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There is a 30 percent chance this article is fake. 

It's not, of course. I am a real reporter. These are real sources. You can trust me. 

Or can you?

According to a recent study from Pew Research, around one-third of recent web content is AI-generated. Around 10 percent of ".com" sites now have AI's fingerprints on them. Fake news sources peddling misinformation or propaganda (commonly referred to as "pink slime") have long outnumbered real news publishers — and are continuing to multiply with the help of AI.  

Even legit websites and social platforms can steer you toward misinformation, scams, and other online dangers. A platform built to keep you hooked to an endless feed, fed by engagement and seeking to capture your attention, is a recipe for bots, phishing, and disinformation campaigns. Social media "experts" — sometimes entirely AI-generated people, other times real humans with ulterior motives — are building followings in the millions. In this increasingly confusing environment, here's how to get to the truth.

Why fake sources are proliferating 

"High quality misinformation and deception were largely the domain of nation-states and well resourced groups," explained Donnie Hasseltine, chief information security officer at Arkstone Defense. Now, anyone can fake a site, build a bot, or amplify a misleading claim in an instant.

In addition to a decline in platform moderation, access to increasingly sophisticated AI models, mainly through open source markets, has completely changed how information is published, explained Zohaib Ahmed, CEO of deepfake detector Resemble.AI. 

Likened to the "Wild West" by Ahmed, bad actors now have access to a host of AI models and tools without built-in safeguards to prove or disprove authenticity. They can avoid automatic detection built into mainstream models like Claude or ChatGPT, uploading troves of user and site data to build sophisticated spoofs without alerting developers. 

Source: Pew Research Center Credit: Cole Kan/Mashable/ Getty

The technology has generated a ballooning market for affordable "scam kits." Such kits cover "everything from advertising to writing blog posts and content on social media, to how features are being built in the product, how video calls are being done and how images are being uploaded onto social media platforms," Ahmed said. With a few hundred dollars, scammers can spoof entire sites, make convincing log-in portals, and build natural-looking engagement that makes it feel more real. 

It's not just relegated to pink slime, either. You may encounter "url hijackers" or "typosquatting" for instance. These webpages closely mimic URLs for reputable sites — including news sites like "abcnews.com.co" or known organizations like FIFA — banking on users not looking too close. Others may spoof sites where it's common to exchange money or place bets. These domains may siphon off your personal information or try to steal your money outright. 

The same happens on social media sites and chatrooms: X accounts meant to look like real people, dodgy TikTok Shop links that take users off site, suspicious links dropped in gaming chats by players you thought were your friends. 

Why old advice may not work, and what else you can do 

"The traditional signals of authenticity are fading," explained Eyal Elazar, head of market intelligence for e-commerce security business Riskified. "Only a few years ago, verifying something online relied on recognizable visual or contextual cues: a weirdly spelled URL, pixelated image artifacts, a robotic cadence in a video, or the sheer logistical effort required to pull off a coordinated hoax. Today, AI can effortlessly clean up misspelled URLs, blurry images, and stiff video voices."

Because users are up against a modern world of AI-powered websites and bot accounts, they also need new advice for scouring through the muck. 

Check URLs and profile names to prove a website or account's veracity

The OG way to ensure you're on a legit site still works and is very simple: Check the URL.

First, look for the padlock icon or other indicator the browser has verified your connection. For Google Chrome users, select the menu icon to the left of the URL. You should see "Connection is secure." 

Second, look for "https://" not "http://". The "s" designation means a site has been authenticated. 

These security components are still essential components of the internet, explained Ron Kerbs, CEO of AI fraud prevention company Kidas.  

Third, double-check the URL's spelling, says Ahmed. Keep an eye out for symbols in the place of letters and non-English characters masquerading as the English alphabet. Hover over a URL to see the full text. 

If you're still unsure, search the URL on Google. You can also cross-reference URLs on Google's site status page or use an online URL scanning tool, Ahmed recommends. 

Many mainstream browsers now include built-in safety checks that flag when a website doesn't meet these security parameters. Pay attention to them, and only follow through on visiting a site if you know its origins. 

But bear in mind that social media accounts do not play by these rules, experts warn. 

To verify an account is legit, start with the platform's own verification tools, like the classic check mark. Be sure to click through to the profile itself, not just how it appears on your feed. Many platforms allow custom characters in display names, which help users fake verified check marks on first glance. Other platforms, like X, let users buy verification, so use additional means to confirm those accounts.

Be on alert for AI-generated influencer content, too. Look for AI content labels in captions, comments, and on profiles. Use the tips below to see if they've skirted detection (many do).

Credit: Cole Kan/Mashable/Getty Use the SIFT Method to check for legitimacy

A site or account may seem legit on the surface, but its content could be far from it. Basic security measures aren't prevention for misinformation or manipulative content posted to verified platforms, experts say. 

