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The Pokémon TCGs 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection is now under $55 on Amazon — save over $15

Mashable - 5 hours 7 sec ago

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection is on sale for $53.98 at Amazon, down from its $69.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection $53.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $16.01   Get Deal

Amazon has been steadily filling out its Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration range, and one of the expansion’s smaller collections has just had a sizeable price cut — a perfect time for trading card collectors to jump on board the latest expansion. 

As of Sept. 28, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection (Alolan Exeggutor) is $53.98 at Amazon, down $16.01 from the $69.99 list price. Working out to roughly 23% off, this listing is sold by BetterShopping4You, with free delivery available and Amazon’s 30-day refund or replacement policy included. 

SEE ALSO: Shop the best early Prime Day deals on Pokémon, including 30th Celebration trading cards for under market price

Walmart currently has its Tech Sticker Collection listed for $52.49, but you’ll receive either Alolan Exeggutor or Lucario at random rather than being able to choose between the two.

TCGplayer goes lower still if you specifically want Alolan Exeggutor. Its cheapest unopened listing is $41.48 with shipping included, which is even lower than its currently estimated market price of $42.94. 

Inside the Tech Sticker Collection are three Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration booster packs, an Alolan Exeggutor foil promo card, and a matching tech sticker sheet. At Amazon’s $53.98 price, that comes to around $18 per booster before factoring in the promo and sticker sheet. 

If you’re seeking specific Pokémon cards from the expansion (like the $3.5k+ RGB Rare Mew or the $155+ Mew ex SIR), you can buy single 30th Celebration cards on TCGplayer right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Fire TV Stick HD just dropped to its all-time low price ahead of Prime Day — save $24

Mashable - 5 hours 3 min ago

SAVE $24: As of Sept. 28, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $15.99 at Amazon. That's a 60% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $15.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $24   Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day isn't officially here yet, but the early deals are already rolling in.

Amazon is discounting plenty of its own devices ahead of the big event. That includes the Fire TV Stick HD, which is currently reduced by over $20. As of Sept. 28, the price has dropped from $39.99 to $15.99, a saving of 60%. This is the lowest-ever price for this Fire TV Stick model.

SEE ALSO: 30+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live offers on Apple, Nintendo, and Garmin this weekend

If you want easy access to major streaming services, apps, and gaming, a streaming device like this is a great option. And for only $15.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly options. You'll be able to access all the major streaming services (Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, etc.) and cloud gaming services.

And it's not complicated to use. The slim, lightweight product plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port and draws power from your TV via the included USB-C cable, eliminating the need for a wall adapter.

It comes with an Alexa Voice Remote that lets you search across apps using your voice and also serves as a single remote for your TV, including power and volume controls.

Find this early Prime Day deal at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why a $45 Raspberry Pi beats Windows for remote desktop access

How-To Geek - 5 hours 9 min ago

If you've ever tried to get a remote desktop working on a Windows Home machine, you've discovered that it isn't especially easy. You have two unappealing options: you can pay for a Windows Pro license just for RDP or you can accept the privacy and security risks of third-party remote access accounts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I'm skipping the Windows File Explorer and using this 30-year-old command-line tool to move files

How-To Geek - 5 hours 9 min ago

File Explorer handles most copy jobs, but it stumbles when transfers get large, long, or interrupted. Microsoft has shipped a command-line alternative for roughly three decades, though, and believe it or not, it's already on your PC. Here's what Robocopy is, where it beats the graphical approach, and who should bother learning it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amelia Dimoldenberg destroys Ed Sheeran during SNL UK monologue

Mashable - 5 hours 15 min ago

Amelia Dimoldenberg may have had Ed Sheeran on her show before, but that didn't stop her from taking a solid jab at the singer during her SNL UK monologue.

