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This is the only Linux distro I recommend for self-hosting
Self-hosting is a great way to save money on subscriptions and take control of your data, but getting everything running smoothly on one system can be difficult, especially if you have incompatible dependencies.
Nexus One: Before Pixel, this was Google's phone
The Nexus One was a failure, but set the stage for what would eventually become the Google Pixel series.
I built a potato battery to charge my phone
If you've ever attended a middle or elementary school science fair, you must've seen the classic potato clock or potato lamp project. Inspired by this simple project, I started to wonder if I could build one myself, but with a higher ambition. Can a smartphone be charged by a modest tater battery? I put this brain worm to the test.
How vibe coding changed the trajectory of the internet's favorite new gadget
A tiny and cheap portable synthesizer has taken the hobbyist music-making world by storm, but there’s more to the story than a clone of Yamaha’s classic DX7. This little box of tricks has taken on a life of its own with the arrival of custom firmware, transforming its abilities (it can even play Doom).
Kagi is abandoning its Orion browser on Windows and Linux, but the code is going open source
The modern internet can really suck sometimes. There was a time when being online wasn't so bleak. Now, I'm not here to wax nostalgic about the “good old days of the ‘Net.” The pre-Google, pre-social media internet did have its problems, but things just seem to have gotten worse over the past decade or so. A lot of people have ditched Google for modern search engine Kagi, and it's easy to see why. While they're doing some amazing things, they made a recent announcement about their Orion browser that's going to change the way it gets developed moving forward.
Jensen Huang's exit won't make your next GPU cheaper, but it might change how Nvidia treats gamers
What a week in tech. The scandal surrounding now-ex-Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's extramarital affairs shook the very foundations of the company that he himself had founded in 1993. Huang resigned, and although Nvidia goes on, no one is sure what comes next.
I replaced GitHub with a free, self-hosted alternative. Here's what I gained and lost
GitHub has become the default home for countless software projects, but I wanted more control over where my repositories lived and how they were managed. That led me to Forgejo, an open-source Git hosting platform I could run on my own hardware. That led me to Forgejo, an open-source Git hosting platform I could run on my own hardware. Moving away from GitHub gave me greater independence, but it also introduced maintenance responsibilities and trade-offs I hadn't fully anticipated.
This launcher let me play Steam games on my Android phone, no streaming required
Sometimes when you spend money on a powerful phone, there's a moment when the honeymoon period is over, and you realize that you're not really getting the full benefit of the latest graphics and processing hardware. This is especially true if you're a gamer, because when it comes to Android games that aren't free-to-play slop, the pickings are, as they say, slim.
Raspberry Pi price hikes still don't justify switching to RISC-V boards
At $385, the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 is a board I can only admire from a distance. Raspberry Pi raised its price by another $80 in November, which got me looking at RISC-V boards. The comparison that caught my attention, though, was at the cheaper end of the lineup. You can get a 4GB RISC-V board for less than a 4GB Pi 5.
We found 45 early Black Friday deals: $250 off MacBooks, live Lego discounts, and Kindles on sale
We're officially two weeks out from Black Friday. So as you're doing all the preparations for Thanksgiving, the Mashable shopping team is hunting all of the best Black Friday sales. Yes, we know that Black Friday 2026 doesn't technically start until Nov. 27, but most retailers have already launched their sales.
As of this writing, we've found huge $200 discounts on MacBook Air laptops, a new all-time low price on Nothing headphones, and 50% savings on award-winning QLED TVs, not to mention new low prices on Legos. We just spotted a great deal on a Lego Icons Poinsettia for some holiday decor that will never wilt.
So, if you don't want to wait for Thanksgiving to get your hands on the best gifts of the year, retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy already have plenty of early deals to entice you. And in a year of relentless price hikes, it's nice to finally get some relief.
How do we choose the best deals? The Mashable shopping team has an encyclopedic knowledge of the latest tech gadgets, gifts, and trending products. We use insider knowledge and our years of experience covering sales to find the best discounts. We're looking for first-ever price drops on new products, steep markdowns on past-gen products, and record-low prices on must-have items from Apple, Ninja, Shark, Dyson, and Lego.
Best early Black Friday Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,349.99 at Amazon$1,599 Save $249.01 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The Apple MacBook Air is a stunner of a laptop, with the blazing-fast M5 chip. If you have a MacBook that's a few generations behind, you'll instantly notice a difference with the speakers and cameras, not to mention Siri AI. In the weeks before Black Friday, this popular laptop is $250 off, bringing it down to its lowest price in almost six months. It's also the best price we've seen since Apple raised prices over the summer.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M5).
