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I hope you didnt buy the Bose QuietComfort headphones on Black Friday. Theyre $199 off today.

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 20:10

UPDATE: Nov. 30, 2025, 1:55 p.m. EST The Bose QuietComfort headphones no longer come with a free $30 digital credit on Amazon, but they're still on sale for $159.99 during the retailer's Cyber Monday sale. This story has been updated accordingly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $159.99 at Amazon and Best Buy
$359 Save $199.01   Get Deal

A really good Black Friday deal on some premium noise-cancelling headphones just became a great Cyber Monday deal.

As of Nov. 30, the black Bose QuietComfort headphones are on sale for just $159.99 during Amazon and Best Buy's Cyber Monday events — that's a 55% savings and their lowest price ever. (They usually retail for $359, so ignore Amazon's deflated list price.)

In case you missed it — actually, I hope you missed it — these same headphones were selling for $199 at both retailers this past Black Friday. I hate to be the bearer of deals FOMO for anyone who bought them already, but this new Cyber Monday offer feels worth the hassle of returning and rebuying them. Amazon doesn't do post-purchase price adjustments, but Best Buy does.

SEE ALSO: Expert-picked early Cyber Monday deals: We found record prices on AirPods, Kindles, Lego, and PS5 consoles

A cheaper alternative to the flagship Bose QuietComfort Ultras, these over-ear cans are a great pair of headphones for most people. They don't have spatial audio support like their premium cousins, but they otherwise sound fantastic, offer a full day's battery life, and fit super comfortably (hence their name). As for ANC, we've found that they block outside sounds well in most environments.

"The active noise cancellation was phenomenal," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino, our Bose QuietComfort reviewer. "The only weakness [they] showed was around significantly loud noises (like a train arriving on the tracks), which temporarily blew out the sound."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday earbuds deals: Latest price drops on AirPods, Sony, and Bose earbuds

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 20:01

Though we've been seeing great deals all month, the Black Friday sales event is now extending into Cyber Weekend. And with it, the final chance to grab some of the best deals of the season (barring any surprise price drops in December).

Already, we've seen popular Black Friday deals start to drop away. The AirPods 4 with ANC for $99? Back up to $139. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)? Back up to $249 at Amazon and at Best Buy (though the latter held the $216 sale price a bit longer). The classic $35 Amazon Echo Buds with ANC deal? Sold out at the time of writing.

That said, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are still hosting sales for Cyber Monday that feature great deals on earbuds. Walmart still has the Apple AirPods 4 down at $79.99 — it's not quite the $69 record low, but it beats the $129 price tag they've returned to at Amazon.The Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 are holding on to their rare markdown, still sitting at their lowest price ever at $222.99.

Best Cyber Monday earbuds deals at a glance: Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 (save $49.05) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal Shokz OpenDot One $139.95 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best sleep earbuds Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 $107.99 at Amazon (save $72) Get Deal Best AirPods Deal Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best Sony Earbuds Deal Sony WF-C710N $78 (save $51.99) Get Deal Budget Pick Raycon Everyday Earbuds $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal SEE ALSO: Mashable will send the best Black Friday deals directly to your phone — how it works

In this story, you'll find the best Cyber Monday deals already live on earbuds, including noise-cancelling earbuds, sleep earbuds, and sports buds. If you see a pair you like, you'll want to snag them — these deals aren't likely to last much longer.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.05   Get Deal Why we like it

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are going to be more geared toward working out than everyday use, but for anyone looking for a good pair of exercise earbuds, you'd be hard pressed to find a better pair. The in-ear and ear hook dual design keeps these buds firmly in place while still providing optimal sound. Though the ANC isn't the most powerful, it's great for adding a little more focus to your workouts. Finally, the built-in heart rate monitor is a nice touch, especially if you don't already own a fitness tracker.

Check out our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

More noise-cancelling earbuds dealsBest open earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenDots One $139.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Shokz OpenDots One are Mashable's favorite open earbuds for most people, but they can be tricky to catch on sale. In his review, Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti sang their praises, noting the sound quality that rivaled the more expensive Bose Ultra Open earbuds (also on sale), the 10 hours of battery life per charge, and great touch controls (which are not to be underrated, especially if you plan on using these earbuds while exercising).

Read our full review of the Shokz OpenDots One.

More open earbuds dealsBest sleep earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds $107.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $72.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds aren't your only viable option for sleep earbuds, but at this sale price of $107.99, they may be the best value. While the newer A30 buds (also on sale) offer ANC and some white noise features, we don't think they necessarily justify a $72 price difference, making the A30 buds firmly an upgrade option, and the A20 buds the best option for most people. Even with just the passive noise cancellation, they were able to block standard nighttime sounds like noisy neighbors, street noise, and AC units. They're especially great if you plan on streaming audio.

More sleep earbuds dealsEven more Cyber Monday earbuds deals

Check out more Cyber Monday headphones deals live now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I don't use Linux for free anymore, and you shouldn't either—here's why

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 20:00

The first time I gave money to a Linux project felt weird. I'd been playing with one distro or another for a while, never quite figuring it out. Then Ubuntu Linux launched just as I started college, and because we all had bad internet, they sent me an installation disc for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Its a Cyber Monday miracle: The M4 Apple MacBook Air is on sale for even cheaper than Black Friday

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 19:52

SAVE $260.96: The 13-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air is on sale for just $738.04 (normally $999) during Amazon's Cyber Monday sale. That’s a 26% savings and its lowest price ever — it's cheaper now than it was on Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB), Midnight $738.04 at Amazon
$999 Save $260.96   Get Deal

It's a Cyber Weekend miracle: The 13-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is now on sale for just $738.04 during Amazon's already-live Cyber Monday sale. That's 26% off its $999 MSRP, which is its biggest discount ever. (This deal only applies to the midnight variant, by the way — all other colors are still $749.)

Anyone who bought this same laptop on Black Friday paid $10.96 more. If that's you, you'll have to return it and rebuy it in order to take advantage of this new lower price, since Amazon doesn't do post-purchase price adjustments.

