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Early Black Friday MacBook deals at a glance Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $2,822 (save $377) Get Deal Best MacBook alternative deal HP OmniBook Ultra 14-kg000 $1,749.99 (save $500) Get Deal

It's tough out there if you're shopping for a new laptop. Thanks to the worsening memory shortage, tech prices have gone a bit wild. Apple raised prices on the MacBook lineup over the summer, and we've been hunting for deals every since.

Fortunately, some MacBooks are on sale well before Black Friday. And in even better news, the MacBook Air is sitting at the same sale price we saw during October Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2026: Best deals, sale dates, how to shop smart, and more

Other deals, however, like the MacBook Pro, aren't as good as they were during the last Prime Day. If you're in a position to wait on upgrading to the Pro, we're hopeful it'll drop lower in the coming weeks.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air earns the award of Mashable's top pick for most people in the market for a MacBook. As an early Black Friday treat, both the 15-inch and the smaller 13-inch are both on sale for $200 off.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth reviewed the M5 MacBook Air and found the M5 chip to be beyond impressive for performance while the laptop remains highly portable. If you're taking the laptop to lectures on campus or it gets packed into a work tote, the smaller 13-inch model might be ideal.

Best MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $2,822
$3,199 Save $377   Get Deal Why we like it

The sale price on this MacBook Pro with the M5 chip isn't as good as the deal we saw during October Prime Day, but it could be a good buy if you're dealing with a dead laptop and can't wait longer for a replacement. During Prime Day, we saw this configuration drop to $2,699, and it's possible we'll get that low again soon. For now, rest assured you're getting upgraded CPU for those who need big power for processing complex tasks.

Best MacBook alternative deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook Ultra 14-kg000 $1,749.99 at Best Buy
$2,249.99 Save $500.00   Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

Mashable laptop expert and Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel ranked the HP OmenBook Ultra 14-kg000 as her top pick for a more stylish alternative to the MacBook Air. The HP machine outperformed the not only the MacBook Air but also the MacBook Pro in multi-core tasks. Plus, the 120Hz OLED touchscreen is a treat.

How to watch 'Musk' at home: Preorder now Buy 'Musk' on Prime Video $19.99 Shop Now Preorder now Buy 'Musk' on Apple TV $19.99 Get Deal Preorder now Buy 'Musk' on Fandango at Home $19.99 Get Deal Watch later HBO Max (With Ads) $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Watch later HBO Max Standard $184.99/year (save $36.89) Get Deal Watch later HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal Watch later HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $10.99/month) Get Deal Watch later Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle $21.99 per month (with ads), $34.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 43%) Get Deal Watch later Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10/month with Verizon myPlan (save $9.98/month) Get Deal Watch later Netflix, Peacock, and HBO Max (with ads) $22/month with Xfinity StreamSaver (save $10.97/month) Get Deal

If you missed its incredibly brief theatrical run, you can watch the Musk documentary at home starting this week. Oscar winner Alex Gibney's nearly four-hour examination of the world's richest man was pulled from theaters after just two weeks, leading many to speculate about either low ticket sales or some sort of conspiracy.

For what it's worth, the film was mostly a box office flop, though it's received mostly high praise from critics. With a limited release its first week in just four theaters, and an abbreviated wide release its second week, it's hard to say whether the documentary had enough time to really take off. Nevertheless, with a run time of 3 hours and 52 minutes, it might be better for you to watch it from the comfort of your couch anyways.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Musk, including when and where it'll be streaming.

What is Musk about?

The buzzy Musk documentary thoroughly examines Elon Musk through extensive archival footage, past recorded interviews, public appearances, and other material, though Musk himself is not actually interviewed for the film. As Mashable's reviewer Matt Binder writes, "Elon Musk may hate it, but the most brutal scenes are comprised of Musk's own actions and words."

Check out the official trailer for Musk:

How to watch Musk at home

As of Nov. 6, you can officially watch the Musk documentary at home, but it'll cost you. You can also wait for a cheaper rental option via digital-on-demand retailers or a streaming option still to come. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

Musk makes its at-home debut via digital-on-demand retailers on Nov. 6, 2026. It costs $19.99 to purchase it and you can pre-order in advance if you'd like. While a rental option is not yet available, it is likely to come and will cost $5 to $10 less. Pro tip: digital prices will drop significantly if you wait a few weeks.

