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Your Netflix alternative is here, and it’s only $15 this month

Mashable - 4 hours 24 min ago

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for $14.99 this through 27 April with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for $14.99 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

Enjoy no subscription streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription at $14.99 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. $150).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription £14.99
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Hurdle hints and answers for April 13, 2025

Mashable - 4 hours 24 min ago

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A billiards shot

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

MASSE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A representative.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 13, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PROXY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Used to style hair.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 13, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BRUSH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A small glass dish.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 13 Hurdle Word 4 answer

PETRI

Final Hurdle hint

Quick.

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

RAPID

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

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar online for free

Mashable - 4 hours 24 min ago

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The early stages of the 2025 MotoGP season are being dominated by the Márquez brothers, who sit in first and second place in the standings. There is a lot still to be decided however, with a host of talented riders following closely behind. The likes of Bagnaia will be looking to cut their lead this weekend in Qatar.

If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar?

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar takes place at the Lusail International Circuit. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar race starts at 1 p.m. ET on April 13.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar for free

Every 2025 MotoGP race is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

  4. Connect to ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 13

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 22:00

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Orange door hinge

The words are related like Orange and Door Hinge.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words rhyme with different colors, even if they look like they don't.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is ColorRhymes.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 13
  • Hello

  • Queen

  • Spread

  • Height

  • Flew

  • Plaque

  • Pilot

  • ColorRhymes

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

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

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 13, 2025

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: To take what's not yours

  • Green: Marked by a teacher

  • Blue: Used in Microsoft Word

  • Purple: The second half is the same

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Steal

  • Green: Attendance status

  • Blue: Font-modifying words

  • Purple: ___Berry

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 #671 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Steal: NICK, PINCH, POCKET, SWIPE

  • Attendance status: ABSENT, EXCUSED, LATE, PRESENT

  • Font-modifying words: GOTHIC, ROMAN, SANS, TYPEWRITER

  • ___Berry: CAPER, ELDER, GOOSE, LOGAN

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 13

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 13, 2025

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for April 13 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To chuckle.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

LAUGH.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 13

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

Trump Adds Tariff Exemptions for Smartphones, Computers and Other Electronics

NYT Technology - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 19:24
A long list of electronic products got a reprieve for now from at least some of the levies on China, which had been expected to take a toll on tech giants like Apple.

Trumps new tariff plan spares some smartphones, laptops

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 14:16

The specifics of President Donald Trump's tariffs have changed quite a bit over the past few days. Now, it looks like a whole host of electronics, including most smartphones, will be excluded from the new tariffs.

According to guidelines released Friday from Customs and Border Protection, there are 20 products that are exempt from the 125 percent tariff imposed on Chinese imports and also the updated 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from other countries. The updated guidance had nothing to say about the current 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods. The exempt products include smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and flat-panel display modules. China, meanwhile, raised tariffs on U.S. imports by 125%.

SEE ALSO: Updating: All the tariff price increases in the tech world so far

White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai told CNBC that "President Trump has made it clear America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies such as semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops."

"At the direction of the President, these companies are hustling to onshore their manufacturing in the United States as soon as possible," Desai said in the statement.

CNBC reported earlier this week that people panic-bought iPhones in response to the proposed 125 percent tariffs earlier this month, fearing they would be priced out of the tech once tariffs were put in place. Apple was anticipating major difficulties in response. This new tariff drop might be good news for Apple — at least for now.

TikTok wants me to host a dinner party. Is that an actual recession indicator?

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 13:14

TikTok wants me to have a dinner party, but the year is 2025, and I'm not a billionaire.

It could be that it's spring, the ultimate dinner party season, but being fed constant streams of dinner party content on TikTok during the economic thrill that is April 2025 seems — at the minimum — worth consideration. Even the term "dinner party" eludes a sort of quiet luxury; no one is encouraging us to have potlucks or reinventing picnics a la, the cottage core trend of 2018, despite its enduring presence.

SEE ALSO: Recession indicators are everywhere online — even if we’re not actually in one

Instead, I open the app and am bombarded with overflowing tablescapes, monumental floral arrangements, beautiful ceramic plates adorned with scalloped edges, and so many tapered candles.

Is this the clinking of glasses at your favorite influencer's Lower East Side dinner party — the sound of a true recession indicator —or just that of a new hot status symbol entering the villa?

Let them eat cake

Food has always been, and likely always will be a status symbol. In the 18th century, for instance, pineapples were a sign of wealth because they were so difficult for people to get their hands on. And in the 19th century, only the wealthiest of folks had celery in their homes. Rich people cornered the market of dinner parties during the Victorian era, not only because food was so expensive but also because it provided the crucial ability for people to maintain social connections and depended upon people having all day to prepare to host such an event — an ability sequestered to the elite who didn't have to go to work or do manual labor.

Food is an indicator of wealth in 2025, as well.

Fresh food has become a status symbol and the ultimate indicator of wealth as groceries become increasingly expensive. Vogue Business pointed out that "hotspots" like viral TikTok bakeries or Erewhon's $19 strawberry "have evolved into cultural status symbols much like streetwear."

Hailey Bieber cradled an armful of colorful carrots, bananas, and tomatoes tumbling out of a brown bag in a new ad (Read: "Who cares if the carrots fall to the pavement! I'm rich!") Tradwifes are offering up a dystopian-level look at their unattainable lifestyle through making food from scratch, ingredients and time abound. Lori Harvey hosted a dinner party for her birthday. Loewe, Rachel Antonoff, Lisa Says Gah and other designers are putting pasta or cocktail shrimp or tomatoes on every other shirt, skirt, and bag they sell.

