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Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, is becoming a tradition in the shopping world. Amazon's annual fall sale is now the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, and a warm-up act for Black Friday 2025. With tariffs, a challenging economy, and the changing of the seasons, we know a lot of people are eager to shop and save, emphasis on save.

This year, Prime Big Deal Days takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8, starting at 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT) on the 7th, and the Mashable shopping team will be curating the best October Prime Day deals live. So, before, during, and after the event, you can check this live blog for the latest announcements, lightning deals, and stock alerts. We'll be working around the clock to identify the top opportunities to save on popular products from Apple, Sony, Dyson, iRobot, DJI, Microsoft, Ninja, Samsung, and more. And you know Amazon will be discounting plenty of Echo speakers, Fire TVs, and, if we're lucky, the best Kindles.

So, if you want to be the first to know about the latest deals — at Amazon and beyond — then you know what to do. Get your scrolling finger ready, because October Prime Day is about to start.

The top early October Prime Day deals The top offers Classic Prime Day Deal Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit $29.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best Deal Under $100 Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Top Apple Deal Apple iPad 11-inch $299 (save $50) Get Deal Best Splurge Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series Espresso and Coffee Machine $499.94 (save $100.05) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $34.99 (save $85) Get Deal Best Vacuum Deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 (save $150.99) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Samsung Deal Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-Wide HD Monitor $219.99 (save $110) Get Deal Best Outdoor Deal Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169 (save $90) Get Deal The top anti-Prime Day competitor sales

Whenever Amazon hosts a big sale, the other big-box stores host sales of their own. Some of these sales events have already started. During October Prime Day, we'll be checking prices at Amazon against other retailers, so if there's a better price at Walmart or Best Buy, we'll be sure to let you know.

• The Walmart Deals event takes place from Oct. 7 to 12

• Best Buy is hosting its Techtober Sale from Oct. 6 to 12

• The Home Depot is hosting an unnamed sale from Oct. 6 to 8

• Target Circle Week runs from Oct. 5 to 12

How to sign up for Amazon Prime for free

You need to be a Prime member to take advantage of the best deals during Prime Big Deal Days. Fortunately, Amazon offers a no-cost 30-day trial for new members. When the trial is over, you'll be charged $14.99 per month. Members get access to the top Amazon deals, plus free 2-day shipping and returns, access to Prime Video, and plenty more perks. People 24 and under can also sign up for even less with Prime for Young Adults, which is just $7.49 per month after a lengthy 6-month trial.

• Sign up for Amazon Prime — 30-day trial, $14.99 per month

• Sign up for Prime for Young Adults — 6-month trial, $7.49 per month

Don't spend hours scrolling through Amazon, because I already found the best Prime Day tech deals for you. As Mashable's tech editor, my inbox is full of brands trying to get me to cover their newest gadgets, AI models, and futuristic wearables. I get to test the latest flagship headphones, OLED gaming monitors, and foldable phones for Mashable readers. And I gotta say — I love my job.

For Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day 2025, Amazon (as well as Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers and brands) have discounted some of my favorite gadgets of the year. I'm also spotting early Prime Day deals on boring but essential products like memory cards, wireless chargers, and USB-C cables. So, I've gathered all of the top discounts into one place for Mashable readers. Remember: Prime Big Deal Days takes place this year on Oct. 7 and 8, so you only have two days to save.

Whether you've been waiting to invest in a new laptop or 65-inch TV, or just need to replace some tech that's past its expiration date, the next 48 hours are going to be a prime time to shop. So, without any further preamble, let's get into my favorite Prime Day tech deals from brands like Apple, Samsung, DJI, Dyson, Shark, and Bose. I will also be providing live updates in our October Prime Day live blog.

Apple AirPods starting at $89

There's just something about the phrase "$89 AirPods" that sounds right, doesn't it? In the tariffs era, the fact that you can buy new AirPods for $89.99 feels like a small miracle. While all eyes will be on the new AirPods Pro 3, if you don't need ANC — or have a tendency to lose your earbuds — this purchase is a no-brainer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds $89.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $39.01 Get Deal Amazon Kindle Kids

Amazon usually saves the top Kindle deals for Prime Day itself, but this early deal on the kids' e-reader is too good to pass up. Mashable has tested all the latest Kindles, and we don't expect this e-reader to get any cheaper when Prime Day officially kicks off on Tuesday. It's the kind of screen time you can feel good about.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Amazon Echo Show 8

Amazon just previewed its new generation of more advanced (and more expensive) Echo Show devices, so take advantage of this sale on the smart displays. Amazon is likely clearing the way for its new devices, but this model gives you all the necessary functionality and cross-device support you really need.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 smart display $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Shark vacuums

I have a small army of robot vacuums in my apartment at any given time, and since I live in New York City, space is at a premium. That means I have high standards for my robovacs, and Shark's underrated vacuums have always impressed me. If you're a pet owner, the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum is not only one of the best early Prime Day tech deals this year, but also comes personally recommended by Mashable reporters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum $229.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $320 Best-seller Get Deal JBL party speakers

I've been testing party speakers for Mashable for years, and JBL consistently outperforms so-called premium brands. The JBL Flip 6 is actually my most-recommended speaker, and we've also tested and loved the brand's new boombox-style Party Box. Both are on sale for Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker $99.95 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL PartyBox Club 120 party speaker $349.95 at Amazon
$449.95 Save $100 Get Deal DJI Smartphone Gimbal

I've tested a few smartphone gimbals, and DJI makes the best one by far. It's deceptively simple to use and provides pro-level stabilization and face tracking. If you're a creator (or aspiring creator), then this gimbal is a must-have IMO. I'm keeping a close eye on the top Prime Day deals on DJI products, so keep checking back for more savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer $126 at Amazon
$149 Save $23 Get Deal Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

The lowest price we've ever seen on AirTags dropped today — and not at Amazon. No, for this deal, head to Best Buy. These popular trackers use Apple's massive Find My network to help you track down lost items, and they've never been more affordable.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64.99 at Best Buy
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal Affordable smart TVs under $300

