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I test new robot vacuums on a regular basis and compare them to the top performers from previous months, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum and tweak its settings for optimal performance, I keep notes on its overall suction power vigor, scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum and mop combo), pet hair pickup, the convenience of its automatic emptying and self-washing mopping pads, accuracy of smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. But the final boss here is cost efficiency — I'll be the first one to point out when a cheap robot vacuum actually works well for the price, or when a high-end robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge or not.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both Recent changes to this guide

July 2026: I added the Narwal Flow 2 as the new pick for best roller mop robot vacuum overall, bumping the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow to the best roller mop robot vacuum under $1,000. The Narwal Flow 2 has stronger suction power and more advanced AI spill detection.

March 2026: I added the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow as the best roller mop robot vacuum, replacing the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller. Though the Dreame has more powerful suction on paper, the Curv 2 Flow demonstrated better edge mopping and comparable vacuuming. I also replaced the Eufy X10 Pro Omni with the Eufy C28 and shifted it to my budget roller mop pick. The X10 Pro Omni is two years old at this point, and the new C28 offers more advanced cleaning and obstacle avoidance.

January 2026: I added the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Aqua10 Ultra to the best roller mop robot vacuum. The Roborock Saros 10R, which was listed as the best option for corner cleaning, has been removed from the list. It costs nearly the same amount as the X60 Max Ultra Complete, which has near-identical corner mopping abilities and much stronger suction power.

December 2025: I added a disclaimer to the pick for best Roomba value in light of iRobot's bankruptcy news.

October 2025: I added the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Roborock Saros 10R (previously named the best robot vacuum right now) to the option for best corner cleaning.

July 2025: I removed the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum from this guide. While it was a solid budget mopping robot vacuum for its first year or so on the market, it's now a little bit too basic compared to other newer budget robot vacuums.

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ are available for free with T-Mobile. You do not need to trade in anything to qualify for these deals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Free when you activate a new line on most T-Mobile plans. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr+ Free when you activate a new line on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

We're well aware that Apple recently launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo, but not everyone is totally obsessed with Apple. We know that's hard to believe, but there are people out there shopping for foldable phones from other brands.

Take a look around the live deals from T-Mobile, and you'll soon discover that the free iPhone deals have largely disappeared. That's a shame, but do not fear. You can still pick up Motorola's latest handsets for absolutely nothing. And the process of claiming these free phones is straightforward. You don't even need to trade anything in to qualify:

• Motorola Razr — free when you activate a new line on most T-Mobile plans.

• Motorola Razr+ — free when you activate a new line on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.

The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the three-year promotional period, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will also need to pay taxes and a one-time $35 connection charge.

In the market for a new phone but aren't convinced by the iPhone Duo? T-Mobile has you sorted with free Motorola Razr deals this week.

Mashable has been testing laptops for over 10 years. Over the past two years alone, the team and I have researched dozens of models and tried over 90 of the most promising configurations available. We use a meticulous testing procedure involving real-world stress tests and artificial benchmarks to evaluate our contenders on the basis of performance, battery life, design/build quality, and value.

This regularly updated guide serves as our laptop trophy case, highlighting the best-in-class models we've tried across different subcategories. For even more recommendations, check out my dedicated guides to the best MacBooks, the best Windows laptops, the best cheap laptops, and the best Chromebooks.

Why are laptops so expensive right now?

Laptop prices have skyrocketed in 2026 for several reasons. One is the recent boom in AI data center construction, which has caused a global shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips (often referred to as "RAMageddon"). As a result, many consumer tech devices that use these components, including the best laptops, have become vastly more expensive than they would've been otherwise. Most PC makers have been affected, including Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Acer.

The memory crisis is expected to worsen and could last into 2028, driving up prices even further and making good values in the budget and mid-range tiers even scarcer. On top of that, the Trump administration is reportedly mulling new tariffs on semiconductors that would apply to laptops and other electronics.

SEE ALSO: RAMageddon is reportedly causing a MacBook Air shortage

Further complicating things is that Microsoft reportedly raised its Windows 11 licensing fees by higher-than-usual percentages. In other words, both hardware and software prices have gone up for PC makers this year, forcing them to pass on the extra costs to consumers. Lucky us.