If you’re looking to pick up a new laptop during Cyber Monday, you can’t go wrong with Apple's M4 MacBook Air. It sports 18 hours of battery life and is lightweight, making it ideal for students or workers who need to move around. The M4 chip makes everyday tasks quick and efficient, whether it's working with multiple apps or playing games

SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday laptop deals: Save on Microsoft Surface, MacBooks, Asus Zenbook, and more

The gorgeous 13.6-inch liquid retina display makes colors bold and bright. It supports up to 1 billion different colors, ensuring that you get the richest contrast and detail no matter what you watch. With four speakers using spatial audio, you’re bound to be immersed.

In our M4 Apple MacBook Air review, we said, “The new MacBook Air is great. It's powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades. It's also cheaper than before, making it the best-buy Apple laptop, period.”

For comparison's sake, the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air is still stuck at $749 in all colorways at Best Buy. It's not discounted in the Apple Store, but it comes with a free $175 gift card if you buy it there.

Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ of the best Cyber Monday TV deals: Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense at record lows

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 19:25

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 Cyber Monday TV deals as of Nov. 30: 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 Class QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED Smart TV $399.99 (save $500) 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 $797.99 (save $400) 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 the good news is you don't have to wait or rush into a store. As of today, Nov. 30, the focus has entirely shifted to Cyber Monday savings, with Black Friday officially in the rearview mirror. Many of the biggest retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have already launched their Cyber Monday sales, offering incredible, often record-low, deals on televisions online right now.

SEE ALSO: Cyber Monday 2025: Live updates on the deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

We're live tracking the best deals on TVs through Cyber Monday, which falls tomorrow, Dec. 1st. Discounts are live and ready to go across retailers and sizes, including massive savings on premium models like OLED TVs. You'll want to pounce quickly, as some popular models are already selling out, and many of these incredible doorbuster deals will expire tomorrow night.

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 budget 4K TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Westinghouse Westinghouse 58-inch Class Smart 4K UHD Xumo TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Westinghouse Xumo TV is a true doorbuster, offering full 4K UHD resolution, HDR10, Dolby Vision and Atmos support, and a built-in smart platform for just $199.99. For a budget price, customers praise its picture quality and easy setup, making it a solid choice for a den, bedroom, or first-time 4K buyer.

Best mid-sized QLED 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 Cyber Monday 65-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Class QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED Smart TV $399.99 at Best Buy
$899.99 Save $500   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 today, Sunday only, Best Buy dropped the QM5K down to a ridiculously low $399.99, making it the best 65-inch deal we've ever seen. This is a QD-Mini LED TV (a premium panel type) with a 4K resolution, full array local dimming, and Google TV built-in. Users call it an "exceptional TV" that offers "phenomenal value" with very black blacks and vivid colors. You also get freebies like three months of YouTube Premium thrown in.

SEE ALSO: If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settings Best Cyber Monday 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 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 Cyber Monday deal on The Frame Art TV Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV $797.99 at Amazon
$1,197.99 Save $400   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, and it just hit a new record-low price of $797.99 at Amazon for Cyber Monday. 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.

More Cyber Monday 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 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/Cyber Monday, 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 Cyber Monday TV deals at Best Buy43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upMore Cyber Monday TV deals at Walmart50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and upMore Cyber Monday TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Cyber Monday 2025: Live updates on the deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 19:14

Once upon a time, Americans lined up in droves outside Walmarts and Targets, still full from Thanksgiving dinner, so they could be first in the door at midnight. Thankfully, these frenzied Black Friday free-for-alls are a relic of a bygone era. Now, you can order all of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals online.

In fact, as we rapidly approach Cyber Monday, practically the entire internet is on sale, which can make it tricky to know where to start. So, Mashable is once again working around the clock to bring you live updates on all of the latest sales, standout deals, price drops, and inventory updates. We've spied record discounts on flagship noise-cancelling Sony headphones, Apple MacBooks and AirPods, award-winning OLED TVs, Dyson vacuums, and the year's most popular tech gifts.

Check out the top Cyber Monday deals live as of Sunday, Nov. 30, and keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday news from the Mashable shopping team.

The best Cyber Monday deals at a glance: The best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones $159.99 (save $189.01) Get Deal Best Earuds Deal Apple AirPods 4 $50 (save $79.99) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag $17.97 (save $11.03) Get Deal Best TV Under $1,000 Samsung 55-inch The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV $797.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best TV Under $500 Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV $349.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Kindle $79.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars 3-in-1 gift set $45 (save $17.97) Get Deal Best Beauty Deal Dyson Supersonic with five attachments $379.99 (save $140) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $17.99 (save $17) Get Deal Best Smartwatch Deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $249.99 (save $100) Get Deal

Remember: Even though Cyber Monday doesn't begin until Dec. 1, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers have already switched over to Cyber Monday mode. If you want to be the first to know when new sales go online, then keep checking back as we provide live updates on the shopping festivities.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals picked by a pro vacuum reviewer: Record lows on Roborock, Shark

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 19:02

Don't have time to read a bunch of paragraphs? Use the table of contents dropdown to skip to my straightforward Cyber Monday robot vacuum recommendations.

A look at the best Black Friday deals on robot vacuums Best budget robot vacuum deal Eufy E20 3-in-1 $297.49 at Amazon (Save $202.50 at Amazon) Get Deal Best mid-range robot vacuum deal Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $799.99 at Amazon (Save $500 at Amazon) Get Deal Best premium robot vacuum deal Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller $999.99 (Save $600 at Dreame) Get Deal

I test robot vacuums for a living and have been keeping tabs on robot vacuum deals trends for over half a decade — and I'd say Cyber Monday's count of robot vacuums on sale beats spring cleaning sales and even both Prime Days. It makes sense: Many brands release their new vacuums for the year at CES in January (or at least near the CES time frame), so when Cyber Monday rolls around, it's often an eleventh-hour push to sell the "old" but still great robot vacuums from the past year.

SEE ALSO: Dyson Black Friday deals: Our favorite vacuum, air purifier, and hair tool are all on sale

Cyber Monday deals on robot vacuums are out in full force now that Black Friday has ended, and between Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, there are a lot to choose from. Take a few minutes to read up on what to look for in a robot vacuum, and assess the features that are non-negotiables in your home, then make your move. (Plus, see why to think twice about buying a Roomba during these deal bonanzas.)

