Mashable

SAVE $80: As of July 21, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is on sale for $169 at Amazon. This is 32% off its list price $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

The big summer sale events may be over, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some great deals to find. In particular, there are some amazing Apple deals floating around. One of our favorites we've comes across recently is on the Apple Watch SE 2, which is marked down to under $200 right now.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is currently on sale for $169. This is a 32% discount from its list price of $249, allowing you to save $80. If you've been on the hunt for a smartwatch, this is a deal well worth jumping on that won't make a huge dent in your wallet.

SEE ALSO: My Beats Fit Pro made it through two marathons. Here’s why I still love them.

If you're already an Apple user, the Apple Watch SE 2 fits in perfectly to the Apple ecosystem — allowing you to take calls or answer texts from your wrist — and boasts plenty of features that cover the health and fitness basics you'd want from a smartwatch. Some of these include an activity tracker, heart rate tracker, and a sleep tracker, but this smartwatch also has safety features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. On top of that, it is even water resistant up to 50 meters.

If you've been looking to invest in a smartwatch, there's no better time than now to do it with this discount on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) at Amazon.

As mentioned before, there's quite a few more Apple deals that have caught our eye recently. Another big one worth checking out is on the 2025 MacBook Air, which is still at its Prime Day price.

SAVE $150: As of July 21, the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (512GB) is on sale for $499.99 at Best Buy. This is $150 off its list price of $649.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (512GB) $499.99 at Best Buy
$649.99 Save $150 Get Deal

If you've been hoping to pick up a gaming handheld to keep you busy on trips this summer, look no further than Best Buy. The retailer is offering a very nice discount at the moment on the 512GB ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, so you can game on the go for a lower price.

Usually the 512GB ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme retails for $649.99, but it's currently marked down to $499.99. This allows you to save $150, which is a stellar deal to jump on while it's still available. It's one of our favorite gaming handhelds — earning the title of "Best Steam Deck alternative" — so you can feel content knowing you're making a worthwhile investment.

SEE ALSO: Alienware's latest Aurora laptops with Nvidia's 50-series GPUs are $400 off at Dell

Alongside 512GB of storage to hold all of your favorite PC games, the ASUS ROG Ally features a 1080p full HD touchscreen display with 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology so your games look detailed and run smoothly while you play. It's got plenty of power to push through some of your favorite titles thanks to the AMD Ryzen Z1 extreme processor, too.

Don't miss out on $150 off the 512GB ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme at Best Buy.

If you're curious to see more of our favorite gaming handhelds, check out our breakdown of the best handheld gaming consoles to find an option that best suits you and the games you love to play.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

SAVE $19: The Razer Quick Charging Stand for PS5 is now $20.99 at Amazon — 48% off its $39.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Quick Charging Stand for PlayStation 5 $20.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $19.00 Get Deal

Any PS5 owner who has had their console for more than a week will happily tell you that a charging stand for your wireless DualSense controller is absolutely essential. 

After all, these controllers with a battery life of 6-12 hours quickly run out during marathon gaming sessions of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and the included USB-C cable to standard controller charging makes for a messy-looking set-up when powering yours back up. That’s why it’s a good time to get in on this deal for the Razer Quick Charging Stand for PS5 Controllers — now only $20.99 instead of $39.99, marked down by 48% in a limited Prime member-only deal at Amazon.

According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, the price hasn't dropped this low since March — showing that nearly half-price deals like this don't pop up very often.

SEE ALSO: The best handheld gaming consoles, from the Nintendo Switch to the Steam Deck

A good number of the standard colour models have already sold out, but the black and red SKUs are still available under the offer.

With its Quick Charge feature, even when connected via USB, Razer’s PlayStation 5 Charging Stand is able to recharge your DualSense from 0% battery to full in under three hours — along with added overcharge protection to prevent short circuits and overheating. 

In the meantime, if your battery is depleted in your session’s final minutes, the stand’s “curved cradle design” makes it so you can easily navigate your PS5 or PS5 Pro’s menus to put the console in rest mode — along with its strong and stable build preventing it from falling over.

This sort of charging stand is perfect if you have more than one PS5 DualSense as well. As you’re playing with one controller, you can keep the other on charge, swap it out when your current DualSense is empty, then use the second controller while the first recharges — and repeat. 

So, when loading up your PS5, you’ll be ready to play as many Fortnite matches, Destiny 2 raids, or open-world exploring in the upcoming Ghost of Yotei as you can handle in one sitting.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

Getting celebrities to phone up their famous friends live on the radio is always going to be entertaining content, and when the famous people in question are The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, it's even better.