"You close the door, someone gets in through the window," Kerbs said. Users should use multiple layers additional methods beyond URL scanning to verify that what they're looking at is real.

Traditional recommendations for vetting news sources, for example, include the SIFT method. It's an oft-referred to media literacy skill designed by misinformation researcher Mike Caufield and stands for:

• Stop your scroll 

• Investigate the source 

• Find other coverage 

• Trace back the origins

Zoning Method 

Other news literacy groups, like the News Literacy Project, suggest a strategy of "zoning," or  categorizing content, including websites and social media accounts, by their purpose. 

"Identify the type of information you are looking at and determine its purpose. Is it news that’s meant to inform you? Or an opinion that’s trying to persuade you? Or is it a paid ad that’s encouraging you to buy something?" said Chuck Salter, president and CEO of the News Literacy Project. Salter recommends online users zone first before making judgements about trust. "You need to understand the main intent." 

Salter also recommends a fact-checking concept called "lateral reading," in which you verify a source by searching what others are saying about it. 

This can be used to fact check social media accounts, too. Before resharing, check the algorithm. How do others feel about this page? 

Methods like SIFT and zoning are fairly simple and very effective ways to spot misinformation. But we're up against platforms actively working to steal our attention span and keep us glued to their platforms. We are urged to use integrated generative AI tools intended to reduce friction, but which can reduce users' critical thinking, experts say. Young people are at particular risk, Salter explained, and often fail to properly "zone" content without help. 

We may need to simplify our toolkit even further. 

Easy tips to use every day when scanning online

For one, never trust a screenshot, said Roei Sherman, senior director of research at cloud security firm Mitiga. A common way to spread misinformation, faked screenshots feed off of the attention economy: Get enough people to share the eye-grabbing headline or quote, and you'll convince a good amount of people it's true, especially if a generally reliable source is slapped on top. 

Second rule of thumb: If a post feels like rage bait, it's probably rage bait. Scammers and propagandists stoke emotional responses to get your clicks, Rubinson explains. Try not to engage. 

And lastly, if an account is asking you to leave the platform you're on, exercise caution. Fake accounts often steer users off of moderated platforms toward other websites with looser content guidelines or toward completely unregulated areas of the internet. It's why many social media giants, like TikTok, have specific rules against the promotion of off-platform sites.

Use established fact-checkers 

If it's best to check a claim with multiple sources, it's even better to check the claim with an authority that makes fact-checking its job. Long before AI, these sites existed as nonpartisan sources for political claims. Now, they've expanded to cover just about anything going viral. 

• Politifact

• FactCheck.org / SciCheck​

• Snopes.com​

• Washington Post Fact Checker​

• Poynter

• NewsGuard AI False Claims Monitor and Reality Check newsletter

Browser extensions can help you fact-check quickly

Some cybersecurity experts recommend browser extensions that can automatically scan a page for AI-generated content and give an assessment of its trustworthiness. These are a good starting point, but like most detector tech, are not infallible, experts like Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, warn.

• Resemble.AI Deepfake Detector: Scans all images, video, and audio and returns a verdict on whether or not AI was used. A free account includes four website scans per day.

• NewsGuard: Provides a trust and reliability rating for news sites, based on nonpartisan criteria. 

• McAfee Web Advisor: The free version of the cybersecurity's fraud tool, Web Advisor scans for malicious sites, including hidden adware, spyware, and phishing scams.  

• DuckDuckGo Scam Blocker: The privacy-forward browser has built in scam blockers that also flag known scam sites, including shopping sites and fake cryptocurrency exchanges.

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Bose is one of the most trusted audio brands, and you can't go wrong with its high-quality products. They aren't cheap, but you don't have to pay full price for Bose headphones and Bluetooth speakers if you take advantage of these limited-time Amazon deals. Now's the time to upgrade your sound with the Bose SoundLink Plus Bluetooth speaker and QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) going at massive markdowns.

I was so excited when it came time for me to buy my first TV, and I unfortunately let that excitement get away from me a little bit. I ended up with the opportunity to get a fairly new curved Samsung TV for an absolute bargain. Back then, the technology was still new, and I got swept up in all the marketing jargon. I didn't know that it would end up making watching TV in my living room so incredibly frustrating.

ChatGPT is preparing to give users one fewer tab to think about.

OpenAI plans to merge ChatGPT's Chat and Work tabs into a single experience, bringing everyday conversations and more complex tasks into the same place. The company outlined the change in an email to users, according to TechCrunch, with a limited test planned before a wider rollout.

Currently, OpenAI describes Chat as the place for everyday questions and conversational help, while Work handles longer tasks, including research, analyzing information, and creating documents, presentations, and websites. The desktop app also includes a separate Codex experience for coding, which will remain separate after the merger.