More early Black Friday Apple dealsAirPods
Apple AirPods 4 — $89 $129.99 (save $40.99)
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $119.97 $179 (save $59.03)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)
iPads
Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $399.99 $449 (save $49.01)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $569 $599 (save $30)
iPhones
iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) — Free with 36 months of billing credits $1,199.99 (save $1,199.99)
iPhone 16 Plus (128GB, Unlocked) — $799.99 $829.99 (save $30)
iPhone 15 Plus (128GB, Refurbished) — $549.99 $899 (save $349.01)
MacBooks
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,799.99 $3,199 (save $399.01)
$199 Save $90 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
This is not only a good deal but also an incredibly chic one. I mean, who doesn't want the same headphones as Charli XCX? Ahead of Black Friday, get the Nothing Headphone (a) for a new all-time low of $109. That saves you nearly 50% off the headphones for a $90 discount.
Our resident audio expert, Bethany Allard, declared that the Nothing Ear (a) is the best headphone from the brand. It has an unmatched 75 hours of battery life and fantastic physical controls on the headphones. Plus, the sound quality is great, as you'd expect if Charli is wearing them.
More early Black Friday headphones dealsSony WH-CH530 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)
Sony WH-CH720N — $88 $179.99 (save $91.99)
Sony WH-CH730N — $128 $179.99 (save $51.99)
Nothing Headphone (a) — $109 $199 (save $90)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $188.10 $399.99 (save $211.89)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $229.92 $299.99 (save $70.07)
Sony WH-1000XM6 — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)
Sony WF-C710N — $78.99 $129.99 (save $51)
Beats Studio Buds + — $149.95 $169.95 (save $20)
Marshall Motif II — $169.99 $219.99 (save $60)
Refurbished Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) — $179 $299 (save $120)
Refurbished Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds — $199 $299 (save $100)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
$2,999.99 Save $1,602.00 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Black Friday is one of the best times of year to buy a new TV, and you don't have to wait until the end of November. Go ahead and treat yourself to an award-winning 75-inch TCL QLED TV for a cool 50% off the retail price. It comes with built-in Google TV OS, up to 6,000 nits of brightness, and a super-thin design for a modern look. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free delivery and unpacking in the room of your choice.
More early Black Friday TV dealsUnder 50-inch TV deals
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $247.99 $349.99 (save $102)
LG 43-inch 75B Mini-LED 4K TV — $279.99 $499.99 (save $220)
LG 48-inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $599.99 $1,199.99 (save $600)
Samsung 48-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)
50- to 55-inch TV deals
Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
Hisense 55-inch E6 Hi-QLED 4K TV — $296.96 $429.99 (save $133.03)
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4k TV — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)
Hisense 50-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $397.96 $699.99 (save $302.03)
LG 55-inch B6E OLED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,399.99 (save $700)
LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Samsung 55-inch R85H RGB 4K TV — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)
65-inch TV deals
Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $997.96 $1,999.99 (save $1,002.03)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,100)
LG C6 Series OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,300)
Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03HW QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,999.99 (save $502)
Samsung 65-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $2,499.99 $3,199.99 (save $800)
70- to 75-inch TV deals
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $497.99 $729.99 (save $232)
TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,602)80 to 85-inch TV deals
LG 85-inch NU700B 4K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,297.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,702)
80- to 85-inch TV deals
LG 85-inch NU700B 4K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,297.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,702)
Over 85-inch TV deals
Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,499.99 $4,499.99 (save $2,000)
$224.97 Save $34 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
We consider ourselves Kindle experts, and we've been eagerly testing all of the new Kindle e-readers Amazon released this fall. Even though the new Kindles just came out, you can already pick up the base model and the new Kindle Click page turner in a discounted bundle. BookTok has been waiting a long time for a proper Kindle page-turner accessory, and we're big fans.
If you're not interested in the Kindle Click, we expect all of the new Kindles to get their first real discounts when Black Friday begins, so you may want to add them to your cart and wait until Nov. 27.
More early Black Friday Kindle deals2026 Kindle Deals
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Cover, and Power Adapter Bundle — $229.97 $269.97 (save $40)
Amazon Kindle (32GB), Cover, and Kindle Click Bundle — $233.97 $274.97 (save $41)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Page Turn Cover, Sling Bag Bundle — $365.97 $429.97 (save $64)
2024 Kindle Deals
Kindle (16GB, 2024 model), Cover, and Power Adapter Bundle — $186.97 $201.97 (save $15)
Amazon smart home
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor — $48.99 $69.99 (save $21)
Amazon Smart Thermostat — $56.99 $79.99 (save $23)
Blink cameras
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt 2K+ — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)
Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ — $35.99 $79.99 (save $34)
Blink Outdoor 2K+ Floodlight — $51.99 $129.99 (save $78)
Free Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ with Outdoor 2K+ — $54.99 $229.98 (save $174.99)
Blink Outdoor 4 XR — $58.99 $169.99 (save $111)
Blink Outdoor 4 with free Battery Doorbell 2K+ — $104.99 $369.98 (save $264.99)
Echo devices
Amazon Echo Glow — $19.49 $29.99 (save $10.50)
Fire tablets
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet — $72.99 $154.99 (save $82)
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)
Harry Potter Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (limited edition) — $119.99 $189.99 (save $70)
Eero WiFi
Amazon Eero 6+ Mesh WiFi system — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
Amazon Eero Outdoor 7 — $309.99 $399.99 (save $90)
Amazon Eero Max 7 Mesh WiFi system — $799.99 $1,149.99 (save $350)
$179.99 Save $20 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
You may have heard that Mashable's gift experts recently named the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer as the best kitchen gift of 2026. This 4-in-1 countertop appliance comes with two glass containers, each sized just right for easy storage. We've had very good experiences with Ninja appliances in recent years, and this particular air fryer has become a favorite among the Mashable team.
