A Creative Boost and 5 Other Surprising Benefits of a Daytime Nap

As it turns out, naps aren’t just for babies. For adults, daytime napping can have a number of surprising benefits, including improved creativity, extra alertness and better brain health. 

However, there are a few things to remember if you want to get the most from your midday slumber. In short, you’ll want to take it at the right time, keep it brief and get moving after you wake up. (By the way, if you can’t get comfortable or cool enough to fall asleep during the day, this trick might help.)

Read on to learn about the perks of napping during the day.

Can naps boost creativity?

CNET

In 2021, researchers put a theory to the test: Can a short nap ignite a creative spark in your brain? The results proved that naps can boost creativity — but for this technique to work, you need to take the right kind of nap. Specifically, your nap should be quick, ending shortly after you drift off to sleep.

The research was inspired by creative minds like Salvador Dalí and Thomas Edison, who used to take brief naps as a way of finding inspiration for their work. These men would go to sleep while holding a small object (like a ball) in their hand, which would fall to the ground when they dozed off. The sound of the object hitting the floor would wake them, and they would get to work.

In the study, participants were given a series of math problems but weren’t told there was a hidden rule that would help them solve the problems much faster. Once they finished, the researchers asked them to try and fall asleep while holding a small cup. Afterward, they gave the participants more math problems. Researchers discovered that those who took a short nap were 2.7 times more likely to figure out the secret rule than those who stayed awake.

More benefits of napping

Power naps can help you feel more energized — if you do them right.

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Extra creativity isn’t the only benefit of napping. Here are some of the other perks that you might notice after you take a nap.

Lower stress levels

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, taking a short nap may help you feel more at ease. One study followed a group of nurses in Japan, about half of whom took two 15-minute naps during their night shift. After resting, researchers found that the nappers were less tense than their colleagues who didn’t sleep.

Improved mood

Similarly, experts say that short afternoon naps can brighten your mood — and even lying down and resting can make you feel more relaxed. To get all the benefits of a nap, they recommend keeping yours under 30 minutes.

Improved memory

A quick midday snooze might even help your memory. In one study, scientists discovered that people who took 30- to 90-minute naps had better word recall than those who didn’t sleep or napped for over 90 minutes. 

Improved alertness

If coffee just isn’t cutting it, you might be able to improve your alertness by taking a nap. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both short naps (between 15 and 30 minutes) and long naps (90 minutes) can temporarily boost your alertness levels.

Improved brain health

Recent research also suggests that regular napping may benefit your brain health. The study compared two groups of people: those who have a genetic disposition for napping and those who don’t. It found that the nappers had larger brain volumes — in other words, healthier and younger brains — than non-nappers.

Looking for more health tips? Check out 10 daily habits to boost your eye health, six ways to get better sleep if you share a bed with a furry friend and six unexpected things making you overheat at night.

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PS5 Beta Update Brings 3D Audio for Dolby Atmos and 8TB Storage Support

Sony is pushing out a beta software update for the PlayStation 5, bringing 3D Audio to Dolby Atmos sound systems as well as increased M.2 SSD storage support up to 8TB, the company said in a blog post on Monday. The update will release worldwide later this year. 

3D Audio, which aims to give you the feeling of sound coming from natural directions, is supported by Sony’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, which previously worked only on headsets. With the new beta update, those with Dolby Atmos sound systems can enjoy more immersive audio experiences. 

It should be noted that while Tempest 3D AudioTech does work on any headset, it’s best on these compatible headsets. There’s also only a handful of games that support 3D Audio. 

Along with the 3D Audio features, there’s now support of M.2 SSDs, up to 8TB. Of course, not every M.2 SSD will fit in a PS5, and it’s important to buy the right one. 

The new PS5 beta update comes as Sony continues to dominate the gaming space. The PS5, which launched in the height of the pandemic in November 2020, struggled to meet the intense demand as many people were stuck at home. Almost three years later, supply chain issues have eased and Sony is closing in on 40 million PS5 units sold. Microsoft hasn’t been as forthcoming with sales data for its Xbox Series X and S consoles, but during a developers’ conference in Brazil, the software giant showed a slide saying that 21 million units had been either shipped or sold. 

With the PS5, Sony put much onus on its fast SSD speeds and new audio tech. While it’s taken a few years to fully realize, it could partially explain why gamers are excited to drop $500 for a PS5 over an Xbox Series X. In a bid to expand Xbox’s market presence, Microsoft announced last year it would acquire Activision Blizzard, makers of Call of Duty, for nearly $69 billion. While the US Federal Trade Commission attempted to block the merger over antitrust concerns, the agency may drop the case.

Sony also recently said its accessibility controller is coming this December for $90. This gives people with disabilities a new way to play games. With this new beta update, Sony is adding a different kind of accessibility option, allowing gamers to assign a second controller to one account. This means that two controllers can be used to control the actions of one character onscreen, as if using one controller. This also means that a second person can assist the person playing in difficult sections of games. 

How to sign up for PS5 beta program and update your console

Sign in to your PlayStation account and sign up for the beta program here. (You can also back up your PS5 data just in case.)Once you get your confirmation email, go to the PlayStation Store.Navigate up to the three dots in the upper-right-hand corner and tap on Redeem Code.Enter the code that came in your email.Exit the PlayStation Store and scroll all the way to the top right until you get to the gear icon for Settings.Go to System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.Select Update System Software (beta) > Update.Accept the beta software agreement.

How to enable 3D Audio for Dolby Atmos systems

Scroll up and to the right toward the gear icon for Settings.Scroll to Sound > Audio Output > Audio Format (Priority).Select Dolby Atmos.

How to activate a second controller for assistance

Scroll up and to the right toward the gear icon for Settings.Go to Accessibility > Controllers > Use Second Controller for Assistance.Turn on Use Assist Controller.

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NASA Plus Streaming Service Is Coming Soon

NASA will be launching its own streaming service later this year, the US space agency said Thursday. 

The service, called NASA Plus, will livestream NASA missions. It will also feature original video series, including new shows being produced for the streaming service.

It’s launching later this summer, the NASA Plus trailer says. According to the trailer, the titles of some of the series and channels will be NASA Talks, Space Out, The Color of Space, NASA Kids, NASA Explorers, WEBB Space Telescope, First Light, NASA En Español, Lucy, Mars Is Hard, NASA Explorers: Osiris Rex and Artemis I: Path to the Pad.

“Transforming our digital presence will help us better tell the stories of how NASA explores the unknown in air and space, inspires through discovery and innovates for the benefit of humanity,” said Marc Etkind, associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Communications. 

NASA Plus will be free and have no ads. It’ll be on streaming media players including Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku, as well as on the iOS and Android NASA app and on desktop. 

NASA also said an update of its website and app are coming. “This new web experience will serve as an ever-expanding yet consolidated homebase for information about the agency’s missions and research, climate data, Artemis updates and more,” NASA said in a blog post. You can see the beta version of the new website here.

Read more: Best Streaming Device for 2023: We Tested Roku, Amazon, Apple and More

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Survey: 43% of Consumers Will Finance Back-To-School Shopping

After a year of persistent inflation and price hikes on consumer goods, many Americans will rely on some form of financing to cover their back-to-school shopping expenditures.

An exclusive CNET Money survey found that 43% of back-to-school shoppers will leverage some form of financing to pay for supplies this year. Of the consumers who plan to use credit, 27% will use an existing credit card, and 12% will open a new credit card.

The survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of CNET, and took place July 19 to 21. Respondents could choose multiple answers.

