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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box is on sale for $242.99 at Amazon, down from its $254.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Display Box $242.99 at Amazon
$254.99 Save $12   Preorder at Amazon

Pokémon TCG's Delta Reign expansion finally launches tomorrow, but Amazon has managed to squeeze in one last preorder discount on its 36-pack Booster Display Box. As of Nov. 5, the Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Booster Display Box is down to just $242.99 at Amazon, cutting $12 off its $254.99 list price.

That's $7 cheaper than the $249.99 preorder deal we covered on Nov. 3, and $27 less than Amazon's original preorder price of $269.95.

Now at its lowest-ever price on Amazon (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel), this latest deal comes from third-party seller BetterShopping4You, with free delivery currently scheduled for Nov. 12. That's six days after Delta Reign's Nov. 6 release, so keep in mind that you won't actually be opening your packs on launch day.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection is live at Amazon: Preorder now

At Amazon's reduced rate, you're spending roughly $6.75 per booster, with 360 random Pokémon cards to unpack across all 36 packs, excluding Energy and code cards.

Delta Reign is about to bring over 140 cards to the TCG, including new iterations of Mega Rayquaza ex, Mega Golurk ex, Mega Malamar ex, and Mega Golisopod ex, alongside three new Legendary Stadiums and plenty of high-rarity trading cards for collectors to chase.

Google Pixel phones tend to hit maturity a few years after launch, as bugfixes and updates slowly fix and add functionality. Still, you may find that you're envious of all the cool new features Google has introduced on newer Pixel devices.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Nov. 5, the Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen IonCurl 5-in-1 Hair Styler is back to its lowest-ever price of $249 at Amazon. That's $100.99 off its full price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen IonCurl 5-in-1 Hair Styler, Curler & Dryer $249 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100.99   Get Deal at Amazon

Seasonal sale events are kicking off, and if beauty products and tech are on your holiday wishlist, it's a great time to shop.

With early Black Friday deals dropping and events like Sephora's fall Savings Event kicking off, there's already plenty to browse. One item that's caught our eye is the Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen IonCurl, which is back to its lowest-ever price of $249 at Amazon.

This is just over $100 off its full price at the retailer and matches Sephora's discount as part of its Savings Event. If you're part of the latter's Beauty Insider rewards program, you can save even more on this device right now, but if you're not signed up or not interested, this base offer is definitely worth jumping on. Amazon's deal is only available for a limited time, so act fast to scoop it up.

SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best deals

This is an exciting offer to see for a device that was released just a few months ago. It's an impressive model, allowing you to get defined curls without any heat damage thanks to Coanda auto-wrap curlers, plus drying with ion-powered airflow and general hair styling. For the latter, it comes with extra attachments, including a FrizzFighter high-shine polisher, an oval brush, and a styling concentrator, alongside the curlers.

Another highlight of the Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen IonCurl is its Scalp Shield Mode, which can be activated during drying to help regulate temperature and protect your hair. It also has an AirSet button that can pause airflow or deliver a cool burst of air to hold your style in place.

This limited-time offer won't be available for long, so act fast to save on the Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen IonCurl at Amazon.

The Daily Show's Michael Kosta had a lot to unpack from this week's midterm elections, but he made sure to spend a moment roasting Elon Musk, whose large spending on the election failed to get him any of the results he wanted.

"Poor Elon. Half a billion dollars and absolutely nothing to show for it. That could have been three whole days of child support for him," says Kosta in the clip above.

"Although I'd like to thank him for making the rest of us look great with money, right? Now when my wife is mad that I bought that new WaveRunner I can be like, 'Well at least I didn't spend $500 million trying to get a sloppy pervert elected in Texas.'"

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SAVE $4.08: As of Nov. 5, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Collectible Cards are on sale for $43.80 at Amazon. That's a 9% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kayou Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Collectible Cards $43.80 at Amazon
$47.88 Save $4.08   Get Deal at Amazon

If you're a fan of Demon Slayer or know someone who is, these collectible trading cards could be a fun addition to a collection.

The Infinity Castle Edition Series 1 box contains 12 packs, with three cards in each, giving you 36 cards to open, collect, and trade. Normally priced at $47.88, as of Nov. 5, you can get a $4.08 discount on this set, bringing the cost down to $43.80. According to camelcamelcamel, this is the best-ever price for these trading cards.

This booster box is a trading card collection featuring artwork inspired by the popular anime show, including iconic characters and key moments from the Infinity Castle story arc. There are multiple rarity levels to discover, with character cards and rarer pulls randomly assorted, so it's worth noting that specific cards aren't guaranteed.

Every box also includes one random PR Promo card. With Christmas fast approaching, it's a great addition to a Demon Slayer collection or a gift for anime and trading card fans.

You can find this deal at Amazon right now.

You may have heard by now that Nintendo has remade mighty '90s classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The reimagining of this 1998 Nintendo 64 adventure game for Switch 2 includes many major and minor changes, not all of them created equal.

With the Ocarina remake on shelves now, I wanted to highlight a handful of differences that stood out to me while playing. Some of them are fun, others are frustrating, and some defy that sort of categorization entirely. Without wasting any more time, let's dive in.

SEE ALSO: Review: The 'Ocarina of Time' remake is gorgeous, but plays it a little too safe A good change: Some boss fights are different Stop looking at me like that. Credit: Nintendo

I'm not going to be too specific about this change because the game literally just came out and I don't want to ruin the experience for folks.

That said, you should know going in that Nintendo chose to alter several of Ocarina's legendary boss fights with new attacks, animations, and more. It's one of the most exciting elements of the new game for me, as it adds a sense of novelty to the adventure that is otherwise lacking, owing to the game's status as a remake. Every time a well-known boss fight swerved and surprised me, I had a huge grin on my face.

A bad change: They nerfed the hookshot Hookshot targets generally look like this now. Credit: Nintendo

One of the best puzzle-solving items in the entire Zelda series is the hookshot, a straight-shooting grapple gun that can easily zip Link between points. Ocarina was not the first game to incorporate the hookshot, but it did expand the tool's usefulness with an extended targeting range and a wide variety of surfaces to which the hookshot can attach, such as wooden treasure chests and the rooftops of Kakariko Village.

Unfortunately, that philosophy has not been entirely maintained in the Switch 2 remake. Most grapple points remain intact, but many have been changed from natural-feeling features like tree branches to clearly marked targets. I don't mind that change so much as I mind the fact that the hookshot can no longer grapple onto Kakariko's rooftops. This greatly reduces Link's ability to move around the village and just makes the game less fun for no discernible reason.

