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With billions of users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet. Viral trends, trending sounds, and popular dances, there's no limit to what can kick off on TikTok.
But while anyone can go viral, some creators have racked up millions of loyal followers. Check out our list of the top TikTok accounts with the most followers.
1. Khaby Lame – 162.5 million followersTikTok's most followed account is none other than the king of the deadpan facial expression, Khaby Lame. His video content primarily involves duets and stitches to over-complicated life "hacks."
2. Charli D'Amelio – 157 million followersCharli D’Amelio rose to TikTok fame during lockdown for her viral dance videos. She very quickly became one of the platform’s most-followed creators and is still holding strong today.
3. MrBeast – 115.3 million followersAlso one of the most subscribed YouTube accounts, MrBeast holds the number three position for TikTok. His content is full of crazy challenges and huge giveaways. His over-the-top generosity has amassed him millions of followers. He also recently went viral for offering to buy TikTok amid the recent ban in America.
4. Bella Poarch – 94 million followersBella Poarch skyrocketed to TikTok fame during the 2020 lockdown when her lip-sync video to M to the B became the platform’s most-liked video. Since then, she has remained popular on the app, even releasing her own single in 2021, Build A B****.
5. TikTok – 89.5 million followersTaking the 5th spot on the most followed accounts is TikTok's own account. It posts celeb interviews, tips and tricks and updates from the CEO, Shou.
6. Addison Rae – 88.4 million followersAddison Rae is another TikToker who blew up during the 2020 lockdown. Her viral dance videos made her one of the platform's biggest stars, a position she still holds strong today. She's now better known for her hit songs, releasing her debut single, Obsessed, in 2021.
7. Kimberly Loaiza – 83.4 million followersKimberly Loaiza is a popular Mexican influencer with tens of millions of followers across not just TikTok, but also YouTube and Instagram. Loaiza has also branched out into music, releasing multiple singles and touring.
8. Zach King – 82.3 million followersZach King's content is a must watch if you love magic tricks, optical illusions and clever editing. One of his videos even became the most viewed. The video made it appear as if he was flying on a broomstick. It became the most-viewed TikTok video in 2019.
9. The Rock – 80.5 million followersThe Rock takes position eight for most followers on TikTok. Much like his famous YouTube account, he shares a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of his life, workouts and even fitness tips for you to follow at home.
10. Will Smith – 79.6 million followersWill Smith's TikTok is the perfect peep behind the scenes for fans to follow along with his life. He posts regularly, sharing day-today snippets of his life, memes and generally hilarious content. He even participated in the recent "anxiety" dance trend, which is based on his Fresh Prince Of Bel Air moves.
SAVE OVER $10: As of May 2, the Lego Star Wars Droideka is on sale for $51.95 at Amazon. That's 20% off its list price of $64.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Star Wars Droideka $51.95 at AmazonMay 4 is coming up this weekend, and if you're on the hunt for deals on Star Wars-related goodies, you're in luck. Quite a few items are already on sale, including a variety of Lego sets. One of our favorite Lego Star Wars deals is on this Droideka model, which has received a 20% discount ahead of the big day.
This has dropped the price of the Lego Droideka set from $64.99 to $51.95, allowing you to save over $10. It's an incredibly cool model to add to any collection.
SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free Grogu models on Star Wars Day. Here’s how to get yours.The Lego Droideka set has 583 pieces that come together to make an awesome looking Droideka droid model. The Droideka’s arms even move and the legs can be reattached to transform it into a ball. It also comes with a stand, an information plaque, and a Lego Star Wars 25th anniversary brick alongside a mini Droideka figure.
Don't miss out on 20% off the Lego Droideka set at Amazon.
There are a few more Lego Star Wars sets that are worth a look right now. Also at Amazon, you can save on the R2-D2 set, The Phantom Menace Mos Espa Podrace Diorama, and the Darth Vader Helmet.
TL;DR: Live stream Draper vs. Musetti in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The second 2025 Madrid Open semi final in the men's draw sees Draper take on Musetti. The Brit has been particularly impressive moving through the rounds, but Musetti is going to be a really tough matchup. A place in this weekend's final is up for grabs.
If you want to watch Draper vs. Musetti in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Draper vs. Musetti for freeThe 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Draper vs. Musetti.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Diallo without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Spain
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Draper vs. Musetti in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.
Place your bets, put on your best hat, and make yourself a mint julep. It's time, once again, for the annual Kentucky Derby.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is the 151st running of the annual horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Coverage of the race will last more than eight hours, but the race itself only lasts a few minutes. Here's everything you need to know to make sure you don't miss the climactic moment — and everything leading up to it.
When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?The 151st Run for the Roses is scheduled for Saturday, May 3. Coverage will last from noon to 7:30 p.m. ET, but the post time for the race itself is set for 6:57 p.m. ET. You'll want to make sure you're tuned in well before that so you don't miss a beat.
