may not be around for long, so be quick to save on the Hisense 85-inch E6 Cinema Series Hi-QLED 4K TV at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Greninja ex Box is on sale for $76.95 at Amazon, down from its $99.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Greninja ex Box $76.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $23.04   Get Deal at Amazon

Among the many 30th Celebration products we’ve covered in the Pokemon TCG, Amazon's Greninja ex Box deals have been hovering around $90 at best, but now they’re well under $80. 

As of Oct. 20, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Greninja ex Box is just $76.95 at Amazon, a $23.04 drop from the $99.99 list price. With 23% off, that’s $12.54 cheaper than the $89.49 Amazon deal we covered back in September. You should also be aware that this deal comes from third-party seller TszDirect, which also handles shipping, with free delivery currently estimated for Oct. 28.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration expansion has launched: Where to buy, best deals, and market price

Walmart has the Greninja ex Box for $64.95, another $12 below Amazon. This comes from third-party seller Midwest Supply. Dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer has listings even lower, with the best for $60.50 at the time of writing — which is only $3.90 above the $56.60 market price.

The Greninja ex Box contains four Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration booster packs of trading cards, a regular foil Greninja ex promo card, and an oversized foil version that you can put on display. Each anniversary booster contains five foil cards, including one of 30 Pikachu illustrations, along with a foil Basic Energy card.

1999 was an amazing year for movies, unleashing such truly iconic cinema as The Matrix, The Sixth Sense, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and 10 Things I Hate About You.

You might scoff at such a comparison. But nearly 30 years since its debut, 10 Things I Hate About You is still regularly referenced online, be it Heath Ledger's wooing dance across stadium risers or Julia Stiles' eponymous final poem. Written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, this inventive and modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew has had us swooning for decades, and counting.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

If Dancing with the Stars, which Stiles is currently competing on, has got you nostalgic for truly terrific and totally entertaining teen movies, we've got you covered. Whether you want to brush up on your Shakespeare, plunge into more hilarious teen heroines' tales, revel in the star power of Ledger and Stiles, or want to remember the highs and lows of high school, we've got you covered with 10 movies like 10 Things I Hate About You.

SEE ALSO: How to watch '10 Things I Hate About You' for free 1. Romeo + Juliet

It's hard to imagine 10 Things I Hate About You would have been made without the runaway success of this Shakespearean adaptation. In 1996, Baz Luhrmann re-imagined the 1597 play in a modern context, where gun-toting, hot-blooded young men favored Hawaiian shirts, and teen love came with a killer soundtrack featuring songs from Garbage, Everclear, and Des'ree. But he kept the language to the original folios, unlike 10 Things.

Leonardo DiCaprio starred as young lover Romeo Montague, who falls hard for Juliet Capulet (Claire Danes), the daughter of a family he's sworn to loathe. But as their romance heats up, so do the tensions between their kinsmen. Blood will spill on both sides, culminating in one of the most tragic moments in all of literature. But props to Luhrmann, for making his Romeo + Juliet distinct, wild, and timelessly cool.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Brian Dennehy, John Leguizamo, Miriam Margolyes, Harold Perrineau, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Sorvino, and Paul Rudd

How to watch: Romeo + Juliet is now streaming on Disney+.

2. She's the Man

Now this Shakespeare adaptation likely got greenlit because of the love for 10 Things I Hate About You. Based on Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night, She's the Man stars Amanda Bynes as Viola Hastings, who has dreams of getting a soccer scholarship to college. So, when her school's funding cuts the girls' team altogether, Viola masquerades as her twin brother Sebastian. What could go wrong? Well, for starters, her ruse gets complicated as she feelings grow for soccer team captain Duke Orsino (Channing Tatum).

Screenwriters Ewan Leslie, Karen McCullah Lutz, and Kirsten Smith transported Shakespeare's plot-line of mistaken identities and related shenanigans, but ditched the old-school dialogue in favor of more contemporary conversation. Unapologetically silly, this sports comedy offers lots of fun while you brush up on your Shakespeare. But the best bit is Bynes, who throws herself full-bodied into every gag.

Starring: Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, Laura Ramsey, Vinnie Jones, and David Cross

How to watch: She's the Man is streaming on YouTube, free with ads, and on Paramount+.

