Technology
Thunderbird Pro just got a lot closer to release
Everyone knows Thunderbird as that desktop email client that has existed for years and just now started to not only improve, but branch out a lot. Now, Thunderbird Pro, which is Thunderbird's jump into actually providing email services, just inched a lot closer to release.
65+ early Black Friday deals: Score huge discounts on MacBooks, Kindles, Bose headphones, and Ninja appliances
We're officially back in Black Friday season, folks.
Though Black Friday falls on Nov. 28 this year, retailers are already kicking off sales. Best Buy dropped early deals and doorbusters on Oct. 31, and Target started its first holiday savings event on Nov. 6. Amazon kicked off its programming on Nov. 20, and Walmart hosted an early sale, but will get back in on the action on Nov. 25. We've spotted plenty of Black Friday-worthy deals that you can shop early to get ahead of your holiday list.
Keep checking back for the best Black Friday deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and beyond.
Best early Black Friday Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon$999 Save $250 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The 13-inch MacBook Air is down to a record-low price of $749 ahead of Black Friday. This is our favorite laptop for students, thanks to its M4 silicon and slim design. This markdown is so good that even if it does happen to drop lower for Black Friday or Cyber Monday (and we're not counting on it), you still score a great deal without all the chaos of Black Friday shopping.
More Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $699 at Best Buy$799 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $219.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $29.01 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $139 at Walmart
$239 Save $100 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $429.99 at Best Buy
$549 Save $119.01 Get Deal Apple AirTag $17.97 at Amazon
$29 Save $11.03 See It at Amazon See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy Apple Airtags, 4-Pack $64.98 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.02 See It at Amazon See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS + cellular) $249 at Walmart
$499 Save $250 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Best early Black Friday headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $299 at Best Buy
$429 Save $130 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 1) headphones.
The Bose QC Ultra headphones have long been some of our favorite noise-cancelling headphones. Even though Bose recently replaced them with a new Gen 2 model, the originals are still an excellent value for your money — especially at the record low price of $299.
More Black Friday headphones and earbuds deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-C710N Wireless Earbuds $78 at Amazon$129.99 Save $51.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open Earbuds $199 at Bose
$299 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Fit Pro $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 670NC On-Ear Headphones $54.95 at Walmart
$109.95 Save $55 Get Deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $248 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $151.99 Lowest price ever 🔥 See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds $107.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $72.00 Get Deal Best early Black Friday robot vacuum deal Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart sees Narwal's newest robot vacuum mop combo as a dupe for the $1,599.99 Roborock Saros 10R, our favorite robot vacuum of the year. Its edge cleaning is comparable thanks to dual spinning mopping pads that flex out from under the vacuum to scrub in corners and along walls. When mopping, the Freo Z10 Ultra ensures that it does a thorough job by taking a before-and-after picture of the spill, going back for another pass if necessary. The livestream pet camera is a bonus for homes with pets.
More robot vacuum and vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy E20 3-in-1 $349.99 at Amazon$449.99 Save $100 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 105 $199 at Amazon
$219 Save $20 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim $399.99 at Walmart
$729.99 Save $330 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Dyson Big Ball Turbinehead Canister Vacuum $229.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $120 Get Deal at Walmart Best early Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $547.99 at Walmart
$847.99 Save $300 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Why we like it
"If you're not sure what size TV to get, we consider 65 inches to be the sweet spot for most folks. While the Hisense U6 Mini LED QLED TV falls into the budget-friendly category, its specs don't scream 'budget' at all. It features a Mini LED backlight system, which means its uses smaller LEDs to deliver a brighter and more detailed picture. Plus, it packs a 144Hz native refresh rate, WiFi 6 connectivity, support for HDR in Dolby Vision, the Fire TV OS, and on-board Alexa. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it 'easily the brightest and most colorful budget-friendly TV we've tested.'" — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor
More TV and streaming deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Class Q6-Series QLED 4K TV $279.99 at Target$449.99 Save $170 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 65-inch Pro Series Mini LED QLED 4K Smart TV $798.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $401 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch Class U6 Mini LED QLED TV $547.99 at Amazon
$847.99 Save $300 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Samsung 55-inch The Frame LS034 4K QLED Smart TV (2025) $897.99 at Amazon
$1,197.99 Save $300 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Samsung Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch QN65 QLED 4K TV $448 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus 4K & HDR (2025) $29 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.99 Get Deal Best Black Friday fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
$499 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it
One of our favorite health trackers, the Oura Ring, just got a major markdown ahead of Black Friday. Right now, score the Oura Ring 4 for 30% off. It's down to $349, saving you $150 off its $499 price tag. The Oura Ring 4 is our favorite smart ring at Mashable, providing holistic insights to help you manage stress and heart health.