To make your life easier, I've organized the robot vacuum deals that are actually worth your money into a few categories: premium robot vacuum mop combos with 15,000 Pa suction power (these would be good for pet hair pickup), more budget-friendly robot vacuum and mop combos, and then a few non-mopping robot vacuums. I'll be updating this post with new drops, price updates, or stock changes as we approach Cyber Monday.

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller $999.99 at Dreame
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal Why I like it

The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller is the most powerful robot vacuum on the mainstream market, and it's less than $1,000 for the first time ever for Black Friday. Spending that much on a vacuum probably sounds like brain rot to budget shoppers, but think of it this way: The Dreame's 30,000 Pa of suction power is more than 10,000 Pa stronger than the most powerful robot vacuums we saw on sale last Black Friday, and they were still hovering around the $1,000 mark. With the addition of a robust self-rinsing roller mop, this is a real bang for your buck.

I've been testing the Aqua10 Ultra Roller at home for over a month and can personally confirm its efficacy. Its pet hair pickup on rugs has impressed me the most: It has had about a 99 percent pickup rate for large clumps of cat hair that I put in its path and smoosh down into various pile heights. On patterned rugs that camouflage the layer of fur to the naked eye, I've ChomChom-ed the area after the Aqua10 Ultra Roller has done a few passes — and there's barely anything left over to get rolled into the ChomChom compartment. This carpet performance, plus a livestream pet camera, makes the Aqua10 Ultra one of the best vacuums a pet owner could have on hand (robot or not).

More Black Friday robot vacuum dealsRobot vacuum mop combos with 15,000 Pa suction power or moreBudget-friendly robot vacuum mop combos SEE ALSO: Black Friday: SharkNinja is giving away high-value free gifts just for buying these Shark or Ninja gadgets on sale Robot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

I found the best Cyber Monday headphones deals: AirPods are selling out, but you can save $189 on Bose headphones

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 18:44
Best Black Friday headphones and earbuds deals Best Headphones Deal Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones $159.99 (save $189.01 and get $30 Amazon credit with code BOSE30) Get Deal Best Sony headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $248 (save $151.01 at Amazon) Get Deal Best deal for audiophiles Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 $219.99 (save $80 at Amazon) Get Deal Best deal under $100 Sony WH-CH720N $88 (save $91.99 at Amazon) Get Deal Best budget deal JLab JBuds Lux ANC $27 (save $52.99 at Walmart) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max Headphones (USB-C) $399.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal Honorable Mention Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal

I pretty much spend every workday testing out headphones and earbuds, which means I've become well-versed in which headphones are actually worth your money. So when it comes time to sort through the best Cyber Monday deals on headphones — I'm your woman.

This has been an especially noteworthy year for headphones, with flagship releases from Sony, Bose, and Bowers & Wilkins. Flagship headphones are often the ones that get recommended on best of lists — ours included — but considering the new norm for a starting price is $449, they're not exactly the most affordable choice out there. Enter: Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when tech deals abound.

SEE ALSO: Mashable will send the best Black Friday deals directly to your phone — how it works

Now that we're fast-approaching Cyber Monday, we're starting to see some deals disappear and some new ones take their place. Case in point: The $69 AirPods I told you about? Gone. However, as of Nov. 30, you can now save even more on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Still, plenty of headphones are still at record-low prices. I've been scouring the savings to come up with this selection of the best Cyber Monday deals on headphones and earbuds.

The best Cyber Monday headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones $159.99 at Amazon
$349 Save $189.01 Get $30 Amazon credit with code BOSE30 Get Deal

Now that Amazon's official Cyber Monday sale has started, we're seeing a handful of new deals appear, and none more notable than this one — you can now save $189.01 on Bose QuietComfort Headphones and get a free $30 Amazon credit when you use the code BOSE30. These headphones offer some of the best value in the mid-range category, even at full retail price. But now that they're under $200, they're a true steal. With active noise-cancellation, high-quality sound, and a comfortable fit, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better Cyber Monday deal.

One of the most comfortable pairs of noise-cancelling headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $299 at Amazon
$429 Save $130   Get Deal at Amazon

The first time I put the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones on, I knew they were the most comfortable headphones I'd ever worn (Mashable's Samantha Mangino had a similar experience). That belief became even firmer over years of use (and testing them against new competitors). Although the new second-generation headphones feel ever so slightly more comfortable, the originals still hold up.

SEE ALSO: We tested every pair of Bose headphones and earbuds. We found 5 we love, and 1 to buy on sale.

On sale for $299, they're a much better value than the $449 second-gen Ultras. Their main quirks include no passive playback and the occasional difficulty pairing to more than one device. However, when I compared them directly against their newer counterpart, I found the ANC and sound to be very similar. This is a great deal, and people are taking notice — these headphones have already sold out at Amazon in a couple of colorways.

Earbuds designed for quiet and long wear time Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy

As I mentioned in the intro, despite being a relatively new release, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen) have gone on sale a couple of times, dropping down to $249 in select colorways. The black colorway has dropped to a record-low price of $216.

SEE ALSO: Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds 2 are one of the best noise-cancelling earbuds available, but not a must-upgrade

I get that, sale or not, over $200 is a hefty investment for a pair of earbuds. To that, I would say if you're someone looking for something you can wear all day, and prioritize top-of-the-line noise cancellation above all else, these earbuds will be worth it for you. The fit keeps them secure without causing soreness, and helps seal you into a place of quiet that, along with the ANC, rivals many over-ear headphones I've tested.

Bose's latest flagship headphones Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

While the QC Ultras are one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones out there, the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones take the top spot. They also come with some nice quality of life upgrades, including a 30-hour battery life, passive playback support, lossless audio support with the USB-C cable, and an upgrade to their design with new colorways and a shiny metal accent. They're maybe not upgrade-worthy if you already own the first-gen headphones, but if it's your first foray into the QC Ultra line, grabbing these headphones for their price drop drop ever (and a pretty solid one at that) is a smart buy.

