Technology
As Prime Day kicks off, The Home Depot has some of the best Halloween decor deals
When Amazon announces a new Prime Day sale, other retailers start cooking up their competing sales. Target and Walmart have already announced their plans to compete with Prime Big Deal Days, and now The Home Depot is joining in on the fun.
While The Home Depot hasn't given their fall savings event an official name yet, there are still plenty of savings to be had. The retailers deals will run the same days as Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 7 and 8. We expect to see big deals on power tools, vacuums, and home essentials .
We're tracking deals at The Home Depot and have found some real gems during its anti-October Prime Day sale. Right now, grab Halloween decor up to 25% off or tools up to 46% off.
Best Halloween deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Home Accents Holiday 5-ft. Skelly's Cat $149 at Amazon$199 Save $50 Get Deal Why we picked this
This Halloween, Skelly is joined by his pets, and right now, you can get his bony companions on sale. You can find the Skelly's Cat and Dog on sale ahead of Prime Day, but the best deal is on Skelly's five-foot cat.
Right now, Skelly's Cat is on sale for $149, down $50 from its usual $199. That provides some nice savings of 25%. If you want to complete your yard, explore all the best Halloween deals at The Home Depot.
More Halloween dealsHome Accents Holiday 5-ft. Skelly's Cat — $149 $199 (save $50)
Home Accents Holiday 5-ft. Skelly's Sitting Dog — $199 $249 (save $50)
Home Accents Holiday 8-ft. Giant Color Changing LED Wyvern — $299 $399 (save $100)
Home Accents Holiday 15-ft. Giant LED Worricrow — $299 $399 (save $100)
$369 Save $170 Get Deal Why we picked this
Sales are always a good time to stock up on big ticket items like appliances and tools. Milwaukee is offering the best savings with their M12 Cordless Hammer, Drill, Impact Driver Combo Kit. Normally $369, this hammer, drill, and impact driver combo kit is down to $199 for $170 off, saving you 46% off.
More tool dealsRyobi Cordless String Trimmer — $149 $199 (save $50)
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Hammer, Drill, Impact Driver Combo Kit — $199 $369 (save $170)
Rigid 18V 8 Tool Combo Kit — $399 $599 (save $200)
Ryobi 18V 12 Tool Combo Kit — $649 $799 (save $150)
Ryobi Electric Cordless Riding Mower — $4,999 $5,999 (save $100)
$395 Save $210.10 Get Deal Why we picked this
With a new school year, kids coming and going, your entry way might be a tangle of shoes and backpacks. To keep things tidy, level things up with some new storage. The Harper & Bright Designs Entryway Storage Bench with Shoe Rack is a stylish but functional option. Right now it's extremely discounted, down 53% at The Home Depot. Shop now for just $184.90 and saving $210.19 off its usual $395.
If this entryway bench isn't your style, there are lots of other on sale options at The Home Depot.
More Furniture dealsHarper & Bright Designs Entryway Storage Bench with Shoe Rack — $184.90 $395 (save $210.19) 53%
Harper & Bright Designs Dining Bench — $205.86 $244.99 (save $39.13) 16%
Harper & Bright Designs Entryway Storage Bench with Fabric Basket — $228.38 $354 (save $126.52) 36%
Harper & Bright Designs Tufted Storage Bedroom Bench — $229.87 $326.99 (save $97.12) 30%
Target Circle Week is here: Stock up on essentials and new tech now
Amazon's October Prime Day (dubbed "Prime Big Deal Days") is here, which means the competing anti-Prime Day sales are officially live. Target's sale, Target Circle Week, kicked off on Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 11 with a heavy focus on the holiday season.
The deals are especially great for Halloween lovers, with big savings on costumes, decorations, and candy. While the sale is a members-only event, Target's Circle membership is completely free to join.
The best deals to shop during Target Circle Week Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle Week Shop Now40% off Halloween costumes for all ages
Buy one, get one 50% off Halloween candy
Up to 40% off holiday lighting and decor
30% off select Lego sets
Buy 2, get 1 free on books, movies, and music
Up to 50% off kitchen & home essentials
Up to 30% off fall home decor & essentials
Buy one, get one 25% off household essentials
Save $10 when you spend $40 on toys
Target Circle Week is a week-long sale event originally created as an "anti-Prime Day sale." It typically happens twice a year, in July and October, to coincide with Amazon's Prime Day dates. During the event, Target offers daily deal drops and week-long deals with savings of up to 50% on top brands. The retailer also often matches Amazon's Prime Day prices, letting you get the same savings without a paid Prime membership.
When is Target Circle Week?The current Target Circle Week is happening now and runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11. While Amazon's Prime Day events typically last for a few days, Target's sale is a full week-long event.
Do you need to be a Circle member to shop Target Circle Week?Yes, you need to be a Target Circle member to get the exclusive savings during Circle Week. However, the membership is completely free and easy to join. In addition to accessing the sale, Circle members get other year-round perks, including a 5% birthday gift, personalized deals, and savings that are automatically applied at checkout.
The Apple Watch 10 is back at its lowest-ever price for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
SAVE $120: As of Oct. 7, the Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $279 at Amazon. That's a savings of 30% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 $279 at Amazon$399 Save $120 Get Deal
It's been quite the lead-up to October's Prime Day this year, and if the quality of early deals is anything to go by, we're going to have a stellar couple of days of deals and discounts. And with the event now officially underway, chances are you're checking Amazon for some of the more sought-after devices, like the Apple Watch Series 10.
And you're in luck. As of Oct. 7, the Apple Watch Series 10 is back down to its lowest-ever price, $279. In fact, the last time it was priced this low was during July's Prime Day event. This low price saves you $120. This price is specific to two color options: rose gold case with a light blush band, or rose gold case with a plum sport loop band.
SEE ALSO: Get a 75-inch QLED TV for $399.99 for October Prime Day, plus other TV deals already liveThis model was recently surpassed by the Apple Watch 11, with the 2025 Apple event announcing a whole lot of newness. But this doesn't make the 10 old news; it's been a beloved model for a long time, and for good reason. So, if having the newest model doesn't matter to you, you've got a steal right here.
With this watch, you still get seriously impressive health and fitness stats, from tracking your latest run or taking an ECG in the Blood Oxygen app. Closing your rings is an Apple Watch classic, and pair it with the training load stat that tracks the intensity of your workouts.
You can even communicate from your watch. Send texts, take a call, and check your notifications while on the go. And don't worry too much about damaging it, despite it's sleek look and feel, this watch is crack-resistant and IP6X-certified dust-resistant, as well as boasting a 50m water resistance.
Get this Prime Day Apple Watch deal from Amazon now.
The Roku Smart TV 2025 is at its lowest-ever price for Prime Big Deal Days - save $700
SAVE $700: As of Oct. 7, the Roku Smart TV 2025 is on sale for $999.99 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on the list price, and it's best-ever price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Smart TV 2025 $999.99 at Amazon$1,699.99 Save $700 Get Deal
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are finally here, and some incredible deals are rolling in. TVs, robot vacuums, Apple products, you name it, and it's reduced at Amazon right now. Some deals are so impressive, they're even at their lowest-ever price, just like this new deal on the Roku Smart TV 2025.