In the clip above the pair play a game of "Sit Down, Stand Up", which basically involves them guessing whether the person they're about to call will be sitting down or standing up, and then asking that very question the second the person answers.

Featuring guest appearances from Ayo Edebiri, Barry Keoghan, and Pedro Pascal's voicemail.

SAVE $20: As of July 21, Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are on sale for $48.99 at Amazon. That's a 39% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Space A40 $48.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $31.00 Get Deal

Quality earbuds for less than $50 is a deal we can get behind, and that's exactly what you're getting with this latest deal on the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds. Good quality sound doesn't have to break the bank, and as of July 21, these earbuds are down to $48.99, their lowest-ever price on Amazon.

So, what's so great about these earbuds? Other than price, these are a fantastic option for just about anyone. If you like noise cancellation, these are your new go-to. The Space A40 earbuds are designed for tuning out the world, no matter how intense the background noise is. And the best part is they adjust the noise canceling automatically depending on where you are. They are able to detect external noises and automatically select a suitable level of noise cancellation for your surroundings.

You’ll get loads of battery life as well. Enjoy up to 50 hours with the case, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you four more hours of listening time.

For sound quality, enjoy using the LDAC mode for Hi-Res Audio Wireless sound. With every song, enjoy clear vocals and a powerful bass thanks to Soundcore's double-layer diaphragm drivers.

You can find this great deal at Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

SAVE $90: The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is down to $169 at Amazon — a 35% discount from its regular $259 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90 Get Deal

Getting a portable power station for under $200 is one thing, but getting one from a brand like Jackery is another thing altogether. With features like fast recharge, solar compatibility, and six device ports for a low price, it’s certainly a deal worth plugging into.

The Jackery Explorer 300 is currently just $169 on Amazon. That’s a $90 discount — or 35% off its usual $259 price — for a limited time. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s this power station’s lowest price since launching in 2023.

SEE ALSO: The best portable chargers and power banks in 2025

When looking at its specs, this little beast packs a 293Wh battery and two pure sine wave AC outlets — giving you clean, steady power for vital travel electronics like laptops, cameras, or even gaming systems like the Steam Deck OLED and Nintendo Switch 2. 

Weighing in at just 7.1 pounds, it’s easy to toss into the car for your next off-grid weekend or stash in the closet for blackout prep.

Charging it back up is refreshingly fast, too: You’ll hit 80% battery in just two hours using a wall outlet and the 60W USB-C PD port together. As a bonus, you can also recharge it via your car’s outlet or hook it up to a Jackery SolarSaga 100W panel — available in a bundle for $299, that’s also on sale — for an eco-friendly power boost on the go.

Device compatibility looks broad as well— with two AC outlets, a USB-C PD port, Quick Charge 3.0, a USB-A port, and a 12V car outlet, you can keep everything from drones to smartphones powered up at once.

Whether you're heading to the woods or just want peace of mind at home, this is a rare price drop on a trusted portable power name. 

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

When I say that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma has made me a dictator, I am not being hyperbolic. 

This was through no fault of my own. I had no political aspirations at the outset. As a newcomer to Yoshifumi Hashimoto's Rune Factory series, I went into the roleplaying game simply planning to fight monsters, befriend villagers, and partake in some wholesome farming. To be fair, I have done exactly that.

However, I have also unintentionally become the uncontested ruler of Azuma, presiding over the region with the support of an unquestioningly loyal band of armed followers.

SEE ALSO: 'Cult of the Lamb' turned me into a single parent of 20 Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma demonstrates the impact of poor disaster recovery planning Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amanda Yeo / Marvelous Inc.

Set in a fantasy world inspired by ancient Japan, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma takes place 50 years after the land was blown apart in a catastrophe dubbed the Celestial Collapse. Azuma's villages have since fallen into decline, with blighted plants plaguing the land and no sign of a functional local government that might address the situation.

I'm apparently the first person in 50 years to step up and take any responsibility around here.

It's amidst this backdrop that Guardians of Azuma's amnesiac protagonist discovers they are an "Earth Dancer," an individual with a unique connection to the earth and gods. This gives the player powers capable of restoring the land and returning Azuma to prosperity. I won't deny that my Earth Dancer powers are instrumental in removing the blight, which certainly assists in reviving the villages. All it takes is a quick little dance to vanquish dangerous flora, as well as speed up crop growth more effectively than any fertiliser. 

Even so, I don't believe that Azuma's dramatic resurrection is solely attributable to my supernatural jigs. Rather, I credit the fact that I'm apparently the first person in 50 years to step up and take any responsibility around here.