Ultimately, as Bon Appetit writer Megan Wahn wrote, "Food and clothing used to be essentials for survival — now they’ve come together as things to enjoy. They're objects of spectacle."

"[Groceries-as-luxury] is definitely a post-2020 sentiment, and as we’re halfway in the decade, it’s no surprise to see it permeate into the mainstream,” Andrea Hernández, the author of the food and beverage trends newsletter Snaxshot, told Fast Company. "Food scarcity and grocery prices skyrocketing is real, and our generation made fancy smoothies a form of affordable affluence. It’s Gen Z’s 'avocado toast trope.'"

So, is it a recession indicator that instead of bragging about expensive homes and clothes, we're zoning in on our grocery hauls? And, to take that a step further, is it an indicator of further economic downturn that the most palatable way to show off your wads of cash is by feeding your friends, filling the middle of your table with tall candles and a bunch of greenery, and posting it to TikTok?

The rise of dinner parties likely isn't a true recession indicator in the same way that a decrease in real GDP or high unemployment would be, but cultural cues aren't to be ignored. After all, in 2025, the difference between the wealthy and the poor could be the ability to buy eggs. So what better way to show off your money than to flaunt your food?

Trump Adds Tariff Exemptions for Smartphones, Computers and Other Electronics

NYT Technology - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 12:53
A long list of electronic products got a reprieve for now from at least some of the levies on China, which had been expected to take a toll on tech giants like Apple.

Meta continues its submission to Trump with new advisor on its board

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 10:40

In a move unsurprising to those following Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's political affiliations, the tech billionaire has added former Trump advisor Dina Powell McCormick to its board, further cementing Zuckerberg's alliance with the Republican president.

According to Axios, which first reported McCormick's placement, the move serves two purposes: Meta's board's expansion into more global business experts and its attempts to win political favor with the current administration. According to a Meta press release, McCormick spent 16 years in leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and is now the vice chair, president, and head of global client services at BDT & MSD Partners.

SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on Meta's submission to Trump

She was President Donald Trump's deputy national security adviser in 2017 and the assistant secretary of state for State Secretary Condoleezza Rice under President George W. Bush. McCormick's husband is a Republican senator from Pennsylvania.

"I'm excited to bring my experience in finance, government, and economic development to support the people and entrepreneurs who use Meta's services," McCormick said in a press release.

In the same press release, Meta also announced that Patrick Collison, the co-founder and CEO of Stripe who used to be part of Meta's Advisory Group, will join the board.

"Patrick and Dina bring a lot of experience supporting businesses and entrepreneurs to our board. Patrick is deeply committed to expanding economic opportunity, and Dina has a long career advocating for economic development and supporting entrepreneurs. Their perspective will be extremely valuable to businesses that rely on our services to grow," Zuckerberg said in the press release.

This is part of ongoing moves that align Meta and Zuckerberg with the Trump administration, particularly as an ongoing antitrust fight heats up. Over the past few months, Meta added UFC CEO and Trump ally Dana White, lifted prohibitions against some hate speech on its platforms, got rid of fact-checkers in favor of community notes, ended its DEI efforts, and more.

Zuckerberg and other tech executives attended Trump's inauguration, dined at Mar-a-Lago on Thanksgiving Eve, and pledged $1 million to the event.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 12, 2025

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 09:18

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, April 12, 2025:

AcrossDo, re, mi, fa, ___, la ...
  • The answer is Sol.

Still up in the air, for short
  • The answer is TBD.

With 14-Across, "?????"
  • The answer is That's.

___ Grande
  • The answer is Rio.

Bone connecting the elbow and wrist
  • The answer is Ulna.

Things issued by the D.M.V.
  • The answer is IDs.

Elaborate hairstyle
  • The answer is Coif.

Part of the eye that contains the iris
  • The answer is Uvea.

See 7-Across
  • The answer is Confusing

"Sure, whatever you say ..."
  • The answer is Okay.

24 cans of beer
  • The answer is Case.

DownPlaster wall coating
  • The answer is Stucco.

"Hey, check it out!"
  • The answer is Oh look.

Weather phenomenon that translates to "the girl"
  • The answer is La nina.

It's full of questions
  • The answer is Trivia.

White House family during the 2020s
  • The answer is Bidens.

Medicinal amount
  • The answer is Dosage.

Chewy candy
  • The answer is Taffy.

Sch. that plays home football games at the L.A. Coliseum
  • The answer is USC.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

As tariffs invade the apparel market, selling your clothes online is the move — heres how

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 06:00

They're watching you from inside your closet.

The dress you bought for one singular wedding two years ago. The blazer you bought for an interview at a company that's apparently no longer hiring. They taunt you silently every time you push them aside for a monochrome sweatsuit.

This is your sign. Start selling your clothes online.

The side hustle that doesn't require much time, or a special skill

The pandemic closet purge to underconsumption-core pipeline has put a spotlight on the art of effectively getting rid of old stuff.

Chances are, you already have a trash bag in your closet where perfectly nice castoffs go to die — and it's easy to let that bag become a permanent fixture on your to-do list. Whether your items are lightly worn or were never touched after the initial try-on, knowing how to sell them effectively is a slept-on skill.

Being secondhand seller savvy, you'll have a go-to way to earn extra cash for years to come. It'll become a particularly clutch financial cushion as the effects of tariffs loom at both the budget-friendly and luxury ends of the apparel spectrum. People will quickly realize that there's one way to skirt around spiking clothing costs without frantically Googling which clothing brands have factories where: Just buy clothing that's already in circulation.

Not sure where to start? I didn't at first, either. After almost a decade of listing my own stuff and doing a majority of my own shopping from other people's closets, I've poured everything I've learned into a running guide on selling your clothes on the different resale apps, from photo and description tips to shipping hacks to the ins and outs of selling fees.