In an economy dogged by inflation, consumers are increasingly leaning on credit cards to make ends meet. Americans carry a combined total of $986 billion in credit card debt, a 17% increase from the year prior, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released earlier this year.

When the Federal Reserve works to combat inflation with rate hikes, interest rates on consumer financial products like credit cards go up, too. Last week, the Fed increased the benchmark interest rate again in its fight against inflation, the 11th rate increase since March 2022, bringing the federal funds rate to its highest level since 2001.

Here’s what consumers need to know as they enter the back-to-school shopping season.

Consumers are leaning on coupons and comparison to cope

Overall, 86% of respondents said they will implement at least one money-saving tactic to reduce the financial burden of back-to-school shopping. “Seeking out coupons, sales and discounts” was the most popular money-saving tactic named by consumers (39%), followed by price comparison, purchasing fewer items and buying alternative cheaper brands.

Nearly three in 10 respondents shopping for children enrolled in a college or university said they plan to leverage credit card rewards to help offset costs.One in 10 will use “Buy Now, Pay Later” programs. One in 10 respondents also said they would be tapping savings accounts not intended for educational costs, such as retirement accounts, to bridge the gap.High prices continue to press consumers, with 85% saying inflation and rising consumer costs would impact their back-to-school shopping plans this year in some way.

Online research and tax holidays can bring expenses down

The back-to-school shopping season has emerged as one of the major spending periods of the year. The average planned back-to-school spending per household in 2023 is $890.07, up nearly 3% from last year, and up 27.7% since 2019, according to a report from Statista, a data analytics company. A one-two punch of rising school supply costs and stagnant wages has some parents feeling financially squeezed.

“We are spending more time online finding discount alternatives,” said Gareth Barkin, dean of operations and technology at the University of Puget Sound whose child will enter sixth grade this fall. “Everything’s gone up. You have to work harder to find those deals just to break even, because my income hasn’t gone up at the same rate as inflation.” Barkin noted that some universities are making efforts to roll online textbook licenses into the cost of tuition so that they can be covered by a wider swath of financial aid programs.

If you plan to shop online for school supplies or clothing, consider installing a shopping extension that can compare a product’s price across different marketplaces. (Shameless plug: CNET has a free Google Chrome extension, CNET Shopping, that does this.)

Also look into whether your state will have a tax-free holiday in August. This year, 13 states plan to offer a tax-free weekend or week in the coming weeks to help decompress families as they prepare their children to return to school. Your state, city or local school may also have programs in place to help parents struggling to afford school supplies. Parents can reach out to schools with questions and local resources guidance.

2023 tax holiday schedule by state

State DatesEligible productsArkansas Aug. 5-6, 2023Clothing: Up to $100 per item. No maximum on school supplies.Florida July 24 – Aug. 6, 2023School supplies: Up to $50 per item. Clothing: Up to $100 per item. Computers: Up to $1,500 per item.Iowa Aug. 4-5, 2023Clothing: Up to $100 per item.Maryland Aug. 13-19, 2023Clothing and footwear: Up to $100 per item.Massachusetts Aug. 12-13, 2023″All tangible personal property”: Up to $2,500 per item. Exceptions: Vehicles, food, alcohol, gas, tobacco, marijuana and certain utilities.Missouri Aug. 4-6, 2023Clothing: Up to $100 per item. Computers: Up to $1,500 per item. School supplies: Up to $50 per item.New Jersey Aug. 26 – Sept. 4, 2023Computers: Up to $3,000 per item. No maximum on school and art supplies. No maximum on instructional materials.New Mexico Aug. 4-6, 2023School supplies: Up to $30 per item. Clothing up to $100 per item. Computer equipment: Up to $500 per item. Computers: Up to $1,000 per item.Ohio Aug. 4-6, 2023School supplies: Up to $20 per item. Clothing: Up to $75 per item.Oklahoma Aug. 4-6, 2023Clothing: Up to $100 per item.South Carolina Aug. 4-6, 2023No maximum on clothing, school supplies and computers.Texas Aug. 11-13, 2023Clothing: Up to $100 per item. School supplies: Up to $100 per item.West Virginia Aug. 4-7, 2023School supplies: Up to $20 per item. Clothing: Up to $125 per item. Sports equipment: Up to $150 per item. Computers: Up to $500 per item.

Source: Federation of Tax Administrators

Leverage credit cards wisely

If you do plan to use a credit card for back-to-school shopping season, a little planning can help you save money. With the average interest rate on a credit card now at a record-high 22.39% APR, it’s important to pay down your balances quickly to avoid unnecessary additional interest payments. 

Here are some tips to shore up your personal finance hygiene as back-to-school shopping season begins.

Have an overall budget in mind before you start shopping. This awareness will help you be more mindful with your spending.Create a payoff plan for your expenses. This ensures you minimize unnecessary interest payments.Leverage rewards programs. When used strategically, credit rewards can help you stretch your dollars a bit further. Make sure you don’t overspend to earn rewards or a welcome bonus — credit card interest will quickly eclipse any rewards earned.

Avoid using “buy now, pay later” features if possible. Instead, dip into savings if you have to, but make a plan to replenish your reserves in the months to follow, especially as we enter the holiday shopping season.

Planning ahead can help cut out the financial stress of back-to-school shopping. Acquaint yourself with money-saving strategies now to set yourself up for success.

CNET’s Reviews of the Best Credit Cards

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’: Streaming Release Date and How to Watch From Anywhere

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s scrappy band of misfits may have moved on from theaters, but it’s not too late to hitch a ride with the beloved heroes on Disney Plus. 

In the final chapter in James Gunn’s Guardians trilogy, Star-Lord and his team wrestle with defending the universe and protecting one of their own. The flick is set to hit Disney Plus 89 days after premiering in theaters — on par with Ant-Man 3, but a longer journey to streaming compared with other recent Marvel movies. 

If you’re ready to put earthly matters aside and join the Guardians, here’s what you need to know about the film’s Disney Plus debut, plus why you may want to use a VPN to stream it.

How to Watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on Disney Plus

You can watch the latest Guardians of the Galaxy starting Aug. 2 at 12:01 a.m. PT (3:01 a.m. ET). It’ll be available at that time in every country Disney Plus is available in, except for France and Turkey, which will get access to the movie at a later date, according to Disney.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the last outing for this particular team of Guardians, according to writer-director Gunn. But if you want more, Disney Plus hosts the following adventures containing the crew: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Avengers: Infinity War and End Game.

Disney Plus offers an ad-supported tier for $8 a month and an ad-free tier for $11 a month that includes downloads. If you’d prefer not to subscribe, the third Guardians movie is currently available to purchase digitally for $20 from sites, including Amazon. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

You can get Disney Plus on its own or opt to bundle it. Bundling ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu costs $10 per month. Another bundle costs $3 more a month and tacks on ad-supported ESPN Plus. Finally, it costs $20 per month to bundle ad-free Hulu, ad-free Disney Plus and ad-supported ESPN Plus. Here are the Disney Bundles and our review of Disney Plus.

How to watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 from anywhere with a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Disney Plus while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.

A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list such as Surfshark or NordVPN. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

If you’re looking for a secure and dependable VPN, our Editors’ Choice is ExpressVPN. It’s fast, works on multiple devices, and provides stable streams. It’s normally $13 a month, but it currently costs less overall to go for a 12-month subscription, where each month shakes out to $8.32.