SEE ALSO: Grow plants from fantasy games with this IRL initiative Azuma's villages wait for a hero to come along Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amanda Yeo / Marvelous Inc.

Farming games typically give you your own little plot of land to cultivate, allowing you to grow crops, raise livestock, and fantasise about a life free from the corporate grind. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma deviates from this structure by having you oversee numerous "development zones" across four seasonally-themed villages, a feat only made possible by instant fast travel. These areas aren't used solely for animals and crops, but also for erecting homes, stores, and restaurants, essentially mixing farming with town planning.

To be clear, there are already people living in these villages, many of whom could probably have cleared the rubble at any time during the past 50 years. Sure, the blighted blooms do limit the amount of arable land. Even so, there is still space around them, as well as shops to run, monsters to hunt, ore to mine, and many hands which could have made light work.

Unfortunately, nobody had such initiative. Instead, the villages were left to languish for decades, the residents just waiting for some sucker to come along and fix the situation for them. Apparently, that sucker is me.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amanda Yeo / Marvelous Inc.

Less than 20 in-game days had passed in Guardians of Azuma before I had all four chiefdoms under my belt, essentially making me supreme ruler of Azuma. Almost every village appointed me chief within days of my arrival, practically weaponising my itching need to improve circumstances. Most hadn't had any chief at all when I arrived, with nobody else willing to step up to the plate.

The sole exception was elderly chief Sakaki in the Spring Village, though even he was quick to abdicate in my favour at the earliest available opportunity. He could have nominated a longtime resident such as teahouse owner Iroha, or literal God of Spring Ulalaka. Instead, he went for a stranger with memory issues who's been squatting in the local shrine for the past six months, having crash-landed there and busted a hole in its roof.

"Czar of local infrastructure" was not on my career planning vision board.

As much as this is an indictment on his decision making skills, I feel it's an equally loud condemnation of the other potential candidates.

I have a tendency to min-max farming sims, prioritising efficiency over aesthetic without having to consider real-life issues such as crop rotation and environmental impact. Taking absolute control over optimising a virtual village's farming practices is not out of character for the type of player I am when left unchecked. Even so, "czar of local infrastructure" was not on my career planning vision board.

Credit: Marvelous Inc.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma doesn't restrict my iron fist's reach to town planning. I'm also able to assign villagers to jobs, with their individual traits impacting how they perform in various roles. I can further relocate them to an entirely different village, if, for example, their Cheerful demeanour would provide a greater benefit when running a shop in the Summer Village than farming in the Spring Village. Such power over villagers' employment isn't even the full extent of my control. While I offer free housing in exchange for their labour, I can also completely evict residents, exiling them from the safety of my villages. 

I haven't yet taken this measure, as I'm all too aware that there is nowhere else in Azuma that they might find shelter. Even so, I fear that this day is fast approaching. The Big Eaters, Slackers, and Worry Warts are having a negative impact on morale, and there are many others who would eagerly take their place and contribute to my new, functional society.

Guardians of Azuma made me your local MP with the power of god and anime on my side Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amanda Yeo / Marvelous Inc.

This isn't the only responsibility I've had to take on in the absence of literally anyone else. Not only has Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma made me its minister for both agriculture and infrastructure, it has also appointed me as minister for defence.

While monsters roam the lands, none of the villages have any formal army, militia, or even animal wranglers to tame the wild cowlike Buffamoo. Instead, I deal with every violent threat myself, venturing forth with my loyal, armed posse. Several in my group are also literal gods, giving me the divine right of kings multiple times over.

Combat is fairly straightforward, consisting of enjoyably mindless hack-slash button-mashing to whack enemies like piñatas until they drop loot and perish. Different weapons and types of elemental damage can be considerably more effective against certain enemies. Nevertheless, I largely prefer to brute force my fights and down potions like shots, an impulse which Guardians of Azuma is happy to indulge.

On one hand, seeing a political leader actively serving in the defence force may make them seem more down-to-earth and relatable to many constituents. On the other hand, I'd probably be slightly unsettled if my local MP ran around with a sword-wielding gang. I personally feel uncomfortable with my necessary but overt displays of violence, and worry that they may have had some influence on the villagers' unquestioning obedience to almost every single one of my authoritarian decrees. Factor in my ridable dragon companion, and it's giving Daenerys Targaryen.

Rune Factory made a benevolent dictator of me Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amanda Yeo / Marvelous Inc.

Now that I've unintentionally consolidated power in Azuma, I can't simply abdicate. Considering the lack of initiative around here, I thoroughly believe the situation would revert to what it was almost immediately. It takes the villagers practically half the day to plant one seed. It's like I'm the only person in the group chat actually planning the practicalities of the trip, but I can't just drop it because my friends will end up camping out in a 24-hour McDonald's. They may be shockingly incapable of getting it together, but against my better judgement I still care about their wellbeing.

