Author Archives: Carol Edwards

Ever feel like you spend a ton of time on TikTok but that you’re still missing so much of what’s happening there?

TikTok has been growing in popularity year over year, but for an app that’s been around for a while now it’s surprising just how many new trends are still popping up on it every day.

We sorted through it all so you don’t have to. Here are five of the biggest trends that have shaped TikTok this year — so far.

That one specific song that turned into a bunch of different trends

It isn’t something I picked up on immediately, but a slowed-down cover of Beach Bunny’s “Cloud 9” has morphed into multiple different videos across TikTok. I first noticed the tune as it was performed by the user pxrxvi in the “I hate all men… But when he loves me” trend, in which someone (usually a woman) shows off all the things their (usually male) partners do for them. That same tune, remarkably, is used in another popular video format on the app but with a twist. An acoustic version of the song is in the background of the “I hate people who work at the bank” trend, in which people reveal that they are actually, indeed, the thing that they hate.

Coffee reviews

In early 2020, while we were all experiencing the first stretch of quarantine, a whipped coffee drink known as dalgona coffee took TikTok by storm. Since then, the coffee consumption experience on the app has changed and grown into a full-on coffee review powerhouse. There’s one user, @starbucksrecipeswithm, who makes coffees with her 2.1 million followers; another user, @eggbaloni, reviews Starbucks drinks for his 490,000 followers; and then there is @tybridgwater, who famously reviews coffee drinks on duets to more than 879,000 followers. As of publication, #coffee has 15.1 billion views, and #coffeereview has 10.3 million views.

The Green brothers

Hank and John Green — New York Times bestselling authors, YouTubers, educational content creators, and philanthropists — have become more and more of a presence on TikTok. Hank Green, who is becoming known more as a TikTokker now than he is a science educator or writer, posts a whole host of different videos on the app. Sometimes he’s talking about pelicans to explaining science to bickering with his brother, John. John posts far less frequently, but he also bickers with his brother, Hank, and talks about his books. The convention that the two brothers originally conceived, VidCon, is even being sponsored by TikTok now.

Adult Swim bumps

In one of the most creative and nostalgic trends on TikTok in 2021, Gen Z is bringing back the Adult Swim bumps. Adult Swim, the late-night adult programming on Cartoon Network, used short bumps to let parents know that the network wasn’t showing kid-friendly content anymore.

TikTokkers have been recreating the iconic lil clips by creatively showing off the [as] logo at the end of short videos. As of publication, #AdultSwim was at more than 3 billion views.

Songs from The Backyardigans

Do you hear a smooth samba on your For You page? Or have you been listening to the sounds of “Into the thick of it! Into the thick of it! Into the thick of it! Ugh!” as you flip through TikTok videos? Both of those are songs from The Backyardigans, a children’s show that has, remarkably, made quite the splash on the video-sharing app. Both songs — “Castaways” and “Into The Thick Of It” — have gone fully viral thanks to celebrities like Lizzo. TikTokkers love their nostalgia.

Michelin debuted a project called “WISAMO.” It’s an inflatable sail that can be used on ships to reduce carbon emissions.

When the clock struck midnight on 2021, the year looked uncertain for many. But TV remained a constant and a comfort with continued lockdowns around the world, and the prospect of appointment TV, new shows from acclaimed artists, and a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe gave us pockets of hope in the form of streaming. New and old shows put their best foot forward, giving us quality episodes we’ll be thinking about for a long time.

In no particular order, here are the 10 best TV episodes of 2021 (so far).

1. WandaVision Season 1 episode 4, “We Interrupt This Program“

WandaVision was our first MCU release in over 18 months, and even then it didn’t go back to classic Marvel storytelling until episode 4. “We Interrupt This Program” put us right back in the world of the Infinity Saga, fresh after the Blip and facing its horrifying consequences. There is nothing quite like that feeling of returning to this story, and it’s monumental to do so with a Black woman in the lead. We reenter the story with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), snapped back into existence in a world descending into chaos. WandaVision leaves the perils of rebuilding post-Blip society to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, so Monica recovers quickly and investigates the Westview Anomaly with FBI Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park).

