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So, you've finished The Long Walk. Your feet hurt, you're scared of Mark Hamill, and you're still trying to process that brutal-as-can-be ending. And trust me, there's a lot to process.

SEE ALSO: 'The Long Walk' review: Brace yourself for the bleakest Stephen King adaptation

From an unexpected death to an ultra-ambiguous final shot — not to mention some major deviations from Stephen King's novel — let's dive into the final steps of The Long Walk.

Who wins The Long Walk? Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson in "The Long Walk." Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

Like in any piece of media involving a death game, from Battle Royale to The Hunger Games to Squid Game, the biggest question on any viewer's mind going in is, "Who is going to survive to the end?"

Usually, it's the person we enter the game with: Shuya for Battle Royale, Katniss for The Hunger Games, Gi-hun for Squid Game. However, The Long Walk switches things up a bit. We primarily follow Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) throughout The Long Walk, but he isn't the last walker standing. Instead, he sacrifices himself for the ultimate winner: his closest friend on the walk, Peter McVries (David Jonsson). As he does so, he tells McVries, "I can't see it. You can."

The line references an earlier conversation where the pair talked about how McVries can find the bright side of things, while Garraty remains stuck on his idea of vengeance and killing the Major (Mark Hamill). Then, as they near the end of the walk, McVries asks Garraty not to shoot the Major, as that would result in his own death and devastate his mother, Ginny (Judy Greer). Instead, he encourages Garraty to choose love instead of vengeance. In the end, Garraty's final sacrifice feels like his own way of following through on McVries' plea to choose love. He gives up his dream of vengeance and chooses for McVries to win, even confessing his love for McVries in his final moments.

SEE ALSO: Stephen King posts a list of his 10 favorite movies

Garraty and McVries' relationship is the cornerstone of The Long Walk, melding friendship and brotherhood and romance. While you could interpret Garraty's final "I love you" to McVries to be platonic, the film highly suggests otherwise. Think back to the very long, loaded pause after McVries tells Garraty he doesn't have a girlfriend. Or the very on-the-nose imagery of the pair looking at a rainbow in the distance. Or all the ways in which they stand up for one another and keep each other alive on the walk. Yeah, that goes beyond just friendship to me.

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Any implied romantic feelings between McVries and Garraty aren't deviations from The Long Walk's source material. King's novel is full of references to Garraty questioning his sexuality and McVries being interested in Garraty as more than just friends. The Long Walk director Francis Lawrence (who helmed all the Hunger Games films but the first) and screenwriter JT Mollner (Strange Darling) just take these references one step further with Garraty's explicit declaration.

However, both Garraty's death and McVries' victory are major departures from The Long Walk's source material.

How is The Long Walk's ending different from King's novel? Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, and Ben Wang in "The Long Walk." Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

In King's novel, McVries is third last to die, sitting down peacefully and going out on his own terms, just as he attempts to do in the film. Meanwhile, Garraty wins after Stebbins (Garrett Wareing) collapses and dies.

However, Garraty's victory is no fairy-tale ending. (What could be, after witnessing 99 other boys die on a death march?) Instead of registering his victory, Garraty thinks he sees a dark figure before him, beckoning him on. "There was still so far to walk," he thinks.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

The book ends with Garraty breaking out in a run toward the figure, leaving his fate ambiguous. Interpretations of the ending vary. Is the dark figure a representation of death, meaning Garraty is about to pass away like his fellow competitors? Or could it be a hallucination Garraty's fragmented mind has conjured up after five days of walking nonstop? Is he doomed to walk forever, haunted by the trauma of the last few days?

It's a grim ending, no matter how you see it. But it's not at all what happens to McVries in the film version of The Long Walk.

What does McVries wish for after winning the Long Walk? Mark Hamill in "The Long Walk." Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

Upon winning the Long Walk, McVries gets to ask the Major for one wish. Toward the beginning of the film, he said his wish would be for two walkers to win the Long Walk. That way two friends — like, just for example, him and Garraty — could win together. (Very Hunger Games double victor-coded of him.)

However, he switches up his wish after witnessing Garraty's death and decides to make Garraty's wish instead. Just like Garraty planned to do if he won, McVries wishes for the carbine of a nearby soldier. The Major agrees, and the soldier hands it over. McVries immediately takes aim, and, after the Major tries to talk him out of it, he carries out Garraty's wish and kills the Major.

The moment is bittersweet, with extra emphasis on the bitter. Yes, it's great that the evil Major is dead and that McVries is accomplishing what Garraty would have wanted. But on the flip side, he's also choosing vengeance in the same way he begged Garraty not to do. Garraty sacrificed himself because McVries was capable of seeing the good in the world, but in killing the Major, is McVries snuffing out what Garraty was hoping to protect?

The Major's death doesn't happen at all in King's novel, but, in the film, once he's dead, there's a return to the ambiguity of the source material. Upon killing the Major, McVries turns around and keeps walking into the distance. Even though there's no dark figure encouraging him forward, the scene calls to mind Garraty's continued walking in the book.

However, something about these last moments seems off. Why is no one chasing McVries down after he murdered the Major? Why are there no reactions from the crowd? Heck, why doesn't the film show anyone but McVries after the Major falls?

The entire sequence and its steadfast focus on McVries feel like something out of a dream. And maybe that's what these final moments are: a break from reality.

Like Garraty in the novel, perhaps McVries is so traumatized that he imagines that he keeps walking on. Or perhaps, on a much darker note, soldiers opened fire on McVries as soon as he killed the Major, and his final walk into the rain is him walking into death. The last image is ambiguous enough to keep viewers guessing, but when it comes to The Long Walk, nothing is ever too bleak.

The Long Walk is now in theaters.

Kindles are the darling device of BookTok, where you can scroll through thousands of videos on the best accessories and gadgets to maximize your reading experience. One thing about the BookTok girlies: They're right. While I've spent hours watching videos of people decking out their Kindles with remotes and PopSockets, I never really understood the extras until I tried them for myself.

