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We're officially halfway through Stranger Things' fifth and final season. How are you feeling? Happy to be back in Hawkins? Terrified to find out the fates of Stranger Things' sprawling cast? Itching to know what happens next? I'm with you!

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 review: I'm already exhausted, but can't wait for more

Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 pulled out all the stops, from supersized episodes to massive set pieces involving armies of Demogorgons squaring off against the U.S. military. It is, to put it mildly, a lot. And you know what else is a lot? The number of questions I have for Volume 2!

From Will's (Noah Schnapp) new powers to Henry Creel/Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) final plan, here are the 11 burning questions I'll be stewing over until Stranger Things returns on Christmas Day.

1. What is Vecna doing to the children of Hawkins? Winona Ryder, Finn Wolfhard, and Jake Connelly in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 ended with Henry Creel/Vecna abducting all of the Hawkins children that our heroes were trying to save. It's off to the Upside Down with them, where he'll tie them to pillars in his lair, stick tentacles in their mouths, and feed them the same strange nasty goo he pumped into Will when he first came to the Upside Down.

But why in the world is he doing all this?

In Season 5, episode 4, titled "Sorcerer," Vecna says that he chose children to "reshape the world" because they make "perfect vessels." Vessels for what? For his own power? That seems like the most likely option, as Will now has access to Vecna's powers. But what will Vecna do with a crew of mini-me's? Send them out into our world to create a new extension of the Upside Down? The last thing this show needs is an army of creepy children. The army of Demogorgons is more than enough!

2. How did Kali/Eight arrive in the Upside Down?

Another bombshell from "Sorcerer" was the reveal that the Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) has been keeping Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) "sister" Kali/Eight (Linnea Berthelsen) in the Upside Down.

Only seen in Season 2, episode 7, "The Lost Sister," Kali has the ability to create powerful illusions. Following her escape from Hawkins Lab, she devoted her life to hunting down the employees who experimented on and tortured her and her fellow test subjects. What's been going on with her since the events of "The Lost Sister"?

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 brings back a major character — but not the one you think

Apparently, nothing great, since she's trapped in the Upside Down. But what led to her capture, and how long has she been imprisoned at the military base?

3. What is Dr. Kay's plan, anyway? Linda Hamilton in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Dr. Kay hasn't had much to do this season beyond threaten her employees and have one showdown with Hopper (David Harbour). None of that explains what she and the military are actually doing in the Upside Down, though. Are they trying to weaponize Kali's powers for themselves? Are they also hunting down Vecna?

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Whatever it is, why do they need to be in the Upside Down to do it? Building and then maintaining a base in a hostile dimension cannot be easy, so there's got to be some deeper reason other than cool factor, right?

4. Can Max and Holly escape Henry Creel's memories?

The good news: After a few episodes away, Max (Sadie Sink) is back! The bad news: She's still in a coma in the real world, and she's otherwise trapped in a prison of Henry Creel's memories. She's not alone, though. Nancy and Mike's (Natalia Dyer and Finn Wolfhard) little sister Holly (Nell Fisher) is there with her. Between the two of them, maybe they could find a way out?

However, following the kidnapping of all of Hawkins' children, the memory prison might be about to get a bit more crowded. Can Max and Holly save themselves and the rest of Vecna's victims, all while being trapped within his mind?

SEE ALSO: Here's how 'Stranger Things' connects to 'A Wrinkle in Time' 5. Why won't Henry go into the caves in his memories?

Max revealed that when Vecna discovered her and chased her through his memories, there was one place he wouldn't go: the caves where she ended up hiding. He seemed scared of the memory, and that reaction could clue Max and Holly into a weakness they could use against Vecna.

My red-yarn-on-a-corkboard theory? Vecna's fear of the caves is somehow tied to the photo of the Creel family, including Henry in his Boy Scout uniform, that Holly found while dancing around the Creel house. From the looks of the photo, the family was on a trip. Maybe something so horrible happened during that vacation that it made Vecna hesitant to even come close to the caves.

6. Will Karen and Ted Wheeler survive? Nell Fisher and Cara Buono in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Season 5, episode 2, titled "The Vanishing of...," saw Karen and Ted (Cara Buono and Joe Chrest) fall victim to the Demogorgon that stole Holly away. It slashed them to pieces, but not before Karen managed to wound it with her wine bottle, making her the ultimate wine mom and ultimate badass.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 steals a key scene from 'The Umbrella Academy'

The Wheelers somehow managed to survive these incredibly brutal injuries and are now at the hospital. But will their conditions remain stable as we head into Volume 2? Here's hoping so, because Nancy and Mike really don't need any more trauma.

7. What's the deal with the big, fleshy wall in the Upside Down? Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

A new development has appeared in the Upside Down: a massive, perfectly circular wall around Hawkins, with Hawkins Lab directly at its center. The wall by itself is cool enough, all fleshy tendrils and bizarre sacs of fluid. However, by the time we get to Volume 2, I'm going to need more details on this mysterious, totally not Game of Thrones-inspired wall.

8. Is Will going to come out? Noah Schnapp and Maya Hawke in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Stranger Things has been building to Will coming out as gay for multiple seasons now, and since this season is the show's last chance, the question remains, how are they going to do it?

So far this season, Robin (Maya Hawke) has been acting as a kind of queer mentor for Will, giving him pep talks about not being afraid of who he truly is. It's these words that he remembers as he embraces his Vecna-style powers in the last minutes of "Sorcerer." In tying together Will's queer identity and him mangling Demogorgons, Stranger Things creates a jumbled metaphor that doesn't quite stick the landing. However, it also sets the stage for a new version of Will who accepts all parts of himself, meaning he may finally open up to his friends come Volume 2.

9. What's going to happen with Will's new powers? Noah Schnapp and Jamie Campbell Bower in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Of course, Will will also have to grapple with the fact that he's now basically mini Vecna. That could be great news for the fight against Vecna, as an Eleven-Kali-Will team-up would give Team Hawkins some considerable psychic firepower.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' mind-bending Season 5, Volume 1 ending, explained

However, could Vecna manipulate his ties to Will to force him over to his side? Will seems pretty powerful now, but he's had all of two minutes to practice using his new abilities. Vecna's been doing this for years. Can Will really hold his own against the very being that gave him this power?

10. Can we finally put the Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve love triangle to rest? Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton in "Stranger Things." Credit: Matt Kennedy / Netflix

Look, I like Nancy. I like Jonathan (Charlie Heaton). And I like Steve (Joe Keery). What I don't like is Stranger Things constantly throwing them into a love triangle that has been settled since Season 2.

This season does makes moves to get past it, like Steve giving Jonathan some hard truths about how strange he acts when Steve interacts with Nancy. Also, Jonathan is planning to propose, so Jancy is seeming as endgame as can be (even if it's felt like that for several seasons now). But at this point, I'm burned out on the Jancy/Stancy of it all, even if I appreciate Jonathan and Steve's budding romance. More of that please! And more of Nancy's detective skills!

11. Who is going to die?

Look, we're all wondering it after every episode. With such a large cast and such a formidable foe as Vecna, it's almost impossible that everyone escapes this season alive. So, who will Stranger Things fans be saying goodbye to in Volume 2 and the finale?

My money is primarily on side characters, as Stranger Things loves nothing more than to introduce a beloved new face, only to kill them in the same season. See: Barb (Shannon Purser), Bob (Sean Astin), and Eddie (Joseph Quinn). This time around, could the show have brought back Kali only to kill her? Are kids like Derek (Jake Connelly) or Holly, who's taken on a new importance this season, in danger? Will Karen and Ted succumb to their injuries after their (frankly, improbable) survival?

Or will Stranger Things go big and take out some of the members of the main party? I'm always scared for Steve, but things aren't looking good for Hopper, either. He's still got the explosive vest on, and he's clearly ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for Eleven.

Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 is now streaming. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

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Look up "jam-packed" in the dictionary, and you'll find Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1's finale, titled "Sorcerer."

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 review: I'm already exhausted, but can't wait for more

The fourth episode in Stranger Things' final season threw everything at the giant fleshy wall in the Upside Down... and then some. Max (Sadie Sink) made her triumphant comeback, revealing she's been living in a prison of Henry Creel/Vecna's (Jamie Campbell Bower) memories this whole time. Kali/Eight (Linnea Berthelsen) returned after several seasons away. And Vecna and his Demogorgons burst back into Hawkins to kidnap all the town's children for Vecna's new nefarious plan.

But the most exciting — and dare I say, strangest — development of the entire episode was none other than Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) unleashing psychic powers of his own, in a final sequence that had me glued to my screen. So what are Will's powers, how did he get them, and what's next for him in Stranger Things? Let's break it down.

What are Will's powers in Stranger Things Season 5?

Throughout Season 5, Will has been forced time and again into Vecna's Upside Down hive mind. That means he's been able to see through Vecna's eyes, and through the eyes of the Demogorgons that Vecna has loosed on his victims. Every time he's had a vision, Will has been a passive participant. But in "Sorcerer," after Vecna ridicules him for being weak, Will decides to show that no, actually, he's not weak. As the Demogorgons threaten his friends, Will seizes control of the hive mind. He holds the Demogorgons still in mid-air, then proceeds to lift them up and mangle their bodies, exactly as Vecna did to his murder victims in Season 4. That means Will shares Vecna's telepathic powers, putting him on the same playing field as Vecna, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), and Kali. He's moved on from his days of spooky neck goosebumps, and he's in the big leagues now.

So, how did Will get these powers? Noah Schnapp in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Will got these powers as part of his connection to Vecna, which goes all the way back to the beginning of Stranger Things. As we learn in Season 5, episode 1, Vecna interacted with Will during his time in the Upside Down in Season 1. He stuck one of the Upside Down's tentacles in an unconscious Will's mouth and then began pumping him full of what looks like nasty Upside Down goo. That's how Will ends up coughing up an Upside Down slug at the end of Season 1. It's also how he became connected to the Upside Down hive mind.

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As of Season 5, Vecna is repeating the tentacle process with Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) and the other Hawkins children he's captured. As he explains to Will in the "Sorcerer" finale, he chose children to "reshape the world" because they are "easily broken, easily reshaped. Controlled. The perfect vessels. And you, Will, you were the first. And you broke so easily."

While Vecna's plans to reshape the world, likely in the image of the Upside Down, haven't fully become clear yet, the mention of the children as "vessels" is particularly fascinating. Are the children going to be vessels for Vecna's power? More eyes for him to see through? If so, that means Will was the original Vecna host. And in "Sorcerer," he realizes that his relationship with Vecna isn't a one-way street. If Vecna can divert his power through Will, then Will can grab hold of it and use it for himself.

SEE ALSO: 11 burning questions we have for 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Volume 2

The trigger for Will to realize this in "Sorcerer" comes from a pep talk Robin (Maya Hawke) gives him in the episode. Throughout the season, Robin has realized that Will is also queer, and that he's having a hard time accepting himself (and that Mike isn't romantically interested in him). In one heart-to-heart, she tells him that, in order to come into her own, "I just needed to stop being scared of who I really was."

These are the words Will remembers as he freezes the Demogorgons. They also cue a flashback montage of his friendship with Mike (Finn Wolfhard), starting from their very first meeting as toddlers. (Yes, the Byers bowl cut is around, even then.) Between Robin's words and Will making a big show of his powers, the scene is positioned as Will coming into his own as a person. Yet the sequence is muddled: Robin's words are specifically tied to Will's queerness, but Stranger Things is positioning them in a different context that makes them lose their power somewhat. Is the show conflating Will embracing his queerness with him embracing his powers? It's a bizarre move in an otherwise galvanizing closer to the episode.

What's next for Will and his powers?

Will having Vecna-style abilities bodes well for the Hawkins party, as they now have another powerful (if untrained) psychic user on their side. However, could Vecna wrest back control of his powers from Will? And then use him as a vessel of his powers in the real world? There are still a lot of unanswered questions as to how this could play out.

The most intriguing element going forward may be less about the fate of Hawkins, and more about what these new powers mean for Will as a character. The episode's title, "Sorcerer," is a reference to Will's new abilities. As Mike tells him earlier in the episode, Will's Upside Down connection makes him the equivalent of a Dungeons & Dragons sorcerer. That means that unlike a wizard, who gains magical powers from study, he's actually innately magical.

Will's original Dungeons & Dragons character, Will the Wise, was actually a wizard. But now that Will is metaphorically jumping into a different Dungeons & Dragons class and going full sorcerer mode, could that represent a total transformation from who he once was, both in terms of accepting his queerness and his powers?

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31, both at 8 p.m. ET.

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Over its five seasons, Stranger Things' protagonists have drawn from the lore of Dungeons & Dragons to make sense of the supernatural happenings in Hawkins. The monsters they face become Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer, while their greatest foe takes on the name of Dungeons & Dragons' formidable lich Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 review: I'm already exhausted, but can't wait for more

But Season 5 introduces a new fictional lens through which Stranger Things' characters process their bizarre circumstances: Madeleine L'Engle's classic science fiction and fantasy novel A Wrinkle in Time. Published in 1962, A Wrinkle in Time tells the story of 13-year-old Meg; her brilliant younger brother, Charles Wallace; and her kind classmate Calvin. The trio embarks on an epic adventure to different planets in hope of finding Meg and Charles Wallace's vanished father.

Given that L'Engle's novel is a beloved work of young adult genre fiction, it makes sense that it would eventually wind up in Stranger Things, a series whose characters love all things fantasy and sci-fi (and are constantly traveling to a different dimension). As we learn in Season 5, Mike and Nancy Wheeler's (Finn Wolfhard and Natalia Dyer) younger sister Holly (Nell Fisher) loves A Wrinkle in Time, and it winds up being a key element of how she understands the reality-bending adventure she winds up on. Let's break it down.

Stranger Things turns Mrs. Whatsit into Mr. Whatsit. Nell Fisher in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

The first connection between Stranger Things and A Wrinkle in Time is the appearance of Holly's new imaginary friend, Mr. Whatsit. The name comes from Mrs. Whatsit, one of Meg and Charles Wallace's three mysterious neighbors. (The other two are Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who.) In the novel, Mrs. Whatsit is a kindly, eccentric old woman who loves a good scarf. But she's also a supernatural being of immense power: She was once a star who blew herself up in the fight against the forces of evil. Now, her true form is that of a winged centaur.

SEE ALSO: 11 burning questions we have for 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Volume 2

Similarly, Holly's Mr. Whatsit is not what he seems. He's not just a dapperly dressed young man. He's actually Henry Creel, aka Vecna. I don't know about you, but I'd take a flying pegasus over a tentacle monster any day!

As a malicious being, Vecna couldn't be farther from A Wrinkle of Time's Mrs. Whatsit. Yet the two do still have a few things in common. Both live in a mysterious old house — shout out to the Creel House! — and end up transporting children to different realities. In Mrs. Whatsit's case, that means using a tesseract, or a folding of space-time, to send Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin across the universe. In Vecna's case, that means using Demogorgons to kidnap children to the Upside Down, then keep them hostage in his own, seemingly idyllic memories of Creel House. Again, I know which one I'd rather choose!

Mr. Whatsit is just a kindly mask that Vecna puts on in order to entice the children of Hawkins into his frightening schemes. Once Holly learns the truth, courtesy of Max (Sadie Sink), she not only drops the connection to her beloved Mrs. Whatsit, she also thinks up a new Wrinkle in Time connection to better comprehend what's happening to her.

What is Camazotz, and how does it tie to Stranger Things? Sadie Sink and Caleb McLaughlin in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

When Holly runs into Max in the woods outside Creel House, Max reveals that the two of them are in Vecna's memory world, which is where her consciousness has been living since she entered a coma at the end of Season 4.

"[We're] in a memory, which exists within a world of 1,000 memories," Max tells Holly. "I know it may look nice, but it's not. This place, this world, it's a prison. Henry's prison."