As of Oct. 7, this impressive TV is a whopping $700 off. This takes the price down from $1,699.99 to $999.99. This price is for the 75-inch option, but you can also find the 65-inch on sale for $799.99, and the 55-inch on sale for $599.99.
This is truly a great TV option, too. It has a QLED display and thousands of mini-LEDs that make colors pop, with deeper blacks and brighter highlights that look great in any light. Dolby Vision IQ adds extra detail, so everything you watch feels more lifelike. It sounds good too, with Dolby Atmos and Roku Soundstage Audio filling the room.
And with Roku’s easy-to-use interface, finding something to watch couldn't be easier. You'll have access to tons of streaming apps, plus free shows, movies, and live TV across more than 500 channels, including Roku Originals, local news, and sports channels. For high-energy games, the 120Hz refresh rate keeps things smooth for watching (or gaming).
Get this Prime Day TV deal from Amazon now.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2
One key difference between these sets of earbuds relates to what device you're using them with. Both earbuds can pair with any operating system, but the AirPods Pro 3 do so with one hand tied behind their back. Meanwhile, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 have full app support on either Android or iOS, allowing you to adjust equalizer settings and controls. AirPods offer similar functionality, but only when connected to an Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or iMac.
We're putting Apple and Bose head to head. Credit: Adam Doud / MashableThe AirPods Pro 3 can connect to a Windows laptop or Android phone, but only as a Bluetooth receiver of audio, and that's it. You can still use on-device gestures for playback controls, turning ANC on and off, and the like, but you can't adjust any of those settings. For some, that's enough.
But you only get full functionality when pairing the AirPods to another Apple device. That means seamless switching between devices, hearing tests and hearing aid functionality, heart rate sensing, and more. On the flip side, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 don't have any of those features, regardless of your device's operating system, but its app works on both mobile platforms.
One major benefit that the AirPods Pro 3 have is Apple ID connectivity. Once you pair your AirPods — any AirPods — to any Apple device, they'll automatically work on any other Apple device with your Apple ID signed in. While the Bose earbuds support Google's Fast Pair, it's just not quite the same. This is the advantage you get by controlling the entire ecosystem, as Apple does, so Apple gets the nod in this category.
Winner: Apple
Sound qualityBoth sets of earbuds sound great with default settings, which is a major benefit, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 hold one key advantage — an equalizer. Unfortunately, that EQ is only three bands. You can adjust low, mid, and high frequencies, and that's it. In my world, something is better than nothing.
Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 3 don't have an EQ at all. iPhones have system EQs that you can set, but that's not the same as being able to fine-tune your sound to your taste. Of course, only being able to adjust three ranges of frequencies is borderline laughable from a premium sound company like Bose, so there isn't as clear-cut a winner as you might expect.
Both sets of earbuds have a nice flat sound profile, which doesn't overly emphasize any frequencies. The AirPods skew just a tad toward a bassy sound, but it's not extreme. Meanwhile, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 have a flatter sound profile that I enjoy. It's close, but I'd have to give this one to Bose.
Winner: Bose
Active noise cancellation and transparencyActive Noise cancellation is a vital part of the listening experience today. Not only does it put you in a personal bubble of silence and allow you to shut out the world around you, but it also helps your hearing health long term. Around one in eight Americans has some form of hearing loss due to listening to music at high volumes. ANC allows you to listen to your music and podcasts at a lower volume, which helps to preserve your hearing.
Both earbuds have impressive sound and ANC. Credit: Adam Doud / MashableBoth the AirPods Pro 3 and the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 offer outstanding ANC. It really is like hitting mute on the world around you, including people talking next to you, traffic, and airplane noises. It's lovely.
As for transparency mode — that lets the world in when you need it — the AirPods allow in some extra high-end frequencies that make the outside world sound a little hissy. Meanwhile, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 have outstanding sound quality with no side tone. Neither earbud handles this category badly, but I have to award this category to Bose as well.
Winner: Bose
Wind noiseI love riding electric bikes and do so as often as possible. One thing that absolutely plagues cyclists is wind noise, especially from ANC-enabled earbuds. The rush of wind traveling past the ANC microphones is incredibly hard to filter out, but both of these earbuds do it surprisingly well. Of course, before we go on, I should mention that riding a bike with ANC enabled is a terrible idea — it's important to pay attention to the outside world. That being said, I still ride my bike with ANC on, and I would not be surprised if that is my cause of death someday. Please don't be like me.
But if you are, and you've stayed alive thus far, both earbuds do a great job at eliminating wind noise. Of the two, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 allow a slightly higher pitch of wind noise than the frequencies that squeak through on the AirPods Pro 3. Music and podcasts are still very listenable, even when biking at 20mph along a suburban street. They're both scary good, so there's no clear winner here.
Winner: Tie
Extra featuresThis category is an easy win for Apple, simply because their integration with iOS allows for extra features like touchless acceptance of calls (just nod your head) and Live Translate. I tested the latter in my full review of the earbuds, and I found the translation to be pretty accurate.
The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 don't offer any additional features like that, and it's mostly because those are baked into operating systems. Something like this might be possible down the road, but for now, this is a clear victory for Apple.
Winner: Apple
Fit and controlsBoth sets of earbuds are designed to go into your ear canal. The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2 have full silicon eartips, while Apple's AirPods Pro 3 use a combination of foam and silicon for their tips. The latter allows for a more comfortable fit than their predecessors, the AirPods Pro 2. Meanwhile, the conical shape of the Bose QC Ultra 2 ear tips means they don't go as far into your ear canal, so it might be more comfortable for some users.
As for the controls, Apple uses a series of squeezes on the stems to adjust music playback and controls. The Bose earbuds rely on taps and swipes. The former is easy to get used to and more versatile, while the latter is simpler to learn and less likely to knock the buds loose. Grabbing the stems to pinch them can knock them loose from your ears if you're not careful.
On the flip side, the taps the Bose earbuds rely on aren't great either. Pushing on the earbud stems to make them fit better can accidentally pause your music, for example. I personally prefer the taps and swipes you can use on the Bose earbuds as opposed to the squeezes Apple calls for. This category goes to Bose, but it's mostly a personal preference.
Winner: Bose
Battery life and charging casesIn terms of battery life, both sets of earbuds are very good, but neither is great. The advertised battery life for the AirPods Pro 3 is around seven hours of listening time, while Bose says it's closer to six hours for the QuietComfort Ultra 2 buds. I flew from Chicago to Hawaii with both sets of earbuds, and neither died on me. While most people will not listen to music constantly for six to seven hours per day, it's more about the frequency of charging on a day-to-day basis. I found both of these do very well in that category. During my trip to Hawaii for a tech conference, I went the entire flight to Maui and spent the week there without plugging in either set of earbuds, but I topped both off on my way home, just in case.
