This year, all eyes are on April 8. That’s when a rare total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, giving people in the right place at the right time the opportunity to witness the moon completely block out the sun. If you want in on the action, you’ll need to get yourself near the path of totality (where you can see the total solar eclipse). Here are the best flight deals to book today if you’re ready to witness one of the most spectacular natural shows our universe offers.

These days, travel doesn’t come cheap. But getting to witness a total solar eclipse is likely to be an unforgettable experience. The moon will completely block the sun over the path of totality, so if you’re curious to catch a glimpse, you’ll want to head as close to this path as possible. Destinations like Austin, Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo all make the short list of places that could see an epic show (weather permitting).

If you’re mulling over the idea of traveling to catch the eclipse but haven’t quite decided yet, consider this: the next time the lower 48 states will see a total solar eclipse is Aug. 23, 2044. Yes, they’re that rare.

So pack your bags and your (absolutely necessary) solar eclipse glasses and take off to catch this incredible site thanks to these flight deals.

Best flight deal from the West Coast

Why we like it

If you live on the West Coast and hope to travel eastward toward the path of totality, Alaska Airlines’ dream getaway sale could be your ticket to an affordable experience. But you’ll have to hurry — the sale ends at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 22. Deals include itineraries like San Diego to Austin starting at $79 and Seattle to Dallas starting at $149. Check out the entire path of totality to make sure your destination will get maximum viewing time.

Best flight pass deal

Why we like it

Frontier’s Go Wild! All You Can Fly monthly pass is a great option if you’re heading to watch April’s eclipse. You’ll want to grab the monthly pass on March 9 or later to cover the April 8 eclipse date. The monthly pass costs just $50 with a $99 enrollment fee. If the stars align for your origin, destination, and dates, the Frontier pass could mean your roundtrip flights to the eclipse will be as low as $149.

Best flight deal for in-air views

Why we like it

Delta wins the gold star for eclipse viewing. The airline added a special eclipse flight to their April 8 schedule that takes off from Austin and travels to Detroit, following the path of totality. Unfortunately, that flight is sold out, but Delta has several other flights that are likely to give passengers an incredible view from the air. For just $179, book yourself onto DL 2869 with a 9 a.m. departure from Los Angeles to San Antonio, or hop aboard DL 924 at 8:40 a.m. from Los Angeles to Dallas for another opportunity. Since the weather in April can be iffy, booking yourself onto a flight that’ll have no issues with cloud cover could be the best way to ensure you’ll actually see this incredible event.

Best spring sale deal

Why we like it

Southwest’s spring travel sale covers travel between March 5 and May 29, so April’s eclipse date is well within the range of these deals. With flights starting at $49, Southwest’s network of flights covers the entire U.S. so you’ll be able to check the low-fare calendar to get yourself as close to the eclipse as possible. You’ll need to hurry to make plans though because the spring travel sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on Feb. 22. Once you have flights booked, you can research expert viewing tips to better prepare.

SAVE $120: The Apple iPad Mini (WiFi, 256 GB) is just $529 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $649. That’s an 18% discount and the lowest price we’ve ever seen at Amazon.

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In a world of oversized electronics, sometimes a mini version is actually best. If you’ve been sensing that most tablets feel more like portable monitors when it comes to size, today’s deal on a small tablet is meant to keep things light without sacrificing on functionality.

As of Feb. 22, the Apple iPad Mini (WiFi, 256GB) is just $529 at Amazon, marked down from the typical price of $649. That’s a savings of $120 or a discount of 18%.

With an edge-to-edge screen, the iPad Mini has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display that gets up to 500 nits of brightness. It also uses an impressive A15 Bionic chip for optimal power that’ll have your breezing through tasks on the tablet.

Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder mentions in his review of the iPad Mini that this generation sees a major upgrade to the camera and it comes with great speakers. He also considers the smaller size to be an asset. “It fits in small bags and larger pockets, and it can comfortably be held with one hand for longer periods of time,” he explains in his review. “It’s the only iPad you don’t have to plan for; just take it with you as you would your phone, and you’ll probably find some place to stow it away.”

One notable downside to the iPad Mini is its lack of a headphone jack. However, you could grab a pair of USB-C headphones to use with the tablet which would remedy the issue.

