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The best Bose speaker deals on October Prime Day: Best TV speaker deal Bose TV Speaker $199 (save $80) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal Bose SoundLink Max $279 (save $120) Get Deal Best waterproof speaker deal Bose SoundLink Flex $99 (save $60) Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new speaker, there's no sweeter sound than words like "October Prime Day," the sale event that's now in its final day on Amazon. The sale, running until the end of Oct. 7, means deals across a range of tech, including TVs, headphones, and, of course, Bluetooth speakers.

When you're buying a new speaker, you want a reliable brand name as much as you want a good price. That being the case, it's worth checking out the discounts on Bose Bluetooth speakers, which includes a record-low price and a saving of $120.

We've looked through the listings and found a selection of the best deals on Bose speakers. Don't forget that October Prime Day officially ends at the close of business today, so this could be your last chance to snag a speaker at these prices.

Best Bose TV speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose TV Speaker $199 at Amazon
$279 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

No home cinema set-up is complete without a soundbar, and the Bose TV Speaker is now seriously affordable. It connects via Bluetooth (and also supports HDMI-ARC) and offers features such as an enhanced dialogue mode, a bass booster, and spatial audio. It rarely dips below this discounted price of $199, so it's a great deal while it's available.

Best Bose portable Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Max $279
$399 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a speaker you can carry around the house or even throw in your bag for on-the-go listening, we recommend the Bose SoundLink Max. Not least of all, because it's got the biggest discount in this roundup — an impressive savings of $120 off the regular list price. It has up to 20 hours of playtime, enough for an all-day party.

Best Bose waterproof Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Flex $99
$159 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bose SoundLink Flex is a scaled-down version of the Max. It's designed to be even easier to take on your travels — particularly to the pool or beach or general adventure destinations thanks to being both waterproof and dustproof. It has 12 hours of battery and comes in a variety of super fun colorways. Choose one that suits your vibe. Now available at a record-low price.

More October Prime Day speaker deals

• Soundcore Select 4 Go — $34.99 $19.99 (save $25)

• JBL Go 5 — $39.95 $54.95 (save $15)

• Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 — $54.14 $99.99 (save $45.85)

• Bose SoundLink Micro — $99.99 $129 (save $29.01)

• Soundcore Boom 2 — $84.99 $129.99 (save $45)

• Beats Pill — $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)

• Marshall Emberton III — $99.99 $179.99 (save $70)

• Bose SoundLink Plus — $179 $269 (save $90)

• Soundcore Rave 3S Party Speaker — $278.99 $349.99 (save $62)

• JBL PartyBox Stage 320 — $499.95 $549.95 (save $50)

Google Maps is usually associated with directions, traffic updates, and finding nearby places. But it also has a solid set of accessibility tools that many people don’t know about. These cover different needs, including mobility, vision, and hearing, and many of them help everyone, not just the people they were built for. Stair-free walking routes can help if you’re carrying luggage or pushing a stroller, and spoken walking directions let you keep your eyes up while you move.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're vibrant.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 7, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Color for the cure

The words are related to bright hues

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a vibrant color.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Tickled Pink.

NYT Strands word list for October 7

• Shocking

• Quartz

• Flamingo

• Tickled Pink

• Barbie

• Bubblegum

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you always get to the bottom of it.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 7, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Verify.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PROVE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 7, 2026 Dichotomy meaning

A sharp division or contrast between two things that are completely different or opposed to each other.

Monologue meaning

A long, uninterrupted speech delivered by a single person in a conversation, play, movie or show.

Tetracycline meaning

A broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and acne.

Trident meaning

A three-pronged spear or instrument

Bank meaning

A licensed financial institution that accepts public deposits and provides loans

Squirrel meaning

A small-to-medium rodent with a long, bushy tail that typically climbs trees and eats nuts and seeds.

Stash meaning

To store, hide, or keep something safely.

Store meaning

A supply of items kept for future use.

Choreography meaning

The art and process of designing, planning, and arranging specific steps, movements, and patterns for dances and stage performances

Musical meaning

A stage and film production that tells a story through songs and dance.

Orchestrations meaning

The careful coordination of multiple separate elements or tasks to work together smoothly and achieve a specific goal.

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Play meaning

To perform an entertainment or a particular character.

Cinnamon meaning

A warm, fragrant spice made from the dried inner bark of tropical evergreen trees.

Hamburger meaning

A patty (typically beef) served inside two circular buns.