A weird change: You can't aim in first-person anymore

In 2005, Resident Evil 4 set a template for third-person, over-the-shoulder aiming cameras that pretty much every mainstream video game nowadays deploys, including the Ocarina remake. When aiming items like the hookshot, bow, or boomerang in the new Switch 2 release, the camera sits behind Link, slightly offset so his character model doesn't get in the way. You can also aim using gyro controls as a nice bonus.

This point of view works just fine and may be more familiar to younger Zelda fans used to the aiming functionality in 2017's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, however, I do miss being able to zoom in with a first-person lens to examine Link's surroundings up close. It's kind of a bummer in the opening Kokiri Forest area, where you can no longer get a good look at the stick drawing on the trunk of Link's treehouse.

A good change: Rupees are way more important now Pleased to meet you! Credit: Nintendo

I wouldn't say that rupees (the currency in every Zelda game) are totally superfluous in the original Ocarina of Time. After all, you need 40 of them to bypass an early-game obstacle, and some important mini-games require small sums in order to participate. You can also use them to stock up on supplies like arrows and health potions, but frankly, the original version doled out those things generously enough to render that unnecessary.

While I would say Ocarina on Switch 2 is easier overall, the developers did add some new incentives to hoard rupees and collect Gold Skulltula tokens in order to expand the size of Link's wallet. Specifically, the Great Fairies who provide Link with game-changing upgrades now ask for sizable monetary donations before they'll hand over the good stuff. In the original game, the upgrades were free, but some of them cost hundreds of rupees in the remake.

I like this change because it gives players a reason to more fully engage with optional content and wring as much fun out of the reimagined game as possible.

A bad change: Cutscenes are voiced and too long Some sequences just go on a bit too long. Credit: Nintendo

I talked about this in my review, so I'll keep it brief here, but major story cutscenes in the Ocarina remake have been expanded with full voice acting for every character except for Link. The acting itself is a little cartoonish, which adequately fits the vibe, but also comes across as slightly cheesy at times.

More importantly, though, this makes some cutscenes last longer than they might have if they were broken up by text boxes, as they were in the original. Maybe someone can do a proper stopwatch comparison, but it at least felt like the Ocarina remake seized cutscene control for lengthier periods of time than the N64 version did.

A weird change: The day/night cycle works differently Nighttime looks great, though. Credit: Nintendo

Lastly, Nintendo has opted to lengthen the day/night cycle in the Ocarina remake. It was very short in the N64 original, as you could hardly cross Hyrule Field on foot without the sun going down and horrible skeleton monsters emerging to ruin your travels.

In the Switch 2 remake, it takes much longer for the sun to rise and set, which has benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, you get more time to enjoy each distinct atmosphere, which gives music lead and sound director Masato Ohashi an excuse to craft new, chilled out nighttime versions of some of Zelda composer Koji Kondo's iconic area themes. Some downsides, however, are that the Hyrule Field drawbridge no longer goes up at night, and it's somewhat more tedious to wait for certain times of day in the few situations where that's necessary.

One last note is that the day/night cycle is now universal, rather than turning off in towns and cities like it did in the original game. That means you get to see NPCs actively move from their daytime positions to their nighttime states in real-time, which is pretty neat.

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New 3D printer models keep coming thick and fast. This can lead to a feeling of FOMO that makes you want to upgrade, but your old printer probably has plenty of life left in it. Unless you’re specifically looking to boost your printing capacity, your money is better spent scratching that maker itch with something else.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collections are back at Amazon: Shop the Day Box for $585 and the Night Box for $649.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (Espeon) $585 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Night (Umbreon) $649.99 at Amazon
  Preorder at Amazon

After stock quickly disappeared for the Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collections on Amazon last week, units have finally reappeared ahead of the Nov. 6 release date. 

As of Nov. 5, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection Day (featuring Espeon) is available for $585 at Amazon. The Night Box (featuring Umbreon) has returned for $649.99. Full disclaimer: both are still coming from third-party sellers, with the Day Box from San Diego Cards and free delivery expected on Nov. 13. The Night Box is sold by House of Cards and Games, with free shipping currently scheduled for Nov. 16.

Compared to the preorder prices we first saw at Amazon ($694.88 for the Day edition and $682.88 for the Night), these are price drops of $109.88 and $32.89, respectively. Of course, that means these are the lowest prices we’ve seen for both boxes — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Both of the Ultra-Premium Collections pack a lot into their 30th anniversary-themed packaging. Along with 29 30th Celebration booster packs, you’ll get a Classic Collection booster pack containing three nostalgic etched cards, plus exclusive foil promos featuring Pikachu ex alongside either Espeon (Day) ex or Umbreon ex (Night).

You'll also get a themed playmat, 65 card sleeves, a deck box, a metal coin, damage-counter dice, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. The Day and Night versions come with their own unique designs, except for the code card. 

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 5, the Google Pixel 10 is on sale for $599 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 $599
$799 Save $200   Get Deal

When the time comes to upgrade your smartphone, you shouldn't have to choose between being locked in a two-year contract and paying an arm and a leg upfront. If you're looking for a new model, Amazon has a great deal on an unlocked Google Pixel 10. Normally $799, it's been discounted by $200 for a limited time, so you can upgrade for just $599. This deal applies to two colorways: indigo and frost.

The new Tensor G5 processor makes this a great smartphone, handling everyday tasks with speed and efficiency while also supporting Google's AI tools. Gemini is built into the phone, giving you an assistant that can answer questions, help you work, and take some of the legwork out of everyday tasks.

The camera is worth shouting about, too. Its triple rear camera system now includes a dedicated 5x telephoto lens, with Super Res Zoom extending magnification up to 20x. Night Sight helps brighten photos taken in darker settings, and Camera Coach offers guidance to help you frame and capture better shots.

And if your phone has a habit of taking the occasional tumble, the Pixel 10 has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to help protect it from scratches, and the IP68 rating means it's protected against dust and water.

This Google Pixel deal is available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 5, the Ninja Luxe Café Mini has hit its lowest-ever price of $399.99 at Amazon. That's $50 off its full price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Mini $399.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

It may be the first week of November, but early Black Friday deals are already popping up. If you're hoping to use this seasonal sale to grab some Ninja appliances for your kitchen, why wait for official sales to start? Amazon already has plenty of deals live. Among them is the Ninja Luxe Café Mini, which can brew you up a warm cup of coffee or espresso this winter for less.