3. Clueless

Based on Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless is another beloved, '90s-set adaptation of classic literature. Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher Horowitz, the Los Angeles equivalent to an eligible, educated, and yet naive young heroine. At her high school, Cher is pretty, popular, and working hard to get straight A's — even if that means matchmaking her teachers. But her main quest is to turn a hapless and unhip new girl named Tai (Brittany Murphy) into a total Betty.

Rather than capture LA teens of the '90s as they were, writer/director Amy Heckerling dreamed up a fantasy world of enviable fashion, a high-tech closet, cool friends, hoppin' house parties, and truly swoon-worthy crushes. The result was a hit movie that proved aspirational and truly iconic. And for some fans, it was a fun introduction to the world of Austen. A true landmark in teen comedies, Clueless is funny, vibrant, and cool.

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Dan Hedaya, Jeremy Sisto, Breckin Meyer, Twink Caplan, Donald Faison, Wallace Shawn, and Elisa Donovan

How to watch: Clueless is now streaming on Paramount+.

4. Easy A

Another book adaptation turned teen movie, Easy A is a 2010 re-imagining of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter. Emma Stone stars as Olive Penderghast, a whip-smart 17-year-old girl who gets slut shamed when a prudish classmate starts rumors about her sex life. Rather than denying the claims, Olive leans in, wearing bustiers to school with a red "A" plastered on them, and accepting gift cards in exchange for letting boys lie about hooking up with her.

Written by Bert V. Royal and directed by Will Gluck, Easy A harkens back to the teen sex comedies of the '80s — but with less problematic sexual politics. Stone is sensational in the lead role of a wise-cracking rebel. Penn Badgley pops up as a love interest in a woodchuck costume. And Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci play parents who are beautiful, funny, and cool in a way that's almost infuriating, because we want to go to there! Hilarious and heartwarming, Easy A is a great choice for a girls night in.

Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Cam Gigandet, Lisa Kudrow, Malcolm McDowell, Aly Michalka, and Stanley Tucci

How to watch: Easy A is now streaming on Paramount+.

5. Save the Last Dance

If you want more of Julia Stiles dancing, you've got to see this 2001 teen drama, co-starring Sean Patrick Thomas (who yes, came out to support her tribute performance on Dancing With the Stars.)

Stiles stars as 17-year-old Sara Johnson, a white Midwestern girl who has ambitions to study ballet at Julliard. However, the unexpected death of her mother not only derails her dreams as she's hit hard by grief, but also forces her to move in with her estranged father, who lives in the South Side of Chicago. Adjusting to inner city life becomes easier when Sara meets Derek (Thomas), a Black classmate who introduces her to hip hop. Opposites attract and the relationship helps Sara get her groove back in this romance that was a smash hit.

Starring: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Kerry Washington, Terry Kinney, and Fredro Starr

How to watch: Save the Last Dance is now streaming on Disney+.

6. A Knight's Tale

Want more of Ledger in a romantic role with a happy ending? Then, ye, merry lover, should look to A Knight's Tale. Writer/director Brian Helgeland put the rising star in the role of valiant knight, sort of.

Based on Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th-century anthology The Canterbury Tales, A Knight's Tale follows a destitute thatcher's son named William (Ledger) as he squires for a drunken knight. When his master unexpectedly dies, William takes his place in a tourney, chiefly to feed himself and his fellows (Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk). But soon, pretending to be a knight offers him not only fortune and honor, but also the attention of a beguiling noble lady (Shannyn Sossamon).

Blending a 14th century setting with a modern sensibility — including a gleefully anarchistic soundtrack of pop music — A Knight's Tale is terrifically entertaining. Ledger is brooding, beautiful, and solidly funny as the central underdog. Plus, Addy, Tudyk, and Paul Bettany bring solid laughs as William's closest friends.

Starring: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Paul Bettany, Alan Tudyk, Shannyn Sossamon, Laura Fraser, Bérénice Bejo, Scott Handy, and James Purefoy

How to watch: A Knight's Tale is now streaming on Paramount+.