Hot dog meaning

A cooked sausage served inside a long, sliced bun.

Sticky meaning

Made of, covered with, or having the property of a substance that adheres to things that tou.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a theater kid.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 7, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Reserve

• Green: Breaded

• Blue: Alpha, Delta, Gamma

• Purple: Theater recognition

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Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Save for later

• Green: Kinds of buns

• Blue: Greek numerical prefixes

• Purple: Best ___ Tony Awards

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1213 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Save for later: BANK, SQUIRREL, STASH, STORE

• Kinds of buns: CINNAMON, HAMBURGER, HOT DOG, STICKY

• Greek numerical prefixes: DICHOTOMY, MONOLOGUE, TETRACYCLINE, TRIDENT

• Best ___ Tony Awards: CHOREOGRAPHY, MUSICAL, ORCHESTRATIONS, PLAY

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle is in stock and available for around $94 at Amazon for October Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle $93.95 at Amazon
  Get Deal

Over October Prime Day, we're focused on showcasing record-low deals, huge discounts, and rare price drops. We're generally very picky when it comes to the deals we promote, but that goes out the window with Pokémon.

Is it in stock and somewhat close to market price? We're all over it.

As of Oct. 7, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle is down to around $94 at Amazon via marketplace sellers. You might find better prices after Prime Day, but Amazon actually has stock and is selling for a price that isn't totally horrible. With the way the market is right now, that's a win.

At this price, you are looking at around $16 per pack for six sealed 30th Celebration booster packs. That’s a far more palatable rate to chase the set’s heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex, Mew ex, Umbreon ex, Salamence ex, and Greninja ex. Plus, every single pack guarantees one of 30 distinct rare Pikachu variant cards, making this one of the most collectible anniversary drops in recent memory.

Stock tends to disappear quickly, so we recommend jumping on this offer to avoid disappointment. Paying $94 is still a markup over retail, but landing a sealed bundle for under $100 on Amazon is currently your safest bet to dodge reseller gouging.

Score the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle for $94 on October Prime Day.

Our best editor-vetted Prime Day deals right now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $198.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell   — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

SAVE $670.94: As of Oct. 7, the Ecovacs Goat A2000 LiDAR PRO Robot Lawn Mower is down to its lowest price ever. Snag one from Amazon for $1,329.05, down from $1,999.99 — a 34% discount for Prime Big Deal Days.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Goat A2000 Robot Lawn Mower $1,329.05 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $670.94   Get Deal

If your idea of a great weekend involves anything other than pushing a loud, gas-chugging motor around your yard for two hours, a robot mower is the ultimate outdoor upgrade. For Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, the Ecovacs Goat A2000 LiDAR PRO just dropped to an all-time low of $1,329.05, saving you over $670 on a completely wire-free setup.

The mower relies on high-end robot vacuum tech, ditching boundary wires and finicky satellite antennas entirely. Its dual 360-degree LiDAR navigation maps your yard automatically and holds lock-tight, two-centimeter precision. That means no freezing up or dropping connection under dense trees, near privacy fences, or in shaded spots where GPS mowers typically lose their minds.

SEE ALSO: Amazon has dropped mega deals on robot lawn mowers for Prime Day: Shop Dreame, Mammotion, and more

To fix your edge lines, Ecovacs built a secondary line trimmer right into the chassis. It cuts flush against driveways, sidewalks, and flower beds, so far less time spent hauling out a manual string trimmer. Underneath, a heavy-duty 32V motor and dual-blade disc deliver enough torque to slice through thick Bermuda, Fescue, or St. Augustine grass without bogging down.

It handles yards up to half an acre and recharges in about 50 minutes. Through the Ecovacs app, you can set custom mowing zones, mark off no-go areas like garden beds, adjust cutting height, and schedule automatic trims while you're at work.

Lock in your Ecovacs A2000 PRO at this record-low price before Prime Big Deal Days ends.

Our best editor-vetted Prime Day deals right now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $198.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell   — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

If you're a fan of Ryobi power tools, there's a good chance you use multiple tools across both its 18V ONE+ and 40V battery platforms. Do you ever wish you had a single charger that could recharge both systems? Thankfully, earlier this year, Ryobi finally answered users' calls, and the new dual-platform hyper charger is finally available.