As of Nov. 5, this mini espresso and coffee machine has dropped from its list price of $449.99 to $399.99. That saves you $50 overall, but more importantly, it's the lowest price we've seen at Amazon. So why wait for Black Friday to pick it up? There's no guarantee that we'll see anything better.

SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best deals

The Ninja Luxe Café Mini is a particularly good pickup if you live in a smaller place. While many espresso machines have bulkier builds, this model is more compact. It's actually 30% smaller than the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, according to the store page, measuring 10.2 inches deep, 12.2 inches wide, and 13.4 inches high. You'll be able to enjoy a variety of drinks, including drip coffee, latte, macchiato, cappuccino, plain espresso, or even iced coffee.

The machine also automatically calibrates settings such as grind size, dose, temperature, and pressure through its Barista Assist Technology, making brewing your favorite drinks a little easier. And on top of that, the steam wand helps add the finishing touch to your espresso drinks, allowing you to texture milk for a foamy finish.

If the Ninja Luxe Café Mini has caught your attention, don't miss out on this chance to save at Amazon.

The midterms are over, and the results were pretty decisive.

Jimmy Kimmel has already reacted to the Democrats winning big, but in the clip above he turns his attention to the fallout — including Donald Trump's reaction both online and off.

"He's still our president, and in the face of defeat he is doing what he does best: blaming everyone other than him," says Kimmel in the clip above. "He took shots at the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, he called him a RINO [Republican in Name Only], he went after Fox News for their coverage, and then he resolved himself of all responsibility. He wrote: 'I wasn't on the ballot. And if I was, we would have won in a landslide.'

"Oh shut up, just shut up, please. Give us a break for one day and shut that ridiculous mouth. You are such a spoiled child."

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The best early Black Friday EcoFlow deals: Best budget grab-and-go battery EcoFlow River 3 $249 (Save $50) Get Deal Best for road trips EcoFlow Glacier Classic 55L Portable Fridge Freezer $849 (Save $150) Get Deal Best high-capacity power station EcoFlow Delta 3 Max $878.99 (Save $320.01) Get Deal Best value solar bundle EcoFlow Delta 3 Max + 220W Solar Panel $1,148.99 (Save $570.01) Get Deal Best for whole-home emergency backup EcoFlow Titan 5000 Plus $3,699 (Save $1,300) Get Deal

Black Friday is creeping up earlier every year, and if keeping the lights on through winter storms is on your seasonal checklist, you are in luck.

Early EcoFlow Black Friday deals have officially landed at Amazon and EcoFlow, knocking up to 33% off portable power stations, solar generator bundles, and whole-home battery backup systems through Nov. 18.

Whether you need a compact battery to keep laptops and phones humming on weekend camping trips or a massive multi-kilowatt rig that can run a refrigerator through a prolonged power outage, battery gear rarely comes cheap. EcoFlow's early holiday promotion slashes prices across its entire ecosystem — including deep discounts on flagship heavyweights like the Titan 5000 Plus and versatile workhorses like the Delta 3 Max.

If you are looking to secure backup power before winter arrives, here are our favorite EcoFlow deals worth checking out right now:

Best budget grab-and-go battery Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow River 3 $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

Weighing just 7.8 pounds and 30% smaller than typical alternatives, the EcoFlow River 3 easily fits into a car trunk or closet. Its GaN tech doubles the runtime for sub-100W devices while keeping noise levels under 30 dB, and a 20 ms auto-switch UPS keeps routers and essential devices running during sudden blackouts.

When drained, X-Stream charging tops off the LiFePO4 battery to 100% in 1 hour via a standard wall outlet — no bulky external adapter needed — or in 2.6 hours using solar. Rated for 3,000 cycles across 10 years of use, it is a practical grab-and-go pick for camping trips, tailgates, or stormy weekends.

Best for road trips Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Glacier Classic 55L Portable Fridge Freezer $849 at EcoFlow
$999 Save $150   Get Deal at EcoFlow

Packing a 55-liter storage capacity that holds up to 90 soda cans, the EcoFlow Glacier Classic 55L eliminates the hassle of melting ice and soggy food containers entirely. A true dual-zone compartment lets you set independent temperatures across fresh and frozen sides with up to a 39.6-degree difference, while dense 2-inch foam insulation and superior sealing keep internal conditions steady within 1.8 degrees.

An efficient copper-wire compressor chills contents quickly while drawing low power, and pairing the unit with an optional 298Wh plug-in battery keeps essentials cooled at 39 degrees for up to 39 hours off-grid.

Best high-capacity power station Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 3 Max $878.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $320.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Packing a 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W base output, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max handles heavy-draw essentials like refrigerators, microwaves, and power tools without tripping overloads. For home backup, an ultra-quiet design and a rapid sub-10 ms switchover time protect sensitive desktop electronics and medical gear from sudden outages without missing a beat.

When drained, X-Stream charging powers the long-lasting LiFePO4 battery from empty to 80% in 1.13 hours, getting you road-trip or storm-ready with minimal downtime. Paired with companion app controls to automate charging schedules and monitor output, it offers durable, decade-long power for off-grid cabins, RV travel, or extended household blackouts.

Best value solar bundle Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 3 Max + 220W Solar Panel $1,148.99 at Amazon
$1,719 Save $570.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Pairing a hefty 2,048Wh capacity with a 220W bifacial solar panel, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max bundle provides a reliable, self-refilling power setup for long blackouts or camping trips. It delivers up to 3,400W in X-Boost mode to easily power heavy gear like fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, while an ultra-quiet design and a rapid 10 ms automatic switchover keep essential electronics running without interruption.

Plugging into a regular wall outlet gets the LiFePO4 battery from empty to 80% in 1.13 hours. Off-grid, the two-sided solar panel pulls light from both directions to speed up charging, giving you a simple, phone-monitored power station that can run for days.

Best for whole-home emergency backup Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Titan 5000 Plus $3,699 at Amazon
$4,999 Save $1,300   Get Deal at Amazon

Delivering 7,200W of continuous output and true 120V/240V power, the EcoFlow Titan 5000 Plus can run heavy appliances like a central air unit, a sump pump, and a refrigerator all at once. Its massive 5,017Wh capacity is expandable up to 30kWh with extra batteries, and it carries UL 9540 certification for safe indoor use.