Who is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby 2025?Journalism was the early favorite and remains so after drawing the No. 8 post, with 3-1 odds. Next up are Sovereignty (5-1) and Sandman (6-1), which drew the No. 18 and No. 17 post positions, respectively.
How to watch the 2025 Kentucky DerbyKentucky Derby coverage starts at noon on Saturday, May 3, on USA Network and will switch over to NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET. The official post time for the race is 6:57 p.m. ET, and coverage will end around 7:30 p.m. ET. Don't have cable? No problem. Cord-cutters can also stream the Run for the Roses live on Peacock or a paid TV subscription like YouTube TV or Sling.
Peacock subscriptions start at $7.99 per month, while most live TV subscriptions offer introductory trial periods, then start around $46 per month. Don't want to pay full price? Below, we've rounded up the best ways to save money on your subscription.
Best Peacock streaming dealsBest long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get DealWhile a Peacock Premium monthly subscription typically costs $7.99, you can save about 17% by committing to an annual subscription instead. At $79.99 per year, that drops the monthly rate to just $6.67. In other words, you'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. The same goes for the Premium Plus plan without ads; while a monthly subscription would run you $13.99 per month, the price drops down to just $11.67 monthly if you pay for a year up front.
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Get DealSelect Xfinity customers can get a Peacock Premium subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible:
Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can get Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025) for free.
Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
College students can snag a Peacock Premium subscription for just $2.99 per month for an entire year. Just prove your student status using your .edu email address through SheerID, and you'll receive a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just note that the discount code can only be used once.
Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month Get DealFirst responders and medical professionals can score Peacock Premium for just $3.99 per month, so long as they can verify their status via SheerID. Sign up using the unique promo code you receive, and the price will drop from $7.99 to $3.99 per month. First responders and medical professionals who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew the deal annually. Just note that you'll just have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code and secure the discount year after year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.
Best for active military and veterans Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month Get DealActive duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can sign up for Peacock Premium for $3.99 per month as well. As with the previous deals, you'll have to prove your military status using SheerID and retrieve a promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal year after year, but you'll have to verify your status each time.
Best for teachers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months Get DealTeachers can take a bite of Peacock Premium savings as well. So long as you can verify your educator status using SheerID, you'll be able to score the streamer for just $3.99 per month for 12 months. After the promotional period ends, the cost will revert back to full price — currently $7.99 per month — so be sure to cancel before the year is up if you want to avoid that fee.
Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get DealLast year, Peacock and Instacart partnered up to offer paid Instacart+ members free Peacock Premium subscriptions. That's a $79.99 per year value included for no extra cost. Instacart+ subscriptions cost $99.99 per year and include free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, credit back on eligible pickup orders, and more perks. Not to mention, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters before you're charged. That's plenty of time to watch the Kentucky Derby for free (just saying).
Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members (save $79.99) Get DealJetBlue TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can get their first year of Peacock Premium for free. That's $79.99 in savings. Don't have Mosaic status yet? You can sign up for Peacock and score an extra 1,000 TrueBlue points through July 2025. Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.
Best live TV streaming dealsWhile Peacock is the most straightforward option for cord-cutters, it's not the only option. If you're looking to watch the Kentucky Derby live, along with other sports, live TV streaming services like Sling and YouTube TV are also great options. Even better, some offer free trials — so you can watch all eight hours of Derby coverage on NBC for free, then cancel before you're charged the full monthly fee (which can be kind of steep). Here are the best deals for watching the annual horse race and more via live TV streaming. Double-check that NBC is offered in your zip code before you commit to a service.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Blue package $23 for your first month (save $23) Get DealSling TV is by far the most affordable live TV streaming service. The Blue package, which includes access to your local NBC network to watch the Derby live, typically costs $46 per month. However, new users can slash 50% off their first month and pay just $26. And since Sling subscription are a la carte, you can add or take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause at any time.
Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV free 5-day trial, then $59.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV offers a massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes your local NBC network to watch the Kentucky Derby, as well as other local favorites for sports, news, and entertainment. We're not huge fans of its $82.99 per month fee, but through July 31, the streamer is giving new users a sweet introductory offer. You'll get your first five days for free, then your first two months for just $59.99. That's $46 in savings, should you choose to stick around after catching the Kentucky Derby for free during your trial period.
Best free trial: Fubo TV Opens in a new window Credit: fuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99 for first month (save $30) Get DealBesides your local NBC network, Fubo offers the most comprehensive sports coverage of any live TV streamer. So, you can watch live sports and events long after the Kentucky Derby ends — or not. Thanks to a seven-day free trial, you can also tune into the race and cancel before being charged. The choice is yours. Should you choose to stick around, your first month of the Pro plan will cost you $54.99. After that, the price jumps back up to full cost, which is $84.99.