SEE ALSO: Trump tariff news: iPhones getting snapped up, laptop sales disrupted – what we know

From the seller's perspective, the obvious perk of an online shop is having a go-to way to earn extra cash to cushion against costlier everyday items. Even a profit of $10 here and there could make a weekly grocery bill feel less daunting — a recurring win in this economic hellscape. The best part is that clothes-selling apps are a side hustle that doesn't really require you to clock in. Sure, a few minutes are required at the beginning to post the items, plus a pit stop at the post office when a sold item needs to be mailed. But between that, you're just waiting for the right buyer to scroll past your stuff.

But the buyer's POV says a lot, too: People will be looking for ways to save money where they can, and buying used or refurbished is one way to do that without stopping shopping completely. If an item is already in circulation (i.e., sitting in some person's Mercari shop), it's inherently invulnerable to the tariffs that surge the costs of imported goods.

Will tariffs make clothes more expensive?

If you were a betting person, would you guess that the tags on your current outfit say "Made in the USA" or "Made literally anywhere else"?

Anyone whose gut feeling said the latter is, of course, correct. A 2024 report from the American Apparel & Footwear Association estimated that the U.S. gets 97 percent of its apparel and shoes from other countries, which means that 97 percent of clothes and shoes in the U.S. are going to cost more money to bring in. So yes, it's nearly inevitable that most clothes will be affected by tariffs. For how long, we don't know, and the hike in price will be dependent on the tariff rate tied to the country each garment is coming from.

A big chunk of that 97 percent comes from Asia, including China, whose imports have been saddled with a more than 100 percent tariff rate as of April 9. JSYK, Shein and Temu items ship from China. Trump also moved to close a loophole that previously allowed shipments of low-cost items (like clothes from Shein) to fly under the radar and evade other trade taxes.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 tariff impacts: What we know so far

TL;DR: Retailers whose entire success model is built on the ability to be super cheap are now facing roadblocks that'll make staying cheap much harder. In turn, many shoppers might be forced to wean off of fast fashion and clothing haul mentality.

But we needed to shift away from that whole mess regardless. Fast fashion brands are only able to sell clothing at such low costs because the people making them aren't being paid fairly, with the supply chain often banking on child labor. The constant churning out of low-quality polyester crap also wreaks havoc on the environment. The fast fashion industry is a notorious contributor to landfills and is responsible for nearly 10 percent of global carbon emissions — that's the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes being burned or dumped every second. In 2023, Shein alone emitted more carbon dioxide than what four coal power plants combined could emit in a year.

SEE ALSO: 15+ eco-friendly gifts that someone would actually use The thrifting boom proves that people are down to buy used clothes

I've recommended resale apps to friends, and much of their hesitation stemmed from the same place: "No one wants my stuff." But that's not necessarily true. You'd be surprised at what buyers are actively hunting down, especially when prices are cheaper than buying the same exact thing brand new.

The surging popularity of thrifting over the past few years is all the reassurance you should need that people are totally open to wearing previously worn clothes. For those of us who weren't blessed with the time or motivation to scan Goodwill with a fine-tooth comb for hidden gems, online resale platforms are the move. There's a market for the stuff that Plato's Closet or Buffalo Exchange turned down for whatever arbitrary reason.

And contrary to popular belief, you can still have a ton of success selling clothes online even if you have no cool vintage pieces to list. Think of how enticing a gently worn pair of Lululemon leggings listed at 50% off will be now that brand new Lululemon leggings, which already weren't anyone's idea of affordable, will probably get more expensive due to tariffs. A wedding invitee who feels financially burnt out after buying a shower and wedding gift would probably love to buy someone's Princess Polly dress that was also only worn for a single occasion and is now $50 cheaper than market price.

I'll never forget the rush I felt after finding a pair of platform SK8-Hi Vans in my size on Depop after months of seeing "Out of stock" everywhere else. I could not have cared less about the light scuffs. That seller doesn't know it, but her not wanting those random shoes made my life. That's secondhand savviness for you: If it's sold out on the website, it might be quietly floating around on a selling app.

Don't let snobby thrift stores who accept nothing bully you into thinking your wardrobe sucks.

It's easy to rely on Amazon or Asos when a shirt is $10 and shipping is fast and free, but remember that much of what's being sold secondhand is just as affordable. The difference: Buying secondhand takes something that's already in circulation off the market. And let's be real — that weirdly cheap shirt definitely isn't better quality than a shirt that's been worn a few times.

Which is best: Depop, Poshmark, or Mercari?

Each member of the holy trinity gets the job done. In fact, many sellers post on all three to reach a wider audience. But certain types of clothes may perform better on one app or the other, based on the demographics of the user bases keeping each platform afloat.

Poshmark, the OG, has 130 million users versus Depop's 35 million and Mercari's 23 million. The biggest difference between the apps is probably their user bases: Anything popular on TikTok or Instagram will likely do well with Depop's audience (90 percent of users are Gen Z), whereas items targeted toward ages 40 and up might fare better on one of the other two. There are gender differences, too: 70 percent of Poshmark's users identify as women, for example, while 38 percent of Depop's users identify as men.

Depop can be intimidating. Of the big three, it's the app that feels most like social media, and with that comes pressure to curate an aesthetic theme, post consistently, and upkeep the vibe of the shop as a whole. The crowd is simultaneously eclectic yet specific: millennials and Gen Zers who resonate with niche stylistic pockets of internet culture (insert word here-core), follow influencers closely, and appreciate vintage pieces and full outfit styling.