You may roll your eyes at a gooseneck stand or page-turning remote — I once did — but you're missing out on a life of luxury.

And keep in mind that while Kindles are the buzziest e-readers, there's a whole lot of love for Kobo e-readers on BookTok and here at Mashable. The Kobo Clara Colour is our favorite e-reader, after all. All of the accessories here aren't exclusive to Kindles — you can use them with a variety of other e-readers, too.

Ready to maximize your reading time? Here are the best Kindle accessories.

Remote page turner Opens in a new window Credit: Datafy Datafy Remote Control Page Turner $15.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now

The remote control page turner was one of the first Kindle-adjacent gadgets to come across my feed. It clips onto the side of a Kindle, and then you press a button on the remote to turn the page, rather than tapping or swiping the screen. Tapping the screen is easy enough, but the page turner is an added layer of convenience.

At the end of the night, when you want to be cozy in bed, tucked under the blanket to stay warm, the remote allows you to do just that. Combined with the gooseneck stand? Your fall reading is about to be the coziest it's ever been.

And while the page turner is great for getting cozy, it's also ideal for when you're using a Kindle while on the treadmill.

Gooseneck stand Opens in a new window Credit: Magipea Magipea Gooseneck Stand $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10 Shop Now

While the remote page turner helps you click through your book, to go truly hands-free, you need to prop up your e-reader, too. Enter the gooseneck stand. After seeing this viral video, I, and the rest of the internet, was influenced to get a clip-in stand for an e-reader.

And let me tell you, it is a luxury to have this stand. While a Kindle is still lightweight, when you're on a reading marathon, your arm inevitably gets tired from holding up the device. But having a gooseneck stand positions the Kindle within reading distance without any arm fatigue.

To test out a gooseneck stand, I tried the Magipea Gooseneck Stand, which is compatible with either a Kindle or Kobo e-reader (I used it with both). I find the bendy arm of this stand to be a little too stiff, but overall, it still works well.

Clear case Opens in a new window Credit: CoBak CoBak Clear MagSafe Case $12.99 at Amazon
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There are plenty of Kindle cases in the sea, but the most popular option among BookTok is a simple, clear case. Sure, that seems boring, but the exciting part of the clear case is being able to decorate and dress it up to your heart's desire. Some people even buy inserts to swap out over time.

And if you're interested in using a PopSockets grip with your Kindle, I recommend getting a case that's MagSafe compliant so you can take it on and off. PopSockets recently dropped its first-ever Kindle case that also happens to be MagSafe.

MagSafe PopSocket Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets MagSafe PopGrip $30 at PopSockets
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PopSockets are already the best ergonomic grip for your phone, so why wouldn't they be the best grip for another handheld device? When I'm not using my Kindle with the gooseneck stand, I like using it with a PopSockets grip for an ergonomic hold.

With a traditional PopSockets grip, you attach it to a device with adhesive but that means once it's on, it's on. But using a MagSafe PopSockets grip allows you to attach and reattach the grip, depending on if you want your Kindle to lie flat.

I personally use the PopSockets MagSafe Kick-Out Stand with my Kindle since that's what I use on my phone, and I like that I can prop it up to stand vertically. However, PopSockets just launched a line of bookish MagSafe grips to go with its line of Kindle cases.

My PopSockets Kick-Out Grip works as a stand on-the-go. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Strapsicle Straps Opens in a new window Credit: Strapsicle Strapsicle Straps $19.99 at Amazon
$21.99 Save $2 Shop Now

If PopSockets grips aren't really your thing, then Strapsicle makes a nice alternative. Strapsicle's straps attach to the corners of your e-reader, creating a cross pattern. Your hand then slips through the straps, delivering an easy hold on your e-reader. While I personally prefer the feel of a PopSockets grip, the Strapsicle lets your hand lie flat, so it doesn't cramp up from being in a hold. The Strapsicle works best when it has a snug fit, so using it with a case can be a little tight.

Just slide your hand in between the straps for an easy hold. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Page Kindle Cases Opens in a new window Credit: Page. Page. Kindle Case $40 at Page.
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Before I went deep into the world of Kindle accessories, I really just wanted a good case. After several well-placed Instagram ads, I landed on a case from Page. Not only do they have a ton of really cute designs, but they also make cases for a variety of e-readers, including the full Kindle and Kobo lineups.

The case automatically wakes and sleeps your e-reader, and it includes a hand strap for a nice grip while reading. Plus, I like this case because it guards the poorly placed power button on the e-reader. This way when I'm reading on the treadmill, the button doesn't accidentally get pressed.

SAVE $152: As of Sept. 11, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are down to just $198 at Amazon. That's a savings of 43% and just a few bucks shy of their best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones $198 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal

Although Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones have definitely wowed us, their upgrades are pretty minimal. "I'd class the changes as more iterative than innovative," Mashable's tech editor writes in his review. And to be totally honest, the XM5s were only a slight upgrade from the XM4s. In other words, if you're not pressed on getting the latest and greatest Sony tech, you can keep a whole lot of extra money in your pocket by grabbing the still-great XM4s.

As of Sept. 11, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for just $198 at Amazon. That's a 43% or $152 price drop from their typical list price and just a few bucks shy of their best price ever. FWIW, that's also $100 cheaper than the XM5s and $230 cheaper than the XM6s.

With minor generation-over-generation upgrades, Sony has not only managed to keep the XM4 headphones from 2020 relevant, but also an impressive budget-friendly option in 2025. They offer top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, customizable EQ, a comfortable fit, and foldable cups that make them great for travel (unlike the XM5s). The XM5 and XM6 headphones obviously have even better specs, but whether or not the slight updates are worth forking over another $100-$230 is debatable. For less than $200, the XM4s are a fantastic value.