With Parris as the de facto action hero lead (yes please), Park and Kat Dennings step in as the MCU’s new comedy dream team while all three of them collect intel about the Anomaly. As enjoyable as WandaVision’s sitcom shenanigans are, nothing hits quite like mysterious acronyms and government agencies and energy spikes that make Darcy’s instruments go whoa. This is the Marvel we knew meeting the Marvel we can know, and the interruption is now the main event. —Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: WandaVision is now streaming on Disney+.

2. The Underground Railroad Season 1 episode 9, “Indiana Winter”

The finale of The Underground Railroad functioned as more of an epilogue to the rest of the season, with the climax of Cora’s journey arriving in episode 9, “Indiana Winter.” There is a sense of catharsis in this episode as Cora eases into life on Valentine Farm and begins to shed her fears of intimacy and capture, but as in Colson Whitehead’s novel, her peace doesn’t last for long. “Indiana Winter” is the show’s final, damning condemnation of white supremacy as powerful men rain down their final judgement on the existence of Valentine Farm and bring Cora to a harrowing confrontation with Ridgeway, which ends exactly as The Underground Railroad begins — falling in slow motion into darkness. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Underground Railroad is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

3. Mare of Easttown Season 1 episode 5, “Illusions”

As far as crime dramas go, Mare of Easttown can twist and turn with the best of them. Throughout the seven-part limited series, Kate Winslet’s steely lead detective weathered countless shocking revelations as she investigated a brutal homicide of a teen girl and two missing persons cases. Of course, no developments were quite as devastating as the explosive series of events captured in episode 5. 

Titled “Illusions,” this was the Mare of Easttown episode that not only saw police finally answer one of the show’s most burning whodunnits, but also stunned audiences with the death of a beloved major character. On the off chance you haven’t seen the show yet, I won’t say more. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll remember where you were when you watched this top-tier episode for the rest of your TV-watching days. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Mare of Easttown is now streaming on HBO Max.

4. Master of None: Moments in Love, “Chapter 4“

Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang surprised everyone when they announced a third season of Master of None, nearly four years after a critically acclaimed Season 2 and expectations that there would be no more. Moments in Love may include Denise (Lena Waithe), but its connection to Master of None is barely in the story and entirely in the creative writing and production.

Over five episodes, Moments in Love speaks to us with long takes and heavy silence — never more than “Chapter 4,” when Alicia (Naomi Ackie) decides to pursue in vitro fertilization. Alicia is completely alone for most of the scenes, either physically in her apartment — FaceTiming her mother for the courage to start injections — or in a doctor’s office, receiving a phone call, carrying the incalculable emotional weight of her hopes and choices with each moment. Ackie is transcendent with every beat, the episode as much a showcase for her performance as for Ansari’s writing (he co-wrote the episode with Yang and Waithe). — P.K.

How to watch: Master of None: Moments in Love is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Sweet Tooth Season 1 episode 1, “Out of the Deep Woods“

The premiere of Sweet Tooth will undoubtedly rank among the most harrowing —
and most memorable — episodes of television released this year. Our first foray into the fantastic world of Jeff Lemire’s beloved comic book series introduces its main characters through a heart-wrenching origin story. We meet hero Gus (Christian Convery) and his father (Will Forte) living in a secluded cabin against a backdrop of apocalyptic mayhem. That Gus is a deer-human hybrid is just one part of a sprawling mystery Gus, his traveling companion Tommy (Nonso Anozie), and Sweet Tooth audiences begin to suss out through the sprawling journey to come. 

It’s an episode of TV better left unspoiled, but one that I can safely say provides the emotional root for the entire first season of this captivating adaptation. Great performances and some particularly well-scripted narration help you dive head-first into this profound show you’re not likely to forget. — A.F.