I'm beginning to realise that though I am ostensibly Azuma's dictator, my constituents have me right where they want me.

Granted, I am doing a better job as chief than anyone else around here would, even with my attention split between four villages. Nobody appears discontent with my leadership. In fact, they all seem thrilled with the situation despite absolutely no propaganda on my part. If I attempted to introduce mandatory voting I'm one hundred percent certain that everyone would just keep electing me until I died.

I strongly believe that politicians should serve the people. As such, I'm beginning to realise that though I am ostensibly Azuma's dictator, my constituents have me right where they want me. 

Benevolent dictatorship is not typically a sustainable political structure. Even in the unlikely event a suitably magnanimous ruler is found, the system is thrown into chaos upon their demise. However, as far as I'm aware, I cannot die. Azuma's people seem to have immediately identified me as an immortal sucker with a tender heart, and exploited my good intentions to trap me as an involuntary, overworked public servant.

I understand their impulse. Azuma was in a dire state when I arrived, and something needed to be done. Further, I admit I find satisfaction in helping improve others' lives, and making the most of the resources available. I just wish everyone would do a little more to contribute to this group project.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is available now on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC.

SAVE $500: The Shark Robot PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro is down to $699.99 at Amazon. That's a massive 42% off its $1,199.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Robot NeverTouch Pro Vacuum & Mop Combo $699.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $500 Get Deal

Securing a large amount off a robot vacuum’s price tag is a regular sight for us at Mashable, but rarely on premium models like this. 

Shark’s NeverTouch Pro Vacuum-Mop Combo, usually $1199.99, is now only $699.99 in a limited-time deal at Amazon. That's its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

This sophisticated machine doesn’t just empty itself — it refills its own water tank, washes and dries its mop pad, and handles both carpets and hardwood with zero babysitting required. It’s like hiring a cleaning crew and never having to lift a finger. Mashable's resident robot vacuum expert recommends this model: "As the only Shark that can wash and dry its own mopping pad and refill its own water tank, the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro would be really handy in larger homes that have a significant amount of hard floors that would probably require a fresh mopping pad on a daily basis," says Leah Stodart.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025.

The tech packed inside looks just as impressive. With five intelligent PowerDetect technologies, the bot can boost suction or mop intensity depending on how dirty a section is — whether it’s spilt cereal under the kitchen island or muddy prints near the back door. DirtDetect amps up vacuuming in messier zones, while StainDetect makes the robot take extra mop passes on problem areas.

Shark didn’t skip corners when designing this model’s navigation features, either. A combination of 3D sensors and 360-degree LiDAR mapping allows the NeverTouch Pro to dodge furniture and unexpected obstacles while staying on course. You can target zones for a quick clean, create no-go areas, or schedule full-home runs through the app.

With NeverStuck technology, this NeverTouch bot can even lift itself over thresholds, and it auto-raises its mop pad when crossing carpet. The 60-day debris bin and 30-day water tank mean weeks of cleaning with no maintenance. EdgeDetect is even said to make sure it doesn’t skip the baseboards.

If you’re serious about ditching the dustpan, this might be your cleanest deal of the summer. Although those still in the mood for an old school-era vacuum can grab the Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe for $130 at Amazon, which has just has a price cut of its own. 

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

Everyone knows that Apple products tend to cost a pretty penny, and MacBooks and iMacs are no exception.

If you'd rather avoid spending $1,100 on entry-level specs, we have great news: you can save hundreds on an Apple laptop or computer multiple times a year. That means if your laptop is on its last leg, you don't have to hold out until November to make an upgrade that won't hurt your bank account. (And tbh, Apple's annual gift card incentive around Black Friday isn't anything to write home about anyway.)

SEE ALSO: Your MacBook is filthy. Here's how to clean it.

We track Apple deals year-round, so we know what tends to go on sale and when. Plus, we know what MacBook deals are actually worth jumping on, and which "markdowns" are basically the regular price. Check out this list of the top three times of year to find the best prices on a MacBook or iMac, based on our historical deals knowledge:

Time No. 1 to get a deal on a Mac: Black Friday and Prime Day seasons

Months: Early to mid-July, October through November

We know, shopping holidays are a great time to save money, groundbreaking. However, we're not talking about Apple's annual Black Friday deal, which is the same every year: Buy a laptop or iMac, get a free gift card to use on a future purchase. It's a little lackluster and not all that great for saving money upfront.