More Black Friday fitness tracker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch $299.99 at Amazon$499.99 Save $200 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop 5.0 $199 at Amazon
$239 Save $40 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG $299 at Amazon
$359 Save $60 Get Deal Best Black Friday kitchen deal Ninja Slushi (88 ounce) $269.99 at Amazon
$369.99 Save $100 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The Ninja Slushi is a blast in any season — frozen margs in any flavor you want when it's hot, apple cider slush or gingerbread frappé when it's chilly. (Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart loves her Slushi, and so do all of her friends.) A year after the first Slushi came out, Ninja released two larger capacity versions in a few fun colors. The 88-ounce model on sale for $269.99 at Amazon can make a slightly bigger batch than the original 72-ounce model, which is on sale for $249.99 at Walmart. $20 more for extra beverages and a chic green build? Sold. (If you want the purple one, it's $269.99 at Target.)
More Black Friday kitchen deals Nespresso Festive Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker $129 at Amazon$209.95 Save $80.95 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven Pro $275 at Our Place
$325 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso and Coffee Machine $634.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $115 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: All-Clad All-Clad HA1 13-piece Nonstick Cookware Set $489.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $210 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker $139.99 at Target
$209.99 Save $70 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nutribullet Nutribullet Personal Blender $47.49 at Amazon
$71.99 Save $24.50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami $179.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-quart Stand Mixer $349.95 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150.04 Get Deal Best early Black Friday home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Brooklinen's Black Friday Sale Score 25% off on Brooklinen bedding and bath linens. Get Deal Why we like it
The best early Black Friday deal for the home is at Brooklinen. Right now, the brand is offering 25% off across its products. You can find Brooklinen's super-plush Turkish cotton bath towel bundle for just $107, saving you 30% off. All prices are marked, no discount code needed.
More early Black Friday home deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark StainForce Portable Stain Remover $149.99 at Amazon$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark NeverChange Air Purifier $139 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $40.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Original Pillow $60 at Amazon
$75 Save $15 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Hybrid Snow Pillow $144.90 at Amazon
$179 Save $34.10 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ugg Ugg Adalee Faux Fur Throw Blanket $84.99 at Amazon
$108 Save $23.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Dyson Air Purifier $449.99 at Target
$549.99 Save $100 Get Deal Best early Black Friday power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $349 at Amazon
$799 Save $450 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Why we like it
Some of the year's best Black Friday deals are in the power station category, where you'll find discounts of 56% or more. And for so many reasons, this Anker Solix power station is our top pick for holiday shoppers. In our review, Mashable contributor Lauren Allain wrote that the "Anker Solix C1000 portable power station nails performance, design, and versatility," awarding it a Mashable Choice Award. And now that it's at a record-low price at Amazon, it's neve been easier to recommend.
More Black Friday power station deals EcoFlow River 2 $249 at Amazon$449 Save $200 Get Deal at Amazon Bluetti Elite 200V2 $1,099 at Amazon
$2,299 Save $1,200 Get Deal at Amazon Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 portable power station $699 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $800 https://zdcs.link/z6DZMk See It at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station $348 at Amazon
$448.98 Save $100.98 Get Deal Best early Black Friday outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome Camping Tent $78.99 at Amazon
$117.99 Save $39 Get Deal Why we like it
Whether you're shopping for outdoor deals to replenish your own gear or get a gift for the outdoorsman in your life, the best deal we've spotted is on the Coleman Sundome tent. This four-person tent is weatherproof, designed to block out wind and rain, and keep you dry. It's down to $78.99 ahead of Black Friday, saving you $39 for 33% off its list price of $117.99.
