Blogroll

Here's how I encrypt my Windows PC without BitLocker

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 00:00

BitLocker is the most common way to encrypt your Windows PC to protect it against data theft in the event that someone steals your PC, but it isn't the only option. If your PC doesn't have BitLocker and you want something more fully-featured than Device Encryption, VeraCrypt is probably the tool for you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 New dark patterns added to Windows 11 in 2025

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 00:00

Another year, another long list of changes to Windows that "nudge" you into making choices or adopting behaviors that aren't in your interest. At some point, it really feels like Windows stopped existing to make the actual users of PCs happier, and now serve a different master. I think these changes are the most worrying.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These $999 MacBooks are just $170 for Black Friday

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get a MacBook Air on sale for only $170.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2017 (Refurbished) $169.97
$999 Save $829.03   Get Deal

The end of the year is one of the best times to find Apple products on sale. Normally, this MacBook Air would cost $999, but right now, it’s only $169.97, and shipping is even free. Take a look at what it can do.

This MacBook Air is a simple, lightweight laptop that handles the basics without any fuss. The 13.3-inch display is comfortable to look at, and the 1440×900 resolution is solid for writing, browsing, streaming, or juggling a few tabs at once. The 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 has enough power for everyday work, and the 8GB of RAM helps keep things smooth when you switch between apps.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The 128GB SSD loads your files and programs quickly and feels much snappier than older hard drives. It’s plenty of space for documents and day-to-day use, and you can always lean on cloud storage if you need extra room. Wi-Fi handles your regular browsing and streaming, and Bluetooth makes it easy to connect wireless headphones or move a file from your phone.

Battery life is one of the nicer things about this model. You can get up to 12 hours on a charge, which makes it useful for classes, travel, or anyone who moves around during the day and doesn’t want to stay near an outlet.

Since it’s refurbished, the price comes way down while the general feel of the Air stays the same. A Grade A/B rating means the laptop might show light wear, but performance isn’t affected. It also comes with a MagSafe charger and can update to macOS Monterey, so it still works with a wide range of current apps.

Right now, you can get a MacBook Air on sale for only $169.97. Sale ends Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Build lasting language skills with lifetime Babbel access for Black Friday

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Babbel Language Learning helps turn “someday I’ll learn a language” into real, lifelong progress — and it’s just $129.99 for lifetime access when you use StackSocial’s code LEARN.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $129.99
$299 Save $169.01   Get Deal

The start of a new year is the perfect time to invest in yourself, and what better way to do that than by learning a new language — or 14? With Babbel’s Lifetime Language Learning Subscription, you get unlimited access to all 14 of its expertly crafted language courses for an all-time low price of $129.99 with coupon LEARN, offered through StackSocial.

That’s a lifetime of personal and professional growth at a fraction of the regular $299 cost. It’s an offer designed to help you unlock global opportunities, connect with different cultures, and sharpen your brain — all on your terms.

Babbel is the number-one-selling platform, trusted by millions of users worldwide. Developed by over 100 expert linguists and backed by academic research, Babbel takes a proven approach to language acquisition.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The lessons are practical, focusing on real-life conversation skills rather than tedious grammar drills. Within a month, you could be confidently chatting with native speakers about transportation, dining, shopping, and more.

Don’t have hours to dedicate to language learning? No problem. Babbel’s lessons are designed to fit into even the busiest schedules. In just 10 to 15 minutes a day, you can make steady progress.

And since your progress syncs across devices, you can seamlessly switch between your phone, tablet, and desktop for continual access.

Need to study offline? Simply download lessons in advance, and you’re good to go. Babbel is learning on your terms, whether you’re commuting, taking a coffee break, or traveling.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a professional navigating international markets, Babbel equips you with the skills you need to succeed.

Its 14 languages include essentials like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less commonly offered languages like Indonesian and Norwegian. No matter your goal — mastering small talk in Paris or preparing a pitch for a client in Berlin — Babbel has you covered.

Don’t miss this terrific price on a lifetime of Babbel for just $129.99 with coupon LEARN, offered through StackSocial, through Dec. 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine for under $68 at Amazons Cyber Monday sale

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 23:43

SAVE 48%: As of Nov. 29, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is on sale for $67.94, down from $129.95, at Amazon. That's a 48% discount and a $62.01 savings.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE-30BCP1) $67.94 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $62.01   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy

I’m already making my holiday dessert list, and if you’re looking for a fun new kitchen gadget that’s definitely worth the space, this is it. The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine (ICE-30BCP1) is a Mashable fave — our tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, says his mom's been using the 1.5-quart version of this machine for years and "it's awesome" — and it's currently on sale for nearly half the price at Amazon's Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale.

SEE ALSO: Are Amazon's Cyber Monday prices better than Black Friday? Our shopping experts say the answer is clear.

As of Nov. 29, the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine is on sale for $67.94, down from $129.95, at Amazon. That's a 48% discount and $62.01 of savings on a machine that'll make ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and frozen drinks in under 30 minutes. (I know, that's wild compared to the Ninja CREAMi's 24-hour wait time.) "I highly recommend finding a good chocolate malt recipe and making a pint with your mom," says Werth.