The best Prime Day trading card deals: Best Pokémon TCG deal Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (invitation only) $159.99 Get Deal Alternative Pokemon 30th Celebration ETB deal Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $177.23 ($28.27) Get Deal Best MTG deal Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box $161.99 (save $47.98) Get Deal Best One Piece deal One Piece Card Game Card Game Starter Deck (ST-23 Shanks) $44.99 (save $17) Get Deal Best Kpop Demon Hunters deal KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards Energy Edition (001-NA-Series 1-A) $45.88 (save $8) Get Deal Best Disney Lorcana deal Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG 2-player Starter Deck $19.99 (save $10) Get Deal

Amazon’s October Prime Day has reached its second and final day, and there are still loads of trading card deals across Pokémon TCG, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece Card Game, Disney Lorcana, and KPop Demon Hunters for you and other collectors to get in on. Luckily, some of the best deals from yesterday have still kept their new lowest prices, including The Hobbit Play Booster Box, hitting a new Amazon low of $161.99, while Pokémon’s 30th Celebration expansion has some new lower prices worth checking out, as well.

Ending at midnight tonight, you only have a matter of hours before a load of these bargains expires, if they don't sell out first. In the meantime, we'll be checking Amazon's trading card market throughout the day and adding any even stronger deals that might go live — while you still have our dedicated Pokemon Prime Day guide (more cards, games, Lego, and books), along with our massive Prime Day round-up covering the very best deals of the entire sale.

MTG's Hobbit Play Booster Box is cheaper than ever Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes - Draft Night $161.99 at Amazon
$209.97 Save $47.98 Get Deal Why we like it

Following the incredibly successful Lord of the Rings expansion, The Hobbit has been in massive demand as well, and you can now own this 30-pack box at its lowest Amazon price ever: $161.99, with 23% cut off its base $209.97 list price.

With that $47.98 price cut, this is indeed a record low (confirmed by camelcamelcamel); it even undercuts the $169 deal we found in late September. For just $7.53 above TCGplayer's $154.46 market price, you'll be paying the equivalent of only $5.39 per pack.

Along with those 30 packs, the box comes with a traditional foil Middle-earth Box Topper. As for the packs themselves, each will have up to three cards of rare or higher rarity, three to five uncommons, seven to nine commons, one land, and one traditional foil card of any rarity, too.

More Magic: The Gathering Deals

• Magic: The Gathering Streets of New Capenna Draft Booster (15 Magic Cards) — $6.79 $8.49 (save $1.70)

• MTG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pre-Release Pack — $29.88 $39.95 (save $10.07)

• Magic: The Gathering Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box — $29.99 $34.99 (save $5)

• Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Bundle — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

• Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Gift Bundle — $79.95 $89.99 (save $10.04)

• Magic: The Gathering Avatar: The Last Airbender Jumpstart Booster Box (24 Packs) — $89.88 $98.99 (save $9.11)

• Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Pizza Bundle — $89.88 $99.99 (save $10.11)

• Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes - Draft Night — $89.99 $119.99 (save 30)

• Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Booster Box (24 Packs) — $119.88 $156.63 (save $36.75)

• Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) — $129.99 $164.70 (save $34.71)

• Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box (30 Packs) — $147.95 $209.70 (save $61.75)

• Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box (30 Packs) — $161.99 $211.11 (save $49.12)

Get the Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $160 Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (invitation only) $159.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

Listings at reasonable prices have been coming and going in the wake of the high demand for the Pokemon TCG's 30th Celebration expansion, but you can now submit invite requests on Amazon for the 30th Celebration ETB for $159.99 — only $14.26 above TCGplayer's $145.73 market price.

To be crystal clear, this is a lottery-type system where getting an invitation isn't guaranteed, but your request will still be kept on file for any future restocks. That said, if you want a 30th Celebration ETB that's readily available to buy right now, Amazon has a separate listing on sale for $177.23, a $28.27 discount.