If you want real savings during shopping holidays, you'll want to look to retailers like Amazon and Best Buy during Black Friday and Prime Day seasons. At first glance, that may seem like you have to keep your eye on the calendar for a few select days throughout the year, but these retailers have decided that time is meaningless when it comes to sales. That means you'll start to see Black Friday savings as early as October, and Prime Day savings for a week or so around July.

Despite hitting the market only weeks prior, the M3 MacBook Pros saw good discounts last Black Friday. Credit: Apple

In years past, Prime Day has spanned over two days, but Amazon upped it to four days in 2025. If you don't want to shop the actual sale dates, Amazon and its competitors usually feature deals in the weeks leading up to it. During both sales, it's not uncommon to see MacBooks from the cheapest Airs to the most souped-up Pros on sale for $150 off or more.

They're worthwhile deals, but they can also be harder to score because the general public knows these are the times to shop for a Mac. If you see a good deal, don't hesitate too much. Our advice? Know what models you're interested in before these sale events kick off, and keep your eye on them.

SEE ALSO: Apple M4 MacBook Air review: A really good deal

As a final note, Black Friday season is a reliable time to catch the initial sales on any fall Mac releases. In the fall of 2023, M3 and M3 Pro MacBook Pros dropped in October, and by November, they were already on sale for $150 off. These likely won't be the steepest deals you'll see in the year or so lifespan before a newer chipset and Mac come out, but they can be impressive considering how recent the releases are.

Time No. 2 to get a deal on a Mac: Back-to-school season

Months: June through early October

Apple offers educational pricing year-round for current or newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. These prices knock $100 off the price of their laptops and computers. It's not a massive markdown, but it beats full price.

However, if you fall into one of the above demographics, that's not your only chance to save directly through Apple. They also run a special back-to-school sale from the summer to the early fall. In 2023, it ran from June 5 to Oct. 2, so you'll have plenty of time to decide which Mac model to pick. The major downside is that, similar to the Black Friday sale, Apple's BTS offer isn't an off-the-face price cut — you'll receive an Apple gift card proportional to the value of the product you're buying for use on future purchases. In 2023, this is how the pricing broke down:

• 24-inch iMac: receive a $150 Apple gift card

• MacBook Air: receive a $150 Apple gift card

• MacBook Pro: receive a $150 Apple gift card

• Mac mini: receive a $100 Apple gift card

Also like Black Friday, Apple doesn't tend to adjust gift card values drastically, if at all, from year to year, so we expect to see essentially the same offer this year. Considering MacBooks are some of our favorite laptops for students, we see this as a deal worth a second look, but with stipulations.

SEE ALSO: Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro is getting a key new feature soon

If you're not planning on making another Apple purchase (gift cards can be used on App Store purchases, in-app purchases, more Apple tech, and subscriptions like iCloud+ or Apple TV+), you might want to wait for a sale at another retailer. Chances are, places like Amazon and Best Buy will also want to draw in the back-to-school crowd, so there might be greater markdowns there — but you likely won't have a ton of flexibility on specs. A MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD, for instance, might be $150 off, but a model with 16GB of RAM might not be on sale at all.

The gift card incentive is also good for anyone who has a pair of AirPods or a paid note-taking app on their back-to-school list, too.

Time No. 3 to get a deal on a Mac: After new releases are announced

Months: Can vary

This tip isn't unique to Apple products, but it doesn't make it any less useful for grabbing a Mac for a little less cash. Typically, after Apple announces the latest models, it drops the prices on older generations.

Technically, this isn't a deal in the strictest sense of the word, but it'll still save you money. Take, for instance, last year's announcement of the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. On March 4, Apple put it up for preorder on its online store, and right alongside the new laptop was a $100 price drop on the 13-inch M2 Air.

The price of the M2 MacBook Air has dropped twice following releases of upgraded MacBooks. Credit: Apple

The price only fell from $1,099 to $999, so it's not a drastic difference, but if you were already planning on grabbing the M2 Air, waiting for this newer gen saved you at least $100. Plus, a new list price means future sales will net you even more bang for your buck.

You don't necessarily need to wait for the exact same model to get a newer counterpart to see a price drop. Allow us to explain, again with the M2 MacBook Air. June 2023, Apple announced the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air at a starting price of $1,299. At the time, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air had been out for just under a year, and cost $1,199. The larger model brought a price cut to the smaller and slightly older model.

SEE ALSO: Apple's M2 MacBook Air is a super-fast WFH companion with a dreamy keyboard

Price cuts aren't always determined by Apple itself. A new Mac usually means the discontinuation of an older one. In the case of the M3 Air release, Apple discontinued the 15-inch M2 Air and M1 Air from 2020. Though you could no longer buy either at the Apple Store, they were available at steep discounts at Amazon and Best Buy.

