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Xiaomi's Ultra line of phones has always been about one thing: Peak camera performance. The new Xiaomi 17 Ultra, launched ahead of MWC 2026 in Barcelona, pushes the boundaries once more, though it suffers from similar setbacks as its predecessors.
Note that there was no Xiaomi 16 Ultra; the company decided to skip that number and go straight from the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra to Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, likely to "catch up" with Apple, whose latest models also bear the number seventeen. Despite the change, the new Xiaomi phones are very much an evolution of last year's flagship models.
SEE ALSO: MWC 2026: What to expect at the world's largest phone showOn the phone side of things, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is an extremely capable Android smartphone, with a 6.9-inch, 120Hz OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, 16GB of RAM, 512/1024GB of storage, and a 6,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. It comes in three colors: Black, White, and the sparkly Starlit Green (Xiaomi sent me a black unit, but the Starlit Green looks way cooler).
The 6.9-inch OLED display is excellent. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableWhere the Xiaomi 17 Ultra differs from the regular Xiaomi 17, which also debuted here in Barcelona, is mainly in screen size (6.9 vs. 6.3 inches), and the camera. The Ultra's got a massive, Leica-branded camera array on the back, with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 200-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, coupled with a 50-megapixel selfie camera on the front.
At 8.29mm thickness and 218 grams of weight, it's the thinnest and lightest Xiaomi Ultra phone ever. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe 200-megapixel, 75-100mm telephoto camera gives this phone otherworldly zoom capabilities, with up to 17.2x of "optical-level zoom." I've tried it out, and was able to take usable photos at 100x zoom or more, far beyond in the distance than what my naked I could see.
Left: This is what the XIaomi 17 Ultra's telephoto camera can do. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableVenture that far out, and AI takes the reins quite heavy handedly, which you'll see in the way the system recreates the letters of a sign you took in the distance. Still, if you like the idea of having a camera that can take sharp photos of a flower that's a hundred yards away, this is the phone to do it with.
Left: Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: The zoom on this phone is so good, it's worth providing another example. It's like having a set of binoculars. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableTo add an exclamation point to the phone's camera capabilities, Xiaomi also sells two optional photography kits which consists of two different cases that turn the phone into something that really looks like a compact camera, and add a few buttons, visual details, and battery life to the mix. The smaller Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit makes more sense to me as the phone still retains somewhat normal dimensions; the two-part Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro makes it a bit too big for my taste.
The photography kits look cool, but they make the phone a lot bulkier. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe kits, as cool as they may be, illustrate the most obvious drawback of this phone: it's too much of a camera. It's top heavy, has a smaller battery than the regular Xiaomi 17, and – due to its massive camera bump on the back – doesn't support Xiaomi's wireless, magnetic battery. Don't get me wrong, this is one powerful phone, but it's primarily aimed at photography enthusiasts. Kudos to Xiaomi for making the Ultra lighter than ever, though at 218 grams it's still not exactly lightweight.
Xiaomi's strategy when it comes to phones, tablets, and accompanying accessories, appears to be pretty simple: Make it as Apple-like as possible, while still using the best that the Android ecosystem has to offer.
The company's new Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro, launched during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, is no different. It's a powerful, 11.2-inch tablet with slim black bezels, a metallic unibody frame, and a set of accessories that can turn it into a compact, portable computer, including a pen and two different keyboards.
The Xiaomi Magic Keyboard Pro Focus. Sounds pretty familiar, doesn't it? Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableInside, you'll find a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a 9,200mAh battery, 8/12GB of RAM, 128/256/512GB of storage, and quad speakers with Hi-Res audio and Dolby Atmos support. The 50-megapixel main camera on the back coupled with a 32-megapixel selfie camera sounds like overkill for a tablet, but then again, why not?
SEE ALSO: MWC 2026: What to expect at the world's largest phone showAll tablets look similar. But having spent some time with the device I can tell you that the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro really wears its influence on the sleeve. Its dimensions are nearly identical to the 11-inch iPad Pro, down to the thinness and weight (Xiaomi: 5.75mm and 485 grams, iPad Pro: 5.3mm and 444 grams), and Xiaomi's Magic Keyboard Pro Focus is a dead ringer for Apple's Magic Keyboard (XIaomi also offers a more portable version called the Xiaomi Magic Keyboard Pro). Heck, even the Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro looks pretty much exactly like Apple Pencil.
There's an optional pen, and another, lighter keyboard on offer as well. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe good news is that Xiaomi's tablet and accessories all quality-made, so if you don't mind the similarities with Apple, you don't have to worry about them not being good. In other words: It's not just a cheap knock-off.
In fact, Xiaomi's tablet beats its competitors in several regards. Both of its cameras are pretty amazing for a tablet. It has fast 67W charging. The 3.2K display is as crisp as they come. Battery seems to lasts forever if you're browsing or reading, or even using it as a secondary display (yes, you can do that even if you have a Mac). Sure, the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro not an absolute powerhouse like the iPad Pro, as it has a smartphone chip, but I think the vast majority of users don't need their tablet to be more powerful. For what it's worth, I've found Xiaomi's Pad 8 Pro to be very snappy in common everyday tasks.