No matter which 30th Celebration ETB you get, the contents will still be the same: nine booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy trading cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Other 30th Celebration deals

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tin — $38.79

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection - Alolan Exeggutor — $49.44

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection — $49.90

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection - Lucario — $51.62

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection — $64.47 $67.70 (save $3.23)

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle — $93.50

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Greninja ex Box — $91.18 $99.99 (save $8.81)

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tin - Sylveon ex — $90.99 $99.99 (save $9)

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Sylveon ex Box — $94.75 $107.50 (save $12.75)

• Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tins Full Box, 10-10465-176 — $354.88 $399.95 (save $29.96)

More Pokémon TCG deals

• Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions Perfect Order 3-Pack Blister (Chikorita) — $25.95 $29.99 (save $4.04)

• Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister (Binacle) — $23.77 $24.95 (save $1.18)

• Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising Triple Pack — $25.78 $29.99 (save $4.21)

• Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection — Series 2 — $38.99 $59.99 (save $21)

• Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle — $39.93 $93.95 (save $54.02)

• Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Perfect Order Booster Bundle — $44.62 $59.99 (save $15.37)

• Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle — $52.96 $59.99 (save $7.03) 

• Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet - Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle — $104.98 $113.10 (save $8.12)

• Pokémon Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack Storm Emerald Box (Japanese version of Delta Reign) — $124.88 $139.90 (save $15.02)

• Pokémon Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack 30th Celebration Display Box (Japanese version of 30th Celebration) — $259 $310 (save 51)

Over $15 off a One Piece Card Game starter deck Opens in a new window Credit: BANDAI One Piece Card Game Card Game Starter Deck (ST-23 Shanks) $61.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

At $44.99 after a 27% discount, Shanks' ST-23 Starter Deck is now a solid, affordable way to get into the One Piece card game. Built to be approachable for newer players, you'll get a 51-card constructed deck, 10 DON! cards, a play sheet, and an OP-11 booster pack included. Five cards also feature new text, giving existing players a few fresh pieces to work into their current strategies

More One Piece deals

• One Piece Card Game OP-07 500 Years in the Future Booster Pack (Japanese) — $9.80 $14.99 (save $5.19)

• One Piece Card Game TCG Heroines Edition 12-Card Booster Pack - English Edition — $19.99 $22.88 (save $2.89)

• One Piece Card Game The World's Strongest Warriors Sleeved Booster Pack OP-17 — $20.99 $24.95 (save $3.96)

• One Piece Card Game ST-35 Red Black Sabo Starter Deck — $22.44 $24.45 (save $2.01)

• BANDAI One Piece Card Game Set Sail Deck Set (SD-01) — $34.98 $43.87 (save $8.89)

• One Piece Card Game The Adventure of The Island of God OP-15 Booster Box (24 packs, Japanese) — $109 $119 (save $10)

• One Piece Card Game Final Battle OP-16 Booster Box (Japanese) — $108.95 $135 (save $26.05)

Get KPop Demon Hunters Energy Edition for just over $45 Opens in a new window Credit: Kayou KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards Energy Edition (001-NA-Series 1-A) $45.88 at Amazon
$53.88 Save $8   Get Deal Why we like it

The KPop Demon Hunters Energy Edition is down to $45.99 at Amazon, giving collectors 15% off the more premium of Kayou’s two main releases. What makes the Energy Edition a go-to is that it spans 130 card types and 11 rarity tiers, with higher-end cards including laser-etched SE cards individually numbered from 1 to 366.

What's more, BP cards are also exclusive to Energy Edition, giving this box more chase potential than the cheaper Classic line.

More KPop Demon Hunters deals

• Kpop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards, Energy Edition, Series 1 (Collector Box, 5 Packs) — $21.99

• Kpop Demon Hunters-Collectible Trading Cards-Classic Edition-001-NA — $35 $38.80 (save $3.80)

• KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards Energy Edition — $49.95 $53.99 (save $4.04)

Disney Lorcana's TCG Starter Deck sets are now under market price Opens in a new window Credit: Ravensburger Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG 2-Player Starter Deck $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon has the Wilds Unknown 2-Player Starter Set for $19.99, a full $10 below Ravensburger’s $29.99 retail price and around $2.38 under TCGplayer’s current $22.35 market price. You get two ready-to-play 60-card decks, four foil cards between them, damage tokens, lore trackers, and a rulebook. That makes it a fantastic low-cost way for two people to start playing without needing to buy decks or accessories separately.

