Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword wasn’t too tough today. I’m no anatomy expert, so I had to let the other answers fill in 6-Across, but everything else was pretty simply. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for June 6, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: “Oh, for heaven’s ___!” Answer: SAKE
5A clue: Ending for “cine” and “multi,” in movie theater names Answer: PLEX
6A clue: Pelvic bone Answer: ILIUM
8A clue: “This will ___!” (“Unacceptable!”) Answer: NOTDO
9A clue: Excited cry from a kid on the [circled letters] Answer: WHEE
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: What a ballerina might do on one toe Answer: SPIN
2D clue: Permit Answer: ALLOW
3D clue: Richards of the Rolling Stones Answer: KEITH
4D clue: Radiate, as energy Answer: EXUDE
7D clue: Stooge with a bowl cut Answer: MOE
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Nobody likes dealing with power outages: bumping around in the dark looking for a flashlight or candles, food spoiling in the fridge, and no way to charge your phone during an emergency. Whether you’re preparing for future crises, or you live in an area that regularly loses power during storms, a home battery can deliver peace of mind. While a home battery won’t last forever, and slowly loses its ability to charge over time, it’s a great way to prepare for the future.
Home batteries are giant lithium-ion batteries that act as a backup power source for your home. They also have a limited lifespan and aren’t immune to the inevitable demise their smaller counterparts face.
“It’s no different than your iPhone battery,” Cameron McDonald, vice president of merchandising, planning and inventory at Batteries Plus, told CNET.
You’ll get much more life from a home battery than from your iPhone battery, but it’s still not going to last forever. So how long will your home battery last? What can you do to extend its lifespan? Here’s some expert advice on how to get the most out of your home battery.
How long does a home battery last?
The most common types of home batteries, typically made of some sort of lithium-ion chemistry, degrade over time just like any other battery. Each time you charge and discharge your battery, it loses some of its capacity to hold a charge. It’s so inconsequential that you won’t notice it at first. After a few years, you might start to notice that your battery can’t hold a charge quite like it used to.
Your home battery is not going to live forever, but it might last longer than you think. “Anticipate it to last about 15 years,” McDonald said.
Look closely at the warranty
Almost all home batteries on the market come with a 10-year warranty. That doesn’t necessarily mean your battery will be totally dead in 10 years. The thing you really want to pay attention to on your battery’s warranty is its cycle life or expected energy throughput. Both of these give you a good indicator of how long your battery will really last, according to the manufacturer.
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Every time you drain and recharge your battery it completes a “cycle.” On your warranty, the manufacturer guarantees your battery will be able to deliver up to a certain amount of cycles while under warranty. The expected life for home batteries is usually between 6,000 to 8,000 cycles.
Similarly, you might see an expected energy “throughput” listed somewhere on your warranty. This is another way the manufacturer estimates your battery’s lifespan. Your battery’s throughput, usually measured in megawatt-hours, is the total amount of energy that your battery should deliver to your home during its lifetime while still under warranty.
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Since your battery’s maximum energy storage capacity decreases over time, most manufacturers will also include some form of end-of-warranty capacity guarantee, promising that your battery will still be able to retain up to a certain amount of its original maximum capacity by the time your warranty expires. Most manufacturers will guarantee up to at least a 70% capacity retention rate. You can still use your battery after your warranty period is up — possibly for another five years, even. Just don’t expect the battery’s performance to be as good as it was when you first had it installed.
Factors that can affect your home battery’s lifespan
Not all batteries are created equal — and even batteries that are similar won’t all last the same amount of time. That’s because several external factors can affect your battery’s lifespan. Here are a few things to consider.
Exposure to extreme temperatures
Sometimes the things that can affect your battery’s lifespan are things that are completely outside of your control, like the weather. If you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, that can shorten your battery’s lifespan, McDonald said. When you’re thinking about where to put your battery, try to keep it somewhere that reduces its exposure to temperature extremes.
If you live in a hot climate, keeping it indoors, or at least somewhere shaded, can help your battery last longer. If you live in a cold climate, keeping it insulated from the elements will also help. If your home has a garage, consider having it installed there.
Depth of discharge
The way you use your battery can also affect its lifespan. A battery’s depth of discharge refers to the amount of energy you can safely drain relative to its maximum capacity. If you drain your battery all the way to zero before you recharge, that can actually hurt your battery, McDonald said. Many battery systems won’t even let you discharge that far for this precise reason, as a way of protecting battery health.
Number of charging cycles
Battery lifespans of 10 or 15 years assume that you’ll run a certain number of charging cycles. Each time you drain and recharge your battery, it reduces the lifespan a little bit, according to McDonald.
So if you end up cycling your battery more than what’s recommended by the manufacturer, you might end up with a lower-than-average battery lifespan. “It gives wear and tear,” McDonald said. Check your battery’s warranty to see its expected cycle life.
Physical damage
It probably goes without saying, but you’d be surprised how easy it can be to accidentally damage your battery. McDonald said he’s seen several people bump into their battery with their car while pulling into the garage. If you damage your battery like this, it’s probably going to reduce its lifespan. When scoping out a location to install your battery, work with your installer to find a spot that’s both easy to access and has a low risk of accidental damage to the battery.
Is installing a home battery worth it?
Whether a home battery is worth it depends on what kind of return on investment you’re looking for.
“What’s your goal? If your goal is to save money on your energy costs, a home battery may or may not be right for you,” McDonald said.
Home batteries can help you save money if you pair them with solar, or if you can leverage them against time-of-use rates from your utility company. You still have to overcome the initial upfront cost of the battery to start saving money. That being said, the cost of home batteries has been falling. A recent report from EnergySage found that battery prices have dropped 16% in 2024 compared to last year.
Many homeowners install home batteries for a different reason: They’re a backup power source to supply electricity to their home during an outage. In this case, the return on investment might be less about numbers and more about comfort. “There’s the cash [return on investment], and there’s the peace of mind ROI,” McDonald said.
Either way, a qualified installer should be able to help you crunch the numbers of your specific situation and see if the math works out. Make sure to factor in the federal government’s 30% tax credit offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. This tax credit allows you to claim up to 30% of the cost of a home battery installation on your taxes.
Home batteries might not be the right decision for everyone. If you can’t stomach the high upfront costs, aren’t worried about potential power outages or can’t take advantage of time-of-use rates, then a home battery might not be worth it.
FAQs
What should I use during a power outage: a home battery or a portable generator?
If the upfront cost of installing a battery-based power backup system isn’t feasible, a portable generator is a solid quick fix. However, in the long run, getting a home battery system that’s powered by solar can be the ideal fix to safeguard against power outages.
Read more: Batteries or Generators: What’s the Best Home Backup Power Source?
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword stumped me right away, with 1-Across. But the other answers filled in smoothly, so that one became obvious eventually. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for June 4, 2025
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Nickname that drops “-uel” Answer: SAM
4A clue: Paleontologist’s discovery Answer: BONE
5A clue: Like San Francisco during the summer Answer: FOGGY
6A clue: “Bald” bird Answer: EAGLE
7A clue: Clothes tumbler Answer: DRYER
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Damp Answer: SOGGY
2D clue: Consideration for a selfie taker Answer: ANGLE
3D clue: Sweet variety of lemon Answer: MEYER
4D clue: Animal hunted by the stranded kids in “Lord of the Flies” Answer: BOAR
5D clue: Org. for Jerome Powell, with “the” Answer: FED
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
We’re still months away from Apple’s anticipated reveal of the newest iPhone, which we expect to happen in the company’s usual September window for launching the next edition of its popular line of smartphones. In the meantime, plenty of rumors are swirling about what the upcoming device, likely called the iPhone 17, could look like.
From a redesigned camera module to a slimmer “Air” version of the iPhone 17, there’s been lots of buzz about what Apple’s next lineup will bring. We might even see a fresh blue color option for the Pro models.
But the biggest news could be that iPhones get pricier thanks to tariffs. President Donald Trump threatened that Apple phones made outside the US would be subject to a 25% tariff, which could tack $200 or more on to the prices of the iPhone 17 series if all that extra cost was passed along to the consumer. We’ll have to wait and see how Apple and CEO Tim Cook respond to this proclamation.
And the rumors aren’t just about external appearances; reports suggest Apple will overhaul the look and feel of its software with the launch of iOS 19 as well. There are also rumors about increased RAM across all four expected devices.
Here’s what analysts and leakers predict about the iPhone 17 lineup.
A slimmer iPhone 17 ‘Air’
One of the biggest rumors surrounds a possible iPhone “Air,” a thinner version of Apple’s flagship device that would replace the iPhone Plus option.
The Air could feature a 6.6-inch screen, making it slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max but still bigger than the baseline model, according to analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo. A Bloomberg report from March supports those rumors, and notes that the iPhone Air could measure 5.5mm thick. The report also suggests the phone will cost around $900, putting it on par with the iPhone 16 Plus and maintaining its place in the iPhone hierarchy.
For Apple to slim down a device, it would need to make hardware trade-offs, and that might include the phone’s camera. According to both Kuo and Bloomberg, it’s possible this version of the iPhone 17 would have only one main camera, doing without the ultrawide and 5x telephoto lenses that have been staples of Apple’s premium iPhones for years. This would place the slim iPhone in the same camp as the $600 iPhone 16E when it comes to cameras, as that phone has only one rear lens. The good news, though, is that the selfie camera on the iPhone Air could get a boost; more on that later.
Watch this: iPhone 17 Rumors: What Analysts Say Apple Is Doing Next
One key challenge will be maintaining a high battery capacity, since a slimmer build typically means less space for the battery and thus a potential compromise on battery life. Bloomberg suggests Apple is focused on tackling that shortcoming. The report also notes that the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have superslim bezels, a Camera Control button and the Dynamic Island.
The phone will likely feature an A18 or A19-branded chip, Pu suggests. This would reportedly match the chip in the baseline iPhone 17. It could also include the Apple-developed 5G modem, called the C1 chip, which debuted on the iPhone 16E.
A higher refresh rate across the board
Rumor has it all models of the iPhone 17 will feature a 120Hz display, bumping the non-Pro models up from their current 60Hz refresh rate. That could be a welcome change, as the discrepancy between the Pro and non-Pro refresh rate is surprising; when Apple debuted the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus with a 60Hz display, there was a bit of an outcry from folks who expected more in 2024. This rumored update could remedy that — and possibly bring the always-on display to the baseline model.
What we likely won’t see is a new anti-reflective display that Apple was reportedly working on, according to MacRumors. A source reportedly told the publication that Apple scrapped plans for a more scratch-resistant display coating which could have appeared on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This would have made them the first iPhones with an anti-reflective screen, giving them a feature that CNET’s Patrick Holland deemed one of the best attributes of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to MacRumors, “Apple ran into problems scaling up the display coating process, and it is currently no longer a planned feature for the iPhone 17 Pro models.”
Camera upgrades
James Martin/CNET
It’s not an iPhone release without a camera upgrade, and there have been plenty of rumors about what the camera module could look like on Apple’s upcoming phones. In January, a leaked image from Majin Bu on X suggested the phone could feature a pill-shaped camera bar, essentially resembling what you’d find on Google’s Pixel 9 phone. In February, Bu followed up with CAD renders of what’s said to be the iPhone 17 lineup, featuring horizontal camera bars, as well as larger rectangular bars on the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Front Page Tech also shared iPhone 17 Pro renders in a video in February, depicting a larger camera bar that maintains the lens’ stacked layout. A separate video on the iPhone 17 Air shows a smaller camera bar, with one lens on the left.
In April, Bloomberg reported the “iPhone 17 Pro will look a lot more like the 16 Pro than anticipated,” adding, “From the front, the 17 Pro will appear quite similar to the 16 Pro. It’s the back camera that will look meaningfully different.” The latest rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Pro’s three-lens camera arrangement will be maintained, but will sit on a new panel that stretches across the phone’s width.
Later in April, Bu again posted an image of the purported iPhone 17 lineup, showing those wider camera bars with the stacked lenses still configured to the left.
Not until next year, for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, will Apple be “preparing a major shake-up” for the phone’s design, Bloomberg says. That includes a (long-rumored) foldable version and a “bold new Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass.”
Another camera-related rumor is that the selfie camera on all iPhone 17 models, including the Air, will be upgraded to 24 megapixels, according to Pu. That’s a decent bump from the current 12-megapixel front-facing camera on the iPhone 16 lineup, though it’s important to remember that more megapixels don’t automatically mean better photos. Still, given how much people increasingly rely on their front cameras to snap selfies and record videos for TikTok and Instagram, this will surely be a welcome advancement.
A sky blue iPhone 17 Pro
It’s not clear what colors will be included in the iPhone 17’s lineup. But in April, Bu said the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could include a sky blue option. In an article, Bu wrote that “sources close to the supply chain confirm that several iPhone 17 Pro prototypes have been made in various colors, with Sky Blue currently the frontrunner.”
Bu describes the sky blue color as being “even more stunning than the much-loved Sierra Blue of the iPhone 13 Pro, with a brightness and refinement that make it irresistible.” (My colleague Jeff Carlson isn’t so thrilled about this rumor.)
iOS 19 could bring a fresh look
Regarding what’s on the inside, Apple is reportedly looking to revamp its mobile operating system with the release of iOS 19. According to Bloomberg, this “includes updating the style of icons, menus, apps, windows and system buttons.” Sources reportedly told the publication that Apple is “working to simplify the way users navigate and control their devices,” and that the design borrows from the Vision Pro’s operating system. For instance, VisionOS features more circular app icons and translucent navigation panels. It’s possible what you’ll see on your future iPhone could more closely mirror this aesthetic.
The software revamp would reportedly extend to iPad and Mac, therefore bringing consistency across Apple’s devices. Bloomberg notes this would be the biggest software shakeup since macOS Big Sur’s release in 2020 and iOS 7’s release in 2013.
Other possible features
The rumors on what frames the iPhone 17 lineup will feature have gone back and forth, but Pu recently suggested the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all have aluminum frames. He noted that the iPhone 17 Air could be the outlier with a titanium frame.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could have a narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to a smaller Face ID sensor. Pu has said the Dynamic Island on other iPhone 17 models would reportedly stay the same size.
In February, Kuo noted Apple will swap out Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips for in-house chips across the iPhone 17 lineup, stating this would “enhance connectivity across Apple devices.” It’s not yet clear what exactly this would mean, but it would be interesting if Apple’s C1 chip were accompanied by its own Wi-Fi chip, too.
In April, tipster Digital Chat Station noted that given the use of Apple Intelligence and AI on a “large scale,” all the phones will come with 12GB of RAM. Digital Trends notes this aligns with previous suggestions from Kuo, which gives the rumor some added weight. The iPhone 16 lineup tops out at 8GB of RAM, so this would be a notable leap.
We’ll continue to update this piece as more rumors surface, so be sure to follow along.
Check Out the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s Cameras, Display and Colors
A trade court has ruled Trump’s tariff barrage illegal but the possibility that prices could climb remains real.
James Martin/CNET
It’s an understatement to say President Donald Trump has made tariffs one of the signature policies of his second term in the White House. For now, CNET’s daily price tracker has found prices for several key products to be mostly stable, aside from a notable $100 price hike for the Xbox Series X. That said, the worst of the impacts from Trump’s tariffs are still looming, even as his policies run into legal trouble.
Late last Wednesday evening, the three-judge panel at the New York-based US Court of International Trade ruled that Trump had overstepped the bounds of his executive branch authority with his wide-ranging tariff policy, effectively nullifying it for the time being. The court explained that Congress, with its “power of the purse,” has the primary authority to impose tariffs and that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 — which Trump has used to justify his ability to impose them — does not grant the president “unlimited” authority on tariffs. By Thursday, an appeals court allowed to tariffs to resume while the administration seeks a final reversal of the original ruling from the Supreme Court.
The Trump administration has, unsurprisingly, decried this ruling and moved swiftly to request that the Supreme Court strike it down. We’ll see how that ultimately plays out but, for now, the possibility that the president’s tariff policies will lead to price hikes remains likely. That’s why I’m continuing to monitor several key products you might want or need to buy soon, to keep track of the potential tariff impacts.
CNET Tariff Tracker Index
Above, you can check out a chart with the average price of the 11 products included in this piece over the course of 2025. This will help give you a sense of the overall price changes and fluctuations going on. Further down, you’ll be able to check out charts for each individual product being tracked.
In the past few weeks, Trump ramped up his clashes with companies over their reactions to his tariff agenda. For starters, he demanded that Walmart — the largest grocery chain in the US — eat the cost of the new import taxes after the company said its prices would go up by the summer because of his import taxes. To close out last week, he threatened Apple with a 25% duty on its products if it didn’t plan to move manufacturing to the US, a prospect that has been widely dismissed as a fantasy. As I’ve written about before on CNET, despite these attacks from Trump, the reality of tariffs is that they will almost certainly raise everyday prices and won’t bring much manufacturing stateside.
We’ll be updating this article regularly as prices change. It’s all in the name of helping you make sense of things so be sure to check back every so often. For more, check out CNET’s guide to whether you should wait to make big purchases or buy them now and get expert tips about how to prepare for a recession.
Watch this: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Our Experts Weigh In on Tariffs
Methodology
We’re checking prices daily and will update the article and the relevant charts right away to reflect any changes. The following charts show a single bullet point for each month, with the most recent one labeled “Now” and showing the current price. For the past months, we’ve gone with what was the most common price for each item in the given month.
In most cases, the price stats used in these graphs were pulled from Amazon using the historical price-tracker tool Keepa. For the iPhones, the prices come from Apple’s official materials and are based on the 128-gigabyte base model of the latest offering for each year: the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. For the Xbox Series X, the prices were sourced from Best Buy using the tool PriceTracker. If any of these products happen to be on sale at a given time, we’ll be sure to let you know and explain how those price drops differ from longer-term pricing trends that tariffs can cause.
The 11 products we’re tracking
Mostly what we’re tracking in this article are electronic devices and digital items that CNET covers in depth, like iPhones and affordable 4K TVs — along with a typical bag of coffee, a more humble product that isn’t produced in the US to any significant degree.
The products featured were chosen for a few reasons: Some of them are popular and/or affordable representatives for major consumer tech categories, like smartphones, TVs and game consoles. Others are meant to represent things that consumers might buy more frequently, like printer ink or coffee beans. Some products were chosen over others because they are likely more susceptible to tariffs. Some of these products have been reviewed by CNET or have been featured in some of our best lists.
Below, we’ll get into more about each individual product, and stick around till the end for a rundown of some other products worth noting.
iPhone 16
The iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand in the US, so this was a clear priority for price tracking. The iPhone has also emerged as a major focal point for conversations about tariffs, given its popularity and its susceptibility to import taxes because of its overseas production, largely in China. Trump has reportedly been fixated on the idea that the iPhone can and should be manufactured in the US, an idea that experts have dismissed as a fantasy. Estimates have also suggested that a US-made iPhone would cost as much as $3,500.
Something to note about this graph: The price listed is the one you’ll see if you buy your phone through a major carrier. If you, say, buy direct from Apple or Best Buy without a carrier involved, you’ll be charged an extra $30, so in some places, you might see the list price of the standard iPhone 16 listed as $830.
Apple has made several moves this year to protect its prices in the US as much as possible, like flying in bulk shipments of product ahead of the tariffs taking effect and working to move production for the American market from China to India, where tariff rates are less severe. This latter move provoked a response from Trump, given his noted fixation on the iPhone, saying last week that he “had a little problem” with Tim Cook over the move, claiming without evidence that the Apple CEO pledged to bring more manufacturing to the US. Cook and others close to the company for years say that the supply chains for its products are too complex to move manufacturing entirely to the US.
This week, Trump further threatened a 25% penalty rate against Apple products if it did not move manufacturing to the US. How that will play out is still unclear, but notably, foreign-made iPhones with 25% tax would still probably be much cheaper than iPhones predominantly made in the US.
Duracell AA batteries
A lot of the tech products in your home might boast a rechargeable energy source but individual batteries are still an everyday essential and I can tell you from experience that as soon as you forget about them, you’ll be needing to restock. The Duracell AAs we’re tracking are some of the bestselling batteries on Amazon.
Samsung DU7200 TV
Alongside smartphones, televisions are some of the most popular tech products out there, even if they’re an infrequent purchase. This particular product is a popular entry-level 4K TV and was CNET’s pick for best overall budget TV for 2025. Unlike a lot of tech products that have key supply lines in China, Samsung is a South Korean company so it might have some measure of tariff resistance.
For most of 2025, this model has hovered around $400 but it’s currently sitting at about $427. Whether this is a temporary fluctuation or a more permanent price hike, we’ll let you know as time goes on.
Xbox Series X
Video game software and hardware are a market segment expected to be hit hard by the Trump tariffs. Microsoft’s Xbox is the first console brand to see price hikes — the company cited “market conditions” along with the rising cost of development. Most notably, this included an increase in the price of the flagship Xbox Series X, up from $500 to $600. Numerous Xbox accessories also were affected and the company also said that “certain” games will eventually see a price hike from $70 to $80.
Initially, we were tracking the price of the much more popular Nintendo Switch as a representative of the gaming market. Nintendo has not yet hiked the price of its handheld-console hybrid and stressed that the $450 price tag of the upcoming Switch 2 has not yet been inflated because of tariffs. Sony, meanwhile, has so far only increased prices on its PlayStation hardware in markets outside the US.
AirPods Pro 2
The latest iteration of Apple’s wildly popular true-wireless earbuds are here to represent the headphone market. Much to the chagrin of the audiophiles out there, a quick look at sales charts on Amazon shows you just how much the brand dominates all headphone sales. Earlier in the year, they tended to hover around $199 on the site, a notable discount from its $249 list price. In the past month, however, its gotten closer to that price on Amazon, so if you’re looking to buy a pair, you might want to consider doing it sooner rather than later.
HP 962 CMY printer ink
This HP printer ink includes cyan, magenta and yellow all in one product and recently saw its price jump from around $72 — where it stayed for most of 2025 — to $80, which is around its highest price over the last five years. We will be keeping tabs to see if this is a long-term change or a brief uptick.
This product replaced Overture PLA Filament for 3D printers in this piece, but we’re still tracking that item.
Anker 10,000-mAh, 30-watt power bank
Anker’s accessories are perennially popular in the tech space and the company has already announced that some of its products will get more expensive as a direct result of tariffs. This specific product has also been featured in some of CNET’s lists of the best portable chargers. While the price has remained steady throughout the year, it is currently on sale for $13, or 50% off, for a limited time.
Bose TV speaker
Soundbars have become important purchases, given the often iffy quality of the speakers built into TVs. While not the biggest or the best offering in the space, the Bose TV Speaker is one of the more affordable soundbar options out there, especially hailing from a brand as popular as Bose. This product has been one of the steadiest on this list in terms of price throughout the year, but it’s currently on sale for $199, potentially as part of Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. So, if you’re looking for an affordable, tariff-free TV speaker, now might be the time.
Oral-B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush
They might be a lot more expensive than their traditional counterparts but electric toothbrushes remain a popular choice for consumers because of how well they get the job done. I know my dentist won’t let up on how much I need one. This particular Oral-B offering was CNET’s overall choice for the best electric toothbrush for 2025.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook
Lenovo is notable among the big laptop manufacturers for being a Chinese company making its products especially susceptible to Trump’s tariffs.
Starbucks Ground Coffee (28-ounce bag)
Coffee is included in this tracker because of its ubiquity — I’m certainly drinking too much of it these days — and because it’s uniquely susceptible to Trump’s tariff agenda. Famously, coffee beans can only be grown within a certain distance from Earth’s equator, a tropical span largely outside the US and known as the “Coffee Belt.”
Hawaii is the only part of the US that can produce coffee beans, with data from USAFacts showing that 11.5 million pounds were harvested there in the 2022-23 season — little more than a drop in the mug, as the US consumed 282 times that amount of coffee during that period. Making matters worse, Hawaiian coffee production has declined in the past few years.
All that to say: Americans get almost all of their coffee from overseas, making it one of the most likely products to see price hikes from tariffs.
Other Products
As mentioned before, we occasionally swap out products with different ones that undergo notable price shifts. Here are some things no longer featured above, but that we’re still keeping an eye on:
Nintendo Switch: The baseline handheld-console hybrid has held steady around $299 most places — including Amazon — since it released in 2017. Whether or not that price will be impacted by tariffs or the impending release of the Switch 2 remains to be seen. This product was replaced above with the Xbox Series X.
Overture PLA 3D printer filament: This is a popular choice on Amazon for the material needed to run 3D printers. It has held steady around $15 on Amazon all year. This product was replaced above by the HP 962 printer ink.
Here are some products we also wanted to single out that haven’t been featured with a graph yet:
Razer Blade 18 (2025), 5070 Ti edition: The latest revision of Razer’s largest gaming laptop saw a $300 price bump recently, with the base model featured an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card now priced at $3,500 ahead of launch, compared to the $3,200 price announced in February. While Razer has stayed mum about the reasoning, it did previously suspend direct sales to the US as Trump’s tariff plans were ramping up in April.
As excitement builds for Nintendo’s upcoming console, the Switch 2, the company is issuing an important warning: Do not peel off the screen’s pre-installed protective film.
While many users might assume the thin layer is meant to be removed, like the protective films that come on phones or tablets, Nintendo says this particular film plays a critical role in protecting the device and should stay exactly where it is. The alert came via Nintendo Soup and was recently highlighted in reports from gaming outlets.
According to the official Nintendo Switch 2 safety and instructions manual, the display comes with an “anti-scattering adhesive film” already applied. Its purpose is to prevent shards of glass from scattering in the rare event the screen is damaged. Essentially, it’s a safety feature, not packaging or shipping material.
Read also: Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch 1: Gamers, Start Your Specs Breakdowns
This distinction between safety and packing is crucial considering most people have become accustomed to peeling off protective layers as a kind of ritual after unboxing new tech devices and small appliances. In this case, removing the film could result in risk of injury or even compromise the durability on the console.
And since the Switch 2 costs $450, it’s likely an investment gamers will want to protect and preserve.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo has included such a feature. The original OLED model of the Nintendo Switch also came with a similar pre-applied protective layer, but the messaging around it wasn’t as direct and proactive.
Read also: How Much Will the Switch 2 Cost After Tariffs?
When will the Switch 2 release?
CNET has been covering Switch 2 news for months now as the hype for the new console grows. Release day is June 5.
Preorders were delayed due to concerns around President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, but when preorders did go live in April, they sold out almost instantly. It’s unclear when Nintendo will replenish stock after launch week, but our CNET experts are tracking restocks across the US.
In preparation for the release, Nintendo has already begun rolling out updates to its mobile app and companies are already working to release third-party Switch 2 accessories.
What can we expect from launch week?
At launch, the Switch 2 will debut with a lineup of 20 games, including Mario Kart World, which will also be offered as part of a console bundle. Zelda fans can also look forward to enhanced Switch 2 versions of both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Our CNET experts have played every game available for Switch 2 and have tried out all of the Nintendo games you can update to Switch 2 for free.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword was a nice easy one. As a Minnesotan, I’m a huge fan of the movie in 1-Across. Also, is anyone else noticing recent Wordle answers showing up in the Mini Crossword? 6-Across, for one. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for June 2, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Film by the Coen brothers set almost entirely in Minnesota (not North Dakota) Answer: FARGO
6A clue: Phrase that’s tough to translate, maybe Answer: IDIOM
7A clue: Skirts often worn with pointe shoes Answer: TUTUS
8A clue: Was in front Answer: LED
9A clue: Org. now checking for Real IDs Answer: TSA
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: In shape Answer: FIT
2D clue: Kind of content that might require age verification online Answer: ADULT
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
When a horror movie hits big in theaters or on streaming, I always expect to see at least a trilogy. (And if the sequels are popular, we’ll see nine or 10.) If a film only gets one sequel, you might assume that the second movie wasn’t so great.
The double feature of Creep and Creep 2 from Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice — streaming now on Netflix — might be the strongest argument against that. The duology kicks off with a hilarious, chilling first-person account of human prey being playfully stalked, then follows with an incisive sequel that takes the franchise in a completely different direction.
In the first Creep, Brice (in his directorial and acting debut) plays Aaron, a struggling videographer who’s taken a random gig at a remote cabin in Crestline, California.
Aaron, played by director Patrick Brice, repeatedly and unforunately gives Josef the benefit of his doubt.
The Duplass Brothers/Blumhouse Productions
The job? It’s filming a video diary for a man named Josef (Duplass), who says that he’s dying of a brain tumor and wants to leave a message for his unborn child. Right from their initial meeting, Aaron realizes something is wrong with Josef, and that creeping dread ramps up inch by inch until their final encounter.
Right from the start, it’s clear that something is amiss with Josef.
The Duplass Brothers/Blumhouse Productions
Reminiscent of classic films like My Dinner With Andre and Misery, Creep is a “two-hander,” meaning the movie consists almost entirely of two characters — Aaron and Josef — working their way through an incredibly awkward (and sinister) relationship. (Duplass’ wife Katie Aselton puts in a brief but memorable performance as Josef’s sister on the phone.)
As tensions rise between the two characters, Josef becomes more and more unhinged, often in hilarious asides or antics that show just how far someone can go before the other person finally breaks and says “I’m out.”
Aaron, desperate for work and caught in that awkward situation where you don’t want to offend or lose a paying client, takes more and more of the weirdness until the character Peachfuzz shows up and all hell breaks loose.
The movie is shot from Aaron’s camera, so we see the action unfold from his perspective, letting Duplass cut loose as a polished and off-kilter comedian. I wasn’t a big fan of Duplass before this movie, but the character fits him perfectly. I can’t think of anyone else who could balance the banality and weirdness of evil as well as he does.
Aaron is behind the camera for most of Creep, but some scenes involve a fixed shot as the camera gets set down.
The Duplass Brothers/Blumhouse Productions
Some critics complain that Creep doesn’t leave enough freedom for audiences to think that Josef might not be a serial killer. I’d argue that the end of the movie is in doubt until the final scenes, when we get a satisfying and illuminating conclusion.
In the sequel, Creep 2, the script gets flipped — less “Mind of a Monster,” more “Portrait of a Serial Killer in Mid-Life Crisis.”
Josef, now Aaron, faces a mid-life crisis in Creep 2.
The Duplass Brothers/Blumhouse Productions
Josef is back, but now he’s named “Aaron,” after his favorite victim. And he’s hiring another desperate freelance videographer — Sara (Desiree Akhavan, director-writer of The Miseducation of Cameron Post), who’s struggling as a YouTuber filming random encounters with men on Craigslist.
Instead of rehashing his usual m.o., Aaron is straight with Sara from the start. He tells her that he’s a serial killer and that he’ll let her live if she makes a documentary about him. The twist? She doesn’t believe him, and every attempt that Aaron makes to scare Sara goes laughably wrong.
Aaron pulls out all his old tricks in Creep 2, but nothing seems to convince Sara that he’s a serial killer.
The Duplass Brothers/Blumhouse Productions
Sara and Aaron grow closer as the day goes along, developing the sort of oddball relationship that Sara has been craving from her unsuccessful Craigslist interviews. Aaron settles on a final resolution for their day, and Sara is having none of it, leading to a thrilling conclusion that’s again in doubt until the very last moment.
The ending leaves open the possibility of another movie, as we imagine someone new behind the camera, but it also resolves the Creep franchise with a compelling final scene that twists the videographer-subject dynamic into further knots.
Since Creep 2, Duplass has released a 30-minute TV show prequel series called Creep Tapes that focuses on Josef’s diverse experiences with his previous murder victims. Hosted on the horror streaming service Shudder, the first season was popular enough to get picked up for a second.
If you’re looking for a pair of indie horror films that avoid the most common cliches and tropes of the found-footage genre, Creep and Creep 2 certainly meet the criteria and provide more of a bang than many horror movies with much larger budgets.
For more scary movie picks, check out the best horror movies to watch on Prime Video or Hulu.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is pretty simple. 6-Across threw me off, but when I filled in the other answers, it came together. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for June 1, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Late-night show V.I.P. Answer: HOST
5A clue: Island that’s home to Waimea Canyon, a.k.a. the Grand Canyon of Hawaii Answer: KAUAI
6A clue: Online notice to pay utilities Answer: EBILL
7A clue: Action figure inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame Answer: GIJOE
8A clue: Suffix with Kazakh and Kyrgyz Answer: STAN
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Repeated activity Answer: HABIT
2D clue: Spiritualist’s board Answer: OUIJA
3D clue: Business with stylists Answer: SALON
4D clue: Material for much signage in the N.Y.C. subway system Answer: TILE
5D clue: Big beer barrels Answer: KEGS
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
If tariff news has you spooked, these are the tricks I can currently recommend to help you track the prices that matter the most to you.
James Martin/CNET
Thinking a lot about tariffs lately? You and me both.
I’ve been keeping track of the impacts tariffs might be having on a variety of key products that are both popular and likely to be susceptible to tariffs. However, there’s only so much I can keep track of, given that I’m just one guy (I swear) and that CNET is focused on tech products and services. If there’s a product or type of product out there that you’re concerned about when it comes to tariff inflation, it might be worth doing a little legwork of your own.
Given the results of a recent CNET survey, it’s fair to say that a lot of you reading this might have concerns about tariff-driven price increases. According to our findings, about 38% of shoppers feel pressure to make certain purchases before tariffs make them more expensive. About 10% say they have already made certain purchases in hopes of getting them in before the price hikes, while 27% said they have delayed purchases for products that cost more than $500.
If that sounds like you, then I’d like to share a few tricks I’ve relied on to keep track of price shifts in the last few months, so that maybe you can keep tabs on the specific things that matter most to you. For all the details, keep reading, and for more, check out CNET’s coverage of the court ruling that struck down Trump’s tariffs.
How to use price trackers on Amazon
Amazon is one of the most popular online shopping portals in the world, so it’s a great place to keep an eye out for price changes. The company’s reach with consumers of all kinds is so vast that even a rumor that it might explicitly show the impacts of tariffs on its prices resulted in a heated response from the White House.
If there’s an item for sale, odds are you can find it on Amazon — and there are a number of websites and browser add-ons that can show you the price history of most items listed there. For CNET’s daily tracker, I personally use the browser extension Keepa, which came recommended by CNET Senior Editor James Bricknell and which is available for Chrome, Safari, Opera, Edge and Firefox browsers. After you install it, Keepa works by adding a graph to Amazon store pages you visit, showing you the changes in the product’s price over time. You can fine-tune this graph as well, changing how far back the price history goes and adding or removing lines for different purchasing options.
Another popular option is CamelCamelCamel, which allows you to track Amazon prices either by copy-pasting a link into its search bar, or as a browser extension, available for all the same platforms as Keepa. Unlike Keepa, which adds the chart directly into the product page, this extension — known as “Camelizer” — requires you to open the chart from a button added to the browser’s menu bar. Besides that, the functionality is almost the same.
Both of these options also allow you to set up email alerts for when certain products shift in price on Amazon.
How to use price trackers for other shopping sites
But maybe you don’t exclusively rely on Amazon for your online shopping needs. Maybe you took my advice and canceled your Prime membership recently, or maybe you just prefer doing business elsewhere for certain things. Well, you’re not out of luck, because some price-tracking services work with other popular retailers, like Walmart, Target or Best Buy.
If those are the sorts of places you’re shopping, I’d suggest taking a look at the aptly named site Price Tracker, which says that it can provide price history charts for 88 online retailers. All you have to do is copy-paste your product’s URL into the site’s search field, and it will generate a graph showing you its price over time, just as Keepa and CamelCamelCamel do.
How to set news alerts for specific products and companies
Sometimes waiting for prices to change feels like too little, too late. If you want to be informed ahead of time and get an idea about broader changes, you would do well to follow the news surrounding specific companies and product sectors.
To do that, I’d recommend you create some Google Alerts related to the products you’re most concerned about. Using this service, you can set alerts for certain words or phrases — perhaps things like “tariffs,” “coffee prices,” or “Samsung Galaxy price” — and Google will send you daily emails with news stories based on them. This way, if news stories indicate that a certain grocery item you buy frequently is about to get more expensive, or if a big tech manufacturer announces a price hike for that new gadget you’ve been anticipating because of “market conditions,” you’ll be ahead of the curve.
For more, find out if you should or shouldn’t buy a new phone now.
Living in a New York apartment means outdoor space is pretty limited. But that hasn’t stopped us from growing our own herbs and greens with a little help from technology. Indoor smart gardens have made it easy for us to keep fresh ingredients on hand all year, no green thumb or backyard required. They need very little upkeep and come with sleek designs that won’t overwhelm your countertop or living space. Indoor smart gardens offer an affordable way to enjoy home-grown produce, using built-in LED lighting and soil-free hydroponic technology to help you grow everything from herbs to salad greens and vegetables — bringing true garden-to-table cooking right to your kitchen.
What is the best overall indoor smart garden?
After testing a number of indoor smart garden setups, the Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 takes top billing for being extremely user-friendly. It’s just the right size for growing microgreens (herbs like basil and mint), and it comes with a self-contained seed pods, LED grow lights and a water thank that can go two weeks without needing to be refilled.
The Aerogarden Bounty Elite is another option we like. Like the Click & Grow, it’s small and light enough to be moved around the house. Bigger indoor garden units — Lettuce Grow Farmstand and RiseGarden — take up more space but can hold as many as 36 plants at once. You’ll also find options for special indoor gardens for growing microgreens and others that emphasize style and simplicity over complex mechanisms and mobile app integrations. Many of these garden system options will even come with seeds.
To find additional options for the best indoor smart gardens for 2025, take a look at some of the below indoor grow systems.
Best indoor smart gardens for 2025
I’ve tried this very unit and it’s a perfectly sized smart garden for growing essential herbs like basil, mint and chives and salad greens. It couldn’t be simpler to operate, with self-contained seed pods, LED grow lights and a water tank that needs filling only every two or three weeks. A perfect starter herb garden for someone with a not-so-green thumb.
This Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 comes with three basil pods, but you can buy any number of salad greens, fruit and vegetable seed pods from the website for about $3 each. With room for just three plants, this particular garden is a little small to grow much in the way of vegetables, so best to stick to herbs and lettuce. There are loads of flower pods, however, if your gardening goals are more aesthetic.
There are several larger Click & Grow models, all of which function in the same manner. These include the Smart Garden 9, which can hold nine seed pods, and the multilevel Smart Garden 27 which holds, you guessed it, 27 seed pods.
The AeroGarden Bounty Elite Artisan is a relatively compact indoor gardening system that, out of the box, manages to make room for nine plants of your choosing — the options range widely from herb mixes to tomatoes, peppers and flowers.
As the plants grow, the adjustable LED light stand can grow with them, up to 24 inches in height. Plant food is included, as well as an optional trellis system, which is designed to accommodate tomatoes and other plants that need support as they grow.
I’m in the early stages of growing nine lavender plants right now, but AeroGarden has made the process incredibly simple so far. The instructions walk you through the initial setup clearly, and the display alerts you when you need to add more plant food.
While the Click & Grow system has a reservoir and wicks water up into the soil pods, the AeroGarden uses a pump to circulate moisture. Fortunately, the pump sounds like gentle dripping rather than anything distracting.
A nutritionist might tell you microgreens are a vastly underused source of nutrition. As a bonus: They’re rather easy to grow at home. Ingarden is a new sleek smart garden designed to do just that and it’s compact enough to fit on your windowsill or bookshelf.
The Ingarden is completely soil-free but wicks water up into three seed pads that sit above a reservoir. LED grow lights under the handle run on a timer and keep the microgreens growing — and they grow fast. You’ll have sprouts in a few days and full-grown microgreens like mustard, radish and broccoli in about a week to sprinkle on salads and sandwiches, and into sauces and soups.
My favorite thing about the Ingarden is the simple sleek design made with only ceramic and metal and no plastic. Compact, clean and easy to use, it’s the perfect smart garden for someone dipping their toe into the indoor garden game.
The Smart Growhouse is one of the more basic indoor gardens on this list but we love it for its stylish brass exterior. It doesn’t hold hydroponic seed pods or self-water like some of the others, so you’ll have to manage that part on your own, but there are full-spectrum LED lights that operate on a timer for optimal growth. That means you can display the garden anywhere in the house and not just near a window.
Admittedly, the $249 price tag is hefty considering the low-tech nature of this indoor garden. But if the classic copper finish could enhance your motif, it might be worth the extra money.
If you’re looking for a stylish indoor garden that blends effortlessly into your living space, the Rise Single smart hydroponic garden is a good pick. This self-watering garden is completely hydroponic, meaning there are no soil pods to handle. It comes with a 5-gallon water tank and LED grow lights, all of which are controlled and monitored through an integrated mobile app. The water levels, light settings and nutrient levels all have built-in sensors that report back information to keep things humming.
The Single smart garden houses up to 36 plants, and you can add levels to increase the shoot capacity for a steady supply of fresh herbs, greens, flowers and even tomatoes. Sprouted seedlings come in packs of four for $12.
What really separates Rise from others, in my view, is the sturdy heavy-gauge steel and solid wood design that makes it look very much like a modern piece of furniture. The Rise Garden can be placed behind a couch or against a wall to serve as a chic bookshelf or end table as well as a garden.
I recently moved to New York City from Puerto Rico, and one of the things I missed the most was growing produce in my backyard. I wanted something that would allow me to grow a variety of things, but not occupy too much space because, frankly, I just don’t have too much to spare. The Gardyn Studio (the smaller sister of the Gardyn Home, which is also on this list) makes me feel like a plant whisperer without doing too much legwork to keep the plants alive. The setup was quick and straightforward, it took around 30 minutes (unboxing, setting up the system and planting the yCubes — Gardyn’s pre-seeded pods). Once it was set up in my dining area and in the app, it practically ran on its own. It waters itself, adjusts the grow lights and sends me notifications if my attention is needed.
What stands out about this device is how sleek and compact it looks. Even though it’s larger than a countertop garden, the vertical design lets me grow more without taking up too much real estate in my home. It holds up to 16 pods, so while it’s small, you still get a good amount of greens. Being able to snip basil, lettuce or fresh flowers felt like a small connection with my love for gardening, especially during the winter months when produce isn’t the best.
While this device is really convenient, the watering system makes a subtle noise when watering for about 5 minutes a day. Your plants also need around 12-16 hours of light. Since the system comes with a built-in LED light system, you don’t need to have it close to a window. But if you live in a studio or plan to place it close to your bedroom, the lighting may disrupt your sleep, so you’ll have to schedule the lighting around your preference.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of growing your own food without dealing with the soil or you simply don’t have the space outdoors, Gardyn studio is a great option.
I’ve personally used this indoor/outdoor farmstand and can tell you it’s well-designed and easy to operate. The Lettuce Grow Farmstand works by pumping water mixed with nutrients up from the base, so that it cascades down over seed pods that are stuffed into the walls. I had this going for a few weeks indoors and without lights and while some shoots did fine, many died. Enter the LED ring lights, which made an enormous difference. (I’ve actually had to cut back on the grow lights because things are growing too quickly.) Both the water pump and LED light rings operate on timers so there’s almost no weekly maintenance required.
It’s worth mentioning that the watering system makes a moderate amount of noise — akin to one of those Zen water fountains — for about 15 minutes every few hours. It was mildly irritating at first but I quickly adjusted and now I find it relaxing. The frame is also heavy once you fill it with water, so it’s not something to be moved often. It’s bulky, too, but when the greenery starts to bloom it adds a ton of life and atmosphere to any room. That said, it’s still probably not great for a tiny home or apartment.
Pricing starts at $873 for the small indoor Farmstand, which holds 18 shoots, but you can add levels and increase the capacity to as many as 36 shoots. The optional ring lights are $200 for the basic two-ring package and $100 for each additional ring. Starter seedlings are included, and it’s recommended that you replace them every few months.
This little guy is designed especially for microgreens, which are great for garnishing soups, salads and other fancy recipes. It’s always nice to have a pop of green on the kitchen counter, and this gadget doesn’t take up much space at all. The microgreens garden kit consists of the planter, soil and seeds for your first round of plants, all for under $30.
Unlike the Ingarden, this model has no LED lights so you’ll have to keep it in direct sunlight most of the time.
This is another hydroponic garden option, but one that is decidedly better suited for a small space. The Gardyn upright grow system houses as many as 30 plants but takes up just 2 square feet. Individual shoots are watered via the tank and pump, which circulates water on a timer. Built-in LED lights — also on a timer — trigger that sweet, sweet photosynthesis. The Gardyn system self-monitors with sensors and actual cameras so you don’t have a ton of work to do other than cleaning and refilling the tank every month or so.
While it does carry a hefty price tag — $764, plus shoots — the Gardyn is very efficient. Just ask CNET’s own Bridget Carey, who took the Gardyn for a lengthy test drive recently and had success growing herbs, tomatoes and lots and lots of salad greens. Read her full review of the Gardyn smart hydroponic indoor garden for everything you could possibly want to know.
What vegetables grow best indoors?
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale and arugula thrive best in indoor settings because they mature quickly and don’t need pollination. Herbs like basil, mint, cilantro and chives also do well indoors with minimal space requirements. Small-fruiting vegetables like cherry tomatoes and peppers can also do well with proper lighting and care. Root vegetables like carrots thrive in deeper containers, while microgreens are nearly foolproof and can be harvested in as little as a week.
Herbs are the most rewarding plants for indoor growing, with basil being the top recommendation for beginners. Basil thrives in bright conditions, grows quickly with minimal care, and is incredibly useful. Other great options include mint (a vigorous grower), rosemary (fragrant and versatile) and microgreens (nutrient-rich with minimal effort). For ornamental value and air-purifying benefits, snake plants and pothos are quite easy and forgiving for beginners.
There are a million ways to serve pasta and just as many hot takes on how best to prepare ziti, spaghetti or linguini. Pasta serves as a quick base for meals during busy times but just because most pasta cooks in under 10 minutes, that doesn’t mean you can’t screw it up.
There are a slew of misguided hacks and myths around cooking noodles that could be sabotaging the finished product.
To find out what pasta mistakes we might be making, we called on professional chef and pasta expert Filippo de Marchi, chef de cuisine at De Majo Restaurant & Terrace. One of the worst offenses, according to Marchi, is adding pricey olive oil to pasta water thinking it will keep noodles from sticking.
“Cooking pasta isn’t difficult. It’s all about timing and the right water-to-pasta ratio,” he says. “Don’t fall into the trap of believing in pasta myths. Just trust your instincts and follow basic instructions.”
Another no-no is rinsing all that precious starch off the noodles after they’re pulled from the boiling water and drained.
Here are the seven major mistakes you’re making on pasta night.
1. Throwing pasta against a wall to see if it sticks
Cooked pasta will indeed stick to a wall but that doesn’t mean it’s a good way to determine doneness.
Laura Ciapponi/Getty
“This isn’t the best way to check for doneness,” says de Marchi. “The texture of the pasta can change when it hits the wall and it doesn’t give an accurate indication of whether it’s properly cooked.” Plus, you’re likely to splatter your wall with starchy noodle juice or worse, watch it slide down the wall and behind the stove.
Instead, it’s more accurate to scoop out a single strand and taste it. You’ll then be able to tell if it’s achieved that perfect al dente texture.
2. Adding olive oil to pasta water
Olive oil in your water isn’t the best fix for sticky pasta.
Alina Bradford/CNET
Olive oil is a necessary addition to most pasta dishes, but save it for the plate.
Some folks think it will help keep pasta from sticking when added to boiling pasta water but “the oil just floats on top of the water and doesn’t coat the pasta effectively,” says de Marchi. “The best way to prevent sticking is to use plenty of water, stir the pasta regularly during the first few minutes of cooking and make sure to use the right size pot for the amount of pasta you’re cooking.
“This way, the pasta has enough space to move around and cook evenly,” he adds.
3. Assuming fresh pasta is always better than dry
Fresh pasta has good PR but some dried pasta is just as tasty.
Goldbelly
It’s all about personal preference. Fresh, dry or frozen; chefs aren’t here to dictate what your taste buds like and don’t like.
“Fresh pasta has a softer texture and cooks quickly, making it perfect for delicate sauces,” says the chef. “On the other hand, dry pasta has a firmer texture and holds up well with hearty or thicker sauces.”
De Marchi also compares it to choosing between two great actors for a movie role. “The choice depends on the character they’re portraying,” he says, “just like the choice between fresh and dry pasta depends on the dish you’re making.”
4. Leaving the pot covered while the pasta is cooking
Stopping your pot from boiling over can be as easy as putting a wooden spoon across the top.
JannHuizenga/Getty Images
“Leaving the lid off the pot while the pasta is cooking is the way to go,” advises de Marchi. “This prevents the water from boiling over and helps control the cooking process. Plus, it allows the steam to escape, which helps prevent the water from foaming up and making a starchy mess.”
As recommended, be sure to also pick an appropriately sized pot so that your pasta cooks evenly.
5. Adding salt and thinking it will help the water boil faster
Salt won’t get your pasta water boiling significantly faster.
Morton Salt/Amazon
Based on a recent Reddit discussion, quite a few people are confused about whether adding salt to pasta water makes any real difference. The truth is that salt plays an important role in pasta water but not when it comes to heat. (Impurities do change the boiling point of water, but the amount of salt you add to pasta water doesn’t make a significant difference.) Rather, it’s essential to add salt so that the pasta can absorb its flavor.
“If you’re cooking without enough salt, the pasta can end up tasting a bit bland,” warns de Marchi, whose signature dish at NHC Murano Villa is a spaghetti alle vongole. The seafood dish, which hails from the region of ocean-adjacent Venice, is a combination of vongole (typically clams, garlic, white wine and chili flakes), sea asparagus and lemon zest.
6. Draining pasta until it’s completely dry
Leaving a whisper of pasta water will help the sauce adhere.
David Watsky/CNET
There is a reason why salted pasta water is held in such high regard. Not only does it contain a delicious brine to enhance sauces, but it also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta itself.
“This creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish,” argues De Marchi. “A little moisture can go a long way in making your pasta dish extra tasty.”
7. Running cooked pasta under water before serving
Rinsing pasta after cooking may not be the special trick we all thought it was.
Getty Images
If you want to subject yourself to a potential injury via a rolling pin or wooden spoon by Nonna, run your cooked pasta under fresh water.
“This can remove the starchy coating that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta,” says de Marchi. “The residual heat from the pasta helps the sauce to marry with the pasta, creating a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Think of it like a beautiful marriage — you want the sauce and the pasta to come together and live happily ever after, not to undergo a cold shower right before serving.”
8. Precooking sheets of lasagna
Not all lasagna recipes require precooked noodles.
CNET
“Precooking lasagna sheets isn’t always necessary, especially if you’re using a sauce with plenty of moisture,” he says. “In fact, many lasagna recipes call for using the sheets directly without precooking, allowing them to absorb liquid from the sauce and cook during the baking process.”
Set it, forget it and let the magic happen in the oven. Pasta is not something to overthink or stress over. Its simple preparation makes it all the more enjoyable.
If you have a vacation coming up, having your home security system dialed in to keep intruders at bay is ideal. The combination of the right security devices with key adjustments to the alarm system does a lot to protect your home when you’re away. We consulted Batten home security expert Kirk MacDowell about vacation security tips for times like spring break. “Try to make it look like someone is home. Have a neighbor grab your mail, water your plants and take out the trash while you’re gone. Simple things like that can make a big difference,” he said.
That’s an excellent way to get started (if you have kind neighbors), but using smart tech effectively can make things even easier and give you more control. Here are our top recommendations.
Set up Away or Vacation modes
Many smart devices have vacation or away modes you can set up to simulate a lived-in house.
CNET
Today’s smart home and home security settings don’t just have Away modes, they also frequently have a Vacation mode. That’s a routine you can set up to work while you’re away for several days or more (if your home app doesn’t have a vacation mode, you can tweak your Away or Eco mode, or set a whole new routine). Devices like Philips Hue lights and platforms like IFTTT make it easy to create full routines that cover multiple devices.
CNET
Vacation routines can switch smart lights on and off, indoors and out, to make it look like someone is still home. They can also operate other compatible devices, such as managing smart irrigation systems, arming smart cameras and more. Set a routine like this once, and you can use it over and over for trips.
Check the motion detection settings for your video doorbell
A key tool for keeping watch on your house: video doorbells.
Ring/CNET
Video doorbells excel at keeping an eye on the action, and their algorithms are getting consistently better at detecting humans and other objects. Companies like Eufy are even working on motion detection that can identify suspicious behavior like dodging main pathways and can look for poor security.
However, the motion detection that works best in your daily life isn’t always the kind of detection that works when you’re on vacation. We suggest visiting the doorbell and home camera apps to look at your motion detection settings. Consider steps like:
Turning up motion detection sensitivity
Set object detection to only humans to cut down on alerts
Set detection zones to close-up spots at your house and windows where people may try to get access
Turn up beeps or light indicators that show a camera is on and watching
Set notification to push to your phone screen instead of staying only within the app
Look for web app options, like Nest’s support for online viewing and controls, which is ideal for overseas vacations
Additionally, if you pay for a subscription plan, check if it supports 24/7 emergency assistance contact so you can immediately call the police or fire department from an alert. It may be worth upgrading to that type of plan if you’ll be gone for a month or two.
Finally, Batten security expert Kirk MacDowell also mentioned checking that the lenses on all your home security cameras are clean. If it’s been a long, dirty winter you should gently clean off video doorbells and cams so they have the clearest view when you’re away.
Keep your curtains open or automated
To keep your home looking lived in, it’s a good idea to have your curtains open during vacations (and it lets the sun in to keep things from getting musty). Or if you have smart curtains or smart shades — which are also available as a retrofit for existing curtains — you can program them. Create a schedule for them to open during the day and close at night for best effect. Smart blinds like these don’t have to be expensive: Even Ikea has an affordable version.
Manage remote entry with a smart lock
Aqara’s smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great.
CNET/Tyler Lacoma
Smart locks don’t just let you know if you forget to lock the door. They also autolock for you under certain conditions and support a variety of scheduling options.
Most useful smart locks, like the Aqara U100 or the Schlage Smart Lever, allow you to create passes or temporary codes to give to visitors. That lets you arrange checkups for pet sitters, plant waterers, helpful neighbors and others you might want to let inside, but only at certain times. Smart locks combine especially well with video doorbells — just make sure you’re in an area with a reliable Wi-Fi connection to use them remotely.
Adjust your heating and cooling
Ecobee offers a dedicated vacation mode for its smart thermostat.
Ecobee/CNET
Smart thermostats from Nest, Ecobee and others also have Eco and Away modes you can use to set up separate vacation schedules. Ecobee also has a dedicated Vacation mode in its thermostat settings you can use just for this.
The best temperature range varies by season but should be less than you schedule while you’re home. For summer, that would mean setting the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees higher in the day, but with a hard cap around 80 to 85 degrees to protect indoor plants and so on. For winter, aim for the reverse with a hard cap around 50 degrees for the daytime.
That temperature calculus changes if you have pets in a hot climate. You’ll want to keep the home more comfortable by limiting the temperature ranges somewhere in the mid to upper 70s for cooling and around 60 for heating.
Set up a “listening” service like Alexa Emergency Assist
Alexa’s emergency assistant is an affordable listening and contact service.
Amazon
Listening features use simple algorithms to identify “uh-oh” noises like breaking glass, smoke detector alarms and even dogs barking loudly. Home security systems like Abode or Ring offer listening options, but you don’t always need a home security device to enable it.
Amazon’s Alexa smart speakers and smart displays, for example, have the Alexa Emergency Assist service, the successor to Alexa Guard. It costs around $6 monthly, and gives you access to sound detection as well as 24/7 emergency response services and emergency contacts for family. That’s a nice deal to enable for a few months if you’re going on plenty of vacations for a season, and the two-way audio on all Alexa speakers means you can talk through them live whenever you want.
Keep watch with an armed security system
If your home doesn’t have a whole house security system that can monitor multiple access points like windows and doors, this is a fine time to consider one. Today’s home security systems don’t need professional installation, or even a monthly subscription, to guard your home — and many work with third-party smart devices, too.
Take a look at our guides on the best DIY home security systems, the best cheap security systems and the best systems overall for your home to learn a whole lot more about your choices.
Add a leak detector to vulnerable home spots
Kangaroo includes a climate sensor, aka leak detector, in its expanded eight-piece home monitoring kit.
Kangaroo
A leak detector is a clever little device with an open circuit lying against the floor. When water completes that circuit, it sets off all sorts of alarm bells and app notifications letting you know there’s a leak present. That makes them valuable when you’re away from home for extended periods of time. Stick them by the toilet, under the kitchen sink, next to the water heater or under pipes that may be in danger of freezing during a winter vacation.
Leak detectors are available as an add-on for most home security systems, but you can also find standalone versions like Eufy’s $35 model (requires a HomeBase) or the Alexa-compatible Kidde Leak Detector starting at $45. We suggest these models because they work with apps, which is important when you’ll be away from home entirely.
Tell your home monitoring center you’ll be gone
If you do splurge for professional home monitoring, look up their website and find a contact email or phone number to let them know that you’ll be on vacation. Many home monitoring centers will adjust their official responses when they know that everyone is going to be away from home.
Give your mail service a call (optional)
Calling the post office used to be a go-to step when leaving for vacation. And if your vacay is going to be longer than a week or so, we still highly recommend messaging your local mail service and requesting to hold your mail. It’s really easy to do and you can complete the steps online in a couple of minutes.
However, we aren’t getting as much mail these days as we once did, and it’s harder than ever for strangers to notice when someone’s mail is piling up. If you’re only going to be gone for several business days or say, you can probably skip this step safely.
Stay cautious about what you post online
Vacations are awesome, but be wary about posting too much info on social media.
mihailomilovanovic via Getty
We know it’s tempting to post about your vacation plans on social media, but this can also be an invitation for burglars or trespassers to make a visit. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know and trust everyone on your friends list, or friends of their friends who may see status updates as well.
To stay safe, avoid posting info and pics about your trips until they are finished. Then you can cut loose and unleash all those perfect shots on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
Bonus tip: If you’re renting, look at your lease
Some leases require tenants to let landlords know if they’ll be going on vacation for a certain amount of time, like longer than a week. Others don’t mention it at all. Check your lease for details. Even if you don’t have to alert anyone, you may find additional requests like shutting off water mains, setting the temperature to a certain level, arranging pet sitter access and so on.
Finally, now is the perfect time to stop by our guide on how to deter burglars from every trying your house in the first place, information on if thieves are actually using Wi-Fi jammers on smart homes, and the all-around security cheat sheet for setting up different parts of home security.
Bosses everywhere are saying generative AI is the future. The signals emanating from the C-suites of corporations big and small are clear: If artificial intelligence doesn’t take your job, it will at least change it significantly.
The catch: If you use AI at work, your coworkers and maybe even your managers may think you’re lazy. That is if you can get hired in the first place. This is the finding of a new study by researchers at Duke University published this month in the journal PNAS. Across four studies, the researchers examined whether people who used AI at work worried others would see them as lazy or incompetent and whether those fears were valid.
“We found there was this universal social evaluation penalty where people described as using AI are evaluated as being less competent, less diligent, lazier than people who are described as receiving help from all sorts of other searches,” Jessica Reif, a Ph.D. candidate at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business and lead author of the study, told me.
The study highlights the difference between the hype over AI at work and the reality on the ground. Although business leaders and AI companies can’t stop themselves from envisioning a utopian AI future in which autonomous agents do most of the work and humans focus on truly creative tasks, workers are skeptical. That skepticism — only 23% of American adults said they expect AI will improve how people do their jobs in a recent survey by Pew — affects how people view coworkers who use these tools.
People worry they are judged for using AI
The Duke University team first looked at whether employees would hesitate to admit they use an AI tool relative to a non-AI tool. The first of four studies found the 500 online participants were more likely to believe they would be judged by a manager or colleague as being lazy, replaceable or less competent if they said they use a generative AI tool versus a non-AI tool.
The second test confirmed it. The 1,215 participants read a paragraph about an employee and rated how lazy, competent, diligent, ambitious, independent, self-assured or dominant they perceived the person to be. The people being rated were described as either receiving help from generative AI (like a lawyer using a tool to summarize information) or non-AI sources (like a paralegal) or were in a control group with no statement about help. People who received AI help were seen as more lazy, less competent, less diligent, less independent and less self-assured than either the control group or those receiving non-AI help.
The case of a lawyer getting help from AI versus a paralegal is just one example. The researchers used 384 different scenarios, with different jobs and types of help. “What we found is that this was pretty consistent across all the occupations we queried,” Reif said.
In their third study, the researchers had 1,718 participants serve as “managers” to hire someone for a task. Some of the “candidates” were reported as using AI regularly, and some were people who never use AI. The managers were also asked about their own AI use. Managers who use AI regularly were more likely to see candidates who use AI as a good fit, while those who don’t usually preferred candidates who don’t.
The third study was unclear about whether AI would actually be helpful for the task, so in the final study, participants were asked to imagine they were hiring a gig worker for a task. They were then asked to evaluate workers who either used AI tools or non-AI tools and rate how they would perceive them for manual tasks or digital tasks. The results found that while people who used AI were seen as more lazy, that perception is reduced if the evaluator uses AI or if AI is clearly useful for the task.
But just because there isn’t a penalty doesn’t mean there’s an advantage, perception-wise, for AI users in that last study, according to Richard Larrick, one of the authors and a professor of management at Duke University. “The people themselves who are heavy AI users don’t actually kind of give any particular benefit or reward, in terms of their perceptions, to the AI user,” Larrick said. “So it isn’t like there’s some boost in perceptions when high AI users think about another AI user. It’s just that you wipe out for them the laziness perception.”
Your CEO may think AI is the future
Ever since large language models like ChatGPT burst onto the scene in 2022, management consultants and corporate executives have been touting generative AI as the next big thing in the workplace. Workplace apps from companies like Google and Microsoft seem more packed each day with new AI functions and prompts. As the technology has matured a bit and more useful applications have arisen, that perception has only gotten stronger for many companies.
Shopify and Duolingo, for instance, both recently announced they would prioritize AI-driven work and try to see if an AI can do a job before hiring a new employee or contractor. A commandment from a CEO to be AI-first is one thing. Actually changing the culture in your workplace and among the people you work around is entirely different.
“I think there are cases where, when the rubber meets the road implementing tools like generative AI, there are challenges,” Reif said. “What we’re showing is just one such challenge of many.” She speculated as more employers, especially tech-savvy ones, prioritize AI use and skills, the social costs will drop eventually. “I think it’s going to take a while for this penalty to really go away,” she said.
Larrick said that even if general perceptions around AI users change, the social penalty may only disappear for certain tasks. For some work, using generative AI will be more acceptable. For others, it won’t.
How to avoid judgment from coworkers
One way not to be judged at work is not to use AI on the job. And that may be what people are doing already, just based on the simple fact that people will judge you, as the researchers found in their first study.
“As long as my choice of adopting AI is based on my theory of what others will think, even as what other people think changes, if my theory doesn’t change fast enough, I still might be reluctant to use it and to reveal it,” Larrick said. Another way to deal with the perception of laziness is to point out whether AI is saving you time and whether the time you save is being used well, Reif said.
Perceived laziness isn’t the only problem with using generative AI at work. There are concerns about whether the work you ask it to do is accurate or competent. So be sure you’re checking your work and show that you are, in fact, using skills that can’t be easily replaced, said Jack Soll, one of the authors and a professor of management at Duke University.
“The more that employees can make their peers and their bosses understand that it takes skill and knowledge in order to use it appropriately, I think others can then appreciate their AI use,” he said.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword has a bit of a foreign language focus. But with a little thinking, you can probably guess at the answers, even if languages aren’t your thing. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 29, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Language heard in Bangkok Answer: THAI
5A clue: Major brand of athletic shoes Answer: ASICS
6A clue: Language family that includes Swahili Answer: BANTU
7A clue: Language from which we get “pajama” and “khaki” Answer: URDU
8A clue: Small amount of Manhattan? Answer: SIP
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Old Russian rulers Answer: TSARS
2D clue: Language that’s third in number of worldwide speakers, after English and Mandarin Answer: HINDI
3D clue: Misbehave Answer: ACTUP
4D clue: Sch. not far from Des Moines Answer: ISU
5D clue: __ Dhabi Answer: ABU
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
There’s really no meal I won’t at least consider cooking in the air fryer . OK, maybe not pasta or soup, but I make everything from filets of salmon to crispy chickpeas, and even grill classics like burgers and dogs.
Despite all these air fryer success stories, there’s one recipe that I come back to again and again. Air fryer chicken thighs are easy, fast and healthy, and they can be doctored in countless ways with sauces and spices. You can cook perfect air fryer chicken thighs for the rest of your life and not run out of flavor combinations to try.
Nearly any cut of chicken works well in these speedy super-convection ovens. I’ve done wings, of course, but also whole chickens that cook faster and crispier than using the wall oven. Boneless, skinless thighs just might be the easiest and they can anchor any dinner (15-minute tacos, anyone?) or top a salad for lunch.
I did rough math and I’ve made this recipe well over 100 times in the 5-plus years I’ve owned an air fryer and I’m still not sick of it.
Why air fryer chicken thighs make the perfect easy meal
The air fryer can caramelize chicken skin as well as the broiler.
Nattawat Jindamaneesirikul/Getty
Chicken thigh meat has a higher fat content than breast so there’s very little chance of your chicken thighs drying out when cooked with convection heat in an air fryer — even if you accidentally leave them in too long. That makes them the perfect candidate for cooking in a blazing hot air fryer.
If the only recipe I was allowed to make in my air fryer was chicken thighs, I’d still buy one and give it the space on my counter. That’s how much I like boneless skinless air fryer, chicken thighs, and how often they show up in my weekly meal routine.
And as with many of my favorite air fryer recipes, there’s almost no mess to cleanup after. Air fryers typically have nonstick baskets that come clean with a few wipes of soapy hot water.
Chicken thighs are the perfect air fryer food.
David Watsky/CNET
Here’s how to make air fryer chicken thighs in 15 minutes
Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Toss package of chicken thighs with seasoning mixture or simply with salt and pepper
Step 3: Cook chicken thighs for 15 minutes, flipping them after 8 (cook longer if you like a crispier outside)
Step 4: Let cool and serve over salad or with side of rice and vegetables.
You won’t need more than 15 minutes to make this magic happen.
air fryer chicken thighs
Do you need oil when cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer?
You don’t need oil when cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer, but a little won’t hurt.
Alina Bradford/CNET
I’ve tried cooking air fryer chicken thighs with and without oil and they turn out great either way. There’s enough fat content in thighs to cook without oil. And if you’re using a sauce, there’s really no need to add oil on top of it.
If you are planning to add cooking oil, don’t use much. About a teaspoon per every four thighs should suffice.
Should you bread chicken before cooking in the air fryer?
Chicken breasts do better in the air fryer when breaded but thighs have enough fat content to do without.
David Watsky/CNET
Yes, I have and it’s excellent for adding texture to this simple recipe. A quick coating of egg wash and breading gives air fryer chicken thighs a divine crunch, but also adds some extra carbs and calories. It also makes for more dishes to wash after and a dirtier air fryer basket, so I often go without. Use this method if you’re making air fryer chicken Parmesan or for a fast fried chicken sandwich.
If you’re cooking boneless chicken breast in the air fryer, I recommend breading them to keep the lean meat from drying out.
Whether you’re adding some cooking oil to the chicken thighs or breading your cuts before air frying them, you’ll need to clean out your appliance afterwards to make sure it keeps functioning efficiently the next time you want to cook up a quick meal. Here’s our complete guide to cleaning your air fryer, so that you can keep your cookware at the top of its game.
Even this small 2-quart air fryer holds four to five chicken thighs.
David Watsky/CNET
For more, here’s a complete guide to air fryers and seven things I’ll never cook in the air fryer again.
FAQs
How long should I fry my chicken thighs?
While this particular recipe calls for you to air fry the chicken thighs for 15 minutes, you’ll get the best result if you flip them over around halfway through the cooking time. This will make sure you get an even crisp on the outside and help prevent the meat from drying out.
Can I bread chicken before air frying it?
Yes, you can bread your chicken thighs before cooking them up in the air fryer. It adds some taste and texture to the recipe, but be aware that the breading will definitely ensure that you’ll need to do some extra cleaning when you’re finished cooking.
Some T-Mobile customers accessing the carrier’s T-Life app on their phones are discovering a new suspicious-sounding option that’s on by default: Screen Recording Tool. Understandably, a setting that records the contents of your screen raises privacy concerns. That’s especially true lately as Microsoft continues to roll out its controversial Recall AI feature in Windows that stores snapshots in the background.
If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber, you can check if this new option has been turned on by opening the T-Life app, tapping Manage and then tapping Settings (the gear icon). The Screen recording tool option shows up under the Preferences heading.
A T-Mobile spokesperson defended the feature as designed to improve the user experience.
“To help us give customers who use T-Life a smoother experience, we are rolling out a new tool in the app that will help us quickly troubleshoot reported or detected issues,” the spokesperson said. “This tool records activities within the app only and does not see or access any personal information. If a customer’s T-Life app currently supports the new functionality, it can be turned off in the settings under preferences.”
The description in the app for the Screen recording tool echoes the same intent, but the fact that the option is on by default is no doubt what’s making customers justifiably concerned.
It reads: “We use a tool to record how customers use the app to analyze and improve your experience. Only T-Mobile will review and analyze your info. If you turn this toggle on or magenta, we will record your screen while you use the app. If you turn this toggle off or gray, we will not record your screen.”
(The “magenta” and “gray” refer to the color of the toggle switch to indicate whether it’s active or not, respectively.)
According to a post on droidlife, which earlier referenced the issue, the new option shows up on both iPhone and Android phones. However, I’ll note that it hasn’t yet appeared on my test devices.
The T-Life app includes another screen recording feature that is completely separate from this new Screen recording tool. In the app’s settings, under Help & support, is Screen Share, which can be used during a support call. It allows a T-Mobile expert to view your phone’s screen while troubleshooting an issue.
If you’ve ever tried to help a friend or family member over the phone and asked them to describe what’s on the screen, you’ll appreciate how helpful it can be to view what they’re seeing directly.
Anxiety is part of our daily lives, from worrying about what’s going on at work to stressing about school or trying to make a budget that actually works. While it can be a helpful emotion that lets us notice problems and is a normal reaction to stressful situations, it can become a problem. If anxiety is getting in the way of you living your life, it could morph into a full blown anxiety disorder.
While therapy and medication are effective and often necessary for managing anxiety, they’re not the only options. Natural remedies such as movement, mindfulness and breathwork can also help ease symptoms and bring a sense of calm. If you’re looking for ways to feel more in control, these simple strategies might be a good place to start.
Read more: Best Online Mental Health Services
What is anxiety?
Anxiety — in small doses — is a normal part of human life. But it can become a serious problem when it becomes too frequent, intense or disconnected from reality. Healthy anxiety levels can help warn us about potential threats and increase our reaction speeds. But with an anxiety disorder, people may feel overwhelming worry or fear about otherwise mundane matters. In these situations, the brain can become unable to function normally. Here are some of the more prevalent types of anxiety disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder: This is the most common type of anxiety disorder. When the onset of anxiety can occur around many different situations or events, without clear linkage to one kind, it is often categorized as generalized anxiety.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: OCD involves a combination of obsession and compulsion. The compulsions are often rituals or methods to prevent or reduce the intrusion of obsessive thoughts and feelings.
Panic disorder: Panic is similar to anxiety but dramatically heightened. A panic episode can feel like a heart attack or other life-threatening event and comes on with an overwhelming sense of fear or dread.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD is a response to a particular traumatic event or series of events. The effect of these past events is so extreme that the mind and body can feel it recurrently.
Social anxiety disorder: Many people feel some anxiety when engaging in or thinking about social situations. However, it may be a social anxiety disorder if these feelings are debilitating and recurring.
Svitlana Romadina/Moment/Getty Images
9 natural remedies for anxiety
While natural remedies for anxiety can be helpful for many people, these are not always enough to deal with anxiety disorders. If you find that natural remedies like those below don’t sufficiently help with your anxiety, consider speaking about treatment with a medical expert in mental health.
1. Limit your caffeine intake
Caffeine is a stimulant, and in many ways, anxiety is a state of overstimulation. Caffeine intake can affect anxiety in individuals, but the relationship is sometimes complicated. Some research indicates that a high level of caffeine consumption is linked to increased anxiety in men but not women. But other instances show that low levels of caffeine intake may be linked to reducing experiences of anxiety. How caffeine affects your body can vary significantly between individuals. Suppose you notice heightened anxiety in the first hour or two after consuming caffeine. In that case, you might try consuming less next time and see if it reduces the anxiety.
2. Use aromatherapy to relax
Smell plays a special role in the human body. This sense is more directly connected to the brain than other senses. Based on smell, our brains can determine important information about our environment and how we should respond. For instance, during a state of anxiety, the sense of smell becomes biased toward detecting threats.
Pleasant and comforting scents may be a helpful way to interrupt this cycle. Removing smells associated with threats and replacing them with ones related to comfort, pleasure and safety may ease anxiety. One study has shown a strong link between the inhalation of certain scents (in this case rose water) and a reduction in anxiety for some patients.
3. Try herbal tea or supplements
If you experience high anxiety levels, a warm cup of herbal tea could help in more than one way. The ritual of sitting still and drinking tea, as well as the consumption of warm liquid, can all help to calm and soothe the body. Furthermore, research shows positive links between drinking some teas and reducing anxiety, and this anxiety home remedy begins to look even better.
Studies selectively show instances of herbal tea consumption being linked to a decline in experiences of anxiety. These studies are limited in the scope of teas used and the demographics involved, but many of them have provided significant data. One shows that lavender tea could have a strong ameliorating effect on anxiety in older individuals. Another study is pursuing the long-term effects of chamomile on people with generalized anxiety disorders, with preliminary research showing some promise.
4. Try practicing deep breathing
Many therapists and psychologists recommend breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and increase calm. One of the benefits of deep breathing is a reduction of the presence of cortisol — the stress hormone — in the body. One deep breathing technique that shows significant promise is called box breathing, which involves taking full breaths and holding for a count of four at each stage of breath. The simple version looks like this: Breathe in for four, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four and repeat the process.
5. Meditation and mindfulness
Both meditation and mindfulness techniques have been shown to reduce experiences of anxiety. However, studying these approaches within a clinical framework has been challenging, and further research is needed.
Many people report positive mood and anxiety impacts from meditation and mindfulness practices. A study of research on the effects of mindfulness-based therapy shows a significant correlation between mindfulness practices and a reduction of anxiety. Similarly, a meta analysis of studies on meditation as an anxiety treatment shows promise. However, in the latter case, it was specified that while these practices can reduce anxiety experiences, their clinical impact on a disorder needs further study.
6. Get in some exercise daily
Regular exercise is one of the most recommended home remedies for anxiety. The Mayo Clinic says exercise may help by releasing endorphins, occupying your mind, increasing confidence and encouraging social interactions. You don’t technically have to exercise every day, but statying active five days a week is recommended. Exercising less may still yield benefits for anxiety but is likely to be less pronounced.
7. Journal to process things
Journaling is a technique that has been used to help cope with anxiety for a long time. With anxiety, the mind often fails to process emotions and events in a healthy coherent manner. Journaling these feelings and events can help the brain slow down and process the individual components. While journaling may make emotions feel sharper at first, it can also help reach resolution and catharsis.
Regular journaling can help to reduce or prevent heightened anxiety, although the impact varies between people. Some studies have sought to take journaling into the digital age and have tested online positive affect journaling. Like other studies of journaling as an anxiety coping mechanism, the online positive affect study shows people reported some improvement in symptoms after sufficient time using this technique.
8. Consider CBD products
Recent studies and trends have looked at CBD, a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants, as a treatment for anxiety. A limited meta analysis of research founds that CBD may be a helpful tool in treating anxiety. However, more study is required to understand which disorders and under what circumstances CBD would be a viable treatment.
In part due to the recent legal status of CBD and the plant it’s derived from, quality research is limited. As the market and legislation stabilize (CBD can be derived from federally legal hemp) more research will be conducted. Until then, using CBD for anxiety is likely to be controversial among medical professionals. More clinical trials are ultimately needed to determine the benefits and potential side effects of CBD products.
9. Use a weighted blanket
Studies have shown that using weighted blankets while sleeping may help reduce anxiety. Research in this area is limited, so further study is needed before weighted blankets become a clinically accepted remedy for anxiety. For most people, however, there is little to no risk of trying weighted blankets to aid in anxiety. The sensation of lying under these blankets can be similar to receiving a hug.
Read more: Best Weighted Blankets
The bottom line
While chronic and severe anxiety treatment often needs the advice of a medical professional, many daily anxiety symptoms can be alleviated through natural anxiety remedies. If you still experience chronic or severe symptoms despite using anxiety home remedies, speak with a medical professional (likely a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist) to discuss anxiety treatment plans. Although often focused on counseling and medications, many of these plans may incorporate natural anxiety remedies. For more advice on mental health, here are five tips to reduce anxiety before bed to get better sleep, plus seven strategies to relieve stress that really work.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
I’ve been refreshing my knowledge of chess via Duolingo, so the green category in today’s Connections: Sports Edition was an easy one for me. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Zoom!
Green group hint: Checkmate!
Blue group hint: Friendly names for hoopsters.
Purple group hint: Kids love to do this.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Fast
Green group: Chess pieces
Blue group: NBA player nicknames
Purple group: ____ play
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 27, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is fast. The four answers are quick, rapid, speedy and swift.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is chess pieces. The four answers are king, knight, pawn and rook.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is NBA player nicknames. The four answers are Dame, Joker, SGA and Spida.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ____ play. The four answers are double, match, power and stroke.
While Thunderbolts continues to make its mark in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Brave New World is ready to make its streaming debut on Disney Plus. Anthony Mackie stars as Sam Wilson, who took over as superhero Captain America after Steve Rogers passed him the shield. The story builds on his iteration of the character in the MCU TV series Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and drops Sam into an evil plot that may or may not involve President “Thunderbolt” Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford).
The movie premiered in theaters in February and also features Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly and Liv Tyler. Scroll on to find out when to stream, and be sure to stay for the post-credits scene.
Streaming release date for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
Marvel’s newest Captain America entry will arrive on Disney Plus on Wednesday, May 28. You can get a standalone streaming subscription for a starting price of $10 a month to watch with ads, upgrade to ad-free or save money with a Disney Bundle.
James Martin/CNET
Disney Plus carries all Marvel content, including TV shows and movies like Daredevil: Born Again and all the Avengers films. You can sign up solely for the service, or get a bundle that packages it with Hulu and/or ESPN Plus. Bundles cost from $11 to $27 a month.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
I was thrilled to see one of my teams, the Twins, show up in today’s Connections: Sports Edition. That particular category is pretty easy for anyone who even idly follows major-league baseball. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Splish-splash.
Green group hint: Midwestern baseball.
Blue group hint: Big Green is another one.
Purple group hint: B-ball is another one.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Aquatic sports.
Green group: AL Central teams.
Blue group: Ivy League team nicknames.
Purple group: Shortened names for sports.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 26, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is aquatic sports. The four answers are diving, surfing, swimming and water polo.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is AL Central teams. The four answers are Guardians, Royals, Twins and White Sox.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is Ivy League team nicknames. The four answers are Big Red, Crimson, Quakers and Tigers.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is shortened names for sports. The four answers are footy, hoops, LAX and XC.
The Gozney is an excellent oven, but heavier than the average model at 60 pounds.
David Watsky/CNET
Outdoor home pizza ovens mostly run on gas, wood or wood pellets.Propane gas pizza ovens can be connected quickly, ignite instantaneously and heat up in just a few minutes. They also burn clean, with less smoke and little mess to clean up. They can be hooked up to propane tanks in the same way you would a grill.
Wood and charcoalovens, in contrast, must be loaded (and sometimes reloaded) with fuel before use and take longer to heat up. Which can make a consistent temperature is trickier to maintain. They also make a bigger mess, leaving behind ash and soot. Although you may assume wood-fired pizza ovens would impart a smoky flavor, the pies are not subjected to much smoke or in the oven long enough to absorb the wood flavor. The ovens do smell nice once they’re fired up.
Gozney released a large oven fueled by old-school firewood.
Gozney
There isn’t a significant cost difference among the various fuel types, it’s more a matter of personal preference. Wood pellets can be purchased online or at most hardware and grocery stores and are available in a range of wood varieties.
There are also electric pizza ovens, including this pricey model from Breville and this new entry from Ninja. Electric pizza ovens only reach temps of about 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Purists may tell you that’s simply not hot enough to make truly great pizza. We plan to test a few electric pizza ovens soon, and will report back.
The Alpha Nano is the largest oven of all the models we tested, allowing you to roast whole chickens and other food that won’t fit inside most home pizza ovens.
David Watsky/CNET
Size and portability
The PizzaPronto was one of the smaller ovens we tested, and the build quality was just OK.
PizzaCraft
If you have a dedicated space for your oven, a larger, heavier model should work. If you’ll be looking to store it away between uses or move it around regularly, a more portable oven is a better choice. At-home pizza ovens start at around 20 pounds, while semiportable and stationary pizza ovens can weigh several hundred.
Accessories
A pizza peel is the most important tool for making pies at home.
Ooni
One accessory you’ll definitely need for your new pizza oven is a pizza peel. This unique paddle-shaped tool allows you to safely slide a pizza in and out and rotate it for even cooking. Remember, these ovens get as hot as 950 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t want to take any chances with a shaky spatula or tiny tongs.
The other accessory you’ll likely want to invest in is a cover, especially if you plan to leave it out in the elements between uses. Some pizza ovens come with a custom cover, but many don’t.
Cost and value
This sleek top-mount attachment turns a Breeo fire pit into a pizza oven.
Chris Wedel/CNET
Quality at-home pizza ovens start at around $300 and go up — way up — from there. More expensive pizza ovens tend to feature larger, sturdier frames, more oven capacity and they reach hotter temps faster. You can find cheap pizza ovens under $250, but so far we haven’t tried one that’s worth the investment.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
The purple category in Connections: Sports Edition today is about the biggest sports event of the day. You probably know what it is. Hint: Get behind the wheel in the Hoosier State. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Get your racket.
Green group hint: Pac Northwest player.
Blue group hint: Blow that fastball past the hitter.
Purple group hint: Gentlemen, start your engines.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Tennis grand slams.
Green group: An Oregon athlete
Blue group: Pitchers to strike out 20 in one game.
Purple group: Associated with the Indy 500.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 25, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is tennis grand slams. The four answers are Australian, French, US, Wimbledon.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is an Oregon athlete. The four answers are Duck, Thorn, Timber and Trail Blazer.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is pitchers to strike out 20 in one game. The four answers are Clemens, Johnson, Scherzer and Wood.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is associated with the Indy 500. The four answers are bricks, cars, Memorial Day weekend and milk.
Dolphin’s Nautilus CC Plus impressed us with its cleaning power, and the anti-tangle cord worked as advertised.
David Watsky/CNET
There are advantages to having a corded robot vacuum, most notably not having to worry about recharging the device or about the lithium battery losing steam over time. Corded pool robots are recommended for most pool owners, because they’re less prone to problems or to motor malfunctions. Corded robots also don’t need to be pulled from the pool and recharged after each use, unlike all the cordless models on our list, with the exception of the Wybot S2 with solar charging dock.
That said, cordless robots are ideal if your pool isn’t near an electrical power source. Running a long extension cord through the yard, in places prone to moisture, isn’t advisable long term.
Cordless vacuums performed just as well as corded ones. We’ve been testing some of these cordless models for two years and haven’t noticed a decrease in battery life.
Suction power and battery life
If you opt for a cordless model, consider the battery life and suction power along with the size of your pool. A larger pool demands a longer cleaning session, so it might be worth it to splurge on a pricier model with longer run time and more power. Power is measured in the gallons per hour, or gph, that the vacuum takes in. Lower-end models start at around 3,000 gph, with the best pool cleaners topping out at about 7,000 or 8,000 gph.
Filter type
Most robot pool cleaners will filter out the large debris, but the finer stuff requires a nanofilter.
David Watsky/CNET
All robotic pool cleaners should catch large debris such as gravel and leaves. To sift out finer debris and keep your pool water from getting cloudy, you’ll need a nanofilter. Your pool’s main pump and filter are meant to catch much of this finer stuff, but a powerful robot with a nanofilter will help.
Type of pool
The larger robotic pool vacuums we tested cleaned faster and had better suction than smaller models.
David Watsky/CNET
There are small pool robots designed for smaller above-ground and in-ground pools, and large robots made to handle up to 40,000-gallon pools on a single cleaning cycle. Depending on the size of your pool and the amount of debris that regularly ends up in it, choose a robot that can effectively and efficiently clean it in a single cleaning cycle. This is especially important to consider with cordless robots, since they’ll need to be charged between each use.
There are pool cleaners made specifically for above-ground pools. They’re typically smaller and less powerful, since they have less ground to cover. An above-ground pool cleaner should also be lighter, because it’s more difficult to remove from the pool after use.
Sides and stairs
Brushing the walls and stairs of your pool manually doesn’t require a ton of effort, so we didn’t weigh those cleaning modes as heavily as we did floor cleaning.
David Watsky/CNET
About half the models we tested could clean the sides of the pool, and some even had modes to clean stairs. This is a nice feature to have, but brushing the debris on the steps or side of your pool down to the floor, where it can more easily be cleaned by the robot, typically takes no more than a few minutes. For that reason, we weighted the robot’s ability to clean sides and stairs less heavily than its ability to clean a pool floor.
If you don’t want to do even that small brushing chore before activating your robot, choose a model that has a side-cleaning mode.
Cost and value
Beatbot’s AquaSense line has premium features and long-running batteries, but with price tags to match.
David Watsky/CNET
Reliable pool robots start at around $500 and go up to about $2,000. We found that robots between $700 and $1,200 were perfectly acceptable for cleaning a 25,000-gallon pool. Choose a robot above $1,200, and you’re mostly paying for special features that aren’t necessarily worth it.
For cordless robots, the battery life was superior on more expensive models, but the cleaning performance was often similar to that of less expensive vacuums.
Correction: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized suction power. It’s measured in gallons per hour.
Rumor has it, we may soon see an ultrathin iPhone. The rumored iPhone 17 Air — or it might be called the iPhone Slim — could potentially replace the current iPhone Plus amid Apple’s next iPhone release in the coming months.
The buzzed-about “Air” is getting a lot of attention in the iPhone 17 rumor mill, but the prospect also has people asking if Apple may have to sacrifice features to get a superthin phone. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has launched as the de facto thinnest smartphone around, Apple has serious competition.
The company has also run afoul of US President Donald Trump’s trade war. Over social media, Trump threatened that iPhones made outside the United States would face 25% tariffs when imported, meaning Apple’s rumored upcoming thin phone could get more expensive before it’s even been officially announced.
Here’s the skinny on what we could expect with the newest iPhone.
iPhone 17 Air release date: Is the slimmer iPhone coming this year?
For nearly a decade, Apple has held an event in September to announce its new phones. This year we expect Apple to reveal the iPhone 17 series, including the rumored iPhone 17 Air.
If the iPhone 17 Air rumors are true, Apple would be the latest to join the ultrathin phone trend this year. Last week, I got to try out Samsung’s new lightweight Galaxy S25 Edge after previewing it and a slew of shockingly thin phones at the Mobile World Congress in March.
The iPhone 17 lineup may be the last to follow this fall-release model, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and a report from The Information. Starting with the iPhone 18, Apple will reportedly split its phone releases so that lower-cost iPhones launch in the first half of the year (previously reserved for iPhone SE models) and higher-end pro models are announced in the latter half. That would likely mean a rumored iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, Air and new foldable iPhone model could debut in fall 2026. Keep in mind that an iPhone Flip or Fold has been rumored for years.
You’ll likely be able to preorder a new iPhone the Friday after the announcement, with the phone shipping a week later.
What will the iPhone 17 Air cost?
Early rumors about an iPhone 17 Air hinted that it could cost even more than the iPhone 17 Pro, but a March Bloomberg report suggested the phone could cost around $900. That price tag would align with the rumor that the “Air” could replace the Plus, which currently costs $899. For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge starts at $1,100.
However, there’s also the question of how tariffs could affect the price of an iPhone. Amid President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff drama, Apple has mostly escaped additional taxes by stockpiling inventory and getting most of its products on a tariff exemption list.
Apple has moved some production of US iPhones to India to avoid the steeper tariffs imposed on China. However, Trump recently said he pushed Apple CEO Tim Cook to move US iPhone production from India to the US. How much all of this could affect iPhone prices is yet to be determined.
Regardless of how tariffs play out, Apple is expected to raise the price of the iPhone. These price hikes are rumored to start with the iPhone 17 line, so prepare now to pay more for “Air.”
iPhone 17 Air camera: potential downgrade?
Among the rumored potential sacrifices Apple may have to make to get a skinnier phone is limiting the camera features.
The rumored iPhone 17 line is getting a new camera bar that extends across the width of the phone. But Front Page Tech shared an iPhone 17 Air video in February that showed a physical mockup of the phone based on rumors. One of the more surprising reveals was a smaller camera bar with one lens on the left, suggesting the “Air” phone has a single rear camera, similar to the iPhone 16E ($599). It’s not clear if the camera would be the same as the 16E or if Apple would go the route Samsung did and include the main camera from the iPhone 17 Pro.
The single camera theory is backed up by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and a Bloomberg report, which said that the rumored Air may not have the ultrawide and 5x telephoto lenses that have become staples of Apple’s premium iPhones.
In a bit of good news, it’s also rumored that the front-facing “selfie” camera on all iPhone 17 models, including the Air, will be upgraded to 24 megapixels, according to analyst Jeff Pu.
iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro
It may be getting a lot of attention, but the rumored Air appears to be less an advanced Pro model and more a replacement for the Plus.
However, rumors are that the Air would have a 6.6-inch display, according to analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo. If accurate, that would mean the Air’s display is slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus, with a 6.7-inch display, but larger than the iPhone 16 Pro, which features a 6.3-inch display. The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads with a 6.9-inch display. It’s unclear if the 17 Air’s screen would be a Pro Motion display like the one found on iPhone Pro models.
If the rumored Air lives up to its name, then the biggest potential advantage it could offer over a Pro is its size and weight. A Bloomberg report from March notes that the iPhone Air could measure 5.5mm thick, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro at 8.25mm.
Mac Rumors reported that a leaker on the Korean-langauge Naver blog, going by “yeux1122,” said that the rumored iPhone 17 Air weighs approximately 145 grams (5.11 ounces). Compare that to the iPhone 16 Pro, which weighs in at 199 grams (7.03 ounces). If this rumor proves true, the Air would be just slightly heavier than the iPhone 13 mini, which weighs 141 grams (4.97 ounces).
Bloomberg’s report also notes that the iPhone 17 Air is expected to have superslim bezels compared to the rest of the line, along with a Camera Control button and a Dynamic Island cutout in the display.
iPhone 17 Air battery life expectations
Among the challenges of slimming down an iPhone could be figuring out how to reduce the battery size without compromising battery life.
Initially, it was assumed that a skinnier iPhone would simply have a reduced battery life since there would be less space to house a large battery. But more recently, AppleInsider reported that a skinnier iPhone might use a silicon-anode battery that could help extend its battery life.
Yeux1122 said the battery capacity is 2,800mAh, based on details that originate with “mass production confirmed sample,” according to MacRumors. It added that a high density battery in the Air could increase its “actual capacity” by 15 to 20%.
If the rumored iPhone 17 Air does use the silicon battery technology, it would be the first iPhone to do so.
Are iPhone Air rumors and leaks to be trusted?
Rumors are just that. The speculation leading up to the iPhone’s release is often based on insider knowledge or leaked information from the teams working on the iPhone’s design, but those plans can continue to evolve and are not necessarily reflected in the final product. We’ll only be able to confirm these rumors with certainty when Apple officially releases the next iPhone and we can see it for ourselves.
After months of rumors, Fujifilm has finally, officially announced the X Half, a very compact camera designed to mimic half-frame film cameras and early 2000s point-and-shoots. It takes vertical photos and videos, aided by an optical viewfinder and vertical screen. I spent a few hours testing out the X Half, and it is, as Fujifilm hoped, quite fun. It’s the kind of thing you’d bring on a night out with friends, kept handy in a purse or pocket, so you could capture moments without needing your phone.
Its price might give you pause, though. Here’s a little preview based on my little time with this little camera.
The hardware
It’s positively tiny, though a bit bigger than the smallest digital cameras from the 2000s.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
17.7 megapixels (3,648×4,864 or 7,296×4,864 for 2-in-1 images)
1-inch sensor
32mm f2.8 lens (35mm equivalent)
Optical viewfinder
Fujifilm film simulations
240 grams (8.5 ounces)
Specs don’t tell the whole story with this camera, but they’re still interesting. A 1-inch sensor isn’t unheard of in a camera this size. The Sony XV-1 II is basically the same size and has one, though it’s even more expensive. Most, like the less expensive Panasonic ZS99, have far smaller sensors. The X Half’s sensor is oriented vertically, like the rear screen. This speaks to the main design intention of the X Half. This is a camera for taking photos you can quickly and easily share on social media. Images have a 3:4 aspect ratio, as does video (1,080×1,440).
The only dials are exposure and aperture. Yes, that’s a film advance lever, and it actually has a use here, beyond just retro style points.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
One of the X Half’s main tricks is the ability to take a side-by-side image, which Fuji calls a 2-in-1. You can see some examples later in this preview. Take a photo, “advance” the film using the retro film advance lever, and then take another photo. Both images are saved individually, but the camera also combines them into a third image where they’re side by side, separated by a line with a style of your choosing. The same trick can be done with videos, and perhaps most interestingly, both photos and videos.
The X Half (right) next to the X100VI.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
Being a Fuji camera, the X Half has Fuji’s famous film simulations. These alter the image in ways you’d typically be able to get only with significant editing. More than just a filter you can add in Instagram, these change, sometimes dramatically, many aspects of color and tone.
A small secondary screen on the back shows you the active simulation mode, as if you’re looking at a film roll inside the camera, and you can swipe through the different modes while looking at the main screen, to see how they look. In addition, there are “creative filters,” like “toy,” “high-key,” “light leak” and so on, which are more like what you’d find in other point-and-shoot cameras. I wasn’t able to test them all, but some of the ones I did use were pretty fun.
Vertical screen and optical viewfinder. The secondary screen on the left usually shows the active film simulation. It’s also a touch screen, so you can swipe through. This works as a secondary screen for some menus and settings as well.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
There’s also a mode called film camera, which locks the X Half into the film simulation mode of your choosing, for 36, 54 or 72 images. In this mode, there’s no preview, and other options are limited. It essentially forces you to use the X Half like a film camera. I know some photographers like these kinds of limiting challenges. I’m not a fan, perhaps because I grew up with the limitations of film, but I understand how many people enjoy them.
The new X Half app wasn’t ready for us to check out, but it should have some interesting ways to “develop” the images taken in film camera mode and make/adjust the 2-in-1s.
The X Half uses the same battery as other Fuji cameras, has an LED flash and is Bluetooth enabled. It can also be connected to one of Fujifilm’s Instax printers for instant-film prints. The camera I tested had a silver top, but the X Half will also be available in all black or with a charcoal top.
Hands (well, hand) on
The side-by-side “2-in-1” format lets you juxtapose images for any number of creative reasons. This can be done in the camera (most of the following examples), with the upcoming X Half app, or if you capture two things you really want to put next to each other during your short time with the camera and you don’t have the app yet (me), you can do this in most photo editing software later.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
This is an adorably small camera. A palm-of-your-hand device that can fit in your pocket when not in use. Walking around downtown LA, I found that the X Half practically disappeared when I wasn’t using it, hidden from view, cupped in my hand. When I’d see something interesting, even if I’d turned it off after the last shot, it’d be ready to go in moments. Selecting different film simulations was super easy. All you need to do is swipe the secondary screen.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
Using the X Half is surprisingly similar to using a GoPro. Almost everything is accessed via swipes and taps on the rear screen. The only dials are just for exposure and aperture. Personally, I love dials on cameras, but this was easy to navigate and probably more so for people not used to larger cameras. A switch on the side enables the built-in flash.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
The side-by-side images are a clever way to really tell a story. For instance, one image can be an establishing shot, the other a close-up. Or both can be versions of a theme, different angles and so on. Earlier, I said I didn’t enjoy film-camera-like challenges, but this kind of challenge I did like. I’d find some interesting image, and then see if I could find some matching or contrasting image nearby. It was a different way to approach photography, compared with what I’m used to, which is (here’s that word again) fun.
You in there, Deckard?
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
Since I had only a few hours with the camera, I can’t give a final verdict on the image quality. My initial impression is that it seemed decent, with good color reproduction. Low-light wasn’t great but seemed acceptable. The images you see in this preview are all unedited.
One of the built-in filters lets you select a single color and strip out all the others. Not a particularly new concept, but it works well here.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
Price, availability and who this might be for
2-in-1 created in Photoshop, otherwise unedited from the camera.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
The X Half is unquestionably for a specific demographic. If you don’t understand why someone would want a small, vertical camera like this, have no fear: You’re not the demo. I described the camera to a friend who is likely the demo, and she got the idea immediately and wanted one. Is it possible to do just about everything the X Half does with your phone? Sure, but that’s true of any camera. The trick here is being able to skip the editing process, plus the benefit of not being on your phone all the time. That, and the fact that the X Half is adorable.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
One concern, though, is the price. At $850, this might be well beyond the budget of the very people who’d enjoy it most. While I was testing it out at LA’s Grand Central Market, one of the shop owners took an interest. After I described it to her, she seemed really interested but asked, “Is it expensive?” I told her the cost, and her disappointed response was, “Oh, yeah, expensive.” Everything is getting more expensive these days, but for only a little more money, someone could get the Ricoh GR III, our current pick for best point-and-shoot travel camera, which has a much larger sensor and is also conveniently small.
However, neither the GR III nor any other camera right now has the X Half’s “fun” factor. Is that worth the premium? We shall see when I test one some more after its launch in late June.
In addition to covering cameras and display tech, Geoff does photo essays about cool museums and other stuff, including nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, medieval castles and epic 10,000-mile road trips.
In Marvel Rivals Season 2.5, team-up abilities are going full camp. Keep your head down, because the sharknado is coming to gobble you up — and resistance is futile.
The Season 2 balance patch was the first one to make wide-reaching changes to the game’s iconic team-up abilities, and the midseason patch is about to arrive with a similar shakeup. Gone are the days of the Punisher’s infinite ammo and Spider-Man’s symbiote one-shot combo.
Now, Jeff the Shark can combine his ultimate ability with Storm’s tornado as a nod to one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen — and the little land shark can also team up with Venom to heal nearby teammates through symbiotic tendrils. Yes, that evil shark is getting two new team-up abilities in a single patch. It’s the type of lopsided favoritism that keeps me up at night.
These team-ups are fun ideas, but based on the team compositions I see in Diamond and above, I’d venture to guess they won’t get much playtime in highly competitive matches — even with these cooperative boosts, Jeff just doesn’t compete with more effective strategists. Instead, I think these gimmicks are here because what seems like publisher NetEase’s real No. 1 priority is providing different outlets for players to let loose as their favorite superheroes.
Wolverine has a solo leap he can perform off cooldown, but a Marvel game with an ensemble cast wouldn’t be complete without the Fastball Special.
NetEase Games/Screenshot by CNET
Maintaining the Marvel power fantasy
Marvel Rivals is first and foremost a game about stepping into the shoes of some of the most popular superheroes in the world. Comic books are a great storytelling medium — but they’re also a visual spectacle that will just as often fall back on the “rule of cool.”
It wouldn’t feel right playing as Wolverine if you didn’t have access to the iconic Fastball Special, where he’s picked up and tossed like a football by Colossus (or in Rivals, by Hulk or Thing). Giving up your autonomy to another player rarely goes well, and it’s not like the ability is all that useful — unless you’re one of the best players in the world with Rocket Raccoon’s rocket boots — but it’s an integral part of Wolverine’s combat style.
The same principle applies to Captain America and the Winter Soldier. These characters have known each other for nearly a century. They grew up together in Brooklyn. They’re going to combine their combat styles in a special move.
Is the reverberating slam between Bucky’s metal arm and Steve’s vibranium shield all that great? Not really, because Bucky likely has to be out of position to make use of it. But it’s extremely cool to use and makes players feel like they’re more fully embodying these characters.
That brings us to what will surely be the game’s most infamous combo. The Jeff-nado started out as a Marvel Rivals community joke, and now it’s going to be a real team-up. How often will Storm and Jeff realistically combine their ultimate abilities? I can’t imagine seeing it in many games, but the interaction exists for Jeff players that want to ride the lightning, and that is quite simply cool.
NetEase has designed a game where not every team-up ability should be expected to reshape the entire meta, and I think that’s a great thing. What matters to the developers is that you’re able to enjoy experiencing gameplay for Marvel heroes that isn’t replicated elsewhere.
The competitiveness of the game just isn’t as important to developers as letting you stick it to the bad guys with a Yancy Street beatdown.
NetEase Games/Screenshot by CNET
Each update provides clarity on Marvel Rivals’ competitive mode
If imaginative power fantasy is NetEase’s No. 1 priority, that means the competitive balance of Marvel Rivals takes a backseat. And that’s OK — there are folks who argue that the incessant changes, nerfs and reworks to Overwatch characters have made them less fun over the years, especially oddballs like Sombra and Mercy that are very different from their original incarnations.
Counter to what a game community’s sweatiest players might say, a game is fine when it’s unbalanced. It’s fun to have abilities that aren’t as useful as others, but are super bombastic and flashy. It’s OK to have characters that just won’t make the cut in higher levels of play. There have long been signs that Marvel Rivals is not being designed as a hyper-competitive game — there don’t seem to be Overwatch League-level ambitions at work here.
Marvel Rivals’ competitive system has been criticized since launch, with many players reaching ranks as high as grandmaster with a sub-50% win rate. The rank distribution is extremely generous compared with other games (like Overwatch), and many players who actively play competitive matches will gravitate toward the top.
The recent introduction of Chrono Shield Cards has made it even easier to escape the lower skill brackets, and games in the middle ranks like Platinum and Diamond sometimes feel like a coin flip depending on how skilled the players that queue into the game are. The skill gap between players in each rank is far too wide, and that seems to be how the system is intended to function.
But that relaxed vision for the game may not last, as it seems like NetEase wants to have its cake and eat it too. The Marvel Rivals Ignite 2025 tournament is being backed with a smooth $3 million prize pool. Funky team-ups and a more casual ranked ladder are one thing, but that’s serious money, and it signals that NetEase wants players to get serious about winning.