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our review of ExpressVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation and choose a country where Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be streaming on Disney Plus. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you are connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Guardians 3 on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Disney Plus to stream. 

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access. 

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Twitter HQ’s New Insanely Bright X Sign Spurs Investigation

Notably, this won’t be the first time that a branding makeover at X’s head office has attracted trouble. When the company started dismantling the vertical Twitter sign at its headquarters, law enforcement reportedly halted the work mid-way, leaving only the “er” part of the logo intact. It apparently happened because X didn’t inform the property owner about its plans to do so.

According to The San Francisco Standard, the city’s Department of Building Inspection was separately investigating a complaint about an “unsafe sign,” which had to do with the “@” part of the vertical branding board. Inspectors were reportedly concerned that it could fall and injure pedestrians, though both it and the remaining “er” portions of the sign have since been removed. At this time, it’s unclear whether Twitter might have to remove its brand-new illuminating sign atop the building.

This issue joins ongoing criticism of the rebrand, as well as speculation about whether the use of “X” could result in legal issues for Twitter. Meta and Microsoft are among the companies that have trademarked the use of the letter X. Neither company has commented about a potential legal tussle, but given the fact that Meta now competes directly with X via its own microblogging platform called Threads, courtroom drama could unfold in the months ahead.

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iPhone Green/Orange Dot Explained: What Do They Mean?

The orange and green dots on an iPhone screen indicate that the iPhone is currently receiving external input. The orange dot indicates when the microphone is in use, either during a phone call or in some recording app. Meanwhile, the green dot indicates when one or both cameras or the camera and the mic are being used. If you swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center, you can see which apps are using your mic and camera when the dots appear. (This is why it’s important not to ignore app permissions.)

If you’d like a better way to differentiate the dots than the color, you can switch the orange dot to an orange square in your settings.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Accessibility.
Tap Display & Text Size.
Toggle on the Differentiate Without Color setting.

This setting only applies to the orange dot — the green dot cannot be changed in color or shape. Additionally, if you were thinking about turning off these dots, you, unfortunately, aren’t able to do that. The dots can’t be removed from your iPhone screen in any way, as they’re vital components of the device’s privacy features. It’s the same thing as the bright red light that activates on a video camera when it’s recording. Apple considers it vital to inform the user of the phone when it may be recording audio or video.

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iPhone 15 Pro May Pack Slimmer Bezels And Titanium Frame

In addition to slimmer bezels, Apple is also said to be pushing the boundaries of material quality on its upcoming flagship smartphones. Instead of the stainless steel that Apple currently uses to make the side rails on the iPhone 14 Pro, the company is reportedly eyeing titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro, which offers multiple benefits over stainless steel: it is lighter but at the same time, it is stronger and more resistant to corrosive forces. Naturally, titanium also costs more, which means there’s a good chance that Apple will charge a greater premium for the iPhone 15 Pro line when it arrives later this year.

There’s already some precedent for that in Apple’s smartwatch line-up. Apple charged a $100 premium for the Titanium trims of the Apple Watch Series 7 compared to the sticker price of variants with a stainless steel case, which in turn is more expensive compared to the aluminum versions. Other rumored changes for the iPhone 15 Pro include improved camera hardware, a next-gen chip based on the 3 nm process, and improved repairability. Apple is reportedly making the iPhone 15 Pro models more comfortable to hold by making the edges a tad rounder compared to the sharp edges on its current iPhone 14 portfolio.

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5 Forgotten Computer Companies That Helped Shape The Tech World

Atari, though not as “forgotten” as other companies on the list, is a company fading from public consciousness as time passes. The company, founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, played a significant role in shaping the tech world, particularly in gaming and entertainment. The company pioneered arcade games and home video game consoles in its early days, bringing interactive entertainment to the masses. Atari’s success extended beyond video games, symbolizing the triumph of Silicon Valley and inspiring future tech luminaries, including Steve Jobs, who worked at Atari before co-founding Apple.

One of Atari’s groundbreaking achievements was transitioning video games from coin-operated arcades to home consoles, such as the iconic Atari 2600, which expanded the gaming market to families and children. This move revolutionized the gaming landscape and laid the foundation for today’s booming gaming industry.

Atari’s contribution to gaming conventions and features was notable, often arising from creative improvisation due to hardware limitations. The era of Atari brought about novel gaming experiences and conventions, which continue to influence present and future game design. Understanding gaming history, as highlighted by Professor Ian Bogost in an interview with Technique, helps grasp how these conventions shaped the gaming industry’s trajectory and will continue to drive innovation in the future.

Though Atari faced its share of challenges and ownership changes over the years, its impact on the tech world remains significant. The company’s innovations and contributions paved the way for interactive entertainment and gaming experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.

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International Harvester’s Classic Adaptive 4×4

Although the Scout 80 was tough, sporting a stout ladder-style frame with solid axles perched on leaf springs, it sure wasn’t going to win any drag races. The only available engine was a 152 cubic inch four-cylinder, which was basically half of an International 304 cubic inch V8 engine. The so-called “4-152 Commanche” put out a thundering 93 hp until turbocharging brought that figure to 111 hp.

In 1966, International gave the SUV a refresh, dubbing it the Scout 800. Under the hood, a larger four-cylinder engine was made available, followed by a six cylinder and finally, a much-needed V8 was made optional. The Scout 800 era is really when the vehicle started to morph into what we might consider a modern SUV, moving beyond its basic utilitarian roots with such niceties as back seats, carpeting, and an improved heating and ventilation system. 

The Scout was a fan favorite and far exceeded International’s sales expectations. However, there’s an old expression that says “imitation is the highest form of flattery” and before too long, Ford launched its Bronco and Chevy its Blazer, both of which bore more than a passing resemblance to International’s Scout.

[Featured image by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 2.0]

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5 Reasons Why So Many People Hate Tesla

One of the major goals of Tesla’s modern vehicle line is the first truly seamless autopilot experience. The idea of self-driving cars has been the stuff of science-fiction dreams for generations, so it’s a laudable goal to strive toward. However, in its pursuit of true autopilot, Tesla vehicles have instead achieved a high tendency to fail or malfunction, as well as invited controversy and investigation into the automaker’s self-driving “beta.”

According to a report by The Washington Post released in June of this year, Tesla’s autopilot system has either been involved in or directly caused approximately 736 car crashes since 2019. There have been at least 17 confirmed driver, passenger, or pedestrian fatalities caused by these many crashes. Over 360,000 Tesla vehicles received a recall for its self-driving beta software driving unsafely in several high-traffic situations. 

Per the NHTSA, the recall was issue because the installed (or pending installation) Full Self-Driving Beta was causing certain Tesla vehicles to “exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner,” which could lead to a serious accident.

As ambitious as Tesla’s pursuit of self-driving technology is, these numbers don’t lie: The tech is not perfectly road-ready, and the company’s insistence on including it has warded off drivers fearful for the safety of themselves and those around them.

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8 Of The Best Golf GPS Apps For Android And iPhone

Golf Pad’s GPS app stands out as one of the most comprehensive and feature-rich golf apps available today. It delivers an exceptional experience by offering everything a golfer could want. The GPS tracking feature is highly accurate, providing precise distances for every level of the hole and presenting aerial views of over 40,000 courses.

With the Golf Pad app, keeping score is effortless as it serves as a virtual scorecard for up to four other golfers. Updating scores is as simple as pressing a button. The app goes beyond GPS tracking and can utilize your phone’s camera as a fairly accurate range finder, giving you exact distances to the pin. Moreover, it boasts a tournament mode that adheres to USGA rules by disabling any extraneous features.