If your daily life calls for the power, speed, and reliability of an Apple tablet, but you’re not thrilled about lugging a large tablet around, the iPad Mini could be a worthwhile investment. Since today’s deal is the lowest price we’ve ever seen at Amazon, the universe could be telling you it’s time to go mini.

Galaxy AI is coming to more Samsung devices, and soon.

On Thursday, Samsung announced that the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 series are poised to get Galaxy AI in late March. Galaxy AI, a focal point of this year’s Samsung Unpacked, is an AI model on newer Samsung devices that enables features like live translation, summarizing text, drafting messages, and some snazzy photo editing tools.

The Galaxy S24 series, unveiled at Samsung Unpacked, is already fully loaded with Galaxy AI. But now, Galaxy AI is rolling out to other models with the One UI 6.1 update.

According to TechRadar, the Samsung Galaxy S22 won’t be getting Galaxy AI, but the Samsung announcement says it’s planning “to bring the experience to over 100 million Galaxy users within 2024,” so many users will eventually get access.

Through its partnership with Google, Galaxy AI uses Google’s Gemini model for features like Circle to Search. It will also power summarization and writing features for apps like Samsung Notes, Voice Recorder, and Keyboard. The Galaxy S24 series also has some AI-powered camera features that can make you look like a professional photographer. For example, with Generative Edit, you can “Photoshop” away unwanted elements in your photos, turn videos into slo-mo edits, and automatically make tweaks and enhancements in the viewfinder before you even snap the photo.

All these AI features sound too good to be true, but there is a catch. Galaxy AI is free — for now, but Samsung S24 users will have to start paying for the service starting in 2026. The announcement did not mention pricing for Galaxy AI on S23, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 series, but based on what we know, it might not be free forever.

The fine print also says some AI features “from Galaxy S24 series may not be available at previous generation models.”

If you have the previous generation of any of the Samsung devices mentioned above, you won’t have to wait long to access at least most of what Galaxy AI has to offer.

SAVE $9.60 MONTHLY: As of Feb. 22, get two years of NordVPN Standard for $3.39 a month and a free $10 Uber Eats voucher.

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If you’re looking to subscribe to a VPN service, there are several big names out there that you could potentially try out. But one of the best and most affordable in our eyes is NordVPN, a recognizable name in the arena and one of our favorites upon testing. While it’s typically pretty affordable as-is, no one’s going to balk at saving a little extra money here and there. That’s why if NordVPN (or any of the other great VPNs out there) is offering a sale, it’s a good time to go ahead and grab a subscription – because keeping yourself safe while browsing the internet is always a good thing.

As of Feb. 22, you can get two years of NordVPN Standard for just $3.39 a month. That’s a savings of $9.60 per month. You’ll also get a free $10 Uber Eats voucher by signing up. That means a VPN subscription and a meal on Uber Eats for less than $4 monthly. The subscription will be billed at $81.36 upfront, which is 74% off the usual rate of $12.99 per month. If you decide you don’t like using NordVPN within 30 days, you can take advantage of the plan’s money-back guarantee. This sale is for new users only.

NordVPN Standard offers both its VPN service and malware protection for this tier, as well as a tracker and ad blocker. It’s the most basic subscription plan the service offers, but it’s still no slouch. There are optional add-ons you can purchase in addition to your base subscription, including a dedicated IP for $4.19 monthly and the Incogni data removal tool for $3.99 monthly. But at this price, you’re getting a great VPN that still offers access to Tor as well as Double VPN, which is an additional layer of privacy that routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of a singular one. For less than $4 a month, you really can’t beat this kind of online security.

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

If you just want to be told today’s puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for February 22’s Connections solution. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there’s only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Woof

• Green: Sector

• Blue: Genesis

• Purple: Looks like a color; is a color

Here are today’s Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Dog Sounds

• Green: Department

• Blue: Origin

• Purple: Colors With Their First Letters Changed

Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #256 is…

What is the answer to Connections today

• Dog Sounds: BARK, GROWL, HOWL, WHINE

• Department: ARM, BRANCH, CHAPTER, WING

• Origin: CRADLE, FONT, ROOT, SOURCE

• Colors With Their First Letters Changed: CLUE, FROWN, MELLOW, PREEN

Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday’s Connections.