Sony headphones that still sound incredible Sony WH-1000XM5 $248 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $151.99   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon

The thing about Sony flagship headphones is that they're going to sound incredible. With the release of the XM6s, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are the former flagship headphones, but their sound profile remains one of the best in the game. I particularly like the "find your equalizer" feature that guides the less audiophile inclined among us through the process of finding their perfect custom EQ sound, which really helps these headphones shine. More generally speaking, when I tested the XM6s and XM5s head-to-head, I didn't find any huge discrepancies in performance. Plus, the XM6s got a $50 price bump to their list price, meaning that even at their current sale price of $398, the XM5s are still $150 cheaper at this $248 price point.

And Sony's latest flagship headphones Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal at Amazon

While these are still $150 more than the XM5s, it is worth mentioning that the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are down to their lowest price ever at $398. It's certainly possible that their price will drop even further as we head into Cyber Weekend, but I've also seen Sony stick to their initial discounts in past shopping holidays. If you want the best sound Sony (and most brands, tbh) has to offer, industry-leading ANC, and ear cups that fold in (a convenient feature for travelers), then the XM6s are an excellent choice. In his review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth wrote: "If you want best-in-class noise-cancelling headphones and pristine audio quality, the headphones deliver."

Mid-range headphones for under $100 Sony WH-CH720N $88 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $91.99   See It at Amazon

Noise-cancelling headphones with great sound quality from a reputable brand don't need to cost several hundred dollars, and the Sony WH-CH720N are proof of exactly that. Mashable named them Sony's best headphones under $100, with Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti singing their praises after two years of use. He deemed their sound quality "near flagship" level, and was impressed by the 35 hours of battery life with ANC on, which beats out the current flagship models of both Bose and Sony.

Though you can often find them on sale for $98 (a feat on its own, considering their $179.99 list price), it's slightly less common to find them on sale for $88, making this a great deal. As an added bonus, the pink colorway is more unique than you might find from other budget headphones options under $100.

The best sounding open earbuds Bose Ultra Open earbuds $199 at Amazon
$299 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon

Open earbuds are great if you prefer staying somewhat aware of the world around you, but in my experience, that can come in the form of less-than-stellar sound quality. In the case of the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, you get the best of both worlds. I suspect that's a large part of the reason behind their $299 price tag (which admittedly feels more appropriate for noise-cancelling earbuds). That's why I recommend them as an upgrade pick for open earbuds, and why I'm an especially big fan of this $100 off deal. In addition to their surprisingly rich sound, I especially like their small charging case, smartly placed on-ear controls, comfortable clip-on design, and many options for colorways.

Excellent mid-range noise-cancelling earbuds Bose QuietComfort earbuds $129 at Amazon
$179 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

Rounding out my picks is maybe the most underrated Bose product — the QuietComfort earbuds. Though their design isn't the most elegant, that's pretty much where their underwhelming features end. For starters, these earbuds have incredible battery life — in my weeks of testing them, I rarely had to charge them, and easily squeezed in a five-hour day of use, with ANC on and battery life to spare.

Sound and noise-cancellation-wise, they don't wow quite as much as the QC Ultra earbuds, but they're also significantly cheaper, even at full price. For their $129 sale price, they're less than half the price of the premium earbuds, and I promise, their performance doesn't reflect that. If I had to put a number to it, I'd say there's more of a $50 to $75 performance discrepancy between the two earbuds, which is why we've named these the best mid-budget earbuds currently on the market. Though we've seen them drop to $129 before, it is their lowest price ever, still making this a great grab.

A budget-friendly favorite at an unbeatable price Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones $27 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $52.99   Get Deal

I don't know if it's possible that a more affordable headphone deal will pop up this weekend. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones, already a solid value at full price, are an even better value at their usual sale price of about $40, and a downright steal at this new record low of $27. This beats Amazon's deal by over $12 and last year's Black Friday pricing by $2. When I tested these headphones, I was surprised by their battery life, along with how solid their sound and ANC performed, as well as the extensive customizability on their app. Mashable's Haley Henschel owns these headphones and appreciates their comfort. They're our favorite budget headphones and one of our top picks for students for a reason.

The best earbuds for working out Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart

When I first tried out the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, I wasn't sure I'd like them all that much, as I had trouble finding how to properly put them on with the ear hook (my colleague Sam Mangino had a similar experience). However, there's a reason they say first impressions aren't everything — after we both found the right ear tip size and got through this small learning curve, we fell in love with these earbuds. So did Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti, who gave them a Mashable Choice Award in his review.

This consensus made these an easy pick for the best earbuds for working out: though their ANC isn't the best, it's present, the ear hook keeps the buds in place without being uncomfortable, the sound is rich, the on-ear controls reliable and perfect for using mid-workout, and the built-in heart rate monitor is a convenient feature, especially if you don't already own a fitness tracker. Though they've hit this sale price before, they don't go on sale often, so I recommend grabbing them while you can.

A (better) AirPods Max alternative

Mashable loved the Beats Studio Pro when they first dropped in 2023, and after testing them again in 2025 against the rest of the Beats lineup, we found that they held up. Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti compared them to another Apple over-ear headphone, the AirPods Max, saying the Beats Studio Pro have a lot of overlap in features with AirPods, making the Beats a much better bang for your buck. The Studio Pro has better battery life (24 hours compared to the AirPods' 20), and according to Bracetti, better sound quality and similar ANC. The AirPods Max are currently on sale for $399.99, meaning you could buy two pairs of these Beats and still have money left over.

This deal in particular applies to the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian model, which at the time of writing are $20 cheaper than the regular Studio Pros' sale price (which just feature different colorway options).

Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian $149.95 at Amazon
$349.95 Save $200   See It at Amazon ANC headphones with 60 hours of battery life

Many popular flagship headphones have roughly 30 hours of battery life, which makes the whopping 60 hours of battery life found on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 all the more impressive. (And yes, that's with ANC on). This feature certainly made them a standout to us, and earned them the spot of Mashable's favorite headphones with long battery life, but that wasn't the only place they wowed.