Golf Pad also offers engaging social features. Users can live stream their game to friends or followers, allowing viewers to witness their shot progress in real-time. The app also facilitates the creation of tournaments for friendly competitions against friends and family. The entire tracking process is a breeze, with everyone able to upload their shots and data to the app.

Golf Pad doesn’t disappoint post-game, either. Users can thoroughly review their shot data, including club usage, distances, and handicap information. It’s a remarkable app that caters to a wide range of needs, excelling in GPS tracking and much more. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a serious player, Golf Pad has crafted an impressive solution that will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Golf Pad is available for both Android and iOS devices.

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Why Your Android Phone Isn’t Finding Bluetooth Devices (And How To Fix It)

If your Android phone and Bluetooth device refuse to shake hands, even after you’ve successfully paired them, the next thing to do is unpair them and go through the connection process again. You’ll want to do this on both sides of the connection so the next time you pair will be fully fresh.

The means by which you clear saved phones from your Bluetooth device will vary widely depending on what the device actually is and its interface. Check your user manual for the device for detailed steps. Once you’ve cleared your phone from the device’s memory, you’ll then need to clear the device from your phone’s memory.

Open your phone’s Settings app.

Tap Connected devices.

Tap Previously connected devices. The option may also be under “Bluetooth” or “Saved devices.”

Tap the gear icon next to a device’s name to bring up its individual settings.

Tap the “Forget” button to clear its settings from your phone.

While you’re in the device list, you should also make a point of clearing out any saved devices that you aren’t actively using. Once both devices are cleared out, go through the pairing process again to get a fresh connection going.

Incidentally, if you’re specifically having audio troubles with your car or headphones, you should check their manuals to ensure that Bluetooth audio is actually available and supported on them. You should also ensure that the Media audio toggle is activated on the device’s settings menu on your phone.

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5 Of The Most Reliable Lexus Engines Ever Built, Ranked

Besides the above examples, the 2GR engine and its different iterations is a vaunted addition to this list of reliable Lexus engines. First introduced in 2004, the 2GR has three notable versions using a 3.5 liter V6 setup, like the 2GR-FE, 2GR-FSE, and the 2GR-FKS. 

Popping up in 2004, the 2GR can be found in many different Lexus vehicles, as well as those from Toyota; including automobiles like the Lexus IS 350, ES 350, GS 450h, and RX 350, as well as Toyota’s Camry, RAV4, and Avalon. As such, the 2GR has been adapted for a plethora of different vehicles, though one thing remains the same — the 2GR is a dependable engine that is generally worth the reputation.

Although the 2GR is a fairly new in terms of engines, there have been some reports of it reaching upwards of 200,000 miles with little issue, though of course this is entirely dependent on routine care, as with so many cars that hope to attain some serious mileage. 

Ranging from 249 to 360 horsepower depending on which type, the 2GR features an aluminum alloy cylinder block and a dual overhead cam setup, meaning that 2GR engine owners get to enjoy both power and consistency.

[Featured image by ycanada_news via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped, scaled, and sharpened | CC BY 2.0]

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How To Enable Split Screen On Android Auto

To activate the split-screen mode in Android Auto, you just have to connect your device to your car like normal. 

On the Home screen, you should tap the Apps button on the bottom left corner of the screen. 
Once you do this, there should be a multi-window button that will replace it in that same bottom left corner. 
Pressing this will automatically switch the main display to split-screen mode.

If this button doesn’t appear, you will probably need to ensure the Android Auto app is fully up-to-date. Split screen is a relatively recent feature and you will need the latest version of the app if you want to take advantage of it. To ensure you have this, open the Google Play store and search for the Android Auto app. There should be an Update button that appears here if you do not already have the latest version. Once it’s finished updating, you should be able to easily turn split screen mode on and off. That’s all you need to do to enjoy Android Auto split screen — but you can still customize it further.

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How To Share Your Microsoft Outlook Calendar

The impetus to share your Outlook Calendar will likely spring from the need for streamlined communication and teamwork. In a hyperconnected era, collaborative efforts are more critical than ever. Openly shared calendars provide a quick snapshot of availability, reducing the back-and-forth typically associated with scheduling. It can promote efficiency, especially in organizations where interaction among cross-functional teams is the norm.

For businesses operating globally or those supporting remote work, sharing an Outlook Calendar allows for better time management across different time zones. A shared calendar system is crucial to avoid scheduling conflicts, ensuring smoother operations and fewer disruptions.

Also, shared calendars help track joint projects and shared tasks. Team leaders can stay aligned by marking important deadlines or milestones on a shared Outlook Calendar. This practice ensures everyone involved is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and promoting shared responsibility and commitment.

Lastly, Calendar sharing also bolsters a culture of transparency. By sharing calendars, team members can better understand everyone’s responsibilities, and managers can prevent overloading individuals.

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NASA’s Project Pathfinder Proved Renewable Energy Flight Was Possible Nearly 30 Years Ago

The Pathfinder struggled at first, but after being acquired by NASA, it began to soar — literally. To prove that extremely light (and fragile) aircrafts powered by the sun could take off, fly at very high altitudes, and land successfully, it flew in several test missions. Many of these test flights were conducted in and over Hawaii. In 1995, the Pathfinder set its first altitude record during a 12-hour flight, becoming the first solar-powered aircraft to fly successfully at 50,000 feet. Less than two years later, it shattered that record at 71,530 feet, the highest recorded flight for not just a solar-powered aircraft, but a propeller-driven one as well.

In 1998, it was modified, given longer wingspan, and redubbed the Pathfinder-Plus. This allowed it to beat its own record by reaching an altitude of 80,201 feet. By using solar cells instead of liquid fuel as power, the craft was able to achieve such great heights thanks in part to its extremely light weight. However, its unique design was also instrumental in its record-breaking run.

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5 Ways AI Wants To Prove You Can Trust It (And 5 Reasons You Shouldn't)

AI holds a lot of promise for the future if used appropriately. While tech companies want you to trust AI right away, it's good to stay cautious.

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How The Submarines Of The Civil War Were Made

While both sides were working on the development of submersibles, it was the Confederacy that turned them into practical weapons of war in an effort to combat the Union blockade of Confederate ports. Before inventor Horace Lawson Hunley designed the vessel that bore his name, he a demonstrator dubbed The Pioneer, in 1861. That same year, the U.S. Navy commissioned its first submarine, a 275-ton green-painted beast that became known as the Alligator.

The H.L. Hunley and the Alligator were constructed from iron and wood, and both were human powered. Of the Hunley’s eight-man crew, seven powered its single propeller by hand, while the Alligator was originally powered by 16 hand-rowed oars before getting upgraded to a hand-cranked propeller. Both submarines could manage a speed of only around four knots (about 4.5 mph). Still, by the standards of the time, they were highly advanced vessels that introduced many features that modern-day submariners would recognize, including ballast tanks and movable “hydroplanes” for directional control.

The weapons that they carried, however, were very different. The “spar torpedoes” Confederate submersibles used had little in common with the torpedoes we know today. Technically, they were contact mines with barbed points attached to a long boom extending from the front of the vessels. The submarine attacked by ramming its target, hopefully embedding the barbed mine in its hull. The attacker would then hopefully back away, detaching the mine and unspooling a trigger cable that detonated the device automatically from a safe distance.