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Holly immediately draws a connection to Camazotz, the "dark planet" where A Wrinkle in Time's climax takes place. When Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin arrive on Camazotz, they discover that it's perfectly ordered: Houses are cookie-cutter replicas, and everyone acts the same as one another.

Beneath this eerie veneer of perfection lurks a sinister truth. Everyone on Camazotz is under the control of IT, a giant brain with enormous telepathic powers. IT's powers recall those of Vecna, while the plight of everyone on Camazotz is similar to Vecna's hive mind of the creatures within the Upside Down. His memory world is also the same as Camazotz: seemingly perfect, but actually evil.

Now that Holly and Max are a team, could the two manage to fight their way out of Vecna's memory world? Given that one of Season 5, Volume 2's episodes is called "Escape From Camazotz," it's clear they're going to make an attempt. Expect more Camazotz chaos (and more A Wrinkle in Time references) in the episodes to come.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31, both at 8 p.m. ET.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for heart-warming holiday fun, stranger-than-fiction stories, teen drama, bloody horror, or the return of Stranger Things, we're here for you.

13. Is It Cake? Holiday, Season 2

Mikey Day is back once more with the pressing (and titular) question: Is it cake?

Contestants on this bonkers baking show endeavor to recreate real-word items with such fastidious precision that the guest judges will be baffled when asked to pick the frosted fake. Is It Cake? Holiday also brings some gingerbread spice to the competition, as every episode will have a festival theme. 

Bakers will have to make treats that encapsulate a favorite holiday memory, pay homage to their favorite Yuletide traditions, or construct a confectionery that's suitable for a store window. The stars weighing in on their winning (or losing) bakes will be Wendi McLendon-Covey, Dustin Milligan, Kel Mitchell, Kristen Bell, Pierson Fode, Lamorne Morris, Lacey Chabert, King Bach, and Michael Urie. — Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko

How to watch: Is It Cake? Holiday Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Jingle Bell Heist

If you like your holiday rom-com with a dash of "Eat the rich" crime thriller, you'll be downright jolly about Jingle Bell Heist. 

Connor Swindells and Olivia Holt star as two disgruntled hourly employees of a glowering department store owner who's a real grinch. So naturally, they decide to steal from the rich and give to themselves with a heist right out of Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. Rob the store on Christmas Eve, when the cash registers and safes should be bursting with moolah. But wouldn't you know it, they fall in love along the way. And if their hearts are growing three sizes, what room will their Santa suits have for ill-gotten gains? — K.P.

Starring: Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells, Lucy Punch, and Peter Serafinowicz

How to watch: Jingle Bell Heist debuts on Netflix on Nov. 26.

11. The Shuffle

There are some artifacts of pop culture so inexplicable they seem retroactively like an example of mass hysteria. Perhaps the "Super Bowl Shuffle" felt like such a token to you? 

In 1985, the Chicago Bears’ were closing in on the  big game, and so took an unusual tack in intimidating their opponents. They released a music video of a rap song all about their team. 

According to the press release from HBO, "The song peaked at number 41 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination in 1987 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Additionally, within months of its release, home video sales of The Super Bowl Shuffle made it the second-highest selling music video of all time, behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller."

And now there's a documentary about it. — K.P.

How to watch: The Shuffle debuts on HBO on Nov. 25.

10. It's Florida, Man, Season 2

True crime meets comedy in this star-studded series, inspired by the popular Florida Man meme (and all the news items that kept it rolling). Show creators Mark Herwick and Jeff Tomsic unearth stranger-than-fiction stories of moonshined-up gator hunters, Skunk Ape searchers, a real-life Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario, and an unreal story of how smoking joints rolled in Bible pages might have sparked a cross comeuppance. 

SEE ALSO: 'It's Florida, Man' review: A mean meme gets a dose of humanity

The Florida folk who lived these stories share them in their own words, while famous folks — like Johnny Knoxville, Tiffany Haddish, Taika Waititi, and Haley Joel Osment recreate them through willfully goofy reenactments. However, be warned. The salty and sweet balance of comedy and empathy that made season 1 so compelling is off with this new batch. Some episodes are great, unfurling wild stories with little apologies, as the teller themselves do. Others take a hard turn to make a PSA-like point about broader cultural issues, and it's almost as jarring as those animated epilogues on '80s cartoon shows where Optimus Prime would switch from battle bot mode to lecturing kids about peer pressure. While surely well intentioned, such heavy-handed resolutions serve more as a cringey recompense than a convincing throughline.  — K.P.

Starring: Adam DeVine, Edi Patterson, Tiffany Haddish, Haley Joel Osment, Bert Kreischer, Nick Swardson, Johnny Knoxville, Shea Whigham, Taika Waititi, Rita Ora, Holmes, David Koechner, Joel Kim Booster, Chet Hanks, Milan Carter, Nick Thune, Swoozie Kurtz, Johnny Pemberton, Ryan Mirvis, Brian Sacca, Ping Wu, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Frankie Quiñones, Hassie Harrison, Joseph Ruud and Michael McDonald

How to watch: It's Florida, Man Season 2 debuts on HBO Max on Nov. 28.

9. Regretting You

Author Colleen Hoover returns to the big screen with Regretting You, a romantic drama about a mother (Allison Williams) and her daughter (McKenna Grace) finding love in the wake of devastating grief.

Critics lambasted Regretting You, but general audiences took more kindly to it. Will you find these romances trite or charming? You can check the film out on digital starting this week to find out for sure. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: McKenna Grace, Mason Thames, Allison Williams, and Dave Franco

How to watch: Regretting You is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

8. Words + Music

Based on Audible’s acclaimed audio series of the same name, Words + Music is a docuseries that features legendary musicians sharing stories about the songs that defined their careers. Then, for your listening pleasure, the likes of Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, and Alanis Morissette will play these beloved songs, to really drive home what they mean to the artists — and to us. 

Shot in a studio with masterful acoustics and an eye toward cinematography, Words + Music offers an intimate-feeling concert that fans can enjoy from the comfort of their couch. — K.P.

How to watch: Words + Music premieres on MGM+ on Nov. 30.

7. Maxton Hall, Season 2 finale

Season 2 of Prime Video's wildly popular Maxton Hall — The World Between Us comes to an end this week. But we're guessing there's still a lot of angst to go before enemies-to-lovers pairing Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) and James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) get their happy ending. From Mortimer (Fedja van Huêt) being the absolute worst to the strange text Lexington (Thomas Douglas) received at the end of Season 2, episode 5, things are looking tough for the BellFort ship. — B.E.

Starring: Harriet Herbig-Matten, Damian Hardung, Sonja Weißer, Ben Felipe, and Fedja van Huêt

How to watch: Maxton Hall's Season 2 finale debuts on Prime Video on Nov. 28.

6. The First Omen

This movie has no right to be as good as it is. But it's possible you missed it in 2024, when it came out, because The First Omen released not long after the similarly nun-themed horror Immaculate. However, while that Sydney Sweeney vehicle veered away from graphic violence in some pretty confounding spots, The First Omen isn't afraid to get gory. As I wrote in my review, "If you're after a movie about a tormented nun that really goes for the gusto, The First Omen should be your pick."

Set in 1971, Rome, The First Omen plays as a prequel to Richard Donner's iconic religious horror hit The Omen. Nell Tiger Free stars as a ward of the Catholic Church who has been invited to a convent where young mothers and their children are cared for. However, shortly after arriving, she begins to notice strange things in this sacred place. And even if you've seen The Omen, you'll find surprises along the path of this poor novitiate. Referring back to my review, "In the end,The First Omen offers generous splashes of gore, jump scares, and dread. So if you're seeing something more spooky than scary, or more haunting than horrifying, this religious thriller will scratch that itch with a long, putrid claw." — K.P.

Starring: Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy

How to watch: The First Omen debuts on Hulu on Nov. 30.

5. Bugonia

Following The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness, leading lady Emma Stone and filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos reteam once more for Bugonia, their remake of Jang Joon-hwan's 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet!

SEE ALSO: Emma Stone reveals how 'Good Luck, Babe' wound up in 'Bugonia'

Stone stars as a high-powered pharmaceuticals CEO whose rich and busy life is derailed when she's kidnapped by a conspiracy theorist (Jesse Plemons) who is convinced she is an extraterrestrial committed to the destruction of humanity. 

A gnarly and cerebral game of cat-and-mouse follows, all of it with Lanthimos' unique brand of dark humor. Critics have cheered his latest collaboration with Stone, but if you've seen the film on which this one is based, some of the fun of being surprised will be spoiled. So, fair warning. — K.P.

Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone

How to watch: Bugonia is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

4. Left-Handed Girl

Netflix has such flashy, star-studded fare that Left-Handed Girl might be easy to overlook. But don't miss out, because this coming-of-age story is uniquely tender, funny, and tense. Additionally, a prestigious indie filmmaker had a hand in its creation, and it has some Oscar potential of its own. This is the solo directorial debut of Taiwanese American filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou, who is a longtime collaborator with Oscar–winning writer/director Sean Baker (Anora). Tsou and Baker co-wrote the screenplay, and Baker also edited and produced the film. Left-Handed Girl, which has been selected as the Taiwanese entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, feels like a sister film to Baker's The Florida Project, which followed a young girl and her single mom who find joy while living in poverty. 

Left-Handed Girl follows a family of three — a mom and her two daughters — as they move to Taipei for a new life. Working at a noodle shop stall in the night market, they swiftly become part of the community. But temptations for cheap thrills and sticky-fingered fun are everywhere, and could irrevocably harm the girls' reputations. While there's dramatic and tragic turns in this drama, its ending is ultimately uplifting, reflecting the earnest humanity that Baker's known for. Don't overlook it. — K.P.

Starring: Janel Tsai, Shih-Yuan Ma, Nina Ye, Brando Huang, Akio Chen, and Xin-Yan Chao

How to watch: Left-Handed Girl debuts on Netflix on Nov. 28.

3. The Beatles Anthology

This is The Beatles Anthology like you've never seen it before. Originally broadcast in 1995, this documentary series featured an in-depth look at how John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr went from dive bars in Hamburg to rocking the world stage. 

While this title has been released in various incarnations — three feature-film length segments, an eight-part documentary series — its latest boasts nine episodes. The first eight have been remastered ​​by Apple Corps' production team, working with Peter Jackson's WingNut Films and Park Road Post teams along with Giles Martin, who has created new audio mixes for the majority of the featured music. The ninth episode includes never-before-seen footage the band coming together between 1994 and 1995 to work on The Anthology, as they reflect on their work together. So, for any Beatles lover, this is a must-watch. — K.P.

Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr

How to watch: The first three episodes of The Beatles Anthology debut on Disney+ on Nov. 26.

2. The Ugly Stepsister

If you loved The Substance, don't overlook The Ugly Stepsister.This gnarly body horror movie reimagines Cinderella by focusing on the fairytale heroine's much-maligned stepsister Elvira (Lea Myren). Writer/director Emilie Blichfeldt delivers not only a deeply empathetic tale of a young girl grappling with a princely crush, sibling rivalry, and crippling societal pressures to conform to cruel beauty standards, but also the grisly scenes to back up its social critique.

SEE ALSO: 'The Ugly Stepsister' review: What if 'Wicked' and 'The Substance' had a grubby baby?

In my rave review for Mashable out of Sundance, I cheered, "The Ugly Stepsister is a deranged and dizzying achievement, folding in a classic story with a bitingly modern satire and bold body horror. Blichfeldt weaves these elements together to make a film that feels both of this moment but aesthetically nostalgic... And yet, her journey, as gross and grim as it is, is threaded with a ribbon of exhilaration, rebellion, and even defiant joy. Simply put, The Ugly Stepsister is savagely brutal and yet strangely beautiful."* — K.P.

Starring: Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, and Flo Fagerli

How to watch: The Ugly Stepsister is now streaming on Hulu.

1. Stranger Things, Season 5, Volume 1

It's been over three years since Stranger Things Season 4 introduced audiences to the terrifying new villain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and brought Kate Bush back to the charts. Now, Stranger Things' fifth and final season is finally upon us. Can it live up to the hype?

Season 5 picks up a little over a year after the end of Season 4, with Hawkins under military quarantine and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) in hiding from the government. With Vecna rearing his tentacled head once more, our heroes will have to make one last stand to save the world. What follows is Stranger Things at its most maximalist, with supersized episodes and battles that are undoubtedly overstuffed, yet still treats thanks to the show's compelling web of characters. Here's hoping they all survive, right? Right?! — B.E.

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke

How to watch: Stranger Things, Season 5, Volume 1 is now streaming on Netflix.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Stranger Things Season 5 is full of new characters, from the villainous Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) to foul-mouthed Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly). But there's also an unexpected familiar face in the mix — and not one you might expect.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 review: I'm already exhausted, but can't wait for more

See, Stranger Things has a consistent habit of bringing back seemingly dead characters. Hopper (David Harbour) could have died in the Starcourt Mall explosion in Season 3, but he wound up in the Soviet Union instead. Dr. Brenner (Matthew Modine) seemed like a goner following his Season 1 encounter with the Demogorgon, but somehow he returned in Season 4. So if Stranger Things Season 5 was going to bring back a character from prior seasons, chances are it would have been someone we lost. Maybe even a fan favorite like Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn).

Instead, Stranger Things goes the exact opposite route. Season 5 brings back a character who didn't resonate with fans, who's only been in one episode, and who's barely been mentioned since. That character is none other than Kali Prasad (Linnea Berthelsen), aka Eight.

Wait, who's Eight/Kali again? Linnea Berthelsen in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

If you haven't done a full rewatch of Stranger Things in a while, chances are you might not remember Kali. She plays a major role in the controversial Season 2 episode "The Lost Sister," in which Eleven (Mille Bobby Brown) journeys to Chicago and teams up with a gang of outcasts to get revenge on the Hawkins Lab employees.

Kali, like Eleven, was one of Dr. Brenner's test subjects. Her psychic powers manifest differently from Eleven's, as she can create hyperreal illusions. She managed to escape from Hawkins Lab by herself, meaning she wasn't around for Eleven's showdown with Henry Creel/Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) seen in the Season 4 flashbacks.

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When Eleven meets Kali in "The Lost Sister," the pair thinks of themselves as family. With Kali, Eleven hopes to build a new home. After all, Kali encourages Eleven to hone her powers, and she also gives her her "bitchin'" makeover. However, her vengeful quest is at odds with Eleven's desire to help her friends, and by the episode's end, Eleven chooses to return to her real "home" in Hawkins. The last viewers see of Kali is her and her crew driving away from the police during a massive shootout.

How does Eight/Kali wind up in Stranger Things Season 5? Linnea Berthelsen in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Kali shows up at the very end of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1. For much of the seasons's first four episodes, Eleven and Hopper navigate the Upside Down in the hopes of finding and killing Vecna. They believe he's in Dr. Kay's Upside Down lab, as they learn that the military is keeping someone with psychic powers down there.

Turns out that person isn't Vecna, though. It's Kali, once again trapped in the experiments she fought so hard to escape as a child.

That's all we get of Kali in Volume 1, but of course, her arrival raises boatloads of questions. What is the military doing to her, and what is the contraption they've stuck her in? How did Kali wind up here in the first place? Did the police catch her after the chase scene at the end of "The Lost Sister"?

Can Stranger Things Season 5 redeem the show's most-hated episode? Linnea Berthelsen and Millie Bobby Brown in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

Stranger Things' writers have been hinting at Kali's return since 2023. On July 7, 2023, the writers' room Twitter account posted, "I do think season 2 is consistently underrated. Highly recommend a rewatch before season 5..."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Meanwhile, in a 2025 interview with Variety, series co-creator Ross Duffer said that when viewers watch all five seasons straight through, "It doesn’t feel like we dropped a storyline — it all connects."