How to watch: Sweet Tooth is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Invincible Season 1 episode 8, “Where I Really Come From“

It says a lot that people who read the comics and knew exactly what was coming were still shocked and emotionally brutalized by the events of Invincible‘s season finale, “Where I Really Come From.” After the first episode shocker moment where Omni Man strolls in and wipes out the Justice League-like Guardians of the Globe, viewers have wondered what the Viltrumite is really up to. Episode 8 finally brought those answers, both for us and for the would-be hero’s half-human/half-Viltrumite son, Mark. What we learned over the course of that devastating hour of TV will shape the course of Invincible‘s story for the rest of its existence. — Adam Rosenberg, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Invincible is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

7. Pose Season 3 episodes 7–8, “Series Finale Pt I, II”

For three seasons, Pose has broken ground for representation of queer and trans people of color on TV while upholding a standard of storytelling that bridged the gap between historical reality and beautiful fantasy. There was almost no doubt that this show would stick its landing, but how well it actually stuck is remarkable. The double-length Pose finale delivered a poignant examination of medical racism regarding the HIV/AIDS crisis, captured the bittersweet relief of finally producing effective antiretroviral therapies, and gave each of its characters a sendoff — sometimes literally — that encapsulated their importance to the world of ballroom. Pose has always been a show unafraid to show America’s ugly history, but the story was always about the beauty of family and the legacies we leave behind. — A.N.

How to watch: The Pose finale is currently streaming on FX Now. Season 3 is available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon Prime, and more.

8. Mythic Quest Season 2 episodes 6-7, “Backstory“ and “Peter“

The real magic of Mythic Quest lies in the way the show weaponizes perspective and context to make the most seemingly detestable character a lovable and sympathetic figure. Episodes 6 and 7 of Season 2 took us on that journey with C.W. Longbottom, charting the “Mythic Quest” game writer’s path from an unassuming and starry-eyed wannabe sci-fi author to the bitter, heavy-drinking lech who always seems to be operating a few steps out of his element at the game studio. Much like Season 1’s brutal-yet-heartfelt journey through twin relationships in “Dark Quiet Death,” “Backstory” and its follow-up “Peter” in Season 2 will leave you clutching a wad of tissues and wondering how Mythic Quest, this silly show about ridiculous things, manages to be so incredibly, consistently devastating. — A.R.

How to watch: Mythic Quest is now streaming on Apple TV+.

9. Infinity Train Season 4 episode 1, “The Twin Tapes”

The opening episode of Infinity Train’s final season is a masterwork in establishing characters and their relationships. It introduces the season’s protagonists, Ryan (Sekai Murashige) and Min-Gi (Johnny Young), exploring their friendship, the creation of their band, and their falling out. The episode’s most moving sequence plays out in split-screen, with Ryan and Min-Gi trying to navigate life without each other. It’s the perfect device to open a season focusing on the rift between these two characters, all cleverly framed within the universe of the Infinity Train. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Fellow 

How to watch: Infinity Train is now streaming on HBO Max.

10. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 episode 5, “The Ruruvision Song Contest”

“The RuRuvision Song Contest” isn’t just one of the best TV episodes of 2021. It’s also one of the best episodes of the entire Drag Race franchise. This was the first episode filmed after production paused for seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the contestants’ sheer joy at being able to see each other and compete again lends this entire episode a near-euphoric energy. Aside from the excitement that came with returning to the competition, this episode generated so many iconic moments. There was the entirety of the United Kingdolls’ performance of “UK, Hun?,” A’Whora and Sister Sister’s matching runway looks, and, of course, RuPaul’s bizarre rant about Joe Black wearing an H&M dress. All in all, it’s a perfect episode of reality TV bolstered by a talented and charismatic cast. It’ll have you singing “bing, bang, bong” all day long. — B.E.

How to watch: RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is now streaming on WOW Presents Plus.

Reddit is officially in the NFT game.

The front page of the internet announced the “experiment” Thursday morning, with Reddit Product Lead Peter Yang explaining that the non-fungible tokens would take the form of cartoon avatars modeled after the Reddit logo. Bidding on the NFTs, which are essentially metadata encoded onto the Ethereum blockchain that describe an object or artwork, is already in the thousands of dollars.