Honorable mentionsDirecTV Stream — $84.99 per month for two years
Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month
TL;DR: Live stream Cerundolo vs. Ruud in the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 Madrid Open semi finals are set with Cerundolo taking on Ruud in the first matchup. We're expecting a really intense battle between two strong players as they look to book their spot in the final this weekend.
If you want to watch Cerundolo vs. Ruud in the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Cerundolo vs. Ruud for freeThe 2025 Madrid Open is available to live stream for free on RTVE, including Cerundolo vs. Ruud.
RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Spain
Visit RTVE
Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Diallo without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for RTVE?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on RTVE, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Spain
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Cerundolo vs. Ruud in the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.
The internet has recently been locked in a fierce and important debate over whether or not 100 men could beat one lone gorilla in a fight — and now, thankfully, Stephen Colbert has weighed in.
In the clip above the Late Show host summarises the debate so far, before turning to his "100 men cam" and addressing the men directly.
"Hey fellas, thanks for taking a break from referring to food as 'fuel'," he says. "I just want you to know that on the whole gorilla thing, you're never going to win. You know where they got the phrase, 'It's on like Donkey Kong'? From Mario's closed casket funeral."
FREE GIFT CARD: As of May 2, Amazon is offering a $100 Amazon gift card with the Google Pixel 9a.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google $100 Amazon Gift Card with Google Pixel 9a Get DealFor a limited time, Amazon is offering a $100 Amazon gift card for free when you purchase the Google Pixel 9a. A free gift card deal is hard to beat.
This offer applies to both the 128GB and 256GB phones, so you can pick the best option for you. There's so much that you can put the gift card towards, too. Whether you want to pick up a case for the phone or treat yourself to something else entirely, it's a nice sum of bonus cash to have on-hand. This offer is currently listed as a limited-time deal, so you'll want to act fast to scoop it up with this promotion.
SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: What are the differences?We had high praise for the Google Pixel 9a in our review. Writer Alex Perry said, "For the price, you're getting a solid smartphone with a decent processor (the same as the Pixel 9), excellent battery life, and good cameras. In fact, it makes the Pixel 9 seem obsolete." We labelled this device as "the budget smartphone to beat in 2025".
Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to score a $100 Amazon gift card with the Google Pixel 9a.
You can also score some great deals right now on the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the Google Pixel Watch 2 at Amazon.
SAVE $90: As of May 2, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is on sale for $209.99 on Amazon. That's a 30% savings on list price, and the lowest it has ever been priced at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $209.99 at AmazonIf a smartwatch upgrade is on your wishlist, you can't miss out on this latest deal on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. As of May 2, this impressive watch is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, so you're getting a truly great deal (and if you need more convincing, take a look at what we thought when we compared it to the Apple Watch Series 9).
Only released last summer, the watch has already seen several discounts, but none as low as this. The watch is currently priced at $209.99, a 30% saving on the list price.
SEE ALSO: Take home a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite tablet for 25% off at AmazonThe Galaxy 7 Watch is still somewhat similar to its predecessor, but this version benefits from Galaxy-AI. This includes starting your day with a personalized Energy Score, a stat based on what you did the day before, how you slept, and how much activity you've done. It includes all the usual data, such as sleep monitoring, fitness levels, and heart rate tracking, but at a much more advanced level.
With sleep tracking, this watch can signal whether you may be suffering from sleep apnea. While you sleep, the watch tracks your breathing patterns and oxygen levels, using AI to identify issues that may indicate episodes of sleep apnea. Galaxy AI also improves the fitness tracking too, using your previous workout data to give you an idea of how you are progressing. Whether you're running, cycling, swimming, or whatever else, the Galaxy Watch 7 will give you great stats and insights.
This deal won't stick around for long, so head to Amazon to secure this low price.
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 MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, May 2, 2025:
AcrossDo some legwork?The answer is Squat.
The answer is Gulch.
The answer is Tatty.
The answer is From.
The answer is Fare.
The answer is Sgt.
The answer is Quaff.
The answer is Ultra.
The answer is Actor.
The answer is Thyme.
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 GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Plan of action
Green: Found in the Tar Heel State
Blue: You'd ride one of these
Purple: Old school basketball teams
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Approach to a game
Green: North Carolina teams
Blue: Bicycle brands
Purple: Former NBA team names
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 #221 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayApproach to a game - PLAN, SCHEME, STRATEGY, TACTIC
North Carolina teams - HORNETS, HURRICANES, PANTHERS, WOLFPACK
Bicycle brands - GIANT, HUFFY, MONGOOSE, SCHWINN
Former NBA team names- BOBCATS, NATIONALS, ROYALS, SUPERSONICS
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
The Apple AirPods Max recently got support for lossless audio, which is a big deal if you care about high-fidelity sound. But can you actually hear the difference?