More early Black Friday outdoor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Osprey Osprey Hikelite Backpack $99.95 at AmazonGet Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Instant Camping Tent $212.47 at Amazon
$271.49 Save $59.02 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Hopper M Series Soft Cooler $280 at Amazon
$350 Save $70 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Titan Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Cooler $21.07 at Amazon
$46.99 Save $25.92 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $9.99 at Amazon
$14.95 Save $4.96 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault 50-quart Cooler $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nemo REI Black Friday Sale Score up to 40% off during REI's Black Friday sale. Shop sleeping bags, outdoor blankets, camping furniture, and more. Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Amazon
Even though Amazon's Black Friday sale hasn't officially started (you have to wait until Nov. 20 for that), Amazon devices such as Fire TVs are already marked down in advance of the sale. In addition, you can find plenty of limited-time deals on popular gadgets, power stations, smart home tech, outdoor gear, and Christmas gifts. Amazon is also a great place to stock up on stocking stuffers, as you'll find an abundance of deals under $25.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $84.98 at Amazon$94.99 Save $10.01 Get Deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $94.99 at Amazon
$194.99 Save $100.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 See It at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11 inches (A16 Chip) $299
$349 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Omni Series 4K QLED Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Orastone Orastone Electric Hand Warmers $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: National Tree Company Pre-Lit 6.5-Foot Dunhill Fir Artificial Christmas Tree $199.98 at Amazon
$254.03 Save $54.05 Bonus coupon: Get Echo Pop & Amazon Smart Plug for $15 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve Coffee Maker $99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $90.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender $299.95 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.04 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security cameras (5 cameras + sync module) $119.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $180 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) $106.99 at Amazon
$143.99 Save $37.00 Refurbished with great reviews Get Deal Amazon Echo Dot (2022 release) $31.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black Ultra Wide Edition $369.99 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $110 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S VR Headset (128 GB) $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50 Get Deal Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle $499 at Amazon
Editor's pick ✅ See It at Amazon See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Screenshot: Amazon Prime Video Buy movies and save up to 50% Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Walmart
As in years past, Walmart+ members get early access to the best Black Friday deals, and you can either sign up for a free trial or get 50% off a membership. Until its next official Black Friday sales event (mark your calendars for Nov. 25), the original Everything Store has great early deals on video games, kitchen gadgets, Legos, and even Dyson vacuums.
Opens in a new window Credit: Crock-Pot Crock-Pot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker $34 at Walmart$40.53 Save $6.53 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP 14-inch HD Chromebook (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $119 at Walmart
$329 Save $210 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware 16-Inch Aurora Gaming Laptop (Intel Core 7-240H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050) $1,128 at Walmart
$1,249.99 Save $121.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Console + NBA 2K26 $499.99 at Walmart
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian Gift Set $45 at Walmart
$62.97 Save $17.97 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Welcome to Emerald City Building Set $78.99 at Walmart
$99.99 Save $21 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Borderlands 4 $54.97 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $15.02 Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Best Buy
Best Buy has an interesting Black Friday system: It's been dropping new doorbusters every single Thursday since Halloween. Some of those deals have stuck around, and some are fleeting. You can plan ahead for the official Black Friday sale (kicking off on Nov. 20) with the Best Buy Black Friday ad scan, but here are some deals that are confirmed to be at their Black Friday prices.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C5 OLED 4K TV $1,399.99 at Best Buy$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Vivobook 14 (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $279.99 at Best Buy
$529.99 Save $250 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Met Meta Quest 3S The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners bundle (128GB) $249 at Best Buy
$299 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine $149.95
$229.95 Save $80 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bambu Lab Bambu Lab A1 Combo 3D printer $379.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $120 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro HERO13 Action Camera Bundle $369.99 at Best Buy
$479.99 Save $110 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard $64.99
$129.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G50D QHD Gaming Monitor $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150 Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Target
We're scanning Target's weekly ad to find the best early Black Friday deals of 2025, including plenty of products that are cheaper at Target than on Amazon. Strangely, that includes some of Amazon's own products. So, if you're a Target Circle member and you need a new kids' tablet or espresso machine, now's your chance to save.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet $44.99 at Target$99.99 Save $55.00 Costs $5 more at Amazon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeLonghi DeLonghi Magnifica Espresso Machine $499.99 at Target
$779.95 Save $279.96 Costs $50 more at Amazon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Magnolia Wood Finish Retro Record Player $149.99 at Target
$179.99 Save $30 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Universal Music Group Taylor Swift 'The Life of a Showgirl: Sweat And Vanilla Perfume' Vinyl $29.99 at Target
$34.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal
Why the Ford F-150 outperforms Toyota trucks—Toyota fans agree
If you’re new to pickup trucks, you’ve probably heard names like the Toyota Hilux or Ram 1500. But even if this is your first deep dive into the world of pickups, you’ve almost certainly heard of the Ford F-150—it’s that famous.
Get unlimited free entertainment for $20 with this streaming alternative
TL;DR: Ditch the expensive streaming services and enjoy an endless stream of free content with a lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder, on sale now for $19.99 (reg. $150).
Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $19.99$150 Save $130.01 Get Deal
How much are you really spending on streaming services? The answer might surprise you. With prices rising and new platforms constantly popping up, it can turn into an endless and expensive loop. If you’re looking for a way to unwind with entertaining content without spending an arm and a leg, it’s time to check out BitMar.