"I'm incredibly privileged to have done so many interviews with people like Idris Elba, Cher, and even a world-famous red-headed puppet with a hand up his arse, telling him what to say," says the Chicken Shop Date host in the clip above. Meanwhile, an image of her and Elmo appears in the background. "No, the other one," she adds, switching to an image of Ed Sheeran, in a joke referencing the widespread criticism the singer has received recently after Macklemore was dropped from his tour after saying "Free Palestine" during a show.

This is the second week Sheeran has been mocked on SNL UK — last Saturday, he took a roasting during the "Weekend Update" segment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live offers on Apple, Nintendo, and Garmin this weekend

Mashable - 5 hours 35 min ago
Early October Prime Day Deals at a glance: Best headphone deal Beats Studio Pro $169.95 (save $180.04) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire HD 10 $72.99 (save $82) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $847.99 (Save $652) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Memory deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $259.47 (Save $40.52) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 (save $118.02) Get Deal Best toys and gaming deal Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $55.97 (Save $24.02) Get Deal Best for Prime members Audible $0.99 per month for 4 months Get Deal

Amazon's next Prime Day is officially on the horizon. Its fall savings event, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") is coming Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart.

The best Prime Day deals are your chance to get some relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry this year. For its part, Amazon increased the prices of nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers this summer because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday should cancel out some of those markups.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

As we gear up for fall, Amazon is already dropping early October Prime Day deals, and we've hunted down the best ones for you. Savings are fluctuating quickly; for example, Fire Sticks were heavily discounted last week and are now full price. We're still holding out for more deals, considering Amazon Echo devices and Kindle e-readers have yet to go on sale.

Finally, a word of warning: We do expect prices to drop even lower on select Apple products when the sale starts Oct. 6, so you might want to hold out until then. In the meantime, we'll be regularly updating our picks in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days. You can also check out our guide to the top October Prime Day tech deals for more savings.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro ✅ $169.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.04   Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of October Prime Day, you can save 51% on the Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones. Usually, $349.99, the premium headphones are now just $169.95. Beats is all about audio, and these cans provide support for lossless audio. Similar to AirPods, Beats products also offer seamless connectivity to iOS devices.

More headphone dealsBest Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅ $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, and last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. Ahead of October Prime Day, shop the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $199, a $50 discount. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and bring live translation to the AirPods experience. They're perfect for commuters and even measure your heart rate, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.

More early Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods

iPads

Apple Watch

MacBooks

Accessories

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) $72.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $82.00   Get Deal Why we like it

It's no surprise that the best early October Prime Day deals include plenty of Amazon's own gadgets. Case in point: you can grab this HD tablet with 32GB of storage for 50% off. In the midst of a global memory crisis, a $73 tablet sounds pretty appealing to us. This 10-inch tablet has a lightweight design, a decently long battery life, and a crisp, colorful display. According to the Amazon price-tracking site camelcamelcamel, it's never been this cheap before.

More Amazon device deals

Fire tablets

Echo devices

Fire TVs

Blink cameras

Smart home

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV ✅ $847.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $652   Get Deal Why we like it

"The Hisense U7 series delivers Mini-LED performance you'd expect on higher-priced models. It packs a 165Hz refresh rate, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio, a Google TV with a Gemini interface, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Its backlighting features full-array local dimming as well, which means clusters of tiny LED bulbs precisely control brightness levels within specific sections of your screen for more accuracy and depth. The U7 is a step up from our favorite budget TV of 2026, but with this massive price drop, it's actually a much better deal. At $847.99, the 65-inch model is already $2 cheaper than it was on Prime Day proper back in June." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More TV deals

Under 50-inch TV deals

50 to 55-inch TV deals

65-inch TV deals

75-inch TV deals

80 to 85-inch TV deals

Over 85-inch TV deals

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 ✅ $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"Ahead of Prime Day, this Bluetti power unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.