SEE ALSO: The 'boom boom' aesthetic fetishizes wealth in an era of chaos

If you're getting into thrifting or looking to sell from a niche brand, head to Depop first. You'll have better luck selling a recognizable sweater from Todd Snyder or Lisa Says Gah than a generic turtleneck from Zara. (Be sure to use hashtags, including the brand name and phrases people might search, like #plaidpants or #NWT — "new with tags.")

Luckily, Depop's interface is super approachable. The app looks a lot like Instagram — you'll scroll through a feed showing one item at a time from shops you follow. (You can also search by category or switch to the Explore page for a grid of fresh items, which Depop curates as "the best items from our community.")

Poshmark and Mercari are a bit more chaotic. Your feed will be full of updates about new listings, but some will only be *vaguely* similar to things you've looked at before. Their search features get cluttered, too: Poshmark's search bar tends to pull up items that don't quite fit the search terms, and Mercari frequently turns up items that have already sold. You had one job, filters.

The Poshmark community's standards also tend to be a bit looser. Many users are still young and hungry for vintage and designer pieces, but older millennials and members of Gen X might feel more at home here than on Depop. (My mom sometimes gives me items of hers to sell; in those cases, Poshmark is my go-to.) Poshmark also lacks a way to message other users directly. Personally, I don't love having a convo in the comment section, but other users don't seem to mind.

SEE ALSO: I tried 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are actually worth the hype

Mercari, for its part, is the place to sell home goods like electronics and decor, new and used. Items from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls that go viral and sell out quickly often end up listed on Mercari — the Rae Dunn and Hello Kitty merch lore runs deep on these virtual shelves. If you have unwanted skincare that you're too lazy to return or unwanted perfume or cologne with just a few sprays used, Mercari also has a big market for stuff like that.

In response to a question about Mercari's target audience on the Mercari subreddit, Reddit user chibidesigns writes: "I’ve had a lot of success selling random things on Mercari. Sold automatic toothbrush heads within 10min of posting, and sold a lot of old electronics wires I had laying around. Clothing moves, but at a slower pace than what I move on Poshmark."

Mercari is still great for fashion resale, though, especially for things like sneakers (think sneakerhead culture), children's clothing, or outerwear. My brother has given me several pairs of his old Air Jordans to sell for him, and most sold quickly on Mercari after gaining little traction on Depop.

Making your listings pop is less work than you think

Starting a successful shop will require some legwork, but follow a few key principles and you'll be good to go. Here's what to focus on.

Start with the background. Consider what you, as a buyer, would need to see to feel comfortable buying clothing from someone. Blindingly artificial lighting or a carpet covered in pet hair don’t exactly prove that the seller takes care of their clothes. A half-assed photo could send the message that you’ll be half-assed with shipping or communication, too.

Assembling a makeshift studio is a good move. It doesn't have to be fancy — think cohesive and presentable, like a nicely decorated corner of your room or a plain wall outside your apartment complex. A uniform look is great, but what really matters is showing that you take pride in the reselling process.

SEE ALSO: How 4 creators use CapCut to edit their TikTok videos

Modeling clothes isn’t a requirement, especially when you're selling something because it doesn't fit. But since returns aren’t very common on resale apps, buyers do appreciate seeing what an item looks like on a person. However, there's no need to drag a friend out for a shoot. The self-timer on your phone can work surprisingly well, but if that makes you feel rushed, a cheap wireless shutter remote and mini tripod will give you more control.

Don't feel like being in front of the camera? There are other ways to take eye-catching photos. Putting an item on a hanger is a stylish alternative, as long as the background is relatively neutral. (Bonus points if all of your photos have a uniform backdrop or theme.) An artsy prop, like a plant in the corner, can add a bit of flare.

Here are some examples of photos I've taken to sell clothes Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I'm not Depop famous by any stretch, but I have made almost 300 sales. I've settled on posing each garment on a white rug on the same chunk of floor, with my roommate's huge gold floor mirror as a little accent in the corner. For items that are too big or awkward for a floor picture, I hang them on the closet door nearby to keep the vibe as match-y as possible. (On Depop, photos have to be square, so keep that in mind when taking photos. Mercari and Poshmark allow photos to expand to full rectangular size.)

Many users use an actual backdrop (could be a sheet, could be a $17 cloud backdrop with fairy string lights). Others remove the backgrounds on their photos and edit the item onto a fun digital backdrop using a service like Photoshop or Canva Pro.

Such intricate photoshoots aren't absolutely necessary, though, especially on platforms that aren't Depop. Mercari and Poshmark shoppers appreciate practicality, likely just looking for photos that very clearly accentuate the item's color and condition. A blank chunk of hardwood floor was my background for all of those sneakers I was selling. Whatever you do, post more than one photo. The front and back of an article of clothing, close-ups on zippers, necklines, or other small details, the bottoms of shoes — just like you'd probably examine an item by hand in a store before buying, taking shots from multiple angles shows the buyer exactly what they'd be purchasing.

Hit allll the angles. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Here are some other quick tips on creating a successful selling app post:

Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural sunlight captures colors and textures as they appear IRL and can highlight stains or snags that you may have missed. But if natural light isn't available, a setup that mimics natural light will be a godsend. (A 5000K light bulb is a good starting point.) Try a Lume Cube or an adjustable daylight lamp.

In some cases, especially with shoes, turning on flash is a surefire way to highlight any discoloration, scuffs, stains, or creasing.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: ShiftCam's tiny portable drive is a content creator's dream

Be as descriptive as possible in the description. Though "Black hoodie sz large good condition" is quicker for you to type, it's not exactly helpful for the buyer. Say as much about the item as you can, including how it fits or the feel of the fabric — bullet points are fine if it feels like you're rambling. Past selecting "good" or "excellent" condition in the settings of the listing, I like to tell buyers approximately how many times the item was worn (if I have a general idea). Know the year it came out? Add that. Know the exact name and/or color of the item that a buyer might type into the search bar (i.e., Reformation Gloria dress in "Honeyglow")? Add that.