Marvel Rivals is moving in two distinct directions at once. The actual patches lead me to believe that the developers want this game to be fun first, balancing it around unique hero ability interactions and lower-ranked casual play that the presumed majority of players will experience. The tournament money and the player culture are heavier stuff, and there are a lot of people who want to compete to be the best in Marvel Rivals.
Trying to split the difference will lead the game down a path that ends in an identity crisis. It happened to Overwatch before, and Marvel Rivals isn’t immune to falling into the same traps. If the Jeff-nado is any indication of things to come, I hope the devs at NetEase stick to their guns and keep balancing the game around the Marvel power fantasy rather than prioritize competitive balance for high-tier tournament players and One Above All-ranked streamers.
Final Destination fans know you can’t cheat death. But you can hack watching all the films in the franchise.
A Max streaming service subscription will let you access every Final Destination film, except for Final Destination Bloodlines, which started scaring theatergoers last week. It’s called Max now, but the service’s upcoming name change means it’ll probably be HBO Max by the time the Warner Brothers movie Bloodlines inevitably debuts on it.
The first Final Destination flick in 14 years, Bloodlines stars Kaitlyn Santa Juana as Stefani, a college kid who goes searching for answers after she keeps having the same carnage-filled nightmare. Premonitions, ridiculously elaborate deaths and references to past installments are all a part of the horrific and highly rated new entry. If you want to pick off the previous films one by one, keep reading to see how to stream them in release date order.
How to stream the Final Destination movies in release date order
The cheapest Max subscription available is $10 per month. That version includes ads, but the streaming service also offers two ad-free plans that run $17 and $21 per month. You can also opt for an ad-supported or ad-free bundle of Max, Hulu and Disney Plus. Here’s our Max review.
Signing up for Max could save you money on watching the films over renting them since they run $3 to $5 per movie on Amazon. If you’re wondering what other frightening movies come with your Max subscription, check out this article.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is fairly easy, especially if you know recent trends in baby names. It also helps to have a slight knowledge of The Lord of the Rings, or at a minimum, be good at riddles. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 22, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Part of a fleet Answer: SHIP
5A clue: Answer to Gollum’s riddle in “The Hobbit,” which starts “This thing all things devours – birds, beasts, trees, flowers” Answer: TIME
6A clue: “See ya!” Answer: LATER
7A clue: Second-most popular girl’s name of the 2020s, after Olivia Answer: EMMA
8A clue: Not keeping secrets Answer: OPEN
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Sticker on an envelope Answer: STAMP
2D clue: “I’d like another card,” in blackjack Answer: HITME
3D clue: “Uhh, that is to say …” Answer: IMEAN
4D clue: The “p” of m.p.h. Answer: PER
6D clue: Name taken by the new pope Answer: LEO
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Eliminating taxes on tips has emerged as a sturdy — and contentious — political talking point in the last year, and now it’s a step closer to reality. On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously voted to pass the No Tax on Tips Act, a bill that largely does what it says on the tin. It now heads to the House, where similar legislation has been under consideration as part of the embattled super-bill of tax cuts and the federal budget.
Tipping accounts for a major portion of many people’s incomes, whether they work in service, hospitality or elsewhere, and like most other forms of income, you have to report it to the IRS come tax season. A 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found around 43% of Americans had experience working at a job where they received tips in addition to standard hourly wages, especially younger respondents, those from lower income homes and women.
At this point, removing some of the taxes on tipped income seems like one of the most likely proposals to make it through the legislative chaos in Congress right now. While it might seem like an easy win no matter your political leanings, there are still plenty of reasons to be concerned about what the knock-on effects might be.
For everything you need to know about what this bill might mean for you — and how to handle your tipped income during tax time overall — keep reading. For more, check out our breakdown of what extending the Trump tax cuts might mean for you.
Are taxes on tips going away with this bill?
Doing away with federal taxes on tipped income emerged as a prominent political discussion over the past year, particularly after both major party 2024 presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, supported the idea as a way to put more money back in the pockets of the working class people. Since taking office in January, Trump has repeated his pledge to eliminate taxes on tips.
The No Tax on Tips Act was set forth in Congress earlier with bipartisan support and has just passed one chamber of Congress with ease. As it stands, the bill would create a tax deduction for workers in traditionally tipped fields for up to $25,000 per year. It would, however, exclude tipped workers making over $160,000 and would require the Treasury to create a list of jobs the deduction would apply to within 90 days of the bill going into effect. That income level will also be reexamined annually to account for inflation.
It’s not all sunshine and unanimous bipartisan support. Writing in a blog post for the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group, senior federal tax policy analyst Alex Muresianu warned that doing away with tips on taxes could have unintended harms. It could encourage more industries, for instance, to move toward a gratuity-based payment system, reducing the amount of overall taxes collected. The subject also came up in a recent segment on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, in which host John Oliver echoed some of those concerns and suggested that, rather than a tax exemption for tipped income, workers in traditionally tip-driven industries should have their base pay increased instead.
Do I need to track my tips for my tax return?
Yes. You must report the income you made from tips on your tax return. On its website, the IRS advises you keep a “daily tip record” in order to have the full amount ready to report come tax season. You are also advised to let your employer know how much you’re making in tips. This allows them to have an accurate sense of your income level, so that they can withhold the correct amount from your standard paycheck.
Are tips taxed differently than normal income?
In general, no, tips are not taxed at a different rate than your standard wages. Your income tax rate would change only if your income from tips pushed you into a higher income bracket, which would change the rate applied to your overall income. If the amount of tips you received in a given month is less than $20, however, you don’t need to report that money as income on your taxes.
What if I fail to report my income from tips?
If you think you can keep your tip income under the table, think again. If the IRS catches you withholding tips from your tax return, you’ll be hit with a penalty that requires you to pay “equal to 50% of the Social Security, Medicare, Additional Medicare, or railroad retirement taxes you owe on the unreported tips” on top of the amount you’ll owe in general, per the IRS website. The agency has a variety of methods used to catch “underreporters” who fail to report all of their income, such as monitoring your bank statements or e-commerce activity. Better safe than sorry. For more, find out everything you should know about IRS audits.
What is the best internet provider in Asheville, North Carolina?
CNET’s top choice for internet in Asheville is AT&T Fiber,which offers the fastest speeds in the city, along with symmetrical upload and download speeds and a wide range of plans. Prices start at $55 and go up to $245 per month for speeds up to 5,000Mbps, making it an easy pick if fiber is available at your address.
If AT&T Fiber isn’t in your neighborhood, Spectrum is a solid alternative, with strong speeds and reliable service. Many homes in Asheville also have the option of 5G home internet from T-Mobile or Verizon, which can be a great value if you bundle it with an eligible phone plan.
For those looking to save, T-Mobile and Verizon’s 5G bundles bring monthly internet rates as low as $35 monthly. But for sheer speed, nothing beats AT&T’s 5,000Mbps fiber plan.
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Asheville, North Carolina across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers’ terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.
Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your options is to plug your address into a provider’s website.
Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider’s pricing and speed across the U.S., according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what’s available in Ashville, North Carolina. The prices referenced within this article’s text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month — a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Top Asheville internet providers compared
Providers
Internet technology
Month price range
Speed range (Mbps)
Monthly equipment fee
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Read full review
DSL, fiber
$55-$245
10-100 DSL, 300-5,000 fiber
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible phone plans)
50-1,000
None
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible phone plan)
72-245
None
None
None
7.4
Hughesnet Read full review
Satellite
$50-$65
100-200
$15 monthly or $300 upfront
None, 100-200GB Priority Data
None
6
Starlink Read full review
Low-orbit satellite
$120
20-200
$349 purchase fee
None
None
6.5
Viasat Read full review
Satellite
$120
25-150
$15 monthly or $250 upfront
None
None
6.1
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$30-$50
100-1,000
$10 (optional)
None
None
7.2
Show more (3 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available Asheville internet providers
AT&T Fiber and Spectrum Cable Internet are your best options for efficient broadband speeds at reasonable prices. Residents can turn to fixed wireless providers or satellite internet if need be, hopefully only as a last resort. Here are your other internet provider options in Asheville:
US Cellular: Like T-Mobile, this cellular provider offers fixed internet service that starts at $40 per month and covers roughly 85% of households in Asheville. US Cellular doesn’t charge for exceeding a data threshold but the company will slow your speeds after you use your monthly allotment of 600GB.
Carolina West Wireless: Another fixed wireless provider, Carolina West, uses its (much smaller) cellular network to provide home internet to about 72% of households in the Asheville area.
Skyrunner: Available to more than 94% of Asheville residents, Skyrunner offers fixed wireless plans that are more expensive than T-Mobile’s. The company also charges hefty installation fees and imposes data caps on some service plans.
Satellite internet: Satellite internet is typically a last resort. The drawbacks include lengthy contracts, slow speeds, high upfront costs for equipment, low data caps and high latency. Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat are the major satellite providers in the country.
James Mahan/Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Asheville
Spectrum’s 500Mpbs cable plan, at $40 per month, is slightly cheaper than the entry-level AT&T Fiber plan, which costs $55 per month. You can get an even cheaper monthly price if you bundle home internet service with an eligible cell phone plan with T-Mobile or Verizon.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Skyrunner, a local fixed wireless provider with select fiber options, offers a rate of $45 per month for their standard plan with download speeds of 5Mbps. Although Skyrunner’s price may seem reasonable compared to the likes of AT&T and Spectrum, this standard tier comes out to around $4 per Mbps.
You’ll find better value and higher speeds from Spectrum’s introductory tier of 500Mbps at $40 per month, which comes out to 10 cents per Mbps. Keep in mind that Spectrum’s introductory prices will increase by $30 after the first 12 months.
Cheapest internet plans in Asheville
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Contract
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review
$40 ($80 after 12 months)
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
Spectrum Internet Advantage Read full review
$30
100Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
AT&T Fiber Read full review
$55
300Mbps
None
None
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
245Mbps
None
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How fast is Asheville broadband?
AT&T is the one provider that offers fiber to a significant percentage of households in the area. Spectrum’s cable service tops out at 1,000Mbps — not as fast as AT&T’s top-tier plans, but plenty fast for most households.
Fastest internet plans in Asheville
Provider
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Starting price
Data cap
Contract
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
$245
None
None
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
$145
None
None
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
$80
None
None
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
$50 ($100 after 12 months)
None
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Asheville
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of our prepublication fact-check.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Asheville?
Choosing an internet provider in Asheville is pretty straightforward: If your household is eligible for AT&T Fiber, that’s what you want. Its symmetrical 1Gbps service, at $80 per month, will strike the right balance between speed and price for most households. Otherwise, Spectrum’s cable internet service is the best alternative, with speeds between 100Mbps to 1Gbps starting at $30 to $50 monthly, respectively.
Internet providers in Asheville FAQS
Which is the best internet service provider in Asheville?
AT&T is the best internet service provider in Asheville — but only if you’re eligible for the company’s fiber service. Otherwise, Spectrum is your best option, with speeds of up to 1,000Mbps for $50 per month for the first year. Finally, as a last resort, there’s T-Mobile, which offers 5G home internet with speeds ranging from 72 to 245Mbps for $50-$70 per month, but via a fixed wireless connection that’s less robust or reliable than cable or fiber.
Which is the cheapest internet provider in Asheville?
Starting at $30 per month, Spectrum’s 100Mbps cable internet plan is the most cost-efficient option in the area unless you qualify for one of T-Mobile or Verizon’s cellular bundles. Local providers, like Skyrunner, offer plans that start at $45 but for much slower broadband speeds. AT&T’s cheapest fiber plan is only $5 more than Spectrum at $55 monthly.
Yes, fiber internet is available in about 44% of Asheville homes. AT&T Fiber is the only provider with a significant fiber footprint in the area. Coverage varies throughout the region, but there are higher levels of availability in the Erskine-Walton, Morningside Park and Oakley neighborhoods.
Which internet provider in Asheville offers the fastest plan?
The fastest internet provider in Asheville is AT&T, which offers fiber internet with download and upload speeds up to 5,000Mbps. If fiber isn’t available at your address, the fastest internet plan in Asheville is 1,000Mbps.
Beam me up, Google. Video chats could have a much more sci-fi feel with Google Beam, an AI-powered video communications platform that aims to make it feel like you’re meeting up in person.
Google announced Beam, an evolution of its Google Starline technology, at its annual I/O developer conference on Tuesday. Google has teamed up with HP to commercialize the system.
Read more: Google I/O 2025 Live Blog
Google Beam uses a six-camera array that captures the subject from different angles. An AI video model puts the views together in real time to create a 3D person. Google says the system features near-perfect head tracking, down to the millimeter, with video at 60 frames per second.
The idea is reminiscent of any number of holographic communications systems seen in everything from Star Wars to Star Trek. Unlike the tiny, low-quality Princess Leia hologram from A New Hope, Beam is designed to be life-sized and lifelike. Google once described the technology as a “magic window.”
Enlarge Image
Google’s Starline technology platform is growing up and getting a new name, Google Beam.
Speech translation, a feature Google is bringing to Google Meet, could come to Beam as well, Google said.
Google introduced Starline as a research project in 2021 and has been testing and refining prototypes ever since. Today’s announcement means the technology is closing in on being ready for prime time.
Video calls have long been plagued with challenges. It can be hard to read expressions and gestures. Traditional video chats are missing a sense of eye contact. Zoom fatigue was a hot topic during the height of COVID-19. Beam wants to address those issues with a more immersive and lifelike experience.
Google said HP will share more about the platform at the InfoComm audio visual technology exhibition in June. Google is also working with Zoom and other audio visual companies. Beam will likely find its footing first with larger organizations that want to shake up the way they handle videoconferencing.
The first Beam devices will be available for early adopters later in 2025, so start practicing your “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.”
Beam isn’t Google’s only big announcement of the day. Check out everything that’s been revealed at Google I/O.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is a fun one, and now I’m singing the song from 1-Across in my head. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 20, 2025.
5A clue: Instrument that might be made with a comb and wax paper Answer: KAZOO
6A clue: How bedtime stories are often read Answer: ALOUD
7A clue: On edge Answer: TENSE
8A clue: Short Instagram video Answer: REEL
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Less colorful Answer: PALER
2D clue: Layer of the upper atmosphere Answer: OZONE
3D clue: Totally pointless Answer: NOUSE
4D clue: Hit a high note in a high place, perhaps Answer: YODEL
5D clue: Kit ___ bar Answer: KAT
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
The Asus Zenbook A14 not only is the winner of a CNET Editors’ Choice Award, but it’s one of the lightest 14-inch laptops you can buy right now. When I first saw it at CES 2025, where it won a Best of CES Award for best laptop, I was sure this would be my new travel laptop. After all, you get an OLED screen, Snapdragon X Plus chipset, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage in a design that’s lighter than Apple’s MacBook Air. While I wasn’t sold on the price, the ARM-powered laptop is now on sale for Memorial Day at Best Buy.
This is the first time the Asus Zenbook A14 is going on sale since its launch. My favorite version of it, in the Zabriskie beige color, is available for a discount of $200 this week. As a result, the $1,000 laptop is seeing its price drop to $800 from May 19 to May 26, no special codes needed. If you’ve been looking for a lightweight, midrange laptop, this Memorial Day sale is your chance to bag the Zenbook A14.
LAPTOP DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
Why I recommend the Asus Zenbook A14
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
The Asus Zenbook A14 is one of the best laptops you can buy right now and there are three reasons it’s become my go-to device. First, it offers a long battery life, and by long, I mean you can extend it up to two days without needing a charger. I can carry it in my travel backpack without worrying about the availability of a power outlet. In fact, the Snapdragon X variant is only the second laptop CNET has reviewed with a battery life of more than 24 hours, with the HP OmniBook X 14 lasting an hour longer.
That brings me to the second reason I like using the Asus Zenbook A14: its OLED screen. The HP laptop lasted longer during CNET’s test thanks to an LCD display, but the Zenbook doesn’t compromise on its screen to deliver a stellar battery life.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
You get a 14-inch OLED panel with a 1,920×1,200-pixel resolution. It might not be as sharp as the 2.8K OLED screen on the Asus Zenbook S 14, but you won’t find another laptop with this combo of 24-hour+ battery life and OLED display in this price range.
I appreciate the OLED screen for its excellent contrast and deep black levels. In CNET’s tests with a Spyder X colorimeter, it showed 100% coverage of the sRGB and P3 spaces and 97% of AdobeRGB. My only slight annoyance is the thick bezels, which make it a little less immersive than other Asus laptops.
Third, the Asus Zenbook A14 is surprisingly lightweight. At just 2.4 pounds, it’s the lightest Arm laptop you can buy right now. And Asus hasn’t traded build quality for the lightweight form factor. Its Ceraluminum build is both rigid and lightweight, keeping the weight in check without making the laptop feel cheap or flimsy. Plus, it’s also scratch, smudge and fingerprint resistant.
Things to keep in mind before you buy the Asus Zenbook A14
Prakhar Khanna/CNET
Asus Zenbook A14’s keyboard offers a satisfactory experience and the trackpad is reliable. The A14’s Snapdragon X Plus variant (on sale) is more powerful than the Snapdragon X model, but it isn’t built for power-intensive tasks. If you want to use power-hungry video editing tools, this laptop is not for you. The M4 MacBook Air might better serve you for this use case.
This Asus Zenbook A14 is for those who are always on the go and want an extra-long battery life without compromising on screen quality. It’s a great laptop, particularly if you’re looking for an ultralight, ultralong-running laptop for travel.
There are plenty more laptop deals going live this week. We’ve also pulled together all the best Memorial Day deals.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Connections: Sports Edition might be tough today if, like me, you don’t know what “loge” means. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Brag.
Green group hint: Where’s my seat?
Blue group hint: City that never sleeps.
Purple group hint: Opposite of go.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Boast
Green group: Stadium seating sections
Blue group: New York Knicks
Purple group: ____ stop
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 19, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is boast. The four answers are crow, gloat, grandstand and showboat.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is stadium seating sections. The four answers are bleacher, loge, suites and upper deck.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is New York Knicks. The four answers are Bridges, Hart, McBride and Towns.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ____ stop. The four answers are back, jump, pit and short.
Watch Serie A soccer in Canada from CA$33 per month
Fubo Canada
It’s set to be a pivotal clash in the race for the Scudetto at the Stadio Ennio Tardini today as Napoli go in search for a crucial away win against Parma.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if the match isn’t available where you are.
Napoli leads Inter Milan by just a single point going into this game, with just one game remaining after today’s action.
A win for Napoli, combined with an Inter Milan loss today against Lazio could secure the Serie A for Antonio Conte’s side. However, any sort of slip up for Gli Azzurri could allow Inter Milan to overtake them, or force a rare playoff if both teams finish level on points.
It’s an equally high stakes game for the hosts, with Parma currently in 16th position and in need of a win themselves, with just four points keeping them clear being in the relegation zone.
Parma take on Napoli on Sunday, May 18, at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, with kickoff set for 8:45 p.m. CEST local time in Italy. That makes it a 7:45 p.m. BST start in the UK a 2:45 p.m. ET or 11:45 a.m. PT kickoff in the US and Canada, and a 4:45a.m. AEST start early on Monday morning in Australia.
Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay has been instrumental in Napoli’s push for the title, having scored 12 times this season.
Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
How to watch Parma vs. Napoli in the US without cable
All Italian Serie A games will be available to stream in the US via Paramount Plus, which has live English language broadcast rights for Serie A in the region. Select games will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and the network’s 24-hour free streaming channel CBS Sports Golazo throughout the season.
James Martin/CNET
Paramount Plus has two main subscription plans: Essential for $8 a month ($60 a year if paying annually) and its Paramount Plus with Showtime premium tier for $13 a month ($120 a year if paying annually).
The cheaper Essential option has ads for on-demand streaming and lacks live CBS broadcasts, as well as the ability to download shows to watch offline later. Students may qualify for a 25% discount.
Read our Paramount Plus review.
How to watch the Serie A 2024-25 season from anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the Serie A action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream Parma vs. Napoli season in the UK
Serie A broadcast rights in the UK are with TNT Sports once again for this season, with live coverage of select games being shown on the network throughout the season. This match is set to be broadcast on TNT Sport 1.
TNT Sports
Having been renamed from BT Sports, TNT Sports will be offering Serie A games exclusively live this season to viewers in the UK. You can access TNT Sports in exactly the same way as its predecessor, including via Sky Q as a TV package, as well as the option of streaming online. It costs £31 either way and comes in a package that includes Discovery Plus’ library of documentary content.
Livestream Parma vs. Napoli matches in Canada
Live English language broadcast rights for Italian top-flight soccer in Canada are with Fubo Canada.
Fubo
Fubo costs CA$33 per month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually.
Livestream Parma vs. Napoli in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch Italian top-flight games on streaming service beIN Sports and its standalone streaming service beIN Sports Connect, which is showing all 380 Serie A games live in Australia this season.
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BeIN Sports Connect
Watch Serie A in Australia for AU$15
BeIN Sports Connect is a dedicated sports streaming service that offers English Football League, Carabao Cup, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Scottish league soccer.
BeIN Sports Connect is available across a wide variety of devices including desktop, mobile (Android and iOS), Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast and Samsung smart TVs, with a subscription costing AU$15 a month or AU$130 for a yearly plan.
Quick tips for streaming Parma vs. Napoli using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Italian Series A matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
National parks, gay country music, and thirst traps have a lot in common, at least on the internet.
Hundreds of TikTok posts combining sexually explicit audio, comical memes and stunning views of nature have flooded social media feeds. The viral trend coincides with President Donald Trump’s unprecedented funding cuts targeting federal parks, forests, monuments, seashores and trails.
The message of #ParkTok and #MountainTok is G-rated: to conserve and protect public lands. The raunchy content is merely a wrapper to lure followers and get that message in front of as many people as possible.
At first glance, the TikTok fan accounts for Yellowstone and Joshua Tree — among dozens of other national parks, forests and recreation sites — appear to be competing in an unhinged brawl. Some commenters speculate that federal park rangers or marketing strategists have gone rogue to garner outside financial support.
But the unofficial accounts, which are growing in number daily, are run by independent content creators with no affiliation to the government. According to the National Park Service’s Office of Public Affairs, the NPS has no official presence on TikTok, as there are no terms of service between federal agencies and the platform.
“Viral trends focused on national parks can certainly boost park visibility and drive increased interest and awareness,” the National Park Service told CNET in an email. “We appreciate the enthusiasm for our nation’s parks and the creative ways individuals share their experiences online.”
And millions of social media followers say they’re here for it. Promoting the country’s vast landscape and its preservation for future generations could serve as a kind of spiritual uplift in dark times.
Nature is sexy; budget cuts aren’t
Far beyond the racy adult content, there’s a unifying purpose to posting videos of cascading waterfalls, colossal trees, seductive deserts and enchanting wildlife. Researchers have noted that national parks are key to conserving biodiversity and supporting people’s well-being. And it seems everyone, not just nature nerds, can get behind these public lands — US national parks saw a record number of recreation visits last year, nearly 332 million.
“If you actually love all this stuff, you get attached to that beauty,” said Kim Tanner, the creator of the Joshua Tree fan account. “And then you realize you don’t want that beauty damaged.”
The Trump administration’s 2026 budget plan includes slashing more than $1 billion from the National Park Service. It also threatens to axe a whopping $33 billion from national recreation management programs and conservation and preservation grants. The grants are critical to maintaining 433 individual areas of public lands covering more than 85 million acres, which are managed by the NPS.
The National Parks Conservation Association says the White House’s budget reductions are the largest proposed cuts to the National Park Service in its 109-year history and could “decimate at least 350 National Park sites.” Many have said Trump is laying the groundwork to sell off public lands and turn recreational areas over to state-level management.
According to Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, the NPS has already lost nearly 2,500 employees, or nearly 13% of its staff, in what she calls a “brain trust exodus” of environmental experts.
“What’s happening right now, in trying to dismantle the National Park Service from the inside out, is more horrific than anything we’ve seen before,” Brengel told me.
Getting wild for the wild
TikTok is controversial, and so is sex. That’s precisely why trends like these have political capital, capable of attracting admirers and haters, and bringing everyone else into the conversation.
“The polarization on social media is reflective of our real-life political polarization,” said CNET social media reporter Katelyn Chedraoui.
The #ParkTok and #MountainTok creators, some of whom are former park employees, are all nature lovers who span the political spectrum. Many of the accounts openly denounce the administration’s threats against the parks and direct viewers to demonstrations or fundraisers, but the trend isn’t overtly partisan or activist-driven.
“Most of their posts work on a subconscious level, prompting viewers to think about the national parks and their own experiences with them,” said Chedraoui. “It’s simple but effective.”
In fact, the TikTok engagement around public lands originated before the budget cuts to the parks. The first three fan accounts — Mount Hood, Mount Rainier and Yellowstone — appeared right after the elections last November. Managed by three friends who are avid outdoor enthusiasts, the accounts put up posts early on that were a mix of comic relief and wilderness awe.
There wasn’t much thirst trap content then. “It was just waterfalls and vistas and sunsets,” said Jaime Wash, the creator behind the Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens fan accounts. Then, two of the creators started trolling each other, and folks loved it.
It was fake beef, but the diss-track template became a winning strategy. By January, the trend started picking up speed, with more fan accounts joining the fray. Over the last several months, the popularity of the posts has seen ebbs and flows — until fairly recently, when all of #MountainTok and #ParkTok blew up for their risqué content.
Private parts in public lands became a magic formula, a kind of viral virility, that the creators knew how to play up. “Social media users are very used to brands acting unhinged on TikTok,” said Chedraoui.
A bridge over troubled water
Some critics have slammed the parody accounts, accusing creators of trying to monetize a legitimate cause, or claiming that the sexually charged content damages the parks’ reputations.
But according to the creators, who collaborate regularly in a group chat, making money wasn’t, and never will be, their intention. Wash told me that if at any point they do collect a payout for the content, they plan to donate the funds to the parks.
After gaining such a huge following, Wash said, she felt it was her responsibility to get people involved. In April, the Mount Hood fan account brought out followers to Portland’s Hands Off protest.
“We’re building a community to show that things aren’t helpless, that change can happen and we’re there for each other,” Wash said. And besides raising the alarm, the posts add comic relief and entertainment to a daily cycle of doomscrolling and anxiety.
Tanner told me that #ParkTok and #MountainTok can help open people’s eyes, showing how fragile nature really is. By highlighting endangered animals and the damage from things like logging, drilling and mining, they can help millions of followers understand what’s really at stake.
The surprising power of social media
Social media acts as a cultural barometer, revealing public sentiment in real time and highlighting the issues that resonate. Platforms like TikTok also give grassroots movements a megaphone, allowing everyday people to bypass traditional media filters and speak directly to broad audiences.
The NPCA encourages people to sign up for action alerts on their website to save the parks.
www.npca.org/advocacy
“We’ve seen digital action lead to tangible action,” said Sheila Nguyen, associate director of communications and engagement for the National Parks Conservation Association. “The more people who see that social media content, the bigger the pool of people who may speak up and the more collective impact we can have,” Nguyen told CNET in an email.
In fact, social media publicity has been shown to boost national park visitation. A 2024 research study found that positive social media posts that include photos or videos drive the biggest increases in visitation.
“The more people we can get into these parks, the better. That way, they can experience it firsthand, see it, fall in love with it, and then want to protect it,” said Tanner.
The National Parks Conservation Association urges people to sign up for alerts on its advocacy page so they can raise concerns with congressional representatives. “We feel that Congress is the best option right now to get the administration to back off of these bad proposals,” said the NPCA’s Brengel. “Congress needs to be pushed to stop some of these terrible actions.”
Many TikTok creators I spoke with also said they’re advocating ways to hold elected officials accountable.
“It’s heartbreaking to think the places that I absolutely love may never be the same again,” said Wash, “and I want to do anything to stop that.”
Expect questionable costumes, quirky lyrics and ear worm melodies as the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Finale takes center stage at St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, today, with 26 countries competing for the coveted title.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch Eurovision as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if they’re unavailable where you are.
Organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the 2025 contest marks a return to its roots in Switzerland, where the event was first staged, in 1956. As always, songs performed on the night must be all-original compositions that can last no longer than 3 minutes, with performers required to sing live.
This year’s event is rumored to feature a secret special guest during the voting interval, with persistent speculation that Céline Dion — who launched her international career by winning Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988 and appeared via video message during this year’s semifinals — may be set for a surprise live performance.
Sweden is this year’s favorite to win the Eurovision Song Contest, represented by the comedy trio KAJ and its song Bara Bada Bastu, which aims to celebrate and promote Nordic sauna culture.
Harold Cunningham/Getty Images
When does the 2025 Eurovision Final start?
This year’s contest takes place at the 13,000-seat St. Jakobshalle indoor arena in Münchenstein, Switzerland, on Saturday, May 17.
Live broadcasts around the world get underway at 9 p.m. CET, making it an 8 p.m. BST start in the UK. For viewers in the US and Canada, the show begins at 3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT, while fans in Australia will need to tune in at 5 a.m. AEST on Sunday. You can find a full running order for today’s contest further down on this page.
Watch the 2025 Eurovision Final in the US
This year’s contest will be available to watch live in the US on streaming service Peacock.
James Martin/CNET
How to watch the Eurovision 2025 Final online from anywhere using a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch Eurovision live while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins.
VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US, UK and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN use to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN use is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Stream the 2025 Eurovision Final in the UK free
As ever, free-to-air broadcaster BBC One will be showing this contest, with witty commentary once again set to be served up by presenter Graham Norton. You’ll also be able to live stream the broadcast free via the network’s online service, BBC iPlayer.
BBC
BBC iPlayer has dedicated apps available for Android and Apple mobile devices, as well as a vast array of smart TVs and streaming boxes. All you need is a valid UK TV license to stream the festival.
Stream the 2025 Eurovision Final in Australia free
It’s good news for Eurovision fans Down Under, with the 2025 Grand Final set to be broadcast free in Australia on SBS.
Viewers can livestream the 2025 Eurovision Grand Final on the free-to-use SBS On Demand service.
The platform has dedicated apps for Android and iOS, and you can also access the service on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, Apple TV and most smart TVs.
Stream the 2025 Eurovision Final in Canada free
While no linear networks will be broadcasting this year’s contest, the great news for Canadian Eurovision fans is that this year’s event will be available to watch in the region free on the official Eurovision YouTube channel.
Grand Finale Running Order
Norway – Kyle Alessandro performing Lighter
Luxembourg – Laura Thorn performing La Poupée Monte Le Son
Estonia – Tommy Cash performing Espresso Macchiato
Israel – Yuval Raphael performing New Day Will Rise
Lithuania – Katarsis performing Tavo Akys
Spain – Melody performing ESA DIVA
Ukraine – Ziferblat performing Bird of Pray
United Kingdom – Remember Monday performing What the Hell Just Happened?
Austria – JJ performing Wasted Love
Iceland – VÆB performing RÓA
Latvia – Tautumeitas performing Bur Man Laimi
Netherlands – Claude performing C’est La Vie
Finland – Erika Vikman performing Ich Komme
Italy – Lucio Corsi – Volevo Essere un Duro
Poland – Justyna Steczkowska performing GAJA
Germany – Abor & Tynna performing Baller
Greece – Klavdia performing Asteromáta
Armenia – PARG performing Survivor
Switzerland – Zoë Më performing Voyage
Malta – Miriana Conte performing Serving
Portugal – NAPA performing Deslocado
Denmark – Sissal performing Hallucination
Sweden – KAJ performing Bara Bada Bastu
France – Louane performing Maman
San Marino – Gabry Ponte performing Tutta L’Italia
Albania – Shkodra Elektronike performing Zjerm
Tips for streaming the 2025 Eurovision Final using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble viewing after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a network app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword has a goofy shape, but it’s pretty easy to solve. 6-Down mystified me, but the other answers helped me fill it in. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 17, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: “Link in ___” (promotional catchphrase on social media) Answer: BIO
4A clue: They’re ground in a coffee grinder Answer: BEANS
6A clue: Bike riders’ headwear Answer: HELMETS
8A clue: Variety of tomato whose name is also a meat Answer: BEEFSTEAK
10A clue: Shoe spec that describes this puzzle? Answer: EXTRAWIDE
11A clue: “Cha-ching, nothin’ to it!” Answer: EASYMONEY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Church spot where bats hang out Answer: BELFRY
2D clue: The first three words of “Green Eggs and Ham,” straight from the narrator Answer: IAMSAM
3D clue: Boxing punch combo Answer: ONETWO
4D clue: Purple slices in a salad Answer: BEETS
5D clue: Oktoberfest glass Answer: STEIN
6D clue: Prefix with decimal, in coding Answer: HEXA
7D clue: One-named hit singer with 1985’s “Smooth Operator” Answer: SADE
8D clue: Spelling ___ Answer: BEE
9D clue: Paper with the answers Answer: KEY
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Political change has a way of adding uncertainty to people’s lives, and that inevitably extends to any potential big spending decisions as well. If you’re considering a major energy-related purchase, uncertainty around President Trump’s plans to end Biden-era tax credits could end up costing you real money.
During his campaign, Trump was not shy about his stance on the Biden administration’s signature energy law, the Inflation Reduction Act, calling it the “Green New Scam” and promising to repeal it. Now, that promise is starting to come to fruition.
More than 1.2 million Americans took advantage of the residential clean energy tax credit in 2023, getting money back after buying things like solar panels, home batteries and solar water heaters. More than 2.3 million American taxpayers claimed the energy efficient home improvement credit that same year for things like insulation, air conditioners, home energy audits and heat pumps.
But those credits were expanded as part of the IRA, and now that the campaign is over, all eyes are on the Trump administration as people try to work out what it will mean for the perhaps millions of Americans planning to use them.
Following recent news that tax credits for EVs and solar panels could end under a new proposal, it’s understandable that people are concerned. That’s why we talked to energy policy experts before Trump returned to the White House to get a sense of which home energy incentives were likely to stick around, which were most likely to disappear and whether any uncertainty should change how you think about those big financial decisions. Keep in mind that the situation is fluid right now, though, with the end of 2025 now looking set to be a watershed moment for any potential changes.
Read more: Who would benefit under Trump’s proposed tax changes?
Can Trump eliminate home energy tax incentives?
Not with a single stroke of the pen. Most of the current home energy incentives, especially the big ones for things like electric vehicles and solar panels, are credits embedded in the tax codes. Congress has to change the tax code. Republicans will control both the US Senate and House of Representatives, but with very slim majorities. Because of that, passing legislation could be difficult.
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Republican leaders in Congress are eyeing a process called budget reconciliation to tackle the incoming Trump administration’s energy policies. That process has a lot of procedural restrictions, limiting what can actually be included in the resulting law, but it skirts the Senate’s filibuster rules that would require a 60-vote supermajority for a bill to pass. (Republicans will hold only 53 Senate seats in the incoming Congress.) The IRA passed in 2022 using that same budget reconciliation process.
As to what could be in that bill, it’s still up in the air. Legislative leaders have said as much, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying they expect to take a “scalpel” to the IRA rather than a “sledgehammer.” Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in early December that he doesn’t yet know what programs will be targeted, according to E&E News.
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“Congress appropriated the funds for the IRA,” said Sheila Olmstead, a Cornell University professor who served as senior economist for energy and the environment at the President’s Council of Economic Advisors in 2016 and 2017. “To wholesale undo that would require work by the Congress again. [Trump] does have both houses, but by fairly narrow margins. Whether that would be achievable I think is an open question.”
An additional wrinkle is that a lot of the manufacturing investment spurred by the IRA’s spending has happened in areas represented in Congress by Republicans, and lawmakers may not want to jeopardize jobs in their districts. In August, 18 Republican members of Congress urged against a full repeal because it could “create a worst-case scenario where we would have spent billions of taxpayer dollars and received next to nothing in return.”
Here’s what could happen to the biggest consumer-focused incentives.
Tax credits for electric vehicles make Teslas and other electrified cars more affordable, but the incoming Trump administration has expressed interest in cutting that incentive. Even Tesla head Elon Musk, a close Trump supporter, has backed the move.
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
EV tax credit: Endangered
President-elect Trump’s transition team has stated they intend to eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles.
The president-elect’s closeness with Elon Musk, who owns EV maker Tesla, is unlikely to sway him to keep the credit. Musk said in July that taking away the subsidies would “only help Tesla.”
If the federal government does eliminate the tax credit, at least one state might make up for it. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said the state could reinstate its rebate for EVs if the credit goes away. “We will intervene if the Trump Administration eliminates the federal tax credit, doubling down on our commitment to clean air and green jobs in California,” Newsom said in a statement in November.
Potential policy changes affecting EVs go beyond just the tax credit, Olmstead said. The administration could weaken fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, known as CAFE standards. “What’s driving a significant chunk of demand for EVs are those CAFE standards,” she said.
Solar tax credit: Uncertain
The biggest single incentive for American homeowners to get solar panels is the residential clean energy credit, which the IRA expanded and extended. It currently provides a 30% tax credit on the cost of installing solar panels (along with batteries, geothermal heat pumps and a few other clean energy products) through 2032, when it starts to phase out. It existed before the IRA as the Investment Tax Credit or ITC, which was created in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, signed by President George W. Bush.
The credit could be scaled back, experts said, especially as Republicans in Congress look for ways to offset the budget impacts of the extension of broad tax cuts passed during the first Trump administration. “They’ll be looking for places to solve that problem,” Olmstead said.
Gilbert Michaud, assistant professor of environmental policy at Loyola University Chicago, said he didn’t expect the credit would be eliminated wholesale.
“Though the Trump Administration may attempt to scale them back, these programs have received significant support from Congress, the private sector and even rural communities in which energy projects are being built,” Michaud said. “More broadly, it’d be difficult to chop all of the IRA, and while I do think that they will try, some of these programs and incentives will remain intact.”
A scaling back of the solar tax credit could include an earlier phase-out or stricter requirements, said Zoe Gaston, principal analyst for US distributed solar at the energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie. “However, it is too early to predict.”
Changes to the solar tax credit would change the calculus for consumers, who currently bank on getting a significant portion of their investment in solar panels back when they file their taxes. It could also affect the availability of solar leases and power purchase agreements, in which a third-party company owns the solar panels on your rooftop and charges you either a lease payment or a per-kilowatt-hour charge. The tax credit, which goes to the company, makes that business model more affordable.
State solar incentives: Largely safe
While Congress might take a scalpel or some cutting object to the federal solar tax credit, it likely won’t have any impact on state programs like net metering, in which you get paid for surplus electricity you sell back to the grid.
“It’s also important to remember that state and local programs for renewable energy are largely shielded from federal intervention or overriding,” Michaud said. “Efforts such as state net metering programs, renewable portfolio standards and rebates and loan programs will stick around even with the change in DC, especially in bluer states.”
If the federal government does restrict incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency, states might pick up some of the slack, Olmstead said. Especially larger, more Democratic states such as California and New York.
Read more: How solar friendly is your state?
Home energy efficiency tax credits: Uncertain
Another component of the IRA was a set of tax credits aimed at home energy efficiency. Under the residential clean energy credit, this includes uncapped 30% tax credits for geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters. Under the separate energy efficient home improvement credit, it includes tax credits for things like efficient air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps, insulation, electrical system upgrades and more, all of which have caps on how much money you can get back for each.
Any changes to these credits would face the same hurdles as changes to the solar tax credit: Congress would have to do it.
A more likely outcome is that the Trump administration will roll back efficiency standards for appliances and lighting, Michaud said.
The situation is also different for state-administered home energy efficiency rebate programs, which provide additional financial help on top of the federal tax credits. Those programs are run by states using money distributed by the federal government, and the incoming administration could decide not to distribute any money that hasn’t already gone out the door.
“If the money’s already out the door, I think those programs will continue spending,” Olmstead said. “If it’s not, anything could happen.”
Current tax credits and rebates reduce the cost of installing energy-efficient devices like a heat pump water heater.
Photo by Bastien Inzaurralde/AFP via Getty Images
Should you rush to buy home energy products in case tax credits disappear?
The practical effect of tax credits worth potentially thousands of dollars having an uncertain future is that people may be tempted to rush a purchase to take advantage while they can.
Keep in mind that anything that would qualify for a tax credit is a pretty big purchase, whether it’s solar panels, a new HVAC system, a new water heater or a new electric vehicle. Those decisions aren’t to be made lightly.
“Regardless of politics, I always suggest that folks make such energy investments if they feel the time is right for them,” Michaud said.
If Congress does act in 2025 on these tax credits, that change could affect the 2025 tax year, meaning you should be careful assuming you’ll get money back in the form of a tax credit for a purchase made starting in January. Factor that into your budget considerations.
“While it’s important to pay attention to potential policy changes, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that folks solely make energy investment decisions for fear of tax credits disappearing,” Michaud said. “Folks should consider electricity costs, budget and other traditional factors when considering solar, storage, EVs and the like.”
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword took me longer than usual. 1-Down is tough — hint, there’s an old-fashioned bottled beverage with the same name. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 16, 2025
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Unit of distance that can precede “stone” and “age” Answer: MILE
5A clue: Kind of powder used for hot chocolate Answer: COCOA
6A clue: On the button Answer: EXACT
7A clue: Connections Answer: LINKS
8A clue: “___ not and say we did!” Answer: LETS
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Gutsy determination Answer: MOXIE
2D clue: “That’s not gonna work for me” Answer: ICANT
3D clue: Strands Answer: LOCKS
4D clue: Has a bite Answer: EATS
5D clue: Spreadsheet unit Answer: CELL
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
The Trump administration has made moves in recent weeks to try and deescalate its tariff policies amid widespread concerns, but major companies are still warning of forthcoming price hikes in the months ahead. On May 15, Walmart, the largest grocery chain in the US, said that increased prices are inevitable due to the “magnitude” of the White House’s import taxes.
“We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible,” CEO Doug McMillon said during an earnings call. “But given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren’t able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins.”
In this article, we’re closely tracking the effect of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the prices of 11 popular products you might want or need to buy, whether it be a new phone, laptop or your daily coffee. So far, we’ve seen notable price hikes for the flagship Xbox game console, while everything else has either remained steady aside from occasional fluctuations that might not be tariff-related. That sort of consistency is far from certain, however, especially with new reports emerging that Apple might be looking to make iPhones more expensive this year.
The recent trade agreement with China, much-hyped by the White House, did significantly cut tariff rates against our biggest trading partner, but the new 30% rate is only temporary and still historically high, it just looks better next to the ludicrous 145% rate that was previously in place. As those negotiations move along, companies continue to warn of impending price hikes in order to deal with the new tariffs, including Sony, which could potentially mean a price hike for its ever-popular PlayStation 5 consoles.
We’ll be updating this article regularly as prices change. It’s all in the name of helping you make sense of things, so be sure to check back every so often. For more, check out CNET’s guide to whether you should wait to make big purchases or buy them now and get expert tips about how to prepare for a recession.
Watch this: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Our Experts Weigh In on Tariffs
Methodology
We’re checking prices daily and will update the article and the relevant charts right away to reflect any changes. The following charts show a single bullet point for each month, with the most recent one labeled “Now” and showing the current price. For the past months, we’ve gone with what was the most common price for each item in the given month.
In most cases, the price stats used in these graphs were pulled from Amazon using the historical price tracker tool Keepa. For the iPhones, the prices come from Apple’s official materials and are based on the 128-gigabyte base model of the latest offering for each year: the iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. For the Xbox Series X, the prices were sourced from Best Buy using the tool PriceTracker. If any of these products happen to be on sale at a given time, we’ll be sure to let you know and explain how those price drops differ from longer-term pricing trends that tariffs can cause.
The 11 products we’re tracking
Mostly what we’re tracking in this article are electronic devices and digital items that CNET covers in depth, like iPhones and affordable 4K TVs — along with a typical bag of coffee, a more humble product that isn’t produced in the US to any significant degree.
The products featured were chosen for a few reasons: Some of them are popular and/or affordable representatives for major consumer tech categories, like smartphones, TVs and game consoles. Others are meant to represent things that consumers might buy more frequently, like printer ink or coffee beans. Some products were chosen over others because they are likely more susceptible to tariffs. Some of these products have been reviewed by CNET or have been featured in some of our best lists.
Below, we’ll get into more about each individual product.
iPhone 16
The iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand in the US so this was a clear priority for price tracking. The iPhone has also emerged as a major focal point for conversations about tariffs, given its popularity and its susceptibility to import taxes given its overseas production, largely in China. Trump has reportedly been fixated on the idea that the iPhone can and should be manufactured in the US, an idea that experts have dismissed as a fantasy. Estimates have also suggested that a US-made iPhone would cost as much as $3,500.
In April, Apple flew bulk shipments of iPhones into the US to get a stockpile here ahead of tariffs kicking in. In recent weeks, reports have indicated that the company is working on moving all manufacturing of US-bound iPhones out of China to India to evade the worst of Trump’s tariff agenda. However, it’s also been reported that the iPhone 19, planned for release in 2027, will need to stay in China, because of the level of complexity planned for its design, tied to the iPhone line’s 20th anniversary. On May 12, further reports emerged suggesting that Apple plans to raise the price of the iPhone with the forthcoming iPhone 17 line, but that it also plans to avoid attributing this to Trump’s tariffs.
Duracell AA batteries
A lot of the tech products in your home might boast a rechargeable energy source but individual batteries are still an everyday essential and I can tell you from experience that as soon as you forget about them, you’ll be needing to restock. The Duracell AAs we’re tracking are some of the bestselling batteries on Amazon.
Samsung DU7200 TV
Alongside smartphones, televisions are some of the most popular tech products out there, even if they’re an infrequent purchase. This particular product is a popular entry-level 4K TV and was CNET’s pick for best overall budget TV for 2025. Unlike a lot of tech products that have key supply lines in China, Samsung is a South Korean company, so it might have some measure of tariff resistance. In recent days, this model has fluctuated from $400, where its been for most of the year so far, and $470, where it sits today. These fluctuations don’t seem to be influenced by tariffs, at least for the time being.
Xbox Series X
Video game software and hardware are a market segment expected to be hit hard by the Trump tariffs. Microsoft’s Xbox is the first console brand to see price hikes — the company cited “market conditions” along with the rising cost of development. Most notably, this included an increase in the price of the flagship Xbox Series X, up from $500 to $600. Numerous Xbox accessories were also affected, and the company also said that “certain” games will eventually see a price hike from $70 to $80.
Initially, we were tracking the price of the much more popular Nintendo Switch as a representative of the gaming market. Nintendo has not yet hiked the price of its handheld-console hybrid and stressed that the $450 price tag of the upcoming Switch 2 has not yet been inflated because of tariffs. Sony, meanwhile, has so far only increased prices on its PlayStation hardware in markets outside the US.
AirPods Pro 2
The latest iteration of Apple’s wildly popular true-wireless earbuds are here to represent the headphone market. Much to the chagrin of the audiophiles out there, a quick look at sales charts on Amazon shows you just how much the brand dominates all headphone sales. The AirPods Pro 2 have hovered steadily around $200 on Amazon in 2025, but were on sale for $169 the first few days of May before jumping back up.
HP 962 CMY printer ink
This HP printer ink includes cyan, magenta and yellow all in one product and recently saw its price jump from around $72 — where it stayed for most of 2025 — to $80, which is around its highest price over the last five years. We will be keeping tabs to see if this is a long-term change or a brief uptick.
This product replaced Overture PLA Filament for 3D printers in this piece, but we’re still tracking that item.
Anker 10,000-mAh, 30-watt power bank
Anker’s accessories are perennially popular in the tech space and the company has already announced that some of its products will get more expensive as a direct result of tariffs. This specific product has also been featured in some of CNET’s lists of the best portable chargers. While the price has remained steady throughout the year, it is currently on sale for $16 on Amazon, but only for Prime members.
Bose TV speaker
Soundbars have become important purchases, given the often iffy quality of the speakers built into TVs. While not the biggest or the best offering in the space, the Bose TV Speaker is one of the more affordable soundbar options out there, especially hailing from a brand as popular as Bose.
Oral-B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush
They might be a lot more expensive than their traditional counterparts, but electric toothbrushes remain a popular choice for consumers because of how well they get the job done. I know my dentist won’t let up on how much I need one. This particular Oral-B offering was CNET’s overall choice for the best electric toothbrush for 2025.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook
Lenovo is notable among the big laptop manufacturers for being a Chinese company making its products especially susceptible to Trump’s tariffs.
Starbucks Ground Coffee (28-ounce bag)
Coffee is included in this tracker because of its ubiquity — I’m certainly drinking too much of it these days — and because it’s uniquely susceptible to Trump’s tariff agenda. Famously, coffee beans can only be grown within a certain distance from Earth’s equator, a tropical span largely outside the US and known as the “Coffee Belt.”
Hawaii is the only part of the US that can produce coffee beans, with data from USAFacts showing that 11.5 million pounds were harvested there in the 2022-23 season — little more than a drop in the mug, as the US consumed 282 times that amount of coffee during that period. Making matters worse, Hawaiian coffee production has declined in the past few years.
All that to say: Americans get almost all of their coffee from overseas, making it one of the most likely products to see price hikes from tariffs.
Be honest: Can you currently account for everything in your freezer right now? Worse yet, are you even able to get anything out of your freezer without having to either pry it out of the permafrost or risk a landslide of frozen legumes? If your freezer is bursting at the seams from walls covered in ice and snow, it’s time to defrost.
Yes, a large and functional freezer is a must for anyone who buys in bulk to save money, but unless you keep the frost buildup to a minimum and use your ingredients in a timely manner — before freezer burn and large ice crystals make even the most hardy foods inedible — you might end up wasting more than you save. While there are some foods you should never freeze, it’s the best place to keep reserves of meat, fish, smoothie fruit and ice cream. Lots of ice cream.
If your freezer requires a chisel and pick like some archeology dig, or you’ve cultivated strange odors that will not disappear, it’s time to give your deep freezer a deep clean. Even for supposedly frost-free freezers, you can benefit from a periodic purge and wipe-down.
Eliminating built-up frost — and clearing out frostbitten foods that are no longer edible — will make your appliance more energy efficient, consequently lowering your energy bill, which is important with energy rates on the rise in the US, according to the US Energy Information Administration. A recent CNET study found that nearly a third of surveyed US adults were relying on payment plans or borrowing to afford their energy bills, and you’d be stunned how much excess energy a fridge will pull if it’s constantly running because of a poor seal.
For more, we spoke with Trevor Craig, food safety expert at Microbac Laboratories. While the build-up of frost in a freezer can be partially attributed to overfilling, “freezers actually maintain temperature better when they’re full,” Craig says. Good news for apocalypse planners, but your freezer can get frosty for several reasons, which overfilling may exacerbate.
“Usually frost forms because moisture in the air that is trapped in the freezer condenses and freezes,” Craig says. An overfull freezer can prevent the freezer from sealing properly, which allows humidity to creep in.
A defrosted freezer is easy to clean.
Tyler Lizenby/CNET
While some frost buildup is inevitable, you can help stave it off by being mindful of the number of times you open and close the freezer door and making sure to first cool any items that are destined for the freezer. Hot foods put in the freezer will also create excess evaporation. Older freezers are also more prone to frost than newer ones.
Read more:Can You Guess Which Zones in Your Fridge Are the Coldest (and Warmest)?
Freezer efficiency and food safety
Making sure your refrigerator is running efficiently isn’t just good for your electricity bill, but it has implications for your health as well. “Heavily frosted freezers can burn out or fail to keep your food frozen,” Craig says. “If the food gets too warm, it’s not going to survive its full shelf life, and it might even be a health hazard if it doesn’t stay cold enough.”
Frost can also lead to unwanted and unexpected replacement costs, which is way more problematic than a slightly elevated electricity bill. According to Craig: “If heavy frost builds up, your freezer could even break, and then there is little option but to throw all the thawed food out,” he says, not to mention you have to potentially buy a new appliance.
How to defrost your freezer
Defrost a top or bottom freezer using the same steps.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Fortunately, defrosting your freezer is a relatively simple process, once you get past the trauma of having to confront what’s lurking in there. A little planning is the only requirement, especially if you do have a permanently well-stocked freezer.
Note: These steps are for refrigerators with freezer sections, not dedicated freezers. To defrost a chest freezer, you’ll want to take a slightly different approach. Here’s how to defrost a freestanding chef freezer in minutes. For upright deep freezers, follow the following steps, but you can unplug the freezer for the process rather than turning it down, as we do not have a fridge section of food we need to keep cold.
Step 1: Remove all items from the freezer
Meat and other items riddled with freezer burn probably aren’t worth saving.
Alina Bradford/CNET
“Ideally, you should defrost your freezer when it is almost empty before you restock it,” Craig says, adding that you can tightly store your frozen items in a cooler during the process if needed. “If you defrost frequently enough, it shouldn’t take too long and you can keep everything frozen or cold until placing it back in.”
For the college students and poor souls defrosting the office fridge, if your mini-fridge has a single door for both compartments, you’ll need to also remove all food from the fridge portion and store in a cooler. Not only will we be unable to maintain an adequate temperature for the fridge section while keeping the door open during step 3, but the frost we’re trying to eliminate would drip down all over your food if you left inside.
Step 2: Set your freezer to defrost or turn it down all the way
Turn the freezer all the way down or use the defrost setting if you have one.
Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Newer freezers often have a setting for defrosting, otherwise, you’re just turning the dial down to its off or lowest setting. Do not unplug the entire appliance, as we’re still trying to keep the items in the refrigerator cold during this process.
Step 3: Let it sit until all the frost melts away
Once the freezer is dry, you can crank the temp back down and begin loading in items.
Chris Monroe/CNET
“Once you have everything out of the freezer and have it shut off or set to defrost it should only take a few hours if the frost isn’t bad, or about a day if it’s particularly bad,” Craig says. “You can keep the door open during this process to speed it along if that’s what the manufacturer recommends.”
Step 4: Wipe it down
After it’s fully thawed, clean out any pooling water and wipe down all surfaces before starting up again.
The refrigerator cavity shouldn’t be threatened by the freezer defrost process, but you can put out some towels on the ledge of the fridge door, or on the floor, if you’re concerned about water leakage. If you do see leakage, it could be a sign that the seals on the freezer or fridge are damaged.
Step 5: Turn the dial back up to your preferred temp
Once the freezer is dry and cranked back up, you’re free to restock it with items for safekeeping.
Freezer maintenance and upkeep
Once you’ve ripped off the band-aid and defrosted your freezer, you can save yourself time (and perhaps money) in the future by staying on top of the process.
“You should defrost about once a year, or if you see the frost growing to thicker than about one-quarter of an inch,” Craig says. “It will make your freezer run better, keeping your food temperature and electric bill down.”
Defrosting your freezer isn’t only about facing your demons in the form of long-forgotten items that may have gotten freezer-burned beyond repair or outlived their shelf life by a cringeworthy amount of time. “Typically for me, there are a few popsicles or frozen Girl Scout cookies that I forgot about,” Craig says, “so I have a nice little snack while cleaning up.”
You might also consider regularly checking the actual temperature of your freezer to ensure it doesn’t have a leak or is losing its ability to maintain proper temperature. Or if it’s being run too cold and keeping the automatic defrost from eliminating all surface frost.
Therapy is a critical part of treatment for mental health concerns like depression or anxiety. It can also be expensive. Online therapy services like BetterHelp and Talkspace make it more affordable, at around $60 to $90 a session, but that’s still not in the budget for many people. So, what do you do if you can’t afford it?
Therapy will always be the gold standard, but if it’s temporarily out of reach, that doesn’t mean your mental health has to suffer. These simple wellness strategies can help you nourish your mental wellness without spending any money.
Also, see how to naturally treat depression and anxiety and ways you can give yourself a happiness boost each day.
1. Use mental health apps to track daily progress
Mental health apps offer resources to people who otherwise couldn’t get them. While they’re not a substitute for therapy and can’t diagnose conditions, mental health apps like Moodfit and Sanvello are great tools to use on your mental wellness journey. The best mental health apps will help you relieve stress and anxiety and teach you how to manage symptoms in the future.
There’s a lot of variety in what these apps offer and the features that are built in. Many offer a great catalog of educational resources to help you learn about conditions and adapt coping strategies to manage them daily.
Mental health apps can also be a reminder to check in on yourself. Most send push notifications throughout the day, which can be used as an indicator to stop and assess how you’re feeling.
Wiphop Sathawirawong/Getty Images
2. Implement cognitive behavioral therapy strategies on your own
Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and addiction. CBT strategies and tools are intended to be taken outside of therapy sessions and used in daily life.
It’s called self-directed therapy. Again, it isn’t a replacement for traditional therapy with a professional, but it can supplement your mental health efforts when you don’t have access to talk therapy. This self-help strategy is best reserved for those with moderate symptoms that don’t affect daily tasks.
A systematic review of 33 studies found that self-help treatments can decrease anxiety and depression. Self-directed therapy results were “moderate,” according to the review. So people didn’t feel 100% better, but they reported feeling less anxious or depressed. If you’re interested in self-directed therapy strategies to improve your mental well-being, we recommend checking out the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies’ list of books. The books on the list have received a “seal of merit.”
Common self-directed therapy techniques:
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings and reflecting on them can help you identify negative thoughts and behavior patterns. Once you’re aware, you can take meaningful steps toward making changes.
Guided courses: With self-directed therapy, you have to start somewhere. Guided courses can help you learn methods and tactics for daily management. You can consult the National Alliance on Mental Illness for its mental health education directory.
Mental health apps: Many mental health apps use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to reduce anxiety and help manage symptoms.
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3. Stay connected to others
It’s important to connect with other people, especially those experiencing similar things. Studies show that connecting to others can provide a sense of meaning and purpose and decrease loneliness. Group therapy or support groups are typically led by a mental health professional or group leader and can be low-cost or free. Whether it be friends, family or strangers, sharing your feelings and experiences is essential.
Connections with people aren’t the only ones that can help improve your mental health. Pets and animals can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Take some intentional time to hang out with your pet — play with your dog, hug your cat. If you don’t have a pet, you can volunteer at a local animal shelter or humane society. Fostering or pet-sitting animals is also an option.
4. Practice mindfulness and meditation
Meditation has a history that stretches back thousands of years, but it’s become an extremely popular stress-relieving practice in the last few. Mindfulness helps you become more attuned to what you’re feeling and thinking, which helps you manage your thoughts and emotions more effectively, rather than becoming overwhelmed by them. Mindfulness uses techniques like meditation and breathwork to improve your mental health.
Mindfulness can help you manage symptoms of anxiety and other mental health disorders by helping you understand and cope with what you’re feeling. Studies show that meditation can help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety and help you sleep. The focus is on mind and body integration, which can help you enhance your mental well-being.
You can also use meditation apps to reduce stress and help maintain your mindfulness regimen. These free or low-cost apps are great for beginners.
Read more:Headspace Review: Get Tools for Mindfulness, Meditation and More for Just $5 a Month
Other practical tips to improve your mental health without therapy
Exercise: Several mental health benefits are associated with exercise, like relieving anxiety or improving your mood. Exercise also can boost your confidence and release endorphins. You don’t have to jump straight into heavy lifting; any exercise can help.
Go outside and soak up the sun: Sunlight boosts serotonin in the brain, which can improve your mood. When you don’t get enough sun, your serotonin levels drop, leading to seasonal affective disorder.
Prioritize your sleep:Poor sleep is linked to a greater risk of anxiety or depression, poor mood and higher stress levels. Prioritize your sleep by sticking to your bedtime routine — get ready for bed by doing something relaxing, aim for the same bedtime each night and turn off your screens.
Take a step back from social media: Constant social media use can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression. A digital detox may be warranted if you compare yourself to others online or notice a dip in your mental health. Start by limiting your time on social media. Then, try to fill that time with things you enjoy or people you like spending time with.
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When should I see a therapist?
Self-directed therapy and well-being tactics are extremely useful, but they’re not the be-all and end-all of mental health. Face-to-face time with a licensed therapist is essential for those with severe conditions and symptoms.
The first thing you should do is check your insurance. Employer-provided insurance and Medicaid may cover screenings, psychotherapy and counseling. Your insurance coverage will depend on your state and your health plan, but many plans include mental health coverage for in-network therapists.
Read more: How to Find the Best Therapist Near You
Your finances shouldn’t stop you from getting the help you need. It may take some research into therapists and programs, but there are low-cost options.
Sliding scale payments: Some therapists offer sliding scale fees — you pay what you can afford. The cost will be based on your income. Not all therapists offer this, but many do.
Low-cost or free services: Some therapists offer low-cost or free counseling for individual and group sessions. If you live near a college or university, the graduate department may offer free or discounted therapy sessions.
Local and online support groups: Local organizations and volunteers in many areas offer support groups for things like grief and addiction. Use Mental Health America’s list of support groups to find one that best fits your needs. You can participate in a peer-led support group through the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI).
We’ve all been there: You’re running late and rushing to get out of the house in the morning, and you don’t eat breakfast. You either skip breakfast entirely or opt for a fast food meal — and if you do that your healthy eating habits are out the window. While waking up earlier could solve your problem, I found a solution that allows me to hit the snooze button and still have a nutritious morning meal I can have at home or take with me.
The trick is doing a bit of prep work for my breakfast smoothie the night before. What’s great about this tip is that I don’t even have to worry about cleaning up a mess. Here’s why: I’m blending the smoothie in a Mason jar, which acts as my single-serving to-go cup. No more using my blender pitcher or container and pouring the contents into a cup, and possibly spilling some smoothie all over your countertop.
This story is part of Try This, CNET’s collection of simple tips to improve your life, fast.
Grab some fruit or veggies, your blender and a Mason jar to get started with your smoothie. For more ideas, here’s how to cut a cake with dental floss and how to stop junk mail for good.
How to prep your smoothie in a Mason jar
Safety first: Before using the Mason jars, check to make sure the jar is perfectly intact. Any blemishes to the glass, such as a crack, can make it easy for your jar to break. Also, you always want to make sure the blades you’re using fit inside the Mason jar with plenty of clearance from the walls of the jar. If the blades touch the glass at all, they could cause the glass to shatter. Finally, it’s important that you’re using a real Mason jar brand since other canning jars may not work.
Prior to adding fruit and veggies to your Mason jar, make sure the blade assembly fits properly on the mouth of the jar. A mouth on a regular-size Mason jar should work with most standard blenders, like Oster and Tribest. But for larger blenders, you may need a wide-mouth Mason jar. Note that some blenders, like Ninja and Nutribullet, may not be compatible. Test your attachments on a Mason jar before adding your ingredients.
Add your smoothie ingredients
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, start adding the smoothie ingredients, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, a banana, fresh spinach, avocados, yogurt — anything you like in a smoothie. Once you’re finished, seal the Mason jar with its original lid and place it in the freezer overnight.
If you don’t have time to let your smoothie freeze, you can always use frozen fruits and veggies instead. If that’s not an option, throw some small pieces of ice into the jar with your fruit to get the right consistency.
Blend your smoothie in a Mason jar
In the morning, take the jar out of the freezer and remove the lid. The contents in the jar will be frozen in preparation for that perfect smoothie texture. Next, add milk, juice or water to help make the fruit and vegetables easier to blend. Screw the blender blade assembly onto your Mason jar and flip the jar upside down. Now it’s time to put the jar on the blender base.
Blend the smoothie until it’s… well… smooth and you no longer see any chunks of fruit, veggies or ice. Once it’s blended, remove the jar from the blender and twist the blade assembly off. That’s it! Now you can add a paper straw or drink directly from it.
For more, here’s how to open your beer bottle without a bottle opener. Also, here’s how to start a campfire with Doritos.
If you’re looking to buy a computer right now, please accept my condolences. With the ongoing tariff madness, it’s a heady time to be researching your options and choosing a new PC.
The tech market is in flux, and you’re no doubt concerned about the potential for price increases. CNET is tracking how political and financial developments are impacting the prices of things like smartphones, TVs, game consoles and laptops.
Meanwhile, shopping assistant chatbots have proliferated, and the best-known one, ChatGPT, says it’s rolling out a shopping experience soon — so maybe you’re tempted to take a shortcut by using an AI chatbot to help you narrow down the options to find a suitable computer in your target price range.
I tested it out, cross-referencing its suggestions with CNET’s guide on the best desktop PCs, the best MacBooks and the best laptops, assembled by a staff of experts based on hands-on testing.
And in my experience, as you’ll see, the AI recommendations all had notable shortcomings.
The AI’s suggested picks “are all old and, for the most part, they are underpowered for what we asked for,” CNET managing editor and laptop expert Josh Goldman said. “With two exceptions.”
A laptop for value and flexibility
The MacBook Air M1 laptop was released in 2020 and discontinued in 2024.
Josh Goldman/CNET
You need a laptop that checks a ton of boxes while also staying well within your budget. What Microsoft Copilot picked was a laptop from 2020 — the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020). The M1 Air is only available new in one configuration from Walmart, but you can get a refurbished one at Best Buy or buy the M2 model (see it at Best Buy).
“Despite its advanced age in computer years, the M1 Air is a good all-around choice for school, home office, entertainment and basic content creation,” Goldman said.
Where the AI recommendations started to really fall off was when I tried to use the free versions of Copilot and Perplexity to help with the mind-numbing work of identifying which retailers accept buy now, pay later purchasing options, such as Klarna and Affirm. These allow you to make purchases in installments instead of owing the total cost at checkout while avoiding high-interest credit cards.
The AI-enabled search tool Perplexity confirmed that Walmart offers the ability to pay for products using Affirm, and its recommendation of the Apple MacBook Air as a budget-friendly option agreed with CNET’s advice.
However, be warned — Perplexity was terrible at identifying afterpay options available directly from retailers, and confidently conflated store credit cards and high-interest payment plans as “pay-as-you-go” options, so make certain you double-check the cited results.
(As a side note, I’ve been putting AI tools through their paces for a year now, and I have noticed some are getting worse, with more frequent hallucinations and bad information being returned. Perplexity in particular admitted in the chat that there is a “disconnect” between its “capabilities” and what it can actually accomplish.)
A laptop for browsing and bed rotting
An HP Chromebook was suggested by AI for binge-watching your favorite shows.
HP
Screen time can also be self-care if you do it right. You deserve a lightweight, internet-optimized laptop with a screen big enough for bingeing Columbo episodes on Prime Video (just me?) under the covers in your personal cocoon.
I asked Microsoft’s AI-enabled in-browser search tool, Copilot, to find me laptops I’d use while mostly horizontal. No powerful frills necessary. This needs to be built for comfort, not speed, with a price to match.
What it came back with: the HP Chromebook 11 (see it at Amazon) — which it called the “HP Lightweight 11,” no doubt confused by its description online — with an 11-inch HD IPS display, Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and Windows 11.
To throw in another warning about using AI, Copilot returned a great list of very affordable options optimized for lounging and bingeing, but it fabricated links that were not active on any sites instead of providing real links to review the products.
After this deceptive hallucination was discovered, another query had to be done for active links to the products.
Copilot / Screenshot by CNET
Goldman, CNET’s laptop expert, disagreed with the choice, though. “For binge-watching, the correct answer is an iPad or Apple tablet, frankly,” he says. “An 11-inch laptop would not be enjoyable because the screen and audio quality at that price would be disappointing. Performance would be pretty disappointing too.”
A laptop for gaming power and portability
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptop is great for gaming.
Josh Goldman/CNET
I’m not going to suggest you touch grass, but it would be nice to play Baldur’s Gate while looking out a window or, better yet, at Ren Faire on the shared Wi-Fi with three of your best Tavs.
I asked Copilot to recommend laptops that are blessed with long battery life and are feature-rich, yet have affordable graphics chips that can run a game like Baldur’s Gate 3 smoothly. The first suggestion was the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 (see it at Amazon) — the second recommendation that Goldman agreed with.
But here’s what else Copilot recommended:
Copilot / Screenshot by CNET
Although Copilot’s list of laptops were technically capable of running the game, only the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 met the recommended specs for an epic title like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Copilot / Screenshot by CNET
After prodding, the AI tool admitted that the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 was the only option that met the search criteria. So, as always, make sure you double-check the info AI is giving you — and cross-reference it with CNET’s recommendations for gaming laptops before making a purchase.
A laptop for content creation and connectivity
You have a gift, an expertise or another light inside you that you want to share with the world, and being afraid of overpaying for a laptop shouldn’t deprive us of your contributions. I asked Copilot to show me laptops and computers built for content creation, photo and video editing, and easy, creative collaboration that wouldn’t set me back more than $500.
Copilot / Screenshot by CNET
Copilot returned a list of options that made some sense; however, when asked to crown a content creation laptop champion, its criteria and methodology were lacking.
The tool first identified a laptop option that was not on the initial list provided and was well over the $500 budget. When prodded, Copilot recommended the HP 15.6-inch FHD Chromebook (see it at Best Buy) as the best budget option; however, when compared directly, the Acer Aspire 3 Premium (see it at Amazon) beat the HP on all criteria, including price.
Copilot / Screenshot by CNET
Key tip on using AI to help you choose your tech
Working with conversational AI-integrated search tools is a give and take, and you should never take the first answer at face value. Challenge the AI, be specific about what you want and scrutinize the results, comparing them against actual human expert advice like CNET reviews for the best outcome.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Easy one today! But still, I couldn’t answer 8-Across, and had to let the other answers in today’s NYT Mini Crossword fill it in for me. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 13, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: “Pointer” used to highlight a talking point Answer: LASER
6A clue: Submit a C.V. Answer: APPLY
7A clue: Get behind the wheel Answer: DRIVE
8A clue: “Oh boy, that’s not good!” Answer: YIKES
9A clue: “___ Misérables” Answer: LES
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: “___ Madonna” (Beatles song) Answer: LADY
2D clue: When March Madness ends, curiously Answer: APRIL
3D clue: Sudden increase Answer: SPIKE
4D clue: Legolas and Galadriel, in “The Lord of the Rings” Answer: ELVES
5D clue: Spirits akin to bourbons Answer: RYES
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
It’s hard to get in the swing of new money habits, especially when it means making more room in your budget. That may be the case for many student loan borrowers, whose payments resumed after a five-year pause.
More than 20% of federal student loan borrowers were late on their payments by 90 days or more — also known as delinquent — as of February 2025, according to a new study by TransUnion, one of the three main credit bureaus. That’s nearly double what TransUnion reported (11.5%) in 2020, just before the start of the pandemic.
The reasons for the increase are likely varied, but some of it may have to do with habits, according to Charlie Wise, TransUnion’s senior vice president of global research and consulting. A lot can happen in five years, and some consumers may have gotten out of the habit of making payments. They may instead be using the money to cover increased living expenses, family obligations or other debts.
“They don’t have the ability to now resume making those payments,” Wise said. “They’re maxed out.”
On the other hand, millions of recent graduates have never had to get in the habit of making a payment, so budgeting for a new bill can be a “new muscle they need to build,” he said.
Falling behind on student loan payments can result in serious consequences and hurt your credit score. A higher credit score makes it easier to borrow money, like for a car or a house, and can help you get a lower interest rate on loans.
Here’s what to do if you’re behind on your student loan payments.
Why borrowers are falling behind
Think about how much has changed since student loan payments were paused in March 2020. The pandemic initially resulted in widespread layoffs and soaring inflation, among other big changes in the world and economy. And now there are concerns about what looming tariffs could have on prices.
Student loans went through a lot of changes, too, including the initial pause on payments, which was extended multiple times until Sept. 1, 2023, when payments resumed.
“Unfortunately, many borrowers fell out of the habit of repaying their debt because of pandemic relief and the SAVE Plan forbearance,” said Elaine Rubin, student loan expert and Edvisors Corporate Communications Director. “While it was understood that these relief options were not permanent, being offered relief for years makes it hard for a borrower to add student loan payments back into their budget.”
Additionally, Wise noted that there could be issues with student loan servicers’ ability to reach borrowers so they can resume payments. Servicers may not have updated addresses, and borrowers may have lost track after being transferred to new a servicer over the years.
How delinquency can affect your credit
First, it’s important to note that your federal student loans become delinquent if you’re even one day late with your monthly payment. But servicers don’t report delinquent loans to the credit bureaus until they’re 90 days past due, so if you’re within that window, you can repay the past due amount or reach out to your servicer for options to avoid having it affect your credit.
If you’re already behind on student loan payments, ignoring the situation will only make things worse. Loans that are 270 days past due go into default, and the consequences can become much more severe. Defaulted borrowers have seen their credit scores decline by an average of 63 points, according to a TransUnion’s analysis. Super prime borrowers, who have a credit score of 800 or higher, saw an average 175-point decrease.
The Office of Federal Student Aid resumed sending defaulted student loan accounts to collections on May 5. It’s already begun informing borrowers that they could have their tax refund and government benefits withheld and wages garnished.
“Consumers need to realize that these obligations are very real, the government is very serious about resuming repayments,” Wise said. “This is an obligation that I don’t think the government’s going to say just walk away from.”
That means now’s the time to make a plan to fit the payments into your budget to protect your credit score and borrowing options in the future.
What to do if you’re behind on student loan payments
Your first step should be to find out the status of your loans, which you can do at StudentAid.gov or by reaching out to your servicer. If you discover you’re mistakenly designated as delinquent but you’re in a repayment or forbearance program, reach out to your servicer immediately.
If your loans are correctly classified as delinquent, the fastest and best way to get your loans current is to pay the past due amount on your loan. However, this may not be realistic if you’re struggling financially, but there are additional options.
You may need to consider a deferment or forbearance, which can help resolve a past-due delinquency if the loan is not already in default. “Typically, these options are considered last resort, but they can be helpful options to avoid falling behind or defaulting on a loan,” Rubin said.
Both deferment and forbearance offer temporary postponements on your payments, but interest may still accrue. That could put you further behind on paying off your balance and increase your monthly payment when you exit either plan.
If you’re struggling to make your current monthly payment, Rubin recommends exploring all of your federal student loan repayment plan options. “IDR plans typically offer the lowest monthly payment for many borrowers, [but] that will not be true for everyone,” Rubin said.
If you need help getting back on track to make your student loan payments, Rubin recommends reviewing your household budget and making decisions that prioritize your necessities and debt obligations. You may look for ways to cut costs, like negotiating other bills or a using no-spend month to give you time to reevaluate your budget.
Wise pointed out that figuring out a way to make on-time payments can help get your credit back on track quickly.
“It may require a change in lifestyle. It may require you to cut back in some areas, but if you have aspirations of buying a home or buying a vehicle or making other major financial plans in the near future, having a good credit score is going to be critical,” Wise said.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Connections: Sports Edition is kind of all over the sports map today. Hopefully you’ve got a little knowledge of a bunch of things. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Points in hoops.
Green group hint: Ice, ice baby.
Blue group hint: Top hitters.
Purple group hint: A bone, for one.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Ways to score in basketball.
Green group: Areas in a hockey rink.
Blue group: Members of baseball’s 3,000-hit club.
Purple group: Things one breaks.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 12, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is ways to score in basketball. The four answers are 3-pointer, dunk, free throw and layup.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is areas in a hockey rink. The four answers are center ice, crease, neutral zone and penalty box.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is members of baseball’s 3,000-hit club. The four answers are Beltre, Brock, Musial and Speaker.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is things one breaks. The four answers are huddle, racked pool balls, record and serve.
Whether you’re moving to a big city or a small, quiet town, moving day can bring a myriad of emotions. If you’re anything like me, there are a couple of things that take precedence the day of my move. Food, Wi-Fi and where I will rest my head are my main priorities, especially after a long day of transporting all of my belongings.
The perfect plan for moving your mattress all boils down to these two things: How old it is, and what condition it’s in. These are vital questions to have answers for before proceeding with crafting a plan, because you must know what you’re working with. On average, mattresses last about seven to 10 years, depending on how well you maintain them.
If your mattress is fairly new or in decent condition, you’ll want to know the six steps below to prevent wasted time and damage during your transition. But if not, there’s one more question to consider: Is it best to get a new mattress or keep your old one?
Read more: I Asked AI to Find My Next Bed. Here’s How It Compares to My Own Opinion of the Best Mattress
My 6-step mattress moving checklist
Getty Images/Amy Kim/CNET
Make a mattress plan for a smooth move
The type of mattress you have will dictate what kind of heavy lifting needs to be done. If you have a queen — or king-sized mattress, you might need someone to help you move from your old place to your new one. It’s best not to bend your mattress to avoid ruining its springs and/or firmness.
Now things can get tricky when determining how to transport a bed frame and mattress. With bed frames, you have to consider if it’s worth breaking down and then putting it back together or if the frame can be moved whole. Then, if you decide to move it together, will it even fit through the door frames from one location to the next? If you have a platform frame, especially with those storage spaces, it might be a good idea to break it down, but if you have one of those portal frames you may get away with just folding it in half to relocate it. Finally, you need to decide whether you will have transportation that’s big enough to accommodate your needs.
Hashing these details out ahead of time can save you from headaches and wasted time. However, another option is to have professionals take care of your mattress and allow them to work out the nitty-gritty details of your move.
Read more: Trusted Moving Companies: How to Find Movers You Can Rely On
Get a mattress cover to avoid damage
No, this step is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. Buying a mattress cover can limit damage to your mattress during the move, such as tears and stains.
While there are other clever hacks — like taking sheets and wrapping them around your mattress — covers for moving mattresses are fairly inexpensive. You can buy plastic covers at your local department store and trash them once you use them. You can also get reusable covers from Amazon to keep and store for your next move.
While you are shopping for a cover, consider adding tie-down straps to the cart, too. These straps make a world of difference when securing your mattress inside a truck or van to keep it in place while driving.
Now that you have a solid moving plan in place with your mattress cover and supplies, these are the steps you should take for your mattress move. You’ll want to remove your sheets, comforter, pillowcases and anything else on it. It’s highly recommended that you wash your sheets and comforter before packing them. This keeps everything fresh and clean when you unpack in your new place.
Read more: The Best Way to Machine-Wash Your Sheets, Comforter and Pillowcases
Getty Images – Carlo A
Give your mattress a clean
After stripping off all the bedding, you want to make sure to clean the mattress thoroughly. Over time, your mattress will accumulate germs, and dust bunnies so vacuum it well and then wipe it down with warm water and a touch of dish soap. For a fresh aroma.
Read more: How to Clean Your Mattress at Home
Make sure there’s a clear walkway for your mattress
In the rush of moving, sometimes clearing a walkway is the last thing on your mind. To ensure safety for you and your helpers, make sure you have space to navigate your mattress through your old spot.
Transporting your mattress on moving day
Now it’s execution time. All of the brainstorming and shopping have come to this moment. If need be, load your mattress into your transportation vehicle with the help of others.
For mattresses with coils or springs, transport them positioned on their side, ideally between large furniture for extra stability. Most memory foam mattresses should be transported flat, though you should definitely check with your manufacturer for specific recommendations for moving.
Read more: How Big a Moving Truck Do I Need? Get the Right Size Rental Truck
Most moving experts do not recommend strapping a mattress to the top of a car. Along with the very real danger of the mattress falling or flying off, it’s also much more prone to scratches, tears or damage to the coils or springs.
Now you’re at the final stretch. Upon arriving at your new spot and getting your mattress into your new place, be sure to wipe it down again and give it a quick clean. During the move, dirt and germs can accumulate. Once you have cleaned surfaces, now it’s time to unpack and get settled into your new pad. But rest assured, you’ll have a comfy fresh place to lay your head after all your moving activity is done.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
I recognized a distinctive three-word title in today’s Connections: Sports Edition, and was off to the races, so to speak. You might find that same phrase, which will help you solve the blue group. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Just part of your competition.
Green group hint: Go, team!
Blue group hint: Streaming movies.
Purple group hint: Smash it!
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Portion of a race.
Green group: Cheer.
Blue group: Netflix sports documentaries.
Purple group: ____ hitter.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 11, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is portion of a race. The four answers are lap, leg, segment and stage.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is cheer. The four answers are applaud, clap, root and salute.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is Netflix sports documentaries. The four answers are Cheer, Drive to Survive, Quarterback and Drive to Survive.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ____ hitter. The four answers are cleanup, designated, power and slap.
Eating food that actually makes you feel good isn’t always easy. It gets even harder when you’re stressed about money or trying to adjust your grocery budget after recent price hikes. Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier or just want meals to boost your mood, you’re in the right place.
The right foods can lift your spirits, fuel your body and give you the energy to take on the day. Eating well won’t fix your mental health, however, studies have linked nutrition and mental well-being. Certain foods are associated with increased serotonin in our brains, and serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone,” is a chemical that plays an important role in regulating our mood — low levels can lead to mood instability.
Serotonin aside, nutrient-rich foods aren’t a bad place to start for a happier you. These are the foods you should focus on.
For more mental health resources, try these simple ways to improve your mental health without therapy, and check out our list of ways to manage anxiety without medication.
8 foods to boost your happiness
1. Dark chocolate
You know the typical scene in movies where a girl sits on her couch in sweats, eating a tub of chocolate ice cream. Turns out Hollywood was on to something. A systematic review found that dark chocolate can positively affect one’s mood. There are three main components found in chocolate that are associated with the feeling of happiness: tryptophan, theobromine and phenylethylalanine. Tryptophan is an amino acid the brain uses to produce serotonin. Theobromine is a weak stimulant that can improve your mood. Meanwhile, phenylethylalanine is another amino acid used by the body to produce dopamine, which acts as an antidepressant.
2. Bananas
If there were ever such a thing as “good mood food,” bananas are probably it, but maybe not in the way you think they are. Although bananas contain serotonin, it is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier (think of the BBB as a wall that filters what can and cannot enter our bloodstream and make its way to our brains). Bananas can play a crucial role in regulating your mood in a more indirect way. Your body needs vitamin B6 to create serotonin, and bananas are especially rich in this nutrient. A single medium-size banana contains up to 0.4 mg of vitamin B6, which accounts for roughly 25% of the daily recommended intake.
Read more: Painting Your Walls These Colors Can Help You Feel Happier
3. Coconut
If you’ve got the winter blues and are dreaming of warmer days, coconut may transport your taste buds and mood to a tropical state of mind. Coconut is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides, which can help boost your energy. Another reason coconut is considered mood food is that a 2017 animal study found that MCTs from coconut milk may reduce anxiety. More research is needed to fully understand the link between anxiety and coconut in humans.
4. Coffee
This one is for the 1 billion coffee drinkers in the world. Now you can justify your coffee intake (in moderation, of course) since coffee is making the world a happier place, one sip at a time. A 2016 meta-analysis concluded that coffee consumption is significantly associated with decreased risk of depression. Another small study concluded that coffee — both caffeinated and decaffeinated — significantly improved the subjects’ mood compared to those who ingested a placebo drink.
Getty Images
5. Avocado
Other generations may say that avocado toast is to blame for millennials not owning houses, but one thing is for sure — avocados are making us happier. This smooth and creamy fruit is packed with nutrients including choline, which your body uses to regulate your nervous system and mood. A 2020 study found that the healthy fats in avocados are associated with decreased anxiety in women. Another great reason to consume more avocados is that they’re rich in vitamin B, which has been linked to lower stress levels.
6. Berries
Did you know that consuming more fruit is also associated with better mental health? A 2016 meta-analysis found that fruit and vegetable intake was highly associated with improved mental health. Berries, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, also known as flavonoids, which may reduce depression symptoms. Another study where subjects were given blueberry juice showed promising results that linked blueberry intake with slower cognitive decline that’s associated with aging.
7. Fermented foods
Foods that go through a fermentation process like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha and yogurt help you maintain a healthy gut and may also help improve your mood. The fermentation process creates probiotics, which in turn, support healthy bacteria in your gut. Now, what does your gut have to do with your mood? A lot. Up to 90% of serotonin produced by your body is created from gut cells. Eating fermented foods promotes better serotonin production.
Readmore: The 8 Biggest Anxiety Myths Out There Right Now
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are packed with Vitamin D, which has been linked to antidepressant qualities and may boost your mood. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’re in luck, since mushrooms are the only non-animal-derived food source with a substantial amount of Vitamin D that’s bioavailable (the body can easily absorb it). To get the most Vitamin D benefit from mushrooms, expose them to sunlight for a few hours before cooking.
Too long, didn’t read?
When you’re not feeling your best self, your first instinct may be to reach for the pack of cookies. While these may give you some satisfaction, they’re unlikely to help your mental health in the long run. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich foods like the ones on this list to give you a happiness boost.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is that extra-long Saturday one, and some of the answers were pretty tough! I thought for sure the answer to 6-Across was two words, but nope, it was only one. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 10, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Common inclusion in a tourist’s brochure Answer: MAP
4A clue: Olympic honor Answer: MEDAL
6A clue: Any of a set of green plastic toys in “Toy Story” Answer: SOLDIER
8A clue: Still on the loose Answer: ATLARGE
9A clue: Driver’s license or passport Answer: PHOTOID
10A clue: Star of the Eras Tour Answer: SWIFT
11A clue: 30, 45 or 50, on a beach bottle: Abbr. Answer: SPF
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Chills (out) Answer: MELLOWS
2D clue: Prompt after swiping one’s card at an iPad cash register Answer: ADDATIP
3D clue: Form groups of two Answer: PAIROFF
4D clue: Flittering fliers around a flame Answer: MOTHS
5D clue: Totally authentic Answer: LEGIT
6D clue: Sticky stuff Answer: SAP
7D clue: No turn on ___” (road sign) Answer: RED
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Spring has arrived, which means you may have been spending the last few weeks tidying up your space with some spring cleaning. Along with your physical space, be sure to include your iPhone as you brush off the dust from winter.
Your iPhone might not look like it needs any decluttering, but that’s deceptive. Your browser collects data from every website you visit to ensure a quicker loading time the next time you visit it. However, that preloaded data can muck up the works over time, especially if a site moves around elements on their page or swaps out to new images.
Clearing your phone’s browser cache will slow down your next visit to any individual website because it no longer has that site’s data preloaded, but it also clears out the digital clutter. Just like physical cleaning, it means putting a little effort up front to make things neater going forward.
Whether you use Chrome, Safari or other browsers on your iPhone, it’s good to clear your iPhone’s browser caches every month or two. Yes, even if you’re rocking the new iPhone 16E and running iOS 18. (If you want to get your phone to run faster, try managing your iPhone’s storage.)
Clearing your cache usually involves clearing website cookies, too. Cookies work similarly to browser caches, except they store information about user data, rather than data on the website itself. Clearing your cookies gives you a chance to reset those preferences, which could improve your browsing experience. Note that clearing your cache and cookies will log you out of sites, which means you’ll have to log into them again and reset any preferences. The upfront investment of that time can lead to a smoother experience down the road, and it can be a useful fix if you’ve recently changed settings that aren’t being applied properly.
Here are step-by-step guides on how to clear your cache on your iPhone based on the browser you use.
How to clear your iPhone cache in Safari
Safari is the default browser on iPhones, and you can clear your Safari cache in a few short steps. Starting with iOS 11, following this process will affect all devices signed in to your iCloud account. As a result, all your devices’ caches will be cleared, and you’ll need to sign in to everything the next time you use them. Here’s what to do.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select Apps >Safari.
3. Scroll down to History and Website Data and choose Clear History and Website Data.
4. Choose Clear History and Data in the pop-up box — you can chose anywhere from the last hour to all history.
Then you’re set!
How to clear your iPhone cache in Chrome
It’s easy to clear your iPhone cache in Chrome.
James Martin/CNET
Chrome is another popular browser for iPhone users. Google has simplified the process for clearing your Chrome cache, making it much faster to clear your data.
1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Select the three dots in the bottom right to open more options.
3. Swipe over to Settings in the top menu bar.
4. Scroll down and tap Privacy and security.
5. Tap Delete browsing data to open up another menu. Select the intended time range at the top of the menu (anywhere from Last 15 minutes to All time). Make sure that Cookies and Site Data are checked, along with Cached Images and Files. Finally, hit Delete data at the bottom of the screen.
How to clear your iPhone cache in Firefox
If you’re a Firefox devotee, don’t worry. Clearing the cache on your iPhone is straightforward. Just follow these steps.
1. Press the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner to open up options.
2. Choose Settings at the bottom of the menu.
3. Select Data Management in the Privacy section.
4. To clear everything, choose Web Site Data at the top of the menu and then Clear All Web SiteData. Alternatively, you can choose to clear just your browsing history, cache, cookies, offline web data, tracking protection or offline files.
What happens when you clear the cache?
Clearing your cache removes the website data your phone stored locally to prevent having to download that data upon each new visit. The data in your cache builds over time and can end up being an issue if that data winds up out of date. (My phone had about 150MB of data stored in Chrome when I checked.) Clearing that data gives sites a fresh start, which may fix some loading errors. But clearing your cache also signs you out of pages, so be prepared to sign in to everything again.
How often do I need to clear my cache?
Most people only need to clear their caches once every month or two. That’s generally the point when your browser will build up a cache large enough to start slowing things down. If you frequent a large number of sites, you should err on the side of clearing your cache more often.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is one of those oddball ones where certain letters in certain answers get placed into circles, and they serve as a clue for 9-Across. I usually shudder at such game tricks, but this was an easy puzzle, so the circles didn’t bother me. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 8, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Humpty Dumpty, in many illustrations Answer: EGG
4A clue: Cartoon bear who wears a red shirt and no pants Answer: POOH
6A clue: Collection of world maps Answer: ATLAS
8A clue: Counterpart of “adios” Answer: HOLA
9A clue: [See circled letters] Answer: WOW
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Clean water org. Answer: EPA
2D clue: Subculture with black clothing Answer: GOTH
3D clue: “When they ___ …” (start of a memorable Michelle Obama line) Answer: GOLOW
5D clue: Angel topper Answer: HALO
7D clue: It has sharp teeth Answer: SAW
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Amazon’s new Vulcan fulfillment center robot doesn’t look humanoid but it has some very human characteristics, like the ability to “feel” the items it’s handling.
Amazon introduced Vulcan at its Delivering the Future event in Germany on May 7.
“Built on key advances in robotics, engineering, and physical AI, Vulcan is our first robot with a sense of touch,” the company said in a statement. The event is a showcase for Amazon’s technology innovations.
Vulcan can stow or pick items from the fabric-covered pods Amazon uses for inventory storage. It has a human–like finesse when handling objects. Force feedback sensors help the robot avoid damaging the merchandise.
Enlarge Image
Amazon’s Vulcan robot uses force feedback sensors to “feel” the objects its picking up or stowing.
Amazon
A suction cup and camera system come into play when Vulcan is pulling items out of bins.
“While the suction cup grabs it, the camera watches to make sure it took the right thing and only the right thing, avoiding what our engineers call the risk of ‘co-extracting non-target items,'” Amazon said.
Vulcan is in place at fulfillment centers in Spokane, Washington, and Hamburg, Germany. It’s primarily tasked with reaching items stored low that require a human to bend down or items stored up high that require an employee to use a stepladder.
The rise of robots in traditionally human-powered workplaces can be a sensitive subject. Amazon makes it clear it sees Vulcan as an assistant to its employees rather than a replacement for them.
Vulcan can handle 75% of the types of items stocked at the fulfillment centers. It’s designed to know which ones it can move and which ones it needs to seek human help — like a robot-human tag team.
Vulcan is part of an ongoing movement toward collaborative robots.
“This trend will continue as robots are often very good at some repeatable tasks while humans are better at others,” Gartner analyst Dwight Klappich told CNET. “I would not say that it is that warehouses are always more efficient when humans and robots work together — it is that together they are more effective.”
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Amazon’s Vulcan robot can pull out from or stow items in the stacks at a fulfillment center.
While Vulcan may be sensitive to its particular tasks, it doesn’t reach the heights of human physical finesse.
“If you think of what it would take to physically play a Chopin piano concerto, we are still a long way away from this level of dexterity,” said Klappich.
Humans and robots can effectively coexist in distribution centers, said logistics and operations researchers Rene de Koster of Erasmus University in the Netherlands and Debjit Roy of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
“Right now, at least, distribution center automation with people in the mix is often a more efficient, flexible and cost-effective bet than a completely automated center,” the team said last year in a summary of their research for the Harvard Business Review.
Vulcan and its ability to “feel” its work is an evolutionary stride for fulfillment center robots.
“Bottom line, this is a notable step forward but it is one step on a longer journey to get to where some of the hype is,” Klappich said.
Robots have long been part of Amazon’s operations with more than 750,000 robots deployed in its fulfillment centers, the company said.
Vulcan will roll out to more centers in Europe and the US over the next couple of years, increasing the chances of your future Amazon shipments having Vulcan’s unseen “fingerprints” on them.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword could be tricky. 1-Across tripped me up for a while, but I was able to solve the other clues and then figure it out. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword for May 8, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Adjective that rhymes with “sheesh” or “pitch,” depending on who you ask Answer: NICHE
6A clue: Colossal ___, marine animal filmed in its natural habitat for the first time in 2025 Answer: SQUID
7A clue: Like some caterpillars Answer: FURRY
8A clue: Some spouses Answer: WIVES
9A clue: Bill’s time-traveling partner of film Answer: TED
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Letters meaning “Don’t click this in public!” Answer: NSFW
2D clue: “You can take this job and shove it!” Answer: IQUIT
3D clue: Feature of a winding road Answer: CURVE
4D clue: Added to the payroll Answer: HIRED
5D clue: Dreyer’s ice cream, on the East Coast Answer: EDYS
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
“As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways,” said Disney’s CEO Bob Iger,
Disney and Miral posted a video with concept art and clips of Disney properties including Moana, Frozen and Tron. It touted Yas Island’s waterfront location as an opportunity to create interactive experience unique to this park. A spokesperson for Disney told CNN it’s been discussing this project for a decade and it’s interested in incorporating technologies such as Unreal Engine to fuse characters and stories into its attractions.
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences in a statement. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio.
The company is celebrating its 70th birthday this month and through the rest of the year with events across its existing parks.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
The minute I saw “Mr. Met” in today’s Connections: Sports Edition, I knew mascot names had to be a category. Although you never know–it could’ve been an anagram for something, the way these puzzle-makers challenge players. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: No scoring for you!
Green group hint: Think Walter Payton.
Blue group hint: Team symbols.
Purple group hint: Same sound as football names.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Prevent a goal.
Green group: Stats for a running back.
Blue group: MLB mascots.
Purple group: Homophones of NFL head coaches.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for May 7, 2025, #226.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is prevent a goal. The four answers are block, parry, save and stop.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is stats for a running back. The four answers are attempts, fumbles, touchdowns and yards.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is MLB mascots. The four answers are Blooper, Mr. Met, Orbit and Wally.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is homophones of NFL head coaches. The four answers are bowls, carol, read and tailor, for Todd Bowles, Pete Carroll, Andy Reid and Zac Taylor.
The highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5. Thanks to tariff related delays, preorders in the US didn’t start until late April, and the stock quickly sold out. With the official release date still a month off, we’re monitoring retailers in the US, Canada and the UK just in case there’s a second wave of preorders for both consoles and accessories. We’ve been updating this article daily to keep you in the loop.
You should note that while some stores say items are coming soon or out of stock, that all translates to no current availability. We have found some accessories are popping up for preorder. Be sure to check back often, as anything that does become available for preorder is likely to go just as fast.
This story is part of Nintendo Switch 2, a collection of all things related to Nintendo’s next-gen game console.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at GameStop
As with other US retailers, both the standalone console and Mario Kart World bundle are currently sold out at GameStop. Most of the accessories are available either for preorder or you can sign up to be notified when they are in stock again.
GameStop preorders started a little later than other retailers, but like elsewhere, it’s completely sold out at the moment.
The Switch 2 console is also sold out at GameStop Canada. Though if we do see some restocks here, it’s important to note that these preorders are limited to one Switch 2 per household.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at Walmart
The standalone console and Mario Kart World bundle are now sold out at both US and Canadian Walmarts. The US site has also removed product pages for both versions of the console, so we’re not expecting restocks there any time soon. Similarly, the accessories are either not in stores yet or out of stock, however you can sign up to be notified when they are available.
Walmart preorders sold out almost immediately, and at the moment, it no longer has product pages for the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle, so we’re not expecting restocks any time soon. That being said, we’ll be keeping an eye on this retailer for any availability.
Preorders for the Switch 2 console and accessories began at midnight on April 24 at Walmart, but are currently sold out.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at Target
Both versions of the console are currently sold out at Target, but you can sign up for notifications about any future restocks. Target has a number of accesories available for preorder now.
As with other retailers, both versions of the Switch 2 console are currently sold out at Target, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for any restocks in the coming days.
Samsung 256GB microSD Express
Even with the Switch 2’s boosted storage, you may be looking to boost its memory with a microSD card. This Samsung Express microSD is designed specifically for Nintendo’s new console, and even features a unique Mario-inspired design.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at Newegg
Newegg is also sold out of both versions of the console. While Switch 2 preorders will be competitive just about anywhere they’re being offered, Newegg is slightly less popular than other retailers like Walmart or Target, which could give you a better chance of securing an order during any future restocks. At present, the accessories are out of stock, so your best bet is to be notified automatically when they become available.
Newegg is also offering preorders for both the standalone console and Mario Kart World bundle, though they’re currently sold out. However, this online retailer is less popular than competitors, so you may have better luck here than elsewhere during potential restocks.
This compact camera lists for $55 and plugs directly into the Switch 2 console or dock’s USB-C port so you can chat with friends or access in-game features for select titles. It has a wide-angle lens and you can adjust the angle to easily keep yourself in frame. Plus, it will automatically adjust its brightness so your face is always visible.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at Nintendo
Nintendo preorders require an invitation, and to help combat scalpers, priority is being given to Nintendo Switch Online members who’ve had a paid membership for at least 12 months and have a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2. These invitations are first come, first served and will be valid for 72 hours. You can still register now if you haven’t already.
Preordering directly from Nintendo is the obvious choice if you’re looking to grab the Switch 2 on release day. You can order just the console for $450 or bundle it with Mario Kart World for $500. You can still register for preorders, with priority being given to Nintendo Switch Online members who’ve had a paid membership for at least 12 months and have a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2.
As with the US, you’ll need to get an invitation to preorder the Switch 2 from Nintendo directly. You can still register, with priority being given to Nintendo Switch Online members who’ve had a paid membership for at least 12 months and have a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours as of April 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
As with the Switch 2 console, accessories like the $85 Pro Controller will require you to register for an invitation if you’re hoping to preorder directly from Nintendo.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at Best Buy
Best Buy preorders are currently sold out, and an account is required if you’re hoping to take advantage of any restocks. You’ll have to confirm your pickup or shipping location to add it to your cart, after which you’ll have 10 minutes to complete the checkout process. As for the accessories, some are available for preorder but most are out of stock and you’ll have to sign up to be notified when they are back on the shelves.
As with the other big retailers, Best Buy’s preorders are currently sold out. If you’re hoping to take advantage of any future restocks, note that an account is required for the order, so make sure you have one before you try and start the checkout process.
Best Buy preorders also sold out in Canada. Like the US, you’ll need to set up an account if you’ve not done so already, as it’s required for the purchase.
Samsung 256GB microSD Express
Even with the Switch 2’s boosted storage, you may be looking to boost its memory with a microSD card. This Samsung Express microSD is designed specifically for Nintendo’s new console, and even features a unique Mario-inspired design. It lists for $60 and an account is required for preorders.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at Amazon
Amazon has not given us any information about if and when US customers will be able to preorder the Switch 2, but Canadian buyers can request an invite now.
Amazon doesn’t have official preorder pages for the console or Mario Kart World bundle yet, and unlike other retailers, it has yet to announce if or when its preorders will begin.
Amazon is now offering invitations for Switch 2 preorders in Canada for both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle.
UK Nintendo Switch 2 preorders
Unsurprisingly, it’s been tough to preorder the Switch 2 since availability first opened on April 8, and all UK retailers are currently sold out. However, keep an eye on John Lewis, as we’ve been seeing both the standalone console and Mario Kart World bundle dip in and out of stock there. We’re hopeful about more restocks in the coming days and will be checking availability regularly, so check back often for the latest info.
Note: We have no confirmation that the digital download code for Mario Kart World in the UK Switch 2 bundle will work with non-UK Nintendo accounts. The power cables are also different for each region. If you plan to buy a UK Switch 2 from outside the country, please know there’s no guarantee it’ll work as expected.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are currently sold out at Amazon, both for the console alone and the Mario Kart World bundle. We’ll update this page if we see a restock.
Nintendo preorders are officially open in the UK, but you’ll need to have received an invite to take advantage of them. Games and accessories are also available for preorder and don’t require a special invitation.
John Lewis is one of the only places in the UK that has had sporadic availability of the Switch 2. It’s currently out of stock, but it’s worth keeping an eye on this retailer if you’re hoping to get your preorder in.
Both the Mario Kart World bundle and the console alone are sold out at Argos right now. We’ll continue checking to see if more stock is added. Games and accessories are still available to preorder.
ShopTo has sold out of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles at this early preorder stage, but we’ll keep checking back there in case of a restock.
Very’s Switch 2 preorders are currently sold out, with the retailer suggesting would-be buyers “keep checking back” for further updates. We will, of course, be doing just that. When it did have Switch 2 models in stock, there were also a number of different bundles on offer that paired the console with controllers, cases, microSD cards and games.
Smyths Toys is currently sold out for both home delivery and pickup.
EE is listing the Mario Kart World bundle as out of stock right now, though it could be a good, slightly more under-the-radar place to check for restocks.
Currys is taking a unique approach to Nintendo Switch 2 supply-and-demand issues by requiring that preorders be placed in-store. You can head to your nearest location to do so, though you should probably call ahead before making the journey to avoid potential disappointment. There’s no sign of an online preorder yet, but the link below is where you’ll need to be when the device is eventually listed online.
GAME is a go-to spot for those wanting the latest hardware, but it has already sold out of its initial Switch 2 preorder stock. Plenty of games and accessories are available to preorder.
There’s no joy for Nintendo fans at The Game Collection right now, with both listings for the Switch 2 console and the Mario Kart World bundle showing as out of stock. There’s a chance more stock will be added, so we’ll keep you posted.
When can I preorder the Nintendo Switch 2?
Preorders began on April 8 for UK customers, and while they’re currently sold out everywhere online, we could see restocks in the coming days. American and Canadian preorders were originally supposed to begin shortly after on April 9, but were delayed due to the new tariffs implemented by the US. After weeks of uncertainty, Nintendo finally confirmed that both countries would begin offering preorders on April 24. But as predicted, all retailers sold out almost instantly. We’re hopeful that there will be some restocks in the coming hours and days, and will be keeping an eye on the retailers above.
Read more: How Nintendo Is Combating Switch 2 Scalpers
How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
There was some concern that the new US tariffs were going to lead to some significant price hikes on both the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle. Fortunately, Nintendo has confirmed that the original pricing still stands. The console will be available for $450, with the Mario Kart World bundle priced at $500. However, there has been a change to the price of some accessories, with some increasing by $5.
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?