The 10-millisecond UPS (uninterruptible power supply) means this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm threatens to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Ecoflow will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power." — Lois Mackenzie, Mashable Contributor

More power station dealsBest memory and SSD deals Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD ✅ $259.47 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $40.52   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

"SanDisk is a favorite of mine when buying memory products, and I use their Extreme portable SSDs to back up my own photo and video collection. (As a tech editor, I take a lot of photos and videos.) Thanks to RAMageddon, you have to take any opportunity you can find to save on portable SSDs, flash drives, microSD cards, and hard drives. Already, some of SanDisk's most popular memory products are on sale, like their microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and the new version of their popular Extreme drive." — Timothy Beck Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More SSD and hard drive deals

MicroSDs

Portable SSDs

Portable HDDs

Internal hard drives

Best fitness tracker and smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $118.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Many runners believe Garmin is the gold standard of smartwatches and fitness trackers. And ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the Garmin Vivoactive 5 for just $181.97. That saves you over $118 off its retail price.

The Vivoactive 5 features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides energy monitoring and a sleep score, so you get personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has 80 built-in types of sport tracking.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch dealsBest toys and gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $55.97 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.02   Get Deal Why we like it

The Nintendo Customer Appreciation Sale is a great chance to save on Switch games and accessories, and it runs through Sept. 26. Amazon is undercutting Nintendo, Walmart, and Best Buy by a whopping $0.02 with this deal, but we're not complaining.

This wireless controller offers better controls for many types of games (on both Switch 1 and Switch 2) than the standard Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, and this is your chance to grab it at its lowest-ever price.

More deals on toys and gamesBest streaming and subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible $0.99/month for four months Get Deal Why we like it

Right now, Prime members can save 80% on four months of Amazon's audiobook service, paying just $0.99 for their first four months. Your membership lets you download one title per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.

More Amazon subscription deals

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Neo drone has dropped to its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day — save $30 right now

Mashable - 5 hours 47 min ago

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 28, the DJI Neo is on sale for $169 at Amazon. That's a 15% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo $169 at Amazon
$199 Save $30   Get Deal

Want to try your hand at drone photography without investing in one of the more expensive models? The DJI Neo is a great choice. It's small, lightweight, and designed for beginners, and it's currently on sale at Amazon.

With the next installment of Prime Day starting next week, early deals have already started to appear, and according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, the DJI Neo is currently at its lowest-ever price.

It's a lightweight 135-gram camera drone that can take off and land directly from your palm. It can fly without a controller, using the DJI Fly app or voice controls, or you can pair it with a remote controller for more control.

It has various features that make it great for beginners, such as Subject Tracking, which follows you as you move, and eight QuickShots modes that make it easy to capture different types of footage with minimal setup. The drone records in 4K UHD with DJI stabilization and level-4 wind resistance to keep footage smooth, and full-coverage propeller guards provide added protection when flying around obstacles.

Head to Amazon now to get this drone for $169.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The iRobot Roomba 115X robot vacuum and mop is $199.99 at Amazon — act fast to save $270

Mashable - 5 hours 50 min ago

SAVE OVER $200: As of Sept. 28, the iRobot Roomba 115X robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon exclusively for Prime members. That's $270 (57%) off its full price of $469.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 115X Robot Vacuum and Mop $199.99 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $270   Get Deal

Early robot vacuum deals have been dropping left and right on Amazon ahead of its Prime Big Deal Days sale event, starting on Oct. 6.

If you're a Prime member, the iRobot Roomba 115X robot vacuum and mop is 57% off ahead of the sale.

As of Sept. 28, this robot vacuum's price has plummeted from $469.99 to $199.99, but only for Prime members. This deal is an exclusive early treat to jump on, and if you're curious about signing up to take advantage of it, check out our how-to guide.

SEE ALSO: 30+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live offers on Apple, Nintendo, and Garmin this weekend

The iRobot Roomba 115X can be a huge help. Its 15,000 Pa suction power can clear crumbs, dirt, and dust scattered across your floors, while its washable microfiber mopping pad scrubs everything from dusty paw prints to light smudges on your hard floors.

