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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: 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 today'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.

The iPhone Duo is a whole new type of device in Apple's lineup, and the first thought that came to mind when I got it was, "This thing has to have a bunch of cool new hidden tricks."

As it turns out, I was right. After 10 days with the Duo, I've found myself discovering new ways to do stuff almost every day. And it's not just easter eggs; I'm talking about features and tricks that have since become a regular part of my arsenal. I'm using these to do things faster, make my life easier, and yes, to show off to anyone who'll listen.

These are my favorite hidden features and tips for using the Apple iPhone Duo.

Control Center shortcut Not only is the iPhone Duo's Control Center more informative than on other iPhones, it's also easier to invoke. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This one is simple, but so very satisfying. One of the features that annoyed me on all of the iPhones I've had over the years (ever since the iPhone X, that is) was the Control Center. It should show up when I swipe down from the top-right corner of my display, but sometimes it doesn't appear, or I accidentally open the Notification Center.

But on the iPhone Duo, you can open the Control Center in a new way. In the top-right of the display, there's a neat new icon that combines WiFi and cell signal strength with battery life. Tap that, and the Control Center immediately slides down (the combo icon also expands into separate icons that display more information about battery, cellular, and WiFi signal).

It took some getting used to, but this is a far better way to open the Control Center. Not only is it easier to tap an icon than to swipe down, but the Control Center opens reliably every single time.

Shortcut controls for opening and closing the phone

I admit it: I haven't yet found a truly useful case for this one. But it does sound like it could be useful down the road. As noted by Federico Vittici, you can bind a Shortcut to opening and closing the iPhone Duo, which lets you do almost anything with those actions automatically.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Obvious ideas include launching a favorite app, changing the wallpaper, or just invoking the good old creaky door sound for Halloween. Whatever people end up doing with it, it's definitely one trick that you just cannot do on any other iPhone.

Change the position of the volume controls Wait, which one is volume up, again? Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The first issue I've had with the iPhone Duo is something I'll call orientation fatigue. The phone is so much fun to use when it's open that I kept flipping it around to see how the apps would adapt, but I constantly found myself lost about where the power, camera, and volume buttons are.

The iPhone Duo has two ways to mitigate the issue. The power button will, in certain cases, get highlighted when it's needed, though this is not always the case. But there's also a setting that dynamically adjusts the volume buttons based on the iPhone Duo's orientation.

The setting is located in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Fixed Position Volume Controls. By default, it's turned on, meaning the volume buttons will stay fixed no matter how you turn the phone. But if you switch this option off, the volume buttons will change so that the button on the right or on top is always the "volume up" button, no matter how you hold the phone.

Vertical multitasking Side-by-side view only works in horizontal mode, but you can still have two apps open at the same time in vertical mode, as long as one of them is a video. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple highlighted this one, so it's not exactly hidden, but it's slightly more challenging to invoke, making it easier to miss. The iPhone Duo supports "regular "multitasking in horizontal mode, in which you drag two apps to opposite sides of the display to get a side-by-side view.

If you turn the phone to a vertical position, the side-by-side view will vanish. But you can also multitask in a vertical position, though under one condition: one of the apps has to be a video PiP (picture-in-picture) window. To get this, open a video app such as YouTube, start a video, then minimize the video app. The video should stay in a tiny window floating above all other apps on the Duo's display. Now, start a second app, turn the Duo vertical, and drag the little video window to the top of the display. You'll get a cool split-screen view where the video plays on top, and the other app sits beneath it.

On any other phone, this wouldn't be very useful, but the Duo's display is wide enough to make this a viable option.

The other StandBy mode Yes, there are two different StandBy modes on the iPhone Duo. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

In its promo materials, Apple mostly highlighted StandBy in tent mode, in which you fold the iPhone Duo halfway, then position it on a flat surface like a little tent. When the phone goes to sleep, it will launch a beautiful StandBy screen, with several customizable views.

But you can also get that when the phone is fully unfolded and positioned horizontally. If you have a case with a kickstand, you can position it upright and get a larger StandBy mode that doesn't have multiple views but is far more customizable in itself, allowing you to populate it with widgets such as Clock, Calendar, Photos, TV+, Stocks, Notes; nearly anything you can think of.

Both StandBy modes are useful. When I go to sleep, I prefer to have the phone in tent mode for a glance at the time. But when I work, I like the larger StandBy mode with a Calendar and a large world time view of the Clock.

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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
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For a brief period, Amazon's stunning $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box vanished. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's wild offer has made a triumphant return.

For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is listed for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.

Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $1117 market price. That's rare to see these days, so you know shoppers are going to jump on this.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.

The best wireless earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about active noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. You can also get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds, bone-conduction earbuds for working out, and open earbuds for transparency.

SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

In 2026, our top picks for earbuds are the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality and ANC. But keep in mind that these models will run you $299 to $329. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending over $300 on a pair of earbuds is a lot to stomach. That's why we've also included more budget-friendly wireless earbuds under $100 that still deliver excellent performance.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our favorite wireless and noise-cancelling earbuds as of October 2026.

Types of earbuds

There are two overarching types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high-tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, other than Bose's newest release.

The biggest positive of wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

Newer additions to this guide

We added the new Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case to this guide in October following their September 2026 release as a cheaper alternative for Apple users, or for folks who don't prefer the ear tip fit of the AirPods Pro 3.