The mention of "dropped" storylines strongly implied the return of Kali, as she and her gang haven't returned since Season 2. However, there's a simple reason why Stranger Things abandoned that storyline in the first place. People just didn't like it.

"The Lost Sister" has the lowest IMDb rating of every Stranger Things episode, currently sitting at 6.1 out of 10, with 35,000 reviews. (For reference, the second-lowest rated episode, Season 3 premiere "Suzie, Do You Copy?," has a 7.8, with 27,000 reviews.) That dislike makes sense: The episode represents a huge deviation from the Stranger Things formula. "The Lost Sister" removes viewers from Hawkins for the first time, introduces an entirely new cast of characters, and takes on a much grittier tone. For viewers binge-watching Season 2, it's a shock to the system and a break in the season's momentum, even if it does give them more time with Eleven.

SEE ALSO: 11 burning questions we have for 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Volume 2

That's not to say "The Lost Sister" is a complete failure. It's a big stylistic swing and although it didn't quite pay off, it's still at least interesting to watch a show try something bold and new. Plus, it was the first example of Stranger Things scaling up beyond Hawkins, laying the groundwork for the Soviet Union and California plotlines of Season 4. As maligned as it is, the episode is still a key part of Stranger Things' growing pains, even as the show has psychically shoved it under the rug since Season 2.

However, the return of Kali in Season 5 could give Stranger Things the chance to redeem its most infamous episode, offering up further sisterhood and closure between Kali and Eleven. That Hopper — one of the people Eleven left Chicago to save — is with the two of them creates an extra layer of tension. Will Kali see him as just another person trying to use Eleven for her powers? Or will she recognize the caring family dynamic between the two?

There is another worrying option here, though. Stranger Things loves nothing more than to craft interesting side characters, then use them as cannon fodder to up the stakes and body counts of each season without sacrificing members of the main party. We've seen it with Eddie, Bob (Sean Astin), and Barb (Shannon Purser), to name a few. Could Kali be the next in a long line of dead Stranger Things side characters?

Ideally not, since the idea of death equalling solid closure for a storyline is a lazy one. Instead, let's hope that Stranger Things can pull off an impressive magic trick in its last four episodes and turn a much-hated entry in its canon into one that viewers could revisit and appreciate in the coming years.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31, both at 8 p.m. ET.

Some TV shows just own certain songs, delivering unforgettable needle drops that you can't hear without thinking of the show itself.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 5 review: I'm already exhausted, but can't wait for more

For example, long before it became a TikTok meme thanks to 2022's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Cass Elliot's "Make Your Own Kind of Music" was inextricable from Lost. Elsewhere, Black Mirror's "San Junipero" is forever associated with Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven Is a Place on Earth," while The Last of Us made heartbreaking use of Linda Ronstadt's "Long Long Time."

Over its five-season run, Stranger Things has similarly taken honorary ownership of several songs. The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" proved a memorable bonding moment for Jonathan and Will Byers (Charlie Heaton and Noah Schnapp). Metallica's "Master of Puppets" became Eddie Munson's (Joseph Quinn) anthem, so much so that Quinn actually jammed out with Metallica himself. And of course, Stranger Things Season 4 sent Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" back to the top of the charts, over 35 years after its initial release.

In Season 5, though, Stranger Things tries to take hold of a song that another Netflix show owns so thoroughly and completely, I'm shocked any other series would try to use it. I'm talking, of course, about Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now," which, let's be real, belongs to The Umbrella Academy.

The song appears in The Umbrella Academy's first-ever episode, when the Hargreeves siblings, fresh off their father's death, dance along to it by themselves in their mansion. It's the first image that pops into my head when I think of the show: the massive cross-section of the Umbrella Academy, with each of the Hargreeves letting loose in their own section of the house. It's freeing, fun, and the perfect setup for The Umbrella Academy's offbeat tone (and killer soundtrack). Yet I fear Stranger Things tries to copy its magic in Season 5, episode 3.

SEE ALSO: 11 burning questions we have for 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Volume 2

Stranger Things' take on "I Think We're Alone Now" comes after Henry Creel/Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) steals Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) away to a memory of the Creel House. Here, he gifts her pancake breakfasts, cute dresses, and a Tiffany cassette tape that plays — what else? — "I Think We're Alone Now." Cue a montage where Holly bakes herself a cake, tries on several outfits, and dances through Creel House.

Yes, the montage is undeniably adorable, but it's also eerily reminiscent of the scene from The Umbrella Academy. Huge mansion? Check. Solo dance sequence? Check. The sweet, sweet sounds of Tiffany? Check. All on a big Netflix genre show? Check.

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The similarities are downright blatant, to the point that I wondered if this was a bizarre Umbrella Academy homage meant to create synergy between two major Netflix IPs. After all, Stranger Things loves an homage... but mostly to '80s nostalgia, not to a 21st-century show that just ended.

Here's the thing: Just because The Umbrella Academy deployed "I Think We're Alone Now" to perfection doesn't mean it should be off the table for other shows to use in their own soundtrack. Netflix's own Sex Education used The Rubinoos' version of the song in its sex-fueled Season 3 opening. An "epic" version by Hidden Citizens made a memorable appearance in Paradise. Tiffany's version also found its way into Yellowjackets Season 3, for a lovey-dovey montage that ends with a very abrupt death.

Each of these use cases recontextualizes "I Think We're Alone Now," often bringing in new covers. (Tiffany's recording is itself a cover of the original by Tommy James & The Shondells.) Contrast that with Stranger Things, which makes the exact same use of the song as The Umbrella Academy.

Look, none of this is the end of the world. It's just one needle drop! Yet for a show that has often featured some fun, inventive soundtrack choices — including an inspired use of Diana Ross' "Upside Down," whose title alone makes its pairing with Stranger Things inevitable — this one fell oddly flat. Maybe it's time to leave onscreen solo dance parties set to "I Think We're Alone Now" truly alone.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31, both at 8 p.m. ET.

Some days, it feels like there are too many streaming services and too many options. How can you possibly choose what movie to watch next?

For those of you who have Peacock (and why wouldn't you? Their TV offerings are stacked!), we're here to help. We’ve combed through the streaming service's catalog to bring you the funniest comedies, the most moving dramas, the most suspenseful thrillers, and the all-around best movies for your viewing pleasure. All you need to bring is the popcorn! (NB: These links work best if you're already logged in to your Peacock account.)

15. Krampus Credit: Universal / Legendary / Kobal / Shutterstock

An underrated treasure of holiday horror is Michael Dougherty's festive follow-up to Trick 'r Treat, Krampus. As teased by the title. this creature feature focuses on a family terrorized by St. Nick's less generous counterpart, who delivers punishments instead of presents. So, when one modern family loses sight of the purpose for the Christmas holiday, Krampus and a cavalcade of menacing minions come calling for attacks that are ghoulish and sometimes hilarious. We're talking killer toys, stabby gingerbread men, and ominous snowmen.

This kooky killer concept paired with a sensational cast that boasts Hereditary's Toni Collette and The Monkey's Adam Scott is sure alternately warm you heart and give you chills. 'Tis the season.* — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Krampus is now streaming on Peacock.

14. Fast & Furious franchise

Universal is the proud owner of the Fast & Furious franchise, so during any given month on Peacock you'll be able to watch at least one of the 10 movies in this indelible saga of cars going fast and sometimes blowing up. Each film is technically different; the earlier entries focus more on illegal street racing, while the later pictures expand their range to include heists, spy rings, cyber terrorists, hidden nuclear arsenals, and more. However, they all orbit around a central theme: "There's a problem, and only this motley crew of street racers can solve it." And honestly, there's not much more you need to know! 

These movies are high-action, low-substance in the best possible way. They're fun, they're truly ridiculous, and they know it. And last but not least, the car stunts are absolutely insane. Celebrities love being in these movies, from Vin Diesel to Idris Elba to Dame Helen Mirren, and people love watching them. It's a no-brainer. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Fast & Furious is now streaming on Peacock.

13. Girls Trip Credit: Michele K Short / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

2017’s raunchy comedy about a group of friends traveling to New Orleans for the Essence Festival made Tiffany Haddish a household name. And once you watch the scene of her zip-lining above a partying crowd on Bourbon Street, you’ll know why. Written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, Girls Trip is boisterous, outrageous, and ridiculously lovable. The jubilant ensemble, which features Haddish, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah, is clearly having so much fun celebrating female debauchery, it’s hard not to be on board with Girls Trip.* — K.G.

How to watch: Girls Trip is now streaming on Peacock.

12. Point Break Credit: Richard Foreman / 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

Point Break is an iconic '90s movie in which Keanu Reeves plays rookie FBI agent Johnny Utah, who has to — and we're not kidding here — infiltrate an L.A. "surf gang" suspected of robbing banks. Very little in this movie makes any sense (the large reason Utah is assigned the undercover role is because he used to play football in college?), which is exactly why it's so dang wonderful. You've got Patrick Swayze as the enigmatic leader of a surfing cult, Gary Busey as Reeves' gruff veteran partner, and again, Keanu Reeves plays a former college football star named Johnny Utah who has to learn to surf as a matter of life and death. Point Break is ludicrous, magnificent, and fantastically, perfectly '90s. Vaya con dios, baby. — K.G.

How to watch: Point Break is now streaming on Peacock.

11. The Phoenician Scheme Credit: TPS Productions / Focus Features

Wes Anderson reunites with The French Dispatch's Benicio del Toro for a father-daughter story unlike any you've seen before. Tapping into some elements of espionage thriller — spies! explosions! international intrigue! poisonous gas! — Anderson and company unfurl the story of manipulative and massively wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (del Toro) and his daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton).

The subject of a U.S. government investigation and a flurry of assassination attempts, Korda decides to reach out to his estranged daughter, who is training to become a nun. He wants her to be his heir and aid in his "Phoenician Scheme." But her faith and his dastardly dealings quickly lead to conflict. Along their journey, they'll meet an array of colorful characters, allowing Anderson to fold in familiar faces from his recurring collaborators, as well as Michael Cera, who — as I wrote in my review — was born to be in a Wes Anderson movie.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Phoenician Scheme is now streaming on Peacock.

10. The Northman Credit: Focus Features

Written and directed by Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse), The Northman is a dark, suspenseful retelling of a Scandinavian myth that also happens to have been the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Alexander Skarsgård is Amleth, a young prince who swears revenge after his uncle murders his father and marries his mother. Years later, now a berserker Viking, Amleth has an encounter with a seer that convinces him the time to collect on that childhood promise is nigh. 

The Northman is a tense, atmospheric, and brutal historical thriller, told as if it were a story recounted around a medieval Scandinavian fire, grounded in an ancient point of view. This visually stunning but bloody revenge saga also stars Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Gustav Lindh, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Björk, obviously.* — K.G.

How to watch: The Northman is now streaming on Peacock.

9. Ip Man Credit: Dreams Salon Culture / Pegasus Motion / Kobal / Shutterstock

Ip Man is an exciting martial arts biopic about the extraordinary life of the Wing Chun grandmaster who was Bruce Lee's teacher. The film tracks Ip Man's journey from the Southern Chinese village where he was well known as a skilled martial artist to his family's displacement during the Japanese occupation of the Second Sino-Japanese War, his eventual rise as a fighter, and his establishment of a school in Hong Kong.

Starring the skillful Donnie Yen, Ip Man doesn't skimp on character development; it's an electrifying rumination on philosophy, power, and honor in addition to its stunning action. Ip Man is a deeply influential film in the martial arts genre and, to everyone's delight, has inspired three equally stirring sequels, all of which are available on Peacock. — K.G.

How to watch: Ip Man is now streaming on Peacock.

8. Honey Don't! Credit: Karen Kuehn / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

From Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, the dynamic duo that brought us Drive-Away Dolls, comes Honey Don't!, a crackling crime comedy about a small-town detective on a curious case involving a mysterious church. The Substance star Margaret Qualley headlines as private eye Honey O’Donahue.

In my review for Mashable, I cheered Coen and Cooke's sexy and silly crime comedy, writing, "Honey Don't! pulls from film noir inspirations, as do several previous Coen Bros movies… and hundreds of other movies before that. But this crusty California setting gives fresh air to tropes like the femme fatale or the double cross. Where Drive-Away Dolls dug into the rich Americana and queer culture to be found in road trip attractions and lesbian bars, Honey Don't! embraces a less-familiar clutch of gnarly characters, sunbaked and deranged."* — K.P.

How to watch: Honey Don't! is now streaming on Peacock.

7. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy Credit: Jay Maidment / Universal Pictures

Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant all return for the fourth installment of the funny and romantic film series based on Helen Fielding's novels. But in case you've not been keeping up with your reading, brace yourself. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is set after the tragic death of Bridget's beloved Mr. Darcy.

As I recounted in my review for Mashable, her latest romp has her coping with grief while falling into another love triangle. It's a lot to process! Thus, I concluded, "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the best sequel of the batch. It's joyful, seeded with Easter eggs, and radiant with Zellweger back in full effect, but it's also a tearjerker that might well knock the wind out of you."* — K.P.

How to watch: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is now streaming on Peacock.

6. City of Angels 

Cue Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris," because I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'll understand. Yeah. This 1998 romance has a rotten rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but if loving a movie where Nic Cage plays an angel who falls in love with Meg Ryan is wrong, I don't want to be right. 

Loosely based on Wim Wenders' 1987 film Wings of Desire, this Los Angeles-set romantic fantasy follows an angel (Cage) who falls so hard for a human surgeon (Ryan) that he gives up his wings and immortality to be with her. But — without getting into spoilers — there's trouble ahead. If you're looking for something sexy, bittersweet, and deeply '90s, you'll find the pleasure in City of Angels. — K.P. 

How to watch: City of Angels is now streaming on Peacock.

5. Paddington

Inspired by Michael Bond's beloved children's books, Paddington is a critically heralded romp that blends a crackerjack live-action cast (Hugh Bonneville! Sally Hawkins! Julie Walters! Peter Capaldi!) with an adorable CGI bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who wears a blue coat and cherishes marmalade. And it's an absolute joy. 

SEE ALSO: 'Paddington' is a truly comforting watch if you’ve ever moved cities

Traveling from the jungles of Peru to London, the titular bear is reluctantly taken in by the Brown family. But as cultures collide, Paddington's freedom — indeed, his very life! — are threatened by an overzealous taxidermist (a gamely over-the-top Nicole Kidman) ruthlessly determined to make him her next specimen! Full of whimsy, wit, and warmth, Paddington is a jolly delight that demands rewatching — K.P. 

How to watch: Paddington is now streaming on Peacock.

4. The Croods 

Craving a coming-of-age story that's as funny as it is wild? You'll love The Croods. 

This too easily forgotten DreamWorks adventure centers on the eponymous family of cave people, who have to go to extreme lengths to survive in a hostile prehistoric environment. Father of three, Grug (voiced by Nic Cage) is determined to keep his family safe by being as cautious as possible, avoiding new experiences, risks, and strangers. But for his headstrong daughter Eep (Emma Stone), the world is wide and full of exciting possibilities begging to be explored. So when she crosses paths with an intriguing nomad named Guy (Ryan Reynolds), the father-daughter bond will be tested as cultures clash and the Croods find a whole new realm, whether they like it or not. 

Colorful, comedic, and tons of fun, The Croods is a terrific watch for the whole family. — K.P. 

How to watch: The Croods is now streaming on Peacock.

3. Men in Black Credit: Andy Schwartz / Columbia / Kobal / Shutterstock

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones have unmatched chemistry as Agent J and Agent K, two members of a secret government agency that has been covering up the presences of aliens on planet earth for decades — the Men in Black.