The Mashable team is taking the current state of the market into consideration as we assess and select laptops to recommend to our readers. Moreover, we've gone back and re-evaluated several models that have gotten more expensive since we first tested them.

At the time of writing, only two previous top picks have gotten so pricey that we think they're no longer worth buying. That would be the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which jumped from an already-high $750 to $1,000, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516, which went from $479 to $649. We're currently testing some other Chromebook options and will update this guide with a new top pick soon.

Recent updates to this guide

• Mid-September 2026: I've added the Dell XPS 13 as a new pick following our latest round of testing. It's now the best budget Windows laptop we've tried. I also checked all of our current picks for any new pricing and availability updates; there are none to report at this time.

• Early September 2026: I added more information about the various factors affecting laptop prices right now. I also added a new section about some new laptops that shoppers can look forward to in the coming months. Finally, I updated three of our picks in the wake of recent pricing and availability changes. I removed the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 as our top Chromebook because of its value-zapping $170 price hike, and I'm now looking for its replacement. The Asus Zenbook A16 got a $300 price bump, but I'm keeping it as our best 16-inch laptop (for now) because it's still not a rip-off in the current market. Lastly, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI was out of stock at the time of writing, but may not be sold out for good. I'll continue to monitor its listings over the next few weeks and will swap it for another model if it turns out it's actually been discontinued. In the meantime, a refurbished Swift Edge 14 AI is readily available.

• July 2026: The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI is officially the most portable laptop we've ever tested: It only weighs 2.18 pounds and measures 0.37 inches thin at its slimmest point. I added it as a new pick.

• June 2026: I made the Asus ExpertBook Ultra our new favorite business laptop and named the Asus Zenbook A16 the best 16-inch laptop. I also removed the Alienware 16X Aurora as our top gaming laptop because the configuration we tested has been discontinued. We're currently testing potential replacements.

What to look forward to

In early September, PC makers showed off a slew of new Windows laptops at IFA, an annual tech trade show in Berlin. Among them are the ultralight Acer Swift Blade 14, the very repairable Acer Swift Vero 16, two new Lenovo creator laptops running on Nvidia RTX Spark, and a pair of colorful MacBook Neo competitors: the Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe and the pared-down Dell 14S. The IdeaPad Vibe is confirmed to arrive this October, starting at $699.99, but most other IFA debutants don't have set prices or release dates just yet.

On the MacBook side, Apple is rumored to be working on a refreshed MacBook Pro with an M6 chip (first seen in this summer's new Mac mini), as well as a higher-end MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen. The latter might be called the "MacBook Ultra," if the gossip mill is correct. The M6 model is reportedly coming this fall, while the Ultra could debut at the end of this year or early next.

Read this before you buy a Windows laptop

Many great Windows laptops we've tried run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X and X2 series chips, which use ARM-based architecture instead of standard x86 architecture like Intel and AMD chips. The Zenbook A14 and A16 are two great examples of outstanding ARM laptops.

These Qualcomm chips are great because they offer amazing performance and battery life, but they're not compatible with some specialty software and PC games. Having said that, ARM support is getting better and should dramatically improve in the near future. Right now, I would only avoid ARM laptops if you're a student or if gaming is the main thing you do on your PC. You can read more about this in my dedicated guides to the best Windows laptops and the best laptops for college.

To help you find the best pair of headphones possible, our experts test headphones year-round, from popular models to new releases to budget picks (you can learn more about our detailed testing standards below). The result of that vetting is this guide, which we keep updated regularly to give you the most accurate and current purchasing information possible.

How to choose the best headphones

We won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.

All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.

To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2026 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections.

What about wired headphones?

We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us, though some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods. With the release of the new noise-cancelling wired earbuds from Bose, we will be keeping our testing pool open to more wired models and will update this guide accordingly, should any earn a spot.

Other headphones we've tested

Most recently, we tested the Marshall Monitor III, JBL Tour One M3 headphones, and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and though they had their merits, they fell short of winning the best of the best spot on this guide.