Generally, I found the AirPods Pro 3 charging case to be the less bulky of the two. The Bose QC Ultra case isn't a lot bigger, but its squared-off shape felt more unwieldy. I have big sausage fingers, so I found it could be hard to get a grip on the Bose earbuds to take them out. It's a minor annoyance, but it adds up over time. The AirPods Pro 3, meanwhile, are a lot easier, likely because the design has remained largely unchanged over the years from generation to generation.
Winner: Apple
The final verdictOverall, both sets of earbuds offer a great, premium experience — you won't be disappointed if you buy either set. They're even similar in pricing, with the Apple AirPods Pro 3 going for $249 and the Bose QC Ultra checking in at $299. Personally, I prefer the versatility and ANC of the Bose QC Ultra 2s, but there is no wrong choice here.
If you value simplicity and you're in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 3 are the easy choice. That's especially true if you want earbuds that can do more, like Live Translate or act as hearing aids. The fact that they're $50 cheaper doesn't hurt either.
If you don't like the feel of earbuds in your ear canal, or you're an Android/PC user, go with the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 2. Multipoint connections are great for people with multiple ecosystems and can be controlled from within the app. It's less automatic than with the AirPods, but again, that's a benefit you get when a company controls the entire ecosystem from soup to nuts.
So, ultimately, which set of earbuds you should go with will likely be determined by the thing you want to pair them to. Fortunately for everyone, there are two great options here, but they're both good at different things.
Shop AirPods Pro 3 and QuietComfort Ultra 2 AirPods Pro 3 $249.00 at Amazon Shop Now Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) $299.00 at Amazon Shop NowOctober Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top early deals
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, is becoming a tradition in the shopping world. Amazon's annual fall sale is now the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, and a warm-up act for Black Friday 2025. With tariffs, a challenging economy, and the changing of the seasons, we know a lot of people are eager to shop and save, emphasis on save.
This year, Prime Big Deal Days takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8, starting at 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT) on the 7th, and the Mashable shopping team will be curating the best October Prime Day deals live. So, before, during, and after the event, you can check this live blog for the latest announcements, lightning deals, and stock alerts. We'll be working around the clock to identify the top opportunities to save on popular products from Apple, Sony, Dyson, iRobot, DJI, Microsoft, Ninja, Samsung, and more. And you know Amazon will be discounting plenty of Echo speakers, Fire TVs, and, if we're lucky, the best Kindles.
So, if you want to be the first to know about the latest deals — at Amazon and beyond — then you know what to do. Get your scrolling finger ready, because October Prime Day is about to start.
The top early October Prime Day deals The top offers Classic Prime Day Deal Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit $29.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best Deal Under $100 Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Top Apple Deal Apple iPad 11-inch $299 (save $50) Get Deal Best Splurge Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series Espresso and Coffee Machine $499.94 (save $100.05) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $34.99 (save $85) Get Deal Best Vacuum Deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 (save $150.99) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Samsung Deal Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-Wide HD Monitor $219.99 (save $110) Get Deal Best Outdoor Deal Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169 (save $90) Get Deal The top anti-Prime Day competitor salesWhenever Amazon hosts a big sale, the other big-box stores host sales of their own. Some of these sales events have already started. During October Prime Day, we'll be checking prices at Amazon against other retailers, so if there's a better price at Walmart or Best Buy, we'll be sure to let you know.
The Walmart Deals event takes place from Oct. 7 to 12
Best Buy is hosting its Techtober Sale from Oct. 6 to 12
The Home Depot is hosting an unnamed sale from Oct. 6 to 8
Target Circle Week runs from Oct. 5 to 12
You need to be a Prime member to take advantage of the best deals during Prime Big Deal Days. Fortunately, Amazon offers a no-cost 30-day trial for new members. When the trial is over, you'll be charged $14.99 per month. Members get access to the top Amazon deals, plus free 2-day shipping and returns, access to Prime Video, and plenty more perks. People 24 and under can also sign up for even less with Prime for Young Adults, which is just $7.49 per month after a lengthy 6-month trial.
Sign up for Amazon Prime — 30-day trial, $14.99 per month
Sign up for Prime for Young Adults — 6-month trial, $7.49 per month
The best Prime Day DJI deals are here — and you should buy them while you can
If you’ve had your eye on any DJI gear, now might be the time to finally go for it. With news of a potential U.S. ban on the company's drones looming and a required national security risk assessment due this December, the future availability of DJI products is uncertain. The company's already having trouble importing its products, and many models are listed as "Out of stock" on DJI's own website.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's October Prime Day is coming on October 7 — here are 30+ early deals to shop nowDespite the supply chain disruptions, DJI still has a “second Prime Day” page live on Amazon with a handful of deals on all sorts of gear. A quick heads-up, though: While we saw some pretty good deals on DJI drones leading up to the sale, they're no longer available. (We're keeping them listed below in case they return.) For now, here are the best active DJI deals you can shop.
Best DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $99.99 at Amazon$169 Save $69.01 Get Deal Why we like it
If you've ever tried to film a vlog or an interview with your phone, you know how terrible the audio usually sounds. The DJI Mic Mini is the easiest way to fix that. It's a tiny, ultralight wireless lavalier microphone system that delivers crisp, "detail-rich" audio.
SEE ALSO: The DJI Mic Mini is a one of the best upgrades for content creatorsThis kit comes with two transmitters (the mics) and one receiver that can plug directly into your iPhone, Android, or camera. You'll also get a charging case, which should give you up to 48 hours of use. It also features built-in noise canceling, which is a lifesaver when you're filming outside.
Best DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 $229 at Amazon$289 Save $60 Get Deal Why we like it
The Osmo Action 4 is a direct competitor to GoPro and is built to handle anything you throw at it. It's fully waterproof and features RockSteady 3.0 stabilization to keep your 4K/120fps footage looking smooth and professional.
What sets it apart is its large 1/1.3-inch sensor, which gives it impressive low-light performance, and its 10-bit and D-Log M color performance for creators who want more flexibility when they're color grading their footage. It also has a long-lasting battery that can handle up to 160 minutes of recording time, which is a huge plus for a day out on the trail or at the beach.
More camera dealsDJI Osmo 360 Camera — $472.99 $549.99 (save $77)
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo — $816 $979 (save $163)
$299 Save $60 Get Deal Why we like it
The DJI Mini 4K is the drone we recommend for pretty much anyone who's just starting out. It’s incredibly easy to fly and has a bunch of automated "QuickShots" modes that let you capture cinematic-looking footage with just a few taps. The 4K camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, which means your video is always super smooth, even on windy days.
And at under 249 grams, you don't have to register it with the FAA in the U.S., so you can just take it out of the box and start flying. It's the simplest way to get into the hobby and see what all the #DroneTok hype is about.