What’s great about this fully automatic machine is the double-insulated freezer bowl, which holds a generous two quarts of your favorite frozen dessert. Plus, it’s built for convenience with a large ingredient spout for adding mix-ins and a retractable cord storage system to keep your counters clean.

Still looking for more deals? See the biggest discounts at Amazon’s epic Black Friday sale and save up to 70% on popular gifts, gadgets, and more goodies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Streaming just got cheaper: Black Friday deals still live on Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, and more

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 23:24

Black Friday may technically be over, but the best streaming deals are still going strong. Over the holiday weekend, we'll be hard at work bringing you the top Black Friday deals that are still live. And as we approach Cyber Monday, we'll let you know if any new offers appear.

The best Black Friday streaming deals at a glance: Best overall HBO Max Basic with ads $2.99/month for 12 months (save $8/month) Get Deal Best Bundle deal Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) $4.99/month for 12 months (save $8/month) Get Deal BEST Apple TV deal Apple TV+ $5.99/month for 6 months (save $42) Get Deal Best Free Streaming Deal Walmart+ members get Peacock or Paramount+ free $49/year for your first year of Walmart+ (save $49 + get a free year of streaming) Get Deal Best Music Streaming Deal Spotify Premium Free for 4 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal Paramount+ $2.99/month for first two months (save $20) Get Deal Best for movies The Criterion Channel $74.99/year (save $25 with code BLACKFRIDAY25) Get Deal Best Prime Video add-on deal MGM+ and AMC+ bundle (Prime Video add-on) $3.25/month for 2 months (save $9.74/month) Get Deal Best sports streaming deal NFL Sunday Ticket for the rest of the season $48/year (save $102) Get Deal Best streaming stick deal Roku Streaming Stick Plus 4K $19 (Save $20.99) Get Deal

It's been a tough year to be a streaming binge-watcher. Nearly every major streamer got more expensive in 2025, including Netflix, Peacock, HBO Max, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount+. So, needless to say, we were extra excited about this year's selection of Black Friday streaming deals. We could all use some discounts, right? The good news is that even with Black Friday itself done and dusted, the deals are still available as we head into Cyber Monday.

The Black Friday sale event is well known as the best time to sign up for streaming services, thanks to serious savings on monthly or annual subscription fees. This year has been no different. If you're looking for a way to cut back on streaming costs for 2026, there's still time to take advantage of majorly discounted subscriptions.

SEE ALSO: 160+ Amazon Black Friday deals: Find record-low prices on AirPods, Kindles, Lego, and LG TVs

Apple TV+, HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu have all thrown their hats in the ring with discounts, as have plenty of other streamers via Prime Video add-ons. So you can weigh all of your streaming options for the season. Plus, you still have time to sign up. Most of these offers will be live through Dec. 1.

There are two glaring omissions from this year's Black Friday streaming offers: Netflix and Peacock. Netflix never offers deals, so this comes as no surprise. Peacock, on the other hand, typically offers one of the best Black Friday streaming deals. It's extra disappointing, as the streamer had one of the biggest price hikes in 2025. We included a way you can still get a deal on Peacock below, despite its lack of Cyber Week participation.

One thing to note: Most Black Friday streaming deals are limited to new and returning subscribers (as in you haven't been a subscriber in at least a month or so). If you qualify, you can lock in some serious savings on streaming apps.

Best Black Friday streaming deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max $2.99/month for 12 months (save $8/month) Get Deal Why we like it

In a shocking turn of events, the HBO Max Black Friday deal in 2025 actually beats its streaming deal from 2024 and 2023. This year, new and returning subscribers can sign up for 12 months of HBO Max Basic with ads for $2.99 per month through Dec. 1. That's just $35.88 for the whole year and about 73% in savings. In 2023 and 2024, the streamer only offered this discounted price for six months. So, not only are you getting double the subscription length for a discount, but you're also saving even more after its recent price hike (up to $10.99/month from $9.99/month).

The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service is one of our favorites. Not only is it home to Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases, a ton of excellent original series (like The Last of Us, The Pitt, and IT: Welcome to Derry), and even live sports via the B/R Sports add-on.

Psst: If you don't want to deal with logging into another streaming service, this deal is also available in the form of a Prime Video or Hulu add-on.

Best Black Friday streaming bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) $4.99/month for 12 months (save $8/month) Get Deal Why we like it

While we're pretty disappointed that Hulu didn't resurrect its 99 cents deal for 2025, this bundle deal almost makes up for it. Through Dec. 1, new and returning subscribers can score both Disney+ and Hulu with ads for just $4.99 per month for 12 months. Usually $12.99 per month for both, that's $8 per month in savings or $96 total.