Be candid about flaws or other quirks, like whether the item fits like a small even if it's tagged as a medium. Duping someone is just a recipe for a bad review, and that'll just hinder your likelihood of making more sales in the future.

Launder your items before selling. Take the time to hang-dry items that can’t go in the dryer, and hand wash delicates that say to do so. (A few drops of Woolite Delicates in the sink will do just fine.) This will help with fading, shrinking, and fabric durability, and could be the difference between “excellent” or “fair” condition.

Be mindful of wrinkles. Even the cutest little photo arrangement can't make ridiculously wrinkly clothes look enticing to buyers, and often makes it impossible to actually see how the garment would lay normally. If one of your items' previous storage situation was being crumpled in a ball for a year, just grow up and iron it, or send it through a dryer's wrinkle release setting.

Basic sewing skills go a long way. SNL fans might remember the skit where Larry-David-as-Bernie-Sanders recommends keeping the little button in the baggie that comes with pants. He's right: An item with a missing button will likely fetch a much lower price. (When you list the item, note that the extra button will be included with the sale. It shows the buyer you're responsible.)

As long as you have a needle and some matching thread, you can replace a button or mend a hole. Taking the burden of repair off the buyer can increase the value (perceived and actual) of what you're selling.

A measuring tape is another staple. Buyers will almost definitely ask for measurements on pants, especially if they're denim. And knowing your own measurements is helpful when hunting for your holy grail vintage Levi's.

SEE ALSO: 4 clever finance tips from online creators

If you’re feeling ambitious, you may want to invest in a sewing machine. This is a must for thrift flip TikTok enthusiasts, but it's also nice to have one on hand for more involved repairs, like replacing a zipper. (It's easy, I swear. Buy a zipper of the same color on Amazon and find a DIY video.) You should still tell buyers about the patch job, but it’s better than dropping the "broken zipper" bomb.

Saving your boxes and mailers will save your ass

Do a lot of online shopping yourself? Reuse that Amazon packaging instead of paying for new mailers. I've received orders in old Sephora boxes and Target mailers and have never minded, and I do the same myself (within reason — skip the tattered ones). Many buyers purchase secondhand because they value sustainability, so they'll appreciate a shop that doesn't let packaging go to waste.

Get familiar with shipping

As TechCrunch writer Ingrid Lunden noted in a 2019 piece about Depop, "buyers generally do not seem to expect the same kind of shipping, tracking, or delivery professionals appearing at their doors" as they would for big-box purchases. They understand that you, a fellow average human, are handling shipping, and are more likely to be chill about it — as long as you reach out and explain any delays.

Almost every resale app works with USPS to create printable shipping labels, which are paid for by the buyer unless toggled otherwise. Poshmark uses a flat shipping fee, while Depop and Mercari offer multiple options based on weight. UPS and FedEx are also options on Mercari and are sometimes slightly cheaper than USPS, depending on the item's weight.

It's smart to use a kitchen scale to weigh packages and choose a label accordingly. Otherwise, you risk the post office sending your package back if it's too heavy.

Selling fees explained

Though listing an item is technically free, each platform typically takes a percentage of your sale to cover other fees.

Note that these numbers aren't set in stone. Both Mercari and Depop have recently gone through phases where they ditched the selling fee altogether, just to replace it with an alternate type of charge. Sometimes, they return to the old model, sometimes they don't.

Here's the selling fee situation for the big apps as of April 2025:

  • Depop no longer charges its previous 10% selling fee and instead charges sellers a payment processing fee (3.3% of the transaction amount plus $0.45, and buyers a U.S. marketplace fee of up to 5% of the purchase price). Allegedly, this allows sellers to keep slightly more of their profit.

  • Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee and charges buyers a flat 3.6% buyer protection fee.

  • Poshmark charges sellers $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales of $15 or more. It's pretty steep, IMO.

  • eBay selling fees range from 10% to 15.55%, depending on the product category and final item price. Clothing, shoes, and accessories come with a 13.25% selling fee, while sneakers specifically are at 8%.

  • Vinted also no longer charges a straight up selling fee, instead charging buyers a 5% buyer protection fee plus $0.70.

Possibly the hardest pill to swallow in the online selling game is that you probably won't make the amount back that you paid. An item could be new with tags and buyers will still probably need to see a lower price to be convinced to buy from a random person instead of the brand's official website. See how other sellers are pricing similar items and keep wear in mind.

Dealing with lowballing

At some point, you're bound to encounter a prospective buyer who offers an amount so low, it feels offensive. A $10 top is already reasonable, but someone will inevitably try to get it for $7 (knowing damn well that, after shipping, you'll make about $2).

Making offers can be a useful tactic when done respectfully. Some users do make fair suggestions that won't halve your profit, and acquiescing could inspire an extra-sweet review. If you absolutely aren't down to haggle, note in the description that your asking price is firm.

The offer feature on the big selling apps makes it easy to send lower prices to users showing interest in your item. Buyers and sellers can negotiate by sending counteroffers, and sellers can also nudge buyers first by sending offers to people who have liked the item.

Remember: Good reviews matter more than follower count

Getting eyeballs on your profile depends less on follower count and more on quality photos, quick shipping, and responsiveness to buyers' questions. Cover those, and stacked positive reviews are likely in your future. Whether your goal is to build a following or simply get rid of stuff you're no longer feeling, the tips above can help get your items sold quickly — and get that cash into your bank account.