Apple just received some rare good news from the EU.

The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it closed its market investigation into four services – Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Bing, Edge, and online advertising service (i.e., Microsoft Advertising) – to determine whether they’re “gatekeeper services.”

Under the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), core platform services must abide by a strict set of rules in order to operate within the European Union.

However, the European Commission found that these services did not meet the threshold to be declared as “gatekeeper services,” thus skirting regulation that would have forced Apple and Microsoft to open these services up to third-party integrations and cross-platform interoperability.

“Following a thorough assessment of all arguments, taking into account input by relevant stakeholders, and after hearing the Digital Markets Advisory Committee, the Commission found that iMessage, Bing, Edge and Microsoft Advertising do not qualify as gatekeeper services,” reads the announcement from the European Commission. “The Commission will continue to monitor the developments on the market with respect to these services, should any substantial changes arise.”

According to The Verge, Apple and Microsoft both “welcomed” the decision from the Commission.

The European Commission did stress in its statement, though, that Apple and Microosoft are still viewed as “gatekeepers” under the DMA, meaning the law will continue to scrutinize these companies for potential “gatekeeper services.”

Apple’s DMA headaches

The decision being “welcomed” by Apple is likely an understatement. The company has been compelled to make big changes to the way it operates its iPhone, iOS, Safari, and App Store ecosystems, thanks to the DMA.

For consumers, the DMA should be a big win. These rules were created to create more competition and bar “gatekeepers” – i.e. big companies like Apple and Microsoft – from pushing third parties out of growing markets. For example, under the DMA, Apple must allow alternative marketplaces to distribute iOS apps, which would give developers the ability to avoid Apple’s App Store content rules as well as its revenue share model.

However, Apple was roundly criticized by companies like Meta, Spotify, and Xbox once it announced its new DMA-inspired policies. Apple instituted new policies that potentially make it more costly for developers. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called Apple’s moves “hot garbage,” adding that it appears to be “malicious compliance.”

The iMessage exemption

Perhaps the most surprising decision from the European Commission is regarding iMessage. 

Even the average consumer is well aware of the interoperability issues when it comes to texting. They see it whenever using iMessage and get a blue bubble message from another iMessage user or a green bubble message from a user with a non-Apple device such as Android. 

When an Android app called Beeper Mini came along that allowed Android users to send blue bubble iMessage messages to iPhone users, Apple shut it down.

Companies like Google have also long campaigned for Apple to switch to the messaging industry standard, Rich Communication Services (RCS). For its part, Apple appeared to relent somewhat when the Cupertino-based tech giant announced it would support RCS in iMessage.

However, it appears this isn’t what factored into the European Commission’s decision to exempt the iPhone from these rules. The main reason the iMessage isn’t being considered a core gatekeeper service is because iMessage just isn’t that popular in the EU. Outside of the U.S., WhatsApp is by far the messaging app of choice for users. (In case you are wondering, Meta’s WhatsApp has been deemed a core gatekeeper service by the EU.)

Some streaming services are slowly consolidating, creating packages, and, inevitably, turning into cable television. And the streamers who aren’t part of the pack are turning to legal action.

Fubo — a streaming service that has shows and movies along with the choice to stream football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, and other sports — filed an antitrust lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, FOX Corp., Warner Bros. Discovery, and their affiliates. The company alleges that “the forthcoming launch of a sports-streaming joint venture steals Fubo’s playbook and is the latest example of this campaign.”

“Each of these companies has consistently engaged in anticompetitive practices that aim to monopolize the market, stifle any form of competition, create higher pricing for subscribers and cheat consumers from deserved choice,” David Gandler, the co-founder and CEO of Fubo, said in a statement. “By joining together to exclusively reserve the rights to distribute a specialized live sports package, we believe these corporations are erecting insurmountable barriers that will effectively block any new competitors from entering the market.”

This comes after ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced they will be joining forces to create one big sports streaming service. The proposed partnership includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, truTV, and ESPN+, which is, well, a lot of sports — and probably more than Fubo could reasonable produce.