Dubbed CryptoSnoos, the three NFTs currently listed for sale were minted on June 17 and are listed for auction on the OpenSea platform. “Original Block,” “Helium,” and “Snoopermatic” — the artworks the NFTs point to — are all based on the original Reddit logo drawn by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2005.

“Take advantage of this rare opportunity to own a piece of Reddit history—snag a CryptoSnoo NFT built on the Ethereum blockchain and start your collection,” reads Reddit’s NFT page.

Tweet may have been deleted

The auction is set to expire on June 30, but could be extended if the bidding gets fierce. At the time of this writing, bidding for the “Original Block” NFT is already at over $4,000 worth of WETH (WETH, or “wrapped ether,” is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain).

Notably, this appears to be just the beginning of Reddit’s foray into NFTs. Much like with cryptokitties, Reddit looks to be banking on the idea that users will value rare CryptoSnoos and want to buy and trade them. The CryptoSnoos are broken down into three categories: “Legendary,” meaning “one of a kind,” “Rare,” which translates to “extremely limited edition, and “Epic,” aka “limited edition.”

Redditors are encouraged to “Find available CryptoSnoos in Reddit’s avatar builder.”

The three CryptoSnoos currently listed for sale are “owned by Reddit,” so presumably any profits from the sale will be split in some way between Reddit and OpenSea. (OpenSea typically takes a 2.5 percent cut of sales, though it’s not clear if that agreement applies to CryptoSnoos.)

Notably, purchasing a CryptoSnoo NFT means a very specific thing. According to Reddit’s NFT terms of service, that thing is entertainment.

“You acknowledge and agree that the CryptoSnoo NFTs are made available solely for entertainment purposes,” explains the TOS. But wait, there’s more: The TOS makes clear that your ownership of the CryptoSnoo NFT does not grant you commercial rights to the artwork it represents.

SEE ALSO: So you spent millions on an NFT. Here’s what you actually bought.

Oh, also, Reddit says it can terminate your “Licensed Rights” to the CryptoSnoos if you, among other things, “disparage or initiate any legal action against Reddit, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, members, employees, agents, and/or attorneys.”

So fair warning would-be CryptoSnoo owners, don’t talk shit on Reddit! If you do, you might find your immutable and public ownership suddenly revoked — which would only be entertaining for the rest of us.

Josh Gad, along with Bob’s Burgers’ Loren Bouchard and Nora Smith, tell the story of how they casted Central Park before they created any of the show’s characters.

Nearly five full years after the launch of Windows 10, the follow-up is finally here.

Microsoft officially unveiled Windows 11 during a livestreamed event on Thursday, showing off the basics of the new operating system, which will come in the form of a free upgrade this holiday season. Windows 11 brings a new look, more conveniences for productivity-minded users, and some bonuses for PC gamers, too.

Here’s a rundown of everything Microsoft showed off.

Swanky new look

The most striking change to Windows 11 you’ll notice upfront is the aesthetic overhaul from Windows 10. Gone are the square tiles and the usual left-justified taskbar, replaced here by rounded corners on everything, a transparent glass texture for windows and other UI elements, and a Mac-like centered taskbar. While it’s definitely different, it should still be familiar to Windows users. The biggest change is the placement of the Start button in the center of the taskbar.

Speaking of the Start button, it’s been upgraded to have more of a grid layout for apps you pin to the menu. Microsoft is also taking advantage of its cloud technology to make the Start menu display any recent files you’ve used, regardless of device. That means you can theoretically move from a Microsoft app on an Android or iOS device to a Windows PC, and the Start menu will take you right back to what you were doing on the mobile device.

Oh, and there are light and dark mode options this time around. Dark mode forever.