We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.

Recent updates to this guide

• August 2026: Following the release of the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones, we've added them to our list as the best budget pick from Bose for headphones.

• March 2025: We've designated the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds as the most comfortable ANC earbuds and crowned the Sony XM6 earbuds as the new best noise-cancelling earbuds.

• December 2025: We replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.

• December 2025: We removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds, as they're frequently out of stock.

• December 2025: We added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100.

• December 2025: We added the Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, as our new honorable mention pick.

• August 2026: We replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 with the Nothing Headphone (a) as our best battery life pick.

Latest headphones news

A few major headphone releases happened in September: Sony's mid-range WH-10000XM4C headphones, Sony's budget WH-CH730N headphones, and the Beats 360, the first pair of over-ear headphones from the brand in three years. From Bose, we've also recently seen new wired noise-cancelling earbuds, as well as two new pairs of open earbuds. We'll be comparing them against our current picks to see if they have a spot among our favorites.

We wanted to test our way through the best Ninja had to offer in kitchen appliances. We brought the most popular products from the brand into our kitchens to see how the Creami, Slushi, Foodi, and Ninja Kitchen System stacked up.

Why buy Ninja?

There are plenty of kitchen appliance brands out there, so why Ninja? Generally, we find its products to be some of the best value products. They tend to be the most affordable options on the market that still deliver excellent performance.

Plus, Ninja products are really beginner-friendly devices that are easy to use with minimal setup required. The appliances bring ease with delicious end products. The Creami is a perfect example of this. Traditional ice cream making requires a bit of skill, knowing how to cook custards to the right temperature with hours of churning. But the Creami simplifies ice cream making with a user-friendly product that still delivers a fantastic end result.

Just because they're beginner-friendly devices doesn't mean they're only for beginners. They're convenient devices with professional-level performance that help develop a more efficient kitchen.

Other products we tested

Having rounded up the best Ninja kitchen appliances means we tested a lot of products and not all of them made it to the list, two notable exceptions being the Ninja Creami Deluxe and Foodi Grill and Air Fryer.

The Ninja Deluxe was my introduction to the Creami lineup, and it is great. It spun up creamy frozen confections and even featured a frozen drink setting. However, compared to the Swirl, it required several re-spins to get the right texture.

Meanwhile, the Foodi Grill was another great multicooker from Ninja. The indoor grill made delicious, juicy chicken breasts with actual char marks. Plus, its air-frying capabilities were a little too good. It got things crispy fast, but often felt like it dried out food in the process. Plus, it was just so large that it didn't feel like a practical device for most people.

That being said, these devices are good, but not in our all-star line-up.

When it comes to gifting, kids can be particular. The things kids like change not just with age, but also with evolving trends from TV shows and new technology. If parents are lucky enough, their kid will write a long list of the precise items they'd like as a birthday or Christmas or Hannukkah gift and put it up on the fridge with pride. But sometimes, it can be as much of a crapshoot as coming up with a gift idea for someone else's kid. Without further ado, here are the best gifts for kids of all ages — including toy and non-toy gifts alike.

Apple's most affordable iPhone is getting some neat new features, but a 120Hz display isn't one of them.

This is according to leaker Digital Chat Station, who shared his findings on Weibo.

According to the report, the iPhone 18e will have a 60Hz, 6.12-inch OLED display, Apple's new A20 chip, a single, 48-megapixel camera, and a 24-megapixel front camera.

That last one sounds a bit unlikely, as even the latest iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max only have an 18-megapixel selfie camera. Apple doesn't typically bestow top features on its most affordable device.

The A20 chip sounds more likely; the iPhone "e" series traditionally had a powerful chip, with the company cutting costs on cameras and displays.

Speaking of display, the 60Hz refresh rate is a bit disappointing, but it also seems pretty likely, given that the new iPad mini, which launched earlier this week, features a 60Hz OLED display.

SEE ALSO: Apple officially rolls out iOS 27.2. Here's what's new

The iPhone 18e is likely to launch in spring 2027, alongside the iPhone 18 and Apple's super-thin iPhone Air 2.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters or get Mashable push alerts today.