There’s no name for the new partnership and no official price, but The Wall Street Journal said the platform might charge around $50 a month. Meanwhile, Fubo plans start at $79.99 a month.

Apple is rolling out a major update to its iMessage service with iOS 17.4. First reported by Zak Doffman at Forbes, the update is considered a “significant” leap in terms of security for messaging.

With the new update, Apple is introducing “Level 3” security, which uses advanced cryptography to secure messages at two levels: when the conversation starts and while the conversation is happening. Other messaging apps like Meta-owned WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger use “Level 1” security and Signal uses “Level 2,” according to Dokman.

This means that before the update, if someone got their hands on an encryption key, they could unlock all the messages sent with it. Now, keys will change frequently enough that even if a bad actor compromised your phone, they’d only get a few messages.

For the cybersecurity buffs out there, this is a massive upgrade by Apple aimed, the company says, at proactively fighting against the threats posed by quantum computing. These futuristic computers in theory can crack our current security methods with ease. That’s not an immediate threat, but according to Dokman, Apple’s timeline for a “sufficiently powerful quantum computer” to pose such a threat is 10-15 years.

While iOS 17.4 isn’t going to change the way we text, it represents a new standard for how secure messaging apps should be. The update is rolling out imminently and extends to iPads and Mac devices.

With fewer devices having headphone jacks, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds have become the norm in recent years. A wireless pair of earbuds means you don’t have to worry about cords getting tangled in your pocket or bag. You just pop them out of their case and into your ears and you’re good to go.

Whether you’re listening to the latest episode of your favorite podcast, or hitting the gym with your playlist on repeat, the right pair of wireless earbuds can make or break your listening experience. 

Just because you’re ditching the cord, doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice performance. Today’s wireless earbuds offer sound quality that’s nearly comparable to many wired earbuds. And with Bluetooth technology getting better and better, you don’t have to worry about frequent dropped connections. 

The wireless earbuds on our list are some of the best-performing, longest-lasting, or best-value out of various models available on the market. If you’re looking for portable sound without the disruption of a Bluetooth speaker, check out our list of the best wireless earbuds below.

Earbuds vs. headphones

One of the first things you’ll want to consider when it comes to selecting the best headphones for your unique sitch is whether you prefer earbuds or headphones. Headphones go over or around your ears while earbuds go inside them and have a much smaller profile. Choosing between the two mainly comes down to style, comfort, and sound quality.

Something to keep in mind is that headphones can squeeze your head and give you a headache if you wear them too long, and while earbuds won’t do the same, they can make your ears feel sore after extended wear. It’s all about personal preference as to which fit you like better.

Some benefits of earbuds are that they are easier to transport, and because they’re smaller, you don’t have many restrictions headphone users often face when it comes to wearing them. You can also wear wireless earbuds while also wearing a helmet or hat, which is not so easy or comfortable with a pair of headphones.

That said, on-ear and over-ear headphones do provide a better seal and have larger speakers than earbuds, causing them to be the winners in the sound quality department. There’s some give and take when choosing between wireless earbuds and wireless headphones, depending on how you’ll use them and what sort of sound quality you’re looking for.

What to look for when buying wireless earbuds

Battery life is one of the most important features to look at in a pair of wireless earbuds. You don’t want to have to take a break from your music or podcast in the middle of listening because your earbuds’ battery died. You want a pair of buds that have a long playback time as well as a decent extended battery life from the charging case. If the playback battery life is less than five hours, you’re going to have to pop the earbuds back in their case more frequently than you might want. On the bright side, though, charging cases usually work pretty quickly and a fast 15-minute charge will provide you with an hour or more of listening time. And if you prefer wireless charging, look for a pair of earbuds that has that capability.

You’ll also want to pay attention to how the earbuds actually fit. Do you want rubber tips? Ear hooks? If fitted silicone tips don’t sit right in your ears, the original AirPods might be more comfortable for you. PowerBeats Pros are also good if standard earbuds don’t stay in your ears, because they feature over-the-ear hooks to ensure those puppies stay put.