Xiaomi's HyperOS software could use some work, though. It, too, is extraordinarily similar to Apple's iPadOS, down to the icon design. But sometimes you can tell it's an adaptation of a smartphone OS. For example, I was frustratingly enable to set up even the simplest of widgets the way I wanted them on the screen, as the widgets take up tons of empty space for no good reason. AI is baked in, of course, in the form of Google Gemini; you can invoke the assistant with a long press of the power button.
You can get the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro in Blue, Gray, and (pictured) Pine Green. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableDepending on which keyboard you choose, you'll either get a slightly bulkier tablet that feels more like a tiny laptop, or a truly portable tablet that also happens to have a decent keyboard. I'd probably opt for the bulkier Magic Keyboard Pro Focus, simply because it has a touchpad.
Despite the fancy keyboards, this thing is not a great replacement for a laptop, but neither is the iPad. Instead, the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro is a pro-looking Android tablet that will excel at things tablets are for: Browsing, reading, gaming, and some light work.
Xiaomi's ecosystem of gadgets is expanding.
As is customary, the company brought its new flagship phones to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, including the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Xiaomi also launched a new smartwatch called the Xiaomi Watch 5, a new pair of earbuds called the Redmi Buds 8 Pro and, for the first time, an AirTag-like tracking device called the Xiaomi Tag.
SEE ALSO: Xiaomi 17 Ultra hands-on: The cameraphone with a monstrous zoom Xiaomi Tag is here to compete with AirTagXiaomi Tag is as simple as they come: A white puck that you can attach to your keys and track via your phone. But the big deal with this one is that it works with Apple Find My, making it a very real competitor to Apple's AirTag. Xiaomi sent me one to test, and I can confirm that it's trackable via Find My just like any other Apple gadget (you don't get Apple's Precision Tracking, though).
Yes, Xiaomi brought a lot of new gadgets to Barcelona this year. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Xiaomi Watch 5 is ready for your wristXiaomi's new Watch 5 was launched in December 2025 in China. It's a round smartwatch running Xiaomi's HyperOS 3, with a 1.54-inch AMOLED display inside a stainless steel frame, a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip inside, and a 930mAh battery.
SEE ALSO: MWC 2026: What to expect at the world's largest phone showXiaomi also has a different line of smartwatches called the Redmi Watch, and these are square and very resemblant of Apple Watch. The Xiaomi Watch 5 is more of a successor to 2024's Watch S4, which had a slightly smaller display, and a battery that was half the size.
The Xiaomi 5 Watch is a hefty, sturdy looking device that's more of a dress watch than a sports watch. It does, of course, come with various health and activity tracking features, including an EMG sensor and an ECG heart rate sensor.
Xiaomi Redmi Buds 8 Pro are packed with featuresLaunched a few weeks back, Redmi Buds 8 Pro are a pair of sleek-looking earbuds with hi-res audio support, active noise cancellation, and up to 36 hours of battery life.
The Buds 8 Pro also have a noise reduction system that should make calls clear in extremely noisy scenarios (up to 95dB of external noise), as well as very windy environments.
Other features of note include Dolby Audio support, dynamic head tracking, and IP54 dust and water resistance.
Xiaomi 17 brings all the megapixels Xiaomi 17 has a crisp, 6.3-inch display, and is just the right size for my hand. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableFinally, the star of the show is the Xiaomi 17. It's Xiaomi's no-nonsense flagship, a powerful Android smartphone that sets its sights on Apple's non-Pro iPhone. It has a 6.3-inch, 120Hz OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, 12GB of RAM, 256/512GB of storage, and a hefty 6,330mAh battery with 100W fast charging (and 50W wireless charging).
On the back, you'll find a Leica-branded, triple camera system that consists of a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. There's also a 50-megapixel selfie camera on the front, hidden inside a punch-hole cutout at the top of the display. Yes, Xiaomi just slapped a bunch of 50-megapixel cameras onto this one, and we don't mind it one bit.
Having had some time with both the Xiaomi 17 and the 17 Ultra, I can say that I actually prefer the "regular," Xiaomi 17 variant, even though it has a less powerful camera system. It has a very clean design with glass on both front and back, and I love the Venture Green color my unit was in, as it covers both the back and the sides of the phone (other colors on offer are Black, Alpine Pink, and Ice Blue).
The Xiaomi 17 has a triple, 50-megapixel camera system on the back, and a 50-megapixel selfie camera on the front. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe phone sits in the hand perfectly as it's not top heavy like its Ultra brother. Xiaomi includes a see-through case which isn't bad, but the phone's color and feel is so nice that wrapping it up in plastic is a shame.
Other features of note are an in-display fingerprint sensor, Hi-Res audio support, and IP68 dust and water resistance. Xiaomi also offers a very simple and super-thin magnetic battery which wirelessly charges the phone when attached. Interestingly, it only works with the Xiaomi 17; the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has such a massive rear camera bump that the magnetic battery doesn't fit.
TL;DR: Live stream India vs. West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 T20 World Cup action concludes this weekend with an absolutely huge game between India and West Indies. The winner of this fixture will progress to the semi finals. The loser will be dumped out. It's a winner-takes-all knockout game. It really doesn't get much bigger than this.
India and West Indies both suffered defeats to the impressive South Africa in this tricky group. They also both beat Zimbabwe to set up this all-important clash at Eden Gardens. The stadium is going to be electric.
If you want to watch India vs. West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is India vs. West Indies?India vs. West Indies in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 1. This game takes place at the Eden Gardens.