More Disney Lorcana TCG deals

• Disney Lorcana TCG Azurite Sea Emerald & Sapphire Starter Deck — $11.44 $16.99 (save $5.55)

• Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG: Azurite Sea - Amber & Ruby Single-Player Starter Deck — $14.95 $16.99 (save $2.04)

• Disney Lorcana TCG Archazia’s Island Ruby & Sapphire Starter Deck — $20.90

• Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG: The First Chapter - Ruby & Emerald Single-Player Starter Deck — $24.65 $27.21 (save $2.56)

• Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG: The First Chapter - Sapphire & Steel Single-Player Starter Deck — $29.90 $32 (save $2.10)

• Disney Lorcana TCG Azurite Sea Stitch Collector’s Gift Set — $48.46 $49.99 (save $1.53)

SAVE $90: As of Oct. 7, the DJI Flip 4K camera drone is available for $349 on Amazon. That's $90 in savings off the regular list price of $439 — it's lowest price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Flip $349 at Amazon
$439 Save $90   Get Deal

October Prime Day is now into its final day, with the sale officially closing at the end of Oct. 7, but the deals are still flying at us. Which is exactly what you want if you're shopping for a great deal on a DJI drone.

There's a good reason to get a DJI drone now. Recently passed legislation has effectively banned the U.S. import of Chinese-made DJI drones. It's still legal to own and sell the drones that are already here, but once these stocks are gone, that's it. What that means is that DJI drones will become increasingly sought after and almost certainly more expensive as availability plummets. So deals like we're seeing on the DJI Flip, currently marked down for October Prime Day, are even better value.

As of Oct. 7, the DJI Flip 4K camera drone is marked down to $349, matching its lowest-ever price on Amazon. That's a $90 markdown from the list price of $439.

The DJI Flip will suit flyers of all abilities. Built with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor for capturing sharp 4K footage at 60 fps, it also offers features like subject tracking and Creative Shots modes (including filming you with circle, boomerang, and helix maneuvers). It's also lightweight and takes off directly from your palm, with a flight time of up to 31 minutes. And as the name suggests, it's nimble in the air and super-fun to fly.

Don't miss the DJI Flip 4K camera drone at its lowest price of $349. Today's the last chance to save $90 in this drone.

More October Prime Day drone deals

• Ruko F11PRO 2 — $227.99 $389.99 (save $167)

• Potensic ATOM 2 — $299.99 $359.99 (save $160)

• DJI Neo — $139 $199 (save $60)

• Ruko U11MINI — $403.73 $589.99 (save $186.26)

• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — $622 $719 (save $97)

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of Oct. 7, the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro with 120-inch inflatable screen has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $4,399 at Amazon. That's $1,100 off its full price for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro $4,399 at Amazon
$5,499 Save $1,100   Get Deal

Amazon still has one day of deals for shoppers to look through on Prime Big Deal Days. If you're checking out some of the tech offers, we've spotted some very exciting discounts so far, including the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro. Normally priced at $5,499, this package of a projector and 120-inch inflatable screen has dropped to $4,399 for a limited time.

Not only does this save you a whopping $1,100 on the bundle, but it also marks a brand-new low on Amazon. If you're a Prime member, this is an excellent time to grab it. However, keep in mind that the sale ends after today, so the clock is ticking to save.

SEE ALSO: The 100+ best October Prime Day deals: We're tracking our Apple, Bose, Yeti, and Sony favorites

The Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is a 4K triple-laser projector, so you can enjoy sharp visuals and stunning colors when watching movies or shows. It even offers Dolby Atmos Sound through four battery-powered speakers with 400W of total power. They offer an eight-hour runtime, which is plenty of time for a little TV show marathon or a movie night. Plus, it has a retractable power cable, so you can easily move it between indoor and outdoor environments.

The included 120-inch inflatable screen lets you start watching right away, too. It has an airtight design, so there's no need to worry about it deflating in the middle of movie night, and its anti-wrinkle screen surface makes it easy to see every detail of what you're watching.

Time is running out to save on this Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro bundle. If it's caught your eye, be quick to grab it before Prime Big Deal Days ends.

Prime members only have 48 hours to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Fire Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)

• AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)

• Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 — $319 $359 (save $40)

• iPad mini — $499 $599 (save $100)

• MacBook Air M5 — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

SAVE OVER $100: As of Oct. 7, the Alienware 34 gaming monitor has hit a new low price of $629.99 at Amazon, exclusively for Prime members. That's $170 off its full price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware 34 Gaming Monitor $629.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $170   Get Deal

Day two, and the final day, of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is officially underway, and the deals aren't slowing down just yet. If your gaming setup needs a monitor upgrade, the retailer has knocked the Alienware 34 gaming monitor down to an all-time low price, just for Prime members.