The mop won't carry over its duties onto carpets or rugs, so you can set a No Mop Zone for the cleaner to keep them protected. It also comes with ClearView LiDAR, which assists with navigation and mapping your home to achieve an efficient clean and avoid any items in its path. Plus, it self-empties into the AutoEmpty dock for 90 days, so you don't have to worry about clearing it out after every clean.

Prime members, don't miss out on this great deal on the iRobot Roomba 115X robot vacuum and mop while it's still live at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Ready to read in color? These are the 4 best color e-readers.

Mashable - 6 hours 4 min ago

When we write about e-readers, Kindle is usually the first name that comes to mind. But in the color e-reader market, Kindle has been late to the party. That delay opened the door for other brands to step in with stronger devices. We’ve rounded up the best color e-readers, and here are the ones that stood out.

Color e-reader price increases

2026 has not been a good year for tech prices. Due to the global memory crisis, prices are increasing on tablets, phones, laptops, and even e-readers. Three out of the four color e-readers on this list increased in price this year. The only e-reader to avoid a price hike was the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

Only the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft was safe from a price hike in 2026. Credit: Mashable Temper your color expectations An e-reader's color won't be quite as vibrant as a tablet's or physical book's. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mangino

Having tested my way through a lot of e-readers — and now color e-readers — I’ve found a universal truth: While the colors are accurate, they often look a bit washed out. No matter which brand you use, that’s going to be the case. The muted tones don’t outweigh the convenience and portability of color e-readers, but it’s worth tempering your expectations.

Don’t expect the vivid, punchy colors of an iPad screen. An iPad has a max nits of 500 (a measure of brightness), while Kobo and Kindle e-readers max out at 100.

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft makes a splash

In February 2026, we added the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft to this guide. After testing Amazon's latest e-reader, we were thoroughly impressed by both its speed and display. With an 11-inch display, it's still too large for daily e-reader use; however, that makes it a fantastic device for note-taking. Not to mention it is an investment at $629.99, making it the priciest model on this list.

What about ReMarkable tablets?

You might notice that ReMarkable e-ink tablets are not on this list. We've tested both the ReMarkable Paper Pro and ReMarkable Paper Move, and while they're dynamic digital notebooks, they're limited in their e-reader capabilities. Getting e-books on these devices was a bit of a struggle, and we missed the Libby integrations available on Kindles and Kobos. So while we think they're great e-ink tablets, they're inferior e-readers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I tested all of Amazons e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

Mashable - 6 hours 6 min ago

Choosing a Kindle is just the start. Once you have your Kindle, there's so much you can do to make the most of it. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

So, after extensive testing, reading so many books, and attending BookCon, I created this guide to the best Kindles to buy in 2026.

And when is the best time to buy a Kindle? Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday provide the best savings on Kindles, and luckily, both are coming soon. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (a.k.a. October Prime Day) is running Oct. 6 and 7, and Black Friday is just a couple of months away. Especially with Amazon raising its prices, Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday are going to be the best times to shop devices.

2026 Kindle price increases

For years, Kindle prices have stayed stable, but in August 2026, they finally got an increase. Every model except the Kindle Scribe received a price increase. We can thank RAMageddon, as an Amazon spokesperson said that the increased prices are a result of "significant increases in memory and storage component costs." Here's a breakdown of all the new Kindle prices.

Eight Kindle models got price increases in Aug. of 2026. Credit: Mashable More 2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

  • Kindle (1st generation)

  • Kindle (2nd generation)

  • Kindle DX

  • Kindle DX Graphite

  • Kindle Keyboard

  • Kindle 4

  • Kindle Touch

  • Kindle 5

  • Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

  • Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

  • Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

  • Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

  • Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $300: The Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max has hit its best-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - 6 hours 8 min ago

SAVE $300: As of Sept. 28, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max is on sale for $1,799 at Amazon. That's a 14% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max $1,799 at Amazon
$2,099 Save $300   Get Deal

With Amazon's Prime Day just over a week away, portable power stations are a category getting early deal attention. There are plenty to choose from, with all kinds of discounts, but if you're looking for something seriously powerful, this latest deal on the Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max is worth a look.