7. Josie and the Pussycats

The similarity between 10 Things I Hate About You and Josie and the Pussycats is basically vibes. Based on the Archie comics by Dan DeCarlo, this 2001 musical-comedy follows the titular band, made up of Josie McCoy (Rachel Leigh Cook), Melody Valentine (Tara Reid), and Valerie Brown (Rosario Dawson), as they go from playing a bowling alley to a televised concert that could change the world forever.

Written and directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan, this comic book adaptation is totally bonkers, weaving in a parody of 2000s youth culture with a critique of capitalism. It utterly bombed at the box office, but has gone on to build a cult following in part because of its daffy and deranged sense of humor and a slamming soundtrack. Alan Cumming and Parker Posey pop up to play fabulous and scheming record execs. And songs from Letters to Cleo singer Kay Hanley will have 10 Things fans rocking out.

Starring: Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, Rosario Dawson, Alan Cumming, Parker Posey, Gabriel Mann, Paulo Costanzo, and Missi Pyle

How to watch: Josie and the Pussycats is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Juno

In 2007, Elliot Page became a breakout star with his iconic turn as the titular pregnant teen. Written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman, this coming-of-age comedy follows Juno MacGruff, a teen who's life is thrown into spin when she accidentally gets her eggo preggo by her crush, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). With the support of her less-than-pleased parents (Allison Janney, and J. K. Simmons), she meets with aspiring adoptive parents, Vanessa and Mark Loring (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). But over nine months, Juno learns a lot about this couple and even more about who she wants to be when she grows up.

Cody won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Juno, and it's easy to see why. Rather than trying to encapsulate how teenagers in the '00s were using slang, she made up her own, building a unique world that invited all weirdos in warmly. From there, a vibrant color scheme, a terrific soundtrack from Kimya Dawson, and a cast exploding with chaotic charisma make Juno a timeless tale of growing up.

Starring: Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, and J. K. Simmons

How to watch: Juno is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

9. The Edge of Seventeen

Named after the Stevie Nicks song, The Edge of Seventeen is a sidesplitting comedy about a 17-year-old girl having a comically rough time. Rocked by the death of her father four years before, Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) is a socially awkward misfit who struggles to connect to her image-conscious mom (Kyra Sedgwick) and her popular brother, Darian (Blake Jenner). Plus, she's flailing at getting her crush to notice her. The one person she can depend on is her bestie, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) — that is, until she catches Krista in bed with Darian.

Feeling betrayed, Nadine has an unhinged (and very funny) crash out, which involves turning to her sardonic teacher (Woody Harrelson) for help. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, The Edge of Seventeen is a wonderful movie that masterfully captures the agony and outrageousness of being a teen girl trying to make sense of life, loss, and the real meaning of friendship.

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Kyra Sedgwick, Blake Jenner, Woody Harrelson, and Haley Lu Richardson

How to watch: The Edge of Seventeen is now streaming on Prime Video.

10. Heathers

If you want a darker spin on boy-meets-girl-and-then-upends-the-high-school-hierarchy, check out Heathers.

Set at Westerburg High School in Sherwood, Ohio, this 1989 dark comedy centers on Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder), who is a part of the popular clique of Heather Chandler (Kim Walker), Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty), and Heather McNamara (Lisanne Falk). But Veronica is growing to hate the Heathers for their vanity and cruelty. She finds a twin flame in bad boy J.D. (Christian Slater). Soon, trash talk turns into a comical killing spree.

Definitely darker than 10 Things About You, Heathers is rated R for scenes of violence and irreverent humor around homosexuality, sex, and suicide.

Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, and Penelope Milford

How to Watch: Heathers is now playing for free on Tubi.

TL;DR: Get a second opinion on AI answers with this lifetime subscription to Caveat AI Standard Plan, on sale now for $59.99 (reg. $179).

Opens in a new window Credit: Caveat AI Caveat AI Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$179 Save $119.01   Get Deal

AI can be incredibly helpful — until it confidently gives you a wrong answer. If you’re looking for a tool to give you second opinions on answers from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Copilot, it’s time to meet Caveat AI. This browser extension makes it easy to know which answers to rely on, and right now a lifetime subscription to Caveat AI Standard Plan is just $59.99.