The Switch 2 is scheduled to begin shipping on June 5. Nintendo has confirmed that the preorder delay in the US and Canada won’t affect this release date. Nintendo recently updated its preorder page stating that a June 5 delivery is not guaranteed if you’re preordering from the manufacturer directly. Other retailers are still promising delivery on release day.
When can I preorder Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
Preorders for Switch 2 controllers, cases and other accessories will begin at the same time as console preorders. For UK customers, that means you can start ordering them now. Additionally, some third-party Switch 2 accessories are already available. Just note that prices for some accessories have been increased.
When can I preorder Nintendo Switch 2 games?
As with accessories, Switch 2 game preorders will be available when console preorders go live. Fortunately, the cost of the two biggest launch titles will not be affected by the recent price increase of accessories. You’ll be able to order the digital copy of Mario Kart World for $80 and Donkey Kong Bananza for $70.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 come in other colors?
For the new Switch 2, Nintendo has ditched the colored Joy-Cons for a more sleek, monochrome look — though there are still pops of red and blue around the analog sticks. As of now, Nintendo hasn’t said anything about additional colors.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle worth it?
The Mario Kart series has been a long-standing tentpole for Nintendo, and fans were thrilled to hear that a new title is on the way. But the excitement was dampened by the announcement that the new game will come with an increased price tag: $80 for the digital edition, or $90 if you want a physical copy. You can bundle a digital copy with the console on release day for $500 total, which saves you $30 compared with buying them separately. It’s an excellent value if it’s a game you’re certain you want in your library, and likely the only “discount” we’ll see on this title for quite some time. Plus, Nintendo recently announced that this bundle will be available only “through fall 2025,” which means you’ll have a limited chance to take advantage of these savings.
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders: What are people saying?
There are still some mixed feelings about Nintendo’s newest console. While some are happy to see that Nintendo hasn’t altered much about the wildly popular original Switch, others feel not enough has changed to justify the $150 price hike — with CNET gaming expert Scott Stein calling it a console that “feels a lot like an updated version of a system many people already own.” The recent confirmation that the US tariffs won’t be leading to any further price increases has helped stifle gamers’ exasperation a bit, but many are still unhappy with the fact that select games will be selling for up to $20 more than the standard $60. Only time will tell whether most people consider the new console and games are worth the higher costs once they officially become available on June 5.
Self-driving cars are slowly becoming less sci-fi and more real-world as companies like Waymo, the driverless arm of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, expand into more cities — and countries.
Waymo currently operates fully autonomous rides for the general public in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, which take place aboard the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace. It’s expanding its partnership with Uber by launching in Atlanta via the ride share app later this year, and plans to begin offering rides in Washington, DC, and Miami starting in 2026. In April, Waymo said it’ll begin driving its vehicles on Tokyo’s streets, making this the company’s first international location.
Along with those launches, Waymo in January announced it would also begin testing with manually driven vehicles in 10 new cities this year, starting with Las Vegas and San Diego. And last week, Waymo said it reached a preliminary agreement with Toyota to “explore a collaboration” geared toward developing autonomous driving tech, which could someday be factored into personally owned vehicles, too.
Waymo’s expansion extends to its manufacturing facilities, too. The company on Monday said it’s opening a new, 239,000-square-foot autonomous vehicle factory in the Phoenix area. The plan is to add 2,000 more fully autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to its existing 1,500-vehicle fleet. Notably, Waymo indicated it received its “final delivery from Jaguar” earlier this year, as it plans for future iterations of its driverless rides. Waymo added that the “facility’s flexible design” will allow it to integrate its upcoming sixth-generation self-driving technology into new vehicles, starting with the all-electric Zeekr RT.
In October, Waymo also announced it’s partnering with Hyundai to bring the next generation of its technology into Ioniq 5 SUVs. In the years to come, riders will be able to summon those all-electric, autonomous vehicles using the Waymo One app.
Waymo says it provides more than 250,000 paid trips each week. I’ve hailed several rides myself in San Francisco and, as off-putting as it can seem at first (especially to see a steering wheel turn by itself), I quickly adjusted and it soon felt like an ordinary ride.
That’s not to say there hasn’t been pushback as Waymo rolls out to more cities. The company’s vehicles have been involved in a handful of high-profile collisions, including one with a bicyclist in San Francisco and another with a towed pickup truck in Phoenix. (It recalled and updated its software to address the issue.)
In a research paper published in May, Waymo says that compared to human drivers over 56.7 million miles, its autonomous Waymo Driver technology had “85% fewer crashes with suspected serious or worse injuries.” It also indicated significantly fewer crashes with injuries to pedestrians (92%), cyclists (82%) and motorcyclists (82%). The company also released a data hub last year, detailing efforts to improve road safety using its technology.
As Waymo continues to expand and develop its self-driving tech, here’s how and where to summon the robotaxi if you happen to be in one of the few cities where the company currently operates its fleet.
Watch this: Testing Waymo’s Safe Exit Feature in a Self-Driving Taxi
Hailing a ride in Phoenix
Phoenix was the first city to open up fully autonomous Waymo rides to the public, in 2020. To hail a ride, download the Waymo One app on iOS or Android. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also use the Uber app to summon one of Waymo’s vehicles in Phoenix. When you request an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric ride, you’ll have the choice to confirm a Waymo ride, if you’re matched.
In addition to hailing a ride, you may also have your Uber Eats meal delivered by an autonomous car. When placing an order in the Phoenix area, you might get a note that “autonomous vehicles may deliver your order.” When the Waymo car arrives, take your phone with you to pop open the trunk and grab your delivery. You can opt out of this during checkout if you’d rather have a human deliver your food.
Hailing a ride in San Francisco
San Francisco followed suit after Phoenix, rolling out fully autonomous rides in late 2022. It scrapped the waiting list in June so now anyone can download the Waymo One app to ride anytime. The service also operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s currently no Uber partnership in San Francisco.
In August, Waymo expanded its ride-hailing service into the San Francisco Peninsula, adding 10 square miles and venturing into Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma. And in March, it expanded again so that select Waymo One riders who live in Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto and parts of Sunnyvale have the option to hail a robotaxi there, too. The company says it plans to expand to more riders there over time.
Hailing a ride in Los Angeles
In November, Waymo scrapped its waitlist for Los Angeles and began welcoming all public riders via the Waymo One app. Now any interested passengers can hop in the robotaxis 24/7 and ride across nearly 90 square miles of LA county, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Inglewood and Downtown LA — with plans to expand into more areas soon.
Hailing a ride in Austin
In Austin, the only way to hail a Waymo ride is through Uber — no Waymo One app here. By requesting an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric, you could be matched with a Waymo vehicle — and you won’t be upcharged. If you’d rather not take a driverless ride, you’ll have the option to switch to a standard one. On the other hand, if you want to boost your chances of being matched to a self-driving car, you can go to Account > Settings > Autonomous vehicles, then hit the toggle next to Get more Waymo rides.
Unlock the door, pop open the trunk and start the ride from the Uber app. You’ll still be asked to rate your ride at the end — but you won’t be asked to tip.
If there are any issues, riders can access human support 24/7 via the Uber app and from inside the Waymo vehicle (there are screens in the front and back that let you quickly summon customer support).
As part of the Uber partnership, Uber will manage tasks like vehicle cleaning and repair, while “Waymo will continue to be responsible for the testing and operation of the Waymo Driver, including roadside assistance and certain rider support functions,” the companies said. The collaboration should make autonomous rides accessible to more people, who now won’t have to download a separate app to hitch a ride in a robotaxi.
Waymo currently operates across 37 square miles of the city, with plans for future expansions.
Hailing a ride in Atlanta
Like in Austin, Uber will soon allow riders in Atlanta to hail a Waymo robotaxi. The service is scheduled to launch in the summer but interested riders can join a waitlist to increase their chances of being matched with a Waymo vehicle once that option becomes available.
To join the Atlanta interest list, make sure your Uber app is up to date, then go to Account > Settings and find Autonomous vehicles under the RidePreferences menu. Then click Join interest list.
Riders who join the interest list could have the chance to ride with Waymo before the public launch. They’ll be notified in-app and via email if chosen.
The service will launch across 65 square miles of Atlanta, with plans for future expansions, according to Uber. You won’t have to pay more for a Waymo ride than you would for a standard UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric ride, and you’ll see upfront pricing in the app. You can unlock the vehicle and start the trip all from the Uber app, and will be able to access human support 24/7 via the Uber app and from inside the vehicle.
Coming soon: Washington, DC, Miami and Tokyo
Waymo plans to start offering rides through its Waymo One app in Washington, DC, in 2026. The company returned to the nation’s capital in January to test its autonomous driving tech. In late March, it said it was bringing more vehicles to the city and working to scale its service throughout the year. In a blog post, Waymo said it’ll “continue to work closely with policymakers to formalize the regulations needed to operate without a human behind the wheel in the District.”
You’ll also have to wait until 2026 to ride a Waymo in Miami. The company has been conducting weather testing in the lead-up to that eventual rollout, noting in a blog post, “Our previous road trips to the Sunshine State’s challenging rainy conditions have been invaluable in advancing our autonomous driving capabilities.”
Waymo will collaborate with Moove, a fintech company that offers vehicle financing, first in Phoenix, where Moove will manage the robotaxi’s fleet operations, facilities and charging infrastructure. In Phoenix and then Miami, “Waymo will continue to offer our service through the Waymo One app, and remain responsible for validation and operation of the Waymo Driver,” the company said in a blog post.
Waymo’s expansion into Tokyo, which was announced in December, is happening in partnership with Japanese taxi service Nihon Kotsu and taxi app Go. In April, the self-driving company shared that it’s finally ready to hit the road abroad.
Waymo says trained Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually drive its vehicles across seven Tokyo wards, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa and Kōtō. This will allow engineers to test and adapt Waymo’s autonomous driving tech to local road features and traffic.
“In Tokyo, we are abiding by the same steadfast principles that guide us in the US — commitment to safety, dedication to earning trust in communities where we operate, and collaboration with local officials and community groups here in Tokyo,” Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s head of business development and strategic partnerships, said in a statement.
It’s not clear when riders will be able to hitch a self-driving ride with Waymo in Tokyo.
The road ahead: Future vehicles
In August, Waymo unveiled the sixth generation of its self-driving technology, which strives to expand the capabilities of its driverless fleet. Smarter sensors are meant to help the cars better navigate in extreme weather, Waymo said. The sixth-gen Driver will come aboard the all-electric Zeekr vehicle, which features a flat floor, more head- and legroom, adjustable seats and a removable steering wheel and pedals. The updated tech is still being tested but the company says it’ll be available to riders soon.
In October, Waymo also announced a partnership with Hyundai to integrate its sixth-generation Driver into the all-electric Ioniq 5 SUV, which, according to a blog post, “will be added to the Waymo One fleet over time.” The companies added that they “plan to produce a fleet of Ioniq 5s equipped with Waymo’s technology in significant volume over multiple years to support Waymo One’s growing scale.” Testing with these vehicles will start by late 2025 and become available “in the years to follow.”
Currently, everyday riders can’t take a Waymo vehicle on highways and freeways but that may soon change. The company is testing fully autonomous rides on freeways in Phoenix, as seen in an exclusive video shared with CNET in May. It’s also now making fully autonomous freeway rides available to Waymo employees in Los Angeles.
Waymo is working to expand its autonomous driving tech into trucking as well but it said last year that it’s scaling back those efforts for the time being, to focus on ride-hailing with Waymo One. It noted, “Our ongoing investment in advancing Waymo Driver capabilities, especially on freeways, will directly translate to trucking and benefit its development efforts.”
Apple has consistently released a new iPhone each fall since the launch of the iPhone 4S a decade and a half ago. But it appears the company may be shifting its release strategy in the coming years.
According to notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, along with a report from The Information, Apple plans to launch its lower-cost iPhones in the first half of the year and reserve its higher-end Pro models for later in the year.
Kuo stated that the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup will launch as expected this fall, but future iterations, including the iPhone 18 and iPhone 19, will debut in two waves through 2027.
Apple will launch its more affordable iPhones in the early months of the year, likely in March or April, with Pro models arriving in the fall. This means you’ll see different versions of the iPhone 18 and iPhone 19 released in both halves of the same year, Kuo said.
For example, the base-level iPhone 18 and iPhone 18E will likely hit in the spring, while the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, iPhone 18 “Air” (or “Slim”) and Apple’s first foldable model would launch in the fall.
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The iPhone maker has announced new phones outside its typical September window. The lower-end iPhone 16E, for instance, debuted in February. But it was following on from the main iPhone 16 launch five months earlier with the higher-end models. The change that Kuo describes would rejigger that order, putting all of a new lineups releases in the same calendar year.
The speculation is that this change in strategy would allow Apple to optimize manufacturing and marketing efforts, particularly in China, a key market for the company. Also, leading rival Samsung announces its new Galaxy phones in January.
“Competitors typically release new models in [the first half of the year],” Kuo wrote. “By launching new iPhones in [the first half, Apple could close the marketing gap.”
He added: “Due to intense competition, Apple needs to offer more iPhone models. Launching them all in [the second half] risks diluting marketing efforts.”
Kuo also said the growing shipment ratio of the Pro series is overshadowing budget models.
In the near term, Apple is expected to launch a much thinner iPhone this year, potentially named the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim. The 6.6-inch device is rumored to be just 5.5mm thin and priced between $900 and $1,000. At the same time, Kuo noted that Apple is also developing a next-generation version with a larger screen, expected to arrive in the latter half of 2027.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Connections: Sports Edition always stumps me when there’s a category of last names. I end up grouping them together without even knowing which sport the athletes play — sometimes it works out, sometimes I’m tripped up. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Also Cubbies, or Twinkies.
Green group hint: You gotta be strong.
Blue group hint: Names of players.
Purple group hint: Keep ____.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: MLB teams, familiarly.
Green group: Weightlifting terms.
Blue group: US women’s soccer players.
Purple group: Score ____
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle for May 5, 2025, #224.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is MLB teams, familiarly. The four answers are D-Backs, Jays, Sox and Yanks.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is weightlifting terms. The four answers are barbell, clean, jerk and snatch.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is US women’s soccer players. The four answers are Coffey, Fox, Rodman and Sonnett.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is score ____. The four answers are board, bug, card and keeper.
Do you find yourself constantly charging your iPhone when the Low Power Mode warning pops up? While phones hold less of a charge over time, you don’t want your phone to die on you while you’re using it to navigate on the road or in the middle of a conversation.
While your phone’s battery might not have the capacity to hold the charge it did when it was fresh out of the box, there are options that can help you squeeze more juice out of each charge. By disabling certain settings, you can ensure your iPhone battery can go the distance when you need it most.
You can also keep an eye on your Battery Health menu — it’ll tell you your battery health percentage (80% or higher is considered good), as well as show you how many times you’ve cycled your battery and whether or not your battery is “normal.”
We’ll explain three iOS features that put a strain on your iPhone’s battery to varying degrees, and show how you can turn them off to help preserve battery life. Here’s what you need to know.
Turn off widgets on your iPhone lock screen
All the widgets on your lock screen force your apps to automatically run in the background, constantly fetching data to update the information the widgets display, like sports scores or the weather. Because these apps are constantly running in the background due to your widgets, that means they continuously drain power.
If you want to help preserve some battery on iOS 18, the best thing to do is simply avoid widgets on your lock screen (and home screen). The easiest way to do this is to switch to another lock screen profile: Press your finger down on your existing lock screen and then swipe around to choose one that doesn’t have any widgets.
If you want to just remove the widgets from your existing lock screen, press down on your lock screen, hit Customize, choose the Lock Screen option, tap on the widget box and then hit the “—” button on each widget to remove them.
If you’re already low on battery, it’s best to just switch to a wallpaper that doesn’t have lock screen widgets.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
Reduce the motion of your iPhone UI
Your iPhone user interface has some fun, sleek animations. There’s the fluid motion of opening and closing apps, and the burst of color that appears when you activate Siri with Apple Intelligence, just to name a couple. These visual tricks help bring the slab of metal and glass in your hand to life. Unfortunately, they can also reduce your phone’s battery life.
If you want subtler animations across iOS, you can enable the Reduce Motion setting. To do this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle on Reduce Motion.
Visual tricks like the parallax effect are fun, but they can affect your battery life.
Screenshots by Jason Chun/CNET
Switch off your iPhone’s keyboard vibration
Surprisingly, the keyboard on the iPhone has never had the ability to vibrate as you type, an addition called “haptic feedback” that was added to iPhones with iOS 16. Instead of just hearing click-clack sounds, haptic feedback gives each key a vibration, providing a more immersive experience as you type. According to Apple, the very same feature may also affect battery life.
Watch this: So Many iPhone Battery Complaints, but Why?
According to this Apple support page about the keyboard, haptic feedback “might affect the battery life of your iPhone.” No specifics are given as to how much battery life the keyboard feature drains, but if you want to conserve battery, it’s best to keep this feature disabled.
Fortunately, it is not enabled by default. If you’ve enabled it yourself, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback and toggle off Haptic to turn off haptic feedback for your keyboard.
Every single time you type, you’ll feel a slight vibration for each key you hit.
Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET
For more tips on iOS, learn how to download iOS 18 and how to automatically delete multifactor authentication messages from texts and emails.
Watch the Premier League in Australia from AU$7 a month
Optus Sport
Brentford will be looking to maintain its push for European qualification for the first time in its history on Sunday as it takes on a Man United team that may yet see its season end on a high, despite disappointing in the English Premier League.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if the match isn’t available where you are.
Thomas Frank’s Bees are on a run of four games undefeated and hitting form at the right time. A win here would put them firmly in the mix for a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.
Manchester United, meanwhile, come into this match riding high after an impressive 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semifinal on Thursday. All that effort in Spain, along with the upcoming second leg next week, is likely to prompt manager Ruben Amorim to rotate his squad and draw on his reserves for this less critical fixture.
Brentford take on Manchester United on Sunday, May 4, at the Community Stadium in west London, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. BST local time. That makes it a 9 a.m. ET or 6 a.m. PT start in the US and Canada, and a 11p.m. AEDT kickoff in Australia.
Bruno Fernandes put in a captain’s performance against Athletic Club on Thursday as his two goals helped Man United to a commanding 3-0 away win in Bilbao.
Juanma/UEFA/Getty Images
How to watch Brentford vs. Man United in the US without cable
Sunday’s Brentford vs. Man United game will be broadcast on NBC and can also be streamed via Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.
Peacock/CNET
Peacock offers two Premium plans, and after the recent price increases, the ad-supported Premium plan costs $8 a month and the ad-free Premium Plus plan is $14 a month.
How to watch the Premier League 2024-25 season from anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the Premier League action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Can I livestream Brentford vs. Man United in the UK?
Sunday’s early afternoon kickoff at the Community Stadium has not been selected for broadcast by a UK network.
That also means that if you’re in the UK traveling for pleasure or for work, you’re unlikely to be able to watch the game like you normally would at home, thanks to geoblocking.
There’s one option to get around this. By using a VPN, as explained above, you can set your location to a country where the match is being broadcast and go from there.
Livestream Brentford vs. Man United in Canada
If you want to stream this EPL game live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. Once again, the service has exclusive rights to every Premier League match this season.
Fubo
Fubo is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the EPL this season, with exclusive streaming rights to every match. It costs CA$30 a month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually.
Livestream Brentford vs. Man United in Australia
Football fans down under can watch EPL matches live on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League match of the 2024-25 season live in Australia.
Optus
With exclusive rights to stream all EPL matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.
If you’re already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.
Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Remember during the mid-20th century when vibrating belt machines were all the rage? They were promoted as weight loss aids that would slim you down. Fast-forward many decades, and now vibration plates are the latest fitness trend. Some claim they are an excellent alternative workout method with several health benefits. However, researchers continue to study the potential benefits of vibration exercise.
There’s a lot of hype around vibration plates, though the facts are harder to come by. That’s why we spoke with personal trainers and other fitness professionals to learn more about vibration plates and if you should use them at home.
What is a vibration plate?
A vibration plate is an exercise machine that shakes rapidly when you stand on it. By using a vibration plate, you’re engaging in a whole-body vibration exercise, where your muscles are forced to contract and relax quickly.
“The purpose of vibration plates is to generate quick vibrations that cause your body’s muscles to contract and relax several times per second,” says Dr. Leah Verebes, a physical therapist and assistant professor at Touro University’s School of Health Sciences. “At a far greater frequency, this resembles the spontaneous contractions that take place during exercise.”
“This stimulates a subconscious muscle activation each time the machine moves, meaning your muscles are activating far more than they would on a stable surface,” says Laura Wilson, a personal trainer at Life Time Fishers and director of training and curriculum at Power Plate, a company that produces vibrating exercise machines.
There are several ways to use a vibration plate, the most common being standing on its rectangular platform. However, you can also perform squats or push-ups on it.
Wilson says vibration plates can move in multiple directions: up and down, side to side and front to back. The harmonic vibrations move between 25 to 50 times per second, activating the corresponding muscles.
Are there actual benefits to using vibration plates?
Yes, there are health benefits to using vibration plates. According to Verebes, some of the advantages may include “improved muscle tone and strength, better circulation, higher bone density, improved flexibility and balance, lymphatic drainage and the possibility of weight loss when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.”
However, experts agree that vibration plates offer the most benefits when used as part of an overall health and wellness plan. In other words, you shouldn’t expect to lose weight or increase muscle strength just by standing on a vibration plate — even if social media makes it seem so. Instead, experts suggest supplementing vibration exercise with other healthy habits, including a balanced diet and aerobic and strength training.
“Vibration plates are not a magic bullet or a replacement for traditional exercise,” warns Michael Betts, a personal trainer and director at TRAINFITNESS. “The benefits are modest and work best when combined with other forms of training.”
Still, research indicates that using vibration plates can have positive effects on your health. For example, one 2021 study looked at whether whole-body vibration training could improve muscle strength in older adults, concluding that it “may be an alternative exercise method to boost the effect of strengthening exercise.”
Similarly, a 2007 study investigated the effects of whole-body vibration training in men over 60 and found that it has the “potential to prevent or reverse the age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass, referred to as sarcopenia.”
For most, vibration plates are generally safe. However, like any other type of exercise, they come with a few potential risks, including “aggravation of existing conditions, temporary dizziness and joint stress if used incorrectly,” according to Betts.
There are also certain groups of people who should avoid using vibration plates altogether. “Vibration plates shouldn’t be used by anyone with cardiac or circulatory disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pacemakers; pregnant women; people who have just had surgery; and people who have severe osteoporosis,” Verebes says.
“People with pre-existing disorders, including herniated discs, joint issues or acute inflammation, may experience worsening symptoms when using vibration plates,” she adds. “The vibrations may also be disconcerting to people who have inner ear problems or balance abnormalities.”
Verebes points out that “excessive use or high-intensity vibrations may strain ligaments, muscles or joints.”
Even if you don’t have one of these conditions, it’s still a good idea to talk to your doctor before getting on a vibration plate.
It’s also worth mentioning that a 2015 study discovered a link between regular exposure to whole-body vibration and a higher risk of lower back pain and sciatica. However, the participants in that study were regularly exposed to vibration as part of their jobs, so the results may not apply to vibration plate users.
How long and often should you use a vibration plate?
If you’re new to whole-body vibration training, it’s important to start slowly.
“To allow the body to adapt to vibrations, beginners should start with 5 to 10 minutes at a low intensity,” says Verebes. “Moderation is key, as excessive use may lead to fatigue or injury.”
As a beginner, it’s best to limit yourself to two to three sessions per week, says Betts. Over time, you can work toward longer and more frequent sessions. “As your body adapts, you can increase to 15- to 20-minute sessions up to 3 to 4 times a week,” he says. “Never go over 30 minutes, as this can cause fatigue and joint stress.”
For proper recovery, Betts also recommends leaving at least 24 hours between vibration plate sessions. “Listen to your body and adjust accordingly,” he advises. “Quality of movement matters more than duration.”
LordHenriVoton/Getty Images
Exercises you can do on a vibration plate
To use a vibration plate, you can simply stand in place with slightly bent knees. You can also engage in other exercises — like squats or push-ups — while using the machine.
“Incorporating exercises such as squats, lunges, planks, push-ups and core workouts enhances results by engaging more muscle groups and boosting calorie burn,” says Verebes.
If you’re up to the challenge, here are three vibration plate exercises to try, as recommended by Wilson:
Push-ups
“Push-ups work your chest and shoulders — and doing them on a vibration plate activates many more muscle fibers per second than if you were to do them on the floor,” says Wilson.
To perform a push-up on a vibration plate, follow these steps:
Get into a high plank position by placing your palms flat on the platform and stretching your legs long behind you.
Lower into a push-up position slowly. Your chest should come close to touching the platform.
Perform three sets of 10 reps, taking 30 seconds of rest between each set.
High plank holds
You can also use a vibration plate to perform a high plank hold, which is “great for your core and upper body strength,” says Wilson. Here’s how:
Get into a high plank position by placing your palms flat on the platform and stretching your legs long behind you.
Hold for 30 seconds. Perform three sets, taking 15 seconds of rest between each set.
Tricep dips
“This exercise works the back of the arm as well as the shoulder,” says Wilson. “You’re going to experience much more muscle activation when doing it on a vibration plate machine.” Here’s how:
Sit on the edge of the platform.
Place your palms on the platform (just outside of your hips). Keep your feet flat on the ground with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
Scoot forward until you’re hovering in front of the platform, only supported by your arms and legs.
Lower your hips toward the ground by bending at the elbows, stopping when your elbows reach 90 degrees or when you can’t lower your hips further.
Push through your palms and return to the starting position.
Perform three sets of 10 reps, taking 30 seconds of rest between each set.
urbazon/Getty Images
Do vibration plates work if you just stand on them?
You don’t need to perform exercises while using a vibration plate, but experts say moving your body — rather than standing still — will help you get more out of the machine.
“Actively moving while using the plate maximizes its benefits, even though simply standing on it can support circulation and balance,” says Verebes.
Betts agrees, adding: “Standing still on a vibration plate provides some stimulus through the muscle contractions, but adding movement increases the benefits. Static positions can help with circulation and muscle activation, but dynamic exercises will give you strength gains, balance improvements and overall training effects.”
If you’ve never used a vibration plate before, you could begin by standing in place or squatting while you’re on the machine. As you get more comfortable, you can incorporate different exercises and positions. Or you can alternate between standing still and exercising, suggests Betts.
“Combine both approaches — use static holds to build comfort and awareness, then move for optimal results,” he says. “Form and progression are key regardless of whether you’re moving or holding positions.”
The bottom line
Simply scrolling through social media, you might get the idea that vibration plates are an easy, low-commitment way to transform your body. While it’s true that vibration plates offer some compelling benefits, they aren’t a shortcut to fitness.
To get the best results from your vibration plate training, experts also recommend following a healthy diet and participating in other forms of exercise. It’s also a good idea to speak with your doctor before you start using a vibration plate — especially if you’ve had blood clots, joint issues or other health conditions.
A vibration plate can help you lose weight when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise. However, standing on a vibration plate without exercise will not.
Vibration plates generate quick vibrations that contract and relax your body’s muscles several times per second, resembling at a greater frequency the spontaneous contractions that happen when you exercise normally. They can also move in multiple directions, activating different muscles.
Recent updates to ChatGPT made the chatbot far too agreeable and OpenAI said Friday it’s taking steps to prevent the issue from happening again.
In a blog post, the company detailed its testing and evaluation process for new models and outlined how the problem with the April 25 update to its GPT-4o model came to be. Essentially, a bunch of changes that individually seemed helpful combined to create a tool that was far too sycophantic and potentially harmful.
How much of a suck-up was it? In some testing earlier this week, we asked about a tendency to be overly sentimental, and ChatGPT laid on the flattery: “Hey, listen up — being sentimental isn’t a weakness; it’s one of your superpowers.” And it was just getting started being fulsome.
“This launch taught us a number of lessons. Even with what we thought were all the right ingredients in place (A/B tests, offline evals, expert reviews), we still missed this important issue,” the company said.
OpenAI rolled back the update this week. To avoid causing new issues, it took about 24 hours to revert the model for everybody.
The concern around sycophancy isn’t just about the enjoyment level of the user experience. It posed a health and safety threat to users that OpenAI’s existing safety checks missed. Any AI model can give questionable advice about topics like mental health but one that is overly flattering can be dangerously deferential or convincing — like whether that investment is a sure thing or how thin you should seek to be.
“One of the biggest lessons is fully recognizing how people have started to use ChatGPT for deeply personal advice — something we didn’t see as much even a year ago,” OpenAI said. “At the time, this wasn’t a primary focus but as AI and society have co-evolved, it’s become clear that we need to treat this use case with great care.”
Sycophantic large language models can reinforce biases and harden beliefs, whether they’re about yourself or others, said Maarten Sap, assistant professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University. “[The LLM] can end up emboldening their opinions if these opinions are harmful or if they want to take actions that are harmful to themselves or others.”
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed on Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)
How OpenAI tests models and what’s changing
The company offered some insight into how it tests its models and updates. This was the fifth major update to GPT-4o focused on personality and helpfulness. The changes involved new post-training work or fine-tuning on the existing models, including the rating and evaluation of various responses to prompts to make it more likely to produce those responses that rated more highly.
Prospective model updates are evaluated on their usefulness across a variety of situations, like coding and math, along with specific tests by experts to experience how it behaves in practice. The company also runs safety evaluations to see how it responds to safety, health and other potentially dangerous queries. Finally, OpenAI runs A/B tests with a small number of users to see how it performs in the real world.
Is ChatGPT too sycophantic? You decide. (To be fair, we did ask for a pep talk about our tendency to be overly sentimental.)
Katie Collins/CNET
The April 25 update performed well in these tests, but some expert testers indicated the personality seemed a bit off. The tests didn’t specifically look at sycophancy, and OpenAI decided to move forward despite the issues raised by testers. Take note, readers: AI companies are in a tail-on-fire hurry, which doesn’t always square well with well thought-out product development.
“Looking back, the qualitative assessments were hinting at something important and we should’ve paid closer attention,” the company said.
Among its takeaways, OpenAI said it needs to treat model behavior issues the same as it would other safety issues — and halt a launch if there are concerns. For some model releases, the company said it would have an opt-in “alpha” phase to get more feedback from users before a broader launch.
Sap said evaluating an LLM based on whether a user likes the response isn’t necessarily going to get you the most honest chatbot. In a recent study, Sap and others found a conflict between the usefulness and truthfulness of a chatbot. He compared it to situations where the truth is not necessarily what people want — think about a car salesperson trying to sell a vehicle.
“The issue here is that they were trusting the users’ thumbs-up/thumbs-down response to the model’s outputs and that has some limitations because people are likely to upvote something that is more sycophantic than others,” he said.
Sap said OpenAI is right to be more critical of quantitative feedback, such as user up/down responses, as they can reinforce biases.
The issue also highlighted the speed at which companies push updates and changes out to existing users, Sap said — an issue that’s not limited to one tech company. “The tech industry has really taken a ‘release it and every user is a beta tester’ approach to things,” he said. Having a process with more testing before updates are pushed to every user can bring these issues to light before they become widespread.
I love hypothetical questions. I would rather fight 100 duck-sized horses than one horse-sized duck. But I’m still scratching my head over a viral question that’s romping around social media: Who would win if you pitted 100 average men against one gorilla?
Let’s not stop there, though. We’re going to expand that hypothetical situation. What if the gorilla in question is movie villain-hero King Kong? I talked with an expert to get some perspective.
The original question seemed to take off from a post on X that racked up nearly 300 million views. The tweet suggested the men could handle the gorilla if the humans were dedicated enough to the task.
Read more: Best Live TV Streaming Services of 2025
Even YouTube personality MrBeast weighed in, tweeting, “Need 100 men to test this, any volunteers?” along with an image of a group of men facing off against one very large gorilla.
Elon Musk, DOGE czar and CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, seemed to volunteer, responding, “Sure, what’s the worst that could happen?”
Enlarge Image
MrBeast seems like he wants to test the 100 men versus one gorilla question.
Joannes-Boyau ultimately takes a philosophical approach to the question.
“Perhaps the real takeaway message isn’t who wins in a fight, but to realize that two very different and yet very close cousins have walked two separate evolutionary roads, each in their own distinct way,” he wrote.
Chill gorillas
Enlarge Image
The Fort Worth Zoo is home to Ramses, a 52-year-old silverback gorilla.
Fort Worth Zoo
The 100-men question seems to imply an angry, vengeful gorilla. There wouldn’t be much of a fight if the gorilla just sits there and snacks on leaves.
Gorillas are “typically quite gentle, often only showing aggression when it comes to protecting their family, or when necessary, to keep the peace within the family,” said John Griffioen, assistant director of animal programs and conservation at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas.
Griffioen shared some eye-catching statistics, saying silverback gorillas are capable of lifting over 2,000 pounds and have a bite force with about 1,300 pounds of pressure per square inch.
The thought question is entertaining, but it glosses over a sobering reality. “Gorillas are critically endangered, and populations continue to decline,” said Griffioen. “With so much already stacked against them, we shouldn’t be worried about fighting them, we should be fighting for them.”
Griffioen would rather those 100 hypothetical men put their energy into conservation efforts.
Get your Kong on
So anyway, that’s real-life gorillas. Now let’s give the big primate an upgrade.
Kong depictions on film have varied since his debut in the now-classic 1933 King Kong movie.
In the 2005 Peter Jackson movie, King Kong was said to be 25 feet tall, so let’s use that as our benchmark. A real male silverback gorilla can typically reach 5 feet in height, so our fictional Kong is at least five times bigger than the real thing. That means we have a super-ape that could handily wipe out multiple men with one swinging fist.
Joannes-Boyau accepted the challenge of considering the Kong hypothetical, noting the strength gap between human and giant gorilla would be extreme. “Faced with such a large and powerful animal, 100 unarmed humans would be unlikely to stand a chance,” he told CNET.
Human ingenuity — and the ability to strategize, collaborate and use technology — is the X factor. “In a raw power contest against most animals, we would often lose,” Joannes-Boyau said. “But evolution didn’t design us to win wrestling matches; it designed us to outthink, not outmuscle.”
In my unscientific estimation, I’m giving Kong the advantage against 100 men. But don’t take my word for it. Watch some King Kong movies and decide for yourself.
Dive into the original that started it all. This Kong could hold a human woman handily in one palm. Rent it on Apple TV or Amazon Video.
King Kong (2005)
Enlarge Image
Yes, that’s a dinosaur in a King Kong movie.
Universal Pictures
Lord of the Rings movie series director Peter Jackson tried his hand at King Kong and revived the big ape for a new generation. The star-studded film featured Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody. Stream it on Starz.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
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Kong: Skull Island is the cornerstone for a modern take on Kong lore.
Godzilla and Kong don’t always get along, as seen in the promo image for Godzilla vs. Kong.
Legendary/Warner Bros
Godzilla? Check. Kong? Check. You can’t go wrong with two overgrown monsters sharing the title of a movie. Will they kill each other or become besties? You’ll have to watch to find out. Widely available as a streaming rental.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
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Godzilla and Kong kick butt together in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Thunderbolts, the latest big-screen release from Marvel Studios (which is also its final Phase Five film), goes the Suicide Squad route, bringing together a group of degenerate anti-heroes in the name of the greater good. Surprisingly, it’s a more enjoyable movie than its DC counterpart.
Leading the charge is Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, the new Black Widow. Sebastian Stan yet again reprises his role of Bucky Barnes; David Harbour returns as Yelena’s parental figure, Alexei Shostakov, aka The Red Guardian; Wyatt Russell is John Walker (his brooding version of Captain America first appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and then in Captain America: Brave New World). Olga Kurylenko reprises her role as Taskmaster, and last but not least is Hannah John-Kamen as the formidable Ghost.
I should come clean about something. I’ve been more meh than yay with Marvel movies recently. You can chalk it up to a bunch of things, like the oversaturation of the superhero genre, Marvel’s formulaic narrative structure or the tired use of CGI effects. Needless to say, I walked into Thunderbolts with low expectations. Surprisingly, it successfully exceeded all of them.
Spoiler: Before I delve further into this review, know there are story spoilers below. I will strive to be mostly spoiler-free, but I can’t guarantee it. Tread lightly.
Readmore: A Look at Marvel’s Phase Five and Phase Six After D23’s Big Reveals
Getty Image/Zooey Liao/CNET
If it weren’t for the engaging performances of Pugh and Harbour, I’m not sure Thunderbolts would work as well as it does. At its core, this is Yelena’s story, and nearly everything else is secondary. The father-daughter conflict and bond between her and Alexei supply the emotional foundation here. The history between these actors, who worked together in the lackluster Black Widow movie, helps inform the history between their characters. Not to mention, it helps that they’re both powerhouse talents on-screen.
This isn’t to say that the other cast members don’t hold their own — they do what’s necessary for the story to make sense and guide things into Phase Six. By the time they assemble for their first big battle, you could feel a sense of chemistry and cohesion between them. It’s clear Marvel is setting up some big things for Phase Six, and their offbeat, dysfunctional dynamic makes for a group of heroes worth rooting for.
From left, Hannah John-Kamen, Florence Pugh and David Harbour star as Ghost, Yelena Belova/Black Widow 2.0 and Alexei Shostakov/The Red Guardian, respectively, in Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
Screenshot by Aaron Pruner/CNET
Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings along some big Veep energy as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who is basically the Amanda Waller to this squad of anti-heroes. Then there’s Lewis Pullman, who plays Bob, a mysterious man whose newly discovered godlike powers transform him into the Sentry, who you can describe as a less-charismatic Homelander. While this dude is definitely dangerous, it’s a shame more of his villainous side wasn’t showcased in the movie.
This is where Thunderbolts falters a bit. None of the story beats that fill out Bob’s backstory feel earned. A significant amount of time was spent developing the chemistry for this new crew of superheroes, and when it was finally time for them to battle the Sentry threat, the stakes seemed lacking. Mental health is a throughline that connects Bob to Yelena, which ultimately informs this boss fight. It’s poignant enough, but the in-world rules reveal a villain whose power is formidable but not lethal.
Then, there’s the new Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal, which lists every Thunderbolts actor, so obviously they’ll live on. This proverbial safety net was a glaring crutch throughout the movie’s second and third acts.
Unlike Captain America: Brave New World, the fight scenes featured in Thunderbolts were thoroughly riveting. You could feel the work the team did to bring these brawls to life, which provides a visceral street-level quality to the action. Instead of relying on CGI to bring the movie to its climax, the use of unique camera work and practical set designs delivered a third act reminiscent of Inception with all its dream-hopping panache.
Florence Pugh is Yelena Belova, aka Black Widow 2.0, in Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
Marvel Studios
Sidenote: Pugh’s battle prowess feels more tactile and believable than what Scarlett Johansson previously pulled off. What I’m saying is, I’d never want to run into the Midsommar actress in a dark alley.
The abundance of humor featured throughout the movie came as a delightful surprise. Comedy isn’t new to Marvel, but it feels like the MCU has been a bit devoid of laughs recently. Thunderbolts is by no means a groundbreaking film, nor is it an event that will disrupt the established narrative within this expansive story universe.
But it isn’t meant to be.
Thunderbolts offers a breath of fresh air. It’s a palate cleanser that reminds audiences that Marvel movies can be fun — and, dare I say, even funny. It’s not envelope-pushing, but it works on multiple levels and successfully sets the stage for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is set to hit theaters this summer. What more could you ask for?
Teflon-coated or nonstick cookware sets, regardless of how you know them, are appreciated for how easy they are to use and clean. However, some circles also dislike these chemical-coated utensils. More specifically, the PTFE and PFAS (used in the coating) that are said to mix with your food during use earn them a bad rep.
Last year, the US saw an increase in reported cases of Teflon flu — if that raises questions in your mind, you’re not alone. Several Reddit users expressed the same concerns, with some wondering whether inhaling Teflon fumes while cooking is dangerous. The good news is that if your cookware was made after a particular year and you use it properly, you should be in the clear.
Read more: Never Raise Your Air Fryer Above This Temperature
Here’s what you need to know about Teflon flu and using your nonstick kitchenware without health worries.
What is Teflon flu?
Air fryer baskets are often made with a synthetic nonstick coating.
David Watsky/CNET
The chemical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), found in Teflon and similar nonstick surfaces, is common in air fryers, pots and pans and other kitchen appliances. When these materials overheat, they can release synthetic compounds that pose health risks.
Polymer fume fever, or Teflon flu, has reignited a debate about nonstick cookware safety. The illness occurs when fumes from an overheated Teflon or nonstick pan are inhaled. Nonstick pans are made with polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE). PTFE’s are known as “forever chemicals” since they take decades or sometimes even hundreds of years to break down.
Read more: I Upgraded to This PFAS-Free Glass Fryer and You Should, Too
Under normal use, PTFE’s aren’t thought to cause a health risk, but when heated to above 500 degrees Fahrenheit there are increased emissions and the resulting polymer fume fever. Polymer fume fever causes a range of reported symptoms including fever, chills, muscle tension and headache. Symptoms of Teflon flu are temporary and generally start within 12 hours of exposure, but can take up to 24 hours to take hold.
How to avoid Teflon flu
Teflon and nonstick cookware is easy to use, clean and maintain but it should only be used for low to medium heat cooking. Never heat your nonstick cookware over high heat or medium heat for long periods of time. Try to keep the surface temperature at or below 450 degrees Fahrenheit, or emissions from the PTFE coating are likely to increase.
What is Teflon and does it cause cancer?
Nonstick or Teflon is a popular choice for home cooks. The biggest advantage is that food won’t stick to pots and pans coated with Teflon the way it does to other metal materials, so it’s easy to flip a pancake or remove a cooked egg. Nonstick is also very easy to clean, generally taking no more than a few seconds to wash by hand.
Teflon is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene that’s used in many household products, from wire coatings to fabric protectors and kitchen cookware, too. The knock on Teflon is that it’s unsafe if consumed or absorbed into the body and can increase the chances of cancer and other diseases. Studies have shown some connections (more on that below), but Teflon still exists and is used to make cookware, and the safety concerns around Teflon are mostly a thing of the past.
I stress mostly. Here’s why…
The brand Teflon may be associated with a risk of cancer, but it’s actually a chemical formerly used in the making of Teflon called PFOA that’s to blame. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, perfluorooctanoic acid is a manufactured perfluorochemical developed in the 1930s and used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water.
Thanks to a federal ban, all Teflon and nonstick cookware made after 2013 should be free of harmful PFOA. Europe enacted the same ban in 2008.
All-Clad
What are the negative effects of PFOA?
In some studies, PFOA has been linked to cancer, immune deficiency and a host of other medical problems. It has also been shown to affect growth and development and injure the liver in laboratory animals.
CNET
As recently as 2017, chemical giant Dupont settled a lawsuit for more than $670 million for its role in contaminating drinking water with PFOA (also referred to as C-8) in the mid-Ohio Valley. A previous class-action suit from 2004 in the same area led to a study that found PFOA was linked to cancer and compromised immune function, even in small doses.
Teflon cookware made before 2013 may be toxic
All that was enough for most manufacturers to halt the production of nonstick coatings using PFOA around 2002. Teflon using PFOA wasn’t officially banned in the United States until 2014. Europe banned it in 2008. That means if you own Teflon nonstick cookware from 2013 or earlier, there’s a chance it contains PFOA. Nine years is typically longer than the average lifespan of a nonstick pan, but if you’re not sure, it’s probably best to replace any Teflon-coated pots or pans.
If you’re concerned, look for PFOA-free cookware
Because of the ban, all nonstick cookware made in the US should be PFOA-free, but you’d be wise to make sure. Be extra cautious about buying cheap or off-brand cookware, especially if it’s not produced in a country with an active PFOA ban. PFOA is still produced elsewhere, largely in China, and used to make consumer products.
The good news is that PFOA-freenonstick cookware is cheap, so there’s no reason to risk it with anything that might contain the chemical. You can nab a 10-inch skillet from a trusted cookware brand like Misen for $99 or Tramontina for around $30. Luxury cookware brand All-Clad makes a two-piece nonstick cookware set for $60.
The Always Pan is a nonstick ceramic alternative to Teflon cookware.
Our Place
The best natural nonstick cookware alternatives
If you’re ready to ditch Teflon and chemical-based nonstick pots and pans altogether, there are plenty of more natural nonstick alternatives.
The most nonstick of the bunch is ceramic cookware, which has seen a boom in popularity since concerns about Teflon first surfaced. A few popular ceramic cookware options include The Always Pan (read my full review here), Caraway and Greenpan.
Cast iron is another cookware material that develops a natural nonstick coating over time, especially if you season it well and care for it properly. It won’t likely ever become as nonstick as Teflon, but cast iron has loads of other culinary benefits that are worthy of a few extra seconds of scrubbing in the sink after use. Lodge is a tried-and-true cast-iron cookware producer: You can scoop up a 10-inch skillet for as little as $20.
Cast iron develops a nonstick patina over time and is a natural alternative to Teflon.
Angela Lang/CNET
Carbon steel is yet another option and functions similarly to cast-iron cookware, although it’s not quite as heavy, slightly more sensitive to corrosion, and typically more expensive. Carbon steel hasn’t really popped off here in the US but is a favorite of professional chefs, as well as yours truly. Cookware startup Made In produces some excellent carbon steel cookware with prices starting around $89, but there are cheaper options out there.
FAQs
Should I worry about buying Teflon nonstick cookware?
The Teflon brand stopped using PFOA, the offending chemical behind Teflon flu, in 2013. That means that it should be safe to use new Teflon cookware any way you see fit — though it couldn’t hurt to continue being cautious when using new nonstick cookware.
Can I only catch Teflon flu from Teflon products?
No. The name Teflon flu originates from the Teflon brand because they famously used PFOA chemicals in the process of creating its cookware before 2013. However, that doesn’t mean your cookware is PFOA-free. If your cookware is created in the US, it should be free of harmful chemicals. But cheap companies and off-brands that create cookware in countries without PFOA bans often still use the chemical in their products, and those might still wind up in your hands.
How common is Teflon flu?
Teflon flu is not incredibly common, but there are still a significant number of cases reported each year. In 2023, there were 267 reported cases in the United States, the most since 2000, according to America’s Poison Control centers. The National Capital Poison Center also states that incidents of Teflon flu are likely underreported, as symptoms often appear hours after exposure and can mimic the common cold.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword pulls that crossword trick where two clues are the same, but the answers are different. 5-Across and 1-Down both offer the clue, “Marvel’s ‘The Avengers,’ e.g.” But if you know anything about that franchise, you know the different mediums it uses, so the answers aren’t too tough. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for May 1, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Question that looks like today’s date. Answer: MAYI
5A clue: Marvel’s “The Avengers,” e.g. Answer: COMIC
6A clue: Bring to mind Answer: EVOKE
7A clue: Like notebook paper Answer: LINED
8A clue: An Australian millipede holds the record for the most in the animal kingdom, at 1,306 Answer: LEGS
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Marvel’s “The Avengers,” e.g. Answer: MOVIE
2D clue: Surrounded by Answer: AMONG
3D clue: “That is not good!” Answer: YIKES
4D clue: Like some coffee orders Answer: ICED
5D clue: Where to find ribosomes and mitochondria Answer: CELL
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Inflation cooled in March, but interest rates are expected to remain high.
skaman306/Getty Images
Inflation cooled a bit last month, but don’t expect interest rates to drop, too.
Prices rose by 2.3% year over year in March, according to the latest Personal Consumption Expenditures data released Wednesday. That’s down from the 2.5% annualized increase in February but slightly higher than the forecasted 2.2% increase.
The PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation.
The numbers came out this morning following the release of March’s Gross Domestic Product data, which showed the economy contracting at a rate of 0.3% in the first quarter. The contraction was largely attributed to businesses and people “panic buying” imported goods before President Donald Trump’s tariffs took effect.
However, consumer spending also slowed considerably in the first quarter, according to the GDP report. Resilient consumer spending has helped buoy the economy amid stubborn inflation and an uptick in unemployment.
The latest data is still unlikely to change the Federal Reserve’s vote next week on interest rates as it monitors how tariffs and political turmoil could affect the health of the economy. Experts expect the Fed will hold rates steady next week, as it’s done since January after lowering them twice last fall.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has come under intense pressure from the Trump administration to lower rates, although Trump backed off on threats to fire Powell after the stock market responded negatively last week.
Watch the Champions League in Australia from AU$27 a month
Stan Sport
It’s a mouth-watering UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg contest at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, as in-form Barcelona host an Inter Milan team suffering a recent wobble in results.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if it’s unavailable where you are.
Currently 4 points clear at the top of Spain’s La Liga and riding high after a chaotic Copa del Rey final victory over eternal rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, Barcelona remain on course for a treble. The Catalan giants eased past Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals and turn their focus to this semifinal clash looking to maintain their momentum.
They now face an Inter team that eliminated Bayern Munich in the previous round of the UCL but has since seen its own treble hopes collapse. A 3-0 defeat to city rivals AC Milan in last week’s Coppa Italia semifinal has compounded consecutive Serie A losses that have seen them lose ground to Napoli in the title race in Italy.
Barcelona host Inter Milan on Wednesday, April 30, at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in this first leg of this Champions League semifinal. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CET local time in Spain. That makes it an 8 p.m. BST start in the UK, a 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT kickoff in the US and Canada, and a 5 a.m. AEST start in Australia on Friday morning.
Jules Koundé scored an extra-time winner for Barcelona in its 3-2 Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid on Sunday,
Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Livestream Barcelona vs. Inter Milan in the US
American soccer fans can stream every fixture of this season’s tournament via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the UEFA Champions League.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Paramount Plus has two main subscription plans in the US: Essential for $8 a month and Premium for $13 a month. Both offer coverage of the Champions League.
The cheaper Essential option has ads for on-demand streaming and lacks live CBS feeds as well as the ability to download shows to watch offline later. Newcomers to the service can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, while students may qualify for a 25% discount.
Read our Paramount Plus review.
How to watch every UEFA Champions League 2024-25 game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch UCL matches while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. They can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream Barcelona vs. Inter Milan in the UK
TNT Sports broadcasts the majority of Champions League games in the UK, with this match set to be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 1 HD channels.
TNT Sports
TNT Sports is offering the lion’s share of Champions League matches exclusively live this season to viewers in the UK. You can access TNT Sports in a number of ways, including via Sky Q as a TV package, or direct streaming from its range of mobile and smart TV apps. It costs £31 either way and comes in a package that includes Discovery Plus’ library of documentary content.
Livestream Barcelona vs. Inter Milan in Canada
If you want to stream UCL games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the Champions League this season.
DAZN
A DAZN subscription currently costs CA$30 a month or CA$200 a year and will also give you access to Europa League and EFL Championship soccer, Six Nations rugby and WTA tennis.
As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, there’s a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.
Livestream Barcelona vs. Inter Milan in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch UCL matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the Champions League live in Australia this season.
Stan
Stan Sport will set you back AU$15 a month (on top of a Stan subscription, which starts at AU$12). It’s also worth noting that the streaming service is currently offering a seven-day free trial.
A subscription will also give you access to Europa League and Europa Conference League action, as well as international rugby and Formula E.
Quick tips for streaming UEFA Champions League matches using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Champions League games may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try to fix quickly. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Amazon Prime Day will return in July. Amazon on Tuesday announced the 2025 edition of the summer shopping event, which typically brings some of its best Amazon deals of the year.
The mega retailer isn’t yet announcing specific dates, according to Amazon spokesperson Alicia Hopkins, who responded via email to questions about the timing. The two-day sales event, which is exclusively for Prime members, took place last year July 16-17.
Looming price hikes due to tariffs could impact how much savings shoppers can expect. Amazon will reportedly start displaying the original prices of products alongside how much the Trump administration’s tariffs add to a product’s price.
The White House immediately denounced any such plan by Amazon.
“This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a White House press briefing on Tuesday. Amazon did not immediately respond to a follow-up request for comment.
So what could tariffs mean for your Prime Day shopping?
How could tariffs affect Prime Day deals?
Prices on everything, including electronics, are expected to rise as a result of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which he originally announced on April 2. He quickly followed with a 90-day pause for most of the tariffs, but left triple-digit tariffs in place for China and a 10% baseline tariff for goods imported from other countries.
Watch this: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Our Experts Weigh In on Tariffs
The administration has since said that it’s in the process of making deals with many countries to ease tariffs, but no official announcements have been released yet. Some companies, including Apple, have taken steps to reduce the impact of tariffs on their products, including reportedly moving some manufacturing operations to India.
If the 90-day tariff pause is lifted before agreements can be reached, they would take effect in July — the same month as Amazon’s Prime Day event.
If retailers pass along the full cost of the tariffs, it could mean we’ll be paying double (or more) for products manufactured in other countries. Shoppers on bargain sites Temu and Shein have already seen prices skyrocket as much as 377% ahead of the tariffs.
After launching the original Prime Day in 2015, the retailer has expanded the number of its sales events, including a Big Spring Sale in March and Prime Big Deal Days in October.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is an easy one. Usually, I’m thrown off when the puzzle pulls a meta-question, and wants you to fill in circled letters to solve an extra clue, but this one, 2-Down, was super-simple. But a couple other clues required some more thinking — unless you’re super familiar with the population ranking of Caribbean nations (8-Across). Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for April 29, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: The “A” of MoMA Answer: ART
4A clue: Like steak tartare and carpaccio Answer: RAW
5A clue: Attire for wizards and judges Answer: ROBES
7A clue: Warm shade of yellowish-orange Answer: AMBER
8A clue: Most populous country in the Caribbean Answer: HAITI
9A clue: Messy room, so to speak Answer: STY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Noted features of bakeries and candle shops Answer: AROMAS
2D clue: What a magician might pull out of the [circled letters] Answer: RABBIT
3D clue: “I tawt I taw a puddy tat!” speaker Answer: TWEETY
5D clue: “Go team!” Answer: RAH
6D clue: ___ Lanka Answer: SRI
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
US tariffs against China that could raise prices of iPhones significantly are prompting Apple to shift manufacturing to India, which has lower tariffs. But how much of that manufacturing will shift and how soon it will happen could be complicated by special iPhone editions expected for release in 2027, a report suggests.
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple has plans for two special editions to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. One could be a foldable iPhone that has been rumored and another would be a Pro model that would include more glass elements.
Gurman says that the chances are “slim” that Apple would build those new devices in India. He said: “While Apple’s manufacturing in India has reached parity with China in terms of current iPhone quality, the 20-year anniversary models are extraordinarily complex. They’ll require new parts and production techniques, making it far from a certainty that Apple will be able to build those outside of China. At some point, yes, but certainly not by the year 2027.”
A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to CNET experts, Optimum isthe best internet service provider for most households in Stamford, Connecticut. It offers wide coverage, reasonable introductory pricing and fast speeds. Optimum covers over 89% of addresses, according to data from the Federal Communications Commission, making it the largest provider in Stamford, too. You also have solid alternatives like Frontier Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet, but the ideal pick will come down to what’s available at your address.
Looking for the fastest or cheapest internet in Stamford? We’ve got you covered. Xfinity Connect is the most affordable plan you can get in this Connecticut city, coming in at $35 monthly for 150 megabits per second with unlimited data included.
For those looking for the fastest speeds in the city, Optimum will also be your best bet. The ISP has several multi-gigabit plans in Stamford: 2,000Mbps for $90, 5,000Mbps for $120 or 8,000Mbps for $280 monthly. Frontier Fiber and Xfinity also offer multi-gigabit speeds, but serviceability is more limited.
Best internet in Stamford, Connecticut, in 2024
Stamford internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Frontier Communications Read full review
DSL/fiber
$45-$155
500-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
6.3
Optimum Read full review
Cable/fiber
$40-$280
300-8,000Mbps
None
None
None
6.2
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
Free modem; $10 router (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon Fios Read full review
Fiber
$50-$90
300-940Mbps
None
None
None
7.6
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Xfinity Read full review
Cable/fiber
$35-$95
150-2,000Mbps
$15-$25 (optional)
None
1 year on some plans
7
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Stamford?
Show more (3 items)
How to find internet deals and promotions in Stamford
The best internet deals and top promotions in Stamford depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Stamford internet providers, such as Optimum, Spectrum and Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, such as Frontier and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.
How many members of your household use the internet?
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Fastest internet plans in Stamford
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Optimum 8 Gig Fiber Read full review
$280
8,000Mbps
8,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Frontier Fiber 5 Gig Read full review
$155
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Optimum 5 Gig Fiber Read full review
$120
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Frontier Fiber 2 Gig Read full review
$100
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review
$100
2,000Mbps
200Mbps
None
Cable
Optimum 2 Gig Fiber Read full review
$90
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review
$75
1,200Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig Read full review
$60
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review
$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan)
1,000Mbps
75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review
$65
1,000Mbps
20Mbps
None
Cable
Fios 1 Gig
$90
940Mbps
880Mbps
None
Fiber
Optimum 1 Gig Fiber Read full review
$80
940Mbps
940Mbps
None
Fiber
Show more (8 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Stamford
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We use the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.).
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet providers in Stamford FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Stamford?
Optimum is the best internet provider in Stamford, primarily due to its wide availability. T-Mobile is the second largest ISP within city limits, but it serves less than 66% of residents. Optimum also offers simple service details, including no data caps, contracts or monthly equipment fees.
Is fiber internet available in Stamford?
The FCC reports that fiber connectivity is available to over 60% of Stamford households. Frontier Fiber and Optimum are the main fiber providers in the area.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Stamford?
Xfinity is Stamford’s cheapest internet provider, offering a $35 connection for speeds up to 150Mbps.
Which internet provider in Stamford offers the fastest plan?
Optimum 8 Gig Fiber offers the fastest service in Stamford: 8 gigabits — or 8,000Mbps — for $280 per month.
Testing 3D printers is an in-depth process. Printers often don’t use the same materials, or even the same process to create models. I test SLA 3D printers that use resin and light to print, and FDM printers that melt plastic onto a plate. Each has a unique methodology. Core qualifiers I look at include:
Hardware quality
Ease of setup
Bundled software
Appearance and accuracy of prints
Repairability
Company and community support
A key test print, representing the (now old) CNET logo, is used to assess how a printer bridges gaps, creates accurate shapes and deals with overhangs. It even has little towers to help measure how well the 3D printer deals with temperature ranges.
When testing print speed, we slice the model using the standard slicer the machine is shipped with on its standard settings, then compare the real-world duration of the print to the statement completion time on the slicer. 3D printers often use different slicers, and those slicers can vary wildly on what they believe the completion time to be.
We then use PrusaSlicer to determine how much material the print should use and divide that number by the real-world time it took to print to give us a more accurate number for the speed in millimeters per second (mm/s) the printer can run at.
James Bricknell / CNET
Every build plate is supposed to heat up to a certain temperature so we use the InfiRay thermal imaging camera for Android to check how well they do. We set the build plate to 60 degrees Celsius — the most used temperature for build plates — waited 5 minutes for the temperature to stabilize, and then measured it in six separate locations. We then took the average temperature to see how close the 3D printer got to the advertised temperature.
Testing resin printers requires different criteria, so I use the Ameralabs standard test: printing out a small resin model that looks like a tiny town. This helps determine how accurate the printer is, how it deals with small parts and how well the UV exposure works at different points in the model.
Many other anecdotal test prints, using different 3D models, are also run on each printer to test the longevity of the parts and how well the machine copes with various shapes.
For the other criteria, I researched the company to see how well it responds to support queries from customers and how easy it is to order replacement parts and install them yourself. Kits (printers that come only semi-assembled) are judged by how long and difficult the assembly process is and how clear the instructions are.
Manchester City and Nottingham Forest will set their UEFA Champions League ambitions aside as they meet in this mouthwatering FA Cup semifinal at Wembley.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if they’re unavailable where you are.
Sunday’s match should be a welcome distraction for both head coaches from what looks set to be a tense battle for a top-five spot in the English Premier League and qualification for European football’s premier tournament next season.
City come into this match off the back of a 2-1 EPL win last weekend over fellow FA Cup semifinalists Aston Villa, while Forest got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Spurs on Monday.
Nottingham Forest take on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in northwest London on Sunday, April 27. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. BST local time in the UK, which is 11:30a.m. ET or 8:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 1:30 a.m. AEST in Australia early on Monday morning.
New Zealand striker Chris Wood hit his 19th Premier League goal of the season in Nottingham Forest’s away win over Tottenham on Monday.
Alex Dodd/CameraSport/Getty Images
How to watch the Nottingham Forest vs. Man City game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch live FA Cup soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins.
VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US, UK and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream the Nottingham Forest vs. Man City game in the US
This match is streaming exclusively live in the US on ESPN Plus. Kickoff is at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.
ESPN Plus
ESPN’s standalone streaming service costs $12 a month or $120 for an annual subscription. With it, you’ll be able to watch all of this season’s FA Cup fixtures. Read our ESPN Plus review.
Can I livestream the Nottingham Forest vs. Man City game in the UK?
The great news for footy fans in the UK is that free-to-air broadcasters the BBC and ITV are sharing live duties for this season’s FA Cup, with this game being shown on ITV1. That means the game will be available to stream on ITVX.
Coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. BST ahead of the 4:30 p.m. kickoff.
ITV
ITV’s streaming online streaming service is free to viewers in the UK, with dedicated apps available for Apple and Android devices, as well as most smart TVs.
Livestream Nottingham Forest vs. Man City in Canada
Canadian soccer fans looking to watch this FA Cup fixture can watch all the action live via Sportsnet.
Sportsnet
Sportsnet is available via most cable operators, but cord-cutters can subscribe to the network’s standalone streaming service Sportsnet Plus instead, with prices starting at CA$25 per month or CA$200 per year.
Livestream the Nottingham Forest vs. Man City game in Australia
Football fans down under can watch FA Cup matches live on streaming service Optus Sport.
Optus
With exclusive rights to stream select FA Cup and all Premier League matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.
If you’re already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.
Quick tips for streaming the FA Cup using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming FA Cup matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Watch the Premier League in Australia from AU$7 a month
Optus Sport
Newcastle will look move back in to the top five on Saturday as they take on an Ipswich team that know anything less than a win today will see them relegated back down to the Championship.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if the match isn’t available where you are.
Newcastle come into this game in fifth on 59 points and will be keen to get back to winning ways after a damaging 4-1 loss to Aston Villa last Saturday which brought to an end a five-game winning streak for the Magpies.
Ipswich, meanwhile, need a win — as well as favorable results elsewhere — to keep their slender survival hopes alive, with the Tractor Boys further weakened by the suspension of left-back Leif Davis following his red card against Arsenal last weekend.
Newcastle United take on Ipswich Town on Saturday, April 26, at St. James’ Park, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. BST local time. That makes it a 10a.m. ET or 7 a.m. PT start in the US and Canada, and a 12 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia.
Manager Eddie Howe is set to return to the Newcastle dugout after recovering from a bout of pneumonia that left him hospitalized.
George Wood/Getty Images
How to watch Newcastle vs. Ipswich in the US without cable
Saturday’s Newcastle United vs. Ipswich Town match will be broadcast on the USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login. It can also be streamed via Sling TV and other, more expensive streaming TV services.
Sling TV/CNET
Sling TV’s Blue plan includes USA Network, making it a great option for fans wanting to watch Premier League action. It’s $40 a month and features over 40 channels, including other sports channels like ESPN and FS1.
Read our Sling TV review.
How to watch the Premier League 2024-25 season from anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the Premier League action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the U.S. and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial..
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Can I livestream Newcastle vs. Ipswich in the UK?
No broadcaster has the rights to show this game live in the UK, due to the traditional Saturday 3 p.m. kickoff blackout, which prohibits matches from being shown in the region at that time, to protect attendances throughout the English football pyramid.
That also means that if you’re in the UK traveling for pleasure or for work, you’re unlikely to be able to watch the game like you normally would at home, thanks to geoblocking.
There’s one option to get around this. By using a VPN, as explained above, you can set your location to a country where the match is being broadcast and go from there.
Livestream Newcastle vs. Ipswich in Canada
If you want to stream this EPL game live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. Once again, the service has exclusive rights to every Premier League match this season.
Fubo
Fubo is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the EPL this season, with exclusive streaming rights to every match. It costs CA$30 a month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually.
Livestream Newcastle vs. Ipswich in Australia
Football fans down under can watch EPL matches live on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League match of the 2024-25 season live in Australia.
Optus
With exclusive rights to stream all EPL matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.
If you’re already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.
Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
A place in the FA Cup final is in sight for both of these English Premier League teams as Crystal Palace take on Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday in this semifinal.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if they’re unavailable where you are.
Crystal Palace will be hoping to move closer to ending its long wait for silverware, having never won a major trophy in their 164-year history — one of the longest such runs in English football.
Seven-time FA Cup winner Aston Villa is making its first semifinal appearance in a decade. Manager Unai Emery will be determined to prevent a strong season from fading after a recent Champions League exit at the hands of PSG and last weekend’s Premier League loss to Manchester City. That result has put Villa’s European qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Crystal Palace take on Aston Villa in this FA Cup semifinal match at Wembley Stadium in northwest London on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. BST local time in the UK, which is 12:30p.m. ET or 9:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 2:30 a.m. AEST in Australia early on Sunday morning.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brilliant late strike from the bench secured Crystal Palace a 2-2 away draw against Arsenal in Wednesday’s London derby in the Premier League.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
How to watch the Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch live FA Cup soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming. It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins.
VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US, UK and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security. However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream the Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa game in the US
This match is streaming exclusively live in the US on ESPN Plus. Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
ESPN Plus
ESPN’s standalone streaming service costs $12 a month or $120 for an annual subscription. With it, you’ll be able to watch all of this season’s FA Cup fixtures. Read our ESPN Plus review.
Can I livestream the Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa game in the UK?
The great news for footy fans in the UK is that free-to-air broadcasters the BBC and ITV are sharing live duties for this season’s FA Cup, with this game being shown on BBC One. That means the game will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Coverage begins at 4:45 p.m. BST ahead of the 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
BBC
You’ll be able to watch the game online for free via the network’s on-demand streaming service, BBC iPlayer.
With an app that’s available for Android and Apple mobile devices, as well as a vast array of smart TVs and streaming boxes, all you need is a valid UK TV license to stream the game.
Livestream Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa in Canada
Canadian soccer fans looking to watch this FA Cup fixture can watch all the action live via Sportsnet.
Sportsnet
Sportsnet is available via most cable operators, but cord-cutters can subscribe to the network’s standalone streaming service Sportsnet Plus instead, with prices starting at CA$25 per month or CA$200 per year.
Livestream the Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa game in Australia
Football fans down under can watch FA Cup matches live on streaming service Optus Sport.
Optus
With exclusive rights to stream select FA Cup and all Premier League matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.
If you’re already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.
Quick tips for streaming the FA Cup using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming FA Cup matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
I’m always looking for new ways to cook food outdoors during warm months. With no central AC, a reliable gas or charcoal grill keeps the kitchen cool and company fed. There are hundreds of things you can make on a grill, but there are some foods don’t fare so well when cooked over a grill’s grates.
Most grills feature slats or grates which can send certain foods spiraling to a fiery death. Outdoor griddles have become popular, and these provide more stability for cooking flaky fish and flimsy vegetables, but you won’t get that same flame-kissed effect or coveted char.
If you do plan to grill items on this list on a traditional grill, you’ll want to secure the food with special grilling equipment to keep them from falling down and creating a major cleaning headache later.
Here are seven foods to avoid cooking directly on a grill.
Flaky fish
Cod and halibut aren’t great candidates for cooking on the grill.
David Watsky/CNET
If you’ve ever slapped a filet of flaky fish like tilapia, cod or halibut over an open flame, you probably know why it’s not the best idea. Flaky fish tends to fall through the grates to a firey death once it starts cooking.
Instead, try grilling any one of these firm fish that seafood chef Akira Beck recommends. If you simply must grill flaky fish over the grates, get yourself a fish grilling basket to keep those filets in tact.
Peeled shrimp
If you’re going to grill shrimp, I suggest leaving the shell on until it’s cooked.
Dreamfarm
Grilling shrimp over a hot grill isn’t a bad idea, but if you’re going to do it, keep the shrimp in its shell until after it’s done cooking. Peeled shrimp cooks quickly and can dry out in the blink of an eye. Since you can’t cook in oil or sauce on a grill, you’re better off not peeling it to protect the meat from intense heat.
Scallops
Special skills include searing scallops.
David Watsky/CNET
Scallops are another seafood that in theory is great when grilled, but the potential for disaster just isn’t worth it. Even large scallops are liable to fall through. Instead, cook them in a carbon-steel or stainless-steel skillet over the grates to give them a proper seer and caramelized crust that slatted grates just won’t deliver.
Small or thinly sliced vegetables
If you’re planning to cook button or baby bella mushrooms on the grill, be prepared to lose many of them through the grates.
Patrick Holland/CNET
Certain vegetables were made for the grill, while others were made to fall right through to the flames below. Small vegetables such as green beans, snow peas, button mushrooms and broccoli florets should never be flung onto a bare grill.
To make an outdoor stir-fry or cook smaller, sliced veggies on the grill, use skewers or cook them in a sauté pan on the grill or over a grill mat to keep them safely away from the fire.
Read more: Before You Fire Up Your Grill, Here’s How to Make It Shine
Bacon
An outdoor griddle can handle strips of bacon, but a traditional grill isn’t the place to cook them.
James Bricknell/CNET
Bacon, even thick slabs of it, is another poor choice for the grill. Thinner bacon will be impossible to manage but even thick-cut bacon is so fatty that grease will drip through to the fire below and cause annoying, possibly dangerous, splatters and explosions.
Worse yet, you’ll have a seriously disgusting grill to clean up after. Instead, try this cleaner method for making bacon.
Breaded meat
Breaded food just doesn’t work on the grill.
David Watsky/CNET
You might be tempted to make grilled chicken or pork cutlets, but save that breaded meat for the air fryer, oven or sauté pan. Much of that coating will shake free from the food, and you’ll end up with a pile of burnt breading at the bottom of your grill.
Calzones
Making grilled pizza is a fine idea but calzones are a trickier business.
Ooni
Pizza on the grill is an excellent idea, but the pie’s puffier cousin won’t work quite as well. Because of a calzone’s thickness and shape, it’s difficult to get the inside cooked without burning the doughy shell. The innards are also likely to spill out and leak down into the grates, creating a greasy, cheesy mess to clean up later.
Instead, use a pizza oven to cook perfect calzones in mere minutes and save yourself from carb-related heartbreak.
For more kitchen tips, read our guide to the best cheap steak cuts and the seven surprising foods I only make in the air fryer and the
CNET recommends Sparklight as Nampa’s best internet service provider because of the ISP’s wide availability, low introductory pricing and fast speeds. Almost every household in Nampa has access to high-speed internet from Sparklight, with plans priced between $35 and $75 per month and speeds ranging from 100 to 1,000 megabits per second.
If you’re looking for a more affordable plan, Sparklight also offers a $35 plan, which is the cheapest internet option in Nampa. However, if you rent equipment, the $14 fee will increase the overall price to $49 per month (after auto pay discount), which might be too steep, especially when considering it’s almost as much as Quantum Fiber’s cheapest plan.
You’ll have to consider your internet needs before choosing between Sparklight and Quantum Fiber. The latter’s cheapest plan offers speeds up to 500Mbps, starting at $50 per month with no added equipment fees and no data caps, plus a price-for-life guarantee that secures your rate for as long as you have the plan. That being said, if Quantum Fiber isn’t available to provide internet at your address, you can always turn to CenturyLink.
Keep in mind that DSL service is quite slow, so in most cases, you may want to opt for a different fixed wireless provider — or go with Sparklight if price isn’t a concern. If you’re going with a fixed wireless service, we recommend Rise Broadband, which has the best fixed wireless coverage in the area. T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet may also be available at your address.
Best internet in Nampa, Idaho
Nampa, Idaho, internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Anthem Broadband
Fixed wireless
$70-$115
15-50Mbps
None
None
None
N/A
CenturyLink Read full review
DSL
$55
20-100Mbps
$17 (optional)
None
None
6.7
Quantum Fiber
Fiber
$50-$95
500-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
6.7
Rise Broadband Read full review
Fixed wireless
$45-$55
25-200Mbps
$10
None
None
6.2
Sparklight Read full review
Cable
$35-$60
300-940Mbps
$14 (optional)
5TB soft cap
None
6.9
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans and online discount)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (3 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Nampa?
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Sparklight 100 Read full review
$35
100Mbps
$14 (optional)
Sparklight 300 Read full review
$45
300Mbps
$14 (optional)
Rise 50Mbps Unlimited Read full review
$45
50Mbps
$10 (mostly included)
Quantum Fiber
$50
500Mbps
None
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
318Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
300Mbps
None
Sparklight 500 Read full review
$55
500Mbps
$14 (optional)
CenturyLink Unlimited Read full review
$55
100Mbps
$17 (optional)
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Getty Images
How to find internet deals and promotions in Nampa
The best internet deals and top promotions in Nampa depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Nampa internet providers, such as Sparklight, may offer lower introductory pricing for a limited time. Many, however, including CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber and Rise Broadband, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Fastest internet plans in Nampa
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Quantum Fiber
$95
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review
$70 ($55 with eligible mobile plans)
1,000Mbps
75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Quantum Fiber
$75
940Mbps
940Mbps
None
Fiber
Sparklight 1 Gig Read full review
$60
940Mbps
50Mbps
5TB soft cap
Cable
Sparklight 600Mbps Read full review
$45
600Mbps
30Mbps
5TB soft cap
Cable
Quantum Fiber 500
$50
500Mbps
500Mbps
None
Fiber
T-Mobile All-In Home Internet Read full review
$70 ($55 with online discount)
415Mbps
55Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Rise Broadband 200 Unlimited Read full review
$55
200Mbps
25Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Nampa
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis) and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet providers in Nampa, Idaho, FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Nampa?
Sparklight is the best internet service provider in Nampa. The cable internet provider has the best coverage in the area, available to almost 99% of households, according to the FCC. It also has the cheapest internet plan and the fastest max download speeds. Sparklight is one of the only ISPs in the area with a data cap, but few households will come close to the generous 5TB cap, and there’s no fee for going over.
Is fiber internet available in Nampa?
Fiber internet is available to around 50% of Nampa households, or approximately 13,500 residences, according to the most recent FCC data. Serviceability is in the city center along Roosevelt Avenue and to the north, though fiber internet can be found in select neighborhoods throughout the city. Quantum Fiber is the largest fiber-optic internet provider in Nampa.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Nampa?
Sparklight has the cheapest internet plan in Nampa, starting at $35 per month for speeds up to 300Mbps. For $10 more per month, Sparklight offers a 600Mbps plan. It’s worth noting, however, that a $14 rental fee may apply if you choose to rent equipment from Sparklight.
Which internet provider in Nampa offers the fastest plan?
Quantum Fiber offers the fastest internet speeds in Nampa with its symmetrical 2,000Mbps plan that costs $95 per month. It also offers a 940Mbps plan, matched by Sparklight in terms of download speeds, but Quantum Fiber breaks the tie with its equally fast upload speeds. Sparklight’s gig plan is initially cheaper at $60 per month compared to $75 from Quantum Fiber, but the plan comes with max upload speeds of 50Mbps whereas Quantum Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Verizon 5G Home Internet advertises download speeds up to 1,000Mbps, but that’s the highest end of a range that spans between 85 and 1,000Mbps. Slower speeds are likely, and the provider currently has limited coverage in the Nampa area.
The companies providing quotes may differ from those described in our independent reviews.
As energy bills climb, tax incentives become more generous and environmental concerns grow, more homeowners are turning to solar power. Spring brings longer days and more sunshine, so you might want to harness this increased solar potential. A recent CNET survey found that 78% of US adults are concerned about rising energy costs. If you’re considering solar panels for your home, you might be wondering which solar panels have the best efficiency ratings. Our CNET experts have found the market’s top performers with the highest efficiency ratings.
Best overall: Maxeon 7
The most efficient residential solar panel right now is the Maxeon 7, which dethroned the older Maxeon and Canadian Solar panels when it launched in February 2024. Maxeon has consistently remained ahead of its peers in the industry when it comes to solar panel efficiency for some time, and its newest offering had its record-setting efficiency metrics confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The 24.9% efficiency mark recorded in lab settings translates to about 24.1% in more realistic settings — essentially, what would be recorded if they were on your rooftop.
There’s one catch for American solar shoppers: The Maxeon 7 isn’t widely available in the US market yet, which means that it likely won’t be part of any rooftop solar system you might be installing right now. It was expected to have wide availability by the end of 2024, but the panels aren’t available just yet. It’s also worth noting that Maxeon announced a restructuring of its business portfolio in November. “The Company intends to focus exclusively on the US market where its market presence and planned local manufacturing footprint create a strong platform to drive growth and profitability,” per George Guo, Maxeon’s CEO.
Guo also said the company would focus its US strategy on creating a domestic solar panel supply chain. Reading between the lines here, Maxeon is on-shoring US manufacturing to get around potential tariffs and customs problems that may result from the election, though currently, it’s unclear if and how this will impact the availability of the Maxeon 7.
Nearly 25% is an eye-catching number, experts have told us that fixating on efficiency isn’t always the way to go, especially for someone looking into a residential installation. You’ll want to consider the whole output of a solar panel system and its total cost, not just the specs of an individual panel. Small jumps in efficiency might not be worth major leaps in your project costs, especially considering your price will be multiplying based on your solar panel system size. You may not want to wait for better or cheaper options, although solar tech keeps improving and installation costs are trending down. Still, if you have limited space — such as a small roof or a lot of shading — highly efficient panels could make sense. Maxeon 7 aside, here are the solar panels that perform the best.
New developments: JinkSolar, Longi Green and Trina Solar
Maxeon is no longer the sole manufacturer of more efficient residential solar panels. In a recent development, Jinko Solar’s new Tiger Neo 3.0 panels have reached a 24.8% efficiency, just 0.1% shy of the Maxeon 7’s lab results. It remains to be seen how that translates to real life, but the company is taking advantage of tunnel oxide passivated contact modules (TOPCon), which offer higher voltages and fill factors than cells with front-collecting emitters. The Tiger Neo 3.0 is available in two versions — a 495-watt panel for residential systems and a 670-watt panel for utility-scale projects.
Another Chinese company, Longi Green Energy, set a world record for an independently developed hybrid passivated back contact 2.0 module with a 25.4% conversion efficiency, significantly beating out both the Maxeon 7 and Tiger Neo 3.0, but it’s currently only being produced for commercial shipment.
Neither has anything for Trina Solar, which has set a world record for the 27th time, with an N-type TOPCon cell achieving 25.9% efficiency. This is the highest we’ve seen outside of lab tests from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, which achieved a 26.1% efficiency for a TOPCore solar cell, although this is more a proof of concept. Both sides-contacted solar cells may have the potential to reach efficiencies of up to 27%, although no results have been published yet.
What is solar panel efficiency?
Solar panels may all seem basically the same, but they’re different in at least a few key ways. One of those ways is the efficiency rating, which measures how much of the sun’s energy a panel’s solar cells turn into usable electricity. More efficient solar panels will generate more electricity than less efficient ones given the same amount of sunlight. Getting more electricity from the same amount of sunshine means you can further tamp down some of your energy costs over time.
“If something is 20% efficient, that means that 20% of the energy in that sunlight reaching the solar panel gets turned into moving electrons,” Daniel Ciolkosz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Pennsylvania State University, told CNET.
The 20% efficiency of some panels is much different than the nearly 25% efficiency of the Maxeon 7, for example. That means an extra 5% of the energy from the sunlight hitting the panel is getting turned into moving electrons — producing electricity.
Choosing the best solar panels for your home is a game of balancing solar panel cost, function (like efficiency) and perhaps even aesthetics, if that’s a variable that matters to you. Your choice is also limited by what solar equipment your chosen installer actually has available.
I’ve read dozens of spec sheets and talked to numerous industry experts about what matters for home installations. Ranking panels by their efficiency rating is a relatively straightforward task, I’ve also created the scoring methodology for the best solar panels and ranked them.
This list ranks the most efficient solar panels as identified by our mid-April 2024 survey of the specifications solar companies have publicly available. We’ll tell you which panels get top marks for turning sunlight into the most energy, and we’ll explain how much solar panel efficiency actually matters when it comes to residential rooftop solar.
Most efficient solar panels of 2025
SunPower
Maxeon’s newest residential panel is also its most efficient. It beats its nearest competitors by one full percentage point. It also has a temperature coefficient of -0.27%, which means it won’t slow down as much as others as temperatures rise. Maxeon also extends one of the strongest production guarantees, saying that its panels will still produce at 92% capacity after 25 years.
Avalon_Studio/iStock/Getty Images
Canadian Solar’s 470-watt model of its HiKu6 panel is the largest panel by watts on this list. (As models of the same panel series get larger, they get more efficient.) The HiKu6’s temperature coefficient of -0.29% and its 30-year guarantee of 87.4% of its production both come up just short of Maxeon’s best marks.
SunPower
Maxeon has sold its panels in the United States through SunPower and its subsidiary Blue Raven, although it could start selling through more installers after an exclusive relationship ended in March. The Maxeon 6’s efficiency mark matches what used to be the top mark. Its temperature coefficient and production warranty match those of the Maxeon 7.
SunPower
Maxeon’s third entry on the list has an energy coefficient of -0.27% and a maximum 25-year degradation of 8%.
imaginima/Getty Images
At -0.24%, REC’s Alpha Pure panel has the best temperature coefficient. It will lose less production at higher temperatures than other panels. Larger versions of specific solar panels are more efficient than smaller ones, and this is one of the largest panels on our list. It’s guaranteed to produce at 92% of its original capacity after 25 years.
imaginima/Getty Images
Qcells has been the most widely installed residential solar panel brand in the United States. This is their most efficient residential panel to date. It has a temperature coefficient of -0.3% and a 25-year production guarantee of 90.58%.
Bloomberg/Contributor
The Tiger Neo panel has a 22.52% maximum efficiency rating and a temperature coefficient of -0.29%. After 30 years Jinko guarantees the panel will produce 86.54%
Determining the highest solar panel efficiency is a pretty simple matter of tracking down manufacturer-provided data sheets and locating the efficiency numbers. Those numbers today are higher than in the not-too-distant past and keep creeping upward.
According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Tracking the Sun report, 2021 was the first year more than half the residential solar panels installed in the US had efficiency ratings above 20%. Ten years ago only 0.6% of those installed reached that mark.
Other solar panels we evaluated
If you’re looking for the most efficient solar panel for your roof, here’s how the most widely used brands on the market stack up.
It depends on the solar panel. The most efficient solar panels on our list top 24%, meaning they convert more than 24% of the available energy from sunlight into usable electricity. Not all solar panels hit that figure, and the ones you buy might fall below it. Be sure to examine not just efficiency, but the whole expected output of your solar panel system for the price.
These are just the most efficient residential solar panels. Experimental technology and panels designed for commercial and utility-scale applications can be even more efficient.
What affects solar panel efficiency?
The numbers listed above are obtained under controlled conditions in laboratory tests. In the real world, plenty of factors might cause you to receive less energy than a panel’s efficiency rating would suggest.
Sunlight: If the skies are hazy or cloudy, less sunlight will reach your panels and they’ll produce less electricity than expected.
Solar panel angle: Solar panels will work facing in most directions, but there’s an optimal angle and placement for your panels that depends largely on where you live.
Other electrical components: Power doesn’t flow straight from the panels into your toaster. Some will be lost along the way through the inverter and other electrical devices.
Temperature: Another factor affecting solar panels’ efficiency is their temperature. As solar panels get hot, they start to produce less energy, although not at the same rate. A solar panel’s temperature coefficient measures how much worse its production gets for every degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) it gets above 25C (77F).
Solar panels are installed at an angle to capture more of the sun’s energy.
Raimund Koch/Getty Images
For example, at 26C (79F) a REC Alpha Pure would produce 0.24% less energy than at 25 degrees. At 29C (84F), it would lose just shy of 1% of its production.
Solar panel efficiency by type
There are three main types of solar panels, and each converts sunlight into power at a different rate. Here’s a look at the three types:
Monocrystalline solar panels: Monocrystalline panels, which are made from a single silicon ingot sliced into thin wafers, are the most efficient, at 17% to 22%. They’re also fairly pricey, generally around $1 to $1.50 per watt. Almost all residential solar panels installed today are monocrystalline.
Polycrystalline solar panels: Polycrystalline panels generally range from 15% to 17%. They’re more affordable, usually between 90 cents and $1 per watt.
Thin-film solar panels: These panels are less expensive but also relatively inefficient. They’re typically used in commercial installations. They tend to be 10% to 13% efficient and cost between $1 and $1.50 per watt.
Is solar panel efficiency important?
All things being equal, it would make sense to choose a higher-efficiency solar panel over one with a lower rating. High-efficiency solar panels typically cost more than lower-rated ones, so making the best choice becomes a matter of balancing your financial goals with what your preferred installer offers and other considerations like brand and aesthetics.
“It’s just one part of the equation,” said Ciolkosz. “The bigger question for the end user is the economics and how it’s paying off.”
Is there a case where efficiency might be a worthwhile consideration?
“If you have one of those tiny homes on HGTV,” said Tom Beresnyak, a Pennsylvania State University extension educator.
If you’re limited by available space for solar panels, you might want to squeeze out as much solar energy as possible from that space, although if your state allows it, a community solar subscription still might be a better choice financially, Beresnyak said.
Can solar panels be 100% efficient?
No, but the panels listed here aren’t the most efficient solar panels ever made — just commercially available ones marketed for homes.
Research into solar cells (the energy-producing components that make up solar panels) has produced much higher efficiencies in the lab. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory tracks the highest efficiencies achieved in standardized lab conditions. The highest-ever solar cell efficiency was 47.6%, recorded in June 2022.
What should I consider when choosing a solar panel company?
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all solar setup, there’s no one-size-fits-all advice for choosing a solar company. The best approach is to get quotes from multiple installers before deciding. You should be aiming for at least three to five quotes from different companies before contracting with anyone. Choose the company that has offered you the best fit for your needs, you trust to do the work and has answered all your questions.
You should understand your energy usage before going solar and decide whether your goals are to completely replace that energy, save as much money as possible or achieve something else. From there, it’s a matter of measuring competing quotes against your goals.
Installers should definitely assess your roof condition because removing panels at a later date to replace a roof will be an additional cost. They should also be able to transparently answer questions about the system’s design and why they’re making their specific proposal.
“The installer can make a huge difference because the angle and the mount [are important for] maximizing what you have at that location — a skilled installer is still going to be the real key in your long term production,” Beresnyak said.
Read more: See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar backup generators.
How we chose and ranked the most efficient solar panels
The panels on this list were chosen because they’re some of the most commonly installed panels and are likely to appear on quotes for solar installations. If you’re quoted for panels that don’t appear on this list, you can check their efficiency rating and other specifications in the same way I did. Here’s how.
Solar panel manufacturers publish data sheets for solar panels, which detail their dimensions, performance metrics and internal chemistry. If your solar company doesn’t provide you with them, you can access them by clicking on the company name in the table above. (Many of the links lead to PDFs.) From there, it’s a simple matter of comparing statistics.
FAQ
What type of solar panels are most efficient?
Who produces the most efficient panels?
At the moment, the most efficient solar panels available on the residential market are made by Maxeon. Other companies like JinkoSolar, Trina Solar and Longi Green Energy are catching up, and technology continues to improve.
Are more efficient solar panels more expensive?
In general, yes. Specific pricing information for solar panels isn’t readily available, but higher-performance panels are typically more expensive. SunPower, which installs the most efficient panels, also started installing Qcells panels (the most frequently installed panels) to offer a more affordable option.
What does it mean if a solar panel has an efficiency of 20%?
That means the panel is converting 20% of the energy from the sunlight that hits it into electricity. Of residential solar panels currently available, 20% would rank favorably. The most efficient solar panels on the market are more than 22% efficient.
What is the maximum solar panel efficiency?
In the residential market, the most efficient solar panels come from Maxeon and are 24.1% efficient. Larger, utility-scale solar panels can be more efficient than residential panels and technology still in research phases has almost doubled that efficiency.
Wednesday Addams and her smirk will return to Netflix in August, set to plague our TV screens with gothic fun once more. The new installment will air in two parts with the first set of episodes streaming on Aug. 6, and the second batch on Sept. 3.
Netflix, perhaps intentionally, dropped a new sneak-peek teaser for season 2 on Wednesday, with Jenna Ortega back in the titular role and ready to do her “best work in the dark.” The trailer shows the macabre Addams daughter getting frisked by TSA in Newark, new classmates whose supernatural leanings remain to be seen, and family-favorite Uncle Fester. Sink into it below.
Tim Burton’s reboot became a smash hit with viewers when it debuted on the platform in 2022. According to Netflix, season 1 is the most-watched English-language TV series of all time on the platform, snatching the position from Stranger Things season 4. Both Burton and Ortega returned for season 2, and teamed up for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice last year.
The streamer’s upcoming new installment which features Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, Thandie Newton, Christopher Lloyd, Evie Templeton and Owen Painter among those joining the cast. Returning talent includes Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán as Wednesday’s parents, Morticia and Gomez Addams, with Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester and Moosa Mostafa, Emma Myers, Joy Sunday and Victor Dorobantu as Thing.
How do you add more to “unlimited”? As carriers offer unlimited talk, text and data on their wireless plans, Xfinity Mobile’s answer is to launch a new Premium Unlimited plan that includes high-resolution streaming, 30GB of fast hotspot data per month and, for customers chasing the latest phones, the ability to upgrade devices twice per year.
The Premium Unlimited plan is available now. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll get.
More perks for Premium
The Premium Unlimited Plan, which costs $30 per line on top of required Xfinity Internet service, includes unlimited full-speed data. That’s a boost over the regular Unlimited plan, which throttles data speeds after 30GB.
For mobile hotspot usage, the Premium Unlimited plan includes 30GB of data before speeds are reduced. By comparison, the Unlimited plan offers only slower speeds, although both plans give you unlimited hotspot data so you won’t be cut off.
Also unique to the Premium Unlimited plan is 4K resolution video streaming (the Unlimited plan serves up only 480p standard resolution) and Xfinity Call Guard service for intercepting spam calls.
Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network for 5G and 4G LTE cellular access, but also leans heavily on its installed base of home and business internet service with modems that double as public Wi-Fi hotspots. Both the Premium Unlimited and Unlimited plans feature WiFi PowerBoost, which can automatically hop onto a Wi-Fi connection and deliver faster speeds, up to 1GB, according to Xfinity.
The company states that more than 90% of mobile data traffic happens over Wi-Fi. If you’re connected at home (and your Xfinity service uses an XB7 or XB8 Gateway to route the data), your phone can get the faster speeds, even if you’re not paying for that level of bandwidth.
Stay on top of the newest phones
If you know someone who replaces their phone every year for the newest model, you can literally one-up them by being on the Premium Unlimited plan. The new Elite Upgrade option allows for twice-yearly phone upgrades with a “guaranteed new-device discount of up to $830 with an eligible trade-in,” according to the company.
For those switching from another carrier, Xfinity Mobile will pay up to $500 per line for as many as five lines to buy out existing contracts.
See more: Discover the Best Phones for 2025.
Your iPhone Wants These 11 Essential Accessories in the New Year
You’ll now be able to see the full cost of your Airbnb from the get-go, including any of those sneaky cleaning and service fees. The short-term rental company announced it will now automatically show the total cost of a rental before taxes.
The change comes ahead of a US Federal Trade Commission rule banning hidden fees, which is set to go into effect next month.
Airbnb has faced criticism over the years for advertising one price, then tacking on extra fees for cleaning and more during checkout. You could turn on the “total price display” option manually for the past two years, but now you’ll see the full price by default when browsing listings.
If you’re up late (or early) this week, there will be some dazzling activity going on in the sky that you can check out. The Lyrids meteor shower will reach its peak early Tuesday morning, when its barrage of space rocks meets the atmosphere in the eastern sky.
“You will begin to see Lyrids after 10 p.m. local time,” said Bill Cooke, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama “This year, the light from the crescent moon will not interfere too much with the viewing, but it is best to look away from the moon, preferably placing it behind you.”
Read more: Here’s a Look Ahead at the Year in Meteor Showers
From Earth, Lyrid meteors look unique because they usually don’t leave the glowing trails of dust that often come with meteor showers. However, Lyrid meteors often create occasional “fireballs,” or bright flashes in the sky.
You’ll see it better away from the city
City lights make it hard to see the sky’s natural features. So for the best chance to catch the Lyrids, head away from towns and suburbs to a dark sky in the country. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag, so you can comfortably gaze up.
For the best results, try not to look at your phone screen. The light from the device makes it harder for your eyes to adjust. All you need to do is stare up at the sky. TikTok will be there when you get back.
“In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors,” Cooke said.
The point where a meteor shower appears to originate from is called the radiant. To find the radiant of the Lyrids, look near the constellation Lyra, which is where the Lyrid meteor shower gets its name.
The brightest star in the Lyra constellation is Vega. It shines so bright that careful observers might even spot Vega in an area with light pollution. For the meteor shower tonight, look away from the radiant a bit, as the Lyrids will appear “longer and more spectacular from this perspective,” according to NASA.
“With the moonlight this year, any time after midnight will probably produce the same number of meteors,” Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Society, told CNET.
“This year the Lyrids will be somewhat tempered by a waning crescent moon that will rise near 3 a.m. for most folks,” Lunsford said. “The bright moonlight will obscure the fainter meteors, reducing the hourly count from the usual 10 to 15 down to 5 to 10.”
However, in the past, the Lyrids meteor shower, which visits Earth every April, has surprised lucky skywatchers with as many as 100 meteors per hour.
The bits of space rock that create the Lyrids come from comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, named for A. E. Thatcher, who discovered it in 1861. The Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers. Check out CNET’s full guide to the entire year in meteor showers.
There’s no worse way to wake up than stuck to your sheets and so overheated that you can feel the steam rise as you peel the covers back. Whether you naturally run hot or you live in a muggy climate, like me, on those horribly hot nights, we’ll do just about anything to stop flipping pillows and rolling over to find a cool spot on the mattress.
A pillow designed with cooling technology can be a game-changer, especially if its tech extends beyond a cooling cover into the pillow’s stuffing or foam. To find the best one, I tested dozens, considering each pillow’s cooling sensation, material, feel, firmness, sleeper type, price, size and different sleeping positions.
The best overall cooling pillow
The Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology made the top of my list due to its high-quality materials, comfort and truly cool-to-the-touch feel. The innovative materials used in this pillow include Casper’s unique Phase Change materials, HeatDelete bands and a CoolTouch Cover, all actively working to keep you cooler throughout the night.
I tested 25 cooling pillows from 20 top brands; the 12 pillows that made this list are the best cooling pillows on the market. I also included a few honorable mentions that might work better for your particular sleep setup.
Best cooling pillows of 2025
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology is the coolest pillow I have ever tested. That’s why it takes my pick for the best overall cooling pillow. Not only is the machine-washable cover cool to the touch but the inside of the pillow is made with perforated poly foam, polyester fibers and gel. It uses what Casper calls Snow Technology, which has phase-change material that remains temperature-neutral around your head and neck and allows for airflow.
The pillow is soft yet supportive, and I like how my head sinks a little into the poly foam — but not too far. In terms of firmness, I would say it is medium, and when you press your hand into the material, it returns to its original shape a bit faster than memory foam does. So no need for fluffing. The Casper Hybrid Pillow will support back, side and combination sleepers (those that switch between positions at night).
Sleeping position(s): Back, side and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch; coolest pillow I tested
Soft, machine-washable cover
Four layers of foam, fiber and gel with Snow Technology
Cons:
Over $100 for one pillow
Not for those who don’t like foam
Caroline Igo/CNET
GhostBed is known for its comfortable cooling mattress, and its cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow is no different. It’s made with a perforated gel memory foam core, a layer of phase-changing materials, an inner aerated mesh and a cover that’s truly cool to the touch. I like how the pillow conforms to my head and neck and feels cool on my face.
Compared to other cooling and memory foam pillows on the market, the GhostPillow Gel Memory Foam Pillow is very affordable — and not to mention, most pillows that claim to be cooling aren’t as cool to the touch as GhostBed’s. I think it’s a great value and can support back, side and combination sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back, side and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Machine-washable cover
Affordable; GhostBed often has sales
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Cooling cover is only on one side
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Pillow isn’t just the winner for the best cooling memory foam pillow — it’s also the best pillow for all sleeper types. There are two lofts available: high and low. A high loft is great for side sleepers, and a low loft is meant for back and stomach sleepers. Its hexagon-patterned cover is cool to the touch and can be removed and washed. The cover extends to the other side, but the hexagon side is the coldest.
The memory foam itself is perforated, and the top is infused with copper. This natural mineral helps to fight against mold, allergens and dust mites. I’m a huge fan of memory foam, and I like that this Brooklyn Bedding pillow allows me to switch between sleeping positions comfortably. Also, Brooklyn Bedding often has deals, so you can usually grab this pillow for under $99.
Sleeping position(s): Stomach and combination
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Machine-washable cover
Great for all sleeper types
Cons:
Over $100 for one pillow
On the thinner side
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Nest Easy Breather is one of the more supportive pillows on this list. The cover is cool to the touch, and the pillow is filled with shredded foam. If the pillow arrives too firm or too high for you, simply remove some of the fillings and fluff it back up. When it was filled to its maximum, I found that it supported my neck and head from sinking into the surface — which is great for side sleepers who don’t like the sinking feeling of memory foam.
I prefer the Nest Easy Breather to be a little less filled so I can comfortably switch from my side to my back. Also, I wouldn’t consider this a comfortable pillow for strict stomach sleepers, so you may have to remove almost all the fill. Check out the best cooling pillow for stomach sleepers instead.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Machine-washable cover
Adjustable loft
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Not for those who like to sink a little into pillows
Caroline Igo/CNET
I consider the Purple Harmony pillow to be a mini-version of the Purple Mattress. Both products contain a GelFlex grid layer that’s unique to Purple. This feature is flexible, supportive and slightly molding like memory foam. The Purple Harmony pillow also has a Talalay latex (a natural latex sourced from rubber trees) core that is perforated for airflow and won’t trap your body heat.
The machine-washable mesh cover is slightly cool to the touch but less cool than the Casper, GhostBed or Brooklyn Bedding pillows. With the Purple Harmony, its inside materials are more important and cooling than the cover. This pillow will support back and side sleepers comfortably.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Unique honeycombed-pattern grid
Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
Expensive
Not everyone will like the latex-grid feel
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Bear Pillow is another great pillow for back sleepers. Its cover is cool to the touch and made with what Bear calls Double Ice Fabric. At both ends of the pillow is a mesh that allows for more airflow. It’s also hypoallergenic and helps to stop mold, bacteria and dust mites. At its core, the Bear Pillow is made with a hybrid foam, which I consider halfway between bouncy latex foam and slow molding memory foam. I think it’s right down the middle of too firm and too soft. It’s also supportive enough for both back and side sleepers.
It should be noted that you can’t wash the Bear Pillow cover. Spot-clean only and use a light, breathable pillowcase.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Hypoallergenic
Contains perforated, hybrid foam
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Not for those who don’t like the bouncy feel of latex foam
Expensive at MSRP
Caroline Igo/CNET
If you’re a side sleeper, you should look for a pillow that’s high enough to keep your neck aligned during the night. It’s best to avoid using a pillow so soft that your head sinks because you’ll likely wake up with neck pain. The Layla Kapok is great for side sleepers because it’s high and firm enough to keep you from overextending your neck. The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam for optimal airflow, and it can even be adjusted by taking out the filling. If you are a back sleeper, just take out a bit of the Layla Kapok pillow’s filling, and it should be low and soft enough for you.
The fibers used in this pillow are lighter and more ventilated than cotton or wool, giving it that cooling sensation. As a side sleeper, I especially like the feel of this pillow. I like to sink a little bit, which the Layla Kapok allows, but it’s also supportive enough that I don’t hurt my neck during the night.
Sleeping position(s): Back, side and combination
Pros:
Adjustable (remove filling to your liking)
Plush and supportive
Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
Not cool to the touch
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Caroline Igo/CNET
Pillows for stomach sleepers are sometimes hard to come by. They must be supportive and low enough that you don’t overextend your neck at night. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is a great example of a pillow that supports the neck and is low enough for strict stomach sleepers. Made of bamboo fabric and 100% mulberry silk, this Cozy Earth pillow uses the lightest and coolest materials to keep you from overheating at night. And you can feel it. I love how soft it feels to the touch.
While the cover isn’t cool like the Casper, GhostBed or Brooklyn Bedding pillows, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow makes up for it with quality. Its premium materials prevent pilling, making the pillow last a long time.
I think this pillow would also be comfortable for back and combination sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Stomach and combination
Pros:
Filling is 100% mulberry silk
Cover is 100% bamboo fabric
Only made with breathable materials
Cons:
Not cool to the touch
Most expensive
Caroline Igo/CNET
Coop Sleep Goods has recently become popular for its cooling products. Its Eden Pillow continues to top lists of cooling pillows, and if you thought that pillow was cool — it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the newer, cooler version of the Eden Pillow. This pillow has a similar cool-to-the-touch cover and now features a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused memory foam. The filling is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified. One side claims to be cooler and firmer than the other, but I didn’t feel that when testing.
One of the best features of this pillow is that it’s adjustable. It comes with extra filling, as well as an option to pull the filling out. Make it as firm or soft, high or low as you desire. I filled mine with a little more than the way it came. I like that the memory foam contours and lets you sink a little into the pillow, regardless of how much you fill it.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Adjustable and hypoallergenic
Machine-washable cover
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Not for those who don’t like to sink a little into pillows
Caroline Igo/CNET
If you’re conscientious about your bedding and where the material comes from, look no further than Birch. This brand is organic, eco-friendly and natural. Birch’s Organic Pillow is made with a 100% organic GOTS-certified cotton cover, and while it isn’t cool to the touch, it’s breathable. The core is made of a 100% organic cotton outer layer filled with shredded latex. That core is then wrapped with 100% organic, GOTS-certified wool that helps to wick away moisture.
I love that this pillow doesn’t feel lumpy, and it would be very supportive for back and side sleepers.
The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow comes in three shapes: classic, contour and ultimate. I tested the classic for this review, which is best for back sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, I recommend the contour and all sleeper types should like the ultimate, as it can be customized to fit any sleeper. Regardless of the shape, the Sleep Number pillow is cool to the touch and contains 37.5 technology, which refers to material embedded with volcanic minerals that wick away moisture.
The fill is 100% foam, and I think it feels like a poly foam that isn’t too soft. It supports your head and neck without sinking too much into the foam.