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 26-30. Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Collective, offers thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, and horror books for Kindle and Kobo users.

Stuff Your Kindle Day provides an awesome opportunity for bookworms to add to their TBR list without any guilt.

We're blessed with a pretty busy Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule in 2026, including romance, thriller, and young adult giveaways. Now that it's officially spooky season, Get Spooked has launched with 100s of free thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, and horror books.

Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is aimed at Kindle and Kobo users. Everything you download is yours to keep forever, so you can go wild.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the 2026 Motorola Razr for free — how to qualify

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Get Spooked takes place from Oct. 26-30. This five-day giveaway doesn't carry the same stress as a 24-hour event. You can consider your options and take your time. You could dip into the selection today and come back later in the week.

Which books are free?

Get Spooked is offering a huge selection of thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, and horror books. The helpful hub page has filters for price, retailers, e-reader, representations, and genres. Play around with the filters and find exactly what you want to read. Chances are you'll find something for free.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so what's holding you back?

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go, with weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.

TL;DR: Burger King has announced a Cartoon Network collab in the UAE, including collectible figures of Finn, Ben 10, Courage, Bloo, Johnny Bravo, and Rigby with King Jr. Meals.

Burger King is officially resurrecting classic Cartoon Network figures, but you won't find them at your local drive-thru.

The fast-food chain is launching a six-character collectible capsule featuring heavy-hitting icons from back in the day. The problem? The promotion is currently live exclusively across the United Arab Emirates, leaving U.S. collectors stranded on the secondary market. Does that mean we shouldn't cover this collab? Absolutely not. Collectors will always find a way.

View this post on Instagram What’s inside the collection

Each figure from the collection comes bundled with a King Jr. Meal:

• Finn (Adventure Time)

• Ben Tennyson (Ben 10)

• Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog)

• Bloo (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends)

• Johnny Bravo (Johnny Bravo)

• Rigby (Regular Show)

Do not expect these to roll into your U.S. drive-thru anytime soon. The focus in the U.S. remains on the Hello Kitty collab.

If you're an obsessive collector who absolutely needs Johnny Bravo or Courage on your desk, you're going to need to track eBay importers. International toy resellers in Dubai are already listing complete sealed sets on eBay. Keep search alerts on "Burger King UAE Cartoon Network 2026."

Obama recently spoke out against Trump during a rally in Detroit, where he – as Jimmy Kimmel puts it in the clip above – roasted Trump "like a suckling pig".

The host plays a clip of the former president talking about what the current one has done to the White House, saying all the gold looks like "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."

"Fox News of course jumped on that, they called Obama an out-of-touch elitist for making fun of the Cheesecake Factory," says Kimmel. "Right, but the guy building the 90,000 square foot ballroom? Man of the people, absolute salt of the Earth."

Kimmel goes on to play Trump's reaction, with him addressing Obama directly and saying his comment "just shows why you were a lousy president."

"I think there's only one way to settle this," says Kimmel. "Roast battle on the White House lawn, live."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $6: As of Oct. 27, the latest second-generation Apple AirTag has dropped to its all-time low price at Amazon. Snag one for $23, down from its standard $29 sticker price — a 21% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $23 at Amazon
$29 Save $6   Get Deal at Amazon

If you are gearing up for holiday travels and need an easy way to keep tabs on your luggage, keys, or backpack, today is your lucky day. The brand-new second-generation Apple AirTag just dropped to $23 at Amazon, down from its standard $29 sticker price. That shaves $6 right off the top, marking the lowest price we have ever tracked for Apple's upgraded tracker.

On the outside, the new AirTag looks identical to the original silver-and-white disc, but the hardware gets some serious bumps. Apple gave it upgraded wireless chips that expand its Precision Finding range by up to 1.5 times, along with a built-in speaker that is 50% louder.

When Mashable's Stan Schroeder put it through its paces, the real-world tracking gains were immediately obvious. While the first-gen model lost signal past 30 feet, Stan's iPhone locked onto the new AirTag from nearly 50 feet away through two walls, pinpointing its exact spot at 36 feet. When he tucked it deep inside a backpack in another room, that louder, punchier chime was still a breeze to hear.