Prime Day is one of the best times to buy a new TV, and Prime Big Deal Days is already delivering major doorbuster deals on budget TVs. You can find 50-, 55-, and 65-inch flatscreens for under $300 this year, including smart models from Roku, Hisense, and Fire TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Smart TV 50-Inch Select Series 4K HDR TV (2025) $257.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $42 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $259.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $170 Shop Now Less-affordable (but much more awesome) QLED TVs

My favorite TV brand for the past few years has been Samsung, which makes impressive QLED, OLED, and art TVs. And I wouldn't even consider buying one unless it was Prime Day or Black Friday. This premium QLED smart TV is on sale for $350 off its retail price for a limited time. Equipped with Samsung's latest AI processor, this 2025 model TV offers incredible value at this price point.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Class Neo QLED QN70F 4K Smart TV (2025) $847.99 at Amazon
$1,097.99 Save $250 Get Deal Samsung monitors

Whether you need a compact second monitor for your home office or a premium gaming monitor, Samsung always offers fantastic monitor deals during big sales. For home offices, I'd recommend the bevel-less 22-inch business monitor, which is a steal at its current price. And for gamers, the Odyssey line of monitors offers stunning visuals and cutting-edge display specs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 22-inch (S40GD) Borderless Business Monitor $99.42 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.57 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G7 $471.50 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $328.49 Get Deal Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

I love Jackery's products. The brand's popular portable power stations are a staple at campgrounds and music festivals, but they can also give you a much-needed power-up during blackouts. While this is the older version of the Jackery Explorer series, I've never seen it priced this low before.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90 Get Deal A hip foldable flip phone

Earlier this year, I said 2025 was the year the foldable phone became a smart option for everyday users, not just early adopters. Personally, I prefer the convenient size and form factor of the smaller flip-style foldables.

As much as I love the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 released over the summer, I actually think people have been sleeping on the Motorola Razr Ultra. If you want flagship-quality in a flip phone, this stylish smartphone has a lot to offer. It has an insane battery life and is packed with AI features, if that's your thing. Plus, it comes with 512GB of memory, compared to the Z Flip 7's starting memory of 128GB. For a limited time, save $300 on this unlocked smartphone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, 512GB, Unlocked $999.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $300 Get Deal Top deals to watch: Beats and Bose headphones

Amazon promised big savings on both Beats and Bose headphones this year. In particular, you can expect up to 40% off select Bose earbuds and headphones. So, as we wait for Prime Day to start, I'm keeping a close watch on my favorite wireless headphones from these brands.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $359 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has a massive problem — a staggering lack of self-awareness.

Of course, that critique of Swift isn't novel. For years, Swift's critics have argued that she sees herself as a perpetual victim — of manipulative lovers, traitorous friends, cutthroat enemies, and unscrupulous music executives. They've also observed that Swift appears to sometimes cruelly and publicly punish those who betray or slight her, particularly through her songwriting.

This portrayal could be convincing at times. After all, some of Swift's biggest hits, like "Bad Blood," "Mean," and "Karma," are about score settling. Yet Swift also managed to balance her lust for vengeance with honest vulnerability or genuine growth in songs like "Anti-Hero" and "The Manuscript." 

SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift use AI art? 'Life of a Showgirl' orange door videos seem AI-generated

Not this time around. Showgirl features one song ("Eldest Daughter") that earnestly rejects toxic internet culture, but also two other tracks ("Actually Romantic" and "CANCELLED!”) that channel the worst parts of that culture, including mocking, humiliation, and a hot take that utterly misreads the gravity of the political moment.

The songs offer Swift's critics fresh evidence that their assessment of the billionaire pop star is accurate, at least sometimes. Sadly for Swift, who seems genuinely kind when she's not beholden to grievance, the stark contrast between these songs demonstrates that she can easily become the very internet troll she decries. 

How did we get here, Taylor? 

There's an endearing scene in Swift's new album release film, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, wherein she explains the premise of the piano ballad "Eldest Daughter." The song, she says, is about how the internet is a space that rewards cheap shots and callousness, a state of mind that can warp our lives and relationships. 

She writes: "Everybody's so punk on the internet / Everyone's unbothered 'til they're not / Every joke's just trolling and memes / Sad as it seems, apathy is hot / Everybody's cutthroat in the comments / Every single hot take is cold as ice" 

Swift wants to make a promise, presumably to her fiancé, Travis Kelce, that she'll never treat him so carelessly. Cue the mostly tender chorus: "But I'm not a bad bitch / And this isn't savage / But I'm never gonna let you down / I'm never gonna leave you out / So many traitors / Smooth operators / But I'm never gonna break that vow / I'm nеver gonna leave you now, now, now" 

Swift may regret the awful, racially coded word choice of "bad bitch" and "savage," but the song's sincerity against the backdrop of cultural viciousness she describes in "Eldest Daughter" is welcome. 

Still, Swift's commitment is clearly just to Kelce, because "Actually Romantic" couldn't be an uglier song if it tried. It's designed to shame and mortify its target, reportedly the Grammy-winning singer and producer Charli XCX. Her sin? Apparently, writing a song, rumored to be about Swift, about a girl who "taps my insecurities." 

The track "Sympathy is a Knife" appears on Charli XCX's smash 2024 album Brat, which curiously also includes a song entitled "Everything is Romantic." 

Charli XCX doesn't dedicate "Sympathy is a Knife" to ruthless insults, even if she dislikes the girl in question, and roots for her breakup (ostensibly referring to the demise of Swift's relationship with the 1975's frontman Matty Healy). Instead, she's grappling with a "spiral" of emotions unleashed by being near this person. 

Charli XCX sings, alarmingly, about graphically killing herself, adding: "Volatilе at war with my dialogue / I'd say that there was a God if thеy could stop this / Wild voice tearin' me apart / I'm so apprehensive now" 

As a journalist who's written about the intersection of suicide and digital culture for more than a decade, I can think of few things more quintessentially representative of the toxic internet than someone telling another person who feels suicidal or worthless that they, in fact, are insignificant. 