We saw the same bundle drop to only $2.99 during Black Friday 2024, but both streamers raised their prices this year, so the Black Friday deal has been appropriately adjusted for inflation. And considering each streamer is $11.99 per month on its own, this is an excellent deal. It's also a good way to lock in a solid price for the year since Disney and Hulu will eventually be merged into a single app — with a higher price tag, no doubt. And hey, maybe we'll still be surprised with the 99-cent Hulu deal for Cyber Monday.

Best Apple TV+ Black Friday deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple TV+ (Prime Video add-on) $5.99/month for 6 months (save $42) Get Deal Why we like it

Apple TV+, just like several other streamers, raised its subscription cost by 30 percent a few months back, from $9.99 to $12.99 per month. So this deal, which knocks the price down to only $5.99 per month for half a year, is much appreciated. You can take advantage of this deal directly at Apple TV+ or in the form of a Prime Video add-on, meaning you need to be a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber.

Apple TV+ features a virtually all-original lineup filled with Emmy-winners like The Studio, Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show, and Oscar-winners and nominees like CODA and Killers of the Flower Moon. TL;DR: You'll get more than your money's worth with this Black Friday deal. Just don't drag your feet — it's only around until Cyber Monday on Dec. 1.

Best Black Friday live TV streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Day Pass $1
$4.99 Save $3.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Sling's Day Pass is a solid way to tune into live sports, events, and shows without having to splurge on a full subscription. Sometimes you just want to watch a single game and be on your way. It's usually $4.99 for a day, but for Black Friday, Sling is offering its Orange Day Pass for only $1 through Dec. 1 at 3 a.m. ET. The Orange package includes ESPN and all its affiliates, TNT, TBS, AMC, IFC, and more. That means you'll be able to tune into live college football rivalry games on ESPN this weekend — like Georgia Tech vs. Georgia on Friday and Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee and Alabama vs. Auburn on Saturday — for just a buck.

Best Black Friday music streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify Spotify Premium Free for 4 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal Why we like it

It's not uncommon to see Amazon offering its music streaming service, Amazon Music Unlimited, for free during shopping events (this year, you can get three free months). It is, however, quite rare for Spotify to offer its Premium service for free. Through Dec. 31, new subscribers can score four free months of Spotify Premium, no questions asked. Typically $11.99 per month, that saves you nearly $50 total.

With a Premium account, you can enjoy ad-free listening, collaborate with friends in real time, download music for offline listening, get full control over your music and playlists, unlock 15 hours per month of audiobook time, and finally enjoy lossless audio. You'll also gain access to the famous Wrapped stats and new weekly listening stats.

Best free streaming deal for Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Free Peacock or Paramount+ with Walmart+ $49 at Walmart
$98 Save $49   Get Deal Why we like it

If you already have a Walmart+ membership, or if you were considering signing up to take advantage of the Walmart Black Friday 2025 sale, then you'll unlock free access to either Peacock or Paramount+ for one year. Even better, Walmart+ memberships are currently 50% off for Black Friday, so you'll pay just $49 for 12 months of access. On top of these streaming deals, you'll also get perks like free grocery and pharmacy delivery. If you're not interested in a Walmart+ membership, we're still holding out for the standalone Peacock Black Friday deal, but you can already get the Paramount+ Black Friday deal on its own.

Best Black Friday streaming deal with no ads Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz annual subscription $11.99/year for your first year (save $58) Get Deal Why we like it

While most of the best streaming deals are on ad-supported tiers, the Starz $12/year deal is completely ad-free. Usually $69.99 per year, this Black Friday deal drops the price down to just $11.99 per year for your first year. That's $58 in savings. There's no end date listed for the deal, but we'd suggest signing up ASAP to lock down the savings. Starz is one of the only streamers that regularly offers deals, but this is by far the best we've seen. It may not be the most popular streaming service, but it's packed with plenty of great content, including originals like the historical drama Outlander and the female serial killer tale Sweetpea, and movies like From the World of John Wick: Ballerina and The Long Walk (coming soon).

Best streaming stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus $19
$39.99 Save $20.99   Get Deal Why we like it

There are a lot of Amazon Fire TV Sticks on sale this Black Friday but the better savings are on the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. Roku beats Amazon's competing model by $0.99, but it's also just a better device. When we put the Amazon Fire TV Stick head-to-head with the Roku, the Roku was the clear winner for its easy navigation, brilliant picture quality, and buffer-free streaming. Grab a Roku Streaming Stick Plus for just $19, saving you 52% off this Black Friday.

More Black Friday streaming dealsBlack Friday Prime Video add-on offersBlack Friday Hulu and Roku add-on offers

Still looking for more deals? See the biggest discounts from Amazon's epic Black Friday sale. You can also follow the Mashable live blog for the latest Black Friday news, price changes, and stock alerts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Depot is still giving away free cordless tools for Black Friday — see BOGO offers on DeWalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 23:20
Top Black Friday cordless tool deals at a glance: Best Free Tool Deal Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench $199 (free tool with purchase) Get Deal Best Amazon Deal Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $99 (save $80) Shop Now Best Lowes Deal Kobalt 24V 1/2-in Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill $79 (save $70) Get Deal Best Power Tool Combo Kit Milwuakee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Combo Kit (7 tools + 2 Batteries) $599 (Free tool included ) Get Deal Best Hoto tools deal Hoto Precision Screwdriver Set $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Some dads only want one thing for Christmas: A Home Depot gift card. Well, here's something easier than picking out Christmas gifts for dads — a buy-one-get-one tool deal from the Home Depot.

Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy get a lot of attention for their annual Black Friday sales, but we're here to put some respect on the Home Depot's name. Just like last year, the Home Depot is giving away free cordless tools with eligible purchases in an epic BOGO promotion. As part of this buy-one-get-one sale, you can pick up a cordless drill, an extra battery and charger pack, a cordless leaf blower, a circular saw, and tons more tools with your purchase. The extra tool is absolutely free with an eligible purchase.

All you have to do is pick out a qualifying "main item" and the free tool of your choice will be included in your order. A ton of top-rated Ryobi, DeWalt, and Milwaukee products are available as freebies in this promotion. Here's an example of how it works: Add an item like the Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit to your cart, and then you'll be able to select a free gift with purchase. Options include a $200 portable tire inflator, a $279 nail gun, or a $199 reciprocating saw, also from Milwaukee.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

In total, more than 123 popular cordless tools and power tool combo kits are included in the Home Depot's Black Friday BOGO sale. We've included some standout cordless tool deals, as well as the best competitor deals from other retailers, below.

Best BOGO deal from the Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench $199 at The Home Depot
$438 Save $239 Free tool with purchase Get Deal Why we like it

An impact wrench is a clutch tool to have on hand for a variety of DIY jobs around the house (from assembling furniture to building a whole-ass patio) to car repairs. This well-reviewed model from DeWalt is sporting a 55% discount at Home Depot — one of the heftiest price drops you'll see on a power tool this Black Friday — and it comes with a free tool of your choice.

More BOGO free cordless tool deals from the Home DepotMore power tool deals from the Home DepotEven more Black Friday deals on cordless tools

Black Friday deals on cordless tools are just as valuable to the average non-handy person as they are to DIY experts. Just imagine being able to mount your new TV on the wall without begging a friend with a drill to come over. Or being able to assemble a new piece of furniture with an Allen wrench drill bit instead of twisting the entire thing by hand.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

Besides the Home Depot's BOGO sale, we've found a ton more Black Friday deals on cordless power tools at Amazon, Lowe's, and Best Buy.

Best Black Friday power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $119 at Amazon
$179 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a classic Black Friday deal that DIY-ers have counted on for years. Even if you're not a DIY expert, a cordless drill can make you feel like one. From assembling furniture to hanging up mirrors or mounting TVs, a cordless drill like this is an essential if you own your own home.

Best Hoto tools deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hoto Hoto Precision Screwdriver Set $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth is a fan of Hoto tools, and lucky for us, Amazon has tons of tool sets from the brand on sale post Black Friday. The Hoto Precision Screwdriver Set is on sale for only $59.99, down from the standard price of $99.99, which is a new record-low. This set is a must-have if you like to tinker with tech, and it comes with some really useful extras like opening picks, a pry tool, a magnetic pad, and a suction cup. Plus, you get 26 steel precision bits.

More Hoto tools deals at AmazonLowe's Black Friday cordless power tool dealsBest Buy Black Friday cordless power tool deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

5 open-source projects that secretly power your favorite apps

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 23:00

You've heard that the world's infrastructure runs on Linux, and how important Free and Open Source (FOSS) software is to just about all the technology we enjoy every day, but there are some (to bring out the old cliché) unsung heroes of FOSS without which your stuff just wouldn't work—and you should at least know their names.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $60 on the Fitbit Charge 6 and get Audible free for 60 days this Black Friday

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:45

SAVE $60: The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is on sale for $99.95 over at Amazon. This is $60 less than its regular price, so don’t miss out.

Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart

With Black Friday over, we’re heading into Cyber Monday, and you can start finding (or find leftover) a bunch of deals all around the internet. The Fitbit Charge 6 is $60 off and also comes with 60 days of Audible for free when you purchase it.

This fitness tracker helps keep track of metrics such as calories burned and sleep, so that you can stay on top of your exercise and rest. It has over 40 exercise modes and will provide you with insights from your daily runs, bike rides, and strength training workouts. This way, you’ll be able to keep track of your personal goals too.

Aside from the fitness-related features, the Fitbit Charge 6 has other useful apps such as YouTube Music, Google Maps, and Google Wallet, making it a great tool both in and out of the gym. With a built-in GPS, you can also map out your workout routes using the Fitbit mobile app.

The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness tracker usually goes for $159.99, but with this early Cyber Monday deal, you can get it for only $99.95. Don’t forget to check out other fitness tracker deals we’ve gathered for you over Black Friday weekend, some of which are still available.