Sleeping position(s): Back
Pros:
Cool to the touch
Comes in classic, contour and ultimate shapes
Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
Not for strict stomach sleepers
Side sleepers should choose the contour shape
Caroline Igo/CNET
The softest and thinnest pillow on this list belongs to the Saatva Latex Pillow. It’s available in two lofts: standard and high. Back and stomach sleepers should go with the standard loft, while side and combination sleepers should choose the high loft. For this review, I tested the standard loft.
This pillow reminds me of a luxury hotel pillow that isn’t overstuffed with filling. It is made with a cotton cover (that isn’t cool to the touch) and filled with certified organic cotton, plush, down-like fibers and a shredded natural latex core. The material is breathable and hypoallergenic, which fights bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites. The cotton cover is also machine washable.
Sleeping position(s): Back, stomach, side and combination
During my testing, I considered each pillow’s cooling sensation, material, feel, firmness, sleeper type, price and size. I then slept on each pillow for one to two nights (in addition to daytime-lounging testing). I’m a side sleeper, but I also tried different sleeping positions with each cooling pillow to determine the most comfortable sleeping position.
You won’t find a pillow that will stay ice cold for the entire night (at least not yet), these cooling pillows contain temperature-neutral materials that won’t retain any of your body heat. Some have a cool-to-touch feel that I’ve noted below, but be aware that the pillow won’t feel that cool all night.
It’s worth mentioning that the pillowcase you use will affect the cooling sensation of any pillow. If you’re a hot sleeper and use flannel or heavy material pillowcases, I suggest switching to silk, bamboo or cotton if you want the most out of your cooling pillow.
Other cooling pillows tested
Caroline Igo/CNET
Here are my honorable mentions. While these pillows didn’t make my initial list, I still wanted to highlight these five for some of their cooling features. One of these pillows might work best for you.
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam pillow is my favorite of the honorable mentions. This pillow is made of shredded foam that can be taken out and adjusted to your liking. Its cover is soft, machine-washable, and made of Oeko-Tex-certified bamboo blend fibers. The best part is that one box comes with two queen-size pillows.
I found the pillow to be between the soft Helix pillow and the firmer Marlow pillow below. You sink into it, but not too much. My only complaint with this pillow is that it’s not cool to the touch, and some sleepers might find it too lumpy.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Caroline Igo/CNET
I sleep on Brooklinen sheets every night, so I’m a big fan of the brand. This was the first Brooklinen pillow I’ve ever tested. The Marlow Pillow is made of memory foam and polyester fiber, and the outside cover is made of 100% cotton. You can’t remove any filling to adjust the firmness to your liking, the pillow comes with two zippers (one at the top and one at the bottom) that do just that. You won’t notice a huge difference.
I found the Marlow Pillow to be more supportive than a pillow made with shredded memory foam. You won’t sink, but it might be too firm for some sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back and combination
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Lagoon Otter Pillow is the definition of versatile. The fill is made with shredded gel-infused memory foam, and the cover is polyester and bamboo. While the pillow arrives prefilled with foam, there’s extra foam available and an extra pouch for any fill that you wish to take out. The pillow feels soft, but it’s not cool to the touch.
Lagoon claims that this pillow is for all sleeper types, but my testing didn’t agree. It is great for back and side sleepers, but to sleep comfortably on your stomach, you would have to take out nearly all the fill. For the price and effort, it might be worth it to get a pillow designed for stomach sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Caroline Igo/CNET
The Sijo Support Pillow is for those who like pillows that are firmer, bouncy and supportive. It isn’t for memory foam lovers — like myself. The inside is made entirely of perforated Talalay latex foam, and the outside shell is made of a blend of eucalyptus fibers. The pillow is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, hypoallergenic and made of environmentally sustainable materials.
It isn’t cool to the touch, but the pillow is made of all the right temperature-neutral materials. My head hardly sinks at all on top of this pillow. It’s also a light pillow for how dense it feels.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Factors to consider when choosing a cooling pillow
Sleeping position
Different sleeping positions require different types of pillows. Stomach sleepers should look for softer and thinner pillows, while side sleepers need a firmer and higher pillow. Back sleepers require a pillow that is somewhere in the middle.
Price
Pillows can be expensive. Oftentime, you can find a great foam pillow for around $50 to $100. Pillows with higher-quality materials (such as silk or bamboo) may well be over $150 or $200. Regardless, stick to your budget.
Material
The best cooling pillows will be made out of latex, foam, silk, cotton or bamboo. Steer clear of pillows made solely of non-gel, non-perforated memory foam, as this material will retain heat.
Height
Pillows with a high loft (about five inches) are made for side sleepers. If you are a stomach or back sleeper, look for pillows that have a low loft or height (under five inches).
Size
While the average pillow comes in a standard size, you can often choose a queen or king size.
Best cooling pillows compared
Price
Size(s)
Firmness
Materials
Machine-washable?
Hypoallergenic?
Trial Period
Warranty
Casper Hybrid Pillow
$149
Standard, King
Medium
Poly foam
Cover only
Not specified
30-nights
10-year limited
GhostPillow
$55
Standard, Queen
Medium
Gel memory foam
Cover only
Yes
101-nights
5-years
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
$129
Queen, King
Medium
Memory foam
Cover only
Yes
30-days
3-years
Nest Easy Breather Pillow
$119
Standard, Queen, King, Side Sleeper
Adjustable
Shredded foam
Cover only
Not specified
30-nights
2-years
Purple Harmony
$199
Standard, King
Medium
Latex
Cover only
Yes
100-nights
1-years
Bear Pillow
$125
Standard, King
Medium
Latex and memory “hybrid” foam
No
Yes
30-nights
2-years
Layla Kapok
$109
Queen, King
Adjustable
Shredded memory foam
No
Not specified
120-nights
5-years
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
$299
Standard, King
Medium
Silk and bamboo
No
Yes
100-day
10-years
Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow
$139
Queen, King
Adjustable
Shredded memory foam
Cover only
Yes
100-nights
5-years
Birch Organic Pillow
$149
Standard, King
Medium
Cotton, wool and latex
No
Yes
100-nights
1-year
Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
$110
Standard, King
Medium to Medium-firm
Foam
Cover only
Yes
100-nights
1-year
Saatva Latex Pillow
$165
Queen, King
Medium-soft
Cotton and shredded latex
Cover only
Yes
45-days
1-year
Some cooling pillows claim to stay cool all night, but this is rarely the case, even for those that feel cool to the touch. It’s what’s inside the pillow that is doing the work — not the cooling cover layer.
These types of pillows use a material that won’t retain body heat and remain temperature-neutral. The cool-to-the-touch cover is an added bonus and may keep you feeling cool for a while, but it will eventually fade. Its filling will keep you from sweating during the night.
Out of all the pillows that I tested, I found that the is the coldest pillow on the market. It made the top of my list due to its high-quality materials, comfort and truly cool feel.
There’s no such thing as a pillow that will stay ice cold all night long, but there are a few things you can do to ensure it stays as cool as possible at night. One, make sure your cooling pillow has the right pillowcase on it. I suggest using a bamboo, silk or light pillowcase to truly feel the cool cover. This material also won’t retain body heat. Secondly, you can freeze your pillowcases and even your sheets before you go to bed. Lastly, choose a pillow that’s made of perforated foam, gel, latex, bamboo, silk or cotton.
Yes, using a pillowcase is essential for maintaining your pillow’s longevity, by keeping your pillow clean and protected. If you’re worried that adding a pillowcase to your cooling pillow will lessen its cooling effects, take a look at some of the best cooling sheets.
Most cooling pillows should be replaced every couple of years, depending on the quality of the materials and how well you maintain them. Memory foam and latex cooling pillows typically last longer, up to three years. Your pillow will show some signs when it’s time to replace it, like decreased cooling effect, noticeable lumps or flattening, persistent odors despite cleaning, visible staining or waking with new neck pain or headaches. To extend your cooling pillow’s lifespan, use a protective pillowcase, wash the cover regularly according to manufacturer instructions and avoid folding or crushing the pillow during storage.
After roughly two years, season 2 of The Last of Us is finally here — and thankfully so. The video game adaptation won over fans in its first season, and the second installment looks set to do the same.
Instead of kicking off where the first season ended, The Last of Us jumps ahead five years to see how — and if — the relationship between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) has weathered the proverbial storm. A lot can change in half a decade, but curing the Cordyceps virus isn’t one of them. In fact, the infection has only spread further, making America’s landscape even deadlier.
Video game fans should take note: This new season of The Last of Us will not recreate the original subject matter beat-by-beat. Writer, director and executive producer Neil Druckmann discussed the reasons for this creative choice during a virtual press conference for the series, which CNET attended.
Empathy is the first reason — building an emotional connection with certain characters and their storylines required altering the narrative structure to create stakes for the audience. That connection comes more naturally when you’re stepping into a character’s shoes while playing the game.
Timing is the other reason. “If we were to stick to a very similar timeline, viewers would have to wait a very, very long time to get that context,” Druckmann said. Context is key, and, by all accounts, this strategy is working. Season 1 broke viewership ratings, and, just days before the Season 2 premiere, HBO renewed The Last of Us for a third season.
Gabriel Luna, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Catherine O’Hara and Rutina Wesley also star in the series. Read on to learn when to stream and the episode release schedule for The Last of Us Season 2.
Read more: Max Streaming Service Review: Loads of Content, but You Have to Make It Fit You
Screenshot by Aaron Pruner/CNET
When you can watch The Last of Us Season 2
The Last of Us Season 2’s second episode, Through the Valley, will air on Sunday, April 20, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. The remaining five episodes of the season will air weekly on Sundays until the finale, which will air on May 25.
James Martin/CNET
If you want to keep up with all the drama in The Last of Us and don’t have HBO, a subscription to Max is necessary. There are two plan options to choose from: the ad-supported tier for $10 a month and the ad-free one for $17 per month. If you’re looking to upgrade to 4K picture quality, the Ultimate plan is available for $21 per month.
Additionally, a megabundle that includes Hulu, Disney+, and Max is available. The ad-supported version costs $17 a month, while the ad-free version is $30 a month.
CNET’s top provider pickfor most Arlington households is Xfinity. In addition to providing service to most addresses in the city, Xfinity also offers the fastest plan in Arlington. For $115 per month, customers can reach download speeds up to 2 gigabits per second, with no data caps or monthly equipment charges. Providers like Verizon Fios and T-Mobile are solid picks for home internet, too, depending on availability.
Verizon Fios, Verizon 5G and T-Mobile all tie for the cheapest plan in the area, starting at $50 or $35 if you have an eligible phone plan with the provider. Verizon’s 5G and fiber plans offer slightly better download speeds at up to 300Mbps.
Best internet in Arlington, Virginia
Arlington internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon Fios Read full review
Fiber
$50-$110
300-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.6
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying mobile plans)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Xfinity Read full review
Cable/Fiber
$55-$115
300-2,000Mbps
$15 (optional)
None
1 year on some plans
7
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Arlington?
Provider
Starting monthly price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
245Mbps
None
Verizon Fios 300 Read full review
$50
300Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
300Mbps
None
Xfinity X-300 Read full review
$55
300Mbps
$15 (optional)
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Arlington
The best internet deals and top promotions in Arlington depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Arlington internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Verizon and T-Mobile, run the same standard pricing year-round.
How many members of your household use the internet?
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images
Fastest internet plans in Arlington
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Xfinity Gigabit X-2Gig Read full review
$115
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Cable/Fiber
Verizon Fios 2 Gig Read full review
$110
2,000Mbps
1,500Mbps
None
Fiber
Verizon 5G Home Plus Read full review
$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan)
1,000Mbps
75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Xfinity X-G Read full review
$85
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Cable/Fiber
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review
$90
940Mbps
880Mbps
None
Fiber
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Arlington
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet providers in Arlington FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Arlington?
Xfinity is Arlington’s best internet provider due to its wide coverage map, variety of plans and blazing-fast speeds.
Is fiber internet available in Arlington?
Yes. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber provider in Arlington, but select households may also be serviceable for fiber connectivity under Xfinity.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Arlington?
The cheapest internet plans in Arlington start at $50 from T-Mobile, Verizon Fios and Verizon 5G. Verizon offers slightly faster speeds, with downloads up to 300Mbps, but both providers give a $15 discount to residents with eligible phone plans.
Which internet provider in Arlington offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity offers the fastest plan in Arlington: 2 gigabits or 2,000Mbps, for $115 monthly.
League leaders Barcelona host European qualification candidates Celta Vigo today as the home side continue their pursuit of a 28th La Liga title.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if it’s not available where you are.
Currently four points clear of title rivals Real Madrid, Barca made it through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in midweek, despite losing 3-1 away at Dortmund, leaving them on course for an historic treble.
They face a Celta Viga side that have won plenty of admirers for their entertaining, counter attacking style under boss Claudio Giraldez this term and remain in contention for a top six finish.
Barcelona takes on Celta Vigo at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Saturday, April 19. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. CET local time, making it a 10:15 a.m. ET and 7:15 a.m. PT start in the US, a 3:15p.m. GMT start in the UK and a 12:15 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world.
Claudio Giraldez’s Celta Viga held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos back in November.
Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How to watch Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in the US without cable
This match is available to stream in the US via ESPN Plus, which has live English- and Spanish-language broadcast rights for La Liga in the US.
ESPN Plus
How to watch La Liga from anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the Spanish soccer action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in the UK
Premier Sports is showing a minimum of five live matches per week from Spain’s top league on its Premier Sports 1 and 2 channels, as well as its dedicated La Liga platform. This game will be shown exclusively live on Premier Sports Player and La Liga TV.
Premier Sports
A subscription to just Premier Sports’ dedicated La Liga channel costs £8 a month.
You can also get the channel via a full subscription to Premier Sports, giving you access to all of the networks’ channels, which have the UK broadcast rights to Scottish Premiership matches, BKT United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup rugby, plus NHL and Nascar.
A full Premier Sports subscription costs £10 per month for Sky and Virgin TV customers. You can also get Premier Sports through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on for £15 a month.
Livestream Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in Canada
TSN is the rights holder for live coverage of La Liga matches in the region, with select fixtures being shown on its linear channels and a wider selection of games being shown on its TSN Plus streaming platform. This match is set to be shown on TSN 2 and TSN Plus.
TSN
TSN Plus is a direct-streaming service that costs CA$8 a month and also offers coverage of PGA Tour Live golf, NFL games, F1, Nascar and the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
Livestream Barcelona vs. Celta Viga in Australia
Footy fans down under can watch La Liga matches live on BeIn Sports, which holds the live broadcast rights in Australia for Spanish top-flight matches. This match is set to be shown on BeIn Sports 2.
BeIn Sports
BeIn Sports is available in Australia for AU$15 a month or a yearly commitment of AU$130.
Quick tips for streaming La Liga using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming La Liga matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Tesla is hitting the brakes on its next big EV launch. The company is now planning to delay the US release of its more affordable Model Y, internally code-named E41, until late 2025 or early 2026, according to a Reuters report. That’s a notable shift from Tesla’s earlier pledge to start building budget-friendly vehicles in the first half of 2025.
Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The new model is expected to be a stripped-down version of the current Model Y, optimized to be about 20% cheaper to build. With the standard Model Y starting at around $49,000 before tax credits, this upcoming variant could push Tesla deeper into the mainstream EV market, if it ever arrives. Tesla hopes to produce 250,000 of the new SUVs in the US by 2026 and plans to expand production to China and Europe later on. A lower-cost Model 3 is also in the works.
Read more: EV Sales Increased by More Than 10% in the US Despite Tesla Sales Dropping
Tesla has floated a $25,000 EV for years, but focus has increasingly shifted toward its long-promised robotaxi platform. Though CEO Elon Musk hasn’t officially scrapped the low-cost model, Tesla’s priorities appear to have changed as the company looks to maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive EV market, especially as Chinese brands push out cheaper, feature-packed alternatives.
Tesla is also navigating a rougher policy landscape. Even with Musk’s ties to the current Trump administration, the company has had to shift its supply chain strategy in response to a 25% tariff Trump placed on imported vehicles and auto parts. That’s putting extra pressure on Tesla to localize production and keep costs down, especially for a car meant to be affordable.
With delays stacking up and the affordable EV space getting more crowded by the day, Tesla’s window to stay ahead might be narrowing. Whether it can deliver the right products at the right price, before the competition does, is the big question.
After deciding to move — yet again — in hopes of finding a home that better suits my needs and desire for space, I wanted to navigate new platforms that could support my search, instead of falling back on all the old rental apps.
I was looking for something to ease the stress of moving — ideally using artificial intelligence to simplify the housing search.
During my search, I found Rentberry, which I initially gravitated towards for its bright user experience design and simplified desktop functionality.
What is Rentberry, and how does it use AI?
Rentberry is a home rental platform for tenants and landlords founded in 2015 aimed at streamlining the long-term rental process with a more efficient, transparent model that positions landlords and tenants together.
The platform offers rental listings in over 60 countries (though its rent collection feature is only available where its payment partner, Stripe, operates, in 44 countries).
Rentberry uses AI across three areas of its business:
Tenant screening: to analyze rental applications (credit reports, social media data and rental history).
AI-generated property descriptions: an AI-powered description generator that assists landlords by highlighting key features and amenities.
AI-powered matching: a feature to recommend properties that match your specific preferences, including budget, location, amenities and desired features. Like other generative AI platforms, it adapts to your input over time.
In the time I’ve spent living in two major cities, I’ve become acquainted with nine different search platforms and apps when looking for housing. Now that I’m reentering the market, I don’t really know where to start. But given how much AI has helped me streamline other tasks, I figured combining it with Rentberry’s thoughtful design and user experience was worth a try.
How to use Rentberry AI for your home search
A search of rental properties in Los Angeles.
Rentberry / Screenshot by CNET
This is how to set up and use Rentberry as either a tenant or landlord:
First, download the Rentberry app (available on iOS or Google Play), or continue on to the website. Once on your desired platform, sign up with an email address or Google or Facebook account. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.
Time to set up your profile. This looks a bit different depending on whether you’re a tenant or landlord. For tenants: you’ll be prompted to provide details like name, number, email address and a profile picture for credibility. For landlords: you can provide property details, a rent amount and details about viewing the property. There’s also space to upload documents like an agreement or proof of ownership (also for credibility purposes).
Time to search. As a tenant, enter your desired location, budget, number of rooms and other preferences — like pet-friendly, furnished or desired amenities. Rentberry uses AI algorithms to recommend properties that match your specific preferences, including budget, location, amenities and other features.
When you’ve found a rental you like, Rentberry’s AI can analyze your profile and automatically match it to suitable rental listings, allowing you to instantly apply for properties that are more likely to meet the landlord’s criteria. I appreciated how it gave me time back during the search, so I could focus on the daunting process of applying for a place. Rentberry’s AI helps here by evaluating your application details and sharing the chance of being accepted by landlords — plus suggestions for application improvement.
Rentberry also offers a robust Help Center, with articles on using the app for automatic rental payments and tenant or landlord needs. I found this helpful to better understand what issues past users have run into and for tips for using AI as part of the process, like how to list a property on its platform.
Should you use Rentberry?
Anyone who is tech-savvy can benefit from Rentberry. If you’re a millennial or Gen Z tenant — specifically in fast-paced rental markets — its AI-powered property matching and personalized alerts can save you time and stress.
Property owners and landlords who want to streamline the rental process will likely find Rentberry valuable, too (again, if they’retech-savvy), particularly its automated lease agreements and built-in tenant screening tools (just make sure to double-check everything).
While not a primary focus, I can even see real estate agents who focus on rental properties leveraging Rentberry as a tech-forward service that caters to modern expectations.
However, traditional renters or landlords who prefer more hands-on, in-person interactions might not feel as comfortable with Rentberry’s digital approach. As someone who got comfortable with technology through repetition, I’d say Rentberry has a bit of a learning curve for those who don’t use tech regularly.
Here’s why: The platform thrives on automation, with AI analyzing everything from lease terms to payment reminders — Rentberry’s differentiator from its competitors is AI. While you don’t have to completely understand its functionality to benefit from its experience, generative technology moves fast. Rentberry focuses on more than browsing or listing, as it supports faster, more efficient decisions.
What I took away from my search is that Rentberry’s AI works like a matchmaker to connect tenants to listings and landlords to tenants. It uses generative technology to simplify the process and bundle features within one space. If you crave a smarter, faster and simpler way to find housing, this is a great tool. It points to the future of the market, offering customization and AI-powered support.
If you’re looking for the best internet provider in Greensboro, you’ll need to consider a few factors, including budget, speed and overall availability. Some providers may offer top speeds but aren’t budget-friendly; others may be affordable but not available at your address. CNET’s experts have tested available internet providers to help you find the best option to fit your needs. AT&T Fiber stands out as the best ISP in Greensboro due to its local fiber coverage, fast plans and high customer satisfaction. AT&T Fiber also offers a fast 5,000 megabits per second internet plan in Greensboro and free equipment rental, a perk not available from all internet providers in the area.
Fellow fiber internet provider, Lumos Fiber, has the fastest speeds of any major provider in the area, with plans ranging from 500Mbps to 8,000Mbps.
If fiber internet is unavailable at your address, Spectrum is your best bet for wired internet with coverage spanning 92% of Greensboro, according to the Federal Communications Commission. As CNET’s top pick for cable internet, it’s not a bad option to consider, especially if you’re interested in cheap internet. Spectrum internet starts at $50 a month, tied for the cheapest in the area, for speeds up to 500Mbps.
Aside from fiber internet and cable service from Spectrum, fixed wireless internet from Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet is easy to recommend for internet in Greensboro. Both providers include free equipment, unlimited data and no contracts, plus an added discount for qualifying mobile customers.
Greensboro internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Read full review
DSL, fiber
$55 DSL, $65-$255 fiber
10-100Mbps DSL, 300-5,000Mbps fiber
None
None
None
7.4
Lumos Fiber
Fiber
$50-$240
500-8,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
N/A
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
Free modem, $10 router rental (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$55-$75 ($40 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$60-$80 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What other internet options are there in Greensboro?
Other than T-Mobile Home Internet, there are few options for home internet outside of the ones included in the list above. Here’s a brief look at what to expect from other Greensboro ISPs.
How many members of your household use the internet?
T-Mobile Home Internet: Expected speeds range between 72 to 245Mbps. That’s slower than most Greensboro ISPs, but the straightforward pricing — no equipment rental fees, data caps or contracts — plus the $10 or $20 discount for T-Mobile voice customers, makes it an option worth considering.
Satellite internet: Yes, satellite internet is the only other option for broadband in Greensboro. While Hughesnet recently increased its speeds, Viasat dropped its data caps and Starlink is showing promise as a high-speed ISP, there are too many better internet options in Greensboro to consider satellite internet.
Getty Images
Greensboro broadband at a glance
Greensboro is similar to other major North Carolina cities when it comes to broadband options and available speeds. Most homes will have the choice of two or more wired internet providers. Cable internet from Spectrum is a popular choice, as is fiber internet from Lumos and AT&T.
Nearly 95% of local households are serviceable for internet speeds of 250Mbps down and 25Mbps up, while speeds of 1,000Mbps down and 100Mbps up are available to more than half the city.
Internet pricing in Greensboro
The average starting price for home internet in Greensboro is around $53 a month, not including taxes and additional fees. Spectrum and Lumos Fiber are tired for the lowest starting price at $50 monthly. Both providers offer download speeds up to 500Mbps for the price, but you’ll get faster uploads with Lumos Fiber.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Greensboro?
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Lumos Fiber 500
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$55 ($40 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$60 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
50-300Mbps
None
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review
$65
300Mbps
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Greensboro
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Greensboro depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Greensboro internet providers such as Lumos Fiber may offer lower introductory pricing for a limited time. Many, including AT&T Fiber and Spectrum, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Greensboro broadband?
Recent Ookla speed test data ranked Greensboro 45th fastest among major US cities with median download speeds of 234Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) North Carolina cities of Charlotte, Durham and Raleigh ranked higher (Raleigh ranked number one overall at 290Mbps), but Greensboro’s speed results are still impressive.
Fastest internet plans in Greensboro
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Lumos Fiber 8000
$240
8,000Mbps
8,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 5000 Read full review
$255
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Lumos Fiber 5000
$180
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 2000 Read full review
$155
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Lumos Fiber 2000
$100
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 1000 Read full review
$90
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Lumos Fiber 1000
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review
$80 ($45 with eligible mobile plans)
85-1,000Mbps
50-75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Greensboro
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet in Greensboro recap
Wherever you are or are moving to in Greensboro, Spectrum is likely to be an option. The ISP is a popular choice due to its decent speeds and low introductory pricing, but before you commit to cable internet, check to see if fiber internet is available at your address. Lumos Fiber and AT&T Fiber offer faster speeds and lower standard pricing.
If you’re looking for an alternative to cable or fiber service, consider wireless internet from Verizon 5G Home Internet or T-Mobile Home Internet. The latter has greater availability in the Greensboro area, but Verizon 5G Home Internet has lower pricing and a faster speed range.
Internet providers in Greensboro FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Greensboro?
AT&T Fiber is Greensboro’s best internet provider for several reasons. As the area’s largest fiber provider, AT&T Fiber offers fast, symmetrical speeds to nearly half of the city’s residences. Service includes free equipment rental, unlimited data and no contract requirements.
Is fiber internet available in Greensboro?
Yes. Approximately 55% of Greensboro households are wired for fiber internet, according to the FCC. Serviceability is greatest in the Westridge Heights, Clinton Hills and Beechcroft communities, although fiber connections are available in random neighborhoods throughout the city. AT&T Fiber is the largest fiber provider in Greensboro, but local provider Lumos Fiber also contributes to the city’s fiber coverage.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Greensboro?
Spectrum and Lumos Fiber have the lowest monthly rates for internet in Greensboro at $50. Both providers include speeds up to 500Mbps for the price, and renting a router will add $10 to your monthly bill with both.
Which internet provider in Greensboro offers the fastest plan?
Lumos Fiber has the fastest internet plan in Greensboro with symmetrical speeds up to 8,000Mbps (8Gbps) starting at $240 a month. Lumos Fiber and AT&T Fiber also offer 5Gbps, 2Gbps and 1Gbps. Lumos Fiber has slightly lower pricing on its high-speed plans, but AT&T Fiber is more widely available in the Greensboro area.
I love having a clean house. However, I also have a full-time job, two toddlers who are (let’s be honest) not exactly tidy, a shedding dog and a husband who tracks in dirt now and then. So you can imagine how this creates … a challenge. Thankfully, I found the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum cleaner, and it has made my life much easier — and cleaner. The Dyson V15 allows me to tackle some really tough messes around the house and, more importantly, it helps me maintain the clean living space I crave.
The Dyson V15 is on CNET’s best cordless vacuums list, was awarded a CNET Editors’ Choice Award and out-suctioned all its stick vacuum competitors in our laboratory testing. That’s a whole lot of power and performance, which is what I love about it. And yes, it also comes with a pretty hefty price tag. But right now you can get it for $150 off on Dyson’s website. That brings the price down to $600, just in time for doing those spring-season deep cleans.
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
This is two days worth of dog hair, which my Dyson can suction up on its highest suction setting from a 500 square foot section of carpet.
Katie Collins/CNET
Why I love my Dyson V15 vacuum
My Dyson V15 works great for quick clean-ups or deep cleans. Because it’s cordless, I appreciate not having to constantly plug and then unplug it when cleaning the upstairs and downstairs in my home. It doesn’t take up storage space because the charging docking station is mounted in our garage. It’s no surprise to me that the Dyson V15 outperformed most of its competitors during CNET’s lab testing. It is now rated as having the best suction performance for a cordless vacuum.
My Dyson also cleans my car well
My kids’ and pets’ messes aren’t contained to my house so I love how the Dyson easily converts to handheld mode, which comes in handy for suctioning up loose toddler snacks from car seats and car floors. The crevice attachment can reach those in-between spaces in my car and couch cushions.
The Dyson V15 converts into a handheld for easy car cleanup.
Dyson
Washable HEPA filter is a plus
I love the washable HEPA cloth filter too. No more running out of replacement filters. Simply wash it and let it dry. I also bought a backup replacement filter to use so I don’t have to wait for the original filter to dry before using my beloved Dyson on another mess.
I love how easy it is to clean my Dyson HEPA filter. I have two replacement filters on deck in case one is still wet from washing it.
Dyson
High-performing vacuum with one flaw
My one complaint is its battery life when using it on its best suction setting: boost mode. Dyson’s boost mode works well picking up my dog’s pet hair, but it drains the battery quickly. To clean two stories in boost mode, it needs to recharge, which can take a few hours.
Dyson has three power modes for different tasks. The overall battery run time varies based on power mode. I find Boost mode to work best on pet hair but will drain the battery quickly.
Dyson/CNET
In the middle setting — auto mode — I can clean the upstairs and downstairs of my 2,000-square-foot home on a single charge, and it works well on hard floors and pretty good on carpet. Auto mode is fine for in-between cleanings, but boost mode works best for a deep carpet clean.
To find some other top-rated vacuums, check out our editors’ list of the best vacuums you can buy. We also think this vacuum would make a great gift for a new graduate moving into their first place. For other gifting inspiration, check out our picks for the best gifts for grads.
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
Our ears are suffering this Wednesday, as music streaming service Spotify suffers “ongoing issues” that are making features unavailable for some people.
At around 6 a.m. PT, a massive spike in reports appeared on DownDetector, with well over 45,000 people affected in the US at the time of writing (Downdetector is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis). Spotify has also acknowledged the problem, posting on its status account: “We’re aware of some issues right now and are checking them out!”
A spokesperson for Spotify pointed back to the post on X when approached for further comment on the situation.
Different people are reporting different problems with Spotify. The most common complaint seems to be that the search tool isn’t working. I’ve been listening to Spotify for the last few hours without any issues via the mobile app, but I haven’t been able to get the web player to load.
Over on X, people have been quick to post memes about the outage.
Spotify will likely put a fix in place quickly following today’s issues, but if the outage has caused you to second guess your loyalty, do take a look at our guide to the best music streaming services.
Budget and speed are both important factors in your search for a new internet service provider, but availability can be just as crucial. Thankfully, Charlotte has plentiful coverage from a wide variety of providers, from fiber to cable to wireless. AT&T Fiber is CNET’s pick for the best internet provider in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s our top recommendation because it offers promising high speeds with its multi-gig plans, and it offers them at fabulous prices.
However, AT&T isn’t your only solid option. Spectrum has cheaper plans, and its high-speed cable coverage throughout Charlotte is much more extensive, making it attractive for those who want to bundle internet with TV services — or those outside the 62% of the city with fiber access.
If you’re looking for an internet connection with blazing-fast speeds? You should take a look at Google Fiber. Its fastest plan offers 8 gigabits per second for $150 a month, at least for the 15% of the city it covers. For those looking for budget-friendly home broadband, Kinetic by Windstream’s $25 a month plan is a great option, which offers speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Living in the greater Charlotte area my whole life — from Concord to Fort Mill and spending time in University City, Oakhurst and Pineville — I’ve become quite familiar with the local internet providers. I can guide you toward the cheapest plans and fastest speeds to help you easily compare your options.
Best internet in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Internet Air Read full review
Fixed wireless
$60
75-225Mbps
None
1.5TB
None
7.4
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$245
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Google Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$70-$150
500-8,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Kinetic by Windstream
DSL
$25-$70
100-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
6.7
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$30-$70
100-1,000Mbps
Free modem; $10 router (free on gig plan)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Charlotte
EarthLink: Internet service from EarthLink runs on the networks of other providers. In Charlotte, that provider is AT&T, so EarthLink is technically available wherever you find AT&T. However, AT&T has many of the same selling points as EarthLink, such as unlimited data and no contracts, not to mention lower pricing, so you’re better off going with AT&T.
Kinetic by Windstream: Kinetic is largely known for offering service in suburban or rural areas, and its coverage in Charlotte is no different. While a few Charlotte neighborhoods are serviceable for Kinetic, you’ll find the best coverage in surrounding areas such as Albemarle, Concord and Matthews.
Satellite internet: Service from Hughesnet and Viasat is also available throughout most of Charlotte and the surrounding area. But with plenty of other internet options, satellite service is not worth the cost.
Cheap internet options in Charlotte
The average starting price for internet service in Charlotte is around $50 per month. Kinetic by Windstream has the lowest starting price in the area at $25 per month with speeds up to 100Mbps.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Charlotte?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Kinetic by Windstream
$25
100Mbps
None
Kinetic by Windstream
$40
300Mbps
None
Spectrum Internet Read full review
$30
100Mbps
$10 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 for eligible mobile customers)
318Mbps
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
How to find internet deals and promotions in Charlotte
The best internet deals and top promotions in Charlotte depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Charlotte internet providers, such as Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including AT&T and Google, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Photo by Getty Images
How fast is Charlotte broadband?
According to Ookla’s speed test index, speeds in the Queen City are faster than the state’s average, with a median download speed of around 361Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Keep in mind that many factors go into speed test data, such as equipment, Wi-Fi versus Ethernet connections and the internet plan itself.
Faster speeds than the area’s average are certainly available. Google Fiber offers speeds up to 8Gbps to Charlotte residents, and AT&T’s fastest plan hits speeds up to 5,000Mbps. Numerous providers — including Google Fiber and Spectrum — also offer single gigabit plans.
Fastest internet plans in Charlotte
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Google Fiber 8 Gig Read full review
$150
8,000Mbps
8,0000Mbps
None
Fiber
Google Fiber 3 Gig Read full review
$100
3,000Mbps
3,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review
$245
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review
$145
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Google Fiber 2 Gig Read full review
$100
2,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Google Fiber 1 Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Kinetic 1 Gig
$60
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
40Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (5 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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See all results for internet providers in North Carolina.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Charlotte
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Charlotte?
As we always say, fiber connectivity will be your best bet for home internet. For Charlotteans, many fiber providers offer blazing speeds at an affordable monthly cost. Using a high-speed internet connection makes consuming lots of data each month easy, which can be problematic if you have a data cap. However, you won’t have to worry about that in Charlotte, as all major ISPs have unlimited data. Contracts aren’t an issue, either, because AT&T, Google Fiber, Kinetic, Spectrum and T-Mobile’s 5G home internet service don’t require one when signing up.
Internet providers in Charlotte FAQs
Does Charlotte have fiber internet?
A little over 62% of Charlotte is serviceable for fiber-optic internet service. AT&T is Charlotte’s largest fiber internet provider, but Google Fiber also contributes to the area’s fiber coverage.
Aside from the Access from AT&T, your best bet to get free Wi-Fi in Charlotte is at your local Mecklenburg County Library branch. Other county facilities, such as the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, may offer a free Wi-Fi connection. You can also look at other public buildings, such as restaurants and coffee shops. When using a public Wi-Fi connection, remember that your data may not be secure, so try to avoid accessing or entering private information on your computer or mobile device when using a public Wi-Fi network. A VPN service can help protect your data, as well.
Wi-Fi is a way of connecting to your internet service, not a separate one on its own, so you’ll need a standard internet connection and a Wi-Fi router to get Wi-Fi in your home. Starting prices for internet service in Charlotte range from $30 to $70 per month, but the added fee for ISP-provided Wi-Fi router will vary by provider. AT&T, Google Fiber and T-Mobile 5G are some providers that include Wi-Fi equipment at no extra cost, meaning your Wi-Fi is essentially “free.” Spectrum charges $10 per month for Wi-Fi equipment rental, but you can skip that fee by using your own router or enrolling in the 1,000Mbps plan (which includes a free router).
No. Spectrum is Charlotte’s primary cable internet service provider, though Comporium may be an option for those south of the city. Optimum and Xfinity are not available in Charlotte.
Albuquerque, New Mexico — home of green chiles, 300 days of sunshine, the International Balloon Fiesta… and achingly slow internet. Home internet was a two-horse race in Albuquerque for years: CenturyLink DSL and Xfinity cable. I spent decades on DSL, watching my internet speed tests march slowly up to a maximum of 20 megabits per second. Friends with faster Xfinity bemoaned the company’s customer service, data caps and prices, so I stubbornly stuck with CenturyLink. One day in late 2022, a T-Mobile 5G Home Internet gateway arrived at my house. After that, I finally called to cancel CenturyLink.
Why I switched to T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
I went with T-Mobile for several reasons. DSL was too slow. My next-door neighbor got T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and raved about it. Coincidentally, CenturyLink wanted to charge me $200 to replace my old router with a newer one. I said, “Nope,” and changed to 5G home internet.
My home internet life has improved in my post-DSL world, but it’s not all roses and happy dances. If you’re looking for a TL;DR, here you go: I’m still on T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and will probably stick with it until I can give Verizon 5G Home Internet a try or until fiber finally shows up on my block. My experience with 5G home internet is specific to my circumstances, so your journey with the same service may differ. Here are things I like about my 5G home internet and the elements that may drive me to switch to another internet service provider someday.
What I love about T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
I will sing the praises of T-Mobile 5G Home Internet before I air my grievances. The service’s best features are its simplicity and ease of use and it represents an upgrade over outdated DSL.
T-Mobile/CNET
The price is right
With CenturyLink, I was paying $45 per month for downloads up to 20Mbps. With T-Mobile, my monthly bill is a straight $50. That’s a sweet spot for me regarding home internet pricing. I was willing to pay a little more than CenturyLink for a higher standard of service, but my bargain-hunting mindset would balk at anything higher. I would consider Verizon 5G Home Internet for the same price, but the rival service is unavailable at my address.
I expect fiber to arrive someday, but I’ll scrutinize the pricing before I make a change. The two providers most likely to service my address are Ezee Fiber ($69 per month for a gig) and Vexus Fiber ($40 per month for 500Mbps or $50 per month for a gig). Vexus raises rates after the first year. I’ll weigh my ingrained frugality against fiber performance when the time comes.
It’s faster than DSL
That might seem like faint praise, but T-Mobile provides me vastly better speeds than I was getting from DSL. My best speed test results net top download speeds of 200Mbps, 10 times what I got on a good day with DSL. Speeds can be variable thanks to network congestion and placement of the gateway device. I have some speed complaints, but we’ll talk about that later.
Terms are simple
I don’t like complexity when it comes to broadband plans. I don’t want to calculate equipment rental fees or figure out overage penalties for exceeding a data cap. I especially don’t want to be tied into a contract. I just want home internet and to be free to try another ISP. T-Mobile ticks the simplicity box. There are no gear fees, data caps or contracts.
It’s mom-approved
My mother lives six blocks away from me. She also had CenturyLink DSL. I ran a speed test on her desktop computer and the best she could get was about 12Mbps. That’s not a typo. That’s the reality for some DSL customers. She was paying over $60 per month and was frustrated every time she tried to call to discuss her bill. No problem, Mom. We canceled her DSL and got her signed up with T-Mobile. She found a nice perch for the gateway in a front window near her computer. With a strong signal, she can regularly pull down speeds from 100-200Mbps, which is plenty good for her low-key browsing and streaming needs. The only downside is she gets text messages about school closings to her gateway, a leftover from whoever used her gateway’s phone number before her. It’s a minor annoyance, and I don’t have the same problem.
Gateways are easy
T-Mobile provides a free gateway device that melds the features of a modem and a router. I have a silver Nokia gateway that’s semi-affectionately referred to as the “trash can.” The top-mounted display is a mild annoyance due to its awkward location, and it gets hot but works. T-Mobile now has newer models. My mother has a Sagemcom device with a front-mounted display resembling a more refined trash can. The latest gateway is sleeker and looks like an Apple product. I had no issues setting up my Nokia gateway and my mother’s Sagemcom. We were online within minutes and found the gateways stable, with no crashes or other hiccups to report. The Wi-Fi works well, reaching the corners of our vintage homes with respectable speeds.
The not-so-good stuff with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet has a lot going for it, but it’s not my dream broadband service. Here are a few areas where it stumbles.
It’s not faster than cable or fiber
Xfinity offers cable speeds up to 1,200Mbps in my area. Fiber from Vexus Fiber, Quantum Fiber and Ezee Fiber is slowly spreading across Albuquerque, but it’s not in my historic neighborhood yet. Fiber customers can access symmetrical gig speeds, of which I’m incredibly envious. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers typical speeds of 87-415Mbps, vastly below offerings from the local cable and fiber ISPs. The good news is I’m not a gamer (let’s ignore my Nintendo Wii obsession), so I just need enough oomph to surf and stream. I wouldn’t mind zippier downloads and uploads for when I’m moving big music, video and image files around.
Strong signals may be elusive
Two lights are better than none, right?
Amanda Kooser
T-Mobile’s 5G internet service is subject to the same pitfalls you encounter with phone service. Sometimes, you’re in a place with a weak signal. Sometimes, that place is your own home. My neighbor, the first person I knew who got on board with 5G home internet, gets a strong signal on the west side of her house. Next door, the best I can get is a fair signal, which works out to two bars out of five on the gateway’s scale. That means I’m missing out on the top speeds the service is capable of.
Speeds can vary wildly
My T-Mobile 5G Home Internet speed is like the Albuquerque weather. Wait five minutes, and it’ll change. When I started writing, I ran an internet speed test and got 16.7Mbps. That’s slow enough to give me unwelcome flashbacks to my DSL days. A few minutes later, I’m at 94.6Mbps. Sometimes, I get over 100Mbps. Usually, I’m sitting around 80Mbps. My speed tests are all over the map. Some of this may be due to the 1939 construction materials of my home and my inability to dial in a good placement for the gateway to get a better signal. My CNET colleague Eli Blumenthal also encountered speed issues when testing the service in 2022. When CNET’s Joe Supan tried AT&T Internet Air, he also struggled with maintaining decent speeds, so the problem may be more endemic to fixed wireless service than specific to T-Mobile 5G Home Internet.
Window placement is awkward
Sometimes getting a strong signal can require a balancing act.
Amanda Kooser
T-Mobile recommends placing your gateway “close to a window or high up on an upper floor or bookshelf.” When I had DSL, my router sat on a nifty little custom shelf in my home office. It was unobtrusive and out of the way. My T-Mobile gateway has visited every single window in my house in my search for a strong signal. It’s now in my living room with the silver “trash can” perched on a windowsill. I still get solid Wi-Fi coverage around my home, but a piece of internet equipment sitting in my window isn’t my ideal home decor.
My parting thoughts on T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Are you thinking about dipping your toes into T-Mobile 5G Home Internet? Consider whether it’s an upgrade over your current service. It could be a smart move if you’re crawling along with DSL. Look to cable or fiber if you need consistent and super-fast speeds, especially for gaming. I’m not a T-Mobile phone customer, but mobile users can bundle with eligible phone plans to get extra savings on home internet. That could be enough to tip price-conscious shoppers over to the 5G internet service.
There’s an element of experimentation with 5G home internet. You don’t know how well it will work for you until you try it, so take advantage of T-Mobile’s 15-day money-back trial. I’m not in love with my home internet, but at least I like it, and that’s a better relationship than I had with DSL.
A Minecraft Movie has been a huge hit in theaters, but one goofy meme from the film is overshadowing all of its box office success.
While fans have embraced the absurd performances from Jack Black and Jason Momoa, it’s a split-second cameo featuring a baby zombie riding a chicken that’s sending teen audiences into absolute chaos. The Chicken Jockey, a rare and obscure Minecraft mob, has become the unlikely center of a viral eruption.
Across social media, and increasingly inside theaters, teens are reacting with wild enthusiasm-chanting, throwing popcorn, filming reenactments and, in some cases, prompting theaters to issue warnings or cancel showings altogether. What started as a deep-cut reference has exploded into a cultural flashpoint.
Jack Black, who stars as lead character Steve in the movie, took the opportunity to address the controversial meme and crazy behavior on Sunday, surprising moviegoers at the AMC Century City in Los Angeles with a personal appearance. Black jokingly warned the crowd not to throw “popped corn” before pumping his trusty pickaxe and high-fiving fans across the theater.
Jack Black appears at a ‘MINECRAFT’ movie screening asking fans not to throw popcorn all over the theater. pic.twitter.com/g4eFCEXgD3
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 14, 2025
The Chicken Jockey has gone from niche in-game trivia to a full-blown pop culture icon and the source of real-world havoc. But what exactly is this strange little character, where did it come from, and how did it become the chaotic heartbeat of the movie?
What is a Minecraft Chicken Jockey?
When a baby zombie rides a chicken in Minecraft, you’ve got a chicken jockey.
Microsoft
A Minecraft Chicken Jockey is a rare hostile mob (Minecraft lingo for monster) in the game, formed when a baby zombie appears riding a chicken. It’s one of the stranger and less common creatures in Minecraft, and because of its rarity, it’s a fan-favorite Easter egg for veteran players.
In the 2025 Minecraft movie, the Chicken Jockey makes a brief but memorable appearance. The film references its rarity, and that relatively small scene has exploded online, especially among fans who recognize the deep-cut reference.
What is the Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie?
The Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie isn’t very long or important. In reality, it’s probably worth little more than a chuckle. But people absolutely love it. And it’s easily understood without having seen the movie. For context, at one point, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (played by Momoa) is forced into a boxing ring with a chicken.
“They want me to fight the chicken,” he states, while a baby zombie drops down from a crate lowered from the ceiling. The grinning zombie lands on the chicken while giggling.
“Chicken Jockey!” a wary Steve (played by Jack Black) warns, as the baby zombie coos and charges at Garrison, knocking him into the ropes. And scene.
Why did the Chicken Jockey scene go viral?
For Minecraft fans, this is a rare and oddly satisfying Easter egg. This mob isn’t seen often in-game, so it was a fun, tongue-in-cheek nod to those in the know.
Moviegoers have reported rather rowdy experiences at screenings, with fans singing and chanting along with the characters, especially with this scene. We’ve seen stories of spontaneous applause, kids chanting “Chicken Jockey!” and makeshift cosplay. But it’s only escalated from there.
The viral moment hit a new level when @DiscussingFilm posted to X (formerly Twitter), reporting that police had to remove several kids from a theater during a Minecraft screening due to their response to the Chicken Jockey’s appearance. The crowd erupted into such loud cheering, shouting and laughter that the screening was disrupted, and staff called the police to restore order.
Police had to kick several kids out of the theater during a ‘MINECRAFT’ showing after their reaction to the ‘Chicken Jockey’ scene Read our review: https://t.co/uuggEo3o94pic.twitter.com/pZD9eywVjt
It appears the trend is picking up steam across the country and at various screenings, with social media evidence to show popcorn being thrown at screens, loud screaming and other disruptive behavior. Put simply, Chicken Jockey has people freaking out.
Minecraft Chicken Jockey merchandise: Popcorn buckets, Lego sets and more
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Minecraft Chicken Jockey is driving a remarkable wave of merchandise demand. Fans are scrambling for collectibles ranging from exclusive theater popcorn buckets to McDonald’s toys.
The Cinemark Chicken Jockey popcorn bucket is quickly becoming a hot resale item online.
Cinemark
One of the most sought-after items is the Cinemark-exclusive popcorn bucket and drink cup, which features the Chicken Jockey and is only available in limited quantities. It’s already being resold for as much as $150 on eBay. The trend extends to Lego as well. The Lego Minecraft Woodland Mansion Fighting Ring includes a Chicken Jockey minifigure, and fans have been quick to buy it following the movie’s release.
McDonald’s has also released Minecraft toys through its adult meal promotions, though the Chicken Jockey doesn’t appear in the standard Happy Meal lineup. Some adult meals come with boxed collectibles tied to the film, and photos have circulated online, but no direct retail link exists for the Chicken Jockey toy at this time. It’s clear that, at least for now, Chicken Jockey merchandise has become one of the year’s most unexpected movie collectible trends.
Picture this: You’re swimming laps while a virtual coach silently helps perfect your technique and provides real-time feedback. Small yellow digits glow softly in front of your eyes, displaying your heart rate, pace, stroke rate, distance and more. Thanks to Form, this has become a reality — and that’s just the baseline of what the brand’s technology can do.
Before I tried Form’s Smart Swim 2 Goggles, I didn’t even realize I needed them. Now I can’t imagine going back to regular goggles. Here’s why.
What is Form?
Form made colossal waves throughout the fitness industry when it launched its first pair of smart goggles in 2019. Up until that point, accurate trackers for swimmers were few and far between. Today, Form’s technology is well-recognized in the swimming community, with its goggles even available at Apple stores.
Created by swimmers for swimmers, the brand now offers two generations of these smart goggles, the second of which came out in April 2024. Simply put, the Smart Swim 2 Goggles are highly complex — there’s a ton of technology in the small pack on its side.
These goggles feature a super cool patented augmented reality display that shows:
Guided workouts with lap-by-lap instructions
Real-time metrics such as time, distance, pace, stroke rate and count
Accurate heart rate readings and calories burned
Automatic stroke and rest detection
Instant technique feedback and analysis
SwimStraight compass for open-water swimming
The goggles monitor your speed, movements and form as you swim, gathering impressive data that helps you identify your strengths and which areas you need to work on to improve your swimming technique and efficiency.
You can see the tech pack on the goggles’ side and the tiny heart rate sensor on the temple near the strap.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Who is Form for?
Brian Johns, head of coaching science at Form and three-time Olympic Games competitor for Team Canada, explained, “We have a broad range of users, including competitive swimmers, competitive triathletes and open-water swimmers, as well as swimmers who are more concerned about staying fit and accurately tracking their activity.”
I definitely fall into the last category. That said, my usage and assessment of this device will likely differ from someone actively training and competing on a much more intense level. According to Johns, “The goggles are more appropriate for users who want to learn how to swim better, and not so much for those learning how to swim from scratch.”
Why I wanted to try Form
As I mentioned, I am not a competitive triathlete or professional swimmer, but I’m also no stranger to water. My dad started taking me to the pool when I was an infant, less than six months old, and my love for swimming holds strong today. I swam competitively through high school and have continued swimming for exercise.
I was swimming regularly last year when I developed swimmer’s shoulder. That’s when I knew I was doing something wrong. It wasn’t until I started using the Smart Swim 2 Goggles that I understood the issue. My form was off, and my approach to the workouts was, in hindsight, quite terrible — I was just trying to complete a mile as fast as possible each time I swam.
Swimmer’s shoulder happens when you repeatedly stress and strain the joint, irritating the tissue over time. It commonly occurs for swimmers trying to enhance their speed, which is precisely what I was doing. I was fixating on my mile time rather than paying attention to my technique or how my body felt.
The goggles come with a zip case with ventilation to help wick away moisture after swimming.
Aly Lopez/CNET
I have been swimming with these smart goggles for the past few months, and they’ve completely transformed how I swim and approach my workouts.
Setting up the goggles
The Form goggles come in a convenient carrying case to protects them as you travel to and from your swims. I was immediately impressed by the quality of the goggle’s materials and their lightweight design, considering all they can sense and track.
Connecting and setting up my goggles was straightforward. I downloaded the Form app on my phone, turned on the goggles with the front power button and peered inside at those magic glowing letters for the first time. Pairing the goggles was super easy as the app walks you through it. I created an account, entered personal details such as height and weight and linked it to my Apple Health app.
The Form Swim app provides instructions for ensuring the goggles fit correctly on your face and head, including guidance on swapping out the nose bridge for a different size. I didn’t need to do this since the medium size already on the goggles fit well. The app also emphasizes the importance of strap placement for accurate heart rate measurements.
The Form Smart Swim 2 Goggles have nose bridges in sizes XS to XL so that you can find your perfect fit.
Aly Lopez/CNET
“I feel the goggles have the same complexity as using a smartwatch; there may be some initial setup that you need, but once you get going, the technology will guide you to success,” said Johns — and I agree.
With the app and goggles set up, I was ready for my first swim. I put the goggles on, ensuring a comfortable fit of the straps and heart rate monitor on my temple, and topped off the fit with my favorite Long Hair Swim Cap by Arena.
My experience with Form
The first swim
For my first official test of the goggles, I chose to free swim to get accustomed to them. I had no trouble adjusting to the augmented reality display in the lenses. I was impressed by how easily I could focus on the numbers or look past them to see my surroundings. The display didn’t feel distracting or bothersome.
“The fit and form of the goggles can be a bit different than normal goggles, so giving yourself extra time to adjust your straps or change nose bridges during your workout will help you get comfortable more quickly as you become accustomed to the goggle screen,” Johns said.
This is an example of what you see on the augmented reality display. It’s clear and easy to read — I didn’t find it annoying or distracting.
Form
I wore my Apple Watch for the first few swims to compare the data from both devices. I quickly realized that the Form goggles were much more accurate. Additionally, with my Apple Watch, I’d stop constantly to ensure I was on pace or double-check how far I’d gone. Now, with the numbers right in front of my eyes, I no longer have to stop and check.
I also like that the goggles automatically track how long you rest when taking a break. It’s a great way to focus on getting your heart rate back down quickly. I’d try to keep my breaks under 15 seconds or until my heart rate dropped below 150 beats before starting the next interval, which helped keep my form in check.
After a few swims with Form, I stopped wearing my Apple Watch.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Read more: Zone 2 Cardio: Pros, Cons and Tips From Experts
I ended my first swim with a Form Score of 40 out of 100, which I was honestly pretty embarrassed about. The app promptly shared videos and resources based on my results to help me understand my form and how to improve it.
The second and third swim
These are the five main skills or aspects of your swimming technique tracked by Form.
Form
I was slowly beginning to understand better the metrics the goggles tracked regarding my form, including head pitch, peak head roll, time to neutral, set and interval pacing. Here’s a brief description of each term:
Head pitch is the angle of your head while swimming in a neutral position (during non-breathing strokes).
Peak head roll is the maximum angle your head rolls from side to side when you breathe. The less your head rolls, the better.
Time to neutral is how long it takes for your head to return to neutral after taking a breath. The quicker, the better.
Set pacing is your ability to keep the same pace for every interval in a set, even when you’re tired.
Interval pacing is your ability to keep the same pace within each individual interval. The less variance, the better.
For my second swim, I chose one of the suggested workouts I had previously selected to load onto the goggles. I walked away with a Form Score of 48 — an increase of eight points, which I was pleased to see. For my third swim, my score increased again to 51. I was making progress, and seeing the higher scores in my goggles while swimming and on the app afterward was incredibly motivating.
The overall Form Score is an average of the five previous workouts. At this point, my Form Score average was 46, which the app classified as “Very Good.” I wasn’t convinced, though. I reached out to see if that assessment was accurate or if the smart goggles were just being generous, and Johns reassured me.
Some of the feedback and encouragement the Form Swim app offers.
Form/Aly Lopez/CNET
“I generally try not to focus on the score relative to other people to judge whether it’s good or not. Rather, I like to use it to judge how good your last length, interval or workout was compared to what you have been doing. That being said, a 46 is right around the middle of our users, which have a high proportion of committed swimmers and triathletes. Relative to our users, it might be in the middle, but compared to the broad world of swimming, yes, I would consider it ‘Very Good.’”
It was a relief knowing I wasn’t completely putting my swim training to shame. His feedback encouraged me to focus on improving my own numbers rather than thinking of it as a failing test score.
For the peak head roll skill, you try to keep the dot between the lines while turning your head to take a breath. It’s a fun way to focus on your form.
Form
With each swim, I focus on specific aspects of my technique. My two weakest areas are the peak head roll and time to neutral, so those have been my primary targets. I enjoy using the HeadCoach Skills features, which provide a visual target in the AR display to help me hit those sweet spots. It feels like a game. I love it.
I know it will take time to achieve my desired scores. Visually seeing my slow but steady improvement on the Form Swim app is encouraging. I have been following the app’s HeadCoach suggestions and watching the provided video tutorials, in which Johns states, “Like improving your technique, you should expect that making sustainable improvement in your five-swim average may take weeks or months of committed swimming, which is completely normal.”
The goggles track all sorts of data from your swim. You can easily see which areas need improvement.
Aly Lopez/CNET/Form
The workouts leave me feeling tired but strong and satisfied. I noted in my journal, “The 100-yard intervals are a lot easier for me now than they were in the past. I’m getting a solid workout and don’t have overly wobbly legs, toe cramps or lightheadedness like I used to. I just feel really good. I don’t feel like I’ll pull a muscle or anything.”
I recently earned a Form score of 61. It’s exciting to see such a drastic improvement from when I started two months ago (with a score of 40), and I now look forward to my workouts.
Fit and comfortability
I have sensitive skin, so after a swim, I usually have marks around my eyes from the pressure of the goggles. They typically take hours to fully fade away. One of my biggest pet peeves is pushing off the wall and sensing the goggles dragging or leaking, so I’d typically suction them tighter to my face to prevent that annoying feeling.
With Form, I noticed that the resulting rings around my eyes were not as intense as before. This improvement can be attributed to the design and materials of the proprietary eye seals on the goggles. I no longer feel the need to suction them as tightly to my face. When I initially experienced a slight leak with one of the lenses, all I needed to do was adjust the straps, and since then, I haven’t encountered other issues with it.
Wearing swim goggles is never enjoyable, but I found Form to have an overall comfortable fit.
Aly Lopez/CNET
After a few swims, I noticed fogging and a cloudy display. The fix was simple. All I had to do was gently clean the lenses with dish soap and fresh water, and then they were clear again.
Battery life
I’m lazy when it comes to charging my devices, but that’s not a concern with the Form Smart Swim 2 Goggles. The battery life is extremely impressive, lasting up to 14 hours on a single charge. After 10 swims, I’ve had to charge them only once and they were back up to 100% in less than 2 hours.
My favorite Form features
Heart rate monitor
Before I started using Form, I didn’t pay much attention to my heart rate. Now, I can’t imagine swimming without this feature. With my heart rate displayed in real time right before my eyes throughout my workout, I am more mindful of when I push myself too hard or need to pick up the pace.
Between intervals, I can focus on getting my heart rate back into a lower zone before starting the next set. This approach has helped quicken my recovery, and I now have better control of my heart rate through intentional breathing and rest.
The app shows how long you spent in each heart rate zone and syncs with Apple Health (middle photo). You can also create custom target heart rate zones.
Aly Lopez/CNET/Form
Accurately monitoring health metrics underwater is a massive hurdle, but Form has found a way. Studies have shown that Form’s integrated heart rate sensor is more accurate and consistent than wrist-based monitors, with a 97% accuracy rate compared with an ECG chest strap.
Workout options
I typically prefer workout classes because I like having someone tell me what to do. I like it when Peloton instructors shout at me during a ride. It motivates me in a way I have a hard time doing by myself. Unsurprisingly, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having a virtual coach encourage and push me while swimming.
“Most people using the goggles do not have a coach and do not understand what an appropriate swim workout may be. Form can generate workouts for you based on your speed, workout preferences and areas to improve your technique and then guide you through the workout directly in the goggles, with no coaching or previous swim knowledge required,” Johns explained.
The app features over 1,500 workouts, and you can load five onto your goggles at a time. I mostly followed the app’s suggestions for my workouts, occasionally switching to some with longer distances. These workouts have enhanced my swimming technique and helped me train effectively in ways I hadn’t before. It guides me through intervals with instructions on how much effort to exert (easy, moderate or fast) and for how long.
HeadCoach will tell you exactly what to do for each interval of the workout, which I love.
Form
When I swam competitively, my best events were the 50- and 100-meter freestyle. I’ve always been more of a sprinter. Learning how to pace myself during longer swims with Form has been game-changing. Using Form made me realize how poor and lazy my technique used to get when I was tired. It made me less efficient and increased my risk of injury (to the point that I did injure myself). I’m much more confident now.
HeadCoach
Like guided workouts, having a virtual swim coach has been more helpful than I could have imagined. The feedback and suggestions provided are spot on. The HeadCoach feature offers actionable tactics and goals for improving technique and efficiency, and it knows better than I do what I should work on with each progressive swim. Whenever I doubt my form, I refer to the HeadCoach resources in the app.
When I asked Johns how Form compares to having a real-life swim coach, he explained, “Swimming can be very difficult for a coach to give good feedback to their athletes. Unlike a team sport where a coach can deliver instructions or feedback across a field, a swim coach has to wait until the swimmer is resting at the wall to give feedback and may only have five to 10 seconds to give that feedback before the swimmer pushes off to the next part of the workout. Therefore, swimmers typically rely on how they ‘feel’ in the water in the absence of any other feedback. Form goggles can give feedback WHILE the swimmer is doing their workout, allowing us to give effective feedback to the swimmer in a way that was not possible before.”
You can customize and tailor the HeadCoach feature based on your personal objectives and goals, whether you’re training for a race or simply swimming for exercise.
Why I’m never going back
I’m a sucker for quantitative data, and Form certainly doesn’t skimp in this area. After a workout session, the goggles automatically sync with the app on my phone to deliver an array of post-swim information. It guides me through the improvements made and which areas I need to focus on for next time. It’s super easy to understand and track my progress.
“Our dedicated data science team eats, sleeps and breathes swim data and algorithms. This makes Form more accurate across all swimming metrics, as well as having more unique swimming-specific metrics, such as Form Score, that help you become a better swimmer,” explained Johns.
My Form Score has improved consistently over the past few months. I’m sure it will continue to increase as my workouts progress.
Aly Lopez/CNET/Form
Another reason I’ll never be able to wear regular goggles again is because Form gives me something to focus on. Let’s be honest: lap swimming is boring. It’s just you and your thoughts in the water. There’s nothing to distract you, no content to consume to kill time. Of course, you can wear waterproof headphones, but I have yet to try a pair — and now, I don’t necessarily feel the need to with my smart goggles. I can concentrate on improving my technique through the real-time metrics displayed right in front of me, and I enjoy “playing” the HeadCoach Skills.
I am quite competitive with myself. I love beating my old times and records and focusing on my Form Score is an excellent motivator for improving my technique and swim efficiency.
Moreover, I’m not a fan of wearing watches or fitness trackers on my wrist. I used to stop constantly to check my Apple Watch to see how far I’d gone, and I’d often lose track of how many sets or intervals I had completed while swimming. Having all the metrics displayed throughout the swim (including my heart rate) has completely transformed my approach to swimming. I’m truly having fun with it.
Johns expressed similar feelings. “Having the data so easily accessible in the goggles makes my swimming significantly more motivating. As a retired swimmer, I had a very hard time swimming regularly, watching the clock and writing my workouts. Using the goggles and planning my workouts became a lot easier, and following my workouts through the goggles made it a much more engaging experience as I built myself back up in the water,” he said.
Other Form features
Because I’m not a professional swimmer or triathlete fully immersed in the fitness tech world, I can’t speak to certain components of the goggles — namely SwimStraight and Script.
SwimStraight
SwimStraight is one of the primary features of the Smart Swim 2 Goggles that I have not yet tested, mainly due to cold weather and a lack of nearby areas for open-water swimming. This feature is great for triathletes training and competing in open water. The goggles pair with a compatible GPS smartwatch (such as Garmin or Apple) to track your distance and pace. The goggles provide navigational assistance like a compass to ensure you’re swimming on the straightest path.
You can also use the SwimStraight feature as a compass without GPS or a smartwatch.
Form
Script
You can also upload your own workouts through Script. Using a text description or photo, Script transforms it into an auto-generated workout that you can load onto your goggles. Additionally, if you choose the free swim option, you can save your swim as a workout afterward.
As I mentioned, you can easily connect and integrate the data from your goggles with apps like Apple Health, Strava and TrainingPeaks. It’s also worth noting that if you are a competitive swimmer, the Form Smart Swim Goggles are race-approved by the World Triathlon, USA Triathlon, British Triathlon, PTO and Supertri.
The future of Form
Form is successfully redefining technology for the swimming world. I believe it’s only a matter of time before most swimmers use real-time feedback and virtual coaching assistance, whether through AI or other advanced algorithms.
When asked where Form is headed in the next five to 10 years, Johns explained, “As we get more and more data and information about our swimmers in and out of the water, I believe that we can enhance the swimmer’s journey to be more personalized and effective. AI will be a helpful tool, but being able to analyze a swimmer’s data in the water with their biometric data will help us create a pathway for any swimmer to succeed in the water regardless of their ability level or their goals. I think that having this knowledge and access to data will not just be effective for swimmers, but for any endurance athlete.”
Pricing and subscription
The Smart Swim 2 Goggles retail for $279. They’re currently $80 off, bringing the price down to $199, which I think is a great price for a high-tech device like this.
No subscription is required to access the goggles’ core features, which include the augmented reality display and motion sensors to track your swims. The core features include all the real-time metrics of time, distance, pace, stroke rate and count, calories burned, heart rate and automatic stroke and rest detection. With the core features, you can still access your post-swim data and share your swims with Strava, TrainingPeaks, TriDot, Apple Health and Final Surge.
Premium is required to access certain features of the goggles, such as:
Guided workouts
HeadCoach
SwimStraight
Training plans
Script workout builder
Form offers a free one-month trial of Premium. After that, it’s $9.99 per month. Whether you upgrade to the Premium version or stick with the core largely depends on your swim goals. Having the guided workouts and HeadCoach instruction is enough for me to opt for the subscription, and I’d say it’s worth it if you’re a triathlete or competitive swimmer.
Whether you should get the Smart Swim Gen 1 or Gen 2 also depends on your goals. I would personally opt for the second generation based on the heart rate monitor and smaller tech pack size, but if those aren’t as important to you, save $100 and go for the first generation.
The tech pack on the side of the Smart Swim 2 Goggles is 15% smaller than the first generation.
Aly Lopez/CNET
Form Smart Swim Goggles: Gen 1 vs 2
Form Features
Generation 2
Generation 1
Integrated heart rate sensor
✔️
X
Reduced tech pack size
✔️
X
Improved eye seals
✔️
X
Extended strap mount
✔️
X
Carrying case with ventilation
✔️
✔️
Waveguide display
✔️
✔️
HeadCoach
✔️
✔️
SwimStraight
✔️
✔️
Workouts & training plans
✔️
✔️
Longer battery life
X
✔️
Should you get the Form Smart Swim Goggles?
You should consider these goggles if:
You’re a competitive swimmer or triathlete
You want to accurately track your swims
You need to monitor your heart rate while swimming
You want to improve your swimming technique and efficiency
CNET recommends Spectrum Internet as the best overall provider in Mankato. It’s widely available throughout Mankato, with coverage extending to about 90% of the city, according to the FCC. Spectrum offers download speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, with plans starting at $50 for 500 megabits per second. However, upload speeds won’t match those of fiber providers like Fidium Fiber.
Fidium Fiber offers the fastest speeds in Mankato, with symmetrical download and upload speeds up to 2,000Mbps. Its fiber plans are competitively priced, starting at $25 per month, translating to just four cents per Mbps. Covering about 82% of the city, Fidium Fiber may not be available at every address but it’s an excellent option if you can get coverage at your address.
For budget-conscious residents, PCs for People offers internet for $15 per month with speeds ranging from 12Mbps to 40Mbps. Fidium Fiber is the second cheapest option with an entry-level plan at $25 monthly for 100Mbps, although the price increases to $70 after the first year. Spectrum offers a similar deal at $50 for 500Mbps, which also rises after 12 months.
Mankato internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment
Data cap
Contract
CNET review
Consolidated Communications
DSL
$54-$74
10-100Mbps
$8 (optional)
None
None
n/a
Fidium Fiber
Fiber
$25-$85
100-2,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
n/a
Midco
Fixed wireless
$39
100Mbps
None
None
None
n/a
PCs for People
Fixed wireless
$15
12-40Mbps
None
None
None
n/a
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible phone plans)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Mankato?
Provider
Starting price
Max download
Monthly equipment fee
PCs for People
$15
12-40Mbps
None
Fidium Fiber
$25
100Mbps
$10 (optional)
Midco
$39
100Mbps
None
Fidium Fiber
$45
300Mbps
$10 (optional)
Spectrum Read full review
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with an eligible phone plan)
87-318Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with an eligible phone plan)
50-85Mbps
None
Consolidated Communications
$52
10Mbps
None
Show more (3 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Jacob Boomsma / Getty Images
How to find internet deals and promotions in Mankato
The best internet deals and top promotions in Mankato depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Superior internet providers, like Spectrum and Fidium Fiber, may offer lower introductory pricing. Others, however, including T-Mobile and Verizon Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round. Verizon recently rolled out a new slew of streaming add-ons and bundles for just $10 extra monthly, which may sweeten the deal for potential 5G internet customers.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
Fastest internet plans in Mankato
Provider
Starting price
Max download speeds
Max upload speeds
Data Cap
Connection type
Fidium Fiber
$85
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Fidium Fiber
$65
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a quick connection with dependable download and upload speeds. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines: internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Mankato
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet providers in Mankato FAQs
What’s the best internet service provider in Mankato?
Spectrum Internet is the best internet service provider in Mankato because of its wide coverage of the city, competitive introductory prices and solid internet speeds. Spectrum offers two plans, from 500Mbps to 1,000Mbps. Prices start at $50 monthly and go up to $70. Just keep in mind that Spectrum increases prices after one year by $30.
Is fiber internet available in Mankato?
You can get a fiber internet connection in Mankato from Fidium Fiber, the only fiber provider in this midwestern city. Fidium Fiber has an introductory tier for 100Mbps symmetrical download and upload speeds for just $25 monthly, which increases to $70 after one year of service. All Fidium Fiber plans increase after the first year of service, but even with the price increases, the average cost per Mbps across all plans is just 12 cents. There are no data limits, required contracts or equipment ees.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Mankato?
Most internet providers in Mankato begin at $45 to $50 monthly. Fidium Fiber offers one of the cheapest plans at $25 a month for quick speeds of 100Mbps symmetrical download and upload speeds. With PCs for People, a local fixed wireless provider, you can pay just $15 monthly for max speeds of 40Mbps download and 10Mbps upload. You may qualify for discounts from internet providers like Spectrum or Verizon if you meet low-income household qualifiers, or you can lower your monthly internet price by bundling a phone plan with internet, as is the case for T-Mobile and Verizon.
Which internet provider in Mankato offers the fastest speeds?
As in many cities, the fastest internet provider in Mankato is a fiber provider: Fidium Fiber. With speeds that top out at 2,000Mbps, a middle tier of 1,000Mbps and affordable pricing for all tiers, Fidium Fiber is one of the most cost-efficient providers in the city. You can get online with fast speeds without paying over $100 monthly.
ChatGPT maker OpenAI is reportedly looking into a potential acquisition of an artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The deal could exceed $500 million, according to The Information.
The venture, called io Products, is developing a range of AI-powered technologies including a screenless phone concept and smart home devices, the publication said. io Products has denied that a phone is in development, however, and OpenAI didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The closely guarded AI hardware initiative was first reported by The New York Times in September. Ive — who is renowned for designing the iPhone, iPad and other iconic Apple products — said he was partnering with Altman to create a new AI-driven computing device aimed at being “less socially disruptive than the iPhone.”
Although few specifics have emerged about the device, Ive and Altman have reportedly secured early-stage backing from investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Funding was expected to reach $1 billion by the end of last year, according to The New York Times.
In addition to acquisition talks, OpenAI is said to be exploring strategic partnerships with the venture. If a deal materializes, OpenAI would gain access to both the underlying technology and the core engineering team.
The report arrives as the AI voice assistant landscape grows, with OpenAI, Google, Meta and others racing to advance their AI chatbot offerings. A deal could also tighten OpenAI’s integration with a hardware player.
Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom — founded after his departure from Apple five years ago — is spearheading the device’s development. The company, co-founded by renowned luxury designer Marc Newson, a key contributor to the Apple Watch, includes former Apple executives such as Tang Tan, who led iPhone hardware design. LoveFrom’s client list includes brands like Airbnb and Ferrari.
OpenAI would ‘maintain its lead’ in AI
Jitesh Ubrani, a manager at market research firm IDC, told CNET a move into hardware would enable OpenAI to continue expanding across various platforms and make a stronger push into more environments.
“By partnering with a hardware startup, OpenAI can help maintain its lead across these other device types and usage scenarios,” Ubrani said. “Until the launch of AI, smart home hardware innovation [started] to plateau and by combining forces, the two companies could also benefit from growth in this space by injecting AI into the home.”
Prices for most major tech products will be driven up in the coming year thanks to US President Donald Trump’s steep new import duties, according to economists. The tariffs have already had a sharp impact on US stocks, which have been sinking rapidly on the back of the tariff implementations. But constant changes to the tariffs make it tricky to advise consumer purchases.
On Wednesday, the president paused most of the tariffs, with the exception of China, raising tariffs on that country to 125%. Then late Friday, the administration exempted certain tech gear from some tariff fees, though it wasn’t clear whether the exemption would stick or if additional fees would come into play later.
Whether the tariffs will change the timing of your next tech purchase depends on what kind of tech you need. Before Wednesday’s announced tariff pause, we asked CNET’s experts for their thoughts on what devices you should consider buying now and what you can wait on, covering everything from phones, earbuds, TVs and laptops to gaming consoles, smart thermostats, electric vehicles and cameras.
Many of these products are either imported in their entirety or contain components that are not made in the US, like graphics processing units for PCs. Importing all those separate components will lead to higher costs under Trump’s barrage of tariffs.
Read more: Tariffs Explained: Impacts for You as Trump Confirms Worldwide Tariff Wave
The tariffs will have an effect on a sweeping range of consumer expenditures, well beyond just tech products. Your groceries will likely see bumps in the prices of bananas, coffee and seafood, among other things. Much of the clothing, footwear and furniture we buy is made overseas. It’s an indication of how the modern economy is built on a global scale with often complicated lines of interdependence. The Trump administration is hoping that the tariffs will lead to more manufacturing on American soil.
If you’re not ready to make a purchase now, don’t let yourself be rushed — especially for products priced in the thousands of dollars. You should always make sure that a purchase is a good fit for your budget. It’s also unknown at the moment how long the tariffs might be in effect.
During the first Trump administration, tariffs pushed up the prices on washing machines, and prices of dryers followed suit, even though the tariffs weren’t directly affecting those appliances.
Marc Beresford/Getty Images
“The tariffs are sweeping, and the effects are going to be even broader,” says Neale Mahoney, director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and professor of economics at Stanford University. “It’s not a good time to be a consumer.”
Read more: How Much Will iPhone and Other Apple Prices Increase With ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs?
Even goods that aren’t directly impacted by the new tariffs could increase in price, according to Mahoney. During the first Trump administration, tariffs increased prices on washing machines, not dryers, but dryer prices increased as well. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, used car prices increased along with new car prices.
“There’s going to be some uncertainty as we move to what economists call a new equilibrium,” he says.
Read more: CNET Survey: Worries Over Tariff Price Hikes Are Pushing Americans to Buy Tech Sooner
Mobile devices
Phones
Even the lower-end iPhone 16E could see a price hike.
Celso Bulgatti/CNET
While Trump’s tariffs are aimed at increasing US-based manufacturing and boosting sales of products already made here, CNET’s managing editor for the mobile team, Patrick Holland, points out that there isn’t a mainstream phone that’s completely made in the US.
“Components come from all around the world,” Holland says. “That’s true for Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi. So Apple being based in the US is at a similar disadvantage from tariffs as Samsung is being based in South Korea.”
Holland is optimistic that Apple will find a way to absorb some of the increased importation costs in the short term. Nearly all iPhones are made in China, with the rest also made overseas.
Read more: Mortgage Rate Predictions: Will Tariffs Impact Spring Homebuying?
Holland’s advice is to hold onto your current phone for as long as you can, rather than running out to buy one in the hopes of beating a possible price hike.
Other experts also warn against panic buying an iPhone, despite predicting that Apple’s prices could rise by around 10% in coming months. “[Tariffs] could lead to price increases of $50 to $150 on higher-end products like the iPhone Pro Max models and MacBook Pros,” Stephan Shipe, a certified financial planner and CEO of Scholar Financial Advising, told CNET earlier this week.
Wall Street analysts from Rosenblatt Securities, according to Reuters, anticipate that if the 43% tariff on China is passed to consumers, the cost of an iPhone 16 could rise from $799 to $1,142; the iPhone 16 Pro Max could increase from $1,599 to $2,300; and even the newly launched low-end iPhone 16E could increase in pricing from $599 to $856. A breakdown by the Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, looks at individual components and the retail price for an iPhone 16 Pro to show how much tariffs would raise manufacturing costs for Apple.
And prices could be driven even higher after China on Friday retaliated by placing export restrictions on rare earth elements used in producing phones, EVs and other electronics.
If tariffs and general inflation are affecting your ability to pay for a brand new, high-end phone, Holland’s best budget pick for those looking for a deal on a phone is the $500 Google Pixel 8A. “It has one of the best values of any phone sold today,” he says. “But I look forward to testing the recently announced Pixel 9A that goes on sale Thursday, April 10.”
Smartwatches
Smartwatches may not be affected by the tariffs this year, according to Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET lead writer for smartwatches and wearable technology. “I’m not sure if it will hit this year’s smartwatch production cycle despite reports,” she says. “At this point in production, it’s likely that all the manufacturing pieces for the 2025 watch models have already been ordered.”
But for next year’s watch production, she’s hopeful that Trump will realize the economic blow to businesses and individuals and reverse his stance on tariffs just like he did with the TikTok ban. Otherwise, tariffs will no doubt affect the pricing of 2026 smartwatches.
Hand Orellana also cautioned against panic buying: “I know a lot of people who are stocking up on products right now because of tariffs, and I can’t help feeling that this doomsday-style planning is just going to leave me with a pile of stuff,” she says.
Headphones and earbuds
If you’re in the market for a new set of headphones or earbuds, CNET executive editor David Carnoy says pricing will likely remain the same for existing inventory already in stores.
“But as inventory is depleted, prices could rise if the tariffs remain in place. And all bets are off for new products coming to market,” Carnoy says.
Current products should remain stable, but we could be in for “sticker shock” with new product releases from big names later this year. Carnoy has already seen Edifier increase its price of the NeoBuds Planar; they were initially set to be launched at $200, but when they hit the market on March 11, they were adjusted to $300 due to an increase in tariffs.
“As Edifier did, companies will bake in the price increase at launch. We were seeing $10 to $20 inflationary price increases on more premium next-gen earbuds and headphones even before the tariffs. We could see $40 to $50 price increases now with new products,” Carnoy warns.
TVs
Now is a good time to shop for a 2024 model if you’re looking for a new TV, according to CNET senior director of content David Katzmaier. TVs from last year are currently at their lowest prices as retailers clear out inventory for new stock.
“New 2025 TVs are hitting store shelves and online retailers this spring, but their prices will remain high until the fall and the holiday season,” he says.
But if you don’t need a new TV right now, Katzmaier advises against buying until you do need one.
“TVs last a long time,” he says. “Yes, tariffs could push prices higher on new TVs, but whether they’ll affect TV prices around sales times — think Black Friday and later in November and December — is an open question.”
Gaming consoles
Preorders of the Nintendo Switch 2 are already delayed due to the tariffs.
Nintendo
High-end consoles
The question is whether retailers will instantly begin raising prices, or whether new pricing would only apply to inventory that’s imported from now on, CNET senior editor and gaming writer David Lumb says. He advises buying before the next restock in the next few days or the next week or two, just to make absolutely sure, if a purchase is something you’ve already budgeted for.
“If you really want a console already on the market, my instinct is to buy before the next restock to make absolutely sure — whether that means in the next few days or the next week or two,” Lumb advises. “Companies are reeling now, but still selling.”
The Nintendo Switch 2, introduced this week, is also likely to be affected. It won’t be available until June 5, but already US preorders of the Switch 2 have been delayed due to the tariffs. Preorders of the Switch 2 were supposed to begin on April 9, with a starting price of $450. It’s not yet known whether the pricing will increase, or what date preorders will begin.
“If people want a console currently on the market, like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it might be smart to buy now,” Lumb says. “Even if retailers don’t need to raise prices, they might anyway out of uncertainty, panic or greed.”
Gaming PCs
Like laptops and phones, the biggest worry is over the internal components of gaming PCs. “These will almost surely get hit with tariff-related increases — especially since many are made by smaller companies than Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft that can absorb some or all of these tariff increases (if they want),” Lumb says.
Several factors have already made GPUs a high-cost component, and this will likely only worsen with tariffs.
“GPUs have seen skyrocketing prices in the last 6 to 8 years due to successive event trends that caused scarcity — namely the crypto mining craze and pandemic-related supply chain issues, during which the world’s biggest GPU maker, Nvidia, steadily raised its prices,” Lumb explains. That, combined with its central role in the gen AI boom, caused stocks to skyrocket and Nvidia to become one of the richest companies in the world, he says. “So they won’t blink at raising GPU prices even more.”
AMD told CNET that while semiconductors are exempt from the new tariffs, it is “assessing the details and any impacts on our broader customer and partner ecosystem.”
Handheld consoles
As for handheld gaming consoles, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Go S and the other smaller PC-on-the-go handhelds, Lumb predicts tariff pricing increases will kick in pretty quickly as these devices “don’t have the institutional resistance to keep prices low.”
“If you’re thinking about a handheld, it’s probably better to buy one now,” he advises.
So the gamers who are most advised to “buy now” are those buying PCs or handheld gaming devices.
Computers
Acer prices have already gone up.
Matt Elliott/CNET
Laptops and PCs
The tariffs are going to require buyers to be smart shoppers, hunting for bargains.
“I’ve already seen prices increase on laptops since the threat of tariffs were known,” says Matthew Elliott, CNET senior editor for laptops and computers. “But most vendors and online retailers offer rotating sales, so you can still find a good deal if you have the time and patience to monitor pricing, and time your purchase for when a discount hits the model you want.”
Tariffs have already affected laptop pricing. Acer CEO Jason Chen said in February that the company would raise its prices by 10% in anticipation. “We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff,” the CEO of the Taiwan-based company said. “We think 10 (percent) probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. It’s very straightforward.”
Even if computer companies want to shift and obtain their parts from the US, it’s not likely to be practical.
“All computers and peripherals are likely to be touched by these global tariffs in some way,” says Josh Goldman, CNET managing editor for computers. “While there are companies big and small that assemble PCs in the US and there are US component makers, it’s unlikely all parts can currently be sourced from US manufacturers.”
His advice is to get that computer soon if you need one, but — as Elliott notes above — look for sales and deals, like the upcoming Memorial Day sales.
“I wouldn’t wait to see if prices go up and out of financial reach,” Goldman recommends. “That said, spring is typically filled with sales on tech for Memorial Day weekend, dads and grads and then back-to-school. Discounts might not be as deep as in the past, but if you keep an eye on a model you want, you should be able to minimize the impact of the tariffs on your purchase.”
One tiny bit of good news is that you may not have to worry about the pricing of used and refurbished tech devices and laptops. They could be a good way to save money and keep tech out of landfill.
But don’t get too excited: “If the tariffs do drastically increase the prices on new computers for an extended time, it’s possible even the prices on refurbished devices will go up with demand,” Goldman warns.
Home tech
Now’s a good time to buy a smart doorbell like the Google Nest.
Tyler Lacoma/CNET
Now is also a good time to buy smart home tech like higher-end security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats and smart displays, according to the advice of Tyler Lacoma, CNET smart home and home security editor. Especially if you’re eyeing home devices in the over-$200 price point.
“The impact of tariffs will be most noticeable among smart home technology that already has higher prices,” Lacoma says.
But don’t expect to find a secret cache of smart-home products that will go untouched by the tariffs.
“Home tech devices are a combination of computer chips, electronic components and many different frame materials,” he says. “I doubt there is any device that will be unaffected by the latest tariff news.”
Cameras
If you’ve got a camera on your wish list, you shouldn’t wait to buy it, says CNET senior writer Jeff Carlson — who’s written numerous books about photography and who co-hosts the PhotoActive.co podcast.
“I hate to inspire panic-buying, but I’d say if you’re already planning on buying a camera now but wanted to wait until the next revision rolls around, it’s possible that waiting will cost you more,” Carlson warns.
A lot of camera equipment comes from Japan, and as recently as a week ago, some photography experts were hoping that country wouldn’t be affected by the tariffs. But Carlson still found himself in an exceptionally crowded camera store recently, as buyers worried that any electronics from Asia might jump in price.
“And now we know that Japan is included, so they were right to come in,” Carlson notes.
Electric vehicles and other cars
Electric vehicle chargers could also see a price hike due to new tariffs.
Ford
Most Americans can’t rush out and stock up on SUVs just because of the new tariffs, even though car prices will almost certainly go up. But you might not realize that vehicles aren’t the only automotive item that will be affected — things like dashboard cameras and EV chargers for your home could also become more expensive.
“The tariffs will also likely affect automotive parts and accessories, so if you’re on the fence about picking up a dash cam, portable jump starter or extra EV charger, now might be a good time to pull the trigger,” says Antuan Goodwin, CNET writer and automotive and EVs expert.
The tariffs aren’t good news for car junkies, Goodwin notes.
“Many of the tariffs are laser-targeted at the automotive industry, so there’s not much that won’t be affected,” he says. “From the vehicles themselves to the parts they’re made of, consumers should expect that everything automotive, even for domestic makes, will get more expensive.”
The tariffs could also mean more expensive repairs and replacement parts for the cars we already own.
I’ll admit, before I started my CNET broadband beat, my main concern was whether my internet worked. I never thought twice about the difference between Wi-Fi and Ethernet or what actually made my connection reliable.
As I started learning more, I realized how much I had overlooked. What exactly is Wi-Fi? How does it compare to a wired Ethernet connection? The best choice depends on your needs, from internet speed to how often you use the internet to what you use your broadband connection for (gaming? streaming? simple web browsing?). It usually comes down to understanding the difference between advertised speeds and real-world performance.
After months of researching and writing about home internet as one of the newer members of the CNET broadband team, I decided to run my own tests. I compared my Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections at home. Here’s what I found.
Read more:Can you go one day without the internet? I tried it and here’s how it went
My Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet home internet experiment
First, let’s clarify: Wi-Fi is a way to wirelessly connect to the internet. Whether cooking in the kitchen or sitting on the couch, a Wi-Fi connection will get your devices online without plugging them into your modem or router. Ethernet is different. It’s a wired network that gets plugged directly into your router and, from your router, directly into your devices, which can be inconvenient but often results in a more reliable, faster internet connection.
Using Ookla’s Speedtest, CNET’s pick for the best internet speed test, I tried this out for myself by comparing my internet speed over Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections to see which was faster. You might be surprised at the difference; I certainly was. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Over Wi-Fi, I was receiving download speeds of around 126 megabits per second. With Ethernet, my download speed immediately shot up to 395Mbps — only 5Mbps away from what I’m actually paying for monthly from my internet provider, Comporium.
I never noticed much lag when streaming with Wi-Fi, but using an Ethernet cable made a noticeable difference in streaming and gaming. Movies, shows and live television loaded much faster on Hulu, HBO Max and Netflix. To maximize response time, I decided to plug my Ethernet cable into my PlayStation 5 indefinitely.
Then I wondered, why was Ethernet faster than my Wi-Fi connection?
Read more: Should you buy or rent your equipment? The wrong decision nearly cost me over $1K!
This is what it looks like when you connect a device to a router using Wi-Fi.
Maskot/Getty Images
What is Wi-Fi?
In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers developed, released and patented the first version of Wi-Fi. Since that release, the Wi-Fi Alliance (which now holds the trademark for Wi-Fi) has developed evolved versions of Wi-Fi — including current-gen Wi-Fi 7 — that offer stronger and faster connections.
Most routers will be equipped with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E and although the connection may be stronger the closer you are to the router, you should be able to access the internet wherever you are in your house.
Some areas of the house may create Wi-Fi “dead zones” with lagging speeds even if you are on your provider’s fastest plan. My CNET colleague Trisha Jandoc discovered this when troubleshooting her lagging gigabit speeds at home. Dead zones are often inevitable when it comes to Wi-Fi, as frequency bands can’t reach every room of the house without some kind of inhibition. You can also run into inferences from your neighbor’s network or other wireless devices in your household, including all your smart-home gadgets, Bluetooth devices and more.
It may help to purchase a Wi-Fi extender that broadcasts signals to every room, resulting in fewer dead zones and a more reliable internet connection throughout the house. The TP-Link RE605X is CNET’s top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender due to its affordability, ability to support Wi-Fi 6 speeds and easy-to-use features.
Ethernet cables connected to a router.
Photo by Thanasis/Getty Images
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet standards are also defined by the IEEE and the wired network was the primary way to link devices together and connect to the internet. Before Wi-Fi, Ethernet was your primary option for connection.
A wired connection means you have to be near your equipment if you want to go online, but it is possible to wire your house with Ethernet cables, similar to cable wiring, although the procedure can be costly.
What is the future of Ethernet?
This graphic conveys that artificial intelligence has the potential to push Ethernet speeds to reach 800Gbps and beyond.
According to the Ethernet Alliance, due to the rise and demands of AI, Ethernet connection speeds are evolving and are projected to increase to 800 gigabits or (800,000 megabits per second) and beyond. That’s quite impressive, though overkill for most households. Still, once it’s easier to incorporate Ethernet cables into your work or gaming setup, you can imagine that consumers will want to ensure they’re getting the fastest speeds in those spaces, consuming more bandwidth than others.
Read more:My T-Mobile 5G Home Internet experience: The good, bad and the unexpected
Comparing Wi-Fi and Ethernet
Wi-Fi and Ethernet have advantages and disadvantages depending on your personal needs. Here’s what you need to know.
Wi-Fi
Pros
Convenience
Mobility
Affordability
Cons
Congestion
Limited range
Security risks
Ethernet
Pros
Reliability
Faster speeds
Secure connections
Cons
Limited mobility
Limited number of connected devices
Cost
Which is cheaper?
It might seem like the cost of Wi-Fi and Ethernet would be similar — since you’re paying for the service, not the mode of internet connection — but Wi-Fi is actually significantly cheaper than Ethernet. That mostly comes down to installation costs and the complexity of setting your home or office up for a wired Ethernet connection. For instance, installing an Ethernet setup often requires specific ethernet ports, costing anywhere between $100 to $200. On the flip side, Wi-Fi installation costs an average of $45 to $100. In addition, Wi-Fi can handle a lot more devices than regular Ethernet cables can. To make it worthwhile, you would have to install a switch box or Ethernet jacks around your house to connect multiple devices to the internet.
Which is faster?
Ethernet’s main advantage is speed. Since your device is connected directly to the router — compared to wirelessly through Wi-Fi — you can expect faster bandwidth, which is how much data you can transmit through an internet connection. According to WOW Internet, while Wi-Fi 6 technology can support speeds of up to 9,600Mbps, speeds usually average around 1,600Mbps, whereas an Ethernet connection can offer speeds of up to 10,000Mbps. These speeds seem really promising, but in reality, your household may not even need it. Openvault’s Q4 2024 report highlights that the average American household uses under 600Mbps in downloads and just over 800Mbps for larger households (four or more members). So, gigabit speeds (1,000Mbps) should be plenty enough for your home. Plus, if you want multi-gig speeds with the latest Wi-Fi technology, you should first make sure your router is compatible.
Which is better for gaming?
Ethernet also boasts more consistent speeds since wired signals don’t fluctuate as easily as wireless ones do. You also won’t have to worry about latency issues or a lag in connection that sometimes occurs with local network congestion. Since lower latency improves online gaming, Ethernet provides a smoother experience for online gamers.
Which is safer?
One of Ethernet’s advantages over Wi-Fi: the connection is safer and more secure. Hackers can more easily intercept data transmitted through Wi-Fi, but if they want to hack you over Ethernet, they need to physically connect to the router.
Which is better overall?
We recommend using Wi-Fi due to its convenience and ability to be used anywhere. Using an Ethernet connection all the time is just not practical. Using Wi-Fi, you can access the internet from anywhere in your house without plugging into a router. Ethernet limits your mobility, which is unrealistic if you have several people connecting multiple devices.
Testing my internet speeds with an Ethernet cable did help me pinpoint the root cause of my slow connection. Based on the drastic difference between the Wi-Fi and Ethernet speed tests, I determined that my Wi-Fi connection was to blame for the slow service, not my ISP throttling my speed. By plugging Ethernet cables into my PlayStation 5, I can use faster speeds and lower latency for an optimized gaming experience.
I haven’t taken any steps yet to boost my Wi-Fi signals, but I might move my router to a more central area of my apartment or get an extender to help my speeds stay consistent. Former CNET colleague Ry Crist looked into more ways to speed up your Wi-Fi, and you can bet I’ll be taking his advice.
What’s the bottom line?
Both Wi-Fi and Ethernet have their benefits when it comes to home broadband. Wi-Fi offers mobility and convenience, meaning you can access the internet anywhere in your home, while Ethernet provides faster and more secure connectivity.
Most of us will be better off with Wi-Fi because our homes and apartments are filled with smart devices. Ethernet is a great tool to increase responsiveness, especially for gamers who want less lag with online gaming.
Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet FAQs
Can I use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
Many households use Ethernet cables for certain devices, like gaming consoles or televisions, that are planted in one spot and need fast connectivity. Wi-Fi is the better option for mobile devices — that way, you can take your phone or tablet anywhere without having to plug it in.
What are the different types of Ethernet cables?
Seven different Ethernet cables are available on the market: CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7, CAT7A and CAT8. Each differs in purpose, cost and the distance they cover, so do your research before purchasing one for your home.
How do I set up an Ethernet connection?
Setting up an Ethernet connection is a pretty straightforward process. Most cables require you to plug one end into the router and the other into your device. You can access the internet once you change your adapter settings to the Ethernet connection.
Which is faster: Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Ethernet offers faster speeds than Wi-Fi since your device will be directly connected to the router. Wi-Fi remains the more convenient option as you can use it anywhere in your home.
According to a report by The New York Times, the first round of Siri improvements could arrive as soon as this fall to shore up the struggling digital assistant, which is supposed to be a linchpin of Apple Intelligence.
In an article about Apple challenges, which ranges from US tariffs on China to strife among the executives and teams responsible for advancing Siri, writer Tripp Mickle included this tidbit: “The company plans to release a virtual assistant in the fall capable of doing things like editing and sending a photo to a friend on request, three people with knowledge of its plans said.”
That description is still a far cry from the interconnected smart assistant teased at WWDC 24 and during the launch of the iPhone 16 series, where Siri would be able to pull context from texts and emails about family members arriving on incoming flights. In fact, it doesn’t seem to address that the current state of Siri appears to be regressing.
In a rare move by the secretive company, Apple acknowledged in a March statement to Daring Fireball from spokeswoman Jacqueline Roy, that its efforts to usher in a smarter Siri digital assistant as part of Apple Intelligence are “going to take us longer than we thought” and that the company “anticipate(s) rolling [these features] out in the coming year.” Now the Times report says we could see improvements as early as the fall.
Basic queries shouldn’t be difficult
Siri and Apple Intelligence have taken several knocks lately. Behind the scenes, Apple shook up its executive ranks and removed John Giannandrea from his role overseeing Siri, a transition detailed in the Times article as well as a more detailed behind-the-scenes look published by The Information (and summarized well at MacRumors).
But Siri also seems to lack context for basic queries. Apple did fix an earlier problem where if you asked Siri, “What month is it?” the answer was a curt, “Sorry, I don’t understand.” Still, when I ask that same question now, I don’t get the month; I get the current full date. And when I phrase the question as, “What is the current month?” I’m told, “It was Tuesday, April 1, 2025.” (If I wasn’t aware of Siri’s issues, I might wonder if the digital assistant was trying to play an April Fools’ joke on me.)
Siri can’t quite parse basic queries, but at least it’s no longer replying with “I don’t understand.”
Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET
Parsing a basic question like that doesn’t seem to be a heavy request. Perhaps it never came up because it’s the kind of question only someone waking from a coma or being rescued from a deserted island would ask.
All of this is frustrating for shareholders, journalists (though we’ve grudgingly gotten accustomed to it) and customers, especially when they expect a level of assistant competency from Apple that just isn’t there. And the secrecy invites the same kind of months-long drumbeat of “Apple is falling behind on AI” that led up to the reveal of Apple Intelligence.
By taking the unusual (for Apple) step of responding to investor and media pressure — and announcing features that aren’t close to ready — the company may have made things worse by confirming that analysts, reporters and fans were right.
The smart play would be for Apple to adhere to its secretive ways, not previewing its features and capabilities until they’re much closer to being ready to ship. This week’s leak suggests the company might be getting the message.
Apple’s inflated expectations
Apple’s approach to product development has been to work on projects secretly, over years if needed, until they’re ready to see the light. They’re often not 100% baked at release, but when they’re ready to be introduced to the public, the core features and functions are there.
I could cite plenty of examples. It’s a valid argument that the Vision Pro is not a successful product — it’s expensive, it hasn’t been broadly adopted by customers or developers, it’s uncomfortable and so on — but the essential elements such as processing power, micro-OLED screens and VisionOS are all there as a solid foundation.
When a product’s existence is heavily leaked ahead of time, Apple typically unveils a finished version — even if it’s still limited in functionality. It was generally expected leading up to Macworld Expo in 2007 that Apple would announce a phone — particularly following the embarrassment of the Motorola ROKR E1 phone. But no one expected it to break from other smartphones of the time with its large screen, lack of physical keyboard and full web browser.
When Steve Jobs revealed the original iPhone, it was a radical idea to not include a physical keyboard.
CNET / Screenshot by Jeff Carlson
What’s different this time is that Apple’s promise for an advanced Siri, to anchor Apple Intelligence, seems to be in reaction to investors, the media and early-adopters obsessed with not just the presence of AI but also the immediacy of AI. Apple needs to be seen as an active player in the AI space with competitive features — and that those are just around the corner.
Also around that corner? The yearly iPhone refresh. Apple, like other phone-makers, sees AI as an important driver of new phone sales, since only its iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series models have the processing power to run Apple Intelligence. And that’s how we got a WWDC keynote in 2024 focused on Apple Intelligence and promising that very soon Siri would become an intelligent agent that can pull data from every corner of your iPhone to respond to queries such as “What time does my mom’s flight arrive?”
LLMs don’t follow a traditional release model
Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are advancing at a record pace. They’re now much more naturally conversational and can summarize large amounts of information well. Real-time audio transcription, for example, is game-changing for someone like me who has always struggled to hand-write notes.
At the same time, these AI technologies are not making the kinds of gains that tech giants like Google and OpenAI expect. Apple isn’t the only company hanging its AI future on intelligent agents that know everything about us.
Perhaps Apple, like Google, saw the brain-bending pace of advancement in LLMs’ capabilities and figured the bumps and stumbles it’s facing now could be solved with a few quick bug fixes and AI model recompiles. With those smoothed over, connecting the pieces and presenting them as the next generation of Siri would take a few months.
But that’s not how it’s playing out. AI hallucinations and bad data are still a problem — are you getting your recommended dietary requirement of rocks?
I suspect Apple is smarting not just from having to delay its Siri plans, but from being forced to do so publicly. And yet, even if Future Siri doesn’t make an appearance in the near future, there are plenty of opportunities coming up to continue improving Apple Intelligence features. Work on iOS 19 and iPhone 17 models, plus preparations for WWDC 2025 are no doubt well under way. Now that there are fewer expectations for the stalwart assistant, perhaps Siri’s year will improve from here.
If there’s one thing artificial intelligence has taught me, it’s that having something to turn to for collaboration, perspective and feedback is vital for my growth and development.
This focus correlates with my interest in the mystical realm. So I decided to seek out a tool that would put these two interests together, and came across Tarotoo, an AI-powered platform that offers free, personalized tarot and psychic readings in an effort to make spiritual guidance more readily accessible.
Created by Yaroslav Kyrychenko, the platform uses AI to generate quick and personalized readings in multiple tarot spread offerings designed for tarot enthusiasts. The platform offers a free or premium plan ($60 a year) and is available for download in the Apple app store.
Tarotoo’s illustrated tarot deck and AI-driven interpretations — it uses ChatGPT-maker OpenAI’s API behind the scenes, built out with with custom prompts and logic — differentiate it from traditional, tangible tarot platforms, and it does offer ease of use since there’s nothing tangible to use (or lose).
You just need to be willing to place some of your more personal, philosophically inclined entries with an AI-powered platform.
How to use Tarotoo for tarot reading
Scenes from my AI tarot card reading.
Tarotoo/Screenshot by CNET
Tarotoo has a standard process and is easy to set up:
Access Tarotoo from its website or via its mobile app if you’re an iPhone or iPad user.
You’ll be asked to select the reading type you’d like to choose from. You can choose AI Tarot from here.
Input your question or choose a set number of cards from the deck. This triggers the AI to generate a response to your specific question or tailored to the type of tarot you’re navigating.
It takes around 20 seconds for the AI tool to generate your reading after you’ve flipped three cards. It will then give fairly detailed readings of what each card means, and translate that contextually with relation to the specific question you asked at the beginning — similar to if someone pulled them for you.
Once you’ve generated your responses and read over their takeaways, screenshot the cards or write down your findings for future reflection.
This process is customizable and can give you immediate insight on whatever you’re navigating. If it’s written in the stars, it stays in the stars, right?
Who should use AI tarot readings?
Tarotoo/Screenshot by CNET
If you love exploring self-reflection through a mix of intuition and tech, Tarotoo is fun and worth spending some time with. It’s designed for those who are curious about tarot but maybe not ready to spend money on a live reader (or leave their home).
Tarotoo’s ideal users range from beginners wanting to dip a toe into daily tarot to more integrated mystic types. Plus, Tarotoo does have an aesthetically pleasing interface that complements its focus on guidance that’s more spiritual than strategic (though I could argue that choice was, in fact, a strategic one).
If you’re unsure if you would like Tarotoo, here are some scenarios where you might benefit from a tarot reading:
Before accepting a new job offer: You’re excited… but unsure if it’s the right fit. A quick pull in Tarotoo can help you explore what you’re gaining, what you might be leaving behind and what to keep in mind moving forward.
On a Sunday night to reset: You want to feel more centered heading into a new week. You pull from the Daily Tarot deck for a gentle reflection on what matters right now, and what you can let go of to make space for something new.
After a triggering text: Instead of spiraling or screenshotting it to the group chat, you pull a card to help you ground yourself and get clear on what you want to say, not just responding in a familiar, equally triggering way.
This tool is useful for folks who want quick insight in real time — mid-convo, mid-decision or mid-spiral — without needing to schedule something days in advance.
The free version offers enough to get you started, like single card pulls and AI insights across its different tarot offerings for occasional use. The paid plan provides everything in the free model, plus deeper access within the platform through multicard pulls, unlimited access and the option to download readings for future reflection. It also has an AI-powered “psychic” chatbot.
If you value introspection, love journaling or want a bit of spiritual tech in your pocket, Tarotoo can provide enough of the structure of an in-person reading without any awkwardness or potential energetic mixups.
CNET recommends Spectrum as the best internet provider in St. Louis. It offers wide coverage, fast speeds and solid pricing. However, if Spectrum isn’t available at your place, AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet are great alternatives.