Snap layouts, Teams, and more

Moving onto some of the changes made for productivity’s sake, Microsoft showed off its new Snap Layouts system during the stream. Depending on the size and shape of your display, you’ll be able to align multiple open windows in several different ways. Maybe you want one window taking up the left half of the screen and two stacked on top of each other on the right. With Snap Layouts, you should be able to do that, save the layout, and even pin it to the taskbar so you can open those windows together in that specific way the next time you need them using Snap Groups.

On an even broader scale, the new Desktops feature will let you create different desktop instances for different tasks. Maybe you want one for writing, one for video editing, and one for gaming, each with their own distinct app layouts and even desktop backgrounds. You’ll be able to create, save, and open those whenever you want, without having them interfere with one another. This isn’t an entirely new idea (certain versions of Linux have had this for years), but it’s convenient nonetheless.

Microsoft Teams got a bit of a publicity boost during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the urgent need for video calls, and the app will now be built directly into Windows 11. You can view a text chat log or, start voice or video calls directly from the taskbar. Microsoft says SMS functionality works here, too, so you can chat with Android and iOS users who don’t use Teams, as well. That said, Teams integration isn’t entirely positive depending on your point of view; Skype was bundled into Windows 10 and Microsoft is clearly pivoting away from that app, which some might prefer to Teams.

Auto-HDR and Game Pass

Windows is and always has been the top destination for PC gaming, so it’s no surprise that Windows 11 is taking steps to cater to that audience, too. The Xbox app is now built directly into Windows 11, and naturally that means quicker access to things like the Game Pass subscription service. It’s not a huge change from Windows 10, but it’s a little less work you have to do out of the box.

A much bigger enhancement is Auto-HDR, a feature Microsoft introduced in the Xbox Series consoles that automatically adds high dynamic range to compatible games without developers needing to do additional work to make it happen. HDR adds a wider range of colors to a display, and while it’s a little tough to demonstrate in a web article, you’ll have to trust us. It’s cool and makes games look much better.

Beyond that, Windows 11 will have an exclusive feature for games called DirectStorage. In a nutshell, this allows games to load straight to your graphics card, shortening load times and getting you into the action faster. This is another carry-over from the new gaming consoles. Anyone who’s used an Xbox Series machine or a PlayStation 5 can tell you the faster loading times make a huge difference.

Better tablet functionality and…Android apps?!

Windows 10 has shipped on plenty of touch-sensitive devices over the years, from Microsoft’s own Surface tablets to third-party machines. But just because you could navigate Windows 10 with your fingertips never meant it was a good idea. That particular interface never felt intuitive for touch controls, and Windows 11 is apparently taking some steps to change that.

Microsoft says moving and resizing windows via touch will be easier, icons will be spaced further apart, and touch gestures that you would have seen on things like laptop trackpads will be compatible with Windows 11. Those who use styluses with their tablets can also expect new haptic feedback features, though it’s tough to say how well that works without getting it in our hands first.

Last but not least, the new Microsoft Store app has been redesigned so finding new apps should be easier than before. Not only that, but native Android apps are coming to Windows, which is kind of nuts. Android is Apple’s chief competitor on mobile and Windows plays the same role in desktop computing, making this a sort of virtual pincer movement. Okay, not really, but it’s still an interesting idea that means you’ll be able to natively watch TikToks through a desktop app instead of using the web interface, for example.

In terms of features designed for regular folks like you and me, these are all of the biggest changes coming to Windows 11 when it launches at the end of this year. PC gamers in particular will probably want to upgrade as soon as they can, assuming they care about things like HDR and faster loading times.

For the price of “free,” you might as well give it a shot.

Two of Google’s smart thermostats are on sale for up to 23% off as June 24:

• GOOGLE NEST THERMOSTAT: $99.98 — save $30.01 at Amazon and Walmart

• GOOGLE NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT (3RD GEN): $199 — save $50 at Amazon and Walmart

---

No one talks about how Hot Girl Summer is only one 90-degree day away from being a Sweaty Girl Summer, and eventually a High Energy Bill Girl Summer. (That’s a thing, right?)