Opens in a new window Credit: WHOOP WHOOP 5.0/MG $199 at Amazon
$239 Save $40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 5 $184.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $115   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the best Samsung The Frame TV deals over Black Friday — record-low prices are live right now

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:40
Best Black Friday Samsung The Frame TV deals: Best 55-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Samsung 55-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) $799.99 (save $700) Get Deal Best 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Samsung 65-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) $999.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal Best 75-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Samsung 75-Inch Class The Frame Pro LS03FW 4K Neo QLED Mini LED TV (2025) 1997.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal

Black Friday has already come and gone, but Cyber Monday is right around the corner. Most retailers have continued dropping deals here and there on a wide variety of products, with Best Buy and Amazon leading the charge at this stage. That includes some of the most popular TVs from the biggest brands.

In particular, some of Samsung's The Frame TVs have dropped to seriously low prices. If you're unfamiliar with these TVs, they double as an art display when you're not watching, so you can throw up some nice artwork or photos to display when the TV isn't being used.

SEE ALSO: 2025 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl's, Target, Home Depot, and more

If you've had your eye on one of these sleek displays, we've gathered up some of the best Black Friday deals from the likes of Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart right now. As Black Friday continues, we'll be sure to update this with even more The Frame TV deals that cross our radar.

For now, check out our top discounted picks below. And for even more discounts on TVs, check out our breakdown of the best Black Friday TV deals.

Best Black Friday 55-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) $799.99 at Best Buy
$1,499.99 Save $700   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not looking to splash out on a massive TV ahead of the holidays, the 55-inch Samsung The Frame is a nice size to work with. And this discount is absolutely worth taking advantage of. Best Buy has slashed $700 off this model, making for almost 50% off its list price (46.7%, to be exact).

Down to $799.99, this TV will set you up with a 4K resolution, QLED display to catch all of your favorite shows and films in crisp, colorful quality. And for when it's not being used, it can display some lovely art, such as some pieces from New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Best Black Friday 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV (2024) $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $1,000   Get Deal Why we like it

For those looking to invest in a slightly larger TV for their home, Best Buy's also offering an excellent discount on its 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV. This model has dropped by a whopping $1,000 as part of the retailer's Black Friday sale, allowing you to scoop it up for $999.99 instead of $1,999.99.

Best Black Friday 75-inch Samsung The Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-Inch Class The Frame Pro LS03FW 4K Neo QLED Mini LED TV (2025) $1,997.99 at Amazon
$2,997.99 Save $1,000.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's 75-inch The Frame Pro is a great pickup for anyone hoping to go big this year. Over at Amazon, the Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro has dropped from $2,997.99 to $1,997.99, saving you $1,000. It's worth noting that this TV is being sold by Walts TV. We generally don't recommend shopping with third-party sellers, so buyer beware. Check reviews and make your decision carefully.

This display is a Neo QLED TV, which Mashable's Leah Stodart described in her CES 2025 coverage as, "Samsung's term of endearment for mini LED, which offer more precise lighting due to their ability to be individually controlled, and the fact that there are more of them (compared to larger LED bulbs)." It also comes with Samsung's Vision AI and Pantone Validated Artful Color. To learn more, check out our breakdown of what to know about Samsung's The Frame Pro from when it was released.

More Black Friday Samsung The Frame TV deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't set up Linux from scratch, these Turnkey distros do it for you

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:30

Self-hosting your own services is one of the best ways to save money on subscriptions and increase your privacy. Since you're running the services on your local network, no one else ever sees the data.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't set up Linux from scratch, these Turnkey distros do it for you

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:30

Self-hosting your own services is one of the best ways to save money on subscriptions and increase your privacy. Since you're running the services on your local network, no one else ever sees the data.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What do people actually buy on Black Friday? Here are the most-bought items by Mashable readers in 2025.

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:27

After being terrorized by constant Black Friday ads on our phones, TVs, and inboxes for a month straight, one has to wonder: Of all of the best Black Friday deals, what do people actually buy on Black Friday? Are Black Friday classics like TVs on sale actually the most popular purchase, or is everyone thinking ahead by stocking up on cleaning supplies and toilet paper?

For Mashable readers, the most popular Black Friday deals were more of a brand thing. Apple and DJI dominated much of the top of the list of our most-bought items, with several grocery deals creeping in a little further down. (What's everyone making with all of that damn Amazon brand cream cheese?) But it was a Pokémon Elite Trainer Box sitting in the number one spot. If you know anyone who's big on Pokémon cards, you've probably heard the term "Mega Evolutions" at least once or twice. Yep, the top item had to do with that.

SEE ALSO: Are Amazon's Cyber Monday prices better than Black Friday? Our shopping experts say the answer is clear.

Below, we're breaking down the top Black Friday items that Mashable swarmed to on Friday, Nov. 28 itself. If any of this convinces you to make the same purchase, just know that most of these popular Black Friday deals are still live (though they may be called Cyber Monday deals now).