When I tested these headphones out, trying to wear down that mammoth battery life felt like marginally less of a chore because of their excellent sound quality. The ANC stood out less than competitors, and the touch controls were on the sensitive side, but the companion app added enough customizability that it was never a real problem. I also appreciate that even with both pairs on sale, these headphones are cheaper than the Dyson OnTrac headphones, their only real competition for battery life. (And in my opinion, the Sennheisers have a much more elegant design). At $199.95, these headphones are just a couple of dollars away from their lowest price ever, and in a price range I've typically only seen around the holiday season.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Momentum 4 $199.95 at Amazon
$449.95 Save $250   Get Deal AirPods at a new record-low price

Indicators that the Black Friday sale was absolutely in full swing? The price drop on the Apple AirPods 4. On Black Friday, they dipped as low as $69, but as of Nov. 30, they're back to $79.99. To be clear, that's still a great price, and I still think they're worth buying. If you're the type of person prone to losing your wireless earbuds, then Apple's most affordable buds are perfect for you.

Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 at Walmart
$200.29 Save $120.30   See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy See It at Amazon Solid budget earbuds

The Raycon Everyday Earbuds may have made a name for themselves through many a YouTube sponsorship, but after testing them out for myself, I can personally verify that these are really solid budget earbuds. These are the perfect option for anyone who wants the basics done well, without the hassle of any setup. They come sans companion app (and a button for Bluetooth), but they pair easily as soon as they're powered on, and can be controlled entirely by the tactile on-ear controls.

Both their sound quality and ANC are solid; they come with eight hours of charge with ANC on (the same as the AirPods Pro 3), and six gel tips for finding the perfect fit. If you're looking for budget headphones with a few more extras, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are also on sale — although they're a great value, they do drop down to this price point year-round, making them a less impressive Cyber Monday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Raycon Raycon Everyday Earbuds $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00   Get Deal The best earbuds for sound

Maybe the biggest flaw of the Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds is that they rarely go on sale. With this deal, these earbuds aren't just getting a rare price cut, but they're down to their absolute lowest price ever. In his review of the earbuds, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth pointed to their audio quality as their standout feature, writing, "While Bose retains an edge on overall comfort, I'm not aware of any wireless earbuds in the world that offer better, fuller, more accurate sound."

In addition to the excellent sound quality, these earbuds come equipped with top-notch adaptive ANC, three-way multipoint pairing that works without a hitch, LDAC support, and a premium design with metal accents on the earbuds and case.

Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 $219.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $80   See It at Amazon

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

Tabitha Britt contributed to this article.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Supreme Court to look at big music piracy case

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 18:44

Should people lose access to the internet for simply downloading music?

That's the question the U.S. Supreme Court will look at on Dec. 1, per USA Today. After a jury ordered telecommunications giant Cox Communications to pay $1 billion in damages to the music industry in 2019, an appeals court threw out the damages. SCOTUS, then, agreed to hear Cox's appeal that it should not be held liable for music piracy that occurs on its network services. On the other side, major record companies are arguing that Cox should be held liable for the act of not preventing piracy, even if it didn't directly assist with said piracy.

SEE ALSO: AI music service Udio shuts off the ability to download creations

This case has the potential to create strange implications for the future of internet access because the music industry feels that companies like Cox should simply turn off internet access for IP addresses that are automatically flagged for having illegally downloaded music. Cox, on the other hand, argues that this is too extreme and could result in homes and businesses unfairly losing access for the misdeeds of one unknown user on the network. Cox gave the example of a hospital losing internet access because of music piracy, which feels a bit unlikely, but nonetheless illustrates the point succinctly.

For what it's worth, as USA Today points out, Cox has major entities like the Department of Justice and the ACLU on its side, as well as tech companies like Google. That would suggest Cox has a decent chance of coming out on top in whatever legal proceedings take place here, but obviously, nothing is certain when it comes to the Supreme Court.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to clean up old Windows drivers and hidden files

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 18:30

Over time, hidden junk files and old drivers clog up Windows systems, slowing them down, and even introducing security vulnerabilities. That’s why it’s a good idea to ‘spring-clean' your computer every once in a while. Clearing away old junk files will speed up your computer and free up disk space at the same time. I’ll show you two ways you can do this.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30+ of the best Cyber Monday Pokémon deals: Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection Box, Phantasmal Flames Booster Box, and more

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 18:18
The best Black Friday Pokémon deals at a glance: Best Pokémon TCG deal Mega Evolution Booster Bundle $50.36 (save $9.36) Get Deal Best Pokémon Game Deal Pokémon Legends: Arceus $50.90 (save $9.09) Get Deal Funko Pop! Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters $56.86 ($13.13) Get Deal Best Pokémon Squishmallows deal Squishmallows Jumbo Eevee $35.49 (save $14.5) Get Deal Best Pokémon Toy deal Pokémon Battle Figure 8 Pack $26.04 (save $10.95) Get Deal Best Pokémon Plushie Deal Pokémon Bulbasaur Sleeping Plush - 18-Inch Premium Plush in Sleeping Pose $39.99 (save $2.60) Get Deal Best Mega Pokémon deal Mega Pokémon Charmander Evolution Set with 313 Pieces (with Charmeleon & Charizard) $31.99 (save $3.64) Get Deal Pokémon 5" Sleeping Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur Starter Plush 3-Pack $34.99 (Save $2) Get Deal Best for collectors Phantasmal Flames Booster Box $254.99 (save $44.01) Get Deal

Even with Black Friday in the history books, the Pokémon deals are still going strong as of Cyber Monday, which means you can still save serious cash on Pokémon TCG, the most popular Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, Mega building sets, and all the Pokémon toys, Squishmallows, Plushies, and Funko Pops your heart desires.

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

At Mashable, we've scanned through everything on offer at retailers like Amazon and dug up the ideal Pokémon deals for you following Black Friday and heading into Cyber Monday. We'll continuously update this guide to keep you informed on new deals as they drop, along with any price changes on what's already listed. Here are all the best Pokémon deals we've found as of Nov. 30.

Best Cyber Monday Pokémon TCG deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Booster Bundle $50.36 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $9.63   Get Deal Why we like it

This is one of the most anticipated Pokémon TCG products of this year, which is now at the same price as TCGplayer, meaning this is currently at market value on Amazon.

More Pokémon TCG dealsBest Cyber Monday Pokémon game deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends: Arceus $50.90 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $9.09   Get Deal Why we like it

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a great ride (more so on Switch 2), but Legends: Arceus kicked off the experimental mainline series that turned long-standing Pokémon game mechanics on their heads. While Arceus isn't optimized for Nintendo Switch 2, it's still such a great game. With a cheeky discount for Black Friday week thrown in, you should see what you've been missing out on.