Quick links to buy Musk on digital:

• Apple TV —  buy for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99

• Prime Video —  buy for $19.99

Stream it on HBO Max

There's no official date yet, but as a HBO Documentary Film, we can only assume that Musk will make its streaming debut on HBO Max. If it follows a similar schedule to other Warner Bros. releases, we expect a January streaming release. Stay tuned.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month, but there are a few ways you can save money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

SEE ALSO: HBO Max and Paramount+ are combining into one streaming service The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save up to $45 on HBO Max annual subscriptions Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads annual subscription $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal at HBO Max Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual subscription $184.99 per year (save $36.89) Get Deal at HBO Max

The best way to save some cash on HBO Max on any given day is by committing to an annual plan. Yes, it'll cost you more up front, but you'll save about 16% over the course of a year — or up to $45.89 in savings.

A monthly plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but a full year costs $109.99, which breaks down the monthly cost to only $9.17. Annual ad-free plans, which include HBO Max Standard or Premium, will also save you about 16% over their monthly equivalents. Standard subscriptions cost either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (which breaks down to $15.42 per month). Premium subscriptions cost $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). While both are ad-free plans, the Premium option also unlocks 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos, and the ability to download more offline content.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan Get Deal

While it's not the most convenient option, switching your phone plan to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan for $60 per month will get you HBO Max with ads for free. Once you're a Cricket customer, you can use your provider credentials to log in via the HBO Max app or website.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can sign up for a whole year of HBO Max with ads for 50% off. Prove your student status via UNiDAYS and you'll receive a unique discount code to slash the cost per month down from $10.99 to $5.49. The price will jump back up to $10.99 after 12 months unless you cancel.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 43% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

The Disney+ bundle deal, which includes HBO Max and Hulu, remains one of the best streaming deals around — even with its latest price increase. For just $21.99 per month, you'll get all three streaming libraries with ads, which is about $14 cheaper than paying for each one separately. If you prefer to go ad-free, it'll run you $34.99 per month as opposed to $61.47 for all three. That's $26.48 in savings.

Best for Verizon customers: Get Netflix and HBO Max for $13/month Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / HBO Max HBO Max and Netflix (with ads) $13 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $6.98 per month) Get Deal

If you're a Verizon customer on the Simplicity, Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan, you can add the Netflix and HBO Max bundle perk (with ads) to your plan for only $13 per month. A $19.98 per month value, that's about $7 in savings each month. Once you enroll in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Check out Verizon's support page for all the eligibility details, terms, and FAQs. You can also upgrade to the ad-free bundle for $7.50 more per month.

Best for Xfinity customers: Bundle HBO Max, Peacock, and Netflix and save $10/month Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / Peacock / HBO Max Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium, and HBO Max $22/month with Xfinity StreamSaver (save $10.97/month) Get Deal

Xfinity Internet and TV customers can also get in on the bundle action, thanks to Xfinity StreamSaver packages. The package that includes Netflix Standard with ads ($8.99 per month), Peacock Premium ($12.99 per month), and HBO Max Basic with Ads ($10.99 per month) can be added to your existing Xfinity service for only $22 per month. It typically costs $32.97 for all three, so that's about $11 in savings monthly.

If there's one thing Uncle Roger can't abide, it's subpar egg fried rice (Jamie Oliver would know). Same goes for the man behind the beloved internet character, creator Nigel Ng, whose own restaurants across Malaysia and London serve it up daily — and yes, Uncle Roger himself has "tested" it.

On Tuesday, Ng joined Mythical Kitchen's Josh Scherer — both as himself and as Uncle Roger in a fitting judge role — to test expensive and cheap versions of fried rice, from Panda Express ("it kind of tastes like the box," Ng says) to the pricey lobster fried rice from Tao (a "rip-off according to Uncle Roger). And there's cooking afoot, as the two put their own spins on the dish — Ng's cookbook is quite literally titled Don't Mess Up Your Rice, so pay attention.

You might want to valiantly try making your own fried rice after watching this delightful collab, with all the Uncle Roger judgment stress that comes with it. Make him proud.

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, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters, or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.

A new Windows 11 update is beginning to roll out to users across the globe, but this update isn't adding flashy new AI features or mindlessly moving things around. Microsoft is delivering on its prior commitments and plenty of insider testing to bring real performance improvements to Windows 11, especially for computers working with only 8GB of memory. In a world where computers and memory have gotten more expensive, these are the updates that make an impact.