Between storms, it can charge up overnight when electricity rates are lowest, then run your home during expensive peak hours to save you money on your power bill. When storms knock out the grid, it recharges quickly via wall outlets, generators, or up to 8kW of solar, giving you clean, quiet power without gas fumes.

More early Black Friday EcoFlow deals

• EcoFlow Glacier Classic 35L Portable Fridge Freezer — $699 $799 (save $100)

• EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus with 220W Bifacial Solar Panel — $919 $1,189 (save $270)

• EcoFlow Delta 3 Ultra Plus Portable Power Station — $1,599 $2,199 (save $600)

• EcoFlow Titan Classic Portable Power Station — $2,499 $3,299 (save $800)

• EcoFlow Titan Plus Portable Power Station — $3,699 $4,999 (save $1,300)

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Free when you activate a new line on a qualifying T-Mix plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr+ Free when you activate a new line on a qualifying T-Mix plan. Shop Now

Apple recently launched the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo, so why on earth are we talking about anything else? Brace yourself for this shocking news: There are people out there shopping for foldable tech from other brands. That's right. Foldable tech isn't something reserved for Apple fanatics.

And it has never been easier to invest in this tech thanks to T-Mobile. You can pick up Motorola's latest handsets for absolutely nothing. And the process of claiming these free phones is straightforward. You don't even need to trade anything in to qualify:

• Motorola Razr — free when you activate a new line on a qualifying T-Mix plan.

• Motorola Razr+ — free when you activate a new line on a qualifying T-Mix plan.

The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the three-year promotional period, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will also need to pay taxes and a one-time $35 connection charge. That's a minor inconvenience when you consider that you're getting a 2026 phone for "free."

T-Mobile has you sorted with free Motorola Razr deals this week.

SAVE $450: As of Nov. 5, the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for $549.99 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series $549.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $450   Get Deal at Amazon

A big-screen upgrade doesn't have to mean spending a fortune, especially with Amazon deals like the steep discount on the Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series TV.

It gives you a more immersive way to watch your favorite films, shows, sports, and games, and for $450 less than usual. As of Nov. 5, this TV has dropped in price from $999.99 to $549.99. So if you're looking for a new TV, you don't need to wait for Black Friday to get a bargain.

Picture quality is a major selling point for this TV, with its combination of 4K Ultra HD resolution and AI 4K upscaling. It works by bringing out finer details, so older films and TV shows look sharper and more polished. And if you plan to watch a lot of movies, Filmmaker Mode is a feature you'll love. It keeps key elements such as the original aspect ratio, color, and frame rate intact, so you get a viewing experience closer to the director's original vision.

And if you're a gamer or sports fan, there's plenty to impress. A native 144Hz refresh rate works alongside Game Mode and AI Smooth Motion with MEMC technology to keep fast-moving action looking clearer and reduce motion blur.

Get this TV deal from Amazon now.

I like Samsung. The global electronics brand sells great products that can compete with the best. That includes its true wireless Galaxy Buds line. 

But if I’m being honest — which is my main responsibility as a tech reviewer — Samsung has dropped the ball big time with its wireless earbuds.

There was a time when the Galaxy Buds were as popular as Galaxy smartphones. You couldn’t buy one without owning the other, much like AirPods and iPhones. Then the wireless audio market grew. Rivals like Bose, Beats, and Sony started releasing superior Android-compatible alternatives. The exclusive features and effortless connectivity that once made Galaxy Buds a compelling companion to Samsung phones were no longer enough to excite consumers.

Where did it all go wrong for Samsung’s wireless earbuds franchise? To answer that question, we must revisit the past and work our way to the present. All roads lead to the Galaxy Buds 5, Samsung's highly anticipated (and currently rumored) flagship release, with the future of the entire series hanging in the balance.

A peak never repeated

I absolutely love the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. No other entry in the series has matched their overall performance and value. These buds introduced several innovations, including a custom coaxial two-way speaker system, a ridiculously small wireless charging case, and 24-bit Hi-Fi sound via the Samsung Scalable Codec (SSC). They still hold up well against today’s latest releases. 

My Galaxy Buds 2 Pro still hold up. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

That was the last time we saw a pair of Galaxy Buds make serious noise. Sales were solid, reviews were at an all-time high, and Galaxy smartphone users were committed to the company’s expanding wireless audio ecosystem. The future of the Galaxy Buds looked bright.

Then came the series’ Howard Dean moment…

The redesign that ruined everything

Changing the Galaxy Buds’ design from oval to long stem is what put the series on life support. This was the biggest complaint about the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, among several other issues. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro had a distinctive look that was universally praised. And they didn’t just look attractive. Samsung’s touch-sensitive controls and strong mic performance were major highlights, too.

Why reshape the Galaxy Buds’ identity to resemble the Apple AirPods? Your biggest competitor, and one that practically every other wireless earbud maker has copied time and again? Talk about fumbling the ball in your own end zone. 

Let's talk about a downgrade. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Clearly, Samsung has its reasons for this decision, which I’m sure made financial sense. However, the redesign made functionality worse on the Galaxy Buds 3. The triangular “blade” stems were difficult to grip and made pinch and swipe gestures harder to execute. On top of that, you had to pinch them hard to get tactile feedback, and that left your fingers hurting after a while. The transparent-lid charging case did little to earn the product any cool points, either.

It wasn’t surprising to see Samsung rush out the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro a year later. The company wanted everyone to forget the Galaxy Buds 3’s failures. More importantly, Samsung wanted another shot at proving that its previous decisions were justified. That’s why the Galaxy Buds 4 carried over and improved several performance features, including AI functionality, controls, noise cancellation, sound, and voice calling.

To their credit, the Galaxy Buds 4 are a significant upgrade from their predecessor, especially the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which are arguably among the most underrated wireless earbuds on the market. My peers and other tech experts would likely agree.

Even so, critical acclaim and commendable AI integration weren’t enough to erase the bad taste the Galaxy Buds 3 left in our mouths. The fourth-gen models are occasionally brought into the true wireless conversation; some of the “several months later with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro” op-eds have kept the series relevant.  

When all else fails, go open-ear?