If you’re relying on AI to tackle your daily tasks or even answer basic questions, you’ve probably already realized that it often gives wrong answers. Caveat AI sets out to bridge that gap — adding trust and confidence to your AI answers.

It’s not just another AI tool; Caveat AI works as a browser extension and serves as a fact-check layer for your AI conversations. It supports five platforms — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Copilot — and can detect mission context, flag caution alerts, and even show you a counter-argument AI didn’t mention.

Caveat AI is built on proprietary tech that taps into AI models, letting you rest easy knowing you can confidently work with AI responses. And since it’s an extension, you can review answers without switching tabs.

This lifetime subscription to the Standard Plan provides 20 critical reviews a month. If you need more, it’s easy to purchase extra.

Lock in this lifetime subscription to Caveat AI Standard Plan, on sale now for $59.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Given that Trump's administration recently placed fresh sanctions on the import of Russian oil and gas, it was something of a surprise when the US itself announced a diesel deal with Russia just weeks later.

Nobody was more baffled than Jon Stewart. Speaking in his Daily Show monologue above, the host digs into the reasons behind the deal using a Russian doll as a visual aid, removing a layer whenever he disagrees with something Energy Secretary Chris Wright says in its defence.

"Why would we motivate a group to sell diesel when we just put sanctions on them for selling diesel?" Stewart asks. "Doing the opposite within a month is insane, it's illogical, it's incoherent."

Stewart finishes with a mock call to Starlink customer service, in an attempt to get to the bottom of why the network recently slowed in Ukraine.

TL;DR: Catch recurring charges faster with this lifetime subscription to PocketWise Subscription Manager, on sale now for just $19 (reg. $59).

Opens in a new window Credit: Mind2Matter PocketWise Private Subscription Tracker: Lifetime Subscription $19
$59 Save $40   Get Deal

We’ve all been there — scrolling through a credit card statement only to realize you’ve been paying for a ridiculous subscription for months without knowing it. PocketWise Subscription Manager aims to change that, offering an easier way to track recurring charges in one secure spot.

Right now, you can keep more of your money in your wallet where it belongs and lock in a lifetime subscription to PocketWise Subscription Manager for just $19.

It’s time to take control of your subscriptions once and for all. If you’re tired of accidental charges or double subscriptions, let PocketWise Subscription Manager help you track it all by keeping tabs on every recurring charge on your cards.

Since subscriptions are super easy to start and very tough to remember to cancel, PocketWise reviews your expenses carefully to identify services, memberships, apps, bills, and other recurring charges so you know where your money is going. It also helps you see how much all those small monthly charges add up to and which renewals are coming up next.

Curious how it works? Add your subscriptions in and let PocketWise manage them all. It provides a subscription calendar that lets you see upcoming charges on a convenient timeline, so you don’t have to remember renewal dates. It also shows you the changes in amounts over time.

Unlike the other subscriptions you’re being charged for, PocketWise is a one-time cost, and you can use this tool for life. It keeps your subscription data totally private, with no unnecessary cloud storage of your financial info. It also offers unique tools, like household splitting, if you’re trying to track shared subscription costs among family members or roommates.

This PocketWise lifetime license provides you with unlimited subscription entries. It works on both iOS and Android. Lock in your own lifetime subscription to PocketWise Subscription Manager for just $19 today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you have to be discreet about your quest for a hookup, you're probably going to put a lot of weight on a service that can protect your privacy and anonymity.

But in their quest to eliminate bots, spammers, and self-promoters, many modern dating apps have implemented verification technologies that make it harder to remain anonymous while you swipe left and right. That's where AdultFriendFinder and Pure come in. These two dating services, the first a website and the second an app, still allow their users a reasonable amount of anonymity while they search for like-minded singles.

Here's how AFF and Pure compare in their privacy features and the extent to which users can maintain their anonymity while using these services.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Pure Pure   Learn More Signup requirements

When it comes to privacy concerns, the signup process is extremely significant, because it's the earliest stage at which a dating app or website can start collecting data from you. If privacy and anonymity are top concerns for you, it stands to reason that the less you have to divulge, the less you have to worry about. 