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Save a Massive $400 on the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus Vacuum

There’s nothing worse than arriving home after a long busy week and realizing that you haven’t properly cleaned your place in weeks. Eliminate the tediousness of vacuuming with the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus, now 40% off on Amazon.

After a couple of cleans, Roomba learns the layout of your home and builds a Smart Map enabling it to navigate its way to clean a specific room of the house. From your phone, you can set specific times and areas for Roomba to clean and can store multiple maps for each level of your home. Don’t want the machine to wander into some regions of the house? No worries, on the app you can set several keep-out zones. 

One of my favorite features is that you are able to connect your Roomba to any Amazon Alexa device in order to send a voice request for the vacuum to go right where a mess happens when it happens and clean it immediately. It also comes with a larger dust receptacle so it can clean your house multiple times before you need to empty it.

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The Best Ice Cream to Order Online

It’s official: We’re obsessed with ice cream. While the best ice cream, whether purchased in-store or online, may cost a little more per pint, it’s totally worth it, especially if you’ve got a discerning palate when it comes to this frozen dessert. 

You now have more ways than ever to score excellent ice cream in truly unique flavors from high-end producers from coast to coast. Ordering ice cream from the web means dreamy possibilities that go way beyond your supermarket’s freezer. (Banana curry, anyone?) So shine up that spoon and dig into our list of the best places to order ice cream online in 2023.

Best ice cream to buy online

Serendipity

This sweet shop famous for its frozen hot chocolate may be synonymous with New York City, but did you know you can have the good stuff delivered? Serendipity sells 10 popular flavors on Gopuff and Amazon, including the iconic Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, Unicorn Bliss Sundae and a Coffee Almond Fudge inspired by the TV show Friends. 

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw’s ice cream is crafted in Oregon — built from local and sustainable ingredients — and has become something of a staple on the West Coast. But no matter where you live, you can enjoy weekly shipments of its fun and innovative flavors like honey lavender and strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper. Look for seasonal spins too, like applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting. Create your own selection, or nab one of the precurated packs.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

This fifth-generation family-run ice cream business in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been in operation since 1870, so they certainly know a thing or two about the warm weather staple. Flavors here are an ode to that classic nostalgia (think butter pecan and peanut butter chocolate chip), and if you’re getting a shipment, you can create your own pack or choose from an already curated gift selection. Make it a party and throw in a few jars of the housemade raspberry and butterscotch sauces. 

Goldbelly

As the name suggests, Tipsy Scoop is all about the alcohol, which is infused into every inventive flavor — think dark chocolate whiskey salted caramel and cake batter vodka martini. You can order directly from the shop for local delivery and pickup in New York, and now Tipsy Scoop also ships pints across the country. Some flavors are also available nationwide through Goldbelly. Pick your own pints or go for curated collections like the Get Lit Birthday Party Pack.

Read more Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen has mastered classic American flavors, eschewing extraneous add-ins for the simple pleasure of an unadorned creamy scoop. The Brooklyn-based company also flaunts a host of vegan flavors, often crafted out of a cashew or oat milk base. Expect flavors like cookies and cream, Earl Grey tea and Sicilian pistachio, squeezed into single colorblocked pints. 

Annie Ray

Seasonal and artisanal ice cream is the move at Lick Honest Ice Creams, an Austin, Texas institution. The hip flavors can be delivered nationwide, thanks to Goldbelly, where you can choose from scoops like dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt, and roasted beets and fresh mint. Looking for something other than scoops? Opt for the ice cream sandwiches, bound by a handmade chocolate cake cookie. You can also order directly from the shop for local delivery.

eCreamery

This Omaha, Nebraska ice cream vendor — a fan favorite on Shark Tank — crafts a slew of bestselling flavors, like mint cookie crunch, sea salt caramel brownie and s’mores, but the company also allows customers to design their own flavor from a slew of bases and mix-ins. Just select your base (gelato, sorbet or ice cream) and flavor, then toss in up to three mix-ins, which includes everything from fruits and nuts to candy and bakery items. 

Pete Deevakul

New York City’s innovative parlor, helmed by ice cream wizard Nicholas Morgenstern, is known for an array of funky and eclectic flavors, from favorites like burnt sage and black licorice to a whole section that’s a study in bananas, boasting flavors like charred banana and banana curry. The menu includes 88 flavors (all available to ship!), and while you’re at it, you can also add ice cream cakes and sandwiches to your cart.   

AJ Ragasa

A Seattle, Washington institution, Frankie & Jo’s specializes in plant-based ice cream — meaning all of the ice cream is 100% vegan. Expect flavors like salty caramel ash, mint brownie and chocolate date, all of which can be shipped across the country if you don’t happen to live near a Seattle scoop shop.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Fan favorite Jeni’s was born in Columbus, Ohio, but the brand now boasts locations in over 10 states. Jeni’s has long dabbled in nationwide shipping, and these times are no different. Orders require a minimum of four pints (that shouldn’t be too hard to maneuver), with flavors running the gamut from gooey butter cake to coffee with cream and sugar — not to mention seasonal flavors like pumpkin cake roll. Know an ice cream fanatic? Sign them up for Jeni’s pint club, a subscription that delivers four pints of Jeni’s, four times a year.  

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

This third-generation family business (that’s been around for 70 years!) has a number of scoop shops in Southern California, but if you’re not in the area, you can also order the beloved creamy flavors online. Pick pints like eureka lemon and marionberries, sea salt cream and cookies and peppermint stick, and if you really can’t stop throwing pints in your cart, consider opting for a 3-, 6- or 12-month membership.  

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Best Internet Providers in Charleston, South Carolina

AT&T – Best fiber internet service in Charleston

Prices: $55 – $180 per month

Speeds: 300 – 5,000Mbps

Unlimited data

Xfinity – Best for availability in Charleston

Prices: $20 – $300 per month

Speeds: 75 – 6,000Mbps

Data caps on some plans

Check with Xfinity Internet

T-Mobile Home Internet – Best alternative to traditional wired internet service in Charleston

Prices: $50 per month

Speeds: 72 – 245Mbps

Unlimited data

WOW Internet – Best option for cheap internet in Charleston

Prices: $20 – $95 per month

Speeds: 100 – 1,200Mbps

Good promo prices

I live just under 200 miles from Charleston, South Carolina, and let me be transparent: The last thing on my mind when I visit is my broadband options. I’m usually focused on fluffy biscuits, sandy beaches and bustling markets. But Charleston residents have a solid lineup of cable and fiber internet service choices offered by a wide variety of providers, according to a CNET analysis.

One hundred percent of Charleston households have access to a broadband connection (defined as 25 megabits per second download and 3Mbps upload speeds), according to the Federal Communications Commission, and 98% are eligible for plans that offer download speeds up to 250Mbps. That’s unusual. In South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia, for example, 92% have access to internet plans that fast, which would allow a household of four to comfortably stream shows, work from home and game simultaneously, per FCC guidelines.

Residents of The Holy City have lots of choices, including fiber plans from AT&T and local provider Home Telecom and cable connections from Xfinity or Spectrum. There’s also 5G home internet from T-Mobile Home Internet or Verizon 5G Home Internet. 

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Charleston across a number of categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers’ terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you need to know. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different tiers of service and monthly costs may vary, even within a single city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider’s website. 

Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider’s pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, while the text is specific to what’s available in Charleston. The prices referenced within this article’s text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month — a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might be available as well, for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services. 

To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.