For budget plans, Spectrum starts at $25/month for eligible households. Optimum offers 300Mbps for $40, while Verizon and T-Mobile plans can drop to $35/month with mobile bundles. Need serious speed? AT&T Fiber offers 2Gbps and 5Gbps plans, making it the fastest in town.
Best internet in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Home Internet Read full review
DSL hybrid
$60
10-100Mbps
None
1.5TB
None
7.4
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$245
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$25-$70
50-1,000Mbps
Modem free; $10 for router (optional, free on 1,000Mbps plan)
None
None
7.2
Optimum Read full review
Cable
$40-$80
300-940Mbps
None
None
None
6.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Wisper Internet
Fixed wireless/Fiber
$40-$70
200-800Mbps
$7
None
None
N/A
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in St. Louis
EarthLink: EarthLink’s been around for decades, but these days, it leases internet infrastructure and wireless airwaves from other providers to resell home internet plans to consumers, including in St. Louis. As such, the company offers a mix of plans that use different technologies, from satellite to fiber to fixed wireless. EarthLink’s offerings typically offer slightly less value than the primary providers themselves. Since the company doesn’t control the infrastructure, customers are left at the mercy of primary providers regarding things like network slowdowns.
Optimum: Formerly known as Suddenlink, Optimum offers cable internet service without data caps, which is appealing. In fact, the company’s first-year pricing is about as enticing as home internet gets, with 300Mbps download speeds available for just $40 per month. Prices soar after the first year, though. On top of that, availability in St. Louis is quite slim, as it’s limited mostly to select areas around Des Peres and Manchester. That means that Optimum isn’t likely to be available at your address. Even if it is, it’s worth shopping around for a better long-term value.
Satellite internet: Satellite internet from Hughesnet, Viasat or Starlink is an option wherever you live. But it shouldn’t be your first pick – with high prices and slow speeds, it’s not ideal. There are cheaper and faster options available.
How many members of your household use the internet?
T-Mobile Home Internet: Like Verizon, T-Mobile offers fixed wireless home internet service over the same airwaves it uses to offer mobile connectivity, including 5G. Top speeds aren’t quite as high as Verizon’s, with downloads maxing out at 415Mbps and uploads at 133Mbps on higher tiers, but the value is still strong — starting at $50 per month with no data caps and no hidden fees.
Wisper Internet: Wisper is a regional fixed-wireless provider headquartered in Mascoutah, Illinois, and it’s been spending the past few years working to expand service throughout Missouri. Service is still most prevalent east of the Mississippi in Illinois, in places like East St. Louis and Caseyville. With plans starting at $40 a month, download speeds of up to 1,000Mbps and no data caps or prescheduled price increases, it’s worth taking a look to see if Wisper is an option in the rural areas surrounding St. Louis.
Cheapest internet options in St. Louis
Are you looking for the cheapest service possible? In most cases, you should expect to spend at least $50 monthly for home internet in St. Louis. Besides Spectrum’s 100Mbps and 500Mbps plans, costing $30 and $50, Optimum is the only provider offering a plan cheaper than $50 per month.
Again, the best deal is AT&T Fiber, which offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of 300Mbps for $55 a month with no price increase after year one and no data caps. Verizon offers good value too, with a fixed rate of $50 a month with no data caps. It might be particularly appealing if you have an existing mobile plan, as you might qualify for a discount on your internet bill.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in St. Louis?
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in St. Louis
The best internet deals and top promotions in St. Louis depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
St. Louis internet providers, such as Spectrum and Optimum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including AT&T and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
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How fast is St. Louis broadband?
Nationwide, the fastest internet plans come from companies that offer multi-gig service, with speeds as high as 5 gigabits per second (5,000Mbps) or more. That includes AT&T, and the company tells CNET that these plans are available to “thousands of customers” in the St. Louis area. AT&T Fiber offers two speedy mult-gig plans under its network: 2,000Mbps for $145 and 5,000Mbps for $245.
Fastest internet plans in St. Louis
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Internet technology
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review
$245
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review
$145
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review
$70 ($45 for eligible mobile customers)
1,000Mbps
75Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Wisper Fiber 1 Gig
$120
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Optimum 1 Gig Read full review
$80
940Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Internet providers in popular cities near St. Louis
See all results for internet providers in Missouri.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in St. Louis
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike with the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in St. Louis?
If you’re looking for internet service in St. Louis, you’ll find various options for getting online, including cable connections, fixed wireless services, high-speed fiber hookups and new options like 5G home internet. While AT&T’s fiber network offers the fastest speeds in the city, Spectrum’s wide availability makes it the best option for many St. Louis households.
Internet providers in St. Louis FAQs
How fast are internet plans in St. Louis?
Like in most major cities, you’ll find a wide range of options for getting online in St. Louis, with the largest providers being AT&T, Spectrum, T-Mobile and Verizon. Speeds will vary depending on your provider and address, but download speeds of up to 1,000Mbps are available from a few providers. However, AT&T Fiber can’t be beaten with its 5,000Mbps plan, costing $245 monthly.
Yes. Providers like AT&T and Wisper Internet offer fiber-optic internet services in St. Louis, but your home needs to be wired for fiber to start service. In April 2022, an AT&T spokesperson told CNET that fiber services were “available to hundreds of thousands of customers in the St. Louis area” and added that the company planned to expand the reach of its fiber infrastructure in the area throughout the year.
For most of us, the Wi-Fi signal usually ends at the back door. If that includes you, your laptop, projector or big-screen TV might be unable to connect to the internet for a big game or a movie night. You can move your router as close to your yard or front porch as your Ethernet cable will take you but that won’t always solve the problem.
CNET
With the increasing number of outdoor smart devices — including lights, security cameras and garage door openers — you need to be able to extend your Wi-Fi outside and beyond your home’s exterior walls. It can be tricky but with the right hardware, it’ll be no time before you’re streaming video while enjoying your garden or posting pics to social media from your front yard. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out why your router may be in the wrong spot and our home internet cheat sheet.)
If you want to extend your Wi-Fi range outside, try a weather-resistant device
Most options our CNET writers have explored over the years don’t require drilling holes or running new wiring outdoors. Still, getting reliable, fast Wi-Fi outdoors may take an initial investment. Setting it up the right way may cost more initially but it will require little maintenance and give you great coverage in the long run.
Using a Wi-Fi device meant to be left outside may be your best bet. There aren’t many cheap options so you’ll have to decide which setup will work best for your home.
An outdoor Wi-Fi extender — sometimes called a wireless access point or wireless repeater — is the most straightforward option because it’s the only solution that involves installing hardware outside. Many of these devices are enterprise-grade but some manufacturers have consumer-grade outdoor extenders, too. These devices are made to be exposed to the elements year-round and have hardware capable of communicating with your router wirelessly to give you great Wi-Fi coverage outside your home.
The first step is to find an extender that’s compatible with your current router, or you can buy a new router and extender to upgrade your entire network. There aren’t a ton of wireless extenders designed for the outdoors, but a few notable manufacturers are Netgear, Ubiquiti, EnGenius and Hawking.
Next, check the packaging’s ingress protection rating and the temperature range the device can withstand. The IP rating defines the device’s weather-resistance, mainly against dust and water. The highest rating is IP69, which means it’s totally protected against dust and can withstand long periods of immersion underwater.
This indoor/outdoor access point is barely larger than a soda can — and certainly less conspicuous.
Ubiquiti
Another option that’s a little more of a complicated outdoor access point — like the Access Point U6 Mesh from Ubiquiti — allows you to set separate modes for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. The setup is slightly more advanced but you don’t have to drill holes or run new cables.
You set your 5GHz band to wireless bridge mode and the 2.4GHz band to access point mode. This makes your 5GHz band a dedicated backhaul link to the router and allows your outdoor devices to connect via 2.4GHz. This setup limits your speed a bit but you should still be able to take full advantage of your 2.4GHz bandwidth and the additional range that comes with it.
Indoor mesh Wi-Fi systems are easier, but more expensive
Another option is to take advantage of an indoor mesh Wi-Fi system. These usually come with one router and one or two satellite units and can cover up to 5,000 square feet. The most recent data from the US Census Bureau shows that 50% of American homes are between 1,800 and 2,999 square feet, and an additional 27% are 1,799 square feet and less. The bottom line is that most of us don’t have homes as big as 5,000 square feet so with the right placement you will get decent coverage outdoors with a mesh system. You may sacrifice a little speed or coverage indoors by moving the satellite units but most of the best mesh systems are expandable and can add additional units.
Each satellite unit needs only an electrical outlet to plug in the power adapter. No Ethernet cable is required. To extend your Wi-Fi outside, place the mesh router central in your home and put the satellite unit, or units, as close to the exterior as possible. There is a limit to how far apart you can place the units. For example, Asus support recommends placing each one within 10 to 15 meters (approximately 33 to 50 feet) of the other units.
Linksys advised one of our writers that its indoor, three-piece Velop mesh system can help with outdoor coverage. Each unit can cover about 2,000 square feet so if you place one of the units 5 to 10 feet from an exterior concrete wall, your outdoor coverage can improve. Everyone’s home environment is different so your results may vary. Your best bet is to place the satellite unit near a window or door.
The Linksys Velop mesh system can cover up to 6,000 square feet, including extending Wi-Fi outside, depending on placement and your environment.
Linksys
There are more potential problems with this setup, though.
Generally, most mesh satellites link directly back to the router, not to the closest satellite and then back to the router. This means you won’t be able to wirelessly daisy chain them in sequence to stretch your signal in one direction. This is part of the reason it is best to place your router central in your home.
Also, your exterior walls still will interfere with and weaken your signal, especially on 5GHz. You may have to play around with the location to figure out which spot will work best for outdoor coverage in your environment.
If you aren’t familiar with Wi-Fi signals, they are measured in decibel-milliwatts. The signal reading will be negative, so closer to zero is better. You want a signal between -60dBm and -30dBm (which is best). That’s your sweet spot. Your signal is near nonexistent if you see something around -80dBm or -90dBm or lower.
Eero 6 Plus is an affordable mesh option to help extend Wi-Fi range outside.
Ry Crist/CNET
The price of mesh systems has begun to decline but they can still be quite expensive. Still, you shouldn’t need to spend more than a few hundred dollars for a decent, up-to-date system. For instance, Amazon’s Eero 6 Plus performed well in our tests and the three-piece system can cover up to 4,500 square feet for about $300. Another of our top choices, the two-piece TP-Link Deco W7200 Mesh Router, covers up to 5,500 square feet and costs $175 on Amazon. (TP-Link is currently under investigation by the US government for ties to Chinese cyberattacks, and may be banned this year.)
You might be tempted to leave an indoor router or satellite unit in a covered area outside or a weatherproofed enclosure. This may work in the short term but the risk factors are high. The device could overheat or freeze. Humidity is also a factor, as well as foreign objects like dust and insects, which can clog up the device’s vents. Not to mention that leaving an indoor device outside will void your warranty.
Indoor range extenders — cheaper but less reliable for extending Wi-Fi outside
You can replicate the mesh setup mentioned above with a regular router combined with indoor Wi-Fi range extenders or repeaters. This option is a little more affordable, with the extenders taking the place of the mesh satellite units. This approach’s setup is slightly more complicated but you shouldn’t have much trouble following the quick start guide included with the extender. Many newer devices, such as the well-tested D-Link EaglePro AI, are designed to work with different routers.
D-Link’s EaglePro AI is compatible with most routers.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Remember, most wireless extenders will cut your Wi-Fi in half because they receive the wireless signal and then rebroadcast it using the same radio on the same channel. Expect your speeds to be slower when connected to an extender instead of the router. One way around this is to use a tri-band extender with an extra 5GHz network that can act as a dedicated link to your router. This will help you get the maximum bandwidth out of the extender.
Remember that many routers also work as extenders so another option is to buy a new router and use your old one as a wired or wireless extender. Check your current router to see if it can function as a wireless access point or extender. A new router will most likely give you better coverage, including outdoors, so using the old router as an extender could give you the extra boost in Wi-Fi coverage that you need.
Between the two setups, the mesh system’s big advantage over the router plus extenders is that the mesh devices create a single network so you don’t have to reconnect to Wi-Fi when you move from room to room or outdoors. In general, mesh systems are designed so that your phone or laptop will automatically connect to the closest mesh unit without issue. When you have an extender, you have two networks, one for the router and one for the extender, which you may need to switch between when you move around. Plus, having two networks could cause interference with each other, especially on 2.4GHz.
Your last resort for extending Wi-Fi outside? Powerline adapters
One inexpensive option is using powerline adapters, which use your existing in-wall electrical wiring to extend your signal. You can plug some into an outdoor electrical socket but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an affordable one that’s weather-resistant. An indoor powerline adapter can also overheat if you plug it into a covered outlet outdoors.
A temporary solution would be to use an indoor Wi-Fi powerline adapter, such as the Zyxel Powerline series, which you plug into an indoor outlet near where you need better coverage. Your range outdoors won’t be great but it should improve your current setup.
What’s the bottom line?
The simplest option to extend Wi-Fi outside is with a mesh system and additional satellite units. This should give you a few hundred square feet of coverage outside your home. Mesh systems can be expensive, but the setup is usually easy for novice users.
In theory, the best option would be to use an outdoor extender, but few consumer-rated products are available beyond the Orbi Outdoor. TP-Link also offers an outdoor unit, the Deco X50-Outdoor, which is certified water- and dust-proof. We haven’t had a chance to test that unit, but we will update this post as soon as we do.
Amazon will soon launch 27 low-Earth orbit satellites as part of its Project Kuiper. The original launch window was set for Wednesday between 7 and 9 p.m. ET (4 to 6 p.m. PT), but poor weather forced the rocket launch to be scrubbed for the day.
“Weather is observed and forecast NO GO for liftoff within the remaining launch window at Cape Canaveral this evening, according to Launch Weather Officer Brian Belson,” United Launch Alliance said in its live updates Wednesday night. “The stubborn cumulus clouds and persistent winds make liftoff not possible within the available window.”
There’s no word yet on when it’ll be rescheduled, but there’s a mission page for updates on the launch and plans to livestream the takeoff. You can watch the rocket launch live on that page or YouTube.
The launch mission, KA-01 or Kuiper Atlas 1, will be on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and will take place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
It’ll be a big step forward for the project, which Amazon announced in 2019 with promises of a $10 billion investment. Now the company is poised to enter the race to provide satellite internet service, a space currently dominated by SpaceX’s Starlink, which has about 7,000 satellites. Amazon’s plans call for 3,200 satellites to be deployed over 80 launches. The company intends to provide internet service with this technology later this year.
More competition will improve internet services
The literal space race, which includes Starlink, Amazon and other companies such as Viasat, Hughesnet, Eutelsat and China’s SpaceSail, could mean more internet service availability in far-flung and rural areas with limited broadband options. Though Starlink is the leader in space, some of these other companies are continuing to launch satellites and working to deploy high-speed internet in more markets, such as Brazil. With more players in the market, that could mean faster and cheaper internet in more areas, although whether that actually bears out for consumers remains to be seen.
Mahdi Eslamimehr, executive vice president at Quandary Peak Research and adjunct professor at the Department of Computer Science at USC, said Amazon is well poised to compete with Starlink. “Amazon has made extensive launch agreements with major providers such as ULA, Arianespace, Blue Origin, and even SpaceX itself, positioning Kuiper as a major challenger due to its expansive infrastructure and significant resources.”
He said, “While Starlink currently enjoys clear market leadership, it faces increasing competition from well-capitalized and strategically agile competitors, specifically from China, suggesting the market will become considerably more competitive in the near future.”
So far, Eslamimehr said, Amazon’s satellite efforts have been promising and successful, at least in the prototype stages. The company has also been testing Amazon Web Services in space. “These developments collectively underscore Amazon’s robust entry into the satellite internet market and reflect positive early momentum in its overall space strategy.”
Beyond how it fares against Starlink and other companies, the Amazon satellite launches are significant in other ways. Eslamimehr said, “Project Kuiper isn’t just about competition; it’s positioned as a critical step toward closing the global digital divide, promising to deliver high-speed internet to underserved communities worldwide.”
Correction, April 4: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the USC professor and Quandary Peak Research executive vice president. His name is Mahdi Eslamimehr.
Reddit is expanding a cloud computer partnership with Google to use its Gemini AI tools for Reddit Answers. In an announcement, Google said it’s helping Reddit manage information from 100,000 online communities and more than 400 million weekly active users, making their online conversations more searchable for Reddit Answers.
For users, it could mean more accurate search in addition to summaries, follow-up questions and the ability to have an AI conversation about the content, not unlike what users of chatbot service such as ChatGPT would expect.
Reddit unveiled Answers in late 2024, telling its users that it would be easier to search for content from Reddit, more often than not answers to questions, without the need to go to Google and using its search function. Reddit was already in a $60 million deal with Google to help train generative AI models on its content.
The company has also been expanding its translation services across its communities with the help of AI.
Simple to use and straightforward, if you’re looking for the convenience and discount associated with wine delivery but not the commitment of a full subscription service, you might try Wine Insiders. The wine-delivery service offers wine lovers a careful selection of wines including reds, whites, sparkling wine and rosés all under $20 with zero subscription or monthly commitment and free shipping on six bottles or more. If you join their club you get 12 wines in a combination of reds, whites or a mix of both every 12 weeks for just $89. Right now, with the first club shipment, you get an extra three bottles for free, and if you do a second it comes with a free professional chrome corkscrew.
I tried this wine club and have to say the hit rate of solid wines was extremely high for my moderately experienced palate. If you’ve graduated from the Gallos and the Cupcakes and want to include more nuanced, complex and higher-priced premium wine in your life, Firstleaf Wine Club might be good for you too. Its palate quiz is one of the most involved, asking for varietal (Pinot Noir vs. Shiraz, for instance) preferences in addition to using several household name wines as taste benchmarks.
This intelligent wine subscription service gets to know you by asking about certain tasting notes and qualities you might prefer in your perfect wine — such as minerality — in contrast to similar quizzes, which assume many don’t know what that means. In short, this is probably the best wine club for a wine enthusiast who has the basics down and is ready to launch into expert wine-tasting territory.
Firstleaf’s Classic Plan offers six tailored bottles of wine delivered per month for $90. The Preferred Plan offers a select (which means higher valued) six-bottle offering for $105 per month. Meanwhile, the Premier option gives you six bottles of top-tier wine for $120 per month, or go for the very best with the Fine Wine Plan that gives you six bottles from the Fine Wine Collection for $150 per month. You can schedule the delivery frequency however you please (according to the company, most customers pick an “every other month” schedule), and can swap out each of your selections through your account, but if you don’t like the replacement, you’ll have to email customer support. Otherwise, skipping a single order, putting your account on hold, reactivating it and canceling your subscription altogether can all be done through your online wine club account.
Firstleaf offers a promotional discount on your first shipment, with pricing starting at $45 for your first shipment on a classic plan.
The popularity of biodynamic wines aligns with a growing desire to consume more natural foods and this organic wine club has its finger on the pulse of that shift in preferences. Organic grapes are a great place to start, but biodynamic farming and processing doesn’t deteriorate the soil or add traditional winemaking additives like artificial sugars to natural wine.
Plonk Wine Club pulls biodynamic wines from all corners of the globe. As with everything else that’s organic, this is a pricey box ($135 per month) that only contains four bottles. You can also order six or a dozen at a discount, but instead of getting an additional eight unique wines, you’ll be stocking up on three bottles of each of that month’s picks. The club is available in three options; white, red or mixed.
Cellars Wine Club ($34 and up per month) actually offers eight different wine clubs that you can switch between, based on your preferences. An expert team of wine sommeliers tastes and chooses the curated wines for the clubs every month. Ultimately, these sommelier experts draw from the same pool of wines, but the individual sub-clubs cater to specific tastes and categories.
Most of these sub-clubs ship a wine box with two wine bottles or more per month. Clubs are curated by themes like 90-plus point wines, sparkling wines and even a sweet wine club. While other services, especially palate-based ones, box you into experiencing certain kinds of wine, Cellars allows the wine drinker to be adventurous from one wine shipment to the next without compromising quality.
Switching between clubs can be done online through your account, but if you want to cancel your subscription, you have to reach out to customer service.
For Francophiles, this wine club seeks to replicate the sommelier in a fine French restaurant or wine bar but from the comfort of your home. For one, all the wines come from France, but the team selecting them also lives and works in French wine regions and thus is intimately acquainted with the nuance of the product. To further drill down on the sommelier experience, SomMailer includes thoughtful food pairings and in-depth descriptions with every bottle.
To sign up for SomMailer, you’ll choose either three bottles ($110 per shipment), six bottles ($209) or 12 bottles ($399) to be delivered quarterly and then select all red wine, all white wine or a mix of both. Subscriptions to SomMailer can be canceled anytime, but if you want to just try one box (or gift a box of three or six French wines to a friend), you can do that too.
The best part is if you find a wine you really love, SomMailer will sell you a case of three, six or 12 bottles a la carte. This is great because you may not be able to find every wine you try in your local package store.
Maybe wine isn’t your drink of choice, but it’s always nice to have a few great bottles of wine around. Ninety Plus Cellars ships rebranded wines from reputable wineries every three months. Meaning, they purchase a small percentage of bottles from vineyards with histories of highly rated wines and repackage them.
Starting at $95 per quarter, you’ll get the six best wines of the season, six reds or a mix of six reds, whites and the occasional rosé and sparkling wine. There is also a $180 per quart option if you’d like twelve bottles instead. It recently added a three-bottle option for $50 per shipment, that features a mix of red, white and the occasional sparkling or rosé. Some of the older, legacy wine club companies still do four shipments a year, but we think Ninety Plus offers a better value and has a more user-friendly website.
Roscioli Italian Wine Club
For those partial to old-world wine, Roscioli curates a selection of Italian bottles for decidedly discerning palates. The Roscioli family has been a fixture in Italy’s food, wine and hospitality scene for two centuries. More recently, they’ve bottled up all that knowledge into a high-end wine club for serious imbibers and collectors alike.
Members of this wine club will receive two 12-bottle shipments per year (24 total) of Italian and old-world wines with an emphasis on biodiversity and biodynamics. Roscioli offers three subscription tiers starting at $860 per year for its Essential Italian Wine Club, $1,160 a year for the Premium Wine Club or $2,160 for the Collector Italian Wine Club.
Roscioli Wine Club ships nationwide in the US, and each shipment includes pairing suggestions and scannable QR codes that trigger video introductions to the winemaker. Membership also includes access to Roscioli’s online community platform of wine courses and a portal where members can ask anything (well, anything wine-related) of an Italian winemaker or sommelier.
The best part? Club members can cash in on a complimentary wine tasting at Roscioli when visiting Rome.
Vinebox is a great way to try high-end wines from around the globe in its many tasting boxes available for purchase.
The cool and very giftable twist-top vials hit the middle ground between a tasting pour and a standard glass pour. This way, you can try these wines and maybe even have enough to pair with a meal or just unwind at the end of the day.
Their Box of the Month starts at $79 ($63 if you subscribe) and includes six 100ml vials of wine. You can also choose a single purchase of one of its boxes and go from there.
Other wine clubs we tested
Although media companies are credited with kicking off the wine club renaissance in 2008 (think The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times), they use one of a few, massive wine merchants to fill their orders. As a result, these companies, along with older clubs like Laithwaites essentially pull from the same lot, often marking up prices in the process. The lack of value and unique offerings excluded these services from our list. Some of the older clubs like Vinesse and California Wine Club do deliver a high-quality selection, but they also have text-heavy sites that are exhausting to navigate as well as cancellation policies that involve tedious phone calls. We absolutely loved the premium, boutique wine offerings of Pour This from renowned sommelier Ashley Ragovin, but her subscription service has been terminated. We looked into SommSelect monthly wine club as an alternative, but its selection doesn’t quite offer the rare finds that Ragovin could produce.
How we evaluated wine clubs and subscriptions
Our picks were chosen through a mix of personal experience, in-depth reviews from industry leaders and customer reviews from third-party review platforms such as TrustPilot and HighYa. We also took into consideration factors such as customer service, ease of site navigation and breadth of wines to choose from to help you find the best wine subscription services. We did not personally test every service on this list, but we update as we try them.
What are the advantages of a wine club?
The best wine clubs to give as gifts offer access to limited-batch and private-label wines, as well as boutique and international wines and new releases. Many will personalize selections based on your specific flavor preferences, so you can avoid one of the primary pitfalls of novice wine buying: the thrill of choosing an attractive label followed by the disappointment of a lackluster glass. With sophisticated curators and review data to lean on, these bottle clubs have the concept of good wine down to a science.
Is wine cheaper when you buy it online?
It depends. In my neighborhood in New York, wine is exceptionally expensive to buy in package stores, and so I find I can find the best wine for the best prices when I purchase it online. Some of the most popular services, including Firstleaf, have excellent plans that will deliver great bottles for as little as $13 each. I can almost never find decent wine that cheap in my local shops, and so buying wine online is cheaper.
Are wine clubs hard to cancel?
Generally speaking, no. We haven’t yet subscribed to every wine club, but the bulk of the ones we have tried make it fairly easy to cancel your subscription at no cost. Just be careful to read the details and fine print before you sign up. Some services will have options to commit to three or six months in advance, and in those cases, it may be harder to cancel until your commitment is through.
How do I pick the best wine club for me?
You may want to start by asking yourself a few questions that go beyond red or white, flat or sparkling. Do you want a wine service that is highly curated to your specific tastes and favorite wine types? Do you have a roster of usual wines or would you rather try (mostly) new wine? Perhaps you’d like a master sommelier sharing their tasting notes and opinions of certain bottles? Are you looking for premium fine wine or a bottle of some other artisanal specialties? Then there are vegan wines, naked wines, organic and biodynamic wines to consider, each with a niche wine club or two specializing in them. Most importantly, you must decide what a high-quality bottle of wine should cost. From there, you can use our list to find the best wine club or subscription service for you.
These chicken wings cooked in the Ninja air fryer were a thing of beauty.
David Watsky/CNET
Chicken wings are almost universally loved and a very popular item to air fry. The goal for an air-fried wing is crispy outside and skin with a juicy inside. To test each oven’s air fry ability, I cooked three frozen wings on air fry mode at 450 F for 30 minutes, turning them every 10 minutes. I let each oven come to full preheat before putting the wings in and then photographed them immediately after pulling them out. Naturally, I tasted them too, when they were cool enough to eat.
Success here depends on high heat and good fan circulation of that hot air, which means faster cooking. The faster an air fryer cooks and the more effective the super convection is, the faster the outside skin will crisp, making it less likely the chicken will be dry inside.
The Ninja Foodi oven won the great wing war by a feather, with the crispiest wings after 30 minutes. They were also perfectly juicy inside and had no real visible burning. The Cuisinart also nailed the wing test, but I actually had to pull them after about 25 minutes because they were fully done. They even had some burnt skin but not enough to bother me. The Breville and Crux also did well with good browning and crispy skin, while the KitchenAid finished sixth and the Calphalon seventh with not enough browning or crispiness for my taste.
Air fryer french fries
The Ninja and Breville cooked french fries to a golden brown the fastest without burning.
David Watsky/CNET
This second air fryer test was designed to illuminate the pure power and speed of an individual oven’s air fry function, but also its ability to cook evenly. I placed a handful of frozen fries (McDonald’s style) on air fry at 450 F and timed how quickly each one got to that golden brown color that we all covet. Because speedy cooking and convenience are key features of the countertop air fryer oven, faster equals better. All of the oven subjects (except for the Cuisinart) reached the desired doneness eventually, but some performed the task much more quickly and consistently than others.
Breville won the fry test with perfectly golden fries in six minutes. I set the Ninja to a slightly lower temp (390 F) per its manual, and in eight minutes I had perfect fries (a very close second place and it likely would have won or tied if I’d set it to 450 F). KitchenAid also took eight minutes on 450 F while the Crux took nine minutes to get there and the Calphalon took 12. The Cuisinart was actually the fastest at just three minutes, but it burnt the edges of the fries and didn’t cook evenly. At this point, I began to suspect the Cuisinart has an unusually intense air fryer function, for better or worse.
Broiled salmon
The Breville and Ninja were the only ovens that imparted any sort of crust after four minutes.
David Watsky/CNET
To test the broiler, I brushed a 4-ounce salmon fillet with a mixture of mustard, olive oil and brown sugar. After the oven came to preheat, I snuck the salmon under the broiler about 2 inches from the top and left it there for four minutes before removing it from the oven for a photoshoot.
The key thing I looked for here was how well each broiler imported a caramelized crust on the top of the fish. Some ovens, like the Calphalon and Cuisinart, showed almost no signs of browning, while the Ninja and Breville delivered nice color and the beginnings of a good crust. I decided they would share the blue ribbon for this test. The KitchenAid and Crux both showed some browning, landing them in third and fourth place.
Plain old toast
Both the Calphalon and Ninja made very pretty toast that matched their medium presets, but the Ninja (pictured) did it in half the time.
David Watsky/CNET
This test was to see how accurate a particular oven’s toaster presets are and how fast it can toast bread. I stuck one slice of bread in each toaster and set it to medium. I didn’t weigh this test as heavily as the others because, in truth, any of these ovens will get you to the desired toastiness, it just may take more (or less) time, some tinkering or learning of the presets to get it how you want it.
How long each cook time was for the “medium” preset on each oven varied rather significantly, ranging from over six minutes for the Calphalon to just three and a half for the Ninja. As it was, these two produced the most even and attractive toast that corresponded to the preset, but the Ninja (winner) did it in half the time. The Breville, KitchenAid and Crux barely toasted the bread at all when set to medium — which simply means you’d have to use a darker setting — while the Cuisinart over-toasted the bread.
Baked cookies
Ninja and Breville tied in the cookie contest as both ovens turned out almost perfect results.
David Watsky/CNET
Next, I wanted to see how accurately and consistently each oven could reach and hold a temperature, and baking a cookie is a perfect test for that. I plopped a spherical tablespoon worth of Toll House cookie dough on parchment paper and stuck one in each oven on the middle oven rack for the recommended time and temp (350 F for 10 minutes).
The cookie race was a photo finish between Ninja and Breville, both of which delivered almost perfect results. The Cuisinart cookie was overbaked, as was the Crux (although just slightly), while the KitchenAid cookie was a tad underbaked.
Preheat test
Another big draw for using a countertop oven over the big oven is the speed at which it preheats. During the cookie bake-off, I timed each oven to see how fast it came up to 350 F.
The Ninja Foodi blew all the others away, preheating to 350 F at a lightning-fast 50 seconds. Most of the others clocked in around three and a half minutes, while the larger Breville took five minutes to come to temp. I didn’t do an official test for air fryer preheat, but I did notice the Calphalon took markedly longer than the others to get to 450 F on air fry.
Temperature accuracy and consistency test
This is low-key one of the most important functions for any oven, especially if you plan to do some light baking in it. If an oven can’t hold an accurate and consistent temperature, it makes following recipes far more difficult, and you’ll be forever adjusting and hawking your food to make sure it doesn’t burn. I used thermocouples to read the internal temperature of the oven while it baked for 10 minutes at 350 F. I was able to get an average temperature reading for the duration of the bake, but I also watched the thermometer in real-time to see how much fluctuation happened during the cook.
The KitchenAid won this test with an average reading of 350 F on the nose and with very little fluctuation. The Ninja (343 F average temp), Cuisinart (346 F) and Breville (345 F) also did well, although the Breville started off very hot and then came back down. The two last-place finishers were the Crux, which ran hot (365 F) and the Calpahlon, which ran cold (337 F). Both were also the most inconsistent throughout the bakes.
Cleaning and care
A smart design feature allows you to get right inside the Ninja oven and give it a good cleaning.
David Watsky/CNET
Except for the Ninja (more on this in a second), there is nothing particularly unusual about caring for or cleaning these ovens and their heating elements. They have standard box interiors of various sizes made from stainless steel that will require regular scrubs and wipes. Each oven also has a removable, dishwasher-safe crumb tray to catch fallen fries and toasty bits.
Now back to the Ninja. Because of the compact interior, this oven is definitely more prone to splatter and stains, especially when making foods with fat and grease such as wings. Thankfully, there is a smart design feature that allows the entire bottom floor of the Ninja oven to fold out so you can get right inside with a rag or Brillo pad and wipe it down. I am sure the Ninja will require more frequent cleaning than the others. If that’s not something you’re diligent about, it’s certainly something to consider.
Mortgage rates won’t drop signifcantly in the next few months, but you don’t have to put off your homebuying plans.
The mortgage rates you see advertised online are simply averages based on what borrowers are being offered at a given time. Depending on your financial profile, you could qualify for a significantly lower rate. By taking steps to improve your credit score and negotiating with multiple lenders, you can secure a better deal.
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In other words, if budgeting for a near-7% rate on your home loan is challenging right now, there are ways to reduce it to 6% without waiting years to enter the housing market.
A lower interest rate saves you money
A 1 percentage point difference in your mortgage rate can translate to about 10% savings on your monthly mortgage payment, and tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the course of your loan.
For instance, let’s say you buy a home for $400,000 and make a 20% down payment on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The difference between a 7% rate and a 6% rate gives you a monthly savings of $210.
Here’s a quick look at how monthly mortgage payments compare for the same home with a 7%, 6% and 5% rate.
How to score a cheaper mortgage rate today
Taking some (or all) of these steps can reduce your rate by 1% or even more.
1. Improve your credit score
If your credit needs work, consider taking steps to raise your credit score before applying for a mortgage.
Lenders look at your credit score to decide whether you qualify for a home loan and what interest rate you receive. FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best score possible. Higher credit scores show you’ve managed debt responsibly in the past, so it lowers your risk to a lender. This can help you secure a lower interest rate and save big.
“The best mortgage rates and products are typically reserved for those with a credit score of 740 or better,” said Sarah DeFlorio, vice president of mortgage banking at William Raveis Mortgage.
According to a 2024 Lending Tree study, when borrowers moved from the “fair” credit score range (580 to 669) to the “very good” range (740 to 799), they shaved 0.22% percentage points off their interest rate. That rate difference helped borrowers save $16,677 over the lifetime of a home loan.
2. Increase your down payment
Your down payment is the amount of money you contribute to your home purchase upfront. Each type of home loan comes with a minimum down payment, usually ranging from zero to 5%, but a higher down payment means a cheaper interest rate. That’s because the lender takes on less risk when you contribute more toward the loan.
Since a down payment lowers your mortgage rate and builds your home equity, home loan experts often recommend making a large down payment of at least 20%.
3. Take out an adjustable-rate mortgage
An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan with a fixed rate for a set introductory period, such as five years. Once that period ends, the interest rate can go up or down in regular intervals for the remaining term.
The big appeal of ARMs is that the introductory interest rate is often lower than the rate on traditional mortgages. In general, the average 5/1 ARM rate is about 0.5% lower for the first several years than the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.
4. Negotiate your mortgage rate
When you’re applying for mortgage loans, you don’t have to go with the company that did your preapproval. In fact, research shows that getting rate quotes from multiple lenders and comparing offers can result in significant savings.
If you want to use this strategy, start by submitting a mortgage application with lenders that fit your criteria. Once you have a few loan estimates in hand, use the best one to negotiate with the lender you want to work with.
The loan officer may lower your rate, help you save on closing costs or offer other incentives to get you onboard. In a 2023 LendingTree survey, 39% of homebuyers negotiated the interest rate on their most recent home purchase. Out of that pool of buyers, 80% were able to get a better deal.
5. Opt for a shorter home loan term
Nearly 90% of homebuyers choose a 30-year fixed mortgage term because it offers the most flexibility and monthly payment affordability. Payments are lower because they’re stretched over a longer timeline, but you can always put more toward the principal here and there.
But when you take out a longer-term home loan, “you’re holding up the lender’s money, and there’s an opportunity cost for the funds to be invested elsewhere,” said Nicole Rueth, SVP of the Rueth Team Powered by Movement Mortgage.
Shorter loan terms, such as 10-year and 15-year mortgages and ARMs, have lower interest rates, so you can reduce your rate now.
Choosing a shorter repayment term could help you save money since you’ll be paying less in interest over the long term. But don’t make the homebuying mistake of choosing a shorter loan term just for the lower rate. Shorter loan terms mean you’ll have less time to repay the money you borrow, resulting in higher monthly payments, so it’s important to ensure they fit within your budget.
6. Buy mortgage points
A mortgage point, also known as a mortgage discount point, is an upfront fee you can pay the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate on your home loan. Nearly half (45%) of homebuyers used this strategy when getting a mortgage in 2022, according to Zillow research.
Each point costs 1% of the purchase price of a home and usually knocks the rate down by 0.25%. On a $400,000 home, you’d pay $4,000 for one discount point. The lender may even allow you to buy four mortgage points to lower the rate from 7% to 6%, though you’d have to shell out $16,000 to get there.
To check whether this strategy is worthwhile, take the total cost of the points and compare it to the overall monthly savings. In this case, when you pay $16,000 to buy four points and save $210 per month, it would take you more than six years to reach your break-even point.
Some experts encourage putting any extra money you have toward a down payment instead of buying points. That’s because if you sell the home or refinance before reaching your break-even point, you lose money. But the amount you spent for your down payment becomes part of your equity.
7. Get a temporary mortgage rate buydown
A temporary mortgage rate buydown involves paying a fee at closing to lower your interest rate for the first few years of your loan term. Because of the considerable upfront cost, this strategy only makes financial sense when someone else pays for that fee. Home builders, sellers and even some lenders may offer to cover this type of buydown to boost sales, especially when market rates are elevated.
For example, a lender may offer a “3-2-1” buydown, where the interest rate is slashed by 3 percentage points in the first year, 2 percentage points in the second year and 1 percentage point in the third. Starting in the fourth year, you pay the full rate for the rest of the loan term.
Buyers often choose a temporary buydown and plan to refinance later on. Your buydown funds are refundable, and you can use them toward closing costs when you refinance (if rates do drop).
Is 6% a ‘good’ mortgage rate?
The majority of US adults would only consider purchasing a home if rates were to drop to 4% or below. Yet most mortgage forecasts don’t project average rates dipping below 6% this year.
In a historical sense, a good mortgage rate is generally at or below the national average. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate since 1971 has averaged 7.72%, according to Freddie Mac. In the last year, average mortgage rates mostly fluctuated between 6% and 7%.
With that in mind, getting a rate in the mid- to low-6% range is pretty good, according to DeFlorio.
But affordability is relative to your overall financial situation. And because mortgage rates can change daily and even hourly, the definition of a “good” rate can change quickly.
“What matters is the rate you can get today,” said Colin Robertson, founder of The Truth About Mortgage. According to Robertson, the only way to know if you’re getting a good deal is to speak with a few different lenders and brokers, and then compare their quotes against the daily or weekly averages.
Read more: Still Chasing 2% Mortgage Rates? Here’s Why It’s Time to Let Them Go
Should I buy a home in 2025?
Buying a home is a personal decision, so it should feel right for your situation and budget. As you shop for a home, consider multiple strategies to lower your rate and focus on factors within your control. A mortgage calculator can help you estimate what you’d pay each month.
“If you are comfortable with the monthly payments, you should not be fixated on a specific rate,” DeFlorio said. “Especially because if prices continue to go up, you may be paying a higher purchase price because you waited.”
Plus, the market is especially uncertain right now, as the US has a new presidential administration. Trying to time the market could backfire.
“It’s too easy to get it wrong,” Robertson said. “The decision to buy a home should go well beyond a mortgage rate.”
A cup of coffee is a key part of many people’s morning routines. However, going out for coffee in the morning can get expensive, and making your own coffee at home can also be a bit of a time suck. That’s where Keurig machines come in. They’re one of the most convenient ways to get your morning coffee: All you do is pop in a pod and press a button to get your fix.
However, relying on this little machine requires maintenance. If you don’t clean your Keurig, it can begin to grow mold, which can make you sick and it can make your coffee taste worse. By keeping your Keurig clean, you can keep mold from growing, help preserve your coffee machine and maybe even improve the taste of your coffee.
CNET
If you want to stay on top of your coffee game, you should play nice with your caffeine dealer. To keep your Keurig in good working order, you should clean it once a week and perform a deep cleaning descale process every few months.
We’ll lay out all the steps for you to keep your Keurig clean to ensure you have the best tasting coffee. For more, don’t miss the 10 foods you should never cook in your Instant Pot and 7 places that are likely hiding mold in your home.
Before cleaning your Keurig
The pod holder is typically one of the dirtiest spots on a Keurig.
Brian Bennett/CNET
Before you start your cleaning process of your Keurig, make sure there isn’t a used pod still in the machine’s pod holder. Leaving your K-Cups for days on end before taking them out can promote mold growth, and where do you think that mold could eventually end up? That’s right, your favorite coffee mug. Take your K-Cups out after they’ve cooled down a bit from your brew.
Make sure you also unplug your Keurig before cleaning. This will make it easier to spin it around and move it if necessary while you’re cleaning it.
Wash down the outside of your machine
Brian Bennett
We’re not talking about using a water hose, but give your Keurig a nice cleaning on any of its outside surfaces to get rid of any dried coffee residue. Keurig itself suggests wiping down your machine every day.
Clean the drip tray
The drip tray should be emptied and rinsed every day.
David Watsky/CNET
Spilled coffee is likely to build up in the drip tray, so make sure you’re emptying and cleaning it regularly. Otherwise, expect mold and smells to follow after weeks of not tending to it. Washing the drip tray is quick and easy — dish soap and warm water will do the trick.
Clean the reservoir
Although its primary purpose is just to hold water, don’t skip on giving the water reservoir and lid some love. You can hand wash it with warm water and dish soap or throw it in your dishwasher. Before you clean these, make sure you take out the water filter at the bottom of the reservoir first; otherwise, you just made a new problem for yourself.
Clean the K-Cup holder
The K-Cup holder is definitely in need of cleaning.
Brian Bennett/CNET
This part of your Keurig sees most of the action and in turn, can be one of the grosser parts to clean. While it’s best if you clean every part of your machine, if you choose to just do one of these steps, it should be this one, by a lot.
Check the user manual that came with your machine or online to see how to properly remove the holder and so you can clean underneath it. You can run the holder under hot water to wash away any coffee grounds, residue or oils, but wiping it down a bit will be helpful as well. Also, don’t forget there’s a sharp needle in this area to puncture the K-Cups, so take care around that.
Descale your machine with vinegar or a descaling solution
It’s recommended to descale your Keurig every few months.
Keurig
This one you probably expected to see show up in this list at some point. But if you didn’t know, descaling your machine is a necessary task to ensure your machine works properly and continues to do so in the long run.
Given the sheer number of different models, activating the descaling mode on your specific coffee machine may be a little different, but Keurig’s descaling support page should help you find the right combination of buttons to press.
In general, descaling involves filling your Keurig’s water reservoir with a combination of vinegar and hot water (or Keurig’s own, pre-made solution) and running all of the solution through the machine without a pod inside until you need to add more water. Make sure you have a container big enough to catch the vinegar and water solution as it flows out. Let the Keurig sit for a few minutes and then fill the reservoir with water and repeat the brewing process. You’d probably benefit from repeating this a few times to avoid any potential vinegar aftertaste.
Luckily, descaling your machine isn’t a weekly requirement. Keurig encourages you to descale every few months, though.
Time to upgrade your machine? Check the best Keurig coffee makers.
FAQs
What is the most important part of the Keurig coffeemaker that I should be cleaning?
If you clean only a single part of your Keurig, it should be the K-Cup holder. That’s where most of the grime and waste will accumulate, making it a breeding ground for mold that could affect your future coffee cups.
How often should I clean my Keurig?
You should clean your coffeemaker once every few weeks, making sure there’s no mold building up in the K-Cup holder or the drip tray. A full descaling of the appliance should be performed every few months.
Watch the Premier League in Australia from AU$7 a month
Optus Sport
Two local rivals will look to put their underwhelming seasons behind them on Sunday as Manchester United host Manchester City in the 196th derby clash between these two old foes.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world, and how to use a VPN if it’s not available where you are.
Defending EPL champs Man City have had a campaign to forget, but a recent uptick in results mean they remain in line for a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils meanwhile look set for a hugely disappointing finish in the bottom half of the table. The hosts are nevertheless unbeaten in their last three meetings with Man City across all competitions, with Amad Diallo’s final minute winner securing a dramatic win for United when these two sides last met back in December.
Manchester United take on Manchester City on Sunday, April 6 at Old Trafford, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. BST local time. That makes it a 11:30 a.m. ET or 8:30 a.m. PT start in the US and Canada, and a 1:30p.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Monday morning.
Man United boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping to lead his side to victory over Pep Guardiola team for a third time this season.
Carl Recine/Getty Images
How to watch Man United vs. Man City in the US without cable
Sunday’s Man United vs. Man City game will be broadcast on NBC and can also be streamed via Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.
Peacock/CNET
Peacock offers two Premium plans, and after the recent price increases, the ad-supported Premium plan costs $8 a month and the ad-free Premium Plus plan is $14 a month.
How to watch the Premier League 2024-25 season from anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling abroad and want to keep up with all the Premier League action while away from home, a VPN can help enhance your privacy and security when streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your internet service provider from throttling your speeds, and can also be helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, adding an extra layer of protection for your devices and logins. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the US and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting VPN usage to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions, ensuring you’re connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so verifying if your streaming subscription allows VPN usage is crucial.
James Martin/CNET
Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 35% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you’ll get three months free and save 49%. That’s the equivalent of $6.67 a month.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months)
Livestream Man United vs. Man City in the UK
Today’s match at Old Trafford is exclusive to Sky Sports, showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and UHD channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.
Now TV
Sky subsidiary Now offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for £15, or sign up to a monthly plan from £35 per month right now.
Livestream Man United vs. Man City in Canada
If you want to stream this EPL game live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. The service has exclusive rights to every Premier League fixture once again this season.
Fubo
Fubo is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the EPL this season, with exclusive streaming rights to every match. It costs CA$30 a month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually.
Livestream Man United vs. Man City in Australia
Football fans down under can watch EPL matches live on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every Premier League game of the 2024-25 season live in Australia.
Optus
With exclusive rights to stream all EPL matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.
If you’re already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.
Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Is it just me, or is Connections: Sports Edition getting tougher each week? Or am I getting dumber? Fight fans, you might do all right today, but there was one compound word in your category (green) that I literally have never heard before. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Get out of here.
Green group hint: It happens in the octagon.
Blue group hint: They call it football.
Purple group hint: Not on…
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Part ways.
Green group: MMA terms.
Blue group: English soccer clubs.
Purple group: ____ off.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The completed NYT Connections Sports Edition for Sunday, April 6, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is part ways. The four answers are dismiss, fire, oust and sack.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is MMA terms. The four answers are armbar, choke, clinch and submission.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is English soccer clubs. The four answers are Burnley, Leeds, Stoke and Watford.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ____ off. The four answers are face, lead, tip and walk.
The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2024 left 23 million households without a suitable alternative to low-income internet accessibility. Many households were located in rural areas with limited internet options, and nearly half were military families.
Congress has failed to provide further funding for the continuation of the ACP, which shaved $30 (or $75 on tribal lands) off monthly broadband bills for participating low-income households. “High-speed internet isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s an absolute necessity,” former President Joe Biden said in an April 2024 speech calling for an extension of the program, citing the importance of broadband for schoolwork, telemedicine and small businesses.
This story is part of Crossing the Broadband Divide, CNET’s coverage of how the country is working toward making broadband access universal.
In the wake of the loss of the ACP, many internet service providers, including CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber and Google Fiber, returned ACP customers to standard rates.
How to apply for low-income internet
On the other hand, some ISPs have opted to include low-cost plans with slower speeds (think 50 megabits per second) for discounted rates and a handful of ISPs, like Kinetic by Windstream, are continuing the $30 monthly discount for eligible households.
Although there is yet to be an affordable internet replacement program, you still have one or two options for a monthly discount on home internet. The federal Lifeline program doesn’t offer the same substantial discount, but it can be helpful with affording home internet. It provides a $9.25-per-month broadband benefit for eligible households or up to $34.25 for homes on tribal lands. Here’s what you need to know about qualifying for Lifeline.
In some cases, you may also qualify for service from nonprofit PCs for People, which offers a widespread, affordable internet program that starts at $15 per month for access to T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network with the purchase of a mobile hotspot. You must provide documentation of enrollment in a government assistance program or proof of income eligibility. Additionally, T-Mobile’s Project 10Million aims to get low-income students online with a free 100GB of hotspot internet per year.
Your search for affordable internet in a post-ACP world starts with your existing ISP. Look for communications about options and then compare with offers from other providers that service your address. You can find what’s available by entering your address on the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband map.
Best low-income internet options by state
Find your state to explore affordable internet options that may be available in your area. Some ISPs require an eligibility check for their low-income plans, so gather your proof of income and documentation for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the National School Lunch Program, Supplemental Security Income or other assistance programs.
Some of the programs compiled here have end dates and specific requirements. Reach out to your ISP for full information on serviceability, eligibility and qualifying for low-cost internet programs.
Low-income internet options in Alabama
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. You may have to show proof of income eligibility or participation in a government assistance program. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Alaska
GCI Lifeline with Data: Lifeline-eligible GCI customers may qualify for a $1-per-month mobile program that includes 12GB of data.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.
Lifeline: The Lifeline program is available across the US. It offers a discount of $9.25 to most qualified residents, but Alaska is an exception. The entire state is considered tribal lands, so the Lifeline benefit in Alaska is $34.25 per month. Alaska Communications plans, for example, start at $80 per month, so the Lifeline benefit can cut that cost in half.
SpitWSpots Keep Alaska Connected: Eligible Alaskans can qualify for free 10Mbps internet service through wireless ISP SpitWSpots around the Homer and Soldotna area.
Low-income internet options in Arizona
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Connect Arizona: Connect Arizona is a resource led by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. It maintains a list of internet offers and discounts available throughout the state. Browse through providers, speeds, prices and Lifeline eligibility to find a plan that fits your budget. Digital navigators provide one-on-one phone support. Connect Arizona also provides a map of free Wi-Fi locations.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Arkansas
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
The Santa Monica Pier off the the southern coast of California.
Luciano Lejtman/Getty Images
Low-income internet options in California
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. California residents on SSI can also qualify. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
California Broadband for All: Broadband for All is a state program aimed at closing the digital divide. To find affordable internet options for your area, enter your ZIP code and check the conditions that apply to your household.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T California Connectivity Bundle: Human-I-T’s bundle includes a Chromebook, a mobile 4G LTE hotspot and three months of internet access for $135. You must participate in an approved government assistance program to qualify.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Los Angeles County Community Broadband Networks: Plans start at $25 per month for low-income residents in South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. Fixed wireless ISP WeLink Communications is the initial partner for the project, which is launching later in 2025.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Starry Connect: Fixed wireless ISP Starry specializes in providing broadband to multi-unit buildings. Starry Connect is a special plan that costs $15 per month for symmetrical 30Mbps speeds with no data caps or contracts and a no-cost router included. Connect is available to certain public and affordable housing properties in Starry’s coverage areas. In California, that includes the Los Angeles metro area. Check your address with Starry to see if it’s available in your building.
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Colorado
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Starry Connect: Fixed wireless ISP Starry specializes in providing broadband to multi-unit buildings. Starry Connect is a special plan that costs $15 per month for symmetrical 30Mbps speeds with no data caps or contracts and a no-cost router included. Connect is available to certain public and affordable housing properties in Starry’s coverage areas. In Colorado, that’s the Denver metro area. Check your address with Starry to see if it’s available in your building.
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Connecticut
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Delaware
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon Fios is available in parts of Delaware and is also eligible for discounts. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Florida
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Aerial view of the capitol building in Atlanta, Georgia.
Getty Images
Low-income internet options in Georgia
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Hawaii
Hawaiian Telecom Internet Kokua Program: Low-income DSL customers may qualify for $10-per-month service for download speeds up to 7Mbps with a gateway included. Fiber-served households may qualify for 25Mbps download speeds for $13 per month including a gateway device. There’s a one-time internet activation fee of $35. Your household income must be at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines.
Hawaiian Telecom Fioptics Internet Assistance: Hawaiian Telecom’s assistance program provides 100Mbps symmetrical fiber service for $30 per month for 12 months. There are no data caps or contracts. You must have qualified for the Lifeline program or have participated in the ACP within the last year. You can provide your own router or rent one for an additional $11 per month. If you qualify for Lifeline, you can use that as an additional discount. The program runs through the end of 2025.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Low-income internet options in Idaho
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Illinois
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Indiana
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Gigabit Now: This local, Indiana-based fiber network is offering 250Mbps symmetrical download and upload speeds and a free Wi-Fi router for as low as $10 for households that previously qualified for the ACP. Residents of Bloomington, Columbus, Bartholomew County and Shelbyville can apply for the program online.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Iowa
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Kansas
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Kentucky
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Altafiber Fioptics Internet Assistance: Altafiber’s assistance program provides 100Mbps symmetrical fiber service for $30 per month for 12 months. There are no data caps or contracts. You must have qualified for the Lifeline program or have participated in the ACP within the last year. You can provide your own router or rent one for an additional $12 per month. If you qualify for Lifeline, then you can use that as an additional discount. The program runs through the end of 202. Altafiber is available in parts of Northern Kentucky.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Louisiana
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Maine
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Trailrunner ACP Continuation Program: Fixed wireless provider Trailrunner Broadband Internet joins a handful of ISPs in continuing the ACP discount for existing customers. In addition to their existing customers, Trailrunner will also honor the ACP discount for any previously approved ACP recipient who wants to switch from another ISP.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Aerial view of the Inner Harbor and Baltimore skyline.
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Low-income internet options in Maryland
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month, and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Choptank Fiber Low Income Access Program: Choptank Fiber offers a $30-per-month discount on home internet to customers who already participate in an energy assistance program or qualified for assistance from the ACP. Contact Choptank Fiber to enroll.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Marylanders Online: Connect with a digital navigator for one-on-one assistance with finding an affordable internet plan for your home. It’s part of the University of Maryland Extension service.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon Fios is available in parts of Maryland and is also eligible for discounts. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Massachusetts
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months, free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Starry Connect: Fixed wireless ISP Starry specializes in providing broadband to multi-unit buildings. Starry Connect is a special plan that costs $15 per month for symmetrical 30Mbps speeds with no data caps or contracts and a no-cost router included. Connect is available to certain public and affordable housing properties in Starry’s coverage areas. In Massachusetts, that’s in the Boston metro area. Check your address with Starry to see if it’s available in your building.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet. Verizon Fios is available in parts of Massachusetts, and is also be eligible for discounts. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Michigan
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Minnesota
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
USI Affordable Connectivity Plan: Minneapolis fiber provider USI offers qualified low-income households a choice of two plans: 500Mbps for $25 per month or 1,000Mbps for $35 per month. Installation costs are included. To apply, contact USI to start the application process. Just like with the ACP, you must renew eligibility every year.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Mississippi
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials:Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Missouri
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.
KC Fiber: KC Fiber serves parts of North Kansas City. The 1,000Mbps service is free after a $300 setup fee.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Montana
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: TDS is actively building out its network in parts of Montana, including Helena, Billings and Butte. The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Low-income internet options in Nebraska
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Nevada
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in New Hampshire
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem included and no contracts required.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon Fios is available in parts of New Hampshire, and is also eligible for discounts. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in New Jersey
Connect Newark: In April 2024, Newark Fiber and ISP Andrena announced a partnership for Connect Newark, a project that will provide $20-per-month internet access to residents of 14 Newark Housing Authority buildings.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Starry Connect: Fixed wireless ISP Starry specializes in providing broadband to multi-unit buildings. Starry Connect is a special plan that costs $15 per month for symmetrical 30Mbps speeds with no data caps or contracts and a no-cost router included. Connect is available to certain public and affordable housing properties in Starry’s coverage areas. In New Jersey, that’s a small footprint along the Hudson Waterfront. You’ll need to check your address with Starry to see if it’s available in your building.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Fios fiber, 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon offers Fios in some parts of New Jersey. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts. It can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Angel Peak in New Mexico.
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Low-income internet options in New Mexico
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. For more speed, check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in New York
Affordable Broadband Act: New York is implementing a requirement for ISPs to offer broadband to low-income households for $15 per month.
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Big Apple Connect: Big Apple Connect provides free internet to eligible residents of New York City Housing Authority developments. The service delivers speeds up to 300Mbps and comes with a free modem and router. There are no credit checks and the program will continue through 2027.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. New York City residents attending a New York City public school qualify as well. Need to go faster? Check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for speeds up to 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Starry Connect: Fixed wireless ISP Starry specializes in providing broadband to multi-unit buildings. Starry Connect is a special plan that costs $15 per month for symmetrical 30Mbps speeds with no data caps or contracts and a no-cost router included. Connect is available to certain public and affordable housing properties in Starry’s coverage areas. In New York, that’s New York City. You’ll need to check your address with Starry to see if it’s available in your building.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: he TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Fios fiber, 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon offers Fios in some parts of New York. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts. It can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in North Carolina
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in North Dakota
Bluepeak: Bluepeak is encouraging its ACP customers to contact the ISP to explore options starting as low as $30 per month. You’ll need to call to find out what plans are available to you. Bluepeak operates in Grand Forks.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
MLGC Lifeline: Customers who are approved for Lifeline are also eligible for MLGC’s 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload plan for $30 per month.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Ohio
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Altafiber Fioptics Internet Assistance: Altafiber’s assistance program provides 100Mbps symmetrical fiber service for $30 per month for 12 months. There are no data caps or contracts. You must have qualified for the Lifeline program or have participated in the ACP within the last year. You can provide your own router or rent one for an additional $12 per month. If you qualify for Lifeline, then you can use that as an additional discount. The program runs through the end of 2025.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
DigitalC Canopy: The Canopy fixed wireless service in some Cleveland neighborhoods provides 100Mbps speeds for $18 per month.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Oklahoma
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Bluepeak: Bluepeak is encouraging its ACP customers to contact the ISP to explore options starting as low as $30 per month. You’ll need to call to find out what plans are available to you.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Oregon
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Oregon Lifeline: The Oregon Lifeline program offers a more substantial subsidy than the standard federal Lifeline program. Eligible low-income households can get up to $19.25 off their monthly internet bill through participating ISPs, including CenturyLink and Ziply Fiber. Residents on tribal lands may qualify for an additional $25 monthly discount.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Pennsylvania
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Digital Navigator: The City of Philadelphia and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia are partnered in a digital navigator program that offers one-on-one support with finding affordable internet. Navigators are available by phone, text or email. Digital navigators can also help low-income households with a child enrolled in a Philadelphia school get enrolled in the PHLConnectED program for free or low-cost internet.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Fios fiber, 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon offers Fios in some parts of Pennsylvania. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts. It can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials:Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Rhode Island
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Fios fiber, 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon offers Fios in some parts of Rhode Island. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts. It can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Aerial view of Charleston, South Carolina.
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Low-income internet options in South Carolina
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Home Telecom Community Connect: DSL and cable customers who participate in an eligible program like SNAP or Section 8 may qualify for a $35-per-month plan. That comes with speeds up to 75Mbps over DSL or 100Mbps over cable or fiber. Home Telecom operates in Berkeley County and in parts of Dorchester and Charleston counties.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in South Dakota
Bluepeak: Bluepeak is encouraging its ACP customers to contact the ISP to explore options starting as low as $30 per month. You’ll need to call to find out what plans are available to you. Bluepeak operates in Sioux Falls and Vermillion.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Low-income internet options in Tennessee
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
HCS EdConnect: Hamilton County students who receive free or reduced-cost lunch can get in touch with their school to enroll in HCS EdConnect for free home internet in partnership with internet provider EPB. If you’re not serviceable by EPB, Hamilton County Schools may be able to provide you with a free hotspot.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
KUB ConnectED: KUB Fiber offers free symmetrical 1,000Mbps services to eligible Knoxville student households. A router is included. Families must meet income requirements and have a child enrolled in a public Knox County school.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Texas
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Bluepeak: Bluepeak is encouraging its ACP customers to contact the ISP to explore options starting as low as $30 per month. You’ll need to call to find out what plans are available to you. Bluepeak operates in Denison.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly.Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit: Kinetic by Windstream’s ACP customers will continue to receive a Kinetic Benefit Credit that matches the previous federal subsidy. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility standards set by the ACP, you’ll receive the credit.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Utah
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Vermont
Burlington Telecom Internet Assistance Program: Fiber ISP Burlington Telecom services the Burlington area. The Basic plan is $10 per month for symmetrical 50Mbps service. The Enhanced plan is $25 per month for 150Mbps. Both come with free installation and a router. You can qualify through participation in an eligible assistance program.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem included and no contracts required.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Virginia
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Cox ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete: ConnectAssist offers up to 100Mbps download speeds along with free equipment for $30 per month to households that qualify for at least one government assistance program. Connect2Compete is a plan with the same speeds for $10 per month for families with at least one student from kindergarten to high school age and at least one government assistance program. Cox may require documentation for an eligibility check.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Starry Connect: Fixed wireless ISP Starry specializes in providing broadband to multi-unit buildings. Starry Connect is a special plan that costs $15 per month for symmetrical 30Mbps speeds with no data caps or contracts and a no-cost router included. Connect is available to certain public and affordable housing properties in Starry’s coverage areas. In Virginia, that’s in Arlington. Check your address with Starry to see if it’s available in your building.
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Fios fiber, 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Verizon offers Fios in some parts of Virginia. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts. It can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Washington
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free, while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Lightcurve Tacoma Lifeline: Cable ISP Lightcurve (formerly Rainier Connect) offers qualified Tacoma residents a $10-per-month plan with 55Mbps download speeds and a modem included.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Washington, DC
Astound Internet First: Astound offers two plans through its Internet First program for qualifying low-income households. The 50Mbps plan runs $10 per month and the 150Mbps plan is $20 per month. There are no contracts and equipment is included. New customers can get the first three months free while existing Astound ACP customers can transition to Internet First.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount of up to $30 per month for Fios fiber, 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. Washington, DC is a Fios service area. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts. It can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in West Virginia
Breezeline Internet Assist: Breezeline’s plan for qualified low-income households costs $10 per month for speeds up to 50Mbps and includes a modem. You will qualify if you’ve already qualified for the ACP or participate in government assistance programs like the NSLP or SNAP. You’ll need to contact Breezeline to sign up.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Optimum Advantage Internet: For $15 per month, Optimum Advantage Internet provides speeds up to 50Mbps with no data caps and no contracts. The plan includes a router. Your household must meet criteria that may include participation in the NSLP or eligibility for SSI. It’s also available for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance. If you need more speed, then check into Optimum Advantage+ Internet for 100Mbps for $25 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Wisconsin
Access from AT&T: AT&T’s low-income program provides speeds up to 100Mbps to qualifying households. It covers both AT&T’s fiber network and its legacy DSL network. The program costs $30 per month and includes equipment. There are no data caps. To qualify, you must be eligible for SNAP or NSLP or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If you can get only DSL, and your maximum available speed is 10Mbps or less, then you may be able to get Access by AT&T for $10 per month with a data cap.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Mediacom Xtream Connect: Get up to 100Mbps cable download speeds with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program for qualified low-income households. The $29 monthly fee includes a $14-per-month modem rental. Homes with at least one child in the NSLP can get the modem rental waived. You can also choose to provide your own equipment and save on the modem fee. There are no contracts or installation fees.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
TDS Connect: The TDS Connect program is aimed at low-income households that participated in the ACP. It delivers up to 200Mbps service for $30 per month with a Wi-Fi modem, 24/7 tech support and no required contracts.
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Xfinity’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income households is $15 per month with equipment included. Expect speeds up to 50Mbps. Xfinity offers this as an option for ACP enrollees or customers who participate in an assistance program like Medicaid or SNAP. Internet Essentials also includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi public hotspots.
Low-income internet options in Wyoming
Bluepeak: Bluepeak is encouraging its ACP customers to contact the ISP to explore options starting as low as $30 per month. You’ll need to call to find out what plans are available to you. Bluepeak operates in Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie and Sheridan.
Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot: Everyone who already qualified for the ACP automatically qualifies for this offer of unlimited 4G LTE internet access for $15 monthly. Note that the hotspot device itself costs $73 upfront.
Spectrum Internet Assist: Spectrum’s $25-per-month 50Mbps plan for low-income households comes with a free modem and has no data caps or contracts. You can add Wi-Fi for an additional $5 per month. You must be a new customer and a recipient of a qualifying government assistance program like the NSLP or SSI (for applicants over 65).
Verizon Forward: Verizon Forward offers a discount up to $30 per month for 5G Home or LTE Home Internet plans. You must be qualified for an eligible assistance program like SNAP. Verizon Forward can be combined with other discounts, including Lifeline and military discounts, which can bring your home internet down as low as $20 per month.
Final details to know about low-cost internet options
Start with your current ISP. If it doesn’t offer a suitable ACP replacement plan, you can try calling to negotiate your price. Be open to switching to a different ISP with more affordable options. Be sure to sign up for Lifeline if you qualify. Every little bit helps.
Low-income internet FAQs
President Biden and some members of Congress pushed to continue the ACP, but the effort stalled out. It’s early yet, but the second Trump administration has shown very little interest in reviving it, so the program’s future is murky. Here’s the latest on the effort to revive the ACP.
Is there anything replacing the ACP?
On the federal level, the closest assistance program to the ACP is Lifeline. Lifeline has more stringent eligibility requirements and provides only a $9.25 ($34.25 on tribal lands) subsidy.
Can you get free internet?
Free home internet is hard to find, though some cities have programs offering no-cost connections to eligible families with students enrolled in public schools. Free Wi-Fi is easier to come by. Here’s a guide to finding free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Do seniors get a discount on internet service?
Some seniors may qualify for the federal Lifeline program for a monthly discount on internet. You may be eligible if you participate in Medicaid or receive SSI or SNAP. Otherwise, look to affordable plans offered by your local ISPs. Some providers, including Xfinity and Astound, offer special low-cost plans for low-income households.
That equipment fee might not seem like much when you first sign up for internet service, but fast forward a few years and you’re looking at hundreds in wasted dollars.
Most ISPs charge between $10 and $15 monthly for equipment — you should be able to see the fee on your ISP’s broadband nutrition label — while you can generally get a modem and router for less than $200. Buying your own internet equipment usually pays for itself in the first year, but it often comes with some additional headaches.
I’ve been writing about the internet for six years, and for all six of them, I’ve carried around a shameful secret: I’ve a rented a router from Xfinity for most of that time. Even though I’ve always advised readers to buy their own equipment, my rented modem and router worked fine, even though I knew in the back of my mind that it was a waste of money.
Then I took a look through my old bills and added up a number that prompted me to reconsider: $873. That’s how much I’ve spent on Xfinity’s equipment fees over those six years.
With the money I’ve spent renting Xfinity equipment, I could’ve bought the most advanced router CNET’s ever tested and then bought another as a backup. I could’ve doubled the internet speed I was getting. I could’ve booked a flight to Oslo. I was finally ready to enter the world of modem-and-router ownership.
As satisfied as I was with my Xfinity gear, owning your own equipment is almost always the better option. You’ll often get better performance — my upload speeds increased by more than 2,000% — and as I say, it’ll usually pay for itself within the first year or two.
The average internet bill in the US comes in at $63 per month — and that’s before you add the extra taxes and fees. Some of these are unavoidable, but equipment rental fees don’t fall into that category.
You might be perfectly content to pay a bit extra for the convenience of not having to buy and set up your own equipment. But if you’re looking to save money in the long run, and are comfortable purchasing and managing your own gear, it’s a far better deal to shell out for your own router and modem. (You may also be able to take advantage of any low-income discounts available in your state.)
Here’s what I’ve learned about making the switch from rented equipment to my own, and here’s how you can make a similar change as painless as possible.
How to choose the right modem and router
The best internet is the internet you never notice, and I can’t remember the last time my connection went out or I saw a buffering wheel in my home. And this is all with a device from 2017 that Xfinity describes as an “old Wireless Gateway with limited speeds and functionality.”
This goes to show how much the type of internet user you are has to do with what kind of equipment you need. I live in a 750-square-foot apartment, and my internet needs are mostly limited to video calls and TV streaming. If you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the same router likely won’t cut it. Similarly, activities like online gaming hinge on split-second reactions. If this instantaneous responsiveness is important to you, it’s probably worth investing in a gaming router that minimizes lag.
Wi-Fi routers run the gamut from entry-level models like the TP-Link AC1200 for $30 to ultra-advanced mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series for $1,500. To test each Wi-Fi router, CNET runs three speed tests in five different rooms in our testing facility, logging results for download speed, upload speed and latency. That process is repeated six times, accounting for variations in network performance at different times of the day.
Ry Crist/CNET
After consulting our picks for the best wireless routers, I decided to go with our budget pick: the TP-Link Archer AX21, of which my colleague and router connoisseur Ry Crist wrote, “It’s nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it’s a cinch to setup.” I get only 200Mbps through my Xfinity plan, so the 700Mbps speed the TP-Link hits at close range is more than enough juice and only cost $85 when I bought it. (Several government agencies have since opened investigations into TP-Link for ties to Chinese cyber-attacks.)
A cable modem like the Hitron CODA connects your home to your internet provider through a coaxial cable.
Hitron
Do you need to buy a modem?
Depending on what type of internet you have, you may need to purchase a cable modem in addition to your router. Some ISPs, like Spectrum, include the modem for free but charge extra for a router.
The main thing to look for in a modem is compatibility. Your internet provider will have a page on their website that lists all the models that it works with, and you shouldn’t stray from this. You may also have a choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1; the newer standard provides faster speeds, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically more expensive. Other things to consider are the modem’s speed limits — make sure they’re equal to or above your internet plan — and the number of Ethernet ports.
Xfinity doesn’t provide a free modem, so I had to buy one in addition to a Wi-Fi router. I opted for the Hitron CODA Modem — a DOCSIS 3.1 model that’s one of the cheapest Xfinity-compatible models I could find for $100 at the time I purchased it. It supports download speeds up to only 867Mbps, but that’s still far more than my Xfinity plan.
How to set up your new modem and router
Ordering the equipment is the easy part; the ordeal of setting up third-party equipment is what keeps many customers on the hook for years. The process is largely the same whether you’re starting service fresh with a new provider or swapping out old equipment. Here’s everything you’ll need to do.
1. Activate your new modem with your ISP
The modem is the piece of equipment that brings the internet to your home through a coaxial cable connected to your internet provider’s network. Before it can work, ISPs need to tie your specific modem to your account. If you’re replacing old equipment, they will also turn this off as they activate the new modem. ISPs do this by logging your MAC (media access control) number, which can be found on the bottom of the modem.
You can typically do this through your internet provider’s app, in a live chat or by calling a customer service number.
2. Connect the coax cable to your modem
After your new modem’s MAC address is registered with your ISP, you’ll be prompted to connect your modem to the cable outlet in your wall and plug it into a power outlet. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes, and your modem’s lights will tell you when it’s receiving the internet signal. Once the indicator lights are on, you’re ready to set up your wireless router.
This TP-Link router offers wireless access to your modem’s connection with the web (hence the antennas).
Ry Crist/CNET
3. Set up your Wi-Fi router
Each Wi-Fi router has its own setup process, so you’ll want to follow the instructions provided. In the case of the TP-Link Archer AX21, that meant unplugging the power to the modem, connecting the modem to the router’s WAN port via an Ethernet cable, powering on the modem and then plugging the router into a power outlet. From there, I set up my new network through the TP-Link app.
That’s the short version. There’s a lot more to consider when setting up a wireless router, including choosing the optimal location, setting up parental controls and protecting your privacy. For my purposes, though, I was ready to start testing out my new internet connection.
Speed comparison: Which setup is fastest?
I wanted to see how my new modem and router would compare with my old equipment, so I ran speed tests before and after I was connected: one from my desk next to the router and one from the furthest corner of my apartment (regrettably, the bathroom).
My old modem and router returned 164/5Mbps speeds from my desk and 143/5Mbps from the bathroom — not bad for an internet plan that advertises 200/10Mbps speeds. But the speeds with my new equipment were eye-popping: 237/118Mbps at both my desk and my bathroom. I didn’t just save money by purchasing my own equipment — I’m actually getting a significant speed boost, too.
Joe Supan / CNET
I have no idea why my new equipment picked up 10 times the upload speeds of my old one. I subscribe to Xfinity’s Connect More plan, which is supposed to get only 10Mbps upload speeds. In 2022, Xfinity announced that it was increasing upload speeds on my plan to 100Mbps — but only for customers who pay for its $25-per-month xFi Complete equipment. Apparently, I’m reaping those same benefits with my new modem and router. My best guess is that the upgrade from a DOCSIS 3.0 to a 3.1 modem is the main reason for the jump in upload speeds.
How to save yourself some headaches
I eventually got my modem and router set up properly, but I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here’s what I would do differently:
Buy your modem and router on day one. Moving is a pain, and no one wants to make their to-do list even longer, but this is one task where the extra effort pays off (nearly a thousand dollars in my case). A technician may have to come out to your house to set up your internet no matter what, so it makes sense to have your modem and router ready to go in case there are any issues.
Use your internet service provider’s list of compatible modems. Routers aren’t tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you’ll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don’t cut corners here. I searched Amazon for a modem that said it was compatible with Xfinity and ended up having to return it a week — and several hours of phone calls — later. Your provider should have a page where it lists all the modems that it works with — don’t stray from this.
Pay for only the speed you need. Internet equipment is expensive, and there’s no reason to pay for a modem certified for 2,000Mbps when you’re getting only 200Mbps with your plan. The same goes for routers — you don’t need to pay top dollar for a gaming router with exceptional latency if you’re just streaming TV and scrolling the internet.
The bottom line
It’s no fun to set up a new modem and router, but is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only are my internet speeds dramatically improved, but I’m paying significantly less for them. I’m saving $15 per month on equipment, and somewhere along the line, an Xfinity agent bumped my plan price down for the next year. My monthly bill is going from $78.54 to $50. That’s far more than I expected to save, and my new equipment will pay for itself within the first six months. My only regret is that I didn’t make the leap sooner.
Google’s latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9A, has arrived early this year, fresh off the heels of Apple’s “affordable” offering, the $599 iPhone 16E. Very convenient timing. The Pixel 9A will be available in stores on April 10, starting in the US and UK.
The Pixel 9A is $300 cheaper than the baseline Pixel 9 and, therefore, scales back a bit when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. However, it maintains other attributes like display size, processor and AI features — and even touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier Pixel counterparts.
So is the Pixel 9A a good fit for you? Here’s everything to consider.
Camera and AI considerations
The Pixel 9A has a wide and ultrawide camera.
James Martin/CNET
Being able to take good photos is usually a top priority when buying a new phone since, for most people, their phone is their only camera. The Pixel 9A has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel ultrawide, along with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. That places the 9A’s rear camera specs below those on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but megapixels aren’t the only factor in getting quality shots. (You can check out the spec chart below to see how the cameras compare on these phones.)
The Pixel 9A’s camera supports Macro Focus, meaning you can get closer to your subject — like if you’re snapping a close-up of your delicious meal — and have it be in crisp focus. With the 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable Macro Focus instead of the ultrawide camera, as with many other phones.
Watch this: First Look: Google’s Pixel 9A Gets a Large Battery and New Design
What’s perhaps most notable about the Pixel 9A is the suite of AI editing tools you’ll still have access to, even with that lower price. Features like Magic Editor can help clean up your shots and alter backgrounds, Best Take creates an image where everyone in a group photo looks their best, and Add Me employs AI and augmented reality to incorporate the photographer in the final image.
For people who are curious about the myriad AI features companies are bombarding us with, the Pixel 9A can be a good device for dipping your toes in those waters, hopefully without feeling inundated — and without shelling out too much cash to see what all the buzz is about. I find photo editing tools among the best uses of AI because they eliminate the need for pricey software and let you touch up photos directly on your device, with no special skills needed.
The Pixel 9A’s Design: Google Takes Minimalism to the Extreme
See all photos
But if you would rather venture deeper into AI territory, the 9A’s still got you covered. You’ll have access to Gemini to help with tasks like writing, brainstorming and carrying out actions across apps. You’ll also get Circle to Search so you can learn more about whatever’s on your screen — a feature upon which I’ve become heavily reliant. Those features are great because they feel like a natural way to ease into AI since they’re so deeply integrated into your device and seamless to use.
With AI being a staple of almost every new phone, tapping into those capabilities without breaking the bank can be an enticing option for someone who still isn’t sure what the big deal is — and then see if the Pixel 9A changes their mind.
For those who hold onto their phones
The Pixel 9A has a similar 6.3-inch display as the Pixel 9 — though the Pixel 9’s screen has a higher max brightness.
James Martin/CNET
While carriers may expect you to upgrade your phone every two years, manufacturers like Google and Samsung have extended the window for software and security upgrades on their phones to seven years. That applies to lower-priced phones like the Pixel 9A as well, giving budget-conscious consumers even more reason to feel like they’ve scored a deal.
Not buying a flagship device can also mean feeling less susceptible to the pressures of upgrades. It’s typically more premium phones — usually with minor tweaks — that are aggressively pushed onto those keen to purchase the latest tech. If simply having a phone with key features is all that matters, then the Pixel 9A can be a good way to dodge all that noise.
This can also make the Pixel 9A a good option for kids, who probably don’t need the flashiest devices. Features like Family Link allow parents to manage privacy settings, screen time limits and location sharing, and they can also silence notifications and disable apps during school hours.
The Pixel 9A has flat sides.
James Martin/CNET
The Pixel 9A packs the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro but has 8GB of RAM instead of the 12GB and 16GB you’ll get on those premium phones. That should still be more than enough for everyday use, like scrolling through social media, snapping photos and browsing the web. If you’re a heavy mobile gamer, 8GB of RAM might not be ideal, but it won’t be an issue for most people.
The Pixel 9A’s 6.3-inch OLED display matches up with what you’ll get on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, so you don’t have to scale back your viewing experience — especially with a 60Hz to 120Hz variable refresh rate that should make scrolling seamless.
And with a 5,100-mAh battery, the Pixel 9A should be able to last you throughout the day. Like the iPhone 16E, the Pixel 9A actually touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier peers, which each have a 4,700-mAh battery. That can also help you feel like you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
The Pixel 9A comes in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, peony and iris.
James Martin/CNET
What you won’t get with this phone is the Pixel 9’s Satellite SOS feature, which uses satellites to contact emergency services when you’re out of range of a cell signal or Wi-Fi. But if you don’t often find yourself in places without cell service, like on a remote hiking trail, then you hopefully shouldn’t feel its absence.
With all that in mind, if you have last year’s Pixel 8A, there’s probably not enough reason to upgrade to the 9A, as they share many of the same features, specs and AI capabilities.
But if you’ve got a Pixel 7A and want to tap into some newer AI features, the 9A might be enticing. Similarly, if you have a Pixel 6A or older, you could see a noticeable improvement in the 9A’s camera, battery life and overall performance.
And if you’d rather hang tight to your phone and keep stretching your dollar, more power to you.
Google Pixel 9A vs. Pixel 8A vs. Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro
7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio; 23W fast charging (charger not included); 7.5W wireless charging Qi certified; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle To Search
IP67 rating dust and water resistance; 18W fast charging; 7.5W wireless charging; 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave); VPN by Google One; Circle to Search; 7 years Android OS updates; 7 years security updates; Best Take; Audio Magic Eraser; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM)
Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor
Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor
People with expertise working with artificial intelligence tools are fairly confident that AI will have a positive effect in the next 20 years, but relatively few US adults feel the same way, according to the results of a Pew Research Center survey.
The surge of generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT in the last few years has pushed the subject into the mainstream. Pew said the share of the public who say they’re more concerned has risen since a similar survey in 2021.
Among AI experts, 56% said they expected AI’s impact on the US to be positive in the next 20 years. In contrast, only 17% of the public had that perspective, with 35% feeling AI will have a negative effect. (Among AI experts, 15% expected a negative impact.)
A big reason for the gap is that ordinary Americans are far less optimistic about the effect that AI will have on important aspects of their lives, like the workplace, health care and education. While 73% of experts said they expected AI would improve how people do their jobs, only 23% of US adults surveyed felt the same, for example.
Not all artificial intelligence works like the generative AI models that have risen in prominence since 2022, but the popularity of ChatGPT and other large language models like Google’s Gemini has led to a race among tech companies and what can feel like a saturation campaign of AI features across everyday apps and devices. That’s garnered mixed reactions from consumers. A 2024 CNET survey found many smartphone users unenthusiastic about AI integrations like Apple Intelligence.
The Pew report released this week covers the results of a pair of surveys. US adults were polled as part of Pew’s American Trends Panel, a survey of more than 5,000 randomly selected adults conducted in August 2024. The experts’ opinions came from a panel of 1,013 people living in the US whose work or research relates to AI and who presented at or published at any of 21 different AI-focused conferences in 2023 and 2024.
“These surveys reveal both deep divides and common ground on AI,” the report said. “AI experts are far more positive than the public about AI’s potential, including on jobs. Yet both groups want more personal control of AI and worry about lax government oversight.”
Worries about AI in the workplace
Neither group was optimistic that AI would lead to more jobs in the US in the next 20 years. Among AI experts, 19% expected more jobs, while 39% expected fewer. The skew was much greater among the general public — 64% expect fewer jobs and only 5% expect more.
As to which jobs were most at risk, both groups agreed that cashiers and journalists were vulnerable. Neither group had large numbers expecting job losses for mental health therapists, despite advances in the use of AI chatbots for therapy.
A majority of AI experts, 61%, said they expected job losses for truck drivers, compared with just 33% for the general public. Driverless trucks have been a dream for the autonomous vehicle industry for far longer than ChatGPT has been a household word, although the survey may show that the idea hasn’t caught on yet with the general public. One AI expert quoted anonymously in the report particularly highlighted truck drivers, saying, “They’ll be gone in 10, 20 years probably.”
Even for jobs that continue to exist despite AI, the work done by humans might change. Nickle LaMoreaux, chief human resources officer at IBM, told an audience at South by Southwest last month that it will change the qualities companies look for in workers, forcing them to focus more on critical thinking and human qualities.
Despite the hype, AI tools have yet to make much of a dent in many workplaces. A separate Pew survey released in February found only a sixth of US workers were using AI in their jobs and a majority said they don’t use chatbots at all or use them rarely.
Americans are more concerned than excited about AI
The two groups were virtually mirror images on the question of whether people were more concerned or excited about the increased use of AI. Among the general public, 51% were more concerned, while 47% of AI experts said they were more excited.
Experts quoted in the report pointed to things like the automation of repetitive tasks and the potential improvements in medicine as reasons for hope. “Most excited about the positive impact that it could have in the health industry,” one expert said.
The concerns, however, are significant. Issues like inaccurate information, impersonation (or “deepfakes”) and the misuse of personal information were cited by both the public and the experts. The public reported being far more concerned about job loss than experts.
I’ve been looking forward to the Nintendo Switch 2 ever since it was announced, but after Wednesday’s launch event I’m not convinced I’ll ever upgrade to the new console. That’s because I have the distinct feeling that unlike its predecessor, this isn’t a console designed for cozy gamers like me.
Gaming means many different things to different people, and for a long time, I’d resigned myself to the idea that it just wasn’t for me. That wasn’t because I’d never enjoyed playing games, but the simulation, puzzle and strategy games I liked playing as a child and teenager didn’t seem to be a priority to publishers or console makers as the focus shifted toward increasingly demanding AAA games. Once my brother traded in our family PS2 for an Xbox, I considered my gaming days over.
Even though there’s long been a thriving indie game scene that I’ve occasionally dipped my toe into, I’ve never enjoyed sitting in front of a PC to game. Instead, it was the launch of the original Nintendo Switch that brought me back into gaming in a big way. Here was a console that didn’t take itself too seriously, with endless opportunities for casual, cozy gamers like me to indulge in less intense, less power-hungry titles, either with friends on our TVs or on a long-haul flight (when there’s nothing better than losing myself in a game where I pretend to be a bear running a bed-and-breakfast).
I was one of many who poured hours into Animal Crossing, but there’s a whole world of cozy games available on the Switch, with publishers releasing new titles all the time, and they’re wildly popular. One of the most recent launches, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, which came out in February, sold half a million copies in its first 30 days alone.
The serious side of the Switch 2
When the Switch 2 was announced, I was ready to see my favorite console level up, but based on Wednesday’s announcements, I see very little to get excited about for cozy gamers like myself. In fact, I think Nintendo risks alienating us with this upgrade.
Watch this: Switch 2 Detailed: What You Need to Know
I was hoping that at least one of the games announced at launch would be something to excite existing Animal Crossing fans, but no such luck. It seems to me that with a focus on more-demanding and serious titles, including The Duskbloods exclusive, the Switch is shaking off its fun and family-friendly identity to better compete with the likes of the Xbox and the PlayStation.
The Switch 2 even looks more serious. The formerly brightly hued Joy-Con controllers are now black, with a nod to their red and blue predecessors only via a ring of color around the joysticks. It reminds me more of a Steam Deck than a Nintendo console.
That said, it is still early days for the Switch 2, and just because cozy gamers aren’t being prioritized at launch doesn’t mean there won’t be future enticements to look forward to. The newly introduced mouse functionality on the Switch 2 could open up more possibilities down the line for strategy and simulation games, many of which can fall within the cozy game genre.
I’ll be keeping my eye out for future releases that are more up my street, in the hope that the Switch 2 is eventually worth the upgrade. In the meantime, you can find me curled up in bed feeding my livestock and romancing every villager in turn in Stardew Valley on my original Switch.
Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Todays NYT Strands puzzle is a fun one. The theme pretty much lays out what to look for, and the rest is fairly easy. If you need hints and answers, read on.
I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far
Hint for today’s Strands puzzle
Today’s Strands theme is: Get the bug.
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Creepy-crawlies.
Clue words to unlock in-game hints
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:
These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you’ve got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:
LADY, STINK, DOODLE, POTATO, ASSASSIN, LIGHTNING
Today’s Strands spangram
The completed NYT Strands puzzle for April 3, 2025, No. 396.
Today’s Strands spangram is ENTOMOLOGY. To find it, start with the E that’s four letters down in the far-left column and wind across.
Toughest Strands puzzles
Here are some of the Strands topics I’ve found to be the toughest in recent weeks.
#1: Dated slang, Jan. 21. Maybe you didn’t even use this lingo when it was cool. Toughest word: PHAT.
#2: Thar she blows! Jan.15. I guess marine biologists might ace this one. Toughest word: BALEEN or RIGHT.
#3: Off the hook, Jan. 9. Similar to the Jan. 15 puzzle in that it helps to know a lot about sea creatures. Sorry, Charlie. Toughest word: BIGEYE or SKIPJACK
I recently had an incredibly designed site shared with me, but when I navigated to the landing page, the copy was written in a different language — with no translation button to be found. For some reason, Google Chrome didn’t pick up the need to translate the German page, either.
That’s how I ended up on DeepL using its Pro version, an artificial intelligence translation platform that offers context-sensitive translations. It uses advanced neural networks to understand language nuances.
In addition to basic translation, DeepL can translate entire documents for you, and you can customize its tone, with an API for businesses to integrate it into their systems.
The platform has a free version for basic translation work, while its paid subscription ranges from $9–$58/month. While it was initially created for its translation capabilities — which is where most people will likely find benefit — it includes new features like Clarify, an interactive AI companion and language expert that addresses cultural references, idioms and dual-meaning words.
I began learning how to navigate the platform to help me understand the language used to describe a design company’s compelling visual story. And some philosophy work that I want to translate and understand, too.
How to use DeepL for AI-powered translations
DeepL / Screenshot by CNET
DeepL has a few uses, including AI-powered translation and writing. Here’s now to navigate its functions:
Head to the DeepL Pro website and choose a subscription plan, or continue with the free version. Complete the registration process by providing the required information and payment details.
Once you’ve created an account, log into your DeepL Pro account. You can also download the desktop application for Windows or macOS.
Head to the Translate Text tab and paste what you wish to translate into the input field. Select the country for the source and target text, and the translation will be generated.
To translate entire documents, click on Translate files. You can then upload the document and DeepL Pro will translate the text for you. The platform accepts various types of documents, including PDF, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
There’s also a glossaries section to translate more specific terms. I used this to get the proper translation when I removed the company name from a sentence — apparently there are two ways to say “redacted” in German. It can also be useful for terminology consistency across larger projects.
If you are looking for more resources about how to use the site or want to read more about the company on its blog, head to Resources at the bottom of the page.
Should you use DeepL for AI translations?
DeepL could be particularly useful for professional translators, because there’s an option to integrate DeepL Pro with your preferred Computer-Assisted-Translation (CAT) tools.
In my case, I found it useful for navigating a website that didn’t have translation integrated. I was easily able to plop my text in and generate translations. In comparison to competitors like Google Translate, the functionality is similar, but it contrasts in quality and features.
DeepL follows strict data protection rules under GDPR (a law that protects personal data in Europe), so with a focus on quality and data security, the company also has certifications like ISO27001 and SOC 2 Type II. It meets high standards for keeping data secure and managing information safely.
This gives DeepL the ability to focus on creating more accurate translation safely, rather than storing user data for analysis. Alongside these features, its API functionality makes it a useful tool for business owners and developers alike.
If you work with international teams or need long amounts of information translated instantly, this is an efficient way to help yourself without being bogged down in the process — adding researchers to the list of potential users of DeepL for this reason. I also see it being a great resource for multilingual families or educators who need to make documentation accessible for their students or students’ parents.
With reasonable capabilities in its free version, and multiple capabilities throughout its paid version, I believe DeepL can be a quick and easy solution for a one-off project or task, or upgrading to Pro as a reputable choice for integrating within your industry and using it for specific daily tasks.
T-Mobile also offers discounted versions of many of its regular plans for customers over 55 years old. For those who want a bit more functionality, data and some extras like getting a new phone every couple of years, T-Mobile’s slightly discounted Go5G Plus 55 is worth checking out.
Its Go5G Plus 55 plan is $75 per month for one line or $110 per month for two lines (expandable to $165 per month for three lines or $220 per month for four lines) with autopay enabled. Note that current discounts make this plan cost the same as a standard Go5G Plus plan if using autopay, but it’s less than the regular plan if you don’t plan on using autopay. The plan includes the same perks as T-Mobile’s standard plans, like up to 4K streaming, 50GB of 4G LTE hotspot data and 15GB of high-speed data (depending on the area, it may only be 4G LTE rather than 5G speeds) in Mexico and Canada. Plus, it includes subscriptions to Apple TV Plus and Netflix.
This plan also allows subscribers to upgrade their phone every two years, the same marquee perk that the standard Go5G Plus plan launched with. The only caveat is that plan owners will need to pay off 50% of their existing phone by the time they upgrade, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most subscribers. Subscribers can also get the same discounts on devices that T-Mobile offers new customers switching from other carriers.
The Go5G Next 55 plan is pricier at $85 per month for one line or $130 per month for two lines (also expandable up to four lines) and identical except for one thing: Subscribers can upgrade their phones using new customer device offers every year instead of every two years.
Note that T-Mobile also offers Go5G 55 plan, which is cheaper than the above plans but offers less mobile hotspot data, fewer streaming services and doesn’t include two-year phone upgrades. If you can live without the phone upgrades and want to save a few bucks every month, opt for the Go5G 55 plan, which is $60 per month for one line or $90 for two lines, has 15GB of hotspot data per month and offers Netflix with ads.
T-Mobile also still offers its Magenta 55+ line, which starts at $50 per month for one line and goes up to $140 per month for four lines, offers up to 100GB of monthly data for the account and includes 6 months of Apple TV Plus as well as Netflix with ads, but only has 5GB of hotspot data. The catch is that you can’t find this within T-Mobile’s plan comparisons — you’ll need to call them directly to sign up for this or the slightly pricier Magenta MAX 55+ plan. On T-Mobile’s main cell phone plans page, click on “Learn more about Magenta and Magenta MAX plans” and find those options in the pop-up window.
Plus, only the customer who signed up for these plans needs to be 55 years old or older; anyone on additional lines needn’t fit that criteria.
Battery life is hours shorter than that of Copilot Plus PCs
HP is shuttering the Pavilion brand in favor of the OmniBook name for its consumer laptops, but it’s going to be a slow transition. HP is still updating a few Pavilion lines as it fills out the new OmniBook series. Following a refreshed HP Pavilion Aero 13 I reviewed earlier this year is the slightly larger Pavilion Plus 14. In both cases, these laptops feature older CPUs; for the Pavilion Plus 14, it’s from Intel’s late 2023 Meteor Lake family and not the latest Lunar Lake line from last September.
With a Core Ultra 5 125H, the Pavilion Plus 14 competed well with laptops with newer CPUs on our application and graphics benchmarks. However, you see its deficiencies with AI performance and battery life. Still, it offers enough performance to justify its roughly $1,000 price (and you can frequently find it for hundreds less when HP’s rotating discounts land on it).
The Pavilion Plus 14’s chief attraction is a high-resolution OLED display, a rarity at its price. The baseline model features a 2.5K IPS display, and HP charges only $60 to upgrade to a 2.8K OLED panel. It’s a no-brainer upgrade but disappointingly paired with something that can’t be swapped out: a mediocre touchpad that feels loose and has a false click that you must push through to get to the actual click. Without a touchscreen display, you’re forced to use it. Either that or commit to carrying around a mouse. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is a better choice; it lacks an OLED display but boasts a superior design and an awesome haptic touchpad. Or, for greater portability in a 14-inch OLED laptop, check out the incredibly lightweight Asus Zenbook A14.
HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew100
Price as reviewed
$1,060
Display size/resolution
14-inch 2,880×1,800 OLED
CPU
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
Memory
16GB LPDDR5-7467
Graphics
Intel Arc
Storage
512GB SSD
Ports
USB-C Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, USB-A USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-A USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDM! 2.1, combo audio
Networking
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
Operating system
Windows 11 Home 24H2
Weight
3.18 lbs (1.45 kg)
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 (model 14t-ew100) is a customizable laptop that starts at $1,000 and features an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, 16GB of RAM, integrated Intel Arc graphics, a 512GB SSD and a 14-inch IPS display with 2.5K resolution (2,560×1,600 pixels). Our test model features a lone upgrade, the $60 bump to a 2,880×1,800-pixel OLED display. The only other upgrades offered are moving to a Core Ultra 7 155H chip and 32GB of RAM for $190 and doubling the storage to a 1TB SSD for $120.
At the time of this review, a similar HP Pavilion Plus 14-ew1001na model was on sale for £899 in the UK, and a higher-end HP Pavilion Plus 14-ew1076TU unit was on sale for AU$1,900 in Australia.
Matt Elliott/CNET
HP Pavilion Plus 14 performance
The Pavilion Plus 14 performed adequately on our benchmarks. It trailed Apple’s new M4 MacBook Air throughout testing and finished with scores similar to those of Copilot Plus PCs that feature Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors and one, the Acer Swift 14 AI, with an Intel Lunar Lake CPU. The Pavilion Plus 14 and Swift 14 AI enjoyed an advantage on 3DMark Steel Nomad, which shows that Intel Arc graphics have a bit more oomph than Qualcomm’s integrated Adreno GPU.
The Pavilion Plus 14 was unable to keep pace with the Copilot Plus PCs on Procyon’s AI Computer Vision benchmark that tests for integer math proficiency for AI workloads. The Core Ultra 5 125H has an NPU capable of 11.5 trillion operations per second (TOPS), which is a fraction of the TOPS count with more modern CPUs. The Core Ultra 7 258V has an NPU capable of 48 TOPS, and Snapdragon X CPUs have NPUs that can hit 45 TOPS. (Microsoft set the minimum at 40 TOPS for its Copilot Plus PC program.)
Battery life is the other area where the Pavilion Plus 14 proves it’s not a Copilot Plus PC. It lasted for more than 13 hours on our YouTube streaming battery drain test, which, two years ago, would’ve been excellent for a Windows laptop. Even now, it’s still good — long enough to get you through most days on a single charge. However, it’s also significantly shorter than the battery times we’ve seen from the Copilot Plus PCs we’ve tested that regularly run beyond 20 hours.
Matt Elliott/CNET
Outstanding OLED display offset by terrible touchpad
The Pavilion Plus 14 features the same all-aluminum body as the model I reviewed in 2023. HP sent us the same silver color as last time, but you can get it in blue or pink for an added $15. The silver version offers simple, straightforward looks with brushed aluminum surfaces, dark gray keys and minimum branding. The Pavilion Plus 14 isn’t a laptop that will turn heads but is also unlikely to offend.
This year’s version is a tad heavier at 3.2 pounds. The MacBook Air has a slightly smaller 13.6-inch display but is thinner and half a pound lighter at 2.7 pounds. The 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 dips just under the 3-pound mark. The lightest 14-inch option by far is the Asus Zenbook A14, which weighs a touch under 2.2 pounds.
The keyboard is comfortable with a roomy feel and snappy keys. There are no shortened keys that you’re forced to adjust to, and HP also found space to add a column for Home, End, Pg-up and Pg-down keys along the right edge. I found myself using the Pg-up and -down keys when browsing the web in an effort to avoid using the touchpad.
David Murphy/CNET
The touchpad, in a word, is bad. It’s so loose that it rattles. There’s a false click that you must press through to get to the actual click. And when I used one finger to move the cursor or two fingers to scroll, those gentle gestures resulted in the rattling of the touchpad underneath my fingertips. It adds up to an unpleasant experience and one that I did not encounter on the 2023 model. I much prefer the haptic touchpad on the Apple MacBook Air or Microsoft Surface Laptop 7. Even the mechanical touchpad on the HP Pavilion Aero 13 and HP OmniBook X 14 are far superior input devices than what you get here.
Making up for the terrible touchpad is the excellent OLED display. It’s rare to find such a crisp and fast OLED panel at this price. The Pavilion Plus 14 starts at $1,000 and is often discounted for much less; I’ve seen it selling for as low as $680. And whether it’s on sale or not, HP charges only $60 to upgrade the baseline IPS display to an OLED display with a fine 2.8K resolution and speedy 120Hz refresh rate. In my tests using a Spyder X Elite colorimeter to test its color range, the Pavilion Plus 14’s OLED has good coverage with 100% of the P3 gamut. It also hit a peak brightness of 388 nits, which is good for an OLED that also has incredible contrast with effectively zero-nit blacks.
The Pavilion Plus 14’s underpowered stereo speakers hurt its appeal as an entertainment laptop. They produce tinny, weak audio that makes music playback sound flat, but they suffice for watching shows and movies. It’s just too bad that such a great display is paired with such lousy speakers.
Matt Elliott/CNET
The 5-megapixel webcam produces a fine 1440p picture, and HP includes a useful app to ensure you look your best. The Enhanced Lighting app adds a ring light to the display while letting you still see the Camera app or your preferred video-conferencing application. It’s surprisingly customizable, with options to adjust the positioning, shape and color of the ring.
The webcam also features an IR sensor for facial recognition logins. There’s no fingerprint reader, so the IR camera is the only biometric option on the Pavilion Plus 14. And there’s a physical shutter for the camera, which is a simple privacy feature I always like to see.
Matt Elliott/CNET
Is the HP Pavilion Plus 14 a good laptop?
Parts of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 are great. For example, getting a high-res, 120Hz OLED display at its price is awesome. But the shaky touchpad is a deal breaker for me. The smaller Pavilion Aero 13 is a better budget option from HP, but it might be time to turn the page on the Pavilion line and embrace the future. I liked the first OmniBook I’ve seen from HP; the OmniBook X 14 is the longest-running laptop I’ve ever tested and also features a trim, all-aluminum enclosure. Still, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 is my favorite Copilot Plus PC, while the Asus Zenbook A14, with its unique Ceraluminum shell, is a great pick if you want a 14-inch laptop with the lightest, most rigid chassis.
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computerlike devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device’s aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both objective and subjective judgments.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found on our How We Test Computers page.
Geekbench 6 CPU (multi-core)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 202515049HP Omnibook X 1413428Microsoft Surface Laptop 713159HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew10011646Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)11490Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)10918Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)10632HP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg0009534
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
Geekbench 6 CPU (single-core)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 20253818Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)2701Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)2422HP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg0002413HP Omnibook X 142370Microsoft Surface Laptop 72369HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew1002267Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)2114
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
Cinebench 2024 CPU (multi-core)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 2025824HP Omnibook X 14809Microsoft Surface Laptop 7799Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)709HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew100643Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)610HP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg000556Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)535
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
Cinebench 2024 CPU (single-core)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 2025169Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)121Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)107Microsoft Surface Laptop 7107HP Omnibook X 14100HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew10098HP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg00097Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)96
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
3DMark Steel Nomad
Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)871HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew100640HP Omnibook X 14488Microsoft Surface Laptop 7483HP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg000349Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)235Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)233
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
Procyon AI Computer Vision (integer)
Acer Swift Go 14 AI (Hexagon NPU, SNPE)1829Asus Zenbook A14 (Hexagon NPU, SNPE)1758HP OmniBook X 14 (Hexagon NPU, SNPE)1749Acer Swift 14 AI (Intel AI Boost NPU, OpenVINO)1736Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Hexagon NPU, SNPE)1559HP Pavilion Plus 14 (Intel AI Boost NPU, OpenVINO)577Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra (Intel AI Boost NPU, OpenVINO)497
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
Online streaming battery drain test
HP OmniBook X 1425 hr, 12 minAsus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)24 hr, 7 minAcer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)23 hr, 13 minAcer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)22 hr, 13 minMicrosoft Surface Laptop 719 hr, 50 minApple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 202515 hr, 50 minHP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew10013 hr, 21 minHP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg00010 hr, 12 min
Note: Longer bars indicate better performance
System configurations
HP Pavilion Plus 14t-ew100
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 5 125H; 16GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc Graphics; 512GB SSD
Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407)
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Qualcomm Snapdragon X X1-26-100; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Qualcomm Adreno Graphics; 1TB SSD
Acer Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01-X006)
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100; 16GB DDR5 RAM; Qualcomm Adreno Graphics; 1TB SSD
HP OmniBook X 14
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100; 16GB DDR5 RAM; Qualcomm Adreno Graphics; 1TB SSD
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Qualcomm Adreno Graphics; 1TB SSD
Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51T-75AF)
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 7 258V; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc 140V Graphics; 1TB SSD
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 9 185H; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Graphics; 1TB SSD
HP Pavilion Aero 13z-bg000
Microsoft Windows 11 Home; AMD Ryzen 5 8640U; 16GB DDR5 RAM; AMD Radeon Graphics, 512GBB SSD
Apple MacBook Air M4 (13-inch, 2025)
Apple MacOS Sequoia 15.3, M4 chip 10‑core CPU with 8‑core GPU; 16GB LPDDR5 unified memory; 256GB SSD
Govee has made a name for itself in the smart lighting business as an affordable alternative to other brands, like Philips Hue. So when I decided to upgrade my old traditional lighting to smart bulbs, panels and switches, the colorful Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp (replaced by the Floor Lamp 2) was an easy choice for my living room. Why? I wanted something vertical to fit nicely into the space and a look that’s different than a typical round smart bulb in your average lamp.