SAVE $30.01: As of Sept. 11, get the 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV for $427.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $458. That's a discount of 7% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV $427.99 at Amazon
$458 Save $30.01 Get Deal

The fall TV season is here, and that means tons of new shows to check out. You've also got new movies to stream, games you won't want to stop playing, and more to discover now that the cooler months are here. Grab a new TV to enjoy it all to the fullest. Now's a great time to do so, especially with this deal on a decently-sized Samsung TV that you can pick up now.

As of Sept. 11, get the 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV for $427.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $458. That's $30.01 off and a discount of 7%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best TVs for gaming to get you to next-level play

This TV offers bright hues of all shades as well as satisfying contrasts with deeper blacks and dazzling 4K. It also offers 4K upscaling should you watch content that needs a bit of polishing so everything you're interested in can look a bit better. Crafted from a metal sheet, the TV itself is quite slim as well, so no matter where you put it in your home, it looks good.

In addition to a crisp picture with crystal clear viewing angles, it comes with over 2,700 Samsung TV Plus channels built in so you can check out free shows and whatever your heart desires without having to spend an arm and a leg. It also has over 400 Samsung TV Plus premium channels to choose from and all your favorite streaming apps so there's no need to add your own device: it's built into the TV.

If you're ready to take the plunge on a TV, now's the time to grab this Samsung model while it's still available.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 11, get the Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for $189.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 17% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer $189.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $40 Get Deal

A good soundbar is the perfect way to enhance your TV viewing experience at home. Whether you just need one so you can actually hear the dialogue in some shows or movies, or you want to have the most cinematic living room experience possible, it's always worth adding one to your setup. And you can get one right now for under $200 complete with subwoofer, making this an excellent deal you won't want to pass up.

As of Sept. 11, get the Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for $189.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 17% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Our 5 favorite expert-tested soundbars to upgrade your TV setup

This 3.1-channel surround sound soundbar and subwoofer has everything you need to bring the bass. It uses Hisense's Hi-Concerto feature to deliver surround sound from both your TV and soundbar, with both devices working together to create the home theater experience. Plus, best of all, you don't need any wires to bring it all together.

It has 7 EQ modes to choose from to help optimize your soundscape, from AI EQ to Movie Mode, as well as Sports, News, Night, and Music modes (to name a few) to fit each unique situation. Plus, it uses just one TV remote to control everything with Hisense's EZPlay. You can change settings via your TV without having to individually control options per device, which should make getting set up easy.

This is a simple way to enhance your sound at home, and being able to do it under $200 is pretty sweet. The holidays are coming up, so pounce while you still can.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 11, the Fire TV Cube is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. This is 29% off its list price of $139.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Cube $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

If you've been hoping to upgrade your streaming setup now that football season is here and new things are available to watch on top services, Amazon's been offering some nice deals on its streaming devices lately. This includes a discount on the Fire TV Cube, which is currently marked down to under $100.

The Fire TV Cube usually retails for $139.99, but for a limited time, Amazon has dropped the price of this high-quality streaming device to $99.99. This saves you $40 and is only $10 away from its lowest-ever price of $89.99.

SEE ALSO: Amazon’s Fire TV 2-Series is back to its lowest price of 2025 — save $70 right now

No matter what you're watching, it'll come through with crisp clarity and rich color thanks to the Fire TV Cube's support for 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR. It even supports Dolby Atmos audio, so you can experience incredible sound alongside the picture. And thanks to WiFi 6E support, your streaming quality will be fast and reliable.

On top of that, the octa-core 2.0 GHz processor offers quick start-ups for all your apps, so you can get into watching the latest shows or sports right away. And thanks to Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, you can search for the next best thing to watch simply by using your voice.

Now is as good a time as any to scoop up the Fire TV Cube for $99.99 at Amazon. As mentioned before, some of Amazon's other streaming devices are also discounted right now at the retailer, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

I was having a perfectly normal Thursday until I heard Kristen Wiig say the words "pretty glitter kitty litter."

The tongue-twisting phrase is part of a bizarre new ad for Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie, which is based on the hit Netflix series. The movie follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her grandmother Gigi (Gloria Estefan) as they explore the wondrous city of Cat Francisco. Unfortunately, their trip takes a turn when Gabby's dollhouse ends up in the claws of eccentric cat lady Vera (Wiig).

Here's the thing: I have never watched an episode of Gabby's Dollhouse. I have, however, watched Wiig in everything from Saturday Night Live to The Skeleton Twins to Bridesmaids. And seeing her hawking glittery cat litter as "grown-up adult woman" and "busy business lady" Vera suddenly has me intrigued in a movie I hadn't even considered watching.

The entire ad is a surreal infomercial full of sparkling star wipes, meowing cats, and so much glitter. It's like something you'd see on SNL, complete with Wiig's kooky character acting. Vera's what you'd get if you combined the sales acumen of Wiig's Target Lady with the cat lady sensibilities of Wonder Woman 1984's Cheetah (also Wiig!). Sprinkle in a dash of Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar's strangeness, and you've got Vera.

Do I know much else about Gabby's Dollhouse? No. Am I in the film's intended age demographic? No. But will I have Wiig's "pretty glitter kitty litter" stuck in my head for at least a day after being exposed to it? Probably!

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie hits theaters Sept. 26.

If you need a new phone and don't care that much about whether it runs iOS or Android, there are a couple of solid options for you right now.

Specifically, those would be the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10. The former was just revealed at a big announcement event, while the latter is already on store shelves. There's plenty to like about both of these phones, so instead of wasting any more time, let's jump right in.

SEE ALSO: The new Apple products are available for preorder on Amazon iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Price

Both the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 start at $799. While it might not seem like it, that actually gives Apple the edge on price.

That's because the base version of the iPhone 17 comes with 256GB of storage (which is still on the light side), while the base Pixel 10 comes with a measly 128GB. If you opt for the Pixel 10 with 256GB of storage, you'll have to pay $899.