Best internet options in Charleston

AT&T

Best fiber internet service in Charleston

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$55 – $180 per month

Speed range

300 – 5,000Mbps

Connection

Fiber

Highlights

Unlimited data, no contracts, equipment included

There are two options for fiber internet service if you live in Charleston: local provider Home Telecom, which services just over 7% of the area, or AT&T Fiber, which has a broader reach and offers faster, multigigabit plans in some areas. 

Availability: AT&T covers 69% of Charleston homes, according to the FCC. That noted, not all of those will have access to the company’s superior fiber plans, which are concentrated in Lakeview of Lawton Bluff and Oceanview. Those in the West Ashley area and elsewhere must settle for DSL connectivity. 

Plans and pricing: Homes eligible for AT&T Fiber have access to three different plans, all with symmetrical download and upload speeds: 300Mbps for $55 per month, 500Mbps for $65 and 1,000Mbps for $80. Some households can access two faster plans: 2,000Mbps for $110 per month or 5,000Mbps for $180. 

Fees and service details: AT&T Fiber plans feature no contracts, data caps or equipment costs. Customers who order online may be eligible to receive a $100-$150 gift card, depending on the tier.

Read our AT&T Internet review.

Check AT&T Fiber availability

Xfinity

Best for availability in Charleston

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$20 – $300 per month

Speed range

75 – 6,000Mbps

Connection

Cable

Highlights

Data caps on some plans, lots of plan options, solid customer satisfaction numbers

Comcast’s home internet brand, Xfinity, services the most households of any cable ISP in the country and covers more of Charleston than any other provider. (Satellite internet is technically available to 100% of residents but is far inferior to the cheaper, faster cable connections CNET recommends.) 

Availability: Xfinity services most of Charleston, with coverage spanning nearly 92% of households, according to the FCC. 

Plans and pricing: Befitting the largest cable provider in the US, Xfinity offers the most plans within the Charleston area. Customers can choose from six service tiers, starting with the 75Mbps Connect plan for $30 per month and topping out with Gigabit Extra (1,200Mbps), which costs $80 monthly. 

Fees and service details: Xfinity plans come with some degree of complexity. Most significant to note, the two cheapest tiers don’t require an annual contract — but the rest require a two-year commitment to get the lowest monthly price. And all plans have a 1.25TB monthly data cap (the average household uses about half that — 580GB per month, per OpenVault) unless you pay an additional $30 monthly. If you exceed the data cap, you’ll automatically be charged $10 for each 50GB you go over, with a maximum charge of $100 each month.

Read our Xfinity Internet review.

Check Xfinity Internet availability

T-Mobile Home Internet

Best alternative to traditional wired internet service in Charleston

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$50 per month ($30 for eligible T-Mobile Magenta Max customers)

Speed range

72 – 245Mbps

Connection

Fixed wireless

Highlights

Unlimited data, equipment included, no contracts, no additional fees

This provider uses its cellular network to offer a wireless home internet plan that’s the highest rated (among nonfiber providers) in the 2023 American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.

Availability: While the FCC suggests that T-Mobile Home Internet is available to roughly 83% of Charleston residents, you must plug in your address on the T-Mobile site to see if your household is eligible. Note that just because you can get T-Mobile 5G mobile service doesn’t mean you’ll be eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet. 

Plans and pricing: T-Mobile Home Internet’s offering is straightforward, with one plan that costs $50 per month that features download speeds between 72 to 245Mbps and upload speeds from 15 to 31Mbps. 

Fees and service details: T-Mobile Home Internet’s monthly price includes all equipment, taxes and fees — and a price-lock guarantee that keeps your monthly price locked in for as long as you remain a customer. Some customers may be eligible for a $20 monthly discount if they have a Go5G Plus or Magenta Max cellphone plan.

Read our T-Mobile Home Internet review.

Check T-Mobile availability

WOW Internet

Best option for cheap internet in Charleston

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$20 – $95 per month

Speed range

100 – 1,200Mbps

Connection

Cable

Highlights

Good promo prices, no contracts, unlimited data on some plans

WideOpenWest, also known as WOW, offers nearly as many cable service options as Xfinity — and some at considerably lower prices. If you’re looking for a viable alternative to one of the big national brands, WOW is well worth a look.

Availability: WOW internet covers roughly 37% of all Charleston households, according to the FCC, with concentrations at Colonial Grand at Cypress Cove, Parrot Point, West Ashley and Mount Pleasant.

Plans and pricing: WOW features the cheapest internet in the area with its 100Mbps plan for $20 per month. But the best value is the company’s gigabit plan, which costs $50 monthly. That boils down to 5 cents per Mbps — one of the cheapest rates you’ll find anywhere in the US. 

Fees and service details: Most WOW plans feature an additional $10 monthly equipment charge, though you can waive that if you have your own modem or you step up to the gigabit or 1.2 gig plans. No contracts are required. All plans have a data cap of 1.5-3TB except the 1.2 gigabit plan, which includes unlimited data.

Read our WOW home internet review.

Check WOW! Internet availability

Overview of internet providers in Charleston

Provider Internet technologyMonthly price rangeSpeed rangeMonthly equipment costsData capContractCNET review scoreAT&T Internet  DSL$55 10-100MbpsNone1.5TB (none for 100Mbps plan)None7.4AT&T Fiber Fiber$55-$180300-5,000MbpsNoneNoneNone7.4Home Telecom Fiber$70-$100300-1,000MbpsNoneNoneNoneN/ASpectrum Cable$50-$90300-1,000MbpsFree modem; $5 for router (optional)NoneNone7.2T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed wireless$50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans)72-245MbpsNoneNoneNone7.4Verizon 5G Home Internet Fixed wireless$50-$70 (50% off with eligible phone plan)85-1,000MbpsNoneNoneNone7.2WOW Cable$20-$95100-1,200Mbps$10 (optional)1.5TB-3TB (unlimited for 1.2 Gigs)None7.2Xfinity Cable$30-$8075-1,200Mbps$15 (optional)1.2TB1-2 years, depending on plan7

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Other available Charleston residential internet providers

Charleston has more ISPs than many other cities in the US, providing a rather extraordinary range of options. Here are some other providers worth considering.

Home Telecom: This company covers about 7% of Charleston, with availability mostly in the Daniel Island area. Its fiber-optic plans offer 300Mbps, 500Mbps or 1 gig for $70, $80 or $100 monthly — which is a bit more expensive than AT&T’s Fiber plans. But it’s a local outfit, equipment is included, and there are no data caps or contracts.Satellite internet: We recommend avoiding satellite internet in Charleston, given that cheaper and faster options are widely available. Satellite internet is best for rural areas that cable and fiber don’t reach. If that’s where you live, HughesNet and Viasat are the most prominent providers, though each requires a two-year contract. Elon Musk’s Starlink, which offers higher download speeds and lower latency, may soon be a more viable option: The company’s availability map says it will expand to Charleston in 2023. Spectrum Internet: Charter Communications’ home internet service is available to about 5% of the area, mostly north of the city in Ladson and Summerville. There are three different cable internet plans: 300Mbps for $50 per month, 500Mbps for $70 monthly and a gigabit offering for $90 per month. There are no data caps or contracts. Prices increase by $30 monthly after the first year.Verizon 5G Home Internet: Like T-Mobile, Verizon uses its cellular network to wirelessly provide home broadband connections. It offers higher maximum download speeds than T-Mobile (1,000Mbps vs. 245), but it’s only available to about 12% of Charleston households. Susanne Neumann/Getty Images

Pricing info on Charleston home internet service

The average starting price for internet in Charleston is around $43 per month — on par with other cities, including Austin, Dallas and Philadelphia. 