"Actually Romantic" may not explicitly reference Charli XCX's despair, but it proceeds to methodically humiliate its subject: 

"Hadn't thought of you in a long time / But you keep sending me funny valentines / And I know you think it comes off vicious / But it's precious, adorable / Like a toy chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse / That's how much it hurts / How many times has your boyfriend said / 'Why are we always talking 'bout her?'"

Swift said in an interview with Amazon Music that the song is about realizing someone is engaging in a one-sided adversarial relationship with you and that the negative attention can be a form of flattery. But in the song, she suggests a sexual motive too ("feels like you're flirting with me"), and declares: "No man has ever loved me like you do." 

Perhaps unintentionally, Swift revives a homophobic trope sometimes popular amongst middle and high school students that if one girl doesn't like another, it's because her aversion is a disguised crush.  

But even if "Actually Romantic" isn't about Charli XCX, Swift spends two-and-a-half minutes dispensing spiteful cheap shots — a more lyrical version of the kind you'd find between two people at war with each other online. 

One explanation for Swift's behavior might be the first line of "Actually Romantic," in which she reveals that the song's subject privately called her "Boring Barbie." The other half of the riddle is buried in "Eldest Daughter" when Swift sings: "I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness / I've been dying just from trying to seem cool" 

If you've spent your personal and professional life aspiring for both popular and critical acceptance, the insult "Boring Barbie" could feel maximally painful. It may not be in Swift's nature to walk away from the makings of a feud, but what if she had? Or what if, instead of trying to belittle, she wrote a song in the vein of "Eldest Daughter," exercising empathy or compassion toward someone who's clearly suffering? "Eldest Daughter" might have you believe that's the kind of world Swift wants to live in. 

The weaponization of CANCEL! culture

Unfortunately, Showgirl offers competing visions of this world. 

In the song, "CANCELLED!" Swift tries to turn a hot take about being at the center of scandal, real or not, into an anthem for people who experience public wrath. 

Social media has guessed who Swift may have in mind for this track. Maybe it's the actress Blake Lively, who's currently embroiled in a lawsuit over sexual harassment against the actor and director Justin Baldoni. Perhaps it's for Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kelce's NFL Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, because she took considerable criticism for publicly supporting President Donald Trump in 2022. 

Regardless, "CANCELLED!" looks at the controversial concept of cancel culture and seems to buy into the narrative that any effort to hold a public figure accountable for their words and actions is tantamount to shunning them from society. “CANCELLED!" can’t be bothered by the reality that maybe some people are called out or questioned for good reason. Instead, the song treats cancellation like a badge of honor, and a path to personal empowerment and dark fellowship.

Swift sings: "Now they've broken you like they've broken me / But a shattered glass is a lot more sharp / And now you know exactly who your friends are (You know who we are) / We're the ones with matching scars" 

Swift said she views this song as a story about navigating terrible periods of undeserved scrutiny and coming out stronger, but Swift's take on so-called cancellation could not be hotter. It misreads a grave moment in political and pop culture, as the Trump administration routinely threatens and tries to silence speech it hates. 

If fans are waiting for Swift to recognize how the weaponization of cancel culture has played into this dynamic, and then align herself with fundamental human and democratic rights, as she's pointedly done in the past, it seems they'll be waiting for a long time. 

Swift is right that the internet is often lousy. But on Showgirl, Swift's rejection of that culture seems useful only when it serves her interests and vendettas.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

Whether you work from home, spend a lot of time on airplanes, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones are a worthwhile investment.

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC.

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025.

Plus, with October Prime Day nearly here, it's an especially great time to pick up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones on sale.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Bose is often a top name (and in our top picks) when it comes to noise-cancelling audio, often leading the industry for the best ANC available.

With that said, it's not the only brand worth checking out. If you want top-notch ANC with great sound quality, Sony makes excellent options. On the other hand, folks looking for a more affordable option might be drawn to EarFun, which brings great value to the noise-cancelling space. Essentially, what makes the best noise-cancelling headphones depends on what other features and price range you're looking for in a pair of headphones — our guide below lays out where each of our picks shines.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

Recent testing updates

In September 2025, we replaced the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the updated second-gen model.

As of July 2025, we replaced the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with their newer counterpart, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

Our testing in February 2025 saw the addition of the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100. We decided that they deserved to knock the Beats Studio Buds+ off the list (after the Apple-owned earbuds beat out the newer AirPods 4), due to the Air Pro's superior noise cancellation, battery life, and value. We also added the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones as an alternate pick for the best battery life headphones in March 2025.

In September 2024, we tried out the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds, and we enjoyed their sound, unique design, and touchscreen case that made it easy to check the headphones' battery life and control audio. However, their noise cancellation wasn't quite up to par for $200 earbuds. We've also added the Dyson OnTrac headphones as our pick for the best battery life, thanks to the impressive 55-hour battery life.

In August 2024, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC. This was a long time coming — these headphones have technically been discontinued since the release of the Bose QC Ultra headphones in September 2023, but remained available from retailers other than Bose. We'll be on the lookout for any new models that match the adjustable noise cancellation that these Bose headphones once offered.

UPDATE: Oct. 6, 6:00 p.m. ET We're currently in the process of testing a slew of laptops. For this month's update, I added the Asus Zenbook A14 and the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition as new top picks.

Choosing the best laptop for you comes down to your primary use case(s), your design preferences, your operating system of choice, and your budget. But even with those parameters, it can be difficult to pinpoint the leading contenders.

I've been covering laptops for Mashable for over two years and created a meticulous testing procedure that our team uses to review them. After researching dozens of laptops and trying the most promising models with my colleagues, I've settled on some top picks.

Best laptops to buy 2025

As of Oct. 2025, I think the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) is the best MacBook for most people. It's a sleek-as-ever notebook featuring impressive performance, open-lid support for two external displays, a great 12MP Center Stage camera, and an extremely reasonable starting price of $1,199 (making it $100 cheaper than its M3 predecessor).

SEE ALSO: When's the best time to buy a laptop? If you want a great deal, it's right now.

The best Windows laptop we've tested is the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated and snappy Copilot+ PC boasting a stellar battery life of nearly 23 hours. Note that Microsoft makes an Intel version that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it's a business-oriented model with a significant markup.