So, point Apple.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Specs The Pixel 10 and its signature camera bump. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Here are the iPhone 17's basic specs:

• 6.3-inch display with 2622x1206 resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate

• A19 chip

• 256GB/512GB storage

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide

• Front camera: 18MP

And here are the Pixel 10's specs:

• 6.3-inch display with 2424x1080 resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate

• Google Tensor G5 chip

• 128GB/256GB storage

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto

• Front camera: 10.5MP

Okay, so what do all those numbers and abbreviations mean? There are actually major differences worth noting. Not only does Apple's handset have higher base storage of 256GB, but it also goes up to 512GB. The Pixel 10 starts at 128GB and maxes out at 256GB. For two phones that cost the same amount of money, that's a pretty big disparity.

Aside from that, Apple caught up with the Joneses this year by embracing a 120Hz refresh rate in the base iPhone 17's display. In previous years, you needed to shell out for an iPhone Pro model to get that, while Google included it in the base Pixel phone. That's not a disparity anymore, which is good for Apple.

The two phones also have different in-house chipsets and fairly different camera arrays, which we'll get to in a little bit.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Design Left: Credit: CNET Right: Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

There really isn't a lot to say in this category. Both the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 look a lot like their 2024 predecessors. While the internet is extremely divided on the iPhone 17 Pro and its "cosmic orange" color, the iPhone 17 just looks like a regular ol' iPhone. It carries forward the vertically stacked dual-camera bump on the phone's backside, while the Pixel 10 maintains the Cyclops-looking horizontal camera bar that the Pixel 9 had.

You do get different color options with both phones, at least. The iPhone 17 comes in five hues: Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, and Sage. As for Pixel 10, here are your choices: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. I'm a big proponent of the Pixel 10's indigo color, but this ultimately is a matter of personal taste for everyone.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Performance and battery The new iPhone 17. Credit: CNET

Both the Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 use custom, in-house chipsets rather than third-party chips. For Apple, it's the new A19 chip, while Google's handset uses the Tensor G5 chip.

Since the iPhone 17 isn't actually out yet, we can't directly compare the Tensor 5 to the A19, though Apple usually has the edge when it comes to processors. I can say that the Pixel 10's performance is totally fine, and if recent history is any indication, the same will be true of the iPhone 17. Processor performance is rarely an issue with Apple devices, and there's no reason to believe it will start being one this year.

As for battery life, both phones are rated for about 30 hours on a single charge. The Pixel 10 almost got there in my testing, but we haven't tested the iPhone 17 yet. It remains to be seen if there is a significant difference between these two phones when it comes to battery endurance.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Cameras 1x zoom on Pixel 10. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable 5x zoom on Pixel 10. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Lastly, Google has one big advantage over Apple when it comes to cameras: A third telephoto lens.

Apple has never included this on any of its base iPhone models, instead making it a Pro feature. Google never had, either, until this year. The Pixel 10's telephoto lens has up to 5x optical zoom, which produced pretty sharp results in my testing. You only get up to 2x optical zoom on iPhone 17, so that puts Apple at a sizable disadvantage.

That's not to say Apple doesn't have some numerical wins over Google this year, though. The main shooter on each phone is 48MP, but the iPhone 17's ultrawide lens is 48MP, while the Pixel 10's is just 13MP. Apple also has a cool new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera (versus 10.5MP on Pixel 10), and it sports a wider field of view so you can fit more people into selfies. We'll have to wait until we can properly test this out to see if it really beats Google at the selfie game, but for now, it seems like it will.

So, if you take more selfies, iPhone has the advantage for now. If you like to zoom in, the Pixel has the edge.

Should you buy the iPhone 17 or Pixel 10?

Apple fans disappointed by this year's iPhone launch event may be tempted to explore Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones for the first time. But the vast majority of people have a clear preference when it comes to the iOS or Android question. We'll reserve judgment on this question until we've tested the iPhone 17. If you need more help in the meantime, check out our full Pixel 10 review.

Products featured in this guide: Apple iPhone 17 $829.99 at Best Buy Learn More Google Pixel 10 $799 Shop Now

SAVE $2,100: As of Sept. 11, the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra power station is on sale for $4,199 as a Lightning Deal at Amazon. That's 33% off and its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra $4,199 at Amazon
$6,299 Save $2,100 Get Deal

A premium power station can be the difference between keeping your devices charged, the lights on, and your groceries fresh in a power outage or sitting in the dark with spoiled food and a dead phone. They aren't cheap, but they are worth it.

As of Sept. 11, the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra is on sale for $4,199 as a Lightning Deal at Amazon. That's 33% or over $2,000 in savings and its lowest price on record. We're not saying you need to drop $4K on a power station, but if you're in the market for EcoFlow's most powerful whole-house power backup solution, this is the cheapest you'll find the Delta Pro Ultra.

The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra features 7,200 watts of power, which is enough to keep your major appliances — like your fridge, air conditioning unit, or stove — running seamlessly in an outage. The whole-house generator includes an inverter and a single battery, but it's scalable from one battery up to 15 and can reach up to 90 kilowatt hours of power. Of course, more batteries will cost you, but the upgrade can ensure your home is powered off the grid for an entire month.

It can be charged with electric vehicle piles, solar panels, wall outlets, or gas generators and get back to full capacity within two hours. It's a beast at 183 pounds, but it has wheels for portability and takes up a surprisingly low footprint in your home.

As a Lightning Deal, this pricing will only stick around for another seven hours or so — or until all units are claimed. So if you're in the market for the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, run to Amazon to get the best price.

As of now, some users in the European Union won't get Apple's flashiest new AirPods feature.