Normally $2,099, it's now $1,799 for a limited time, saving you $300. This price is for the unit on its own, but there are various upgrade options, including solar panels and additional battery packs.

If you want an idea of how powerful this unit really is, Jackery says it can be transformed into a "home energy hub." It starts with a 3.6kWh capacity and can be expanded up to 43kWh, giving you enough power for more demanding appliances.

Inside, it has EV-grade LFP cells that give you a 6,000-cycle lifespan, which equates to around 16 years. It also has a fireproof housing and dedicated emergency power-off switch for added protection. And despite its high power capacity, it operates at under 30dB, so you'll hardly notice it running.

This deal is available at Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 13 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

Mashable - 6 hours 8 min ago

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. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.

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, 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. We'll be comparing them against our current picks to see if they have a spot among our favorites.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for life: $29.97, no subscription

Mashable - 6 hours 9 min ago

TL;DR: Get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more for life for $29.97 (reg. $219.99) through Oct. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $29.97
$219.99 Save $190.02   Get Deal

Microsoft 365 subscriptions run $99.99 a year at their lowest tier, which adds up if all you need is Word, Excel, and PowerPoint working reliably. A lifetime license skips that structure entirely: one payment of $29.97 (reg. $219.99), and it’s yours through Oct. 11.

This isn’t a stripped-down version. It’s a one-time download of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, the free version of Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access for one Windows PC. The apps are built for the fundamentals — reports, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and databases — without the newer AI integrations that come bundled into Microsoft 365 whether you want them or not.

Because the license is tied to the device rather than a Microsoft account, it’s a fit for a computer you plan on using for years rather than one you swap out annually. Once it’s installed, there’s no subscription to track, no renewal date to remember, and no risk of losing access if a monthly payment lapses.

Setup is instant: the license delivers right after purchase, and support is included if you run into installation issues.

Get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for $29.97 through Oct. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AdultFriendFinder profiles: 3 tips to sort legit from fake

Mashable - 6 hours 9 min ago

Fake profiles have been ruining the fun of online dating for far too long. And with the rise of AI and deep fakes, it's only getting worse. It is just so easy for scammers and bad-faith actors to create realistic profiles using generative AI, which can easily falsify photos, videos, and profile bios. AI can even mimic humans in text conversations. Vigilance in online dating and hookup apps has never been more important. 

AdultFriendFinder one of the world's longest-running and largest online dating sites. It's also chock-full of adult content, with eye-popping nudity in every corner of the site and its interface. That's why it's been a breeding ground for scammers over the years. Users are horny and susceptible to nefarious fakery. And while AFF likes to boast about its huge user base — it has hundreds of millions of accounts worldwide — many of these accounts are, in fact, inactive or bots.

The good news is that it doesn't need to ruin your AFF experience. You just need to use judgment when you're on the site. Here are the best tips for sorting legit profiles from fake.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Prioritize verified accounts

AFF is well aware of the fake profile issue and has implemented robust safeguards that will give users peace of mind. AdultFriendFinder now encourages you to verify your profile via the Confirm ID service. This two-step process is effective, but it isn't a hassle to action, which some verification processes absolutely can be in 2026.

The first step is providing AFF with a piece of government-issued identification. The site will then scan your face using your webcam. It's a catch-all verification process that verifies not just your age but also your age, location, and gender. Once complete, AFF will add a blue checkmark on your profile, signaling to other users that you are indeed a genuine person. And don't worry about the face scan — you don't have to show your face on AFF (even if you plan on showing plenty more).

SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.

Once you've verified your profile, it's a good idea to limit your on-site interactions to other verified profiles as well. If you do decide to chat with unverified people, be especially vigilant about not sharing personal information.