Releasing open earbuds seems like the natural next move for any wireless earbuds brand. The category is hot, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. On paper, the all-new Samsung Galaxy Buds On look impressive. They promise AI-powered features, SSC and SSC UHQ codec support, up to 38 hours of battery life, and a minimalist clip-on design that shares a similar aesthetic to the Galaxy Buds Pro 2.

Was this the right move? Most analysts will say yes. I’m saying no, and not because I don’t have any faith in them. Mashable will test the buds soon and determine whether they’re worth $229. 

The real conversation starter would have been a pair of Samsung wireless headphones. From an ecosystem standpoint, it makes perfect sense. Galaxy Buds models are already integrated with Samsung phones, TVs, and other smart home devices. Design and hi-fi sound could have been provided by Harman, which Samsung owns. Clever home audio features, such as seamlessly transferring sound from a Samsung soundbar to Galaxy headphones, could have made these a top contender. It worked for Sonos (read our Ace Ultra review).

That didn’t happen, and it probably never will. Samsung already owns a headphone brand: JBL. 

Fifth time must be the charm

Our wish list for the Galaxy Buds 5 is stacked with new features and upgrades. However, Samsung is likely to do what it always does: double down on what’s already there. Expect more AI integration, along with the latest wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth 6.3 and LE Audio. Enhancements to adaptive noise cancellation and sound quality are guaranteed. Hopefully, battery life gets a boost, too. 

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Now, does any of that sound compelling? Not for today’s wireless audio consumers. It sounds like a rinse-and-repeat of the past two Galaxy Buds generations. I’m not saying this is what the Galaxy Buds 5 will deliver. These are simply predictions based on the Galaxy Buds release history. 

Either way, it’s do-or-die for the Galaxy Buds series. If the Galaxy Buds 5 aren’t groundbreaking — or at least innovatively appealing — Samsung needs to reconsider its place in the true wireless market because its buds are not resonating enough with the buying public. The company is nowhere near Apple, Bose, or Sony in the category, nor is it competing with popular budget brands like Anker and EarFun. Throw JBL into the mix, and brand recognition alone gives Samsung’s subsidiary an advantage.

Even if it takes two years to develop, the Galaxy Buds 5 must be treated with care and the utmost urgency. More ingenuity, less novelty. Otherwise, it’s time to close up shop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 $179.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro $244 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

TL;DR: New users can get memoryOS Student Plan lifetime access for $109.97 (reg. $198) through Nov. 8, including 52 micro-lessons, virtual Mind Palaces, and unlimited practice attempts.

Opens in a new window Credit: memoryOS memoryOS Student Plan: Lifetime Subscription $109.97
$198 Save $88.03   Get Deal

You remember an ad jingle from 1996, but the info you read yesterday? Gone. The memoryOS Student Plan Lifetime Subscription is only $109.97 (reg. $198) through Nov. 8, offering new users bite-sized training to help them organize and remember information.

The app combines time-tested memory techniques with gamified lessons and virtual Mind Palaces. Instead of treating information as a pile of disconnected facts, its visual approach gives you structured places to organize what you want to recall. Think of it as a mental filing system.

The Student Plan includes 52 interactive micro-lessons and 11 lifelong memory skills, with guidance from a World Memory Champion throughout the learning path. That step-by-step format gives your spare minutes a purpose beyond finding out what everyone on the internet is annoyed about today.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to buy

You also get 140 loci — structured mind storage spaces — plus 40 unlockable loci rewards as you progress. A library of HD virtual Mind Palaces provides the visual environments behind the system, giving you a framework for practicing organized recall.

Practice doesn’t come with a limited number of attempts. Infinite Hearts lets you keep working on the techniques, while Ad Immunity keeps the learning experience free of advertising distractions. The plan also includes access to an Early Adopters private group.

If you’re interested in knowledge retention, you get an actual practice method. Short lessons make it an easy alternative to another round of doomscrolling.

Get the memoryOS Student Plan Lifetime Subscription for $109.97 through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pay $79 once for lifetime ChatPlayground AI Unlimited access, with 20+ models, side-by-side comparisons, file chat, and unlimited monthly messages.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $79
$619 Save $540   Get Deal

Asking three AI tools the same question shouldn’t require three tabs and a copy-and-paste routine. ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan puts multiple models in one desktop workspace, with a lifetime subscription available for $79 (reg. $619) through Nov. 8. Pay once, then compare responses without the tab-hopping.

The main attraction is side-by-side comparison. Enter a single prompt and view answers from different models, including options such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek. With more than 20 models available, you can compare approaches instead of settling on whichever answer arrived first.

That’s useful when you’re exploring a coding problem, refining a prompt, or looking for a different creative direction. One response might offer a clearer explanation; another might suggest an approach worth investigating. Seeing them together makes those differences easier to assess.

ChatPlayground also lets you upload PDFs and images to ask questions about your files, generate AI images, and save chat history for ongoing projects. Prompt-engineering tools help you refine your requests, while priority customer support provides faster assistance when you need it.

The Unlimited Plan includes unlimited monthly messages, subject to a fair use policy, plus priority access to new features and future models. Updates are included, and desktop access supports unlimited devices.

ChatPlayground is also an independent platform, rather than an OpenAI product. Both new and existing users can purchase this offer, and the code must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase.

Get ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan lifetime subscription for $79 (reg. $619) through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

24. Taken: Natalee Holloway

In 2005, the missing persons case of Natalee Holloway became national news when the 18-year-old from Tennessee vanished in Aruba. She was last seen with Dutchman Joran van der Sloot, who was an early person of interest and over the years has told conflicting stories of what came next.

Netflix's newest true crime doc series reexamines the case, offering interviews with authorities and Holloway's mother and friends, as well as previously unreleased footage. Directors Dani Sloane and Matthew Galkin teamed with Story Syndicate (Maternal Instinct, Titan: The Oceangate Disaster) for this three-part documentary series about a mother's quest to getting justice for her daughter. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Taken: Natalee Holloway is now streaming on Netflix.