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of February 2026, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people. Also in February 2026, we added the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds as our top pick for the best overall earbud, and removed the previous generation, the WF-1000XM5, as the best Sony earbud.

Latest earbuds news

Bose recently announced two new open earbuds: the Ultra Open (2nd gen) and Sport Open. We'll be testing them out to see how they compare to the Shokz earbuds in this guide. Bose also released a new pair of wired noise-cancelling earbuds, which are a breakthrough in the wired earbuds market.

With the announcement that Bose is acquiring Skullcandy and the release of the Noise Master Buds Open earbuds with Sound by Bose, we'll be testing more Bose-powered audio products not directly from the brand.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We formerly included the Marshall Mode earbuds for folks who preferred a wired option, but have since removed them from our guide as the version we tested is difficult to find in stock these days.)

If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendations in 2026. All of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

If you've grabbed drinks with any single friend lately or scrolled through TikTok, you know the general consensus: dating apps are exhausting. App fatigue is very real, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel like a second full-time job. As someone who's been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question over and over: Which dating apps actually work?

My answer is always the same: The only real "hack" is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone choosing eharmony may want a structured, relationship-focused experience, while someone on Tinder might be looking for anything from a casual hookup to a long-term partner. The important thing is finding an app (and people) whose goals line up with yours.

SEE ALSO: One in 10 young singles stopped dating because it's too expensive, report states

“It’s very common to spend days, weeks, or even months messaging with someone, become infatuated with the fantasy of them, and then get together in person and be disappointed,” Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. “I wouldn’t let more than a few days go by before transitioning to an in-person meeting or at least a video call.”

So, before you delete your profiles and swear off romance forever, take a breath. Despite the burnout, people are still finding partners online. A 2026 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that half of U.S. adults who have used a dating site or app have been in a committed relationship with someone they met through one.

You just need the right tool. That's why I swiped, matched, and messaged my way through dozens of platforms to find the best dating apps of 2026. Whether you're looking for a serious commitment or just a casual weekend fling, these are the apps I think are worth downloading this year.

If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and gay and bisexual men.

The dating apps I'd skip (and why)

You'll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren't worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn't get my recommendation just because it's well-known — I need a good reason to send you there instead of somewhere else.

Here are a few popular dating apps I'd skip:

• Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but it didn't make my cut. In my experience, sorting through suspicious and low-effort profiles made finding someone I actually wanted to talk to feel like more work than it was worth. Unless you enjoy doing that much filtering before you even get to a conversation, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.

• Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It's exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application and wait to see whether you're accepted through its vetting process. Getting in doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a better time finding a date, either. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it's just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)

• Niche "hookup" sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There's a chance you've seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. That pitch alone isn't enough to earn my recommendation. I'd start with the hookup apps I've recommended instead, and read the subscription and cancellation terms carefully before signing up for any unfamiliar site.

After more than a decade of making content online, MeganPlays has learned she doesn't need an elaborate creator setup to get the job done.

In fact, when Mashable asked the gaming creator what essential tech and tools she keeps in her bag, she had a pretty simple answer. "I raw-dog it," Megan said. "I just have my cell phone." Fair enough.

SEE ALSO: How MeganPlays has adapted through every era of YouTube

Megan has spent more than 13 years creating content online, building an audience through gaming videos on YouTube before expanding across platforms like TikTok, where she now has 5 million followers. But her mobile creator kit remains surprisingly minimal.

Here's what MeganPlays keeps in her bag.

MeganPlays doesn't overthink her creator gear. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images Her phone Apple iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro on Us With Trade-in and Qualifying Plan at T-Mobile
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No complicated camera setup here. "I just have my cell phone," Megan said.

That's particularly useful for the more personal content Megan posts to TikTok, where her approach is intentionally loose. Rather than overthinking every upload, she films vlogs, tries filters, participates in trends, and posts whatever strikes her as fun in the moment.

As she put it when describing her TikTok strategy: "If it comes to mind, do it."

A magnetic phone light Magnetic Selfie Light for iPhone Phone Light with Clip,Magnetic Ring Light for Phone Rechargeable with 3 Modes Travel Video Light LED Mini Ring Light for Recording Android Ipad $25.99 at Amazon
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There is one accessory attached to that phone: a small magnetic light. "I also have a little magnetic light on the back of my phone for selfies, of course," Megan said. Priorities.

There is, however, one downside. "It does make a ringing noise," she added.

Which brings us to a brand-new addition to Megan's creator bag.

A tiny microphone Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon RØDE Wireless Micro (2 Mics + Case), USB-C for Smartphones, Orange $99 at Amazon
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Technically, Megan didn't arrive at Mashable's VidCon studio with a microphone. She left wanting one.

After spotting the mini Rode wireless mics we were using for interviews, she decided her minimalist setup could accommodate one more piece of tech. "You were telling me about these little mics," Megan said. "I'll pick one of these up. Add it to my bag."

Then she realized it could solve the problem of her noisy phone light. "Now I'm gonna have this mic," she said. "Oh my God, the ideas, they come to me."

Consider her creator setup officially upgraded.

Lip gloss

And finally, the actual nonnegotiable. "Lip gloss, obviously," Megan said. "Obviously lip gloss. Always gotta look good."

Phone. Light. Mic. Lip gloss. After 13 years online, that's all that MeganPlays needs.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.