How to watch India vs. West Indies for freeIndia vs. West Indies in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Live stream India vs. West Indies in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free 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 a location with access
Visit ICC.TV
Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:
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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 a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
Being a woman on the internet has never been easy, but trying to find a genuine connection on a dating app in 2026? That can feel like a part-time job you actually pay to do. Between the emboldened creeps, the "swipe fatigue," and surprisingly convincing AI profiles, it's enough to make you wonder if applying for Love Island is the more sane alternative. (Spoiler alert: it's not.)
The reality is, dating right now comes with a unique set of challenges. There's the constant barrage of low-effort "hey" messages, the unsolicited dick pics, the men who are definitely married, and the underlying safety concerns men just don't have to think about. It’s enough to make you want to swear off dating and just get another cat (no judgment here).
But despite the challenges, dating apps do work. Connections happen every day, and a 2025 survey from SSRS found that nearly 39 percent of all U.S. adults have used dating apps. However, among current users, only 38 percent are women. Yes, that means the odds are a little stacked against you, but don't despair. The key isn't giving up and hoping for an old-fashioned meet-cute; it's finding the best dating apps for women that prioritize safety, respect, and actually help you filter out the nonsense.
SEE ALSO: How to get over a breakupFortunately for you (and my sanity), navigating this mess is literally my job. As Mashable's resident dating expert for the last three years, I've put dozens of dating apps and websites to the test. From classics like eharmony to sex-positive newcomers like Pure, I tried them all. I did the swiping, verifying, and blocking to figure out what actually works. So whether you want a serious relationship, a casual hookup, or just an app that puts you in control, I've found the options genuinely worth your time.
The dating apps I'd skip (and why)You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity —especially when safety is a top concern for women. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known; it has to be effective and trustworthy. Here are a few I think women should skip.
Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it's a low-tech dating app ghost town. POF launched way back in 2003, and the experience and interface feel dated. After testing it out, I (along with tons of Redditors) can confirm that it's filled with bots and scammers. I think your time is better spent elsewhere.
"Hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, Kasual): You've probably seen ads for sites promising quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I'd advise women to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices. More importantly, the lack of verification and moderation often creates a sketchy environment where harassment and fake profiles are rampant.
Punch, the baby macaque abandoned by his mother, is the breakout star of 2026. The internet has come together to swoon and cry over videos of Punch clinging to his Ikea orangutan plushie, a stand-in for his absent mother.
As Punch's beloved Ikea plushie became his emotional support animal, he became the world's emotional support animal. And, for now, the story seems to have a happy ending. As Punch grows up, the macaques at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan are accepting him as one of their own.
Every day, more videos of Punch the monkey go viral. Unfortunately for our friend Punch, the baby macaque has also become the unwitting star of many AI videos.
As Mashable has documented, the latest AI video models can create incredibly lifelike videos, and even experts can struggle to definitively identify AI-generated videos. In this particular case, the potential for misinformation and dehumanizing deepfakes is blessedly low, but no one likes to feel tricked.
For instance, you may have seen this recent viral video, which shows Punch being hugged by a surrogate mother.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.So cute!
The video has millions of views. It's also completely bogus.
When I first saw the video on my timeline, I thought something about it looked off. Many AI videos have a glossy appearance, and details often look hyperreal. In this case, the nipples on the mama monkey jumped out right away. However, that's not the real tell.
Watch closely, and you can see Punch's arm move right through the maternal macaque's arm.
Left: AI-GENERATED IMAGE. Credit: Screenshot: @peladodelatv Right: AI-GENERATED IMAGE. Credit: Screenshot: @peladodelatvOf course, other AI videos of Punch the monkey are more obvious. When the tiny macaque first went viral, people started creating AI videos of Punch taking his revenge on the monkeys who wronged him.
A lot of the AI videos starring Punch aren’t trying to trick the viewer, and real or not, they can be a lot of fun.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How to spot viral AI videos of Punch the monkeyMashable has an entire guide to identifying AI videos, as well as tips for spotting viral AI videos, in particular.
As Mashable's tech editor, I can also share some simple tips.
First, trust your instincts.
If a video seems too surreal, too cute, or just wrong somehow, listen to that instinct. Punch probably doesn't have access to guns, as one example.
Often, a closer examination will reveal obvious problems with the video.
That's why you have to look closely for AI artifacts. Like Punch's arm moving through another monkey's limbs, AI videos often have little details that defy the laws of physics and common sense. Look for objects suddenly multiplying, disappearing, or moving in impossible ways.
One of my best suggestions: Check the video length. Even the best AI video generators can only create six to 12-second clips. If you're watching an extended scene of 30 seconds or more with no cuts or edits, then it's much more likely to be real.
Lastly, check the source of the video.
Many AI viral videos come from slop accounts that post AI videos en masse. They're trying to monetize their audience by posting AI slop, and a quick look at their timeline will often give away the game.
Fortunately, there are countless very real videos and images of Punch the monkey to enjoy. You can also follow Mashable's Punch the Monkey coverage for the latest verified updates on the internet's favorite star.
For now, I'll leave you with these adorable, and almost definitely real, viral videos:
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.When we write about e-readers, Kindle is usually the first name that comes to mind. But in the color e-reader market, Kindle has been late to the party. That delay opened the door for other brands to step in with stronger devices. We’ve rounded up the best color e-readers, and here are the ones that stood out.