Both AdultFriendFinder and Pure allow faster sign-ins using either a Google account (AFF) or a Google, Facebook, or Apple account (Pure). If you're really concerned about privacy, the smart play here is to create a separate "burner" email account and use it during the sign-up process. 

For both services, the mandatory minimum data you must provide is very similar and is essential to ensuring your experience caters to your needs: date of birth (age), location, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Of course, any photos you upload or additional information you provide will also be stored on their servers.

SEE ALSO: Is AdultFriendFinder legit? Only if you can follow these 4 rules.

The one big difference between the two services is that, because Pure is an app and because it can access your phone's geolocation features, it can track you in real-time, either while you use the app or while you have it installed, depending on your phone's permission settings. While your exact location will never be disclosed to other Pure users, the app will know it, and other users will have a general idea of your proximity, but neither of these things should impose too much on your anonymity, especially if you live in a metropolitan area. 

Winner: Tie

Photo requirements

The next privacy concern comes from mandatory photo sharing. Both AFF and Pure require you to upload photos to your profile, but neither site forces you to show your face, so users who want to remain anonymous on both sites will often upload shots from the neck down or wear a hat and sunglasses to partially disguise their faces. 

The major difference here is that AFF allows nudity, including full-frontal nudity, while even suggested nudity on Pure can result in a temporary account ban. From a strictly privacy perspective, the less you share, the better, especially because if your anonymity is ever blown, the consequences would be worse if naked photos of you were part of the exposure, but sharing these is optional.

It should also be noted that both AFF and Pure offer optional photo verification, which involves sharing photos of your face, but AFF requires you to upload a government-issued ID, while Pure uses an AI-based verification system to match your photos to a live video of you taken from your phone's front-facing camera. From a privacy perspective, we prefer Pure's setup, but because this process is optional on both services, we're not prepared to give either service the edge in the photo requirements department. 

Winner: Tie

Messaging and communication 

If you're really privacy-minded, good news: Pure automatically deletes all chat communications between you and the person or people you're speaking to within 24 hours, unless both parties to the chat agree to turn off the timer. That same self-destruct feature applies to any media you send as well, so both photos and videos are erased within 24 hours. Additionally, you always have the option to manually Clear History or Leave Chat, both of which will instantly delete your chat history for both you and your speaking partner.

AdultFriendFinder is somewhat more complicated, as it offers both a one-on-one messaging platform like a standard dating site and forums, chat rooms, and live webcam feeds, so your security here is heavily dependent on how you use the site. 

SEE ALSO: 6 AdultFriendFinder features other hookup sites lack

One major difference between the two services is that if you delete your account on AFF, your entire chat history is still stored on the servers and remains visible to the people you were chatting with, whereas Pure deletes the chat history for both parties. Because of this, and its self-destructing messaging, we give the edge to the app. 

Winner: Pure

Premium account security

Privacy concerns heighten anytime you have to pay for something online, as not only are you at risk of being defrauded, but your personal information is often inextricably linked to your payment method. Worse still, both AFF and Pure really require premium accounts to get the most of these services, so you should expect to upgrade from the free account sooner rather than later.

Because Pure exists strictly in app form, however, you can only pay for the upgraded membership through your Google or Apple account, using whatever payment methods (debit or credit card) you have linked to your mobile device account. AdultFriendFinder, on the other hand, offers an expansive list of payment methods, including the usual (debit and credit cards) as well as money orders, gift cards, AirTM, and even SMS billing for UK residents. 

When it comes to protecting your privacy, paying with more anonymous options, such as gift cards, helps create an extra layer between your online activities and your data, compared to using your Google or Apple account. We give AFF the edge in this category.

Winner: AdultFriendFinder

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is all about huge games between the best teams in the world, and it really doesn't get any bigger than PSG vs. Barcelona. It's the defending champions against a team that a lot of fans think will go all the way this season. Both teams are absolutely packed with elite talent, so expect dazzling displays from the likes of Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Barcelona in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Barcelona?

PSG vs. Barcelona in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 20. This fixture takes place at the Parc des Princes.