SEE ALSO: CapCut is adding a ChatGPT plugin. See it in action.

"This will enable you to move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through, all in one place," OpenAI reportedly said in the email. Users will be able to bring in files and plugins while reviewing and guiding its work.

The interface change also comes with an update that paid subscribers may want to keep an eye on.

Starting in December, Plus, Pro, and Business plans will have a shared usage allowance across ChatGPT and Codex, according to OpenAI's updated support page. Usage will be measured in tokens, the units of information AI models process and generate. More demanding tasks and advanced models will generally consume more of that allowance.

There is an exception, though. OpenAI says Instant chat won't draw from the shared allowance. The company expects most users won’t have to wait for their limits to reset more often than they currently do. Subscribers will be able to check their combined remaining usage and reset times in Settings under Usage. Once they reach a limit, the listed options include waiting for a reset, upgrading, or buying credits for eligible features.

The rollout will test whether bringing those tools into the main chat increases their use. If asking a quick question turns into handing off an entire project, subscribers may find themselves paying closer attention to what their plan covers.

Disclosure: Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis, sued OpenAI in April 2025, alleging copyright infringement related to the training and operation of its AI systems.

I thought the early Black Friday headphones deals were starting out strong a couple of weeks ago, but I doubted the power of early November.

Though we still have a little over three weeks to go until Black Friday proper on Nov. 27, headphones brands have decided Black Friday starts now, if their price cuts are anything to go by. Take, for instance, the 45% discount on the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones (released just this past August, btw). Prefer a flagship model? No problem, the Sony WH-1000XM6 — our top pick for premium sound — are available for $82 off.

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

As someone who tests headphones year-round and is heading into her sixth year covering Black Friday at Mashable, I only write about deals that are actual deals. That means double-checking accurate list prices, using my price history knowledge from looking at headphone product listings literally every time I open my work laptop, and using price tracking tools where there may be gaps in my knowledge. This year, my criteria also include an awareness of price increases that have affected nearly every area of tech.

With all of that in mind, those two aforementioned deals — and the ones you'll find below — are the absolute best headphones deals you'll find ahead of Black Friday. And when more inevitably crop up as the shopping holiday draws closer, you'll be sure to find them on this list.

Best early Black Friday headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) $199 at Amazon
$359 Save $160   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The second gen Bose QuietComfort headphones are one of my favorite headphone releases of 2026. Though the $359 price tag does sit on the higher end of mid-range, these headphones eke ever closer to the performance of the QC Ultra headphones, which cost $459. Their all-day comfort, spatial audio, and excellent ANC are reasons to invest, especially at this price point. Though audiophiles will probably be happier with the Sony XM4C (you can read my full breakdown of how these two headphones compare), at the time of writing, the Sony headphones clock in at $248, making the Bose headphones the best buy ahead of Black Friday.

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) headphones.

More early Black Friday headphones deals

• Sony WH-CH530 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)

• Sony WH-CH720N — $88 $179.99 (save $91.99)

• Marshall Major V — $89.99 $159.99 (save $70)

• Sony WH-CH730N — $128 $179.99 (save $51.99)

• Nothing Headphone (a) — $129 $199 (save $70)

• Nothing Headphone (1) — $199 $299 (save $100)

• Marshall Monitor III — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198 $399.99 (save $201.99)

• Sony WH-1000XM4C — $248 $299.99 (save $51.99 with on-page coupon)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) — $369 $449 (save $80)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $449 $549 (save $100)

Cloud-based LLMs such as Claude and ChatGPT may be impressive, but your prompts are all processed on someone else's servers. Local LLMs offer privacy, but the more capable models require powerful hardware to run. Even if you can only run small LLMs at home, you can make them much more accurate by giving them offline access to Wikipedia and other data.

I have a bad habit of opening certain apps whenever I pick up my phone — even when I have no real reason to check them. I’ve tried ignoring notifications and setting app timers, but neither has stopped me from going back for another scroll. I’ve scrolled straight through lunchtime without even realizing it.

Many websites and online platforms use Cloudflare in order to properly handle web traffic. Cloudflare has become so ubiquitous that the few times the company's services have gone down, a significant portion of the internet goes down with it. 

Hackers are very aware of this and are now rolling out new cyber attacks that impersonate Cloudflare in order to trick unsuspecting internet users into giving these cyber criminals unauthorized access to their computers.

One such attack, according to reports, weaponizes Cloudflare's verification pages, often found on websites to prove a user is human and not a bot, in a ClickFix campaign. The newly discovered attack was recently discovered by cybersecurity researchers at the SANS Technology Institute's Internet Storm Center. 

ClickFix campaigns are cyber attacks that rely on social engineering tactics. There are no software or hardware security flaws involved. There isn't even a harmful file that a user was tricked into downloading. An unsuspecting victim is simply tricked into copying and executing malicious commands on their own device, which can download malware or provide the hacker with access.

SEE ALSO: Hackers find a way to turn users' own AI agents and Downloads folders against them

In this specific newly discovered attack, users visit a website that has already been compromised by the hacker. After clicking the Cloudflare verification box to prove they are human, the user is told that the process is taking longer than usual. The user does not know that this Cloudflare verification box is a fake, set up by the hacker.

The prompt informs the user that to speed up the process, they need to follow the directions on the screen and run a specific command. This is where the hacker then gains access.

According to the report, a different set of instructions appears to users based on whether they access the website through a PC running Windows or a Mac. The report lists requests that appear intended to track information such as the visitor's location and IP address.

The report states that this attack has been rolled out across multiple compromised websites.

Users should know of the ordinary verification methods, such as clicking verification boxes or completing a CAPTCHA. A user should never open up their terminal or Run box to complete a human-verification check.

TL;DR: As of Nov. 2, you can get the Hisense 100-inch U8 Mini-LED 4K Google TV for $2,799.99, down from $3,999.99. That's a 30% discount, or $1,200 in savings.

Hisense 100-inch U8 Mini-LED 4K Google TV $2,799.99 at Amazon
$3,999.99 Save $1,200   Get Deal at Amazon

Football season is a pretty good excuse to want a bigger TV. Whether it’s a good excuse to buy a 100-inch TV is between you and whoever has to help you get it into the house. But if you’ve already committed to the idea, you don’t have to wait until Black Friday to find a deal.

SEE ALSO: What's the best time to buy a TV? The 4 optimal sale windows, including Black Friday.

Right now, the Hisense 100-inch U8 Mini-LED 4K Google TV is 30% off at Amazon, bringing the price down to $2,799.99 from its $3,999.99 list price. That’s $1,200 in savings — which doesn’t make it cheap, but does make it a little easier to justify before your next watch party.

The U8 has an anti-reflection screen treatment designed to reduce glare during afternoon games. Its Mini-LED backlight uses local dimming for better contrast, while Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ support come in handy when you switch from football to movies. It also has Google TV for streaming and a built-in sound system with a subwoofer, up-firing speakers, and Dolby Atmos support. Just measure your space before you hit “Add to cart.”

Some people spent Halloween dressed as their favorite movie characters. Others turned a chatbot's usage limit into a costume.

Tech inspired some particularly specific Halloween posts this year, from oversized AI logos with error messages to a T-shirt referencing a cybersecurity incident. Even the couples' costumes got the Silicon Valley treatment; many posted alongside the tagline "I hate SF Halloween," followed by an explanation of a reference that probably wouldn’t land at every party.

Here are a few of the looks and jokes that caught our attention.

SEE ALSO: Here are some the internet's best Halloween costumes ChatGPT, with a water break before every answer This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Ask a question, wait for an answer — and first, watch someone take a drink. These takes on a ChatGPT costume came with a running bit: the person playing the chatbot had to stop for water before responding. It's a very clever dig at the water used to cool some of the data centers behind AI.

Some costumes also featured a fuzzy black-and-white logo with a message-limit warning, and a "Get Pro" button on the front. Even 2026 Halloween costumes are trying to sell an upgrade.

Claude, when the conversation ends early This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

ChatGPT wasn't the only chatbot that got a costume. Anyone who has hit a chatbot’s usage limit mid-Claude task will get this version. In a post on X, user Joseph Henry also featured a "Daily limit reached" sign on his orange, furry Claude costume.

"just won scariest costume," he wrote.

Creator Delia Lazarescu, who posts as @tech.unicorn, shared a similar look, crediting Claude for the "emotional damage." Apparently, nothing ruins the mood quite like a chatbot telling someone to come back later.

A data center, obviously This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"dressed as the scariest thing I could think of…a data center!!!!!!" one Instagram user wrote, wearing a cardboard box with wires.

Given how much anxiety surrounds the AI boom, a data center makes a pretty timely Halloween choice. It also leaves plenty of room to stay in character by (also) demanding more water.

Alexandr Wang and Muse This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Forget dressing as a celebrity couple. A post from @sonofalli offered a very Silicon Valley alternative — Alexandr Wang and Muse.

For anyone who hasn't been following along, Wang is Meta’s chief AI officer, and Muse is the company’s personal AI agent. It’s the sort of pairing that makes sense at a tech party and probably needs a little explaining everywhere else.

A cybersecurity scare on a T-shirt This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

At first glance, this is just a black T-shirt with a big "4" on the back. The post from @beffjezos provides context: it references the compromised private keys used by the digital certificate provider eMudhra.

Cloudflare explained that the affected keys were so weak they could be recovered almost instantly from public certificates. The shirt frames its giant numeral with private-key text and lists other small numbers on the front.

Easy enough to wear. Slightly harder to explain over party music.

The jokes got even more specific This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

And then there were the references that really required some homework. Melissa Chen shared an image of her friend dressing up as the visualization of OpenAI's proposed Navier–Stokes solution, while @ElizaKosoy's post referenced an AI escaping its sandbox in a Hugging Face incident.

Best Early Black Friday Target Deals Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort $169.99 (Save $190) Get Deal Best Vacuum Deal iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Creami 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker $199.99 (save $30) Get Deal

Black Friday is on. Even though the big day doesn't come around until after Thanksgiving, all the retailers are jumping on early deals now that Halloween has wrapped. We've spotted some great savings at Target.

The retailer has launched tons of deals, especially on tech. We've found lots of savings on Apple, including deals on AirPods and iPads. So no matter what you're looking for, whether it be headphones, TVs, air fryers, or vacuums, there's plenty of early Black Friday deals to start shopping at Target.

Best Early Black Friday Apple Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Target Why we like it

If you're on the hunt for Apple deals, we like this deal on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds. Ahead of Black Friday, the earbuds are down to $199.99. While that's not the lowest price ever on the earbuds, it's still a decent $50 discount.

If you want to hold out, we suspect they'll get a bigger discount once Black Friday kicks off.

More early Black Friday Apple deals

• Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) — $23.99 $29.99 (save $6)

• Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99.99 $129 (save $29.01)

• Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $399.99 $449.99 (save $50)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $474.99 $549.99 (save $75)

• Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) — $559.99 $599.99 (save $40)

Best Early Black Friday Target Tech Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort $169.99 at Target
$359.99 Save $190   Get Deal at Target Why we like it

Bose debuted the second generation of its QuietComfort headphones this year but the first gen of Bose's QuietComfort headphones are still top-notch quality. Plus, you can get them for an insane discount ahead of Black Friday. Right now, shop them for $169.99, which saves you an astounding $190 off the $359.99 price tag.

There's a huge selection of tech on sale now, so make sure to explore all the savings ahead of Black Friday.

More early Black Friday Tech deals

Headphones

• Sony WH-CH530 — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

• Beats Solo 4 — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• Beats Studio Pro — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)

• Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) — $219.99 $359.99 (save $140)

Earbuds

• Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 — $39 $49.49 (save $10.49)

• Nothing Ear (3a) — $79 $99.99 (save $20.99)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 —$199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)

Smartwatches and fitness trackers

• Fitbit Inspire 3 — $69.95 $99.95 (save $30)

• Fitbit Versa 4 — $159.95 $199.95 (save $40)

• Garmin Vivoactive 5 — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)

• Fitbit Sense 2 — $199.95 $249.95 (save $50)

• Google Pixel Watch 5 LTE — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)

Speaker and soundbar

• TCL S45H S Class 2.0 Soundbar — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Google Home Speaker — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• JBL Charge 6 — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar — $899.99 $1,099.99 (save $200)

TVs

• Samsung 55-inch Crystal Series 4K TV — $249.99 $329.99 (save $60)

• Samsung 50-inch M70H Mini LED 4K TV — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)

• Samsung 55-inch The Frame LS03HE UHD 4K TV — $899.99 $1,199.99 (save $300)

Best Early Black Friday Target Vacuum Deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

There's no better gift to give yourself or someone you love, than the gift of clean floors. Especially, when you don't need to lift a finger yourself. That's why we think this deal on the iRobot Roomba Plus 575 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop is not to miss ahead of Black Friday.

The combo vacuum and mop is now on sale for $499.99, which saves you $300 off its $799.99 list price. That's nearly half off, which reaches every little crevice of your floors and even around furniture. Plus, with included mop pads, it will scrub your floors too.

More early Black Friday vacuum deals

• Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum — $124.99 $199.99 (save $75)

• Shark Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop — $169.99 $319.99 (save $150)

• Shark Rotator Pet Lift-Away Upright Vacuum — $189.99 $399.99 (save $210)

• Shark Matrix RV2310AE Robot Vacuum — $249.99 $499.99 (save $250)

• Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum — $269.99 $599.99 (save $330)

• Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Vacuum — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• iRobot Roomba Plus 415 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop — $379.99 $599.99 (save $220)

Best Early Black Friday Target Kitchen Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker $199.99 at Target
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal at Target Why we like it

Who says ice cream is only for summer? If you want sweet frozen treats all year long, you need the Ninja Creami. It's on sale ahead of Black Friday and already $30 off. That brings it under $200, which is a steal.

It's the ultimate kitchen gadget for those with a sweet tooth because it provides homemade ice cream on command. With this deal, you'll be meal prepping pints so you can have ice cream all week.

More early Black Friday kitchen deals

• Keurig K-Mini Go Coffee Maker — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Ninja BlendBoss Tumbler Blender — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)

• Cuisinart Air Fryer and Toaster — $99.99 $229.99 (save $130)

• Keurig K-Supreme Gen 2 Coffee Maker — $109.99 $169.99 (save $60)

• Ninja Flip Toaster Oven and Air Fryer — $139.99 $249.99 (save $110)

• Ninja Crispi 5-in-1 Air Fryer — $184.99 $219.99 (save $35)

• Ninja DoubleStack 2-Basket Air Fryer — $189.99 $219.99 (save $30)

• KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Ninja Double Oven Pro Countertop Oven and Air Fryer — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

Like many tech writers, I spend a ridiculous amount of time sitting in front of my computer monitor. On any given workday, I typically start before sunrise, and it's not unusual for me to finish just after sunset. I need to do whatever I can to protect my aging eyes, and dark mode has become one of the ways I make the long hours in front of my computer monitors more comfortable.

Best early Black Friday iPhone deals at a glance Best free iPhone deal iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) $0 (save $1,199.99) Get Deal Best unlocked iPhone deal iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) $799.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best refurbished iPhone deal iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) $549.99 (save $349.01) Get Deal

Black Friday is still weeks away, but the deals aren't waiting until after pumpkin pie. If you've been squeaking by with a phone that won't hold a charge, has a cracked screen, or has slowed down considerably, it's worth an upgrade.

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

Ready to capture your new favorite holiday memoires, iPhones have become the gold standard for anyone who's in the Apple sphere. Mashable considers the iPhone 17 to be the best iPhone for most people. But if you're not looking to pay the full sticker price, we have some solutions. As an early Black Friday treat, we've rounded up the best iPhone deals to snag today.

Best free iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) $0 at T-Mobile
$1,199.99 Save $1,199.99   Get Deal at T-Mobile Why we like it

Noted as the best iPhone for photography by Mashable, the iPhone 18 Pro is a great phone to snag ahead of the holidays. When signing on for a T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan, you can get the phone for free with 36 months of bill credits. It's also worth checking out T-Mobile's trade-in offer to see if you'll qualify for the free phone. This deal also applies to larger storage options if you tend to need more space.

Best unlocked iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) $799.99 at Best Buy
$829.99 Save $30   Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

If you don't need the newest iPhone model, consider buying the iPhone 16 Plus while it's $30 off at Best Buy. The 6.7-inch display is great for watching videos and reading e-mails. In Mashable's testing, the phone got about 19 hours of battery life per charge and the Ceramic Shield material is a plus for anyone who tends to drop their phone. Plus, the colorway options on the iPhone 16 Plus are pretty awesome.

Best refurbished iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Plus (128GB) $549.99 at Best Buy
$899 Save $349.01   Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

Certified by Best Buy to be in excellent condition, you can grab a refurbished iPhone 15 Plus just under $550. Best Buy has tested the phone to have minimal visible wear with no scratched on the screen and hold at least 80% of the original battery capacity. Apple launched the iPhone 15 series in 2023, but it'll still be a great option if you're looking for an affordable model.

Best early Black Friday grooming deals at a glance: Best electric shaver deal Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 $67.96 (save $82.03) Get Deal Best razor deal Amazon Basics 5-Blade MotionSphere Men's Razor (1 Handle + 16 Cartridges) $20.06 (save $3.61) Get Deal Best waxing kit deal GiGi All Purpose Waxing Kit $59.71 (save $5.29) Get Deal

As a woman of Italian descent (who also happens to have hormonal issues), I’m no stranger to unwanted hair growth. I’ve tried hair removal creams, wax strips, the fanciest razors money could buy, and, most recently, IPL devices. And despite my best efforts to find one thing that does it all, keeping my skin smooth and hairless takes a combination of tools. Apparently, this is a group project.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is dropping early Black Friday beauty tech deals way ahead of schedule

It’s also an expensive one. Between replacing razors and buying a device that promises less shaving in the future, the cost of grooming adds up. Throw in the pink tax, and I’d rather wait for a sale than pay full price for the privilege of removing hair I didn’t ask for.

Luckily, Amazon has been dropping early Black Friday grooming deals for the past few weeks, so there’s no need to wait until after Thanksgiving to see what’s on sale. Whether you’re trying to get ahead of ingrown hairs, keep a beard in check, or finally commit to IPL, these are the best early Black Friday grooming deals to shop right now. I’ll keep updating this list as prices change, so you can spend a little less on the upkeep.

Best Black Friday electric shaver deal Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 $67.96 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $82.03   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

I haven’t personally tried this electric shaver (or any electric shaver, honestly), but I have enough men in my family to know Philips Norelco is a familiar name in the bathroom. Right now, the Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 is $67.96 at Amazon, down from its $149.99 list price. That’s $82.03 in savings, or about 55% off — which makes this a much more affordable holiday gift.