Prime Day laptop deals are coming

If you're currently shopping for a new laptop — and if you're reading this guide, you almost certainly are — know that your timing is impeccable. Amazon is gearing up to host Prime Big Deal Days, a 48-hour sale that informally kicks off its holiday season deals. It's effectively a fall Prime Day.

The sale will probably prompt some year-round lows on MacBooks, Surface devices, and other laptops on Amazon, but don't limit yourself to its selection. Prime Big Deal Days spurs other tech retailers like Best Buy into running their own competing sales, giving diligent shoppers more opportunities to save. (A few of my top picks are only available at Best Buy, anyway.)

Cross-checking offers between retailers will be your best line of defense against overpaying, but if you don't want to sift through the sea of sales on your own, I'll also be tracking the best Prime Day laptop deals myself.

In 2025, a pair of headphones or earbuds is pretty much non-optional. That's why there are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top early deals

However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine," then it's worth investing in the best headphones available.

Thankfully, that's a lot more accessible during sales like Amazon's October Prime Day, which is happening from Oct. 7 to 8. We're expecting to see several headphones go on sale, including some of our top picks that we chose after hours and hours of listening, from the newly-released Sony XM6 headphones to old favorites from Bose, Beats, and Apple.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point.

For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

In the testing pipeline

For our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.

GET FREE SHIPPING AND 20% OFF: On Oct. 7 and 8, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping on all orders during its Anti-Prime Day sale. Plus, the sale is running concurrently with Banned Book Week, so you can score 20% off banned titles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Free shipping on all Bookshop.org orders Plus, score 20% off during Banned Book week. Get Deal

Not a fan of Prime Day? Listen, we get it. Amazon is the antithesis of shopping small and local, so it's understandable if you're totally disinterested in the retailer's biannual Prime Day events. The upside to Prime Day, regardless of whether or not you want to shop on Amazon, is that it has launched a barrage of anti-Prime Day sales. Often, these are from fellow retail giants, but smaller competitors join in on the action, too. Bookshop.org is running an anti-Prime Day sale on Oct. 7 and 8, allowing you to support local bookstores while still saving.

On Oct. 7, the same day that Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days kicks off, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping on all orders — no code needed. The timing of this deal is fortuitous, as it coincides with Banned Book Week. To fight censorship, Bookshop.org is marking banned books down by 20%. To get the deal, just use code 'BBW25' at checkout. The sale will run from Oct. 7 at 12 a.m. ET and run until Oct. 9 at 3 a.m. ET.

Amazon has a reputation for stealing the thunder from independent and local bookstores. This past April, Amazon launched a book sale that coincided with Independent Bookstore Day. Bookshop.org's sale is a direct response to Prime Day, encouraging shoppers to support their local bookstore. Each purchase on Bookstore.org directly supports a local bookstore of your choosing, while still allowing the convenience of online shopping.

So if you want to redirect your Prime Day money to benefit a local store, Bookshop.org lets you do just that.

Amazon now has two Prime Day shopping events per year. The official Prime Day 2025 event took place from July 8-11, and there were thousands of outstanding deals to be had. The fall sequel — officially titled Prime Big Deal Days but unofficially dubbed October Prime Day — is going down Oct. 7 and 8. While it is happening under another name, the actual event is largely the same as its predecessor, and you’ll be able to find deals on virtually everything Amazon sells.

So, in anticipation of the event (which is already well underway with early deals), our shopping reporters scoured the internet for questions people often ask about Prime Day, and tracked down the answers. Whether you’re shopping for early Christmas gifts or finally buying that teal bath set your wife has been wanting, you’ll surely find something you want to purchase.

So, without further ado, let’s answer some burning Prime Day questions. 

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is the name of Amazon's annual shopping event, which usually takes place in July. Amazon has been hosting the event since 2015, and it's become one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year. Prime Day 2025 was extended to a four-day affair, and retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy now host competing sales — such is the power of Amazon.

What is Amazon Prime Big Deals Day?

Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is a new fall shopping event specifically for Amazon Prime subscribers, promising huge discounts on tons of items across most categories on Amazon. Prime Big Deal Days started in 2022, and it's become an annual sale.

Is Prime Big Deals Day the same as Amazon Prime Day?

Technically no, but practically, yes. Amazon Prime Day is a summer sales event that takes place in July. Amazon has been doing this event since 2015. Back then, the event lasted a scant 24 hours, intending to cash in on FOMO. It has since expanded to a few days with deals happening before and after the event. 

Prime Big Deals Day is mostly the same thing. It’s a multi-day sales event, except this one is taking place in October instead of July. Shoppers will be able to find deals on tons of stuff strewn about the site from electronics to home goods and decor. The only difference between these two events is when they take place.

When is Amazon Prime Day and Amazon Prime Big Deals Day?

Amazon Prime Day happened from July 8-11, 2025. Amazon Prime Big Deals Day takes place on Oct. 7 and 8, 2025. 

Those are the dates of the official sales, but that’s not the only days where there will be discounts to shop. Many products will go on sale earlier and end those sales later than the dates listed.

So, it’s worth looking around before and after the official event dates as well, just in case. 

What will be on sale for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day?

All sorts of stuff. We won’t know the full extent of the sales until the actual event occurs, but if it’s anything like prior Amazon shopping events, you’ll be able to find products on sale in virtually every product category imaginable. Amazon has an early list of some of the products that’ll be on sale for the event, but we expect the list to grow rather substantially once the event starts. 

• 50% off select Amazon devices

• 40% off select kitchen appliances

• 65% off bestselling print books

• Up to 45% off Bose headphones, earbuds, and speakers

• Up to 40% off select apparel and footwear, including 50% off Zappos listings and 35% off select denim brands

• Up to 50% off vacuums from Shark and eufy

• Up to 50% off select Samsonite luggage

One thing we know for sure is that Amazon will have its own products heavily discounted for the event, including Amazon Echo devices, Amazon Fire tablets, the retail giant’s excellent Kindle devices, and more. If you’ve been hankering for a new Kindle or Echo device, they will definitely be on sale, and they’ll likely be the best deals of the year for Amazon Prime members. 