The short answer: Yes, you absolutely can.
Of course, if you're not an audio nerd like me, it may not be worth going through all the trouble required to set up lossless audio on the AirPods Max headphones, which already sound great without it.
That's the short answer. For the long answer, let's go ears-on.
The AirPods Max headphones get an important updateThe AirPods Max are a bit of an odd product. They're the most expensive, and by far the best-sounding, headphones that Apple sells, and yet they feel a bit neglected. Apple launched them in 2020, and only updated them in 2024 with just one, fairly minor difference: a USB-C port instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
And despite the fact that Apple has supported lossless and high-resolution lossless audio for years, the AirPods Max did not support this codec in any way, shape, or form.
Even worse, the new USB-C version of the AirPods Max had a key downgrade compared to their predecessor — they were wireless only. You couldn't get sound to them via the USB-C cable, which was solely for charging. Both of these issues are solved with the latest firmware update for the AirPods Max (version: 7E101), in combination with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.
Now, your AirPods Max can receive audio via a USB-C cable, with support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio. However, there are certain caveats here (more on that later).
Yeah, they look better without the cable. Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableWith this firmware update, the AirPods Max also received support for low-latency audio, which is important for gamers and music creators.
How to enable lossless audio on the AirPods MaxIf you have the latest firmware installed on the AirPods Max, and if your sound source — an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook — is also up to date, then you can now listen to lossless audio. You can also use third-party software as your music player of choice and still go lossless, but I'll focus on Apple Music here for simplicity's sake.
There are limitations, though. Lossless does not work wirelessly. You must connect the AirPods Max to a sound source via a USB-C cable. On a Mac, if you click on the sound icon in the menu bar, the description will say that your AirPods Max are connected via USB Audio.
If this doesn't say "USB Audio," then you're not listening to lossless sound quality. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableAlso, the AirPods Max only support lossless up to 24-bit, 48 kHz quality. Apple Music can go up to 24-bit, 192 kHz quality, but it will be wasted on the AirPods Max. (Unless you're a professional who needs reference-class sound, that's probably not an issue.)
To make sure I'm getting actual lossless audio, I turned off Bluetooth on my MacBook Pro. I enabled "Lossless Audio" in Apple Music settings and set it to "Lossless" for both Streaming and Download. I turned Dolby Atmos off. On the AirPods Max, I didn't use Transparency or Noise Reduction as those can affect sound quality.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that I had some trouble getting the AirPods Max to work via USB-C. After a lot of tinkering with my MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and iPhone 16e, I've realized that all of them ran the latest beta software from Apple, and that that may be the culprit (even though the beta software came out after the required firmware update). When I switched to an older MacBook Pro that had macOS Sequoia 15.4 installed, the AirPods Max finally started receiving audio over the USB-C cable. Most people don't run beta software, so this shouldn't be a big issue.
What is lossless audio anyway?Mashable already has a comprehensive guide to lossless audio and hi-res audio. Simply put, lossless audio has no data compression, and therefore no data loss, in contrast to lossy audio (including MP3 and AAC formats), which compresses some data to save on bandwidth or file size.
Lossless audio, by definition, sounds truer to the original recording than lossy audio. But whether you'll be able to hear the difference is another matter, and it depends on your ears, the type of music you listen to, the quality of the recording, and the hardware you use (in this case, the AirPods Max).
As for high-res audio, there are differing opinions on this, especially in the hi-fi community. But it's safe to say that it's very hard to hear the benefits unless you're listening on very expensive, high-end audio hardware. The AirPods Max are not that.
Where does LDAC fit into this? LDAC stands for Lossless Digital Audio Codec, and it's a Sony audio codec for high-resolution audio. Despite the name, it's not a true "lossless" codec, and the audio is compressed to some degree. Apple AirPods Max don't support LDAC, and that hasn't changed with the latest update.
Do the AirPods Max sound better with lossless audio?The AirPods Max already have a very pleasant, balanced sound. They're not overly bassy, which is good, and if I had to find a weakness across the frequency range, I could perhaps use a little more clarity and loudness in the midrange. Audiophiles will call this a "V" shaped sound: bass and treble are slightly pronounced, while midrange tones are slightly recessed, which works for rock and electronic music, but it can leave intimate, acoustic performances a bit lacking.
The AirPods Max are already fairly heavy, and the cable's additional pull doesn't help. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThese headphones are physically big, with lots of space around your ears, which helps create an airiness that closed over-the-ear headphones rarely possess. This airiness helps create a pretty wide sound stage, which is especially important when listening to live performances. In fact, this may be the best feature of Apple's over-the-ear headphones: Yes, they're big on your head, but they truly convey a sense of space. I've compared them directly against B&W's PX (also connected by wire), and after Apple's headphones, the B&Ws sound cramped.