Beyond range and volume, the second-gen tracker brings a couple of new tricks to the table, including the ability to run Precision Finding straight from your wrist on newer Apple Watch models. If your suitcase ever goes on an unplanned solo vacation, you can now securely share the tag's live location directly with more than 50 airline partners through the Find My app. You also get the same dependable IP67 water resistance and a user-replaceable battery that lasts about a year, meaning you can toss it into a bag or hook it to a bike without babying it.

Grab the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) while it's sitting at its all-time low.

Obama has fired some jabs at Trump in the run-up to the midterms, resulting in some inevitable backlash from right-wing news pundits — and Jon Stewart has thoughts.

In the Daily Show clip above, the host plays footage of the former president speaking to a crowd about what Trump's done to the White House.

"There's gold everywhere, what's up with the gold?" says Obama. "He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."

"Ohh! Barack Obama with an illegal joke strike on an American citizen," responds Stewart, before playing a montage of Fox anchors getting angry about Obama's reference to the Cheesecake Factory. "The part of the comparison that bothered you was the Cheesecake Factory part? Not the Saddam Hussein part? The Cheesecake Factory is not an actual factory, you know that? We did not ship Cheesecake jobs to China. What a slap in the face to the hard-working Americans on the cheesecake assembly lines. My pee-paw lost his hand making their skinnylicious avocado tacos."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Best early Costco Black Friday deals: Best headphones deal Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $179.99 (Save $120) Get Deal Best holiday deal Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner (Serves 8) $199.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit $239.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother $299.99 (Save $140) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop $779.99 (Save $200) Get Deal

Costco's holiday ad scans are out, and if you love hunting for bargains, the savings schedule is pretty packed. The markdowns roll out in waves, starting with early pre-Black Friday savings on Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 30. Physical warehouses will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but the online sale kicks off that day, before doors reopen for regular hours on Black Friday.

To get in on the deals, you will need a Costco card, which starts at $65 a year. That membership gives you access to member-only discounts on laptops, soundbars, TVs, and more, plus Costco's 90-day return policy on electronics.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday 2026 deals: See holiday gift guides from Amazon, The Home Depot, Nordstrom, Ulta, and more

The good news is you do not have to wait for the official kickoff to start saving. Costco already has member markdowns live right now on some appliances, robot vacuums, Beats headphones, and outdoor gear. If you want to skip the packed aisles and get ahead of your holiday shopping early, you can grab them online today.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $179.99 at Costco
$299.99 Save $120   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones deliver rich, balanced sound with custom drivers that keep music crisp without turning muddy at high volumes. They block out background chatter effectively with adaptive active noise cancellation, and flip easily into transparency mode when you need to hear traffic or flight announcements. Unlike older models, they play equally well with both iPhone and Android, pairing in a single tap and connecting seamlessly to your cloud accounts.

More headphone deals

• Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $119.97 $179 (save $59.03)

• Bose QuietComfort SC Headphones (2nd Gen) — $319.99 $359 (save $39.01)

Best holiday deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fortune Gourmet Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner (Serves 8) $199.99 at Costco
$269.99 Save $70   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner takes all the chaos out of holiday hosting, delivering a 30-pound feast that feeds eight people without any stress. You get an antibiotic-free, Amish-raised turkey breast that comes pre-brined, netted, and ready to roast, along with generous trays of classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, mac and cheese, and green bean casserole. Round that out with dinner rolls, rich gravy, and both pumpkin pie and apple cobbler for dessert, and all you have to do is heat, serve, and enjoy your holiday.

More holiday deals

• Happy Halloween Tower of Treats — $28.99 $36.99 (save $8)

• Mrs Prindables Halloween Caramel Apple (6-pack) — $46.99 $59.99 (save $13)

• The Fruit Company Harvest Gift Box — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

Best outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tiki Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit $239.99 at Costco
$289.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit keeps backyard hangs warm without leaving your clothes smelling like a campfire for days. It produces a steady, low-smoke flame with a 4-foot heat radius, keeping everyone comfortable around the patio on brisk evenings. Setup takes just a couple of minutes by twisting on the legs and sliding in the removable ash pan, and you can burn either regular firewood logs or quick-lighting wood pellets depending on how easy you want cleanup to be.