If you plan on blasting your air conditioning with abandon for the next few months, simply updating your HVAC system with a programmable smart thermostat can be a total game-changer: Google’s popular Nest models, at least, have been found to save their households an average of 10 to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. They basically pay for themselves over time, when you think about it.

SEE ALSO: 10 of the best eco-friendly air conditioners, according to online reviews

Coincidentally, Walmart and Amazon had two of them on sale just in time for July (the month when most parts of the contiguous U.S. have their hottest day of the year) — get the recently revamped Nest Thermostat for just under $100, or upgrade to the Nest Learning Thermostat for about $200.

We’ve got the scoop on both below, in case you’re not sure which one to get:

Google Nest Thermostat

The No. 1 bestseller in Amazon’s “Home Programmable Thermostats” category, Google’s standard Nest Thermostat was refreshed in fall 2020 with motion-sensing Soli technology, touch controls, additional energy features — including a schedule-analyzing Savings Finder — and a mirrored design in four sleek styles. (There’s a dark gray Charcoal, a white/light gray Snow, a peachy/rose gold Sand, and the greenish-gray Fog.)

It was still sitting at its Prime Day price the last time we checked — snag one from either Amazon or Walmart for only $99.98, or 23% off its $129.99 MSRP. (Note: The Fog and Snow ones are currently out of stock on Amazon, but you still have the option of placing an order now to lock in this sale pricing.)

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

The third-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat (which is Amazon’s second-bestselling programmable thermostat, FWIW) is a slightly fancier model that’ll start making automatic adjustments to its temperature schedule based on your routine and changing seasons after just a week of use. This one sports a high-res digital display with Farsight, a feature that lights up its screen with time, temperature, and weather info when it detects your presence in the room.

Typically $249, Amazon and Walmart both had it on sale for $199 at the time of writing — a 20% savings — in your choice of six shiny finishes: Brass, Copper, Mirror Black, Polished Steel, Stainless Steel, and White.

Explore related content:

• 8 of the best portable air conditioners, according to reviews

• Get your smart home started with a smart plug — here are our favorites

• The best smart speakers: See where the Amazon Echo Dot, others rank

SAVE $20.04: As of June 24, score the eight-quart Instant Pot Pro for the lowest price we’ve seen it — $129.95

---

Instant Pots were big-discount items during Amazon’s annual Prime Day sale. We saw huge price drops on a handful of models, but for those who missed the sales, you’re not completely out of luck. If you passed on Prime Day but are still looking for an Instant Pot to deck out your kitchen, fear not: This Instant Pot Pro is still on sale for its low Prime Day price.

The Instant Pot Pro is the pressure cooker brand’s brand-new 2021 release and their newest high-end model. It’s ideal for folks who do a lot of cooking and need a workhorse kitchen appliance that can do it all. It’s a 10-in-1 pot that can pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, make yogurt, warm food warmer, bake cake, and steam.

Aside from the 10 base functions, it also boasts 28 different program settings for one-touch cooking for everything from beans to cheesecake. There are also five different programmable recipe slots, so you can save your most-used cooking settings to use again and again.

The eight-quart Instant Pot Pro can feed up to eight people at a time — ideal for big families, or for meal prepping. In the box, you’ll also get an extra sealing ring and a stainless steel steaming rack with handles — everything you need to get cooking.

Explore related content:

• Which Instant Pot should you buy? Here’s a breakdown.

• The best air fryers for making crispy food faster than the oven

• The Instant Pot accessories no one should live without

Dating is a seriously competitive game, and you should do everything you can to give yourself an advantage. Looking your best and smelling fresh is a good place to start, but nothing shortens your odds of success like signing up to a dating site. 

The problem with this tactic is that there are just so many dating sites out there to consider, each with a different set of features that will suit some people better than others. It’s difficult to know which site is best for you, and you could easily spend hours researching all of the sites on offer without a definitive answer.

More about Dating, Dating Apps, Sex And Relationships, Shopping Uk, and Uk Deals

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR CAREER-ORIENTATED PEOPLE

EliteSingles

For those who consider themselves ‘elite’ and are looking for a serious, long-term relationship with someone from the same ilk.