More early Black Friday Kitchen dealsNinja Professional Plus Blender — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)
Keurig K-Duo — $129.99 $219.99 (save $90)
Ninja BlendSense Tech Kitchen System — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04)
$59.99 Save $12 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
We love Pokémon. We love Lego. Putting them together just makes sense, especially as we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Legos are always popular holiday gifts for kids and adults alike, and we're anticipating big Black Friday Lego deals. The pre-Black Friday season is also a great time to order Lego Advent calendars.
More early Black Friday Lego dealsLego Botanicals Rocking Plants — $18.39 $22.99 (save $4.60)
Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)
Lego Icons Poinsettia — $28 $49.99 (save $21.99)
Lego Botanicals Succulents — $32.99 $49.99 (save $17)
Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack — $35.96 $44.99 (save $9.03)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $53.99 $79.99 (save $26)
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter — $55.99 $69.99 (save $14)
Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement — $65.99 $109.99 (save $44)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)
Lego Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) — $103.95 $129.99 (save $26.04)
Lego Icons Tranquil Garden — $103.99 $109.99 (save $6)
Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball — $159.99 $199.99 (save $16.81)
Early Black Friday Amazon deals: Save $200 on the MacBook Air and get Sonys best headphones for less
Now that we're in mid-November, it's time to start thinking about holiday shopping. Amazon's early Black Friday deals are coming in hot this year, and since everything feels expensive lately, it's a great time to shop sales.
Shop for home improvement updates for winter projects, treat yourself to an Advent calendar or two, or get a 75-inch TV for watching this season's best football games. Amazon is also loaded with sales on gift-worthy items, so you can take care of your Christmas gift list before Thanksgiving arrives.
Amazon's official Black Friday sale is set to begin on Thursday, Nov. 19, but we're already seeing early Black Friday offerings, which include big savings on Amazon devices.
Check back as the Mashable team of shopping experts will keep this page updated as we get closer to Black Friday.
Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon$1,299 Save $200 Get Deal at Amazon
Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).
Why we like itSitting at the sale prices we saw during October Prime Day, both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs with the M5 chip are $200 off. The Air is a great choice if you're looking for a combination of powerful processor and lightweight design. We're also impressed with the MacBook Air's speakers, not to mention the sharp display.
Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Eevee $47.99 at Amazon$59.99 Save $12 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
You can never go wrong with snagging a Lego set for yourself or any other brick fan in your friend circle. While it's still in stock, get the Lego Pokémon Eevee for $47.99 at Amazon. The set will look fantastic amid the holiday display on your bookshelf. Eevee stands about 7.5 inches tall and has movable limbs and head-tilt capabilities.
Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Bundle (16GB Kindle, Knit Case, Kindle Click) $190.97 at Amazon$224.97 Save $34 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Now that the leaves are crunchy and we're staying indoors more, it's the perfect time to get an e-reader. As a surprise early Black Friday deal, Amazon has the standard Kindle on sale as a bundle with the new Amazon Click page-turning remote for the Kindle and a knit case. The basic Kindle is Mashable's top choice for a budget e-reader, noting it has quick performance and plenty of storage space.
Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi Air Fryer $159.99 at Amazon$179.99 Save $20 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Mashable awarded the Ninja Crispi as the best kitchen gift of 2026. Air fryers have proven they deserve space on the kitchen counters but Ninja went ahead and added glass containers, and now we're cooking everything in the Crispi. The 4-in-1 model comes with two glass containers that nest inside of each other for easier storage when not using the air fryer.
Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones $378 at Amazon$459.99 Save $81.99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.
On the list of tech we use all day, every day, we have phones, laptops, and headphones. If your current headphones don't sound all that great, it's time for something better. Before you head off on holiday travel, upgrade to the flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.
Mashable's lineup of the best headphones ranks the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones as the best pair for premium sound. Yes, they're still an investment at the sale price (already down to the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon), but considering how often we use headphones, they could be well worth the price for many people.
Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon$2,999.99 Save $1,602.00 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Black Friday is a great time to upgrade your TV, but you might not have to wait until the end of November. Now's your chance to get a 75-inch TCL QLED TV for half off. It comes with built-in Google TV, up to 6,000 nits of brightness, and a super-thin design for a modern look. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free delivery and unpacking in the room of your choice.