More outdoor deals

• Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore Griddle with Hinged Hood — $429.99 $529.99 (save $100)

• Greenworks 2x24V Mower, Trimmer, Blower Combo Kit with (4) 4Ah Batteries — $599.99 $699.99 (save $100)

Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother $299.99 at Costco
$439.99 Save $140   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine makes getting coffeehouse-quality drinks at home completely effortless. With just one touch, its built-in ceramic grinder grinds fresh beans, tamps them down, and brews a rich cup of espresso or drip coffee in under a minute. You can tweak both the strength and the drink size through the simple menu to match your taste, while the attached classic steam wand lets you whip up warm, frothy milk whenever you crave a latte or cappuccino.

More coffee deals

• Starbucks Holiday Blend K-Cup Pods (72-Count) — $35.99 $44.99 (save $9)

• Bosch 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso and Cold Brew Machine — $1,199.99 $1,599.99 (save $400)

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop $779.99 at Costco
$979.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 takes the grunt work out of floor care, packing strong 25,000 Pa suction that digs deep into carpets and pulls up everyday pet hair without flinching. Its smart obstacle sensors steer clear of toys, power cords, and stray pet messes, while anti-tangle brushes keep shedding fur from jamming up the works. Best of all, the hands-off dock does the gross chores for you: it washes the mop pads with hot water to melt away sticky spills, then blows warm air over them so damp pads never sit around smelling funky.

More robot vacuum deals

• Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Pro Base — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)

• Dyson R2 Nurovi Wash Dry Robot Vacuum — $409.99 $549.99 (save $140)

• Dreame Aqua10 Roller Robot Vacuum with AquaRoll Mopping — $699.99 $899.99 (save $200)

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 27, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal at Amazon

For a good pair of workout earbuds, you really can't go wrong with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. And it's not just about their great sound quality and secure fit, they also provide heart rate tracking to support your training. 

Sensors inside the earbuds measure your pulse during exercise, taking readings more than 100 times per second. So, if you want to head out for a run or go to the gym without a fitness tracker, you can still get a clear picture of your workout effort.

The ear-hook design also makes them a good choice for sports. This helps keep them secure during runs, gym sessions, and other high-intensity workouts. They also have an IPX4 rating, meaning they're designed to withstand sweat and splashes from rain or water during workouts.

And because they're Beats, you know the sound quality is top-notch. Active Noise Cancellation helps shut out distractions when you need to concentrate, and Transparency mode lets you hear surrounding sounds, a useful feature if you run outdoors often.

As of Oct. 27, these impressive earbuds are available for less at Amazon. Normally $249.99, you can save $50 with the sale price of $199.99. This applies to all four colorways, too.

TL;DR: Get GhostShield VPN Premium lifetime access for only $49.99 (reg. $399).

Opens in a new window Credit: GhostShield VPN GhostShield AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$399 Save $349.01   Get Deal

A VPN is more useful when its controls fit the way you actually use your devices. GhostShield’s AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan is $49.99 (reg. $399) for lifetime access, covering up to 10 simultaneous connections with one payment.

Its standout feature is an AI Threat Analyzer that inspects traffic behavior in real time and flags malicious domains and suspicious connections. That adds information about potential risks alongside the VPN’s core job of encrypting your connection.

GhostShield uses WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption and offers 20 server locations across 16 countries. Unlimited bandwidth means there are no plan-based data caps or throttling limits to manage during downloads, streaming, or video calls. A built-in speed test lets you check performance inside the app.

The connection controls are practical, too. A kill switch cuts internet access if the VPN tunnel drops, while DNS leak protection keeps DNS requests within the encrypted connection. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly.

For browsing, built-in ad and tracker blocking helps reduce unwanted activity. Family Mode filters gambling and adult content while allowing social media access.

For households or individuals juggling several devices, you get a shared set of privacy and connection tools without recurring subscription payments. The 10-device allowance leaves room for different screens under one account.