And if you're sensing a theme here, yes, it's better, more often than not, to skip the Apple Store in favor of other retailers if you're looking to save some serious dough.

Final tips for saving money on a Mac1. Keep an eye out for random sales

While the whole point of this guide is that there are ideal times to grab a Mac on sale, we're going to be honest: sometimes, there are very random, very good sales on Macs for seemingly no reason.

Obviously, this is a bit trickier to plan for, but rest assured, if there is a Mac sale worth knowing about, we're writing about it, so we recommend following our deals coverage.

2. Some Macs go on sale more frequently than others

This tip likely goes without saying, but some models rarely go on sale. General trends we've seen are that iMacs tend not to go on sale as frequently as MacBooks, and anything above the starting specs on a MacBook, especially if you're looking for upgraded memory, is much trickier to find on sale regularly.

We say this just to encourage a little healthy expectation setting as you embark on your search for a discounted Mac.

SAVE $60: As of July 21, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon. That's a 24% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60 Get Deal

A discount on an already low-priced TV is the stuff of dreams. And with this latest Amazon deal, dreams can be made a reality. As of July 21, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is $60 off, making this already great TV even more affordable.

For such a low price, this TV has features that high-end models would envy. One of the standout features is the built-in Alexa voice control. Not only can you use this to control some of your other smart home devices, such as robot vacuums and bluetooth speakers, but you can also use it to search through multiple streaming platforms at once, helping you find your favorite shows and movies.

SEE ALSO: My TV deal of the week — this massive 85-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV is over $1,000 off

It also has great visuals; enjoy an HD 1080p resolution with support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. Meaning all your shows, movies, and gaming experiences are the highest quality.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. And if you have more than one Fire TV, all of your movies and shows will stay in sync across devices.

Sounds like a good deal to us. Get it from Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

Apple's next iPad Pro is reportedly getting a second selfie camera.

This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that the upcoming device will have one selfie camera on top, and one on the side.

While that might not seem like a very important addition, it solves an old issue for users, some of which prefer to use the iPad in portrait mode, while others like it in landscape.

SEE ALSO: Apple sues noted leaker Jon Prosser for allegedly compromising iOS 26 secrets

The iPad Pro used to have a selfie camera on top until last year's version, in which Apple moved the FaceTime camera to the side. This likely appeased the subset of users who do a lot of video calls with the device in landscape mode, but honestly, on a high-end device such as the iPad Pro, why not have it both ways?

Besides the new camera orientation, the new iPad Pro, which is likely to launch in October this year, will also have Apple's new M5 chip.

In the same post, Gurman shared some of his thoughts on the foldable iPhone, which is reportedly coming next year. According to the journalist, Apple won't try to break new ground with its first foldable phone; instead, it will follow in the footsteps of Samsung's Fold, while still offering some advantages, including a barely visible crease in the display, and an improved hinge mechanism.

TL;DR: A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac is on sale for $39.99 — enjoy permanent access to essential productivity tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac: Lifetime License $39.99
$229 Save $189.01 Get Deal

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac on sale for $39.99 (reg. $229).

What you get:

• Lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 you only pay for once

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote — all optimized for Mac

• Perfect for creating polished documents, crunching numbers, and managing emails

• Designed for business and personal use with seamless integration into macOS 13, 14, and 15

• Instant download so you can start using it right away

• Continuous updates to keep your software fresh, plus lifetime customer support

Streamline your work and personal projects with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $39.99 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to PDF Agile for Windows for just $39.99 (reg. $119) — an all-in-one PDF editor, converter, and reader.

Most of us who have worked with digital files have had to deal with PDFs — some more than others. And the general consensus is that they are a true pain. You open a PDF expecting to make a quick change or grab a chunk of text, and suddenly you’re six tabs deep in “free trials,” wrestling with watermarks, or considering whether you need to go back to school just to split a single document.

That’s why tools like PDF Agile are super helpful. This all-in-one PDF tool cuts through the nonsense. And for a one-time price of $39.99, Windows users get lifetime access to a full suite of PDF tools, including editing, converting, annotating, signing, compressing, comparing, and even OCR (yep, it can read scanned docs, too). It’s the closest thing to peace you’ll find in a PDF editor.

Need to convert a PDF into a Word doc without wrecking the formatting? It’s possible. Want to fill out a form and sign it without printing anything? Easily done with PDF Agile. Want to merge three massive docs, delete the last 20 pages, and highlight the heck out of the rest? This just might be your new favorite digital tool. That goes double if you’re a lawyer, real estate professional, teacher, small business owner, or anyone who uses PDFs regularly.