At its major event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled Live Translation — which does exactly what it sounds like — debuting on the AirPods Pro 3 and rolling out to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC. But EU-based users are being left out, at least for now, for reasons that remain unclear.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Live Translation meme bluntly deciphers snarky subtext

Apple noted this on a feature availability page. The page read, "Live Translation with AirPods is not available if you are in the EU and your Apple Account Country or Region is also in the EU."

That means two things have to be true for the restriction to apply: your Apple account must be registered in the EU, and you must be physically located there.

Apple hasn't explained why Live Translation isn’t launching in the region, but the most likely culprit is a regulatory hurdle.

Speculated the Apple-focused tech site MacRumors:

"In particular, the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) both impose strict requirements for how speech and translation services are offered. Regulators may want to study how Live Translation works, and how that impacts privacy, consent, data-flows, and user rights."

The EU has stricter regulations on tech than in other areas. Apple Intelligence features, for instance, were blocked in the EU at launch, but eventually, that changed. It stands to reason that EU users will someday get access to Live Translation — just not yet.

It's time. You've finally decided to say goodbye to that iPhone you've been using for half a decade. Apple just had its big annual iPhone launch event, where it announced its new iPhone 17 line of smartphones (plus a whole lot more). An upgrade right now just makes sense.

But which new iPhone is right for you? Apple announced four new iPhone models at its event, and you have a tough decision to make:

• iPhone 17 — $799

• iPhone Air — $999

• iPhone 17 Pro — $1,099

• iPhone 17 Pro Max — $1,199

Mashable has extensive coverage of the Apple event, breaking down all of the news, every single spec announced, and more. But, maybe all those technical details just don't translate into an obvious answer to your question.

So, here's a much more straightforward breakdown to answer the question: What new iPhone should I buy? 

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 has officially landed. Here's how and when you can preorder all 4 phones. iPhone 17 The new iPhone 17 on display at Apple Park. Credit: CNET

Here's the honest truth. The standard iPhone 17 model is more than enough smartphone for the vast majority of users. That's long been the case for the base model of any iPhone lineup. But this year, Apple really went out of its way to close the gap between the iPhone 17 and its more expensive Pro model siblings.

The iPhone 17 is powered by Apple's A19 chip, which will make this base model feel like a Pro model when compared to its predecessors. The iPhone 17 is also getting the same Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (and a 120Hz refresh rate) that the current Pro lineup has, a first.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the iPhone 17 and the Pro 17 models are the cameras. The iPhone 17 base model still only features two rear camera lenses, whereas the Pro models still have an additional camera lens.

However, the cameras the iPhone 17 does have are the same as the Pro: a 48MP Fusion Main camera, a 48MP Fusion ultra-wide camera, and the long-awaited front-facing 18MP Center Stage camera upgrade.

If you're just going to use your iPhone to handle the basics – phone calls, texting, emails, web browsing, casual photography and video – then it makes sense to save your money and go with the $799 base model of the iPhone 17.

iPhone Air The new iPhone Air on display after the iPhone launch event. Credit: CNET

Apple debuted an entirely new iPhone model this year, the iPhone Air. It's Apple's thinnest phone ever, with the device being just 5.6mm thick at its thinnest point.

But, who is it for? Mashable's Chris Taylor asked that same question after Apple announced the device. The iPhone Air is ultra-thin and Apple packed its most powerful processor, the A19 Pro, inside of it. However, it has the least number of cameras when compared to any iPhone in the new lineup and, priced at $999, has a shorter battery life than the cheaper base iPhone model.

However, I can see the thinnest iPhone ever being the iPhone of choice for those who are looking for a more lightweight and minimalist device. With just one camera lens on the rear of the device and a Pixel-style camera bump (sorry, a Pixel-style camera plateau), the iPhone Air is sleeker and lighter than the other models. Some people are just tired of carrying around a big bulky smartphone, and I think that's exactly who the iPhone Air will speak to. If that's you — and you aren't overly worried about battery performance — that's the new iPhone to check out.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in controversial Cosmic Orange color. Credit: CNET

Are you a power user? Do you multitask with multiple apps simultaneously running different processes? Do you need an 8x telephoto lens for high-quality, ultra-zoomed-in photography? Looking to shoot 4k video at 120fps?

Then the iPhone 17 Pro is for you. It is Apple's most powerful iPhone to date, powered by the new A19 Pro chip. This is the same chip found in the iPhone Air. However, the 17 Pro has a 6-core GPU, making it better equipped to handle video, games, and other graphics-intensive processes.

The iPhone 17 Pro has three rear camera lenses, more than any other smartphone in the iPhone 17 line. And, as previously mentioned, it's the only model in the iPhone 17 lineup that can shoot 120fps.

The iPhone 17 Pro is the iPhone for mobile gamers, content creators, developers, or anyone else using their smartphone as a critical tool in their work.

Now, in previous lineups, we would have separated the iPhone Pro Max model into its own section because Apple used to pack a few additional features in its largest model. However, with the iPhone 17 lineup, the only real difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max is the size, battery, and potential storage space.

So, if the iPhone 17 Pro is for you, but you want the longest battery life, a whopping 2TB of storage option for all of your content, and a big 6.9 inch screen, then go with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Amazon is reportedly working on not just one, but two separate AR smart glasses.

The two AR products have two different user bases in mind, according to a new report from The Information. Amazon's AR glasses are internally referred to as codenames Jayhawk, which is being built for consumers, and Amelia, which Amazon is creating for its delivery drivers.

According to the report, Amazon is using the China-based augmented reality technology company Meta-Bounds to create the AR glasses. Jayhawk, the AR product for consumers, is said to include a full-color display in one eye of the smart glasses along with microphones, speakers, and a camera. Amelia, the AR glasses for its delivery drivers, would focus on aiding these workers in cutting down time on the road.

While the core technology will be the same in both AR glasses, the report says that only the consumer one will include a full-color display. That same product will also be "less bulky and more sleek" than the device for Amazon's drivers.