BitMar Streaming Content Finder is a handy tool that helps you discover free movies, shows, music, and more from around the world. Right now, you can pay once and enjoy a lifetime subscription to this platform for just $19.99 (reg. $150).
SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Nov. 14, 2025)Whether you still pay for cable or you’re guilty of subscribing to half a dozen streamers, there’s a much more affordable way to find things to watch. BitMar Streaming Content Finder is an AI-powered tool that finds you free content worldwide.
BitMar Streaming Content Finder features a Bing-powered search engine that scours the globe for your entertainment. It’s totally ad-free, even when you select a video from YouTube, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll only be routed to secure websites.
This lifetime subscription will work on up to five devices so that you can share the wealth of content with loved ones. You can access it on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
Wondering how you’re unlocking a lifetime of free content for just $19.99? With BitMar, you’re paying for the platform, not the content. Creators and owners of the content are still paid, too, as everything complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. That means they can monetize via the free traffic BitMar brings them.
Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder for only $19.99 (reg. $150).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Don't fall for these 8 common traps when buying a prebuilt PC
The debate between prebuilt PCs and their DIY counterparts is nearly endless, but the truth is that right now, it's a good time to embrace prebuilts. Building your own PC used to be the more economical thing to do, but these days, rising component prices often flip that situation on its head. You might be able to save yourself some money and some trouble by buying a prebuilt.
Should you rush to buy on Black Friday? When to wait on deals and when to click add to cart.
Most of the Black Friday messaging you receive focuses on urgency. There are numerous "these deals won't last" and "get it before it's gone" messages. If you're desensitized to all of that rushed language, it's understandable, but it's not all hyperbole. As we cover year after year of shopping events, one thing is true: deals really don't last.
We know this is true, looking at the facts alone; through tools like camelcamelcamel, you can see a product's full price history on Amazon. But the most plentiful evidence may be our own experience shopping and tracking deals.
The last Prime Day event, Prime Big Deal Days, was the latest shopping event where I really considered the lifetime of a deal. Even while I was working the sale, finding deals and tracking prices, I still found time to load up my Amazon cart with essentials that happened to be on sale. However, I never actually got as far as checking out, so when I signed back on, my cart's price had increased by $30. It's the clearest example I've experienced of how deals can go away as soon as the event is over.
But with Black Friday, things are a little complicated. What used to be a single-day event now lasts for weeks leading up to Black Friday and extends for days after. So, it raises the question: Do you really need to rush to buy Black Friday deals? Kind of.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops How long do Black Friday deals last?I wish there were a definitive answer to the question of "how long do Black Friday deals last?" It would certainly make my job easier. However, with early Black Friday deals, day-of-deals, and then Cyber Weekend and Monday deals, it's often unclear when the savings actually begin and end. This year, Black Friday takes place on Nov. 28, but the savings now start way before the event and even linger after.
In 2025, we're finding that most retailers are extending Black Friday savings to about two weeks, with many sales starting on Nov. 20 and wrapping up on Dec. 2. That makes knowing when to buy a deal easier, as there's a strict window to buy in. However, the most prominent retailers, such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart, don't always offer precise cutoff dates for their sales. When that's the case, urgency sets in, and you should prepare to buy.
Why should you rush to buy a Black Friday deal?So why rush to a deal? As mentioned above, if a specified window of availability isn't provided for a deal, you should grab it before it's gone. As of Nov. 20, we're finding most retailers have kicked off their sales and expect prices to stay consistent through Black Friday. Don't plan for deals to linger past Black Friday itself, and anticipate that the most in-demand deals will sell out before then.
But with this sense of urgency, it's easy to get lost in seeing a markdown without knowing if it's actually a good deal. So if you're still feeling cautious about jumping on a deal, there are three things you can do to ensure that you're not jumping on a deal that's not actually that great.
Check with the experts and use a price tracking tool With the camelcamelcamel extension, you can check a product's price history on Amazon. Credit: Screenshot: CamelcamelcamelLeading up to and throughout Black Friday, our job here at Mashable is to hunt for deals and find the best deals for you. If we've written about a deal, it's because it's worthy of your attention. Additionally, we always note when products reach their lowest price ever.
If we haven't written about a product, conduct your own research to see if it's a guaranteed good deal. If you're shopping on Amazon, we recommend using a tool like camelcamelcamel to check a product's price history to see if it's reached its lowest recorded price.