Get GhostShield VPN Premium lifetime access for just $49.99 (reg. $399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

TL;DR: Get the 1TB Cloud Storage & File Transfer Lifetime Subscription Bundle for $89.99 (reg. $748), including Drime’s 1TB storage plan and Transfr Pro with encrypted transfers.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 1TB Cloud Storage & File Transfer Lifetime Subscription Bundle $89.99
$748 Save $658.01   Get Deal

Finishing a project is one job. Storing it securely and getting it to the right people are two other things to check off your list. The 1TB Cloud Storage & File Transfer Lifetime Subscription Bundle is only $89.99 (reg. $748), and it pairs Drime storage with Transfr Pro delivery tools for one payment.

Drime provides 1TB of lifetime cloud storage with no file-size cap. Large videos, raw photos, and client deliverables can stay intact rather than being split into smaller uploads. Desktop and mobile synchronization keeps your files accessible across devices.

Shared workspaces support up to 15 members, with built-in document and media editing, timestamped comments on videos and PDFs, and electronic signatures through Drime Sign. Password-protected links and expiration dates help control sharing, while 120-day version history lets you restore earlier files.

For sensitive material, Drime’s end-to-end encrypted Vault encrypts files locally. Drime hosts data in Europe without routing it through United States servers.

Transfr Pro handles the delivery side. Send files without a transfer-size cap, personalize transfer pages with your branding, and let recipients preview documents, images, and videos before downloading.

Its Send & Track analytics show views, downloads, visitor locations, and transfer activity in real time. That visibility is useful when you need to confirm whether someone has accessed a deliverable.

Transfr includes its own 1TB capacity for shared files, with transfers available for up to 60 days. That allowance is separate from Drime’s 1TB storage. End-to-end encryption protects transferred files, and browser-based access requires no desktop installation.

For freelancers and teams managing both ongoing projects and finished deliverables, the pairing addresses two distinct needs.

Get both lifetime Drime storage with Transfr Pro subscriptions for one $89.99 payment (reg. $748).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 27, Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have dipped below $200 at Amazon, so if you've been eyeing up the premium earbuds for early Christmas shopping or an upgrade for yourself, now is a good time to buy. Normally $249.99, this new deal drops the price to $199.99, saving you $50.

The AirPods Pro 3 are a great choice if noise cancellation is important to you. They block up to twice as much unwanted background noise as the previous generation, and the new acoustic system also delivers improvements to bass, clarity, and detail.

SEE ALSO: Three AirPods deals worth picking up before Black Friday, plus one to wait on

Built-in heart rate monitoring is incredibly clever, letting you track your pulse and estimated calorie burn during workouts without needing a separate fitness tracker. Using tiny pulses of light to measure blood flow in your ear, the AirPods can record your heart rate throughout a session and send the information to your iPhone.

The battery life is just as impressive. You can get up to eight hours of listening with active noise cancellation enabled, or up to 10 hours in Transparency mode when using the Hearing Aid feature.

Find this AirPods deal at Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $70: As of Oct. 27, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for $372.49 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $372.49 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $77.50   Get Deal at Amazon

Every day should be a good hair day, and while the best dupes can go a long way, there's nothing quite like the real thing when it comes to the Dyson Supersonic Nural. Its clever technology doesn't just give you perfectly blown-out hair, but it also protects it from heat damage that's normally associated with hot styling.

As of Oct. 27, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for more than $70 off the list price. Usually $449.99, it's now $372.49 at Amazon.

This hair dryer is known for its built-in sensor technology, which automatically adjusts settings to help make drying more comfortable. Scalp Protect mode, for example, regulates the air temperature to maintain a target of 130°F at the scalp, helping to reduce exposure to excessive heat.

This Dyson dryer also learns your styling preferences. The attachment recognition feature identifies which accessory you're using and automatically remembers your preferred heat and airflow settings, so you don't have to adjust them manually every time. There's also Pause Detect, which reduces airflow and switches off the heater when you put the dryer down, then turns it back on when you use it again.

This Dyson deal is available at Amazon now, so don't miss out.