I'm a firm believer that the perfect smart home should work almost completely automatically, without any need for pushing buttons, tapping dashboards, or giving voice commands. Sometimes, however, even the best automations can fire when you don't want them to, so I gave Home Assistant a snooze button to solve the problem.

Ever since I was a small Who, I have loved Dr. Seuss. 

His Sneetches, the Lorax, Horton — the joy they induce!

I gobbled up books, shorts, and feature films, too. 

I giggled, sang along, and even cried a boo-hoo! 

But one of his heroes had a movie fall flat, 

That rascally sharp dresser, the Cat in the Hat. 

In 2003, Mike Myers tried in live-action.

Audiences marveled at what the duck happened.  

Now comes an animated The Cat in the Hat. 

What am I, a critic, to say about that? 

Voiced by Bill Hader, this feline is fun. 

Lively and silly, with shenanigans. 

He brings with him his Things One, Two, and beyond, 

Plus a goldfish who wags a fin at things done wrong. 

But the focus of this kid's movie is odd: 

The Cat in the Hat might lose his job.

He works in the business of bringing kids joy, 

And is assigned to a girl and a boy. 

They've just moved and are feeling quite sad, 

But it's not enough to make them feel glad. 

The Cat must appease his bullying boss, 

Who worries about the collateral costs 

Of how the Cat brings mirth to kids near and far. 

The Cat's only ally is Sherri from HR. 

If that sounds convoluted, oh, just you wait. 

This story gets overcrowded to a terrible state. 

A mother-daughter squabble kicks off the action, 

Then a MacGuffin makes for a time-travel distraction. 

There's also a monster in hot pursuit, 

And a pesky landlady to boot! 

Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni direct and write. 

Their animation is warm, delicately textured, and bright. 

The voice cast has performers spirited and merry, 

Like Quinta Brunson, Xochitl Gomez, and Matt Berry. 

Sure, there's fun to be had in this Cat's appearance, 

But too many fart jokes hurt the experience. 

Dr. Seuss got silly and kooky indeed. 

But such potty humor is not his speed. 

With an overstuffed plot and action chaotic,

The movie's message feels half-assed and quixotic.

Hader's The Cat In The Hat is certainly better than Myers'. 

But so is plucking out my nose hairs with needle-nose pliers. 

In the end, I can't cheer this cartoon's feline joker. 

Best I can say is that this movie is mediocre.

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Cat in the Hat opens in theaters on Nov. 6.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with a string of high-profile matchups this week, including Barcelona vs. Aston Villa. The visitors have made a perfect start to this campaign, but Barcelona at the Nou Camp will be their toughest test by far. Can the Premier League side stop the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha from running wild?

We're expecting an entertaining tussle between two sides that play positive football.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Aston Villa?

Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture takes place at the Camp Nou.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Aston Villa for free

Barcelona vs. Aston Villa is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Barcelona vs. Aston Villa for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Best early Black Friday Apple Watch deals Best Apple Watch Ultra 3 Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) $649 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Ultra 4 Deal Apple Watch Ultra 4 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) $699.99 (save $99.01) Get Deal

Leading up to Black Friday, more deals are popping up than we expected. We're tracking the best prices so you can get a head start on holiday shopping. The savings aren't blowing us away yet, but there are some hidden gems. That's how we found two great Apple Watch deals ahead of Black Friday.

Not all Apple smartwatches are on sale ahead of Black Friday, but surprisingly, the rarely on sale Apple Watch Ultra is majorly marked down. We found two great deals to shop now, bringing these watches down to their lowest prices ever.

Save on the Apple Watch Ultra ahead of Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) $649 at Best Buy
$799 Save $150   Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 4 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) $699.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $99.01   Get Deal at Amazon Why we picked this

In looking for early Black Friday Apple Watch deals, we found savings on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 4. Apple's Ultra watches are designed for the rugged outdoors and performance athletes. It has astounding battery life, lasting up to three days on low battery mode.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, usually $799, is now $150 off at Best Buy. Get the smartwatch for just $649 ahead of Black Friday. The watch is the 49mm model and comes with both GPS and cellular. The Ultra 3 is the previous model so if you want the newest tech, go for the Ultra 4.

At Amazon, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is on sale for $699.99, which according to Camelcamelcamel, is the lowest price ever on the advanced smartwatch. Like the Ultra 3, it comes with with a 49mm face and GPS and cellular.