As of Oct. 7, members can snag this display for $629.99, which is a huge $170 price cut from its usual list price. Considering it's never hit this low before, according to price tracking website camelcamelcamel, now is as good a time as any to add it to your cart. Keep in mind the sale only runs through today (a quick 48-hour event), so you don't have much longer to save.

SEE ALSO: The 100+ best October Prime Day deals: We found record prices on Apple, Bose, Yeti, and Sony favorites

Gaming on this sleek QD-OLED display will bring out vibrant colors and sharp detail in on-screen images. It also features Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 technology for deep contrast, alongside 1300 nits peak brightness. Plus, it's a 21:9 ultrawide display with a 1,800R curve that gives you plenty of screen space, while the immersive feel of the screen wrapping around you a bit adds to the experience.

Games will run smoothly and responsively thanks to a 280Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. This monitor is also compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and VESA AdaptiveSync, which help reduce screen tearing while you play.

This discount on the Alienware 34 gaming monitor may not last long after Prime Big Deal Days, so now is your chance to save if you're a Prime member.

Prime members only have 48 hours to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Fire Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)

• AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)

• Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 — $319 $359 (save $40)

• iPad mini — $499 $599 (save $100)

• MacBook Air M5 — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale (aka October Prime Day) is in full swing. The 48-hour sale runs through Oct. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT (that's 2:59 a.m. ET on Oct. 8), and there are literally millions of deals live on Amazon.

The Mashable shopping team has been busy sifting through Amazon to find the best October Prime Day deals that are actually worth your money. And trust us, we've been tracking prices and covering Amazon sales for almost a decade, so we know a good deal when we see one.

And look, we'll be the first to admit that shopping Amazon's sales can feel a little overwhelming. But think of us as your internet bestie helping you navigate it all. If you're not sure what to look for this Prime Big Deal Days, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth went live on Oct. 6 to talk about the products and deals backed by him and the rest of our team.

Miss the stream on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram? Not to worry, you can still replay the video.

And check out our curated list of October Prime Day deals you can shop right now:

The best October Prime Day deals live now Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon (save $49.01) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Amazon Kindle (2024) $103.99 at Amazon (save $46) Get Deal SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD $209.99 at Amazon (save $90) Get Deal Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones (1st Gen) $169 at Amazon (save $190.99) Get Deal Anker Nano Smart Display Charger $25.99 at Amazon (save $14) Get Deal More deals from the stream

Check out the shopping list from our Prime Big Deal Days stream.

Kindle deals

• Kindle 2024

• Kindle Paperwhite 2024

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Apple deals: Smartwatch, MacBooks, iPad, AirTags

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD)

• Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

• M5 MacBook Pro

• AirTag 2

• M4 iPad Air

• M5 iPad Pro

Amazon deals

• Audible $0.99

• Prime Free Trial

• Amazon Smart Plug

• Amazon Echo Dot

• Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

Smart watches

• Apple Watch Series 12

• Apple Watch SE 3

• Apple Watch Ultra 3

TV and Fire TV stick deals

• TCL 65-inch T7 Series QLED 4K Google TV

• Samsung 65-Inch S90H Series OLED 4K Smart TV

• Samsung The Frame 55-inch LS03F 4K QLED Art TV

• Fire TV Stick 4K Select

• Amazon Ember 43-inch 4-Series Fire TV

• Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV

• Amazon Ember 55-inch QLED Series Fire TV

• Amazon Ember 65-inch Mini-LED Series Fire TV

Headphones, speakers, and audio deals

• Apple AirPods Pro 3

• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Waterproof Speaker

• Bose Soundlink Plus Speaker

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

• Apple AirPods Max 2

• Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones (Gen 1)

• DJI OSMO POCKET BUNDLE

• Sony WF-1000XM6 ANC Earbuds

Chargers

• Anker Nano Smart Display Charger

• Anker MagGo 2

Smart glasses deals

• TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro

• Xreal 1S AR Smart Glasses

• Xreal One Pro AR Glasses

Beauty and grooming deals

• Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream:

• Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

• Caldera + Lab The Good Serum

• Caldera Eye Serum

• Laifen P3 Pro Electric Shaver

• Shark CyroGlow LED Face Mask

Even more deals

• Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

• Yeti Limited Edition Tundra 45 Cooler

Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday morning and is expected to reach hurricane strength early Thursday as it pushes toward a Gulf Coast landfall. The National Weather Service has launched its suite of online storm tracking forecasts and graphics on the National Hurricane Center website.