23. A Dog's Perfect Christmas

Look, I love a Netflix Christmas movie, but to be honest, this one looks outstandingly average. And I love dog movies. If you saw the 2017 Dennis Quaid-fronted drama A Dog’s Purpose or its sequel, 2019's A Dog's Journey, this is pretty much the same deal but set at Christmas. And that makes sense since all three movies (as well as A Dog's Way Home) are based on novels by W. Bruce Cameron, who has screenwriting credits on each movie. The rumply basset hound and pristine corgi puppy who are seemingly tasked with bringing a family together in yuletide unity are cute, but the trailer is not. — Shannon Connellan, Senior Editor

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia, Brooke Lena Johnson, Thomas Haden Church, Mary Steenburgen, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Jennifer Tilly, Ethan Loomis, and Marissa Jaret Winokur

How to watch: A Dog's Perfect Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

22. The Institute, Season 2

Psychic children abducted by the government and held in a brutal secure facility? It's a classic Stephen King formula, and The Institute — based on the horror author's novel of the same name — did well enough to bag itself a second outing. While the first season focused on new recruit Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman) surviving in his strange new prison, Season 2 looks set to widen its scope, with the main cast struggling to find evidence that'll expose the facility's corrupt practices. — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK

Starring: Joe Freeman, Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, Alfie Allen, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Arlen So, Robert Joy, and Hannah Galway

How to watch: The Institute Season 2 premieres Nov. 8 at 9 p.m. ET on MGM+.

21. The 12 Dates of Christmas

I'm sorry, but isn't The 12 Dates of Christmas already a movie? The cheeseball 2011 Groundhog Day scenario starring Amy Smart as a Scroogey woman stuck in a time loop of dates to teach her a lesson about being nicer to people? Well, this isn't that.

Hulu's identically named film reunites Pretty Little Liars stars Lucy Hale and Ian Harding in another romantic scenario, this time much less problematic than that show's student-teacher relationship. Will I be settling in to see Hale's character determined to thwart her own singlehood by going on 12 dates in 12 days at the busiest time of the year? As sure as a partridge in a pear tree. — S.C.

Starring: Lucy Hale and Ian Harding

How to watch: The 12 Dates of Christmas premieres Nov. 6 on Hulu.

20. Super Troopers 3

Vermont's finest return in Super Troopers 3, a madcap sequel from comedy troupe Broken Lizard. The film sees Farva (Kevin Heffernan) about to marry Thorny's (Jay Chandrasekhar) sister Sarita (Hannah Simone). Of course, all hell breaks loose thanks to a rowdy bachelor party and a new drug known as "Canadian Crystal." Can the troopers save this wedding (and make way for a new sequel in the process)? You'll have to stream to find out. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, Hannah Simone, Nat Faxon, Chace Crawford, Andrew Dismukes, Marisa Coughlan, Jon Rudnitsky, Lisa Gilroy, Sakina Jaffrey, Iqbal Theba, Lynda Carter, and Brian Cox

How to watch: Super Troopers 3 is now streaming on Hulu.

19. New Group

Almost anything can be scary in the right circumstances. That, at least, seems to be what writer/director Yûta Shimotsu is going for in New Group, a horror comedy largely centered around human pyramids. These start to pop at Ai's (Anna Yamada) new high school, and it soon becomes clear that the phenomenon is more disturbing than simple gymnastics. — S.H.

Starring: Anna Yamada, Yuzu Aoki, Arisa Sasaki, and Pierre Taki

How to watch: New Group debuts on Shudder on Nov. 6.

18. The Uprising

Andrew Garfield says "no kings" in The Uprising, the latest from director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy). The film tells the story of England's 1381 Peasants' Revolt, with Garfield playing a fictionalized farmer at the center of it all.

SEE ALSO: Andrew Garfield on the meaning of 'no kings' in 'The Uprising'

While The Uprising's tale of standing up to tyranny is timely, critics found the film's execution lacking. As Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "Greengrass gives us a bland, muddy slog with a black-and-white hero and villain, and an ending that is sure to satisfy no one."* — B.E.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis, Thomasin McKenzie, Jonny Lee Miller, Woody Norman, and Katherine Waterston

How to watch: The Uprising premieres Nov. 6 on Peacock.

17. Charlie Harper

Romantic drama Charlie Harper hits digital this week — and no, it is not about someone named Charlie Harper, but rather about the love story between Charlie (Nick Robinson) and Harper (Emilia Jones). The film uses a nonlinear approach to tell the story of this pair's relationship, from their sweetest moments to their most tumultuous. Critics didn't fall completely in love with Charlie Harper, but if you're looking for some onscreen romance, it's definitely worth a shot. — B.E.

Starring: Emilia Jones and Nick Robinson

How to watch: Charlie Harper is now available on digital.

16. The Remarried Empress

Yes, there is a new Korean romantic epic streaming this week, and yes, it does come with a heap of buzz from this year's Busan International Film Festival. Based on the hugely popular Naver WEBTOON, The Remarried Empress sees a royal relationship in peril, that of the Eastern Empire's Empress Navier (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's Shin Min-a) and Emperor Sovieshu (Kingdom's Ju Ji-hoon). When the emperor's affections stray elsewhere, the empress makes one hell of a deal: She wants to remarry. And not just anyone; she's got her eye on Heinrey, the rival Western Kingdom's dreamy crown prince (Law and the City's Lee Jong-suk). The very future of the kingdoms are at stake! — S.C.

Starring: Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young

How to watch: The Remarried Empress is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

15. Bass X Machina

If you're after a steampunk anime western from Yasuke creator LeSean Thomas, Netflix's Bass X Machina will fit your wanted poster. In the six-episode animated series, Oscar-nominated Causeway star Brian Tyree Henry voices Bass Reeves, a character based on the real American frontier icon who was one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi. Expect a world of ruthless outlaws, desert machines, and otherworldly forces as one man tries to protect his family and deliver justice. — S.C.

Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Tati Gabrielle, Cree Summer, Chaske Spencer, Currie Graham, and Starletta DuPois

How to watch: Bass X Machina is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Stick, Season 2

Owen Wilson's sports comedy Stick made a sweet splash in its first season, telling a story of golf redemption and found family. Now, Wilson returns as ex-golfer Pryce Cahill, who's coaching 17-year-old golf prodigy Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager). As Santi continues his pro golfing career, Pryce makes the game-changing decision to mount a comeback and try to become the oldest golfer to win a major championship. To accomplish that feat, he'll need some help, and Apple has recruited Pluribus Emmy winner Rhea Seehorn for the job. She plays Coach Amanda, a "swing doctor" who might just take Pryce back to his glory days. — B.E.

Starring: Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño, Lilli Kay, Judy Greer, Timothy Olyphant, Rhea Seehorn, John Higgins, Billy Zane, Rex Linn, Sasha Alexander, and Missi Pyle

How to watch: The first two episodes of Stick Season 2 are now streaming on AppleTV, with new episodes every Wednesday.