For example, Amazon's Kindle reached an all-time low during Amazon's 2025 Black Friday sale, as recorded by camelcamelcamel. That price drop means it's time to make a purchase.
Check in with a retailer's price match policyIf you want to buy a product before it sells out, but are worried it could still get a further price drop, look for the retailer's policy on price matching. Unfortunately, price matching is no longer a common practice.
In July 2025, Target joined the ranks of Amazon and Walmart, ceasing its generous price-matching policy. However, Target and Best Buy still have a holiday price match guarantee. That means if they lower their price after you purchase it, you can request a price match.
Otherwise, for retailers like Amazon, which don't have a price match guarantee, you'll need to return and then repurchase the item.
Make sure you're chasing a product, not a dealDuring big shopping events, it's easy to get caught up in the exciting deals and forget what you actually need. So, one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to chase a product, not a deal. Going into Black Friday, know what you want to buy. Maybe that's a kitchen appliance you're vying for or a new pair of headphones you're in desperate need of. Whatever it is, keep your eye on the prize and follow the product's price leading up to the event (again, price tracking tools come in handy for this). If it hits a low, even before Black Friday, you know you're good to make a purchase. And whatever you do, don't get hypnotized by all the other deals, just shop for what you've had on your list.
Don't wait until the day after Black FridayIt used to be the case that Black Friday marked the start of the savings, but now, it's essentially the closeout of the shopping event. With sales starting in early November, by the time you get to Black Friday proper on Nov. 28, it's basically the end of the sale. In our experience, the later you get into a sale, the more likely it is for a product to sell out. So, depending on when you're buying, it really determines when you need to click "add to cart." If it's the week before Black Friday, you may want to wait to make a purchase. If it's the day after Black Friday, buy as soon as possible.
That being said, my biggest piece of advice is not to wait to buy the day after Black Friday. Even though you still have Cyber Monday to look forward to, sometimes the best deals end at the stroke of midnight. Think of Cyber Monday as your last chance to shop deals, not your best chance.
Apple AirDrop now works with some Android phones
AirDrop has been one of the best features exclusive to Apple devices for years. However, Google announced today that the Pixel 10 devices—the Pixel 10, the 10 Pro, and the 10 Pro Fold—will gain the ability to send and receive files directly with iPhones, iPads, or macOS devices.
I have a silly goal for my PC in 2026, and it has nothing to do with performance
When I built my current PC in early 2024, I dedicated all my budget (and then some) to better performance. Fancy-looking components always cost more, and I figured I'd rather have a powerful system than a pretty one.
Did you know Apple launched a new product today? Get the Hikawa Phone Grip.
Can't stop thinking about the iPhone sock bag? Apple has even more modern art in store for you.
The company just launched its new, limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a MagSafe compatible accessory that turns your phone into a handheld sculpture.
SEE ALSO: 9 startups changing disability techThe case is a collaboration with Bailey Hikawa, a Los Angeles-based designer known for her line of colorful, abstract iPhone cases that look like hand-sized amoebas or melting gummy bears. You've probably seen Hikawa's cases pop up on your TikTok FYP or appear in the hands of influencers, but what you may not know is that Hikawa's design ethos isn't just about trendiness, but accessibility too.
To that end, Hikawa's iPhone accessories are more than aesthetically fascinating (no offense, sock bag); they serve a purpose, offering creative means of hand support that can help reduce fatigue and improve your grip.
Credit: AppleApple's Hikawa phone grip was designed with those principles in mind, but with additional accessibility considerations for users with various degrees of motor skills, muscle strength, and grip tension — and those who don't use their hands to navigate the iPhone. The silicone accessory can be used vertically or horizontally and snaps on and off of the device in one fluid motion, so it's easier to add onto your device compared to Hikawa's line of cases.
In an interview with ELLE Decor, Hikawa explained that she didn't start out to design accessible phone accessories, but that feedback from customers with disabilities showed her that there was more than just artistic merit to her business. For the exclusive Apple grip, she specifically interviewed iPhone users with a wide range of disabilities to inform the new accessory's shape and texture.
"This is the beginning of many more offerings for all kinds of bodies,” she told the publication.
This year also marks 40 years since Apple first launched accessibility initiatives across its company and devices, which the tech giant has been celebrating with a series of new accessibility features and upgrades, including new App Store labels, Braille Access, and upgrades to tools like Head Tracking, Live Listen, Live Captions, and Personal Voice.
The grip is on sale now and retails for $69.95. It comes in two colors: Chartreuse and Crater, exclusive to the U.S. Apple Online Store.