There's also a lot of detail here. During Ryan Adams' live performance at Carnegie Hall, you can hear individual audience members stirring in their seats. You'll hear the chairs creaking in Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto's excellent 1964 live rendering of the "Girl from Ipanema." To be fair, you'll hear those same details, and perhaps even clearer, on the B&W PX, but Apple's headphones are a close second.
One day, lossless, wireless audio will be a thing. But it hasn't happened yet. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableSo the AirPods Max are pretty good. But can you hear the difference between lossless and Apple's lossy, AAC compression? The answer, to me, is yes. Wirelessly, when the signal switches to lossy, everything still sounds crisp, but that sense of openness is gone, especially on live recordings. Snarky Puppy's Lingus just feels a lot less airy, with instruments seemingly being cramped into a narrow, vertical plan right in front of you. Switching back to lossless, and the complex interplay between the instruments is easier to digest as each individual instrument has more space to breathe.
It's not a huge difference, but it is there. And arguably, the airiness that these headphones provide is their best trait, and it's a shame to lose it.
A few things to considerThe AirPods Max are a wireless-first product. Some of their convenience features require Bluetooth, and something is lost when you have to use a cable. For instance, the USB-C cable that Apple supplies with the AirPods Max is barely long enough for comfy listening.
The AirPods Max: Still relevant after 5 years. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableWith this recent update, the AirPods Max enter an entirely new category of headphones. Wireless-only headphones that don't support high-resolution, high-fidelity audio are a niche. Wired headphones that support lossless are a far larger niche with a very different set of competitors, with prices ranging from a couple hundred bucks to thousands of dollars (for the ultra high-end models). The AirPods Max can now meaningfully compete with both types of products.
Should you buy the AirPods Max?The AirPods Max are, essentially, five years old, but we never really knew what they were capable of. The newly-added ability to reproduce lossless audio lets them shine, and yes, these headphones are really good, perhaps surprisingly so.
Whether lossless changes anything for you is another question. I'm pretty sure you won't hear the difference listening with noise cancellation on, in the subway, on a crowded street, or on a plane. The nuanced sound improvements will only shine through when you're focused and listening in a quiet place. If that's something that you do often, the AirPods Max will reward you.
What you probably shouldn't do is buy the AirPods Max purely for wired, lossless listening. There are better-sounding, wired headphones out there for less money (the AirPods Max cost $549). Apple's headphones are a good all-rounder, and the ability to reproduce lossless audio is just the icing on the cake.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $499.99 at AmazonWhat I listened to while testing:
Jason Isbell: Foxes in the Snow
Ryan Adams: Live at Carnegie Hall
Bossa Nova: Verve Jazz Masters 53: Stan Getz
Sleep Token: This Place Will Become Your Tomb
Snarky Puppy: We Like it Here
FREE E-BOOK WITH PRIME: As of May 2, Amazon Prime members can score a free e-book with Amazon First Reads.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon First Reads Prime members get one free e-book. Non-Prime members pay $1.99. Get DealPrime Members get a lot of benefits with their plan. Great TV shows and films, next day delivery and of course, big sales events like the Big Spring Sale and Prime Day. But did you know about the monthly free book?
At the start of each month, Prime Members can pick one book from the First Reads selection that's added to their Kindle library, at no cost. The options are refreshed every month, so the May selection is now live. There are eight books to choose from, and one children's picture book. Not a Prime member? Don't worry, you don't have to miss out on the fun. While the e-books aren't free for non-members, they are reduced down to the low price of $1.99.
SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025Books are broken down into various genres, covering everything from historical fiction, psychological thriller, and women's fiction, so there's really something for everyone. May's e-book titles include A Sky Full of Love by Lorna Lewis, Family & Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter, and Homemaker by Ruthie Knox.
Don't miss out on your free e-book this month.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle (16GB) $109.99 at AmazonThe Apple Watch takes the route of a standard smartwatch. In its over 10 iterations, it's kept its signature OLED display and assortment of wristband options, but it's gotten smaller and thinner over the years.
Meanwhile, the Oura Ring is the newest type of fitness tracker: the smart ring. The Oura Ring 4 looks like a classic band, just maybe a little thicker than your average wedding band. It comes in six finishes: silver, black, brushed silver, stealth, gold, and rose gold. It also comes in a wide range of ring sizes, from four to 15.
As you might guess, the Apple Watch feels like a standard watch model. It's lightweight; the latest Series 10 model ranges from 29.3 to 36.4 grams in weight, and rather than a classic watch face, it has either a 42 or 46-mm OLED watch face. That leaves plenty of room to check and reply to texts or view your health metrics. It's a slim fit that doesn't get in the way, so you can wear it all day. The wristband tends to make the watch feel stiff while you're trying to sleep, however. And it's not the most aesthetically pleasing device — don't ask the internet about wearing an Apple Watch to a wedding unless you want an earful.