Sound quality and noise reduction or cancellation are also important to consider when buying wireless earbuds. Like we said, headphones are probably going to give you better audio quality, but you can still get some crisp, full sound from earbuds. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser are known for their great sound quality, so you can expect their reputations to shine through their wireless earbuds.

Active noise cancellation in wireless earbuds

When wireless earbuds first hit the market, we didn’t see many with noise-cancellation abilities, but now it seems that noise-cancelling earbuds are the standard. This means newer models of wireless earbuds cost a bit more than their predecessors, but in our opinion, the extra cost is worth it.

Active noise cancellation isn’t the same in earbuds as it is in headphones. Over-ear headphones can create a sound-blocking seal that you just physically cannot get with earbuds. But earbuds with silicone tips still do a pretty good job creating a seal that allows for ANC. It’s definitely enough for blocking out noisy coworkers or a loud, bustling street.

Most earbuds with active noise cancellation also have some form of transparent or ambient mode that you can turn on to hear what’s going on around you.

Choosing the best wireless earbuds for you mostly comes down to your personal preferences, but here’s a guide to help you directly compare the top earbuds on the market based on specs like battery life, style, noise-cancelling features, music controls, and more.

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Best overall: Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Who it’s for:

Often, you have to choose between sports earbuds and noise-cancelling earbuds, but not so with Jabra’s elite earbuds. So, if you want a pair of earbuds that’s equally ready for your commute as for long runs, then these are the all-of-the-above earbuds you’re looking for. Jabra’s good-sounding, long-lasting earbuds are great for trips to the gym, taking calls, drowning out background noise, or enjoying music — and they can do all that without a premium price tag.

Why we picked this:

The Jabra Elite 7 Pro are no longer the newest wireless earbuds, but they’re still the best all-around performer under $200.

The Jabra Elite 7 Pro earbuds are waterproof and sweat and dust resistant, with an IP57 rating. They feature active noise cancellation with battery life that lasts up to 8 hours per charge, even with ANC turned on. Pair the wireless earbuds with the Jabra Sound+ app to customize a music profile, monitor your buds’ charging status, and connect them to your preferred voice assistant. If you take a lot of calls throughout the day, you’ll also appreciate the crystal-clear mic during calls. These earbuds may not be industry-leading in its features, but they still offer really solid quality ANC, sound, mic clarity, and durability. Ultimately at just $200, they provide some of the most versatility at the best value.

Battery life: 8 hours (30 hours total with charging case) | Colors: Gold beige | Noise cancellation: Yes

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Best AirPods Pro alternative: Status Between 3ANC

Who it’s for:

Shoppers who want long-lasting, noise-cancelling earbuds that don’t come from Apple. Audiophiles will appreciate the sound performance from the triple drivers on these buds, while anyone can appreciate the long battery life — even with active noise cancellation engaged.

Why we picked this:

Obviously, we’re AirPods Pro fans, but we get that not everyone goes hard for the fruit company. Status’s Between 3ANC earbuds offer a similar experience in a package that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be an Apple knockoff. After testing these buds out for two weeks, we found that although the ANC is a bit on the fuzzy-sounding side, it still does a very comparable job to the AirPods Pro at blocking out sound. As for their audio performance, the triple drivers in these buds make their presence known, delivering deep bass and bright highs. Plus, at eight hours per charge, we never found them running out of battery before we were done using them (the same can’t always be said with AirPods).

The design is modern and sleek, but these rectangular earbuds will definitely stick out more than the AirPods. However, the increased surface area makes touch controls simpler to use (once you get past the learning curve) the single button on each bud makes activating your voice assistant and toggling between ANC and transparency modes simple. While we miss a couple of AirPods features (namely the automatic pause when you remove a bud), but overall, the Status Between 3ANC are worthy AirPods adversaries.

Battery life: 8 hours with ANC, 12 hours without (24 total) | Colors: Off-white, black | Noise cancellation: Yes

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Best for all-day wear: Powerbeats Pro

Who it’s for:

These Beats buds combine the best of Apple technology with a more comfortable fit than AirPods. So, if you like to wear your earbuds for extended periods of time, then these Beats are a smart choice.