I cant believe how cheap the basic Kindle is. Grab it for just $79.99 from Amazons Black Friday sale.
I knew Black Friday Kindle deals were coming. I test e-readers for a living, and in addition to trying out the latest devices, I'm also tracking prices, especially around shopping holidays. Retailers are treating Nov. 20 as the official start of Black Friday, so my first instinct this morning was to look at Kindle prices and... wow! I was expecting good Kindle deals, but we got door-busting deals. In fact, Amazon is set on beating its own prices this Black Friday, best seen by the markdown on the basic Kindle — now just $79.99
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $79.99$109.99 Save $30 Get Deal
The Kindle Paperwhite gets most of the attention these days. It is Amazon's speediest and most advanced e-reader, but it tends to overshadow the equally great basic Kindle. The basic Kindle is a smaller e-reader with a 6-inch screen. Its compact size makes it the perfect handheld device — I often wish that the Kindle Paperwhite were that size. I think the basic Kindle would be my favorite Kindle if it were water-resistant — I'm a read at the beach kind of girl.
Where the basic Kindle beats every other e-reader — Kindle and beyond — is on price. When not on sale, the Kindle is just $109.99, the most affordable e-reader we've tested. During Amazon's October Prime Day, the device went down to $84.99, which at the time, was its lowest price ever. I figured Black Friday would bring back that same price, but Mashable contributor Christina Buff was more optimistic, projecting it to fall to $79.99. I'm so pleased to say, Christina was right on the money, literally.
The basic Kindle is down to $79.99 during Amazon's Black Friday sale. That's officially its lowest price ever, beating its previous record of $84.99 during Prime Big Deal Days. That knocks $30 off its $109.99 list price for 27% off. Amazon is pretty conservative with its Kindle deals, so I feel confident this is the device's best price. So don't wait to buy. Get a basic Kindle now and make yourself, or someone on your list, very happy (and well-read) this holiday season.
Want to shop more Black Friday Kindle deals? Check out our full guide, which we're keeping updated with the latest deals on e-readers, accessories, and books.
Plex is getting more artwork customization options
Plex Media Server owners can finally customize the Logo and Square Artwork for titles in their personal libraries, bringing a professional polish to homegrown collections. This functionality is similar to how we’ve been able to customize Posters and Backgrounds for years.
OnlyFans to require criminal background checks through controversial screener
Adult platform OnlyFans will start conducting criminal background checks for U.S. creators, its CEO, Keily Blair, recently shared on LinkedIn. The AI-powered screener, however, has proved to be controversial.
Creators who want to upload on OnlyFans must already provide multiple forms of personal identification to be able to post on the site, including a government ID and banking information. Now, performers in the U.S. will also have to undergo a criminal background check through the screening provider Checkr.
SEE ALSO: 'We're all sinners': the Conservative tradwife who does OnlyFans"Checkr, Inc. helps OnlyFans to prevent people who have a criminal conviction, which may impact our community's safety, from signing up as a Creator on OnlyFans," Blair posted on LinkedIn.
On its website, Checkr states that 99 percent of its background checks are automated after data retrieval, with human quality assurance.
The screening service, which has also been used by "gig economy" companies Uber and DoorDash, has been the subject of dozens of lawsuits between 2015 and 2020, according to an archived 2020 Protocol article. These lawsuits were filed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates background checks (and credit reports), and alleged that Checkr made mistakes such as misreporting crimes and flagging criminal activity too old to report according to the FCRA.
In 2022, Checkr was named in another lawsuit, this one claiming it and Uber failed to properly screen drivers who were using stolen identities. In 2023, another lawsuit emerged, claiming that Checkr's "quick checks" had failed to uncover a DoorDash driver's criminal history.
OnlyFans and Checkr haven't responded to Mashable's request for comment.
Last month, Pornhub also announced it would establish criminal background checks for current and new content partners (studios, not individual creators).
Blair of OnlyFans and Pornhub both stated this move was to further safety on their platforms. It also comes at a time when the porn industry faces increased legislative scrutiny in the U.S. and abroad, with age-verification laws, which typically require robust age checks to keep minors off their platforms (despite studies saying that age verification doesn't work).
Amazon fends off greenwashing lawsuit after SCOTUS refuses to hear case
The highest court in the land has declined to hear a case brought up from the lower circuit courts early this year involving online retail giant Amazon and its protections under Section 230.