More Pokémon game deals Pokémon Violet $45.99 at Walmart
$59.96 Save $13.97   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! $49.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Best Cyber Monday Pokémon Funko Pop! deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Funko Funko Pop Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters - Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle $56.86 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $13.13   Get Deal Why we like it

What's better than one classic starter? Three classic Gen One starters, with an extra markdown thanks to a coupon code. Pick up a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle for less than $50.

More Pokémon Funko Pop! deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ceruledge Pokémon Funko Pop! $11.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $3   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Funko Pokemon Slowpoke Funko Pop! $11.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $3   Get Deal Best Cyber Monday Pokémon Squishmallow deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Jazwares Squishmallows Jumbo Eevee $35.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $14.50   Get Deal Why we like it

It's rare to see significant discounts on Squishmallows, and Pokémon is even more infamous for dodging price cuts. But there are plenty of Pokémon Jumbo Squishmallow deals still live, such as this cute Eevee. They're so soft, make perfect cuddle buddies, and work as a gift for just about anyone who loves the franchise.

More Pokémon Squishmallow deals Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Squishmallow Belibolt 20-inch Pokémon Squishmallow $23.60 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.39   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallow Chansey 14-inch Pokémon Squishmallow $14.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallows Squishmallows Original Pokémon 10-inch Pikachu $12.99 at Amazon
$15.99 Save $3   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jazzwares / The Pokémon Company Torchic 20-inch Pokémon Squishmallow $42.74 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallows Squishmallows Pokemon 14-Inch Teddiursa $16 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $8.99 with on-page coupon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallows Pokémon Pikachu Squishmallows Original Clip $9.99 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $3   Get Deal Best Black Friday Pokémon toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jazzwares / The Pokémon Company Pokemon Battle Figure Arcanine, Charmeleon & Cyndaquil Exclusive 3-Inch Mini Figure 2-Pack $22.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $2 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're wondering what would go down well for the Pokémon fan in your life, this is a safe bet that won't break the bank before the Cyber Monday sale ends. Cyndaquill, Charmeleon, and Arcanine are all fan-favorite fire-type Pokémon, and this is one of the better 3-inch figure sets I've seen.

More Pokémon toy deals Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Battle Figure Toy Set $34.99 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $10   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Proxy Battle Figure 10 Pack $34.99 at Amazon
$37.18 Save $2.19   Get Deal Best Cyber Monday Pokémon plushie deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon 5-inch Sleeping Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur Starter Plush 3-Pack $34.99 at Amazon
$36.99 Save $2   Get Deal Why we like it

Sleeping Pokémon plushies are life, and these are by far some of the most popular. It's not a huge discount, but anything with the Kanto generation starter Pokémon is popular, and these are so fluffy. They're not huge either, so it's a perfect stocking filler.

More Pokémon plushie deals Pokémon Paldea First Partner Plush 3 Pack $33.56 at Amazon
Get Deal at Amazon Pokémon Charmander Select Velvet Plush $17.99 at Amazon
$18.96 Save $0.97   Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Jazwares / The Pokémon Company Pikachu Select Velvet Plush $15.28 at Amazon
$17.99 Save $2.71 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jazwares Pokémon 12-inch Large Dragonair Plush $22 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $7.99   Get Deal Best Black Friday Mega Pokémon deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mega / Pokémon ​MEGA Pokémon Motion Eevee (1366 Pieces) $80.14 at Amazon
$84.28 Save $4.14   Get Deal Why we like it

The news that Pokémon is finally making the jump to Lego next year is ridiculously awesome, but there's already plenty of seriously cool Mega Pokémon sets to build. This Motion Eevee is always a favorite. It boasts 1,366 pieces and features moving ears, legs, and tail as the set re-creates a running motion.

More Mega Pokémon deals Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Mega Pikachu MEGA Pokémon $11.49 at Amazon
$18.89 Save $7.40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / MEGA Water-Type Trainer Team $20.42 at Amazon
$32.39 Save $11.97 Use on-site coupon Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

I waste plenty of money on gadgets, but I won't buy these

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 18:15

I probably spend way too much money on gadgets, but if there’s one thing that makes me not want it, it's a battery compartment meant for disposable batteries. No matter how good the tool is, if it isn’t rechargeable, I'm not interested and you probably shouldn't be either.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why everyone suddenly cares about Linux gaming—and it's not just the Steam Deck

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 18:00

The numbers on Linux installations are finally starting to show some life, and despite what some people might say, it's not all down to just one or two major moves. But, undeniably, the rise of Linux gaming has something to do with it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Used Japanese sports hatchback available at excellent value

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 17:45

If you’ve been searching for a sporty, fun-to-drive hatchback that won’t break the bank, the used market has a surprising standout. One Japanese-built sports hatchback has become a steal, offering sharp handling, peppy performance, and stylish looks, all at a price far below what you’d expect for its driving experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday noise-cancelling headphones deals: Sony, Beats, and Bose for new lows

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 17:41
Best Cyber Monday noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals at a glance: Best deal overall Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones $159.99 (save $279.01) Get Deal Best runner-up headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Headphones $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbus (2nd Gen) $249 (Save $50) Get Deal Past-Gen Sony Headphones Deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $248 (Save $151.99) Get Deal Best for Audiophiles Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Headphones $519 (save $180) Get Deal Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Max Headphones (USB-C) $399.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best Sports Earbuds Deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Sports Earbuds $199.95 (save $49.05) Get Deal

As Mashable's tech editor, I've covered a lot of cool headphone launches this year. The long-awaited Sony XM6 headphones finally came out this year, and we also got new flagship headphones from Nothing, Bowers & Wilkins, Bose, and Beats. If you need a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones, the Cyber Monday season is the best possible time to buy. The most coveted models are currently sitting at record-low prices — including a new record-low deal on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $159.99 that just went live today, Nov. 30.

However, you won't find all of them in this guide, as not every Cyber Monday headphones deal is worth shopping for. I've gathered the biggest discounts on the noise-cancelling headphones I'd actually recommend buying, whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for Christmas gifts for techies.