What are the cheapest internet plans in Charleston?

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Charleston broadband speeds

According to the FCC, 100% of Charleston residents have access to broadband internet and, even more impressively, more than 30% are eligible for gig speed connections (940-1,000Mbps) from either AT&T Fiber, Home Telecom, Spectrum or Xfinity. AT&T also offers multigigabit plans up to 5 gigs (5,000Mbps). 

What are the fastest internet plans in Charleston?

Provider Max download speedMax upload speedStarting priceData capContractAT&T Fiber Internet 5000 5,000Mbps5,000Mbps$180 NoneNoneAT&T Fiber Internet 2000 2,000Mbps2,000Mbps$110 NoneNoneWOW Internet 1.2 Gigs 1,200Mbps50Mbps$95 NoneNoneAT&T Fiber Internet 1000 1,000Mbps1,000Mbps$80 NoneNoneWOW Internet 1 Gig 1,000Mbps50Mbps$50 3TBNoneXfinity Gigabit Extra 1,200Mbps35Mbps$80 1.2TB2 yearsHome Telecom 1,000Mbps1,000Mbps$100 NoneNoneVerizon 5G Home Internet 1,000Mbps50Mbps$70 ($35 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)NoneNoneSpectrum Internet Gig 1,000Mbps35Mbps$90 NoneNoneXfinity Gigabit 1,000Mbps20Mbps$75 1.2TB2 years

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s the bottom line on Charleston internet providers?

Residents of Charleston have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a broadband provider. Xfinity covers nearly every address in the city, and some households can get faster upload speeds through fiber connections from AT&T and local provider Home Telecom. And If it’s cheap internet you’re after, look no further than WOW — it has some of the lowest starting prices you’ll find anywhere in the US.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Charleston

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov. 

This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools.

Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of our prepublication fact-check.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: 

Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying? Are customers happy with their service? 

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Internet providers in Charleston FAQs

Which is the best internet service provider in Charleston?

It depends on where you live. AT&T Fiber is a solid choice, but it’s not available to all households; most residents will have to settle for the provider’s DSL connection, and there are better options in that price range. Xfinity covers the greatest number of addresses but comes with data caps and temporary discounts. T-Mobile Home Internet offers no data caps, no price increases and free equipment rental — but its download speeds top out under 300Mbps, which might be insufficient for households with multiple users.

Which is the cheapest internet provider in Charleston?

Charleston’s cheapest internet provider is WOW, whose 100Mbps cable internet plan costs $20 per month. Its gigabit plan, which offers 1,000Mbps, and costs $50 monthly, is one of the best values in the US. 

Which Charleston internet provider offers the fastest plan?

The title goes to AT&T Fiber, whose 5,000Mbps plan costs $180 monthly — another great value at less than 4 cents per Mbps.

Is fiber internet available in Charleston?

Yes. AT&T Fiber offers three plans for up to 1 gig in several areas and up to 5 gigs in others. Local provider Home Telecom offers three fiber plans with strong coverage penetration in the Daniel Island area. 

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Best Internet Providers in Mesa, Arizona

Cox – Best overall Mesa internet provider

Prices: $40 – $100 per month

Speeds: 25 – 2,000Mbps

1.25TB monthly data allowance

Check with Cox Communications

CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber – Best fiber internet provider in Mesa

Prices: $30 – $70 per month

Speeds: 200 – 940Mbps

Unlimited data

T-Mobile Home Internet – Best alternative to wired home internet in Mesa

Prices: $50 per month

Speeds: 72 – 245Mbps

Unlimited data

High-speed fiber internet service is on its way to Mesa — but it isn’t widely available just yet. Until then, most residents have a choice between Cox and a slew of slower wireless providers. 

Last year, AT&T Fiber announced it was coming to Mesa in 2023, but it’s still yet to go live. Though Google Fiber started delivering internet service to Mesa in late March, it isn’t yet widely available. Along with CenturyLink’s fiber service, that means Mesa will soon be home to the three highest rated internet providers in the American Customer Satisfaction Index‘s annual survey. For now, though, about 10% of Mesa households are wired up for fiber.

Our team considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Mesa across a variety of categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers’ terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

Our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data is variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different tiers of service, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider’s website. 

Note that the prices, speeds and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider’s pricing and speeds across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, while the text is specific to what’s available in Mesa. The prices referenced within this article’s text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month — a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might be available as well, for things like committing to a contract or bundling with a cellphone plan. 

To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.

Best internet providers in Mesa

There are three main internet providers in Mesa worth considering: Cox, CenturyLink Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet. We’ve also included an overview of some other internet providers serving the area, though most of them don’t measure up, or they come with significant drawbacks. 

Cox

Best overall Mesa internet provider

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$40 – $100 per month

Speed range

25 – 2,000Mbps

Connection

Mostly cable, some fiber

Highlights

1.25TB monthly data allowance, lots of plan options, unique gaming add-on

For most Mesa residents, Cox’s cable internet provides the best combination of speed and price. It’s widely available in the area, and its download speeds go all the way up to 2,000 megabits per second — enough bandwidth to stream Netflix in HD on 400 TVs simultaneously. The major downside is common to all cable internet providers: Its upload speeds are much, much slower — somewhere between 5 and 100Mbps, depending on the plan. That could be limiting for households with multiple people videoconferencing or gaming online, which requires fast download and upload speeds. 

According to mapping data on FCC.gov, Cox offers fiber internet, which is best for working from home and gaming online, in some parts of Mesa. But when we looked up specific addresses on Cox’s website, all the results displayed the slow upload speeds that are distinctive of a cable plan — a sign that Cox’s fiber-optic reach is limited. 

Availability: At least one Cox plan is available almost everywhere in Mesa, with 96% of households eligible for service, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

Plans and pricing: In an industry known for confusing terms and contracts, Cox’s pricing is a characteristic morass: Its five internet plans start at $50 for 100Mbps download speed, $50 for 250Mbps (which increases to $70 after five years), $55 for 500Mbps ($90 after five years), $65 for 1,000Mbps ($120 after five years) and $100 for 2,000Mbps ($150 after five years). That noted, you may see different prices because Cox automatically applies a $30 monthly credit at some addresses due to a federal subsidy that only applies to low-income households (via the Affordable Connectivity Plan). If you don’t meet the income requirements and want to opt out, you’ll have to type “Live Agent” in Cox’s chat. If you agree to apply for the ACP benefit but you aren’t qualified, the $30 discount won’t appear on your bill. 

Fees and service details: Cox offers customers free unlimited data for the first five years. After that, it charges $10 for each 50GB that you exceed the monthly 1.25TB data cap. Cox also provides customers with free installation and a powerful modem/router combo with most plans.

Read our Cox Communications internet review.

Check Cox Communications availability

CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber

Best fiber internet provider in Mesa

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$30 – $70 per month

Speed range

200 – 940Mbps

Connection

Fiber

Highlights

Unlimited data, no contracts, equipment included with gigabit tier

CenturyLink’s Quantum Fiber service offers coverage in some parts of Mesa. One of the major advantages of fiber internet is symmetrical download and upload speeds. However, CenturyLink’s DSL service is more widely available than its fiber service in Mesa, and we would recommend it only as a last resort. If you put in your address into CenturyLink’s website and see a plan offering speeds up to 100Mbps, that’s a DSL plan, and we think you’d be better off with Cox or T-Mobile.