The Sony WF-C710N earbuds beat the AirPods 4 on ANC, sound, and price

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:30

Sony’s presence in the wireless audio space grows stronger and wider with every new release. The class-leading WF-1000XM5 are considered some of the best wireless earbuds among critics and consumers, edging out the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for true wireless supremacy. Less-popular entries such as the WF-C700N also helped establish Sony’s footing in the mid-range wireless earbuds market.

The WF-C710N is the latest model to join the pack, and it’s a doozy. High-end features combined with Sony’s critically acclaimed sound technologies give these inexpensive in-ears a sonic edge over many similarly priced rivals.

Comparing these buds to the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony sibling WF-1000XM5 isn’t an exaggeration, since they boast many of the same features. Notable omissions include hi-res streaming through Bluetooth and wireless charging. They might fall short of these category titans, but they outperform both versions of the AirPods 4 in the areas that matter most: active noise cancellation, battery life, and — you guessed it — sound. That makes them the superior mid-range option.

Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds specs

Pairing the buds to compatible media devices is an effortless task. Hold down the button on the back of the charging case with the lid open and buds in their charging slots to enable pairing mode. Select your unit from the available devices list in the Bluetooth setting on your device. Android users can take advantage of Google Fast Pair for one-tap pairing. There’s even multipoint technology to pair these buds to two devices simultaneously, no matter the platform. Connectivity remains stable within a 40-foot range.

Setting up the earbuds is incredibly easy. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The WF-C710N’s spec sheet is solid:

  • Speaker Driver Unit: 5mm

  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

  • Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

  • Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE)

  • IPX4 water resistance

  • 8.5 hours of battery with ANC on / 12 hours with ANC off

  • Up to 30 hours of additional playtime with charging case

  • 5-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of ANC listening

  • Earpiece sizes: S, M, L

  • Colors: black, glass blue, pink, and white

The Sony Sound Connect app can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play for free. It is streamlined to easily adjust or toggle features. There are many sound settings to play with, which I break down further in this review. The same goes for the WF-C710N’s favorable touch and voice controls.

Balanced sound with beneficial ANC

The WF-C710N sound identical to their predecessor, which is great since the WF-C700N produce punchy, well-balanced sonics that complement most music genres.

Alternative tracks like Hozier’s “Too Sweet” level you with impactful lows, which are spearheaded by an infectious bass line that slaps hard right out of the gate. You can almost feel the pluck of every guitar strum. The singer’s lo-fi vocals also sound crisp. I attribute this to Sony’s DSEE technology, which boosts fidelity on all music files, and does so flawlessly. Be sure to enable it in the app (more on that later).

These buds handle live performances incredibly well. The resolution on Daft Punk’s rendition of “One More Time/Aerodynamic” is superb. You’ll be able to distinguish between individual voices and instruments. The transition into “Aerodynamic” raises bass during the electrifying guitar riff intro and doesn’t distort the soundstage. 

The Sony WF-C710N earbuds outperform Apple AirPods 4 in sound quality. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Hearing this level of depth and layering through 5mm drivers is a testament to Sony’s impeccable sound engineering. Lows are the most expressive frequency, but mids and highs are given enough attention to create warm, stable sound.

There’s a slight bump in bass when turning on ANC. You’ll hear and feel the difference on bangers like Travis Scott’s “Butterfly Effect.” The booming effects and synths create hair-raising reverberation.

ANC performs mostly well. The buds eliminate up to 85 percent of unwanted noise, with certain high-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) creeping onto the soundstage. Luckily, these noises sound more like background effects on songs. Noise cancellation performed similarly on calls — the only interruptions came from high-frequency sounds.

The feature always came in handy when working on my balcony. It neutralized the construction and landscaping noises near the pool area. Stepping inside the apartment was just as peaceful. Household appliances and loud TVs never caught my attention, nor did my cat’s meows.

Where Sony’s ANC technology always shows out is ambient listening. The 20-level Ambient Sound mode is remarkable and vastly increases awareness in all surroundings. You’ll hear ambulance sirens from three blocks away, while having clear-sounding conversations in proximity without removing the buds.

Comparing the WF-C710N to other earbuds

I have over eight years of experience testing headphones and earbuds, which I’ve done for numerous credible tech publications (e.g., Tom’s Guide, Laptop Magazine, CNN Underscored). My benchmark products are the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds for ANC and the WF-1000XM5 for sound.

Audio on the WF-C710N isn’t luxury level like the previously mentioned models. Comfort and spatial audio are also better on these high-priced competitors. However, the WF-C710N sound superior to most buds under $200 (*cough* AirPods 4 cough).

Even without the *best* ANC, these buds do a great job blocking out sound. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The WF-C710N won’t be considered some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds, but they do a fantastic job of silencing your surroundings. ANC holds up well in both indoor and outdoor settings. Most low- and mid-frequency sounds will go unnoticed. High-frequency sounds are audible, but they aren’t distracting. Transparency mode might be the WF-C710N’s unsung feature. Sony’s mic array demonstrates terrific vocal capture to easily communicate with others or eavesdrop on conversations.

Prime operation translates to flawless usability

Responsiveness and touch accuracy are marvelous on the WF-C710N. The touch controls not only execute multi-tap commands quickly, but rarely do they misinterpret triple taps for double taps. Voice assistance is dependable — you’ll be able to initiate Siri and Google Assistant commands with ease. Shortcut lovers will appreciate the option to access Amazon Music or Spotify directly on the buds; this can be assigned in the Quick Access setting via the app.