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions 1 Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions Elite Trainer Box $105 at Amazon
  Shop Now

The most serious Pokémon card collectors will camp out outside of a GameStop if they have to, but the option to simply buy a coveted new release at Amazon is clearly preferred. Mashable readers hustled when we let them know that the Mega Evolutions 1 Elite Trainer Box dropped below market value to $79.69 on Nov. 28. It's now back up to $105, but it's somehow still in stock.

The Mega Evolutions Booster Bundle, readers' second most purchased item on Black Friday, is also still in stock at $64.95.

Apple AirPods 4 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $69 at Amazon
$129 Save $60   Get Deal

We can pretty confidently crown the $69 AirPods as the most nuts Black Friday Apple deal. That's a 47% price drop from their usual $129, and by Apple's standards, a sale price like $69 is basically giving them away.

The AirPods 4 with ANC were also quite popular with readers, and they're still at their record-low price of $139.99 at Amazon.

DJI Mic Mini Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $90.00   Learn More

This is everyone's year to become a content creator, huh? The DJI Mic Mini was easily the favorite Black Friday DJI deal of Mashable readers, specifically the bundle that includes one receiver and two mics/transmitters. It makes sense: DJI's super lightweight pocket microphone system is such an easy way to make recorded audio sound better, as Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard can confirm.

The 2 TX + 1 RX Mic Mini has sold out at Amazon but is still available on sale for $79.99 at Best Buy.

Apple AirTag Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $17 at Amazon
$29 Save $12   Get Deal

After the AirPods 4, the humble Apple AirTag was the second most popular Apple item amongst Mashable readers. No surprises here — knowing the physical location of your wallet, backpack, or luggage is essentially buying peace of mind. AirTags make a great gift idea for just about anyone, and at $17 a pop for Black Friday, why not grab a few?

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $19.99
$39.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

Out of all of the Echo devices, Fire Tablets, and Kindles on sale, the most popular Amazon device deal among Mashable readers was actually the Fire TV Stick 4K Select (Amazon's newest and most budget-friendly Fire stick). The 50% off deal on the newest Fire TV Stick is too good to pass up — surely the fleeting promo code that brought it down to just $9.99 drove numbers, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11's newest bug just made signing in so much harder

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:25

Windows 11 users are getting a frustrating new bug that completely hides the password sign-in option on the lock screen, making it incredibly difficult to log into their PCs. This isn't a total lockout, but it's certainly a massive headache if you use a real password.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11's newest bug just made signing in so much harder

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:25

Windows 11 users are getting a frustrating new bug that completely hides the password sign-in option on the lock screen, making it incredibly difficult to log into their PCs. This isn't a total lockout, but it's certainly a massive headache if you use a real password.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why do some phones use these weird fast-charging USB cables?

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:00

For the longest time, smartphone battery life was a real issue. I remember my first few smartphones basically traveling with me from charger to charger. They would charge at my desk, charge in my car, and charge next to my couch. While phone battery life is now much better, the real revolution has come from fast-charging.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why do some phones use these weird fast-charging USB cables?

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 22:00

For the longest time, smartphone battery life was a real issue. I remember my first few smartphones basically traveling with me from charger to charger. They would charge at my desk, charge in my car, and charge next to my couch. While phone battery life is now much better, the real revolution has come from fast-charging.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best DJI deals still live after Black Friday: Record-low deals on mics, drones, power stations

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 21:49
The best Black Friday DJI deals at a glance: Best mic deal DJI Mic Mini $66 (save $53) Get Deal Best drone deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 (save $80) Get Deal Best pocket camera deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $529 (save $270) Get Deal

Black Friday has come and gone again this year, but there's no shortage of discounts on premium tech now that it's time for Cyber Monday to take the spotlight. But the deals started even before the shopping events did. In fact, since the start of the month, we've been seeing a wide range of early-access deals on big brands like DJI. If you're looking for premium, DJI is a good place to start.

DJI features heavily in Black Friday sales, especially with the sale just a few days away. So far, I spotted discounts on the DJI Mic Mini, the DJI Osmo 360 camera, and the DJI Air 3 drone, just to name a few popular products. As Mashable has reported, a total ban on DJI drones in the United States could be implemented by the end of the year. With that uncertainty floating in the air, heavy discounts on DJI are needed now more than ever.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the looming DJI drone ban in the United States

I've tracked down several DJI deals that have caught my eye for Black Friday and are still gong strong as of the weekend ahead of Cyber Monday. Check out my top picks below:

Editor's note: Currently, many DJI products are unavailable in the United States through official retailers, which is why we've included deals from third-party sellers at Amazon.

DJI Mic Mini

The DJI Mic Mini is a product that Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, considers to be among the best Black Friday tech deals available right now. This wireless mic, which is a huge hit with content creators, has a helpful magnetic attachment that can be clipped onto a shirt. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard also tested out the mic, and determined, "If you need any degree of portability with your mic setup, the DJI Mic Mini offers a lot of versatility, and for a great value. That makes it a solid option for making vlogs and TikToks, and for anyone who feels less than confident with their tech skills — once I plugged the receiver into my phone, the mics connected easily and started working with the camera app automatically."