Amazon is aiming to launch Jayhawk in late 2026 or early 2027. The price point of such a device is unknown at this time. Amelia could be ready for Amazon's delivery drivers as soon as the second quarter of next year, according to The Information.

Augmented reality smart glasses have been a growing trend in tech hardware over the last year. Between Big Tech's AR products like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses to longtime AR glass makers like XReal launching the latest version of their wares, AR smart glasses are seeping back into a market once defined by the failure that was Google Glasses.

Amazon currently produces a pair of audio smart glasses called Echo Frames. This device allows users to listen to music, make phone calls, and interact with Alexa. However, Echo Frames strictly provide audio capabilities, as they are not equipped with an AR display.

How will Amazon's AR glasses stack up with the competition? That remains to be seen. But, perhaps the more important question for all the AR glass companies involved: Will Amazon's entry into the space finally push AR glasses from a current trend to a mainstream staple?

SAVE OVER $829: Score a free iPhone 17 from T-Mobile when signing up for a 24-month plan of an Experience plan and add an eligible line. No trade in is necessary to score this free iPhone 17 deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Free Apple iPhone 17 from T-Mobile Pre-order Here

If you're an Apple iPhone fan and you've been running with an older model, it's probably time to upgrade. Since Apple just announced the new iPhone 17, there's hope on the horizon that you'll soon be able to score the newest model. Doing so with T-Mobile means you could be in for a totally free iPhone by following a bit of fine print.

Beginning on Sept. 12 at 5 a.m. PT, T-Mobile is offering a free iPhone 17 to customers who sign up for 24 months on an Experience plan and add a new line. Maybe best of all, you don't need to trade in your old phone to be eligible for the free iPhone 17.

You can also get a free iPhone 17 Pro when signing up for the Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone in any condition.

SEE ALSO: The coolest iPhone 17 cases you can buy for your new phone, starting from just $29

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry explained the new Apple iPhone 17 comes with some much-anticipated upgrades. For starters, the camera got a big-time glow-up and a much improved refresh rate. "While some annual iPhone upgrades feel very incremental, this year's batch of new iPhones does feel like it has a little more juice than usual," wrote Perry. "Part of that is the new design, as Apple has reimagined the rear camera bump as a wider, more horizontal camera island (dubbed "the plateau" in Apple speak)."

In terms of colors, we're not mad about the options available for the iPhone 17 since we have lavender, sage, blue mist, white, and black to choose from. If your favorite color is burnt orange, you'll want to go with the fancier iPhone 17 Pro.

T-Mobile mentions the free iPhone 17 comes for those who go with an Experience plan with the carrier which includes the Experience More and Experience Beyond options. The Experience More plan is the more affordable option, starting at $85 per month for a single line. It comes with some perks like Apple TV+, Netflix, and 60GB of mobile hotspot data.

To snag the free iPhone 17 Pro, you'll need to trade in an eligible phone in any condition and sign on for two years of service on the Experience Beyond plan which starts at $100 per month for one line.

Instead of paying full price for the new iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, snag it for free at T-Mobile by going with an Experience plan from the carrier.

Nintendo announced a Nintendo Direct livestream to close out the week, after weeks of rumors and leaks suggesting there would be one.

One of the biggest brands in gaming is fresh off a successful launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 console, but there's a pretty big void where information about upcoming games should be. Sure, we know about Kirby Air Riders, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and a few others, but we're sort of flying blind regarding the next year or so of Switch 2 games.

The good news is that there's a big, 60-minute Nintendo Direct on Friday morning at 9am ET. That's a lot of time for Nintendo to fill, and while there will be some Switch 1 games in the mix, let's talk about the Switch 2 games we really need to see from Nintendo during the livestream.

SEE ALSO: A whopper of a Nintendo Direct is coming this week: When is it and how to watch Nintendo Direct September 2025: 5 Switch 2 games we need to see

I should note that most of these are games that are already announced. It's hard for me to say we "need" to see something that hasn't been confirmed yet, after all.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond I want it so badly. Credit: Nintendo

First up is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which has been an albatross around Nintendo's neck for eight years now. Originally announced in 2017, with development internally canceled and restarted a couple of years later, this tentpole Switch 1 game has become a tentpole Switch 2 game by virtue of its odd development cycle.

Strangely, despite Nintendo's repeated insistence that Prime 4 is still coming this year, it doesn't have an official release date yet. I can't make any guarantees because I'm just some guy, but I would be extremely surprised if this Direct doesn't fix that. I'd call this a near-certainty.

Hades II Frothing at the mouth for 'Hades II.' Credit: Supergiant Games/Steam

Hades II is in a somewhat similar place as Metroid Prime 4: It's supposed to come out this year, but there isn't a date for it yet. We called the early access version one of the best games of last year, so needless to say, we've got our eyes on Hades II. It's coming to Switch 2 before other consoles, so if a release date announcement is coming anytime soon, it might be on Friday. Fingers crossed.

The Duskbloods I just want to know what this game is. Credit: Nintendo

Perhaps the most intriguing known quantity coming for Switch 2 is The Duskbloods, the new game from Elden Ring developer From Software. This was announced as a big Switch 2 exclusive back in April, but the trailer was enticingly vague. We know it's a multiplayer game of some kind, with a sort of steampunk-inspired setting and plenty of gross monsters to kill, but that's it. This game isn't set to come out until 2026, but who knows? It could be early 2026, and if that's the case, it might be time to unleash some firm details on those of us who really want to play it.

Splatoon Raiders Look at those cool squid kids. Credit: Nintendo

Splatoon Raiders is an interesting case because Nintendo originally announced it in a mobile app, separate from any Direct livestream a few months ago. There's a very short and very uninformative trailer that makes it look like a single-player survival game set in the Splatoon universe. That's a really neat idea, as a guy who loves Splatoon but doesn't necessarily always want to play against other people online.

This one also feels like it's almost certain to show up, at any rate.