Best outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler $340 at Amazon$425 Save $85 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Sure, you've packed away the camping gear for the year, but Black Friday sales are a great time to make upgrades to outdoor gear. The Yeti Roadie 48 wheeled cooler is on sale for $340 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $425.
The quality of the retractable periscope handle, durable puncture-resistant wheels, and locking mechanism all make it well worth the investment. Plus, it might come in handy for transporting dishes to Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings, so you can start using it right away.
Best Dyson deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones $440 at Amazon$599.99 Save $159.99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Have a home with hard floors? The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones is designed specifically to get your floors cleaner than they've ever been. With LED lights on the front and back, you'll be able to clearly see which areas need a vacuum, and it can lie flat for getting under any piece of furniture.
We all know Dyson products can be spendy, so shopping Dyson deals during Black Friday is a smart move. The $440 sale price at Amazon matches the record low, so now's an ideal time to make the upgrade.
Best beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $199.99 at Amazon$349.99 Save $150 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Beauty tech is one of the categories we tend to see the biggest price drops during holiday shopping season. If you could use a better hair dryer and styler or someone on your shopping list would love one, check out the early sale on the Shark FlexStyle.
With no heat damage and fast drying, the Shark FlexStyle is a fantastic dryer and styler. This model only weighs 1.5 pounds, making it travel friendly for the holidays.
We found 14 early Black Friday Apple deals: Score AirPods and MacBooks on sale
Apple raised prices this year, but who didn't? Well, now that Black Friday sale season is here, this is your best chance to cancel out those price hikes. That's why we're paying extra close attention to early Black Friday Apple deals.
Yes, Apple does do Black Friday, but not in the way you might expect. Shopping directly on Apple's website usually means getting a measly gift card for future purchases. The real way to find great deals? Looking at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Especially as Black Friday approaches (mark Nov. 27 in your calendar), retailers duke it out to see who can offer the best prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads. Walmart and Amazon are infamous for outdoing each other by a single cent.
Usually, prices on Apple products drop to record lows during the hectic Black Friday weekend. However, especially good deals can also sell out quick. In my five years covering Black Friday at Mashable, I've seen many an AirPod Pro deal go out of stock before I can finish writing a 200-word story about the deal.
SEE ALSO: 14 headphones deals that are already Black Friday-worthyShopping early lets you score decent savings while avoiding the post-Thanksgiving chaos. So, how do you know what to buy, and what to save for Black Friday and Cyber Monday? That's where the expertise of the Mashable shopping team can be helpful.
How I chose the best early Apple dealsLet's start with the very expensive elephant in the room. In June, Apple raised prices on MacBooks, Macs, iPads, the HomePod, Apple TVs, and even the Vision Pro headset, followed by iPhone price increases in September. With many products rising to $200 or more, the likelihood of seeing them fall to record-low prices is, well, low. Instead, I used price-tracking tools to identify products at or near record lows over the past five months.
SEE ALSO: We found 45 early Black Friday deals already live: Get $250 off MacBooks, 53% off Bose headphonesI also took into account the frequency of deals. If, like the AirPods Pro 3, there's a $50 deal that's nearly always on, I don't necessarily consider that a deal worth highlighting. On the other hand, if an iPad is $100 off for the first time in a month, I'll include it and note its pricing history.
Finally, I considered our reviewers' first-hand experiences with these products. Most of the items in this guide have been hands-on tested by at least one person on the Mashable staff, and I prioritized Mashable award winners, choosing the best deals based on overall product performance and value.
Best Black Friday AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $89 at Walmart$129 Save $40 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
AirPods with no active noise cancellation are a thing of the past, unless you pick up a pair of the last-generation earbuds. The AirPods 4 without ANC don't stand up to the AirPods 5 with ANC at full price, but at a sub-$100 price point, they're a much better buy. With five hours of battery life per charge, an IP54 water- and dust-resistance rating, spatial audio for immersive listening, and voice isolation for calls, they're a great daily pair of earbuds. With no silicone ear tips, they're also ideal for folks who like the Apple experience, but prefer a semi-open ear design.
While this $89 sale price has been live for some time, I imagine Walmart is clearing out the last of its stock — these earbuds are no longer sold new at Amazon, Apple, or Best Buy (at least, not by a first-party seller). During Black Friday, I imagine they'll clear out for good.
More early AirPods deals Apple AirPods Max 2 $449.99 (save $99.01) Get Deal Black Friday AirPods deals to watch forThe Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199 at the time of writing. While the $50 discount off their $249 price isn't necessarily bad, it is common and is almost certain to drop significantly during the week of Black Friday. Ahead of June's Prime Day sale, they dropped to a record low of $169.