More DJI drone dealsDJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo — $309 $389 (save $80)
DJI Mini 3 — $335 $419 (save $84)
DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo — $359 $449 (save $90)
DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) — $439 $549 (save $110)
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC) — $575 $719 (save $144)
Lois Mackenzie contributed to this article.
What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and deals available now.
While Amazon's flagship Prime Day event falls in July, the company kicks off the holiday shopping season in October. Prime Big Deal Days, better known as October Prime Day, is Amazon's fall shopping event that brings millions of deals. It falls a month before Black Friday, and gives Prime members a head start to holiday shopping.
Mashable's shopping reporters have been covering Amazon's Prime Day since 2018, and October Prime Day is a little different. In July, Amazon extended its flagship members-only sale from two day to four, but their October event is just 48 hours.
If you've shopped Prime Day but are new to Prime Big Deal Days, here's everything you need to know about the sale event — plus all the deals you can show right now.
What is Prime Big Deal Days?Prime Big Deal Days is Amazon's annual fall event that began in 2022. It's similar to Amazon's July Prime Day and is open to paid and trial members of Amazon's Prime subscription service.
The 2022 version was called "Prime Early Access Sale," and it was renamed to "Prime Big Deal Days" in 2023. The name has stuck, but colloquially, you'll often hear it referred to as October Prime Day.
Whenever Amazon launches a sale, the entire internet follows suit. Target has already announced its Circle Week will run at the same time, and we expect similar sales from Walmart, Best Buy, and The Home Depot.
When is Prime Big Deal Days 2025?Prime Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, Oct. 7 to Wednesday, October 8, bringing deals from major brands like Lego and KitchenAid. Amazon's October Prime Day is only running for two days compared to July's four days.
Last year's Prime Big Deal Days fell at a similar time last year, spanning from Oct. 8-9.
What's on sale during Prime Big Deal Days?Amazon has hyped up Prime Big Deal Days with lots of items on sale ahead of the big event. Now that the the sale has kicked off at 12:01 a.m. PT, millions of deals have dropped.
Throughout the event, Amazon will be dropping Today's Big Deals at 12 a.m., 8 a.m., and 1 p.m. PT from major brands including Away and LG.
Here are all of the exciting deals that Amazon has teased for far.
Prime services dealsPrime members can select one free item from a selection of fresh groceries with their same-day delivery order in eligible locations.
Prime member can get a $150 Amazon gift card when approved for Prime Visa or a $100 Amazon gift card when approved for a Prime Store Card.
Prime members can use their free Grubhub+ membership to get $10 off orders of $20 or more during Prime Big Deal Days.
Prime for Young Adult members start shopping Prime Big Deal Days 48 hours early on items from T3 and Octobuddy.
Save up to 65% off bestselling print titles
Earn triple points on all Kindle books purchased during Prime Big Deal Days
New and popular movie and TV deals up to 50% off
Prime members who have not tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get four months free and current Amazon Music Unlimited Individual customers can upgrade to a Family Plan at no extra cost for two months.
Save up to 65% on select popular electronics from Anker like power banks and portable chargers
Save up to 50% on select Luna Controller and Fire TV bundles
Save up to 50% on select Amazon devices including the Amazon Smart Plug and Echo Frames; and up to 45% on Amazon device bundles including the all-new Kindle Colorsoft Kids Essentials and Kindle Colorsoft Essentials bundles, Echo Show 5 Kids with Echo Glow, and the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus bundles
Save up to 45% on select Bose headphones and speakers
Save up to 40% on select TVs and monitors from LG and Hisense
Save more than 40% on the Amazon Luna controller
Save up to 50% on select travel gear from Samsonite
Save up to 45% on select BISSELL and iRobot vacuums and mops
Save up to 40% on select kitchen appliances from KitchenAid and Vitamix
Save up to 30% on select pet products from Blue Buffalo, Pet Honesty, and Zesty Paws
Save up to 30% on select furniture, home, and décor styles from Ashley Furniture, Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Eddie Bauer
Save up to 30% on select grocery essentials from Pepsi, Frito-Lay, and Dixie; and up to 20% on select products from Celsius and Liquid Death
Save up to 30% on select home products from Dyson
Save up to 25% on select personal care and grooming items from Gillette, Braun, Dove, and Crest and household essentials from Dawn and Lysol
Save up to 20% on select holiday items from National Tree Company, Fraser Hill Farm, and NEST New York
Save up to 40% on select toys from Fisher-Price, Ms. Rachel, Crayola, Play-Doh, NERF, and Tonies
Save up to 30% on select toys and building sets from Lego, Magna-Tiles, and PicassoTiles
Save up to 40% on select Disney, Star Wars, and Wicked toys, apparel, and home goods
You have to be a Prime member in order to shop any of Amazon's Prime Day events, including Prime Big Deal Days. But if you don't want to commit to a monthly or annual paid subscription, you can still participate by scheduling a free 30-day trial of Prime around the sale. (If you're a student or between the ages of 18 to 24, that free trial is six months long.) Just remember to cancel your membership as soon as Prime Day is over to avoid getting charged.
Is Prime Big Deal Days a scam?We've been seeing this question pop up a lot lately, and it surprised us. No, Prime Big Deal Days is not a scam.
While some of Amazon's sales (cough, Big Spring Sale, cough) have been a bit lackluster in recent years, but Amazon's October Prime Day is a legitimate opportunity to save. This event promises to bring major savings on big name brands like Bose, Beats, Lego, and more. For book-lovers, there will be bestselling titles up to 65% off.
And because we're professional deal hunters, we don't just take Amazon's word for it. We cover deals all year long and use price trackers to check the historical pricing for popular products, and we only include deals in our shopping guides when they represent a genuine price drop. Yes, Amazon does try to pass off "deals" that don't really deserve the name occasionally. However, Prime Day really does include thousands of new and exciting (at least, to us) price drops. In particular, we're seeing incredible savings on wireless earbuds and cheap TVs this year, as just two examples.
Does Prime Day only happen once a year?Just like how Prime Day is no longer one day, it also happens more than once a year. Amazon's flagship Prime Day takes place in early July and in 2025 it spans four days.
And for the past three years, Amazon has hosted Prime Big Deal Days, an October event serving as a precursor to its Black Friday festivities. However, the summer iteration of Prime Day is still Amazon's marquee sale.
One of my go-to Dyson Supersonic dupes is now $89 for Prime members
Save 31%: As of Oct. 7, the Dreame Pocket is back down to its record low price of $89.98. This saves you $40.01 off its $129.99 list price.
Dreame Pocket $89.98 at Amazon$129.99 Save $40.01 Get Deal
Amazon Prime's Big Deal Days are finally here, which means it's a great time to pick up big-ticket purchases like expensive hair tools.
As tempting as it can be to add that expensive Dyson Supersonic or Airwrap to your cart, it's worth considering some dupes that are on sale. For under $100, you still get an innovative and easy styling experience. Case in point: the Dreame Pocket is on sale during Prime Big Deal Days for $89.98, bringing it down $40.01 from its retail price of $129.99.