Why we picked this:

With the same internal tech as AirPods (including Apple’s H1 chip), Beats PowerBeats Pro truly wireless earphones are a good alternative if you aren’t a fan of AirPods’ fit. These earbuds have hooks that go over your ears to keep them in place all day long, while a silicone tip ensures a snug fit inside. Each earbud has volume and track control as well as auto play/pause functions. Not only do the Beats PowerBeats Pro offer great sound quality, they also boast a long battery life — up to 24 hours total with the charging case, and nine hours per charge. While $250 without ANC seems steep, these buds are often on sale for $200 or less (at the time of writing, they’re $150), making them a great choice for someone looking for all-day battery life who doesn’t want to pay ANC prices.

They’re also available in a choice of three different colors for those who want to look their best while listening on the go.

Battery life: 9 hours (more than 24 hours total with charging case) | Colors: Black, ivory, navy | Noise cancellation: No

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Best noise cancellation: Apple AirPods Pro

Read our full review of AirPods Pro (second generation).

Who it’s for:

Easily the best wireless earbuds for Apple customers, but also a great choice for anyone searching for premium active noise cancellation. Apple’s active noise cancellation is so good it actually compares to some over-ear headphones.

We we picked this:

The AirPods Pro are popular for a reason — they fit snugly in your ears with a low-profile design, feature active noise cancellation, and a transparency mode, and pair seamlessly with (not just Apple) devices. Out of all the AirPods on the market, the Pros are by far the most worth it, especially if you’re looking for AirPods. In his review, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said of these earbuds, “These are the first pair of earbuds I’d actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones).” And now that they have USB-C charging, they’re even more of a no-brainer.

They also happen to be sweat and water-resistant, meaning you can put them through their paces while getting your workout on. They include four sets of silicone tips to fit ears of all shapes and sizes. While they are pricey, the AirPods Pro go on sale for $50 off pretty regularly.

Battery life: 6 hours (more than 30 hours total with charging case) | Colors: White | Noise Cancellation: Yes

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Best premium buds: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

Who it’s for:

If you can justify their price tag, you’ll be the proud owner of the best-sounding buds on your block. Audiophile-worthy headphones may cost $500 or more, but Sennheiser’s premium-sounding

Why we picked this:

Even pricier than Apple’s AirPods Pro, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds live up to the brand’s reputation for outstanding sound quality. The mid-tones are clear, bright, well-balanced; the bass is super bold (but doesn’t rattle your skull); and high notes don’t sound tinny. Our friends at PC Mag (also owned by our parent company Ziff Davis) deem the audio of these earbuds “some of the best audio performance we’ve heard in the category [of wire free earbuds].”

In addition, they feature active noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience without distractions. The seven-hour battery life can be extended on the go up to an additional 21 hours with the charging case. These are the wireless earbuds for true audiophiles. Plus, you’re able to customize the touch controls on the earbuds. Quite frankly, these earbuds offer some of the best sound quality money can buy, coupled with durable build quality and modern design. 

Battery life: 7 hours (28 hours total with charging case) | Colors: Black, white | Noise cancellation: Yes

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Best for Alexa integration: Echo Buds

Check out our full review of Amazon’s Echo Buds.

Who it’s for:

Fans of voice control and Amazon’s ecosystem of smart products will appreciate the Echo Buds. The second-generation buds are a big step up from the first iteration, offering active noise cancellation and Alexa integration at an ultra-affordable price.

Why we picked this:

If you have any other Amazon Alexa products, you already have the app needed to control the Echo Buds. The earbuds work seamlessly with Alexa to stream music, play Audible books, make calls, and get directions. Unlike their first generation, these Echo Buds also have good active noise cancellation, which at just $119, makes them an incredible bang for your buck. As Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote in his review of the buds, “It’s not unusual for Amazon’s self-made products to come in at cheaper prices than the competition, but in this case, the product’s quality is high enough to bring serious value.” Echo Buds are also compatible with Siri and Google Assistant. Those concerned about privacy will appreciate the built-in privacy controls, including the ability to mute the mics.

Battery life: 5 hours (15 hours total with charging case) | Colors: Black, white | Noise cancellation: Yes

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Budget pick: Anker Soundcore Life P3i

Who it’s for:

Anyone looking for affordable earbuds under $50 that still deliver solid sound, competitive battery life, and easy connectivity.