The AirPods 5 haven't received a proper discount yet, as Apple's newest AirPods. The version without a wireless charging case got a few dollars off the $129 around their release, while the $149 wireless charging case edition hasn't had any price drops. If these buds are going on sale in 2026, Black Friday is likely when.
$1,599 Save $249.01 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
At $250 off, this is the lowest price we've seen on the 13-inch MacBook Air since June. The terabyte of built-in storage means you probably won't ever run into the issue of having to delete a bunch of files when updating your operating system, while the M5 chip will easily power you through daily tasks. According to our laptop expert, this is a great laptop for college students because of its size, but it's also a great daily driver overall. If you prefer a slightly larger display, the 15-inch Air with 1TB of storage is also $250 off at the time of writing.
More early MacBook deals Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $686 (save $13) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,549.99 (save $249.01) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,599.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Black Friday MacBook deals to watch forMacBook prices went up in June of this year, with the Neo jumping by $100 and the Air by $200. That means it's highly unlikely we'll see prices reach their former record lows, even if they start at a much higher price point. I've taken this into account as I select the best deals and note the deals to look out for.
The MacBook Neo only dropped by $10 during October Prime Day, which means the $686 price isn't bad, but the real Black Friday dream for this laptop would be if it dropped back down to its former list price of $599.
The MacBook Pro hasn't really dropped below the sale price of $1,799 since the price was raised in June. That is, except for one time it fell to $1,349. While I'm not keeping my fingers crossed for that much of a price dip, a $250 discount would at least be an improvement.
$749 Save $100 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
While it's pricier than the base iPad, the M4 chip in this tablet makes it more versatile, just as good for streaming as for creative projects. Since the price raise on iPads, the Air has fallen to $649 a handful of times, dropping even as low as $559 in August. Still, even with the price raise, this is one of the better value (and more future-proof) tablets you can pick up from Apple. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a return to the $559 low, but in the meantime, this is a solid deal to pick up in early Black Friday sale season.
More early iPad deals Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $399.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $849 (save $100) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) $1,099.99 (save $99.01) Get Deal Black Friday iPad deals to watchThe base iPad used to regularly go on sale for $299 before the price raise. Its current $399.99 price isn't bad, especially compared to the rest of the iPad lineup — but it could be even better.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is technically on sale, but a $99 price drop on a $1,200 iPad isn't significant. It is the lowest price this tablet has dropped to in the past five months, which is why I included it among the best early deals. Still, a $200 price drop for Black Friday would make this a more palatable tablet to pick up.
$799 Save $250 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 shares features similar to those of the newer Ultra 4. In his review of the Ultra 4, Mashable's Stan Schroeder wrote, "It's an amazing smartwatch, but not an essential upgrade from last year's model." A huge benefit of opting for the Ultra 3? The list price is $100 cheaper, and during Best Buy's first phase of Black Friday deals, it's at an even more impressive discount of $549, making it $250 cheaper than the Ultra 4's current sale price of $799. In other words, it's easily the best Apple Watch deal available right now.
More early Apple Watch deals Apple Watch Ultra 4 (49mm, GPS + cellular) $799.99 (save $99.01) Get Deal Black Friday Apple Watch deals to watchThe Apple Watch SE 3 dropped by $50 to $199 during October Prime Day, so I expect to see a return to this price point during or in the lead-up to Black Friday.
The Apple Watch Series 12 was announced just this past September, but it has already dropped to $349.99 once. In past Black Fridays, new generations of Apple Watch have dropped as low as $329. It would be great to see a return to that pattern, but with RAMaggedon, we're hoping for a $50 markdown.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters or get Mashable push alerts today.
How to watch Seahawks vs. Raiders in the NFL online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Seattle Seahawks vs. Las Vegas Raiders for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
NFL is now in Week 10, which means we've crossed the halfway mark of the season. It's been an average campaign for the Seattle Seahawks. After winning the Super Bowl, the Seahawks looked poised to dominate again, but they've only managed a so-so 5-4 record. As things stand, they're not in line for an automatic playoff spot.
The Seahawks will face tough resistance today on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. At 4-5, the Raiders are looking to bounce back from last week's loss to the 49ers and get over the .500 mark.
If you want to watch Seahawks vs. Raiders in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Seahawks vs. Raiders?Seattle Seahawks vs. Las Vegas Raiders starts at 4.05 p.m. ET on Nov. 15. This fixture takes place at Allegiant Stadium.
How to watch Seahawks vs. Raiders for freeSeahawks vs. Raiders in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.
TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Seahawks vs. Raiders for free from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand
Visit TVNZ
Watch Seahawks vs. Raiders for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Seahawks vs. Raiders without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Seattle Seahawks vs. Las Vegas Raiders for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Panthers vs. Saints in the NFL online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The NFL season is now past the halfway point. If the season ended today, the Carolina Panthers would take the NFC South title and make the playoffs. The reality, however, is that they've lost three games in a row, and a loss today to the New Orleans Saints would see them lose control of the division.