1997’s Men in Black was an unparalleled smash hit, inspiring two sequels, a spin-off, and of course, a catchy theme song from Smith (Here come the men in black! They won’t let you rememberrrrrrr!). Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (Addams Family Values, Get Shorty), written by Ed Solomon (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Now You See Me), and adapted from a Marvel comic (it all comes back to Marvel!), Men in Black hits just as hard as it did almost 30 years ago. It’s funny, it’s energetic, and it features some of the best pile-of-cockroaches-pretending-to-be-a-human acting you’ve ever seen. — K.G.

How to watch: Men in Black is now streaming on Peacock.

2. The Frighteners

When people think of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, they think of the director's and writer's wildly popular and celebrated Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. But before they were plumbing the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, these New Zealand filmmakers delivered this devilishly entertaining horror comedy about a con man/clairvoyant who must face off against a supernatural serial killer. 

Michael J. Fox stars as Frank Bannister, a disgraced architect who scrapes by as a sketchy ghost-buster in a small town riddled with spirits and dark secrets. His assistants in this bizarre business are a trio of goofy ghosts (Chi McBride, Jim Fyfe, and John Astin) who basically haunt for a living, so Frank can "scare" them off. But things change for Frank when he realizes a sinister spirit is actually targeting the living with deadly accuracy. To save the day — or more specifically, his love interest (Trini Alvarado) — Frank will need to face death and his own past. A genuinely creepy, deeply silly, and gleefully gross movie, The Frighteners is unhinged entertainment that will keep you on your toes. — K.P. 

How to watch: The Frighteners is now streaming on Peacock. 

1. Harry Potter (the entire series!)

And now the franchise that needs no introduction: Harry Potter. The original eight-movie series starts as a charming coming-of-age tale about a boy wizard learning about magic and ends as a serious and emotional allegory about fighting fascism and the lengths we will go to protect the people we love. J.K. Rowling notwithstanding, Harry Potter is our hero, Ron Weasley our goofy best friend, and Hermione our actual hero, because duh.

The quality of the movies vary based on the different directors at the helm and the age of the young leads, but the strength of the source material — paired with the prodigious gifts of the many, many storied British actors who fill out the sparkling supporting cast — assure a satisfying watch. Most agree that the final two movies, each covering half of the last book in the series, are the most enthralling in the group — but you'll have to watch them all to get what’s going on. So, you might as well start with number one, The Sorcerer's Stone, and go from there. Poor you! You're about to have a really great time! — K.G.

How to watch: Harry Potter is now streaming on Peacock.

(*) denotes writeup came from a previous Mashable list.

Opens in a new window Credit: Courtesy of Peacock Peacock   Get Deal

UPDATE: Nov. 21, 2025, 5:18 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect Peacock's current streaming selection.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are beyond overwhelming. The biggest shopping holidays of the year feature so many products, categories, and retailers that it can be tough to keep track. Since Black Friday is no longer a single day, but an entire season, it's prime time for us to bestow a little advice on how to shop it successfully.

You don't want to get out over your skis and buy everything in sight, but if there's a good deal on something you need, you don't want to miss that either. It helps to know what to buy and what to avoid. Mashable has a hub for Black Friday coverage that can give you more in-depth analysis of every shopping category you can imagine, but here are a few quick tips on things to buy and things to avoid as you navigate Cyber Week.

Top 10 deals we've already seen for Black Friday 2025

1. Apple AirPods 4 — $69 $129 (save $60)

2. HBO Max (with ads) — $2.99/month for 12 months $10.99/month (save $8/month)

3. Amazon Kindle — $79.99 $109.99 (save $30)

4. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $9.99 $39.99 (save $30 with code STREAM4K)

5. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones — $248 $399.99 (save $151.99 + get $30 Amazon credit)

6. Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $349 $799 (save $450)

7. Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $749 $999 (save $150)

8. PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Console (1TB) — $449 $489 (save $40)

9. TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $899.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,600)

10. Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV — $897.99 $1,197.99 (save $300)

Best things to buy on Black Friday

Mashable has lots of recommendations on everything from streaming services to Apple products to TVs, but Cyber Week is a great time to buy things you already planned on buying at some point. Don't spend big just because it is on sale — buy something you need and get it cheaper than the retail price. Here are the top categories to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

SEE ALSO: What time Black Friday sales start for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy 1. Apple products

Buying the fruit company's flagship tech during Black Friday is a major hack. If you're already planning on buying some of the most notoriously expensive tech on the market, why not buy it at a discount? You'll find the best selection of Apple deals at Amazon. In the days leading up to Black Friday, almost all of the latest AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks were sitting at record-low prices there. Competitors like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target were matching some, but not all, of its offers.

2. TVs

Since the early days of Black Friday, when shoppers would line up at 3 a.m. and get in fist fights, TV deals have dominated Black Friday. It's the best time of year to buy a TV, hands down. So far in 2025, every single TV in Mashable's list of the best 65-inch TVs is already at a record-low sale price. Heads up: these deals do tend to sell out quickly, though.

3. Streaming services

Black Friday is the only time of year that we see widespread discounts on streaming services. This year, most of the heavy hitters have already thrown their hats in the ring — including HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+. The best we've seen so far is HBO Max offering its ad-supported tier for $2.99 per month for an entire year.

4. Amazon devices

It's no secret that the biggest discounts of Prime Day are usually on Amazon's own devices, but somehow Amazon tends to one-up itself on certain gadgets on Black Friday. Whether you're working on building out your smart home or you're finally ready to pull the trigger on a new e-reader, expect record-low pricing on Echo devices, Kindles, Fire TVs, and more. Just stay away from Ring cameras (more on that below).

5. Kitchen gear

Kitchen appliances, cookware, and bakeware all tend to see widespread deals on Black Friday. From air fryers to Instant Pots to Mashable's favorite Ninja appliances, you'll likely find some all-time low prices this season. If you've been eyeing that Ninja Slushi, now's the time to grab it. It's $100 off at most of the major retailers, which drops it to a best-ever $269.99.

6. Headphones and speakers

Mashable's favorite brands of headphones and speakers drop to their lowest prices of the year during Black Friday season — and this year is no different. You can find all of Mashable's top picks for both headphones and speakers, from brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and Beats, on sale for record-low prices before Black Friday proper even arrives. Of note: the AirPods 4 are only $69 (reg. $129), and the Sony WH-1000XM5s (our former top pick) are down to a new low of $248 and come with a $30 Amazon credit. In the speaker department, the JBL Charge 6 (our favorite Bluetooth speaker) is chilling at a new low of $129.95.

7. Smartwatches

In addition to sweet Apple Watch deals, you can bet that Cyber Week will bring steep discounts on Fitbits, Garmin smartwatches, and Samsung Galaxy watches. Already, we've seen early deals from Apple and Samsung, in particular.

8. Gaming deals

Upgrading your gaming console, laptop, monitor, or even buying new games feels like a drag — when you're doing it at full price, that is. Luckily, during Black Friday season, you can catch markdowns on both. So far this year, we've seen pretty epic early deals on gaming monitors, gaming laptops, and even the PlayStation 5 Slim. If there's a gaming-related purchase you need to make, Black Friday is the time to do it for less.

9. Toys

As the official holiday season kickoff, it only makes sense that all the hottest toys of the year — including Lego — drop down to all-time low prices for Black Friday. If there's a specific toy on your shopping list for the holidays, you'll likely be able to score it at its best price of the year. But as one of the hottest items to snag during Cyber Week, toys also tend to sell out quick.

Things to avoid on Black Friday

While Black Friday might have some great deals, there are some things to look out for. Here are a few quick tips on what to avoid on Black Friday.

1. Third-party sellers

In general, you can trust things sold and shipped by Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. However, all three of these retailers also allow third-party listings, which will often have outrageously low prices on high-demand items. While some of these sellers are genuine, others tend to be less reliable, and you run the risk of buying counterfeit products. If a deal from a third-party seller seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Ring doorbells and cameras

The steep discounts on Ring cameras and bundles might be tempting, but we don't recommend anything from Ring due to privacy concerns. Not only are they easily hackable, but Ring is also notorious for giving people's info away without their consent. There are plenty of home security deals from other brands on Black Friday, and if you need a little guidance on the good ones, check out our guide to the best home security cameras.

3. Anything you don't need

As we mentioned before, it's best to use Black Friday as a way to get something you need at a good discount. What's not as advisable is buying things just because. Something you don't need or won't use is still something you don't need or won't use, no matter how great the price is.

The best Black Friday drone deals at a glance: Best DJI drone deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 (save $80) Get Deal Best Holy Stone drone deal Holy Stone HS720G Drone Bundle $191.99 (save $166) Get Deal

Drones have been all over the news lately, mainly due of DJI. While it's not official yet, it's possible that DJI drones will face a ban come December. Yes, December as in just a few weeks away. That means shopping Black Friday sales could be your last chance to snag a DJI drone, for a while at least.

Of course, this is 2025, and nothing is unexpected, so the buzz of a DJI ban could get swept off the table in an instant. But to be sure, consider this a great time to buy a new DJI drone, or any drone, for that matter.

Check back here as we continue to update this article throughout the Black Friday sale period. Keep in mind that if you're going with a DJI model, you might have to buy from a third-party seller. We've only included third-party sellers with positive reviews over the last year.

Best Black Friday DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the DJI Mini 4K Drone is great for both beginners and expert drone fliers. Plus, it weighs less than 249 grams, which is the threshold for not needing a license in most locations to fly the drone. Other nice features of the DJI Mini 4K are the one-touch takeoff and landing function, in addition to the "return-to-home" command. Today's deal on the bundle gives you two batteries for up to 62 minutes of flight time. According to our favorite Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest Amazon has ever offered for this bundle.

More Black Friday DJI drone deals

• DJI Flip Two Battery Combo — $309 $389 (save $80)

• DJI Flip (RC 2 with Fly More Combo) — $639 $779 (save $140, backordered)

• DJI Avata 2 FPV Drone (Goggles N3 and 3-Battery Fly More Combo) — $789 $929 (save $140, preorder)

• DJI Avata 2 FPV Drone (Goggles 3 and 3-Battery Fly More Combo) — $1,329 $1,369 (save $40)

Best Black Friday Holy Stone drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS720G Drone Bundle $191.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $8   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not in the market for a DJI drone, Holy Stone is one of the biggest competitors. Thanks to this Black Friday Amazon sale and an on-page coupon, the Holy Stone HS720G Drone Bundle is on sale for just $191.99 instead of the list price of $357.99. The bundle includes two batteries, so you'll be good for a 52-minute flight with a 4K EIS camera. When you're done flying, fold it up and store it in the convenient carrying case.

More Black Friday drone deals

• Holy Stone Mini Drone — $33.99 $39.99 (save $6)

• Holy Stone HS15D Drone — $199.49 $269.99 (save $70.50)

• HOVERAir X1 Combo — $237.99 $299.99 (save $62)

The best Black Friday DJI deals at a glance: Best mic deal DJI Mic Mini $79 (save $90) Get Deal Best drone deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 (save $80) Get Deal Best pocket camera deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $529 (save $270) Get Deal

When Black Friday rolls around each year, I always keep my eye out for significant discounts on premium tech. Black Friday may not officially begin until Nov. 28, but since the start of the month, we've been seeing a wide range of early-access deals on big brands like DJI. If you're looking for premium, DJI is a good place to start.

DJI features heavily in Black Friday sales, especially with the sale just a few days away. So far, I spotted discounts on the DJI Mic Mini, the DJI Osmo 360 camera, and the DJI Air 3 drone, just to name a few popular products. As Mashable has reported, a total ban on DJI drones in the United States could be implemented by the end of the year. With that uncertainty floating in the air, heavy discounts on DJI are needed now more than ever.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the looming DJI drone ban in the United States

I've tracked down seven DJI deals that have caught my eye for Black Friday. Check out my top picks below:

Editor's note: Currently, many DJI products are unavailable in the United States through official retailers, which is why we've included deals from third-party sellers at Amazon.

DJI Mic Mini

The DJI Mic Mini is a product that Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, considers to be among the best Black Friday tech deals available right now. This wireless mic, which is a huge hit with content creators, has a helpful magnetic attachment that can be clipped onto a shirt. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard also tested out the mic, and determined, "If you need any degree of portability with your mic setup, the DJI Mic Mini offers a lot of versatility, and for a great value. That makes it a solid option for making vlogs and TikToks, and for anyone who feels less than confident with their tech skills — once I plugged the receiver into my phone, the mics connected easily and started working with the camera app automatically."

This particular offer comes as a bundle which includes two DJI Mic Mini TX, one RX, and a charging case with a few other accessories. The charging case offers up to 48 hours of battery life to keep you going for a couple of days without a recharge.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$169 Save $90   Get Deal DJI Osmo 360 Camera

If you're a content creator looking to add an action camera to your setup, this discount on the DJI Osmo 360 is well worth a look. Whether you're capturing footage during the day or night, it can support 8K/30fps videos for up to 100 minutes and offers plenty of space to hold everything (105GB of built-in storage, to be exact). Plus, it launched just earlier this summer, making this nearly $200 markdown especially impressive. (It's also out of stock on DJI's website.)

It even has a waterproof and cold-resistant design that's built to handle a variety of elements, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged on shoot. This bundle comes with the Osmo 360 camera, an Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh), a protective pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, a USB-C to USB-C PD cable, and a rubber lens protector.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 Camera Standard Combo $357.49 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $192.50   Get Deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo

Drone deals are something the Mashable team is keeping a close eye on over Black Friday, and DJI is no exception. One of the best we spotted so far is on the DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo.

Mashable's team had hoped to see the Mini 4K drone go on sale, and while it did briefly drop down to $239, it has since gone back up to $299. However, if you're able to invest a bit more, the combo set is $80 off for Prime members, and comes with a shoulder bag, two batteries, and a propeller holder, making it more convenient to take on the go (and giving you an additional 31 minutes of battery life over the non-combo version). You'll also get access to the same 4K video and three-axis gimbal stabilization you would on the cheaper drone.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal DJI Osmo Action 4

If you're looking for a cheaper action camera than the one listed above, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is also on sale right now at Amazon. It features a 155-degree FOV that supports up to 4K/60fps video recording and also features a durable build that's waterproof up to 18 meters and can handle cooler temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). No matter where you decide to take it, this little camera is ready for the adventure.

This Standard Combo will set you up with the DJI Osmo Action 4, a battery, a quick-release adapter mount, a horizontal-vertical protective frame, a curved adhesive base, an Osmo locking screw, a Type-C to Type-C PD cable, a lens hood, an anti-slip pad, and a DJI logo sticker.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo $209 at Amazon
$299 Save $90   Get Deal DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station

A good portable power station can go a long way, and this is one of our favorites. We consider the DJI Power 2000 to be the best portable power station for content creators, as it "proved its worth as a multi-tasker, charging up a phone and camera battery and cooking dinner in the air fryer at the same time." It is currently sporting a nice coupon on Amazon, so you can save during Black Friday.

It's normally listed for $1,299, but this Black Friday deal shaves its price nearly in half, bringing it down to $699 (which amounts to a 47% discount). If you're a content creator or someone looking to have backup power at home or on the go, this powerhouse is a worthy pickup with its 15 ports and expansion up to 22.5kWh.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station $699 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600   Get Deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3

For content creators shopping around over Black Friday, this is another camera deal to check out before the main event. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera features a one-inch CMOS sensor that can record up to 4K resolution videos at 120fps. It even features a touchscreen that can be rotated so you can choose to shoot horizontally or vertically.