The Sound Connect app expands functionality across the board. Aside from control customization, this is where you’ll enable the ANC mode, sound technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, DSEE), and other popular features like multi-point connectivity and wear detection. Business users should turn on the former since it creates a seamless connection between two media devices at the same time, allowing you to switch audio sources without unpairing.

Sony’s customizable EQ with well-engineered presets steals the show. Each preset is fine-tuned for its assigned category. The Find Your Equalizer feature is the best way to enjoy personalized sound. It automatically creates a sound profile tailored to your hearing. My profile delivered sharper mids than the WF-C710N’s standard EQ.

The Sony Sound Connect app allows for customization and easy access to switching between modes. Credit: Screenshot: Sony Sound Connect Credit: Screenshot: Sony Sound Connect Sony WF-C710N battery life

Battery life is another area where the WF-C710N satisfy. A full charge generates between 8.5 and 12 hours, depending how you use the buds. Features like multipoint and spatial audio trim off 1.5 hours, though the lasting playtimes are still sufficient and rank higher than most noise-cancelling earbuds. I’ve worn the buds for full work shifts and had enough juice to take phone calls after clocking out. The charging case holds an additional 30 hours (fully charged) to ensure next-day usage.

Are the Sony WF-C710N earbuds worth it?

Can you buy quality noise-cancelling earbuds for less than the Sony WF-C710N? Sure. Will they come with the same amount of sound personalization? No. That alone justifies the purchase.

Shortcomings are apparent. It would have been nice if Sony added wireless charging and LDAC support for hi-res streaming over Bluetooth. The bigger issue for some listeners might be discomfort. Luckily, these aren’t dealbreakers.

It’s worth picking up the WF-C710Ns if you have a penchant for Sony’s bass-forward sound signature or want affordable ANC buds with better audio and noise cancellation than the AirPods 4.

The Sony WF-C710N are priced at $119.99 and are available on Sony’s website, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds $119.99 at Amazon
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How to watch The Monkey: When is the Stephen King adaptation streaming?

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:15
The best streaming deals to watch 'The Monkey' at a glance: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Prime Video $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Apple TV $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Fandango at Home $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on YouTube $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'The Monkey' on Google Play $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) bundle $10.99/month (save $8.99/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu Student $1.99/month (save $8/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu (with ads) for T-Mobile customers Free for select T-Mobile customers (save $9.99/month) Learn More

The beginning of 2025 has already brought us a collection of excellent horror films in every shape and size — from the savage and silly Companion to the genre-transcending vampire flick Sinners to the delightfully gory The Monkey. Based on a Stephen King short story of the same name, The Monkey was originally published in Galley magazine in 1980. Now it's been adapted into a feature film full of "gonzo and gory displays of ultra-violent death," as Mashable's film editor put it. King himself called it "batshit insane," and that's saying something.

If you missed the cymbal-banging monkey murderer in theaters, now's your chance to catch the gruesome horror comedy on the small screen. Here's everything you need to know to watch The Monkey at home.

What is The Monkey about?

Written and directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), The Monkey follows twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn (both played by The White Lotus's Theo James, who find their father's old monkey toy in the attic. It's not just a quirky toy; it's a cursed drum-playing monkey that kills without mercy anytime his crank is turned.

The horror comedy also stars Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood, and others.

Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek:

Is The Monkey worth watching?

The Monkey brought home an impressive $68.4 million at the worldwide box office when it launched in theaters in February. Critics love the sick sense of humor and stomach-churning gore, including Mashable's own film editor, Kristy Puchko. "All in all, it’s a vicious and hysterical spectacle of blood and brain matter that’ll make you laugh, gasp, gag, and even think," she writes in her review of the film. She adds that it feels "like a challenge, as if the monkey — be it his unblinking gaze or the truly outrageous gore he unfurls — dares you to look away."

Audiences are a bit more torn, with only a 57 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as opposed to the 79 percent critics rating. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide.

Check out our full review of The Monkey.

How to watch The Monkey at home Credit: NEON

The Monkey hit theaters in late February, but is now officially available to watch at home as of April 4. You can purchase it for your digital collection through on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV or rent it for 30 days. Fair warning: With rentals, once you start watching, you'll only have 48 hours to finish.

If you'd rather stream The Monkey at home, keep scrolling for more information.

Here are some of the platforms where you can purchase or rent the film online:

When and where is The Monkey streaming?

Since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, we can all but guarantee The Monkey will make its streaming debut on the service. The question is when. Based on the streaming trajectory of previous Neon films like Anora and Cuckoo, we can make an educated guess that The Monkey will join the Hulu library sometime in July.

Hulu is surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. We suggest waiting until the release date is announced to sign up and watch for free. Otherwise, subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. We've also rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.

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Opting for an annual Hulu plan instead of paying monthly can save you 16%. Paid upfront, it'll cost you just $99.99, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month rather than $9.99 per month. It's the best way to keep more money in your pocket in the long term.

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If you want to get more bang for your buck, sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle. You'll get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for just $10.99 per month. That's only $1 more than paying for Hulu on its own — a savings of 45%. You could even throw ESPN+ or Max into the mix for just $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on three different streamers.

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Students can tune into Neon hits like The Monkey, Anora, and Longlegs with a Hulu Student subscription for just $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the typical cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.

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One of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan get Hulu with ads for free (as well as Netflix and Apple TV+). Already on the Go5G Next plan? Just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. You'll need to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.

Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.

How the Crypto Industry’s Political Spending Is Paying Off

NYT Technology - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:01
Federal lawmakers who benefited from crypto largess in the 2024 election are speedily advancing the industry’s agenda.

Get a lifetime subscription to the App of the Year runner-up PDF editor for just $140

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:00

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Work on different versions of your PDF draft with annotation functions. Highlight content and add comments in pop-up notes or margins. Use stamps to make customizable guides to direct your workflow process within the document.