PDF Agile makes PDFs less painful, more functional, and (dare we say it) actually kind of enjoyable to work with. No subscriptions, no recurring fees, no “free trial ends in seven days” popups — just a clean, powerful tool you own for life.

Annotate like a pro, protect your files with passwords, and never lose another hour of your life to uncooperative PDFs.

Pick up lifetime access to PDF Agile for Windows while it’s on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $119) for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: PDF Agile PDF Agile for Windows: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$119 Save $79.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a like-new 10.2″ Apple iPad (7th Gen) plus renewed Beats Flex Wireless Headphones and accessories for just $124.99 (reg. $299). Limited-time bundle, big-time savings.

Working with tech on a budget? We’ve got a bundle that punches way above its price tag. At the moment, you can pick up a Grade A refurbished Apple iPad 7th Gen (2019) and renewed Beats Flex Wireless Headphones — plus accessories — for just $124.99 (reg. $299). That’s a significant amount of Apple power and top-tier audio quality for well under $150.

The iPad 7 remains a reliable workhorse. Its 10.2” Retina display is perfect for streaming, reading, or browsing, and the A10 Fusion chip is more than capable of keeping up with school, work, or casual creativity. Whether you’re FaceTiming with family, watching YouTube, or checking off your to-do list, it’s smooth sailing. And yes, it comes with iOS 16 — and can still be updated.

Then there’s the Beats Flex headphones from 2020. Wireless, tangle-free, and built with Apple’s W1 chip, these earbuds snap together magnetically when not in use, and the 12-hour battery life means you’re not constantly searching for a charger. Whether you’re jamming out during a commute or tuning into a podcast on your walk, they’ve got your audio needs covered.

This bundle also includes a case, stylus, screen protector, and charger — so you’re ready to go right out of the box. And since both the iPad and Beats are refurbished or renewed, you’re getting premium tech at a down-to-earth price.

Whether you’re outfitting a student, upgrading your own setup, or just love a smart tech deal, this is one to move on quickly. Like any great bundle, stock is limited — when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Get the Apple iPad 7th Gen (2019) + Beats Flex Headphones Bundle for just $124.99 (reg. $299) for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 7th Gen (2019) 32GB WiFi Space Gray (Refurbished) with Beats Flex Headphones Bundle $124.99
$299.99 Save $175 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get a new, open-box ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) with a detachable touchscreen and a garaged stylus for just $169.99 (reg. $329.99).

If you’re someone who loves a good tech hack, you’re going to want to check this out.

You can currently score a new, open-box ASUS Chromebook CM30 for just $169.99 — a solid drop from its usual $329.99 price tag. And no, you’re not buying a beat-up return or a refurb. New, open-box items are often just store-display stock or overstocked inventory. That means the gear inside is new, but the box it comes in may show some wear and tear from being handled in the retail environment. If you can live with that, you’re in for some serious savings.

This device is built for people on the move. It’s a 2-in-1 Chromebook, meaning it seamlessly shifts from laptop to tablet with its detachable magnetic keyboard and adjustable kickstand cover. Whether you’re tackling emails, streaming video, or sketching ideas with the garaged stylus (yep, that’s included, too), the 10.5″ WUXGA touchscreen delivers sharp visuals and intuitive interaction.

Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor and running on ChromeOS, this Chromebook is quick, simple, and incredibly responsive. It’s got 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage to handle multitasking without breaking a sweat — and thanks to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, you’re always connected. Add in dual 5MP cameras, a sleek military-grade aluminum chassis, and a battery that can last up to 12 hours, and you’ve got a travel-ready workhorse.

Oh, and it’s made with 30 percent recycled materials. Smart, powerful, sustainable — and just $170.

Whether you’re upgrading your kid’s school setup, need a lightweight device for everyday tasks, or just want a no-fuss laptop-tablet combo for travel or downtime, this open-box ASUS Chromebook CM30 delivers.

Get this new, open-box ASUS 2-in-1 Chromebook for just $169.99 while stock is still available.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) Detachable Touchscreen 8GB RAM 128GB eMMC (Open Box) $169.99
$329.99 Save $160 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get 365 days of unlimited access to 230+ expert-led IT courses and 3,000+ hours of video training for just $49.99 (reg. $299).

We all know that growing your tech skills can open doors, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by high course prices, scattered resources, and busy schedules. That’s where we are happy to introduce the Vision Training Systems’ 365 Training Pass.