There's a lot in this bundle to get you started. The camera comes with a protective cover, wrist strap, a handle with a 1/4-inch thread, and a Type-C to Type-C PD cable.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera $529.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $269.01   Get Deal DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer

If you're filming frequently, it's important to keep the camera you're using steady as you capture. The DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer can help with that, and it's currently discounted at Amazon for Black Friday. This stabilizer can support mirrorless cameras, vlog cameras, and phones up to 2kg/4.4lbs. It also comes with everything you need to get started, including the DJI RS 4 Mini gimbal, a tripod, a quick-release plate, an L-shaped multi-camera control cable, a USB-C charging cable, and a screw kit.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer $305 at Amazon
$369 Save $64   Get Deal

A quick look at the best Black Friday Lego deals: Best Amazon Lego deal Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 (save $17.02) Get Deal Best Target Lego deal Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set 66809 $41.99 (save $18) Get Deal Best Walmart Lego deal Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table 21265 $40 (save $49.99) Get Deal Best Lego Direct deal Lego Trotting Lantern 80116 $77.99 (save $52) Get Deal Best Best Buy Lego deal Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda Figures Fantasy Playset 75682 $46.74 (save $8.25) Get Deal

Black Friday wouldn't be Black Friday without deals on toys, and Legos on sale are an absolutely crucial building block of Black Friday toy deals. 2025 has already seen such a strong wave of Black Friday Lego deals, and you might break a sweat trying to keep tabs on which retailers have which set — unless you're reading Mashable's daily curated list of the best Lego deals from across the internet.

Lego sets we've seen on sale so far include coveted Lego Star Wars (including sets retiring soon), Minecraft, Wicked, and more, almost all at record-low pricing. If the fleeting early Lego deals that dropped last week are any indication, popular Lego deals don't stick around for long. If one catches your eye, grab it while it's still available.

SEE ALSO: What is camelcamelcamel? Just our secret weapon for finding the lowest prices on Amazon.

We've gathered the very best Black Friday Lego deals spotted at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Lego website live as of Nov. 25.We'll keep this page updated with everything that drops (or sells out) throughout Cyber Monday.

Best Amazon Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $17.02   Get Deal Why we like it

The adorable Grogu with Hover Pram set is expectedly sold out after an incredible 50% discount. But that was hardly Amazon's only good Lego Star Wars deal. It's not nearly as massive as the $849.99 Millenium Falcon you can buy, but this sick Millennium Falcon midi scale set is still unquestionably display worthy. It's a special edition that celebrates the 25th anniversary of "A New Hope," exhibited by a special plaque that sits on the display stand.

More Amazon Lego deals Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 $50.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T Rex Skull 76964 $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table Set 21265 $71.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $18   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 $39.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat Building Sets for Adults 21349 $80 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 $135.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $34   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House 43217 $37.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece 10314 $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal Best Lego direct deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Trotting Lantern 80116 $77.99 at Lego
$129.99 Save $52.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Super detailed Lego sets are some of the most fun. The fan favorite Trotting Lantern set looks like true decor when it's built and lit up with the Lego light brick, and can be customized with two alternative silhouette windows. Open it up to see three separate rooms inside, including a shadow theater and traditional new year food stalls.

Lego's official Black Friday sale starts on Black Friday itself (Nov. 28). We're anticipating deals on some mega popular sets (like Star Wars ships that rarely see discounts). Plus, spending at least $65 will unlock a free Lego set that can't be purchased separately: Spend $65 to get the Lego Card Game Set, spend $170 to get the Lego Hot Chocolate Stand, or spend $250 to get the Lego Mini Knight's Castle. Make sure you're a Lego Insiders member (it's free!) to get access to any exclusive promos and redeemable loyalty points.

Note: We previously named the Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff and Sarlacc Pit set our favorite Lego website deal. It sold out there, but Macy's still has it in stock at the same $63.99 sale price.

More Lego direct deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Duplo Ariel's Magical Underwater Palace $47.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $32.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wednesday & Enid's Dorm Room $53.99 at Lego
$89.99 Save $36.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Cooper's Tiger Mech & Zero's Hot Rod Car $59.99 at Lego
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Castle Nocturnia $139.99 at Lego
$199.99 Save $60   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City F1 Garage & Mercedes-AMG & Alpine Cars $63.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Travel Moments $89.99 at Lego
$149.99 Save $60.00   Get Deal Best Target Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector's Set 66809 $41.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal Why we like it

This cute Target-exclusive Lego Botanicals duo is $6 cheaper than when we first saw it on sale on Nov. 18. Now, you'll get both the Lego Mini Orchid and the Lego Lucky Bamboo sets together for $41.99 (a 30% discount). They'd make a relaxing office or windowsill decoration for any plant lover.

Target's official Black Friday sale started on Nov. 23, and with it came several new Lego deals we hadn't seen the week prior. A few of our favorite early Black Friday Lego deals at Target sold out quickly, so if you see a must-have on sale, grab it now.

More Target Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT Driver Helmet Building Set for Adults 75429 $67.99 at Target
$84.99 Save $17   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog Gaming Gift and Sonic Playset 77000 $63.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars V-19 Torrent Starfighter 75432 $51.99 at Target
$64.99 Save $13.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Evolution of STEM 21355 $45.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $34.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Chomping Monster Book of Monsters 76449 $47.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonky and the Chocolate Factory 21360 $153.99 at Target
$219.99 Save $66   Get Deal Best Walmart Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table 21265 $40 at Walmart
$89.99 Save $49.99   Get Deal Why we like it

A best seller on the Lego website (but still full price on said Lego website), Walmart has the 15th anniversary Lego Minecraft Crafting Table for $40 — more than 50% off its usual $89.99. You don't need to punch any trees to get logs to build this crafting table. Minecrafters can hone a different type of building skill with this 1,195 piece set, which features five mini builds of 12 iconic Minecraft biomes inside the table itself.

Walmart dropped so many more great Lego deals for the kickoff of its Black Friday sale on Nov. 25. We've already watched on-sale Legos disappear at Walmart this month, so don't hesitate if you find a good price on a set you like.

More Walmart Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Interactive Mario & Standard Kart 72043 $43.99 at Walmart
$54.99 Save $11   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Friends Explore Outdoors 66806 $25 at Walmart
$44.98 Save $19.98   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet 10313 $47.95 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Santa's Sleigh 40499 $25 at Walmart
$42.95 Save $17.95   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer 75356 $40
$69.99 Save $29.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Glinda & Elphaba's Dormitory 75683 $48.97
$69.99 Save $21.02   Get Deal Best Best Buy Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda Figures Fantasy Playset 75682 $8.25
$46.74 Save $38.49   Get Deal Why we like it

Are you shopping for someone whose favorite song has been Defying Gravity for the past year? Fans of any age will be psyched to display these adorable sparkly-eyed Glinda and Elphaba figurines on a shelf. Behind them, there's a window overlooking Oz.

Best Buy's Black Friday sale doesn't have as many good Lego deals as other retailers, but Best Buy will be dropping more deals daily.

More Best Buy Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortnite Peely Bone Collectible Kit for Adults 77072 $69.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda 75682 $46.74 at Best Buy
$54.99 Save $8.25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DREAMZzz Castle Nocturnia Building Toy 71486 $169.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna Model Race Car for Adults 10330 $67.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie´s House Video Game Toy 77050 $54.99 at Best Buy
$74.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DC Batman: Batman Construction Figure & the Bat-Pod Bike Action Toy 76273 $55.24 at Best Buy
$64.99 Save $9.75   Get Deal

Best Buy's best Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 (save $250) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $549.99 (save $450) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV $449.99 (save $450) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $159.99 (save $190) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal JBL Charge 6 $129.95 (save $70) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal Best gaming deal "Kingdom Come Deliverance II" (PS5) $39.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $148 (save $151.99) Get Deal Best kitchen deal De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine $149.95 (save $80) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Shark FlexStyle (Straight & Wavy Hair, Indigo Rush) $189.99 (save $90) Get Deal

Best Buy started offering Black Friday deals earlier than everyone else (on Halloween — scary!), but at this point in the season, it's hardly the only store in Black Friday mode. Most major retailers' holiday discounts are already live well ahead of Black Friday proper on Nov. 28, making the competition pretty ferocious.

After spending way too long combing through Best Buy's virtual shelves and cross-checking its prices, I can tell you that lots of its Black Friday deals are being one-upped elsewhere. Many big-screen 4K TVs, Beats headphones, Sony portable speakers, robot vacuums, and other gadgets carrying its "Black Friday deal" badge are anywhere from two cents to $84 cheaper at other retailers with overlapping inventories. Amazon is the biggest culprit, as per usual.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

That said, you'd be silly to ignore Best Buy completely this Black Friday. It's matching its rivals' prices on a ton of other in-demand products, including Apple MacBook Airs, JBL and Sony headphones, Garmin smartwatches, and De'Longhi espresso machines. It also carries a bunch of TVs and laptops that you won't find anywhere else, on sale or not, like TCL's cheapest mini-LED TVs and my favorite Windows ultraportable. (Amazon, Walmart, and Target can't beat its prices on stuff they don't stock to begin with.)

If nothing else, keep a lookout for Best Buy's holiday doorbusters, which typically involve its steepest discounts on popular tech — I'm talking 50% off or more. New ones go live every Friday through Christmas and only hang around until the following Sunday. Through Nov. 28, paid My Best Buy members get a $5 bonus reward for every $50 they spend on doorbusters.

Read on for my list of the very best Black Friday deals at Best Buy. Rest assured that I've only included products that aren't cheaper anywhere else.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Best Buy
$999 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Best Buy is selling an even cheaper 13-inch MacBook Air — a $649 M2 model — but the M4 version is a way better buy for only $100 more. It's 48 percent faster, supports two external displays with its lid open, and has a much nicer 12MP Center Stage webcam. I strongly recommend it for students, but also just anyone who wants a fast, portable Apple laptop. This is its lowest price ever, FYI.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM 512GB SSD) — $1,749 $1,999 (save $250)

AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $219.99 $249 (save $29.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $429.99 $549 (save $119.01)

Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) — $599 $799 (save $200)

Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $549.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $450   Get Deal Why we like it

The Zenbook A14 is an amazing ultraportable and the best MacBook Air alternative for Windows users, in my opinion. It's speedy enough for everyday tasks, offers nearly 22 hours of battery life per charge, and comes with a gorgeous OLED display — something you won't find on any MacBook (for now). It also has a lighter design and double the starting storage of a current-gen MacBook Air. Now $549.99 (or 45% off), it's never been cheaper.

More Windows laptop deals

• Asus Vivobook 14 (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $279.99 $529.99 (save $250)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $399.99 $629.99 (save $230)

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• Dell 16 Plus (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $749.99 $1,099.99 (save $350)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $749.99 $1,199.99 (save $450)

• Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $799.99 $1,299.99 (save $500)

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,349.99 (save $350)

• LG gram 17 (Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $999.99 $1,699.99 (save $700)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,499.99 (save $450)

2-in-1 laptop deals

• HP OmniBook X Flip 16 (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $429.99 $849.99 (save $420)

• Lenovo Yoga 7 16 (AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599.99 $949.99 (save $350)

• Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $629.99 $1,049.99 (save $420)

• Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $679.99 $1,099.99 (save $420)

Gaming laptop deals

• HP Victus 15 (AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $549.99 $899.99 (save $350)

• Lenovo LOQ 15 (Intel Core i5-13450HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $649.99 $1,099.99 (save $450)

• MSI Cyborg A15 AI (AMD Ryzen 7 260, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $999 $1,299 (save $300)

• HP Omen 16 (AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,149.99 $1,579.99 (save $430)

• Asus TUF Gaming A16 (AMD Ryzen 9 270, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,699.99 (save $500)

• HP Omen Transcend 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,199.99 $1,829.99 (save $630)

• Lenovo Legion Pro 5 16 (AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,659.99 (save $360)

• Alienware 16X Aurora (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,799.99 (save $500)

• Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (AMD Ryzen 9 270, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,799.99 (save $500)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499.99 $1,899.99 (save $400)

• Asus ROG Strix G16 (AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599.99 $1,999.99 (save $400)

• Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,179.99 $2,629.99 (save $450)

• MSI Stealth A16 AI+ (AMD Ryzen AI 9 365, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,199.99 $2,899.99 (save $700)

• HP Omen Max 16 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,599.99 $3,159.99 (save $560)

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV $449.99 at Best Buy
$899.99 Save $450   Get Deal Why we like it

QLED TVs with mini-LED backlighting are brighter and more detailed than regular QLED TVs (which are already a step up from your standard LED display). Mashable's Leah Stodart, our resident TV expert, recommends them for people who watch a lot of sports at night. Best Buy is the only place where you can buy TCL's entry-level QM5K Series 4K mini-LED TVs, and all models are at least half off right now. The 65-incher, our ideal size for most people, is only $449.99 (normally $899.99).

43-inch TV deals

• Toshiba 43-inch C350 Series 4K Fire TV — $129.99 $299.99 (save $170)

• TCL 43-inch F35 Series 4K Fire TV — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Hisense 43-inch QD6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130)

• LG 43-inch UA77 Series AI 4K TV — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)

50 and 55-inch TV deals

• Insignia 50-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130)

• TCL 50-inch Q5-Series 4K QLED Fire TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

• Hisense 50-inch QD6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

• TCL 50-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV — $279.99 $649.99 (save $370)

• TCL 55-inch F35-Series 4K Fire TV — $169.99 $329.99 (save $160)

• Hisense 55-inch QD6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $229.99 $379.99 (save $150)

• Roku 55-inch 4K Smart RokuTV — $249.99 $329.99 (save $80)

• LG 55-inch UA77 Series AI 4K TV — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• TCL 55-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED Smart TV — $329.99 $699.99 (save $370)

• Samsung 55-inch Q8F Series QLED 4K TV — $599.99 $749.99 (save $150)

• Hisense 55-inch S7 Series CanvasTV 4K QLED TV — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)

• Samsung 55-inch S90F Series OLED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,799.99 (save $600)

65-inch TV deals

• Hisense 65-inch A6 4K Fire TV — $269.99 $479.99 (save $210)

• Insignia 65-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $279.99 $449.99 (save $170)

• Insignia 65-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• LG 65-inch UA77 Series AI 4K TV — $379.99 $499.99 (save $120)

• LG 65-inch 70A Series QNED AI 4K TV — $449.99 $579.99 (save $130)

• Samsung 65-inch Q8F Series QLED 4K TV — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch S84F Series OLED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,100)

• Samsung 65-inch LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)

• Samsung 65-inch S90F Series OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,100)

70- and 75-inch TV deals

• Insignia 70-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Samsung 70-inch U7900 Series 4K TV — $399.99 $569.99 (save $170)

• Insignia 75-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $379.99 $529.99 (save $220)

• Hisense 75-inch QD6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $379.99 $699.99 (save $320)

• Toshiba 75-inch M550 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $399.99 $779.99 (save $380)

• Samsung 75-inch Q6F Series QLED 4K TV — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• TCL 75-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV — $599.99 $1,199.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 75-inch QN90F Series Neo QLED Mini LED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,200)

Deals on 77-inch TVs and bigger

• LG 77-inch B5 Series OLED AI 4K TV — $1,499.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,500)

• Samsung 77-inch S90F Series OLED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $3,499.99 (save $1,500)

• TCL 85-inch Q5K Series 4K QLED TV — $699.99 $1,199.99 (save $500)

• Samsung 85-inch U8000F Series 4K TV — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 85-inch QN90F Series Neo QLED Mini LED 4K TV — $2,299.99 $4,499.99 (save $2,200)

• TCL 98-inch Q55K Series 4K QLED TV — $999.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,500)

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $159.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

It's been several years since the WH-1000XM4s were Sony's flagship headphones, but we still think they're worth purchasing in 2025 — especially now that they're less than half the price of the newer XM5s and XM6s. Best Buy is selling them for just $159.99 (or 54% off) as one of its doorbusters for the weekend of Nov. 21 to 23, matching Amazon's pricing on a used pair. Paid My Best Buy members get $15 in bonus rewards for purchasing them.