Finally, don't assume that because a profile is verified, it is also legitimate. Accounts can be sold or stolen, so treat profile verification as a positive sign rather than an absolute indication of legitimacy. 

Scrutinize their photos

Because people curate their own profiles, the photos they choose to share speak volumes about them, so if you're at all suspicious that you may be viewing a fake account, take a closer look at the pics the person has shared. If they look AI-generated, if they're all of professional quality, or if they're incredibly generic, hit pause for a second — these are all immediate red flags.

To take things a step further, you can use a reverse image search on Google to see whether the photos appear elsewhere. If they do, chances are they're not original to the person or profile. You can also use a service like ZeroGPT or Sightengine to test whether they're AI-generated. 

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

Just as you look for red flags, you should also look for green flags, which include photos with friends or groups, a mix of selfies and more staged shots, and photos featuring unique landmarks specific to your location, such as a well-known store, restaurant, or public area. These are all positive signs that your new connection is a real person.

Engage in conversation

If you're on the fence about whether or not a profile is fake, the next step is to actually talk to the person (or bot?) in question. This doesn't mean you should let your guard down, though — far from it. Pay very close attention to the things the other person says, the questions they ask, and the replies they give. Here are some common warning signs that indicate you're connecting with a scammer or bot:

  • They push for specific information about you early in the conversation

  • They send links to outside websites or chat platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram

  • They tell you a sad story to create a sense of urgency in you

  • They ask for nude or compromising photos of you 

If you're still uncertain, you can request a video call or an in-person meet-up in a public place. Scammers will be reluctant to verify their identities over video calls and especially reluctant — or even incapable — of meeting in person. 

SEE ALSO: What are romance scams and how can you avoid them?

Finally, remember that while all of the above are useful guidelines, they're not iron-clad or foolproof. A clever scammer, catfisher, or bad actor will always find ways to circumvent these safeguards. Remember to always be cautious about whom you speak to, what you share, and under what circumstances — especially when it comes to giving out personal or financial information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bluetti Apex 300 power station is back on sale at Amazon — save over $200 ahead of Prime day

Mashable - 6 hours 11 min ago

SAVE $200.02: As of Sept. 28, the Bluetti Apex 300 is on sale for $1,498.98 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 300 $1,498.98 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Deal Days officially gets underway next week, but early deals have been popping up for some time. With everything from robot vacuums to portable power stations already on sale, there's no need to wait for the sale if you need to make a purchase now.

If you've been eyeing the Bluetti Apex 300, it's currently $200 off, bringing the price down to $1,498.98.

The Apex 300 starts with a 2,765Wh capacity and can provide both 120V and 240V power, so it has enough capacity to handle a range of appliances, for use as home backup or on the go during camping or RV trips.

And if you need more power, you can increase your setup's capacity with additional Bluetti devices. Additional B300K or B500K batteries can be added as your power needs increase, with optional accessories providing features such as RV 12V DC power, faster charging from your vehicle, and increased solar input.

Plus, this model is built to last, thanks to its LiFePO4 battery. This means it is designed to provide more than 6,000 charge cycles, while retaining 80% of its capacity. According to Bluetti, this equates to a lifespan of around 17 years.

You can find this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Xteink X4 weighs less than a deck of cards, and its on sale for its best-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - 6 hours 21 min ago

SAVE $13.01: As of Sept. 28, the Xteink X4 Classic Pocket e-Reader is on sale for $75.99 at Amazon. That's down from its $89 list price — giving you a 15% discount on this paper-feel reading device.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xteink Xteink X4 Classic Pocket e-Reader $75.99 at Amazon
$89 Save $13.01   Get Deal

The newly launched Xteink X4 Classic Pocket e-Reader is on sale for $75.99 at Amazon, down from its $89 list price. That 15% markdown marks the absolute lowest price we've seen on this ultra-portable reader since it hit the site.