Amazon was sued by Planet Green Cartridges, a U.S. re-manufacturer of printer cartridges, for allowing third- party companies to advertise and sell falsely labelled products claiming to be re-manufactured or recycled. Re-manufacturing is considered a more sustainable manufacturing process, reducing raw material and energy consumption by restoring products to manufacturer standards.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal dropsPlanet Green Cartridges sought $500 million in third-party liability damages from Amazon based on the recommendation of greenwashed products. The lawsuit argued that Amazon's algorithm promoted listings that falsely advertised new, imported cartridges, raking in $3 billion in sales and creating unfair competition among sellers as customers were deceived by false advertising into purchasing less sustainable products.
Amazon's counterargument hinged on online merchandiser protections outlined in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which protects internet service hosts from government regulation and shields them from legal liability for the content their users post. It is considered by many to be a tentpole of a free and open internet.
Following several conflicting lower court decisions, the case was dismissed by the 9th Circuit court in March, stating that Amazon couldn't be held liable for the claims written by third-party sellers. Planet Green Cartridges then petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and clarify whether Section 230 protections extend to online marketplaces that also profit from the recommendation, promotion, or distribution of products on their website — as Amazon does — in addition to hosting the listings.
Section 230 and online censorship have become hot button topics in the U.S., especially as social media platforms have mostly backed off from content moderation. Increasingly powerful, AI-enhanced algorithms have complicated the matter. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two Section 230 cases brought against YouTube and Twitter (now X), which argued the social media companies should be held accountable for aiding and abetting terrorism through their algorithmic feeds. The court dismissed the complaint against Google, YouTube's parent company, and ruled in favor of Twitter's Section 230 protections.
Vivaldi has finally added this long-requested feature
Vivaldi is probably one of the third-party browsers I like the most—though I've stuck with Chrome on both my phone and computer, if I were to choose something to switch, I'd switch to Vivaldi. And it just got a lot better with the addition of a new feature on Android.
This Quake-inspired terminal is my new favorite on Linux
Do you open the terminal a lot on your Linux desktop? There's a terminal you can open faster than a standard emulator window, and it might feel familiar to you if you've ever played the game Quake.
iOS 26.2 will remove one feature in parts of the world
The latest version of iOS will somewhat negatively affect Apple Watch users in the European Union.
Specifically, automatic WiFi network syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches will be toned down for EU users when iOS 26.2 launches later this year, per the French publication Numerama (via 9to5Mac). Normally, when you set up an Apple Watch by pairing it with an iPhone, it automatically gets access to all the WiFi networks stored in the phone's memory banks. When iOS 26.2 drops, users in the EU will find that this no longer happens in the same way.
SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Pay on Amazon when Black Friday shoppingNamely, the difference seems to be that an Apple Watch will only automatically connect to a WiFi network if its paired iPhone is physically nearby. If you run to the cafe with your watch but not your phone, you'll have to manually type in the WiFi password on the watch now. This really only seems like it will affect people who regularly leave the house with their Apple Watch but not their iPhone, which I imagine to be a pretty small subset of users.
You're probably wondering why Apple would do this. The answer, of course, is to avoid market regulations. The EU's Digital Markets Act mandates that companies like Apple make that sort of interoperability available to third-party devices as well as their own devices. Apple doesn't want to do that, so Europeans have to suffer a bit.
Only a bit, though.
Amazon has Echo devices on major discounts for Black Friday on almost every model
Amazon's Black Friday sale is underway and it's packed with great deals. You'll be able to save on Apple tech, Bose headphones, and load up on stocking stuffers. But major Amazon sale periods like Black Friday are an ideal time to get the best prices on Amazon's own devices like Kindles and the family of Echo devices.
Amazon Echo devices have something for everyone. They have great models for keeping the family's calendar organized, speakers for kids, and tablet-like displays that are perfect for following a recipe in the kitchen. Best of all, Amazon's Black Friday sale has major discounts on almost every Echo device, including some fun bundles that would make for a great gift.
We'll keep this page updated as Black Friday sales continue to roll on, especially since we occasionally see other retailers like Best Buy offers better prices than Amazon.
Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Dot $31.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $18.00 See It at Amazon Why we like it
It's impossible to go wrong with an Amazon Echo Dot, especially now that it's 36% off. It's the perfect companion for the bedroom or the office, allowing you to stream you favorite playlists and podcasts thorough Bluetooth. In Mashable's review of the best Echo Devices, the Echo Dot earns top marks for its vibrant sound as well as motion and temperature sensors. Plus, its compact size makes it great for even cramped spaces like the kitchen.