At $150 without a discount, this tall and thin smart lamp is a bit of an investment, but it’s still considerably cheaper than a Philips Hue equivalent. Available in both silver and black, the Govee Lamp 2 is currently 27% off for Amazon’s Spring Sale, bringing its price down to $110. Keep in mind that the sale ends today, so we’re expecting this deal to end soon. While we’ve seen a deeper discount before, this model is newer and includes Matter support, higher lumen output, and additional upgrades over its predecessor.
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
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Why I like this Govee light in particular
Like most smart lighting, the Govee floor lamp uses RGB LEDs to offer just about any color you want. My family chose green to complement the green in our living room, but it also changes depending on the time of day. What I enjoy about this lamp is its low profile: You can barely see it, just a small base and a thin line of metal. The focus is on the light rather than the structure.
You can put a Govee floor lamp anywhere you need to spice up the lighting in your home.
James Bricknell/CNET
Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.
Another big selling point is its connection to other Govee products. If you own the Govee Backlight for TVs, which CNET’s Russell Holly wrote about here, you can link up all your Govee lights to work in tandem as you watch a movie. Having all your lights working in sync with a movie like Dune or Mad Max: Fury Road is a lot of fun. Even without the backlight, a single app or Alexa and Google Assistant easily control all your lights.
Does the Govee floor lamp make a good gift?
As a big fan of Govee products, I think its lighting makes an excellent gift for others and yourself. If you know someone’s decor style well, the floor lamp would be an excellent choice since it has such a slim profile that would fit every room I can imagine.
Otherwise, an ultraportable, color-changing Govee table lamp that has both in-person tap controls and on-device app controls is also a big winner since the person lucky enough to receive the lamp can bathe themselves in the glow of pretty much any color combination and pattern they can imagine. There are also these Govee color-changing light bulbs that can spruce up virtually any compatible setting. For even more ideas, here are the best deals under $25 during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
I’ve tested and owned a lot of tablets and laptops over the years. The Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook, which functions both as a laptop and tablet, is the one I use the most and fits my daily life perfectly. If I need a bigger screen or a wider keyboard for faster typing, I’ll step up to my standard laptop. But because I regularly commute to work on the train, I love having a smaller device that’s compact, lightweight and multitalented.
I particularly like the versatility of the Lenovo Duet 11 Chromebook. It has an 11-inch touchscreen paired with a detachable keyboard cover, a rear cover with a kickstand and, if you want, you can pair it with an active pen for writing or drawing on the screen. Right now the Duet is marked down by 8% on the last day Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. While that might not seem like deep savings, the Duet is already pretty affordable for a two-in-one device, so any discount feels like a win.
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Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 specs
Price
$349
Display size/resolution
11-inch 1,920×1,200-pixel, LCD touchscreen
CPU
2.6GHz MediaTek Kompanio 838
Memory
8GB LPDDR4X
Graphics
Integrated graphics
Storage
128GB eMMC
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Ports
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x2), 3.5mm combo audio jack
Operating system
ChromeOS
Why I like this tablet
On the surface, you might think it’s no different than an iPad or any number of Android tablets. But the big differences are the operating system, ChromeOS, and its price. If you’ve never used ChromeOS, it’s sort of a mix between a traditional desktop OS, such as Windows or MacOS, and a mobile OS that your phone uses, such as Android.
The combination makes it easier for me to get work done with a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, but it also uses apps from the Google Play Store, so it has a mobile device feel too. The only hiccup might be if your work or school relies on software available only for MacOS or Windows. That’s never been an issue for me, as there’s typically a web or mobile app I can use in its place.
The Duet 11 helps me stay busy during my train commute
The Duet’s size is really nice for my train commute, letting me easily edit docs or respond to emails on my way to work. It has a fantastic front-facing 5-megapixel camera, too, so I can use it for a Zoom chat when necessary, and the camera has a physical privacy shutter to block it out the rest of the time. I especially like its zippy performance. It wakes as soon as I drop the keyboard open, and I can quickly tether to my Pixel phone for an instant internet connection. Battery life is strong at up to 11 hours in my use of it.
Using the Duet on your lap can be a little bit of a balancing act, but it’s doable. Its compact size makes it ideal for cramped coffee shop tables and other places where a full-size laptop might be awkward. It weighs only about 2 pounds with all of its accessories.
Read more: Why a Chromebook Is Probably All You Need
Like a lot of people, I unwind on my commute home with some entertainment, and the Duet shines for that. Pop off the magnetically attached keyboard and ChromeOS switches to a more touch-friendly experience. The tablet supports cloud gaming services such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, which means that with a strong web connection, you can play all kinds of games. I love to play mobile games on it from the Play Store too.
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
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The Duet 11 also works as an e-reader
In addition to being ideal for commuting and cramped spaces, the Duet is also a good e-reader. I use it for reading manga with the Viz and Shonen Jump apps, and I regularly dip into my library’s collection of ebooks and magazines via the Libby app. The device is also good for streaming video and music, though I prefer Bluetooth headphones over the tablet’s little speakers.
While I mainly use it for travel and on my commute, the Duet is equally great around the house. I wouldn’t recommend the Duet as your only laptop unless you simply don’t need to do more than basic home office work and can connect to a larger display, keyboard and mouse. The 11-inch touchscreen, while great-looking, is a little too small for all-day, everyday use. But as a secondary device to a larger, more powerful desktop or laptop, it’s just about perfect.
If you’re interested in checking out more ChromeOS devices, here are CNET’s top picks for the best Chromebooks on the market. And if you’re still on the hunt for more deals from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, don’t miss the best picks under $25.
There’s no shortage of pasta-making hacks and habits that people claim are passed down from some Nonna in the know, but many of them turn out to be as flimsy as angel hair pasta.
To debunk some of these well-known myths, I spoke with Filippo de Marchi, chef de cuisine at De Majo Restaurant & Terrace about the biggest pasta mistakes.
Marchi cooks more batches of pasta in a year — mostly from scratch — than most of us will in a lifetime. He reveals that there are some rather blatant pasta blunders happening and asks that we all wise up before the pasta police come knocking.
One of the worst offenses, according to Chef Marchi, is adding expensive olive oil to pasta water thinking it will keep noodles from sticking.
“Cooking pasta isn’t difficult. It’s all about timing and the right water-to-pasta ratio,” he says. “Don’t fall into the trap of believing in pasta myths. Just trust your instincts and follow basic instructions.”
Here are the eight biggest pasta-making mistakes, myths and bad habits that you should stop doing immediately.
1. Throwing pasta against a wall to see if it sticks
Cooked pasta will indeed stick to a wall, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good way to determine doneness.
Laura Ciapponi/Getty
“This isn’t the best way to check for doneness,” says de Marchi. “The texture of the pasta can change when it hits the wall, and it doesn’t give an accurate indication of whether it’s properly cooked.” Plus, you’re likely to splatter your wall with starchy noodle juice, or worse, watch it slide down the wall and behind the stove.
Instead, it’s more accurate to scoop out a single strand and taste it. You’ll then be able to tell if it’s achieved that perfect al dente texture.
2. Adding olive oil to pasta water
Olive oil in your water isn’t the best fix for sticky pasta.
Alina Bradford/CNET
Olive oil is a necessary addition to most pasta dishes, but save it for the plate.
Some folks think it will help keep pasta from sticking when added to boiling past water but “the oil just floats on top of the water and doesn’t coat the pasta effectively,” says de Marchi. “The best way to prevent sticking is to use plenty of water, stir the pasta regularly during the first few minutes of cooking and make sure to use the right size pot for the amount of pasta you’re cooking.
“This way, the pasta has enough space to move around and cook evenly,” he adds.
3. Assuming fresh pasta is always better than dry
Fresh pasta has good PR, but some dried pasta is just as tasty.
Goldbelly
It’s all about personal preference. Fresh, dry or frozen; chefs aren’t here to dictate what your taste buds like and don’t like.
“Fresh pasta has a softer texture and cooks quickly, making it perfect for delicate sauces,” says the chef. “On the other hand, dry pasta has a firmer texture and holds up well with hearty or thicker sauces.”
De Marchi also compares it to choosing between two great actors for a movie role. “The choice depends on the character they’re portraying,” he says, “just like the choice between fresh and dry pasta depends on the dish you’re making.”
4. Leaving the pot covered while the pasta is cooking
Stopping your pot from boiling over can be as easy as putting a wooden spoon across the top.
JannHuizenga/Getty Images
“Leaving the lid off the pot while the pasta is cooking is the way to go,” advises de Marchi. “This prevents the water from boiling over and helps control the cooking process. Plus, it allows the steam to escape, which helps prevent the water from foaming up and making a starchy mess.”
As recommended, be sure to also pick an appropriately sized pot so that your pasta cooks evenly.
5. Adding salt and thinking it will help the water boil faster
Salt won’t get your pasta water boiling significantly faster.
Morton Salt/Amazon
Based on a recent Reddit discussion, quite a few people are confused about whether adding salt to pasta water makes any real difference. The truth is that salt plays an important role in pasta water, but not when it comes to heat. (Impurities do change the boiling point of water, but the amount of salt you add to pasta water doesn’t make a significant difference.) Rather, it’s essential to add salt so that the pasta can absorb its flavor.
“If you’re cooking without enough salt, the pasta can end up tasting a bit bland,” warns de Marchi, whose signature dish at NHC Murano Villa is a spaghetti alle vongole. The seafood dish, which hails from the region of ocean-adjacent Venice, is a combination of vongole (typically clams, garlic, white wine and chili flakes), sea asparagus and lemon zest.
6. Draining pasta until it’s completely dry
Leaving a whisper of pasta water will help the sauce adhere.
David Watsky/CNET
There is a reason why salted pasta water is held in such high regard. Not only does it contain a delicious brine to enhance sauces, but it also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta itself.
“This creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish,” argues De Marchi. “A little moisture can go a long way in making your pasta dish extra tasty.”
7. Running cooked pasta under water before serving
Rinsing pasta after cooking may not be the special trick we all thought it was.
Getty Images
If you want to subject yourself to a potential injury via a rolling pin or wooden spoon by Nonna, run your cooked pasta under fresh water.
“This can remove the starchy coating that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta,” says de Marchi. “The residual heat from the pasta helps the sauce to marry with the pasta, creating a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Think of it like a beautiful marriage — you want the sauce and the pasta to come together and live happily ever after, not to undergo a cold shower right before serving.”
8. Precooking sheets of lasagna
Not all lasagna recipes require precooked noodles.
CNET
“Precooking lasagna sheets isn’t always necessary, especially if you’re using a sauce with plenty of moisture,” he says. “In fact, many lasagna recipes call for using the sheets directly without precooking, allowing them to absorb liquid from the sauce and cook during the baking process.”
Set it, forget it and let the magic happen in the oven. Pasta is not something to overthink or stress over. Its simple preparation makes it all the more enjoyable.
Chickpeas are having a serious moment — at least in my kitchen. They’re a snack that, like French fries, rarely disappoints. Toss them in just about any seasoning, cook them with any method, and they’re still delicious. But after plenty of experimenting, I’ve landed on the one appliance that delivers the crispiest results every time: my air fryer.
In just a few minutes, it turns ordinary chickpeas into golden, crunchy bites packed with flavor. The secret? It’s all in the prep. Before you even think about turning on the air fryer, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip: drying the chickpeas thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take the time to pat them dry with a towel and let them air out for a bit. Trust me — your snack game will thank you.
When preparing to cook the chickpeas, you’ll need to drain and rinse them. You’ll want to make sure they’re as dry as possible before tossing them in the olive oil and spices and I’ve found the easiest way to do it.
I was recently given this small OXO salad spinner and it has quickly become a kitchen staple. After you thoroughly rinse your chickpeas, pop them in a salad spinner and give them a good spin until they look as close to bone dry as possible. Then you can peek at the water that accumulated at the bottom of the spinner, which is my personal favorite part of the process.
Read more: Meal Plan Your Way to Plenty of Protein With This Helpful Visual Guide
Once you’ve spun the chickpeas a few times, they’re ready to be prepared and cooked. Follow this tip and you’ll never go back to soggy chickpeas again.
Best of all, a can of chickpeas can be purchased for less than a dollar. That, along with a drizzle of olive oil and some spices is all you need for this fast, protein-packed snack. Here’s everything you’ll need.
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp harissa
A dash garlic powder, salt and pepper
How to make air fryer chickpeas:
Step 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then use a salad spinner as described above to dry them.
Step 2: Place the dried chickpeas in a medium-sized bowl and toss them with olive oil, then your spices, until they’re fully coated and have a slightly red tint.
You can use any variation of spices that you like but you will want to ensure your chickpeas are fully coated before cooking them.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
Step 3: Place the prepared chickpeas in a parchment-lined air fryer in a single layer.
Placing the chickpeas in the air fryer in a single layer ensures that they will crisp evenly.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
Step 4: Cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until they are golden brown, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. After 10 minutes, check to ensure they are your desired crispiness. If you want them crispier, place them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes at a time.
Your chickpeas should have a nice crunch to them when they are done cooking.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
Step 5: When the chickpeas are done cooking, serve them by themselves as a snack, on a salad or with a roasted vegetable on the side.
I used this batch of air fryer chickpeas as a topper for a kale salad. The chickpeas added just the right amount of crunch.
Microplastics are virtually unavoidable — they’re in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and even the homes we live in. Alarming research has shown their presence in human blood, saliva and vital organs like the liver, kidneys and placenta. And now, they’ve been found in the brain.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine and reported by CNN found significantly higher concentrations of more microplastics in cadaver brain samples compared to liver and kidney tissues. Even more concerning, brain tissue from dementia patients in the study showed up to 10 times more microplastic buildup than tissue from healthy brains — underscoring just how deeply these particles can embed themselves in our bodies.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to minimize your microplastic intake. Before you cook your next meal, let’s head to the kitchen and see which items among your food and cookware may be secretly hiding microplastics.
The health effects of microplastics
Microplastics have become a serious problem for pollution, but now scientists worry about the potential health effects too. An estimated 22,000,000 micro and nanoplastics are inhaled by humans each year, and that is largely because they are so hard to avoid. You can be exposed to microplastics in three ways: inhalation, ingestion or touch.
Microplastics have been shown to cause a number of issues in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and, in more severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation, cell death and lung and liver impacts have all been noted. In animals and marine life, it also can cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. Mice were shown to have reduced sperm count, ovarian scarring and hereditary metabolic disorders.
Studies continue as much is still unknown about the exact effects of microplastics, but studies so far have been sobering. They are inspiring many home chefs to reconsider what they are putting in their kitchen and in their bodies.
Where microplastics hide in your kitchen
Unfortunately, microplastics are more common than you think. These are some places they may be hiding in your kitchen.
Nonstick cookware
A new study found that plastic and nonstick cookware released microplastics into food during cooking, greatly heightening one’s exposure to these potentially harmful pollutants. Australian researchers estimate that Teflon-coated cookware contains thousands, maybe millions, of microplastic particles, while a simple crack or fracture in your pan could mean exposure to over two million microplastic particles.
Plastic food containers
Your Uber delivery could inadvertently be damaging your health, and it has nothing to do with what you order. With the rise of home delivery services, plastic containers are more common than ever, but these containers can easily add microplastics into your food when heated or washed. One study found that all reusable plastic takeout containers typically used by restaurants contain microplastics.
Plastic utensils
Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images
Studies show that like plastic cookware, plastic utensils release microplastics into your food, especially when used with hotter foods. When you ingest the food, you also ingest microplastics that settle into your body and bloodstream.
Tea bags
It may come as a surprise, but microplastics could be hiding in your tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to extremely high temperatures that can release its microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, a key component in the manufacturing of tea bags. Researchers at Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona found that billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles are released from a single tea bag for every millimeter of water it is submerged in.
Certain spices
That bottle of paprika could be full of microplastics, depending on how it is packaged. Many spices today use plastic packaging, which is concerning because one recent study found microplastics in all plastic containers tested. This can result in food contamination, something that has increased in recent decades.
Plastic straws
Plastic straws are especially concerning because studies show that they release microplastics and nanoplastics. These can then be directly inhaled. Unfortunately, plastic straws are extremely prevalent, with about eight million metric tons of plastic found in waterways each year. Once these straws and other plastics are in the water, they can affect not just the water but also the soil and animals found in it.
Canned food linings
BPA was a controversial material used in the manufacturing of canned food linings that could cause serious health effects. Today, non-BPA acrylic or polyester epoxies are more commonly used, but these are not proven safe either as they too contain microplastics.
Kitchen material swaps to reduce microplastics
Luckily, you have alternatives. Before putting on your apron, consider adding these items to your kitchen to lower your risk of exposure to microplastics.
Wooden or stainless spatulas
There are alternatives to plastic cooking utensils. Consider trying out a wooden utensil set or one made from stainless steel. This can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics while upgrading your used utensils.
Wooden or stainless steel utensils
Instead of plastic utensils, try to use stainless steel utensils that can be better for the body and also the environment. Wooden utensils can also be a great substitute, working as a more eco-friendly option for your kitchen.
Glass or stainless steel food containers
You can’t do much about how restaurants choose to package their food, but you can avoid using them in the future. At home, try to stick to glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers that skip the microplastics.
Loose tea leaves and strainers or infusers
Tea bags can be filled with plastics, but a safer alternative could be loose tea leaves. Many companies these days offer loose tea leaves that can be used with a stainless steel strainer or infuser, which works the same as a tea bag but can be much healthier.
Spices in bulk or glass containers
To avoid potential contamination from your spices, switch to glass or ceramic packaging instead. This allows your spices to remain on your shelf without being infused with potentially harmful microplastics that can seep into your food.
Reusable metal or bamboo straws
Plastic straws take a toll on both the environment and your body, causing a serious issue for both. A better alternative would be metal or bamboo straws that can be washed and reused. Even paper straws can be a better alternative than plastic ones.
Fresh produce or frozen produce
Plastic linings in canned food can hold microplastics, so to eliminate your exposure, look for foods that are packaged in glass instead. You can also opt to use fresh and frozen foods and produce that skips the packaging altogether.
Getty Images
Cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel cookware
Plastic cookware is common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products like stainless steel skillets, frying pans and cast iron pans can all be great ways to upgrade your cookware without risking further exposure to microplastics.
The bottom line
Microplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hiding in our cookware and utensils and making their way into our food. Though studies continue, microplastics have been shown to cause damage to the human body, causing huge concerns over the products we use and the materials used to make them. However, hope is not lost. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your exposure to microplastics, thus better protecting your health.
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve finished watching a film for the first time and immediately turned around to rewatch it. And there’s only one film that I wish I could erase from my memory simply to watch it again for the first time. That film is Céline Sciamma’s 2019 film Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
A visually stunning film that reimagines a timeless love story, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is brimming with slow-burn passion, classical references, relevant and modern themes with breathtaking cinematography to boot. I first saw the movie as an undergraduate film student at UNC Chapel Hill and have since watched the film at least a dozen times, each resonating as strongly as the first watch.
So I can’t help but evangelize the film — especially when it’s free to watch on Kanopy. The movie is also available on Hulu — one of CNET’s picks for best streaming service — with a paid subscription or available to rent on Prime Video, but the easiest option is to watch for free right now on Kanopy with your public library login or university ID credentials.
Set in 1770 Brittany, in northern France, Portrait of a Lady on Fire tells the story of Marianne, a middle-class painter commissioned by a countess to paint the wedding portrait of her daughter, Héloïse, a young woman forced to leave the convent to enter an arranged marriage with a Milanese nobleman.
Almost every scene in Portrait of a Lady on Fire looks like a masterpiece painting.
Lilies Films/Hold-Up Films/Arte France Cinéma
Opposing the marriage, Héloïse refuses to sit for any portrait, which would guarantee her marriage, so Marianne must produce the portrait in secret. Having already exhausted other painters, the Countess instructs Marianne to act as Héloïse’s companion, accompanying her day to day while silently memorizing her features to paint in secret.
Through these meetings, the two women form a friendship and eventually a romance that transcends boundaries of class and sexuality. Tragically, Marianne is forced to create the one object that will ensure the end of her blossoming relationship with Héloïse.
Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel deliver engrossing and elegant performances.
Lilies Films/Hold-Up Films/Arte France Cinéma
Starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, accompanied by an almost entirely female cast, the film is a powerfully acted LGBTQ+ romance that studies power, memory, passion and desire through the eyes of women. Despite its 18th century setting, the film unflinchingly examines modern themes of gender, class, sexuality and reproductive rights — all of which suffocate under a repressive patriarchal society, yet flourish when those strict confines are removed. Noted as a feminist film that banishes the male gaze, reinterprets the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and subverts expectations of the master/muse relationship, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a rare feminist triumph.
With its nuanced themes, exquisite cinematography and emotionally resonant performances, it’s a beautifully moving film, and you’re sure to have a profound and unforgettable cinematic experience. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll just sob in front of a theater full of strangers and not even care. Either way, you’re in for a treat. (And while you’re at it, I will probably be watching it for the umpteenth time.)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire won the Queer Palm at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
Lilies Films/Hold-Up Films/Arte France Cinéma
Portrait of a Lady on Fire was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. The film lost that top honor to Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, but won the Queer Palm, becoming the first film directed by a woman to win the award. Sciamma also won the award for Best Screenplay at Cannes in 2019.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire is just one of our CNET experts’ favorite movies that’s available to stream now. You should also explore our full rundown of the best movies on Max, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Plus, stream our favorite horror double feature on Netflix.
Top-tier streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video may offer the latest horror hits. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay to access them. If you’re hunting for scares without spending a dime, Tubi is one of the best free options out there, especially if you have a soft spot for classic and cult horror from decades past.
From psychological thrillers and supernatural hauntings to blood-soaked slashers, Tubi’s horror collection has something to unnerve every type of fan. You’ll find iconic titles like Night of the Living Dead and Hellraiser, as well as newer cult favorites like Terrifier and Lake Mungo. It’s a spine-chilling mix of old-school terror and modern frights – and yes, it’s all free.
Sure, there are a few ad breaks, but consider them your moment to catch your breath before the next scream-worthy scene. Grab a blanket, dim the lights, and dive into a terrifying movie night that won’t cost you a thing – except maybe your peace of mind.
Twentieth Century Fox
When high school cheerleader Jennifer Check (Megan Fox) is possessed by a demonic force after a botched sacrifice, she develops an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Specifically, the flesh of the boys in her small town. As her best friend Needy (Amanda Seyfried) starts noticing Jennifer’s transformation, she realizes that stopping her may be the only way to save everyone.
https://tubitv.com/movies/100013188/absentia
Before Oculus or The Haunting of Hill House, Mike Flanagan wrote and directed this terrifying and atmospheric movie focused on people (and pets) disappearing near a tunnel in L.A. A pregnant wife whose husband has been missing for seven years declares him dead “in absentia” only to find it’s much more complicated. The film utilizes shifting perspectives to question sisters Tricia and Callie’s reality, but the shocking final scenes leave no doubt about the true horror in the tunnel.
Magnolia Pictures
Although this Swedish vampire movie stars two youngsters on the verge of adolescence, its dark subject matter and unsettling scenes are anything but juvenile. Bullied Oskar meets kindred soul Eli from the apartment next door, but Eli has been the same age “for a very long time.” The two take part in a true vampire love story unlike any other.
Eagle Films
This faux-documentary follows Deborah Logan, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s who’s been exhibiting disturbing behavior. The film crew finds a connection to a local physician involved in ritualistic murders. A terrifying supernatural secret unfolds as we learn the real cause behind Deborah’s ailments.
Next Entertainment World
The zombies are coming for everyone during this father-daughter journey, and there’s a lot of them. A young father tries to save himself, his young child and a new friend as the world around falls victim to a zombie uprising and the human military response.
Drafthouse Films/Screenshot by CNET
For those who prefer their dread to creep up on them, this psychological horror film provides a sinister slow burn. An ex-boyfriend accepts a dinner invitation from an old romantic partner with a traumatic past and her new man. His paranoia and suspicions keep everyone on edge through the early night, until the party breaks into unexpected chaos and a shocking conclusion.
Continental Distributing/Screenshot by CNET
George Romero broke the mold with this germinal horror flick that introduced a generation of horror fans to the walking dead. Shambling “ghouls” terrorize a group of young adults in a farmhouse, yet the danger comes as much from other humans as from the undead
MPI Movie Group/Screenshot by CNET
This unique throwback flick set in the 1980s is painstakingly made to appear it was filmed then too. College student Samantha takes a babysitting job in a house in a remote area but soon learns she was hired to take care of a completely different charge who may be linked to some sinister happenings.
Umbrella Entertainment
The forlorn Palmer family copes with their daughter’s drowning after a visit to the local dam. They soon experience a series of eerie supernatural events, leading to shocking revelations about Alice’s hidden life. Presented in a pseudo-documentary style, this gruesome tale is full of twists with an ending that’ll shock you out of your seat.
IMDB
Twin brothers Elias and Lukas become (understandably) suspicious of their mom when she returns home from having facial surgery. Her head is wrapped in bandages and she starts showing some uncharacteristically cold and unsettling behavior. The boys become convinced she’s an imposter, so they take drastic measures to find out the truth.
Well Go USA Entertainment/Screenshot by CNET
Written and directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (who also play the lead roles), this low-budget indie sci-fi/horror film features two brothers who return to the UFO cult where they were raised, only to find that many in the community haven’t aged at all. Perceptions and reality unloosen as the brothers learn the true secrets behind the strange phenomena at Camp Arcadia.
Arrow Films
Widower Shigeharu Aoyama holds a fake movie audition to find a new wife and finds himself enamored with the quiet and reserved Asami. As they enter a relationship, he ignores the warning signs about her dark past. When the truth is finally revealed, he finds himself trapped in a nightmarish descent into pain, obsession, and torture, much of which involves sewing needles.
New Line Cinema/Screenshot by CNET
Produced in 1974 for a mere $140,000, Tobe Hooper’s indie film about a family of cannibals who just want to be left alone (and eat everyone who bothers them) introduced several slasher horror tropes that have since become cliches, as well as the terrifying human monster Leatherface.
Haut et Court/Screenshot by CNET
This French zombie film takes a minimal approach to the undead apocalypse. Lead character Sam wakes up in his ex-girlfriend’s apartment after a party to find the building and city have been taken over by zombies. Slow and mostly silent, the film explores Sam’s loneliness and dwindling sanity as he tries to stay alive all by himself.
New World Pictures/Screenshot by CNET
Clive Barker might hate the name “Pinhead,” but fans loved it, as well as the character called “Lead Cenobite” in Hellraiser’s credits. The supernatural gore-fest is filled with disturbing practical effects and buckets and buckets of blood.
Universal Pictures
A trek through the moors of Yorkshire goes terribly wrong for two American backpackers who find themselves attacked by a strange beast. David Naughton’s transformation into a werewolf features legendary special effects — the movie won the first ever Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1982.
Variety Film Production/Screenshot by CNET
Lucio Fulci’s Zombie (billed as Zombi 2 in Italy though not a sequel) is a late 1970s horror classic featuring an island-based undead outbreak that threatens to expand into New York City and beyond — a classic zombies-eating-a-lot-of-humans flick that’s perfect for a 3 a.m. watch. Don’t miss the underwater battle between tiger shark and zombie.
Toho Co., Ltd./Screenshot by CNET
This English-language remake of the Japanese horror classic follows a reporter investigating a cursed videotape that leads to the viewer’s death seven days later. But culturally, it’s much more than that, having been influential in popularizing J-horror around the globe, including the American version The Ring, which had its own unique phenomenon.
British Lion Films
Sergeant Neil Howie visits the island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. But when he gets there, he discovers the islanders have a sinister secret behind their paganistic rituals. As he delves deeper, he finds himself tangled up in their wicked ways, leading to a shocking climax that’s been copied and parodied many times since.
New World Pictures
In this classic horror parody, the Hyatt family inherits a house with a cursed book and soon meets a string of monsters and other various creatures. A vampire named Waldemar and the sinister Van Helsing are a few of the colorful characters the family encounters as they banter with the ghosts and demons of their new home.
Artisan Entertainment
An antique book dealer (Johnny Depp) and creepy collector (Frank Lagella) square off in this tense horror/thriller about a tome that supposedly summons the devil. Using a classic film noir style, the film slowly draws Depp into a broader mystery, while the understated action gradually builds to a fiery climax at the gates of hell.
MGM
Shy high-schooler Carrie White discovers she has powerful telekinetic abilities after relentless bullying and harsh treatment at the hands of her religious fanatic mother. One day, after a particularly cruel prank at prom, she finally snaps. In the aftermath, the town is left haunted by the destruction she wrought, proving that cruelty can have some extremely terrifying consequences.
IMDB
Maddie, a deaf and mute writer living alone, finds herself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse when a masked killer decides to make her his prey. Unable to hear his movements or call for help, she must figure out a way to outmaneuver him and potentially turn the tables on him during this terrifying ordeal.
Cineverse Corp.
Damien Leone’s indie slasher flick is an absolutely brutal gore fest featuring a truly grotesque and evil villain — Art the Clown — who terrorizes two young women on Halloween night. The franchise has already spawned a trilogy, but it’s definitely not for squeamish viewers.
If you want a healthy gut with a balanced microbiome, yes, you can take probiotic supplements, but you can also naturally achieve this by eating probiotic-rich foods. This can help you save money and meal plan at the same time.
“Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called ‘good bacteria,’ that help maintain a healthy balance in your gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful ones,” said Gillean Barkyoumb, a registered dietitian and nutrition expert at Plexus Worldwide, which sells dietary supplements.
“Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, as well as in dietary supplements,” she added. “Regularly consuming probiotics can support digestion, boost your immune system and may even improve mood and overall well-being.”
To determine which probiotic foods are right for you, we compiled a helpful list below. But before you change your diet, make sure to consult your doctor first.
Read more: Is There Really a ‘Healthy’ Soda Out There? 6 Experts Weigh In
What are the best probiotic foods to eat for a healthy gut?
If you want more probiotics in your diet, below are 12 excellent probiotic foods. In addition to these foods, you might also try probiotic supplements. Look for labeling that reads, “contains live cultures” or “contains active cultures” in these common probiotic foods.
1. Yogurt
A staple probiotic food, go for yogurt with live and active cultures. Some yogurts are specifically marketed for their probiotic content or to help improve digestion. Yogurt usually has L. acidophilus bacteria, which can promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Yogurt is a great option because it’s widely available, comes in a variety of flavors to suit your taste and can be eaten straight from the container.
2. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Kimchi can give you that probiotic punch, and it’s made with healthy ingredients like vegetables (most commonly Napa cabbage, carrots, scallions and radish), garlic, red pepper powder, ginger and other spices. It makes a wonderful side and is traditionally served with steamed rice. Kimchi is associated with research regarding anti-cancer, anti-obesity, colorectal health, cholesterol reduction, anti-aging, brain health, immune health and skin health properties.
3. Pickles
You might be surprised to learn that pickles can contain probiotics. You just have to make sure you buy fermented pickles, which are usually found in the refrigerated section of the health food aisle. Some brands even advertise probiotic content. They trend under the term “healthy pickles,” but be sure to read the labels to ensure they contain probiotics. You can even make them at home. Some people also drink or use the juice the pickles are fermented in. Note that jarred pickles tend to be high in sodium.
4. Sourdough
Sourdough starter contains lactic acid bacteria. The starter is the environment where yeast and good bacteria grow by consuming water and flour. Natural prebiotics and probiotics are listed in research as one of the benefits of sourdough bread. It’s also linked to better blood glucose control, reduced cholesterol, a lower risk of diabetes, reduced cardiovascular disease risk and improved weight control. Also, it makes a pretty good sandwich bread.
5. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk made using kefir grain. It starts as a normal cow’s or goat’s milk, and then a grain-like yeast and lactic acid bacterial colony called kefir is added to the milk. The mixture is left to ferment for around a day and then the milk is filtered from the grains, creating the kefir drink. The resulting drink is a powerful probiotic that actually packs more probiotics than yogurt.
6. Kombucha
Kombucha is “a go-to for fermented botanicals,” Barkyoumb said. “This magic potion has been dubbed the ‘immortal health elixir’ because of its ability to support whole-body health and wellness while preventing illnesses. High-quality kombucha is filled with probiotics and amino acids that will help your body digest sugar, and is also a great natural hangover cure.”
This drink is actually a fermented tea, so you’re getting the health benefits of tea with the probiotic boost of a fermented beverage. It’s made by adding strains of bacteria, yeast and sugar to either black or green tea, which leads to the drink’s probiotic-happy environment. It ferments for about a week or more until it grows a mushroom-type texture on top. The mushroom gets filtered out to make new kombucha.
7. Sauerkraut
This German comfort food is fermented cabbage made by lacto-fermenting the vegetable in its brine with salt. As part of the traditional fermentation process, probiotics are in the end product.
However, this is another product where you have to specifically buy probiotic sauerkraut or make your own. Many brands use vinegar and sugar or are pasteurized, which reduces the growth of bacteria and kills probiotics. Common canned sauerkraut is usually made with vinegar or it’s pasteurized (or both).
8. Miso soup
This Japanese food is served as a side to many meals. Miso is a paste typically made from fermented soybeans and works as a condiment to make sauces, spreads and soup stock. Miso soup uses this paste for the stock. Because miso is a fermented food, it packs the probiotic punch. Miso soup works great with larger meals but it also makes a nice, light lunch on its own.
9. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is twice-fermented apple juice. Apple cider vinegar has been making its rounds for years as a popular health supplement. It has natural probiotics from the fermentation process. Though its benefits need further research, many people also use it for everything from calming acid reflux to weight loss. It has a strong flavor, so if you don’t like taking it directly, add it to salad dressing, marinades or pickling liquid.
10. Some cheese
Certain types of cheese have probiotics. For instance, aged cheeses that are not heated afterward tend to have probiotics. Examples include Swiss, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, cottage cheese and provolone. The good news is that many popular cheese types have probiotics, including a healthy bowl of cottage cheese topped with fruit.
11. Pickled vegetables
Along the same lines as the kimchi and pickles above, you can also look for any pickled vegetables that specifically list having probiotics. One idea is to look into lacto-fermented escabeche, a pickled dish from Mexico that can contain a wide variety of vegetables. Or you can make a fermented giardiniera, an Italian pickle relish. Using fermented pickled vegetables is also a great way to shop locally and preserve vegetables for use out of season.
12. Buttermilk
Buttermilk may seem like a drink out of Little House on the Prairie, but traditional buttermilk can be an excellent source of probiotics. Buttermilk covers different types of fermented dairy beverages, but traditional buttermilk is the liquid skimmed out of the butter-making process. The trick is to avoid cultured buttermilk, which is the most common type in supermarkets and usually does not have probiotics.
OK, shelling out $35 for a water bottle might seem extreme, but hear me out. About two years ago, my friends got me a Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler in a pretty rose quartz hue. (Unlike me, they’re well-versed in the latest trends.) So I put aside my skepticism, embraced the craze and made the Stanley my go-to water bottle. Since then, the Stanley hype has died down quite a bit, but I still enjoy this water bottle — and you can too for even less with a new Amazon Spring sale deal.
I admit, the Stanley has lost a bit of its luster among the teen crowd — the Owala FreeSip seems to be taking over in that realm. And yes, the Stanley does have a relatively high price tag. But the Stanley is my daily go-to, and right now it’s on sale on Amazon for as much as 30% off, depending on which color you choose. Discounts on these tumblers can be hard to come by, and some of the colors are selling out quickly.
I love my Stanley tumbler’s convenience
I’m a big fan of the IceFlow tumbler because of the handle at the top, which makes carrying it on walks or when out and about easier. The built-in straw makes sipping a breeze, and unlike the more popular Quencher tumbler with the handle on the side, this one is leak-proof. (The Quencher is a solid choice if you prefer that design.) I have the 30-ounce option, which carries enough water without being too bulky. And unlike the 32-ounce Owala, the IceFlow also fits well in a cup holder in my car.
Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts
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You shouldn’t get a Stanley just because influencers tell you to (or even because I’m telling you to now). If you want a water bottle that not only looks sleek but can keep water cold for a ridiculously long time (I’ve had ice last overnight), then a Stanley might be the answer.
A Stanley didn’t change my life (even if it can apparently survive a car fire and keep water cold all the while), but I like having a good quality bottle that encourages me to drink more water — and yes, we all need to drink more water. Sure, there are plenty of water bottles that keep your ice water refreshingly cold, but out of all the drinkware cluttering my cabinets, this is the one I reach for the most — whether I’m staying hydrated at home or heading out. It checks all the boxes when it comes to size, quality and functionality.
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Is now a good time to buy the Stanley tumbler?
The Stanley IceFlow Tumbler isn’t as expensive as the Yeti Rambler, but it’s not the cheapest water bottle out there either, so it’s good to keep an eye out for discounts on sites like Amazon and Target to make it more affordable. That way, your cash — like the icy water in your Stanley — will last longer. We rarely see discounts on Stanley’s water bottles, so this is a good time to score one at a discount.
During the Spring Sale, Amazon currently has several 30 oz IceFlow Tumblers on sale in various colors:
For more great finds, here are the best Amazon Spring Sale deals under $25. And if you’re looking to do some early shopping for Mom or the grad in your life, here are our roundups of the best Mother’s Day gifts and the best gifts for grads.
My cat assisted with breaks in car vacuum testing.
John Carlsen/CNET
Very few vacuums from top brands are marketed exclusively as car vacuums, which gave me the flexibility to test hand vacuums from household and power-tool brands. I researched reviews and bestseller lists to find suitable test candidates. The vacuums in this review are a mix of manufacturer samples and ones purchased at retail.
After choosing a testing lineup, I subjected the vacuums to a battery of tests covering cleaning performance, runtime, noise and airflow.
Cleaning performance
I put each vacuum through four tests to see how well it can clean in a typical car: pet hair, large debris, combination and powder.
John Carlsen/CNET
The base conditions for the first three tests are as follows:
Scatter a premeasured amount of debris over a 6-inch linear section of a car mat.
Rub debris into the mat — crushing some of it where possible — to ensure good adhesion and simulate foot traffic.
Start testing using the recommended attachments to see their effectiveness. If the attachment isn’t good enough, use any means necessary to remove the remaining debris.
I emptied the bin and knocked the dust off the filters between each test, but I didn’t wash the filter until all tests were complete. This is fortunate since the average washable filter took almost two days to dry completely.
Pet hair and lint test
This was also the first of many tests failed by Drecell; it was the only product to clog with the modest amount of lint and hair involved.
John Carlsen/CNET
For this light-duty test, I enlisted the help of my cat by saving 25 grams of pet-hair-laden dryer lint over two months, which I distributed among the vacuums. Each vacuum started with a pet brush and almost every traditional brush wasn’t good enough to pull up all the hair. I got better results without any attachments, although the motorized brushes of Dyson and Bissell showed noticeable improvements over the standard pet brush.
Still, the best pet hair cleaning performance came from attachments with rubber or silicone elements, notably Fanttik and Worx.
Large debris test: Paper scraps and sticky cereal
Drecell and Bissell immediately failed this test due to debris clogging their narrow nozzles.
John Carlsen/CNET
This medium-duty test started with 5g each of shredded paper packing material and a sticky cereal. The crinkled paper scraps provided an excellent source of bulk and clog potential. For my solid debris, I chose the one-two punch of a sticky cereal. I lightly sprayed each mat with some water to enhance the stickiness and left it for an hour to dry.
The Shark MessMaster and Worx passed this test with the fewest crumbs remaining. The Shark Cyclone Pet, Dyson and Ryobi showed slightly more crumbs but were more than adequate.
The DeWalt and Black & Decker models technically passed this test by pulling up all of the debris with few remaining crumbs, they clogged in the process and were a pain to unclog. The culprits on the DeWalt and Black & Decker were the air intakes, which were so close to the HEPA filters that there wasn’t enough room for debris to enter the rest of the dust bin. Fanttik surprised me by pulling up 70% of the items before clogging.
Combination test: Rocks, dirt and hair
My other tests focus on separate elements that can trip up a vacuum, but the heavy-duty combination test brings everything together to push a vacuum to its limits.
John Carlsen/CNET
The material in this test is at least 150 grams of authentic dirt, sand and rocks, courtesy of a broom, a dustpan and some nearby parking spaces. Add to that a dusty dollop of pet hair that I saved from my main vacuum cleaner, and you have what I like to call “the disgusting test.”
As with my large debris test, I added a little water to the mats after pouring out the premeasured bags of dirt and grime and waited 24 hours for the mats to dry. This created delicious stains on the mats that proved especially difficult to remove. The Dyson and Shark MessMaster were the only vacuums that even got close to removing the stain, with Dyson showing the strongest result due to its motorized brush attachments. The Worx and Black & Decker Pivot weren’t far behind but still left visible stains.
The DeWalt and Bissell managed to pull up most of the debris without clogging or needing to be emptied, although the mats weren’t as clean as the top three.
I had to empty the Ryobi, Shark Cyclone Pet and both Black & Decker models once after losing a lot of suction during the first cleaning pass. Even with an empty dustbin, the Ryobi struggled to pick up the remaining hair, and the Shark Cyclone Pet left quite a mess behind.
The small dust bins on the Fanttik and Drecell produced the worst results, with almost no change to the oil stain and a fair amount of remaining debris.
Powder test: Baking soda
I scattered baking soda on the seat, floor and hard surfaces for the full experience, making a special effort to dirty the crevices and edges in the vehicle.
John Carlsen/CNET
The medium-duty powder test was the only test I did in my car because I knew it would be one of the most stubborn materials — at least baking soda has some cleaning properties, unlike the other debris I used. Crucially, baking soda is very likely to clog the filters in a vacuum, something it managed to do on almost every test sample. This test helped me gauge not only cleaning performance but also the maneuverability of each unit.
The Shark MessMaster, Dyson and Worx had the best results in the powder test, although even these required a fair amount of effort. Most of the other vacuums left visible streaks where they couldn’t remove the powder, although they picked up most of it. The Drecell produced a poor final result, while the Dustbuster Blast’s filter allowed more powder out of its exhaust ports than its rivals.
Stainless steel may rebuff rust and corrosion but it’s not immune from unsightly smudges, surface stains and scratches. Despite a general ruggedness, stainless steel requires a more vigorous cleaning to keep its surface shiny and bright.
According to a recent Reddit discussion, the struggle to keep stainless steel fridges, ovens and other appliances looking fresh is a real one. But we’ve devised an easy-to-follow guide to cleaning stainless steel that’s easy on the appliance but tough on its surface grime, stains and smudges.
What to use for cleaning stainless steel
I like to go natural with my cleaning supplies whenever possible. Commercial cleaners can be effective, but many contain harsh chemicals and leave residues that you wouldn’t want on your appliances. You can make an effective and nontoxic cleaner out of these two pantry staples.
If you’re going to use store-bought cleaner, be sure to use a cleaner specifically for stainless steel such as Barkeeper’s Friend.
Do not use any kind of cleaner that includes scouring powders, abrasives, bleach or ammonia. These damage the surface. Never use steel wool or a pumice stone, as they will permanently scratch your appliance.
Every day
Every day, wipe down any food splatters, dust or grease that makes its way onto your appliance with a dishcloth.
Orange peel is great for adding shine to your stainless steel.
Alina Bradford/CNET
Also, remember to wipe in the direction of the grain. Like wood, stainless steel has different variations in the color of the surface. You’ll notice these run in lines across the surface in one direction. This is the grain. So, if the grain runs horizontally, then be sure to wipe left and right. If the grain runs vertically, wipe up and down.
Every week
If you’re like me, once a week polish your stainless steel with the orange side of an orange peel. Orange peels produce natural oils that shine surfaces like stainless steel.
The fresher the orange, the better it works — and again, be sure to work with the grain. This method not only makes your appliances look new but also gives your kitchen a fresh, citrusy smell.
Once a month
Every month, give your appliances an oil treatment to protect them from rust and smudges. This extra layer of protection will help prevent oxidation and create a barrier against fingerprints, water spots and other smudges that usually accumulate with use.
First, wipe down your appliance with white vinegar in the direction of the grain. Then rub it with olive oil or mineral oil along the grain. Here are the step-by-step details.
For more cleaning tips, see how to get your filthy Keurig sparkling clean and make this all-purpose cleaner using three common kitchen ingredients.
If this were a book, it’d be a hell of a page-turner.
Sure, that’s a bold statement. But when it comes to The Residence, I will stand my ground. Netflix’s quirky new whodunit series from Shonda Rhimes — which premiered on the streaming service on Wednesday — asks the question, what happens when an important dinner at the White House is disrupted by the murder of one of the house’s staff members? Sheer calamity is the answer. Amid the cluttered murder mystery landscape, this show is a delightful standout.
The murder case in The Residence is a numbers game: one dead body, 132 rooms and 157 suspects. To find the homicidal needle in this complicated haystack, the team calls in a highly skilled investigator. As with any good murder mystery, that person must have an unconventional style and peculiar methodology. Well, step aside, Adrian Monk: Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is in the building.
Like Sherlock Holmes and Benoit Blanc before her, she’s known as the world’s greatest detective. Her mission, which she chose to accept, is to solve the crime before the night is over to keep the news under wraps and maintain the political integrity of the nation’s capital.
As you can imagine, her job hits one challenge after another as she interacts with a cavalcade of strong personalities who each deliver conflicting accounts of the events that transpired. I should point out that the White House isn’t used to a detective combing through every nook and cranny like this. The place has a specific rule structure that keeps the house in order at all hours, making her investigation all the more tumultuous.
If there’s any detective perfect for this weird case, it’s Cupp. And Aduba steps into the role with delightful ease, making it feel like she’s always been the bird-loving, unabashedly confident sleuth. Her performance lifts up those of her skilled co-stars Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Jasmine Haney, Ken Marino, Edwina Findley, Bronson Pinchot, Mary Wiseman, Paul Fitzgerald and Jane Curtin. I’d love to tip my hat to each and every one of the actors who grace the screen here, but the list is too expansive. It boggles the mind they all get some room to shine in these eight episodes.
Uzo Aduba stars as the world’s greatest detective, Cordelia Cupp, in Netflix’s White House whodunit, The Residence, now streaming.
Jessica Brooks/Netflix
The Residence knows exactly what it’s doing and why, winking firmly at the audience as it plays in a familiar genre sandbox. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it doesn’t need to. If you were to ask me to describe the show to my elderly mother, I’d pitch it as if Knives Out got tossed in a blender with Clue, Columbo and Monk, with a sprinkling of Murder, She Wrote on top. And, as this article’s headline states, it’s the streamer’s best new comedy. Don’t worry; I’ll let my mom know when I’m done writing this.
Former Scandal writer Paul William Davies, who created The Residence, wrote the episodes and served as executive producer and showrunner, revealed during a virtual press conference that movies like Clue and Noises Off greatly influenced the show’s comedic tone.
The comedy works in both examples due to each story’s disorderly nature. Clue finds a group of unlikely house guests scrambling to stay alive and solve a murder while stuck in a giant mansion; Noises Off showcases the chaos that happens behind the scenes as a dysfunctional theater crew perseveres through in-fighting, battling egos and incompetence to bring a stage production to life.
The Residence stands firmly in the farcical shoes of comedy classics like these. Thanks to the witty writing, succinct directing and editing, the show’s pace remains at a steady clip. This complements the punchy interrogation sequences and delivers red herrings aplenty, keeping you guessing to the very end.
Erin Simkin/Netflix
Let’s focus on the White House again for a minute. Having this iconic locale as ground zero for this mystery is an intriguing choice. There are way more rooms in this place than in Mr. Body’s mansion in Clue, offering more places for the story to explore. The show also mines White House history and explores the diverse lives of those who work behind the scenes — like the cooks, ushers and janitorial staff — who add to the upstairs/downstairs situation, which reveals an us-versus-them conflict that further complicates Cupp’s investigation.
Cupp delves deeper into the case as, throughout each episode, a grander tour of the grounds takes place. Did you know there were two basements in the White House? What do you know about the building’s third floor? How about the sinister-sounding Red Room? The mystery of the crime is offset by the secrets of the White House itself, giving us a sort of inside look at the men and women behind the curtain. And it’s fascinating.
In Scandal, Rhimes and Davies brought to life enduring political drama inside the Oval Office, which regularly featured the president of the United States. The Commander in Chief is more of a side character in The Residence, which is a delightful choice. Cupp acknowledges early on in the show that there are just too many dudes here. She’s not wrong.
Moreover, the president and his mostly male staff come off as barely qualified for their jobs. Harry (Marino), the president’s closest adviser and longtime friend, leads this crew in a manic, unhinged way that sets the stage for how things are run. As you can imagine, Cupp disrupts that energy, resulting in many hilarious confrontations with these… well, dudes.
When it comes to murder mysteries, recent entries in the genre have all but sidestepped the laughs in order to maintain their prestige status. It’s about time we brought some silly back. The Residence delivers on that front while maintaining its prestigious veneer. The result is a murder mystery series unlike anything currently on TV. Now, I’m not saying you have to watch the show. But I will put my detective hat on and deduce that you’ll have a rollicking good time if you do.
Can’t decide between getting a new laptop or a tablet? Why not both? The Microsoft Surface Pro is one of the best 2-in-1 devices out there, combining the sleek form of a tablet with the functional capabilities of a laptop. And right now, you can get a Microsoft Surface Pro 2024 with a 13-inch touchscreen display, Snapdragon X Plus (10 Core), 16GB RAM, 512GB storage and Copilot+ AI features for an all-time low price of just $883 on Amazon as part of its Spring Sale.
The Surface Pro has always been a unique device among its peers. It’s a detachable laptop that you can use as a standalone tablet, so whether you need a powerhouse workhorse or a simple screen to watch movies on the couch with, the Microsoft Surface Pro can do it all. This particular model has a 13-inch touchscreen display, which provides ample space for both work and play. There are also four beautiful colors to choose from, including a gorgeous Dune and Sapphire (though the lowest price is on the Platinum color only.)
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Inside the Surface Pro is the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, which is a 10-Core processor, and it comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage capacity. For most people, this is plenty of horsepower for handling everyday tasks like web browsing, email, video calls, and social media. And since the Surface Pro has Copilot+, your productivity levels will certainly get a boost of AI smarts without sacrificing privacy and security. Copilot+ also enhances video calls by improving the lighting, provides noise cancelation, and blur backgrounds. There’s also the Recall with Copilot+ feature, which lets you retrieve documents, emails, or web pages through an explorable timeline of your PC history.
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While this great deal only includes the Surface Pro itself, you will need to purchase the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard separately. However, with it, you’ll be able to use the Surface Pro like any laptop and be even more productive. The keyboard also houses a stylus, so you can use your Surface Pro for drawing and sketching, or handwritten notes.
Microsoft made sure that the Surface Pro can last all day with 14 hours of battery life thanks to the 10-core Snapdragon X Plus onboard this computer. And when you do need to charge it up, a 65W adapter will top it off fairly quickly. Most people see a full charge on this machine in under 2 hours, and most users report the battery on previous Surface models stays in good shape for at least 3 years.
Why this deal matters
The Microsoft Surface Pro has always been one of the more unique devices out there since it runs Windows and can act as a tablet or laptop with the supplemental accessories. This is also the lowest price we’ve seen for this particular model of Surface Pro on Amazon, so if you’ve been waiting on a good price, now is the time.
Home security has never been more essential, and finding the right tools to protect your space can feel overwhelming. But with the right combination of smart devices and simple strategies, you can keep your home and family safe.
Below, you’ll find a collection of smart home security hacks and gadgets designed to help deter intruders, prevent theft and stop porch pirates in their tracks. When used effectively, these tools provide an extra layer of protection, giving you peace of mind at home and away.
1. Set motion detection lights to stun
Floodlights can watch over backyards, driveways and similar spots.
Blink
Look for a security camera that’s equipped with a spotlight or floodlights. You can set these lights to trigger via motion detection, and thanks to recent advantages, camera sensors are now smart enough to ignore cars and focus on people, among other useful tricks. The lights will let determined trespassers know that there’s a security system, and even indicate that a camera is currently recording them. That’s a powerful reason to get away if intruders have ill intent!
Remember, apps from popular smart home brands like Arlo, Ring, Blink and many others allow you to set zones and control motion sensitivity so your security lights only turn on when a person gets close, instead of lighting up a dozen times a night.
Read more: I Thought I’d Hate AI in Home Security. I Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong
2. Put up a security system yard sign
Security yard signs discourage many thieves.
Kangaroo
You may have already suspected it, but studies do confirm that burglars — around 83% surveyed — are scared off by signs that an alarm system is present, and one of the most straightforward is a literal sign or window sticker.
We suggest avoiding cheap, fake signs, which are usually easy to recognize by someone already thinking about a break-in. Fortunately, real signs come included even with common DIY security systems like those offered by SimpliSafe. And if you’re worried about a burglar using a sign to learn too much about your home security system, these sorts of hacking tales hardly ever actually happen.
3. Install a video doorbell for front door protection
Kasa’s very affordable doorbell can keep an eye on all kinds of front door events.
Kasa
It’s hard to miss a video doorbell when approaching a front door or porch. From Google Nest to Arlo, Ring and Aqara, these doorbell cameras make it obvious that someone’s watching. They come equipped with two-way audio and quick replies that can hold brief conversations, and if visitors recognize a video doorbell, they probably know it’s already sent alerts to the owner about front door activity.
Those qualities make doorbells an excellent method to deter porch pirates and other troublemakers. We also recommend planning for video storage so you have a way to save and download or share video clips when necessary.
4. Use alerts to call an audible
Two-way audio features also let you call out trespassers.
Ring/Amazon
All the top home security cams now come with two-way audio features, which are one of the most effective deterrents if you notice something is wrong. Nothing can scare away a trespasser quite like the owner flipping on the speaker and calling out, “HEY! What are you doing?!” Plus, if it’s just a very lost postman, you can always apologize afterward without getting the police involved.
Two-way audio works well with timely camera alerts on your phone and object recognition so the alerts specify that a human was detected.
5. Set up sirens on home security devices
Arming a system with a siren is a great way to scare of trespassers if they get too close.
Kangaroo
They aren’t quite as ubiquitous as two-way audio, but many cameras and most home security kits also include sirens. On today’s smart devices you have the option to turn on sirens with the app, or set the siren to sound off when certain kinds of motion are detected and the system is armed. It’s a quick addition you can activate during setup, even for the smallest cams like the Blink Mini 2.
6. Position access sensors on windows and backdoors
A full security system can watch over multiple access points at once.
Abode/Amazon
Access sensors enable a bunch of the tips we listed above if someone actually enters your home. They send alerts that allow you to immediately look through live views from cameras, use two-way audio in a shouty way or sound off a siren/flip on a floodlight. If you’re worried about burglars breaching points like these (especially if you’ve had it happen before), the top home security system kits include sensors for exactly these reasons.
7. Set vacation modes with smart lights and more
Smart lights and vacation modes make your house seem lived in even when you’re not around.
Ry Crist/CNET
Smart security systems and home cams have an additional feature to help make vacations easier: They have vacation modes and customizable away modes. You can pair these modes with smart lights and set an activity schedule that makes it look like people are still home when you’re away.
Vacation modes like these will turn lights on and off to mimic people getting home in the evening, waking up in the morning and other everyday activities. They can discourage thieves looking for empty homes that make easy targets, and give you extra peace of mind on long vacations. These modes also pair very well with cams that let you take a peek as long as you have a reliable internet connection and access sensors that tell you when something went wrong.
8. Keep your garage closed and locked down
Smart garage doors come in many forms, including retrofits, but they’re an excellent way to keep garage doors closed and uninviting to prowling thieves.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity, and one opportunity that can easily attract thieves (and racoons) is a garage door that’s been left open. Consider equipping your garage door with a smart door system that can automatically close the door for you, secure it and remind you if the door is left open for any reason.
These smart garage doors are frequently backward-compatible with existing garages, especially newer models, but you should always check how they work before you buy a new system.
9. Equip your door with a smart lock
Smart locks ensure you never forget to lock the front door.
Lockly
Forgetting to lock the front door isn’t quite as noticeable as leaving the garage open, but it can still attract thieves, who won’t be shy about rattling doorknobs to see if entry is easy. A smart lock is a simple, incredibly effective way to monitor your main entry and make sure it’s always locked at the right times.
Today’s smart locks can auto-lock after a period of inactivity, or send you reminders that they’re open, so you can make a judgment call yourself. They also come with ways to give friends and family temporary passes to use the lock with their own phones, and options to review your access history.
10. Use an active professional home-monitoring service
Professional home monitoring gives you extra eyes on developing situations.
SimpliSafe
For the most complete protection, think about adding professional home monitoring to your existing security system. Professional monitoring allows agents to view their alerts and contact emergency responders if necessary, so you don’t have to rely on your own notifications.
These monitoring plans don’t have to be exorbitantly expensive: Arlo’s Secure Premium plan offers full family monitoring services for $25 per month. Take a look at SimpliSafe’s Fast Protect plan, which offers guides that look at cam live views and use audio to ask questions, for around $30 per month. If you don’t mind the extra expense, monitoring plans can take your home security to the next level.
11. Add a delivery lock box to your porch
Package lock boxes are a very old solution to a very modern problem.
Felikuk
A package lock box is a very simple, very effective addition to your home that shuts down porch piracy entirely. It works a lot like public package drop-offs, with one area where delivery people can drop in a package, and a holding area only accessible to the owner via key or keypad. Thieves can’t get inside at all. Advanced models like Loxx Boxx also give you app control, remote access and alerts about when you get a delivery. If you have porch-pirate problems in your neighborhood and get fairly frequent packages, this could be the perfect deterrent.
What about guard dogs as a security bonus?
Wherever home theft deterrents are discussed, many sources will suggest getting a guard dog. We do not recommend getting a dog specifically for security purposes, even if they’re effective. It’s not very fun for the dog, and it’s difficult to train one to be wary of the wrong kind of strangers (and not, say, cousin Jimmy who’s never been to your home before). Also, dog attacks regularly lead to trespassers suing homeowners for their injuries, and some states have liability laws that can encourage such lawsuits.
Since staying safe is already on your mind, you can check out our recommendations for the top DIY home security systems, as well as ways to save money like turning an old phone into a security cam. And if you live with roommates, you’ll want to peruse our guide on the best tech to keep your own room safe.
Looking for the most recent Wordle answer? Click here for today’s Wordle hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.
I’m not a math wizard. But the answer to today’s Wordle puzzle has a math connection. Still, it’s a fairly common word with popular letters. If you need a new starter word, check out our list of which letters show up the most in English words. If you need hints and the answer, read on.
Today’s Wordle hints
Before we show you today’s Wordle answer, we’ll give you some hints. If you don’t want a spoiler, look away now.
Wordle hint No. 1: Repeats
Today’s Wordle answer has no repeated letters.
Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels
There are two vowels in today’s Wordle answer.
Wordle hint No. 3: Start letter
Today’s Wordle answer begins with the letter A.
Wordle hint No. 4: School days
Today’s Wordle answer came up a lot if you ever studied geometry.
Wordle hint No. 5: Meaning
Today’s Wordle answer refers to the space, usually measured in degrees, between two intersecting lines or surfaces.
TODAY’S WORDLE ANSWER
Today’s Wordle answer is ANGLE.
Yesterday’s Wordle answer
Yesterday’s Wordle answer, March 23, No. 1373 was DOPEY.
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve finished watching a film for the first time and immediately turned around to rewatch it. And there’s only one film that I wish I could erase from my memory simply to watch it again for the first time. That film is Céline Sciamma’s 2019 film Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
Read more: Best Streaming Services of 2025
A visually stunning film that reimagines a timeless love story, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is brimming with slow-burn passion, classical references, relevant and modern themes with breathtaking cinematography to boot. I first saw the movie as an undergraduate film student at UNC Chapel Hill and have since watched the film at least a dozen times, each resonating as strongly as the first watch.
So I can’t help but evangelize the film — especially when it’s free to watch on Kanopy. The movie is also available on Hulu with a paid subscription or available to rent on Prime Video, but the easiest option is to watch for free right now on Kanopy with your public library login or university ID credentials.
Set in 1770 Brittany, in northern France, Portrait of a Lady on Fire tells the story of Marianne, a middle-class painter commissioned by a countess to paint the wedding portrait of her daughter, Héloïse, a young woman forced to leave the convent to enter an arranged marriage with a Milanese nobleman.
Almost every scene in Portrait of a Lady on Fire looks like a masterpiece painting.
Lilies Films/Hold-Up Films/Arte France Cinéma
Opposing the marriage, Héloïse refuses to sit for any portrait, which would guarantee her marriage, so Marianne must produce the portrait in secret. Having already exhausted other painters, the Countess instructs Marianne to act as Héloïse’s companion, accompanying her day to day while silently memorizing her features to paint in secret.
Through these meetings, the two women form a friendship and eventually a romance that transcends boundaries of class and sexuality. Tragically, Marianne is forced to create the one object that will ensure the end of her blossoming relationship with Héloïse.
Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel deliver engrossing and elegant performances.
Lilies Films/Hold-Up Films/Arte France Cinéma
Starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, accompanied by an almost entirely female cast, the film is a powerfully acted LGBTQ+ romance that studies power, memory, passion and desire through the eyes of women. Despite its 18th century setting, the film unflinchingly examines modern themes of gender, class, sexuality and reproductive rights — all of which suffocate under a repressive patriarchal society, yet flourish when those strict confines are removed. Noted as a feminist film that banishes the male gaze, reinterprets the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and subverts expectations of the master/muse relationship, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a rare feminist triumph.
With its nuanced themes, exquisite cinematography and emotionally resonant performances, it’s a beautifully moving film, and you’re sure to have a profound and unforgettable cinematic experience. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll just sob in front of a theater full of strangers and not even care. Either way, you’re in for a treat. (And while you’re at it, I will probably be watching it for the umpteenth time.)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire won the Queer Palm at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.
Lilies Films/Hold-Up Films/Arte France Cinéma
Portrait of a Lady on Fire was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. The film lost that top honor to Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, but won the Queer Palm, becoming the first film directed by a woman to win the award. Sciamma also won the award for Best Screenplay at Cannes in 2019.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire is just one of our CNET experts’ favorite movies that’s available to stream now. You should also explore our full rundown of the best movies on Max, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Plus, stream our favorite horror double feature on Netflix.
What is the best internet provider in Portland, Maine?
Spectrum is CNET’s top choice for the best overall internet provider in Portland. We recommend it as the go-to ISP in town because it offers gigabit speeds, reliable service and is available to 88% of Portland residents. Plans start at $30 and go up to $70 for the gig plan. For Portland residents who need a little more speed, Fidium Fiber is a good option, offering multi-gigabit plans.
If you’re looking for the lowest prices or fastest speeds, Fidium Fiber is also the best option. On the cheaper end, it offers a 100 megabits per second plan for $20 monthly and if you need speed, it has a 2-gigabit (2,000Mbps) tier, too.
Best internet in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Fidium Fiber
Fiber
$20-$65
100-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
N/A
Spectrum
Cable
$30-$70
100-1,000Mbps
Modem free; $10 for router (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
87-415 Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Portland, Maine
RedZone Wireless: RedZone Wireless is available to nearly 92% of residents in Portland and runs $99 a month for 4G/5G high-speed internet.
TK Networks: TK Networks offers speeds of up to 500Mbps, with packages starting at $59 monthly for the 50Mbps service and topping off at $129.
Satellite internet: Satellite internet is available at almost every address in the country. However, it’s not always the best option because of slower speeds and the two-year contract commitments required by HughesNet and Viasat. An intriguing option is Starlink, which has unlimited data and no contract requirement, but there’s a hefty upfront cost of nearly $349 for its equipment.
Anna Gorin/Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Portland, Maine
If you’re searching for the cheapest internet plan in Portland, Fidium Fiber offers a 100Mbps plan for $25 a month. If you don’t have access to those fiber plans, Spectrum Advantage is only $30 monthly.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Portland, Maine?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Fidium Fiber
$20
100Mbps
None
Spectrum Advantage Read full review
$30
100Mbps
Modem free; $10 for router (optional)
Fidium Fiber
$25
300Mbps
None
Spectrum Premier Read full review
$50
500Mbps
Modem free; $10 for router (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
318Mbps
None
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Portland, Maine
The best internet deals and top promotions in Portland, Maine, will depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we check frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Portland, Maine, internet providers, such as Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. You can also bundle with a phone plan to get additional savings. Other providers, including Fidium Fiber and T-Mobile, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Portland, Maine, broadband?
Everyone in Portland has access to at least 100Mbps, according to the FCC. Ookla data puts Portland’s median download speed at a healthy 287Mbps, higher than the US median of approximately 274Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Those numbers can be attributed to the broad availability of Spectrum’s cable broadband connections and Fidium Fiber’s multi-gig internet plans.
Fastest internet plans in Portland, Maine
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Contract
Fidium Fiber 2 Gigs
$75
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Fidium Fiber 1 Gig
$55
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Portland, Maine
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Portland, Maine?
It all comes down to your needs as a household. If you’re an average internet consumer, your best bet for broadband providers is either Spectrum for fixed broadband or T-Mobile Home Internet for fixed wireless, 5G coverage. If you need symmetrical speeds for online gaming or remote work (or crave multigigabit speeds), your best option will be Fidium Fiber.
Internet providers in Portland, Maine FAQs
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Portland, Maine?
Fidium Fiber offers the cheapest plan in Portland, Maine, starting at just $20 monthly for 100Mbps.
Which internet provider in Portland, Maine, offers the fastest plan?
Fidium Fiber offers the cheapest plan in the area and features the fastest plan with its symmetrical 2Gbps tier.
Is fiber internet available in Portland, Maine?
Yes. Fiber is accessible to over half the households in Portland, Maine, according to the FCC, via Fidium Fiber.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Portland, Maine?
Apart from satellite internet, which covers 100% of the area, the greatest coverage belongs to the fixed wireless services of Viasat. It serves 99% of households in Portland, Maine.
If you own an iPhone, you might already have an iCloud account for your file storage needs. And if you don’t, you should; regular online backups make it much easier to restore your data if your phone is lost or stolen. By default, all of your iCloud data is encrypted, and file transmissions are secure without you having to do anything.
However, if you want even stronger security, you should consider enabling Advanced Data Protection to ensure that no one — not even Apple — can access your data.
What is Advanced Data Protection?
Advanced Data Protection was introduced in iOS 16.2 back in December 2022. Instead of the aforementioned standard data protection that all iPhones have by default, Advanced Data Protection ensures that more of your data is encrypted end-to-end. This means that only the devices you’ve entrusted can access that information. With standard data protection, Apple could still access and unscramble the information, potentially providing it to enforcement agencies if compelled. However, even Apple can’t access that content with Advanced Data Protection. The additional protection also protects your data if there’s a data breach in the cloud.
Of note, this feature is not currently available in the UK due to an order from the country’s Home Office. Many of Apple’s services are still end-to-end encrypted by default, but attempting to enable Advanced Data Protection from the UK will instead lead to a message that informs how it’s not currently available.
When enabled, Advanced Data Protection will cover your iCloud backups, which includes your photos, messages, notes, reminders, voice memos, wallet passes and device backups. It’s worth noting, however, that Advanced Data Protection doesn’t apply to all iCloud data. iCloud Mail, Contacts, Calendar aren’t end-to-end encrypted because they need to interoperate. Also, certain data like passwords, your Health data and Apple Card transactions are already end-to-end encrypted without enabling Advanced Data Protection. You can check this Apple support document for a more detailed list of what’s covered.
However, the potential downside of enabling Advanced Data Protection is that if you lose access to your account, Apple will not have the encryption keys required to help you recover it. Be sure to have a recovery contact or personal recovery key in case this happens — you’ll be guided to create these recovery methods when you enable Advanced Data Protection.
How to turn on Advanced Data Protection on your iPhone
First, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 16.2 or later and an Apple account with two-factor authentication. To enable this on your iPhone, go to the Settings app, tap your name, then Sign-In & Security and then Turn On Two-Factor Authentication. You’ll then proceed with the on-screen instructions.
To enable Advanced Data Protection, you’ll open the Settings app again, tap your name, tap iCloud and then scroll down until you see Advanced Data Protection.
Enlarge Image
The Advanced Data Protection option appears in the iCloud settings.
Nicole Lee/CNET
Tap that, and then turn the Advanced Data Protection option on. From there, the phone will guide you in creating two recovery methods: a 28-digit recovery key that you should write down and keep in a safe place or a recovery contact who can assist you in getting your account back.
The menu for setting up the Account Recovery Contact feature.
Enabling Advanced Data Protection will cover your entire Apple account, including other devices like your iPad and Mac. If some of these devices aren’t compatible, you can choose to remove them from your account, but that means they will no longer sync with your iCloud account. It’s best to update or replace these devices so they will be compatible.
Generative AI chatbots are known to make a lot of mistakes. Let’s hope you didn’t follow Google’s AI suggestion to add glue to your pizza recipe or eat a rock or two a day for your health.
These errors are known as hallucinations: essentially, things the model makes up. Will this technology get better? Even researchers who study AI aren’t optimistic that’ll happen soon.
That’s one of the findings by a panel of two dozen artificial intelligence experts released this month by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence. The group also surveyed more than 400 of the association’s members.
In contrast to the hype you may see about developers being just years (or months, depending on who you ask) away from improving AI, this panel of academics and industry experts seems more guarded about how quickly these tools will advance. That includes not just getting facts right and avoiding bizarre mistakes. The reliability of AI tools needs to increase dramatically if developers are going to produce a model that can meet or surpass human intelligence, commonly known as artificial general intelligence. Researchers seem to believe improvements at that scale are unlikely to happen soon.
“We tend to be a little bit cautious and not believe something until it actually works,” Vincent Conitzer, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University and one of the panelists, told me.
Artificial intelligence has developed rapidly in recent years
The report’s goal, AAAI president Francesca Rossi wrote in its introduction, is to support research in artificial intelligence that produces technology that helps people. Issues of trust and reliability are serious, not just in providing accurate information but in avoiding bias and ensuring a future AI doesn’t cause severe unintended consequences. “We all need to work together to advance AI in a responsible way, to make sure that technological progress supports the progress of humanity and is aligned to human values,” she wrote.
The acceleration of AI, especially since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, has been remarkable, Conitzer said. “In some ways that’s been stunning, and many of these techniques work much better than most of us ever thought that they would,” he said.
There are some areas of AI research where “the hype does have merit,” John Thickstun, assistant professor of computer science at Cornell University, told me. That’s especially true in math or science, where users can check a model’s results.
“This technology is amazing,” Thickstun said. “I’ve been working in this field for over a decade, and it’s shocked me how good it’s become and how fast it’s become good.”
Despite those improvements, there are still significant issues that merit research and consideration, experts said.
Will chatbots start to get their facts straight?
Despite some progress in improving the trustworthiness of the information that comes from generative AI models, much more work needs to be done. A recent report from Columbia Journalism Review found chatbots were unlikely to decline to answer questions they couldn’t answer accurately, confident about the wrong information they provided and made up (and provided fabricated links to) sources to back up those wrong assertions.
Improving reliability and accuracy “is arguably the biggest area of AI research today,” the AAAI report said.
Researchers noted three main ways to boost the accuracy of AI systems: fine-tuning, such as reinforcing learning with human feedback; retrieval-augmented generation, in which the system gathers specific documents and pulls its answer from those; and chain-of-thought, where prompts break down the question into smaller steps that the AI model can check for hallucinations.
Will those things make your chatbot responses more accurate soon? Not likely: “Factuality is far from solved,” the report said. About 60% of those surveyed indicated doubts that factuality or trustworthiness concerns would be solved soon.
In the generative AI industry, there has been optimism that scaling up existing models will make them more accurate and reduce hallucinations.
“I think that hope was always a little bit overly optimistic,” Thickstun said. “Over the last couple of years, I haven’t seen any evidence that really accurate, highly factual language models are around the corner.”
Despite the fallibility of large language models such as Anthropic’s Claude or Meta’s Llama, users can mistakenly assume they’re more accurate because they present answers with confidence, Conitzer said.
“If we see somebody responding confidently or words that sound confident, we take it that the person really knows what they’re talking about,” he said. “An AI system, it might just claim to be very confident about something that’s completely nonsense.”
Lessons for the AI user
Awareness of generative AI’s limitations is vital to using it properly. Thickstun’s advice for users of models such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini is simple: “You have to check the results.”
General large language models do a poor job of consistently retrieving factual information, he said. If you ask it for something, you should probably follow up by looking up the answer in a search engine (and not relying on the AI summary of the search results). By the time you do that, you might have been better off doing that in the first place.
Thickstun said the way he uses AI models most is to automate tasks that he could do anyway and that he can check the accuracy, such as formatting tables of information or writing code. “The broader principle is that I find these models are most useful for automating work that you already know how to do,” he said.
Read more: 5 Ways to Stay Smart When Using Gen AI, Explained by Computer Science Professors
Is artificial general intelligence around the corner?
One priority of the AI development industry is an apparent race to create what’s often called artificial general intelligence, or AGI. This is a model that is generally capable of a human level of thought or better.
The report’s survey found strong opinions on the race for AGI. Notably, more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents said scaling up current AI techniques such as large language models was unlikely to produce AGI. A significant majority of researchers doubt the current march toward AGI will work.
A similarly large majority believe systems capable of artificial general intelligence should be publicly owned if they’re developed by private entities (82%). That aligns with concerns about the ethics and potential downsides of creating a system that can outthink humans. Most researchers (70%) said they oppose stopping AGI research until safety and control systems are developed. “These answers seem to suggest a preference for continued exploration of the topic, within some safeguards,” the report said.
The conversation around AGI is complicated, Thickstun said. In some sense, we’ve already created systems that have a form of general intelligence. Large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT are capable of doing a variety of human activities, in contrast to older AI models that could only do one thing, such as play chess. The question is whether it can do many things consistently at a human level.
“I think we’re very far away from this,” Thickstun said.
He said these models lack a built-in concept of truth and the ability to handle truly open-ended creative tasks. “I don’t see the path to making them operate robustly in a human environment using the current technology,” he said. “I think there are many research advances in the way of getting there.”
Conitzer said the definition of what exactly constitutes AGI is tricky: Often, people mean something that can do most tasks better than a human but some say it’s just something capable of doing a range of tasks. “A stricter definition is something that would really make us completely redundant,” he said.
While researchers are skeptical that AGI is around the corner, Conitzer cautioned that AI researchers didn’t necessarily expect the dramatic technological improvement we’ve all seen in the past few years.
“We did not see coming how quickly things have changed recently,” he said, “and so you might wonder whether we’re going to see it coming if it continues to go faster.”
Spring is the season for fresh starts, and there’s no better time to give your new home the deep clean it deserves. You’ve moved in, but between lingering dust, grime, and maybe even a little mold in the bathroom, things might not feel as fresh as they should. Don’t stress — with a few focused spring cleaning steps, you’ll have your new space sparkling, sanitized, and ready to enjoy in no time.
No matter how clean the former tenants left your new place, undoubtedly, you’ll find areas you’ll want to give another scrub because this will be the only chance you’ll ever get to clean your apartment or house when it is empty. It’s also a fantastic way to quickly learn about your new home’s nooks and crannies.
Read on to learn the best way to deep clean a new apartment or house so that you can move in with confidence and enjoy your healthy, fresh-smelling home.
To start cleaning, remove any debris from floors, walls and closets
Make sure your new home is completely cleared out before you start cleaning. Take a few minutes to walk through every room with a garbage bag or can, tossing out any trash or items left behind.
Check the walls for nails, screws or other forgotten hardware, particularly anything sharp, jagged or otherwise dangerous. You could fill the holes now when it’s easier to clean up, but properly patching nail holes isn’t simple. If the holes are small I’d recommend waiting until you’re ready to paint or refinish the wall.
Also check your refrigerator, oven, washing machine and other inherited appliances to make sure they are empty. Throw out anything that’s been left behind, or donate items and recycle e-waste as necessary.
Next, gather your cleaning supplies
You may encounter a lot of different things you’ll want to clean, requiring different methods of cleaning. These are the basic tools I have on hand:
Rubber gloves
Bucket with handle (2 to 3 gallon)
Spray bottle
Cleaning scrubbers
A toothbrush or other small scrub brush
White vinegar
Baking soda
Fresh lemon
Diluted multipurpose commercial cleaner (I like Simple Green)
Rags or cloths for dusting, drying and wiping
Dust wand
Vacuum
Hot water source
There’s no need to spend a lot of money on special cleaning products. A combination of vinegar and hot water makes a great cleaner and dish soap can fill the gaps for those items that shouldn’t be cleaned with vinegar.
Clean any appliances in your new home
If your new home has existing appliances like a refrigerator, dishwasher or microwave, they’re a great place to start your deep clean. First, you want to be able to use these appliances as soon as possible. Second, many of these appliances deal with food and dirt, with potential bacteria or mold that can cause illness.
Before you clean the oven or the refrigerator, if possible, move them both out from the wall to wipe down the sides, back and floor of the units (as well as the floor underneath) with a combination of two parts hot water and one part white vinegar or your favorite commercial cleaner.
If the area isn’t too bad, you can use the spray bottle and a cloth scrubber or sponge. For more serious cleaning work, fill up the bucket, mop down the area manually with a scrubber, and then dry well with a clean rag.
Most ovens have self-cleaning modes. After making sure the oven is empty and cleaning behind it, push it back against the wall and run the cleaning cycle while you tackle the rest of the appliances and kitchen.
If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, don’t worry. It’s not that hard to clean your oven manually with items you already have in the kitchen, and you don’t have to use toxic cleaners.
Remove the oven racks and wash them in the sink with hot water and soap. Then create a paste of three parts baking soda and one part water, and spread it around the oven, avoiding the heating elements. A bit of fresh lemon in the paste will help remove odors. For tough stains, work the paste in with a toothbrush. Let the paste sit for 12 or more hours while you clean the rest of the house, and then wipe the oven out with a damp cloth.
While you’re waiting, clean the stovetop. For a gas cooktop, remove the grates and wash them with hot soapy water. Use a bucket with hot water and soap to scrub the rest of the cooktop surface. For an electric cooktop, a combination of baking soda and vinegar should get most of the surface clean. Tough, burned-on stains can be removed with a razor-edge scraper. For induction cooktops, you can use the same vinegar and baking soda combination, but use a soft cleaning cloth instead of a scrubber.
Next, clean your refrigerator: Remove shelves or drawers and wash them with hot water and soap in your sink. Using the hot water and vinegar in a spray bottle and a scrubber, wipe down all of the interior surfaces and shelves. Dry it all with a clean towel.
Use a fresh lemon for pesky food stains. Once the inside of the fridge is clean, replace the dried shelves and drawers, and repeat the process with your freezer. Make sure the water in the spray bottle is hot to keep it from sticking in the freezer.
You can use the same water-vinegar solution in your spray bottle to clean out your microwave, washing machine, dryer and other appliances.
Be sure to check your washing machine for mold, especially front-loading machines with rubber gaskets. If you do find mold in your washer, you can scrub it out with the same hot water-vinegar solution, or try a combination of bleach and water for tougher jobs.
After appliances, clean the rest of the kitchen
Get the hardest cleaning job out of the way first while preparing your new home for meals. Kitchens can be challenging to clean because they often have stains and grease that come with cooking food. They also have many “high-touch” surfaces.
A general rule for cleaning any room is “start high, finish low,” since dust and dirt will fall to the floor as you clean. Use a dust wand or vacuum extension to clean the ceiling, particularly the corners, ceiling fans, and above and under any cabinets. Then dust the cabinets themselves, countertops, tables and any other furniture.
Because cabinets can trap food grease and grime, you’ll probably need to wipe them all down with more of the same water-vinegar solution you used for your fridge. Get the toothbrush out to scrub small grooves or hard-to-clean spots. Be careful if your cabinets are waxed, as vinegar can make the surface cloudy. In that case, you’ll need a special furniture cleaner for waxed surfaces. If you’re not sure, clean a small section of the wood in a nonvisible area as a test.
For persistent grease stains on cabinets, try a fresh lemon or a paste of one part baking soda and two parts water.
For countertops, your cleaning materials will depend upon your surface. For stone countertops like granite, quartz or marble, vinegar can etch the surface because of its acidity. You’ll also want to skip vinegar for wood or stainless steel. Instead, use a combination of dish soap and hot water. Countertops made of laminate or soapstone can be cleaned with the usual water-vinegar mixture or a multipurpose cleaner.
To clean your kitchen sink, sprinkle a bit of baking soda all over the basin, spray dish soap on top of it, and wipe it down with a scrubber, starting from the top and working your way down to the drain.
Pro Tip: The worst grease stains can be countered with a combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. The mixture also makes a fantastic grout cleaner (see bathrooms next). You’ll need to only make a small amount at a time. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda release carbon dioxide, making long-term storage a bad idea.
Get your bathrooms sparkling clean
Bathrooms — another room with high-touch surfaces and plenty of germs — are the next areas in need of the deep-clean treatment after your kitchen.
Clean dry before you clean wet. Dust the bathroom from top to bottom, taking care to get the areas above light fixtures and medicine cabinets.
Next, scrub down the shower and tub, using our standard spray bottle with warm water and vinegar and a scrubbing cloth. A fresh lemon with a little salt works well at removing hard water stains on shower heads and faucets. For tough soap scum, add dish soap to your water and vinegar.
You can use a commercial cleaning product for the toilet bowl, or try a combination of water, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and essential oils for fragrance. Use a scrubbing brush on the bowl, starting with the area under the rim and moving down toward the drain. (Again, don’t store any combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda long-term due to carbon dioxide off-gassing.)
Pro Tip: For tough mineral stains in your toilet, shut off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the bowl, and then fill it up with two liters of Coca-Cola, or however much you need to cover the stains. The phosphoric and citric acid in the soda work wonders for removing limescale or rust stains, but you’ll need to let it sit for at least a few hours.
For mirrors, grab the spray bottle with water and vinegar again, but be judicious with the amount. Spray a small bit of the solution onto a cleaning cloth and wipe very top to bottom, taking care not to rewipe the same area to avoid streaks. Use a fresh spot on your cloth for each downward stroke.
If you have oils, grease or toothpaste smears on the mirror that don’t disappear after wiping, use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to address the problem spots, then wipe again with a clean cloth using water and vinegar.
For dirty bathroom tile grout, our super-potent combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap also works well. Brush the paste onto the grout with a toothbrush and let it sit for an hour before cleaning off.
Move on to the bedrooms, living room, dining room, family room and the rest
After you’ve taken on the kitchen and bathrooms, the rest of the house won’t feel nearly as tough. In each room, start with the dust wand or vacuum extension again to clear cobwebs and dust from the ceiling corners or molding.
A vacuum attachment is super useful for windows. Suck up as much dirt and debris as you can from the window frame, and then use our water-vinegar combination with a cleaning cloth to get the rest. Tight corners and grooves provide another opportunity for the toothbrush.
To clean windows, first remove any screens and brush or vacuum them. If they’re dirty you can wash them with soap and water and leave them to dry. For the glass, use a combination of warm water, vinegar and dish soap, spraying on a cleaning cloth and wiping from top to bottom, much like cleaning your bathroom mirror. Again, rubbing alcohol can help with grease or oil smudges.
Finish with your floors
After you’ve cleaned your entire home from top to bottom, you can probably guess what comes last — the floors. Start by sweeping and vacuuming the entire house, then mopping your kitchen, bathroom and any other tile or laminate flooring.
For wood floors, you want to use a cleaner with a balanced pH level, which means you’ll want to dilute your standard mixture: one part vinegar to 10 parts water. A diluted vinegar solution should be fine for a polyurethane finish, but avoid using vinegar completely if you have a wax finish; use a commercial wood floor cleaner instead.
In general, you’ll want to wash your wood floors as little as possible. Instead, sweep regularly and use a dry microfiber cloth or mop to remove standard dust and dirt.
If your wood floors have been scratched heavily or otherwise damaged, contact professional floor refinishing companies for estimates on fixing them. A bit of money can make a huge difference for wood floors.
For tile and laminate, be sure to check the cleaning instructions for your specific floor material, though a combination of hot water and dish soap should be safe for such flooring.
If you have any carpeting in your new home, consider renting a commercial carpet cleaner. The most common devices use hot water extraction (commonly called “steam cleaning”) to clean deep down into the carpet, where bacteria, bugs and who knows what else could be hiding. You’ll need to let the carpet dry for at least a day after deep cleaning it.
For more home cleaning tips, learn how a clean space can improve your mental health and how to remove the trickiest stains.
If you are setting up a smart home for the first time or want to use your smart home hub better, we believe a few basic gadgets are must-haves. These will help automate common tasks, help keep an eye on different parts of your home and control household tech like smart light bulbs with your voice or other smart devices.
However, there are countless variations of smart home devices. You’ll also have to choose whether to build a smart home with Alexa- or Google Assistant-powered speakers — perhaps even Siri and Apple’s HomeKit. All of this can get too confusing and too fast. However, we know a thing or two about smart doorbells, smart home hubs and other devices that can help save energy and more. We’ve curated the best of the best for you below. And with the Amazon Big Spring Sale now underway, you can save on other smart tech. We’ve rounded up the best Big Spring Sale smart home security deals to shop this month.
Read more: Best Smart Home Gifts for 2025
Plus, don’t miss out on our reviews of Apple’s HomePod Mini, Google’s Nest Audio and Nest Doorbell with battery, Amazon’s fourth-gen Echo speaker and Echo Show 15, and we’ll update this list as new products launch.
Tyler Lizenby/CNET
We curated this list of best devices in a range of smart home categories. If you want to know the best smart thermostat or the best smart lighting kit, regardless of which voice platforms support them, we’ve got you covered. This is a general list of the best overall smart home devices, not tailored to any specific platform. (For example, you won’t have much luck pairing an Amazon smart speaker with a Google smart display.) If you’re looking for platform-specific recommendations, check out our curated lists below.
In each subcategory section, we’ve also added a link to the best list for that particular product type. If you’re looking for more options for lighting or locks, you’ll find a list of our favorite products if you’d like to see a broader selection. Keep in mind that we regularly update this list as we review new products. Without further ado, here are the best of the best smart home devices you can buy right now.
Best smart home devices
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Amazon’s fourth-gen Echo is still impressive well over a year after its initial launch — and even if you pay its full $100 price (you can often find it on sale if you keep an eye out). Between its new sphere-like profile, powerful sound output and a few forward-looking features, the Echo is still king of the countertop.
Google’s Nest Audio speaker, which also launched in 2020, is a solid competitor with the Echo. Apple’s recent HomePod Mini plays well in the Apple sandbox, but Amazon wins out in two key categories: Its speaker is far more powerful and it features a built-in Zigbee receiver and Amazon Sidewalk Hub that make connecting devices like lightbulbs and locks much more seamless and reliable.
Meanwhile, Alexa and Google Assistant are pretty much at parity right now. While Amazon boasts about more skills and support for more third-party devices for its voice assistant, the numbers for Google Assistant also lands in the tens of thousands, meaning you really don’t miss out on anything significant either way.
Read more: Best Smart Speakers of 2025
Google Assistant does a better job at mimicking natural conversation flow, but the difference isn’t really that noticeable in your day-to-day interaction with each speaker. Most of the time you’ll ask a smart speaker for the weather, to set a timer and maybe have it play a song or two. Both devices are good at all of that.
Google has another card to play, which you can read below.
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Google’s Nest Mini smart speaker isn’t as powerful as the new Echo, but it’s a great budget-friendly option for Google users.
The audio quality in the Nest Mini is respectable, given its price and profile. It also has a wall-mounting notch on the underside, if that’s what you’re into. An interesting presence detection method that uses the speaker and microphone to determine your proximity to the Nest Mini helps it trigger LED indicators that help you make better sense of the otherwise obscured physical volume controls.
That’s all fine, but the thing that puts the Nest Mini over the top is the machine-learning chip embedded inside the tiny speaker. With that chip, Google says, the Nest Mini can learn what commands you give to it most often, and it will then begin to process those commands locally, rather than on Google’s servers.
Anything that helps to keep control of your smart home inside your home is worthwhile. Letting you continue to issue certain voice commands even if the internet goes out, and improved response times are great too. The Nest Mini doesn’t have the audio output jack that allows you to connect Echo Dots to better-quality speakers, it’s still one of our favorite devices — particularly for people who already use Google services such as Gmail and Calendar with any regularity.
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Amazon may have introduced the smart display with the Echo Show, but Google refined the concept with the Nest Hub (formerly the Home Hub) both in terms of its design, and in the way it leverages its voice assistant. Now there’s a second-gen model, released in 2021, with a lower price and more features.
You get the same Google Assistant features in the Nest Hub that you get with the Google Home speaker line, along with a screen interface that gives you just the right amount of visual feedback. It will show you your spoken commands so you know Google heard you correctly, it can deftly walk you through a recipe from popular cooking websites, and it works seamlessly with Google-supported smart home cameras and video doorbells to display their camera feeds onscreen. Google’s Soli is also onboard for Sleep Sensing and Quick Gestures like pausing media with an air tap in front of the display.
Read more: Best Smart Displays of 2025
Google prudently opted out of including a video camera on the Hub itself, getting ahead of some privacy concerns, and likely prompting Amazon to include a manual video shutter on its new, smaller Echo Show 5 display. If you really want a Google-based smart display that allows for video chatting, a few third-party options can make that happen, as well as the larger and more expensive Nest Hub Max. Even without it, the Nest Hub is the best, most affordable marriage of a voice assistant and a display interface on the market.
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Wi-Fi is everything — particularly once you start spreading things like smart speakers, smart lights, smart plugs and smart all else from room to room. After all, those connected doodads won’t do you much good if they can’t, you know, connect.
That’s why a mesh router that’s built to spread a strong, speedy signal throughout your house might make for a particularly smart upgrade — especially if you’re living in a big home. Of the ones we’ve tested, we think the Nest Wifi is the smartest pick. At around $95, the two-piece starter kit was able to fill the 5,800-square-foot CNET Smart Home with decent signal strength, and it never once dropped our connection as we moved around conducting speed test after speed test. On top of that, the range extender doubles as a smart speaker, so as you spread a reliable connection from room to room, you’ll be spreading Google Assistant’s footprint in your home with it.
Read more: Best Wi-Fi Routers in 2025
The Nest Wifi doesn’t support the newest, fastest version of Wi-Fi, called Wi-Fi 6, but you really won’t notice the difference Wi-Fi 6 makes unless you’re already paying for super-fast internet speeds of 500 Mbps or more. Our upgrade pick, the Eero Pro 6, is the best choice if you want to serve up that kind of speed. What you will notice with the Nest Wifi is the ease of installation, the simple network controls that sit right alongside your smart home controls in the Google Home app, and advanced Wi-Fi features like device prioritization, WPA3 security and 4×4 MU-MIMO support, which lets the Nest Wifi boost speeds to devices that use multiple Wi-Fi antennas, like the MacBook Pro.
The Nest Wifi is best for Google smart homes, so Alexa users will likely want to stick with the Eero or Netgear Orbi. If you just want solid Wi-Fi that you and your growing number of internet-connected gadgets can rely upon, put the Nest Wifi right at the top of your list.
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We often point to smart plugs as the entry point for anyone interested in trying out a connected home device. They’re cheap, they’re simple to install and they perform a function that’s pretty easy to grasp, toggling power on and off remotely.
Read more: Best Smart Plugs of 2025
You can find a lot of smart plugs out there. TP-Link’s Kasa Mini is our favorite. It includes a single outlet that connects to your network via Wi-Fi. The app is well-designed and lets you program the plug to turn on or off on a schedule or even based on your location. It works with Google Assistant and Alexa, and it doesn’t cover up the adjacent outlet on a standard two-outlet wall fixture.
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At $80, Amazon Smart Thermostat is the least expensive smart thermostat we’ve tested. You’ll need a compatible Alexa-enabled smart speaker or display to use voice commands, but you don’t have to enable an Alexa skill since this is an Amazon-branded product.
Even if you don’t want to use voice control, the thermostat is impressive, saving an average of $50 on a yearly energy bill. Its design is simple and modern, and the touchscreen interface is efficient.
The downsides: The Amazon Smart Thermostat isn’t compatible with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit and there’s no remote temperature sensor accessory. You also either need a C-wire or you have to buy and install the C-wire adapter.
Still, that incredible price tag sets it apart from the rest of the options on the market.
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The Arlo Pro 5S outdoor security camera is a solid device that continues the brand’s history of cameras with impressive performance, excellent 2K resolution, and a wide 160-degree field of view that lets you see more than most of the competition. Along with its great specs, things like night vision, two-way talk and more are all here, but so is a helpful built-in spotlight. All these features offer excellent use cases, even as deterrents to would-be burglars. You’ll need to add a $3-a-month subscription to access features like smart notifications that distinguish among people, animals and vehicles, plus motion zones and more.
While the Arlo Pro 5S is pricier — $250 for a single camera — than many most affordable outdoor cameras from brands like Blink or Wyze, it’s a good investment for anyone serious about upping their security game.
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Ring’s latest home security system beats the competition for two simple reasons: It’s surprisingly affordable, with the eight-piece kit for $300 and competitive device-by-device pricing, and it offers a ton of value for that price. Not only do you get a range extender included, but you also get a Z-Wave radio for a variety of smart devices, cellular backup, local processing and storage, backup internet (in case of power or internet outages) and much more than in your standard DIY security array.
Monthly subscriptions range from $5 to $20 a month, which is on the lower end of the DIY home security spectrum, and it includes more smarts than most such subscriptions. If you’re looking to give yourself a solid base to start building out a smart and secure home, you can’t do much better than the Ring Alarm Kit.
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Many of Arlo’s cameras are expensive if not overpriced, and the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is much more reasonable. Not due to the lack of build quality or features.
The Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is priced well, it performs well and the Arlo Smart cloud service is competitively priced, starting at just $3 per month. With Arlo Smart, you get a ton of features, from advanced motion alerts to 30 days of cloud storage and much more.
You’ll get a 180-degree viewing angle and a 1:1 aspect ratio to show packages left at your door. A built-in siren helps it function in part as a security camera too.
Read more: Best Video Doorbells of 2025
There isn’t a free cloud storage option, and at 5 inches tall, this is one of the larger doorbells. Still, we strongly recommend the Arlo Video Doorbell enough to say that it’s our current favorite video doorbell overall.
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Smart locks make people nervous because they insert another point of failure between you and your physical security. With a smart lock, a malicious hacker, or even a plain old technical failure or connectivity issue could all of a sudden compromise the entry point of your home.
There might be some truth to that. A keyless design with no physical failsafe could indeed lock you out, but the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock isn’t one of those locks.
Read more: Best Smart Locks of 2025
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a breeze to install. It fits over the internal thumb latch of most existing deadbolt designs, and you can set it up in 10 minutes. Because it doesn’t replace the lock mechanism itself, you can still use your original, physical key. It’s good looking too, and 45% smaller than older August models.
The lock itself connects to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and from the August app, you can assign and revoke timed virtual keys to anyone you like, from your in-laws to your dog sitter, at no extra cost. Many other locks will charge extra for virtual keys.
Because this model has Wi-Fi built in, you won’t need to purchase the August Connect accessory to enable remote access. Simply set up your lock with Wi-Fi in the app, and you can not only control the lock from anywhere, but you can also connect it to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri (be sure to make each of them require a PIN to accompany the unlock command) for added convenience.
Another accessory included with the Wi-Fi Smart Lock model is the tiny open-close sensor. This lets the lock tell you if it’s locked or unlocked and lets you know if the door itself is open or closed. It’s the most complete product available on the market for now.
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Eufy has been making some really impressive security cameras lately, like the Eufy S350, and the Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera is just as great. It has all of the things we want from an outdoor security camera, such as extremely bright floodlights, crystal clear video, smart tracking and compatibility with all three major voice platforms.
With its 3,000 lumens of power, you can illuminate your entire backyard. It’s also dimmable, which is useful if you still want your neighbors to like you. What might be a negative for some is the requirement for the Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera to be hardwired. With as many smart features and powerful lights, constant power is a must. If you can make the power needs work, this is a fantastic option for your outdoor space — and you won’t need to pay for a subscription to use all the features.
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Amazon’s midtier smart display is the best one in its line. The Echo Show 8 has great audio quality, a highly visible screen and a convincing nod to privacy with a physical shutter you can slide over its camera. The second-gen device launched in 2021 and it honed many of the features that earned the first edition an Editor’s Choice award. We still like the interface better on the Google Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max, but for those of you who are committed to an Alexa-only ecosystem, the Echo Show 8 is the best smart display for the price.
Since this is a diverse group of products, there isn’t one set procedure we follow. (A test for a smart home display will tell you nothing about a mesh router.) Everything on this list (and the category-specific best lists) went through hands-on testing.
There are more commonalities too. Where possible and relevant, we gather data in a standardized and empirical way. For testing Wi-Fi routers, that includes repeating the same speed test at a series of standard distances in the same house for each router that’s tested.
For other categories, the testing is more experiential. For devices like smart thermostats, smart speakers, smart plugs and smart home displays, we install and use them in the ways you would. When testing the second-gen Google Nest Hub, our reviewer conducted a two week test of its sleep tracking function in addition to its more obvious around-the-house capabilities.
Relevant company policies also factor into our reviews of these devices, especially when it comes to privacy concerns. Bringing a device into your home that can watch or listen to you or your neighbors comes with corresponding privacy concerns. CNET works to understand the company’s privacy policies, make them easy to understand and takes privacy questions directly to the companies like Ring and Google when the answers aren’t obvious.
Choosing the best smart home devices is a bit different than choosing headphones or a streaming service, since smart devices are often meant to be integrated into a smart home ecosystem. That means one of your first considerations should be compatibility. Consider devices that will work with the same voice assistant. CNET recommends both Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa as two of the best centerpieces for a smart home.
The other thing to consider is your goals and your needs. Are you interested in connecting and automating as much of your house as possible? Then go all in on a connected home. If your problem is one person leaving their bedroom light on when they leave the house, a smart light bulb might do the trick.
Not to get all philosophical, but that depends on how you define worth. Smart home devices can add a layer of convenience to your life you’d be hard-pressed to achieve without them. Left a light on? Ask Google to turn it off. Need to add something to your grocery list? Tell Alexa.
Smart home devices can save you money too. The best example of this is a smart thermostat, which can save you 10% on your energy bills if you program them right. Other devices like smart bulbs and smart plugs that you can schedule or shut off remotely can keep you from wasting energy when you’re away. Motion sensors connected to your lights can do the same trick.
What’s the best way to connect smart devices at home?
Connecting smart devices at home is, generally, relatively simple. Smart plugs, pet cams or smart light bulbs set up and connect easily. Even most devices with more involved installations, like smart thermostats, can be installed without too much fuss. (Although calling a professional is always a good idea if you’re unsure of yourself.)
If you’re looking for the best smart home hub and assistant, CNET has recognized Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa as two of the leading options. Both support thousands of devices, so you’re bound to find an option to fit your needs.
Greater connectivity among smart home devices is (likely) going to arrive soon. Matter, a project that aims to provide greater connectivity across smart home brands, is creeping closer to its debut. The frequently delayed effort has sign-on from some of the biggest smart home companies, although it’s always best to confirm a device you’re considering is compatible and not count on future developments.
Google, Amazon and Apple get the most attention for their smart home hubs and speakers, but plenty of other companies are making top-of-the-line products that can be incorporated into a smart home ecosystem.
Sonos is listed on CNET’s best smart speakers, while Wyze is among the best smart plugs as well as offering great smart lightbulbs. Many companies, like Sonos, have made smart versions of products they’ve long made. Honeywell makes a quality smart thermostat and several of the best smart locks come from companies that have made locks for decades.
Internet doesn’t come cheap. After you factor in equipment rental costs, the average monthly cost of internet is around $78 — a steep price for households trying to stick to a budget. If you’re looking for cheaper internet plans, we’ve got you covered with an extensive list of the cheapest, most cost-efficient plans offered by ISPs nationwide.
Xfinity is the best cheap internet provider thanks to its incredibly low starting price of $20 to $35 per month (depending on your location) for speeds of 150Mbps. Astound Broadband matches that price and for faster speeds, too. However, Astound does not offer the same wide coverage as Xfinity. According to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission, Xfinity provides services for over 34% of households in the country, while Astound’s coverage is only 2%. In other words, your address is more likely to be serviceable with Xfinity rather than Astound, but if you can get Astound at your address, go for it.
You should keep in mind that the low promo pricing you see can increase after a year or so, and equipment fees and steep rate increases down the road can also increase your bill. That low pricing from Xfinity won’t last forever, for example. Your price can jump to as high as $72 a month after a year. Although Astound’s prices won’t increase that much right away, you’ll likely see an $8 to $20 increase on your bill after a year.
Needless to say, your service with cheap ISPs might start at a competitive price, but after the promo period expires, you’ll have to pay higher prices. If you don’t want to deal with promo pricing, you can find more stable pricing from providers such as AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet and Quantum Fiber, which start with higher rates but promise stable pricing.
The availability of cheap internet providers and their plans vary by location. Additionally, in some cases, choosing the cheapest plan may mean settling for relatively slow speeds. There’s a lot to consider when shopping for a competitive internet plan; this guide attempts to answer all your questions on how to make the most of your dollar when shopping for home internet.
All prices referenced below include applicable discounts for setting up monthly automatic payments, a standard industry offering.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Best cheap internet providers
Speed range
150 – 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$19 – $95 per month
Our take – Xfinity Connect starts at $20 to $35 per month, depending on your location, for download speeds up to 150Mbps. It isn’t the best internet deal you’ll find, but it is one of the cheaper broadband options available throughout much of the US.
...
Or call to learn more:
(844) 507-0600
Speed range
150 – 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$19 – $95 per month
Speed range
100 – 1,500 Mbps
Price range
$20 – $80 per month
Our take – Astound and Xfinity share similar pricing. Both cable providers are notorious for hiking prices after a year. The only reason why Astound is our second choice is due to its limited availability.
...
Or call to learn more:
(855) 847-8125
Speed range
100 – 1,500 Mbps
Price range
$20 – $80 per month
Speed range
300 – 5,000 Mbps
Price range
$55 – $250 per month
Our take – CNET recommends fiber out of any other internet connection type since it’ll offer you the best value. AT&T Fiber’s prices start at $55 per month for 300Mbps, which isn’t particularly cheap at first glance, but the good news is that it boasts excellent value due to its free equipment rental, unlimited data and no set price increases.
...
Or call to learn more:
(833) 318-8270
Speed range
300 – 5,000 Mbps
Price range
$55 – $250 per month
Speed range
500 – 5,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $155 per month
Our take – With Frontier, you get the right price and speed. Its 200Mbps plan costs just $30 a month for symmetrical upload and download speeds. Plus, for a limited time, you can upgrade to 500Mbps for just $30 monthly, too. Your equipment rental and unlimited data are also included in the price.
...
Or call to learn more:
(877) 332-3281
Speed range
500 – 5,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $155 per month
Speed range
100 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$25 – $80 per month
Our take – Residents of rural areas throughout the Midwest and South, as well as parts of Arizona and California, can rely on Mediacom for cheap broadband service starting at around $50 a month for speeds up to 300Mbps. That noted, prices increase to $65 monthly after the first year. The plan comes with unlimited data and doesn’t require a contract.
...
Or call to learn more:
(833) 249-0540
Speed range
100 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$25 – $80 per month
Speed range
200 – 8,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 – $165 per month
Our take – Quantum Fiber is currently offering a price lock that guarantees the same monthly rate for as long as you keep your plan. That doesn’t mean the all-in costs will never go up — taxes and fees are always subject to change — but your internet rate will not increase.
...
Or call to learn more:
(833) 391-9661
Speed range
200 – 8,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 – $165 per month
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
85 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $70 per month
Our take – Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet may share the same intro pricing at $50 per month, but Verizon offers a better bundle discount. Service includes free equipment, unlimited data and no contracts, plus a $15 to $25 discount for qualifying Verizon mobile customers who add home internet. Even better, you get to keep your price for up to five years with Verizon.
...
Or call to learn more:
(844) 750-9912
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
85 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $70 per month
Connection
Mostly cable, some fiber
Speed range
100 – 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $110 per month
Our take – Standard Cox internet plans are priced a bit on the high side. The cheapest internet plan from Cox has one of the highest costs per Mbps of any plan featured on this list.
...
Or call to learn more:
(855) 390-5372
Connection
Mostly cable, some fiber
Speed range
100 – 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $110 per month
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
50 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 – $80 per month
Our take – Starry Connect starts at $15 a month for symmetrical speeds up to 30Mbps. There are no equipment fees, data caps, credit checks or contracts. The only qualification for signing up is living in a public and affordable housing building that has been approved to carry the service.
...
Or call to learn more:
(877) 860-8917
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
50 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$30 – $80 per month
Speed range
500 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $80 per month
Our take – Spectrum is one of the major cable internet providers in the country. But what are its prices? Promo pricing ranges from $50 to $70 a month, plus a free modem is included with the gigabit plan (a $10 value). You can also save money if you bundle with a TV service or two mobile lines. For comparison, Cox, Mediacom, Xfinity and others may charge $13 to $15 or higher per month to rent equipment.
...
Or call to learn more:
(877) 327-9119
Speed range
500 – 1,000 Mbps
Price range
$50 – $80 per month
Cheap internet providers compared
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Cost per Mbps
Equipment fee
Mediacom Xtream Connect Read full review
$15
100Mbps
15 cents
$15 (optional)
Xfinity Internet Essentials Read full review
$15
75Mbps
20 cents
None
Starry Connect Read full review
$15
30Mbps
50 cents
None
Ziply Fiber 100
$20
100Mbps
2 cents
$15 (optional)
Astound Broadband 300 Read full review
$20
300Mbps
7 cents
None
Xfinity Connect Read full review
$20
150Mbps
13 cents
$15 (optional)
Kinetic Fiber 100
$25
300Mbps
25 cents
$11 (optional)
Brightspeed Fiber 200
$29
200Mbps
14 cents
None
Frontier Fiber 500 Read full review
$30
500Mbps
6 cents
None
WOW Internet 300 Read full review
$30
300Mbps
10 cents
None
Frontier Fiber 200 Read full review
$30
200Mbps
15 cents
None
Cox Connect Assist
$30
100Mbps
30 cents
$15 (optional)
Metronet 100 Read full review
$35
150Mbps
23 cents
None
Armstrong Zoom Express Read full review
$35
25Mbps
$1.40
$11 (optional)
Optimum Fiber 300 Read full review
$40
300Mbps
13 cents
None
Kinetic Fiber 300
$40
300Mbps
13 cents
$11 (optional)
Sparklight Connect 100 Read full review
$40
100Mbps
40 cents
$15 (optional)
GoNetspeed 500
$45
500Mbps
9 cents
None
Metronet 500 Read full review
$45
500Mbps
9 cents
None
Quantum Fiber 200
$45
200Mbps
22 cents
None
Spectrum Internet Read full review
$50
500Mbps
10 cents
$10 router (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Unlimited Read full review
$50
318Mbps
15 cents
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50
300Mbps
17 cents
None
Verizon Fios 300 Read full review
$50
300Mbps
17 cents
None
Cox Go Faster
$50
250Mbps
20 cents
$15 (optional)
Mediacom Xtream Internet 300 Read full review
$50
300Mbps
17 cents
$15 (optional)
Hughesnet Select Read full review
$50
50Mbps
$1
$15 monthly or $300 one-time purchase
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review
$55
300Mbps
18 cents
None
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Read full review
$55
100Mbps
55 cents
$15 (optional)
Rise Broadband 50 Read full review
$55
50Mbps
$1.10
$10 modem; $15 router (optional)
Show more (25 items)
Consider speeds, additional costs and contracts
There’s more to the cost of internet than just the advertised price. Here are some other factors you’ll want to consider before signing up for the absolute cheapest plan.
Speeds: Will the lowest-priced plan deliver the speeds that you need? It’s possible that the cheapest plan won’t meet your internet needs, so it might be worth exploring other providers or upgrading to a faster, more expensive plan. For example, while Astound’s 300Mbps plan costs a reasonable $20 a month, Xfinity’s Connect plan features 150Mbps for the same price (not including the $15 equipment rental). If you have higher-than-average internet usage habits and a plan like Astound’s isn’t available to you, you may find that opting for a slightly more expensive plan could significantly boost your internet speeds and make for a better overall experience.
Added costs: Taxes are to be expected with any internet service, but added costs for equipment rental, data overages, installation and more will vary by provider. Make sure you’re accounting for those extra prices and reading the fine print thoroughly to check for hidden fees.
Contracts and price increases: Locking yourself into a contract with your ISP can be costly, especially if the plan price increases before the service agreement expires. Canceling before the contract expires can also result in early termination fees. Additionally, many providers increase the price after 12 months of service, with or without a contract. If you plan on keeping your service past the 12-month mark, be aware of what the monthly costs may be down the road.
Most ISPs provide these details through broadband labels. Check out our guide on how you can navigate broadband labels.
How we evaluated the cheapest internet providers
CNET’s process for reviewing and recommending internet providers involves extensive research of everything one would need to make an informed decision regarding the best ISP for their needs.
We start by referencing the Federal Communications Commission to determine a provider’s national coverage and specific regions of operation, as well as the technology they use to deliver service. We then gather and verify pricing and speed information along with what are often lesser-known or “fine print” considerations, such as data caps, contract requirements and equipment fees.
We also take into account customer satisfaction reports from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, when available, and the frequency of outages and complaints filed on sites like downdetector.com and the Better Business Bureau.
I relied on these considerations and others, including average cost per Mbps and scheduled price increases after one year, when compiling our list of the best cheap internet providers.
See our guide to how CNET reviews internet service providers for more information about our review process.
Cheap internet honorable mentions
These national providers also have broadband service starting at or below $50 a month but did not make our list of the best cheap ISPs due to high cost per megabit per second, inconsistent pricing or limited service areas.
Kinetic by Windstream: A solid choice for home internet in rural areas, Kinetic by Windstream has broadband plans with unlimited data starting at $35 per month for download speeds of 300Mbps. Pricing and available speeds can vary widely by location, so the available cheap internet plans will depend on where you live.
Metronet: Metronet is a smaller ISP with a footprint in the Midwest and Southwest. For a smaller internet provider, it offers competitive rates. The lowest tier starts at $35 monthly for 150Mbps of speed. If that’s not enough speed, you can upgrade to 500Mbps for $45 monthly. Neither plan comes with a data cap, requires a contract and comes with free equipment rentals.
Verizon Fios: The cheapest Verizon Fios plan, with speeds up to 300Mbps starting at $50 per month, offers plenty of value. The midtier plan (up to 500Mbps starting at $70 per month) and gig service (starting at $90 per month) aren’t bad deals, either, but you may be able to find faster speeds for the same amount of money from other providers.
Ziply Fiber: Regional provider Ziply Fiber has some of the fastest speeds you’ll find from any ISP, not to mention the lowest introductory pricing. The cheapest plan starts at $20 per month for symmetrical max speeds of 100Mbps.
What’s the final word on the best cheap internet providers?
For the absolute cheapest internet service, look to cable providers such as Xfinity, Astound and Frontier. But keep in mind the low pricing may come with a looming price increase, added equipment rental fees, contracts and data caps, depending on the provider and where you live.
Other providers, such as AT&T Fiber, Spectrum and Quantum Fiber, may not have the absolute lowest pricing, but they still add value in other ways. Price guarantees, bundle discounts and other customer-friendly attributes make such providers worthy of consideration for cheap internet.
Cheap internet FAQs
What’s the cheapest internet available?
Cable and fiber internet are likely to be your best cheap internet options. Plans can be a bit more expensive than dial-up or DSL service, but the speeds and connection quality that you get are well worth the added cost.
While there are a few internet providers that offer a low introductory rate of $20 a month, such as Xfinity, Astound and Ziply Fiber, CNET recommends going with Xfinity. Its plans features cheap monthly rates, at least in the first year or so, and for a decent speed of 150Mbps. If you want faster internet, you can upgrade to 300Mbps for an additional $5 monthly. Finally, Xfinity boasts a wider coverage than Astound and Ziply Fiber.
What cheap internet options are available to low-income households?
Why is my internet bill increasing every year?
Internet providers often advertise introductory pricing, a lower rate of service available to new customers for a limited time, often one to two years. After the introductory pricing ends, the monthly service rate may increase by as much as $30 or more, depending on the provider and offer you choose.
Most providers also have a “price lock” or price guarantee for a limited time, even if there is no special discounted rate. After the price guarantee period ends, providers are free to raise your rates at any time, for any reason. Price hikes may be necessary to support ongoing network maintenance and expansion or offset rising operation costs.
If your internet bill continues to go up, year after year, consider calling your ISP to see if you can negotiate a better price. Otherwise, you may want to explore other internet options in your area to find a better rate.
Many providers offer internet deals for seniors and low-income households. Such plans typically with speeds ranging from 30 to 100Mbps for around $30 or less per month. AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and others have their own discounted internet plans designed to help keep those in low-income households — including seniors — connected.
If you’re often exhausted and don’t have enough energy to make it through the day, you might ask yourself: Am I sleep-deprived, or am I dealing with a more serious medical condition? Multiple sleep disorders can affect your energy levels, and two that often get confused for one another are narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Though both chronic fatigue syndrome and narcolepsy can cause someone to feel fatigued during the day, the source of how they disturb your sleep is different. Both also have unique symptoms and treatments, which is why it’s essential to know the difference between the two if you think you have a sleep disorder.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Everyone knows what it’s like to be fatigued: you have no energy, concentrating is tough and you struggle to do everyday tasks because of it. Normal fatigue is something anyone can experience, but when things extend past regular bouts of fatigue, it becomes something else called chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a nervous system disorder that results in extreme fatigue, pain and disturbed sleep. The effects get worse when someone is active. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, the five main symptoms needed to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome are:
Extreme fatigue that makes it harder to do daily tasks
Symptoms must be present for more than six months to be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Other symptoms like muscle pain, headaches and dizziness can also be present.
Experts don’t know the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potential causes may be immune system changes, infections, body chemistry changes or genetics. Chronic fatigue syndrome is often confused with other conditions because many symptoms overlap. The most common is narcolepsy.
PrathanChorruangsak/Getty Images
What is narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy differs from fatigue because it’s a chronic neurological disorder that compromises your brain’s sleep/wake control. Your brain can’t always choose when you are asleep or awake. This results in falling asleep without warning. It’s particularly dangerous if it happens while doing everyday activities like walking, driving or eating. Sudden sleep attacks can happen multiple times daily, lasting from a few seconds to hours.
There are two categories of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2. The difference is that type 1 narcolepsy has cataplexy, the sudden loss of muscle tone, while type 2 does not. Despite the typical depiction of narcolepsy, it’s not only excessive daytime sleepiness. Those with narcolepsy also experience uneven and interrupted sleep patterns at night. If left untreated, it can significantly impact your ability to function in everyday life.
What are the main symptoms of narcolepsy?
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, up to 0.16% of people worldwide have narcolepsy. So it’s not a common condition. However, with any disorder, knowing what the symptoms are can help you anticipate and cope if you live with narcolepsy. The symptoms of narcolepsy are as follows:
Like chronic fatigue syndrome, the exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. However, there is research suggesting that the cause of type 1 narcolepsy (with cataplexy) is because of a low level of hypocretin, the neuropeptide involved in wakefulness. Hypocretin is made in the hypothalamus, which experiences cell death with type 1 narcolepsy. Factors that are suspected to work together to contribute to low hypocretin levels are autoimmune disorders and genetics. Though rare, narcolepsy can result after a traumatic brain injury. This is called secondary narcolepsy.
Chronic fatigue syndrome and narcolepsy can seem similar on the surface because of the fatigue and sleepiness that defines the conditions. However, there are significant differences between the two.
How are chronic fatigue syndrome and narcolepsy different?
Symptoms
While there is overlap in how narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome appear, they are different conditions marked by unique symptoms and impacts.
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that compromises someone’s ability to control whether they are awake or asleep. A person with narcolepsy cannot always choose if they are going to sleep or not.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a nervous system disorder that leaves one with no energy. It doesn’t affect someone’s ability to choose to go to sleep.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, energy treatment and over-the-counter painkillers are standard treatment options for managing symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Dietary supplements to boost your nutrition may also be recommended.
There is no cure for narcolepsy, though it does respond to treatment. Popular treatment options include behavioral therapy, medications and nap therapy. Various types of medications can treat narcolepsy. Modafinil is an FDA-approved stimulant drug that treats excessive daytime sleepiness. There are also two classes of antidepressants — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants — that can help treat cataplexy and suppress hypnagogic hallucinations, per the National Sleep Foundation.
Lifestyle changes for narcolepsy can also help someone manage their condition. Establishing a bedtime routine and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed can help minimize nighttime sleep disruptions.
Sleep
Our bodies naturally progress through the sleep cycle, which comprises four stages: three NREM and one REM. People with narcolepsy do not slowly move through the stages of sleep as the average person does. Instead, they jump to REM sleep quickly, within 15 minutes of falling asleep. Even though those with chronic fatigue syndrome often get poor sleep, they progress through the sleep stages.
Another difference between the two conditions is that those with chronic fatigue syndrome typically don’t feel well-rested after sleep. After a narcoleptic sleep event, someone may feel refreshed.
Too long; didn’t read?
Narcolepsy and chronic fatigue syndrome are two diagnosable medical conditions. And while overlapping symptoms can make them seem similar, they are significantly different based on their treatment and impact.
Both conditions cause a person to be extremely tired and impact their sleep quality. There is no cure for either, but both are treatable with help. Speak with your doctor if you suspect you have narcolepsy or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Watch NASA Astronauts Return Home After an Extended Stay Aboard the ISS
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore return after a failed Boeing capsule left them stranded on the International Space Station. See all the stages of their return, with a pod of dolphins welcoming them after splashdown.
Welcome back! NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are home at last. They spent nine months orbiting Earth on the International Space Station. Long-term ISS missions aren’t unusual, except these particular astronauts weren’t planning on an extended stay.
Williams and Wilmore rode to the station on a crewed Boeing Starliner test mission in June. The crew capsule encountered technical issues and was sent back to Earth without the astronauts. Their eight-day stay became a months-long stay. The pair hitched a ride back on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The capsule made a picture-perfect splashdown off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida on Tuesday afternoon.
The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft is seen after it splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, on Tuesday, returning Crew-9 to Earth.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Crew-9 makes successful splashdown
Crew-9’s SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is named Freedom. Dragon’s parachutes gently lowered the capsule into the calm water after a fiery reentry process where temperatures reached up to 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit. A SpaceX recovery ship is tasked with bringing the capsule on board. The crew will catch a helicopter back to land.
NASA’s live coverage of the return started at 4:45 p.m. ET, with splashdown occurring at about 5:57 p.m. NASA scheduled a return-to-Earth media conference for 7:30 p.m. Watch on the NASA app, on streaming service NASA Plus or on YouTube.
Crew-9 to the rescue
Crew-9 launched in late September with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on board. NASA reserved two empty seats for Williams and Wilmore to come home.
Both Williams and Wilmore have insisted they didn’t feel stranded, though that term has been widely applied to them in news stories and social media.
“Butch and Suni each have previously completed two long-duration stays aboard the station,” NASA said in an explainer. “NASA astronauts embark on missions fully aware of the various scenarios that may become reality.”
The astronauts integrated with the existing crew, kept busy with research and even went on a spacewalk together in January.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with four Crew-9 members aboard departs the International Space Station.
NASA
Crew-10 handover
Crew-10 had a bit more riding on it than a typical crew rotation mission. The Crew-10 handover cleared Crew-9 for its long-awaited return to Earth.
The three astronauts and one cosmonaut of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission docked with the International Space Station just after midnight ET Sunday, and at 1:35 a.m., opened the hatches between the Space Dragon spacecraft and the ISS, meeting up with the crew already there.
NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov were welcomed by the Expedition 72 crew, including Williams, Wilmore and Hague, NASA astronaut Don Petitt, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Gorbunov, Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. That made for a crowded house on the space station until Crew-9 left.
Crew-9’s return will mark the end of a space saga that has fascinated the public. It’s a complex story involving Boeing’s Starliner woes, SpaceX’s dominance in human spaceflight and the seeming plight of two space travelers who couldn’t come home.
Williams and Wilmore put in years of training to spend time in space on this mission. It just ended up being a lot more time than they expected.
If you’ve got an Apple Watch, you may be eligible for a payout. Apple has agreed to a $20 million settlement after facing a class action lawsuit, and if your device is affected, you have until April 10 to submit a claim to secure your share.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleged that the batteries in first-generation, Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3 models could expand within their tight compartments, causing malfunctions. Apple has denied any wrongdoing but chose to settle the case.
Read more: Apple Launches New iPhone 16E for the Pocket-Sized Market
In a statement sent to CNET, Apple disputed the claims, stating that the Apple Watch is “designed to be safe and reliable.”
“This settlement applies to purchasers of Original Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3, which are no longer available for purchase,” the company said in a statement. “While we strongly disagree with the claims made against these early generation Apple Watch models, we agreed to settle to avoid further litigation.”
Check if you qualify for the Apple Watch payout
To qualify for compensation, you must have owned an Original, Series 1, Series 2 and/or Series 3 Apple Watch model in the US and you also must have reported issues related to battery swelling, such as filing a complaint with customer service, between April 24, 2015, and Feb. 6, 2024.
How much money will you get?
The amount you receive will vary according to several factors. Compensation will likely range from $20 to $50, depending on the number of claims submitted.
Some eligible people will receive a notice via email or postcard informing them of their eligibility for a class payment, according to WatchSettlement.com.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is one of the models included in the settlement.
After visiting the settlement website, you’ll find a QR code. Scan it with an app or built-in camera option. Then, you can select how you’d prefer to receive your payment: physical check, electronic check, ACH transfer or virtual prepaid Visa or MasterCard.
If you did not receive a notice but still believe you’re eligible, you can file a claim via email.
By accepting the settlement payment, you waive your rights to pursue further legal action against Apple regarding the battery issue.
Fast, dependable internet is a must-have today, and Lexington residents have several solid internet providers to choose from. There are options for everyone, ranging from budget-friendly plans to ultra-fast connection speeds. Kinetic by Windstream is CNET’s top pick for the best internet service provider in Lexington. The ISP has plans starting at $25 a month for speeds of up to 100 megabits per second, which is also the cheapest plan in the area. Kinetic delivers performance that’s decent for gaming or video calls. Spectrum is also a solid option, offering speeds up to 1,000Mbps throughout the Lexington area.
For those concerned about price hikes, T-Mobile Home Internet offers a price-lock guarantee that caps your monthly bill at $50 permanently. Metronet is another good fiber provider in the area, but Kinetic by Windstream offers a slightly better value overall.
Best internet in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Kinetic by Windstream
Fiber
$25-$299
100-8,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
6.7
Kinetic by Windstream
DSL
$30-$60
15-50Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
6.7
Metronet Read full review
Fiber
$30-$50
100-1,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
6.9
Spectrum Read full review
Fiber
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Lexington
Satellite internet: No matter where you live in the country, satellite internet is almost always available. However, speeds and prices are low, so it’s rarely your best option. Hughesnet and Viasat offer service to 100% of Lexington households, but we’d only recommend them if you can’t get anything else. Starlink offers faster speeds and lower latency, but you have to pay a high equipment cost of $599 upfront, and plans start at $120 per month.
Ivelin Denev / Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Lexington
Cheap internet plans are abundant in Lexington, with four different providers offering plans at $50 per month or less.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Lexington?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Metronet 100Mbps Read full review
$30
100Mbps
$10 (optional)
Kinetic by Windstream
$25
100Mbps
$10 (optional)
Spectrum Internet Ultra Read full review
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
Metronet 500Mbps Read full review
$40
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
245Mbps
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Lexington
The best internet deals and top promotions in Lexington depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Lexington internet providers, such as Spectrum and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Kinetic by Windstream and Metronet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Lexington broadband?
According to Ookla speed test data, Lexington residents receive median download speeds of 225Mbps and upload speeds of 29Mbps, which are below the national average. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) It ranks 60th out of the 100 most populated cities in the country; behind Louisville (19th) and Nashville (47th), but ahead of Cincinnati (90th).
Fastest internet plans in Lexington
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Kinetic by Windstream 8 Gig
$299
8,000Mbps
8,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Kinetic by Windstream 2 Gig
$100
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Metronet 1Gbps Read full review
$50
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Lexington
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools.
Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of our pre-publication fact-check.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, you can visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Lexington?
Internet service in Lexington is in a good place. 98% of the city can access 250/25Mbps speeds, compared to 88% of the country, and fiber internet is available to 76% of households. The best is Kinetic by Windstream, but Metronet is another regional fiber provider offering similar value (just look out for those hidden fees). Kinetic offers the cheapest internet in the area, but only for the first year. After that, prices jump dramatically.
Internet providers in Lexington FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Lexington?
Kinetic by Windstream is the best internet service provider in Lexington, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, low starting prices and unlimited data. Spectrum and Metronet are good backup options, but your price will increase dramatically after the promotional periods end.
Is fiber internet available in Lexington?
Yes, fiber internet is available in 76% of Lexington households, according to FCC data. Kinetic by Windstream and Metronet both offer fiber internet in the city.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Lexington?
Kinetic by Windstream is the cheapest internet provider in Lexington, with plans starting at $25 per month for 100Mbps.
Which internet provider in Lexington offers the fastest plan?
Kinetic by Windstream offers the fastest internet plan in Lexington, with upload and download speeds of 8,000Mbps for $299 per month.
CNET recommends AT&T and Spectrumas the two main internet providers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Between the two, AT&T Fiber stands out for offering faster speeds and fiber internet access (plans start at $55 a month and go up to $245). All of this at a pricing comparable to Spectrum, which comes in as our second choice.
For those who rely heavily on the internet — whether working from home, browsing or keeping kids entertained — Milwaukee has several solid options. Reliable speeds, reasonable pricing, extensive coverage and good customer support are essential. While AT&T and Spectrum are the primary choices for many residents, other providers like T-Mobile, Verizon and EarthLink might also be available, depending on your address. The rates for these start at $50 a month.
Best internet providers in Milwaukee
Internet providers in Milwaukee overview
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$245
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$30-$70
100-1,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50 ($30-$50 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$60-$80 ($35-$45 with eligible mobile plans)
50-1,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other Milwaukee residential internet providers
Internet service providers in Milwaukee range from large telecom companies to satellite providers. When deciding which internet service provider to choose, knowing your options and how to get the fastest and most reliable service for your home is important.
EarthLink is available in 45% of Milwaukee, has speeds up to 5,000Mbps, and has DSL, fiber and satellite connections.
T-Mobile Home Internet also offers 5G wireless internet in Milwaukee. It has one plan for $50 a month and speeds ranging from 72Mbps to 245Mbps.
Satellite internet is available virtually everywhere, including Milwaukee, thanks to providers like Hughesnet, Starlink and Viasat.
Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Milwaukee?
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Milwaukee depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Milwaukee internet providers, such as Spectrum may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Fastest internet providers in Milwaukee
Speed test results for the Brew City put the median fixed download speed at 278Mbps. Remember that several factors go into speed test results, such as the time of day it’s run and whether you run it from an Ethernet connection or using your Wi-Fi.
Several internet service providers in Milwaukee offer fast speeds throughout the city. Spectrum offers speeds up to 1Gbps, with AT&T’s Fiber offerings featuring up to 5Gbps in some areas. These speeds allow you to work remotely, game online and have multiple people on the network streaming.
What are the fastest internet plans in Milwaukee?
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Milwaukee?
Many fast, affordable and available options exist throughout the city of Milwaukee. Most importantly, you can find home internet plans without contracts or data caps, like AT&T, Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Milwaukee
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there. We use the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our page on how we test ISPs.
Milwaukee internet provider FAQs
Which is the best internet service provider in Milwaukee?
Overall, AT&T Fiber offers the best home internet service in Milwaukee. Where available, the company’s plans offer speeds from 300Mbps to 5Gbps. The service also boasts no annual contracts and no additional equipment rental charges.
Milwaukee offers free Wi-Fi in its parks using the “City of Milwaukee Wi-Fi” network. There is no free Wi-Fi in your home. You’ll need to purchase an internet plan with one of the providers mentioned in this guide.
When you keep your immune system healthy, your body can fight against infection that could cause illness. Some of the best ways to boost your immune system health is to eat a healthy diet with citrus fruits and fatty fish, and keep active through cold and flu season. However, it doesn’t hurt to add some immune-boosting supplements to help with that, as well as any vitamin C and vitamin D deficiency.
We’ve rounded up the best immunity-boosting supplements packed with essential vitamins.
Which vitamins are good for boosting immunity?
When deciding on the best multivitamin or immunity supplement, pay attention to which vitamins and nutrients are included on the label. The best vitamins, minerals and herbs for immunity include:
The following supplements contain high amounts of the above immunity vitamins.
Photo Gallery1/1
Dosage: 2 softgels, taken daily with a meal
Nature’s Bounty has been around for over 50 years and is a brand that constantly appears on our best vitamin lists. Its products are all non-GMO and contain no artificial colors, flavors, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, yeast, sodium or fish.
Two softgels of its Immune 24 Hour Plus supplements contain 750 mg of vitamin A, 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 15 mcg of vitamin D, 2 mg of vitamin B6, 666 mcg of folate, 6 mcg of vitamin B12, 600 mcg of biotin, 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 25 mg of magnesium, 15 mg of zinc, 17 mg of elderberry, 16.5 mg of echinacea and 16.6 of astragalus. Other ingredients include rice bran oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin and 2% or less of carob powder (color), natural caramel color, sunflower lecithin and yellow beeswax.
These immune boosting supplements rely on the immunity support of Ester-C, a version of vitamin C that lasts up to 24 hours in the body. Its high doses of vitamin A, zinc and B vitamins also support immune function.
Take two softgels daily, preferably with a meal. One bottle will last about 25 days.
Pros:
Contains Vitamin C that will stay in your white blood cells for up to 24 hours
Packed with 13 vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements
Cons:
Not vegan, contains yellow beeswax and gelatin
One bottle lasts only 25 days
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Dosage: 2 capsules, daily with a meal
The Vitamin Shoppe has brick-and-mortar stores across the country, as well as an online store. The familiar brand name offers a couple of immunity supplements, and we’ve included the best two on this list.
A serving of its Immune Essentials contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 50 mcg of vitamin D3, 50 mg of zinc and 250 mg of elderberry extract. Other ingredients include hypromellose (capsule), rice flour, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide. The capsules are free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, sugar, salt and preservatives. Elderberry extract can support healthy immune system function during cold and flu season.
Take two capsules daily, preferably with a meal. One bottle will last about 30 days.
Pros:
Does not contain any sugar
High potency of vitamin C, vitamin D3 and zinc
Cons:
Contains only three vitamins and one herbal supplement
One bottle will last only 30 days
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Dosage: 1 gummy, daily with a meal
My favorite vitamins on this list are gummy supplements from The Vitamin Shoppe. I personally take these every day because of their high elderberry potency. On top of that, they’re delicious.
One elderberry gummy contains 90 mg of vitamin C, 1 g of total carbohydrates, 40 mg of elderberry extract, 1 g of total sugars and 1 g of added sugars. The other ingredients include sugar, organic tapioca syrup, purified water, MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil, pectin, tapioca starch, natural raspberry flavor, citric acid, natural color, sunflower lecithin extract for color. The gummies are free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, gelatin, synthetic colors and artificial colors. In addition to the vitamin C and elderberry, the supplements contain propolis extract, which can be used as an anti-inflammatory. Echinacea extract also supports a healthy immune system.
Take two gummies daily, preferably with a meal. One bottle will last about 60 days.
Pros:
Raspberry flavor tastes amazing
Will last you about 60 days
Cons:
Each serving contains 4 grams of sugar
The sugary taste isn’t for everyone
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Dosage: 1 to 2 gummies
Olly is sold at Target, CVS, Walgreens and Amazon. The company’s products are also certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, which guarantees that products have met strict standards for public health safety. Olly is also B-Corporation certified, meaning that the corporation is transparent about environmental performance (such as its waste management) and social performance (like employee benefits).
Depending on the serving size, Olly’s Kids Immunity supplements contain 15 to 30 mg of vitamin C, 2.5 to 5 mcg of vitamin D, 1.5 to 3 mcg of zinc, 50 to 100 mg of acerola cherry extract (a rich source of vitamin C), 35 to 70 mg of Wellmune baker’s yeast beta glucan (a researched and lab-grown nutrient with multiple health benefits) and 12.5 to 25 mg of elderberry juice powder. The gummies are gluten-free and made with natural colors and no artificial flavors. The other ingredients include glucose syrup, beet sugar, water, gelatin, citric acid, natural flavor, pectin, coloring (from sweet potato, apple, radish, cherry, carrot and chokeberry juices) and lactic acid.
Olly recommends that children aged 2 to 4 should chew only one gummy a day. Those aged 5 and up can chew two gummies a day. Consult with your doctor before giving your children any supplements. One bottle will last anywhere from 25 to 50 days if taken daily.
Pros:
Easy for children to chew
Great taste that children will like
Cons:
Recommend seeking a doctor before giving any vitamins to children
Easy for children to confuse gummy vitamins with candy
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Liquid I.V. has gained popularity in the last couple of years. The company’s claim to fame is its Cellular Transport Technology, which combines sodium, glucose, potassium and water. This delivery system makes it easier for the body to absorb water and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier Plus mix now includes added immune support. One stick contains 45 calories, 500 mg of sodium, 11 g of carbohydrates, 10 g of sugar, 370 mg of potassium, 504 mg of vitamin C, 24.4 mg of niacin, 2.5 mg of vitamin B6, 7.8 mcg of vitamin B12, 11.5 mg of pantothenic acid and 10.5 mg of zinc. The other ingredients include natural flavors and stevia leaf extract. In addition to the hydration and immune support, the B vitamins in Liquid I.V. will also supply your body with energy.
Choose between tangerine and wild berry flavor. Dissolve one stick of mix in two cups (16 ounces) of water. One package contains 14 sticks of drink mix.
Pros:
Comes in two delicious flavors: tangerine and wild berry
Faster hydration than water alone
Cons:
Most expensive on this list
One stick contains 10 g of sugar
How can I boost my immune system fast and naturally?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best ways to boost your immune system naturally is to eat well and maintain a balanced diet, engage in physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, and don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol.
If you have low immunity, this is often due to certain diseases or genetic disorders. Additionally, it can be caused by poor diet. It can also be caused by certain medications such as chemotherapy.
If you find yourself getting frequent colds or infections such as pink eye, sinus infections, thrush or yeast infections, you could have a weak immune system. Speak with your doctor if you have a hard time recovering from simple infections or viruses.
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
How we test
Caroline IgoEditor, Sleep
Caroline Igo (she/her/hers) is a wellness editor and holds Sleep Science Coach and Stress Management certificates from the Spencer Institute. She received her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Miami University and continues to further her craft in her free time. Before joining CNET, Caroline wrote for past CNN anchor, Daryn Kagan.
ExpertiseSleep | Mattress Accessories | Vitamins and Supplements | Nutrition | Personal careCredentials
Carl R. Greer/Andrew D. Hepburn Award for Best Nonfiction Essay (Miami University, 2020)
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
What is the best internet provider in Grand Rapids?
AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider in Grand Rapids, according to CNET. Not only does it have wide availability, it’s also got symmetrical upload and download speeds making it a great choice for avid gamers or users who do a lot of video conferencing. There are no hidden fees to be found, nor are there any data caps. Plans start at $55 and go up to $245 per month for the 5-gig plan.
Looking for a more affordable option? Look at Xfinity. The service provider has a wide range of plans that fit every need, starting at $35. Keep in mind that prices go up after a year or two, depending on the plan.
If you can’t get AT&T Fiber and don’t want to worry about Xfinity’s confusing pricing structure, T-Mobile Home Internet is a refreshingly straightforward option. The fixed wireless provider offers three plans that range from $50-$70 per month, and it guarantees it won’t ever raise your rates. Plus, you can get discounts on your internet if you also have a phone plan through T-Mobile.
Best internet in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$245
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
AT&T Internet Read full review
DSL
$55
Up to 140Mbps
None
1.5TB on some plans
None
7.4
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers)
50-250Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Xfinity Read full review
Cable
$35-$95
150-2,100Mbps
$15 (included in most plans)
1.2TB
Optional
7
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Grand Rapids
Satellite internet: You can get satellite internet at virtually every address in the country, but it’s only your best option in rural areas without any other connection types available. HughesNet and Viasat are the traditional satellite ISPs, and both come with high prices, slow speeds and low data caps. Starlink is a newer option from SpaceX that provides faster speeds, but you’ll still pay a much higher price than AT&T, Xfinity and T-Mobile.
Verizon 5G Home Internet: It’s only available to around 1 in 5 Grand Rapids households, but Verizon 5G Home Internet is a solid option for fixed wireless internet in the area. Its speeds go up to 1,000Mbps at some addresses, and you can save an extra $15 to $25 a month when you bundle with an eligible Verizon Wireless plan.
Cheap internet options in Grand Rapids
Xfinity is by far the cheapest internet provider in Grand Rapids, with plans starting at $35 a month available almost everywhere in the city. However, currently, you can get the 400Mbps plan for just $30 a month. Those prices more than double by the third year of service, but when you factor in the savings from the first couple of years, they’re still a decent deal.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Grand Rapids?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Xfinity Connect Read full review
$35
150Mbps
$15 (optional)
Xfinity Connect More Read full review
$30
400Mbps
$15 (optional)
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
85Mbps
None
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
415Mbps
None
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Denis Tangney Jr / Getty Images
How to find internet deals and promotions in Grand Rapids
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Grand Rapids depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Grand Rapids internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Grand Rapids broadband?
Nearly every address in Grand Rapids has access to fast internet. 99.7% of the city can get 250/25Mbps speeds, compared to 85.5% for Michigan and 87.3% for the country as a whole. That’s also ahead of other cities in the state, like Lansing (96.9%) and Detroit (98.9%).
Fastest internet plans in Grand Rapids
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
AT&T Internet 5000 Read full review
$245
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Internet 2000 Read full review
$145
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review
$95
2,100Mbps
306Mbps
1.2TB
Cable
AT&T Internet 1000 Read full review
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review
$65
1,100Mbps
170Mbps
1.2TB
Cable
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review
$70 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)
250Mbps
20Mbps
None
Fixed wireless
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Grand Rapids
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools.
Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of our prepublication fact-check.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.).
To explore our process in more depth, you can visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Grand Rapids?
Almost every household in Grand Rapids has access to at least one high-speed internet provider, but some are still better than others. AT&T Fiber is the best of the bunch, with fast, symmetrical speeds, straightforward pricing and excellent customer satisfaction scores. If you can’t get AT&T Fiber at your address, Xfinity and T-Mobile Home Internet are good backup options, but they each have drawbacks.
Internet providers in Grand Rapids FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Grand Rapids?
AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider in Grand Rapids, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, unlimited data, no contracts and the highest internet provider score in the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. Speeds go up to 5,000Mbps in Grand Rapids, and you can also get discounts when you bundle with eligible cellphone plans.
Is fiber internet available in Grand Rapids?
Yes, fiber internet is available to 40% of households in Grand Rapids, almost entirely through AT&T Fiber.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Grand Rapids?
Xfinity is the cheapest internet provider in Grand Rapids, with plans starting at $30 a month for 150/23Mbps speeds. The price increases in the second and third years of service.
Which internet provider in Grand Rapids offers the fastest plan?
The internet provider in Grand Rapids that offers the fastest plan is AT&T Fiber, with maximum upload and download speeds of 5,000Mbps.
Evansville has plenty of top internet providers, from fast multi-gig plans to cheaper cable options. AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider overall in Evansville, Indiana, thanks to its widespread availability, straightforward plans and fast, symmetrical speeds. Prices start at $55 and go up to $245 for the 5-gig plan. Because AT&T Fiber isn’t available everywhere in Evansville, keep in mind that Spectrum and Astound are also solid picks, depending on what’s available at your address. T-Mobile is also available in some areas, offering three plans that range from $50 to $70 a month.
If you’re hunting for the lowest prices or fastest speeds, we’ve also found those top options. The cheapest internet in Evansville is Astound Broadband’s 300Mbps plan for $20 a month, although extra fees are involved. AT&T Fiber’s 5,000Mbps plan is the fastest available internet speed, though some AT&T Fiber neighborhoods max out at 1,000Mbps. If the 5-gig plan is more than you need, consider Astound’s 1,500Mbps plan for $55 a month.
Evansville internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Astound Broadband Read full review
Cable
$20-$55
300-1,500Mbps
Free modem; $15 router (optional)
None
None
7
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$245
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Mainstream Fiber Networks
Fiber
$35-$89
150-1,000Mbps
None
None
3-year
N/A
Spectrum Read full review
Cable/fiber
$30-$70
100-1,000Mbps
Free modem; $10 router (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers)
50-250Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Evansville
AT&T Internet: AT&T Fiber’s network doesn’t reach everywhere in Evansville, so you might come across AT&T Internet instead. This legacy DSL service is likely to be very slow, even as slow as just 5Mbps for some addresses. It costs $60 per month, and most plans have a 1.5TB data cap. Look to other home internet options before signing up for DSL.
Mainstream Fiber Networks: Regional ISP Mainstream Fiber Networks focuses on rural and underserved areas. You’ll find it in some rural spots in Evansville. Plans start at $35 per month for 150Mbps and go up to $89 per month for a gig. A router is included. You may come across service coverage and infrastructure charges that add an extra $8 to your bill. The ISP has a standard three-year contract.
River City Wireless: A local fixed wireless ISP located next door in Newburgh, River City Wireless aims to reach rural homes in the area. Plans start at $60 per month for 10Mbps and top out at $100 per month for 100Mbps, with no data caps.
Satellite internet: Evansville has several fixed wireless options that may reach your rural home. Also, look for Spectrum Fiber or Mainstream Fiber Networks. If none of those ISPs work out, check out Starlink, Viasat or Hughesnet for satellite internet. It’s not cheap, and speeds may be variable, but satellite can get you online when other options fail.
Verizon 5G Home Internet: Compare with T-Mobile Home Internet. Verizon’s service also has two plans. Expect speeds up to 250Mbps with the 5G Home plan for $50 per month or $70 per month depending on the extras you choose. Bundle with a phone plan to drop your monthly home internet price as low as $35. There are no data caps, contracts or equipment fees.
Watch Communications: Fixed wireless ISP Watch Communications specializes in servicing rural homes that have few other options. Prices start at $60 per month for 10Mbps download speeds. Top speeds will vary with location, but some addresses in rural Evansville may be able to get 100Mbps for $120 per month. Look into wired options like cable or fiber first.
Larrybraunphotography.com/Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Evansville
Astound leads the way when it comes to cheap internet in Evansville. Its 300Mbps plan has an introductory price of just $20 per month, though you also need to consider the $16 in additional monthly fees and the cost of either renting ($15 per month) or buying a router. Next is Spectrum’s 100Mbps plan that costs $30 a month. If you’re in a low-income household, check for eligibility for the federal Lifeline program and Spectrum’s Internet Assist option.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Evansville?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Astound Read full review
$20
300Mbps
Free modem; $15 router (optional)
Mainstream Fiber Networks
$35
150Mbps
None
Spectrum Read full review
$30
100Mbps
Free modem; $10 router (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
318Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
85Mbps
None
AT&T Fiber Read full review
$55
300Mbps
None
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Evansville
The best internet deals and top promotions in Evansville depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Evansville internet providers, such as Spectrum and Astound Broadband, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Evansville broadband?
With two cable providers and AT&T Fiber covering most of the town, Evansville has some solid options for fast internet. A recent Ookla speed test report showed the city had a 300Mbps median fixed internet download speed, with AT&T Fiber delivering the fastest speeds. AT&T Fiber offers the fastest plan in town with its 5,000Mbps option, though some neighborhoods top out at 1,000Mbps. Astound offers a 1,200Mbps top speed, while Spectrum goes up to 1,000Mbps. Ookla reported the Indiana average to be around 239Mbps, so Evansville has a speed advantage compared to the state overall. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) If fast home internet is important to you, look for fiber so you can enjoy equally fast uploads.
Fastest internet plans in Evansville
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review
$245
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review
$145
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Astound 1500 Read full review
$55
1,500Mbps
50Mbps
None
Cable
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Astound 1000 Read full review
$45
1,000Mbps
50Mbps
None
Cable
Mainstream Fiber Networks Unleashed
$89
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Evansville
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Evansville?
Evansville is the rare city where there’s a considerable amount of ISP competition, especially when it comes to having two rival cable providers. Spectrum and Astound have the town covered in cable, but AT&T Fiber offers faster top speeds and uploads, making it a smart choice for home internet if available at your address. Bargain hunters can look to Astound and its low introductory rates. Both Spectrum and Astound will raise your rates eventually, but you can try negotiating a better price when that happens. With ISP options and no contracts from the big providers, you can try out different services to find the best price and performance for your home.
Internet providers in Evansville FAQs
What is the cheapest internet provider in Evansville?
Astound Broadband’s $20-per-month 300Mbps cable internet plan is the cheapest around, even when you add the additional $16 monthly fee. The only way to beat that is by bundling certain Verizon mobile or T-Mobile and home internet plans to get your broadband down to $35 or $30 monthly.
Which internet provider in Evansville offers the fastest plan?
AT&T Fiber blows away the competition with its 5,000Mbps fiber plan for $245 per month. Some parts of town can only get AT&T Fiber’s 1,000Mbps plan, not the ISP’s multi-gig options.
Is fiber internet available in Evansville?
AT&T Fiber is the main fiber provider for Evansville homes, although coverage is spotty to nonexistent in and around the downtown area.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Evansville?
Astound Broadband squeaks into the top spot for coverage. FCC data shows it reaches just over 92% of Evansville homes, while Spectrum reaches just over 90%.
Sleep has never come easy for me — quality sleep, that is. I’m a light sleeper, and I usually find myself wide awake every few hours throughout the night, staring at the ceiling as I wonder why sleep has eluded me once again.
I’ve tried my fair share of sleep rituals and products, ranging from high-tech devices like the Somnee Smart Sleep Headband and the Eight Sleep Pod Cover to dozens of sleep masks, headphones, sound machines, supplements and more. My spouse (and fellow CNET sleep expert Dillon) and I have a monthly YouTube series dedicated to testing mattresses in an effort to find the perfect one. If there’s a new sleep hack trending on TikTok, chances are I’ve given it a shot.
This story is part of Sleep Awareness Month 2025, CNET’s deep dive into how sleep impacts your overall health and why it’s crucial to all aspects of life.
Because long, peaceful slumbers have escaped me since I was a child, there came a point when I essentially accepted that I’m simply not good at sleeping — until recently. As a member of CNET’s sleep team, I acknowledge how essential it is for my overall health to get consistent, quality rest. In honor of Sleep Awareness Month, I decided to finally investigate the root cause of my sleeplessness rather than relying on gadgets and pills out of desperation. This is what led me to taking a hormonal sleep test for the first time.
In-lab vs. at-home sleep tests
Known as polysomnography, overnight sleep tests and studies have long been conducted in controlled labs, where participants are hooked up to sensors that track brainwaves and other physiological activity. These in-lab studies are the gold standard for identifying and diagnosing conditions such as sleep apnea.
However, facets of these studies have already entered our bedrooms, with various companies offering tests you can take from the comfort of your home. One example is Sleep Doctor’s At-Home Sleep Apnea Study, which uses a WatchPAT One device and sensors that connect to your finger, wrist and chest. The device records your breathing patterns throughout the night and automatically shares the results with your provider to review and offer the appropriate sleep solution, such as prescribing a CPAP machine.
Learn more: At-Home Sleep Tests vs. Lab Studies: Is At-Home Just as Good?
If you think you have a sleep disorder, the best first step is to talk to your doctor.
Carlofranco/Getty Images
In addition to sleep apnea, you can now take other sleep tests and health panels remotely. Though it’s not as thorough (or possibly as accurate) as in-person tests, these at-home tests can be quicker and more cost-effective. To get to the root cause of my sleeping woes, I decided to take Thorne’s Sleep Test.
This test uses saliva to track hormone fluctuations in your sleep-wake cycle. It analyzes melatonin and cortisol, the primary drivers of our circadian rhythm.
I ordered and awaited the arrival of my sleep test. I suspected the results would indicate that my cortisol levels were high, which I believed may be one of the reasons I struggle to sleep — and boy, I was in a for a surprise.
Taking the Thorne Sleep Test
The test arrived in a small package via mail. I followed the instructions, activating my account online and completing the health portfolio by answering questions about my exercise, diet, daily supplements, conditions or ailments, sleep patterns and more.
I highly recommend thoroughly reading the instructions before taking any at-home test. If you have periods, you should take the test on day 19, 20 or 21 of your menstrual cycle. There are also specific guidelines for those who use or take hormones. You’re also advised to avoid lip products or drink alcohol on collection day, and advised using anti-aging or anti-wrinkle facial creams within three days of taking the test because these products can contain undisclosed hormones that may alter the results — alarming, I know.
I know I’m chronically dehydrated, but this test made me realize I needed to work on that. Filling the vials with saliva was more difficult than I expected.
Aly Lopez/CNET
I must admit, I’ve never been great at tracking my period. When I took this test, I thought I was around the recommended 20ish day of my cycle, but I started my period the next day. I’m mentioning this because it may have contributed to my surprising results.
Collection involves filling the four provided vials with saliva at designated times throughout the day, the first being 30 minutes after waking up. Since you must collect throughout the day, I suggest ensuring you have a regular or open schedule in order to follow the instructions on avoiding food and drink before each one.
After filling all four vials, I packed and shipped them off the next day in the provided packaging and shipping label. Easy peasy.
Reviewing my unexpected results
About a week later, I received a notification that the test results were in, and I logged into my account to check them out. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my cortisol levels were in the normal range, falling on the low end. As an easily stressed individual, I’d anticipated them to be high. “Good news! You have a healthy wake-cycle based on your normal cortisol pattern,” the report exclaimed.
Confused by the odd melatonin numbers in my results, I scheduled an online consultation with Nathan Price, PhD, chief scientific officer at Thorne, to discuss the results.
“We’re tracking two variables over time: your melatonin and cortisol patterns. Melatonin typically goes up as a sleep signal, and cortisol is the opposite, as a waking signal. When I first glanced at your results, what jumped out was the high melatonin,” Price said.
My melatonin levels were essentially flipped, with high amounts detected in the morning and throughout the day and dropping at night and before bed. The vial I filled just after waking up detected 39.5 pg/mL, well outside the clinically normal range between 3 and 19 pg/mL. It was still high for the second daytime test, at 12.2 pg/mL. My melatonin levels dropped into the normal range by early evening and fell just inside the normal range by nighttime, at 7.4 pg/mL — teetering toward the low range.
My melatonin levels were abnormally high in the morning and during the day.
Thorne/Aly Lopez/CNET
Price asked if I remembered what had happened the night before I took the sleep test to see if we could deduct why my melatonin was so high in the morning. I looked back at my Whoop Band data and saw that I had slept for 7 hours and 39 minutes, falling asleep at 11:06 p.m. and waking up at 7:34 a.m. Nothing out of the ordinary. I spent 48 minutes awake that night, which was 12% lower than my 30-day average of 55 minutes.
I frequently take a melatonin supplement if I think I’ll struggle to sleep that night; however, I hadn’t taken one for three or four nights when I took this test, so we didn’t think it was from that.
Price shared a graph like the one below showing the typical rise and fall of melatonin levels throughout the day and night. “The other explanation could be that you woke up prematurely that morning. If you wake up early and are in the middle of this down cycle in your melatonin levels, you’ll feel groggy because you still have a high amount of melatonin in your system,” he said.
This seems the most plausible explanation. I often wake up abruptly in the morning while still having vivid dreams in the REM phase of sleep, typically because our dog wants to go outside or our cat loudly announces that her food bowl is empty.
My high melatonin levels in the morning and throughout the day could have also been influenced by my period starting the following day. Menstrual cycles cause our hormone levels to fluctuate. Though general research on this topic is currently lacking, the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation found that melatonin levels can be up to 4.5 times higher during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (leading up to our periods) than in the follicular phase. Being that I was at the tail end of my luteal phase could offer another explanation — but I still don’t think that’s the whole picture.
“This is one of the challenges of launching health testing businesses. For some of the tests — particularly if they have a relationship to hormones — it is more challenging for women [due to menstrual cycles]. It adds an extra complication,” Price explained.
“The main thing that we’re looking at in this particular test is to figure out if your sleeping issues are primarily melatonin or cortisol driven, and they lead to different recommendations,” Price said. He clarified that if the results showed my melatonin had not been spiking appropriately before bed, that would indicate that perhaps I would want to take a melatonin supplement. “That’s why melatonin, at the right dose, can be helpful for jet lag or shifting your sleep and situations like that,” Price explained.
My cortisol levels were in the clinically normal range, which I was pleased (and shocked) to see.
Thorne/Aly Lopez/CNET
If my cortisol levels had been high, Thorne’s practitioners would likely suggest taking a product like PharmaGABA, a natural form of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps you relax. “This is important — you didn’t show a problem there [with my cortisol levels], so we did not recommend a product. Trust is super important for Thorne as a company. If we don’t think a supplement will make a difference, we won’t make a recommendation.”
Read more: I Got a Blood Test to Learn About Cortisol and Its Effects
My initial feedback from Thorne outlined holistic steps for a healthier sleep hygiene plan rather than a supplement. These personalized recommendations were algorithmically generated from my test results and included in-depth information on the following:
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet (like Mediterranean or low-carb)
Limiting melatonin-rich foods (such as tomatoes, walnuts or tart cherries)
Limiting caffeine, as it can interfere with melatonin levels
Avoiding alcohol before bed, as it inhibits melatonin secretion
Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and wake-up time
Exercising regularly and practicing yoga and meditation
The guidelines also included research-backed sources and clinical evidence for said recommendations.
How the test has helped
It’s been a few weeks since receiving the results of my Thorne Sleep Test, and I have been paying much closer attention to my sleep patterns and daily habits.
Consistent bedtime routine
One of the main changes I’ve implemented is a stricter bedtime routine. I have been going to bed earlier (around 10 p.m. rather than midnight, like I was). I almost always wake up early, whether from the rising sun or our pets demanding food and attention. Given that my melatonin levels were extremely high in the morning after waking up, the simplest way, in theory, to fix this would be to adjust my sleep schedule so that my melatonin levels peak between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., as they should, rather than closer to sunrise.
Less caffeine and alcohol
I’ve been more mindful of the types of food I eat at dinner and before bed, doing my best to avoid sugary or spicy foods (which has proven to be the toughest adjustment).
Since I normally wake up feeling groggy after a restless night of tossing and turning, I have come to rely on caffeine to revive myself. I typically have a few cups of coffee in the morning and early afternoon to get me through the day, but lately, I’ve been forgoing all coffee after lunch. I also occasionally enjoyed a glass of red wine before bed, but I’ve since given that up, as well.
Read more: Best Mocktails to Make Before Bed
No more melatonin pills
Another significant change I implemented is avoiding melatonin pills to allow my body’s natural production of melatonin to balance out. Though I didn’t use a melatonin supplement every night, I did take them regularly. I also took them too late in the evening, usually around an hour before bed. Most experts recommend taking melatonin around two to three hours before bed, but some suggest even earlier. According to the University of Michigan’s Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program, it’s best to take melatonin 4 to 6 hours before bed — which I definitely was not doing.
Stopped tracking my sleep
Though it wasn’t included in Thorne’s recommendations, I stopped tracking my sleep with a wearable. I felt it becoming more of a burden as I began to worry about what my tracker would say, informing how I felt based on the poor sleep scores I received. I wanted to let my body and mind decide for itself how it felt.
Read more: Obsessing Over Your Sleep Data Is Keeping You Up. Here’s How to Stop
Reading instead of scrolling
Sleep researchers have been screaming it from the mountaintops: no screens before bed. Thorne also suggested avoiding blue light exposure because melatonin’s natural release is triggered by darkness. The report explains that the “influx of light from an electronic device can alter the normal production of melatonin. Even though your melatonin levels [before bed] tested within normal limits, use of these devices can negatively affect sleep and might temporarily negatively impact melatonin levels and your ability to fall asleep.”
I’ve prioritized reading before bed rather than scrolling mindlessly on my phone. Instead of e-books on my Kindle, I’ve been reading physical books with a reading light that emits a soft, warm glow.
My new bedtime routine makes me feel like a Victorian-Era woman — pre-electricity, sleep tech, screens and melatonin supplements. And I’m loving it.
Duncan1890/Getty Images
Returning to the basics
Since making these adjustments, I’ve already noticed a drastic improvement in my sleep. As expected, there have been some restless nights and groggy mornings here and there, but fewer than before. I’m falling asleep easier and waking up less often throughout the night as my body slowly adapts to going to bed earlier. I haven’t felt as strong of a need to drink coffee later in the day, and I believe (and hope) it’s because my circadian rhythm is slowly returning to normal.
The irony is not lost on me. Thanks to today’s telemedicine technology, I can take a sleep test from home — only for it to tell me that I need to focus on the basics of the human sleep-wake cycle. This indicates a larger conundrum that millions of people face as our technology advances, but our quality of sleep declines. It’s to the point where lack of sleep is now considered a public health epidemic.
According to the 2025 Global Sleep Report by ResMed, most people attain only four nights of good sleep per week, leaving the other three nights unsatisfactory. “It’s a paradox of modern life — sleep quality is falling short even as its value is being increasingly acknowledged,” the report shares.
Thorne advised, “We suggest you follow your diet, exercise and lifestyle recommendations for three to six months and then retest to track progress.” I will continue heeding these guidelines to the best of my ability, paying closer attention to my energy levels in the morning and throughout the day. There are additional ways I plan to address and improve my sleep habits, including Thorne’s suggestions for mindful exercise, meditation and journaling.
As Price explained, this test provides only a snapshot. Retaking it down the road could help build the bigger picture — and thanks to our advancing technology, I don’t even have to leave my house to do so.
Pros and cons of at-home testing
Thorne offers various at-home tests and health panels, including thyroid, menopause, biological age, fertility and gut health. The company also has free online quizzes to determine which supplements are best for you. “At Thorne, we’re focused on pairing testing with solutions. We offer testing as part of a more comprehensive program. We try to figure out the right product or solution that will be useful for you,” Price said.
The advantages of such at-home tests are clear. They offer convenience and privacy, allowing you to manage aspects of your health from home. This can appeal to those with busy schedules or who feel anxious about visiting the doctor. The results are typically returned quickly and can be more cost-effective than scheduling multiple appointments or tests.
Addressing and managing health concerns via telehealth platforms is beneficial for many.
ArtistGNDphotography/Getty Images
On the other hand, visiting your doctor in person can provide a level of professional guidance and support that at-home tests cannot. Most at-home health panel services also offer virtual appointments with providers, so it’s important to take advantage of that rather than trying to interpret results on your own.
Another complication is taking the test correctly and at the appropriate times, which I experienced by taking the sleep test too close to my period.
Learn more: Medicare Telehealth Coverage Ending Soon? Here’s What We Know
The choice ultimately depends on your preferences and the health conditions involved. Always consult your doctor about any concerns you have, whether sleep-related or otherwise, to help determine the best path forward.
CNET experts researched and evaluated Cincinnati’s internet service providers to find the best choices for you, whether you value speed or affordability. If you live in Cincinnati, you mostly have two options when it comes to internet providers: Spectrum and Altafiber. (Though some households can access 5G home internet from T-Mobile, Verizon or AT&T Internet Air.) We tested the available options and recommend Altafiber as the best internet provider in Cincinnati, thanks to its combination of fast speeds and reasonable pricing.
Altafiber also offers the cheapest plan in the area, starting at $35 a month for 100 megabits per second. If speed is your priority, Altafiber also has a 2-gigabit plan for $85 a month. But keep in mind that, ultimately, your choice will depend on which providers and plans are available at your address.
Cincinnati internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Altafiber
Fiber
$35-$85
100-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
N/A
AT&T Internet Air Read full review
Fixed wireless
$60
72-225Mbps
None
None
None
6.9
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
Free modem; $10 router
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible phone plans)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible phone plans)
50-250Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Cincinnati
Hughesnet: If you’re in Cincinnati or its immediate suburbs, you probably don’t need satellite internet. It’s only available at speeds of 50-100Mbps, with prices starting at $50 with a two-year contract and equipment fees.
Starlink: With prices starting at $120 a month and a hefty equipment fee of $349, Starlink outpaces some top fiber and cable internet providers. This satellite provider’s obvious appeal is its accessibility for rural residents, low latency and unlimited data. Plus, Starlink’s new internet option, Starlink Mini, lets you take your internet connection on the go.
T-Mobile Home Internet: Cincinnati residents can access 5G internet from Verizon and T-Mobile. T-Mobile’s home internet service costs $50 to $70 monthly and offers speeds up to 415Mbps.
Viasat: Another major satellite internet company, Viasat’s monthly prices start at $120, and speeds can reach up to 150Mbps, depending on the plan.
Cheap internet options in Cincinnati
Not including the pricey satellite internet options, Cincinnati residents can expect to pay between $35 to $50 for internet service. The most affordable plans in the city come from Altafiber ($35 per month), which offers 100Mbps.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Cincinnati?
Provider
Starting monthly price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Altafiber Fioptics 100Mbps
$35
100Mbps
None
Altafiber Fioptics 400Mbps
$35
400Mbps
None
Altafiber Fioptics 600Mbps
$45
600Mbps
None
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review
$50
500Mbps
$10 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
318Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)
85Mbps
None
Show more (1 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Cincinnati
The best internet deals and top promotions in Cincinnati depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Cincinnati internet providers, such as Altafiber and Verizon, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Some, however, including T-Mobile Home Internet and AT&T Internet Air, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Larry Knupp/Getty Images
How fast is Cincinnati broadband?
With limited options, it’s no surprise that Cincinnati’s median download speeds are low compared with other American cities and even those in Ohio. The Queen City places 90th on Ookla’s list of internet speeds in the nation’s 100 most populous cities, with median download speeds of about 183 megabits per second and upload speeds of about 30Mbps. Not bad, but not great. Thankfully, high-speed internet options are available in the city. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Looking for fast download speeds? Consider Altafiber’s 2,000Mbps plan, available at select addresses, for $85 per month. If that plan isn’t available to you, Altafiber also provides a 1,000Mbps plan for $65 monthly.
Fastest internet plans in Cincinnati
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Connection type
Altafiber Fioptics 2 Gig
$85
2,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
Fiber
Altafiber Fioptics 1 Gig
$65
1,000Mbps
600Mbps
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
Cable
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Cincinnati
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Cincinnati?
For most Cincinnati residents, the choice of ISP will come down to either Altafiber or Spectrum. However, some city residents can access 5G internet from T-Mobile and Verizon. Prices start around $50, and higher speeds are available for those willing to pay up to $100 monthly.
Internet providers in Cincinnati FAQ
Which is the best internet service provider in Cincinnati?
Due to its variety of speeds and affordability, our pick for the best ISP in Cincinnati goes to Altafiber. Residents have reported they are happy with its service, and as a bonus, the company is headquartered in the Queen City. Its 2,000Mbps plan for $85 is a lot of speed for the price.
Yes. It comes from Altafiber, our pick for the best internet service provider in the city. Altafiber’s service comes in various plans, starting at 100Mbps and going up to a speedy 2,000Mbps, with prices ranging from $35 to $85. Altafiber’s plans are competitive on both speed and price compared to the other options in Cincinnati.
If you’re in a rare situation with access to Verizon and T-Mobile’s 5G internet, you have a decision to make. If you want higher speeds, we recommend Verizon. But for a price-for-life guarantee (and other additional perks), T-Mobile might sway you. Check out CNET’s article comparing Verizon 5G Home and T-Mobile Home Internet for more detailed information.
Avengers directors Anthony and Joseph Russo are back for another expensively assembled sci-fi flick, with the release to streaming of The Electric State.
Set in an alternate 1990s where robots have been exiled following a failed uprising, the plot of The Electric State follows orphaned teenager Michelle, played by Millie Bobby Brown, who embarks on a journey across the American Southwest to find her missing brother, Christopher.
Accompanied by a robot named Cosmo and a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt), Michelle uncovers sinister forces behind her brother’s disappearance.
Netflix
Despite its all-star cast and reported $320 million budget, early reviews have been poor. You can make up your own mind by finding out how to watch The Electric State below, and how a VPN could be useful.
Read more: 21 TV Shows on Netflix That Are Perfect for Your Next Binge-Watch
When to watch The Electric State
The Electric State lands on Netflix in the US on Friday, March. 14.
James Martin/CNET
Netflix now starts at $8 a month for its ad-based plan, and goes up to $25 per month for the premium tier. There are two price points for its extra member fees as well, depending on whether your additional member is streaming with ads ($7) or without ($9).
How to watch The Electric State from anywhere with a VPN
Maybe you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Netflix while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to TV shows and movies from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming, too.
A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.
You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are legal in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list such as Surfshark or NordVPN.
James Martin/CNET
If you’re looking for a secure and dependable VPN, our Editors’ Choice is ExpressVPN. It’s fast, works on multiple devices and provides stable streams. It’s normally $13 per month, but you can save money if you get an annual subscription.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose a country where the movie will be streaming. We’ve successfully tested using Netflix and an ExpressVPN server in New York City, so that’s one location you could choose to watch the new film.
Before you open the streaming app, make sure you are connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Netflix on more than one device, you may need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account.
If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.
What is the best internet provider in Bowling Green?
CNET recommends Spectrum as the best internet service provider in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Spectrum covers most of the city and offers the cheapest plan, starting at $30 for 100Mbps. For areas not covered by Spectrum, AT&T Fiber and Stupp Fiber are solid alternatives.
If you’re looking for speed, Stupp Fiber has the fastest option, with its 10,000Mbps plan. However, its coverage is limited and you need to consult the company for pricing details.
Bowling Green internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$245
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
AT&T Internet Read full review
DSL
$60
3-100Mbps
None
1.5TB for most plans
None
7.4
NCTC
Fiber
$65-$95
100-1,000Mbps
$5 router (optional)
None
None
N/A
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$30-$70
100-1,000Mbps
Free modem; $10 router rental (optional)
None
None
7.2
Stupp Fiber
Fiber
$70-Varies
350-10,000Mbps
None
None
None
N/A
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers)
50-250Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Bowling Green
AT&T Internet: AT&T’s legacy DSL network reaches some homes not covered by AT&T Fiber. Speeds depend on your address but may be extremely slow. There are no contracts and equipment is included. There’s a 1.5TB data cap for most plans. Prioritize other types of internet, including cable, 5G home internet or fiber, before settling for pokey DSL speeds.
NCTC: Local fiber provider NCTC (North Central Telephone Cooperative) mostly services areas outside the town’s central region. Plans start at $65 a month for 100Mbps and go up to $95 for 1,000Mbps, with all speeds symmetrical. There’s an option for a $5 monthly router rental. There are no contracts or data caps.
Satellite internet: If you live in a rural area outside of Bowling Green and can’t get Spectrum, fiber or decent fixed wireless, then check into satellite internet from Starlink, Viasat or Hughesnet. It’s on the pricey side for broadband, and speeds may be slow, but it can keep you connected when you live in a remote location.
T-Mobile Home Internet: T-Mobile Home Internet is a viable rival to Verizon 5G Home Internet. Consider it if you’re looking for an alternative to cable. Plans range from $50 to $70 a month for typical download speeds of 87 to 415Mbps. Bundle with a premium phone plan to knock that down to as low as $35 a month. Equipment is included, and there are no contracts or data caps.
Fountain Square in downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Bowling Green
Expect to pay at least $50 a month for home internet unless you bundle a home internet and phone plan through Verizon or T-Mobile. Spectrum’s entry-level 100Mbps plan starts at $30 a month and then goes up by $20 after the first year. If AT&T Fiber or Stupp Fiber reaches your home, then consider paying a little more for symmetrical speeds. AT&T Fiber’s 300Mbps plan is $55 a month while Stupp offers 350Mbps for $70 a month. Check into the federal Lifeline program and Spectrum’s Internet Assist plans if you’re a low-income household.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Bowling Green?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Spectrum Read full review
$30
100Mbps
Free modem; $10 router rental (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
415Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
85Mbps
None
AT&T Fiber Read full review
$55
300Mbps
None
AT&T Internet Read full review
$60
3-100Mbps
None
NCTC
$65
100Mbps
$5 router (optional)
Stupp Fiber
$70
350Mbps
None
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Bowling Green
The best internet deals and top promotions in Bowling Green depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Bowling Green internet providers, like Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, including AT&T Fiber and Stupp Fiber, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Bowling Green broadband?
Bowling Green had a strong showing in a recent Ookla speed test report with a median fixed internet download speed of nearly 266Mbps. That’s faster than the Kentucky state average of about 249Mbps. Bowling Green’s speed reflects the wide availability of cable and fiber options. Regarding speed-demon home internet plans, look to Stupp Fiber’s 10,000Mbps and 6,000Mbps options and AT&T Fiber’s top-end 5,000Mbps plan. Spectrum has a wider reach than either of those fiber providers, so most residents will top out at 1,000Mbps downloads over the cable network.
Fastest internet plans in Bowling Green
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Stupp Fiber 10 Gig
Varies
10,000Mbps
10,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Stupp Fiber 6 Gig
$200
6,000Mbps
6,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review
$245
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Stupp Fiber 3 Gig
$120
3,000Mbps
3,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review
$145
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Stupp Fiber 1.2 Gig
$90
1,200Mbps
1,200Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
NCTC
$95
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Bowling Green
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Bowling Green?
Spectrum is the dominant home internet provider in Bowling Green. It has the widest reach across town, but AT&T Fiber, Stupp Fiber and NCTC are available in some neighborhoods and offer symmetrical fiber speeds with competitive pricing. If you can get fiber, prioritize that. Otherwise, look to Spectrum. Skip AT&T DSL, but consider Verizon or T-Mobile for 5G home internet if you’re not happy with Spectrum and can’t get fiber.
Internet providers in Bowling Green FAQs
What is the cheapest internet provider in Bowling Green?
Spectrum’s introductory deal of $30 a month for the 100Mbps plan is the cheapest widely available wired home internet option in Bowling Green. Consider bundling a phone plan with Verizon 5G Home Internet to bring your broadband price down as low as $35 a month.
Which internet provider in Bowling Green offers the fastest plan?
Stupp Fiber offers a 10,000Mbps plan, but you’ll have to contact Stupp directly to get pricing for your address if the ISP services your home. Stupp also offers a 6,000Mbps plan for $200 a month. Compare that with AT&T Fiber’s top-end 5,000Mbps plan for $245 monthly.
Is fiber internet available in Bowling Green?
AT&T Fiber, NCTC and Stupp Fiber all service parts of Bowling Green. Pricing is competitive with all three, especially compared to how Spectrum’s cable internet rates rise after the introductory discount period.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Bowling Green?
Spectrum has the widest coverage of any wired ISP in Bowling Green. It reaches nearly 84% of homes, according to FCC data.
Best tax filing service for freelancers, gig workers and sole proprietors
TaxSlayer
It’s only been a few months since the last bout of government funding drama in Washington, but with the next funding deadline only a few days away, the threat of shutdown is still in the air, even as temporary measure passed in the House.
The US narrowly averted a government shutdown in December after Elon Musk’s involvement resulted in a continuing resolution proposal being reworked heavily at the last minute. The current funding deadline also came to revolve around Musk, with Democrats seeking provisions to curb his ability to slash the federal workforce via the “Department of Government Efficiency” office. Republicans, conversely, said that they wouldn’t entertain anything that curbed President Donald Trump’s authority.
TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
Despite this stalemate, a vote on a continuing resolution with Trump’s support passed in the House on Tuesday, March 11. It now has to pass in the Senate, where Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on March 12 that Democrats wouldn’t support the bill and said it lacked the votes needed to pass. If it’s passed and signed into law by Trump, the government would remain funded through Sept. 30.
The government has shut down or suffered funding gaps at least 20 times in history, all in the past 50 years. The most recent shutdown lasted 34 days, spanning the end of 2018 into the start of 2019 during Trump’s first term. No shutdowns have happened since then but the threat of one has become increasingly common in the current political climate.
With just a few days left until the deadline, read on to find out what might happen to your tax return during a shutdown. For more tax coverage and tips, find out what Trump’s External Revenue Service means for you and if your state has its own version of the child tax credit.
When is the deadline to fund the government?
Congress has until March 14 to pass legislation to keep the federal government funded and avoid a shutdown. This can be done with either a full federal budget or, as was passed on March 11, a temporary continuing resolution, the latter of which has become more common in a highly polarized Washington.
When is the deadline for filing my tax return?
As it is every year, you have until the end of the day on April 15 to submit your tax return to the IRS. This year, that falls on a Tuesday.
Certain parts of the country affected by recent natural disasters — including floods, hurricanes and wildfires — have had their tax deadlines extended, so make sure to check on the details for your specific area.
Will a government shutdown affect my tax return?
The impact that a government shutdown would have on tax returns is an open question. While there have been shutdowns in the past, not one has ever occurred during tax season.
Typically, a shutdown sees all nonessential government functions stop and the employees involved in those functions furloughed. A 2024 contingency plan released by the Treasury Department claimed that during a shutdown, essential IRS functions would continue but there’s no telling how things would actually play out until a shutdown actually happens.
Speaking with CNET, Tracey Spivey, a partner with accounting firm KPMG, said that in all likelihood, returns submitted electronically during a shutdown should be processed like normal. Returns that contain an error or taxpayers who choose to file via a hard copy could see a delay.
However, Jassen Bowman, an IRS enrolled agent and tax expert, told CNET in an email that delays are likely inevitable in the event of a shutdown, no matter how you handle your return. While he agreed that e-filing would be faster and that major delays would mostly be reserved for returns with errors, he warned that returns that need “human review” might not be sorted until the shutdown was over.
“During past government shutdowns, only ‘essential’ personnel were allowed to work,” Bowman said. “Most of these essential workers are IT staff. So if you e-file a return and choose direct deposit for your refund or pay online if you owe, there should be minimal delays, unless the e-file system flags the return for human review. In that case, the return would not be processed until after the government shutdown. The same holds true for anybody that files a paper return.”
Will a government shutdown affect my tax refund?
Any tax refund you’re set to receive will likely fall under the same possibilities outlined above. A potential delay would depend on how many IRS workers are furloughed during a shutdown but a delay is very likely if you don’t file electronically. Bowman also warned that people claiming certain tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit, could see substantial delays because the IRS typically requires more verification for these credits.
“Returns that claim certain types of credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, tend to be flagged more than other returns due to identity verification requirements and IRS fraud prevention programs,” Bowman wrote. “Legitimate EITC claims are made by the most financially vulnerable Americans and so delays in receiving those refunds can have catastrophic impacts on families.”
What other IRS services would be affected?
Beyond the potential delays in processing returns, Bowman noted, some other IRS services would be impacted by a government shutdown. “The most noticeable impact by consumers will be the shutdown of IRS call centers,” he said. “No customer service personnel will be working, not even at the special numbers for tax professionals. Therefore, it will be impossible to get anything fixed with the IRS.”
Bowman added: “If you’re waiting on a response to a letter, that will be delayed as well. Any scheduled appeals hearings, audit conferences and the like will all be canceled, further dragging out the resolution of any tax problems somebody might be experiencing.”
He said his best advice is to “file your tax return right now if you possibly can and if you have any outstanding IRS issues, call them immediately, before any shutdown occurs. This may not eliminate any future frustrations but it will help minimize the frustration by getting the ball rolling now.”
For more, see what the future might hold if pennies cease production.
Best tax filing service for freelancers, gig workers and sole proprietors
TaxSlayer
Tax season has been underway for about 5 weeks now — and that means we’re just about a month out from the April 15 tax deadline. If you haven’t already filed, you might be spending the next few weeks gathering your important tax documents or trying to decipher your W-2. Even if you’re using tax software or having someone else file taxes for you, you are likely to still run into questions.
While you can call the IRS with questions, you may experience long wait times. Plus, you’re likely to find the answer to your tax questions online at IRS.gov. Below, we break down helpful IRS tools and resources and provide IRS contact information for when you’ve exhausted all the online options and still haven’t solved your problem.
TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
This story is part of Taxes 2025, CNET’s coverage of the best tax software, tax tips and everything else you need to file your return and track your refund.
For more tax info, check out CNET’s taxes cheat sheet and this roundup of important deadlines for this upcoming tax season.
What IRS tools and resources are available online?
CNET
There are many — and free — tools online to help you through your taxes.
Interactive Tax Assistant: A virtual assistant that responds to various inquiries to help you determine whether your income is taxable, whom you can claim as a dependent and what your filing status is.
Get Refund Status: A tool to help you track the status of your tax refund.
Personal IRS account: Create your own account to find information about your prior year’s tax return.
Can I ask the IRS tax questions in person?
The IRS staffs a toll-free hotline, but yes, there are in-person options.
The IRS has roughly 600 local offices nationwide, and if there’s one close to you, you can schedule an in-person appointment. Here’s how:
Select the closest location and choose “Make Appointment.”
Call the office’s appointment phone number to schedule your visit.
When you go to your local office, remember to bring a government-issued photo ID along with your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number.
Can I call the IRS when I have tax questions?
Yes, you can call the IRS with tax inquiries, but before calling be aware that call volumes are often high, so you may experience long wait times to speak with a representative.
You can dial 800-829-1040 for assistance with your tax-related issue. Have the following information ready to verify your identity:
Your Social Security number or ITIN
Your birthdate
Your filing status (e.g., single, head of household, married filing jointly or married filing separately)
IRS phone numbers
There are several IRS phone numbers that address a specific tax question or topic such as checking the status of an amended tax return, and reporting tax scams or phishing. Here’s the breakdown:
IRS Phone Numbers
Purpose
Number
Scheduling an appointment with the IRS
844-545-5640
Locating free tax clinic near you
800-906-9887
Taxpayer Advocate Service
877-777-4778
Interpretation services for Spanish speakers
800-829-1040
Interpretation services for other languages
833-553-9895
Deaf or hard of hearing assistance
800-829-4059
IRS Disaster Hotline
866-562-5227
Requesting IRS to mail paper tax forms
800-829-3676
Ordering a tax transcript
800-908-9946
Checking status of a tax refund
800-829-1954
Self-employed taxpayer assistance
800-829-4933
Reporting phishing or tax scams
800-366-4484
Estate and gift tax law questions
800-829-1040
Victims of identity theft assistance
800-908-4490
Checking status of amended tax return
866-464-2050
Topics the IRS won’t discuss over the phone
There are a few complex tax topics the IRS does not discuss on the phone. These topics include:
Business sale and business depreciation
Capital gains and losses
Commuting
Corporations, exempt organizations and partnerships
Education
Healthcare
International-related tax questions (such as branch profits tax, foreign tax credits and expatriation tax)
Rentals and residential property tax
Trusts
Specific forms
The IRS has a list of resources online to help with each of the above topics. You can also make an in-person appointment with a representative instead of searching online.
For more tax tips, here’s how to get your tax refund up to five days sooner and all the states with tax filing deadlines later than April 15.
The iPhone 16 has been out for about six months, but it’s never too early to speculate what Apple’s next flagship device could look like.
There’s already been plenty of buzz about what we could see with the next iPhone, likely called the iPhone 17, from a slimmer version of the upcoming device to a new screen with a higher refresh rate on baseline models. The camera module could also get a makeover, and reports suggest Apple will overhaul the look and feel of its software with the launch of iOS 19.
Here’s what analysts and leakers predict about the iPhone 17 lineup, which is expected to be announced around September.
A slimmer iPhone
One of the biggest rumors surrounds a possible iPhone “Air,” a thinner version of Apple’s flagship device that would replace the iPhone Plus option. It could feature a 6.6-inch screen, making it slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max but still bigger than the baseline model, according to analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo. Similarly, it’s likely the Air will be more expensive than the baseline 17, but cheaper than the Pro models — maintaining the Plus’ place in the iPhone hierarchy.
To slim down a device, there will need to be hardware trade-offs, and that may include the phone’s camera. It’s possible this version of the iPhone 17 would have only one main camera, Kuo speculates, doing without the ultrawide and 5x telephoto lenses that have been staples of Apple’s premium iPhones for years. This would place the slim iPhone in the same camp as the $600 iPhone 16E when it comes to cameras, as that phone has only one rear lens as well. The good news, though, is that the selfie camera on the iPhone Air could get a boost; more on that later.
Watch this: iPhone 17 Rumors: What Analysts Say Apple Is Doing Next
The iPhone 17 Air will likely feature an A18 or A19-branded chip, Pu suggests. This would reportedly match the chip in the baseline iPhone 17. It could also include 8GB of RAM and the Apple-developed 5G modem, called the C1 chip, which debuted earlier this month on the iPhone 16E.
What remains to be seen is what battery capacity could look like. A slimmer build typically means less space for the battery and, by extension, potentially a compromise on battery life. Hopefully, that’s not the case here, but we’ll have to see.
A higher refresh rate across the board
Rumor has it all models of the iPhone 17 will feature a 120Hz display, bumping the non-Pro models up from their current 60Hz refresh rate. That could be a welcome change, as the discrepancy between the Pro and non-Pro refresh rate is surprising; when Apple debuted the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus with a 60Hz display, there was a bit of an outcry from folks who expected more in 2024. This rumored update could remedy that — and possibly bring the always-on display to the baseline model.
Apple could also upgrade its Ceramic Shield display by using an antireflective material that’s more scratch-resistant, MacRumors reported.
Camera upgrades
James Martin/CNET
It’s not an iPhone release without a camera upgrade, and there have been plenty of rumors on what the camera module could look like on Apple’s upcoming phones. In January, a leaked image from Majin Bu on X suggested the phone could feature a pill-shaped camera bar, essentially resembling what you’d find on Google’s Pixel 9 phone. In February, Majin Bu followed up with CAD renders of what’s said to be the iPhone 17 lineup, featuring horizontal camera bars, as well as larger rectangular bars on the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Front Page Tech also shared iPhone 17 Pro renders in a video last month, depicting a larger camera bar that maintains the lens’ stacked layout. A separate video on the iPhone 17 Air shows a smaller camera bar, with one lens on the left. Time will tell if these rumors end up being reality.
Another rumor is that the selfie camera on all iPhone 17 models, including the Air, will be upgraded to 24 megapixels, Pu reports. That’s a decent bump from the current 12-megapixel front-facing camera on the iPhone 16 lineup, though it’s important to remember that more megapixels don’t automatically mean better photos. Still, given how much people increasingly rely on their front cameras to snap selfies and record videos for TikTok and Instagram, this will surely be a welcome advancement.
iOS 19 could bring a fresh look
Regarding what’s on the inside, Apple is reportedly looking to revamp its mobile operating system with the release of iOS 19. According to Bloomberg, this “includes updating the style of icons, menus, apps, windows and system buttons.” Sources reportedly told the publication that Apple is “working to simplify the way users navigate and control their devices,” and that the design borrows from the Vision Pro’s operating system. For instance, VisionOS features more circular app icons and translucent navigation panels. It’s possible what you’ll see on your future iPhone could more closely mirror this aesthetic.
The software revamp would reportedly extend to iPad and Mac, therefore bringing consistency across Apple’s devices. Bloomberg notes this would be the biggest software shakeup since macOS Big Sur’s release in 2020 and iOS 7’s release in 2013.
Other possible features
The rumors on what frames the iPhone 17 lineup will feature have gone back and forth, but Pu recently suggested the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will all have aluminum frames. He noted that the iPhone 17 Air could be the outlier with a titanium frame.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could have a narrower Dynamic Island, thanks to a smaller Face ID sensor. Dynamic Island on other iPhone 17 models would reportedly stay the same size, Pu has said.
In February, Kuo noted Apple will swap out Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips for in-house chips across the iPhone 17 lineup, stating this would “enhance connectivity across Apple devices.” It’s not yet clear what exactly this would mean, but it would be interesting if Apple’s C1 chip were accompanied by its own Wi-Fi chip too.
We’ll continue to update this piece as more rumors surface, so be sure to follow along.
Check Out the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s Cameras, Display and Colors
Not just any puppet — this amazing 18-inch-tall Stitch toy offers 100 different action and sound combinations. You can use the buttons inside to move his ears and mouth and make his eyes blink, and the sound effects will automatically change based on how you’re using him. He’ll react with different moods depending on whether you make his ears go up and down, and if you pet his head, he’ll react happily. “He might be the best toy to land on Earth this year,” declared CNET’s Bridget Carey.
While lightsabers are (still) a thing of fantasy, a new toy comes close to replicating the real thing without costing a fortune. The $50 Power Saber not only lights up, but it extends on its own, giving the effect of firing up a real lightsaber to battle against a Sith Lord. The sound effects make the experience all the more immersive. You can choose from red or green, depending on what side of the Force your giftee is drawn to. It’s become a go-to gift for CNET’s Russel Holly.
Furby interactive plush toy
Furby is back and better than ever. It comes with five voice modes, a bunch of dance moves and more than 600 unique responses, including phrases, jokes, songs and more. Plus, it can glow in the dark. It can communicate with other Furbies too and is quite huggable. Past concerns about the Furby can be kicked to the curb — there’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, no app and no LCD screen eyes. Basically, it’s more doll than robot, which is a huge plus.
Hex Bots Wall Crawler Gecko
CNET’s Bridget Carey says this won her over “both as a mom and as someone who delights in making my co-workers squirm.” By using a remote — that can be as far as 25 feet away — you can make it scale walls or perform spin tricks, she explains. To charge it, there’s a USB-C port and you’ll need two AAA batteries for the remote.
Read our review here.
If your little one has been begging for a dog and you’re apprehensive about all the responsibility, Dog-E may be the pet for you. Although WowWee’s Dog-E isn’t the first robot dog to hit the toy market, this pup has a bunch of unique features that make it stand out from the pack (no pun intended). Each Dog-E is unique in their colored light designs and personality traits — you won’t know which version you’ve got until it’s out of the box. There are over 200 sounds and reactions to expect with your new robot pup, including real dog sounds, tail wagging and a cute little run. An accompanying mobile app adds further interactive play, allowing you to teach it tricks and track its basic needs.
Read our WowWee Dog-E Robot Dog review.
WowWee Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey
Fingerlings are back, and these finger monkeys are more than meets the eye. Equipped with more sensors, these fuzzy cuties know when they’re on your finger and have more animated features than ever before. Each monkey in the set comes in a different color and personality, which means they’re programmed with a variety of different reactions. Might as well collect them all.
Thames & Kosmos Gecko Run: Marble Run Starter Set
This isn’t just any old marble set. This version is more like a gecko, with suction cups that let the chutes and funnels climb up and down your walls. “Kids drop in the included marbles and watch gravity take its course as they roll down and drop from piece-to-piece,” explains CNET’s Bree Fowler. “Of course, it doesn’t work perfectly each time and marbles go flying, but that’s half the fun and how kids learn; they can adjust the pieces and try again.” Expansion sets are available too and include fun add-ons, like loops and trampolines.
Bitzee Magicals Interactive
Bitzee is a screen-free interactive pet that kids can play with, care for and take with them anywhere. It loves treats and is reactive to touch, swipes and other movement. Each one begins as a baby and grows through three evolutionary stages, culminating in a final stage that unlocks a special game. Twenty interactive animals — like a cat, unicorn and dragon — can be unlocked the more your kiddo plays with Bitzee.
This cool 3D printing pen lets kids create anything they could possibly imagine out of plastic filaments. It’s slim and light, making it easy for small hands to hold, and it’s great introduction to the world of 3D printing. The pen melts sticks of plastic so kids can draw them into any shape, and the nozzle and melted plastic aren’t hot, so it won’t burn little hands. CNET’s Bridget Carey confirms, “I’ve tested it; you can put the tip to your skin and draw on your finger. I had no worries giving it to my kids.”
Loog Mini Electric Guitar
If your child has expressed an interest in playing an instrument, this is a great starter instrument and teaches kids how to play songs via flashcards and video lessons. It’s a three-string guitar, has a built-in amp and speaker and comes in six fun colors, from light blue to red to pink. To make the gift complete, you can also get a strap ($19) and carrying case ($39).
Lexibook Harry Potter Electronic Chess Set
Chess took off among kids a couple of years ago, and it’s still going strong. This chess set makes a great gift for Potterheads who are also chess fans — or aspiring chess fans. The keyboard has light and sound effects and players can choose from 64 levels of difficulty. There’s also a training mode, which lets a player know if the move they just made is a good one and lets them try again.
Moonlite Storytime Mini Projector with Eric Carle Stories
Bedtime stories get a huge boost with this Moonlite Storytime mini projector. It attaches to the flashlight on your cell phone so that you can project each “page” of a story onto the while while it plays sound effects as you read along to your child. The projector is easy to use and gets kids excited about reading and bedtime — win, win. This set includes four Eric Carle classics: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider, Brown Bear Brown Bear and Mister Seahorse.
Watch this: Best Tech Toys (You’ll Want for Yourself) This Year
Best STEM toys
Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Exploration Kit
Snap Circuits are the perfect gift for curious kids. There are over 100 electronic projects possible with this STEM set, which is best for ages eight and up. Build a flashlight, photo sensor, siren and more. The best part is, kids will learn about the fundamentals of electricity as they play.
National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab
All kids love slime. And this STEM kit from National Geographic comes with eight varieties of the substance. Magnetic putty, glow-in-the-dark putty, fluffy slime and color-changing slime are just some of what you can expect to find in this box. There’s education to be found here too, as an enclosed learning guide explores the science behind all this goo.
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
This is an award-winning STEM toy and for good reason. Aside from being a lot of fun, it also requires a lot of critical thinking. Players can choose from 60 different challenges at various difficulty levels, from beginner to expert.
Thames & Kosmos Pinball Machine Maker
Kids who enjoy building will love this DIY kit. They can put together a real pinball machine that uses gumballs as the pinballs. Bonus: This kit isn’t all fun and games — it’s a STEM project in disguise. Lessons in motion, gears, gravity, force and more are embedded in this cool gift.
Best action toys and collectibles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Pizza Fire Delivery Van
Cowabunga! This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Fire Delivery Van brings the Mutant Mayhem fun to life. The van has room for all four turtles and Master Splinter and it comes equipped with a fully functional pizza cannon. Eight pizzas can fit in this handy weapon, which will surely stop Super Fly and his minions in their tracks. And hey, after their battle is over, the gang can snag a pie for a well-earned snack.
Little Live Pets My Baby Monkey
This baby monkey, Mango, is super soft and also interactive. His hands can even grip and hold onto things, like his bottle. But that’s not all — he has over 50 sounds and reactions as your child plays with him.
Mattel Jurassic World Dominion Super Colossal Giganotosaurus
This is the mother of all dinosaur toys. At over three feet long, Super Colossal Giganotosaurus is an impressive play thing. He can gobble up action figures (and luckily, you can rescue them via his belly) and generally wreak havoc. Pro tip: He’s best for ages four and up.
Beast Lab: Shark Beast Creator
This unique experiment-based set is here to save the world. No, seriously: The Beast Lab poses the idea that the only way to protect humanity is with Beasts. Shark Beasts, to be specific. Thankfully, your child will get two in this set — the Havoc Hammerhead and Mayhem Megashark. Adorned with over 80 lights and sounds, and a collection of important ingredients — like Roar Rocks and Fossil Fragments — your kid will mix these oddities together to create the ultimate Beast. Once that’s done, it’s world-saving time. Hey, no pressure.
Best games for kids
Harry Potter Monopoly: A Magical Adventure at Hogwarts
This gift combines two of our favorite things: Monopoly and Harry Potter. It’s ideal for family game night and fun for all ages. It features a Hogwarts-themed gameboard and golden tokens to travel around with, like The Knight Bus and Hogwarts Express.
For more fun tabletop games for kids, be sure to check out our gift guide of our favorite board games to give.
Klask: An Epic Magnetic Battle
If your child is a foosball or air hockey fan, they’ll love this game, which is a combo of both. (And you’ll probably love it too.) Since it comes assembled, put it on any tabletop surface and you can start to play immediately. (When you’ll stop playing is the question.)
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game
If your kids like high-energy card games like Uno, they’ll love this. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is highly addictive and great for game nights. Up to eight people can play at once and everyone takes turns flipping over a card, saying a word — Taco, Goat and so on — while flipping. If the spoken word matches whatever card is being flipped, everyone tries to slap their hand down. The last person to do so has to take the stack. Trust us, it’s fun. CNET contributor Oliver Haslam says, “It might be the most fun I’ve had with a card game since forever, and it made our recent vacation very memorable.”
It’s like Magic: The Gathering, but with everything Disney. This trading card game is easy to learn for kids ages eight and up. And kids who are a little younger can join in with help from an adult. CNET’s James Bricknell ranked it as one of the top family games of the year, saying, “It’s clearly been worked on for a long time, as it feels like a game that’s existed forever. It’s so well-polished.”
Best tech toys
This is a pricey one, but it’s worth putting on your child’s toy list. You can give them hours of entertainment playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart, Zelda, Just Dance or whatever games they’re into. The new OLED model has a sharper, larger screen than the original model. And the Switch is definitely a better console for younger kids than the more expensive Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. We also love that the Switch can be played on a TV or hand-held.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids, 5th Gen
Echo Dot Kids offers all the smarts of Amazon’s Alexa smart assistant, but with parental controls and a cute design. Choose from a dragon or an owl — kids can even customize Alexa’s voice to make it a dragon or owl character. Kids can use it for playing music, setting an alarm, playing interactive games and more. Bonus: The white noise is great for kids who need some extra help sleeping.
GoCube – Smart Cube 3D Puzzle
If you’ve always wanted to know how to complete a Rubik’s cube, but could never get the hang of it, now’s your chance, CNET’s James Bricknell says. The GoCube connects to your phone or tablet and takes you through the steps of solving a cube using “algorithms,” so to speak. “It’s the first time I’ve felt I had a handle on manipulating a puzzle cube without it being completely random,” he says. “Learning a new skill as a dad, especially one that can impress your kids, is always worthwhile — and the app even lets you play battle games with your kids to make it more family-oriented.”
Hot Wheels id Smart Track (Update: Out of Stock)
Playing with Hot Wheels has never been so cool. The Hot Wheels id Smart Track brings speed, stunts and a variety of mini games to the iconic race car brand. The track’s booster can launch cars upwards of 900 mph (at scale), and thanks to the interactive gaming component, you can scan different cars, track speeds and race to your heart’s content. Two exclusive Hot Wheels id cars come with it.
Best building toys
Lego Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Set
Inspired by Nintendo’s iconic video game characters, this toy brings Mario to life. He’s got color sensors, LCD screens in his eyes and his mouth and belly are programmed with over 100 different reactions and movements. Mario must collect virtual coins as he travels through the buildable course. A Goomba figure, Bowser Jr., and seven actionable bricks also come with the set. A mobile app offers further connectivity, giving more ways to play.
This toy is a classic, and it offers endless possibilities of play, which is why our CNET editors love it. Kids can use these magnetic construction tiles for building everything from princess castles to parking garages. And they’ll play with them for years, starting from age 2 up until 5 or 6.
Tiny Land Glow Fort-Building Kit
It’s a fact that kids love forts. And when they’re glow-in-the-dark, it’s’s next-level. With this kit, children can spend countless hours building a variety of structures with the 130 pieces included with it. Caves, tunnels, rockets and houses — the sky’s the limit for what can be constructed. Every parent knows their little one will eventually seek out their own safe space, and a fort is the perfect place for them to get some me-time. Plus, this thing is pretty darn cool.
Lego Disney Stitch Toy-Building Kit
Lilo & Stitch fans will love piecing together this Lego Stitch. Once he’s put together, he can move — his ears go up and down and his head can turn too. Some fun accessories also come with this kit, a buildable flower and ice cream cone for Stitch.
Best toys for toddlers
Sesame Street Elmo Slide!
Sesame Street’s Elmo never goes out of style. This 14-inch tall interactive doll encourages movement and singing and will get your little one up and dancing. Like the Just Play Elmo Plush, your kiddo can press Elmo’s right hand to play a game of “Elmo Says” — a fun, preschool-friendly riff on “Simon Says.” He can also speak in Spanish, as well as in English, which is another bonus.
KiwiCo Bake-a-Cake Stand Mixer
A great gift for pretend play that will keep little hands busy for hours. “My two-year-old loves ‘helping’ me in the kitchen, and she likes it even better when I help her bake goodies with her own KiwiCo stand mixer and accessories,” says CNET contributor Deena Shinn. “We pretend to crack eggs and pour in the sugar to whip up birthday cakes, much to her delight.”
Magna-Tiles Construction Set
This is a great beginner building set for kids who are obsessed with construction vehicles. It’s also a great add-on for kids who already have a Magna-Tiles set. It comes with two extendable cranes, a truck chassis, bricks, and pieces for building a road.
Playfoam Naturals Shape & Learn Letters & Numbers
If you’re not wanting to bring slime into your home, Playfoam Naturals offers a sensory-satisfying product that’s fun to play with. This kit is great for preschool learning and allows your little one to exercise their fine motor skills while learning to squish this plant-based substance into letters and numbers.
What are the top retailers to shop for toy gifts?
The top retailers to shop for toy gifts include Target, Walmart, and Amazon. These stores have large varieties of toys for every age group, and stock toys from top brands such as Hasbro and Lego. GameStop is a good option for toys, figurines and games for older kids. It’s also worth checking out individual toy brand websites, including Lego, Disney, Nintendo and even Mattel, since they often have exclusive items.
Do toy prices go down after Christmas?
Generally, the cheapest prices we see all year for the hottest toys and games are during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. You might, however, see markdowns after Christmas on toys that didn’t sell as well. Stores such as Target and Walmart are likely to mark down toys after Christmas, but it’s usually the leftovers. Some retailers might offer New Year’s discounts, and there are Presidents Day sales in February.
What are great toys for both girls and boys?
First, let’s be clear that any type of toy is good for any kid, regardless of gender. Age and interests are much better starting points when hunting for a gift, because that dictates how complicated the toy can be and helps narrow down the category. That said, there are toys that have had universal appeal among all genders for many decades. Here are just a few:
What is the best internet provider in Chattanooga?
EPB is the best internet provider overall for most households in Chattanooga because of wide availability, simple plan terms and blazing-fast speeds. That being said, Xfinity or AT&T Fiber are also solid picks, depending on what’s available in your area.
We’ve also found the top options if you’re hunting for the lowest prices or the fastest speeds. The cheapest internet in Chattanooga is Xfinity’s offering of 300 megabits per second for $35 a month. The fastest available internet speed in Chattanooga comes from hometown hero EPB, with speeds up to 25 gigabits per second. That’s 25,000Mbps. No, that’s not a typo.
Best internet in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
AT&T Fiber Read full review
Fiber
$55-$225
300-5,000Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
AT&T Internet Read full review
DSL
$55
768Kbps-100Mbps
None
1.5TB (no data cap for 100Mbps plan)
None
7.4
EPB
Fiber
$58-$1,500
300-25,000Mbps
Varies
None
None
N/A
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers)
50-300Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Xfinity Read full review
Cable
$20-$85
75-1,200Mbps
Varies
1.2TB
Varies
7
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available internet providers in Chattanooga
AT&T Internet: AT&T’s legacy DSL network is available across much of Chattanooga, but don’t be tempted unless you can’t get a faster connection. There’s one plan for $55 per month for whatever speed is available at your address, up to 100Mbps. It could be much slower, depending on your location. There are no equipment fees or contracts, but some speed tiers come with a 1.5TB data cap.
Satellite internet: If you live in Chattanooga, you’ll likely pick a wired broadband option over a satellite provider like Starlink, Viasat or HughesNet. However, rural residents with few options may need to check into satellite as one of the only ways to get online. Speeds can be variable and prices high, so check into wired options first.
Cheap internet options in Chattanooga
EPB may dominate the local broadband scene, but it’s not the cheapest provider around. That honor goes to Xfinity’s $20-per-month 75Mbps plan. There are some compromises with that plan. The pricing is only good for a year, and equipment is not included, so you’ll need to bring your own gear or rent a gateway for $15 monthly.
Another way to save on Chattanooga internet is to sign up with Verizon or T-Mobile’s 5G home internet service and bundle an eligible phone plan. That can lower your Verizon home internet price to as low as $35 per month or your T-Mobile home plan to as low as $30 monthly. Even if you’re shopping for bargains, keep value in mind. Heavy internet users may be better off with a $55-$60 per month 300Mbps fiber plan from EPB or AT&T for equally fast uploads and downloads.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Chattanooga?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Xfinity Connect More Read full review
$35
300Mbps
$15 (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans)
245Mbps
None
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans)
100Mbps
None
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review
$55
300mbps
None
AT&T Internet Read full review
$55
100Mbps
None
EPB
$58
300Mbps
$18 (optional)
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images
How to find internet deals and promotions in Chattanooga
The best internet deals and top promotions in Chattanooga depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we frequently look for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Chattanooga internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, including EPB, T-Mobile Home Internet and AT&T Fiber, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Chattanooga broadband?
Chattanooga has adopted the unofficial nickname “Gig City” for its city-wide fiber network. Recent Ookla speed test data shows Chattanooga logging a median fixed internet download speed of 241Mbps, with EPB as the fastest provider. That tops Tennessee’s overall median download speed of nearly 225Mbps. EPB offers some of the fastest residential broadband in the nation, but not everyone needs 25,000Mbps service. Most residents will do just fine at the 300Mbps or gig levels, which have the bonus of being much more affordable. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Fastest internet plans in Chattanooga
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
EPB Gig25
$1,500
25,000Mbps
25,000Mbps
None
Fiber
EPG Gig10
$300
10,000Mbps
10,000Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review
$245
5,000Mbps
5,000Mbps
None
Fiber
EPB Gig2.5
$98
2,500Mbps
2,500Mbps
None
Fiber
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review
$145
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review
$95
1,200Mbps
35Mbps
1.2TB
Cable
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review
$80
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
EPB The Gig
$68
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review
$65
1,000Mbps
20Mbps
1.2TB
Cable
Show more (5 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Chattanooga
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Chattanooga
The final word on Chattanooga internet providers is best expressed by three letters: EPB. EPB’s city-wide fiber network has face-melting speeds and affordable options for people who don’t need 25-gig or 10-gig plans. If budget is a big factor, then you might consider bargain-priced plans from Xfinity starting at $20 per month, but you won’t get the symmetrical speeds of EPB fiber. AT&T Fiber is a decent competitor but isn’t as widely available as EPB. As long as you live in Gig City, you might as well get your gigs from fiber.
Internet providers in Chattanooga FAQs
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Chattanooga?
Xfinity has its work cut out by going up against local fiber provider EPB. Still, based on a bargain-basement promotional price for its 300Mbps cable internet plan, it makes a case for consideration. The plan costs $35 per month, though equipment isn’t included. That pricing is good for a year. After the honeymoon is over, the price goes up.
Which internet provider in Chattanooga offers the fastest plan?
EPB leaves everyone else in the dust with its 25,000Mbps plan for $1,500 per month. You can’t just order it online, though. You’ll need to schedule a residential consultation with EPB first. If that’s more speed than you need, then consider the 10,000Mbps plan for $300 per month.
Is fiber internet available in Chattanooga?
Fiber internet is available to all across Chattanooga through local provider EPB. AT&T Fiber also services some parts of town. EPB’s speeds top out at 25,000Mbps, while AT&T offers speeds up to 1,000Mbps or 5,000Mbps, depending on your location.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Chattanooga?
FCC data points to local fiber internet provider EPB as having the widest coverage in town. Cable ISP Xfinity also covers almost every nook and cranny of Chattanooga.
New season, new me? With daylight saving time having just happened, we now have more daylight to enjoy, along with the beautiful spring weather and blossoming flowers. This new season makes it the perfect time for a fresh start, and a great way to boost your mental health is by trying new hobbies or restarting hobbies you once loved.
Though hobbies aren’t a replacement for professional help, they do offer mental health benefits such as improved mood, a sense of accomplishment and a redirection for negative thoughts. For inspiration, we outlined some great hobbies you can start this spring.
Why are hobbies good for mental health?
Hobbies make you feel good. They help you relax and unwind from your day, with the added benefit of lowering your stress levels and blood pressure. Hobbies can help ease existing depression symptoms and decrease your risk of developing depression by up to 30%.
Ways that hobbies improve your mental health:
Improve neuroplasticity: According to StatPearls, neuroplasticity describes our brain’s ability to adapt its activity and structure by forming and using new synaptic connections. You can think of your brain as a big map — there are many ways to get to your destination, and sometimes you have to change which way you’re going. Hobbies and habits require you to form new neural pathways, which provide new reference points for the brain to recognize.
Reduce stress: Many people use hobbies to decompress from stressful days. When you do something you like, you’re allowing your body to relax and cortisol levels to drop, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure while your mood increases.
Help self-esteem: Everyone likes to complete things. It brings a self of accomplishment that feels great. As you master your hobby more and more, your confidence and self-esteem build.