SAVE $270: As of Oct. 27, the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon. That's a 49% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501S AI Robot Vacuum $279.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $270   Get Deal at Amazon

Staying on top of floor cleaning can feel like an endless task, especially if you have a busy home with pets that love to shed. Robot vacuums take some of that hassle away from you, and models like the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra can do so with incredible efficiency.

The vacuum comes with a bagless, self-emptying base that can hold up to 30 days' worth of dirt and debris, so you won't need to empty it after every cleaning session. And its self-cleaning brushroll is designed to tackle loose hair, so long strands or pet hair stand no chance.

SEE ALSO: Sam's Club Black Friday 2026: See the ad scans, doorbusters, and early savings

Battery life is another useful feature, with up to 120 minutes of runtime on a full charge. When the battery runs low, the robot can return to its base to recharge and resume where it left off, so you don't have to restart the cleaning cycle yourself.

If this robot vacuum sounds like a dream come true for your chores list, you'll be pleased to know it's also on sale. As of Oct. 27, it's down to $279.99, saving you $270. You'll find it available at Amazon right now.

TL;DR: Daily Red is a free, daily Pokémon battle game where everyone gets one chance a day to defeat Red on Mt. Silver. Red's team stays the same, but your lineup is randomly generated every 24 hours — forcing you to win with whatever random squad you're dealt.

If your morning browser routine already includes Wordle or the Mini Crossword, there is a new fan-made puzzle game making the rounds among Pokémon fans. Daily Red takes the most legendary boss encounter in franchise history and reimagines it as a fast-paced, tactical puzzle you can solve in under five minutes.

Instead of spending dozens of hours training a competitive squad, the game puts you right on top of Mt. Silver for a Level 100 showdown against Red. The catch? You do not get to pick your party. Every 24 hours, every player worldwide is handed the exact same randomly generated lineup of six Pokémon. Your job is to figure out how to pilot whatever unusual, bench-warming team you've been dealt to victory.

Is Daily Red an official Pokémon game?

No. Daily Red is an unofficial, free-to-play fan project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. It runs entirely in your browser with no microtransactions, ads, or sign-ups required.

How to play Daily Red

Getting started takes zero downloads and no account registration. Here is the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Head to the site — Go to daily-red.com on your mobile device or desktop browser.

2. Inspect your squad — Click to begin your daily match at the peak of Mt. Silver. Once the fight starts, inspect your six assigned Level 100 Pokémon — checking their movesets, abilities, and type coverage — before locking in your first move against Red's lead Pikachu.

3. Outsmart Red — Defeat all six of Red's classic Level 100 Pokémon before he wipes your party out.

4. Share and track — Copy your spoiler-free results grid to share with friends, then return the next day to protect your streak.

Your win streaks and battle stats are saved directly to your browser's local cache. If you want to keep a long streak going, stick to the same device and browser for your daily battles. 

Daily Red relies on the same viral mechanics that made Wordle a massive hit: every player tackles the same daily puzzle, your wins are tracked through an ongoing streak, and you can share a color-coded grid of your results without spoiling the winning moves for others.

Knowing your enemy: Red's fixed team

While your party changes every single night, Red's team remains completely static. Knowing who he brings to the fight lets you plan your strategy before making your first move:

• Pikachu (Level 100 — always his starting lead)

• Espeon (Level 100)

• Snorlax (Level 100)

• Venusaur (Level 100)

• Charizard (Level 100)

• Blastoise (Level 100)

Because Red always leads with Pikachu, your first big tactical decision happens the second the match loads. Check your six assigned Pokémon to see who has the best matchup or immunity against an electric lead, then plan how you'll handle his bulkier threats like Snorlax later in the match.

The daily battle resets every night at midnight in your local time zone. A live countdown timer at the top of the site tracks how much time remains in the current window. Once the clock strikes midnight, everyone receives a brand-new randomized party to take on Red all over again.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon x Beats: Where to buy Pokémon collab that turns the Beats Pill into a Pikachu-themed speaker

Whether you get handed an overpowered legendary or find yourself trying to defeat a Level 100 Snorlax using a Luvdisc, it’s easy to see why Daily Red is blowing up across the Pokémon community right now.