If your smartphone screen is constantly frying your eyes before bed, this tiny pocket gadget wants to take you back to basics. The Xteink X4 is designed for distraction-free reading, skipping the loud notifications, pop-up ads, and social media rabbit holes entirely. It weighs just 2.4 ounces (roughly 68 grams) and sits at an impossibly thin 0.19 inches. That means it is thin enough to slip into your shirt pocket or a tiny crossbody bag without adding bulk to your daily carry.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best e-readers we've ever tested

Despite its tiny footprint, the 4.3-inch E-Ink display gives you a glare-free, paper-like reading experience that holds up even in direct sunlight. Rather than smudging a touchscreen, page-turning controls are built into dedicated physical buttons along the body — or you can shake the whole device to flip pages when reading one-handed on a crammed subway.

Managing your library is also equally low-friction. You can load TXT, EPUB, MOBI, and PDF files directly onto a microSD card, connect over a USB port, or transfer them wirelessly through their companion app. Add in a built-in magnetic back that snaps onto metal surfaces or magnetic phone accessories, plus a 920mAh battery designed for low-power consumption, and you get a dead-simple, zero-distraction reader for killing time on your commute.

If you want to read more without carrying around a bulky tablet, snag this discount before the price jumps back to $89.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 7 best Amazon Echo devices for 2026

Mashable - 6 hours 23 min ago

Whether you need a smart speaker, a smart alarm clock, or a hub for all of your smart devices, there's an Echo to help you out. Amazon's list of devices is ever-growing, and we've tested as many as we could to find the best Echo devices for your smart home.

If you're ready to invest in an Echo, you don't need to buy these devices at full price. They always go on sale during events like Prime Day and Black Friday, so it's worth holding out until the next big sale.

Echo device price increases

Thanks to the global memory crisis, widespread price increases are plaguing tech. As of August 2026, major price increases came to Amazon devices. This included Kindles and, unfortunately, Echos, too. Here are all of the Echo devices affected:

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Alexa is a Mashable Readers' Choice Award winner What can an Echo smart speaker do? Trying out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All Echo devices utilize Amazon Alexa's AI superpowers — it's just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The Echo and Echo Dot are smart speakers that you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as stationary, more affordable tablets, essentially.

Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.

What can Alexa+ do?

Alexa is to Amazon as Siri is to Apple, and is the driving force behind every Echo. But Alexa just got a big upgrade. Now there's Alexa+, an AI-powered version of Alexa introduced to Echo devices in March 2025. For Prime subscribers, Alexa+ will be included in membership, and non-subscribers will have to pay $19.99 per month for the service.

Alexa has an answer to almost anything you ask. Just by shouting out, you can play music, adjust the volume, and set an alarm or timer. And that's just naming a few options. On devices like the Echo Show, you can also ask Alexa to pull up recipes or answer questions that come up while cooking. With Alexa+, the AI agent doesn't just respond to commands but can actually engage in conversation.

Here's a short list of what Alexa+ can do:

  • Provide a highlight reel of the day's security footage

  • Read stories to kids

  • Plan a date night

  • Book restaurant reservations

  • Control your smart home technology from one central hub

  • Access your calendars and set reminders

  • Get answers to any question you can think of

  • Make phone calls (and video calls with an Echo Show)

  • Get the latest weather and news

  • Follow recipes

  • Shop on Amazon

  • Stream music (and video on an Amazon Echo Show)

  • Play games

There are more than 100,000 Alexa skills that you can utilize via an Echo device, and Amazon is always adding more.

Alexa gets supercharged when other smart home tech comes into the picture. If you have a smart thermostat or smart light bulbs, as long as they're compatible with the Alexa system, you can create routines through your Echo. That can be as simple as telling Alexa to turn on the lights in one room or programming Alexa to turn the thermostat down before you come home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

T-Mobile is giving away the new Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim

Mashable - 6 hours 34 min ago

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for this offer, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free   Shop Now

After months and months of speculation, rumors, and leaks, Apple finally announced new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more. It's all very exciting, but it's the iPhones that really get the people going.