SEE ALSO: Is the Dyson Supersonic still worth it?This price point isn't exclusive to October Prime Day — I've spotted it a couple times before — but it is the lowest price the dryer and styler has ever hit. As someone who's tested her fair share of Dyson Supersonic dupes, the Dreame Pocket stands out because of its versatility. Like the Supersonic, it's a compact, efficient hair dryer. However, it's also like the Dyson Airwrap, thanks to the inclusion of a curling wand attachment. The unique design of the body of the dryer means the nozzle can be pushed all the way back, so it's easy to adjust for different styling needs.
Another huge point in favor of this dryer is how easy it is to store. The included storage bag could be mistaken for a medium makeup bag, and inside, it fits the folded-up Pocket dryer, the unfrizz nozzle (for smoothing flyaways), and the curling nozzle.
As for performance, it won't be the exact same as the Airwrap, and the curling nozzle only goes in one direction. However, for just $90, it's way cheaper, more versatile, and easier to store, making it an excellent dupe to pick up on sale.
The popular Jackery Explorer 300 power station is now just $169 for October Prime Day
SAVE 35%: The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is on sale for $169, down from the list price of $259. That's a 35% discount and a record-low price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station $169 at Amazon$259 Save $90 Get Deal
Maybe you held off during camping season this summer, but a portable power station is pretty essential now that we're into fall. If they haven't shown up yet, the fall storms will be here any day, and with them will come downed tree branches and power outages. Instead of toughing it out, get yourself a portable power station this Prime Day.
As of Oct. 7, the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for just $169, marked down from the usual price of $259. That's a 35% discount that shaves $90 off the normal price. It's also a record-low price at Amazon.
We've loved Jackery Explorer power stations for years, and these devices helped popularize the entire product category. While this is the older version of the Jackery Explorer (let's call it the original flavor), it's really hard to argue with the Prime Day price tag. There's a reason we named it one of the year's top Prime Day tech deals before Prime Day even started.
SEE ALSO: Mashable's favorite portable power stations are already 50% off ahead of October Prime DayThe Jackery Explorer 300 offers 293Wh of battery capacity for keeping your phones and laptops charged up during an outage. It can also keep the WiFi router on, which makes a power outage the perfect time to binge all the best scary movies before Halloween.
You'll have the ability to recharge devices with two USB-A ports, one USB-C, and two AC. It's also super lightweight, coming in at just a smidge over seven pounds. The built-in handle also helps with portability. When it comes time to recharge the Jackery Explorer 300, you can do so with standard wall power or a solar panel.
It's worth mentioning the Jackery Explorer 300 uses lithium-ion battery cells, which is an older technology. Many portable power stations now use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries instead of lithium ion. LiFePO4 battery cells have a longer lifespan, but Jackery says the Explorer 300 should last for 800 cycles before it'll only charge to 80 percent capacity. If you used all 293Wh everyday for over two years, you'd still be under the 800 mark. Pair that timeline with the sale price of $170, and we're not mad.
Before the next power outage hits, get equipped with the Jackery Explorer 300. It's sitting at a record-low during Prime Day of $169. Use it this fall and winter at home during storms and pack it along for camping in the spring and summer.
My amazing Shark pet cordless vacuum is 50% off for October Prime Day
SAVE $150: Shark's cordless vacuum, which is amazing at sucking up pet fur, is on sale for 50% off during Amazon's October Prime Day.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark pet cordless vacuum $149 at Amazon$299.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal
I have a wonderful dog, but he has the not-so-wonderful habit of shedding fur. Luckily, the Shark pet cordless vacuum entered my life and helped remedy that problem.
Just ahead of October Prime Day, it's on sale for $149 — marked down 50% from its usual $299.99 list price — which is its lowest price ever on Amazon.
This vacuum has proven to be a game-changer for my household. It'll run for 40 minutes on a charge, has tremendous suction, and attachments for hard-to-reach spots. It can also detach completely to turn into a handheld vacuum. The vacuum is light and features a sleek build that's easy to store.
If you have a pet — or if you can just appreciate a good vacuum —this is a seriously great deal.
Hurry, Amazon is selling AirTags for $16.24 each for Prime Day
SAVE UP TO 34%: For October Prime Day 2025, the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon ($16.24 per tracker), while a single AirTag has dropped to $19.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4 Pack) $64.99 at Amazon$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal
As the October Prime Day event kicks off, first-rate deals are already popping up.
Case in point: the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is now available for just $64.99. That's a 34% price drop from $99 and a cost of just $16.24 per tracker. Meanwhile, individual Apple AirTags are available for $19.99, after a 31% discount from the standard $29 sticker price. Now, these trackers have gone on sale once before for $64.49, but we don't think you'll notice the difference.
These sleek little discs have become the go-to tracker for iPhone users — and for good reason — which is why we’ve immediately jumped on this bargain, alongside our current selection of the best Prime Day deals on Amazon right now.
Each AirTag pairs with your iPhone or iPad through a simple one-tap set-up, instantly connecting to Apple’s Find My network. That same network, powered by hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide, helps you locate lost or stolen items even when they’re far away. So whether your keys slipped between couch cushions or your luggage went AWOL on your latest trip, the AirTag has you covered.
SEE ALSO: The top Apple deals from Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days 2025 eventIf you’re close by, you can use Precision Finding, powered by Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, to get turn-by-turn directions right to your missing item. The built-in speaker can also play a sound if you’d rather just follow your ears. And if something’s truly lost, Lost Mode automatically alerts you when another Apple device detects it — working as a silent but brilliant safety net for the chronically forgetful
Durable and practical, each AirTag is even IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, so it’s just as ready for travel as you are. The replaceable CR2032 coin battery lasts around a year, meaning no charging cables or downtime. Slip one into your wallet, loop one onto your pet’s collar, or stash one in your backpack; you’ll always know where your stuff is.
With a 31% discount, this is one of the best Prime Day deals for Apple fans. Stay ahead of the chaos and grab the AirTag 4-Pack before prices ease back up.
The AirPods 4 are somehow just $89 for October Prime Day
SAVE UP TO 30%: As of Oct. 7, AirPods 4 earbuds have been discounted for Prime Big Deal Days. The ANC model is marked down 34% to $119.99 and the version without ANC is down 30% to $89.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 at Amazon$129 Save $39.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $119 at Amazon
$179 Save $60 Get Deal
Amazon's October Prime Day sale event, called Prime Big Deal Days, has officially arrived, and with it a whole bunch of exciting discounts to look through. If you're on the hunt for Apple deals, you're in luck, as there are plenty of offers available on different Apple devices. These include sale prices on both models of the brand new AirPods 4, so you can treat yourself to some new earbuds.
Both the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and without have been marked down during the sale event. The models with ANC are 22% off at Amazon right now, which has dropped their price to $139.99, while the models without ANC are 30% off, bringing them down to $89.99.