The newest Apple Watch has even better battery life and more advanced health tracking. The Ultra 4 measures heart rate variability and delivers a readiness score so you know when to prioritize recovery and when to push it.

Get both of these watches on sale for all-time low prices ahead of Black Friday now and save up to $150.

Grand Theft Auto VI is mere weeks away, which means it's time for a trip down memory lane, courtesy of Kai Cenat.

The famed streamer and creator, who has just shy of 22 million Twitch followers at the time of publication, will take to the internet at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 5 for what should be a nostalgia-fueled journey through GTA's 3D era. Cenat said in a post on X that he will stream, in one sitting, GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, 4, and 5, AKA the entire mainline series output from the 21st century. The stream will be up on both Twitch and YouTube.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6: ‘Self-made millionaire’ shares how to save $5K playing the game This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The X post didn't say how long he'd be streaming or whether he planned to actually finish the story in each game, which could possibly take a very long time. Even if Cenat just messes around and jacks cars for several hours, though, it should still be a fun reminder of where the series has been before we all get a collective glimpse at its future on Nov. 19 when GTA 6 comes out.

GTA VI will be released Nov. 19 on PS5 and Xbox consoles.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Starbucks and Dunkin' recently dropped plans to launch holiday menus. Did you think that McDonald's was going to sit back and let them get all the festive attention? No, McDonald’s has officially entered the seasonal caffeine wars.

Launching nationwide on Nov. 3, McDonald's has rolled out five limited-edition holiday drinks at participating U.S. restaurants. The lineup takes direct aim at Starbucks and Dunkin’ by dividing its menu between two distinct cravings: fruity, sparkling energy drinks topped with dairy cold foam, and dessert-heavy McCafé coffee drinks built around Cookie Butter.

The five-drink holiday lineup is as follows:

• Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite: Sprite infused with cranberry and orange syrups, topped with sweet cold foam and festive red cranberry sprinkles.

• Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer: A cranberry-orange flavor base, topped with cold foam and sprinkles, and an entire can of Red Bull.

• Cookie Butter Latte: Espresso blended with whole milk and spiced cookie butter syrup, finished with sweet vanilla whipped cream and crushed caramel cookie pieces.

• Cookie Butter Iced Coffee: Classic McCafé iced coffee steeped with cookie butter syrup, cream, and crunchy cookie crumbles.

• Cookie Butter Frappé: A blended coffee treat crowned with vanilla whip and speculoos cookie crumbs.

Credit: McDonald's

I'm all for festive vibes, but I'm going to be honest: putting cold foam on Red Bull doesn't sound particularly appetizing. Hey, maybe I'm in the minority. Maybe it will go completely viral for all the right reasons. Who am I to question McDonald's?

If you’re rocking a desktop PC, there’s a good chance the motherboard it’s built around is based on the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) or mATX standard, the latter being basically a shorter ATX board.

The best early Black Friday cordless tool deals Best Early Black Friday Cordless Tool Deal DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit $149 (Save $90) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Ryobi Cordless Tool Deal Ryobi ONE+ 2-Battery Starter Kit (1 2Ah battery, 1 4Ah battery, 1 charger) $99 (Save $99) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday BOGO Cordless Tool Deal Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drive Impact Wrench Kit $539 (BOGO) Get Deal

Tons of early Black Friday deals are already hitting your favorite retailers. That's great news if you're shopping for cordless power tools. It's finally time to tackle all of those home projects you've been neglecting — we've been there too. Having everything ready to tackle them for less is a good idea.

Some of the best deals on cordless tools that we've found so far are on cordless drills, impact drivers, and combo kits from brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi. Cordless tools aren’t cheap to begin with. That's why some of the best early deals right now are more than just regular discounts.

For example, The Home Depot is running their free tool or battery promotion again as well as offering discounts on a variety of tools. That's an excellent sale that can net you tons of new hardware for less.

Below, find some of the best early Black Friday cordless tool deals. We'll keep updating this page once we find more, so keep checking back to see all the fresh discounts as they sprout.

Best early Black Friday DeWalt cordless tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit $239 at The Home Depot
  Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

The drill/driver and impact driver in this DeWalt kit are both compact enough to fit between studs and under cabinets, so it can handle a variety of jobs. It has an LED light that illuminates whatever you’re working on as well, so you don't have to struggle with visibility when handling each project. The drill uses a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck that holds bits tight without a key, while the impact driver’s hex chuck lets you load and swap bits with one hand. You also get two 20V Max batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag to make a complete tool kit for beginners or anyone who wants to grow their kit.

Best early Black Friday Ryobi cordless tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Ryobi ONE+ 2-Battery Starter Kit (1 2Ah battery, 1 4Ah battery, 1 charger) $99 at The Home Depot
$198 Save $99   Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

Buying this two-battery starter kit unlocks a way to power5 over 300 tools in Ryobi's ONE+ line for less. You get a 2Ah battery for lighter tools, a 4Ah for the ones that draw tons of power, and a charger, so you’re set to juice things back up again quickly. Plus, free tool choices include a jig saw, a compact router, an oscillating multi-tool, and an inflator/deflator. It's an excellent and flexible gift for others and an even better way to treat yourself as well if you're looking to beef up your tool kit.

Best early Black Friday Makita cordless tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drive Impact Wrench Kit $539 at The Home Depot
Buy One, Get One Free Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

This BOGO deal means that buying one of the Makita cordless impact wrenches nets you a second Makita tool for free. The wrench itself puts out 430 ft lbs of torque, enough to pull out more stubborn lug nuts and and more without a breaker bar, while a four-speed selector lets you ease up on smaller hardware without snapping. You get two 5.0Ah batteries, a rapid charger, and a tool bag in the box, so everything you need is here to get started on the job as soon as you arrive.

More cordless tool deals

• DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit — $99 $179 (save $80)

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit with Compact Battery, 4.0 Ah Battery, and Charger — $199 $299 (save $100)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Gen II 18-Gauge Brad Nailer — $279 $329 (save $50)

Sony has officially discontinued its last UHD Blu-ray player, the UBP-X700/K. Considering that Sony has announced it'll stop selling physical copies of its games as of 2028, it's no surprise that the company is quietly ridding itself of devices capable of playing analog media.

Once two distinct deal shopping days, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have basically merged into one massive shopping extravaganza. The lines really began to blur when the world shut down in 2020 and brick-and-mortar stores hosted online sales in lieu of in-person Black Friday events. In 2026, lines outside stores are practically nonexistent. We certainly can't see them.

While major retailers will be running holiday sales throughout all of November, savvy shoppers know that Black Friday, Cyber Monday, (and the few days surrounding them) still remain the absolute biggest shopping days of the year for their ability to reliably trigger record-low prices on big-ticket items (like TVs, Apple devices, smartwatches, headphones, and of course, Amazon's own devices). That includes discounts that beat Amazon's massively-hyped October Prime Day deals.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2026: Best deals, sale dates, how to shop smart, and more

If you're debating when you should start adding big ticket items to your cart and whether it's better to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you've come to the right place. After years of covering both sales extensively, here's our expert analysis.

Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday — what's the difference?

Way back in the age of MySpace and AIM — aka 2005 — the National Retail Federation debuted the term "Cyber Monday" after realizing that the Monday after Thanksgiving saw a flood of online sales. This was likely due to shoppers using their faster internet connections at work on Monday morning to snag deals, or at least that's what they credited it to. That, of course, and the fact that online retailers wanted some of that holiday shopping bread, too. Thus, two distinct deal shopping days were born: Black Friday, for those who wanted to shop in stores the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, for those who liked shopping from the comfort of their desks.

Over 20 years later, there's little — if any — real difference between the two due to the alleged "death of retail." Everyone and everything is online, so why wouldn't Black Friday be? Based on our years of experience covering both, we can truly say neither is a "better" day to shop. It really comes down to what you're looking for and how much demand there is for it.

Are there better deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

If you see a solid deal, grab it, no matter which sale title it falls under. There's not a tremendous amount of distinction anymore in terms of discounts on particular products as there has been in previous years. However, there are still rules to follow in some product categories: TV deals tend to be more dramatic and widespread for Black Friday with a higher likelihood of selling out before the clock even turns to Cyber Monday, while waiting for Cyber Monday to double-check that there's not a new, better laptop deal is often wise.

But with the blurred lines of Cyber Week, many of these deals will cross over. As noted at BlackFriday.com, "Some TV deals will feature flashy discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but they might not have the specs you're after." TL;DR: The deals will be great for both shopping days, but it all depends on what you're looking for. If you see the specs you like listed under a product sitting at a price that you like, grab it to be safe. Also, as a best practice, check camelcamelcamel.com for price history details from Amazon.

How long is Black Friday?

Black Friday proper falls on Nov. 27 in 2026, but it's honestly silly at this point to even call it Black Friday. It's no longer just on Friday — it's a month-long affair. You can shop deals at practically every retailer starting right after Halloween (before, even), with most labeling something an "early Black Friday deal" starting in early November. Best Buy has announced the official early deals of its Black Friday sale will begin Nov. 6, while Target's first early Black Friday sale kicks off on Nov. 5. In other words, if you want to get some early shopping done, have at it.

Once the clock strikes midnight at the close of Friday, it's basically Cyber Monday (yes, even though it's actually Saturday). We don't make the rules. The deals won't change too much, but the search terms and official site banners will.

When do Cyber Monday deals start?

Officially, Cyber Monday is on Monday, Nov. 30 in 2026. Unofficially, it basically starts the second Black Friday ends, with retailers coining sales as "Cyber Monday" deals as early as Saturday, Nov. 28. So basically, semantics — and it's easier to just think of the Cyber Week language as interchangeable.

We made some noise about all the free food deals you could get on National Sandwich Day (Nov. 3), but today is a double whammy. It's Election Day, of course. Yes, it's all about expressing your democratic right to vote. But it's also about getting freebies and discounts from some of your favorite chains.

We've checked out everything on offer from big names like Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, Potbelly, Subway, and more. There's a lot to consider, so once you've made your vote, go treat yourself.

Check out some of our favorites below:

Election Day 2026 food deals7-Eleven

Eligible T-Mobile subscribers can open the T-Life app this week to score a digital voucher for a free Large Slurpee, Big Gulp, or drip coffee at participating 7-Eleven and Speedway convenience stores. The perk is limited to one claim per qualifying line per month.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Rewards members can tap into the recurring Tuesday BOGO Bone-In Wings promotion at participating sports bars when ordering dine-in or online. I

Capriotti’s

CapAddicts Rewards members can buy any sub on Nov. 3 to get a second sub for 50% off across all sizes, redeemable in-shop, online, or in-app.

DoorDash x Pepsi

Order dinner via DoorDash through Nov. 4, build a cart total of $25 or more that includes any Pepsi-Cola beverage, and you'll automatically trigger an instant $15 cart credit at checkout.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Bagel breakfast spreads are heavily discounted through early November. Loyalty members can pick up a half-dozen fresh-baked bagels for just $7.

Farmer Boys

Very Important Farmer loyalty members can grab a Bacon Turkey Melt for $5.99 on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 when ordering in-restaurant or through the official Farmer Boys app.

Firehouse Subs

Spend $15 or more on Nov. 3 through the Firehouse Subs website or mobile app while signed into your rewards account to receive a free Medium Sub added to your order (brisket subs excluded).

Habit Burger & Grill

Through Nov. 4, participating Habit locations are handing out 50 free Dipping Trio Boxes daily during an unannounced "Habit Hour" flash window (no purchase or promo code required).

Jimmy John’s

Rewards members unlock an instant BOGO Free sandwich or wrap on Nov. 3 by entering promo code SANDWICH at checkout via the Jimmy John’s mobile app or website.

Krispy Kreme

On Nov. 3, say you voted or show your sticker to get a free Original Glazed Doughnut. No purchase is necessary to qualify, limit one per guest, and only while supplies last.

Lime

On Nov. 3, enter promo code HEADCOUNT in the Lime micromobility app to unlock two free rides of up to 30 minutes each. The promo carries no purchase requirement or voting proof, though local geographic service boundaries and fleet availability apply.

Lyft

Save 50% on rides from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. with code VOTE26.

McAlister’s Deli

Rewards members can get a $5 Regular Sandwich through Nov. 3.

Penn Station East Coast Subs

Buy any full-priced sub, sandwich, wrap, or bowl on Nov. 3 and enter coupon code NS26 during digital checkout to receive a free Small Sub.

Potbelly

On Nov. 3, buying any BIG or Original sandwich or wrap unlocks a free Original-size sandwich or wrap when you apply promo code BOGO at checkout via the Potbelly app or website (limit one redemption per customer).

Schlotzsky’s

Rewards members can stock up on lunch through Nov. 3 with $5 medium sandwiches, valid for up to 10 discounted sandwiches within a single transaction both in-store and online.

Smoothie King

Healthy Rewards members can claim a free 12-ounce Dark Chocolate Peppermint D-Lite Smoothie on Tuesday, Nov. 3. New members can register an account in advance through the mobile app to ensure the redemption barcode populates in their rewards wallet before heading to the counter.

Subway

Through Nov. 8, Sub Club members can secure a free second Footlong of equal or lesser value with the purchase of any qualifying regular Footlong.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Through Nov. 8, Tropic Rewards members can get a free 24-ounce smoothie with a qualifying food or Tropic Bowl purchase.

Trinkets and toys are fun, but a 3D printer really shows its value when you start fixing stuff with it. That was one of the main reasons why I bought a 3D printer in the first place. With three years of printing under my belt, my home has never been running smoother.

Early Black Friday gaming deals at a glance Best gaming monitor deal 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 curved gaming monitor $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best gaming console deal Renewed Nintendo Switch $187.49 (save $151.51) Get Deal Best gaming chair deal Blacklyte Athena Gaming Chair $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Black Friday is the perfect time to grab fresh gaming gear. From a curved monitor to a chair that doesn't cause a backache, you'll want to make sure things are in place for epic winter gaming sessions.

While the actual Black Friday date is still weeks away, early sales are packed with savings on monitors from Samsung, LG, and Acer. You can also save on a refurbished Nintendo Switch, score new game titles, and upgrade to a better gaming keyboard. All of these will be useful to snag ahead of the Thanksgiving break, so you can have maximum gaming fun on the actual day.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday home improvement deals save big on power tools, smart lights, home security, and more.

Check out our updated list of the best early Black Friday gaming deals below. We'll keep it updated as we get closer to Black Friday on Nov. 27.

Best gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 curved gaming monitor $249.99
$399.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

A 34-inch display with a 1000R curve is the exact recipe for a great winter of gaming. The Samsung Odyssey G5 curved gaming monitor is already on sale for under $250 well before Black Friday. The 165Hz refresh rate will be great for almost all gamers. Just be sure your desk is large enough to accommodate the display before you buy.

More gaming monitor deals

• Acer Nitro 27-inch MiniLED — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

• Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 — $219.99 $349.99 (save $129.01)

• Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)

Best gaming console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Renewed Nintendo Switch $187.49 at Amazon
$339 Save $151.51   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

You've heard about the price hikes that hit the Nintendo Switch 2, and as of early November, we're not seeing discounts on the gaming console of the year. But if you're ok with getting the original Nintendo Switch, you can save a ton by going with an Amazon renewed model. It's certified to be in excellent condition which means it has no screen scratches and the battery capacity exceeds 80% of the original capacity.

Going with a refurbished older model means you're getting a huge discount while still having access to a massive library of great games. Use the savings on the console itself to get tons of titles before the holiday break.

Best gaming chair deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blacklyte Blacklyte Athena Gaming Chair $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

With a head pillow, comfortable arm rests, and a lumbar pillow, the Blacklyte Athena will keep you supported during long gaming sessions. It's capable of customized positions in height, the backrest, and the armrests, so you can find the most comfortable fit. Plus, the chair is designed to suit people up to 330 pounds.

More gaming chair deals

• LiberNovo Omni SE — $658.99 $788 (save $129.01)

Reolink first teased its OMVI security camera line at CES 2026, before launching three models in June, promising wider coverage, AI-powered tracking, and local video search without the need for subscriptions. The company had originally planned to launch its flagship OMVI X16 PoE in Q3 and is now delivering on that promise despite a slight delay.

TL;DR: November delivers nine new Pokémon TCG drops, led by the Mega Evolution Delta Reign expansion and multiple 30th Celebration collector sets.

November is shaping up to be massive for Pokémon TCG fans, headlined by the worldwide arrival of the Mega Evolution Delta Reign expansion. The new set brings powerful Mega Evolution Pokémon ex into the mix, with over 35 special illustration Trainer and Pokémon cards for art collectors.

Pokémon is also rolling out a brand-new trio of nostalgic 30th Celebration boxes — including a monster 30-pack Ultra-Premium Collection — plus a tournament-ready Mega Greninja ex battle deck built for jumping straight into competitive play.

From massive booster displays to ready-to-play decks, here is every single set arriving this month.

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ditto Premium Collection Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ditto Premium Collection   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ditto Premium Collection includes a colorful acrylic display stand made specifically to show off cards on a desk or shelf. It fits the exclusive foil Ditto promo card right away, or you can swap in your favorite chase card from your pulls.

Packing eight 30th Celebration booster packs, the Ditto Premium Collection is an easy, budget-friendly way to rip anniversary packs without shelling out for an Ultra-Premium Collection.

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Figure Collection Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company 30th Celebration Figure Collection Mew   Preorder at TCGplayer Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company 30th Celebration Figure Collection Mewtwo   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Figure Collection pairs two of Kanto's most iconic legends with detailed, sculpted desk figures that outshine typical cardboard and plastic promos. Paired with a matching foil promo and an oversize showcase card, the set gives Mew and Mewtwo fans a complete display piece right out of the box.

The box also bundles five booster packs of the milestone 30th Celebration expansion. Because anniversary packs are exclusive to collection boxes rather than individual retail blisters, the 30th Celebration Figure Collection serves as an easy, mid-tier entry point for pack-cracking without requiring a full booster bundle or a premium collection budget.

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day   Preorder at TCGplayer Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection is the centerpiece of the entire anniversary lineup. Available in Day or Night versions starring Pikachu alongside Espeon ex or Umbreon ex, it trades junk filler for high-end gear like a custom playmat, matching deck box, standard sleeves, an acrylic display, and metal dice.

The pack count is the real draw. Stuffed with 29 30th Celebration booster packs plus an exclusive pack with three etched vintage reprints, the 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection offers your best single shot at pulling the anniversary's top chase cards.

Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Booster Display Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box   Preorder at Amazon

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box delivers the best pure cost-per-pack value for anyone looking to rip packs in bulk. Packing 36 individual booster packs, totaling 360 cards, it completely skips promo accessories and collectible junk, focusing entirely on ripping cards.

With over 140 cards in the expansion, the Booster Display Box offers the most reliable shot at assembling competitive playsets. From three new Legendary Stadiums to the set's headline Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and full-art illustration chases, a full booster box maximizes your odds across an entire master display.

Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box balances ripping packs with stocking up on tabletop essentials. It pairs nine booster packs with an exclusive full-art Kyogre promo card, matching sleeves, damage-counter dice, and a sturdy storage box to keep your deck sorted.

For players and collectors wanting to dive into the new set without shelling out for an entire booster display, the Elite Trainer Box gives you an accessible path to chase heavy hitters like Mega Rayquaza ex while securing everything you need to actually play the game.

Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Centre Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box is the definitive version of the ETB for serious collectors. It upgrades the standard retail box with two bonus booster packs, bringing the count to 11, and includes a second exclusive Kyogre full-art promo stamped with the official Pokémon Center logo.

Because Pokémon Center exclusives are released in limited print runs, the Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box has far greater long-term display appeal than mass-retail versions. Between the stamped promo card and extra chances at pulling Mega Rayquaza ex, it justifies the small price bump over the regular edition.

Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Build and Battle Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Build and Battle Box   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Build and Battle Box is tailored for players who want to jump straight into matches without spending hours building a deck from scratch. It includes a 40-card ready-to-play deck featuring one of four unique foil promo cards, giving you a solid competitive core the minute you tear into the packaging.

With four booster packs tossed in to help you customize and beef up your lineup, it delivers a fast, low-cost way to test-drive the set’s new mechanics and chase heavy hitters like Mega Rayquaza ex in a quick-play prerelease format.

Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Booster Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Booster Bundle   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle strips away oversized boxes, plastic coins, and promo cards so you only pay for packs. Packing six booster packs into a compact carton, it gives collectors the leanest, most budget-conscious way to rip cards from the new set without extra clutter.

It’s an easy grab if you want a casual pack-cracking session or a few quick chances at pulling Mega Rayquaza ex without investing in a full 36-pack booster box.

Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex League Battle Deck Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex League Battle Deck   Preorder at TCGplayer

The Pokémon TCG Mega Greninja ex League Battle Deck is for anyone looking to bypass the grind of deck-building and dive straight into competitive tournament play. Centered around Mega Greninja ex, this 60-card deck delivers an engine optimized for tactical versatility and offensive pressure straight out of the box.

Rather than just serving as a starter deck, it comes fully loaded with tournament-ready accessories — including damage-counter dice, condition markers, a matching deck box, and a play sheet to master its combo lines.

Running out of phone storage is bad enough, and paying for a cloud subscription to fix it is an expensive habit. Now, your Windows PC will soon offer a much simpler alternative. Google is building an automatic backup feature into Quick Share that copies your photos and videos on Android phones straight to a computer. There’s no subscription or storage plan attached.