Whatever is next for either Fire Emblem or Animal Crossing The next one of these will probably sell like 30 million units. Credit: Nintendo

In terms of games that haven't actually been announced but feasibly could be, two major Nintendo franchises come to mind: Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. I'm not greedy enough to ask for both, but I think it's possible we hear from one or the other on Friday.

My rationale here is that the last Animal Crossing came out more than five years ago and was a monumental success for Nintendo. It's very possible the next one isn't ready to show yet, but I'm certain there is a next one coming for Switch 2. Nintendo doesn't need any help selling Switch 2 consoles, necessarily, but announcing a new AC game would certainly drive some sales by itself.

Fire Emblem hasn't been dormant for quite as long, with the last release in early 2023, but there have been persistent rumors of a new one (whether a true new game or a remake of an older one) coming to Switch 2. Again, it's entirely feasible that neither of these series are ready to shine the spotlight on whatever is next for them just yet, but 60 minutes is a lot of time to fill. There's gotta be something like this in there.

Honorable mention: The next batch of Switch 2 upgrades Hey, you should really play 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition,' especially if it gets a Switch 2 upgrade. Credit: Nintendo

One final thing worth noting is that every previously announced Switch 2 Edition of an older Switch 1 game is already out. There are also no announced plans for any free upgrade patches for any older Switch 1 games right now, though there are certainly plenty that could still use it. Whether Nintendo feels like charging for upgrades that add new content or simply patching games so they run better on Switch 2, I would expect to see at least one announcement related to this during the Direct.

My hope is that any or all of the Xenoblade Chronicles games get upgrades because I'm a sicko, but I'll take anything at this point.

SAVE $170: As of Sept. 11, shop Staub's pumpkin-shaped dutch ovens for 46% off. Get the classic Staub Pumpkin Dutch Oven in burnt orange for $199.99 and save $170 for 46% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Staub Staub 3.5-quart Pumpkin Dutch Oven $199.99 at Zwilling
$369.99 Save $170 Get Deal

Is that a chill I sense in the air? Fall weather is creeping in, and if you're ready to haul out your sweater collection, then you're also probably thinking about fall cooking. Maybe you're dreaming of a hearty beef stew or rich pot of French onion soup? Whatever you've got up your sleeve, you'll need the right vessel, and what's more festive than a pumpkin-shaped Staub? What's even better? A pumpkin-shaped Staub that's on sale.

As of Sept. 11, Staub has marked down all of their pumpkin cast iron cocottes. Both the .75-quart mini ovens and the 3.5-quart full-sized dutch ovens are on sale, and they're up to $170 off. The best deal is on the 3.5-quart Staub, which is normally priced at $369.99, but currently marked down to $199.99. That gives you 46% off for $170 in savings. Savings on the pumpkin dutch oven vary by color but the classic burnt orange is down to $199.99.

If you're not looking for the best deal but just a taste of fall, the petite pumpkin dutch oven is 16% off, bringing it down to $49.99.

While the outside of the Staub pumpkin dutch oven is decorative, the inside is covered in enameled cast iron and the lid comes in handy for long simmering stews and braises. It's dishwasher, microwave, broiler, and oven safe, too. The oven has the pumpkin shape on the inside, perfect for creating a pumpkin-shaped sourdough. Grab the Staub pumpkin dutch ovens for $199.99 and save 46% off the festive cookware.

SAVE $150: The Dreame AirStyle Pro styler and dryer is on sale at Amazon for $249.99, down from the list price of $399.99. That's a 38% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame AirStyle Pro $249.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Now that we're in the middle of September, the temperatures are less suitable for walking outside with wet hair. Grandma would not be pleased to see anyone head off to school or work in the morning with wet hair. To keep her from worrying, get that hair dry before leaving the house thanks to this great deal at Amazon.

As of Sept. 11, the Dreame AirStyle Pro styler and dryer is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $399.99. That's a 38% discount that takes a sweet $150 off.

Dreame is making a name for itself by producing attention-worthy dupes, namely coming after Dyson and Shark. The Dreame Airstyle Pro looks a whole lot like the Dyson Airwrap but comes in at a much lower price, especially thanks to today's deal. Currently, the Dyson Airwrap is selling for $599.99, which means you'll save a whopping $350 by going with the Dreame AirStyle Pro.

Dreame considers the AirStyle Pro to be a seven-in-one hair styler and high-speed dryer, and it comes with tons of attachments to make this happen. There's the fast dryer attachment, the flyaway attachment, auto-wrap barrel, hard smoothing brush, soft smoothing brush, volumizing brush, and even more. To top it all off, it comes with a lux storage box.

SEE ALSO: Mashable's favorite e-reader, the Kobo Clara Colour, now comes in white

You also get three temperature settings and three wind speed settings on the Dreame AirStyle Pro. Dreame uses JetAirflow technology to help keep hair protected from overheating which is also said to reduce frizz.

Dreame also added user-friendly features to the AirStyle Pro like an anti-tangle cord that rotates 360 degrees and a filter that's easy to clean. The body of the styler itself weighs just 0.64 pounds, making it a lightweight styler.

If you tend to leave home with wet hair, make grandma happy by snagging the Dreame AirStyle Pro and drying your hair before heading out. It's on sale today at Amazon for under $250.

It’s been a busy week at Apple with the drop of the latest iPhone 17 and the new Apple Watch 11. Amid the bustle of activity, Apple is also officially dropping watchOS 26. There are plenty of changes coming down the pipeline, and tucked in among all the other new features are four brand new watch faces.

Per Apple’s release notes when installing the update, the four new watch faces include nods to classic watches, and the incorporation of Apple's new Liquid Glass design language:

Exactograph is a modern re-imagination of a traditional regular watch which separates out hours, minutes, and seconds for more precise timekeeping. 

The new Exactograph watch face. Credit: Apple

Flow uses Liquid Glass numerals that refract a fluid orb of color that responds to your wrist movements. 