This particular offer comes as a bundle which includes two DJI Mic Mini TX, one RX, and a few additional accessories.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) $66 at Amazon
$119 Save $53   Get Deal DJI Osmo 360 Camera

If you're a content creator looking to add an action camera to your setup, this discount on the DJI Osmo 360 is well worth a look. Whether you're capturing footage during the day or night, it can support 8K/30fps videos for up to 100 minutes and offers plenty of space to hold everything (105GB of built-in storage, to be exact). Plus, it launched just earlier this summer, making this nearly $200 markdown especially impressive. (It's also out of stock on DJI's website.)

It even has a waterproof and cold-resistant design that's built to handle a variety of elements, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged on shoot. This bundle comes with the Osmo 360 camera, an Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh), a protective pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, a USB-C to USB-C PD cable, and a rubber lens protector.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 Camera Standard Combo $357.49 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $192.50   Get Deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo

Drone deals are something the Mashable team is keeping a close eye on over Black Friday, and DJI is no exception. One of the best we spotted so far is on the DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo.

Mashable's team had hoped to see the Mini 4K drone go on sale, and while it did briefly drop down to $239, it has since gone back up to $299. However, if you're able to invest a bit more, the combo set is $80 off for Prime members, and comes with a shoulder bag, two batteries, and a propeller holder, making it more convenient to take on the go (and giving you an additional 31 minutes of battery life over the non-combo version). You'll also get access to the same 4K video and three-axis gimbal stabilization you would on the cheaper drone.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal DJI Osmo Action 4

If you're looking for a cheaper action camera than the one listed above, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is also on sale right now at Amazon. It features a 155-degree FOV that supports up to 4K/60fps video recording and also features a durable build that's waterproof up to 18 meters and can handle cooler temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). No matter where you decide to take it, this little camera is ready for the adventure.

This Standard Combo will set you up with the DJI Osmo Action 4, a battery, a quick-release adapter mount, a horizontal-vertical protective frame, a curved adhesive base, an Osmo locking screw, a Type-C to Type-C PD cable, a lens hood, an anti-slip pad, and a DJI logo sticker.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo $209 at Amazon
$299 Save $90   Get Deal DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station

A good portable power station can go a long way, and this is one of our favorites. We consider the DJI Power 2000 to be the best portable power station for content creators, as it "proved its worth as a multi-tasker, charging up a phone and camera battery and cooking dinner in the air fryer at the same time." It is currently sporting a nice coupon on Amazon, so you can save during Black Friday.

It's normally listed for $1,299, but this Black Friday deal shaves its price nearly in half, bringing it down to $699 (which amounts to a 47% discount). If you're a content creator or someone looking to have backup power at home or on the go, this powerhouse is a worthy pickup with its 15 ports and expansion up to 22.5kWh.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station $699 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600   Get Deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3

For content creators shopping around over Black Friday, this is another camera deal to check out before the main event. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera features a one-inch CMOS sensor that can record up to 4K resolution videos at 120fps. It even features a touchscreen that can be rotated so you can choose to shoot horizontally or vertically.

There's a lot in this bundle to get you started. The camera comes with a protective cover, wrist strap, a handle with a 1/4-inch thread, and a Type-C to Type-C PD cable.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera $529.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $269.01   Get Deal DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer

If you're filming frequently, it's important to keep the camera you're using steady as you capture. The DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer can help with that, and it's currently discounted at Amazon for Black Friday. This stabilizer can support mirrorless cameras, vlog cameras, and phones up to 2kg/4.4lbs. It also comes with everything you need to get started, including the DJI RS 4 Mini gimbal, a tripod, a quick-release plate, an L-shaped multi-camera control cable, a USB-C charging cable, and a screw kit.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer $289 at Amazon
$369 Save $80   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The weird world of Kindle page-turner remotes

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 21:00

So you buy a Kindle and you think to yourself, "I sure would like to turn the pages from way over here, surely there's a solution for that?" Well, to my personal surprise, I have recently learned both that people who want to turn eReader pages at a distance exist (it makes sense when you think about it) and that Kindles in particular have no elegant way of achieving this goal. Hence, the existence of weird and wacky "Kindle page turners."

Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ of the best Black Friday TV deals still live: Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense at record lows

Mashable - Sat, 11/29/2025 - 20:44

Don't have time to read a bunch of paragraphs? Use the table of contents dropdown to skip to the best TV deals in list form, categorized by retailer and size.

The best Black Friday TV deals still live: Best small TV deal Amazon 32-inch 2-Series Smart Fire TV $99.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST 50-inch TV deal Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 (save $130) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 (save $800) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $899.99 (save $1,600) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $697.99 (save $302) Get Deal Best giant TV deal Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV $2,197.99 (save $1,300) Get Deal Best deal on The Frame Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV $897.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best OLED TV Deal Samsung 65-Inch S95F 4K OLED Smart TV $2,299.99 (save $1,000 + get a free $100 gift card) Get Deal

It's officially the best time of year to buy a TV. And you don't even have to wake up at 2 a.m., ready to throw fists in a Walmart. There are so many record-low Black Friday TV deals still live across the internet now that all of the big TV destinations like Amazon and Best Buy have officially kicked off their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.