Do you have to be an Amazon Prime member to view sales?

No, the deals will be listed regardless of whether or not you’re a Prime member. You just won’t be able to shop all of them unless you have a Prime subscription. As the name suggests, you have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sales. There will likely be many things on sale that you can purchase without a Prime membership, but if it’s a sale specific to the event, you won’t be able to take advantage of it without an Amazon Prime subscription of some sort. 

Is Prime Big Deal Days worth it?

We say yes, with some caveats. It's a common myth that Amazon doesn't actually offer bigger discounts during Prime Day, because popular products like AirPods, MacBooks, and Sony headphones are almost always on sale. However, even many so-called "always on" deals get even better during Prime Day. That said, Amazon and other retailers often inflate the savings to appear bigger than they really are.

A valuable resource for shoppers is CamelCamelCamel, an app that shows you the price history of Amazon products. Before pulling the trigger, check with CamelCamelCamel to make sure that you’re actually getting a good deal. If CamelCamelCamel shows that the item is that same price all the time, then it’s not really on sale, it just has a “sale” tag posted on it, and you’re probably not getting a good deal. 

Is my country eligible for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?

According to Amazon, Prime Big Deal Days will be available in 19 countries. They include:

• Australia

• Belgium

• Brazil

• Canada

• Colombia

• France

• Germany

• Ireland

• Italy

• Japan

• Mexico

• Netherlands

• Poland

• Singapore

• Spain

• Sweden

• Türkiye (Turkey)

• United States

• United Kingdom

Are there discounts for Amazon Prime right now?

In terms of promotions for the subscription itself, there aren’t any Amazon Prime deals happening right now. You’ll have to pay the full price of $14.99 per month or $139 per year. However, Amazon does have Prime Access, a version of Amazon Prime that includes all of the perks for 50 percent off. This version of Amazon Prime is restricted to folks with EBT or other government assistance. Amazon doesn’t specifically list what the qualifications are, but you can click this link to fill out a form with the proper documentation to see if you qualify. 

In addition, Amazon offers no-cost 30-day trials (and 6-month trials if you're between the ages of 18 and 24). If you're not a Prime member, that means you can sign up for free. So long as you cancel in time, there's no cost for the membership.

• Sign up for Amazon Prime — 30-day trial, $14.99 per month

• Sign up for Prime for Young Adults — 6-month trial, $7.49 per month

What is the purpose of Amazon Prime Day?’

Historically, Amazon Prime Day was started in 2015 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Amazon and the 10th anniversary of Amazon Prime. There doesn’t seem to be a reason why the Prime Big Deal Days even exists in October, but it’s probably to preempt Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November. 

Otherwise, it depends on who you ask. If you ask Amazon, the company will tell you it’s a giant sales event meant to help save money for its Prime members. If you ask a cynic on Reddit, they may tell you that it’s a marketing ploy to get people to sign up for Amazon Prime membership, boosting numbers before the end of the year so its earnings reports look better. There’s even a conspiracy theory that these shopping events exist to move aging stock to make room for upcoming products.

None of these answers are necessarily wrong, they’re just difficult to quantify. Lots of retailers offer discounts on older products to clear space for new releases. However, the sales do actually save people money as Amazon says, so it’s one of those scenarios where everyone appears to be right to some degree. 

Can I return items purchased on Prime Day?

Yes. Buying an item on Prime Day or Prime Big Deals Day is no different than buying it any other time and the return policy is the same either way. Prime members can still benefit from free returns.

How do I contact Amazon customer service with a problem?

Like most big tech companies, Amazon will try to push you to its online self-service portal when you have a customer service problem. Amazon also recently introduced Rufus, it's automated AI assistant. If you want to get in touch with a real-live person, it can take some work.

To contact Amazon customer service, Prime members can try the following methods:

• Email cs-reply@amazon.com 

• Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331

• Visit the Customer Service help page

• Contact Amazon Customer Service via social media via @amazonhelp on X, @amazon on Instagram, and www.facebook.com/Amazon

• Talk to Amazon's new AI assistant Rufus

I love physical media, you love physical media. Physical media is awesome, and generally just better than digital streaming or downloads, if a little bit less convenient.

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming, fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.

SEE ALSO: Bose's new earbuds are on sale, plus more of the best earbuds deals ahead of October Prime Day

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. These days, you can even get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds. We also just updated our picks for the best earbuds for working out and the best open earbuds.

Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach.

Major shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day are usually the best time to buy these gadgets, making October 7 and 8 — Amazon's latest Prime Big Deal Days sale — a particularly good time to pick up a pair of earbuds.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2025.

Types of earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

New additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.

As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2025. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

It's a simple truth: Where there’s a Dyson product, there’s a dupe, and that holds especially true for Dyson beauty products. For the past several years, I've been on the hunt for the best Dyson Supersonic dupes.

The brand entered the beauty sphere in 2016 when it released the now-iconic Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, which introduced an innovative design that maximized airflow and minimized hair damage. Nine years later, it remains the most-coveted hair dryer on the market, making it clear that Dyson's beauty tech bet was a huge success. While it’s an impressive product, it also retails for $429 — a price you don't need to pay for an exceptional at-home hair dryer.

The often-imitated hair dryer has a lot of copycats that dupe Dyson's signature look but skimp on quality. A good rule of thumb: Avoid the $40 Amazon knockoffs that copy Dyson's signature fuchsia and nickel design. I promise they won't perform the same, and you'll be lucky if they last six months. However, in recent years, a handful of competitors have released Dyson Supersonic alternatives that truly offer similar results.

Plus, shopping during sales like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days — which is on from Oct. 7 to 8 — means you can save some serious cash. For example, one of our top picks, the Dreame Pocket, already dropped down to a sale price of $89.98 ahead of the sale, making it nearly one-fifth the price of the Supersonic at retail.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (with 3 attachments) $329.99 at Dyson
$449.99 Save $120 Get Deal SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option So, what's the best Dyson Supersonic dupe?