Temper your color expectations An e-reader's color won't be quite as vibrant as a tablet's or physical book's. Credit: Samantha Mangino / ManginoHaving tested my way through a lot of e-readers — and now color e-readers — I’ve found a universal truth: While the colors are accurate, they often look a bit washed out. No matter which brand you use, that’s going to be the case. The muted tones don’t outweigh the convenience and portability of color e-readers, but it’s worth tempering your expectations.
Don’t expect the vivid, punchy colors of an iPad screen. An iPad has a max nits of 500 (a measure of brightness), while Kobo and Kindle e-readers max out at 100.
The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft makes a splashAs of February 2026, we've added the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft to this guide. After testing Amazon's latest e-reader, we were thoroughly impressed by both its speed and display. With an 11-inch display, it's still too large for daily e-reader use; however, that makes it a fantastic device for note-taking. Not to mention it is an investment at $629.99, making it the priciest model on this list.
What about ReMarkable tablets?You might notice that ReMarkable e-ink tablets are not on this list. We've tested both the ReMarkable Paper Pro and ReMarkable Paper Move, and while they're dynamic digital notebooks, they're limited in their e-reader capabilities. Getting e-books on these devices was a bit of a struggle, and we missed the Libby integrations available on Kindles and Kobos. So while we think they're great e-ink tablets, they're inferior e-readers.
Here at Mashable, we’re always trying out the latest tech products to help our readers determine whether or not they’re worth it. But now, we want to hear from you about the products you use and love. In this edition of our Readers’ Choice Awards, we’re asking you about the audio gear you use in your daily life, including headphones and earbuds, speakers, and soundbars.
So, take a few minutes to fill out our audio survey. Your thoughts and feedback might just grant your favorite devices a Mashable Readers’ Choice Award — plus you could win a $250 Amazon gift card.
We’ll be running this survey for about two months, and then we’ll crunch the numbers to see which headphones/earbuds, speakers, and soundbars you all deem the best.
How to enterThere are two methods to enter the Sweepstakes: (1) fill out the online survey, or (2) enter by mail.
Survey Entry: To enter the Sweepstakes through the online survey, go to the survey page and complete the current survey during the Sweepstakes Period.
Mail Entry: To enter the Sweepstakes by mail, on a 3 x 5-inch card, print your first and last name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address. Mail your completed entry to:
Readers' Choice Sweepstakes - Audio
c/o M. Kern
360 Park Ave South, Floor 17
New York, NY 10010
Mail Entries must be postmarked by May 11, 2026, and received by May 17, 2026. For official sweepstakes rules and promotion start and end dates, please click HERE.
I got to try a ton of awesome smart glasses at CES 2026, and one of the most exciting pairs is finally available. On Friday, TCL launched the new RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR glasses for $299 (early shoppers can save $50 at launch), which boast dual Micro-OLED displays for watching movies and playing games.
These smart glasses are the world's first to offer support for HDR10, and they can create a virtual screen up to 201 inches in size. They're also noticeably brighter and more vivid than other smart glasses I've tried, including the popular Xreal One Pro AR glasses, which I've tested and enjoyed. The Xreal One Pro glasses cost $650, and the cheapest competitors have a starting price of $499. As I wrote at the time, with a boundary-breaking display and a $299 price tag, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro seemed all set to completely disrupt this emerging market.
Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses $249 at AmazonBut there's a reason we don't write reviews after a short demo at CES. After spending more time with the RayNeo Air 4 Pro, they're not quite as big a threat to Xreal as I first thought.
Still, it's hard to argue with $299 smart glasses that feature a gorgeous micro-OLED display. For gaming and watching movies, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro are currently the best smart glasses on the market.
What are the RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR Glasses? Unboxing the RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses. Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableThe Air 4 Pro are augmented reality glasses that connect to a smartphone, laptop, gaming handheld, or other device. Simply plug them into any compatible device, and they should start to work immediately — no setup required. You do have to stay connected at all times via the included USB-C cable, but you don't have to worry about battery life, which is nice.
Using dual micro-OLED displays, smart glasses like this create a virtual screen that floats in the space in front of you. If you're plugged into a laptop, it will act as a second monitor. On a smartphone, it mirrors your display. While spatial computing gadgets like this are often designed for enhanced productivity, the RayNeo Air 4 Pro were specifically designed for entertainment.
Unboxing the RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses. Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableAs TCL puts it in a press release, "RayNeo Air 4 Pro is like a television you can wear on your head...With Air 4 Pro, you can enjoy an IMAX-level private cinema in a crowded subway, a large-screen working environment during business trips, or an immersive gaming experience during breaks — this is the revolutionary experience brought by RayNeo Air 4 Pro."
The OLED displays support HDR10 and have two refresh rate options, 60 Hz or 120 Hz.
The RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR glasses: By the numbers Buttons on the arms control volume, brightness, and the menu. Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableLet's break down the specs before diving deeper into my full RayNeo Air 4 Pro review.
Style: Augmented reality smart glasses
Display: 0.6-inch micro-OLED display
Screen size: 201 inches
Brightness: Up to 1,200 nits
Resolution: 1920x1080
Refresh rate: 60 Hz, 120 Hz
Color accuracy: ΔE
Sound: Bang & Olufsen surround sound (4 speakers)
Weight: 76 grams
In terms of fit and comfort, they're slightly lighter than Viture and Xreal glasses (though they're much heavier than display glasses like Even Realities G2). I haven't had any problems with comfort, though, because of my larger face size, the fit is a bit awkward. I have to fiddle to keep the whole virtual screen in sight.