SEE ALSO: Streaming just got cheaper: Score Black Friday deals on HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and more

We're live tracking the best Black Friday deals on TVs every day through Cyber Monday. Find our recommendations organized by retailer and size below, including a heads up if a highlighted model has already sold out at another retailer (in other words, grab it ASAP). There's still plenty of time to shop with all these discounts live and ready to go, but you'll want to pounce if you don't want to miss out!

Psst: If you're not sure what to do with your old TV, you can recycle it at most Best Buy stores for free.

Best Black Friday deal on a small TV Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 32-inch 2-Series Smart Fire TV $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Why we like it

While this mini TV won't win any awards for its display, it has all the essentials you need in an extra TV. So, if you're looking for a TV for your bedroom, kitchen, or small apartment, consider this popular Amazon TV. It's hard to argue with a $99.99 price tag, which seems like a mistake in the era of inflation and tariffs. The 2-series uses the Fire TV OS to get you connected to streaming services like Apple TV and HBO Max, and it comes with an Alexa voice remote.

Best Black Friday 50-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130 Sold out at Amazon Get Deal Why we like it

This deal really highlights why we love the Hisense TV brand so much: you can get a QLED 4K TV for under $200. The QD6 model is a well-rounded budget TV that utilizes the Fire TV platform and features built-in Alexa, as well as Dolby Vision HDR and DTS Virtual X audio for better picture quality and crisper sound. It won't wow you quite like a premium QLED would, but you'll still notice a difference from the quantum dots — particularly when watching in the daytime. This 50-inch model is great for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, and apartments, and at $199.99, it's beating its Prime Day price by nearly $40 at Best Buy.

Best Black Friday 65-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $899.99 at Best Buy
$2,499.99 Save $1,600.00   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not sure what size TV to get, we consider 65 inches to be the sweet spot for most folks. And our top pick for most people is TCL's QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV, thanks to its impressive brightness, stellar picture quality, contrast, shadow detail, and budget-conscious pricing.

"While this intensity of brightness makes the QM8K a solid choice for watching TV in daylight, its more-precise-than-usual backlights keep details crisp in a dark room. The new anti-halo effect is an effective fix for some of the blooming its predecessor experienced," Mashable's Leah Stodart notes. It's typically a $2,500 TV, but this Black Friday deal at Best Buy has dropped the cost of the 65-inch model down below $900. Amazon has the same model listed for $2 less, but as it comes from a third-party seller, we're more inclined to go with Best Buy.

SEE ALSO: If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settings Best Black Friday 75-inch+ TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $697.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $302 Sold out at Walmart and Best Buy Get Deal Why we like it

Walmart's excellent deal on the TCL QM6K TV, which our friends at CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed the "best TV under $1,000 in 2025," is currently unmatched at Amazon or Best Buy. It checks all the boxes you want in a new TV: impressive picture quality with vibrant colors, smooth streaming interface (via Google TV), a high refresh rate for gaming (144Hz), and a killer price tag. At $698, this Black Friday deal not only beats its Prime Day price by more than $50, but it marks a new record-low. It's not quite as impressive as its QM8K sibling, but the QM6K is "a stellar mini LED TV for the low-to-mid-tier price range," as our team pointed out in our roundup of the best TVs for 2025.

Best Black Friday deal on The Frame Art TV Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV $897.99 at Amazon
$1,197.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

We think the 2025 edition of The Frame, Samsung's cult-favorite art TV, is probably the best TV of the year on balance. While you can find premium LG and Samsung OLEDs with better displays, they will cost a lot more, and they lack the cool factor you get with The Frame. This art TV is ultra-thin, blending perfectly into your home decor. It also has a very unique matte, anti-glare display. Often imitated but never equaled, The Frame is truly special, and this is one of the year's best Black Friday tech deals so far.

More Black Friday deals on art TVsBest OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S95F OLED 4K TV $2,299.99 at Best Buy
$3,299.99 Save $1,000 Comes with a free $100 gift card Get Deal Why we like it

While we do think the LG C5 is the best OLED TV you can buy right now, it's not necessarily the best Black Friday OLED TV deal. For example, the $1,399.99 "sale price" on the 65-inch C5 at Best Buy looks like an incredible deal until you realize that that TV has been $1,399.99 at Amazon since October. (Camelcamelcamel spills the price history tea once again.)

In terms of legit record-low discounts, the 65-inch Samsung S95F OLED's $1,000 discount is new for Black Friday, and you'll get a free $100 Best Buy gift card on top of that. The S95F is still one of our top OLED recommendations, mostly due to its anti-glare matte finish that's highly effective in bright rooms.

SEE ALSO: What is camelcamelcamel? Just our secret weapon for finding the lowest prices on Amazon. More Black Friday TV deals at Best Buy43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upMore Black Friday TV deals at Walmart50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and upMore Black Friday TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker