It’s a rarity to find a peer with a printer, let alone a scanner. As technology evolves, it seems like the scanner is going the way of the fax machine, slowly but surely slipping into oblivion.
That is, until you’re moving apartments, applying for a loan, or doing your taxes, and, all of a sudden, you need one of those ancient technologies and don’t have access to one. You could always buy a new scanner, but it’s hard to swallow a three digit price tag for a one-use situation. You can also find the nearest FedEx or local printing and scanning spot, but, if we’re being honest, don’t you just want the ability to do something at home?
Thankfully, there are a few apps for that.
1. Notes (iOS)
This might be the easiest way to get scannning done, but there aren’t a lot of extra frills. Credit: Screenshot Notes
If you have an iPhone, are in dire need of a PDF scanner, and don’t want to download a new app, you can scan by using your pre-installed Notes app. Simply tap on the camera icon, choose “Scan Documents,” and follow the prompts. This is great if you need a quick job, but there aren’t many additional features beyond a simple scan.
2. Adobe Scan (Android and iOS)
This might be the easiest way to get scannning done, but there aren’t a lot of extra frills. Credit: Screenshot/iOS store Adobe Scan
Adobe Scan is super easy to use, and reviewers say the scans come out looking great. Your scans are automatically saved on Adobe Document Cloud, so you can access them from any phone, tablet, or computer. It’s free, and it’s reliable.
3. Microsoft Office Lens (Android and iOS)
Adobe Scan is one of the easiest and most reliable options Credit: Screenshot/iOS store Microsoft Office Lens
Microsoft Office Lens is very similar to Adobe Scan, but is great if you’re more accustomed to Microsoft software. It is also free, reliable, and easy to use.
4. CamScanner (Android and iOS)
Free and simple Credit: Screenshot/iOS store CamScanner
This free app allows you to scan, merge, and access cloud storage — like iCloud or Google Drive. But the app does add a small watermark on your scanned documents, so it might not work for every document scan.
5. SwiftScan (Android and iOS)
It’s free, but it adds a watermark Credit: Screenshot/iOS store SwiftScan
SwiftScan has a ton of features that other scanners don’t have, like file naming, faxing, organization tools, and dozens of cloud storage services. There are free versions of the app for iPhone, iPad, and Android, but the $7.99 upgrade to “Pro” is what really steals the show.
6. Genius Scan (Android and iOS)
Credit: Screenshot/iOS store Genius Scan
The basic version of Genius Scan gives you everything needed for scanning. There are no document limits and no watermarks. If you want more, you can upgrade to paid versions of the app, Genius Scan Plus and Genius Scan Ultra.
If you can’t convince yourself to download an app, you can always scan documents at your local printing kiosk and at some office supply stores. Happy scanning!
If I could turn into a bug, I would do it. I would launch myself into the Animorphs cinematic universe or put in the work to be an animagus in Harry Potter if it meant that I could be a fly on the wall in the Xfinity offices when they decided what customers what is more, even if they don’t know what that is. And what’s more than 5G? 10G.
Comcast recently launched its new Xfinity 10G Network. Typically, when we talk about 4G or 5G networks, the “G” stands for “generation,” and that’s it.
So a 4G mobile network is simply the fourth generation; same with 5G. Why is Comcast skipping 6G, 7G, 8G, and 9G, and going straight for 10G? Is the Xfinity 10G Network twice as fast as 5G? Or is this just a very odd advertising decision?
Well, unfortunately for us, Xfinity doesn’t describe what 10G actually means. Their site just says the new network “delivers a powerful connection to our customers that will continue to get smarter, faster, more reliable, and secure.” And it adds that this network is the network that their “customers use today and the network that will power their connectivity experience in the future.”
SEE ALSO:
Spotty internet? It may be time to upgrade to mesh WiFi — here’s why
But, as PCWorld found after some digging, the reason it’s so confusing is because 10G doesn’t actually have anything to do with 5G or 4G or any other kind of cellular network terminology. “10G is a reference to 10Gbps, or the maximum speed the Xfinity broadband network is capable of,” PCWorld notes, adding that 10G is actually slower than 5G. Incredible work, everyone.
In a promising premiere for a recast version of The Real Housewives of New York City, one moment stood above the rest, perfectly distilling the beauty of the petty, luxurious spats of the upper crust in NYC. That moment? A major tiff over a reservation at a restaurant that —gasp — was apparently way past its prime.
The fight boiled down to this: in a get-together prior to filming, cast member Erin Lichy booked a huge table for the group at a restaurant. Fellow cast members Sai De Silva and Brynn Whitfield left early from the gathering because they didn’t want to be seen at Lichy’s pick.Throughout the episode, all references to the restaurant were bleeped out, leaving its identity a mystery as De Silva and Whitfield thoroughly roasted Lichy’s restaurant choice. Whitfield said she wouldn’t be caught dead there.
“It’s not 2005 and I’m not a D-list model. Is it bad that I don’t wanna go to [bleep]?” she said. “Olive Garden, to me, is, like, chicer — like, the ones with the carpets. They have good breadsticks. They slap. I’ll go there and it’s fun, it’s like high-low, but [bleep] is this weird thing in the middle.”
The two women who skipped out also said it was a restaurant for teens and visitors from Florida.
“It was a huge group,” Lichy said in a confessional interview defending her choice. “Nothing was available. It was last-minute, so I picked [bleep] … The restaurant used to be the hottest place in New York. It’s easy to get to and it’s convenient.”
De Silva and Whitfield later posted on Instagram from Casa Cipriani, a hotspot for the moneyed class.
Naturally everyone wanted to know what freaking restaurant sparked this fight. This was an especially hyped episode of the show since Bravo had taken the bold step to fire the entire cast of the show and put in entirely new people. There was lots of attention.
Reddit threads and tweets abound. A few key guesses rose to the top. The Daily Beast guessed a place called Hearth. Lots of commenters suggested Tao, a massive sushi spot. A viral TikTok suggested Carmine’s, a Midtown red-sauce institution.
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
But two guesses struck me as the most likely answers. There’s Catch, a massive spot near the Meatpacking district. That was probably the single most common guess online. And then there’s Craft, which sports a bit of extra drama. It’s the flagship spot for celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, who is a staple of Bravo’s Top Chef. Might Bravo be protecting their star?
During the episode it did appear like the women were saying a restaurant that began with a “C,” though the network both bleeped the name and blurred their mouths. Vulture noted that the place was definitely one syllable and even seemed to land on Catch being the answer.
But Monday afternoon things got a bit juicier. Whitfield posted about sharing her “NYC restaurant guide” on Instagram. Obviously a bit of shade. Cast member Jessel Taank commented: “Make sure C**** is on that 😂.”
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
Confirmation! Well….kind of. That could be both Catch and Craft. More people seem to think Catch is the answer online and, even though it opened well after 2005, it does otherwise seem to match the description. It was once a big-time hotspot, but see-and-be-seen folks don’t go to all that often anymore. Craft, meanwhile, did open to much acclaim in 2001. It’s an NYC staple, though maybe not the celebrity hive Catch once was.
This being a wildly serious news story, I’ve reached out to Craft, Catch, and Whitfield for comment and confirmation or denial. Thus far none have responded.
I’ve scoured through the social media presences of the cast for clues, mostly to no avail, though it does appear this meal took place after Bravocon in October of last year. Though Whitfield and De Silva apparently posted their jaunt to Casa Cipriani as an auto-deleting Instagram story, the brief image of it on the episode appeared to show them in the same outfits and jewelry they wore to the Bravo event announcing the new RHONY cast in October.
Notice the earrings. Credit: Bravo / Screenshot: Twitter / OMFGRealityTV
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
So far, this bit of sleuthing has yet to turn up anything of relevance to confirm the identity of restaurant — but at least we have a frame of reference and a timeline. This was, potentially, the cast celebrating together, in public, for the first time and the reservation caused a fight. Fantastic.
Directly after the premiere aired on Sunday, the cast appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Bravo ringmaster Andy Cohen. Obviously, the restaurant debacle came up. Nearly the entire cast noted they had not been back to the mystery spot. But later in the episode of WWHL, Lichy once again defended her pick.
“Andy, you know the restaurant, it’s not that bad,” Lichy said.
“It’s fine, there’s a lot of athletes there,” Cohen responded.
Now this is an example of going too far down the internet sleuthing rabbit hole….but…what do athletes do?
Shop these deals to watch the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup live:
BEST OVERALL VPN
ExpressVPN (one year + three months) (opens in a new tab)
$6.67/month (save $6.28/month)
(opens in a new tab)
MOST AFFORDABLE VPN
CyberGhost VPN (2 years + 2 months) (opens in a new tab)
$2.19/month (save $10.80/month)
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BEST PREMIUM VPN
NordVPN Standard (2 years) (opens in a new tab)
$3.49/month (save $9.50/month)
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BEST CABLE ALTERNATIVE
YouTube TV (opens in a new tab)
free 10-day trial, then $64.99/month (save $8/month)
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MOST AFFORDABLE CABLE ALTERNATIVE
Sling TV Blue Package (opens in a new tab)
$25 for your first month (save $15)
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The two-time defending World Cup champion U.S. women’s team is gearing up to attempt a three-peat as the quadrennial tournament for international soccer’s most coveted trophy officially kicks off. Beginning Thursday, July 20, 32 teams from across the globe will compete in the Women’s World Cup 2023. That’s eight more teams than the previous tournament, which means a total of 64 games will take place.
Previous winners include the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Norway, with the U.S. winning the most of any nation. Will the USWNT pull off its third victory in a row? Or will other favorites like England, Spain, and Germany lift the cup? Here’s what you need to know to watch every game live from your living room.
When is the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023?
The Women’s World Cup begins Thursday, July 20, and runs through August 20. The 32 teams, up from 24 in 2019, are divided into eight groups of four. Each team plays a three-game, round-robin group stage. The top finishers then advance to a round of 16 from August 5 to 8. The quarterfinals are set for August 11 and 12, with two semifinal games set for August 15 and 16. Finally, the third-place winner will be determined in a game set for August 19, with the final officially airing on August 20 at 6 a.m. ET.
Since Australia and New Zealand are hosting the tournament, you’ll want to keep an eye on the kickoff times. For instance, the U.S. games kick off either at 9 p.m. ET or 3 a.m. ET. While FIFA tries to cater the kickoff times to the nations playing, there is a 12 to 15-hour time difference to consider.
Where can I watch the Women’s World Cup 2023?
If you have cable, you’re in luck. Fox Sports is the home to all things World Cup in the U.S. The network will air all 64 games of the tournament, with 29 of them on the main network and the others shown on FS1. If you have a cable login, you can also watch on FoxSports.com or the Fox Sports app.
Don’t have cable? No worries. There are several free live streams available if you use a VPN. You can also sign up for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Sling, or FuboTV to get in on the action (more on that below).
Can you stream the Women’s World Cup for free?
Fans have plenty of options for streaming the 2023 Women’s World Cup for free. Just keep in mind that there is a barrier to accessing these streams — your location. The free streams are based in the UK, Australia, Belgium, France, and other places around the globe. You’ll either need to be in one of those countries to access the stream or pretend to be with the help of a quality VPN. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think.
The following streaming services offer free coverage of the Women’s World Cup:
BBC iPlayer (English commentary) — Based in the UK, BBC iPlayer can be accessed on your browser or through a mobile app with a UK postal code and a server based in the UK.
ITV (English commentary) — Like BBC, ITV is based in the UK and airs completely free live streams of some World Cup games with a valid UK postal code and a UK-based server.
7plus (English commentary) — Australia-based 7plus is the app equivalent of the Seven network. The network and accompanying app will air 15 key games — the opening, quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final — live. All you need is a valid postal code and an Australian-based IP address to access the stream.
RTBF Auvio (French commentary) — Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (RTBF) is the broadcasting organization of the French community of Belgium. Its free online streaming platform, called Auvio, will air free live matches during the World Cup tournament. Just connect to a Belgium-based server to access.
RTÉ Player (English commentary) — RTÉ is a free-to-air channel based in Ireland. You can securely stream games for free using the RTÉ Player by logging into a VPN server based in Ireland. TG4, another Irish free-to-air channel, will also be airing the action live.
With any of the free streams, you’ll follow these three main steps to gain access:
Download and sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (see our top picks below).
Log into the VPN you selected and choose a server based in the location of the stream you choose (UK, Australia, Ireland, or Belgium).
Head over to the corresponding site or app to stream the 2023 Women’s World Cup for free.
All of these streams are free of charge, but keep in mind that you’ll still have to pay a low monthly fee for a VPN if you don’t already have one. So, technically it’s not totally free, but is anything? Most VPNs keep costs fairly low, at least. Plus, many offer money-back guarantees, free trials, and regular discounts.
What is the best VPN for streaming the Women’s World Cup 2023?
Best overall: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN checks all the right boxes when it comes to a reliable VPN for streaming. It’s pretty easy to use, offers ample support whenever you need it, and works well. What more could you want? “The best VPNs are intuitive, secure, and they do their thing without slowing you down too much,” said Mashable contributor Branford Shaw. And when he tested ExpressVPN firsthand, that’s exactly what he saw. Equipped with thousands of servers in 94 countries, you can easily find a server in one of the above locations to access the free streams of the Women’s World Cup 2023. It’s not the most affordable option on the list, but it’s currently running a deal for $6.67 per month for 15 months — that’s $6.28 per month in savings.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
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Credit: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN (One year + three months) (opens in a new tab)
$6.67/month (save $6.28/month)
(opens in a new tab)
Most affordable: CyberGhost VPN
If affordability is most important to you, CyberGhost VPN offers over 9,000 servers in 91 countries — including those with free World Cup streams — for only $2.19 per month with its current deal. New customers can get a 26-month plan for over 80% off the standard monthly rate of $12.99, plus a money-back guarantee within 45 days. But the price isn’t the only thing we love about it: CyberGhost also offers specialized streaming servers, gives users free access to ID Guard and Privacy Guard, and as Mashable shopping reporter Haley Henschel noted, “backs up its no-logs policy with annual Transparency Reports.”
Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
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Credit: CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN (2 years + 2 months) (opens in a new tab)
$2.19/month (save $10.80/month)
(opens in a new tab)
Best premium pick: NordVPN
Perhaps the most well-known VPN on our list, NordVPN is a premium pick with advanced security features like split tunneling, built-in malware protection, and multi-hop connections. It’s not the best choice for first-time VPN users, or as Mashable shopping reporter Haley Henschel noted, it’s for “users who don’t need their hands held.” That being said, it regularly tops Best VPN lists (including ours) and its Standard plan is pretty affordable at $3.49 per month (for two years).
Read our full review of NordVPN.
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Credit: NordVPN
NordVPN Standard (2 years) (opens in a new tab)
$3.49/month (save $9.50/month)
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Honorable mention: Proton VPN
While it’s not the most powerful or popular VPN on the list, we still think Proton VPN is worth mentioning for its commitment to consumer privacy, its 30-day money-back guarantee, and its decent price of $4.99 per month for two years. It offers a smaller number of servers than the others on this list, but still ticks off the locations of the free World Cup streams (the UK, Australia, Belgium, Ireland). Plus, it includes a built-in ad tracker and malware blocker.
Read our full review of ProtonVPN.
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Credit: Proton VPN
Proton VPN Plus (2 years) (opens in a new tab)
$4.99/month (save $5/month)
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Best streaming services to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Don’t feel like signing up for and downloading a VPN? That route certainly isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, there are other ways to stream the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 that don’t require a VPN. However, they are going to cost you.
Since Fox is home to the World Cup championships, your best bet is to ask someone you know for their cable login. That way, you can utilize the free stream on FoxSports.com. If you don’t have an accessible cable login, your next best option is to subscribe to Peacock for a Spanish-language broadcast or a live TV streamer like Sling or YouTube TV. Here are our top streaming service picks for watching the Women’s World Cup in the U.S.
Most direct: Peacock Premium (Spanish commentary)
By far the most direct way to watch the Women’s World Cup 2023 in the U.S. is via Peacock Premium. There’s just one catch: the broadcast is in Spanish. If that doesn’t matter to you, then by all means, sign up for Peacock Premium for just $4.99 for the month and watch every match as it happens live.
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Credit: Peacock
Peacock Premium (opens in a new tab)
$4.99/month
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Best cable alternative: YouTube TV
For the most bang for your buck and a solid cable alternative, check out YouTube TV, which Mashable shopping reporter Leah Stodart called “arguably the best premium live TV streaming service out there.” YouTube TV offers a solid trial period for testing the waters, a wide selection of channels (including Fox and FS1 for World Cup coverage), plus a decent introductory offer. After a 10-day trial, you’ll pay just $64.99 per month for three months (rather than $72.99 per month). Better yet, you can cancel at any time with no strings.
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Credit: YouTube TV
YouTube TV (opens in a new tab)
Free 10-day trial, then $64.99/month for your first three months ($72.99/month thereafter)
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Most affordable cable alternative: Sling TV Blue package
Sling is one of the most affordable options on the market for a live TV streaming service. With the Blue package, you’ll have access to FS1, which will broadcast over 30 of the games live. For the rest, you’ll need to use an over-the-air antenna (which is included for free!) to access the main Fox network. It’s significantly cheaper than YouTube TV, but also has significantly fewer channel options. For a limited time, Sling is offering new customers their first month of the Blue package for just $25. After that, it’ll jump back up to $40/month.
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Credit: Sling TV
Sling Blue (opens in a new tab)
$25/month (save $15/month) on your first month
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Honorable mentions
FuboTV — free seven-day trial, then $74.99/month (access to Fox, FS1)
Hulu + Live TV — $69.99/month (access to Fox, FS1)
UPDATE: Jul. 17, 2023, 4:30 p.m. EDT This list has been updated with the latest and greatest gaming deals across the internet.
Featured picks:
Best PlayStation deal
‘The Last of Us Remastered’ (opens in a new tab)
$9.99 at Amazon (save $10)
(opens in a new tab)
Best Xbox deal
Xbox Series X ‘Diablo IV’ Bundle (opens in a new tab)
$519.99 on Amazon (save $40)
(opens in a new tab)
Best Nintendo Switch deal
‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (opens in a new tab)
$51.99 on Amazon (save $19)
(opens in a new tab)
Best PC deal
Razer Nari Essential Wireless (opens in a new tab)
$34.99 at Best Buy (save $65)
(opens in a new tab)
Gaming is a pricey hobby to keep up with. Not only are a staggering number of must-play titles released each year, but they’re also expensive. (Yes, games cost $70 now.) That’s why each week, we’re bringing you the best gaming deals we can find, so you can stay in the know about the hottest new games without stressing over video game-induced debt. Whether you’re looking to catch up on your backlog with discounted titles or are hoping to freshen up your setup with some new hardware, we’ve got you covered.
PlayStation deals
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Credit: Naughty Dog
Our pick: ‘The Last of Us Remastered’ (opens in a new tab)
$9.99 at Amazon (save $10)
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us was a huge hit — so huge, it’s actually been nominated for 24 Emmys. If the show got you in the mood to play the game that inspired it, the remastered version is on sale right now. Just $9.99 for one of the best games ever made? Sign us up.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition — $40.99$69.99 (save $29)
Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition — $29.99$99.99 (save $70)
Shadow of the Colossus— $9.99$19.99 (save $10)
PlayStation hardware and accessories
PlayStation 4 (500GB, pre-owned) — $189.99$219.99 (save $30)
WD My Passport 2TB External Hard Drive — $69.99$79.99 (save $10)
Xbox deals
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Credit: Microsoft / Blizzard Entertainment
Our pick: Xbox Series X ‘Diablo IV’ Bundle (opens in a new tab)
$529.99 on Microsoft (save $30)
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Speaking of awesome console bundle deals: Amazon just put the brand-new Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle on sale for $10 off ahead of its annual Prime Day savings event. Yeah, it’s only $10 off, but it’s still pretty impressive for a just-released console bundle starring a highly anticipated game — the standalone game itself hasn’t even gone on sale yet.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy — $17.99$59.99 (save $42)
MLB The Show 23 — $29.99$59.99 (save $30)
NBA 2K23 — $19.99$39.99 (save $20)
Sea of Thieves Deluxe Edition — $19.99$49.99 (save $30)
Sonic Frontiers — $34.99$59.99 (save $25)
Xbox hardware and accessories
Xbox Wireless Controller (Arctic Camo Special Edition) — $64.99$69.99 (save $5)
Xbox Stereo Headset — $46.99$59.99 (save $13)
Nintendo Switch deals
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Credit: Nintendo
Our pick: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (opens in a new tab)
$57.18 on Amazon (save $12.81)
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Meet one of your leading Game of the Year contenders. The record-shattering sequel to 2017’s excellent Breath of the Wild takes Link above and below the expansive Kingdom of Hyrule, with four (highly memeable) new abilities at his disposal on his quest to find Princess Zelda.
Nintendo Switch games
Animal Crossing: New Horizons — $55.99$59.99 (save $4)
Assassin’s Creed Anniversary Edition Mega Bundle — $39.99$99.99 (save $60)
Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection— $19.99$39.99 (save $20)
Our pick: Razer Nari Essential Wireless (opens in a new tab)
$39.99 at Best Buy (save $60)
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Will Greenwald of PCMag (which is owned by Mashable’s publisher, Ziff Davis) gave the Razer Nari Essential Wireless an Editor’s Choice award in his 4/5 review, lauding it as “a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset that will please PC gamers with its powerful audio performance.” Highlights include immersive THX Spatial Audio, cooling gel ear cushions, and a 16-hour battery life. Best Buy has it on sale for $39.99 (or a whopping 60% off), which Amazon was matching before it sold out there,
UPDATE: Jul. 17, 2023, 1:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the latest sale prices and availability of sex toys. Check out our top picks below:
Our top picks
BEST VIBRATOR
VIM by Fun Factory (opens in a new tab)
$152.10 at Fun Factory (save $16.90 with code MASHABLE10)
(opens in a new tab)
BEST CLIT SUCTION TOY
Apex by JimmyJane (opens in a new tab)
$149.99 at JimmyJane (save $50.01)
(opens in a new tab)
BEST DILDO
Lovehoney Spiral G-Spot Sensual glass dildo (opens in a new tab)
$17.49 at Lovehoney (save $17.50)
(opens in a new tab)
BEST PENIS SLEEVE
Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack (opens in a new tab)
$69.95 at Fleshlight (save $11.90)
(opens in a new tab)
BEST ANAL TOY
Lovehoney Butt Tingler (opens in a new tab)
$12.49 at Lovehoney (save $12.50)
(opens in a new tab)
We’re not saying that treating yourself to some new sex toys will almost certainly improve your life, but we’re also not not saying that. Spending money on upping your solo sesh game or adding a little spice with a partner is well worth the investment. Though we do believe in springing for well-made toys since you’ll be putting them in, on, and around your genitals, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to drop a ton of cash.
Every week, we’ll be rounding up the best deals directly from manufacturers and online sex shops alike, so you can find a toy you’ll love at prices you’ll love (almost) as much. Check out our finds from this week below.
Best vibrator
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Credit: Fun Factory
Our pick: VIM by Fun Factory (opens in a new tab)
$152.10 (save $16.90 with the code MASHABLE10)
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
On March 20, 2023, Fun Factory released the world’s first weighted rumble wand, and let me tell you, this baby did not disappoint. Unlike other wands, the VIM is lightweight and offers flexibility for comfortable positioning. It’s water resistant, rechargeable, and features five speeds and three patterns. Oh, and it’s up to 50% quieter than most traditional wands! (It’s also perfect for edging.)
Volta by Fun Factory — $125.99$139.99 (save $14 with code MASHABLE10)
LELO Smart Wand 2 — $139$199 (save $60)
LELO Soraya Wave — $202.02$259 (save $56.98)
Best clitoral sucking toy
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Credit: JimmyJane
Our pick: Apex by JimmyJane (opens in a new tab)
$149.99 at JimmyJane (save $50.01)
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
The Apex by JimmyJane is unlike any other clitoral vibrator on the market. The unique design of this multi-functional vibrator allows for clitoral, G-spot, anal, and nipple stimulation — and its suction power is out of this world. With four motors, two cup attachments (one clitoral and one nipple), seven tongue patterns, 10 handle vibrations, and three suction levels, the Apex delivers.
More clitoral stimulator and suction toy deals:
Satisfyer Pro 2 air pulse stimulator — $29.95$59.90 (save $29.95 with code JULY)
Satisfyer Pearl Diver air pulse stimulator — $31.47$44.95 (save $13.48 with code JULY)
French Kiss Sweet Talker clitoral stimulator — $32.99$59.99 (save $27 with code AESAVE45)
Satisfyer Number One air pulse stimulator — $34.97$49.95 (save $14.98 with code JULY)
Satisfyer Pro Traveler clitoral suction stimulator — $49.98$99.95 (save $49.97 with code JULY)
ZALO Unicorn Set suction massager — $109.65$129 (save $19.35 with code SUMMER)
LELO Dot — $125 $179 (save $54)
Womanizer X hansgrohe Wave clitoral stimulator shower head bundle — $130 $151.98 (save $21.98)
Best dildo
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Credit: Lovehoney
Our pick: Lovehoney Spiral G-Spot Sensual glass dildo (opens in a new tab)
$17.49 at Lovehoney (save $17.50)
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Why we like it
Everyone has their preferences regarding dildos (or any sex toys, for that matter), but here’s why Lovehoney’s Spiral G-Spot Sensual glass dildo is worth a second look. With eight full insertable inches, this textured glass dildo is ribbed in all the right places to help you reach G-spot nirvana. Heat it up or cool it down for temperature play. Plus, it’s lube-compatible (no matter what lube you like!) and super easy to clean. Use it during a solo session, explore shower play, or invite your partner to experience a new sensation.
CalExotics Sophia’s Red Rider harness and G-spot dildo — $27.97$39.95 (save $11.98 with code JULY)
B Yours 14-inch dual-ended dildo — $29.99$39.99 (save $10)
BMS Factory Pink Swirl Glow in the Dark 7.5-inch dildo — $43.20$54 (save $10.80)
Addiction Party Marty 7.5-inch dildo — $51.20$64 (save $12.80)
Magnum dildo by Fun Factory — $54.09$59.99 (save $5.90 with code MASHABLE10)
Limba Flex bendable dildo by Fun Factory — $72$79.99 (save $7.99 with code MASHABLE10)
Best penis sleeve
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Credit: Fleshlight
Our pick: Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack (opens in a new tab)
$69.95 at Fleshlight (save $11.90)
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Why we like it
When it comes to sex toys specifically for people with penises, Fleshlight might be the most recognizable name out there, and for a good reason — they’re masters at the masturbation sleeve. Fleshlight’s sleeves have made our favorites list before, and this bundle comes with a compact version of one of the brand’s most popular sleeves, the Stamina Training Unit, as well as lube and cleaner.
More penis sex toy deals:
Cal Exotics Apollo curved prostate probe — $12$16 (save $4)
Sue Johnson Super Head Honcho masturbator — $13.74$16 (save $11.25 with code AESAVE45)
Zero Tolerance Cock Armor cock ring — $43.20$54 (save $10.80)
Lovehoney Hot Shot warming male masturbator — $44.99$89.99 (save $45)
Adam & Eve Rabbit Ring — $59.99$64 (save $4.01)
Doc Johnson Main Squeeze OG Masturbator — $59.20$74 (save $14.80)
Milan Christopher King Fleshlight — $74.99$85 (save $10.01)
ZALO Bayek Vibrating couples’ ring — $84.15$99 (save $14.85 with code SUMMER)
Orctan rechargeable silicone roller male masturbator — $87.60$219 (save $131.40)
Buy 2 Fleshlight sleeves, get one free — $99.90$149.85 (save $49.95)
Best anal toy
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Credit: Lovehoney
Our pick: Lovehoney Butt Tingler (opens in a new tab)
$12.49 at Lovehoney (save $12.50)
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Why we like it
Lovehoney’s Butt Tingler is ideal for beginners and anal pros. Thanks to its smooth, silicone exterior and approachable 3.5-inch size, anyone can enjoy anal play with this toy. Its T-bar base is designed to stimulate the perineum, and the bullet vibe with three vibration speeds and seven patterns can be removed for a buzz-free experience. It can also stimulate other erogenous zones, like the nipple or clitoris.
More anal toy deals:
CalExotics Silicone Anal Stud in black — $20.97 $29.95 (save $8.98 with code JULY)
If you missed out on Prime Day, don’t worry! There are still plenty of great deals out there. Instant Pot, for example, has up to 48% off select appliances. So if you’ve had your eye on an air fryer or pressure cooker, now’s the time to get one at a great price.
Here are some of our top picks for the best Instant Pot post Prime Day deals:
Best budget deal
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Instant Pot Vortex (5.7 qt) (opens in a new tab)
$79.95 at Amazon (save $60.04)
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Why we like it
The Instant Pot Vortex air fryer oven combo is a great budget-friendly option. It’s a versatile appliance that can air fry, broil, roast, and reheat with the touch of a button. The dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup a breeze, and the free app with 1,900 recipes provides plenty of inspiration. EvenCrisp technology helps move airflow top down for a perfectly golden finish every time.
Best multi-cooker deal
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Instant Pot Pro (6 qt) (opens in a new tab)
$118.99 at Amazon (save $51)
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Why we like it
The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 cooker can do just about anything. This little gadget is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice and grain cooker, steamer, sous vide, yogurt maker, sauté pan, warmer, and even a cake maker. It has a six-quart capacity, but you can also buy the eight-quart capacity if you plan on cooking for large crowds. With five programmable settings for your favorite recipes, overheat protection, and a safe locking lid for easy transport, the Instant Pot Pro is definitely worth checking out.
Best air fryer deal
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Instant Omni Pro (opens in a new tab)
$229.95 at Amazon (save $120.04)
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Why we like it
The Instant Omni Pro is ideal for anyone who craves extra crispy and delicious fried food without all the added fat and calories. Its 19-quart capacity means it can hold a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken, and its 14 functionalities include broiling, baking, roasting, dehydrating, slow cooking, and more. Plus, the temperature probe lets you see real-time cooking progress so your food is always cooked to perfection.
Even more Instant Pot deals
Instant Pot RIO (6 qt) — $79.99$99.99 (save $20)
Instant Pot Vortex Plus (10 qt) — $99.95$149.99 (save $50)
Instant Pot electric round Dutch oven (6 qt) — $119.99 $229.99 (save $110)
Instant Pot Duo Crisp — $179.95 $199.99 (save $20.04)
Save 33%: As of July 17, you can grab a factory reconditioned (aka basically new) pair of the AirPods Max for just $369.99 at Woot. Although these headphones aren’t technically on sale, because they’re used, their price is $179.01 cheaper than the usual asking price of $549 for a new set of headphones.
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Factory reconditioned AirPods Max (opens in a new tab)
$369.99 at Woot (save $179.01)
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The AirPods Max are notoriously pricey. When Mashable reviewed them, the point at the top of our cons list was that they are “way too expensive.”
At their full price of $549, we stand by that statement. Similar headphones from Bose and Sony run in the $300-$400 range. However, as of July 17, Woot has some AirPods Maxes that have been factory reconditioned, meaning they were returned, inspected, and restored to be in “pristine” condition, as the retailer says. In fact, they describe factory reconditioned as “as close to new as you can get without technically being ‘new.'”
That’s why we appreciate that the AirPods Max are available for just $369.99 at Woot. The quantity and sale time is limited — you can only grab them in the green and pink colorway, and only at this price for the next five days, or until they sell out, whichever happens first. The lowest a new pair of these headphones’ price has dipped is $429.
SEE ALSO:
Apple’s iPhone 15 might come in glorious pink color
We talked about our list of cons for these headphones, but what about the pros? They do have excellent sound quality, a unique and more design-forward look, as well as impressive noise cancellation and 20 hours of battery life, which is standard, but still good. Do we wish they had a carrying case? Yes. Do we wish they actually shut off all the way? Of course.
But at nearly $200 below their list price, the best parts of the AirPods Max only get better, and the parts we love less are much easier to live with.
Walking into a sex shop or browsing online can introduce you to an endless stream of vibrators, dildos, clit-suckers, and more products designed to make you orgasm. With such a variety out there, it can be daunting to determine which toy is right for you — especially if you’ve never bought one before.
What should you look for when buying a sex toy? We reached out to experts for their insight on what to add to the cart next.
Where to buy a sex toy
Don’t worry if you’re a newbie, said Dr. Nikki Coleman, licensed psychologist and relationship expert. It can take a while to find a toy just right for you.
Both in-person and online shops have advantages when it comes to your search. One benefit of the former is receiving personalized suggestions from a salesperson.
On the other hand, the internet offers easy access to a huge array of reviews and lists. If you want to research inexpensive sex toy options or just find out what’s the best of the best, for example, you can locate choices with one Google search. If you find yourself overwhelmed by this wealth of knowledge, taking it IRL is probably your best bet.
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Not all shops are created equal. Purchasing from third-party stores like Amazon doesn’t guarantee an authentic product. Considering that the toy will be in or around your genitals, it’s imperative to make sure it’s legit.
“You want to buy a vibrator made from the right material, from people who know everything there is to know about these products,” said Gigi Engle, certified sex educator and author of All the F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life.
SEE ALSO:
How to clean your sex toys
Buy directly from trusted retailers or the sex toy manufacturer itself. Engle suggested checking out sex-positive, women-run boutiques like Babeland, Please, Good Vibrations, and Unbound, all of which have online stores. These sellers aren’t just women-founded; their employees are queer-friendly and knowledgeable about sex education as well.
Once you figure out what toy you want — say the Maude vibe, a sleek toy for $45, or LELO’s Sona 2 Cruise, an elegant suction vibrator — you can also buy directly from the company’s website.
What to consider when buying a sex toy
Figure out your budget, but don’t let the price tags deter you, Coleman said. There are high-quality yet affordable toys out there. Mashable’s Jess Joho listed her favorite budget picks, including Plus One’s $10 vibrating bullet and the aforementioned Maude vibe, all for under $50.
Materials are another important factor to consider. For vibrators, look for medical-grade silicone and/or ABS plastic, which is non-porous and thus easy to sanitize. Internal toys can be made of those materials as well, or of other body-safe options, like glass or stainless steel.
What the toy is made of also determines how to care for it. For example, silicone lube will degrade silicone toys, so you must use water-based or oil-based lube. The product manual or online listing usually lets you know what type is best.
Ask yourself some questions to drill down what type of toy you’re after:
Will this be for solo play, partnered play, or both? Some toys advertise whether they can be enjoyed by two people at once.
Are you going to use it in the bath or shower? Hunt for a submersible toy, not just water-resistant. Search for phrases like “water submersible,” “completely waterproof,” or “bathtub safe.”
Are you going to travel with this toy? Find one with a travel lock function so it doesn’t accidentally turn on while in airport security.
Do you want a toy that’s USB chargeable or battery-powered? Corded or cordless? Think about which would be the most convenient for you. I recommend USB, because nothing is worse than having a dead vibrator and no batteries around.
Perhaps most importantly, determine what sensations you want out of a toy. “Vibrators are complicated pieces of equipment,” said Engle, and not all vibes are alike. Do you want:
Pinpointed clit stimulation? You may want a smaller vibrator (or something like the dental flosser-looking Zumio, which wasn’t my personal favorite, but you can’t beat it for targeted stimulation).
Less-targeted clit stimulation? A wand vibrator may be a good fit for you.
Suction over rumbles? Try a clit-sucker.
Dual internal and external stimulation? A “bunny” vibrator/dildo combo like LELO’s Soraya Wave will do the trick.
Or, you may not want vibration at all. There are plenty of toys, like dildos or anal beads, that prioritize internal pleasure without a motor. For these toys, consider girth, Coleman said. Check out toy dimensions before purchasing to make sure you’ll feel comfortable using it. If you want a refund or exchange, or to return the toy, check with the store or site policy.
SEE ALSO:
The best vibrators you can have shipped right to your door
Don’t feel pressure to find the “perfect” toy, Coleman advised. Instead, think about it as starting your collection. With every purchase, you’ll learn something about your preferences. By asking yourself a few questions and being mindful about where you shop, you can pick a toy you’ll love among the crowded market.
Are you ready to upgrade your less than 1-year-old Macbook?
According to a new report from Mark Gurman‘s Power On newsletter for Bloomberg (via 9to5Mac), Apple is already preparing to launch its new M3 Apple Silicon Macs later this year.
The planned launch, likely in October, for the new M3 Macs will come just around 4 months after Apple launched its latest M2 computer, the 15-inch MacBook Air. It’s also just around 9 months after Apple released its M2 line of MacBook Pro computers as well. The first line of M2 Macs, the first upgrade after Apple’s M1 Silicon chip debuted in November 2020, were released in June 2022 with a line of 13-inch MacBook Airs.
According to 9to5Mac, the M3 chip is expected to have “enhanced performance and efficiency” compared to the M2 model. The outlet says Apple will achieve this with a move to a new 3-nanometer silicon fabrication process.
SEE ALSO:
Apple’s iPhone 15 might come in glorious pink color
Over the years, Apple has held an October event following its big September announcements, which are usually reserved for the latest iPhone releases. The follow-up event usually focuses on Apple’s line of desktop and laptop computers.
It’s currently unclear exactly what date that the event will be or what Apple has planned for release. However, according to the report, a new M3 13-inch MacBook Air and new M3 MacBook Pro are likely announcements.
Also, unlike its laptop models, the iMac has not seen an upgrade since April 2021 when Apple transitioned its all-on-one desktop line to the M1. It’s likely that the iMac will completely skip an M2 version and Apple will announce an M3 iMac at its upcoming event. Gurman also says it’s likely Apple will release a larger 30-inch iMac line later next year.
As 9to5Mac explains, one reason why the upcoming M3 announcements are so close to the recent M2 releases could be due to supply chain issues Apple was experiencing, which delayed the manufacturing of some M2 models.