The best smart glasses for entertainment They're comfortable and lightweight, though the USB-C tether can be annoying. Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableI've spent quite a bit of time testing the Xreal One Pro smart glasses, widely regarded to be the best AR glasses on the market right now. However, in my experience, the One Pro are most useful when working on the go, such as at a coffee shop or airplane, when you need an extra display. But with the new RayNeo AR/XR glasses, TCL is prioritizing an advanced display and audio.
The sound is high quality for smart glasses, though obviously they compare poorly to the best wireless earbuds. I found they have minimal (but not non-existent) sound leakage. When watching movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos, I was happy with the sound. I did experience some technical issues, however. When connected to my MacBook, I could not get the RayNeo Air 4 Pro to play audio instead of the MacBook speakers. That could be an Apple problem, of course.
The display is still impressive. If you've tried other AR glasses, you should notice an immediate difference. Color accuracy, motion blur, sharpness, and brightness are noticeably better here, particularly brightness. While the new Xreal 1S AR glasses max out at 700 nits, the RayNeo offer 1,200 nits. They also provide built-in eye protection (3840Hz PWM dimming) so your eyes don't tire out.
Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableHowever, it's not all rosy. I noticed a regular flicker effect when using the glasses, which was distracting. It wasn't so bad to render the glasses unusable, but it was a big pain point. I also found it difficult to get the entire display in my field of view, likely because I have a much larger head than the average person. You can adjust the angle of the lens to the frames and change out the nose guard, but sometimes the bottom of the screen would blur or disappear.
On the whole, you get a 201-inch virtual screen you can use to watch movies while traveling, lying in bed, or anytime you don't have access to a TV. It really is like having an OLED TV you can wear on your head.
Of course, that's also the $299 question: Do you want to wear an OLED TV on your face?
A beautiful display, but at a cost The TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro glasses are missing some key features. Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableIt wasn't apparent in my initial demo, but the new RayNeo glasses are missing some very important features. With my Xreal glasses, I can easily adjust the size of the virtual screen, the angle of the virtual screen, and the distance. I can also activate a curved, ultra-wide display mode. Most importantly, I can anchor the display so that it freezes in a particular part of my eyeline, no matter how much I turn my head.
This spatial computing trick is especially handy when working, as I can anchor the screen just above or to the side of my laptop. RayNeo's virtual display moves with you. You may also be distracted by some reflection on the back of the glasses, which hasn't been a problem with Xreal to date.
In its press materials and on its website, TCL also talks about an immersive 3D feature, which can turn 2D photos and videos into 3D. This doesn't appear to be available yet, however.
Xreal's 3D conversion feature is live, and it's pretty damn cool.
Are the TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro worth it? The TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro are lightweight and comfortable, but the USB-C tether can be annoying. Credit: Timothy Werth / MashableFor early adopters eager to try AR glasses for entertainment, I think this is the best option on the market in 2026, at least, for now. But as I already discussed, they come with tradeoffs, and Xreal has a large advantage for productivity and advanced features like 3D conversion. (If money is no object, wait for the ROG Xreal R1 Gaming Glasses coming later this year.)
I should also note that smart glasses are a very new product category. The average customer is an early adopter and a techie who's OK with some bugs and quirks if it means they're on the cutting edge. I think it's an open question whether the market will ultimately settle on AR headsets like the Vision Pro and Galaxy XR, or on AR smart glasses (like the ones Google is releasing later this year, and that Apple is rumored to be building for 2027).
I guess what I'm trying to tell you is this: We're grading smart glasses on a curve. If you're not an early adopter, they may not be for you.
Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses $249 at AmazonTL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2026 T20 World Cup action continues this weekend with a number of high-profile fixtures. Hosts Sri Lanka take on Pakistan in an all-important clash in Group 2. Sri Lanka are fighting for pride after defeats to England and New Zealand. Pakistan are looking to bounce back after losing out to England.
If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan?Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 28. This game takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan for freeSri Lanka vs. Pakistan in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free 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 a location with access
Visit ICC.TV
Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 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 a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Give your PC a refresh with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, on sale now for $39.97.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $39.97We’ve all heard of a good BOGO deal, but have you heard of a buy-one-get-eight? That’s exactly what this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license brings to the table, serving up eight helpful apps for your PC for one low price.
You can get these eight Microsoft tools for life for just $39.97 — $5 each — for a limited time.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Whether you’re trying to refresh an old PC or you’re in desperate need of a productivity boost, this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 Windows license gives your device a whole new set of tools. This lifetime license gives you access to eight apps that can help you tackle both personal and professional tasks, all for one low price.
Instead of paying monthly subscription costs to use Microsoft Office staples, this license lets you own them outright. Get Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel on your computer forever, with no worries about cloud connectivity.
This license includes newer Microsoft Office favorites like OneNote, Teams, Access, and Publisher, too, so you can permanently enjoy apps most people are renting. Don’t let the year of this edition fool you — the apps in this license have all been redesigned. A ribbon-based interface makes it easy to access features, tools, and customizations, too.
After purchase, you’ll receive an instant delivery and download. Just make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 before purchasing.
Get this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license on sale now for just $39.97.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Work smarter with AI, not harder, thanks to this lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for just $79.
Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $79Whether you’re totally new to the world of AI or a seasoned veteran, everyone can agree that it’s hard to keep up with all the different models and their individual strengths. Enter ChatPlayground AI, a smarter way to tap into the potential of over 25 popular AI models all in one window.
See results from multiple models in one convenient spot and streamline the way you work with AI for good with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for $79.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you’re looking for ways to make your AI workflow even more efficient, it’s time for ChatPlayground AI. This tool unites over 25 AI models in one place, so you can eliminate the guesswork and tab-hopping and see answers to prompts in one spot.
ChatPlayground AI serves up answers from the AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, Perplexity, and more models side-by-side. Just enter your prompt and get help with generating images or code, or fielding questions. Need help construction your prompts? That’s easy too, with some prompt engineering help.
You can use ChatPlayground AI as a Chrome extension, so it’s super easy to access. You can use image and PDF chat, and you can save past conversations and reference them in the future as needed.
This lifetime subscription lets you avoid monthly subscription fees to dozens of models and enjoy them all in one spot for a one-time low price. It also includes monthly messaging, priority access to new features and future models, and priority customer service available when you need it.
Score this lifetime subscription to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for just $79 now.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The Arizona Wildcats have had a fantastic college basketball season, riding high in both the national rankings and the Big 12 conference. Now unbeaten in three games, including a win over the No. 5 ranked Houston Cougars, Arizona face tough competition from the Kansas Jayhawks.
Arizona have the better record but Kansas scored a win at their last meeting, so they could have a psychological edge — though there's no doubting the quality that Arizona can bring to the court. Still, a win for Kansas here could see them make a final push to overtake Arizona and win the Big 12 before the conference tournaments and March Madness begin.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you want to watch Kansas vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Kansas vs. Arizona?Kansas vs. Arizona takes place at 4 p.m. ET on Feb. 28. This game takes place at the McKale Memorial Center.
Kansas vs. Arizona is broadcast on ESPN.
How to watch college basketball in 2025/26Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.
ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop NowChannels: ESPN+ only
If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.
It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.
The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.
Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop NowThe Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.
Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.
There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.
FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop NowChannels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network.
FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial.
If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month.
The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max.
Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop NowChannels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ
CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.
Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month.
Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.
Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop NowChannels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.
YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop NowChannels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network
YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month.
How to watch Kansas vs. Arizona from anywhere in the worldIf you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Kansas vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world 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 the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Kansas vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That means 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (which includes a money-back guarantee).
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealThe college basketball postseason is almost here, with fans looking forward to the conference tournaments and March Madness. But there are still important games to be played before we get to that point. The next must-watch game is Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones.
The Cyclones are riding high in the overall rankings — they're ranked No. 4 with a 24-4 record. But Texas Tech, not far behind Iowa in the Big 12 conference, have shown good form recently and even defeated the No. 2 team, Arizona, just two weeks ago. All of which means this could be an exciting contest.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you want to watch Texas Tech vs. Iowa from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Texas Tech vs. Iowa?Texas Tech vs. Iowa takes place at 4 p.m. ET on Feb. 28. This game takes place at the James H. Hilton Coliseum.
Texas Tech vs. Iowa is broadcast on CBS.
How to watch college basketball in 2025/26Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.
ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop NowChannels: ESPN+ only
If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.
It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.
The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.
Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop NowThe Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.
Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.
There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.
FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop NowChannels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network.
FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial.
If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month.
The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max.
Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop NowChannels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ
CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.
Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month.
Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.
Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop NowChannels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.
YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop NowChannels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network
YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month.
How to watch Texas Tech vs. Iowa from anywhere in the worldIf you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Texas Tech vs. Iowa from anywhere in the world 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 the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Texas Tech vs. Iowa from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That means 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (which includes a money-back guarantee).
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealThis is always a hugely exciting time for college basketball. The postseason conference tournaments are just weeks away — not to mention March Madness, of course — so these last few regular season games could prove pivotal.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Duke Blue Devils is especially intriguing. Duke have the edge in terms of stats — they're ranked No. 1 in the national rankings with a record of 26-2 — but Virginia aren't far behind. Ranked at No. 11, they have an overall record of 25-3 and sit just one place below Duke in the Atlantic Coast standings. In other words, a win against the Blue Devils would put the teams level in the conference.
Duke are on a high, of course, after ending Michigan's massive 13-week winning streak. They're currently enjoying a five-week winning streak. Only one team in the Atlantic Coast has a better streak. You guessed it, it's Virginia, who are now unbeaten in nine games. Can they make it 10? Or will Duke continue to show why they're the country's top-ranked college team right now?
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you want to watch Virginia vs. Duke from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Virginia vs. Duke?Virginia vs. Duke takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Feb. 28. This game takes place at the Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Virginia vs. Duke is broadcast on ESPN.
How to watch college basketball in 2025/26Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.
ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop NowChannels: ESPN+ only
If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.
It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.
The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.
Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop NowThe Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.
Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.
There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.
FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop NowChannels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network.
FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial.
If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month.
The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max.
Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop NowChannels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ
CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.
Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month.
Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.
Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop NowChannels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.
YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop NowChannels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network
YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month.
How to watch Virginia vs. Duke from anywhere in the worldIf you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Virginia vs. Duke from anywhere in the world 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 the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Virginia vs. Duke from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That means 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (which includes a money-back guarantee).