Availability: CenturyLink offers internet service to 56% of Mesa households, but most households are eligible only for a DSL plan. Fiber is most widely available on the east side of Mesa.

Plans and pricing: CenturyLink’s Quantum Fiber service offers two plans in Mesa: 200Mbps upload and download speed for $30 per month and 940Mbps for $70. 

Fees and service details: Both plans feature free installation and a free modem, but a mesh router costs an extra $15 per month if you’re on the cheaper plan. (You also have the option of purchasing your own router.) Neither plan has a data cap or requires you to sign a contract.

Read our CenturyLink review.

Check CenturyLink availability

T-Mobile Home Internet

Best alternative to wired home internet in Mesa

Check availability

Product details

Price range

$50 per month ($30 for eligible T-Mobile Magenta Max customers)

Speed range

72 – 245Mbps

Connection

Fixed wireless

Highlights

Unlimited data, equipment included, no contracts, no additional fees

T-Mobile Home Internet, which uses cellular towers to provide up to 245Mbps download speeds, received the highest score of any nonfiber provider in the 2023 American Customer Satisfaction Index’s survey. If you aren’t eligible for fiber and don’t want to do business with Cox, this is your best bet.

Availability: T-Mobile Home Internet is available to 83% of households in Mesa. 

Plans and pricing: T-Mobile Home Internet’s one plan costs $50 per month and offers download speeds of 72-245Mbps and upload speeds up to 31Mbps.

Fees and service details: We like that T-Mobile’s $50 monthly price is all-inclusive: There are no additional equipment fees, data caps or service contracts. And the company offers a $20 monthly discount when you bundle internet service and eligible T-Mobile cellphone plans.

Read our T-Mobile Home Internet review.

Check T-Mobile availability

Top Mesa internet providers

Provider Internet technologyMonthly price rangeSpeed rangeMonthly equipment costsData capContractCNET review scoreCenturyLink DSL$505-100Mbps$15 (optional)NoneNone6.7CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber Fiber$30-$70200-940Mbps$15 (optional); included for free with 940Mbps planNoneNone6.7Cox Cable$50-$100100-2,000MbpsNone1.25TB (unlimited for first five years)None6.2T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed wireless$50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans)72-245MbpsNoneNoneNone7.4Verizon 5G Home Internet Fixed wireless$50-$70 (50% off with eligible phone plan)85-1,000MbpsNoneNoneNone7.2

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What other internet options are there in Mesa?

The three providers listed above are the best choices for internet in Mesa, but if none of them serves your address, you do have a few other options:

Phoenix Internet: Available to around 40% of Mesa addresses, Phoenix Internet’s fixed wireless plans start at $50 per month. Beyond that, details are sketchy: The website features some dated information (such as a list of “the best streaming services in 2020”) and the company hasn’t yet responded to CNET’s email requesting more specifics. Satellite internet: While satellite internet is available at nearly every address in Mesa, it typically comes with long contracts, slow speeds, low data caps and high latency — sufficient for very basic tasks but impractical for anyone who works from home or plays online games. HughesNet and Viasat are longtime satellite providers; Starlink has higher equipment costs, but it offers faster speeds and lower latency. Triad Wireless: Like Phoenix Internet, Triad is a fixed wireless provider in Mesa. Its website says that speeds go up to 1,000Mbps — a high number for wireless — but it doesn’t list specific plans or prices, and Triad hasn’t yet responded to our request for more information. Verizon 5G Home Internet: Like T-Mobile, Verizon has begun leveraging its cell towers to provide home internet service in some locations. It’s less widely available in Mesa than T-Mobile’s offering — only 27% of households are eligible — but it offers speeds up to 1,000Mbps in some locations.  halbergman/Getty Images

Pricing info on Mesa home internet service

The average price for internet service in Mesa is approximately $45 per month. CenturyLink’s 200Mbps fiber plan starts at just $30, but most plans start at around $50 per month. Worth noting: If you’re a Verizon or T-Mobile cellphone customer, you may qualify for a considerable monthly discount. 

Cheapest internet plans in Mesa

Provider Starting priceMax download speedMonthly equipment feeContractCenturyLink/Quantum Fiber $30200Mbps$15 (optional)NoneCox $50250MbpsNoneNoneT-Mobile Home Internet $50 ($30 with eligible mobile plans)245MbpsNoneNoneVerizon 5G Home Internet $50 ($25 with eligible mobile plans)300MbpsNoneNone
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Mesa broadband speeds

Mesa residents have their choice of three different internet providers that offer “gig” speeds, defined as service that starts at 940Mbps: Cox, Verizon 5G Home and CenturyLink. CenturyLink is currently the only provider in the area that offers symmetrical upload and download speeds — a significant benefit if you’re looking for a connection that can support high-quality videoconferencing or online gaming on multiple devices simultaneously. 

Fastest internet plans in Mesa

Provider Max download speedMax upload speedStarting priceData capContractCox 2 Gig 2,000Mbps100Mbps$1001.25TB (unlimited for first five years)NoneCox 1 Gig 1,000Mbps35Mbps$651.25TB (unlimited for first five years)NoneVerizon 5G Home Internet 1,000Mbps75Mbps$70 ($35 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)NoneNoneCenturyLink/Quantum Fiber 940Mbps940Mbps$70NoneNone
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s the final word on internet providers in Mesa?

Internet in Mesa is a mixed bag. Some addresses will have several great options, while others will have only one. Fiber is only available to about 10% of households in Mesa, so online gamers and people who work from home may need to opt for a more expensive cable plan if they’re looking for faster upload speeds. Cox’s plans fit that bill — it’s available almost everywhere and its fastest plans provide enough speed for almost any home.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Mesa

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov. 

This guide leverages an in-house artificial intelligence tool called RAMP, which is trained on our own writing and uses our database to generate content about specific internet service providers that our writers can use in determining and presenting our picks for a given guide. Check CNET’s AI policy for more information about how our teams use (and don’t use) AI tools.

Because our database is not exhaustive, we go to the FCC’s website to check the primary data for ourselves and make sure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. Plans and prices also vary by location, so we input local addresses on provider websites to find the specific options available to residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of our prepublication fact-check.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: 

Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying? Are customers happy with their service? 

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Internet providers in Mesa FAQs

What’s the best internet service provider in Mesa?

For most people, Cox is the best internet service provider in Mesa, offering both the fastest speed in the area (at 2,000Mbps) as well as a reasonably priced and highly available cable connection. CenturyLink’s fiber internet features the lowest starting price in the area: $30 per month for up to 200Mbps download and upload speeds.

Is fiber internet available in Mesa?

Yes, fiber internet is available in Mesa. CenturyLink, now called Quantum Fiber, offers a fast connection with symmetrical speeds up to 940Mbps, unlimited data and free installation. It’s not very widely available, however, and is accessible primarily on the east side of the city.

What’s the cheapest internet provider in Mesa?

CenturyLink has the cheapest internet plan in Mesa: 200Mbps for $30 per month. After that, it’s Cox, T-Mobile and Verizon in a tie, with plans starting at $50 per month. If you have one of the eligible T-Mobile cellphone plans, however, you may be able to take advantage of a discount to cut that down to $30 monthly. Eligible Verizon wireless customers may also use a discount to reduce their monthly bill to $25. 

Which internet provider in Mesa offers the fastest plan?

Cox offers the fastest plan in Mesa with download speeds up to 2,000Mbps and upload speeds up to 100Mbps. For symmetrical speeds, CenturyLink goes up to 940Mbps download and upload. 

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