SEE ALSO: 8 Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday: Samsung's The Frame, Bose headphones, and a TCL TV

Some of the best Cyber Monday noise-cancelling headphones deals have already earned a spot in our guide to the top deals. From audiophile-worthy headphones from Bowers & Wilkins to the latest Bose wireless earbuds, you'll find the best of the best here.

And PS: Deals really aren't here to stay. Now that Black Friday moves towards Cyber Monday, we've noticed that AirPods are increasing in price. Walmart's deal on the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 with ANC at Amazon have both increased in price, so act fast to secure these low prices.

Best overall Cyber Monday headphones deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $159.99 at Amazon
$349 Save $189.01   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

This new deal makes the Bose QuietComfort Headphones our top pick for Cyber Monday's best value. These headphones dropped to an unprecedented $159.99 on Amazon today. (They were holding steady at $199 during Black Friday.) That's a 54% discount that you can stack with a $30 Amazon digital credit (just be sure to click "Redeem"). The Bose QuietComfort Headphones deliver Bose's signature, class-leading noise cancellation technology — a feature its premium successors are still known for having in an "unbeatable" capacity. They're perfect for long listening sessions with plush over-ear cushions, 24 hours of playtime, and dual-device pairing. This is the price point that makes premium noise cancellation accessible to everyone.

Best runner-up noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $248 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $151.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

I tested Sony's legendary XM5 headphones against the newer version, the XM6, as did Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard. And both of us found that they're far more alike than different. Unless you're a picky audiophile, I think most people should opt for the XM5 model while it's on sale, which is what Allard recommended in her comparison. These headphones have never been priced this low, and they still have all the features you really need: excellent audio quality, best-in-class active noise-cancellation, and an easy-to-use app to adjust EQ settings.

More noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen) $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) earbuds.

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the best noise-cancelling earbuds of 2025, full stop. The only buds that really come close? The first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, which I'm wearing as I write this sentence. These earbuds are supremely comfortable, and they let you slip into a cone of silence on demand.

More noise-cancelling earbuds deals

Mashable contributor Matt Ford and Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard also assisted with this guide.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why you should enable "Advanced Protection" on Android

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 17:30

Android phones are remarkably more secure than they used to be, but Google is holding back on you. There’s a lesser-known feature that’s off by default, and enabling it is an easy way to get a serious security boost.

Categories: IT General, Technology

EA says its Battlefield 6 anti-cheat system is a big time success

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 17:16

Cheaters apparently aren't prospering in Battlefield 6.

EA's latest large-scale military shooter has been one of the best-selling games of 2025 so far, in a way that has actually challenged Call of Duty's dominance in that category. That means lots of people are playing it, so lots of people are trying to use cheats to get an unfair advantage over the competition. The good news, at least from a competitive standpoint, is that a new report from EA itself says it's been able to curb the large majority of cheaters on PC using its custom Javelin anti-cheat software.

The developers at DICE are evaluating this using a metric called Match Infection Rate, which roughly measures the percentage of multiplayer matches that include some form of cheating. According to DICE, Javelin has reduced the MIR to a mere 2 percent, meaning that 98 percent of Battlefield 6 matches on PC maintain the game's integrity. Given how well the game has sold, 2 percent is probably still a significant number of matches to include cheaters, but it's also only 2 percent.

SEE ALSO: 'Battlefield 6' is nonsense in the best and worst ways

Of course, this isn't without at least a tiny bit of controversy. Javelin is a kernel-level anti-cheat system, which means it has access to the deepest parts of your PC. A lot of people don't like this for privacy and security reasons; it's been a hot topic of debate among PC gamers for years now.

It's easy to sympathize with both sides of the debate, honestly. Stopping cheaters is an essential part of maintaining a large multiplayer game's fun for players, and kernel-level anti-cheat software (at least in this case) appears well-equipped to do so. On the other hand, one could very easily argue that no video game needs access to the deepest recesses of your operating system. Still, EA's system here seems to be working.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your motherboard might be secretly killing your CPU — here's how to check

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 17:15

Modern PCs can set you back by a considerable amount, so it makes sense to protect your hardware from heat and excessive voltage. Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable rise in CPU failures linked to overvolting on default motherboard settings. What’s causing this, and is there a way to prevent it?

Categories: IT General, Technology

I built an E-Ink photo frame using an Arduino, E-Paper display and Google Antigravity

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 17:00

I recently got into microcontrollers—and by recently, I mean last week. Thanks to the help of Google’s new Antigravity IDE, an Arduino R4 WiFi, and a 7-color e-paper display, I was able to get an e-ink photo frame built in less than a week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

60+ Cyber Monday Target deals: Save up to 50% on Sony, Keurig, and Lego

Mashable - Sun, 11/30/2025 - 16:36
The best Target Cyber Monday deals at a glance Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $399.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch NXTVISION Smart Frame QLED 4K TV $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best kitchen deal PowerXL Vortex Pro air fryer $49.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best gaming deal Meta Quest 3S (128GB) $249.99 (save $50 plus get a free $50 Target gift card) Get Deal Best Lego deal Target exclusive Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector's Set 66809 $41.99 (save $18) Get Deal

Target's Black Friday event is officially pivoting to its final Cyber Monday closeout. While the retailer has been running deals since early November, today (Sunday, Nov. 30) is the last full day to see the biggest price drops across the site, with many items chilling at their deepest discount yet.

We've been tracking Target Black Friday 2025 all month, and the key shopping tip remains the same: If you see a high-ticket item at a good price, don't wait to buy it. We've already witnessed several early steals bump back to full price, and many high-demand items are selling out now that we're in the final stretch. This is a testament to how sought-after so many of these Target deals are.

SEE ALSO: What is camelcamelcamel? Just our secret weapon for finding the lowest prices on Amazon.

You'll find savings near 50% off (sometimes more!) on all your favorite brands, including Bose, Samsung, Garmin, Keurig, Apple, and TCL. The retailer has dropped its final wave of Cyber Monday deals today, and they will run through tomorrow, Monday (Dec. 1), with Target Circle 360 members getting special early access to select offers.

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!

If you're eager to get your Christmas shopping done before the deals vanish, here are the best Target Cyber Monday deals live right now.