To answer that question, I tested a bunch of hair dryers. Some look similar to the Supersonic, and some look nothing like it. I wanted to find the best alternatives to the Dyson Supersonic that replicate the experience: That is to say, they dry your hair in a way that feels quick, easy, and at least a little luxurious.

SEE ALSO: 75+ early October Prime Day deals: Save on Apple, Sony, and Lego

My top recommendation as of September 2025? The Laifen Swift. Not only does it look like the real thing, but it utilizes ions to minimize damage and has a powerful 110,000 RPM high-speed motor. Plus, it's affordable, which is why it's held the top spot in this guide for nearly a year.

What makes the Dyson Supersonic special? 

The Supersonic has stood the test of time because with it, Dyson reimagined the hair dryer. Instead of a bulky, loud dryer, the Supersonic is sleek and compact yet more powerful than other dryers on the market (and a little less loud, too).

Dyson is known for this futuristic aesthetic on its products, but the look of this dryer also has a function. The ring-shaped head ditches the vented and coiled model of the traditional hair dryer and houses the tiny V9 motor in the handle. The combination of the V9 motor and the Air Multiplier technology makes for a dryer that clocks in at only 1.8 pounds yet still delivers a powerful airflow that’s notably quieter than the roar of a traditional dryer. That extra strong airflow also makes this dryer less reliant on heat and keeps hair damage to a minimum.

SEE ALSO: All the best Dyson beauty dupes we've tested

To further mitigate any heat damage, the Supersonic also measures the air temperature up to 20 times per second and uses a built-in ionizer to minimize static and give hair a sleek finish, which brings us to a quick ionizer science lesson.

Ionizers are pretty common in higher-end air dryers. Why? They blow negative ions at wet hair to reduce static electricity by sealing the hair cuticle and taking down the power of that positive ionic charge (aka what's causing that annoying frizz). As negative ions make contact with hair, they're also dispersing the positive ions of water, therefore cutting down on your drying time and reducing damage in the process.

SEE ALSO: All the best skincare tech that we tested and loved, and some that we didn’t

Basically, it's one of the reasons the Dyson Supersonic provides such quick and excellent results and why hair dryers with ionizers cost more money — they do more than simply dry hair.

Magnetic attachments designed to easily snap onto the blow dryer round out the futuristic feel of the Supersonic. Five are included: a styling concentrator, a flyaway attachment, a diffuser, a gentle air attachment, and a wide-tooth comb. It's a nice array of included nozzles, even for high-end dryers, which might typically include three or four attachments at the most.

Why is the Dyson Supersonic so expensive?

At $429, the Supersonic is definitely an investment. However, you're paying for a high-end motor that's built to last, multiple heat settings to protect hair, an innovative design, and of course, the ionic tech. Other dryers from popular hot tool brands like T3, ghd, and Harry Josh boast some similar features and run you anywhere from $150 to $350, but none quite capture the magic of the Supersonic.

SEE ALSO: Honest review of Ruggable: Are the washable rugs worth the price?

When I tested the Supersonic, I found that it had a luxe feel that stands out from other hair dryers. But don't forget: the Dyson Supersonic is now almost 10 years old.

Last year, Dyson released the updated Supersonic Nural (which you can find more info on in the FAQ section of this article), but it's not a drastically different product, with the main upgrade coming in the form of smart features, including improved temperature regulation and attachment detection. I tested it for a few weeks and found the upgrades nice, but by no means game-changing, especially not for an additional $70. I also tested it against other smart hair dryers and found that the T3 Aire IQ offered the best intelligent features for the price point (more on that below, too).

Even with the original Supersonic being an older model, there is something to be said about it standing the test of time, and for providing a luxurious (yet efficient) drying experience, especially for folks with thick hair. On the other hand, Dyson competitors have had plenty of time to develop alternatives, all at a fraction of the price.

Recent testing updates

The newest addition is the Supersonic Nural dupe, the T3 Aire IQ dryer, which I added in April 2025. Prior to that, I added the Dreame Gleam hair dryer, the Dreame Pocket, and the Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex in November 2024. In the same month, I removed the Shark HyperAIR from my recommendations as it's largely been phased out from store shelves after Shark discontinued it. If you're still especially keen to get it, a version with just one attachment is available at Walmart.

I also replaced the BaBylissPRO with the Dreame Gleam as the best pick under $100 — though the BaByliss is still a solid hair dryer, it felt more like a standard blow dryer than a Supersonic dupe. Plus, it's less widely available these days.

In February 2025, I tested the L'Oréal Airlight Pro, which at $475 costs even more than the original Supersonic and almost as much as the Supersonic Nural. The Airlight Pro looked and functioned very similar to the Zuvi Halo, which makes sense — the hair dryer was developed in partnership with Zuvi. At the time, I didn't include it as it wasn't that different than the Zuvi Halo, and cost significantly more. However, since then, the Zuvi Halo appears to be discontinued — it's been sold out for months on Zuvi's website after a drastic price hike to $634. I reached out to a representative from Zuvi to confirm the discontinuation, but didn't hear back. As I result, I've decided to remove the Zuvi Halo from our list of recommendations, and am reconsidering the inclusion of the Airlight Pro.

Finally, Dreame recently released the Dreame Pocket Ultra, an upgrade to one of our current recommendations, as well as the Dreame Miracle Pro, another Supersonic dupe contender. I'll be testing both for potential inclusion in this guide.

Fans worldwide are expressing disappointment after Taylor Swift allegedly used AI-generated videos to help promote her new album, The Life of a Showgirl.

To be clear, it has neither been confirmed that the videos in question are AI — though it certainly seems that way — nor is it clear that Swift was directly involved in the creation of the videos. The allegedly AI-generated videos surfaced via 12 "orange doors" with QR codes placed in major global cities. Those QR codes led to videos related to Showgirl. It's the classic Easter egg tactic Swift has made famous.

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But once those videos made their way online, people began to notice they seemed to be made with AI. Here's a good breakdown on TikTok about parts of videos that appear to be AI.

SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift swipe a lyric from a TikTok creator?

Folks online, including seemingly some Swifties, were disappointed that Swift would use AI in a promotional campaign for Showgirl. Why would an impossibly wealthy artist choose to use AI-generated works rather than pay artists for the actual work that AI poorly replicates?