Like everyone else, we dug deep into all the specs and features to give you an insight into exactly what these new iPhones offer. Now that the dust has settled, the focus naturally switches to deals. And there's one standout option right now.

We've searched high and low for the best launch offers, but it's tough to ignore T-Mobile right now.

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for this promotion, you can switch to an Experience Beyond plan and bring your existing phone number. Alternatively, you can trade in a qualifying phone (in any condition) on an Experience Beyond plan. The choice is yours.

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. As long as you intend to stay locked into T-Mobile for three years, it's easily one of the best ways to score Apple's premier hardware without a major hit to your budget.

T-Mobile does require you to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout. That's a minor inconvenience to score the latest iPhone without a huge upfront cost.

Score the iPhone 18 Pro for free this week from T-Mobile.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is still under market price — buy for $89.99 on Amazon

Mashable - 6 hours 38 min ago

TL;DR: As of Sept. 28, the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $89.99 at Amazon. That's under market price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $89.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

Pokémon fans are desperately hunting for anything from the new Pokémon 30th Celebration collection. Anyone who experienced the queues circling Target stores this weekend can attest to that.

With that in mind, we're truly surprised to see Amazon's latest deal on the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box. It's wild that they still have stock, but it's even wilder that Amazon is listing this popular ETB for way under market price.

As of Sept. 28, the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for just $89.99 on Amazon. That's much cheaper than the market price listed by TCG Player.

Of course, there's a catch. You can't simply buy the Elite Trainer Box on Amazon. Instead, potential buyers must click the "request invite" button. If you're randomly selected, you’ll get an email to let you know that you’re eligible to buy Pokémon’s 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box. The email will contain a purchase link that's valid for 72 hours.

These ETBs are selling incredibly quickly, so the "invitation to buy" system is clearly working for many shoppers. And even if your invitation request isn't immediately selected, Amazon will keep it on file and you might get another shot when it's restocked. 

The Elite Trainer Box includes nine Pokémon 30th Celebration booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code. 

Score the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box for $89.99 at Amazon — way below market price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New iPad mini to come with A20 Pro chip and landscape camera, report says

Mashable - 7 hours 44 min ago

Apple just had a very busy September, but from what we're hearing, the company plans to continue launching new products in quick succession over the next couple of months.

Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, launches this October, and it may seem like it could seal the fate of the iPad mini. But the smallest of iPads has proven to be quite resilient over the years, and given just how much cheaper it is than the iPhone Duo ($599 vs. $1,999), it'll probably stick around for a while.

According to MacRumors, Apple is preparing to launch the next-gen iPad mini, with an A20 Pro chip, a landscape-oriented front camera, as well as a new speaker system. We've also previously heard that the iPad mini will be water resistant, and it might come with a slightly larger OLED display.

There's no word on exact launch date, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said it could launch by the end of October.

That's not all, though. Apple is also planning to launch the HomePod mini 2, which is likely to feature a new chip and support for Siri AI. It will also come in five colors: green, pink, blue, white, and black (all of these are new besides white and blue, but even that one will reportedly be slightly lighter than the shade of blue that's currently on offer).

The launch window for the HomePod mini 2 is less clear, but it should happen before year's end.

Finally, Apple is likely to launch the fourth generation Apple TV 4K. It'll look exactly the same as the current model, but it will come with a new chip (probably A17 Pro or better), 8GB of RAM (up from 4GB on the current model), Siri AI support, new N1 chip that supports Wi-Fi 7, and a redesigned remote.

SEE ALSO: Apple to fix iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug

All of the above info comes from actual image files hidden in Apple's code, so it's quite likely to be real. Again, this doesn't tell us much about exact launch date, but it's likely Apple will reveal several of these products together, possibly in October.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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