Meanwhile, the Oura Ring has a far more unobtrusive design. It's 2.88mm thick and 7.9mm tall, so it's certainly not a slim fit, but in my experience, it doesn't interfere with your grip either. It looks like any old ring at a distance, but it packs a lot of biometric sensing in a small package, so if you want an inconspicuous tracker, go for Oura.
Both devices are waterproof, so you can wear them around the clock, even if you go swimming or take a shower. I should note that the Apple Watch is only for iOS users, while the Oura Ring can work with iOS and Android.
Winner: Oura Ring
Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Fitness trackingThe real priority with both of these devices is fitness tracking—that's why you're investing in this gadget after all. Both will monitor your activity, letting you log your type of activity and tracking your heart rate, steps, and distance, but they each do it in different ways.
With the Apple Watch, the primary sensor under the watch face sits on the wrist to gather biometric data. The smartwatch has two apps, Workout and Fitness. Workout is where you start and end workouts, and you can see your distance, pacing, and heart rate right on your wrist. The Fitness app shows you the total calories burned, hours of standing, and minutes of exercise, all of which you can check directly on the watch. Plus, if you forget to start a workout, the Apple Watch is good at sensing activity and can remind you to start a workout.
Since the Oura Ring takes a screenless approach, to see all of your health data, you need to open your smartphone and go into the Oura app. Within the app, you can start workouts and see your step count, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Like the Apple Watch, Oura's sensors are smart at detecting activity. If you forget to log a workout beforehand, Oura will give you a list of activities to review in hindsight.
Based on ease of access to health data and phone-free approach, the Apple Watch wins for me. Plus, when used together, you can track your workouts on an Apple Watch and import that data into the Oura app.
Winner: Apple Watch
Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Sleep trackingAs mentioned, the Apple Watch isn't my preferred sleep tracker based on comfort alone. The silicone and metal bands tend to be stiff, causing wrist discomfort overnight. Apple Watches struggle to last 24 hours on battery life, and constant charging can be a pain.
On the flip side, the Oura Ring is the perfect sleep tracker. If you already wear rings on your fingers around the clock, then the Oura Ring feels no different. You might feel discomfort if your hand swells at night, but that's all.
The Oura Ring is also exceptionally good at detecting sleep. Not only does it track how long your sleep, but also the different cycles you go through, such as REM and deep sleep. Plus, the Oura Ring makes long-term calculations. After 90 days of wear, the Oura Ring will calculate your chronotype so you can learn when your body naturally wants to rest.
Winner: Oura Ring
Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Battery life While the Apple Watch lasts 24 hours, the Oura Ring goes for days. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableWhen it comes to battery life, it's a no-brainer which device takes the cake. The Oura Ring's battery life lasts nearly a week, while the Apple Watch lasts up to 24 hours max. Both charge fairly quickly and can charge within an hour. So, if you want a device with superb battery life, allowing you to track every waking and sleeping moment of your day, the Oura Ring is the only option.
Winner: Oura Ring
Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Smart featuresThe Oura Ring offers a ton of health tracking perks — it even connects to other health apps like Clue or Natural Cycles. However, it's just a fitness tracker, albeit a very good one.
The Apple Watch provides much more than fitness tracking. iOS users receive iPhone notifications on their watch and can even take calls or reply to texts. Plus, you can connect to Spotify and other apps, all without pulling out your phone. So, if you want more bang for your buck, it's the Apple Watch.
Winner: Apple Watch
Apple Watch vs Oura Ring: CostRegarding cost, the Oura Ring and Apple Watch are fairly aligned. The Oura Ring starts at $349 but ranges to $499 based on your color choice. The Apple Watch is slightly more expensive, starting at $399 and going up to $1,049 if you splurge on titanium and stainless steel models (we don't think that's necessary; the aluminum models are great).
The biggest hiccup in cost comes with the Oura Ring. In addition to the upfront cost, you must pay a monthly subscription to access the full range of Oura's features. Monthly membership costs $5.99 a month or $69.99 annually.
Winner: Apple Watch
Our winner: Use the Oura Ring and Apple Watch together An Apple Watch and Oura Ring work better together. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableIn my mind, the Oura Ring and Apple Watch are both winners; it just depends on what you need. If you're already on the iOS system and want a fitness tracker, the Apple Watch is a no-brainer. It provides detailed workout summaries and monitors your health data in an easy-to-access package. Just a few taps on the wrist show your step count and daily calories burned.
If you don't like the look of an Apple Watch and prefer the discreet design of a smart ring, then the Oura Ring is the ideal choice. It's the best smart ring we've tested, and it provides more comfortable sleep tracking than the Apple Watch. Not to mention its nearly week-long battery life.