Yes, this is a crucial game for both teams, who share a 3-5 win-loss record. The Saints have a little momentum, coming off a narrow overtime win over the Cleveland Browns, but this one's too tight to call. It's one of the must-watch games from the Week 10 action.
If you want to watch Panthers vs. Saints in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Panthers vs. Saints?Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints starts at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 15. This fixture takes place at Caesars Superdome.
How to watch Panthers vs. Saints for freePanthers vs. Saints in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.
TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Panthers vs. Saints for free from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand
Visit TVNZ
Watch Panthers vs. Saints for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Panthers vs. Saints without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Bills vs. Jets in the NFL online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets for free on TVNZ. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Buffalo Bills have had a tremendous season so far. If the season ended today, the Bills would be the No. 1 seed with a record of 7-1. And another win could see them all but clinch the AFC East divisional title.
It's been a different story for today's opponents, the New York Jets. They're 2-7 and winless in four games. On paper, this should be a cakewalk for the Bills, but the Jets could be due a turnaround in fortunes. The Bills are dealing with some offensive line injuries, and the Jets certainly have some talented young players waiting to prove themselves. Can they surprise the Bills?
If you want to watch Bills vs. Jets in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Bills vs. Jets?Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets starts at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 15. This fixture takes place at MetLife Stadium.
How to watch Bills vs. Jets for freeBills vs. Jets in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ.
TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can live stream Bills vs. Jets for free from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand
Visit TVNZ
Watch Bills vs. Jets for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bills vs. Jets without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Learn a new language for life with this exclusive Babbel offer
TL;DR: Learn Spanish, French, and 12 more languages with a Babbel lifetime subscription, an exclusive StackSocial offer for $199.20 (reg. $599).
Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $199.20$299 Save $99.80 Get Deal
Monthly language apps tend to get canceled around the same time motivation dips. Paying once means your lessons are still there whenever you’re ready to come back. A Babbel lifetime subscription gives you access to 14 languages for a one-time payment. Through StackSocial, new U.S. users pay $199.20 (reg. $599) for this exclusive offer.
Babbel lessons run about 10 to 15 minutes each. That’s short enough to finish during a commute or between meetings, so it’s easier to keep as a daily habit. Each lesson centers on conversations you’d have in everyday life, like ordering food, asking for directions, or making small talk with a coworker.
More than 150 linguists and educators design the courses, and they teach cultural context alongside grammar and vocabulary. In a study by researchers at Yale University, 100% of participants improved their oral proficiency in three months.
Your subscription includes Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Swedish, and eight more. Speech recognition checks your pronunciation as you speak, and progress syncs between your phone and computer. You can also download lessons before a flight and study offline. Courses run from beginner to advanced, and you can revisit review sessions whenever a lesson needs another pass.
Super Duolingo runs $6.99 a month, and Duolingo’s free version shows ads and limits you to five mistakes a day. Babbel has no ads and no cap on mistakes, and this plan never sends another bill.
Pay once and keep learning for as long as you want.
Get a Babbel lifetime subscription for $199.20 (reg. $599), exclusively through StackSocial for new U.S. users.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Hey, Prime members: Get 50% off Amazons brand-new Alexa+ devices
SAVE 50%: Through Nov. 17, Prime members can knock 50% off the price of one eligible Amazon Alexa device during the exclusive sale.
Shop the Prime member-exclusive sale on Alexa+ devices: Amazon Echo Time $99.99 (save $100 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Echo Dot $49.99 (save $50 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Alexa Photo Frame $99.99 (save $100 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Echo Studio with Home Camera $124.99 (save $125 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Kids Echo Dot $54.99 (save $55 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Kids Echo Time $104.99 (save $105 as a Prime member) Get DealAmazon dropped a new generation of Alexa devices, just in time for the holidays. This week, it's giving Prime members first dibs on discounts on those devices.
Through Nov. 17, Prime members can take 50% off an eligible Amazon Alexa device with an exclusive coupon (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the eligible devices). Choose your device thoughtfully, as the deal is limited to one device per customer. If multiple eligible devices are added to your cart, the discount applies to the lowest-priced item. Click the "Apply offer" or "Exclusive offer" box on any eligible device listing to activate the discount.
All of the brand-new Alexa devices announced last week are eligible for the 50% discount, except the Echo Show 16, which isn't yet available. That means you can score the adorable Echo Time smart alarm clock for a much more affordable $99.99, compared to its full list price of $199.99. The new Echo Dot price would drop from $99.99 to $49.99, while the Alexa Photo Frame would clock in at just under $100, down from $200. Amazon's new kids Echo devices are also eligible.
New devices aren't the only ones included in the lineup. You can also score older Echo Show devices, including the 5, 8, 11, 15, and 21, as well as the Echo Studio, Dot Max, Pop Kids, Spot, and previous-gen Echo Dot. We've rounded up all the devices you can choose from below, along with their price drops using the Prime-exclusive coupon.