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealAll eyes will soon be on the college basketball postseason, with the conference tournaments and March Madness just around the corner. But the regular season isn't finished just yet.
This week's action sees the Colorado Buffaloes go on the road to play the No. 5 ranked Houston Cougars. Despite being much lower than Houston in the Big 12 standings, Colorado should feel confident when they step on the court. The Cougars are in poor form, having lost three straight games and slipping from the No. 3 spot in the national rankings over the course of the month. The Buffaloes, meanwhile, are looking to extend their current winning streak to three straight games and pick up momentum before the conference tournaments begin.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you want to watch Colorado vs. Houston from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Colorado vs. Houston?Colorado vs. Houston takes place at 12 p.m. ET on Feb. 28. This game takes place at the Fertitta Center.
Colorado vs. Houston is broadcast on ESP2.
How to watch college basketball in 2025/26Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.
ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop NowChannels: ESPN+ only
If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.
It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.
The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.
Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop NowThe Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.
Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.
There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.
FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop NowChannels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network.
FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial.
If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month.
The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max.
Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop NowChannels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ
CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.
Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month.
Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.
Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop NowChannels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.
YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop NowChannels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network
YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month.
How to watch Colorado vs. Houston from anywhere in the worldIf you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Colorado vs. Houston from anywhere in the world 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 the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Colorado vs. Houston from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That means 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (which includes a money-back guarantee).
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealTL;DR: Live stream Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Houston Rockets have been riding high in the NBA Western Conference, and following a mid-week clash against Orlando Magic, they're back in Florida to play the Miami Heat — another potentially tough Eastern Conference opponent. Miami are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and hold onto their current playoff berth.
If you want to watch Rockets vs. Heat in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Rockets vs. Heat?Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat in the NBA starts at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 28. This game takes place at the Kaseya Center in Inglewood, CA.
How to watch Rockets vs. Heat for freeHouston Rockets vs. Miami Heat in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a 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 the UK
Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
If you've chatted with any single friend lately or scrolled through social media, you know the general consensus: People are exhausted by online dating. App fatigue is real, it's excruciating, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel impossible. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question constantly: Which dating apps actually work?
My answer is always the same: The only "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone on eharmony is looking for a ring, while users on hookup apps like Tinder are... well, you know what they're looking for.
I always follow up this advice with one more piece of wisdom: Don't give up! Despite burnout, the best dating apps remain among the most reliable ways to meet a partner. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged 18 to 29 have used a dating app, and a 2023 Pew Research Center report found that one in five young people met their significant other on one.
You just need the right tool. That's why I've put in the hours, the swipes, and the subscription fees to find the best dating app for every kind of single person. To help you find your match, these are all of the top dating apps worth downloading in 2026.
If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and the LGBTQ community.
The dating apps I'd skip (and why)You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — it has to be effective and safe.
Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:
Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it's a dating app ghost town. POF launched as a dating site back in 2003, and it shows. In my experience (and based on widespread user feedback), the platform is filled with bots and scams, and the odds of finding a quality connection are stacked against you. Unless you enjoy sifting through fake profiles, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.
Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application to use it, and the vetting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few years. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)
Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I'd advise you to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices, with users reporting unexpected and hard-to-cancel subscription charges.
We're in the year of the roller mop robot vacuum. While the dual rotating mopping pad setup was heavily favored for most of 2025, the whole industry is doubling down on the roller's heavy-duty spill cleanup in 2026. The thing is, roller mop vacuums haven't been a chill purchase so far. Most take up a lot of floor space and cost $1,000 or more. As the robot vacuum pipeline goes, a need quickly arose for the premium roller mop feature to be condensed into a more budget-friendly and space-friendly package. That's where the Eufy C28 comes in — I've been testing it at home against the other top robot vacuums of the past year, including high-end roller mops like the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller and the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.
Eufy Robot Vacuum C28 $599.99 at AmazonThe Eufy C28 is the most affordable mainstream roller mop robot vacuum we've seen so far. Its official MSRP of $799.99 is already lower than the regular asking price of others in this category, but its special $599.99 launch price is unprecedentedly cheap for the budding roller mop category. The cutback on price also comes with a cutback in suction power: The Eufy C28 has 15,000 Pa compared to the 30,000+ Pa models coming out of CES 2026.
The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller's huge dock is much more appropriate for Sansa. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Eufy's roller (right) doesn't seem as fluffy as Dreame's (left). Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableThe C28's compactness is also a huge selling point for consumers shopping for small spaces. The dock takes up far less room than most docks of the other best robot vacuum and mop combos that wash and dry their own mopping pads. (The new Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow's dock is a similar size, but it's a few hundred dollars more expensive.) This size comparison immediately had me thinking back to all of my smushed NYC apartments. The Eufy C28 is the rare compact robot vacuum that would have been a realistic squeeze.
SEE ALSO: Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete first impressions: It's tied for the most powerful robot vacuum of 2026. OK, prove it. Is the Eufy C28 good at mopping?When it comes to big spills and dried stains, the Eufy C28 is easily the most efficient robot mop in the $600 to $800 price range I've ever tested. It even held its own against the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller and Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow.