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR USERBASE

Ashley Madison

The most well known adultery dating site which mainly attracts individuals looking for speedy, secretive hook-ups.

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR HOOK-UPS

AdultFriendFinder

Adult Friend Finder has continually been one of the most popular dating sites since its existence because it successfully fulfills every kind of need.

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR FEATURES

Match

Match is at the forefront of the online dating industry that has a dedicated team who work around the clock to provide a better user-experience.

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR MATCHING

eharmony

eharmony’s advanced matching algorith is unlike anything we’ve seen, with claims that the Compatibility Matching System results into more marriages than any other dating website.

IMAGE:

BEST FOR GETTING PHYSICAL

XMatch

XMatch has an enormous userbase that caters to individuals looking for sexual encounters of every kind.

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR VALUE

Parship

Recommends matches to its members based on their compatibility score.

We know you’re on the lookout for the best sites and apps for hooking up, but first we should talk about Hookup culture (just in case you aren’t already familiar with it). 

Hookup culture is that thing your parents and grandparents always complain about because “nobody has a real conversation anymore.” Hookup culture is all about keeping it casual, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

Everyone gets stuck in a sexual rut at some point in their lives, and let’s face it: Trying to take strangers home from a bar or constantly texting your ex can be exhausting. If you’re struggling to find a match in the real world, it might be time to let a dating site take the wheel. When we think about these sites, it’s normal to go straight to the likes of Match, eharmony, EliteSingles, and other marriage-minded options, but not everyone is thinking about something so serious.  Read more…

More about Dating, Sex, Dating Apps, Sex And Relationships, and Mashable Shopping

IMAGE: AdultFriendFinder

BEST FOR SATISFYING EVERY KINK

AdultFriendFinder

Live videos, group chats, and more monthly visitors than eharmony makes this site a strong choice for everyone.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Gold: £25.08/month
• Three months of Gold: £16.71/month
• One year of Gold: £11.27/month

IMAGE:

BEST FOR FINDING MATURE PARTNERS

Match

If your age makes you feel like a certified creep on Tinder, Match is a more mature place to find an experienced booty call.

• Free version: Yes
• Three months: £20.90/month
• Six months: £18.57/month
• One year: £16.25/month

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR TRAVELLING

Tinder

Tinder is a tried-and-true option when all you want is some casual sex.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Gold: £4.99/month
• Six months of Gold: £2.50/month
• One year of Gold: £1.92/month

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR ALL-EMCOMPASSING MEMBER PROFILES

XMatch

With a huge member base and unique features, XMatch is one of the better sites out there offering all kinds of sex.

• Free version: Yes
• One month: £15/month
• Three months: £15/month
• One year: £11.50/month

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION

GayFriendFinder

A site designed exclusively for gay men that encourages social interaction.

• Free version: Yes
• One month: £27.06/month
• Three months: £10.84/month
• One year: £6.18/month

IMAGE: iHookup

BEST FOR FINDING A SEXTING PARTNER

iHookup

Find singles to chat with online and get what you need without leaving the house.

• Free version: Yes
• One month of Gold: £27.09/month
• Three months of Gold: £17.80/month
• One year of Gold: £7.73/month

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR SEXUAL COMPATIBILITY

GetItOn

Advanced compatibility matching and easy-to-use search tools can fast-track you to rediscovering your passionate side.

• Free version: Yes
• One month: £23.63/month
• Three months: £15.74/month
• One year: £11.79/month

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR SOMETHING DISCREET

No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached is ideal for those looking to have an affair.

• Free version: Seven-day trial
• One month: £22.73/month
• Four months: £11.37/month
• 18 months: £6.79/month

IMAGE: Mashable

BEST FOR LOW BUDGETS

SwingTowns

With a similar setup to Facebook, SwingTowns offers an inviting space to track down your next casual encounter.

• One month: £12.36/month
• Six months: £6.32/month
• One year: £4.46/month