Swift also famously fought to own her back catalog of music, and using AI — a technology that scrapes other folks' work to create its own content — would seem to run counter to that ethos.

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It's also worth noting that Swift has worked against AI-generated content when it directly affects her. She spoke out in support of Kamala Harris after then-presidential candidate Donald Trump used AI-generated art to suggest Swifties supported him in 2024. Swifties also mobilized to protect Swift after AI-generated deepfakes of the singer surfaced online.

Perhaps the videos rely on (poorly done) visual effects created by humans. But if the videos are actually AI, there are certainly a lot of disappointed people online.

When I set up my Pixel 10 for the first time, I was pretty happy with how smooth the process was. But then I hit something that didn’t feel right. My lock screen was only showing one notification in full, while the rest were shrunk down into a row of tiny app icons. This new compact style is part of Android 16 QPR1, which the Pixel 10 ships with by default, and it’s designed to keep things tidy.

The era of Logitech’s popular smart home control solution, the POP button system, is abruptly coming to an end. Logitech has announced the complete discontinuation of the service, in some emails to customers, stating that it is effective October 15, 2025.

The inability to understand the language used in a video shouldn't stop you from watching it. That's why Microsoft is testing a new AI audio translation feature in Edge that allows you to translate audio into your preferred language. However, as much as I want to love it, the feature isn't perfect and has a long way to go.

OpenAI launched Sora, its AI video app for iOS users, last week, and it quickly shot to the top position on the Apple App Store charts — despite the fact that the app is invite-only.

Powered by the Sora 2 video model, the Sora app lets users create and share AI videos in a TikTok-like feed. If you've gained access to Sora, you've probably noticed a common thread on the platform: There's a lot of copyrighted content being used for these AI-generated videos. Mashable's tech editor said over the weekend that the Sora app feed was dominated by popular characters from SpongeBob Squarepants, Rick & Morty, and various Nintendo franchises. CNBC also reported on one popular Sora video featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman standing alongside Pokémon characters.

"I hope Nintendo doesn't sue us," the AI-generated Altman says in the video.

If you assumed OpenAI cleared the use of intellectual property like Pokémon with copyright holders like The Pokémon Company or Nintendo, you'd be wrong.

An OpenAI representative told Mashable that the company is taking an opt-out approach when it comes to copyright, pointing to the company's Copyright Dispute form. This means intellectual property is fair game unless the copyright holder contacts OpenAI and opts-out from the platform. In fact, an OpenAI spokesperson told Mashable that copyright holders cannot request a blanket opt-out for their IPs. Instead, copyright holders must request specific characters be blocked or flag specific videos.

OpenAI appears to realize that it needs to work more with copyright holders, however. Over the weekend, users began sharing screenshots of "Content Violation" warnings. In the freewheeling days after the app's launch, users could make videos featuring all sorts of copyrighted material, but that seems to be changing fast.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Sora 2 app: 7 weird AI videos people have already made with the new OpenAI tool

Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal reported that before Sora's launch, OpenAI reached out to talent agencies and film studios to notify them about Sora and that their copyrighted works could appear in the app.

In an Oct. 3 post on his personal blog, OpenAI CEO Altman told users to "expect a very high rate of change," and admitted that OpenAI would need to monetize Sora to cope with user demand.

"We are hearing from a lot of rightsholders who are very excited for this new kind of 'interactive fan fiction' and think this new kind of engagement will accrue a lot of value to them, but want the ability to specify how their characters can be used (including not at all)," Altman wrote.

In addition, in a post on X published on Sunday, OpenAI's Head of Sora Bill Peebles said that the company is going to put restrictions on the app's cameos feature. The cameos feature in Sora allows users to upload real video of themselves in order to enable Sora users to generate AI content with their likeness and image.

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According to Peebles, Sora users will be able to choose exactly how their likeness is used. Peebles used the example of users putting restrictions such as "don't put me in videos that involve political commentary" or "don't let me say this word."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

You've probably come across the Arch Linux memes, but are they doing it a disservice? Arch Linux is an excellent distribution, and I have five reasons why you should look past those labels and see for yourself.

The Lexar ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD, which was first announced in July, is officially available to buy now. Lexar is clearly targeting Apple users with the ability to magnetically stick the SSD right to the back of any iPhone that supports MagSafe accessories.

In a segment dominated by familiar names, one hybrid SUV has quietly pulled ahead with efficiency that even the most popular models can’t match. Its blend of fuel savings, smooth performance, and everyday practicality makes it a standout choice for families and commuters alike.

Getting proper sleep can help improve nearly every aspect of your health, but over a third of adults in the United States don't get enough of it, according to the CDC.

If a noisy environment is what's keeping you up at night, you've likely considered foam earplugs, but those are no longer the only option available on the market — reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds offer a more convenient alternative.

SEE ALSO: Dodow review: A simple sleep gadget that's best for back sleepers

I spent a month and a half trying out earplugs and earbuds ranging from $50 to $349 to find the best of what's out on the market — and to see if getting earbuds just for sleep is actually worth it.

With October Prime Day falling on Oct. 7 and 8, there's a strong potential for our top picks to go on sale, whether you're looking for earplugs or earbuds that can stream audio. Already ahead of the sale, our top pick — the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds — is on sale for $43 off for Prime members. Our noise-cancelling pick, the Sleep A30 earbuds, just released in August, so they may or may not go on sale. However, Loop earplugs — which make our top earplug pick — tend to get markdowns during Amazon's sales.

Note: Following the Ozlo Sleepbuds price increase to $349, we have decided we can no longer recommend them, especially in comparison to other premium options like the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which cost $229.99. If you're dead set on the Ozlo Sleepbuds, they did recently go on sale for $299, but we don't anticipate they'll drop much lower during Prime Big Deal Days, if they go on sale at all.

How are sleep earbuds different than normal earbuds?

First, a confession: I used to wear AirPods nearly every night to sleep. More accurately, I used to wear a single AirPod so I could actually sleep on my side.