The Flow watch face, which incorporates Liquid Glass elements. Credit: Apple

Waypoint acts as a live compass that shows where you are in relation to saved locations in (Apple) Maps or points of interest (Available on the Apple Watch Ultra).

The Waypoint face, exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra. Credit: Apple

Hermès Faubourg Party features animated shorts that appear based on the time of day or your movements, with a series of characters (Available on Apple Watch Hermès).

An Apple Watch Hermès-exclusive face, featuring animated characters. Credit: Apple

As you may have surmised, the Waypoint watch face is exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra while the Hermès Faubourg Party is exclusive to the Apple Watch Hermès. In addition to the new watch faces above, the Photos watch face has received a Liquid Glass makeover, so it’ll look new as well. 

The updated Photos watch face. Credit: Apple

All Apple Watch users who upgrade to watchOS 26 will get the Flow and Exactograph faces. According to Apple’s website, that will include all Apple Watches from the Series 6 onward and all three Apple Watch Ultra generations. The Apple Watch SE 2 is also invited to the party. 

The update will begin rolling out to the appropriate devices on Monday, September 15. Beta users should already have access to it now. 

WatchOS 26 was initially announced at WWDC, so most of the new features have been announced already. Apple Watch users will be treated to a new Liquid Glass design, the new AI-powered Workout Buddy, and the inclusion of Live Translation in addition to a number of improvements of things like the aforementioned Photos watch face and the addition of a Notes app. 

SAVE UP TO 53%: As of Sept. 11, Soundcore headphones are marked down up to 53%. Find the Soundcore V20i open-ear headphones for $23.49, knocking 53% off for $26.50 in savings.

Best Soundcore headphone deals Best open-ear headphone deal Soundcore V20i open-ear headphones $23.49 (Save $26.50) Get Deal Best headphone deal Soundcore Life Q20 headphones $29.99 (Save $30) Get Deal Best earbud deal Soundcore P20i earbuds $19.98 (Save $20.01) Get Deal

Dreaming of long fall walks? Wearing a sweater in the cool crisp air and listening to the new Taylor Swift album. If you're ready to upgrade your headphones for the new season, Soundcore has some great deals for you.

Soundcore is our go-to for budget-friendly headphones. They start under $100, but still deliver high-quality sound. And when they're on sale, you can score a pair of headphones or earbuds with active noise cancellation for under $50.

Soundcore's headphones are especially good for students who don't want to spend an entire paycheck on a pair of headphones but still want to be able to block out the noise while studying in the library.

Right now there are a ton of deals to be had on Soundcore headphones, offering savings up to 53% off. Here are all of the best deals now.

Best Soundcore deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore V20i open-ear headphones $23.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Headphone trends come and go, but right now sleep earbuds and open earbuds are the buzziest. Sleep earbuds provide comfort while blocking out noise, but open earbuds are a safe option that allows you to be aware of your surroundings while still listening to music.

Right now, you can find Soundcore's open-ear headphones for their lowest price ever. As of Sept. 11, the Soundcore V20i open-ear headphones are down to $23.49, saving you $26.50 for 53% off. That's officially their lowest price ever, from its previous low of $24.99.

Open-ear headphones are ideal for working out. When you're on a run or on a bike, and want to listen to your pump-up playlist but still want to be aware of traffic, open-ear headphones allow for the best of both worlds. The Soundcore V20i, hook around the ears for a comfortable yet snug fit. Plus, you can take calls with the V20i, which have four mics in them.

Looking for a more traditional pair of headphones? Don't worry, there are still a ton more Soundcore deals to explore.

More Soundcore deals

• Soundcore P20i earbuds — $19.98 $39.99 (save $20.01)

• Soundcore Life Q20 headphones — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Soundcore Space A40 — $44.58 $79.99 (save $35.41)

• Soundcore Q20i earbuds — $44.99 $69.99 (save $25)

• Soundcore Life Q30 headphones — $55.98 $79.99 (save $24.01)

This episode of How It Hits breaks down The Long Walk and its place in a long tradition of deadly competition stories, from Battle Royale to The Hunger Games. Why do we keep coming back to these narratives—and why do they so often put kids in the arena?

SAVE $34: As of Sept. 11, you can get both the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds and Soundcore Q20i noise-cancelling headphones for just $265.98. That's $34 in total savings and $9 cheaper than buying each pair separately on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds and Q20i noise-cancelling headphones $265.98 at Amazon
$299.98 Save $34 Get Deal

Over-ear headphones and compact earbuds both have their time and place. But when it costs hundreds of dollars for each, you often have to make a tough decision. If you're torn between the two, we recommend checking out this bundle deal from Anker Soundcore. For under $270, you can get your hands on both.

As of Sept. 11, you can get the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds and Q20i noise-cancelling headphones bundled together for only $265.98. A $300 value, that saves you about $34 total. The Sleep A30 earbuds are $230 on their own, so this bundle deal essentially gets you the Q20i headphones for only $36.

We're huge fans of the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds. They're the only pair of sleep earbuds on the market that feature active noise cancellation and it works great. Mashable's Bethany Allard tested them for a few months and had mostly positive things to say. "They bring the best of what I would expect from a premium sleep earbud — active noise cancellation, solid battery life, and plenty of optimization for sound in comfort," she writes. One of their only pitfalls is the price tag — although, with this bundle deal, we can definitely look past that.

The Soundcore Q20i headphones are budget-friendly over-ears that go beyond the basics. They offer active noise cancellation, 40-hour battery life (with ANC on), transparency mode, customizable EQ, and multipoint connectivity. They're not the most advanced headphones on the market by any means, but they'll get the job done.

Not to rag on Apple, but for less than half the price of AirPods Max, you can get a solid pair of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones and premium sleep earbuds from Anker Soundcore. In this economy, that's a major win.