For just $49.99 (regularly $299), you get a year of unlimited access to over 230 courses and 3,000+ hours of expert-led video training. Whether you’re just getting started in IT or looking to add new certifications under your belt, this pass is your all-access guide to leveling up your skills on your own time.

We’re talking about CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Azure, AWS, Project Management, and even soft skills. It’s not just certification prep — it’s real-world, job-ready knowledge taught by pros who’ve been there, done that.

Want to fit learning into your lunch break? Or knock out a certification prep session while your kid’s at soccer practice? You can. With access on desktop or mobile and a learn-at-your-own-pace model, it fits your life, even if your life is kinda chaotic (whose isn’t?).

The pass is great for aspiring IT professionals, seasoned techs brushing up on new trends, or anyone looking to pivot careers without dropping thousands on bootcamps. And unlike a lot of online platforms, this one doesn’t nickel-and-dime you. You get it all — unlimited access to every course — for one simple price for a full year.

One thing to note: codes aren’t stackable, so don’t try to double up. Just redeem your pass, start learning, and save your second year for later if you love it.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to grow your career the smart, affordable way, this is it.

Get a 1-year subscription to the Vision Training Systems’ 365 Training Pass for just $49.99 (reg. $299) for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vision Training Systems Vision Training Systems 365 Training Pass: 1-Year Subscription $49.99
$299 Save $249.01 Get Deal

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 18, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Pregame activities

• Green: Clubs

• Blue: Geographically specific

• Purple: Same second word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Get ready for a game

• Green: Golf wedges

• Blue: Connecticut teams

• Purple: ____ Board

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #301 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Get ready for a game - GET LOOSE, PREPARE, STRETCH, WARM UP

• Golf wedges - GAP, LOB, PITCHING, SAND

• Connecticut teams - SUN, UCONN, YALE, YARD GOATS

• ____ Board - BACK, LEADER, SKATE, SURF

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 21, 2025:

AcrossCeremonial band

• The answer is Sash.

First official state hand gesture, following a 2024 Hawaiian bill

• The answer is Shaka.

Deck with the Major and Minor Arcana

• The answer is Tarot.

Just love

• The answer is Adore.

Boardwalk has the highest one on a Monopoly board

• The answer is Rent.

DownCool place to be on a sunny day

• The answer is Shade.

Name that might come first during an alphabetical roll call

• The answer is Aaron.

Hybrid athletic garment

• The answer is Skort.

Just loathe

• The answer is Hate.

One whose name is in lights

• The answer is Star.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $150: As of July 21, the 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $849 at Amazon. That's a 15% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

Prime Day is well and truly in the rear-view mirror by now, but that doesn't mean all the deals are gone. Amazon has surprised us this year with some Prime Day prices still lingering around. One of the best deals still live is on the 2025 MacBook Air, on sale for the low price of $849 (as of July 21). That's a $150 discount on the list price.

The deal applies to all colors, so you can choose between starlight, midnight, silver, and sky blue. This price is specific to the 16GB MacBook, but there's discounts on other models.

SEE ALSO: The 11-inch Apple iPad is still available for under $300 at Amazon

This MacBook is powered by Apple's new M4 chip, meaning it's both fast and efficient. It can handle video editing, jumping between apps, and working through heavy multiple-tab workloads. It’s also created with Apple Intelligence, Apple's personal AI system that helps you get more work done in less time.

This model also boasts a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors, so enjoy seriously high-quality pictures at all times. Other standout features include a 12MP Center Stage camera, a three-mic setup, and a four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, so work calls will always help you look your best. And you get 18 hours of battery life, so you can work on the go without a worry.

Who knows how long this deal will stick around, so head to Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

SAVE $600: As of July 21, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale for $899 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $899 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $600 Get Deal

You can never really go wrong with a portable power station. Whether it's for staying connected on camping trips or remaining prepared for power cuts, having something stashed away is always a good idea. And if you've been shopping around, now is the time to buy. As of July 21, you can get the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 for $600 off at Amazon. Right now it's priced at $899 (40% off).

This generator weighs just 39.5 lbs, so it's perfect for taking on the go for road trips or camping vacations. It also has a massive 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output across three AC ports, plus fast USB-C PD 100W charging.

SEE ALSO: Just hours left to grab MS Office Pro 2021 for $40

And the charging is seriously fast: 66 minutes with AC Fast Charging, full charge in 102 minutes with Emergency Super Charging via the app, or silent overnight charging in five hours at just 30dB.

It's also built to last, too. It comes with a LiFePo4 battery that promises to last up to 10 years, so you know you're prepared for any power emergencies.

This is a limited-time deal, so don't miss out.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)