SEE ALSO: The top October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editorWhen choosing between these two earbud designs, there's just one thing to consider. They each offer great sound quality, it all just depends whether or not you want the noise cancellation. The AirPods 4 with ANC offer different modes for listening, including Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the environment you're in while you listen; Conversation Awareness, which adjusts audio levels when you're speaking, and Adaptive Audio, which works as a blend of Transparency mode and ANC, depending on the environment you're in.
The battery life of the AirPods 4 with ANC lasts up to four hours on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, or up to 20 hours using the case. On the other hand, the AirPods 4 without ANC provide up to five hours on a single charge, or up to 30 hours using the case.
Don't miss out on these excellent October Prime Day deals on the AirPods 4, with the ANC models marked down 22% to $139.99 and the models without ANC down 30% to $89.99.
Hurdle hints and answers for October 7, 2025
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintOften eaten for Sunday dinner.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerROAST
Hurdle Word 2 hintA social class.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerCASTE
Hurdle Word 3 hintAn herb often used in Italian dishes.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerBASIL
Hurdle Word 4 hintTo ward off.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answerREPEL
Final Hurdle hintTo like something.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerENJOY
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
The top October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editor
Don't spend hours scrolling through Amazon, because I already found the best Prime Day tech deals for you. As Mashable's tech editor, my inbox is full of brands trying to get me to cover their newest gadgets, AI models, and futuristic wearables. I get to test the latest flagship headphones, OLED gaming monitors, and foldable phones for Mashable readers. And I gotta say — I love my job.
For Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day 2025, Amazon (as well as Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers and brands) have discounted some of my favorite gadgets of the year. I'm also spotting early Prime Day deals on boring but essential products like memory cards, wireless chargers, and USB-C cables. So, I've gathered all of the top discounts into one place for Mashable readers. Remember: Prime Big Deal Days takes place this year on Oct. 7 and 8, so you only have two days to save.
Whether you've been waiting to invest in a new laptop or 65-inch TV, or just need to replace some tech that's past its expiration date, the next 48 hours are going to be a prime time to shop. So, without any further preamble, let's get into my favorite Prime Day tech deals from brands like Apple, Samsung, DJI, Dyson, Shark, and Bose. I will also be providing live updates in our October Prime Day live blog.
Apple AirPods starting at $89There's just something about the phrase "$89 AirPods" that sounds right, doesn't it? In the tariffs era, the fact that you can buy new AirPods for $89.99 feels like a small miracle. While all eyes will be on the new AirPods Pro 3, if you don't need ANC — or have a tendency to lose your earbuds — this purchase is a no-brainer.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds $89.99 at Amazon$129 Save $39.01 Get Deal Amazon Kindle Kids
Amazon usually saves the top Kindle deals for Prime Day itself, but this early deal on the kids' e-reader is too good to pass up. Mashable has tested all the latest Kindles, and we don't expect this e-reader to get any cheaper when Prime Day officially kicks off on Tuesday. It's the kind of screen time you can feel good about.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 at Amazon$129.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Amazon Echo Show 8
Amazon just previewed its new generation of more advanced (and more expensive) Echo Show devices, so take advantage of this sale on the smart displays. Amazon is likely clearing the way for its new devices, but this model gives you all the necessary functionality and cross-device support you really need.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 smart display $99.99 at Amazon$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Shark vacuums
I have a small army of robot vacuums in my apartment at any given time, and since I live in New York City, space is at a premium. That means I have high standards for my robovacs, and Shark's underrated vacuums have always impressed me. If you're a pet owner, the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum is not only one of the best early Prime Day tech deals this year, but also comes personally recommended by Mashable reporters.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon$299.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum $229.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $320 Best-seller Get Deal JBL party speakers
I've been testing party speakers for Mashable for years, and JBL consistently outperforms so-called premium brands. The JBL Flip 6 is actually my most-recommended speaker, and we've also tested and loved the brand's new boombox-style Party Box. Both are on sale for Prime Day.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker $99.95 at Amazon$129.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL PartyBox Club 120 party speaker $349.95 at Amazon
$449.95 Save $100 Get Deal DJI Smartphone Gimbal
I've tested a few smartphone gimbals, and DJI makes the best one by far. It's deceptively simple to use and provides pro-level stabilization and face tracking. If you're a creator (or aspiring creator), then this gimbal is a must-have IMO. I'm keeping a close eye on the top Prime Day deals on DJI products, so keep checking back for more savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer $126 at Amazon$149 Save $23 Get Deal Apple AirTag (4-Pack)
The lowest price we've ever seen on AirTags dropped today — and not at Amazon. No, for this deal, head to Best Buy. These popular trackers use Apple's massive Find My network to help you track down lost items, and they've never been more affordable.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64.99 at Best Buy$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal Affordable smart TVs under $300
Prime Day is one of the best times to buy a new TV, and Prime Big Deal Days is already delivering major doorbuster deals on budget TVs. You can find 50-, 55-, and 65-inch flatscreens for under $300 this year, including smart models from Roku, Hisense, and Fire TV.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Smart TV 50-Inch Select Series 4K HDR TV (2025) $257.99 at Amazon$299.99 Save $42 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $259.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $170 Shop Now Less-affordable (but much more awesome) QLED TVs
My favorite TV brand for the past few years has been Samsung, which makes impressive QLED, OLED, and art TVs. And I wouldn't even consider buying one unless it was Prime Day or Black Friday. This premium QLED smart TV is on sale for $350 off its retail price for a limited time. Equipped with Samsung's latest AI processor, this 2025 model TV offers incredible value at this price point.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Class Neo QLED QN70F 4K Smart TV (2025) $847.99 at Amazon$1,097.99 Save $250 Get Deal Samsung monitors
Whether you need a compact second monitor for your home office or a premium gaming monitor, Samsung always offers fantastic monitor deals during big sales. For home offices, I'd recommend the bevel-less 22-inch business monitor, which is a steal at its current price. And for gamers, the Odyssey line of monitors offers stunning visuals and cutting-edge display specs.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 22-inch (S40GD) Borderless Business Monitor $99.42 at Amazon$149.99 Save $50.57 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G7 $471.50 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $328.49 Get Deal Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
I love Jackery's products. The brand's popular portable power stations are a staple at campgrounds and music festivals, but they can also give you a much-needed power-up during blackouts. While this is the older version of the Jackery Explorer series, I've never seen it priced this low before.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169 at Amazon$259 Save $90 Get Deal A hip foldable flip phone
Earlier this year, I said 2025 was the year the foldable phone became a smart option for everyday users, not just early adopters. Personally, I prefer the convenient size and form factor of the smaller flip-style foldables.
As much as I love the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 released over the summer, I actually think people have been sleeping on the Motorola Razr Ultra. If you want flagship-quality in a flip phone, this stylish smartphone has a lot to offer. It has an insane battery life and is packed with AI features, if that's your thing. Plus, it comes with 512GB of memory, compared to the Z Flip 7's starting memory of 128GB. For a limited time, save $300 on this unlocked smartphone.
Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, 512GB, Unlocked $999.99 at Amazon$1,299.99 Save $300 Get Deal Top deals to watch: Beats and Bose headphones
Amazon promised big savings on both Beats and Bose headphones this year. In particular, you can expect up to 40% off select Bose earbuds and headphones. So, as we wait for Prime Day to start, I'm keeping a close watch on my favorite wireless headphones from these brands.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $359 at AmazonGet Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal
Taylor Swift becomes the internet troll she loathes
Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has a massive problem — a staggering lack of self-awareness.
Of course, that critique of Swift isn't novel. For years, Swift's critics have argued that she sees herself as a perpetual victim — of manipulative lovers, traitorous friends, cutthroat enemies, and unscrupulous music executives. They've also observed that Swift appears to sometimes cruelly and publicly punish those who betray or slight her, particularly through her songwriting.
This portrayal could be convincing at times. After all, some of Swift's biggest hits, like "Bad Blood," "Mean," and "Karma," are about score settling. Yet Swift also managed to balance her lust for vengeance with honest vulnerability or genuine growth in songs like "Anti-Hero" and "The Manuscript."
SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift use AI art? 'Life of a Showgirl' orange door videos seem AI-generatedNot this time around. Showgirl features one song ("Eldest Daughter") that earnestly rejects toxic internet culture, but also two other tracks ("Actually Romantic" and "CANCELLED!”) that channel the worst parts of that culture, including mocking, humiliation, and a hot take that utterly misreads the gravity of the political moment.
The songs offer Swift's critics fresh evidence that their assessment of the billionaire pop star is accurate, at least sometimes. Sadly for Swift, who seems genuinely kind when she's not beholden to grievance, the stark contrast between these songs demonstrates that she can easily become the very internet troll she decries.
How did we get here, Taylor?There's an endearing scene in Swift's new album release film, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, wherein she explains the premise of the piano ballad "Eldest Daughter." The song, she says, is about how the internet is a space that rewards cheap shots and callousness, a state of mind that can warp our lives and relationships.
She writes: "Everybody's so punk on the internet / Everyone's unbothered 'til they're not / Every joke's just trolling and memes / Sad as it seems, apathy is hot / Everybody's cutthroat in the comments / Every single hot take is cold as ice"
Swift wants to make a promise, presumably to her fiancé, Travis Kelce, that she'll never treat him so carelessly. Cue the mostly tender chorus: "But I'm not a bad bitch / And this isn't savage / But I'm never gonna let you down / I'm never gonna leave you out / So many traitors / Smooth operators / But I'm never gonna break that vow / I'm nеver gonna leave you now, now, now"
Swift may regret the awful, racially coded word choice of "bad bitch" and "savage," but the song's sincerity against the backdrop of cultural viciousness she describes in "Eldest Daughter" is welcome.
Still, Swift's commitment is clearly just to Kelce, because "Actually Romantic" couldn't be an uglier song if it tried. It's designed to shame and mortify its target, reportedly the Grammy-winning singer and producer Charli XCX. Her sin? Apparently, writing a song, rumored to be about Swift, about a girl who "taps my insecurities."
The track "Sympathy is a Knife" appears on Charli XCX's smash 2024 album Brat, which curiously also includes a song entitled "Everything is Romantic."
Charli XCX doesn't dedicate "Sympathy is a Knife" to ruthless insults, even if she dislikes the girl in question, and roots for her breakup (ostensibly referring to the demise of Swift's relationship with the 1975's frontman Matty Healy). Instead, she's grappling with a "spiral" of emotions unleashed by being near this person.
Charli XCX sings, alarmingly, about graphically killing herself, adding: "Volatilе at war with my dialogue / I'd say that there was a God if thеy could stop this / Wild voice tearin' me apart / I'm so apprehensive now"
As a journalist who's written about the intersection of suicide and digital culture for more than a decade, I can think of few things more quintessentially representative of the toxic internet than someone telling another person who feels suicidal or worthless that they, in fact, are insignificant.
"Actually Romantic" may not explicitly reference Charli XCX's despair, but it proceeds to methodically humiliate its subject:
"Hadn't thought of you in a long time / But you keep sending me funny valentines / And I know you think it comes off vicious / But it's precious, adorable / Like a toy chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse / That's how much it hurts / How many times has your boyfriend said / 'Why are we always talking 'bout her?'"
Swift said in an interview with Amazon Music that the song is about realizing someone is engaging in a one-sided adversarial relationship with you and that the negative attention can be a form of flattery. But in the song, she suggests a sexual motive too ("feels like you're flirting with me"), and declares: "No man has ever loved me like you do."
Perhaps unintentionally, Swift revives a homophobic trope sometimes popular amongst middle and high school students that if one girl doesn't like another, it's because her aversion is a disguised crush.
But even if "Actually Romantic" isn't about Charli XCX, Swift spends two-and-a-half minutes dispensing spiteful cheap shots — a more lyrical version of the kind you'd find between two people at war with each other online.
One explanation for Swift's behavior might be the first line of "Actually Romantic," in which she reveals that the song's subject privately called her "Boring Barbie." The other half of the riddle is buried in "Eldest Daughter" when Swift sings: "I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness / I've been dying just from trying to seem cool"
If you've spent your personal and professional life aspiring for both popular and critical acceptance, the insult "Boring Barbie" could feel maximally painful. It may not be in Swift's nature to walk away from the makings of a feud, but what if she had? Or what if, instead of trying to belittle, she wrote a song in the vein of "Eldest Daughter," exercising empathy or compassion toward someone who's clearly suffering? "Eldest Daughter" might have you believe that's the kind of world Swift wants to live in.
The weaponization of CANCEL! cultureUnfortunately, Showgirl offers competing visions of this world.
In the song, "CANCELLED!" Swift tries to turn a hot take about being at the center of scandal, real or not, into an anthem for people who experience public wrath.
Social media has guessed who Swift may have in mind for this track. Maybe it's the actress Blake Lively, who's currently embroiled in a lawsuit over sexual harassment against the actor and director Justin Baldoni. Perhaps it's for Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kelce's NFL Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, because she took considerable criticism for publicly supporting President Donald Trump in 2022.
Regardless, "CANCELLED!" looks at the controversial concept of cancel culture and seems to buy into the narrative that any effort to hold a public figure accountable for their words and actions is tantamount to shunning them from society. “CANCELLED!" can’t be bothered by the reality that maybe some people are called out or questioned for good reason. Instead, the song treats cancellation like a badge of honor, and a path to personal empowerment and dark fellowship.
Swift sings: "Now they've broken you like they've broken me / But a shattered glass is a lot more sharp / And now you know exactly who your friends are (You know who we are) / We're the ones with matching scars"
Swift said she views this song as a story about navigating terrible periods of undeserved scrutiny and coming out stronger, but her take on so-called cancellation could not be hotter. It misreads a grave moment in political and pop culture, as the Trump administration routinely threatens and tries to silence speech it hates.