More Echo deals at AmazonAmazon Echo Auto — $14.99 $54.99 (save $40)
NFL Echo Dot Bundle — $79.98 $109.98 (save $30)
Star Wars Echo Dot Bundle — $79.98 $109.98 (save $30)
Amazon Echo Frames — $114.99 $299.99 (save $185)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $194.99 $219.99 (save $25)
Amazon Echo Show 15 — $254.99 $299.99 (save $45)
YouTube tests direct messaging. Heres how it works.
Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Elon Musk's X – all these sites allow users to privately chat with other users right inside the platform.
Almost every major social media platform has a direct message feature. Well, almost every major social media platform except for YouTube.
That looks like it may soon change though.
According to a post from a YouTube employee on a Google support thread, YouTube is currently testing a new way to "share videos" through direct messages on the platform through the mobile app.
YouTube says in the post that this has been a "top feature request."
SEE ALSO: YouTube Shorts finally adds daily time limit. Here's how to get it."We're experimenting with a new feature that makes it easy for you to share videos you love (long-form, Shorts and live streams) and have conversations about them directly on the YouTube mobile app," reads the YouTube post. "By messaging on YouTube, you accept that messages may be reviewed to ensure they follow our Community Guidelines. Community Guidelines apply to all content on YouTube, including on-platform video shares and messages."
As mentioned in its statement, YouTube will uphold its moderation policies for content sent via direct message as it would with public content, and will review flagged material.
How YouTube direct messaging will workYouTube says that the direct messaging experiment is just rolling out to users over the age of 18 in Poland and Ireland right now. However, this is a typical testing phase for the company's experiments and it will likely roll out even further to more users in the future.
A YouTube help page first discovered by 9to5Google further explains how this new direct messaging feature will work.
Users will be able to share videos with other users on the platform using the feature in the YouTube mobile app. Once shared, the contacted user will be able to accept the chat invite or decline it. Every user will be given the option to accept or decline a chat when a new channel contacts them.
When accepted, users will receive the shared video and be able to privately chat and share more videos with each other. Users will also be able to block channels that they don't want to receive invite requests or chats from. Message notifications will appear alongside other notifications when a user taps the Notification bell icon.
Longtime YouTube users have actually experienced direct messaging on the platform before. The company rolled out a way to privately share and discuss videos with specific users back in 2017. But YouTube suddenly removed the private messaging feature, much to the chagrin of many of its users, in 2019.
Now, YouTube seems poised to finally bring back direct messaging in the app.
10 Lego Star Wars sets at record-low sale prices ahead of Black Friday, including retiring sets
Between the Lego Gingerbread AT-AT being severely backordered and the Lego Death Star simply being $1,000, attainable Star Wars Legos that aren't the basic Battle Packs can feel scarce around the holidays. Rest assured that some exist: I found five relatively-premium Lego Star Wars ship deals at Amazon ahead of Black Friday, all sitting at record-low pricing more than a week ahead of Amazon's official Black Friday sale (as confirmed by Amazon price tracker Camelcamelcamel).
SEE ALSO: Best gifts under $50 that are great for absolutely everyoneSome options on sale are midi-scale ships that my Star Wars head brother has confirmed are sick, and others are sets that come with some classic mini figs that any respected collection should have. A handful are retiring in 2025, so this might be your last change to snag 'em outside of a reseller's hiked prices.
If you're considering gifting one to someone else, just ask them which Star Wars Legos they do already have — don't fully ruin the surprise by inquiring about a specific one.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Our pick: Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 at Amazon$84.99 Save $17.02 It's not nearly as massive as the $849.99 Millenium Falcon you can buy, but it's still unquestionably display worthy. This smaller Millenium Falcon celebrates the 25th anniversary of "A New Hope," exhibited by a special plaque that sits on the display stand. Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'A New Hope' Tantive IV 75376 $58.90 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $21.09 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 $50.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit 75396 $63.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $16.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal Lego Star Wars: Droideka Model 75381 $41.99 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $23.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Lego Star Wars: Ahsoka Tano's T-6 Jedi Shuttle $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Invisible Hand 25th Anniversary 75377 $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15 Retiring soon! Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'Attack of the Clones' Acclamator Class-Assault Ship 75404 $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Tie Bomber 75347 $51.95 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $13.04 Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'Revenge of the Sith' ARC-170 Starfighter 75402 $52.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $17.00 See It at Amazon Lego Star Wars: Grogu with Hover Pram 75403 $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal at Amazon
Stop obsessing over horsepower when buying a new car
Horsepower is a key specification most people will at least consider when looking at buying a new vehicle. After all, there's nothing worse than buying a car only to realize that it doesn't have enough power to overtake someone on the highway, or get you going from the lights at a reasonable pace.