Dust pickup has been one of the two overarching advantages of all of the roller mop robot vacuums I've tested so far, and the Eufy C28's roller has been leaving my tile and hardwood floors speck-free. The radius around a litter box is the ultimate dry debris test for a robot vacuum's mopping skills — especially the Litter-Robot in my kitchen, which uses tiny brown litter that blends in with the brown wooden floor. Instead of trying to eyeball, the Dyson PencilVac's laser set up such a clear before-and-after montage of the C28's mastery of dust and dirt.
Left: Before Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Right: After Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableKitty litter dust is so fine and clingy that a vacuum alone often can't lift the particles. But a wet pressurized roller mop coming through is the closest you'll get to a person's hand wiping with a wet towel. The C28's roller measures almost 11 inches long, so it covers a lot of ground in one pass, too. That perfectly polished trail tells me that the Eufy C28 would be a great robot vacuum for pet hair on hard floors.
The Eufy C28 has also been doing a solid job of sopping up a variety of liquid spills, from wine and orange juice to ranch and conditioner that exploded on my bathroom floor. The C28 handily wiped up spilled wine and all chunks of spilled salsa on its first attempt (I just know even the best spinning mopping pads would have spattered some peppers around). I sent it back for a second pass to absorb the faint liquid-y streak left at the site of the splatter, but I wouldn't even compare that "smearing" to the foot-long smear of assorted condiments that other robot mops have left in my kitchen. Roller mop robot vacuums rinse themselves as they're mopping to prevent gunking up the rest of the floor — Eufy says its HydroJet system cleans itself nine times per second.
The floor was covered in long hair, cat litter, and blobs of conditioner. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The C28 got it all, other than a few crystals left at the edge of the litter box. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableBut I'm most surprised about the fact that the Eufy C28 doesn't completely flop along edges. Its roller mop doesn't extend out from under the vacuum like the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow's does, but the C28's square-shaped body has successfully made the bot more wall-friendly (and I've seen some robot vacs with flat sides that still cut corners). It might miss the first corner of the cleaning session while it gets its bearings, or if the flat edge is only a foot or two long. But overall, the Eufy C28 has skimmed walls, closed closet doors, and right up against our shoes near the front door.
Is the Eufy C28 good on carpet?For having half the suction power of the most powerful robot vacuums in 2026, the Eufy C28 has proven to be pretty potent on the various rugs in my apartment. Its 15,000 Pa was potent enough to clear a mess of spilled catnip and crushed potato chips from my tufted living room rug, leaving no visible crumbs behind. The lint roller test afterward only revealed a few minuscule catnip flakes and some light cat hair and fuzzies.
I laid out a trail of crumbs for the vacuum. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Literally ate and left no crumbs. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableI probably wouldn't classify the Eufy C28 as one of the absolute best robot vacuums for pet hair on carpet, but it could reliably keep up with surface-level shedding from a pet or two if you run it every day. Case in point: I gathered a big handful of lint from the dryer and dragged it all over the plush rug in the hallway, making sure to press the gray fluff into the furs. The C28 left that white rug virtually spotless.
The Eufy C28 didn't just give up on debris lingering around rug edges, either, and that's the last rug-related win I expected from the budget vacuum. Here's what I've gathered: What the C28 lacks in technical suction power, it makes up for by taking its damn time. My number one tip to make any robot vacuum work better is to simply make every cleaning session a twofer — any robot vac is bound to miss some spots the first time around. And the Eufy C28 takes that second pass seriously.
Sansa is supervising the catnip cleanup. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableAfter the standard "edges first, center last" sweep of session number one, the C28 goes back with a whole new game plan. Its cleaning path will often be perpendicular to what it did the first time, and every few seconds, it fully pauses to spin in a circle over the same spot to uproot the real stubborn stuff. This strategy worked wonders when straddling the rug and wood floor.
Factors I'm keeping an eye onCompetition from Dreame and Roborock aside, the Eufy C28's spotlight gets stolen a little bit by the unassuming Eufy E28. I personally don't think enough people know about this model from April 2025. The E28 is a roller mop robot vacuum mop combo that comes with a portable carpet cleaner built into the self-empty dock, and its 20,000 Pa of suction power slightly surpasses the C28's 15,000 Pa. It's more expensive than the C28 if they're both at full price, but the E28 is almost always on sale for $699.99 — just $100 more than the C28's $599.99 sale price at launch. Though the C28's edge scrubbing feels more evolved this year, the Eufy E28 could be an easier sell to pet parents in carpeted homes.
SEE ALSO: 'Why does my robot vacuum suck now?' Well, when's the last time you cleaned it?While I have no concerns with the Eufy C28's overall smart mapping accuracy, its actual driving is a little bit wobbly. Literally. The best way I can describe it is the shaky steering of a kid who's riding without training wheels for the first time. The swiveling could cause it to miss some crumbs around the outskirts of the room (when it's really just supposed to be driving in a straight line). It was swerving enough to get itself wedged between my kitchen rug and dishwasher for almost a minute before ramming its way out. And that doesn't feel like an obstacle avoidance issue, since the C28 has been pretty perceptive otherwise. Its 4.5-inch build just isn't slim enough to safely scoot under most dishwashers or low-clearance furniture and cabinets.
The C28 eventually got itself out, but it left with some scrapes. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableThe Eufy C28 is also one of the louder robot vacuums I've tested in the past year. The blaring roar of its max suction mode is somehow more intense than that of robot vacuums with twice the power. But the C28's auto-empty whoosh is the real jump scare — I haven't needed to plug my ears like that since the Roomba j7+ in 2021.
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