Best Target headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones $399.99 at Target
$459.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

While these are still $150 more than the currently discounted older XM5 pair (which are selling for $249.99), the upgrade is worth it for serious audio users. Compared to the XM5, the XM6 have better audio quality and support for LDAC high-resolution audio, plus the impeccable active noise cancellation that we always expect from Sony. The new pair can also fold up, making them easier to take on the go or pack in a bag.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

More headphone deals at Target Opens in a new window Credit: Target Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $199.99 at Target
$359.99 Save $160   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 active noise-cancelling headphones $249.99
$399.99 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 520BT headphones $29.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds $229.99 at Target
$329.99 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) $249.99
$299.99 Save $50 New release Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $129.99 at Target
$199.99 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo Buds $69.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $10   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling headphones $99.99
$179.99 Save $80.00 Mashable editor's pick Get Deal Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Q6 Series QLED 4K Smart TV $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170   Get Deal Why we like it

When you think of Black Friday, you think of folks busting down doors and elbowing each other en route to the TV section. This QLED TV is definitely worth a brawl, but maybe just order it online instead. This 55-inch TCL QLED TV is easily one of the cheapest QLEDs of its size you'll see this Cyber Monday, and it will be noticeably brighter than your current regular LED TV — especially when watching sports in the daylight.

More Target Cyber Monday TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED Art TV (2025) $899.99 at Target
$1,199.99 Save $300 Mashable editor's pick Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch NXTVISION Smart Frame QLED 4K Smart TV $799.99 at Target
$1,399.99 Save $600   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Q8F QLED 4K Smart TV $699.99 at Target
$899.99 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch UHD LED 4K AI TV $289.99 at Target
$379.99 Save $90   Get Deal Target Cyber Monday deals on streaming devices Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $19.99 at Target
$39.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus 4K $19.99 at Target
$39.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick 4K $24.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $17.99 at Target
$34.99 Save $17.00   Get Deal Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet $69.99 at Target
$139.99 Save $70.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Target's best tablet deal is on one of Amazon's beloved Fire tablets. You can snag the 10-inch Fire HD for $69.99 — with that massive 50% discount, you could buy three Fire tablets for less than the price of this season's cheapest iPad deal.

More Target Cyber Monday deals on tablets Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet $54.99 at Target
$99.99 Save $45.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet $149.99 at Target
$219.99 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet $44.99 at Target
$99.99 Save $55.00 Costs $5 more at Amazon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet $139.99 at Target
$229.99 Save $90 Costs $50 more at Amazon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet $64.99
$139.99 Save $75.00   Get Deal Best speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 $129.99 at Target
$199.99 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Our favorite Bluetooth speaker is the JBL Charge 6. This portable, phone-charging speaker offers big, powerful, and portable sound. It has long battery life, impressive clarity, and can even be paired with other JBL speakers with Auracast. Our testers have also found that JBL speakers offer sound just as good, and often much better, than more expensive speakers from brands like Sonos and Bose.

More speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Plus portable Bluetooth speaker $199.99 at Target
$269.99 Save $70 Mashable editor's pick Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kids Echo Dot $31.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $28.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill portable speaker $99.99 at Target
$149.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 7 $109.99 at Target
$149.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Best smartwatch and fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu Sq 2 $149.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

Getting ready for a marathon? If you want to maximize your training, then a smartwatch or fitness tracker can help you out. Garmin makes some of our favorite devices if you want a smartwatch and fitness tracker in one, working with both Android and Apple devices. For $149.99, the Venu Sq 2 packs a punch.

More smartwatch and fitness tracker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $149.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch $189.95 at Target
$249.99 Save $60.04   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 4 $249
$499 Save $250   Get Deal Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: PowerXL PowerXL Vortex Pro Air Fryer $49.99 at Target
$119.99 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Air fryers have earned their place as a kitchen essential in recent years. They're less of a hassle than the oven and get food hot and crispy fast. The PowerXL Vortex Pro Air Fryer has an 8.4-quart basket and comes with nine presets on an LED touchscreen. It first went on sale at Target for $59.99 the week before Black Friday, and has dropped an extra $10 to bring the total savings to almost 60% off.

More kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot 6qt Pro Plus Pressure Cooker $149.99 at Target
$229.99 Save $80   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart 7-in-1 Air Fryer and Oven $99.99 at Target
$229.99 Save $130 $60 more at Amazon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL $89.99 at Target
$179.99 Save $90.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $149.99 at Target
$229.99 Save $80   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker $139.99 at Target
$209.99 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Crock Pot Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Ceramic Slow Cooker $17.99 at Target
$29.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $299.99 at Target
$499.99 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: GE GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker $349 at Target
$499.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Professional Plus Blender Duo $99.99 at Target
$169.99 Save $70.00   Get Deal Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 Console (Slim) $449.99 at Target
$549.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

This is the moment console hunters wait for. The PS5 rarely sees straight cash discounts, so a $100 price drop is a huge win for Cyber Monday shoppers. You get the same raw immersive power as the original console, but in a sleek and compact Slim design. The 1TB SSD means near instant load times, and features like Ray Tracing and 4K-TV Gaming deliver the stunning realism that makes the console a top pick.

The Slim model is currently a "Top gift pick," with over 29,000 units bought in the past month alone. If you’ve been holding out for the price to drop before getting into next-gen gaming, now's the time — the sale ends tomorrow.

More gaming deals Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S (128GB) $249.99
$299.99 Save $50 save $50 plus get a free $50 Target gift card Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: RDS Industries Nintendo Switch 2 Game Traveler Deluxe System Case $24.99 at Target
$27.49 Save $2.50   Get Deal Best toys and Lego deals

It wouldn't be the holiday gifting season without deals on the year's most hyped toys. Target's best toy deals offer savings of up to 50%. This Cyber Monday, Target also has an excellent selection of Legos on sale for kids and adults alike. Shoppers can save 30% off select Lego toys and building sets.

Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector's Set 66809 $41.99
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent calendar 2025 $31.49
$44.99 Save $13.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Chomping Monster Book of Monsters 76449 $47.99
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic Ford Bronco SUV $51.99 at Target
$64.99 Save $13.00   Get Deal
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