More headphones deals

• JBL Tune 770NC — $79.95 $149.95 (save $70)

• Sony WH-CH720N Headphones — $88 $178 (save $90)

• JBL Live 770NC — $119.95 $219.95 (save $100)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $179.99 $449.99 (save $270)

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones — $199 $359 (save $160)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones — $398 $458 (save $60)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) — $399 $449 (save $50)

Earbuds deals

• JLab Go Pods ANC — $20.99 $29.99 (save $9)

• JBL Vibe Beam 2 — $39.95 $64.95 (save $25)

• JBL Vibe Buds 2 — $39.95 $64.95 (save $25)

• JBL Tune 245NC — $39.95 $109.95 (save $70)

• JBL Endurance Race 2 — $49.95 $89.95 (save $40)

• JBL Tune Buds 2 — $49.95 $109.95 (save $60)

• JBL Tune Flex 2 — $49.95 $109.95 (save $60)

• JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Google Pixel Buds 2a — $99 $129 (save $30)

• JLab Epic Lab Edition — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100)

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $129 $179 (save $50)

• JBL Live Buds 3 — $149.95 $229.95 (save $80)

• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $199 $299 (save $100)

• JBL Tour Pro 3 — $199.95 $329.95 (save $130)

• Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds — $228 $328 (save $100)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249 $299 (save $50)

Best portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 $129.95 at Best Buy
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

The new JBL Charge 6 is our favorite Bluetooth speaker for most people: It's "big enough to produce sound that will fill an outdoor party, yet still small enough to live on your bookshelf," our experts said. It can also charge smartphones, headphones, and other devices via USB-C — very handy. Best Buy, Amazon, and the JBL website all had it on sale for $129.95 at the time of writing (or $70 off). That appears to be an all-time low.

More portable speaker deals

• JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)

• JBL Clip 5 — $59.95 $79.95 (save $20)

• JBL Flip 5 — $79.95 $99.95 (save $20)

• Marshall Emberton II — $89.99 $179.99 (save $90)

• JBL Flip 7 — $109.95 $149.95 (save $40)

• Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) — $119 $159 (save $40)

• Sonos Roam 2 — $139 $179 (save $40)

• Marshall Middleton — $179.99 $319.99 (save $140)

• Bose SoundLink Plus — $229 $269 (save $40)

• JBL PartyBox On-The-Go — $259.95 $379.95 (save $120)

• JBL Xtreme 4 — $279.95 $379.95 (save $100)

• Bose SoundLink Max — $299 $399 (save $100)

• JBL PartyBox Club 120 — $349.95 $449.95 (save $150)

• JBL Boombox3 — $349.95 $499.95 (save $150)

• Sonos Move 2 — $399 $499 (save $100)

• JBL PartyBox 310 — $399.95 $579.95 (save $180)

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Best Buy
$99.95 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Can't splurge on a shiny new Apple Watch SE 3 or Oura Ring 4? While both wearables are on sale this Black Friday, neither is as cheap as the Fitbit Inspire 3 (now just $69.95, or 30% off). It's our No. 1 fitness tracker for shoppers on a budget. According to our experts, "It has a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, a slim, low-profile design, and a straightforward user interface."

More smartwatch and fitness tracker deals

• Fitbit Charge 6 — $99.95 $159.95 (save $60)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch7 (Bluetooth/WiFi, 40mm) — $129.99 $249.99 (save $120)

• Whoop 5.0 (Peak 12-month membership) — $199 $239 (save $40)

• Garmin Forerunner 165 — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Oura Ring 4 — $249 $349 (save $100)

• Whoop MG (Life 12-month membership) — $299 $359 (save $60)

• Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) — $299.99 $349.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Forerunner 265 — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)

• Garmin Venu 3 — $349.99 $449.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Venu 3S — $349.99 $449.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Forerunner 965 — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)

Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Deep Silver "Kingdom Come Deliverance II" (PS5) $39.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

Kingdom Come Deliverance II is a medieval open-world action that recently secured itself a Game of the Year nomination. Best Buy has the physical PS5 version on sale for just $39.99 (or 33% off), beating its price in the PlayStation Store by two bucks. Apologies to Xbox players, as that version is still full price everywhere.

Video game deals

• Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS5, Xbox) — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)

• Death Stranding Director’s Cut (PS5) — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Elden Ring (Xbox) — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Star Wars Outlaws (PS5, Xbox) — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (PS5) — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Little Nightmares III (PS5, Xbox, Switch) — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5) — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5) — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Silent Hill 2 (PS5) — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• EA Sports FC 26 (PS5, Xbox) — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40)

• Rise of the Ronin (PS5) — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40)

• Assassin's Creed Shadows (PS5, Xbox) — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PS5) — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)

• F1 25 (PS5, Xbox) — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)

• Split Fiction (PS5, Xbox) — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Borderlands 4 (PS5, Xbox) — $47.99 $69.99 (save $22)

• Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Tactical Edition (PS5, Xbox) — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

Handheld gaming console deals

• Legion Go S (AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD) — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)

VR headset deals

• Meta Quest 3S (128GB) The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Bundle — $249 $299 (save $50) + free $50 gift card

• Meta Quest 3S (256GB) — $329.99 $399.99 (save $70) + free $50 gift card

Best vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $148 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $151.99   Get Deal Why we like it

This cordless number from Shark is our favorite budget stick vacuum for pet hair — it's a much better buy than Dyson's V8 or V9 models, said Stodart. (In addition to covering TVs, she's also our in-house vacuum guru.) Best Buy is matching Amazon's Black Friday discount on it, which brings it down to an all-time low price of $148. That's a 51% savings.

More robot vacuum deals

• Shark Matrix Plus — $299.99 $699.99 (save $400)

• Dreame GoVac 500 — $529.99 $1,099.99 (save $570)

• Shark PowerDetect ThermaCharged Robot Vacuum & Mop — $699.99 $1,199.99 (save $500)

• Dreame GoVac 600 — $799.99 $1,299.99 (save $500)

Stick vacuum deals

• Dyson V15 Detect Extra — $549.99 $849.99 (save $300)

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine $149.95 at Best Buy
$229.95 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

De'Longhi's entry-level espresso machine has 15 bars of pressure and a built-in frother with two steam settings (one for heating milk and another for making latte art). In the cheapest Black Friday espresso machine deal I've encountered so far, it's on sale for just $150 at Best Buy, as well as on Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Macy's, and DeLonghi's website. It last hit that price in July.

More coffee maker and espresso machine deals

• De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine — $249.95 $379.95 (save $130)

• De'Longhi Magnifica Start Espresso Machine — $399.95 $599.95 (save $200)

• De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo Espresso Machine with Cold Brew — $449.95 $699.95 (save $250)

• De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Espresso Machine — $549.95 $899.95 (save $350)

• De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine with Cold Brew — $699.95 $999.95 (save $300)

• De'Longhi Magnifica Plus Automatic Espresso Machine — $999.95 $1,299.95 (save $300)

• De'Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine with Grinder — $1,199.95 $1,499.95 (save $300)

• De'Longhi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine with Cold Brew — $1,499.95 $1,999.95 (save $500)

Toaster oven and air fryer deals

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact — $199.95 $249.95 (save $50)

• Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fry Oven — $229.95 $379.95 (save $150)

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer — $279.95 $349.95 (save $70)

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — $299.95 $399.95 (save $100)

KitchenAid stand mixer deals

• KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

Best beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle (Straight & Wavy Hair, Indigo Rush) $189.99 at Best Buy
$279.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Shopping for a multi-styler? After testing them both, Mashable's Bethany Allard recommends the Shark FlexStyle over the Dyson Airwrap. It "offers nearly everything the Airwrap does, and then some extras that the Airwrap doesn't, for half the price," she writes. This navy blue FlexStyle bundle is almost a third of the price of an on-sale Airwrap as part of Best Buy's Black Friday sale. It comes with four attachments meant for straight and wavy hair.

More hair tool deals

• Dyson Airwrap Origin (Nickel/Copper) — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)

Skincare tool deals

• Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand — $135.99 $169.99 (save $34)

• Therabody TheraFace Pro — $299.99 $419.99 (save $120)

• Therabody TheraFace Mask Glo — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House $54.99 at Best Buy
$74.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Why we like it

This extremely adorable 535-piece set is the most elaborate build in Lego's original Animal Crossing collection, which launched in late 2023 in partnership with Nintendo. (Per the Lego website, it's set to retire soon.) Best Buy and Amazon both have it on sale for 27% off this Black Friday, which is its second-biggest discount to date. It sold out at Target after going on sale for the same price there.

More Lego deals

• Lego Icons Transformers Bumblebee — $62.99 $89.99 (save $27)

• Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table — $62.99 $89.99 (save $27)

• Lego Fortnite Peely Bone — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• Lego Disney Moana 2 Kakamora Barge — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

• Lego Marvel Logo & Minifigures — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

• Lego Disney Young Simba the Lion King — $90.99 $129.99 (save $39)

Black Friday has quickly morphed from a predominantly in-store experience to an online shopping craze that lasts an entire month. Even before pandemic circumstances deterred shoppers from heading to stores, things were starting to shift.

The day after Thanksgiving once marked the start of the holiday shopping season, but now, it's just the peak of a month-long deals bonanza. Best Buy kicked things off this year on Halloween — the earliest of any of the mega retailers. Target and Walmart weren't too far behind, throwing their initial early Black Friday sales on Nov. 6 and Nov. 14, respectively.

Amazon was surprisingly the last to throw its hat in the ring, with its official Black Friday sale running from Nov. 20 through Cyber Monday on Dec. 1. Needless to say, Needless to say, it's been a month full of epic deals already.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

With an overall hunger for savings amidst inflation-concerned customers, the questions arise in 2025 more than ever: What are the best Black Friday shopping tips? Should you wait until the big day to snag a deal? Will things be cheaper on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? How can you find the best deals?

Cyber Week is always chaotic, but getting organized and knowing what you're looking for will have you shopping like a well-oiled machine. We've got you covered with shopping tips for securing the best deals on Black Friday 2025 and beyond.

1. Plan your shopping wisely

We'll spare you the sports references, but going into Black Friday without a game plan is risky as hell — and a great way to end up with buyer's remorse.

If you're unsure of what exactly you're looking for this season, you might want to take a glimpse at all of the major retailers' ad scans to get an idea of what's popular, what's getting discounted, and when the best time is to buy certain items. Make note that there are a ton of ad scans to sort through. To make your life a little easier, you can also just follow our mega list of deals from all major retailers instead and follow along with our live blog for the latest updates. TL;DR: We already did the sorting for you.

While planning your attack, be sure to set a budget to prevent overspending. It's easy to get click-happy when you see all of the sparkly discounts in front of you.

2. Organize your Black Friday wishlist

It's no surprise that Amazon's Black Friday sale is the most highly anticipated of the year. If you plan on shopping at Amazon this season, do yourself a favor and get your wishlist in order. Every product page on the retail giant's website has an "add to list" button. Do this with all of the gadgets and gizmos on your shopping list this season to organize everything, view it all at a glance, and even rank items based on priority. You'll be able to see which products have gone on sale and seamlessly scoop them up before they're gone.

SEE ALSO: Creating an Amazon wishlist is our go-to Black Friday shopping hack 3. Download apps from Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and more

Shopping from your phone? It'd be smart to download mobile apps from your favorite stores — Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon are big ones that will come in clutch for Black Friday. They'll obviously be plastering their biggest deals across the screen, making things organized and easy to navigate even on a bumpy commute or at a loud relative's house.

Not only will the apps help you out on the go, but they'll also give you access to exclusive app-only perks like wishlist alerts, personalized suggestions, scan-and-go features, and more. The Amazon app will even show you deals on recent items you've searched. It's like it knows you too well.

4. Take advantage of Alexa's exclusive features

Got a newer Echo smart speaker? Surprise — you can take advantage of exclusive features. Open up your Alexa mobile app and turn on the advanced deal alerts feature (you'll find it under More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping), then check the Deal Recommendations and Shopping Recommendations. If you already have a wishlist organized and ready to go, you'll get a pop-up alert or a yellow ring light on your Echo speaker whenever Alexa finds out about an upcoming deal on one of the items on your list. Alexa will even let you know if an item on your wishlist is going on sale up to 24 hours before the sale goes live, so you can plan accordingly.

5. Visit CamelCamelCamel like it's your job

So technically, it actually is our job to find the best deals, but we'll let you in on a little secret. When shopping for deals at Amazon, we always reference CamelCamelCamel to see the historical data on the sale prices for a particular item. At a glance, it allows you to see just how good that deal is (or isn't). Even if you're shopping elsewhere, you can get an idea of a product's price history before purchasing.

6. Utilize Buy Now, Pay Later when possible

If you can't afford to pay for your Black Friday haul in one lump sum, don't be afraid to take advantage of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. When used responsibly, BNPL apps (like Affirm) can help you nab the deals you want while still making your monthly rent. Just note that BNPL services use a "soft inquiry" to determine your credit. While this shouldn't affect your credit score, there's no promise that your payment history won't be reported to credit bureaus.

7. Bookmark Mashable's Black Friday page

Not all heroes wear capes. (It's us. We're the heroes.) Mashable's Black Friday page is the hub for pretty much every Black Friday sale that matters, with links to all of our coverage, like that massive master list of the best Black Friday 2025 deals, plus spotlight deals broken down by retailer (Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, etc.), as well as by categories like TVs, robot vacuums, streaming services, or laptops. This will save you from wasting time trying to skim websites on your own and getting overwhelmed.

We'll be updating these lists regularly before, during, and after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shenanigans, so check back for all the latest and greatest deals that drop. Stores also love to throw in sneaky coupon codes or freebies. These can be easy to miss when you're in a hurry to order, so we'll let you know when we spot one.

8. Sign up for the Mashable Deals newsletter

Not about to be glued to the internet during family time? Cute — we will be, though. If you want to stay in the loop via email, we've got you covered. In the days surrounding the big sale, our regular newsletters will be filled with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that you may want to hop on.

The Mashable Deals newsletter is also just a clutch thing to get in general. True, we're probably biased, but we really think this is one email you won't be annoyed with when it pops up in your inbox. You'll be sent a quick rundown of deals we think you'll care about, like the best Amazon deals of the day or really solid discounts on popular streaming services.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Black Friday is fast approaching, but the reality is that it's already here in a big way. You can find discounts on hot products like MacBooks, AirPods, Lego, Pokémon, and so much more. It's the single best time of the year to secure a deal, with heavy discounts on offer from all the leading retailers.

The biggest retailers are always looking to get ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals, with savings-packed Black Friday ads that include a snapshot of what shoppers can expect. We recommend that savvy shoppers take some time to check out everything that's showcased in these ads, but if that sounds like far too much work, we can help you out.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2025: Best early deals, sale dates, price matching, and more

We've checked out all the best deals from the Black Friday ads of leading retailers. We're talking about the likes of Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. Amazon doesn't release a traditional Black Friday ad, but we've still gone ahead and pulled the best deals that you can already shop. Aren't we helpful.

These are the best Black Friday deals from Black Friday ads that you can already buy online.