Advanced tools in PDF Expert

It's not just regular PDF editing tools, either. PDF Expert comes with some of the advanced tools professionals need, like conversions, form filling, and text recognition.

PDF Expert is the all-in-one tool to convert PDFs to Microsoft Office formats like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, image formats like JPG or PNG, or text files.

With just a few clicks, turn PDFs into fillable forms, an essential business feature. Add signatures or have clients sign contracts directly in PDF Expert. Redact confidential information before sending legal documents onward.

Text recognition tools can turn scanned image PDFs into searchable text so that you can find information, highlight it, or even copy it out. Improve scanned images by removing shadows or blurs. You can even turn double-scanned pages into two separate ones or remove margins.

See why PDF Expert was a runner-up to the App of the Year when you get a lifetime subscription for $139.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Own Microsoft Office Pro for just $30

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Own Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with this lifetime Microsoft Office 2019 license, now only $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03 Get Deal

It seems as though subscription fees are king in today's day and age. While they're annoying to pay each month, you probably don't want to say goodbye to two-day shipping with Prime or cancel Netflix and never see the new season of Black Mirror. Want to get rid of one of your recurring fees? Swap your Microsoft 365 subscription for a Microsoft Office lifetime license.

Instead of paying nearly $100 a year (Microsoft just announced they're raising the price of 365 from $69.99 a year to $99.99), pay only once to own your favorite productivity apps for life. Grab the Windows-compatible Microsoft Office 2019 suite for only $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27.

Microsoft 365 vs. Microsoft Office 2019

This purchase is a no-brainer if you aren’t taking full advantage of Microsoft 365’s OneDrive storage, mobile app access, and cloud-based backups. Those just wanting the apps should be more than comfortable with a Microsoft Office download.

You might actually like this license more than the subscription. The apps are downloaded directly onto your PC instead of hosted on the cloud. While this does mean there are no built-in cloud backups, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of trying to work offline.

Plus, now that Microsoft added Copilot’s AI features to Microsoft 365, you might be looking for a way to escape them. Not everyone is crazy about having a virtual robot interfere with their work, and these classic apps won’t ever bug you about it.

The price drop on this Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows ends soon, so get your download for just $29.97 (reg. $229) through April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Ultra-slim AirTag alternative: Get a 3-pack for $89.99

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: KeySmart Smart Cards are the credit card-sized, slim Bluetooth trackers you need to protect your wallet, ID lanyard, and more with Apple Find My for just $89.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard (3-Pack) $89.99
$119.97 Save $29.98 Works with Apple Find My Get Deal

Bluetooth tracker too bulky to protect your slimmer belongings? Get the slim AirTag alternative that better protects your wallet or ID lanyard when you snap up this deal for a 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards at just $89.99 (reg. $119.97).

The last lost wallet

When you swap to KeySmart SmartCards to protect your wallet and personal belongings, you can feel confident that you've lost your last wallet. SmartCards have a durable design and long battery life meant to help you find your stuff wherever it may be. Keyed to work with the Apple Find My app, you can locate belongings within range of the network. Put it in Lost Mode to make it discoverable with a message and contact info for other users and increase your chances of being reunited.

Lost your wallet nearby? If you're within 200 feet of your lost item, activate an alarm to track by sound. Don't want to forget your luggage while traveling? Turn on a "left behind" notification on the slim tracker in your bag so you get a phone alert if you're mistakenly separated from your baggage.

SmartCard, smarter design

The stand-out feature of KeySmart's SmartCard is how slim the tracker is. Similar to the size of a credit card and about 2mm thick, the SmartCard fits discretely in wallets, behind IDs on lanyards, in purse pockets, pet carriers, or even larger luggage bags.

And wherever you stash it, the SmartCard is designed to keep working despite less than favorable circumstances. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it can survive submersion in water around three feet for up to an hour. The rechargeable battery can last up to five months on a single charge. When it's time to recharge, just pop it on a Qi-enabled charger — no need to buy batteries.

Buy yourself some peace of mind when you protect your wallet, purse, and luggage with a three-pack of the KeySmart SmartCards for just $89.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get the Deeper Connect Air Decentralized VPN for life for $169

Mashable - Sat, 04/12/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: There aren't many of these portable VPN Routers left, but you can still get one on sale for $169 (reg. $219).

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Network Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router $169
$219 Save $50 Get Deal

It seems like everything is a subscription lately. Your apps, your movies, and even your privacy has a monthly fee. That's why some have started switching from subscription-based VPNs over to a full VPN router. Instead of paying monthly forever, you can get one a lifelong privacy solution for $169 (reg. $219) — but we don't have many left. 

What do VPN routers do?

Setting up the Deeper Connect Air is pretty straightforward. Just connect the router to your USB-C enabled computer for power. Once it's powered up, it connects to an existing WiFi network. Then just pick a VPN server and you're good to go. There's a whole network of over 150,000 options, so the world is your oyster.

You can connect up to five devices at a time, meaning you can protect the whole family or just lock all your own devices down.

Deeper Connect uses military-grade encryption to scramble all the data that travels through it. This means your browsing, downloads, and other online activity become unreadable to anyone who shouldn't be seeing it, which helps stop tracking and keeps your data safe.

This little gadget can also get around those annoying location blocks on streaming services. If a show or movie you want to watch is only available in another country, just connect to a server there. Then, when you open up Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, it'll be like you're browsing from that location, unlocking the content you want.

There's one more thing that makes this such a good device to have on hand: Deeper Connect Air blocks ads, even on streaming services.

Get a Deeper Connect Air while they're on sale for $169. Supply is limited. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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