The National Hurricane Center's prediction cone reveals a northeastward trajectory that turns northward Thursday night, with a projected landfall late Friday or early Saturday morning somewhere between eastern Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle.

Most of the spaghetti models predict a strength somewhere between Category 1 and Category 2, though a handful predict strengths between Category 3 and 4, according to storm tracking site Cyclocane. It's very early to determine the landfall location of a likely hurricane, but many (though not all) of the spaghetti models place landfall between Biloxi, Mississippi and Pensacola, Florida.

As of 5 a.m. ET Wednesday, Tropical Storm Isaias has 40 mph maximum sustained winds and is traveling East-Northeast at 8 mph. It's located about 580 miles away from the mouth of the Mississippi River, according to the NHC forecast.

A spaghetti model is a collection of storm-tracking forecasts that plot their predictions of a storm's path, all of which are overlaid on a map to provide an estimated visual track of the storm.

As of Wednesday morning, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

The latest forecasts, updated multiple times daily, can be tracked online on the National Hurricane Center website.

SAVE $80: As of Oct. 7, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are down to their lowest-ever price. Snag a pair from Amazon for $369, down from $449.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $369 at Amazon
$449 Save $80   Get Deal

If you’ve ever tried to zone out on a loud flight, drown out a chatty coworker, or just listen to an album without hearing your neighbor’s lawnmower, you know good active noise cancellation is worth its weight in gold. Bose has held the crown for blocking out the world for years, and its flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are basically the gold standard.

For Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, these top-tier over-ear cans just dropped to $369 — saving you $80 and marking the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this second-gen model. You get spatial audio that makes music sound like it’s coming from real speakers in front of you rather than being beamed directly into your brain, and a battery that lasts through the longest international flights.

SEE ALSO: The best headphones and earbuds deals on October Prime Day, including my favorite Bose headphones

For noise cancellation, you get three simple settings: Quiet Mode to completely kill background hums, Aware Mode so you can hear coffee shop announcements without taking the cans off, and Immersion Mode to pair full noise blocking with spatial audio. Speaking of spatial sound, Bose built in a dedicated Cinema Mode that automatically balances movie dialogue against explosive background sound effects so you aren't constantly riding the volume buttons during late-night streaming.

The battery delivers up to 30 hours of continuous playtime, or around 23 hours if you keep spatial audio cranking the entire time. If you do run low, you can keep listening while charging via the USB-C cord, which also doubles as a direct wired connection for high-res audio and lag-free video calls on your laptop.

The onboard mics use AI noise suppression to isolate your voice so people hear you over wind and traffic, while updated Bluetooth 5.4 keeps your connection rock-solid up to 30 feet away.

Saving $80 on these Bose headphones is as good as October Prime Day gets — grab yours at $369 while stock holds.

Our best editor-vetted Prime Day deals right now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $198.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell   — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Trump recently made a comment about LA and San Francisco that sparked backlash followed by a swift defence from the White House and Fox News, all of which has Jimmy Kimmel questioning the network's reaction to what it classifies as a "joke".

"It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said about the Iran conflict during a rally. "They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles, let them take out San Diego."

The White House defended the statement, and Fox News called it a "joke" — but in the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel plays a montage of Fox attacking him for a joke he made earlier this year about the Melania, which Fox referred to as "dark" and "completely deranged".

"So if that rhetoric was deranged and dangerous and violent and dark, surely you must be mortified by the president of the United States casually ruminating about the deaths of 13 million people?" Kimmel asks, before playing another Fox News montage ending with an anchor asking "Why can't the left take a joke?"

"That's right. You know what? I'm going to report him to the FCC," says Kimmel. "The hypocrisy is so glaring you can't even turn your head towards it."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

TL;DR: Davolink's officially licensed Minions WiFi router went viral on X, racking up over 4 million views and wiping out Amazon's inventory. You can still buy this viral router for $39.99 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Davolink Minions WiFi 6 Router $39.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

If you thought home networking equipment was strictly limited to glowing black boxes with spider-like antennas, social media just proved otherwise.

A viral X post praising Davolink’s officially licensed Minions WiFi router racked up over 4 million views in less than 24 hours — causing Amazon's direct stock to sell out almost instantly. Underneath the denim-overalls exterior, these devices are surprisingly capable WiFi 6 and 6E routers built by an enterprise networking company.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Built as a compact upright unit, it sits easily on a desk or bookshelf like a vinyl figurine while delivering actual high-speed home networking. Performance-wise, Bob runs on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with combined theoretical speeds up to 1.77 Gbps. It is specifically built for low-latency tasks like wireless PC VR streaming, online gaming, and 4K media streaming, where a steady connection matters. On the back, you get 1 GbE WAN and LAN ports to connect your modem, PC, or gaming console directly.