Electric shavers can make great gifts for husbands, dads, brothers, and uncles, but this one is specifically for someone who keeps their head shaved. Its 360-degree flexing head is designed to follow the contours of the scalp, including those awkward spots around the back that you can’t see without some assistance. Philips also says its sensor adjusts the shaving power based on hair density, so you don’t have to fiddle with settings as you go.

It works wet or dry, including in the shower, and offers up to 90 minutes of cordless shaving on a one-hour charge. Bonus: The package also includes a rinsing stand, extra replacement blades, a handheld mirror, and a hard travel case, so you’re getting more than a shaver tossed in a box.

More electric shaver deals

• Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Hybrid Face Trimmer and Shaver — $29.96 $39.99 (save $10.03)

• Braun Series 5 — $64.97 $74.94 (save $9.97)

• Braun Series 5 (Charge Center, Precision Trimmer Attachment, Replacement Shaver Head) — $119.94 $144.99 (save $25.05)

Best Black Friday razor deal Amazon Basics 5-Blade MotionSphere Men's Razor (1 Handle + 16 Cartridges) $19.06 at Amazon
$23.67 Save $4.61   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Razors are expensive, and if I’m being totally honest, I usually snag some from my mom’s whenever I’m visiting. I personally use Harry’s (yes, it’s a “man’s” razor), but if you’re looking to stock up without spending a fortune, Amazon Basics has a budget-friendly option. Right now, its 5-Blade MotionSphere Men’s Razor comes with one handle and 16 cartridges for $20.06, down from $23.67. That’s 15% off, or $3.61 in savings — not a huge discount, but a pretty affordable stash of replacement blades.

More deals on razors

• Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplane Razor (3 Count) — $4.49 $7.49 (save $3)

• Gillette ProGlide Razor Refills (8 Count) — $26.99 $34.99 (save $8)

• Schick Hydro Sensitive 5-Blade Razor (1 Handle + 17 Cartridges) — $34.26 $40.25 (save $5.99)

Best Black Friday waxing deal GiGi All Purpose Waxing Kit $59.70 at Amazon
$65 Save $5.30   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Buying a wax kit comes down to personal preference, and my mom and I are proof of that. I prefer my Wakse Melting Pot because the wax hardens and you pull it off without messing with those little strips of fabric. My mom prefers her GiGi wax warmer and the kind of wax you remove with strips. Both get the job done; we just have different opinions about how we’d like to rip out our unwanted hair.

Unfortunately, my Wakse pick isn’t on sale, but the GiGi All Purpose Waxing Kit is $59.71 at Amazon, down from its $65 list price. That’s about 8% off, or $5.29 in savings. It’s not a huge markdown, but if you already prefer strip waxing, it’s a chance to spend a little less on a full setup.

The kit includes a wax warmer, a 14-ounce can of All Purpose Honee soft wax, applicators, and muslin strips in different sizes for face and body waxing. You also get pre-wax cleanser and powder, wax remover, and an after-wax lotion, so you won’t have to buy all the extras separately just to get started. To be clear, this wax doesn’t harden into a strip you can peel off on its own — you’ll need those included muslin strips to remove it.

More waxing deals

• Tress Wellness - Waxing Sticks (150 Count) — $5.99 $10.99 (save $5)

• GiGi Hair Removal Wax Warmer — $29.90 $39.99 (save $10.09)

More grooming deals

• INNZA IPL Hair Removal Device — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Bare It IPL Hair Removal Device — $149.99 $199 (save $49.01)

• Braun IPL Pro 5 — $279.94 $319.99 (save $40.50)

• Nood Flasher Pro — $299 $399 (save $100)

Most messaging apps rely on internet connections, cellular networks, and remote servers to deliver your messages. End-to-end encryption protects message content, but you still depend on a service to handle communication. If you want to exchange messages without relying on conventional messaging infrastructure, inexpensive radio hardware offers another option.

Save 45%: As of Nov. 2, grab the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) headphones for just $199 at Amazon, Bose, and Best Buy. This $160 price dip marks a new record low for the headphones, which usually go for $359.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen) $199 at Amazon, Bose, and Best Buy
$359 Save $160   Get Deal at Amazon, Bose, and Best Buy

Going into my sixth year covering Black Friday at Mashable, I knew early headphones deals could be great during the holiday shopping season. I did not expect one of my favorite headphones launches of the year to get a nearly 50% discount over three weeks before the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Here's the situation: the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones dropped in August as the brand's latest mid-range release (and a pretty impressive one, at that). These headphones saw a modest $40 markdown during October Prime Day, but Black Friday can be a popular time for brands to pull out the first major discount of a product's lifespan. That said, it's pretty unusual for a 45% markdown, which is exactly what the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) headphones received at Amazon, Bose, and Best Buy.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

To put this into context, these headphones are now $50 cheaper than the sale price of the other major new mid-range headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4C. This is especially notable as the Sony headphones at full price are $60 cheaper than the Bose headphones at full price, which was a significant part of the reason I found the Sonys to have an edge over the Boses in my head to head testing of the two headphones.

They're also just $30 more than the previous generation of QuietComfort headphones' sale price, which have a slightly bulkier design, less plush ear cushioning, no spatial audio, and less sophisticated noise-cancelling tech.

All of this to say, if this was the price that popped up on Black Friday proper for these headphones, I'd be thrilled. The fact that it's here three weeks in advance is the biggest possible cherry on top. If you're shopping for a student, commuter, work from home warrior, or simply yourself this holiday season, these will be one of the best value headphones you can find, especially if you're looking for killer noise cancellation and some of the best comfort money can buy. The deal is limited to the mint, green, and taupe colorways, but if you can live with that, you'll make out like a bandit.

SpaceX is eyeing the possibility of creating a fourth national mobile service carrier in the United States. To better accomplish this, the rocket company is looking into buying or leasing Boost Mobile's current network, according to the Washington Post. This comes on the heels of reports that CEO Elon Musk has been in talks with other cellular carriers so he can add cell phone and related services to his business portfolio.

Druski has spent years building a comedy empire on the internet. Now, he's taking it to Netflix.

On Monday, Nov. 2, Netflix announced a multi-year deal with the comedian and his production company, 4LIFERS Entertainment, to develop original programming exclusively for the streaming platform. The partnership kicks off Dec. 1 with Collect & Praise, a semi-scripted comedy series that expands one of Druski's most popular viral characters into a full-fledged television production.

And if you've ever watched Druski's megachurch pastor sketches, you already know this congregation is about to be a mess.

In Collect & Praise, Druski plays a money-hungry megachurch pastor who, alongside his unpredictable deacon (played by Mike Epps), schemes his way through scandals, chaos, and controversy. The series builds on a character who has already found an online audience, bringing Druski's signature brand of absurd, character-driven comedy to a longer format.

SEE ALSO: Is Druski hosting 'SNL'? Here's why it would be a big deal for internet creators.

It's a natural next step for the Atlanta-born comedian, whose career has been defined by his ability to turn internet jokes into something much bigger. From his viral sketches to his chaotic Coulda Been Records auditions, Druski has developed a recognizable comedic universe with recurring characters, running jokes, and an audience eager to participate in the bit.

It's his ability to turn internet comedy into a cultural phenomenon that earned him a spot on the Mashable 101, our annual list of creators to watch.

And Netflix isn't just interested in what he'll make next. As part of the agreement, the streamer will also license select titles from his existing catalog, including Coulda Been Love, Coulda Been Daddy, Coulda Been Records Auditions, and his comedy sketches.

"I've built my platform by creating characters and comedy that resonate with people," Druski said in a statement. "This partnership with Netflix will give me the resources to build on that comedy foundation and bring my work to a new global audience."

The deal reflects a broader shift in entertainment, as streaming platforms increasingly look to digital creators who have already demonstrated their ability to attract and sustain audiences. Druski isn't arriving at Netflix hoping to find an audience. He's bringing one with him, along with the characters and creative identity that made him successful in the first place.

The announcement also arrives during a particularly big moment in Druski's career. Earlier this year, Rolling Stone named him the most influential creator of 2026. He's also set to host Saturday Night Live on Nov. 7, just weeks before Collect & Praise premieres.

For Druski, the Netflix partnership represents an opportunity to expand what he's already built without necessarily leaving behind the internet comedy that made him famous.

And for Netflix, it's a chance to tap into a creator whose audience has been following his characters long before they had a streaming deal.

Collect & Praise premieres Dec. 1 on Netflix.

Competition in the PC silicon industry has heated up the last few years with the arrival of Apple and Qualcomm on the scene. Now, NVIDIA has joined the fray with its new RTX Spark platform, pairing a beefy Arm64 CPU with NVIDIA's industry-leading Blackwell GPU. It's no wonder the Yoga Pro 9n is among the first to showcase RTX Spark's undeniable power, as Lenovo knows how to make a killer laptop. Between the sky-high pricing and the RTX Spark specializing specifically in artificial intelligence, though, there's only a small group of people that should realistically consider buying this laptop. On the bright side, those people should be happy.

Whether they've carved out a content career for themselves or they simply dream of one day going viral, the creator in your life is sure to appreciate any one of the gifts on this list. From microphones that will capture crisp audio, to task lights to help them appear bright and professional, these are the tools that will help grow their audience and stop the scroll. We've consulted actual creators to assemble this collection of gear recommendations, so whether they're filming #GRWM videos, posting on #BookTok, hosting a podcast, or more, these gifts are sure to have a wide reach.