Best Black Friday deals from AmazonBest Black Friday Apple deals

AirTags

• Apple AirTag — $17.97 $29 (save $12.03)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $64.98 $99 (save $34.02)

Apple Watch

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular 44mm) — $279 $329 (save $50)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $409.99 $529 (save $120)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular 49mm) — $599 $799 (save $300)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $748 $799 (save $51)

iPads

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 512GB) — $579 $649 (save $170)

• Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro. WiFi, 12GB) — $699 $799 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 512GB) — $749 $899 (save $150)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 1TB) — $949 $1,099 (save $150)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 1TB) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)

iMacs

• Apple iMac (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,149.99 $1,299 (save $149.01)

• Apple iMac (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,324.66 (save $75.66)

• Apple iMac (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,729 $1,899 (save $170)

Mac Minis

• Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $479 $599 (save $120)

• Apple Mac mini (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $869 $999 (save $130)

• Apple 2024 Mac mini (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,399 (save $200)

Macbooks

• Apple MacBook Air 13 inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,399 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Air 15 inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,349 $1,599 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14 inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599 $1,799 (save $200)

• Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699 $3,199 (save $500)

• Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4 Max, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,499 $3,999 (save $500)

Headphones

• Beats Solo 4 — $129.95 $199.95 (save $70)

• Apple AirPods Max — $399.99 $549 (save $149.01)

Best Black Friday Lego deals

• Lego Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025 — $30.79 $44.99 (save $14.20)

• Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Lego Star Wars: Millennium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th anniversary model — $67.97 $84.99 (save $17.02)

• Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)

• Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat — $80 $99.99 (save $19.99)

• Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram — $82.95 $99.99 (save $17.04)

Best Black Friday power station deals

• Jackery Explorer 300 — $159 $279 (save $120)

• Bluetti Elite 30 V2 — $194 $239 (save $45)

• Anker Solix C300 — $209.99 $299 (save $89.01)

• Bluetti Elite 100 V2 — $394.99 $799 (save $404.01)

• Anker Solix C1000 — $397.99 $799 (save $401.01)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 — $399 $799 (save $400)

• Anker Solix EverFrost 2 Cooler (40 liter) — $649 $899.99 (save $250.99)

• Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 — $799 $1,499 (save $700)

Best Black Friday headphones deals

• Soundcore by Anker Q20i — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Sony WH-CH720N — $88 $179.99 (save $91.99)

• Sennheiser Accentum Plus — $179.95 $249.95 (save $70)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen) — $216 $299 (save $83)

• Nothing Headphone (1) — $254 $299 (save $45)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248 $399 (save $151)

• Sonos Ace — $279 $399 (save $120)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen) — $399 $449 (save $50)

Best Black Friday smartwatch deals

• Fitbit Versa 4 — $119.95 $199.95 (save $80)

• Garmin Bounce Kids Smartwatch — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

• Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Garmin fēnix 8 — $849.99 $1,099.99 (save $250)

Best Black Friday gaming deals

• Unicorn Overlord (Nintendo Switch) — $24.99 $59.99 (save $35)

• Little Nightmares III (Xbox Series X) — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (PS5) — $29.99 $48.53 (save $18.54)

• Silent Hill 2 (PS5) — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5) — $30 $59.99 (save $29.99)

• Elden Ring Nightreign (Xbox Series X) — $34.99 $54.99 (save $20)

• Split Fiction (PS5) — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X) — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Meta Quest 3S 128GB — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Meta Quest 3S 256GB — $329 $399.99 (save $70.99 + $49.01 Amazon credit)

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deals

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robotic Vacuum and Mop — $499.99 $1,199.99 (save $700)

• Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop — $499.99 $899.99 (save $400)

• Roborock Qrevo Edge Robot Vacuum and Mop — $699.99 $1,399.99 (save $700)

• Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop — $849.99 $1,499.99 (save $650)

• Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum and Mop — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)

Best Black Friday deals from Best BuyBest Black Friday TV deals

• TCL 43-inch F35 Series 4K Fire TV — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Hisense 43-inch QD6 Series QLED 4K Fire TV — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130)

• LG 43-inch UA77 Series AI 4K TV — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)

• Insignia 50-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $169.99 $299.99 (save $130)

• Samsung 50-inch U7900 Series 4K TV — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)

• Insignia 55-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $189.99 $349.99 (save $160)

• Samsung 55-inch Q8F Series QLED 4K TV — $599.99 $749.99 (save $150)

• Samsung 55-inch S90F Series OLED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,799.99 (save $600)

• LG 65-inch UA77 Series AI 4K TV — $379.99 $499.99 (save $120)

• LG 65-inch 70A Series QNED AI 4K TV — $449.99 $579.99 (save $130)

• Samsung 65-inch Q8F Series QLED 4K TV — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch QN70F Series Neo QLED Mini LED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 65-inch S90F Series OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,100)

• Samsung 70-inch U7900 Series 4K TV — $399.99 $569.99 (save $170)

• Insignia 75-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $379.99 $529.99 (save $220)

• Samsung 75-inch Q6F Series QLED 4K TV — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 75-inch QN90F Series Neo QLED Mini LED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,200)

• LG 77-inch B5 Series OLED AI 4K TV — $1,499.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,500)

• Samsung 77-inch S90F Series OLED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $3,499.99 (save $1,500)

• Samsung 85-inch QN90F Series Neo QLED Mini LED 4K TV — $2,299.99 $4,499.99 (save $2,200)

Best Black Friday laptop deals

• Asus Vivobook 14 (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $279.99 $529.99 (save $250)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $399.99 $629.99 (save $230)

• Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $629.99 $1,049.99 (save $420)

• HP Victus 15.6-inch 144Hz Full HD Gaming Laptop — $549.99 $899.99 (save $350)

• GIGABYTE GAMING A16 16-inch — $599.99 $879.99 (save $280)

• HP Omen 16 (AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,149.99 $1,579.99 (save $430)

• Alienware 16X Aurora 16-inch 2.5K Gaming Laptop — $1,299.99 $1,799.99 (save $500)

• Acer Chromebook 315 (Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $119 $219.99 (save $100.99)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook Laptop — $149 $399 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go 14-inch — $149.99 $329.99 (save $180)

• ASUS CX14 14-inch FHD Chromebook — $249 $429 (save $180)

Best Black Friday earbuds deals

• JLab Go Pop ANC — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• JLab Go Pods ANC — $20.99 $29.99 (save $9)

• JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• JLab Epic Lab Edition — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100)

• Bose QuietComfort — $129 $179 (save $50)

• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $199 $299 (save $100)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)

Best Black Friday portable speaker deals

• JBL Flip 7 — $109.95 $149.95 (save $40)

• JBL Charge 6 — $129.95 $199.95 (save $70)

• Bose SoundLink Plus — $199 $269 (save $70)

• Sony XP700 Portable Bluetooth Party — $349.99 $549.99 (save $200)

• JBL PartyBox 310 — $399.95 $579.95 (save $180)

Best Black Friday vacuum deals

• eufy C10 — $199.99 $479.99 (save $280)

• bObsweep UltraVision Pet Self-Empty Robot Vacuum — $274.99 $1,129.99 (save $855)

• Shark Matrix 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum — $279.99 $699.99 (save $420)

• eufy Omni C20 — $349.99 $749.99 (save $400)

• eufy S1 Pro Omni — $699.99 $1,499.99 (save $800)

• Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum — $899.99 $1,799.99 (save $900)

Best Black Friday kitchen deals

• Ninja Mega Kitchen System — $159.99 $219.99 (save $60)

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

• GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker — $399 $579.99 (save $180.99)

• De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Espresso Machine with Frother — $549.95 $899.95 (save $350)

• De'Longhi Magnifica Plus Automatic Espresso Machine — $999.95 $1,299.95 (save $300)

• De'Longhi Eletta Explore Espresso Machine — $1,499.95 $1,999.95 (save $500)

Best Black Friday unlocked phone deals

• Motorola Moto G (128GB) — $119.99 $199.99 (save $80)

• OnePlus Nord N30 5G 128GB — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Apple iPhone 14 (128GB) — $549.99 $629.99 (save $80)

• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold 256GB — $1,499 $1,799 (save $300)

Best Black Friday deals from Home DepotBest Black Friday cordless power tool deals

• Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver – $99 $199 (save $100)

• Milwaukee M18 18V Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit – $99 $198 (save $100)

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V 8 in. Cordless Oil-Free Pole Saw — $99 $120 (save $30)

• DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit – $129 $179 (save $50)

• Dewalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi Tool — $129 $120 (save $90)

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit – $199 $299 (save $100)

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel 14 in. 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Battery Top Handle Chainsaw (Tool Only) – $299 $349 (save $50)

• Milwaukee M12 Cordless Hammer, Drill, Impact Driver Combo Kit — $319 $369 (save $50)

Best Black Friday tool deals

• Husky Stubby Ratchet and Socket Set (46-Piece) — $19.97 $29.97 (save $10)

• Husky BITE SAE/Metric Non-Slip Hex Key Set (18-Piece) — $19.97 $29.97 (save $10)

• Husky Mechanics Tool Set (280-Piece) — $99 $199 (save $100)

• Ryobi SPEED BENCH Mobile Workstation — $179 $199 (save $20)

• Ryobi 18V 12 Tool Combo Kit — $649 $799 (save $150)

Best Black Friday home deals

• NinjaFlip Toaster Oven and Air Fryer — $149 $219 (save $70)

• GE High-Efficiency Top Load Washer — $568 $849 (save $281)

• GE Burner Element Free-Standing Electric Range in Stainless Steel with Crisp Mode — $678 $999 (save $321)

• LG 3 Door French Door Refrigerator — $1,698 $3,099 (save $1,401)

• GE Profile Smart UltraFast Electric Washer and Dryer — $1,798 $2,699 (save $901

Best Black Friday deals from Kohl'sBest Black Friday tech deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD – $17.99 $34.99 (save $17)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids 16GB Tablet – $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Amazon New Fire 8 – $54.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire 32 GB HD 10 Tablet — $69.99 $139.99 (save $70)

• JBL Flip 7 – $109.99 $149.99 (save $30)

• JBL Charge 6 – $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

Best Black Friday fitness tracker deals

• Garmin Venu Sq 2 Smartwatch – $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Forerunner 55 – $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Lily 2 Classic Women's Leather Strap – $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Garmin vívoactive 6 Smartwatch - $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Forerunner 265S – $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)

Best Black Friday home deals

• Toastmaster 2-Slice Toaster — $14.39 $24.99 (save $10.60)

• Crockpot Countdown Cook & Carry slow cooker (7-quart) — $69.99 $74.99 (save $5)

• Ninja BL610 Professional Blender – $89.99 $109.99 (save $30)

• PowerXL Vortex Pro air fryer (8-quart) — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• NutriBullet 1200 Watt Blender Combo – $139.99 $179.99 (save $70)

• Shark Rocket Pro DLX corded stick vacuum — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Keurig K-Duo Gen 2 Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker — $166.39 $259.99 (save $92.61)

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deals

• Robot Roomba 106 Robot Vacuum – $239.99 $444.99 (save $205)

• iRobot Roomba 106 Combo Robot Vacuum – $259.99 $464.99 (save $205)

• Shark Matrix Self-Empty Robot Vacuum – $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

• Eufy Omni E28 Robotic Vacuum – $749.99 $999.99 (save $250)

Best Black Friday headphone deals

• JBL Tune 520BT – $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• JBL Live 670NC – $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)

• Beats Studio Pro – $249.99 $349 (save $99.01)

Best Black Friday deals from Lowe'sBest Black Friday tool deals

• Craftsman Folding Utility Knife with On-Tool Blade Storage — $16.98 $21.99 (save $5.01)

• DeWalt Elite Series 1/4-in x Impact Driver Bit Set 100-Piece — $39.98 $44.98 (save $5)

• Werner Load Capacity Step Ladder — $69 $139 (save $70)

• CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 242 -Piece Standard — $99 $219 (save $120)

• Craftsman 6-Gallon Portable Electric 150 PSI Pancake Air Compressor — $99 $169 (save $70)

• Craftsman V20 20-Volt 1-Pack Lithium-ion (4.0 Ah Battery and Charger) — $99 $149 (save $50)

• DeWalt 20-Volt Max 6-1/2-in Cordless Circular Saw with Brake (Tool Only) — $129 $159 (save $30)

• Kobalt 24-Volt 2-Pack Lithium-ion (4.0 Ah Battery and Charger) — $149 $159 (save $10)

• Little Giant Ladders Multi M14 Load Capacity Telescoping Multi-Position Ladder — $154 $194 (save $40)

• Bosch 18 -Volt 2 -Pack Lithium — $179 $219 (save $40)

• Kobalt 24-volt 4-Tool Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit — $249 $299 (save $50)

• Metabo HPT 1-3/4-in 15 -Degree Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer — $279 $329 (save $50)

• CRAFTSMAN 2000 Series — $399 $539 (save $140)

• DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit — $449 $679 (save $230)

Best Black Friday grills and outdoor cooking deals

• VEVOR Outdoor Kitchen Pull-Out Drawer Modular Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet — $127.19 $158.99 (save $31.80)

• Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker W Black Barrel Charcoal Grill — $119.99 $138.23 (save $18.24)

• COWSAR Black 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)

• Royal Gourmet 3-in-1 Grill and Griddle Combo Station with Lid Portable Liquid Propane Grill — $149.99 $159.99 (save $10)

• COWSAR Stainless Steel and Black 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill — $169.99 $449.99 (save $280)

• COWSAR Stainless Steel and Black 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill — $239.99 $599.99 (save $360)

• Royal Gourmet Tabletop Gas Griddle with Removable Standing Cart and Hood 4-Burner Liquid Propane Flat Top Grill — $239.99 $269.99 (save $30)

• COWSAR Silver Stainless Steel 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill 1-Side Burner — $249.99 $494.99 (save $245)

Best Black Friday garden deals

• Cedar Hill 6-Pack LED Outdoor Path Light Kit — $59.99 $97.50 (save $37.51)

• Master Forge Stainless Steel Floorstanding Liquid Propane Patio Heater — $119 $169 (save $50)

• Nuu Garden Iron Floorstanding Liquid Propane Patio Heater — $149.99 $215.99 (save $66)

• Endless Summer Steel Square Liquid Propane Fire Pit — $223.76 $248.62 (save $24.86)

• Real Flame Forsyth Round Portable Wood-Burning Fire Pit — $338.05 $398 (save $59.95)

Best Black Friday holiday decoration deals

• GE 4-ct Staybright LED Random Sparkle Jumbo Light Bulb Pathway Markers — $29.98 $39.98 (save $10)

• Puleo International 24-in Pre-lit Indoor/Outdoor Green Fir Artificial Christmas Wreath — $35.99 $44.99 (save $9)

• Veikous 59.2-in Freestanding Snowman Yard Decoration with Clear LED Lights — $69.99 $95.01 (save $25.02)

• Veikous 6-ft Pre-lit Flocked White Artificial Christmas Tree with White LED Lights — $98.50 $123.23 (save $24.73)

• Veikous 6-ft Aspen fir Pre-lit Artificial Christmas Tree with White LED Lights — $129.99 $194 (save $64.01)

• Veikous 7.5-ft Pine Pre-lit Flocked White Artificial Christmas Tree with White LED Lights — $159.99 $233.20 (save $73.21)

Best Black Friday kitchen deals

• VEVOR 7.5 inch 180W Meat Slicer 120 -Speed Commercial/Residential Food Slicer — $66.95 $84.89 (save $17.94)

• Braun Multiquick 7 -Speed 500 -Watt Immersion Blender — $79.95 $109.95 (save $70)

• VEVOR 12-in-1 25L Air Fryer — $124.73 $155.89 (save $31.16)

• KitchenAid Classic Series White 4.5-Quart Tilt-head Stand Mixer — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• DeLonghi La Specialista Semi — $449.95 $699.95 (save $250)

• VEVOR 3 Speeds Adjustable 550 W Dough Food Mixer 304 — $528.98 $626.99 (save $158.01)

• DeLonghi Magnifica Super — $549.95 $899.95 (save $350)

Best Black Friday deals from TargetBest Black Friday gaming deals

• Star Wars Outlaws (Xbox Series X) — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• NBA 2K26 (PS5) — $29.99 $58.99 (save $29)

• MLB The Show 25 (Nintendo Switch) — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PS5) — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)