If fans are waiting for Swift to recognize how the weaponization of cancel culture has played into this dynamic, and then align herself with fundamental human and democratic rights, as she's pointedly done in the past, it seems they'll be waiting for a long time.
Swift is right that the internet is often lousy. But on Showgirl, Swift's rejection of that culture seems useful only when it serves her interests and vendettas.
This article reflects the opinion of the writer.
The best noise-cancelling headphones we use and love
Whether you work from home, spend a lot of time on airplanes, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones are a worthwhile investment.
Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger by the month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC.
SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2025.
Plus, with October Prime Day nearly here, it's an especially great time to pick up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones on sale.
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?Bose is often a top name (and in our top picks) when it comes to noise-cancelling audio, often leading the industry for the best ANC available.
With that said, it's not the only brand worth checking out. If you want top-notch ANC with great sound quality, Sony makes excellent options. On the other hand, folks looking for a more affordable option might be drawn to EarFun, which brings great value to the noise-cancelling space. Essentially, what makes the best noise-cancelling headphones depends on what other features and price range you're looking for in a pair of headphones — our guide below lays out where each of our picks shines.
How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise via passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.
Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.
Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / MashableIf you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.
Other headphones may be great at blocking low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results all around, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.
In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal (or fit as many mics) that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.
Recent testing updatesIn September 2025, we replaced the original Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds with the updated second-gen model.
As of July 2025, we replaced the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with their newer counterpart, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.
Our testing in February 2025 saw the addition of the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds as our favorite earbuds pick under $100. We decided that they deserved to knock the Beats Studio Buds+ off the list (after the Apple-owned earbuds beat out the newer AirPods 4), due to the Air Pro's superior noise cancellation, battery life, and value. We also added the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones as an alternate pick for the best battery life headphones in March 2025.
In September 2024, we tried out the JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds, and we enjoyed their sound, unique design, and touchscreen case that made it easy to check the headphones' battery life and control audio. However, their noise cancellation wasn't quite up to par for $200 earbuds. We've also added the Dyson OnTrac headphones as our pick for the best battery life, thanks to the impressive 55-hour battery life.
In August 2024, we said goodbye to the Bose 700 headphones as our recommendation for the best noise-cancelling headphones with adjustable ANC. This was a long time coming — these headphones have technically been discontinued since the release of the Bose QC Ultra headphones in September 2023, but remained available from retailers other than Bose. We'll be on the lookout for any new models that match the adjustable noise cancellation that these Bose headphones once offered.
The best laptops of 2025: Compare the M4 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and more
UPDATE: Oct. 6, 6:00 p.m. ET We're currently in the process of testing a slew of laptops. For this month's update, I added the Asus Zenbook A14 and the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition as new top picks.
Choosing the best laptop for you comes down to your primary use case(s), your design preferences, your operating system of choice, and your budget. But even with those parameters, it can be difficult to pinpoint the leading contenders.
I've been covering laptops for Mashable for over two years and created a meticulous testing procedure that our team uses to review them. After researching dozens of laptops and trying the most promising models with my colleagues, I've settled on some top picks.
Best laptops to buy 2025As of Oct. 2025, I think the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) is the best MacBook for most people. It's a sleek-as-ever notebook featuring impressive performance, open-lid support for two external displays, a great 12MP Center Stage camera, and an extremely reasonable starting price of $1,199 (making it $100 cheaper than its M3 predecessor).
SEE ALSO: When's the best time to buy a laptop? If you want a great deal, it's right now.The best Windows laptop we've tested is the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated and snappy Copilot+ PC boasting a stellar battery life of nearly 23 hours. Note that Microsoft makes an Intel version that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it's a business-oriented model with a significant markup.
Prime Day laptop deals are comingIf you're currently shopping for a new laptop — and if you're reading this guide, you almost certainly are — know that your timing is impeccable. Amazon is gearing up to host Prime Big Deal Days, a 48-hour sale that informally kicks off its holiday season deals. It's effectively a fall Prime Day.
The sale will probably prompt some year-round lows on MacBooks, Surface devices, and other laptops on Amazon, but don't limit yourself to its selection. Prime Big Deal Days spurs other tech retailers like Best Buy into running their own competing sales, giving diligent shoppers more opportunities to save. (A few of my top picks are only available at Best Buy, anyway.)
Cross-checking offers between retailers will be your best line of defense against overpaying, but if you don't want to sift through the sea of sales on your own, I'll also be tracking the best Prime Day laptop deals myself.
We put the top 10 headphones of 2025 to the test — heres what wed pick up during October Prime Day
In 2025, a pair of headphones or earbuds is pretty much non-optional. That's why there are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine.
SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top early dealsHowever, if you're tired of settling for "just fine," then it's worth investing in the best headphones available.
Thankfully, that's a lot more accessible during sales like Amazon's October Prime Day, which is happening from Oct. 7 to 8. We're expecting to see several headphones go on sale, including some of our top picks that we chose after hours and hours of listening, from the newly-released Sony XM6 headphones to old favorites from Bose, Beats, and Apple.
How to choose the best headphonesWe won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.
All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.
To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.
What about wired headphones?We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.
Other headphones we've testedMost recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point.
For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.
We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.
In the testing pipelineFor our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.
Book lovers! Heres an anti-Prime Day sale courtesy of Bookshop.org
GET FREE SHIPPING AND 20% OFF: On Oct. 7 and 8, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping on all orders during its Anti-Prime Day sale. Plus, the sale is running concurrently with Banned Book Week, so you can score 20% off banned titles.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Free shipping on all Bookshop.org orders Plus, score 20% off during Banned Book week. Get DealNot a fan of Prime Day? Listen, we get it. Amazon is the antithesis of shopping small and local, so it's understandable if you're totally disinterested in the retailer's biannual Prime Day events. The upside to Prime Day, regardless of whether or not you want to shop on Amazon, is that it has launched a barrage of anti-Prime Day sales. Often, these are from fellow retail giants, but smaller competitors join in on the action, too. Bookshop.org is running an anti-Prime Day sale on Oct. 7 and 8, allowing you to support local bookstores while still saving.
On Oct. 7, the same day that Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days kicks off, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping on all orders — no code needed. The timing of this deal is fortuitous, as it coincides with Banned Book Week. To fight censorship, Bookshop.org is marking banned books down by 20%. To get the deal, just use code 'BBW25' at checkout. The sale will run from Oct. 7 at 12 a.m. ET and run until Oct. 9 at 3 a.m. ET.
Amazon has a reputation for stealing the thunder from independent and local bookstores. This past April, Amazon launched a book sale that coincided with Independent Bookstore Day. Bookshop.org's sale is a direct response to Prime Day, encouraging shoppers to support their local bookstore. Each purchase on Bookstore.org directly supports a local bookstore of your choosing, while still allowing the convenience of online shopping.
So if you want to redirect your Prime Day money to benefit a local store, Bookshop.org lets you do just that.