But what if you want easy access to smartwatch features on your wrist and the 24/7 monitoring of a smart ring? Then get both. In comparing these devices and wearing them simultaneously, I found that they work better together than apart. I like being able to start my workouts on my watch and have them automatically uploaded to the Oura app. But the Oura Ring provides overnight sleep tracking, so my Apple Watch doesn't have to.
Get the Oura Ring and Apple Watch If you know your ring size Oura Ring 4 in silver $399 Shop Now If you don't know your ring size Oura Ring sizing kit $10 Shop Now Best Apple watch for most people Apple Watch Series 10 $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best budget Apple Watch Apple Watch SE $169 (save $80) Get DealStill can't decide? Dive into our reviews of the Oura Ring 4 and the Apple Watch Series 10.
At Jupiter's north pole, powerful storms the size of Australia or bigger are wrapped in 100 mph winds.
After analyzing years of data from NASA's Juno mission, scientists have observed the long-term movements of its huge polar cyclone, along with the eight others surrounding it.
Meanwhile, on Jupiter's moon Io, the most volcanically active world in the solar system, the spacecraft discovered that still-warm lava flows just beneath its crust.
These are some of the new eye-opening observations Juno has made while orbiting the gas giant planet, some 544 million miles away in space. The findings, presented at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly meeting in Vienna this week, should help scientists better understand how planets and moons cycle heat inside them — something that affects weather, volcanic activity, and even how surfaces change over time.
"As Juno’s orbit takes us to new regions of Jupiter’s complex system, we’re getting a closer look at the immensity of energy this gas giant wields," said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno, in a statement.
SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft saw something incredible near Jupiter's Great Red Spot Juno observes volcanic vents erupting on Jupiter's moon, Io. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Andrea LuckThe team is also learning about Io's energy. A volcanic eruption discovered during Juno's flyby in late December 2024 — the most energetic in the moon's history — was still spurting lava and ash as of March 2. Scientists think it's likely still going strong today.
One of the big surprises: Despite the moon's cooled crust, the data shows Io maintains liquid hot lava just below the ground. In fact, about 10 percent of the surface has lava underneath it. That may have something to do with how Io keeps its surface looking so new.
"Io’s volcanoes, lava fields, and subterranean lava flows act like a car radiator," said Shannon Brown, a Juno scientist, in a statement, "efficiently moving heat from the interior to the surface, cooling itself down in the vacuum of space."
On one of Juno's recent trips around Jupiter, the spacecraft — which has been orbiting the planet since 2016 — used so-called "radio occultation" to send a signal through Jupiter’s thick atmosphere and measure how the waves bent. From this, they learned that the air at the north pole is about 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than the areas around it.
Unlike Earth's hurricanes, which usually form near the equator and break up as they migrate closer to the poles, Jupiter’s storms loiter at the poles in what seems to be a grand display of organized chaos: The cyclones ping off each other, stabilizing the entire configuration, and slowly rotate in lockstep around a large central storm.
Jupiter's massive cyclones at the planet's north pole. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / ASI / INAF / JIRAMJupiter, which has no solid surface, is quite different from our home planet, but researchers say studying its weather, internal activity, and system of moons can actually help scientists better understand Earth. It's an enormous natural laboratory, where researchers can see extreme versions of processes that also happen here.
Scientists have created computer models that simulate weather and climate, based on laws of physics that govern all planets. By watching wind, heat, and pressure at play on Jupiter, scientists can improve their understanding of weather systems generally and ensure the accuracy of those models.
Juno is expected to swing by Io again on May 6. The spacecraft will pass within 55,000 miles of the moon, allowing scientists to know whether that massive eruption indeed continues.
"One of the great things about Juno is its orbit is ever-changing, which means we get a new vantage point each time as we perform a science flyby," Bolton said. "We’ve built Juno like a tank and are learning more about this intense environment each time we go through it."
TL;DR: Scan and save old film negatives and slides with Kodak Slide N Scan for $164.97 through May 4 and preserve memories for future generations.
Ever stumble across a box of old slides or negatives and wish you could see what’s on them without having to dig up a decades-old projector? With the Kodak Slide N Scan Film Scanner, you can easily digitize those precious memories and bring them back to life, all from the comfort of your home.
This simple, intuitive device helps you relive the moments you once thought were lost to time. Imagine your parents’ wedding photos, nostalgic childhood snapshots, or long-forgotten vacation memories made digital — the Slide N Scan does just that, making it easy to preserve your family’s history and share it with generations to come. Grab it for $164.97 (reg. $224) through May 4.
Open up that dusty box of film from the attic to get started. This scanner supports 35mm, 126, and 110 film and slides,and includes a 5-inch LCD screen to preview your photos before saving. You’ll also get built-in tools to adjust color, rotate images, and make quick edits. No complicated photo-editing software is needed.