13. The Walsh Sisters

Thirty years after Marian Keyes' first Walsh sisters book was published, the BBC finally brought the lives of Rachel, Anna, Claire, Maggie, and Helen Walsh to UK screens in February. Now, The Walsh Sisters is streaming in the U.S. through Roku. From Stefanie Preissner (Can't Cope, Won't Cope) and Kefi Chadwick (Rivals) comes a deeply moving adaptation that weaves several Keyes' books together — and boasts an incredible cast. As I wrote in my review, "A raw, authentic portrayal of sisterhood, addiction, grief, and mental health, The Walsh Sisters feels well overdue on our screens." — S.C.

Starring: Caroline Menton, Danielle Galligan, Stefanie Preissner, Máiread Tyers, and Louisa Harland

How to watch: The Walsh Sisters is now streaming on Roku.

12. Beware Boiúna

An ancient serpentine predator lies in slumber, deep in the Amazon, in this Anaconda-style creature survival horror from director Mike P. Nelson (V/H/S/85; Silent Night, Deadly Night). 

Beware Boiúna sees a group on a medical mission into the South American rainforest hunted by a mythical semiaquatic reptile who's recently been rudely awakened. Kiana Madeira (Fear Street), Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day), and Logan Marshall-Green (Upgrade) disturb the slumber of Boiúna, whose bite is way worse than her non-existent bark. Written by Nelson with his Wrong Turn collaborator Alan B. McElroy and Doom: Annihilation's Tony Giglio, this film feels meant to be bravely watched in cinemas behind an enormous popcorn bucket — but now you can watch it from the comfort of your sofa.* — S.C.

Starring: Kiana Madeira, Jessica Rothe, and Logan Marshall-Green

How to watch: Beware Boiúna is now available on digital.

11. Black Doves, Season 2

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw return for spy shenanigans in Season 2 of Black Doves, and the stakes (and suspense) have never been higher.

Helen (Knightley) is still giving up England's secrets to the Black Doves, even as her husband, Wallace (Andrew Buchan), gets ready to take on the role of Prime Minister. Meanwhile, triggerman Sam (Whishaw) is stuck taking smaller hit jobs. However, the two reunite when a sinister plot to undermine Reed's (Sarah Lancashire) position in the Black Doves emerges. It's not long before the two are sucked back into a web of espionage, violence, and most importantly of all, friendship.* — B.E.

Starring: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Buchan, Kathryn Hunter, Ella Lily Hyland, Gabrielle Creevy, Agnes O’Casey, and Molly Chesworth

How to watch: Black Doves Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Sense and Sensibility

Director Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean) and screenwriter Diana Reid adapt Jane Austen's 1811 novel about two very different sisters seeking a match in Regency-era England.

SEE ALSO: 'Sense and Sensibility' review: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles resurrect Jane Austen

After the death of their father, the rigorously rational Elinor Dashwood (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her impulsive younger sister Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles) are eager to find husbands. But they're looking for something more rare than financial security. They're looking for love in a world of infuriatingly righteous gentlemen and unfortunately sexy rogues.* — K.P.

Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw

How to watch: Sense and Sensibility is now available for rental or purchase on digital.

9. Primetime

Before Lance Oppenheim blew our minds with You Can See Everything, he dropped Primetime, a docudrama exploring Chris Hansen's problematic news special series To Catch a Predator.

Robert Pattinson is chilling and uncomfortably funny in the lead role of Hansen, reimagining the real-life newsman as a creepy clown with a dangerous blind ambition. And while Oppenheim and a talented cast make a movie that is thought-provoking, this critic hoped it'd go harder. As I wrote in my review, "I was left wishing Primetime had the guts to follow the dark path this heightened Hansen charted to somewhere deranged, perhaps providing a more satisfying ending than real life (and reality TV) has. Chase those midnight movie vibes that Pattinson has coursing through his final act into something damning and daring! Or, don't, I guess.

"While Primetime is exhilarating and disturbing thanks to its sensational cast, a flimsy conclusion has this film end with a whimper instead of a bang." — K.P.

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers

How to watch: Primetime is now available on digital.

8. The History of Concrete

Director John Wilson, of HBO's How To with John Wilson, makes his feature directorial debut with documentary The History of Concrete. Don't be fooled by the seemingly dry title. The History of Concrete is an absurd deep dive into the gray material that surrounds us, one that involves everything from Hallmark movies to gum-busting machines. If you enjoyed How To with John Wilson or want another meta-documentary after seeing You Can See Everything, this should scratch that itch. — B.E.

How to watch: The History of Concrete is now available on digital.

SEE ALSO: 'Musk' review: Alex Gibney's near 4-hour doc is a scathing look at Elon Musk 7. Musk

Alex Gibney's Musk documentary had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it theatrical run, being pulled from cinemas after just two weeks. But if you didn't get chance to see the nearly four-hour doc — which charts the rise to power of the world's richest man, featuring interviews with family members and former colleagues — you can catch it on digital this week. Mashable's Matt Binder described it as "brutal and accurate" in his review for Mashable. It struggled at the box office, but had its marketing campaign hampered due to ads being restricted on multiple social networks. — S.H.

How to watch: Musk is now available on digital.

6. MP3

Jess McKenna and Zach Reino have made their mark on Dropout with improvised musical numbers on Play It By Ear and Game Changer, including the finale "Last Talent Standing." Now, they're bringing their song-writing skills to the comedy streamer's first scripted series in seven years, MP3.

SEE ALSO: Dropout's 'Game Changer' finale: Sam Reich reveals the secrets of 'Last Talent Standing'

Seemingly inspired by the TRL days of MTV, MP3 focuses on a TV show where host Dane Cartel (Jeremy Culhane) offers up music videos alongside his new co-hosts Chia (Aparna Nancherla) and Dr. Muse-Tina (Skye Townsend). This setup allows Dropout's wide ensemble of comedians to pop up for kooky cameos, singing and dancing in a variety of bizarre music videos. Plus, based on the trailer, this show shares a universe with Very Important People. So, watch out for the epic return of Princess Emily. — K.P.

Starring: Jeremy Culhane, Paul F. Tompkins, Zach Reino, Aparna Nancherla, Skye Townsend, and Jess McKenna

How to watch: MP3 is now streaming on Dropout.