Versatility is where Bob shines. You can run it as your main home router, set it up as a standalone access point, use it as a range extender, or link it to another compatible Minions router to build a full mesh network to cover dead zones in your apartment. It also comes with standard WPA3 encryption to keep your connection secure.

Amazon still has select third-party listings for the Minions router at around $39.99. You can also check eBay, where completed sales have been popping up rapidly following the social media spike. Just make sure to double-check total seller pricing and shipping costs so you don't overpay.

Grab the Davolink Minions Bob Router for $39.99 on Amazon before this third-party stock also dries up.

How to choose a red light face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

What about blue light therapy?

Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results in a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically placed bulbs.

Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks worked for us?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least one to two months.

Smart rings monitor your health in a tiny, inconspicuous package. At first glance, they look like any other piece of jewelry, a simple gold or silver ring. But with tiny sensors, these rings track biometrics through your finger. Yes, they'll track your step count and calories burned, but more advanced technology allows them to track sleep and stress levels, all detected through heart rate and variability.

After extensive testing — including some epic marathon training — we selected the best smart rings of the year so far. This year, Oura debuted the Oura Ring 5, which is an exceptional ring for comfort, design, and overall health tracking. While it takes the top spot in our guide, we tried plenty more options.

This guide compares the top options for fitness-minded tech users who want a low-profile health tracker. To compare the rings, we dug into what actually separates these rings: design, battery life, health features, price, subscription costs, and device compatibility.

SEE ALSO: I ran the NYC Marathon wearing 7 fitness trackers and they all watched me throw up

Latest updates to this guide

As of August 2026, we've replaced the Oura Ring 4 with the Oura Ring 5. Yes, it's the latest model, but its smaller size has greatly improved its comfort, making it the best Oura Ring but also the best overall smart ring.

We've also removed the Evie Ring from this list as it appears to be out of stock. The website for the Evie Ring appears to be unavailable, and the product is no longer listed for sale. We've reached out to Evie for comment on whether the ring is officially discontinued and the status of the company.

We're in the process of testing the RingConn Gen 2 Air for inclusion in this guide. Currently, we've included the Ultrahuman Air in this guide, which is no longer being made but is still available for purchase. We'll update this guide with the Ultrahuman Ring Pro once we've completed testing.

What's the best smart ring?

The smart ring market is ever-growing, with new models debuting each year. Samsung launched a smart ring in 2024, and while Apple doesn't have a smart ring on the market yet, we're sure it will be here in a matter of time. But smart rings are synonymous with the Oura Ring, a leader in the field, and for good reason. Having tried multiple Oura rings (the Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 5), testing their hype, and comparing them to other devices, we can confidently say Oura makes the best smart ring in 2026.

Oura offers the most expansive biometric tracking, monitoring your health around the clock. It focuses on daily and long-term health goals more holistically than other rings.

However, the Oura Ring has downsides, like a monthly subscription fee. If you're not down for a monthly fee, we tested some popular alternatives to Oura rings.

Why should you buy a smart ring? So you think you want a smart ring? Here's what you need to know about the latest tech wearable. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Smart rings are not just another fitness tracker. Yes, they do track your activity, steps, and calories burned. However, they're really meant to offer a more holistic view of your health so you can gain deeper insights into your sleep habits, cardiovascular health, and more.

You're a good candidate for a smart ring if you hate the look of a smartwatch or fitness tracker with LED screens, which are categorically not cool. Smart rings are posed as a discreet option, looking like a regular piece of jewelry. However, to be frank, they don't blend in that well. In my weeks of testing, while wearing the rings during hangouts, someone would inevitably ask me, "What's that?"

Since a smart ring doesn't have a screen, you have to pull out your phone and open an app whenever you want to track activity. That's certainly not the end of the world, but if you convert from a smartwatch, you'll miss the convenience of tapping your wrist. That being said, I actually find a smart ring most useful when paired with a smartwatch. I ran all my testing while simultaneously wearing an Apple Watch, and I appreciated the smart rings that were compatible with my watch so I could receive push notifications.