Everyone is busy. It’s nearly impossible not to feel like you’re bouncing from one thing to the next. But when you feel like you don’t have time to dedicate to your hobbies, remember, they’re good for you.
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
Which hobbies are the best for boosting mental health?
There is no one reigning champ of hobbies for mental health. We’re all different, so we will choose different things to help us relax. What works for you may not yield the same results for someone else. It’s about finding the right hobby that you find value in.
Here are some common options people use to elevate their mental health and why it works.
1. Journaling
Regularly journaling is a powerful tool that allows you to work through feelings and reflect on events you experience. It’s often recommended for those with anxiety, depression and PTSD. You don’t have to write a novel; research has shown that journaling for as little as fifteen minutes daily can help reduce anxiety.
Read more: iOS 17.2: What You Should Know About Apple’s Journal App
You don’t have to search to solve a problem while journaling. It’s also something you can do just for fun. The benefits come either way. Common types of journaling include reflective journaling — which involves writing about your day and what you thought about it — and gratitude journaling.
No matter what type of journaling you choose, it’s a great hobby that allows you to highlight your wins and challenge negative thoughts and feelings.
2. Cooking
Everyone knows that eating can be therapeutic. But so can cooking. Besides the benefits that can affect your physical health, like being in control of the ingredients, there are several reasons why cooking is one of the best hobbies for mental health. It offers a level of emotional relief that other hobbies may not.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, cooking can help you relax and boost your happiness. It’s not hard to see why. With each dish, you feel more self-reliant and confident, not to mention the social connections you can make when serving it to others. And for the record, yes, baking counts too.
3. Spending time in nature
Hobbies that involve going outside — like hiking or gardening — can be great for mental health. Studies show that being in sunlight can help boost the body’s serotonin production. Serotonin is the naturally occurring neurotransmitter that plays a part in regulating our moods, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It’s called the “feel-good” chemical for a reason. When our body produces the right amount of serotonin, we feel happy and calm. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with mood disorders like depression.
So if you’re someone who goes outside, you’re helping your body combat depression without even knowing it. Being outside in nature can also reduce stress and lower your heart rate.
4. Art
When I say art, I’m talking about everything creative you can think of — painting, drawing, sculpting, embroidery and woodworking. The list goes on. No matter where your hobbies fall in the lineup, you get tangible mental health benefits from them.
Art lets you express your feelings and channel your creativity. You may also use it as a way to work through things that are tough to talk about. It’s a tactic used often in art therapy sessions.
Art may also relieve stress and improve self-confidence. You do not need to be “good” at painting to do it. There is no bar to meet for quality. The only thing that matters is that you enjoy what you’re doing.
5. Music
You get a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from playing an instrument. Making something feels good, and your body responds to those positive feelings. But if you’re not musically inclined, don’t worry; listening to music also derives similar benefits by lowering stress and anxiety levels. It also can boost your mood.
Getty Images/Westend61
6. Reading
Reading is the ultimate form of escapism. You can jump into a whole new world and live a thousand different lives — or as many books as you can read. It also happens to be a great hobby if you have anxiety. Reading can help distract you from negative or intrusive thinking you may be experiencing. It also can help lower your heart rate and help you relax.
You’ll get the same benefits from listening to books too. So if you can’t carve out the time to read, try listening while walking your dog or cleaning your house.
7. Strategy games
Strategy games and puzzles — like chess, crosswords and sudoku — are other hobbies that are good for your mental health. Studies have found that strategy games improve brain functioning, problem-solving skills and memory. Puzzle games also can help those with ADHD hone their concentration.
Given their ability to strengthen cognition, strategy games and puzzles may also reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s in older adults. However, experts are divided on whether they are truly a preventative measure or if they help cope with the disease. More research is needed to determine strategy games’ role in age-related cognitive decline.
8. Exercise
Whether you work out alone or participate in team sports, exercise is one of the best hobbies to have — both physically and mentally. When we exercise, our brains flood with endorphins that boost mood, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Exercise is an outlet to let out frustrations and navigate emotions. By exercising, you’re lowering your risk for anxiety and depression. Team sports give you the extra edge by filling up your social meter while moving your body.
T-Mobile is the best internet provider in Boise for most households, according to our CNET experts. It takes the top spot thanks to a combination of affordability, reliable speeds and high customer satisfaction. With limited options in the area, T-Mobile stands out by offering competitive pricing and speeds that meet the needs of most households. Plans start at $50 per month, but eligible mobile customers can get coverage for as low as $35 per month.
Other providers may be worth considering. Sparklight starts at $36 a month for 100 Mbps, though the price rises to $55 after a year. CTC Telecom’s Wilderness Wireless plan is another budget-friendly option at $49 a month, making it the second most affordable in the region. Mobile internet from Verizon can also be a cost-effective alternative, offering stable pricing without the fluctuation of introductory rates.
For those seeking the fastest speeds, Quantum Fiber’s 2-gig plan is the top choice, though it’s only available in select areas. Both Quantum Fiber and Sparklight offer 1-gig plans citywide, but Quantum Fiber stands out with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Customer satisfaction plays a key role in CNET’s ranking, with T-Mobile earning the highest marks, further cementing its position as Boise’s best overall internet provider.
Best internet in Boise, Idaho
Boise internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Download speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
CenturyLink Read full review
DSL
$55-$75
100-940Mbps
$15 modem
None
None
6.7
CTC Telecom/Wilderness Wireless
Fixed Wireless
$76-$134
100-1,000Mbps (varies by location)
None
None
None
N/A
EarthLink Home Internet Read full review
DSL/Fiber
$59-$190
150Mbps-5,000Mbps
None
None
1-year (optional)
6.3
Quantum Fiber
Fiber
$50-$95
500-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
6.7
Sparklight Read full review
Cable
$36-$70 ($55-$85 after 12 months)
100-940Mbps
$14 modem
None
None
6.9
SpeedyQuick Networks
Fixed Wireless
$60-$165
10-40Mbps (varies by location)
None
None
1-year
N/A
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with cellular plan)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 for qualifying Verizon 5G mobile customers)
50-20Mbps (varies by location)
None
None
None
7.2
White Cloud
Fixed wireless
$55-$150
10-200Mbps
Free modem, $8-$12 router
None
None (but installation fee is charged if you cancel before 12 months)
N/A
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data
Other available internet providers in Boise
Satellite Internet: These services are available virtually everywhere. Two options for this type of provider are Hughesnet and Viasat. Most locations we checked for Viasat in Boise topped off at 12Mbps speeds with 35-65GB of data allocation. Prices ranged between $70 to $150 monthly. Unlike Hughesnet, Viasat customers can enjoy their plans without being tied down by contracts. Hughesnet plans will run from $75 to $90 monthly, discounted down to a range of $50 to $65 monthly for the Boise area with available speeds from 50 to 100Mbps. The higher-end $120 plan discounted to $95 combines satellite and wireless internet for lower latency. This also requires a two-year contract and equipment rental or purchase.
SpeedyQuick Networks: This is another wireless provider serving the Boise region, with plans costing anywhere between $60 and $165 per month. Download speeds range from 10 to 40Mbps but will vary based on your address.
White Cloud: This Idaho-based company offers residential internet in Boise. It’s a wireless connection and plans range from $55 to $150 monthly.
CTC Telecom/Wilderness Wireless: This company provides internet service to customers in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. There are no contracts required, but you will need to pay a $129 installation fee. The base plan is $49 per month, and the top-tier plan is $95 monthly. It’s available in the extreme outskirts of the city.
Anna Gorin/Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Boise
Most of the internet options in Boise start around $50 per month. The cheapest internet plan in town is $36 monthly from Sparklight with 100Mbps download speed. That’s a 12-month introductory rate that changes to $55 per month after the promo period ends. The best value for speed in Boise is Quantum Fiber, whose 1-gigabit plan is a monthly fixed price of $75 and is currently priced for life in the Boise market.
How many members of your household use the internet?
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Boise?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Sparklight Read full review
$36 ($55 after 12 months)
100Mbps
$14 modem
Sparklight Read full review
$40 ($60 after 12 months)
300Mbps
$14 modem
CTC Telecom/Wilderness Wireless
$75
100Mbps
None
Quantum Fiber
$50
500Mbps
None
EarthLink Home Internet Read full review
$60
100GB
None
White Cloud
$55
10Mbps
$8-$12 router
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50
245Mbps
None
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data
How to find internet deals and promotions in Boise
The best internet deals and top promotions in Boise depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Boise internet providers, such as Sparklight and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing for a limited time. Others, including Quantum Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Boise broadband?
Boise didn’t distinguish itself too well among the top 100 cities in the US, per Ookla’s most recent speed test data. Boise’s median download speed was just shy of 188Mbps, which was good for 83rd place. That’s not great, but it’s better than the 140Mbps that Idaho scored as a state. Overall, the results you’ll see at home will vary based on your location, equipment, internet connection type and network congestion. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
What are the fastest internet plans in Boise?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Quantum Fiber Internet
$95
2,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Quantum Fiber Internet
$75
940Mbps
940Mbps
None
Fiber
Sparklight Read full review
$70 ($85 after 12 months)
1,000Mbps
50Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Boise
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Boise?
Boise has a good range of internet providers, meeting lots of different customer preferences. You can opt for a cheap wireless plan or go all in on a top-of-the-line fiber plan. Either way, you’re likely to find reliable, fast service for your home in the metro area.
Internet providers in Boise FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Boise?
Our best overall pick for internet in Boise is T-Mobile Home Internet. It has a great mix of perks (no contracts or data caps), and the pricing is simple and affordable. It’s not the fastest or cheapest plan out here, but it’s likely to work for most people.
Yes, but it depends on where exactly you live. Quantum Fiber is likely your best bet and offers some of the fastest fiber plans. Check the Quantum Fiber site to see if it’s available at your specific location.
The cheapest plan in town is Sparklight’s base plan, which is $36 per month for 100Mbps. Expect that price to go up dramatically after the first year. For eligible mobile customers, fixed wireless providers such as Verizon and T-Mobile offer reduced prices on select mobile plans that can drop your monthly bill down by $15 to $25.
Which internet provider in Boise offers the fastest plan?
Quantum Fiber offers the fastest internet plan in the city at 2,000Mbps download speed. However, the upload speed maxes out at 1,000Mbps. This plan is available for $95 a month.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Boise?
Sparklight is the wired internet provider with the deepest coverage in Boise. It’s available to 97% of addresses in the city, according to the FCC’s National Broadband Map.
The start of March means longer days, warmer afternoons and, importantly, spring cleaning. It’s time to hunker down and use some elbow grease to tidy up your humble abode. Pull out your cleaning supplies and your trusty vacuum (or finally invest in a great cordless vacuum) and get to work.
Well, OK… but it can be hard to know where to start when there’s an entire home that needs a deep clean. Lucky for you, CNET has spent years consulting experts and writing up neat hacks and guides for how best to clean and organize every area of your home, from the bathroom and kitchen to your appliances and car. To make things even easier, we’ve compiled the stories into an ultimate cleaning checklist. Scroll on to check it out.
For more CNET cheat sheets, take a look at every Alexa and Google Home tip you need to know, your guide to getting solar at home and this compilation of home sustainability tips.
What are the best cleaning items?
CNET
Our CNET staff has tried out a legion of cleaning products over the years, putting each device to the test. Here are our favorites:
Food residue is gross, so let’s start in the kitchen
You probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. It’s where you do your food prep and likely gather with friends and family. That means it desperately requires a good scrub down, both for your sake and the sake of your company.
And don’t forget your kitchen and household appliances
From the gunk inside your coffee maker to the dusty filters inside your vacuum, you must give your trusty household appliances a good wipe-down at least a few times a year.
Home and kitchen appliances — like your Keurig coffee maker — need to be deep cleaned every so often.
Brian Bennett
Looked inside that toilet? Yeah, that needs to be cleaned
Your bathroom is one of the dirtiest areas in your home. With the frequency of its use, lurking germs and bacteria can spread quickly. That means you need to clean weekly, if not daily.
From your sink and toilet to your bath mats, you need to be regularly cleaning your bathroom.
Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images
Now it’s time for your bedroom and living room
You probably spend the most time in these two rooms, which means they’re prone to getting dirty and dusty quicker. Here’s how to tackle your most-used rooms.
Bedding can collect all kinds of grime, too
It seems simple, but you might be washing your sheets all wrong. Here’s what to know:
If you want an extra deep clean, you can even consider cleaning your mattress.
Just because you don’t see stains or smell an odor doesn’t mean your sheets are clean.
Cris Cantón/Getty Images
Other areas of your home you shouldn’t overlook
Your home is full of nooks and crannies that can collect dust, grime and other filth. Here’s other important areas in your home that need a deep clean.
Did you like this cheat sheet? Check out CNET’s other complete guides:
For some, working out in the great outdoors is much better than being inside. It’s an experience that just can’t be replicated. But what happens when the temperatures drop? As long as you have the right gear, you can keep your workouts outside if you really can’t bear indoor workouts. The most important thing you’ll need is proper insulation. We’ve found the best winter workout clothes, like insulated vests, fleece-lined leggings and more to keep you nice and toasty.
Workout clothes made from breathable fabrics will help you get your sweat on while keeping you warm enough to withstand the dropping temperatures. And whether you’re running, walking or biking, keeping warm is vital. That means wearing the proper layers for those 20°F days and the right attire that stays put during any activity. You’ll also want footwear that can handle all of Mother Nature’s elements. But with all the options out there, knowing which gear is worth buying can be a lot of work.
You’re not alone. This is a question commonly asked on Reddit, with people always searching for the best activewear for the colder months. Redditors suggest gear from brands like Uniqlo, Patagonia, North Face and others. You could also do some looking around in your local discount stores too, if you want a good deal.
After researching the most highly recommended winter attire, I narrowed down my favorite pieces based on brand reliability and customer reviews.
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Winter gear is all about layers; they’re key to keeping you warm on frigid days. The Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew and the Woolies Tech Base Layer Bottoms are intended to be a midweight base layer for all your winter activities. The thermals are made up of merino wool and nylon “Core” Elastane Jersey, allowing you to move freely. The merino wool is moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and odor-free during your most extreme outdoor activities. Reviewers say that these thermals keep them warm during bike rides and runs, and they’re anything but bulky, making them ideal for layering. Some loved these layers so much that they bought extra pairs year after year.
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The Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks are designed to keep you cool in the summer and warm in winter. The socks are made of merino wool, which helps regulate body temperature and keeps your feet dry. The best part is these socks can be worn comfortably whether you’re going on a hike, run, bike ride or trail run. One reviewer raved that the socks handled Portland’s rainy and cold climate well during his runs. Another mentioned that they wear these socks year-round and it’s the only brand they wear.
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Keeping your head and especially your ears covered is important when you’re active in the cold outdoors. Smartwool’s Merino 250 Reversible Headband offers proper coverage of the ears and head and is designed for all genders. It is made up of double-layered merino wool, making it ideal for being active during low temperatures. Some reviewers say they use this headband during skiing and snowboarding, while others have worn it while hiking and running. One person said they turned to outdoor running during the pandemic and this headband withstood the cold winters of Chicago.
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These wraparound sunglasses are ideal for any of your favorite winter activities. Although the lenses are big, the glasses are lightweight and have a nose pad, so they sit comfortably on your nose. These glasses look best on oval, heart-shaped and round faces. Reviewers share that these stay put while cycling, hiking and doing other winter sports. A few people mentioned that the sunglasses are also versatile enough to use in the summer and can be used while playing sports such as volleyball and baseball.
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The right leggings can make your winter activities more enjoyable and remove the worry of freezing while spending hours outdoors. Title Nine’s Crash 2.0 Polartec Tight is made with Polartec fleece designed to keep you warm and chafe-free. You can buy the tights in a solid or striated color. Women who reviewed these tights across the board agree they keep them warm and dry during the coldest and wettest weather.
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If you’re looking for a puffer vest that isn’t bulky yet is still functional, Lululemon’s Another Mile vest fits the bill. The stretchy vest is intended to be worn during winter activities and is designed to move with you. The water-repellent material also keeps you dry no matter the elements outside. Reviewers share that the vest is the perfect layer to keep them warm even when wearing a sweatshirt. One reviewer said it kept her warm when she wore it while playing tennis and cycling. One thing to keep in mind is that it runs small, therefore it’s best to size up.
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When you’re planning on going winter camping or hiking and need a reliable base layer, the IcebreakerBodyFit 200 Oasis leggings are a great choice. They are made up of merino wool to keep you dry during your long winter excursions. It’s soft, comfortable and was designed to move with you and the slim fit makes it easy to layer. Reviews across the board say that these thermals are the best all-around for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and running, and even those frigid days when you just need an extra layer.
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The Saucony Fortify Convertible Gloves are a good choice if you’re looking for unisex gloves. They’re convertible, which means you can wear them as five-fingered gloves or mittens. The wind mitt is tucked into the backhand pocket and can be worn as an option for especially cold weather. These gloves are midweight, plus wind- and water-resistant. Reviewers say using a smartphone is easy even with the mitten on. Other reviewers say that if your hands tend to run hot, these gloves are a good option for winter activities because they’re not overly warming. One buyer pointed out that these gloves may not be the best option for days colder than 30 degrees, however.
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If you’re looking for classic sunglasses that will stay on during your run, Goodr’s OG Unicorn’s Calamity sunglasses will fit your needs. The nonreflective glasses won’t slip or bounce during your most rigorous activities. The lenses offer 100% UV400 protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reviews show that the majority of buyers are satisfied with this classic set of sunglasses, which are ideal for all forms of outdoor activities, especially running. Some reviewers say they loved their first pair enough to buy more Goodr styles.
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Under Armour is known for winter gear that keeps you warm during even the harshest of wintry elements. Its ColdGear Reactor Performance Hybrid will keep you insulated and prepared for those early morning runs, hikes, cycling sessions and more. The jacket is breathable and lightweight, so it doesn’t feel bulky. One reviewer recommended wearing thermals under this layer on days that are below 30 degrees, and another said they liked that this item is a hybrid between a hoodie and a jacket. Other satisfied reviewers said the jacket kept them warm during their winter runs and golf games.
This jacket is getting a little hard to find in stock, but we found a few different colors on Amazon. The remaining sizes and prices depend on the color.
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The Thermajohn Long Johns Thermal Underwear are form-fitting with a fleece-lined base layer for heat retention, and they’re also soft and comfortable. They’re also made with a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that won’t let you overheat. And since these also have four-way stretch, you can freely move around in them without worrying about chafing or bunching. They’re also a good option for those who need to layer up. Reviewers are quite happy with the fit and comfort of these leggings, with a 4.6 star rating from almost 55,000 reviews.
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If you don’t let winter elements, including snow, stop you from being active, then you need the right footwear. The Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX are a good choice for men and women who want shoes with the right amount of stability and grip for exploring the most uneven terrains. They also have Gore-tex waterproof protection, so you don’t need to worry about it getting wet either.
Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Did you watch the Oscars last week? Think about that when you’re solving today’s NYT Strands puzzle. If you need hints and answers, put on your tuxedo and read on.
I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far
Hint for today’s Strands puzzle
Today’s Strands theme is: Two thumbs up.
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: I’d like to thank the Academy.
Clue words to unlock in-game hints
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:
These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you’ve got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:
CODA, PLATOON, PARASITE, MOONLIGHT, SPOTLIGHT.
Today’s Strands spangram
The completed NYT Strands puzzle for March 8, 2025, #370.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Today’s Strands spangram is BESTPICTURE. To find it, start with the B that’s three letters to the right on the top row, and wind down and then up.
Quick tips for Strands
#1: To get more clue words, see if you can tweak the words you’ve already found, by adding an “S” or other variants. And if you find a word like WILL, see if other letters are close enough to help you make SILL, or BILL.
#2: Once you get one theme word, look at the puzzle to see if you can spot other related words.
#3: If you’ve been given the letters for a theme word, but can’t figure it out, guess three more clue words, and the puzzle will light up each letter in order, revealing the word.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, aka GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide — better known as Ozempic — have recently gained popularity globally, not just for managing type 2 diabetes but also due to their weight loss benefits. This increase in popularity is mainly due to celebrity endorsements and the power of social media. According to a research letter published in August 2024, between January 2021 and December 2023, the number of semaglutide fills increased by 442%. Ozempic accounted for over 70% of those fills.
Beyond type 2 diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 agonists can also help lower blood pressure, improve lipid disorders, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. With such advantages, the demand for GLP-1 agonists continues to grow, making them one of the most talked-about treatments today.
What are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 agonists, also known as incretin mimetics, are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity.
“The glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the small intestine which triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. This process helps to regulate blood sugar levels,” said Angela Haynes-Ferere, associate professor at Emory School of Nursing in Atlanta. “The GLP-1 agonist mimics the action of this naturally occurring hormone. After eating, blood sugars will rise, and these medications cause the pancreas to release more insulin which helps to lower blood sugar.”
In addition to helping people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, this medication reduces one’s appetite. It also slows the digestive process so patients report feeling full with less food intake. This results in weight loss for many users, but it varies based on many individualized factors, said Haynes-Ferere.
According to Cleveland Clinic, most of the GLP-1 agonists are available as liquid medication that needs to be injected under the skin, except one that is available in tablet form (Rybelsus).
A few generic and brand names of GLP-1 agonists, according to the Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes, include:
Dulaglutide, marketed as Trulicity
Exenatide extended-release, marketed as Bydureon
Exenatide, marketed as Byetta
Lixisenatide, marketed as Adlyxin
Liraglutide, marketed as Victoza
Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic
Semaglutide oral, marketed as Rybelsus
Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro or Zepbound (a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist)
Each brand has its own recommended dosage and frequency of intake. Some may be taken once daily, while others are used weekly. You must consult your doctor to understand what dosage and frequency best suit you.
Potential GLP-1 agonist benefits
“In addition to controlling blood sugar and reducing obesity, these medications have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve kidney function,” said Haynes-Ferere. Anecdotally, individuals are reporting reduced smoking, gambling, alcohol intake and drug use, she noted.
“Studies have shown benefits in worsening kidney disease, heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity,” says Dr. Leon Jons, a weight management specialist and clinical associate professor of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism at Carver College of Medicine in Iowa.
According to Cleveland Clinic, other benefits of GLP-1 agonists may include:
Delaying the progression of diabetes-related nephropathy or diabetes-related kidney disease, aka DKD
These benefits not only make GLP-1 agonists effective for managing type 2 diabetes but also contribute to better cardiovascular health. However, the effect of GLP-1 agonists varies from one person to another. Always talk to your doctor to understand how GLP-1 agonists may benefit your specific condition.
athima tongloom/Getty Images
GLP-1 agonist side effects and risks to consider
For some patients, the speed of weight loss can lead to the undesired cosmetic effect of a gaunt face (colloquially called “Ozempic face”), particularly in patients with less skin elasticity, said Haynes-Ferere. She added that regular exercise with weight training can help preserve muscle mass and maintain a healthy appearance.
The medications’ side effects are predominantly related to the gastrointestinal system — for example, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or belching. For most patients, these effects are mild and resolve over time. For some, the side effects can be severe, and patients would need to stop the medication, Jons said.
Other common side effects of GLP-1 agonists, as reported in a National Library of Medicine article, include:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Mild tachycardia (increased heart rate)
In some cases, minor episodes of hypoglycemia may occur. “Hypoglycemia would be extremely rare and is more likely to occur in patients who are also taking other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar too much,” said Dr. Troy Mensen, a family medicine doctor based in the Chicago area and member of the CNET medical review board. Cleveland Clinic reports that hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. If left untreated, it may become life-threatening. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include shakiness, weakness, nausea, difficulty concentrating and dizziness. Consuming sugars or carbohydrates can treat hypoglycemia.
Also, doctors do not recommend GLP-1 agonists to pregnant people since it may pose a threat to the developing fetus. Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Who should take GLP-1 agonists?
Doctors primarily recommend GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, GLP-1 agonists are not the first choice of treatment. Metformin, an oral medication, remains the first choice for managing type 2 diabetes. However, doctors may recommend GLP-1 agonists if you:
Cannot tolerate metformin
Are unable to lower your blood sugar levels with ongoing medications even after three months
Experience complications due to other conditions such as heart failure, atherosclerosis or chronic kidney disease
Cleveland Clinic reports that doctors may also recommend two GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and liraglutide, for treating obesity. Dr. Mensen adds that tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound), a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, may also be recommended.
“Based on the fact that each individual experience with this medication is different, the patient should work with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan and goal for overall well-being,” said Haynes-Ferere.
Additionally, GLP-1 agonists such as dulaglutide, semaglutide and liraglutide have been shown to provide cardiovascular benefits. Doctors may also recommend these GLP-1 agonists to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The recommended frequency of intake for commonly prescribed GLP-1 agonists includes:
Dulaglutide: Weekly
Exenatide: Twice daily
Exenatide extended-release: Weekly
Liraglutide: Daily
Semaglutide: Weekly
Tirzepatide: Weekly
Semaglutide tablets: Daily
Douglas Cliff/Getty Images
Who should not take GLP-1 agonists?
Although GLP-1 agonists can help to effectively treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, they may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor may avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have:
Family history of medullary thyroid cancer: This rare thyroid cancer has been linked to the use of GLP-1 agonists in rodents. Your doctor may avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or MEN2: A rare condition characterized by tumors in endocrine glands. Doctors may avoid prescribing GLP-1 agonists if you have been diagnosed with or have a family history of MEN2 since they can stimulate abnormal cell growth.
Pregnant people: Doctors may not recommend GLP-1 agonists to pregnant people since it can pose a risk to the developing fetus.
History of pancreatitis: Doctors most often avoid GLP-1 agonists in people with a history of pancreatitis since GLP-1 agonists may increase the risk of fatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis.
Inflammatory bowel disorders or gastroparesis: GLP-1 agonists slow gastric emptying and may worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disorders.
GLP-1 overdoses and important info to remember
GLP-1 agonists are prescription medications and should be taken only under the supervision of your doctor. Following the recommended dosage can help to prevent overdoses. According to America’s Poison Centers, an overdose of GLP-1 often causes similar symptoms to side effects:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Constipation
However, the duration of these symptoms may be longer. In severe cases, you may also experience dehydration and hypoglycemia, which may require immediate medical attention.
You must double-check the dose before taking the medication and set a reminder for the next dose to prevent the risk of overdose.
Carolina Rudah/Getty Images
When to contact a doctor
You must contact your doctor if you’re experiencing serious side effects after using a GLP-1 agonist, such as:
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Increase in heart rate
Shaking or trembling
Also, consult your doctor first if you think the medication is not working for you or if you’re considering not continuing the medication.
Additionally, scheduling regular follow-ups with your doctor while you’re on GLP-1 agonists is important. These follow-ups help monitor your blood glucose levels and determine if any dosage changes are necessary. Regular follow-ups can also help doctors monitor signs of hypoglycemia, renal disease, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
The bottom line
GLP-1 agonists are medications that primarily treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, recent studies suggest they can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve lipid disorders. Several brands are available, each having their own dosage guidelines. However, GLP-1 agonists may not be suitable for everyone. You must talk to your doctor to understand whether you should take GLP-1 agonists for your condition.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword has some weird clues and answers. I still keep looking at 2-Down, because even though I know the sound it makes, it looks odd spelled that way. 6-Down is also a weird one, and this puzzle is just crammed full of the letters E and H. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for March, 7 2025.
9A clue: Call of Duty: Black ___ (video game series) Answer: OPS
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Roxie ___, lead character in “Chicago” Answer: HART
2D clue: “Nope” Answer: UHUH
3D clue: Camera attached to a ski helmet, perhaps Answer: GOPRO
4D clue: What “ZZZ” can mean Answer: SLEEP
6D clue: The middle of “middle” Answer: DEES
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
The second season of Severance has found its new footing with a first-ever adventure into the great outdoors for the severed employees at Lumon.
The shocking conclusion to the Outdoor Retreat and Team Building Occurrence of episode 4, Woe’s Hollow, marks a turning point for the vaunted Apple TV Plus series. Wherever the second season goes from here, it will likely be as wild as the goats (and their tenders) in Mammalians Nurturable.
Irving, played by John Turturro, looks at the camera in astonishment at the beginning of the fourth episode of Severance season 2.
Apple TV Plus
The unsettling and irresistible dystopian TV drama Severance follows Mark Scout (Adam Scott) and his Macrodata Refinement department colleagues at a fictitious biotech company called Lumon Industries. The employees on their “severed floor” have undergone a brain surgery that permanently separates their work and personal lives — when they’re in the office, they have no recollection of their lives outside and vice versa.
The riveting commentary on work-life balance (or lack thereof), has been buttressed by strong acting performances, understated yet memorable characters and a focused storyline.
Read more:
NYT Connections for March 7 Includes Easter Eggs for Severance
Season 1 of Severance ended on such a compelling cliff-hanger that the first two episodes may have needed to slow down a bit to explain everything and set the scene again, but episodes 3 and 4 punched the series into overdrive. Learn everything you need to know about the second season of Severance, including how to watch with a VPN.
How to watch Severance 2 on Apple TV Plus
The first four episodes of Severance season 2 are now available to stream on Apple TV Plus. There will be 10 episodes this season, each released weekly on Friday. If the conclusion of episode 4, Woe’s Hollow, is any indication, the remaining episodes are likely to leave viewers on the edge of their seats between airings.
Here’s the episode release schedule for Severance season 2:
Episode 9: The After Hours will air Friday, March 14
Episode 10: Cold Harbor (season finale) will air Friday, March 21
You also now have the option to access Apple TV Plus through another streamer: Prime Video. The retail and tech giants have struck a deal to offer Apple’s streaming service as a $10 monthly add-on for Prime Video customers. That can give the platform added visibility and make it easier to access — therefore simplifying the process of bingeing Severance season 2 (or whatever you’re watching).
Also, some good news for those with an Android device: the Apple TV Plus app is now available to download on the Google Play store.
James Martin/CNET
Subscribe to Apple TV Plus for $10 a month. If you’d like to give it a try before committing, you can sign up for a seven-day free trial. And if you’ve bought a new Apple device, you’ll get three months of Apple TV Plus free, as long as you redeem the offer within 90 days.
How to watch Severance from anywhere with a VPN
What if you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Severance while away from home? With a VPN, you can virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the series from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.
A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.
You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are legal in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list such as Surfshark or NordVPN.
James Martin/CNET
ExpressVPN is our current pick for the most secure and reliable VPN service. It’s fast, works across multiple devices and offers stable streams. ExpressVPN is normally $13 a month, but you can save money with an annual plan. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of ExpressVPN.
Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation and choose a country where Severance is streaming on Apple TV Plus. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Severance on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Apple TV Plus to stream.
If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.
Watch this: Tim Cook Stars in Severance Season 2 Promo
The first quarter can be just as overwhelming as the end of the year. Between tax season, work deadlines, and the pressure to stick to New Year’s resolutions, stress levels can run high. Even one of these factors can feel like a lot to handle — together, they can be downright exhausting.
In fact, a recent study by the National Library of Medicine stated that at least one in three Americans had suffered anxiety disorders in their lifetimes — and it’s worsening due to healthcare and financial burdens. We even have our own recent survey of US adults proving 93% of Americans are worried about inflation — which may be adding to this anxiety pandemic.
This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.
While you’re probably familiar with common anxiety symptoms like feeling restless, fatigued or irritable, a panic or anxiety attack can cause more intense symptoms like nausea, an increased heart rate and chest pain. According to another 2018 study, in 30% to 40% of patients seen in the emergency room for low-risk chest pain, anxiety is the cause. However, telling the difference between a heart attack and chest pain caused by anxiety can be challenging, especially if you’re in the midst of an anxiety attack.
Let’s discuss more about how anxiety affects the body, as well as the difference between an anxiety attack and a heart attack. We’ll also provide some tips for dealing with chest pain caused by anxiety.
Chest pain is a common symptom of panic attacks. Tightness in the chest caused by anxiety can present in several ways. For some, the onset of chest discomfort may be gradual, while others may feel it very quickly.
If you haven’t experienced tightness in the chest from anxiety, it can be an alarming experience. For many, the symptoms seem very similar to a heart attack. While they are similar, there are significant differences between the two.
SDI Productions/Getty Images
4 ways to get rid of tightness in the chest from anxiety
Getting rid of chest pain can be difficult at the moment. However, these simple tactics can help you regain control over the situation.
1. Recognize what’s happening
When you are experiencing anxiety or panic attack symptoms, it’s important to recognize they are happening and accept them — it will help you work through what you are experiencing. Recognition can also help you determine what decisions to make about the situation. If you realize you’re overstimulated, you can remove yourself from the situation to manage symptoms.
2. Focus on your breathing
Calming breathing exercises can help neutralize the shortness of breath or increased heart rate symptoms associated with anxiety. Focusing on breathing can help you end the stress response. You should expect it to take a few minutes of intentional breathing to feel relief. You can use breathing exercises and techniques anywhere, as often as needed.
Common breathing exercises for anxiety:
4-7-8 breath: This simple yet effective breathing technique can reduce stress. To perform 4-7-8, inhale for four counts, hold the breath for seven counts and exhale for eight counts.
The box breath: Box breath is used to slow your breathing. Start by exhaling fully, inhale four counts, hold for another four counts, then exhale for another four counts. Repeat the process three to four times.
Belly breathing: Also known as diaphragm breathing, bellying breathing offers a deep sense of relaxation. To practice, place your left hand over your heart and then your right hand over your belly. Inhale slowly and feel your belly expand. Then exhale slowly and feel your belly contract.
10’000 Hours/Getty Images
3. Use the 3-3-3 technique
Sometimes, you’re able to catch anxiety symptoms creeping up. You can use the 3-3-3 anxiety technique to curb physical symptoms. Using this technique can help you feel grounded and more in control. It’s simple to do and an effective way to distract yourself from triggers that may be causing anxiety and redirect your focus.
Here’s how to use the 3-3-3 rule:
1. Name three things that you can see around you. Focus on what they are and take note of identifying characteristics like their color and texture. 2. Next, name three things you can hear. Are they high-pitched or loud? 3. Finally, choose three parts of your body to move.
4. Seek therapy
Short-term techniques to help you manage anxiety symptoms at the moment are essential. However, they don’t treat the underlying cause of your anxiety. When anxiety attacks or chest pain from anxiety symptoms becomes a regular occurrence, it’s time to speak with a doctor. Working with a therapist and cognitive behavioral therapy will be able to help identify triggers and equip you with adequate coping methods. Coping techniques will help you feel more confident and in control of the situation, which can lessen symptoms. CBT uses multiple techniques to identify and reprogram negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety.
What’s the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack?
Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate anxiety chest pain from other types of chest pain, especially if you’re predisposed to heart attacks or other cardiac conditions. Heart attacks result from blockages in the coronary artery.
The most significant and identifiable difference between tightness in the chest from anxiety and a heart attack is the location of the pain. Most often, pain and tightness from anxiety are located in the chest while heart attack pain travels to other parts of the body — like down your arm or to your shoulder. How you experience chest pain is also different. Anxiety chest pain tends to feel sharper, while heart attack chest pain has been described as uncomfortable pressure or tightness. Another important difference is when these attacks occur — heart attacks are more likely to occur during exertion, whereas panic attacks frequently happen during rest.
If you’re experiencing chest pain, it’s best to seek medical treatment, even if it’s associated with anxiety. It’s better to know and address your anxiety than risk it being something more serious that goes untreated.
What’s the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?
The terms panic attack and anxiety are often used interchangeably, though they are two very different experiences, especially when discussing chest pain. Daily anxiety typically doesn’t usually result in chest pain for most people. Panic and anxiety attacks are more severe and can be debilitating while they are happening. Tightness in the chest is one of the most common symptoms of a panic attack or a panic disorder.
Another distinction to make is between an anxiety attack and a panic attack. Anxiety and panic attacks are similar, though anxiety attacks are generally less intense and brought on by a specific trigger. Panic attacks can occur with seemingly no source. Panic attacks can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The duration and frequency will depend on the severity of your panic disorder.
Too long; didn’t read?
Tightness in the chest anxiety can be alarming, especially if you’ve never experienced it. In-the-moment techniques such as deep breathing and the 3-3-3 rule can help but not solve the issue. When anxiety or panic attacks are the sources of your chest tightness, it’s best to treat the underlying cause of what is making you anxious.
You should see a medical doctor immediately if:
The tightness in your chest lasts longer than 10 minutes.
The pain begins to radiate out from your chest and into your arms.
Our team of sleep experts has taken many mattresses into the CNET mattress testing facility to find the best mattress brands. If you’re one of the six in ten US adults willing to invest for better sleep, we found what’s worth the money and what isn’t. To find the most comfortable mattress, we test everything from firmness and edge support to motion isolation and overall comfort. From innerspring mattresses to latex mattresses and everything in between, we’ve put them to the test.
While we’re always excited to test new mattress brands, certain brands consistently top our must-try list. If you’re planning to upgrade your sleep experience in the new year, we’ve rounded up our favorite mattress brands to help you create the coziest bed possible. Here are our top picks and what makes each one special.
Note: All prices below are the MSRP for queen size mattresses. You may find them cheaper on the website.
Cole Kan/CNET
Read more: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How We Test Mattresses
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“The bed-in-a-box movement took the world by storm over eight years ago, and DreamCloud immediately stole a piece of my heart. The first DreamCloud mattress I tested in 2017 was the brand’s flagship model, which gave me the luxurious feel at the affordable price I was looking for. I’ve since graduated to a king-size but still have DreamCloud in my guest room for all to experience.” — Dillon Payne, director of video production
Over the years, DreamCloud Sleep has expanded its offerings. It now has three collections of mattresses: DreamCloud, DreamCloud Premier and DreamCloud Premier Rest, each with your choice of hybrid or all-foam mattress. If you are on a tighter budget but are looking for a responsive, luxurious mattress, DreamCloud could be a great option.
Dillon’s favorite DreamCloud mattress overall is the DreamCloud Premier. He enjoys its cushioning yet responsive memory foam feel and plush cloud-like cover. Landing around a medium firm, this bed provides plenty of spinal support to prevent back pain for back sleepers like him.
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As one of the original bed-in-a-box brands, you’ve likely heard of Purple. Its beds feature a breathable and moldable GelFlex Grid, creating a distinct feel that people tend to either absolutely love or strongly dislike.
“I love to test Purple products because they are all so unique thanks to the hyper-elastic polymer material Purple uses. No other brand has anything quite like it, and Purple seems willing to push the envelope with its mattress design and make mistakes. Thinking back to Purple’s original pillow, it was just a huge, 10-pound slab of polymer that not many people liked, but it was an interesting idea!” — Owen Poole, senior video producer
Owen’s all-time favorite Purple mattress was the Purple Hybrid Premier 3, which is no longer in production. He still particularly enjoys its replacements, the Restore Plus and Restore Premier.
“The Purple Restore Premier has unique foam-tipped coils that I have only seen on one other mattress. In combination with the GelFlex Grid, the design makes this mattress one-of-one,” says Owen.
Owen is such a fan of Purple that he slept on the Purple Hybrid Premier mattress for five years, which says a lot for a sleep expert and mattress reviewer with access to dozens of other beds.
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When it comes to mattress company policies, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more generous brand than Nest Bedding.
“I appreciate that Nest offers a 365-night trial and a unique lifetime renewal exchange program that I haven’t seen with other brands. If you find that you need a different firmness level or it’s time for a refresh, Nest will send you a comfort layer replacement rather than having to get an entirely new mattress.” — JD Christison, senior video producer
Nest Bedding started in 2011, and its US-manufactured mattresses have high-quality, certified clean materials. “Nest offers a nice range of comfortable, premium mattresses at a competitive price point,” he explains.
JD’s all-time favorite bed from Nest Bedding is the Sparrow Signature Hybrid. He enjoys its super plush pillow top feel and the fact that it’s available in three different firmness levels. Learn more about the Nest Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress and why we selected this bed as the best for couples in our best mattresses of 2024 list.
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“Leesa actually listens to its customers about what they want to see improved for future beds. Each time Leesa releases a new mattress, it’s been better than before. As a brand, I also really like that Leesa donates beds to children and families in need.” — Dillon Lopez, senior video producer
The donation program Dillon refers to is part of Leesa’s social impact efforts. To date, Leesa has donated over 40,000 mattresses to those in need and partners with US nonprofits dedicated to improving communities nationwide.
Dillon’s all-time favorite Leesa bed is the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid. As a side sleeper, he prefers the plush version, which offers ample pressure relief for his shoulder and hip. It features a cool-to-the-touch cover and over 1,000 coils for enhanced durability.
Watch sleep experts Dillon Lopez, Owen Poole and Caroline Igo interview Jen Pressley, Leesa’s chief marketing officer, at the 3Z factory to learn more about the brand.
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“Helix is an impressive brand, and I jump at the chance to test any of its beds. It has seven different mattresses, each available in three versions. While this may seem overwhelming, the brand has its line broken down into soft, medium and firm and then into mattresses for side sleepers, back and stomach sleepers and tall and heavy sleepers,” Caroline explains.
Whether you sleep alone or with a partner, Helix offers a sleep quiz to help you determine which mattress best suits your needs based on your sleeping positions and preferences.
Helix’s high-quality beds frequent our best lists. For example, the Helix Sunset Luxe was chosen as the best mattress for pressure relief, and the Helix Plus was awarded the best mattress for heavier couples.
“Even though I’ve had the opportunity to tour the 3Z mattress factory, test all the Helix beds and see how they are made, I’m fairly confident that I would come to the same conclusion — the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is the one for me. It has a plushy foam pillow top, feels comfortable when I’m on my side and my stomach and is around a medium. I like a softer mattress, but my boyfriend likes a medium to medium firm mattress. This bed is a great common ground for us and should be for other couples, too.” — Caroline Igo, sleep editor
Brooklyn Bedding is another brand that frequently appears on our best lists. In fact, it’s currently in the No. 1 spot as our best mattress overall. Brooklyn Bedding focuses on quality construction and puts a huge emphasis on durability and longevity — all while offering the beds at a more affordable cost. After factoring in Brooklyn Bedding’s frequent discounts, you can snag a queen-size Signature Hybrid mattress for just under $1,000, which we think is an excellent value for a bed of such high caliber.
“Brooklyn Bedding is my favorite brand because it makes reliable beds at a good price. Mattresses are expensive, so you want to put your money where you’ll get the most value, and for me, that’s always Brooklyn Bedding. From the Signature Hybrid to the Aurora Luxe, you know you’re getting a bed that will stand the test of time.” — Taylor Leamey, senior writer
The Signature Hybrid is Taylor’s favorite Brooklyn Bedding mattress. It’s a simple yet durable and reliable hybrid bed with a neutral foam mattress feel that comes in three firmness options, so it can comfortably accommodate pretty much any body type and sleeping position.
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When our sleep experts think of original bed-in-a-box companies, Casper comes to mind. Over the years, Casper has used feedback from real customers to improve its mattress quality and construction. Recently released, Casper’s new line includes beds boasting cooling technology that actually makes the mattress cover cool-to-the-touch for those who sleep hot — a claim many brands make for their beds but rarely deliver on.
“Casper always seems to be pushing to develop new and improved mattresses. I’m also a big fan of Casper’s accessories and enjoy trying everything from its mattresses to bedding like sheets and pillows.” — Wes Ott, senior video producer
Casper offers multiple mattress options at various price points and different feels and firmness levels, ranging from dense memory foam to a neutral hybrid construction.
“I like my mattress to have a soft, neutral feel like the Casper Dream Hybrid mattress. It’s an accommodating bed with pocketed coils, zoned support and a medium firmness level. That’s why I will go so boldly to say it will work for anyone,” he explains.
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Bear offers an assortment of memory foam and hybrid mattresses, all GreenGuard Gold Certified and shipped directly from its Arizona factory. Our sleep experts recently visited the factory and laid down for an interview with Bear’s Founder, Scott Paladini, to learn more about the Bear mattresses.
“Bear’s beds have always been comfortable and supportive, and it’s hard to beat their price.” — Jon Gomez, video producer
Bear’s mattresses used to come topped with a Celliant-infused cover automatically. This patented technology is intended to enhance tissue oxygen levels and improve athletic performance, recovery and sleep quality. Now, it’s an optional add-on that Jon recommends getting for your Bear mattress.
“I like the Celliant cover on Bear. It’s great for athletes, and I think it does help regulate body temperature throughout the night. I’m actually considering getting that for my next bed,” says Jon.
Jon’s all-time favorite Bear mattress is the Bear Natural organic mattress. It’s crafted with organic cotton yarn and 100% natural latex, and it has a super responsive latex foam feel, landing around a medium to medium firm.
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“I have always admired Avocado as a brand. Environmental sustainability is important to me, and Avocado knocks it out of the park when it comes to using organic, natural, non-toxic and sustainably sourced materials. It has the most certifications of any mattress brand I’ve tested, including becoming a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral, which are no easy tasks for a company to attain.” — Aly Lopez, sleep writer
Avocado’s beds have a more responsive latex foam feel. You can add a soft pillow top or plush box top for extra cushioning, which Aly would recommend if you are a side sleeper. She and her husband, Dillon, recently tested the Avocado Luxury Organic mattress for 30 nights. While it was a little too firm for Dillon’s liking as a side sleeper, Aly found it comfortable as a stomach sleeper.
“The Avocado Luxury Organic has to be my favorite bed from Avocado. It’s incredibly luxurious, and you can tell it’s made of high-quality natural materials. If we had added the pillow-top or box-top to make it softer, it probably would have been the perfect mattress for me and my side-sleeping husband,” she explains.
As expert mattress reviewers, napping on the job is our job, and we thoroughly enjoy testing beds from every brand. We particularly look forward to testing mattresses with unique features or specific purposes, such as the luxurious Saatva RX, designed for those with chronic joint or back pain, or the supportive Big Fig, created for heavier people.
Dillon tests the Sonu mattress, designed for side sleepers.
Jon Gomez/CNET
Sonu recently caused a welcome commotion in our testing facility with its never-before-seen construction explicitly designed for side sleepers. The incredibly firm Airweave 30 mattress, made of moveable AirFiber blocks, also created quite the test scene in our mattress warehouse.
In addition to mattresses, our experts enjoy testing sleep technology and bed accessories, such as the super cool Eight Sleep Pod cover, sleep masks or bedding such as pillows and comforters.
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
How we test
Aly LopezAssociate Writer
Aly Lopez is a writer on the sleep team at CNET. She tests, researches and reviews everything sleep-related, from mattresses and bedding to sleep trends and hacks to sleep technology and supplements. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Central College and is a certified sleep science coach from the Spencer Institute. As someone who has struggled to sleep her whole life, Aly is extremely passionate about helping others improve their lives by writing about ways to get better sleep.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Aurora borealis is one of the coolest astronomical events that we can see with the naked eye. It makes the sky glow beautiful colors, and auroras are just random enough to be exciting occurrences. But they may not be as random as we all think: Historical data suggests that aurora borealis has seasons where they are more likely to occur than other times of the year. The spring equinox is one of those times, and it’s right around the corner.
Read more: Spring Equinox Is Almost Here: Have You Heard the Egg-Balancing Myth?
The idea that aurora borealis has “seasons” comes from data compiled by NASA astrophysicist, Dr. David Hathaway. According to the data, the northern lights are more likely to show up in March, April, September, and October. Those are the months closest to the spring and autumn equinoxes — the time of year when the sun crosses the equator and delivers almost equal amounts of daylight to the entire planet.
Hathaway’s data is the latest, but it’s not the first. Per Earth Sky, Aloysius Cortie, an English Jesuit astronomer, published research on the link between equinoxes and auroras in 1912. Later, Sydney Chapman and Julius Bartels included the idea of a twice-yearly aurora borealis season in their book Geomagnetism, which was the de facto textbook on the topic for decades.
Read more: Check Out These Breathtaking Northern Lights Photos From Aurora Watchers
That means over a century of scientific consensus says that the northern lights are more likely to show up over the next couple of months as we reach the spring equinox, and then again in September and October as the seasons change again.
Why does aurora borealis have seasons?
The key to the whole thing seems to be how equinoxes work. During the winter and summer months, half of the Earth is tilted away from the sun, therefore making aurora borealis less likely (unless the geomagnetic storm is particularly strong).
“The equinoxes are the transition points between which hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun,” Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium, told CNET in an email. “At this point, the Earth’s magnetic field is at a more favorable angle, closer to perpendicular, that allows easier interaction of the charged solar particles with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.”
Read more: Why Is The Aurora Borealis More Frequent All of a Sudden?
According to Dr. Schmoll, the Earth’s magnetic field has a north and south pole, just like any magnet. The sun does as well. Dr. Schmoll says that science is still figuring out the specifics, but in short, the poles of the sun and Earth line up better during the equinox, which is conducive to more frequent auroras.
“The relative positions of all the magnetic field lines around this time make it easier for Earth to interact with the sun’s charged solar wind, resulting in aurora,” Schmoll says.
The equinox effect — also known as the Russell-McPherron effect — is also entirely separate from the 11-year solar cycle that the sun runs through. Currently, the sun is at its maximum for this cycle, which increases the odds of aurora borealis showing up even more.
The sun’s increased activity and the equinox effect have already been observed recently. Late in 2024, aurora borealis lit up the night sky for much of September and October, with some being visible way further into the US than is typical.
When’s the next aurora borealis?
‘Tis the season, as they say, and aurora borealis is already making its presence known. Per the Space Weather Prediction Center, an aurora is happening Tuesday, March 4, for one night only.
It won’t reach down as far as Texas like some of the more epic auroras did last year, but it should be a pretty good display for folks in the northern US.
The aurora is predicted to reach as far south as Iowa, with people in Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota getting the best views. It’ll also be partially visible in Wyoming, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Maine, Michigan and parts of New York, New Hampshire and Vermont.
London-based tech firm Nothing has delighted us before with its light-up Android phones that provide some much-needed frivolity in a world full of plain, gray smartphones that take themselves too seriously. The Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro are cut from the same cloth as their predecessors, packing solid all-round specs, affordable price tags and an LED-infused design that stands out from the crowd.
The Nothing Phone 3A is the base model in the new series, starting at $379 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. In the UK, you can pick up a pared-back model with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage for only £329, or get the 12GB/256GB model for £379. The Phone 3A Pro has a more full-featured camera system than the base 3A, but shares the same processor, display and batteries. It costs $459 (£449) for the 12GB/256GB model.
I’ve been testing the Nothing Phone 3A Pro while on the ground in Barcelona for this year’s Mobile World Congress. I’m quite keen on the phone’s balance of price and performance and look forward to seeing how it stacks up against other affordable phones like the new Samsung Galaxy A series and the Google Pixel 8A — as well as pricier budget phones like the iPhone 16E.
A flashy design
Flashy lights? Yes, please.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
The design is the first thing that stands out about these phones. The glass back reveals screws and data ribbons, giving it an industrial look that I find appealing. The LED lights — which Nothing calls the Glyph — are strewn around the camera units on both phones and light up to alert you to incoming notifications. They’re a fun addition to Nothing’s phones that you won’t find anywhere else.
Both phones have 6.7-inch displays that looked bright and vibrant during my hands-on time, easily countering Barcelona’s gray, overcast weather. Those under the bright midday California sun may have a different experience. With an IP68 water resistance rating, taking calls in the pouring rain (again, not you, California) won’t be a problem.
Solid performance, Android 15 and AI
The display is vibrant and sharp.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Powering the 3A series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, which provided decent scores on our benchmark tests, especially considering the price of the phones. While not topping today’s flagship phones, the 3A Pro’s results are more in line with the Pixel 8A and Galaxy A35 5G, both of which are great phones.
In everyday use, the phone has plenty of power for essential tasks, while games like Alto’s Odyssey and Vampire Survivors ran smoothly.
Both phones run Android 15 at their core, but Nothing has heavily customized the interface with a stark, monochrome aesthetic. It looks sleek, but I sometimes struggle to distinguish app icons when they’re reduced to minimalist black-and-white buttons. Still, you might be into the mono look, and if not, you can customize the layout to your liking. Nothing promises a total of six years of software and security support, which is good, especially considering the price.
Gemini Advanced, Gemini Live and Circle to Search are all available to use on the phones, and while Nothing hasn’t thrown in much of its own AI stuff (for which I’m grateful), it has launched one tool that I quite like. Called the Essential Space, it’s designed as a central hub for storing your thoughts, notes, screenshots and ideas throughout the day.
The Essential Space will fill up with all your thoughts and ideas. Maybe.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
See some shoes you like? Open the camera and use the dedicated Essential Space button on the side of the phone to save a shot — along with your voice note about them — to your Space. Need to buy brie, vodka, party hats and snake food on the way home? A long button press will let you dictate your shopping list to add it to your Space to check later.
It’s a nice idea in theory, though right now it seems limited in its functionality. Essential Space is essentially a hub for screenshots and voice notes, but I see its potential. It’s refreshing to find a feature that’s both unique and genuinely useful. Nothing emphasizes that Essential Space is still in beta, with more features on the way — so keep an eye on this space.
Good enough cameras
Both phones pack 50-megapixel main cameras and while Nothing says the Pro model has upgraded autofocus and dynamic range, I haven’t yet been able to compare them, so my thoughts here are based on my use of the Phone 3A Pro.
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Taken with the main camera, this shot is vibrant and sharp.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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Despite the challenging high-contrast scene, the Phone 3A Pro does a decent job balancing bright highlights and shadowy areas.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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There are various filters, but I particularly like the black and white one.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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The ultrawide camera delivers a well-balanced exposure in this shot.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
While the base 3A packs a 50 megapixel telephoto camera capable of 2x optical zoom, the 3A Pro’s 50-megapixel periscope camera offers 3x optical zoom, with 6x “in-sensor” zoom, which effectively crops the sensor out to achieve a longer zoom.
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Taken at 6x zoom, this shot remains nice and sharp
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
The base Phone 3A has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera and the 3A Pro has a 50-megapixel sensor that’s larger to help take sharper shots.
Enlarge Image
Testing the Pro’s front-facing camera was the perfect excuse to get a large beer. The image itself is fine, especially considering the relatively low-light environment.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Nothing Phone 3A, 3A Pro or a rival phone?
The Nothing 3A (left) and Nothing 3A Pro (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
I’m surprised by how little difference there is between the two models. With the same processor, display, and 5,000mAh battery (with 50W fast charging), the main distinctions are the added periscope zoom and the higher-resolution front-facing camera. Is photography important to you? If so, maybe spring for the pro. Otherwise, save yourself a few bucks and go for the base model.
This came amid rumors that the agency would see a potential cut of up to 50% of its workforce and abrupt resignations of top regional SSA officials, casting worry and doubt on those currently receiving benefits or getting ready to apply for them.
TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits each month, including retirement and survivor benefits, as well as Disability Insurance. While it remains to be seen exactly how the new changes will affect beneficiaries, we’ll sort out the details of the latest release and potential impacts you should know about.
For more, don’t miss all the details about working and receiving Social Security benefits.
The SSA clarifies reduction details, addresses rumors
The SSA is seeking an overall reduction in its workforce to reduce its headcount from 57,000 to 50,000. The latest announcement directly addresses the rumor that the goal to cut up to 50% of its workforce is false.
According to the press release, the SSA’s first steps for the reduction included offering the Deferred Resignation Program and Voluntary Early Retirement to a limited number of employees. It goes on to say that now employees will be offered Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments on a first-come, first-served basis and that the VERA will be expanded to all employees.
The SSA anticipates that a significant amount of the reduction it’s trying to achieve will be done through these means. Additional reductions will be made from reduction-in-force actions, like eliminating organizations and positions. Exact details from what departments these RIF actions may come from remain unknown.
How could the SSA layoffs affect you?
Layoffs at the SSA could affect soon-to-be and existing Social Security beneficiaries in a couple of ways. News reports suggest there would be an immediate shuttering of local SSA field offices that serve benefit recipients. There are conflicting reports on staffing cuts, according to The American Prospect: Some say the reduction in the workforce would not affect front-line workers, while others say it will affect all levels of the agency.
The SSA said in its Thursday news release that the reorganization efforts would move some employees from “non-mission critical positions” to “mission-critical direct service positions,” such as field offices, telecenters and processing centers.
Closures of Social Security Administration offices would require beneficiaries to travel further to find an office or to rely on the SSA’s telephone service. While you can get some things done through a My Social Security account now, not everyone has reliable access to a computer or internet service.
Another way Social Security recipients could be affected is delays in applications. Social Security Disability Insurance already has a long wait for cases to be reviewed. A reduction in workforce could potentially slow these reviews to an even slower crawl.
Will the layoffs affect my benefit money?
So far, there’s no indication that layoffs at the SSA would affect your benefit amount directly. Delays in application processing and access to local offices seem to be the most immediate concerns. But fewer people on staff could make it harder to sort out any payment issues that arise.
However, former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley’s comments are pointedly ominous, telling CNBC, “Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits.” He later said he believes this will happen within the next 30 to 90 days and that beneficiaries should start saving now.
Only time will tell to see the effects of these “efficiency” cuts at the Administration, but it’s business as usual until we hear otherwise.
What can you do right now?
You can do a few things up front, most notably, make sure your account with the SSA is in good standing today.
First, sign up for a My Social Security account if you haven’t already. Not only does it provide a host of tools for you to access at any given time for estimating your Social Security benefits, but you can also add your up-to-date direct deposit information and check the status of your application. Providing all the information you can through the online portal will help minimize any hiccups that could delay your benefits.
If you’re not ready to jump into the SSA’s online services just yet, you can also find nearby field offices by checking out the SSA’s office locator. Simply add a ZIP code to find the closest office and quick access to a map and directions to get you there, assuming it stays open.
For more, check out the maximum amount of Social Security money you can get in 2025.
The TCL 60 series of phones is expanding, the company revealed Monday at Mobile World Congress 2025. TCL highlighted its plans internationally for lower-cost phone models that have a 108-megapixel main camera, more NxtPaper displays that mimic e-readers and big 5,200-mAh batteries with 18-watt wired charging.
The TCL 60 series first debuted in January at CES 2025 with the $200 TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G that will head to the US market later this year. The TCL 60 XE will be joined by several variations of both TCL’s NxtPaper devices and phones with traditional displays that are set for release in Asia, Europe and Latin American markets.
Read more: MWC 2025: All the Phones, Wearables, Robots and AI Live From Barcelona
The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper 5G.
TCL
The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper 5G has a 6.7-inch display, 5,200-mAh battery, support for AI tools like a writing assistant, an IP54 rating for splash and dust resistance and 18GB of memory paired up with 256GB of storage. That phone will cost 189 euros, which roughly converts to $195.
The TCL 60 NxtPaper — without any additional letters in its name — has a larger 6.8-inch display, a 108-megapixel main camera (which we rarely see in these price ranges) and up to 512GB of internal storage. Like the SE phone, it will also include 18GB of memory and a 5,200-mAh battery. That phone will cost 199 euros.
The entire TCL 60 series unveiled at MWC 2025.
TCL
TCL’s non-NxtPaper devices range in price from 109 euros to 169 euros. On the low end of this price range is the TCL 605 which has 128GB of storage, a 50-megapixel main camera and a 5,200-mAh battery. While on the higher-end are the TCL 60 5G and TCL 60 SE. The 60 SE has a 6.67-inch display, a 50-megapixel main camera, 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. The 60 5G — without any additional letters — gets a 6.8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and has 6GB of memory along with 256GB of storage.
While most of these phones aren’t coming to the US, this lineup does give a few hints about what could be coming to phones that cost $200 and less from TCL and other phone companies. For the last few years, phone batteries in these lower-cost phones have kept to 5,000 mAh — which as it is often last a full day — but companies like OnePlus are starting to push those capacities even higher in more expensive phones. Its promising to see that lower-cost devices can start bumping up the battery capacity.
Imagine your jacket could do more than just protect you from brisk wind — imagine it could also help power your electronics. And make you look like a Jedi.
That’s what this poncho-like jacket from Anker Solix, the solar and energy storage tech branch of Anker, aims to do. I saw a prototype of it at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona — and tried it on for size. I’ve never felt simultaneously cooler and weirder.
The jacket, which Anker Solix calls a cloak, is covered in about two dozen sewn-on solar cells made from perovskite, a mineral that helps the cells feel more fabric-like and somewhat flexible. An attached cable with a 30-watt USB-C output connects to a power bank or directly into your device, so you can charge your electronics as you walk around or relax outdoors.
Blue light lines the hood to give a cooler, more futuristic feel. I imagine it’s also helpful if you’re out at night and want to make yourself clearly visible for safety.
The cloak resembles a rain jacket, with a slick surface, a lightweight feel and a zipper. Wearing it, the solar cells feel like large iron-on patches, which are thankfully smaller and triangle-shaped on the right arm and shoulder to make it easier to bend your elbow and otherwise move around. Panels on the front left and back are rectangular.
The solar jacket is still just a concept, so it’s not clear if or when it’ll see the light of day. Anker Solix has been seeking other unique ways to charge devices and gadgets. During CES, it unveiled the EverFrost 2 electric cooler, which is slated to come out this month, as well as a solar umbrella that it said would be available this summer.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Are you watching Sunday’s Academy Awards? Today’s NYT Mini Crossword begins with a clue to a movie that could win big at that ceremony. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword for March 2, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Role for Timothée Chalamet in “A Complete Unknown” Answer: DYLAN
6A clue: Makeup for the cheeks Answer: ROUGE
7A clue: “Well, shucks!” Answer: AWGEE
8A clue: Serious devotee Answer: FIEND
9A clue: Appropriate rhyme for “stressed,” for students Answer: TEST
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Unfortunate status for an email you meant to send last week Answer: DRAFT
2D clue: “Gadzooks, that hurt!” Answer: YOWIE
3D clue: Winter Olympics sleds Answer: LUGES
4D clue: Writer’s representative Answer: AGENT
5D clue: Have to have Answer: NEED
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Strands puzzle reminded me of watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, where he opens the episodes by zipping up his sweater and changing into more comfortable shoes. If you need more hints and and the answers, read on.
I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far
Hint for today’s Strands puzzle
Today’s Strands theme is: Getting closure.
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: Clothing attachments.
Clue words to unlock in-game hints
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:
These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you’ve got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:
If you bought eggs in the last few months, you probably saw some eye-watering prices. The national average for a dozen eggs rose from $4.15 in December to $4.95 by the end of January. The situation has gotten so dire that Waffle House and Denny’s have begun adding a surcharge for every egg they sell.
Why are egg prices so high? A major bird flu outbreak has led to millions of hens being culled, causing a severe egg shortage. As a result, prices have surged — more than doubling in some areas over the past six months.
The impact goes beyond higher costs; empty shelves are becoming more common, and some grocery stores are now limiting egg purchases.
If you have eggs in your fridge, make sure you use them while they’re fresh. You can find a substitute for eggs in many cases, even if you’re baking, but it can still be frustrating to go without this kitchen staple. We’ll explain the bird flu’s impact on egg supplies and discuss when you might start to see the price of eggs go down.
Read more: Raw Cat Food Linked to Bird Flu: A Vet Shares How to Protect Your Pets From the Virus
How is bird flu affecting the price of eggs?
The current spike in egg prices has been driven by a virulent strain of bird flu that caused the death of 20 million egg-laying chickens in the last quarter of 2024 alone.
While avian flu has been cited as the primary driver of skyrocketing egg prices, its actual impact on production has been minimal. Instead, dominant egg producers—particularly Cal-Maine Foods—have leveraged the crisis to raise prices, amass record profits, and consolidate market power. The slow recovery in flock size, despite historically high prices, further suggests coordinated efforts to restrict supply and sustain inflated prices.
At the moment, eggs aren’t exactly priced to move.
Getty Images
Whether or not the shortage has been exaggerated, customers seem willing to pay a premium for eggs, at least for now. According to one economist, this acceptance of higher prices means there is currently an increased demand for eggs.
“Some egg sellers may see this as an opportune time to set prices artificially high,” says David Anderson, a professor of economics and business at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. “Beyond the actual hit to supply from the loss of hens to bird flu, the well-publicized egg shortages make consumers more tolerant of higher prices. This increased willingness to pay is effectively an increase in demand that allows producers to raise prices. Such behavior may sustain elevated egg prices in the short term.”
How can I find cheaper eggs?
If you’re looking for the lowest egg prices, there are online resources that can help. The website Pantry & Larder has a page called Eggspensive that tracks the price of a dozen eggs at Walmart stores nationwide.
Another price tracker, The Krazy Coupon Lady, compares prices from stores around the US and compiles a list of the supermarkets offering the cheapest eggs. The site has a separate section that lists weekly egg sales and coupon deals.
Price trackers like Pantry & Larder’s can show you where the cheapest eggs are available.
Pantry & Larder/Screenshot by CNET
When could egg prices start coming down?
There are too many unknown factors for experts to accurately predict when egg prices will drop. Severe winter weather has been one cause of the recent price spike, but it seems to be bird flu that’s causing the overall price increase. The most recent USDA Egg Market Overview report (PDF), published Feb. 28, shows that the average price for a dozen eggs in California was a whopping $9.53. California has been one of the states hit hardest by bird flu.
Even so, there are reasons to believe that prices will return to normal later this year. Anderson thinks it will depend on the bird flu’s trajectory, as well as replacing the hens that have been culled.
“If the bird flu outbreak does not become significantly worse, I expect that egg prices will take a downward path,” says Anderson. “Over time, destroyed hen populations will be replaced, new egg sources will appear in response to the high prices, and consumers with low-to-moderate preferences for egg products will adapt to substitutes, especially in the places with the highest egg prices. These increases in supply and decreases in demand will usher the prices lower.”
The USDA predicts that egg prices will decrease starting in the second quarter of 2025.
USDA
The USDA has projected that egg prices will start to return to normal by April. According to its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (PDF), the price will drop back down to $2.50 per dozen in the second quarter of 2025, and down to $2.10 in the third quarter. However, eggs are likely to remain expensive throughout the winter, and prices could still increase if bird flu cases continue to spread.
Why are eggs so expensive while chicken prices are low?
You may be wondering why the cost of chicken has barely changed, when egg prices have gone up so much. Shouldn’t bird flu affect both chicken and eggs equally?
The short answer is no: The birds that produce eggs aren’t the same ones raised for meat. Egg-laying chickens tend to be older and therefore more vulnerable to bird flu. They don’t start laying eggs until they’re 18 weeks old; if a flock of layers is wiped out, it takes at least six months to recover. Younger chickens raised for meat can still get bird flu, but they can be replaced after just seven weeks.
What happened in 2015 when bird flu made egg prices spike?
It’s not the first time bird flu has caused egg prices to rise dramatically. Back in late 2014 to June 2015, an earlier bird flu pandemic in the US caused the price of eggs to nearly double.
According to the USDA, more than 50 million chickens were killed by the bird flu or euthanized during those seven months, causing the price of a dozen grade A large eggs in the New York market to spike from $1.29 in April 2015 to $2.61 in August. That price didn’t revert back down to its former average until early 2016.
Bird flu is caused by avian influenza Type A viruses, which spread among waterfowl and can infect other wild birds, domestic poultry and other animals. Though bird flu rarely infects humans, the current outbreak is responsible for 69 human cases in the US and one death, as of this writing.
Maine offers a variety of solid internet choices, but for most households, Fidium Fiber stands out as the top provider. Fidium Fiber offers the fastest internet speeds (2,000 megabits per second for $85 a month), the cheapest internet plan (100Mbps for $25 a month) and the widest fiber internet availability among major internet providers in Maine. Plus, plans come with free equipment rental, unlimited data and no contract requirements.
In areas where Fidium Fiber is unavailable, GoNetspeed may offer fiber internet service. Otherwise, you’ll want to rely on cable internet from Spectrum and Xfinity, DSL from Consolidated Communications or a fixed wireless internet provider for broadband in your area. Some areas might also be eligible for T-Mobile’s internet plans.
The internet service provider you choose and its connection type make a big difference in speed, price and overall value. Here are the best internet providers to look for in Maine.
Best internet in Maine
Maine internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Consolidated Communications
DSL
$54-$74
10-100Mbps
$12 (included in the cost)
None
2 years
N/A
Fidium Fiber
Fiber
$25-$85
100-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
N/A
GoNetspeed
Fiber
$45-$75
500-2,000Mbps
None
None
None
N/A
Hughesnet Read full review
Satellite
$50-$65
50-100Mbps
$15 monthly or $300 purchase fee
Varies, 100-200GB
2 years
6
RedZone Wireless
Fixed wireless
$48
50Mbps
$8 (optional)
None
None
N/A
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
$10 (optional)
None
None
7.2
Starlink Read full review
Low orbit satellite
$120
20-220Mbps
$299 purchase fee
None
None
N/A
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($40-$50 with eligible mobile plans)
72-245Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Trailrunner
Fixed wireless
$79
50Mbps
Varies
None
None
N/A
US Cellular
Fixed Wireless
$50
25-100Mbps
Varies
25GB, unlimited available
None
N/A
Viasat Read full review
Satellite
$120
25-50Mbps
$15 monthly or $299 upfront
Varies, 40-300GB
2 years
6.1
Xfinity Read full review
Cable
$35-$85
300-2,000Mbps
$15 (optional)
1.25TB or unlimited
None required
7
Show more (8 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other internet options in Maine
Consolidated Communications: The parent company of Fidium Fiber, Consolidated Communications, also offers DSL internet service throughout much of Maine. Maximum speeds are slower than what’s available from cable, fiber or possibly even fixed wireless service, so explore all your internet options before signing up with Consolidated Communications.
GoNetspeed: The second largest fiber internet provider in Maine, GoNetspeed offers symmetrical speeds ranging from 500 to 2,000Mbps, starting at $45 to $75 monthly. Service is primarily available in parts of Portland, Bangor, Biddeford and Brunswick.
Xfinity: Parts of southwestern Maine, including Sanford and Kittery, along with the greater Brunswick area from Bowdoin to Small Point, may be serviceable for Xfinity. Service is relatively inexpensive considering the speeds you get, but the equipment rental fee (optional), data cap and eventual, potentially steep, price increase may lower the overall value.
Fixed wireless internet: Aside from T-Mobile Home Internet, fixed wireless internet service is available in Maine from providers such as US Cellular, Redzone Wireless and Trailrunner. Speeds, pricing and service terms will vary by provider and location.
Satellite internet: Some areas in Maine have no practical broadband options other than satellite internet. Hughesnet and Viasat are popular choices, with Hughesnet being the cheaper service, while Viasat may offer faster speeds and more data. Starlink offers faster speeds and more data (unlimited) than Hughesnet and Viasat but does little to alleviate the high cost of satellite internet, and availability is somewhat limited.
Internet breakdown by city in Maine
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of a state like Maine and give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Maine. We tackle details such as internet connection types, maximum speeds, cheapest providers and more. Check back later if you don’t find the city you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more locations each week.
Getty Images
Cheap internet options in Maine
With service starting at $25 a month for speeds up to 100Mbps, Fidium Fiber has the cheapest home internet plan in Maine. Xfinity internet service starts at $30 a month and offers double the maximum download speed, up to 200Mbps, although upload speeds are slower and availability is limited in Maine.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Aside from Fidium Fiber and Xfinity, internet service in Maine starts around $50 a month or higher. Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet and GoNetspeed, for example, have starting prices of $50 to $55 a month.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Maine?
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Monthly equipment fee
Fidium Fiber 100Mbps
$25
100Mbps
None
Xfinity Connect More Read full review
$35
300Mbps
$15 (optional)
Fidium Fiber 300Mbps
$45
300Mbps
None
GoNetSpeed 500Mbps
$45
300Mbps
None
Redzone Wireless
$48
50Mbps
$8 (optional)
Spectrum Internet Read full review
$50
500Mbps
Free modem, $10 router rental (optional)
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
$50 ($40 with eligible mobile plans)
245Mbps
None
US Cellular
$50
25-100Mbps
Varies
Show more (4 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Maine
The best internet deals and top promotions in Maine depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Maine internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or special deals for a limited time. Many, including Fidium Fiber and Spectrum, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Maine broadband?
Recent Ookla speed test data placed Maine 50th fastest among all US states and Washington, DC, with median download speeds of 44Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) However, faster max speeds are available from several Maine internet providers.
Gigabit service, with maximum speeds of around 1,000Mbps or higher, is available from a few Maine internet providers, including GoNetspeed, Spectrum and Xfinity. Fidium Fiber has the fastest plan with symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2,000Mbps starting at $75 a month.
Fastest internet plans in Maine
Provider
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Fidium Fiber 2 Gigs
$85
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit X2 Read full review
$85
2,000Mbps
200Mbps
1.25TB or unlimited
Cable
GoNetspeed 2000Mbps
$75
2,000Mbps
2,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review
$60
1,000Mbps
100Mbps
1.25TB or unlimited
Cable
Fidium Fiber 1 Gig
$65
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
GoNetspeed 1000Mbps
$55
1,000Mbps
1,000Mbps
None
Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (3 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one person sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two people to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more people to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Maine
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Maine?
Fiber internet, from Fidium Fiber or GoNetspeed, or cable internet, from Spectrum or Xfinity, are likely to be your best internet options in Maine.
Spectrum has the greatest availability of any non-satellite ISP in Maine, but Fidium Fiber offers the cheapest plan (starting at $25 per month for up to 100Mbps) and the fastest speed (2,000Mbps starting at $85 monthly).
In areas where fiber or cable connections are unavailable, fixed wireless internet — from providers such as T-Mobile Home Internet, US Cellular, Redzone Wireless, Trailrunner and others — may be the only option for broadband internet outside satellite internet.
Internet providers in Maine FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Maine?
Fidium Fiber is Maine’s top home internet service provider, mostly due to its broad fiber coverage, fast speeds, competitive pricing and simple service terms.
Is fiber internet available in Maine?
Approximately one-third of Maine residences are eligible for fiber internet service, according to the FCC. Fidium Fiber is the largest fiber provider in Maine, although fiber service may be available from GoNetspeed or other local ISPs.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Maine?
Fidium Fiber has the cheapest internet plan of any major ISP in Maine, offering symmetrical speeds up to 100Mbps starting at $25 a month with no added equipment fees or data caps.
Xfinity has the next cheapest plan at $30 monthly for maximum download speeds of 300Mbps, although upload speeds are lower and opting to rent equipment may add $15 to the monthly cost.
Which internet provider in Maine offers the fastest plan?
Fidium Fiber offers the fastest internet plan in Maine with symmetrical speeds up to 2,000Mbps starting at $85 a month. Xfinity is the only other major ISP to offer above 1,000Mbps, as its Gigabit X2 plan advertises maximum download speeds of 2,000Mbps starting at $85 monthly as well.
One of the best parts of staying at a luxury hotel is sinking into an ultra-comfortable mattress. The right mattress can bring that plush, luxurious feel right to your home. Whether you prefer memory foam, a plush pillow top or something else entirely, we’ve tested a variety to help you find the perfect supportive option. In a CNET survey, six in ten US adults said they’d invest in better sleep — so let’s find the best place to start.
CNET’s team of nine mattress experts has thoroughly tested around 300 mattresses over the years, including the exact models used in high-end hotels. We’ve rounded up the best hotel-quality mattresses that offer the perfect blend of support and comfort — just like a luxury hotel bed.
How we sort our mattresses
What’s the best hotel mattress overall?
The WinkBed mattress is the epitome of a luxury hotel mattress. It has a plush, fluffy pillow top and a durable, thick hybrid construction that supports all body types. WinkBed even offers three firmness options to accommodate all sleeping positions. It also doesn’t hurt that the WinkBed looks like a bed straight out of a magazine.
Video: Best hotel mattress
The best hotel mattresses in 2025
8.4
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Why we chose the WinkBed mattress: The main defining feature of the Wink bed mattress is its nice, fluffy pillow top. I think it will feel similar to a lot of beds you’d find in a high-end hotel. According to WinkBed, it designed this mattress to emulate a hotel-style mattress.
Another standout feature of the WinkBed mattress is that you can choose your firmness level, so it suits all sleeping positions. You have three firmness options to choose from — the Softer model, Luxury Firm and the Firmer model. The firmest option you can choose is the WinkBed Plus, but it’s really a separate mattress altogether and specifically geared for the needs of heavier sleepers.
Based on how nice and luxurious it is, it’s not as expensive as you might think. After discounts, you’re looking at only $1,500 for a queen-size, and the company often throws in a few extras like sheets and pillows.
CNET Score Breakdown
Performance
8
Policies
9
Durability
8
Features
9
8.3
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Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress: The Helix Luxe mattress does a good job of emulating hotel-style comfort at home. The brand has six different beds to choose from, which is honestly a little overwhelming. Luckily, Helix has an easy-to-use sleep quiz on its website, which matches you with the bed that’s right for you. Looking for a new mattress? With this CNET-exclusive deal, you can take 27% off Helix sitewide and get two free pillows with any mattress purchase. This is the biggest discount available — you won’t find it anywhere else. Use code CNET27 at checkout.
I suspect that the majority of people who take the quiz will wind up with either the Moonlight or the Midnight mattress because they are more generally accommodating mattresses that are great for accommodating different sleeping positions.
Regardless of the Luxe model you’re matched with, all of them come with a great pillow top. They add a zone support coil structure and you can even get it with a cooling cover, which is nice. There’s a ton to like about the Helix Luxe lineup of mattresses.
The Helix Luxe mattress is a bit more expensive than your average bed in a box. I think you can expect that just by looking at them. You’re looking at about $1,780 for a queen size after factoring in discounts, but I think it’s still a solid value, considering the amazing quality and construction of the bed.
CNET Score Breakdown
Performance
8
Policies
7.5
Durability
9
Features
8.5
9.3
Photo Gallery1/1
Pricing based on Queen model
Why we chose the Saatva Classic mattress: The Saatva Classic is one of the best innerspring mattresses and is kind of similar to the WinkBed in that it has a decent pillow top as its primary comfort layer and it’s pretty supportive. In addition to the 3″ Euro pillow top, the Saatva Classic has two separate layers of coils for extra support, so I think it’ll be a great option for people with back pain, heavy sleepers or anyone who wants those additional reinforcements.
You can also select your firmness level with the Saatva Classic. There’s a Plush Soft model, a Luxury Firm and Firm. The Luxury Firm is a nice pick for back, stomach sleepers and some combo sleepers. The Plush Soft is closer to a medium and good for side sleepers. The Firm model is a truly firm bed, and only recommended to strict back sleepers who want little to no give. You also have the option to buy it in a 14.5-inch profile or an 11.5-inch profile.
Like the WinkBed mattress, the Saatva Classic is a great deal for what you’re getting. A queen-size mattress will cost you about $1,780. Instead of showing up inside of a box, this mattress comes with complimentary white glove delivery.
CNET Score Breakdown
Performance
9
Policies
8.5
Durability
9.5
Features
10
8.9
Photo Gallery1/1
Why we chose the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress: The Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress is another nice pillow top hybrid that’s supportive and luxurious. The mattress contains the unique proprietary Nolah Air Foam that you’ll only find in Nolah mattresses.
With the Nolah Air Foam, you get the cradling sensation of memory foam, but the foam is also responsive. That said, it has more of a memory foam feel compared to the other beds mentioned in our best hotel mattress review. It has a zoned-support coil structure like the Helix Lux does, and it also has three different firmness options you can pick from when you’re checking out.
The luxury firm model is their most popular, and that one’s actually closer to a medium, so it should work pretty well for everybody. The cover of the Nolah Evolution 15 hybrid is slightly cool to the touch. I wouldn’t necessarily put it in the active cooling category as our threshold for active cooling beds is high, but does a nice job at sleeping temperature neutral in most environments.
After discounts, you’re looking at $1,600 for a queen-size Nolah Evolution Hybrid, which makes it a great value.
CNET Score Breakdown
Performance
9
Policies
8
Durability
9.5
Features
9
8.5
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Why we chose the Nest Bedding Sparrow mattress: Not surprisingly, we have another luxurious pillow top hybrid on our roundup of best hotel mattresses. It’s the Nest Bedding Sparrow, and I slept on the original version of this mattress for a long time. If you unzip the pillow top, you’ll find a thick layer of what it calls eject foam. This foam has a nice balance between sink, comfort and support. It doesn’t feel much like a memory foam, and most people will find it comfortable.
Like most in our best hotel mattress review, you can pick and choose your firmest level with the Nest Bedding Sparrow. I would recommend most people go with the medium model. It should work pretty well for all sleeping positions, but you also have the Plush option, as well as a Firm.
One novel feature of the Sparrow Hybrid is the lifetime renewal exchange program the brand offers, where you can get a free pillow-top foam replacement at any point in owning the mattress. Price-wise, you’re looking at about $1,900 for a queen-size after applying a discount, which puts it in a similar pricing tier to the beds we’ve discussed so far.
CNET Score Breakdown
Performance
8
Policies
9
Durability
8.5
Features
8.5
8.5
Photo Gallery1/1
Why we chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress: The Aurora Luxe from Brooklyn Bedding is the best cooling mattress that also feels like something you’d find inside a hotel. Most brands claim that their beds sleep cool, but most of the time that proves not to be true. The Aurora Luxe is an active cooling bed with a cool-to-the-touch cover.
This bed doesn’t have that traditional pillowtop feel like the majority of the beds on this list. It has more of a soft neutral feel, which just means you’re not going to get that fluffy feeling that you would expect from a pillow top. That said, Brooklyn Bedding recently announced they’re adding a Cloud Pillowtop option for the Aurora Luxe, and we’ll be trying it out very soon.
You have the option to choose your firmness level. Again, I would just recommend going with that medium model first. It works pretty well for everybody, but you also have a Plush model that’ll be softer, and a firmer option as well.
After discounts on the base model, you’re looking at about $1,400, which makes it a nice value for this bed, and the most wallet-friendly bed in our best hotel mattress review.
CNET Score Breakdown
Performance
8
Policies
7
Durability
9
Features
10
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Our CNET mattress team has tested over 200 beds, and within that collection, a handful of mattresses stood out as the best hotel mattresses. Hotel mattresses are typically thick, durable and accommodating so they are comfortable for any type of guest who stays, from a petite side sleeper to a heavy back or stomach sleeper. The criteria for finding the best hotel mattress include:
Accommodating firmness options
Strong, hybrid construction to accommodate all body types
Firmness: Most hotels have mattresses with medium to medium-firm firmness levels because a medium profile provides a good balance between supportive and pressure relieving. For a true hotel-like feel, opt for a bed with medium or medium-firm firmness level. Choose a soft mattress if it accommodates your specific needs better.
Feel: Most hotel mattresses have a neutral feel that won’t turn off guests when they sleep in them as dense memory foam might do. They also often include a pillow top, which gives a mattress an extra plush and soft feel. For that ultimate five-star hotel mattress experience, try to buy one with a pillow top.
Construction: The best hotel mattresses are built to last and support all body types. That’s why we suggest a hybrid mattress that combines foam and supportive coils if you want to achieve that hotel-mattress feel.
Hotels often use hybrid mattresses that combine foam and coils because they support all body types and are longer-lasting. High-end hotels typically furnish their rooms with pillow-top mattresses that add an extra layer of comfort and luxury.
They are typically quality-built mattresses with accommodating features so they suit all kinds of different guests. If you sleep better on a hotel mattress than your own, it’s possible yours isn’t accommodating for your sleeping position or body type or it’s outlasted its lifespan.
After testing many different beds, our team found these mattresses emulate the feel of a hotel mattress most:
WinkBed mattress
Saatva Classic
Helix Lux mattresses
Nolah Evolution 15
Nest Bedding Sparrow
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Lux
Our Experts
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
How we test
Owen PooleSenior Video Producer
Owen Poole, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and proclaimed mattress expert, has been producing sleep video content in the wellness space for over three years. After earning his certification from the Spencer Institute and dedicating hundreds of hours to sleep research, he has extensive knowledge on the topic and how to improve your quality of rest. Having more experience with lying on mattresses than most, Owen has reviewed over 150 beds and a variety of different sleep products including pillows, mattress toppers and sheets. Before he was writing about sleep, he graduated as a Digital Communication Arts major from Oregon State University. The current mattress Owen sleeps on is the Casper Nova Hybrid since it helps keep his spine in a comfortable, neutral position. When Owen isn’t reviewing products, he loves to run, cycle and cook healthy food. Pizza is his kryptonite.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, apologized on Thursday for the violent, graphic content some users saw on their Instagram Reels feeds. Meta attributed the problem to an error the company says has been addressed.
“We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement provided to CNET. “We apologize for the mistake.”
Meta went on to say that the incident was an error unrelated to any content-policy changes the company has made. At the start of the year, Instagram made some significant changes to its user and content-creation policies, but these changes didn’t specifically address content filtering or inappropriate content appearing on feeds.
From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.
Meta made its own content-moderation changes more recently and has dismantled its fact-checking department in favor of community-driven moderation. Amnesty International warned earlier this month that Meta’s changes could raise the risk of fueling violence.
Read more: Instagram May Spin Off Reels As a Standalone App, Report Says
Meta says that most graphic or disturbing imagery it flags is removed and replaced with a warning label users must click through to view the imagery. Some content, Meta says, is also filtered for those younger than 18. The company says it develops its policies around violent and graphic imagery with the help of international experts and that refining those policies is an ongoing process.
Users posted on social media and on message boards, including Reddit, about some of the unwanted imagery they saw on Instagram, presumably due to the glitch. They included shootings, beheadings, people being struck by vehicles, and other violent acts.
Brooke Erin Duffy, a social media researcher and associate professor at Cornell University, said she’s unconvinced by Meta’s claims that the violent-content issue was unrelated to policy changes.
“Content moderation systems — whether powered by AI or human labor — are never failsafe,” Duffy told CNET. “And while many speculated that Meta’s moderation overhaul (announced last month) would create heightened risks and vulnerabilities, yesterday’s ‘glitch’ provided firsthand evidence of the costs of a less-restrained platform.”
Duffy added that while moderating social-media platforms is difficult, “platforms moderation guidelines have served as safety mechanisms for users, especially those from marginalized communities. Meta’s replacement of its existing system with a ‘community notes’ feature represents a step backward in terms of user protection.”
With how connected smart devices have us, loneliness isn’t something that comes to the front of our minds. However, a recent study published by the American Medical Association found that 29.2% of adults aged 50 to 80 said they felt isolated from others “some of the time” or “often” in 2024. This was out of the 2,051 to 2,576 respondents included in the survey. Loneliness was most common among people not working, those living alone and individuals with lower household incomes. For those who reported a high rate of loneliness, they were also more likely to cope with social isolation.
When the loneliness epidemic becomes a public health challenge
Though some people require more social interaction than others, humans are social beings. If we don’t have a sense of community or lack a feeling of belonging, it can have negative health effects. It also threatens public health, as outlined in a 2023 Office of the US Surgeon General advisory.
According to the surgeon general’s office, advisories are reserved for “significant public health challenges” that require immediate awareness and action. Loneliness and social isolation were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic also worked to shift our attention to loneliness as a public health problem, according to the report.
Persistent feelings of loneliness or social isolation can impact our mood and emotions, cause symptoms of anxiety and depression and also increase our risk of other health conditions, including heart disease and dementia.
“Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling — it harms both individual and societal health,” US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wrote in a letter opening the advisory. “It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death.”
Mortality-wise, or how something contributes to the risk of death, loneliness has a similar effect to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day and has a greater risk than obesity or physical inactivity, Murthy said.
Many factors may contribute to a person’s isolation from others or persistent loneliness. Some outlined in the advisory include shrinking social networks, increased social media use and people feeling polarized from each other due to differing ideologies.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation also impact people unevenly — older adults and young people, people with poor health, single parents, people who live alone, those who don’t have as much money and people with a disability may be at higher risk, according to the report.
A chart from the US surgeon general’s office showing how lack of social connection can impact your health, compared to other factors we often see linked to some health risks.
US surgeon general’s office
How loneliness impacts health
It may be hard to disentangle the way loneliness and health are directly connected because other factors that stave off your risk of chronic disease, such as physical activity, preparing nutritious meals and even making it to a doctor’s appointment, are often much more difficult to do when you don’t have the support or help from another person. Lack of access to health care services may also impact certain groups more, such as older adults and people with a disability.
Tips for finding community and feeling less lonely
If you are feeling lonely, you are not alone. According to the advisory from the surgeon general, about half of US adults reported feeling lonely in recent years.
Feeling lonely or isolated can come from the sense that you’re not connecting with another person or a community. Feeling “connected” can vary based on an individual’s life, but often comes through things like talking with someone and feeling like the other person understands you, having an enjoyable experience with someone else, or doing an act of kindness for someone and feeling good about the fact that you made someone else feel good.
To make more fun or meaningful connections and beat feelings of loneliness, one of the things you can do is join a club or group around something you genuinely like to do. You can also join a support group — possibly even an in-person group in your area through the National Alliance on Mental Illness. If you have symptoms of anxiety or depression, you could also consider therapy from a professional who can make sure your needs are being met.
But it can also feel daunting trying to make friends, especially as an adult when you feel like you’re the only one looking for other adult friends (not true). For tips on putting yourself out there, follow this CNET list of tricks that may make meeting like-minded people a little easier.
Try These Kettlebell Exercises Now on Peloton’s Strength Plus App
Kettlebell strength training and classes are now available on Peloton’s Strength Plus app and the original Peloton app. Watch this short tutorial on how to do some of the exercises.
After countless hours of testing, we know mattresses like the back of our pillows. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: mattress testing isn’t always cut and dry. Firmness ratings? Totally subjective. What feels just right to me might feel like a rock (or a cloud) to you. That’s because we all come in different shapes and sizes and have different sleep preferences. And while those differences may seem small, they matter big time when you’re searching for your dream bed.
At CNET, our sleep team has years of hands-on experience and has tested around 300 mattresses and dozens of sleep accessories. Whether you’re a side sleeper, a stomach snoozer or someone who runs hot at night, we’ve got recommendations tailored to your needs. Still, even with all our expertise, there’s no getting around the subjectivity of mattress feel.
That’s why we teamed up with our CNET Labs crew to create something revolutionary: the Mattress Smasher 9000. This one-of-a-kind machine takes guesswork off the table, delivering hard data on firmness. No opinions. No bias. Just cold, objective measurements that show exactly how a mattress stacks up against the rest. And the coolest part? You’ll only find the Mattress Smasher 9000 here at CNET.
Because when it comes to finding your perfect mattress, we believe in combining real-world expertise and rock-solid data.
How CNET tests mattresses
The CNET sleep team has been testing mattresses and sleep accessories for years. We’ve seen it all, from the evolution of Casper’s beds to beds made from funky materials like Airweave to flippable beds like Layla. At this point, we’ve collectively tested around 300 beds between our nine mattress testers.
Our team takes a holistic approach to mattress testing. We don’t just consider what a bed is made of or how it feels when we roll around on it (although we do both of those things); we take the time to consider who would enjoy the bed the most. We use our differences in weight, gender and sleeping needs to determine who we recommend each bed for.
Every bed that passes through our Reno warehouse undergoes extensive hands-on testing to assess metrics like temperature, motion isolation, durability and edge support. We also take our mattress testing a step further and have our team sleep on beds for an extended period to see how they stand up to regular use. This can range from a few months to multiple years.
That’s not enough for us. How could it be when we go to bed thinking about beds only to wake up and do it all again in the morning? That’s why our team has taken the next step in our mattress testing process by integrating the Mattress Smasher 9000. This device will help us pair our hands-on testing with objective numbers.
Meet the Mattress Smasher 9000
Aly Lopez/CNET
The Mattress Smasher 9000 is a proprietary testing machine made by our CNET Labs team. It might look simple enough, but a lot is happening with it and the accompanying software, which helps us collect objective firmness scores for every mattress in our facility. From an S-type load cell to electromagnets to a laser — yes, I said laser — this impressively orange machine took months to create.
Let me explain how it works: Using the linear actuator and laser range finder mounted on the crane, the MS9000 drops to press on the bed. The optical feedback sensor ensures we’re dropping exactly where we want to. The attached 8-inch plate does the actual smashing.
The 8-inch plate of the MS9000 presses onto the mattress to get the firmness score.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
The linear actuator can produce 200 pounds of focus with only 9 inches of travel. Our calculations found that 40 pounds of force is the sweet spot for us because it’s equivalent to 165 pounds, or the average person’s weight. Don’t worry; we can adjust this number to allow us to measure and recommend beds for people outside of what is considered the “standard weight range.” For example, that number may change for the best mattresses for heavy people to ensure we get an accurate representation of who should buy those particular beds.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
The in-house software uses a data acquisition module to control the actuator programmatically. This software also documents the real-time force and range measurements that come from the MS9000.
We’ve established a 1-through-10 firmness measurement scale, with 10 being the most firm. We run the MS9000 several times per bed to ensure our numbers are accurate before confirming the objective firmness score.
How we’ll use the Mattress Smasher 9000 to recommend beds for you
Aly Lopez/CNET
Over the last few months, we’ve been happily smashing beds to build out our data set of objective numbers to complement our personal experience. That’s how we know the extra-firm side of the Plank Firm Luxe comes in at 9.5 out of 10. So far, that’s the firmest mattress we’ve tested to date. It’s truly an ultrafirm-mattress lover’s dream.
The applications don’t just stop at overall firmness. The MS9000 arm can move, which allows us to measure different points across the surface of the bed. Most beds will be consistently firm across the surface, but for those with a zoned-support design, it will come in handy. Zoned support is becoming more and more common in the mattress space, especially as brands think about making beds for people with back pain. Zoned support simply means that the center third of the bed is firmer to support your back at night, while the head and foot will be softer.
Sometimes, zoned support is super subtle, so it can be hard to verify it’s actually there when we’re testing it. The MS9000 will allow us to objectively tell you if a bed actually has a difference in firmness and, if so, how much it is. As with cooling technology, we like to make sure that beds deliver what they say and aren’t just relying on marketing magic.
Will this replace our first-hand experience? Of course not. Nothing could beat Aly and Dillon’s 30 nights of bed testing series, Owen’s blind-testing mattress challenge, or top JD’s experience with the Purple mattresses — seriously, he’s tested all of them.
Dillon Lopez/CNET
You can’t take the people out of mattress testing because objective numbers don’t make subjectivity vanish. Your weight and sleeping position will largely determine how you experience a bed.
For example, someone who weighs 125 pounds will put less pressure on a bed than someone who weighs 235 pounds. The more weight you put on a bed, the softer it will feel to you. I’m not talking about huge, sweeping changes to firmness, but it’s an important thing we always keep in mind when making recommendations. We need both the objective numbers and testing experience from the team to make our best mattress recommendations for you.
What is the best internet provider in Springfield, Massachusetts?
CNET recommends Xfinity as the best internet service provider in Springfield, due to its extensive network, speeds reaching up to 2000 Mbps and competitive pricing. Not only that, but Xfinity is among the cheapest ISPs, with speeds up to 300Mbps starting at $35 per month. Current plans include unlimited data, allowing users to stream, browse and download without worrying about hitting data caps, although a contract may be required to get the lowest pricing and a $15 fee may apply if you rent a router.
If you’re looking for something different, then Spectrum’s cable internet serves as an alternative to Xfinity in Springfield. But be warned: With only 2% coverage, it’s unlikely to be available at your address. Fixed wireless internet, on the other hand, is significantly more accessible from both Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet.
You may experience slightly faster speeds with T-Mobile, but both providers offer unlimited data, free equipment rental, no contract requirements and potential discounts for bundling with mobile services. These benefits are enticing, but it’s important to check the speeds available in your area before deciding if either option is a viable alternative to the benefits Xfinity can provide.
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Springfield across many categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers’ terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.
Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider’s website.
Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider’s pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, while the text is specific to what’s available in Springfield. The prices referenced within this article’s text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month — a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Springfield, Massachusetts, internet providers compared
Provider
Internet technology
Monthly price range
Speed range
Monthly equipment costs
Data cap
Contract
CNET review score
Spectrum Read full review
Cable
$50-$70
500-1,000Mbps
$7 (optional)
None
None
7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans)
87-415Mbps
None
None
None
7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review
Fixed wireless
$50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible mobile plans)
50-250Mbps
None
None
None
7.2
Xfinity Read full review
Cable
$35-$105
300-2,000Mbps
$15 (optional)
None
None
7
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Springfield?
Show more (2 items)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Getty Images
How to find internet deals and promotions in Springfield
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Springfield depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Springfield internet providers such as Xfinity may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Verizon 5G Home Internet, Spectrum and T-Mobile Home Internet run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of deals, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Fastest internet plans in Springfield
Plan
Starting price
Max download speed
Max upload speed
Data cap
Connection type
Xfinity Gigabit x2 Read full review
$105
2,000Mbps
200Mbps
None
Cable
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
35Mbps
None
Cable
Xfinity Gigabit Read full review
$70
1,000Mbps
20Mbps
None
Cable
Show more (0 item)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Springfield, Massachusetts
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
Are customers happy with their service?
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.).
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Internet providers in Springfield, Massachusetts, FAQs
What is the best internet service provider in Springfield?
Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Springfield, Massachusetts, due to its broad availability, fast speeds and low introductory pricing. Throughout much of Springfield, Xfinity is the sole wired internet provider.
Is fiber internet available in Springfield?
According to the most recent FCC data, fiber internet is only available in Springfield, Massachusetts to less than 1% of homes. Fiber internet is available just to the north in Chicopee, but not as much within the Springfield city limits.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Springfield?
Xfinity has the lowest introductory rate on internet in Springfield at $35 per month for download speeds up to 300Mbps. The plan includes unlimited data, but renting equipment will add $15 to your bill.
Which internet provider in Springfield offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity offers the fastest internet plan in Springfield with download speeds up to 2,000Mbps starting at $105 per month. Such speed is impressive as many cable internet providers offer max speeds of only around 1,000Mbps. As a cable provider, Xfinity’s upload speeds are slower than downloads. Still, Xfinity delivers maximum upload speeds of 300 with its 2,000Mbps plan, far faster than upload speeds from all major cable providers.
Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Hey, I thought Valentine’s Day was over! Today’s NYT Strands puzzle might remind you of some of those lovely heart-shaped candy boxes that come out every Feb. 14. If you need hints and answers, read on.
I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far
Hint for today’s Strands puzzle
Today’s Strands theme is: Life is like a box of chocolates.
If that doesn’t help you, here’s a clue: See’s Candies.
Clue words to unlock in-game hints
Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If you’re stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:
These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you’ve got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:
Today’s Strands spangram is FILLINGS.To find it, start with the F that’s three letters to the right on the top row, and wind down.
The completed NYT Strands for Feb. 25, 2025, #359.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Toughest Strands puzzles
Here are some of the Strands topics I’ve found to be the toughest in recent weeks.
#1: Dated slang, Jan. 21. Maybe you didn’t even use this lingo when it was cool. Toughest word: PHAT.
#2: Thar she blows! Jan.15. I guess marine biologists might ace this one. Toughest word: BALEEN or RIGHT.
#3: Off the hook, Jan. 9. Similar to the Jan. 15 puzzle in that it helps to know a lot about sea creatures. Sorry, Charlie. Toughest word: BIGEYE or SKIPJACK.
롤대리 서비스는 리그 오브 레전드(LoL)에서 원하는 티어를 달성하기 어려운 플레이어들이 이용하는 방식으로, 특정 상황에서 필요성을 느낄 수 있습니다. 그러나 이 서비스는 라이엇 게임즈의 정책에 위배되는 불법적인 행위이므로, 이를 고려하는 플레이어들은 여러 가지 요소를 신중하게 검토해야 합니다. 롤대리 서비스가 주로 사용되는 시기와 목적에 대해 살펴보면, 서비스 이용자들이 어떤 이유로 이를 선택하는지 알 수 있습니다.
많은 플레이어들은 시즌 종료 전 최종 랭크 보상을 받기 위해 롤대리를 고려합니다. 리그 오브 레전드에서는 매년 랭크 시즌이 끝나면, 일정 티어 이상을 달성한 플레이어들에게 특별한 보상이 지급됩니다. 보통 골드 티어 이상부터 시즌 보상 스킨을 받을 수 있기 때문에, 시즌 종료가 다가올수록 티어를 올리기 위해 롤대리를 찾는 경우가 많습니다. 시간이 부족하거나 실력이 부족한 경우, 짧은 시간 안에 원하는 티어를 달성하기 위해 대리 서비스를 이용하는 것입니다.
또한, 일정 랭크를 유지하고 싶을 때도 롤대리 서비스를 고려하는 경우가 있습니다. 일부 플레이어들은 일정 기간 게임을 플레이하지 못하거나, 실력이 하락해 랭크가 떨어지는 것을 걱정합니다. 이런 경우, 대리 기사를 통해 계정을 관리하고 티어를 유지하는 방식으로 롤대리를 활용합니다. 특히, 마스터, 그랜드마스터, 챌린저 티어에서는 티어 유지가 중요한데, 높은 랭크에서 한동안 게임을 플레이하지 않으면 강등될 위험이 있기 때문에 이를 방지하기 위해 대리 서비스를 이용하는 경우가 있습니다.
롤대리 서비스는 언제 사용하면 좋나요?
롤대리 서비스는 신규 계정을 빠르게 높은 티어로 올리고 싶을 때도 사용됩니다. 새롭게 만든 계정을 빠르게 원하는 티어로 올리기 위해 롤대리를 이용하는 것입니다. 이는 주로 기존 계정의 MMR(매치메이킹 레이팅)이 낮거나, 부계정을 운영하고 싶은 경우에 해당됩니다. 특히, 스트리머나 콘텐츠 크리에이터들은 새로운 콘텐츠를 위해 일정 티어 이상의 계정을 필요로 하며, 이에 따라 대리 서비스를 고려하는 경우도 있습니다.
친구나 지인들과 함께 플레이하기 위해 티어를 맞추려는 경우에도 롤대리를 찾기도 합니다. 랭크 게임에서는 티어 차이가 너무 크면 친구와 듀오 플레이를 할 수 없는 경우가 많기 때문에, 일정 티어까지 빠르게 올리고 싶을 때 대리 서비스를 이용하는 것입니다. 다만, 이는 게임의 공정성을 해치는 행위이므로 주의가 필요합니다.
결론적으로, 롤대리 서비스는 시즌 종료 전, 티어 유지, 신규 계정의 빠른 랭크 상승, 친구와의 플레이를 위한 티어 조정 등의 이유로 사용됩니다. 그러나 롤대리는 라이엇 게임즈의 규정 위반 사항이며, 계정 정지 위험이 크기 때문에 신중한 판단이 필요합니다. 단기적인 이득을 위해 불법적인 방법을 사용하는 것보다, 게임을 꾸준히 연습하며 정당한 방식으로 실력을 키우는 것이 장기적으로 더 좋은 선택이 될 것입니다.