5. Bad Apples

Teachers deserve better. Our underpaid educators put up with everything from disruptive students to micromanaging parents. And in Jonatan Etzler's dark comedy thriller Bad Apples, one (Saoirse Ronan) takes matters into her own hands. Written by Jess O'Kane as an adaptation of Rasmus Andersson's novel De Oönskade, the film sees Ronan as Somerset-based primary school teacher Maria. She loves teaching, despite the underfunded education system testing her daily. When troubled student Danny (newcomer Eddie Waller) constantly disrupts her class, Maria makes some choices.

SEE ALSO: 'Bad Apples' review: Teachers, this film is for you

As I wrote in my review, "With Ronan's always-impeccable talents supported by a sublime young cast, Bad Apples leans into unethical impulses, all the while exposing home truths about the under-resourced education system and social disdain toward children with behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties. Plus, it's really funny."* — S.C.

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eddie Waller, Jacob Anderson, Rakie Ayola, Robert Emms, Sean Gilder, and Kerry Howard

How to watch: Bad Apples is now available on digital.

4. North of North, Season 2

One of 2025's best TV surprises was Canadian comedy North of North, a small town sitcom set in the Arctic Circle. Young Inuk mother Siaja (Anna Lambe) decides to blow up her unhappy marriage and start fresh, embarking on a warm, moving journey of self-discovery. That journey continues in Season 2, which will see Siaja try to keep leveling up her life, professionally and personally, even if it means making some big mistakes in the process. Wherever your new road takes you, Siaja, we can't wait to keep supporting you!* — B.E.

Starring: Anna Lambe, Maika Harper, Braeden Clarke, Jay Ryan, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Zorga Qaunaq, Bailey Poching, Nutaaq Doreen Simmonds, Keira Belle Cooper, and Bruce McCulloch

How to watch: North of North Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Season 2

If you're on the hunt for surgically precise joke writing and an impeccable ensemble, I've got one name for you: Reggie. Dinkins.

Created by 30 Rock's Robert Carlock and Sam Means, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins cemented itself as one of the year's best comedies when it premiered this January. Now, it's back and bound to deliver more riotous one-liners and pop culture references. The series follows disgraced New York Jets star Reggie Dinkins (Tracy Morgan) and documentarian Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe), who's making a film about Reggie's life. Morgan and Radcliffe are a duo to die for, and Erika Alexander and Bobby Moynihan are riots in their supporting roles. Buy into the ridiculousness and have the best time.* — B.E.

Starring: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Precious Way, and Jalyn Hall

How to watch: The first episode of The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins Season 2 is now streaming on Peacock. New episodes premiere Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available on Peacock the next day.

2. Resident Evil

Good news, everyone! You can watch Weapons director Zach Cregger's Resident Evil reboot at home this week. The adaptation of Capcom's popular horror game franchise was co-written by Cregger with John Wick: Chapter 4's Shay Hatten, with horror and action through the roof. Except this time the Resident Evil chaos is happening to a regular Raccoon City resident (Austin Abrams) who just can't seem to figure out those damn locks. — S.C.

Starring: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser

How to watch: Resident Evil is now available on digital.

Best of streaming this week: It Gets Worse

Leo Reich's new comedy It Gets Worse set the internet ablaze when Channel 4 released an NSFW clip involving Andrew Scott as a therapist. And while that's certainly a great hook, especially for everyone who's still not over Scott's role in Fleabag, it's far from the best thing about this beautifully messy series.

Reich stars as 24-year-old Ethan, who's going through the catastrophic double whammy of a quarter life crisis and eviction from the London apartment he shares with his two best friends from university, Abi (Emily Fairn) and Sam (Olive Gray). As the three try to find a new place, they split up across the city, where they each face a harrowing question familiar to anyone in their early 20s: What the hell am I going to do with my life? To find answers (if there are any), Reich spins a tale of fraught friendships, awkward hookups, and hard truths sure to make any young 20-something at a crossroads feel seen. — B.E.

Starring: Leo Reich, Emily Fairn, Olive Gray, Sean Delaney, Dane Williams, India Mullen, John Tothill, Andrew Scott, Lena Dunham, and Amelia Dimoldenberg

How to watch: All episodes of It Gets Worse premiere Nov. 6 on Paramount+.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

SEE ALSO: 6 AdultFriendFinder features other hookup sites lack

Fortunately, you’ve got your resident dating app expert here (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw) to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past four years (yes, years) testing dozens of the top dating apps for Mashable, from discreet sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships. My goal is simple: to find the best apps for every kind of dater, including the one-night-stand crowd. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

The short answer: Tinder is still the best hookup app for most people, thanks to its massive user base and new IRL features like Group Hangouts and Events. If you want total anonymity, try Pure. Hinge is best for regular FWBs, and Feeld is the go-to for kink, ethical non-monogamy, and exploring your sexuality. Queer men should start with Grindr (or Sniffies for cruising), and queer women should download HER.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My first rule: be brutally honest about what you want. Are you here for a good time? Own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony. "Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "Free Tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

Once you've matched, reach out, be honest, and follow through! "Plan dates within the first conversation or else you'll get tired out from having a bunch of conversations that aren't going anywhere," Weiss says.

Recent updates to this guide

• OkCupid (removed October 2026): OkCupid is still a solid pick for inclusive, values-driven dating, but it's a relationship app at heart. Feeld, HUD, and HER all do inclusivity better for no-strings fun. And after OkCupid's 2026 FTC settlement over sharing nearly 3 million users' photos with a facial recognition company, I'm not comfortable recommending it for something as private as hookups.

• Hily (added August 2026): I’ve added Hily to our top picks because its free tier is surprisingly generous (up to 100 likes a day!) and its AI safety tech (like Consent Guard) makes it a standout option for casual, blunt daters looking for a fresh alternative to the Big Three.

• Hinge (moved up October 2025): Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list. It still earns its spot for casual dating with personality; its user base is growing, and my recent tests have been surprisingly positive.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut:

• Plenty of Fish: POF's rebrand didn't do it any favors. My last round of testing showed it removed key features like free messaging with non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. (Removed January 2025.)

• Match: Some people swear they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. It's still one of my top picks for a long-term relationship. For a hookup? You're fishing in the wrong pond. (Removed August 2025.)

• Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels more limited than with more generous free options like Tinder or Hily.

• DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

• Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's also added an AI dating assistant and "Meet Cute," which sends you one surprise match a week. It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for no-strings-attached hookups specifically.