Why we picked this:

For those looking for a set of wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Anker Soundcore Life P3i are an excellent choice. Coming in at under $60, they still include many of the features of more expensive buds, including active noise cancelling, multiple microphones for improved call quality, and 10mm drivers for punchy bass. Listeners can choose their preferred EQ settings from more than 20 different options and customize a sound profile via the Soundcore app. For a quick boost of power when you’re on the go, charge for just 10 minutes to get up to 2 hours of playback.

Battery life: 9 hours (36 hours total with charging case) | Colors: Black, off-white | Noise cancellation: Yes

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Best waterproof earbuds: Jaybird Vista 2

Who it’s for:

The Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds are built for durability and designed for those with active lifestyles.

Why we picked this:

The Jaybird Vista 2 are not only IP68 waterproof, sweatproof, and dustproof, they boast MIL-STD 810G freeze, shock, and impact resistance. These earbuds feature a sports fit and come complete with three sizes of interchangeable eargels for a comfortable all-day fit. Two beamforming microphones in each bud let you make calls and give voice commands with ease, while the SurroundSense function amplifies ambient sound to increase safety. Active noise cancellation, and customizable EQ profiles via the Jaybird app let you customize your sound.

Battery life: 8 hours (24 hours total with charging case) | Colors: Black, navy, gray | Noise cancellation: Yes

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How we tested the best wireless earbuds

Not all of the earbuds on this list were hands-on tested, but rest assured, all were deeply researched and evaluated based on their specs, customer reviews, and professional reviews. Every pair of earbuds with a linked review has been hands-on tested by a Mashable reporter or editor, and the Status Between 3ANC earbuds, a recent addition to this roundup, were tested for this article specifically.

People can use earbuds for a lot of difference reasons, so we looked at a multitude of factors when deciding which buds were actually the best of the best:

Noise cancelling capabilities: Of course we love to see active noise cancellation as a feature on any pair of headphones or earbuds, but not all ANC is built the same. We looked for buds that did a decent to excellent job with ANC, rather than buds that just provided some fuzzy white noise and called it a day.

Sound quality: Earbuds are going to have a harder time reproducing the sound quality of over-ear headphones, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to sacrifice sound if you’re going for a pair of buds. While not every pair on this list can boast perfectly deep bass, we made sure to choose earbuds that at least have decently rounded out sound.

Battery life: Most cases come with at least 20 hours of additional charge (unfortunately the Echo Buds don’t hit this mark, but they make up for it in other ways). However, if you’re someone who uses your earbuds constantly or sleeps in them (we do too sometimes, don’t worry), a longer per charge battery life is key.

Durability: This might not be the most important factor to everyone, but we’re willing to bet that if you’re paying $100-plus for your earbuds, you’re hoping they’ll at least last a couple of years. For those who are planning on bringing their earbuds along to the gym or on runs, a pair of earbuds that a) are at least water- and sweat- resistant and b) won’t break if they fall out of your ears and hit the ground is a must.

Comfort: A pair of earbuds is no good if they aren’t going to actually stay in your ears. That’s why we looked for buds with at least one or two extra ear tips.

Usefulness of special features: A connected app that allows for adjustable EQ probably isn’t worth the extra cost for someone who doesn’t consider themselves a big audiophile. We looked at what special features each of these buds offered, and how well they aligned with who they were marketing to.

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

If you just want to be told today’s puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for February 21’s Connections solution. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there’s only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Spoilsport

• Green: Music composition

• Blue: Some liquid

• Purple: Veggies that aren’t veggies

Here are today’s Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Annoying hanger-on

• Green: Award-winning musicals

• Blue: Things with keys

• Purple: Types of metaphorical schools

Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #255 is…

What is the answer to Connections today

• Pesters: BADGERS, BUGS, HOUNDS, NAGS

• Tony Winners for Best Musical: ANNIE, CABARET, CATS, COMPANY

• They Have Keys: COMPUTER, PIANO, SUPER, TESTS

• School of___: FISH, HARD KNOCKS, ROCK, THOUGHT

Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday’s Connections.