The Kodak Slide N Scan isn't just any gadget — think of it as your time machine. Older family members can reconnect with their past, and younger generations can finally put faces to names in the family tree. It’s a meaningful way to preserve and celebrate your family’s legacy, especially when so many memories are trapped in outdated formats.
Whether you’re an amateur archivist or just want to gift Grandma a trip down memory lane, this scanner merges nostalgia and functionality in one gadget.
Don’t miss your chance to grab the Kodak Slide N Scan for just $164.97. Act before supplies sell out, or before this price drop expires on May 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $164.97TL;DR: Create AI images without monthly fees when you get an Imagiyo lifetime subscription for $29.
AI image generators started out pretty basic. Remember when Dall-E couldn't even render a face? The technology has improved rapidly, and some of the old staples like Midjourney are already becoming outdated. Imagiyo is a new type of image generator that you can use personally or commercially, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $29 (reg. $345).
A lifetime of art at your fingertipsWhether you’re an artist visualizing different ideas, a marketer creating eye-catching images for ads, or someone who wants stunning artwork for social media, Imagiyo can handle it. Powered by advanced AI algorithms like StableDiffusion, Imagiyo translates text prompts into detailed, vibrant images that suit your needs. Want a fantasy landscape? Just describe it. Need a realistic product mockup or abstract digital art? Imagiyo’s AI can generate it in seconds.
One of the things that makes Imagiyo different from other AI art tools is that it supports multiple image sizes, so whether you’re crafting a desktop wallpaper or a precise social media graphic, Imagiyo has you covered.
You can even generate NSFW content using ModelsLab’s Stable Diffusion AI model, as long as you mark it as “PRIVATE.” Every image you create is saved and available for download, so you can build your collection without worrying about losing your work.
Imagiyo’s user-friendly interface makes the creative process smooth and intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy. There are no watermarks to deal with, and the images you create are yours to use however you want. Plus, with 250 images per month, you can experiment and produce content without feeling restricted.
It's only $29 to get an Imagiyo subscription that lasts for life.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription $29TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 2TB of secure, easy-to-use cloud storage with FileJump for just $69.97 (reg. $467) while supplies last.
Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $69.97Looking to do some personal spring cleaning and get more organized? Start by tackling your digital clutter with FileJump’s 2TB lifetime cloud storage plan. For just $69.97 (reg. $467), you can back up your files, free up your devices, and ensure your important documents, photos, and videos are always accessible and secure.
FileJump is the ultimate "Goldilocks" of cloud storage, striking the perfect balance between affordability and premium features. Unlike other solutions that lock you into monthly subscriptions, FileJump’s lifetime plan offers peace of mind with a one-time payment. Plus, its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes organizing files user-friendly.
Need to share large files? FileJump lets you send links or provide access to team members, making collaboration seamless. And with built-in preview support for images, videos, and even Excel spreadsheets, you can quickly view your files without downloading them first.
Anyone worried about keeping their most important files off in a cloud somewhere can rest assured that FileJump takes security seriously. Your files are protected with AES encryption, ensuring sensitive data stays safe.
FileJump’s 2TB of storage gives you plenty of space to back up your life — from work projects to cherished memories — and access them anytime, anywhere. With support for large files up to 15GB, it’s perfect for creative professionals, families, and anyone juggling multiple devices.
This new year, set yourself up for success by getting organized. FileJump’s lifetime plan ensures you’ll never have to worry about running out of space or paying recurring fees. And if you still need a last-minute gift, this digital subscription doesn't require shipping time.
Get lifetime access to 2TB of secure cloud storage with FileJump for just $69.97 (reg. $467).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get a refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) on sale for $449.99 (reg. $1,799).
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $449.99MacBooks are reliable, versatile, and just all-around solid computers. The only problem is the price, but you can get around that if you can find a good sale. That's how you can get this refurbished Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for only $449.99 instead of $1,799.
A MacBook Pro for a fraction of the priceA 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed and a 3.8GHz Turbo Boost makes multitasking seamless whether you're getting work done at the office or powering through your to-do list at home. Pair that with 16GB RAM, and you have a solid all-purpose computer.
Go ahead and save your important data right on the MacBook Pro, thanks to the 512GB SSD, no clunky external hard drives or expensive cloud storage necessary.
A 13.3-inch Retina display is armed with Intel Iris Plus Graphics and provides stunning visuals that make everything vibrant, from games to boring work emails. And Apple's signature True Tone Technology adjusts the screen color so you experience reduced eye strain.
This laptop has a Magic Keyboard that truly lives up to its name, offering a comfy experience with responsive typing. It also comes with a Touch Bar for easier access to shortcuts.
Other cool perks include an impressive 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, four Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, and Touch ID for easy logging in.
Wondering how you score the deep discount on this model? This particular MacBook comes with a grade A refurbished rating, which means it shows up at your door in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use.
Bring home a MacBook Pro for just $449.99. You won't find a better price anywhere online.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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