After testing earbuds designed for sleeping, I can tell you that everyday earbuds don't match up to the sleep earbud experience. For starters, standard earbuds aren't designed to be worn while you're lying on your side, so they often stick out of your ears and put hard plastic in contact with your ear. Not to mention, earbuds typically cap out at six to seven hours of battery life per charge, so if you're getting at least eight hours of sleep, you run the risk of interrupting it with the sound of your earbuds powering off.

Sleep earbuds, like the Soundcore A20 ones pictured in the middle, have a much thinner profile than traditional earbuds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Sleep earbuds, on the other hand, can offer white noise options, better battery life, and significantly more comfort (that actually allows you to wear more than one earbud at a time). The pairs I tested came without microphones and with touch controls that worked but were less sensitive than traditional earbuds, so you can lie on your side without activating them. When I initially tested options for this guide, there weren't really any with active noise cancellation, but that has since changed thanks to the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds. Still, you'd be surprised at how well passive noise cancellation, a good fit, and white noise work.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more Is it safe to wear earbuds to sleep every night?

First and foremost, it's important to consider that sleep earbuds aren't the only way to approach nighttime noises that might be keeping you up.

I consulted Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA, to discuss any risks associated with wearing earbuds all night. While she didn't warn against using earbuds, she suggested that if what's keeping you up is a partner's snoring, you start looking for solutions there.

SEE ALSO: Bose's new earbuds are on sale, plus more of the best earbuds deals ahead of October Prime Day

"If you're doing all of this to avoid a partner who is snoring, sometimes gently encouraging that person to investigate why they're snoring is kind of an important consideration," Kita said. "Because we find that obstructive sleep apnea is really underdiagnosed, and snoring, for some people, is the only sign of it."

If, however, what's keeping you up is less in your control, then you do want to be aware of three main aspects of using earbuds all night: proper hygiene, safe noise levels, and your ear comfort.

Proper hygiene

When I started testing these earbuds, I realized I was now wearing earbuds uninterrupted for longer than I typically would in the course of a day, even as someone who tests headphones for a living. When I asked Dr. Kita how that wear time might raise someone's risk for infection, she drew a comparison to the wear time of hearing aids:

"Many individuals wear hearing aids for longer hours during the day than they sleep at night," she said. And yet, folks who wear hearing aids don't often have ear infections, though long wear times may increase their risk.

SEE ALSO: How to set up Hearing Aid mode on your AirPods

With the long wear times, Kita said the main concern she could anticipate was wax buildup since the natural path for wax to exit the ear canal would be blocked. However, she said it's not necessarily a cause for concern, as wax can typically exit the ear canal at other points during the day when you're not wearing earbuds (or blocking your ear canal in any other way).

As for any heightened infection risk, Kita shared that it can increase when there's greater wax buildup that can then trap bacteria. She recommended cleaning the buds with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after each use, if possible. (One of the brands we tested, Ozlo, recommends a weekly cleaning.) With all that said, someone's risk for infection really comes down to personal susceptibility — some people are more prone to ear infections than others. If you fall into that category, being more proactive about cleaning your earbuds is a good practice.

Noise levels

Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss (behind age-related hearing loss), so it's important to be aware of the level of noise you expose yourself to. Kita pointed me in the direction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) chart for how long people can be exposed to certain decibel levels safely.

In its FAQ, Ozlo also cites OSHA's recommendation, as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommendations, which top out at 90 decibels and 85 decibels for eight hours, respectively. We reached out to a rep from Soundcore to see if its earbuds have specific upper decibel limits, and will update this guide when we hear back. In general, though, Kita said the less noise, the better, recommending that you always try to use the lowest volume possible.

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"While I don't necessarily love the idea of extra noise when you're not even conscious to appreciate it, if it's the thing that's keeping you asleep or letting you sleep, it just comes in this category of risks and benefits," Kita said. "Just make sure that it's quiet enough, then it really isn't that much different than using a white noise machine on your nightstand."

Comfort

Earbuds fitting comfortably is important for you to be able to fall asleep, but also for your ear health.

"Everyone's ear canal is shaped differently," Kita said. "And so something that might be really comfortable for your ears might really cause my ears to ache."

In other words, giving yourself earbuds-induced earaches every night can actually impact your ear health. If one of the below recommendations really isn't sitting right, even with adjustments to the ear tip sizes, don't be afraid to return them.

The best earbuds for sleeping

Below, I pulled three of the best sleep earbuds on the market. Between the overall, upgrade, and earplug picks, there's a wide range of price points, but as with any product, the most expensive of the bunch isn't necessarily the best overall. With that in mind, I highlighted where each earbud excelled, whether that be in comfort, noise cancellation, or ease of use, to help you pick the best sleep earbud possible.

UPDATE: Aug. 18, 2025, 9:45 a.m. EDT As of April 2024, the Ozlo Sleepbuds increased in price from $299 to $349 on Ozlo's website and Amazon in the United States due to tariffs. While we initially scaled back our recommendation to only grabbing them on sale, since testing the Soundcore Sleep A30s, which offer similar feature sets for far less, we no longer recommend the Ozlo Sleepbuds as one of our top pick sleep earbuds.

Other sleep earbuds we tested

At the end of the initial testing period, the one product that didn't make the cut was the 1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30, which, at $89.99, were the least expensive earbuds I tested. While significantly cheaper than the earbuds that did make the cut, their battery life, app features, and fit didn't quite match up to the other options on my list. However, if you're looking for very barebones low-profile earbuds (and don't mind hearing them die in the early hours of the morning), these aren't a bad option under $100.

1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30 $59.99 at Amazon
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In keeping up with my value criteria, I decided to ultimately pull the Ozlo Sleepbuds as our best upgrade pick. After their price jumped up from $299 to $349 — far outpricing our existing picks (and most premium standard ANC earbuds, for that matter) — I determined their features didn't justify their price tag. The addition of sleep tracking (which is in the works) or ANC would make these earbuds much more competitive. On that note, the newly-released Soundcore Sleep A30 took their spot, as the only sleep earbuds with ANC on the market at the time of writing.

Ozlo Sleepbuds $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Shop Now