• Mafia: The Old Country (PS5) — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Doom The Dark Ages: Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Meta Quest 3S 128GB Headset — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50 + $50 Target Gift Card)

• Meta Quest 3S 256GB Headset — $329.99 $399.99 (save $70)

Best Black Friday toy deals

• Up to 50% off select toys

• Up to 30% off select Lego toys (online only)

• Up to 40% off select outdoor toys and games (online only)

• Up to 30% off select Nintendo, Super Mario & Yummiland toys

• Up to 30% off select baby toys and gifts

• Buy 1, get 1 50% off select toys, games and puzzles with a Target Circle membership

Best Black Friday kitchen deals

• Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Combination Espresso and Coffee Maker — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Kitchen System Blender — $99.99 $189.99 (save $90)

• Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven — $119.99 $229.99 (save $110)

• Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker — $119.99 $169.99 (save $50)

• Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer Cooking System — $159.99 $179.99 (save $20)

• Ninja Double Stack XL Countertop Oven and Air Fryer — $279.99 $429.99 (save $150)

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

• KitchenAid 5qt 10-Speed Stand Mixer with Copper Bowl — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

• DeLonghi Magnifica Start Automatic Coffee Espresso Machine — $499.99 $799.95 (save $299.96)

Best Black Friday Lego deals

• Lego Architecture New York City Skyline Set — $33.59 $47.99 (save $14.40)

• Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• Lego Marvel Peter Parker’s Apartment Set — $43.99 $54.99 (save $11)

• Lego Harry Potter Mandrake Magical Plant Set — $44.79 $55.99 (save $11.20)

• Lego Wicked Glinda & Elphaba's Dormitory — $46.99 $52.99 (save $6)

• Lego Ideas Family Tree Home Décor Set — $55.99 $79.99 (save $24)

• Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog Set — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)

• Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)

• Lego Fortnite Peely Bone Collectible Building Kit — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express & Hogsmeade Station Train Set — $87.99 $109.99 (save $22)

• Lego Ideas Viking Village Model Set — $109.89 $156.99 (save $47.10)

Best Black Friday floor care deals

• Bissell Little Green Max Carpet Cleaner — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)

• Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Tineco GO Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)

• Dyson V9 Motorbar Vacuum Cleaner — $269.99 $599.99 (save $330)

• Dyson V11 Cordless Stick Vacuum — $399.99 $629.99 (save $230)

• Eecovacs Deebot T30S PRO Robot Vacuum and Mop — $545.99 $839.99 (save $294)

Best Black Friday headphone and earbud deals

• Beats Solo Buds Earbuds — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)

• Apple AirPods 4 (Without Active Noise Canceling) — $69.99 $129.99 (save $60)

• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Beats Solo 4 Headphones — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• Sony ULT WEAR Headphones — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Beats Studio Pro Headphones — $169.99 $349.99 (save $180)

• Bose QuietComfort Headphones — $199.99 $359.99 (save $160)

• Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones — $399.99 $459.99 (save $60)

Best Black Friday speaker deals

• Amazon Kids Echo Dot — $31.99 $59.99 (save $28)

• Beats Pill — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• JBL Portable Flip 7 Speaker — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• JBL Charge 6 Portable Speaker — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

Best Black Friday holiday prep deals

• 30% off hefty storage and organization

• 30% off Threshold decor items

• 40% off holiday lighting

• 40% off tree skirts, collars, toppers, and more

• 40% off select holiday décor and lights

Best Black Friday holiday prep deals

• 30% off Threshold decor items

• 40% off holiday lighting

• 40% off select holiday décor and lights

Best Black Friday deals from WalmartBest Black Friday TV deals

• VIZIO 50-inch Class — $128 $214 (save $86)

• Philips 50-inch Class 4K Ultra HD (2160p) — $228 $278 (save $50)

• LG 70-inch 4K UHD webOS Smart TV — $368 $429.99 (save $61.99)

• Hisense 75-inch Class H5 Series — $378 $499 (save $121)

• Hisense 75-inch Class U6H — $448 $698 (save $250)

Best Black Friday Apple deals

• Apple AirTag 4-pack — $64.98 $99 (save $34.02)

• Apple AirPods 4 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

• 2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad — $349 $449 (save $100)

• 2025 Apple 11-inch iPad — $399 $449 (save $50)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $479.99 $549 (save $69.01)

• Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 — $1,444 $1,599 (save $155)

Best Black Friday fitness tracker deals

• Fitbit Inspire 3 — $69.95 $99.95 (save $30)

• Fitbit Versa 2 — $119 $200 (save $81)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $199 $228.95 (save $29.95)

• Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 40mm — $199.99 $239.99 (save $40)

• Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 46mm — $279 $429 (save $150)

Best Black Friday gaming deals

• Wired Gaming Keyboard & Mouse Combo — $15.99 $35.98 (save $19.99)

• GTRACING 55-inch Large RGB Gaming Computer Desk with Mouse Pad — $64.99 $149.99 (save $85)

• Bigzzia Gaming Chair — $79.99 $149.99 (save $70)

• CRUA 24-inch 75HZ Curved Monitor — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• Zhic Gaming Desktop PC — $429.99 $599 (save $169.01)

• CyberPowerPC Gamer Master Gaming Desktop — $799 $979.99 (save $180.99)

Best Black Friday laptop deals

• HP 14-inch HD Chromebook — $119 $409.99 (save $290.99)

• HP 15.6-inch FHD IPS — $219 $549.99 (save $330.99)

• Auusda 15.6-inch Business Laptop — $329.99 $927.69 (save $597.70)

• HP Victus 15.6-inch — $499 $1,049.99 (save $550.99)

• ASUS Vivobook 16-inch — $539.99 $609 (save $69.01)

• Alienware 16-inch Aurora Gaming Laptop — $799 $1,249.99 (save $450.99)

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deals

• Shark Matrix 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum — $194 $379.99 (save $185.99)

• iRobot Roomba 1010 — $198 $339.99 (save $141.99)

• Roborock Q10 X5+ — $259.99 $499.99 (save $240)

DJI, one of the world's largest drone manufacturers, is on the verge of a full-scale ban in the United States, with a Dec. 23, 2025, deadline looming. With less than a month to go, the ban marks the culmination of years of escalating restrictions on drones from the U.S. government, which has been eyeing DJI warily since as far back as 2017.

Those efforts have intensified over the past year, and now a DJI drone ban looks inevitable, barring a last-minute surprise.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday DJI drone deal is now live for everyone — score the best-ever price on the DJI Mini 4K

"This is about forcing the biggest manufacturer of drones out of the market so that American drone manufacturers don’t have to compete with them," said Adam Welsh, DJI’s Head of Global Policy, in a recent interview with Mashable.

The Department of Defense (sometimes unofficially called the Department of War) recently classified DJI as a "Chinese military company," which DJI denies. We've also seen multiple reports of Customs and Border Protection blocking DJI shipments from entering the country, even for non-drone products. These actions, however, are separate from the upcoming ban itself, which stems from a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — the U.S. defense budget — requiring security audits for Chinese-made drones. If those audits aren’t completed within a year of the bill’s passage, companies like DJI will be barred from importing new products into the U.S.

However, there are no companies like DJI, which holds a unique place in both the consumer and commercial drone markets here in the United States. Earlier this year, a report from the New York Times detailed how a DJI drone ban would cause big disruptions to farmers and first responders who rely on DJI products. The impact of a DJI ban cannot be overstated. Back in 2020, a Drone Industry Insights report found that DJI commanded a staggering 77 percent of the U.S. consumer drone market. BCC Research later put DJI’s global share at roughly 70 percent — an almost unheard-of level of dominance in any tech sector.

"We are 70+ percent of the commercial sector, probably more like 90 percent of the ag sector, about 90 percent of the law enforcement, firefighter sector," Welsh estimated. "We did an impact study, and about 450-460,000 jobs are supported through the use of our products in the United States. Those jobs are all under threat if this ban goes into effect."

Even still, lawmakers have argued that relying so heavily on a foreign vendor in any critical industry poses too great a security risk.

So what does this mean for DJI customers? And should you still buy a DJI drone before the ban takes effect? Whether you’re a hobbyist, a farmer, or a first responder, here’s a breakdown of the major questions you may have about the DJI drone ban.

Why is DJI being banned?

As stated above, the ban stems from the fine print in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025, which passed in December 2024. In that bill, Congress stipulates that DJI (and Autel Robotics) must pass a formal security audit within a year of the bill’s passage, or else the FCC must automatically add all DJI drone equipment and services to the Covered List. This would effectively ground new DJI products in the U.S. by denying them access to FCC-regulated bandwidth.

Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, the agencies eligible to carry out that audit include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). However, according to DJI, responsibility for conducting the audit has bounced between those agencies, with none willing to take ownership.

Mashable contacted each agency by email and only received a response from DHS:

The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to assess the risk of communication services and equipment manufactured by DJI and Autel in order to inform a determination on the risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons. Upon completion of the determination, DHS will work with other Executive Branch agencies and the Administration to comply with the mandates of Section 1709 by the identified deadlines, as applicable.

Back in June, Welsh formally wrote to DHS requesting the audit, saying, "I write to request that any or all of your agencies begin this required evaluation of DJI’s products right away."

DJI has repeatedly stated in blog posts and in responses to Mashable that it is more than willing to participate in the evaluation. But so far, no agency has initiated it.

Given DJI’s confidence in passing an audit, it’s important to clarify that none of the agencies are actually required to conduct one to keep the company off the Covered List. If an agency did choose to perform the audit, whether DJI passed or failed, it would then be required to submit an unclassified report to several congressional committees explaining its decision.

Without an audit, DJI can’t clear its name, and the clock continues to tick toward a ban that the company can’t stop on its own.

When is the DJI drone ban?

With DJI unable to get any of the national security agencies to initiate an audit, the drone manufacturer is set to automatically be placed on the FCC's Covered List on Dec. 23, 2025.

This means any new DJI drones entering the U.S. will be classified as untrusted communications equipment — denying them FCC-regulated bandwidth, which you most definitely need to operate a drone.

Can I still buy a DJI drone? Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The sort-of good news is that, for now, you can still buy a DJI drone, and a DJI representative told Mashable they will still be operable in the future, pending further action from the government. After Dec. 23, the company won't be able to launch new products in the U.S. Even worse, the FCC can now retroactively apply its Covered List designation to previously released DJI products as well. According to Welsh, who spoke to Mashable, the retroactive designation would not affect drones you've already purchased, but only DJI's ability to sell and market them.

SEE ALSO: I found 7 DJI deals worth shopping for Black Friday Why are DJI products hard to find in stock?

Buying DJI products right now can already be a hassle. At DJI's online U.S. store, virtually its entire product lineup has been listed as out of stock for months, and customers can only buy most DJI products from third-party sellers at retailers like Amazon. DJI has also delayed some products indefinitely for the U.S. market, despite launching them globally.

There have been reports since late 2024 of CBP slowing or blocking DJI shipments over allegations that the company used forced labor. DJI has emphatically denied the claims, and it’s worth noting that the company is not currently on the DHS-published Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.

When Mashable reported on that situation earlier this year, CBP stated that federal law prevents it from disclosing trade secrets or sensitive law enforcement information. DJI, for its part, has called the customs holdup a "misunderstanding" and says it’s working with CBP to resolve it.

Because of the inconsistent CBP blocks, there's now a noticeable shortage of DJI drones across the U.S. supply chain. Major retailers are reporting low or no stock, and DJI's own U.S. inventory appears depleted as well. You can find DJI drones for sale from third-party sellers at Amazon, but that can be risky.

Who replaces DJI?

During Welsh's interview with Mashable, he argues that the driving force behind the DJI ban is straightforward U.S. protectionism.

This is about forcing the biggest manufacturer of drones out of the market so that American drone manufacturers don’t have to compete with them. - DJI Head of Global Policy, Adam Welsh

There’s reason to believe that’s the case, especially now that Trump has started his second term. Between sweeping tariffs and Big Tech being pushed into billion-dollar, U.S.-based data-center commitments for AI, the administration has made it clear that "restoring American manufacturing" is a core priority. In June, Trump signed two executive orders aimed at boosting the domestic drone industry — both stopping just short of an outright ban on DJI. One establishes a federal task force to “restore American airspace sovereignty.” The other directs the Federal Acquisition Security Council to “publish a Covered Foreign Entity List” identifying companies that could pose supply-chain risks. States like Florida, Arkansas, and Tennessee have even banned Chinese-made drones for public safety and government work.

Still, DJI says that it's faced additional scrutiny dating back to the first Trump administration and even the Biden administration as well.

So, if the endgame from the government is a U.S.-first drone market, the question becomes obvious: Who’s actually positioned to take over the lion’s share of consumer drones once DJI is pushed out?

That's a very tough question to answer, because DJI is the American consumer drone market. There are U.S. companies that manufacture commercial drones, but few of them produce products intended for everyday consumers. Looking at DroneU’s recommendations for U.S.-made, NDAA-approved drones, every option costs thousands of dollars and is clearly designed for enterprise, industrial, or government work — not for someone who just wants to film a hike or learn to fly.

AeroVironment is likely the largest drone manufacturer in the United States, but it is also a defense contractor through and through. Their drones are built for the military, not for Best Buy shelves.

So, when policymakers discuss a future where American-made drones fill the gap left by DJI, the reality is that no domestic company is currently positioned to replace DJI in terms of price, scale, or consumer accessibility.

TL;DR: As of Nov. 27, Pokémon TCG's Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is still at market value for $79.95 at Amazon vs. listings at TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box $79.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.04   Get Deal

The Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is still $79.95 at Amazon, which is quite unique for the big box retailer. Usually Pokémon TCG fluctuates daily, so whilst it's not MSRP, it's a sign that stock levels are getting better and it's a matter of time before retailers have to drop their prices back to retail levels. At the end of the day, market value is what buyers are willing to pay for a product, so this is a a decent deal for sealed product ahead of Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Mega Evolution kicked of its era with a bang thanks to the return of the most-loved Pokémon mainline game gimmick to ever hit the franchise. Mega Lucario ex, Mega Garedevoir ex, and Mega Venusaur ex headline the set alongside some of the best artwork I've seen in the modern era. Special shoutouts to Mega Lucario ex SIR alongside the Bulbasaur Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare line in that regard.

Get 10% cashback at TCGplayer for Cyber Weekend Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I always like to mention that you will likely save some money by just buying chase card outright, which is going to level up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. TCGplayer is running their Cyber Weekend event, where trainers can get a flat 10% cashback on whatever they buy on site, with up to an extra 6% off for TCGplayer subscribers depending on how long they've been a memeber, plus free postage.

Here's the top chase cards for Mega Evolution right now with up to date value information and a quick link to catch it on TCGplayer:

1. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $420
   Market price: $459.96
   Most recent sale: $419.99

2. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $350
   Market price: $345
   Most recent sale: $300

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210
   Market price: $205.27
   Most recent sale: $206.45

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $193
   Market price: $197.89
   Most recent sale: $180

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $154.95
   Market price: $153.29
   Most recent sale: $147

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 8, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 8, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 27 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 27 Pips

Less Than(3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 27 Pips

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this green space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you love rivalry week.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Score here

• Green: Thanksgiving entertainment

• Blue: Rivalry

• Purple: Spelled like a football team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Places Where One Scores

• Green: Associated with the NFL on Thanksgiving

• Blue: College Football Rivalry "Cups"

• Purple: NFL Teams, With The First Letter Changed

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #430 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Places Where One Scores - END ZONE, GOAL, HOOP, PLATE

• Associated with the NFL on Thanksgiving - COWBOYS, LIONS, MADDEN, TURDUCKEN

• College Football Rivalry "Cups" - APPLE, COMMONWEALTH, GOVERNOR'S, TERRITORIAL

• NFL Teams, With The First Letter Changed - FILLS, METS, PEARS, YAMS

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.