How to watch PSG vs. Barcelona for free

PSG vs. Barcelona is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream PSG vs. Barcelona for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch PSG vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream PSG vs. Barcelona (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream PSG vs. Barcelona in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabah vs. Dortmund in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back this week with some crucial matchups, including Sabah vs. Dortmund. Both teams are on three points after two games, so a win here would help safeguard their position in the top 24. We're expecting a close game that could go either way.

If you want to watch Sabah vs. Dortmund in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sabah vs. Dortmund?

Sabah vs. Dortmund in the Champions League kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Oct. 20. This fixture takes place at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

How to watch Sabah vs. Dortmund for free

Sabah vs. Dortmund is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Sabah vs. Dortmund for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Sabah vs. Dortmund for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Sabah vs. Dortmund (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Sabah vs. Dortmund in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Liverpool vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League returns this week with another batch of fascinating fixtures, including Liverpool vs. Villarreal. The home side are sporting a perfect record after two rounds of games, and they'll expect to secure another three points at Anfield. Villarreal will be tough to beat, but they've shown inconsistent form in La Liga this season.

If you want to watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Liverpool vs. Villarreal?

Liverpool vs. Villarreal in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 20. This fixture takes place at Anfield.

How to watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal for free

Liverpool vs. Villarreal in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK.

You don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

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

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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. Live stream Liverpool vs. Villarreal for free on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Stream Liverpool vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who like the San Francisco 49ers.

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. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.

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

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

SEE ALSO: 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: Get that outta here

• Green: Mountain West

• Blue: 49ers QBs

• Purple: Brodie

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Rejects a Shot

• Green: Mountain West Schools

• Blue: 49ers Career Passing Leaders

• Purple: Associated with Russell Westbrook

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 #757 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Rejects a Shot: BLOCKS, DENIES, STUFFS, SWATS

• Mountain West Schools: HAWAII, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, WYOMING

• 49ers Career Passing Leaders: BRODIE, GARCIA, MONTANA, YOUNG

• Associated with Russell Westbrook: 0, OKLAHOMA CITY, TRIPLE-DOUBLES, UCLA

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 yesterday's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, 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 on to 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 with 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 20, 2026

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 20, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 20 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 20 Pips

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

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

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

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 20 Pips

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically.

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

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

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 20, 2026 Close meaning

The finishing point of a period, event or speech.

End meaning

The final part, limit or conclusion of something in time, space or action.

Stop meaning

To finish, cease or pause an activity, movement or operation

Wrap meaning

To cover, fold, or wind paper, cloth or material around an object or person.

Minion meaning

A humble subordinate, servant or follower who obeys the orders of a powerful boss or leader.

Poodle meaning

A person who is too willing to obey someone else's orders or act as a submissive too.

Puppet meaning

Bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken or fish.

Stooge meaning

A person who is used, manipulated,or paid by someone else to do an unpleasant, dishonest or secret task

Arial meaning

A popular sans-serif font.

Bell meaning

A hollow, cup-shaped metallic object that makes a ringing sound when struck or triggered.

Dock meaning

A raised platform at a warehouse or industrial building used to load and unload trucks or freight trains.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Mini meaning

Something that is very small, short or reduced in size, scope or importance compared to a standard version.

Chevron meaning

A V-shaped or inverted V-shaped figure, pattern or object.

Horseshoe meaning

A U-shaped metal plate, traditionally made of iron or steel.

Pencil meaning

A slender writing or drawing instrument with a solid pigment core.

Walrus meaning

A large marine mammal native to Arctic and subarctic waters.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're obedient.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 19, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cease

• Green: Servant

• Blue: Facial hair

• Purple: Animated roles

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Finish

• Green: Lackey

• Blue: Mustaches

• Purple: Homophones of Disney characters

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 #1226 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Finish: CLOSE, END, STOP, WRAP

• Lackey: MINION, PODDLE, PUPPET, STOOGE

• Mustaches: CHEVRON, HORESHOE, PENCIL, WALRUS

• Homophones of Disney characters: ARIAL, BELL, DOCK, MINI

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you like games.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 20, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: 🦆🦆...🪿

The words are related games.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe child's play.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Duck Duck Goose.

NYT Strands word list for October 20

• Walk

• Chase

• Select

• Duck Duck Goose

• Playground

• Circle

• Game

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

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

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