New Amazon Alexa devices included in the saleAmazon Echo Dot — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Amazon Alexa Photo Frame — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Amazon Echo Time — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Amazon Echo Studio with Home Camera — $124.99 $149.99 (save $125 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Amazon Echo Time Kids — $154.99 $209.99 (save $155 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Pop Kids — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Dot (2022) — $39.99 $79.99 (save $40 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Dot Kids (2022) — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Show 5 — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Spot — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Dot Max — $59.99 $119.99 (save $60 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Show 8 — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Studio — $109.99 $219.99 (save $110 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Show 11 — $124.99 $249.99 (save $125 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Show 15 — $174.99 $349.99 (save $175 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
Echo Show 21 — $249.99 $499.99 (save $250 with Prime-exclusive coupon)
How to watch Chiefs vs. Falcons in the NFL for free online
TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Sunday Football kicks off today with a pivotal game for the Kansas City Chiefs, a team back on track after being rocked by back-to-back losses. The Chiefs were undefeated before losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, but bounced back to pick apart the New York Jets last week.
On paper, they should win today's road game against the Atlanta Falcons, a team languishing at the bottom of the NFC South with a 3-6 record. But nothing's ever for certain — anything can happen on any given Sunday, as they say — and the Falcons are looking to break a two-week losing streak.
If you want to watch Chiefs vs. Falcons in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
When is Chiefs vs. Falcons?Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons starts at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 12. This fixture takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
How to watch Chiefs vs. Falcons for freeChiefs vs. Falcons in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.
7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Chiefs vs. Falcons for free from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 7Plus
Watch Chiefs vs. Falcons for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chiefs vs. Falcons without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Your devices can share one Surfshark VPN subscription for $67.19
TL;DR: Get three years of Surfshark VPN Starter with unlimited connections, encrypted browsing, and ad-blocking features for $67.19 (reg. $430) with code DEAL20.
Opens in a new window Credit: Surfshark Surfshark VPN Starter Plan: 3-Year Subscription $67.20$430 Save $362.80 Get Deal
Your phone isn’t the only device that could benefit from a VPN. There’s your laptop, tablet, and maybe even a streaming device or two. Surfshark VPN Starter lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, so you don’t have to choose which ones get a VPN connection. A three-year subscription is available for $67.19 (reg. $430) with code DEAL20.
Three years of VPN access for less than $2 per monthSurfshark encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, adding a layer of privacy to your online activity. Its network includes more than 3,200 servers across 100 countries, giving you plenty of locations to choose from when connecting.
There are also several useful extras. CleanWeb helps block ads, trackers, and malicious websites, while a kill switch can disconnect your internet access if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. MultiHop routes your connection through two VPN servers, and Bypasser lets you exclude selected apps or websites from the VPN on supported devices.
You can use Surfshark across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and other supported platforms. It’s also compatible with streaming and torrenting, although access to particular services and content may vary.
This offer is available to new users only, and you’ll need to redeem your code within 30 days of purchase. The three-year subscription includes unlimited data and bandwidth, with no per-device connection limit. With this deal, you’re basically paying just $1.87 per month over three years.
Formerly $430, get three years of Surfshark VPN Starter for $67.19 with code DEAL20.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
AdultFriendFinder vs. FetLife: Which is better for exploring specific kinks?
If you're new to exploring kinks and fetishes online, it can be a weird and intimidating experience. But it's also exciting, which is why it's worth exploring deeper.
What you need is the right platform to get started. There are great sites and apps out there that offer sexy fun with like-minded folk. It doesn't matter if you have specialist kinks for feet, spanking, or BDSM — or even a relatively vanilla taste for threesomes — you can find your tribe somewhere online.
Experienced fet-lovers will already know that regular dating apps just don't cut it. So, the question is, how do you connect with similarly-minded kinksters?
We strongly recommend two platforms for exploring your favorite kinks and more. Those platforms are AdultFriendFinder and FetLife, both of which are stacked with NSFW content. Seriously, do not log on to these in public. And who knows? You might even discover a few kinks you never even knew you had.
Maybe you just don't know what you're into yet. But if you want to find a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your options and go on a journey of sexual self-discovery, these are the places to do it.
Before we get deep into the pros and cons of AFF and FetLife, let us share some general information with you. AdultFriendFinder and FetLife both skew male, which is fairly standard across the online dating spectrum. The average user on FetLife is aged 25, while AdultFriendFinder users tend to be in their 30s. Even so, both sites offer a diverse range of genders and ages — not to mention a colorful range of sexual orientations and kink communities. In other words, there really is something for everyone.
But while both sites are designed to accommodate sex-positive communities and make connections between kinksters, they have their own way of doing things. You may find that one site suits you better than the other, though we recommend trying both on for size to see which one fits.
Keep reading for a rundown of the major differences between AFF and FetLife and decide which one to try first.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: FetLife FetLife Learn More Where AdultFriendFinder excelsFaster connectionsFetLife is very popular, but be aware that it can take time to build a following and earn trust on the site. While it's possible to message strangers, the site culture discourages it. Don't be surprised if unsolicited messages are ignored completely. AdultFriendFinder, on the other hand, is a DM-sliding free-for-all. In fact, the concept of connecting with strangers is kind of the point. In that respect, AFF operates like a regular dating site (it's one of the OGs in that field, dating back to 1996), whereas FetLife is more of a social media website for building local kink communities.
AdultFriendFinder also hosts live webcam shows and community discussion forums, offering users multiple ways to connect quickly. There's more to it than just one-on-one.
Better site interfaceThis one might be controversial, since the AFF site is notoriously dated, but FetLife's interface is downright confusing, a mix between Facebook and Instagram, with much more limited search functionality. While both sites will allow you to search by specific kinks (and both sites offer exhaustive lists of kink options), the search functionality and filter options on AdultFriendFinder are more comprehensive and more user-friendly.
This isn't an accident, by the way. FetLife deliberately disables search by age, gender, and sexual orientation because, in their words, they are "a social network and not a dating site."
Remember that AFF looks and feels dated because it's been around for three decades and has kept things very old school indeed. AFF doesn't even have an app — it's website only. Be warned that the interface is chock-full of nudity and NSFW content.
Live showsFetLife allows users to host videos, but it doesn't have a dedicated, live webcam service. Some FetLife users will offer that, but they do this on third-party sites, and usually behind a paywall. AFF, on the other hand, makes live streaming a significant part of its community experience and allows you to search through webcam shows by the streamer's location or the show's interest/topic, which often revolves around a specific kink.
SEE ALSO: 4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and GrindrIn other words, if you're content to watch, AFF delivers some excellent, kink-centric live action, and much of it is accessible without upgrading to a paid subscription.
Where FetLife excelsFree accounts have more freedomThe most noticeable difference between FetLife and AFF is how much more freedom is afforded to non-paying accounts. On AdultFriendFinder, profiles are locked behind a paywall, so only paying members can scroll through photos, view bios, and see a comprehensive list of kinks. FetLife, on the other hand, operates more like Instagram for kinksters. It delivers large photos, comprehensive bios, and even a web of connections comparable to what you might see on Facebook, from friends and romantic partners to subs, doms, and mentors, if applicable.
Even more important, free FetLife users can contact each other in one-on-one messages without having to give up their credit card information, which definitely makes it easier to establish a personal connection.
One major limitation of free accounts is that users can't watch videos. Because raunchy videos are a mainstay on many profiles, this is definitely a hindrance, though it's not a deal-breaker.
The site promotes in-person eventsPerhaps the biggest benefit of FetLife over AdultFriendFinder is that the former is much more focused on real-life connections, whereas AdultFriendFinder seems content to let people play in the virtual world.
The Events tab at the top of the FetLife banner allows you to see, at a glance, all of the nearby, kink-friendly events, from informal meet-and-greets to full-on costume and masquerade balls. Best of all, you can filter by sub-type (Party, Educational, Social, Conference/Festival, Sex Party) or just look for events that your FetLife friends are attending.
SEE ALSO: Hinge's latest feature makes date planning a little easierThese in-person events are integral to the FetLife experience, even when the events aren't officially affiliated with the site itself. In fact, it's pretty common to see people indicate, in their profiles, that they won't message or "friend" anyone they haven't already met at an IRL event.
Kink discoveryBecause of its community emphasis and dedication to exploring sexuality in a safe, consensual, and informed way, FetLife offers users not only the means to connect with others but also to better connect with themselves. There's the community-sourced Kinktionary, for example, a Wiki-like resource covering topical aspects of human sexuality from the ins and outs of gay culture to a comprehensive list of sex toys and their uses, as well as dedicated groups to not only explore kinks but also introduce people to the BDSM lifestyle (we recommend you check out the Novices & Newbies section if you're a first-time visitor).
AdultFriendFinder isn't totally without these resources, but they're not as user-friendly or as accessible to total newcomers to the world of kink.
The bottom lineBoth AFF and FetLife are among the very best online destinations for kink-based fun. They have their pros, cons, and differences, but you're unlikely to go wrong with either. They each have large user bases and comprehensive selections of kink-focused spaces. That helps create a non-judgmental atmosphere, allowing you to let go of any sense of inhibition. Just let loose and enjoy yourself doing it.
That said, if you're looking for the fastest possible connection and you're happy to keep things strictly online for now, AdultFriendFinder is the place to start. If, on the other hand, you want to integrate into your local kink community and get on the guest lists of underground fetish clubs or VIP sex parties, FetLife can make that happen.


